Get Fit with Your Kids

Check out Stroller Strides in Women's Running Magazine!


Get Fit with Your Kids

Pay special attention to the paragraph about running with your stroller!

Thanks to Lisa Druxman for developing such an AWESOME program!


Check out the Stroller Strides of Nortwest Houston webpage for more details or talk to Ami at our next fun run!

Monster Mash Results

Congratulations to all those who completed the Monster Mash 5k or 10k this weekend!  Many of you achieved a personal best!  Way to go!

For 5k Results Click Here

For 10k Results Click Here

I would also like to say how awesome it is that so many of your kids ran the kids Candy Corn 1k! You are truly portraying one of our main goals as Moms on the Run..making fitness a way of life!  Thank you so much for being such a great inspiration!!!

There are some great photos of this event provided by RaceShots.net  They are available for a limited time, so check the website soon!

Monster Mash 5k/10k

I know several of you are running in this race.  I'm so proud of you all for continuing to run!  I hope you all do well and I can't wait to hear how you did.

Visit the Onurleft Monster Mash webpage for more information. I'll post

the results when it's over!

Susan G. Komen 5k Results

Way to go!!! Congratulations on finishing your first 5k!  Everyone did awesome.  All the times are listed below. 

Name, Place, Time, Pace

Jenny, 2093, 32:33, 10:26 min/mile

Angie C, 2167, 33:01, 10:35 min/mile

Rebecca, 2163, 33:00, 10:35 min/mile



Angie S, 2191, 33:11, 10:38 min/mile

Ami, 2606, 37:13, 11:56 min/mile

Johnna, 2827, 40:30, 12:59 min/mile

Ellen, 2828, 40:32, 12:59

Sarah, 2882, 41:40, 13:21






Jamie, 2912, 42:35, 13:39

Kim, 3010, 46:40, 14:57

Isabel, 3123, 53:27, 17:08

Thanks girls for coming out and supporting such a great cause!!!

See you at the Finish Line!

We just had our last night of training and tomorrow is race day!  How do you feel?  Have you found that you love to run...or at least like to run?  Now I understand many of you are not to a point yet where running is enjoyable, but still it might be different than you thought it would be. Think back to the first time you tried to run 1/4 of a mile and how it is now that you are running 3 miles or more.

You have spent the last 8 weeks preparing for the race tomorrow.  You all will do awesome!  Remember to drink extra water today and take it easy. 



I really miss running and hope once my pregnancy is over I can continue to run and my injury won't be a problem. I wish all of you the best of luck in the race this weekend. I will be there cheering you on! I also hope you will continue running once this training session comes to an end.

See you at the Finish Line!!!!

Katy Sunrise Rotary 5k

I thought I'd get one last 5k experience in before the Komen Race on Saturday.  Our Inaugral Moms on the Run 5k Training group ended with the Katy Sunrise Rotary 5k on May 23, 2009.

After 8 weeks of training for many moms that have never run before we finally made it to our 5k Race day! 

Pinning on the Bib

warmup circle

Before the Race

Kiss Kiss!

Strong Mamas!!

Way to go Mamas!  You Rock!!

Why do I run?

Most of the last year I have spent running...until I got injured...then pregnant...but through it all I have come to love running.  I just LOVE the peaceful relaxing feeling that comes over my body once I hit about 4 miles.  I feel like I'm flying.  In March, shortly after we finished the ATT Austin Half Marathon, I read a post on a discussion board titled "Why do I Run"...the following comment spoke to me...

"Why do I Run?

I Run.  Some days while I'm in it, I don't really know why I'm there.  It doesn't always feel good.  As a matter of fact, it sometimes hurts.  I'm not very fast.  I lose an occasional toenail, but....

BUT...

There are days when I FLY.  There are days when I feel like I could run all day.  I run away from things.  I run to things.  I run to break free of my self a little.  I run to spend time with my friends.  I run to explore new places, I run because my body digs it.  I run because my husband digs it.  I run to get faster.  I run so I can eat chocolate.  I run because there is no failure in it.  Even one mile is one mile.  And that is more than a lot of other people did today.  I run so that my baby girl will think about doing it too.  I run because I never thought I had it in.  I run because it is so in me."

