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Ironman Journey Q & A Part 3
Here we are again, round three of answering questions about my Ironman Journey. The question of the day, Aren’t you afraid you are going to miss a lot of your daughter’s firsts? If you just started following me on this journey, check out: Ironman Journey Q & A Part 1: Do you have children and if so, how old are you kids? And when did you decide to do an Ironman? Ironman Journey Q & A Part 2: Are you crazy? Why now? Why Not Before Kids? If you would like me to answer any questions, the “submit your questions” button is on the bottom of the page. Aren’t you afraid you are going to miss a lot of your daughter’s firsts? When I told my family last Thanksgiving (November 2012) that I signed up for my Ironman, I got the question from one of my brothers about missing my daughter’s firsts. My daughter at the time was only 2.5 months old. I thought it was an interesting question and over the course of this past year, this question kept entering my consciousness, especially on my long training weekends. Yes, I am of course concerned about missing my daughter’s first, no different than I was fearful of missing my sons firsts. Not because of training, but because I am a full-time working mom who has left the care of my children for 45 – 50 hours a week in someone else’s hands. For 5 days a week, I only see my kids awake for 3-5 hours at the most. During those 8-9 hours a day, my son and daughter have had a lot of firsts that I’ve missed. I am sad I have not seen all the milestones in person, but I am lucky. Throughout my children’s lives, I had wonderful Au Pairs* that have watched my children and send me videos and photos on a regular basis of my children and their daily progress. I do however on my long training weekends get extreme “mommy guilt”. The only time I really get to spend with my children and I am training, right. Then my wonderful hubby and Sherpa remind me that I am doing something that makes me happy, healthy and a better person, mom, wife and friend. He also has reminds me that a lot of other working parents on weekends do not spend every moment with their kids; they might spend 5 hours on their computer while their kids play or 3 hours cleaning, etc. Plus, my son who is now 3.5 years old is so excited for me and he loves that I – and my husband both – swim, bike and run. He thinks it is really cool and always wants to go riding with us. So, yes, I am sad that I have missed some of my children’s firsts, but we work really hard to ensure my training does not impact my quality time with my children or my husband. Sometimes training does conflict with quality time, but I do the best I can do to manage all responsibilities. * If you want to read more about Au Pairs or our child care decisions, you can find information here. More answers tomorrow. Submit Your Questions For more Run Stroller Run family and stroller...
read moreIronman Journey Q & A Part 2
Ironman Journey Q & A Part 2, where I answer the three following questions: Are you crazy? Why now? Why not before kids? If you want to find out about whether I have kids and when did I start my Ironman Journey, read Ironman Journey Q & A Part 1. If you would like me to answer any questions, the “submit your questions” button is on the bottom of the page. Are you crazy? I decided to answer this question now because I seem to get this answer a lot. The short and long answer to this question might just be “yes”. I have always thrived when I have more to do on my plate. In college, I always got my best grades during soccer season. I only had a limited amount of time to dedicate to one task; therefore, when I did study it was more focused. When I was in graduate school both times (10 years apart), ironic as it might seem, I found my roots back to triathlon. So when it was “my” year for Ironman, I knew I could manage training, in conjunction with work and family life. Plus, honestly there is a definite finish line and I know the training is not going to last forever. Don’t get me wrong this has been extremely difficult, especially in the beginning. I was a sleep deprived mom of a 2.5 year old and an infant and I was barely making through the days. I miss seeing my family during my long training weekends, and I look forward to having an unstructured weekend hanging out having coffee with my husband in the morning and making funny face pancakes for my kids. But, I am sure it will only take a few weeks post Ironman that I will be itching to set my next goal. Oh right, it is already set for me Ironman 70.3 Raleigh in June 2014. Why now? Why not before kids? I think this question goes hand in hand with the question above. I never ever considered doing an Ironman before having kids; it was not even in the realm of my possibility. Not because I did not think if a task of this magnitude was presented I could not do it, but I never even heard of an Ironman. In 1998, I started doing triathlon then took a hiatus for nearly 12 years. Life got in the way. I began a Masters program and was working full time, which left no time to train consistently for three sports. Plus, triathlon is an expensive sport and my salary at the time did not lend itself to supporting my sport. Then in 2009, while finishing my MBA, my hubby learned to swim and began training for his first triathlon. Being a supportive wife – and a bit competitive too:) – I began training with him. I graduated in June of 2009 and literally two days after graduation, I found out I was pregnant with my son. From 2009, I have been either pregnant, breast feeding, and/or trying to get pregnant; thus, ultimately my body was not my own and I had no time to prepare for an Ironman. So, when my husband and I agreed to 2013 being my year; I’ve embraced it as...
