tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70054641417410448362024-03-06T02:20:33.976-06:00Running KellometersJust a blog about being a mom, running, life, food, and everything in between.Kelly @ Running Kellometershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15261285599296693612noreply@blogger.comBlogger461125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005464141741044836.post-75467054232337362042017-06-22T09:00:00.000-05:002017-06-22T09:00:03.774-05:00Race Recap: Illinois Spartan SprintEarlier this month, I ran my 3rd Spartan Race. I really think the “Sprint” distance is my favorite. The race was in Richmond, IL and was 4 miles with 22 obstacles. I ran the race with <a href="https://magmilerunner.com/" target="_blank">Maggie</a> who hadn’t previously run a Spartan race. In preparation, we did a burpee challenge during the month of May where we did 30 burpees and a 30 second plank each day for 30 days. I missed 3 days because of the flu, but I made the other 27! Day, night, in the middle of a run, I got those burpees down. They sucked. Sometimes I think I miss doing them every day, but then I remember that I don’t.<br />
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Maggie and I met up beforehand and carpooled together. We got to the parking lot about an hour before the race, which was honestly cutting it a little close. We had to take a shuttle to the event site, get our headbands and timing chips. We stuck around a bit to see some of the folks completing obstacles to observe the techniques. The twister might be the worst obstacle I’ve seen. I bet American Ninja Warrior competitors would have trouble completing it! We then took another pic before checking our bags and heading to the start corrals. The race goes in waves every 15 minutes so you don’t get obstacle traffic jams. The waves are not too crowded so everyone is pretty evenly spaced out.<br />
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The first mile was pretty uneventful. We had a few obstacles but nothing too crazy. Something started bothering Maggie and she needed to take it slow for the rest of the race. We started to walk and she said she started to feel better. With each obstacle, we would just get through it. It was starting to get pretty warm (our start time was 10:00am) and the course was a bit dryer than I’m used to. I think the warmth dried up some of the muddier obstacles.<br />
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One of the things I absolutely love about Spartan is the team spirit. Lots of people offer to help boost you over walls, sit at the top and lend a helping hand, literally lean on one another across a slanted wall with chains. They also offer technique advice to help you complete the obstacle in a more efficient way. Teams work together to get over the obstacles and it is quite an amazing site to see. I’m not going to describe each obstacle in detail, but you can definitely check out great videos on Spartan’s website and Instagram account. Every weekend their IG story is full of people completing the obstacles, so you get a really great preview. They also have helpful tips videos to show you how to defeat the obstacles, using proper technique.<br />
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There are a few obstacles that are definitely worth noting as they require some additional training, patience, and grit.<br />
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<li><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BVXCAN_lv8v/" target="_blank">Barbed Wire Crawl</a></b> – OH MY GOD, this obstacle took forever. Just when you thought it was over, you had to keep going. The ground was hard, dusty, and unforgiving. I didn’t roll because I knew I would get super dizzy. I army crawled and felt like Shakira in the “She Wolf” music video</li>
<li><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BVcd9vFFe-g/" target="_blank">Twister </a></b>– I saw this obstacle many times before and I hoped and wished it would only be on the Super course. Well, that was not the case. I got about halfway through when I just couldn’t make the transition. It seemed much shorter when we were observing, as opposed to actually completing. This obstacle was really tough and I think would give some Ninja Warriors a run for their money!</li>
<li><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BVNlCiElNrn/" target="_blank">The Rope Climb</a> </b>– This obstacle has eluded me for 3 Spartan’s now. I actually practiced on this event, but on race day my arms were too tired, my shoes were too slippery, and the rope was too muddy. I know I can do this obstacle so it was super frustrating to be unsuccessful. For next time, I need to work on climbing after a race when I’m already tired. Also, I probably could have practiced a bit more. Next time, 4th time’s the charm… I swear, I know I can do it!</li>
<li><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BVNJ1veFH2Z/" target="_blank">The Rig (Rings)</a></b> – They didn’t have monkey bars this time, they had rings instead. I was a little nervous starting out, but once I got going, I knew this was something I could complete. After the rope climb defeat, I was super pumped to accomplish this one and celebrated accordingly afterwards. </li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f9i-Jcye5RU/WUr1Ttnk0rI/AAAAAAAAkEk/wDKK5qHQUU0ReGp5UOgYtmjiMxnbPMzXQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_2234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="612" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f9i-Jcye5RU/WUr1Ttnk0rI/AAAAAAAAkEk/wDKK5qHQUU0ReGp5UOgYtmjiMxnbPMzXQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_2234.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Concentrating on those rings</td></tr>
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There were also a ton of walls and some obstacles that were simply “carry this heavy thing (bucket full of rocks or sandbag) down and around the designated path”. I think I enjoyed all of the walls a bit more than Maggie did. Lol!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wZFx38tHCvo/WUr1hLaYWvI/AAAAAAAAkEo/NmAaEi2kwRQF0d8ALYsmjlBV1kVqXdQBACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_2244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="612" height="425" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wZFx38tHCvo/WUr1hLaYWvI/AAAAAAAAkEo/NmAaEi2kwRQF0d8ALYsmjlBV1kVqXdQBACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_2244.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandbag carry</td></tr>
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All-in-all, I would say this was a successful Spartan race. My only criticism is that it was a little daunting and disappointing that about 7 of the 22 obstacles were back-to-back at the end of the race. We were all exhausted and spent. Other than that, the race was well organized and thoughtfully put together (there was not a water obstacle just before a grip strength obstacle, etc.).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">VICTORY</td></tr>
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I was debating whether or not to run with my new <a href="http://runningkellometers.blogspot.com/2017/05/tomtom-adventurer-watch-review.html" target="_blank">TomTom watch</a>. I know they were a sponsor of the Spartan Ultimate Team Challenge TV show last season and many of the Spartan pros wore the watch during the race. I saw someone with a TomTom right before we started and he said it has held up through 20 Spartan races. I made the decision to run with it and it was awesome! It never faltered and it was awesome to get stats and still feel connected during the race. It was also super helpful to have a mile marker estimate on where we were in the course. Spartan does put up mile markers at each mile, but sometimes with the different obstacles it is easy to lose your sense of direction and how much distance you’ve covered.<br />
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If you haven’t done an obstacle course race before, I HIGHLY recommend Spartan! The organization cares about their athletes and they have integrity in the course. It will be difficult and challenging, but there is a 100% chance you’ll feel like a badass when you’re done. It can seem intimidating, but it really isn’t that bad once you’ve done it—Maggie can tell you! If I can do it, you definitely can do it. AROO!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what it looks like when you complete a challenging obstacle</td></tr>
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Kelly @ Running Kellometershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15261285599296693612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005464141741044836.post-80301576758077746982017-05-10T07:22:00.000-05:002017-05-10T07:22:35.899-05:00TomTom Adventurer Watch ReviewHELLO STRANGERS! I know I haven't been blogging as often, but I've been a lot more active on my Instagram (IG) account. If you want to know more about what's going on in the life of a full-time working mother runner, check out <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kellywils0n/" target="_blank">@kellywils0n on Instagram</a>!<br />
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I’ve been in desperate need of a new watch for some time. My 7 year old Garmin has been on the fritz (probably from sitting in a drawer for 2 separate 1-year periods) and had stopped working. As I was starting to research new watches, an opportunity to review the TomTom Adventurer watch fell into my lap! I hadn’t used the TomTom brand before, but I know they are one of the sponsors of Spartan. I thought what a perfect way to train for my upcoming Spartan race than with a watch that Spartan elites wear!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From my IG story.<br />
I have the interface set to: average pace, distance, and clock.<br />
Very easy to read despite the bright sun!</td></tr>
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Like any new technology, it has taken me some time to figure out all of the available features. It has a nice large interface so you can actually see what’s going on. There is a steps tracker, wrist HR monitor, and you can change the sport to keep track of workouts. There are options for run, treadmill, trail (you can download trail maps for when the GPS is lacking), hike, cycle, indoor cycling, swim, ski, snowboard, gym, freestyle and just a plain stopwatch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ufJrL6HpKCM/WRJ8muWsU3I/AAAAAAAAj7g/ngho6blnETQ2qEtbOo0Kj3-EtUJiD--0gCPcB/s1600/IMG_1528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ufJrL6HpKCM/WRJ8muWsU3I/AAAAAAAAj7g/ngho6blnETQ2qEtbOo0Kj3-EtUJiD--0gCPcB/s640/IMG_1528.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From my IG story. Perfect day for a RUNCH!<br />
Just checking on my stats before I head back to the office</td></tr>
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I know one thing important about watches is keeping track of distance, accurately. I have used the watch out on the trails, in the city, and around my neighborhood. I used the Nike+ Run Club app at the same time, and the distances marked were identical. I’m sure things would get a bit wonky during a big city race, but I think that’s true with any GPS watch. There is an autolap function if you want to do that yourself instead.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interface for the app.<br />
I cropped off the map since this run was around my neighborhood. </td></tr>
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One of the features I love is that you’re able to create custom workouts right from the watch! It has intervals, laps, and time goal options. I’ve been looking for a nice interval option where I didn’t have to download or create something on my computer in order to have a quick workout, so it’s great that the option is actually just on the watch!<br />
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The watch also syncs with a TomTom sports app on my phone. The app has a pretty high rating on iTunes and I’ve come to see why. You’re able to see the route you ran on a map, where your mile splits are, and your fastest mile is highlighted. Also, it keeps track of fastest 5k, 10k, etc. so you can keep a history of your workouts.<br />