WOW!  She took the words right out of my mouth! I regretfully don't know who said this so I can't give the appropriate credit, but if I find out one day I'll update this post.  Her words are truly inspiring to me. I LOVE Running.

....Why do you run?


****Update:  Here is the original post of this from Facebook.

2009 Blue Bell 5k

On April 18, 2009,  we headed up to Brenham to run in the 2009 Blue Bell Fun Run. Little did we know the weather was going to be HORRIBLE!  The drive to Brenham is about an hour and about 45 minutes into it the rain started.  Luckily for us the Brenham High School Athletic Program was hosting the race as a fundraiser and had set up all pre-race activites in their gym.

Ami, Gavin and Nathan, Rachelle and Wade, Chelsea, Matt and Kylie, and Chad, Avery and I all met each other at the center of the gym to get set up, prep for the race and stretch.

Ami, Rachelle and Chelsea were all planning on running with strollers and probably would have if Chad wouldn't have swooped in and offered to watch all five kids.  He really saved the day!

He truly did save the day because once we went outside it was POURING!  There was thunder and lightning in the distance and ankle deep water just past the start line. 

We even heard rumors that there were tornado warnings in the area!  Looking back, we must have been nuts to actually go out there!  There is no way the girls could have run with their kiddos.

We waited under the overhang of the school until the gun went off and slowly made our way to the start line knowing our time wouldn't start until the chips on our shoes crossed.  Boy was it wet!  Though the rain did help us stay cool...I don't think I would have run as fast as I did if it wouldn't have been raining. 

Honestly, I don't really remember much about this race except for being soaked, having to constantly wipe the rain from my face and trying so hard not to inhale water.  A visor would have been helpful.  Also there are no pictures of us running either!  Bummer! 

We did   however get a picture once we got back to the gym.  Of course we were soaked.  There is also another picture, but it was requested that I did not post it due to a certain team memeber's shirt being see through :)                     

Overall, this race was a blast to run in.  We had tons of fun and ate tons of Blue Bell Ice Cream afterwards.  The course was excellent and I will definitely run it again!

Things we learned from this race:

1.  Be prepared for anything

2.  Don't wear a black bra under a thin shirt :)

******* Update:  Photos of the race are still posted at Your Sporting Image by Karen Tibodeaux   click on "Check out all our Events online!"  Then "Blue Bell 10k and 5k April 18, 2009"

We are in a few random pictures in the gym and at the start line, but the finish line pics are:

Matt: 00009-0059, 0060

Ami: 00009-0077, 0078

Kristy: 00010-0006, 0007, 0008,0009

Rachelle:  00013-0007, 0008

Chelsea: 00013-0009, 0010

Check them out so you can see how yucky the weather was!

REMINDER!

We only have 2 weeks left until RACE DAY!  I'm so proud of all of you!  You have come so far!

Please remember to register for the race.  The original post announcing our race has all the details.

Things I Love

MY STROLLER
The BOB Revolution

I have the Stroller Strides version and love running with it.  The swivel wheel is great for turning and if I need to run at a faster pace, the wheel is easy to lock.

From the BOB Gear Website:

• Tough, welded frame; durable fabric; quality construction. It’s totally together, and built to stay that way
• Front wheel swivels for unmatched maneuverability in tight spaces and locks forward for reliable running over uneven surfaces
• Fast, two-step fold-up design for stow-and-go portability
• State-of-the-art suspension system for exceptionally smooth ride
• Ultra padded seat reclines up to 70° (from vertical); a 25° increase over previous models.
• Weight: 11 kgs, 23 lbs
• Capacity: 32 kgs, 70 lbs

MY SPORTS BRA
The Enell

Though I don't consider myself "well-endowed" this bra is a must for me while pregnant or breastfeeding.  The support is fabulous!

From the Enell Website:

The Science of Superior Support & Comfort of the ENELL SPORTS Bra sets it apart! The patented design and construction - a balance of compression and encapsulation - makes it outperform the rest in the field. Comprised of 90% Nylon 10% LYCRA® Spandex, the ENELL Sports Bra is a must have for well-endowed women who need superior support and comfort while working out.

MY SOCKS
Balega

I love these socks!  They are comfortable and don't fall down.

From the Balega Sports website:
Hand-linked seamless toe for seamfree comfort. Specially constructed mesh ventilation panel to keep your feet cool and dry. High tab heel ensures that your liner stays in place, providing for a comfortable fit. Extra-deep heel pocket. Cushioning for impact resistance.

MY IPOD

Shuffle

Though my ipod is now outdated, I still love it because it's so small.  I can clip it right on my waistband and be on my way.  No need to worry about armbands.

From the Apple website:

iPod Shuffle pays respect to its bigger siblings with a thumb-friendly, circular control pad that puts the "go" in ergonomic. Click the center button to play and pause, and click the outer buttons to move back, skip forward, and adjust the volume. The Shuffle's headphone jack does double-duty as a dock connector. Flip the iPod Shuffle upside-down and drop it into the included dock. Then connect the dock to your Mac or Windows PC via the USB for a quick sync and charge. And if you're away from your computer, you can charge on the go with the optional USB adapter.`

MY TRAINING MUSIC

PODRUNNER

Listening to music was a necessity for me when I first started running.  This series helped me to control my pace.   I listened to First Day to 5k while training for my first 5k and moved on to the other levels while my training progressed.

From the Podrunner Website:

FIRST DAY TO 5K - LEVEL 1

Series mixed by DJ Beatsmith

If you've never run before, or are returning to running after a long hiatus, this series, following the popular Couch to 5K template, is designed to take you from your first day to a full 5K (3.2-mile) run in just 9 weeks (plus a bonus "graduation mix").
 
MY IMMUNE SYSTEM BOOST
EMERGEN - C

An excellent way to boost your immune system and your energy level!

From the Emergen-C Website:

Tangy. Eriney. In short, mighty tasty. Try it and see why tangerine is one of our most popular flavors.

ORIGINAL FORMULA

The powerful blend of vitamin C, 24 nutrients, 7 B vitamins, antioxidants and electrolytes boosts your immunity*, increases your metabolic function* and ignites your energy level* to help you really feel the good.


What are some of your favorite things?

Running Music

With our runs getting longer some of you may want to start listening to music while you run. It helps you keep your mind off the pain and it gives you a good beat to follow.


My playlist is all over the place and I would probably NEVER listen to these songs on a daily basis, but I love it for running...

Thanks for the Memories, Fall Out Boy

Mr. Brightside, The Killers

Beautiful Day, U2

Family Affair, Mary J. Blige

You Get What You Give, New Radicals

Hey Ya!, Outkast

Girlfriend, Avril Lavigne

SOS, Rihanna

Suddenly I See, KT Tunstall

How far We've Come, Matchbox Twenty

Harder to Breathe, Maroon 5

Where are we running?, Lenny Kravitz

...+many more.

I googled Running Playlist the first time I made mine and there are a lot of good lists out there. You can also search by Beats per Minute, it helps to have the song follow your pace.



What is your favorite running song?

Taking a break from Running

This week several of us missed our Running class to participate in RAD Self-Defense. 

It was an empowering and eye-opening experience I hope each of you choose to participate in.  We ended our 12 hours of training with a simulation session with the RAD Suit aka "Creepy Bad Guy".  All of us learned that we can kick some booty when the adrenaline kicks in.

Our next session will be held sometime in February.  Check with Ami if you are interested!!

From the RAD website:

The Rape Aggression Defense System is a program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques for women. The R.A.D. System is a comprehensive, women-only course that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training. R.A.D. is not a Martial Arts program. Our courses are taught by nationally certified R.A.D. Instructors and provide each student with a workbook/reference manual. This manual outlines the entire Physical Defense Program for reference and continuous personal growth, and is the key to our free lifetime return and practice policy for R.A.D. graduates.