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There is also a “treadmill” feature I’ve been interested in trying. (I was going to use it today but the rain clouds had cleared and I took my run outside. I’ll report back on IG when I actually use this feature!) The treadmill feature keeps track of your arm movement and height, anticipating the distance (similar to a Fitbit). However, after every treadmill run, you can update the distance to match the stats on the treadmill. Also, you can calibrate it to help increase accuracy.<br />
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Before this review, I hadn’t tried TomTom watches. I’m really glad I got the opportunity to give them a try and I’m really happy with the result! I’m not yet ready to give up my FitBit, but I love all the running and other workout features of the watch. I can’t wait to try them all! (Except maybe the skiing and snowboarding ones. I am not coordinated enough for such activities.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patsy and I, running around the yard. You can really see the watch in action!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I was sent a TomTom Adventurer watch for free in exchange for promotion and a blog review of the item. All thoughts and opinions are my own. </span>Kelly @ Running Kellometershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15261285599296693612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005464141741044836.post-51357921610433388542016-10-13T10:00:00.000-05:002016-10-13T10:00:09.910-05:00Hank is 8 Months Old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Hank is currently: </b>8 months old! I honestly cannot believe how quickly time has been flying by. He's growing up so fast and just into everything all the time!<br />
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<b>Weight</b>: Unsure. Next checkup is at 9 months.<br />
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<b>Clothing</b>: He's in 6-9 and 6-12 month clothes. To be honest, I've been pretty lazy and trying to still get some use out of his 3-6 month pants and onesies that are way too short. I have to go through his box of clothes and get the next size prepped.<br />
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<b>Nicknames</b>: Hank already is a nickname, but we also call him little guy and big boy. I also catch myself calling him handsome on a regular basis, because, obviously.<br />
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<b>Health/Diet: </b>He still nurses several times a day and takes breastmilk bottles while I'm at work. He LOVES eating real foods. He gets really excited and seems to enjoy the task of using those fine motor skills to pick up little morsels. His favorite foods include eggs, avocado, puffs. He seems to dislike many of the packets I've been sending him lately, which is kind of disappointing.<br />
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<b>Sleep</b>: He is on a pretty regular sleep schedule. He goes down at 8pm and then wakes up at 11:30pm and then again at around 2 or 3am. I really wish he would sleep more at night, but at least his sleep schedule is pretty predictable.<br />
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<b>Milestones</b>: He is crawling all over the place and moving SO FAST. He is also trying to pull himself up onto literally anything he can. He's a short ways away from standing in his crib. We really need to get on the whole child proofing thing a bit more.<br />
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<b>Likes</b>: His binkie, playing with Pepper's water dish, sticking his hands and feet in his mouth, crawling, Patsy's Peppa Pig toys, nursing with mom.<br />
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<b>Dislikes</b>: Loud noises, being hungry, being cold<br />
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<br />Kelly @ Running Kellometershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15261285599296693612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005464141741044836.post-66955404599663985622016-05-10T10:00:00.000-05:002016-05-10T10:00:21.721-05:00Hank is 3 Months Old<b>Hank is currently:</b> 3 months old! My maternity leave is almost over and I'm enjoying the last few weeks of us together at home.<br />
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<b>Weight</b>: unknown but I would bet he's around 14 pounds. We don't have a 3 month doctor's appointment but will be back next month.<br />
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<b>Clothing</b>: As hard as it is for me to admit, he's pretty much grown out of all his 0-3 month stuff. He's officially in 3-6 month clothes.<br />
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<b>Nicknames</b>: Hank already is a nickname, but we also call him little guy, big boy, and Patsy loves to call him "Hanky"<br />
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<b>Health/Diet:</b> He nurses like a champ and things have been going well. It's like riding a bike. He is pretty efficient and gaining weight well so I just let him tell me when he's hungry.<br />
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<b>Sleep</b>: He has grown out of the newborn attachment so he's been sleeping in the flat part of the Pack N Play. We just tried to sleep without the swaddle last night and he adjusted just fine!<br />
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<b>Milestones</b>: He smiles all the time and is such a happy little boy. He has also rolled over a few times but we need to work on this a little bit more.<br />
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<b>Likes</b>: Being held, his binkie, getting changed, sticking his hands in his mouth.<br />
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<b>Dislikes</b>: Being hungry, being cold, tummy time and he's not that thrilled about bath time either. Despite these dislikes, he's a pretty happy and chill kid.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">little drooly man</td></tr>
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<br />Kelly @ Running Kellometershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15261285599296693612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005464141741044836.post-82352350755483319602016-05-06T11:00:00.000-05:002016-05-06T11:00:11.492-05:00Spartan Fun RunOn Thursday I hosted a Spartan Fun Run with some friends, old and new, of the FNRC.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had to rep my Spartan headband</td></tr>
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I know I've talked about Spartan before, but it is an obstacle course race with an added challenge. If there are obstacles that you're unable to complete, you must do 30 burpees. The plan was to run 3 miles with 10 burpees at each mile. (I didn't want to 30 burpees at each mile and scare everyone away!)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The FNRC</td></tr>
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The group split up at the turn around as some folks were doing more miles but either way, it was fun to do the burpees together. I had found a Spotify playlist of the top 100 workout songs from Fitness Magazine that I had on full blast to keep us going during the run. 3 miles is the longest run I've completed since having Hank and I felt wonderful!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burpee proof: mud on my face</td></tr>
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After the 2nd round of burpees, I got some mud on my face; nothing better for Spartan training! I'll be participating in the Spartan Illinois Sprint event on Sunday, June 12. For Spartan training, I haven't been following a specific guide, but I have a few goals based on my <a href="http://runningkellometers.blogspot.com/2014/10/super-spartan-race-recap.html">previous Spartan experience</a>.<br />
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1) I want to be able to run 5 miles comfortably<br />
2) Practice burpees. I REALLY slacked off on this last time and it was painfully obvious during the Spartan<br />
3) Work out that upper body. I've been trying to do some things around the house but I'm not really on a lifting program at the minute. I probably should start that...<br />
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Right now Spartan is having a deal for Mother's Day. Free kids entry with each adult entry. Also, 25% off gear with the use of the code SPARTANMOM.<br />
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If you're interested in finding out more, the Spartan creator is coming out with a second book, "Spartan Fit" as a follow up to "Spartan Up". The book is available on the Spartan website or Amazon.Kelly @ Running Kellometershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15261285599296693612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005464141741044836.post-62126539325871601812016-04-19T09:00:00.000-05:002016-04-19T09:00:12.271-05:00Hank is 2 Months Old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Hank is currently: </b>2 months old! Wow, time has FLOWN by. I did the monthly posts for Patsy and I thought it would be fun to bring them back for Hank!<br />
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<b>Weight</b>: 12 pounds, 6 ounces. He is quite the little chunker. Doc says he's in the 75th percentile for weight. At this age, Patsy was in the 5th percentile.<br />
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<b>Clothing</b>: He has completely grown out of his newborn stuff. Some of his 0-3 month stuff is too small and he is starting to fit into 3-6 month clothes.<br />
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<b>Nicknames</b>: Hank already is a nickname, but we also call him little guy, big boy, and Patsy loves to call him "Hanky"<br />
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<b>Health/Diet</b>: He's just on breastmilk. My goal is for him to be breastfed for a full year. I was able to breastfeed Patsy for 18 months and I'm hoping to make it to at least a year for Hank. We gave him a bottle once at 3 weeks old and he seemed confused by it but took it without issue. We should probably try introducing a bottle again as he'll need to get used to it when I go back to work!<br />
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<b>Sleep</b>: Oh man, I don't even know if I want to answer this question in fear of jinxing it. I have zero complaints about Hank's sleeping habits. Patsy is much more of a handful at night than Hank.<br />
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<b>Milestones</b>: He has started to smile more and more, sometimes even reacting to me! He is so strong and he has already rolled over from his back onto his stomach. Our little guy is growing up so fast!<br />
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<b>Likes</b>: Being held, his binkie, getting changed, sticking her hands in her mouth<br />
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<b>Dislikes</b>: Being hungry. That's pretty much it.<br />
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<br />Kelly @ Running Kellometershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15261285599296693612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005464141741044836.post-18359131723243825092016-04-06T11:30:00.000-05:002016-04-06T11:30:05.129-05:00Loss is Never Easy<div>
Yesterday I said goodbye to a family member. I debated whether or not to share this news publicly but I can't stop thinking about it and I thought it might help the healing process to speak about it. He was my second cousin. We haven't been close in a long time. I was busy, we were on different life paths, things happen. He was my age. Our birthdays are two months apart. Our paths intersected many times over the years not just at family parties but through different groups of friends. He was dealt a difficult hand in life and had a challenging family situation. I don't want to go into details but he turned to drugs to escape his troubles. He went to rehab but once he turned to heroine, it only took a few years before the drugs took him from us.</div>