Our First 5k

Tonight at our 5k Training class, some of the beginning runners were asking "Is it always this hard?" and "When does this get fun?". I promised them that it gets better and one day they too will love running. I also said that I know how they feel because I've been in their shoes....

Almost a year ago Ami, Rachelle and I started training for the ATT Austin Half Marathon. It had been years since any of had run so we decided it would be best to set a smaller goal to keep us motivated. We signed up for the 6th Annual Turkey Dash held at the Katy YMCA on November 27, 2008.

We used the same training program that we use in our Moms on the Run Training Sessions. After running four times a week for 8 weeks "Race Day" was here!

Rachelle and I met in the YMCA Parking lot bright and early (Ami went out of town for Thanksgiving). After we picked up our chips we were both nervous so we started warming up and decided that we should run a quick mile to calm down. (Looking back, I don't know what we were thinking! I do not recommend doing this.)

Fifteen minutes later we just had enough time to say bye to our hubbies and start lining up at the start line. There were only about 950 people but at the time it felt like millions.

We were all packed shoulder to shoulder waiting for the gun to go off. When it finally did there was a huge force pulling us across the start line. Rachelle and I instantly got separated. Unfortunately for me and my race inexperience, the crowd caused me to go much faster than I was used to. Not to mention the fact that there was 100+% humidity and record level highs for Thanksgiving Day! I thought I was going to die!!! Man oh man, I wished I had a towel too! Sweat was pouring into my eyes and burning....

Then I saw it...the 1 Mile Marker...9:32 gun time! "Wow! that's the fastest I have ever run a mile in my life! Yay! Uggh this hurts so bad!"...is what was going through my head. Luckily the first water station was coming up ahead. I quickly grabbed a cup, swished some water around in my mouth and threw the rest onto my face, and kept going.

As I was reaching the halfway point where we turned down the other side of the street I noticed something strange...hmm...what's this? There was a guy running the wrong way!....and a few feet behind him there was ANOTHER runner?!? HAHA! Apparently the winners of the race were passing me up...ON THEIR SECOND TIME AROUND THE COURSE!!!

My brain then said to me...Oh this really sucks!...Keep Going!...You can do it!...One foot in front of the other. Then I hear "Go Kristy!" It was Rachelle on the other side of the street! This gave me another burst of energy and before I knew it I could see the big Luke's Locker Banners across the Finish Line...I pick up my speed and give it my all.

I can hear my hubby and Clay cheering for me as I pass by and beep beep...I cross the finish line!


Now please excuse me while I go throw up!

Just Kidding...I didn't. Boy was that hard...but...I DID IT!!!...I FINISHED! YEAH! My final time inded up being 30:33.9..about a 9:50 mile. I still haven't finished a 5k that fast. It is a very good example of bad race strategy. (more on this later)

....Meanwhile, after I caught my breath and turned in my chip I headed back to the Finish Line so I could watch Rachelle cross.

It was so awesome to be able to see my friend and training partner run the final stretch and be able to cheer her on...Go Rachelle!!


Thanks so much for running this race with me and always helping me stay motivated!!
Things I learned from this race:
1. You are only running against yourself. It doesn't matter how many people cross the finish line before you.
2. Don't run a mile before a 5k...it's too much.
3. Start your race slow, then pick up your pace so you can finish strong. (aka negative splits)
4. Having friends there to cheer you on is awesome!
5. Crossing the finish line is very motivating!

Choosing the Right Shoe

The importance of getting into the right shoe cannot be over emphasized. There is a lot of pressure and force that your feet will bear when running. A way to help avoid many different types of injuries is choosing the right shoe for you. It is an investment in your running experience!