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Thanks to technology, I was able to read through my most recent Facebook messages to see notes from him. We hadn't spoken much, but when we had, they were kind words. He had told me I had a beautiful family and wished me congratulations when Patsy was born. He invited me and my husband to hang out for a drink (although we never did). When his grandpa passed away late last year and I didn't get to talk to him at the wake, I had sent him a note. He was thoughtful and appreciative. Despite our differences and troubles, he always had a kind word for me and for that I will be eternally grateful. Part of me has guilt and regret. What if I had done things differently? What if I had tried to be more involved in his life? What if I had reached out more? Would things have turned out any differently? I know I can't beat myself up over these questions but I also can't erase them from my mind. </div>
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A modest funeral mass was held at his high school (he had attended a local all-boys catholic school). Those years were some of his happiest times. He was a great athlete and made many bonds there. He kept in touch with his baseball coach after high school and they became friends. His coach gave a very touching and moving eulogy. There wasn't a dry eye in the church. During the service, I was very thankful to be holding Hank in my arms and sitting by my mom and brother. It was a very emotional and eye-opening experience. Life is too short to take things for granted. My family is important to me and we need to see each other more. We will always be busy (work, bad weather, other obligations), but I don't want to look back and wish I had done more. </div>
Kelly @ Running Kellometershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15261285599296693612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005464141741044836.post-89008749509776195722016-04-01T09:00:00.000-05:002016-04-01T09:00:27.562-05:00March 2016 Workout SummaryIf you follow me on twitter, you probably saw that I was cleared to workout at my 6 week appointment!<br />
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I'm cleared to workout!! I'm cleared to run!! <a href="https://t.co/STTYcLoHFG">pic.twitter.com/STTYcLoHFG</a></div>
— kelly (@kellywils0n) <a href="https://twitter.com/kellywils0n/status/711957961833385984">March 21, 2016</a></blockquote>
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That day (March 21) I went for a 1 mile run. I never thought that running a mile would feel so slow. But after taking almost a year off from running, you have to start somewhere! I thought that bringing back a weekly or monthly summary might help make me accountable. Spring is here, the weather is beautiful, and it feels great to get out there and get moving! Pepper was not impressed.<br />
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I went to my first post-baby barre class on Friday (March 25) with Meghan. In classic form, we forgot to take a photo after class! I was kind of rushing to get back because I had left the kids with my mom and it was a workday for her.<br />
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The day before Easter (March 26), I went for a 5 mile walk with my in-laws on a new local trail through a forest preserve. We took turns pushing Patsy while I carried Hank in the Baby Bjorn. The trail was paved and was a little winding and had some rolling hills. I would say it would be perfect for running but there wasn't any shade so it would be best left for spring and fall runs.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That mom of 2 life!</td></tr>
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Awhile back, <a href="http://magmilerunner.com/">Maggie</a> told me about the Nike NTC app. After a few failed attempts at planning another run, I thought I would give the app a try. I picked the <i>Cardio Surge</i> workout which required no equipment. It was 45 minutes of mountain climbers, frog jump, jump squats, lunges, walking burpees and lots of other things. To be honest, I really wanted to quit about half way through but I pushed through.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NTC: DONE</td></tr>
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And yesterday (March 30), I went for another mile run. Patsy insisted on coming with me so it was a nice stroller run. It started to rain while we were out there and I felt kind of badass (even though I was jamming out to the Camp Rock soundtrack), if I do say so myself. It felt much better than my first run so I'm excited for what April will bring!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing out my new Oiselle baseball cap. Love it!</td></tr>
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As I'm restarting my workout journey, I'm remembering how challenging it can be to revolve runs around breastfeeding schedules, child care, meals, and everything else in between. Oiselle has an upcoming challenge in April and I'm excited about participating! I plan to run 13 times in the month of April. That equates to about 3 times a week for 4 weeks. We'll see how it goes! <a href="http://www.oiselle.com/blog/oiselle-full-half-challenge-its-not-just-half">Here is the link</a> to Oiselle's blog to find out more about the challenge!Kelly @ Running Kellometershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15261285599296693612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005464141741044836.post-25971322099439649572016-03-25T09:00:00.000-05:002016-03-25T09:00:00.669-05:00Hanks Birth Story: Part 2If you're just tuning (clicking?) in, <a href="http://runningkellometers.blogspot.com/2016/03/hanks-birth-story-part-1.html">here is part 1</a>.<br />
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I woke up the next morning, refreshed and excited that the baby was coming! I told Chris at about 4am that my water had broke last night and we started making the final arrangements. My MIL had planned to take Patsy for the day already, so she was able to pick her up in the morning as planed. Chris dropped Pepper off at the boarding place and I sent an email to the office officially starting my maternity leave. Even after all of that, it was only about 10am. I wasn't having any contractions and it was time to play the waiting game. I tried all of the things that were supposed to kickstart labor (birthing ball, breastpump, warm shower) and none of it worked. I even visited with an acupuncturist and it didn't start labor for me.<br />
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The last and final step was to head to the hospital around 5:30pm. My <a href="http://www.wswomenshealth.com/">midwife</a> and <a href="https://birthwithchristine.com/">doula</a> met us there and we talked about the game plan. I was only at 2cm so we needed to start pitocin, get some sleep, see how things are in the morning. The hospital had telemetry monitors so I was able to walk around and be hands free while still being monitored. Because I was attempting a VBAC, baby and I had to be continuously monitored once we arrived at the hospital. My doula went home and would come back again once I was in active labor. By the time I was admitted and hooked up to everything, it was about 6:30pm. It was then that I got ready to hang out with the IV pole and walk around. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to have this baby!</td></tr>
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After walking around for a little while, it was time to get ready for bed. This was around 8:00pm. The contractions were still pretty sporadic but getting under way. I took an Ambien to help fall asleep, and got comfy (well, about as comfortable as I could be).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resting and watching Big Bang Theory reruns</td></tr>
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After trying to get some sleep, I realized that wasn't really going to happen. The contractions were coming pretty close together and I couldn't get much rest. It didn't take long before I was wide awake in between contractions. This led to trouble once the Ambien started working its way in my system. Some of you may see where this is going... I started hallucinating as I was working through the contractions. Every time I closed my eyes, I had visions of elephants on motorcycles and Jafar from Aladdin. When I opened my eyes, the floral paintings on the wall became 3D images come to life. As someone that never uses recreational drugs, this was a bit of a scary place to be while working through these contractions.<br />
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As the hallucinations continued, the bed became a little too uncomfortable so I moved over to the tub. I could labor in the tub (but couldn't give birth in the tub). I labored in the tub for the next hour or so and things were a little better than the bed. My midwife came in to check the progress and I was at 3+ cm. I called my doula and told her to come back up to the hospital. Things were moving along quickly!<br />
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By the time the doula arrived, it was around 11:00pm. The contractions were coming so hard and fast that I didn't have much of a break. It had only been about an hour since my midwife last checked but I asked her to check my progress again. If there hadn't been much progress, I was going to ask for an epidural. I was about ready to cry because I just wasn't getting a break from the contractions. They were coming so hard and so fast. She checked and said I was at 7 cm. I had progressed 4 cm in just 1 hour. I knew it was too late for an epidural and we were going to need to do things the old fashioned way.<br />
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At this point, I had to move from the tub to the bed. This baby was going to come soon and I couldn't have the baby in the tub. Over the next hour, contractions continued and I felt the need to push. My midwife said I wasn't at 10 cm yet so I couldn't push. I had to fight the urge to push with each contraction. My doula was able to help with breathing exercises and other methods to work through the contractions. It got to a point where I could no longer fight the urge to push. The midwife then said that the head was right there, and I could start pushing at the next contraction.<br />
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I pushed for 15 minutes until little Henry was born at 1:30am. They didn't announce the gender of the baby--we got to see for ourselves once he came out. Upon looking down and holding him for the first time, I cried. I couldn't believe it was a boy! I think Chris and I had both thought it was a girl so we were completely shocked that it was a boy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holding Henry for the first time!</td></tr>
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He was immediately put on my chest and we were able to have that special time as a family.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm looking at Chris in this photo, proud and happy with our little boy</td></tr>
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My <a href="https://birthwithchristine.com/">doula</a> doubles as a birth photographer so she was able to snap these great shots of us in such a raw and beautiful moment. My mom, mother-in-law and sister-in-law were waiting and came in to see us despite the late hour. It was so wonderful to see them and share the happy news.<br />
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Henry David was 7 pounds, 11 ounces and was 21 inches long. He was delivered via VBAC after only 7 hours of labor.<br />
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I'm happy with my decision to have a VBAC and I felt supported by the practice, my doula, Chris and my family throughout the process. It was definitely an interesting and exciting experience. Thanks for reading along!Kelly @ Running Kellometershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15261285599296693612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005464141741044836.post-55576258451142911192016-03-24T09:00:00.000-05:002016-03-24T09:00:33.839-05:00Hank's Birth Story: Part 1Wow. It has been over a month and I'm finally the chance to digest and comprehend everything that happened at Henry's birth. I'll start at the very beginning.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spreading the Oiselle Love with my friend Ayesha who was due a little over a week after me!</td></tr>
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My plan was to work up until I gave birth. I didn't want to waste a single day of maternity leave, twiddling my thumbs at home. Work kept me occupied and busy leading up to Hank's arrival. My due date was February 3. My midwife practice would let me go until 42 weeks (2 weeks past my due date) before we needed to schedule a repeat c-section. As you may recall from my previous post a few months ago, I was hoping for a VBAC birth. Patsy was born via c-section due to breech position and I was hoping to give birth vaginally this time around. But, first things first, in order for the VBAC to be successful, there were two main things that needed to take place: 1) Baby needed to be in head-down position 2) I needed to go into labor on my own. I couldn't be induced by Pitocin but if I started labor, they would be able to give me small doses.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: Pregnant with Patsy (subconsciously wearing pink)<br />
Right: Pregnant with Hank (subconsciously wearing blue)</td></tr>
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To help with positioning, I (begrudgingly) did the Spinning Babies daily exercises. Yes, daily. They were so mundane and annoying--kind of like physical therapy exercises--but they worked. Our little baby was head down starting around 32 weeks and stayed that way throughout the rest of the pregnancy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Due Date Day!</td></tr>
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As my due date came and went, I started to get nervous. Would I go into labor? Did I need to start scheduling the repeat c-section? When is this baby going to come? As a type-A personality, it was very hard to mentally get through the long list of unknowns. I had a doctor's appointment a few days after my due date, on a Friday, and there really wasn't much progress. I was dilated to 1 cm (as I had been already for a few weeks) and that was about it. I had a follow up appointment he following Wednesday to perform stress tests and all these other things to check the progress. I was really hoping I wouldn't need that appointment. For some reason, I was absolutely convinced that I would have my baby in my arms on Super Bowl Sunday. When I was back at work again on Monday, it was really hard not to get discouraged. One of my co-workers told me something that kind of helped put things in perspective. "They can't stay in there forever." Although it was a simple sentiment, it was totally true and helped me change my frame of mind. This baby was going to come one way or another. I had to be patient and just wait it out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking around the neighborhood, waiting to go into labor</td></tr>
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Monday night, after I put patsy to bed and said goodnight to Chris, I started doing my Spinning Baby exercises. My water broke during the cat/cow pelvic tilts. I texted and called my doula and explained what happened. She confirmed what I thought and that my water broke. She suggested that I take a Tyelnol PM and get some rest. I was not going to sleep through the birth and the next day was most likely going to be a very long one! I did as she advised and tried to get some rest. According to my FitBit, I got about 7 hours of sleep that night! I didn't wake up Chris because I knew he wouldn't be able to go back to sleep. I did have some contractions but I was able to comfortably sleep in-between them. The next day I woke up excited. The baby was finally on his/her way!Kelly @ Running Kellometershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15261285599296693612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005464141741044836.post-5301647448498357152015-12-17T09:00:00.000-06:002015-12-17T09:00:00.111-06:00VBAC Hopes and DreamsIf you don’t want to read about pregnancy or some of the details associated with it, this post probably isn’t the right post for you. This is something that I’ve been wanting to talk about for a little while.<br />
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My pregnancy with Patsy was “normal” without complications or problems. I didn’t have swollen feet or stretch marks. I didn’t have gestational diabetes or pre-clampsia. I did test positive for Strep B and that was about the only thing. My regular doctor visits were pretty uneventful. Chris and I took the child birth class and were prepared for a normal, vaginal birth. I was very against having a c-section and I was ready to defend myself and fight to not have one if necessary. Then, at 38 weeks exactly, I tripped and fell. I fell to my knees and then fell forward. Because I was so pregnant, my belly hit the ground. I was instructed by my doctor to go to the hospital to be monitored for the next 24 hours. Upon arrival, they performed an ultrasound to make sure everything was okay with the placenta because of the fall. “Oh, your baby is breech.” Errrrrr *screeching brakes noise*… This was like a punch to the gut. I had so many questions. How did we not already know this? What does this mean? What are my options? My due date was 2 weeks away and everything I was planning and prepping for was now completely out the window. My doctor instructed me that she did not do a versions (manually flipping the baby around) and that my c-section would be scheduled in 4 days. I didn’t really have time to process what was about to happen. I didn’t really have time to handle the emotions that went along with this change. I didn’t know I would have so emotions about the fact that I would now have a c-section.<br />
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Patsy was born (<a href="http://runningkellometers.blogspot.com/2013/09/baby-wilsons-birth-story.html">birth story here</a>) and she was a beautiful, happy and healthy. As far as c-sections go, I was still able to hold Patsy immediately after birth for the “golden hour”. My husband and I were able to cherish those precious first moments together as a new family. My doctor was comforting and held my hand as she could tell I was nervous. The nurse during the surgery was fantastic. BUT, that was not my ideal birth situation. I knew when I wanted to get pregnant again, I wanted to try a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the OR, our first photo as a new family of 3</td></tr>
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Unfortunately, based on the area of Illinois in which I live, there are 3 practices that are specialists and have high VBAC success rates. (If you go to a state like Oregon or California, VBAC rates are very different than Illinois.) I chose a midwife practice and I’ve been very happy with my decision so far. All of the midwives I’ve met with continue to tell me the same thing. “You are a perfect VBAC candidate.” It just makes me that much more hopeful. We’re also working with a doula to help provide additional birth support. Having a VBAC is very important so I want to try and give myself all available tools for success. Because I’ve had a previous c-section, a medical induction (Pitocin, etc.) is off the table so my body needs to go into labor on its own. That hasn’t happened before so it’s back to playing the waiting game! I’m assuming I’ll go past my due date, like a first time laboring mom but we will see! The holidays have been a great distraction throughout December and we are running full speed through the rest of 2015. January will be her before we know it and the baby can come just about any time in January! (Actual due date is February 3.)<br />
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I’ve kind of been in denial about how much will change in being a parent of one child to a parent of two. Part of me doesn’t want to over think it because then I get emotional, etc. and I think I just need to take it as it comes. I have a few ideas and suggestions to make the difficult early days/weeks easier and I’m hoping to really utilize the support of our friends and family during that time. Well, this is what has been consuming my thoughts and time lately. Please wish me luck as I embark on a new and different type of challenge, that I feel hard training sessions, difficult half marathon and marathon races have mentally prepared me for.<br />
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Kelly @ Running Kellometershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15261285599296693612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005464141741044836.post-53883988960788592015-12-14T11:00:00.000-06:002015-12-14T11:00:02.811-06:0012 Days of Oiselle - RecapIf you've been following me on Twitter, you probably saw that I was doing a fun little "12 days of Oiselle" game where I wore some of my favorite Oiselle items and tweeted about it for 12 days. Honestly, it wasn't really a challenge since I own so much Oiselle at this point, but I thought I would do a fun little recap of the items I posted. <div>
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<li><b>Day 1:</b> Vintage "iRun Without Tee" that was given to me by The Nest when I first became pregnant with Patsy. It is a size large and extremely soft. Best pajamas around</li>
<li><b>Day 2: </b><a href="http://www.oiselle.com/shop/running-accessories/lux-earband">Lux headband</a> (new this season) and <a href="http://www.oiselle.com/shop/outerwear/new-katron-jacket">Katron jacket</a> (currently available for those cold winter days). It was a chilly winter day in Chicago and I was properly prepared for the weather</li>
<li><b>Day 3:</b> <a href="http://www.oiselle.com/shop/running-accessories/power-stretch-mittens">Power Stretch Mittens</a> (new this season). I absolutely love that they are warm, fleecy, and come in a size L/XL for my super long fingers. My only wish is that the thumb was cellphone compatible.</li>
<li><b>Day 4: </b>Go Mac tee in honor of <a href="http://www.runningstarfish.com/">Ms. Sarah Mac</a> as she was on her quest for an Olympic Trials Qualifying Standard. Patsy wanted to send PJ some smiles too.</li>
<li><b>Day 5:</b> <a href="http://www.oiselle.com/shop/running-bottoms/tights/portman-pants">Portman Pants</a> are my new favorite warm pants to wear as leggings. The waistband is super comfy for this growing belly and black goes with just about everything.</li>
<li><b>Day 6:</b> I'm obsessed with the new violet color that came out this fall. I needed to get the classic <a href="http://www.oiselle.com/shop/running-tops/flyte-long-sleeve">Flyte Tee</a> in this new hue. Oh and the Starbucks Holiday Flat White is my new jam.</li>
<li><b>Day 7:</b> <a href="http://www.oiselle.com/shop/running-tops/men-s-american-runner-tee">Men's American Runner Tee</a>. Had to support my Oiselle teammates that tried for that OTQ and got it! Although it is the mens tee, I love how comfy and soft this American Runner tee is. It is a staple in the pregnancy wardrobe.</li>
<li><b>Day 8: </b><a href="http://www.oiselle.com/shop/running-tops/running-tanks/gwen-tank">Gwen Tank </a>paired with jeans and a cardigan. We have a casual dress code in the office but this tank covered my belly and I dressed it up with a cardigan and necklace. Comfortable and office-appropriate</li>
<li><b>Day 9:</b> Holiday shopping in my vintage Mac jacket. With the unseasonably warm temps, I'm glad I had this one hidden at my desk!</li>
<li><b>Day 10:</b> <a href="http://www.oiselle.com/shop/outerwear/head-up-wings-out-full-zip-hoodie">Heads Up Wings Out Full Zip Hoodie</a>. I've been waiting for a zip up hoodie for the past 2 years. When it was released, I obviously absolutely had to get it. I live in it just about every day. Best purchase ever.</li>
<li><b>Day 11:</b> <a href="http://www.oiselle.com/shop/running-bottoms/lf-sweatpants">LF Sweatpants</a>. On Fridays I work from home and these sweatpants were perfect for when I don't have to make my long commute in!</li>
<li><b>Day 12: </b>I didn't buy this feather tee when it first came out (I was pregnant with Patsy at the time) and it was my biggest regret. I searched the internet high and low and found it on a discount site. I made the purchase and absolutely love it. Oh and don't mind the Elmo phone that is 15 years old. Patsy only wants one thing for Christmas--an Elmo phone. This is the phone she has at the babysitter's house and it is her favorite toy. Thanks eBay!</li>