The first step is to find a running store in your area. Moms on the Run recommends Luke’s Locker or Fleet Feet. Please be sure that the store is staffed with runners and people who know about running. Most commercial shoe stores (i.e. Academy, Foot Locker…etc.) do not have a deep level of running shoe knowledge; please choose your store carefully. Also, check to be sure they carry a wide variety of brands to choose from. You will want to be able to try on a myriad of shoes to find the right fit.

Secondly, go to try on shoes at the end of the day or after a run as your feet will be slightly swollen. You will want your new shoes to be able to handle this swelling. Be sure to wear the same socks you would wear on your runs and try on both shoes. The best way to get a good feel for the shoes you try is to run in them. The salesperson should watch how your foot hits the ground and whether that particular shoe is appropriate for your gait (how your foot hits and leaves the ground). If the shoe feels tight, you may need to go up a 1/2 size. They will not stretch, so be sure the sizing is right when you buy them.

Lastly, there is a lifespan to your shoes. For the 5k distance training you will be doing, your shoes should last a good six months. It is also helpful to track your training mileage. For reference our 8 week 5k training program covers 50 miles. On average shoes will last around 500 miles. It IS important to replace them at this time, they break down and won't support your body...leading to possible injury.

Track Etiquette

Since we are holding our 5k Training Session at the Track I felt it was important to go over Track Etiquette to help each night go smoothly.

In the presence of others the following rules apply:
1. Run counter clockwise. If you decide to run clockwise, run on the outer most lanes. Stay out of the way of runners who are working out and running in the accepted direction.
2. Stay alert and don’t use ear phones.

3. Treat the track like you would a road. Look both ways before entering onto a track.
4. Bicycles, scooters, roller blades, etc. are not allowed on tracks. If you bring these items for your children please be sure they do not interfere with others using the track. The Track we use does not allow animals.
5. The faster the runner, the more inside the lane reserved for him or her. Tracks with lanes are numbered from inside (nearest the infield) to the outside (near stands). Most commonly they are from 1-8. Lanes 1 & 2 are reserved for the fastest runners on the track at the time. Lanes 3-5 are for the next faster runners with the slower joggers. Walking is reserved for the outside most lanes.

6. Never stand on the track, especially where there may be fast runners such as in lanes 1 and 2.

7. Always be aware of nearby runners. When you finish an interval, look over your shoulder and move to the right as you stop. If you move left you are more likely to get run over by another runner.

8. Large training groups should split into smaller groups so they don't block areas of the track where other may wish to pass. Please try to keep your group to less than 3 across.
9. If a track team is working out on the track – they take precedence over individuals. If you can workout on the farthest outside lanes without interfering and the coaches allow you, then do so. Otherwise, come back another time.

10. If you have to bring your children along with you to workouts it's ok. It’s good parental role modeling for the kids even if they aren’t running or walking. It’s also something that many single parents have to resort to. Bring balls and activities to keep them busy. Often you can even get them to run some laps. However, not all children have the self-control necessary. You know your child best. Please consider all the others on the track.

See you at the next run!

Race for the Cure

Our Charity Race to finish up our 5k Training Program will be
2009 Komen Houston Race for the Cure®

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Sam Houston Park Downtown
Run. Walk. Watch. Volunteer. Get Involved!

Stroller Strides, Luna Moms Club and Mom's on the Run are teaming up this year to participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure!

Please Join our Team! (Click this link to go to our team page)
For those who are participating in the 5k Training Program, please be sure to enter in the "competitive" 5k run, that way you will have a timing chip.
We will have a walking team AND running team. Everyone is welcome to join us! Ask your friends, relatives and neighbors.

Let's make a difference!

Tentative Race Day Schedule
7:45 Opening Ceremonies & Memorial Birds Release
8:00 Run/Walk Begins
9:15 Runners’ Award Ceremony
10:00 Survivor Celebration by Baker Hughes
*All participants need to arrive and be in the Race staging areas by 7:30 am.

AND if you already have plans on October 3rd you can still help us out by signing up for Sleep in for the Cure

There are tons of ways you can get involved...Check it out