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I hope you enjoyed my recap of 12 days of Oiselle. I had so much fun doing it, I just might do it again next year! If you have questions about any of these items and want to know more (how they fit, is it worth the price, etc.) feel free to leave me a comment.</div>
Kelly @ Running Kellometershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15261285599296693612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005464141741044836.post-25599037115949970072015-11-20T09:00:00.000-06:002015-11-20T09:00:06.637-06:00How to Train for Your First Spartan RaceI completed my first Spartan race back in 2014 (<a href="http://runningkellometers.blogspot.com/2014/10/super-spartan-race-recap.html">full race recap here</a>) and I had an absolute blast. I didn't really know what was in store for me and I think I was fine with being in denial. I figured I had the run part down. I knew how to run so an 8 mile run would be the easy part. I also assumed that since I was carrying around my 20 pound toddler all the time that I was set in the upper body department. Let's just say that I may have been a bit undertrained for the event. As a result of my mistake(s), I would like to offer some tips to help those of you training for your first (or second, etc.) Spartan race.<br />
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<b>Train on hills.</b> Not like dinky "hills" around your subdivision. As I live in the nice and flat midwest, my definitely of hills is a bit different than someone that lives in PNW. When training, go to a real trail, like a hiking trail, with sharp inclines. Do your long runs there. I'm not kidding. That is how the terrain will be on race day so why not train in the thick of it. If the terrain in training is more grueling than on race day, that will just make things seem easier, right?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out for a run with Patsy, trying to train on some hills</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking in Leavenworth, WA.<br />
We don't have this type of terrain in Illinois!</td></tr>
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<b>Don't Underestimate the Obstacles. </b>Spartan usually posts photos of their obstacles the week before the race on their FB page, but check out some of the obstacles from events in other cities or events in previous years. This will give you an idea of what to expect and what to train for on race day. As a reminder, for each obstacle you don't/can't complete, you have to pay the toll of 30 burpees. Yes, 30. It eats up a bunch of time and burpees suck. I saw there were monkey bars and I thought, since I was awesome at these at the age of 9, that this would some how translate 20+ years later. Spoiler alert, it did not. I shouldn't have been surprised by this. Also, you should give every obstacle a try. Even if you don't think you can do it and you think 30 burpees might be easier, you never know what you're capable of until you give it a try.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a preview obstacle from Spartan's 2014 Illinois race</td></tr>
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<b>Think About Your Race Day Outfit. </b>As the Spartan super is a longer race, I was worried with what to do on race day. I ended up buying an inexpensive pair of capri pants so I could have some leg coverage for the woods. They definitely came in handy. I also opted for the short sleeve shirt versus tank top for some of these same reasons. Although the 2016 race is in June so capris and a short sleeved shirt may not be a smart option, given the probably temperatures. I also ran with an Ultimate Hydration pocket to hold a mini bottle of water and Picky Bar. If you don't wear pants with pockets, I highly recommend something like that. There is mud and water to climb and wade through. I do not recommend ziplock bags if you plan on eating these items. Get something factory sealed and if you usually only eat half, just bring 2. That opened item probably won't be good when you go to eat it later.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know if I own enough green</td></tr>
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<b>30 burpees is a lot</b>. 30 of any type of exercise is a lot. If you miss one obstacle, you have to do 30 burpees. There are a lot of obstacles out there. You probably will end up doing much more than 30 burpees on race day so you best be prepared. If you have to do less, that's great too. As much as they suck, practice doing burpees. That's really all there is to say about that.<br />
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<b>Have you run a Spartan race before? Do you have any additional tips you'd like to add to the list? Is there anything I missed?</b>Kelly @ Running Kellometershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15261285599296693612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005464141741044836.post-58212404136737109022015-11-06T09:30:00.000-06:002016-05-06T09:49:15.358-05:00Meet Me at the BarreThe more I hang out with <a href="http://theperfectcompilationtape.blogspot.com/">Meghan</a>, the more I've been wanting to give barre a try. She really enjoys the workout and knows some of the local studios and what might be a good fit. A few (or several at this point) months ago I FINALLY took her advice and went to my first class at <a href="http://www.thedaileymethod.com/studios/orland-park/overview/">The Dailey Method</a>. Your first class is free so I figured I had nothing to lose. I booked the class online through their website and I had heard that they offered child care for only $5 extra per class. They said they usually don't offer that option on the weekends but they would make arrangements for me so I could come. I arrived at class, ready to go and Patsy was just NOT HAVING IT with the babysitter. She just cried and cried. I ended up leaving the class after barely getting started and called my mom. She was able to watch Patsy for a little while so I headed back to the studio and they let me take another, full class, without a screaming and crying toddler in the background.<br />
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Once I got into it and was able to pay attention to the instructions, I absolutely loved it. The instructors are helpful, clear with directions and aren't shy about correcting you (off mike, not in front of everyone) if you're doing something incorrectly. As someone who is overly flexible, I really appreciate when the instructor corrects my form. I want to get the most out of my workout so I'm open to whatever it takes to get there!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meghan and I after a workout, posing in the studio</td></tr>
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As I've gotten farther and farther along in this pregnancy, the farther away all of my running dreams seem to be. I find myself struggling when I have to run across the street. When March comes and I'm cleared to run again, I know the road will be slow moving. But I'm REALLY enjoying these barre workouts and it makes me feel like much less of a lazy bum. Not to mention that it is a really great form of cross training that I definitely plan to keep up in the months to come.<br />
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The owner of the studio is even trying to plan some special pregnancy and mommy & me classes with some of the instructors that have children and have practiced barre through pregnancy. I am so grateful that I found a space to channel some of this athletic energy during this pregnancy! If you ever want to take a little drive out to Orland Park, I'm happy to meet you there.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing for some photos in my newest fall Oiselle items<br />
Flash long sleeve and Meter tights</td></tr>
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Kelly @ Running Kellometershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15261285599296693612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005464141741044836.post-48124437593724624562015-10-12T10:00:00.000-05:002015-10-12T10:07:31.094-05:00Chicago Marathon 2015 - Spectating RecapOver the weekend was my favorite day in Chicago; Chicago Marathon Day. The fun actually started on Friday when we headed to Spacca Napoli for pizza to meet up with a bunch of Oiselle teammates that were in town for the race, as well as new members of the team! Despite the long drive for me, the pizza was delicious and it was really nice to meet some new faces and hang out with some internet friends IRL. Patsy even had some fun too and made a new friend!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oiselle Team right here guys!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh and this pizza was pretty delightful</td></tr>
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I skipped the Saturday morning coffee and shakeout run to attend a barre class at The Dailey Method. It was totally worth it because I got a great workout and won a pair of barre socks during a raffle. Win-win.<br />
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Sunday morning I had coordinated the cowbell corner meetup. I had been to this exact location a few times before and I felt it was a good spot for spectators and runners. We were by UIC so we had access to bathrooms and a blue line El station. You could park in South Loop, avoid street closures and easily walk to your car. For the runners, mile 17 can be a dark zone. You still have 9 miles left to go and your body is starting to feel it. It really is a great spot, I think.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selfie time!</td></tr>
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Anyways, I met up with some team members bright and early (around 8 or 8:30) to get set up and wait for the elites to go by. We had our cowbells, healthy snacks, and cheering signs. Special thanks to Beth Gillespe for getting those signs made. They were perfect and I think they were easy to spot in the crowd! Even Patsy got really into the spirit and was waving around her cowbell, saying “go runners.” Seeing Deena Kastor go buy in a crowd of dudes and just being her awesome self was pretty amazing. I’m also a big fan of Sara Hall so I loved seeing her go by and PR by 15 minutes. Tera Moody also rocked it out and we got to see her. Since she is from Illinois and we met once at half marathon in January, we’re practically best friends. That’s how that works, right?<br />
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I had my camera out and ready to go. Special thanks to <a href="http://www.xaarlin.com/">Charlyn</a> and <a href="http://www.justkeeprunningblog.com/">Paulette</a> for recommending that I put my fancy camera into “moving subjects” mode. I was able to get some awesome photos of the elites and a bunch of our Oiselle team runners! Finding people in the crowd is definitely hard but it helps when there are lots of other folks helping spot out the Oiselle singlets with you! Knowing the product line as well as I do for the past few years, definitely helped in spotting some of those folks not in their singlets. Some of the earlier runners that were only running in a bra and shorts (where the bib number takes up most of the bra surface area), it was definitely more of a challenge. Shouting out “that was a Lesko bra with mac rogas” after they ran by isn’t as good of a photo.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patsy was an amazing spectator and such a trooper.<br />
I think she had fun out there cowbelling for all the runners!</td></tr>
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Seeing everyone run by got me really excited and I may or may not have teared up while watching the Snapchat story… But seeing the sweat, pained faces, and having a friend drop out of the race, reminded me of the fact that running a marathon is hard. I really, really want to run and complete the Chicago Marathon someday. It is kind of my white whale. Although with the amount of work and effort involved, I would really like to wait until I’m done having children and I can really dedicate the amount of time and energy to be successful. I don’t want to run a marathon to finish the distance. I’ve done that already. I want to run a marathon to push myself and get a time that I know body is capable of doing. The PR bar for that distance is set pretty low so if all else fails, I’m hoping that I’ve at least got a PR in these old legs.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twinning with local Oiselle team leader, Beth Gillespe</td></tr>
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Congrats to all of the finishers out there and special thanks to all my fellow Oiselle teammates for being as crazy as me to get up super early to go watch some folks run by for several hours with me and my daughter out there on Cowbell Corner! Next year I won’t be running it, but I’ll try to be out there again to cheer everyone on!<br />
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To check out some of my experiences with the Chicago Marathon in previous years, check out the links below!<br />
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<a href="http://runningkellometers.blogspot.com/2014/10/chicago-marathon-spectating-report.html">2014</a> </div>
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<a href="http://runningkellometers.blogspot.com/2013/10/chicago-marathon-thoughts.html">2013 </a></div>
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<a href="http://runningkellometers.blogspot.com/2012/10/chicago-marathon-spectating-report.html">2012</a> </div>
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<a href="http://runningkellometers.blogspot.com/2012/03/lessons-learned-from-my-marathon.html">2011</a> </div>
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Kelly @ Running Kellometershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15261285599296693612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005464141741044836.post-78656002087735539182015-09-24T08:30:00.000-05:002015-09-24T08:30:01.588-05:0020 Weeks, Now & Then<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<b>How far along? </b>20 weeks<br />
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<b>Baby’s size/development this week: </b>weighs about 10 1/2 ounces and measures 6 1/2 inches long; about the size of a banana<br />
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<b>Maternity clothes: wearing them?</b> Yes. I've been wearing maternity clothes since about the 9th week. With how nauseous I was, it was just so much easier. Plus, maternity clothes are basically like pajamas. They are the best. When people knock maternity clothes, I just don't get it. They are amazing.<br />
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<b>Miss anything? </b>I'm sad to miss pumpkin beer season this year. With Patsy, I had her in September so I was still able to enjoy some Pumking before the last keg was empty. I guess I'll just enjoy my PSL and suffer in silence until 2016 season comes around!<br />
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<b>Food cravings?</b> Nothing really. I've been craving a lot of ice cream lately and I've tried to curb that craving but I'm thinking a pumpkin pie blizzard is a necessity before the end of the month.<br />
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<b>Anything making you queasy or sick?</b> Strong cologne and perfume is especially disgusting.<br />
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<b>Sleep</b>: Meh. Sleep has been kind of sporadic. I can no longer sleep comfortably on my back so I've had to sleep on my side. Patsy still makes her way into our bed most nights and she likes to sleep horizontally between us (while also requesting that we "scooch over")<br />
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<b>Best moment of the week:</b> I was away for a work trip and I called my MIL to see how Patsy was doing. Patsy answered the phone and said "Hi Mommy!" and we proceeded to have a 2 minute conversation about where she was and what she had done that day. Sometimes having a 2 year old can be exhausting, but most of the time she's the sweetest kid around!<br />
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<b>Nursery</b>: The new baby and Patsy will be sharing a room. The new baby will sleep in our room for probably the first 6-12 months so I'm not in a hurry to make any drastic changes to the room at this point. We will probably need to buy Patsy a new bed so we can move the baby to the crib, but... baby steps.<br />
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<b>Wedding rings on or off?</b> on<br />
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<b>Movement? </b>The flutters and mini kicks come and go throughout the day.<br />
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<b>Weird pregnancy thing of the week: </b>My skin is soooo dry. I remember having this problem last time and it has come back with vengeance! Luckily I have some awesome skin cream that really help keep the dryness at bay. Thanks Kiehl's!<br />
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<b>Daddy is feeling:</b> excited to start feeling kicks soon.<br />
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<b>Mommy is feeling:</b> good and exhausted. It is tiring growing a human and chasing after another!<br />
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<b>Workouts this week:</b> I had plans for a barre class but Patsy came down with a nasty virus. I cancelled all plans and snuggles with my little nugget all night until she felt better. Thankfully I was able to reschedule something for this weekend!<br />
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<b>Looking forward to: </b>Dad being able to feel the kicks next!Kelly @ Running Kellometershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15261285599296693612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005464141741044836.post-43872053103441127932015-09-14T09:00:00.000-05:002015-09-14T09:00:00.520-05:00Happy 2nd Birthday Patsy!This past weekend we celebrated Patsy's 2nd birthday. It is hard to believe that 2 years have passed since she was born! (<a href="http://runningkellometers.blogspot.com/2013/09/baby-wilsons-birth-story.html">Patsy's birth story</a>, <a href="http://runningkellometers.blogspot.com/2015/04/flashback-friday-happy-1st-birthday_24.html">Patsy's 1st birthday</a>) We had a huge event for her first birthday so this year we kept it low-key with just friends and family. Here are a few pics from her birthday. She is in a big Elmo phase right now so that was the theme for the party. I think she had a fun time! It was fun to see her expression while opening presents and really having fun for the day.<br />
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Happy birthday Patsy! Our lives are better now that you're a part of it! So happy to spend the past 2 years with you and we're looking forward to many more!Kelly @ Running Kellometershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15261285599296693612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005464141741044836.post-78648963493054790492015-09-09T10:00:00.000-05:002015-09-09T10:00:05.219-05:00JournalMenu Winner Announced!The winner of the JournalMenu free custom journal is:<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Alexandra @ My Urban Family</span></b></div>
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Please email me at runningkellometers at gmail dot com for more details!<br />
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For those of you that missed out but would still like a journal of your own, check out <a href="http://www.journalmenu.com/running-kellometers/">this link</a> to the JournalMenu site where you can use code: KELLOMETERS for 15% off your own journal. Thanks to all of those that entered!Kelly @ Running Kellometershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15261285599296693612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005464141741044836.post-19441618933461834842015-09-03T09:00:00.000-05:002015-09-03T11:01:59.905-05:00Oiselle Bra Reviews (for those of us with a bigger bust)As some of you may know (and I’ve talked about this before) I’ve had trouble over the years finding the right sports bra for me. I am around a C/D cup (more of a D these days) and there is really only 1 company right now that I can go to consistently to find bras that I know will do the trick. As Oiselle has recently gotten into the bra game and most of them are listed as A/B or kind-of C cups, I thought I would talk about some of the bras that I’ve tried and give a little review of each. I thought it might be helpful to create a scale for comparison purposes. From a scale of 1-5 stars (*), where 1 is the least supportive and 5 is the most supportive. I've included links to the Oiselle website where you can purchase all of these bras. There are other bras in the Oiselle lineup right now (<a href="http://www.oiselle.com/shop/running-bras/op-bra">OP</a>, <a href="http://www.oiselle.com/shop/running-bras/tracktion-bra">Tracktion</a>, <a href="http://www.oiselle.com/shop/sale/go-time-bra">Go Time</a>) but I have not yet given them a test run.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classic Verrazano with a glass of rose wine, enjoyed before I was pregnant.</td></tr>
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<b>1) <a href="http://www.oiselle.com/shop/running-bras/classic-verrazano-bra">Verrazano</a> (*) </b>– This one is super comfy with removable cups. I love this bra for lounging around the house or doing yoga or barre. However, even if I run to the mailbox at the end of our driveway, I don't think this bra has the right amount of support. When it comes to comfort though, I highly recommend it! I plan to purchase another (one or two) before I have baby #2. For the purpose of running, I think this is best suited for A or small B cups.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oiselle image taken directly from their website</td></tr>
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<b>2) <a href="http://www.oiselle.com/shop/running-bras/new-charcoal-strappy-bra-with-removable-cups">Charcoal Strappy</a> (**) </b>– This bra is a soft cotton type of material with removable cups. I love the width so it has a nice range of coverage. When it comes to capacity, I wouldn’t recommend this bra for running as the support is not as strong as I would like. It would definitely be great for a cardio or barre class, but I wouldn’t put it on for weekend long run or race. It has a little more support than the Verrazano, but this is best suited for A or B cups.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back of the Runway bra with Birds of a Feather tank</td></tr>
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<b>3) <a href="http://www.oiselle.com/shop/running-bras/runway-bra">Runway</a> (***) </b>– This is one of the newer styles. I like the unique strap design. I think part of my problem with this bra is that I ordered a size that is a little too small. I felt the compression was good but the coverage was not what I need. I felt like I was popping out over the top of the bra. I would say that it is a sturdier bra than the Verrazano or Strappy, but I would need to double up for more support for anything longer than 2-3 miles. Because this is a thicker bra design, doubling up is not as easy as with other bras. I would say that this is best suited for A, B and small C cups.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doubling up on the Lesko<br />
Don't mind my red sweaty face</td></tr>
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<b>4) <a href="http://www.oiselle.com/shop/running-bras/new-lesko-bra-with-removable-cups">Lesko</a> (***)</b> – This is one that I felt was much sturdier and it also has the removable cups. I like the criss-cross back pattern so it fits nicely within a racerback tank. I like that the coverage is fuller and the thicker straps definitely help. However, one Lesko just isn’t enough for me to keep the girls in place. I have a tank with the built-in Lesko bra and if I also wear the Lesko bra with it, I’m in good shape. I really like this bra and I’ve been wanting to get another one. Next time there is a sale, you can bet this will be in my cart. It is a thinner type of material so wearing 2 of them isn't too cumbersome. I would recommend 1 of these bras for A, B and small C cups. If you're going to double up, I think that it could work for a C or maybe small D cup.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brazen modeled by Heather Stevens<br />
Oiselle image taken directly from their website</td></tr>
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<b>5) <a href="http://www.oiselle.com/shop/running-bras/bra-zen-bra">Brazen</a> (***)</b> – This is one of the newest styles of Oiselle bras, marketed towards B/C cups. It is made of comfy seamless fabric and doesn’t have padding or removable cups. (I haven’t had any issues with nipage yet, but I haven’t worn it in any freezing cold weather.) The straps can be traditional over-the-shoulder or racerback. I’ve worn it both ways and I find the racerback design to be preferred. It actually fits nicely between the shoulder blades. I wore it for the 5k at Oiselle Bird Camp. It was fine for the 5k but I wouldn’t recommend it for enough support during a run longer than 4 miles. Out of all of the bras available, I believe this one is the most supportive. However, I would recommend this bra for A, B and small C cups.<br />
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At Bird Camp, Sally (CEO of Oiselle) said that it is has been challenging for them to create a bra that works for larger cup sizes. They are continuing to work on it, but they don’t want to release a sub-par product. They want to wait until they have it right before putting something out. I respect their integrity in their design philosophy. I had a long talk with a few of the designers at camp and gave them some of my thoughts and ideas on what would make a great bra for C/D+ cup sizes. Hopefully this will come to fruition for the 2016 line! Until then, my best advice for those that want to wear Oiselle bras and are bigger than a B cup, I suggest doubling up or waiting it out. Personally, I have a feeling it will be worth the wait.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: I was not compensated in any way by Oiselle for these reviews. I purchased these bras with my own money, with a team member discount. All ideas and ratings expressed are simply my own.</span>Kelly @ Running Kellometershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15261285599296693612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005464141741044836.post-21985794086366616332015-09-02T09:00:00.000-05:002015-09-03T08:51:18.474-05:00JournalMenu Review and GiveawayI was contacted by someone at <a href="http://www.journalmenu.com/">JournalMenu</a> about customizing my own journal. Once I checked out their website and saw what they had to offer, I knew I wanted one of my own! Here is the journal I chose.<br />
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The website has lots of great options. For the cover, you can choose your background image and cover text. I chose the "spring chevron" pattern and one of the Oiselle mantras. For the inside, I went with the running journal (for obvious reasons). As I don't train every single day of the week, I went with the blank day option. You can also set something up for weekly training, if that is what works better for you.<br />
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You can plan out your races, goals, and then note how things went as well. In the appendix, there is also a pace planner that shows how different paces will lead to times for specific events. As of right now, I'm not really running or training all that much, but I'm excited to have this waiting for me after Baby #2 comes and spring is here! You'll be seeing more of this in 2016, for sure.<br />
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They also have journals that can be catered towards other things other than running like yoga, weightlifting, crossfit and life. The website has tons of extra features to choose from too. You can add a pocket, include nutrition information, etc. To find out more about JournalMenu, feel free to check out their website to see all they have to offer. As a special gift to my readers, I'm going to raffle off a journal from JournalMenu to all of you! To enter, please use the Rafflecopter widget below to track your entries. The winner will be announced on Wednesday, September 9. Good luck!<br />
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For 15% off your order, check out <a href="http://www.journalmenu.com/running-kellometers/">my link</a> and use code "KELLOMETERS".<br />
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="772bceea2" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/772bceea2/" id="rcwidget_bxml5aj1" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
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Kelly @ Running Kellometershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15261285599296693612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005464141741044836.post-43810281350039704502015-08-20T09:00:00.000-05:002015-08-20T09:00:03.071-05:00Guest Post: Spartan Race Review 2015As many of you know, the 2015 Chicago Spartan event was over the weekend. As I was sipping on iced chais in Leavenworth, WA at Bird Camp, my friend Brian was busy busting his butt out on the Spartan course. He's been gracious enough to put together a blog post describing his experience. I hope you enjoy things from his perspective! (<a href="http://runningkellometers.blogspot.com/2014/10/super-spartan-race-recap.html">My review from last year's race can be found here.</a>) Special thanks to Brian for taking the time to type up such a thoughtful post on a great race! I don't know what my race schedule will be next year, but I plan to make room for Spartan!<br />
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I love the Spartan Race. Let’s just start off there. While I’ve run numerous road races of varying distances, I’ve more recently been captivated by CrossFit (a whole other topic that I won’t try to tackle here) and have essentially given up running for anything other than as part of CrossFit workouts.<br />
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That said, nothing gets me out and running quite like the opportunity to run through the trees, mud and water, tackling obstacles and basically just acting like a kid again. Warrior Dash and the like are fun opportunities to get muddy with your friends, but to me Spartan Race represents a true challenge, both physically and mentally. So, when Spartan Race comes to the Chicago area, you can pretty much be sure that I’ll be there. Of the three Spartan Races I’ve run (one Sprint, two Supers), this was by far the most challenging, but also the most rewarding.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team CFNL Pre-Race – Julie, Betsy, Brian, Jared, Brian (me) and Andy</td></tr>
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For my first time ever, I talked some of my friends into joining me for a little Saturday run through the woods, ravines, creeks and obstacles Spartan set up at Cliff’s Terrain Park in Marseilles, IL. Of the six members of Team CrossFit New Lenox, only two of us had run a Spartan before, so with four Spartan virgins we made an executive decision to start together and finish together, no matter what. Certainly a different approach than I’ve taken in the past, but also certainly worth it.<br />
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As always, Spartan Race is incredibly well organized, from the time you get to the parking lot (I highly recommend shelling out the extra $40 for the “VIP” parking on-site to avoid the need to park a mile away and either walk or ride the school bus shuttle), through registration, bag check and into the starting areas. While waiting for our start time, there was plenty to keep us busy, including pull-up challenges (not my forte!), rope climb practice areas, slack line challenges, etc. as well as the merchandise and sponsor tents. As one who tends to get nervous as race time approaches, it’s nice to have opportunities to keep busy as the time ticks by.<br />
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Unlike Warrior Dash and other races, Spartan Race is fairly strict about enforcing start times, checking each racer’s wristband for the appropriate start time. You are allowed to move back to later heats, but cannot move up to an earlier one without paying an extra fee (Spartan is big on these extra fees). I personally like this as it keeps the start groups to relatively manageable numbers, which is highly important on a course like this that included several stretches of single track that made it very difficult to pass other racers.<br />
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In true Spartan Race form, there’s an obstacle to clear before you even get into the starting pen in the form of a five foot high wall. Doesn’t seem like much, and while some needed help getting over, we all made it in safely (although one of our team, to remain nameless, did fall on his first attempt…we’ll just blame it on nerves and the slipperiness of the top of the wall with all the mud from previous start heats). After a rather entertaining “fast” mandatory reading of the safety precautions, which finished with the essential caveat…”You signed the waiver, don’t blame us,” and a few cheers of AROO, AROO, AROO and I AM SPARTAN, we were off.<br />
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With the thunderstorms that rolled through the night before the race, the trail was most definitely muddy for much of the race, with the mud the consistency of wet concrete at times. If you’re thinking about taking on Spartan Race, I’d highly recommend investing in some trail shoes. I found some Salomon FellRaisers on a discount site (<a href="http://leftlanesports.com/">LeftLaneSports.com</a>) for about $50 on clearance, well worth the investment as they’re very comfortable, provide great traction and can be run through the wringer, both literally and figuratively, washed out and be ready for the next race. You may also want to invest in some duct tape to keep your shoes on in the muck, several people lost, or came close to losing, their shoes at various points during the race.<br />
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The early parts of the race mainly involved a lot of trail running through the woods, across and through creeks, and up and down plenty of ravines, at times very slick, muddy ravines. Obstacles were fairly well spaced out throughout the approximately 8 mile course, with some grouped together in clusters and others spaced individually. As I mentioned earlier, I think the obstacles are what set Spartan Race apart from other obstacle races…some of these obstacles are seriously challenging, and if you fail, you’re required to do 30 burpees, which we all know suck so try to avoid at all costs.<br />
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I lost track of how many obstacles we actually had to tackle, and most are fairly straight forward, but a few highlights (lowlights?) include:<br />
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<li><i>Spear Throw</i> – throw a “spear” into a standing haybale target about 20 feet away. Simple, right? Judging by the number of people doing burpees after this obstacle, not so much. Luckily, for the first time in three races, I stuck one so no burpees for me!</li>
<li><i>Rope Climb</i> – pretty straight forward, and something we do at CrossFit fairly regularly, climb a rope about 20’ and ring the bell and move on. However, in this case you have to start from a mud pit about 2-3 feet deep and the ropes were slick with mud. Some ropes have knots to assist you, but as these seemed to be the most popular, and therefore slickest, I recommend trying the non-knotted ropes if you can. No burpees here either!</li>
<li><i>Traverse Wall</i> – basically a wall with blocks of 2x4s placed at varying intervals for hands and feet. Spartan Race threw a curve this year and added two 90 degree turns to the wall, making it that much harder. Unfortunately, my foot slipped off a block about five feet from the end, so 30 burpees for me there.</li>
<li><i>Monkey Bars</i> – something we all probably loved as a kid, but haven’t tried in 20 or 30 years. These bars go up and down as well, traversing about 20-30 feet. Grab some dirt to dry your hands, and just hang on for dear life. As these were nearing the end of the course, there was no way I was dropping for more burpees!</li>
<li><i>“Ninja” Crossing </i>– new to the Chicago Spartan Race, similar to American Ninja Warrior type obstacles where you have to cross approximately 20-30 feet, using rings, ropes and a horizontal bar. Make it across, ring the bell and no burpees.</li>
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In addition, there were plenty of wall climbs (where having a team definitely helps as we were allowed to boost each other up when needed), cargo nets, barbed wire crawls, moving heavy objects (sleds, stones, logs, sandbags, etc.) and other challenges. In most cases, we were allowed to help each other when needed, making the course achievable for just about anyone who wants to give it a try.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team CFNL – The Final Obstacle</td></tr>
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<br />One of the great things about Spartan Race is the positive vibe you get from other racers. As soon as you stop along the way, you’re bound to be asked if you’re okay or if you need help. If you’re running alone and need help on an obstacle, someone will always step up to help. When someone is dragging, passersby almost always give at least a positive shout, and often times stop to walk with you or otherwise assist (who knew that mustard packets are a great cure for cramping?).</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team CFNL - Post Race </td></tr>
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Overall, it was a great day. While certainly not my fastest time, the fact that the six of us started together and finished together as a team made the day that much more fun. I think the fact that one of the “virgins” said immediately after crossing the finish line that she’s ready to sign up for next year says it all. I know I’ll be out there again, hopefully talking more of my friends into joining us on another adventure next year.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well-earned post-race refreshments!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Post Race meal at Fergy’s in Seneca…highly recommend!</td></tr>
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Kelly @ Running Kellometershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15261285599296693612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005464141741044836.post-49949108234383673442015-08-10T09:00:00.000-05:002015-08-10T09:00:02.243-05:00Reflections on the First Trimester... The 2nd Time AroundI've been pretty quiet on the blog and social media lately. Why? Turns out that growing a tiny human can be pretty exhausting. I found out I was pregnant with Baby #2 on Memorial Day Weekend, when I was up to my ears in my CFA studies. I was so worried that the stress of the exam might harm the little nugget baby in some way. The day of the exam I saw at least 6 women that were very pregnant. That made me feel a bit better.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Studying away</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And that's a positive pregnancy test</td></tr>
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With Patsy, we got pregnant right away. The first try in fact. When we felt it was time to have another baby, it took a little longer than expected. I was still nursing which I think acted as a form of birth control. Many women have gotten pregnant while breastfeeding so it definitely is not a fool proof form of birth control, but for some women it can be. Anywaysssss once the exam was over, I was really excited to focus on enjoying my summer with Patsy. We told my mom and cousin about the pregnancy but my SIL was getting married in a few weeks and I wanted to wait until after the wedding before we told my husband's family. The day of the wedding I took empty shots of fireball and drank O'Doul's out of a champagne glass to keep suspicions at bay. Something I learned after being unable to keep the secret very well the first time around.<br />
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When I was around 6 weeks pregnant, I started to feel the symptoms of pregnancy within the first trimester. I hope this isn't TMI for you. If so, feel free to click the close box.<br />
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<li>Nausea - oh wow, the nausea. I'm 14+ weeks now and I'm still nauseous</li>
<li>Fatigue - chasing around an almost 2 year old helps with this one too</li>
<li>Tender and sore breasts (oh yes, this is for real)</li>
<li>Increased amount of trips to the bathroom</li>
<li>Food aversion</li>
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That last one really goes hand-in-hand with the nausea. I can no longer drink coffee; thank goodness Starbuks offers the refresher drinks that include a dose of caffiene. I've also now fallen in love with the white tea lemonade with ginger puree at Argo Tea. Seriously, it is THE BEST.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starbucks Very Berry Hibiscus, light ice & extra berries</td></tr>
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For about 1 month straight, I ate nothing but grilled cheese for dinner every night. I think Chris and Patsy are now officially sick of grilled cheese. </div>
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And of course you can't loose with a combo mac and cheese grilled cheese. Yes, you're seeing that right.<br />
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The nausea has made it really challenging to get any motivation to workout. I tried a Barre class for the first time and had to leave in the middle of the class so I could go throw up. I'm telling you guys--first trimester nausea is no joke. I haven't been able to run as much in this pregnancy as I did with Patsy. But I'm still having fun and trying to workout when I can!<br />
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So this is what's been going on in my life!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh and here's a fuzzy pic of our new little baby on the way!</td></tr>
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I hope you enjoy the ride the second time around, just as much as the first time! If you have any questions about pregnancy, babies, Patsy or anything, don't be afraid to ask!Kelly @ Running Kellometershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15261285599296693612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005464141741044836.post-44281508650555588762015-07-30T09:00:00.000-05:002015-07-30T09:00:00.426-05:00Throwback Thursday: My First Half Marathon7 years ago in August of 2008, I finished my very first half marathon. Thanks to the wonders of technology and internet creeping, I've been able to find photos and the original time of that first half marathon.<br />
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I remember it fondly. I lived in the city and did most of my training runs along the lake front before work (where I woke up later than I do every day now). I did a lot of evening runs on the treadmill at the 24 hour gym down the street. I may or may not have done a 4 miler at 11pm after a long day at work. Oh to be in my early 20s again...<br />
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I bought an iPod shuffle specifically for the Nike+ capabilities and that was how I tracked all of my runs. In retrospect, the distance of my training was probably a little off. My goal of the race was to finish, so I think that was enough.<br />
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I wore a t-shirt from another race (which I thought was SUPER COOL); the Corporate Challenge that I had completed earlier that year. I wore shorts I had bought from Target. It was before C9, I think, so I don't even know what the "brand" was. I had my Asics and my orthodics... I was ready to go!<br />
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The race was called the Chicago Distance Classic and sadly, 2008 was its last year. It was a simple out and back course along the lake front.<br />
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Looking at these photos, I hope you enjoy this trip down memory lane. Also, lets take a look at the outfits of other runners. Not much pizazz. Lots of cotton tees. In the 3rd photo, I think a guy behind me is wearing CARGO SHORTS. Running clothing has really come a long way in recent years, especially for women. Thank goodness!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2:18:43. That was my finish time </td></tr>
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<b>What was your first half marathon? Do you have fun photos from the event?</b>Kelly @ Running Kellometershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15261285599296693612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005464141741044836.post-31744659111153438542015-07-22T09:30:00.000-05:002015-07-22T09:30:01.571-05:00Big News!I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for you kind words on my post on Sunday regarding my own vision of my body. We are our own worst critics sometimes.<br />
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We have some big news to share! Patsy is going to be a big sister!<br />
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I'm 12 weeks along and Baby Wilson 2.0 is due February 3, 2016. I'm hoping to keep working out and running through my pregnancy but we'll see how things go. Thanks for all of your support. I'm excited to go through things all over again! I'm hoping for a very different birth experience this time around and it is probably something I'm going to blog about, so get ready for lots of fun pregnancy posts in the months and weeks to come!Kelly @ Running Kellometershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15261285599296693612noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005464141741044836.post-19824008624958322472015-07-16T09:00:00.000-05:002015-07-16T09:00:03.152-05:00Stroller Runs with Meghan<a href="http://theperfectcompilationtape.blogspot.com/">Meghan</a> and I both have little babes only 2 months apart.<br />
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This is the first time they ever met. Patsy was 5 months old and Layla was 3 months old. Aren't they so adorable! This was my attempt at taking photos of two constantly moving children. I think I have a future in photography. Amiright?<br />
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From time to time, Meghan and I try to meet up for a run. Sometimes with our babies.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patsy is not impressed</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look out on the trail! We're coming through!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huggies!</td></tr>
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Sometimes without.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spartan August 2014</td></tr>
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This past weekend we took our babies for another great stroller run.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outfit: Oiselle tank, vintage. shorts: <a href="http://www.oiselle.com/shop/running-bottoms/lori-shorts">Oiselle Lori shorts in Brill Blue</a></td></tr>
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As our kids are almost two years old, after the run was over, we let them out of their strollers so they could run around together.<br />
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It was super mega adorable! They ran while holding hands yet refused to share a mere morsel of food with one another. It was such a blast to share our hobby and passion with our girls.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://magmilerunner.spreadshirt.com/">Patsy's shirt</a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sjGTeNDc8yVcKJO-8KocjwJ9fQ4l3fgZb2gUrpkdTfkPb2GeyFvaG-FRKYA_K2XvetORaw2fs7RsetJ6z_dn_7g2wVzhNHEdtkCCutIJYLLeo7ikxMJ1koFrTsX86Ibz3PmWI-V8NBw/s1600/IMG_1436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sjGTeNDc8yVcKJO-8KocjwJ9fQ4l3fgZb2gUrpkdTfkPb2GeyFvaG-FRKYA_K2XvetORaw2fs7RsetJ6z_dn_7g2wVzhNHEdtkCCutIJYLLeo7ikxMJ1koFrTsX86Ibz3PmWI-V8NBw/s320/IMG_1436.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SCldrwV1XB0/VaVJEMKBKMI/AAAAAAAAYuI/HjAEam6AJrc/s1600/IMG_1437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SCldrwV1XB0/VaVJEMKBKMI/AAAAAAAAYuI/HjAEam6AJrc/s320/IMG_1437.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I mean, how can you not fall in love with these cuties?<br />
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I really look forward to completing a 5k in the future, while having Miss Patsy participate in the kids race! I should probably start looking into that. If anyone has any suggestions in the southwest suburbs, let me know!Kelly @ Running Kellometershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15261285599296693612noreply@blogger.com6