read moreIronman Journey Q & A Part 1
As my last post stated Do you know how far an Ironman is?!?!, I am planning on answer all the questions people have asked and continue to ask about my Ironman Journey. If you would like me to answer any questions, the “submit your questions” button is on the bottom of the page. Do you have children and if so, how old are you kids? Yes, my hubby and I have two wonderful, mischievous, outgoing children, a 3 year old son and a 13 month old daughter. When did you decide to do an Ironman? My Ironman journey started nearly three years ago. My hubby signed up for his first Ironman in Cozumel for November 2011. Throughout the 11 months I was a Sherpa, I witnessed his dedication, his devotion and his transformation into an Ironman. While he trained, my duty as his wife and Sherpa was to be the primary care giver of our 11 months old son and keeper of our house. Being a triathlete myself, I was a bit envious of the training and transformation; I wanted to do so as well. However, a deal my hubby and I made when our 2011 season started was that only one of us at a time could race an Ironman or ½ Ironman while we had young kids. Plus, we were trying to get pregnant and it made no sense for me to be the one to do an Ironman in 2011. We did end up getting pregnant in May 2011 with our second child, but unfortunately God had a different plan for our angel and we said goodbye in August 2011. Over the course of our healing process, my hubby was a rock. He was there for me and our family, but remained true to his Ironman training. In addition, to give me a goal – something to focus on – we agreed that 2013 would be my year. Meaning after we had another baby – God willing – it would be my year to do an Ironman. December 2011 we got pregnant, less than a month after my hubby became an Ironman. We were graced with the presence of our beautiful baby girl at the end of the summer 2012. Sleep deprived and post partum, November 4, 2013 at 1:00 PM EST I sat at my desk refreshing my screen until on Active.com to sign-up for Ironman Florida November 2, 2013. I got a confirmation this confirmation below at 1:04 PM. Gulp, now it was real. Holy Crap, I committed myself to do an Ironman. What was I thinking? I have a 10 week old daughter and a 2.5 year old son. Finally in January 2013, I decided it was time to drop the baby weight – mind you I was pregnant for 14 out of 16 months – and get on my bike. Thus, my training began. To read my hubby’s Ironman Journey, here is his race report. To read my amusing Sherpa report, here is No Longer an Ironman Sherpa Virgin. More answers tomorrow. Submit Your Questions For more Run Stroller Run family and stroller friendly races updates, training woes, pictures and more, check out: Twitter: Run Stroller Run Twitter: Lara Coffee Facebook: Run Stroller Run Pinterest: Run Stroller Run Google+: Run Stroller Run...
read moreDo You Know How Far An Ironman Is?!?!
Do you know how far an Ironman is?!?! Many people that have followed my Ironman journey or just started following me on this crazy ride have asked me a plethora of questions – especially since I started training when my daughter was 3 months old and my son was not even 3 years old. So, since I received the same questions from several different people – at a minimum – I will answer one a day until all the questions are answered. If you have any questions you would like me to answer, please feel free to submit them. Submit Your Questions Here are some of the questions I have received in the past 10 months that I will answer. Why now? Why not before kids? Are you crazy? Aren’t you afraid you are going to miss a lot of your daughter’s firsts? How are doing this? What is your training schedule? Aren’t you exhausted? Does your husband do these too? Do you know how far an Ironman is?!?! Have you done anything like this before? Do you work? And if so, how do you manage to work, train, be a wife and mother? Do you train alone or with a team? If a team, what team? How do you stay motivated? What made you want to do an Ironman? Have you ever done a triathlon? Do you plan on doing anything after this? Keep the questions coming. For more Run Stroller Run family and stroller friendly races updates, training woes, pictures and more, check out: Twitter: Run Stroller Run Twitter: Lara Coffee Facebook: Run Stroller Run Pinterest: Run Stroller Run Google+: Run Stroller Run Hashtag #strollerrunner...
read moreStroller Rain and Wind Cover, Winter Gear Must Have
With winter just around the corner, here is a must have for us stroller runners, rain and wind cover/protector. Just because it is getting colder outside, does not mean you need to stop walking and/or running with your kids. Depending on what part of the country you live in, yes, you might get some looks, but in the end it is good for you and your kids to get some fresh air. Jogging stroller rain and wind covers offer the protection your baby needs in unexpected rains. They are generally made of heavy duty clear vinyl with side air holes that allow good ventilation. According to several reviews I have read, one criteria reviewers judged whether a stroller rain and wind cover is good is if the cover can fold into a compact size. For some this might be important, but to me this does not even factor into my buying decision. I cannot remember ever trying to fold my rain and wind cover and I have one for each of my jog strollers. Regardless of your brand of stroller, most companies sell a rain and wind cover. When shopping for a proper stroller rain and wind cover, here is some guidance. Ensure it is made of heavy duty clear material that will last. Rain covers are used quite regular by active families who keep up with their exercise regime even in cold and wet seasons. I like the stroller rain and wind covers that do not leave permanent wrinkles on the material because I believe it indicates heavy materials. If you choose to fold your rain and wind cover, you will notice it more. However, as I mentioned above mine stays on all season. If it is nice above 60 degrees and not raining, it tucks nicely in the top of my jog stroller hood or underneath in the storage compartment. A good stroller rain and wind cover for a stroller should have sufficient side vents to allow air flow and ventilation without letting in rain and moisture that will wet your baby. Note. You do not want to use a stroller rain and wind cover if it is 60 degrees or warmer. The cover does keep the children very warm, so in our case there is no need to layer clothes and jackets. I usually put my kids in their normal day cold weather clothes (i.e., pants, sweater, socks and shoes are optional) and they are nice and toasty. A rain and wind cover that attaches to the jogging stroller firmly so it is not blown away in heavy wind and driving rain. Some covers use hooks and tabs, while others may be designed with Velcro attachments to a stroller. I personally like the ones with hooks and tabs; I have found the Velcro does not work as well for me. Major brands in have stroller rain and wind covers designed specifically to fit their brands and models strollers; see the list below. But, for some reason you cannot find a stroller rain and wind cover specifically designed for your brand, there is a universal stroller cover that has decent reviews, Valco Baby Universal 3 Wheel Rain Cover. Baby Jogger BOB Weather Shield InStep Jeep Jolly Jumper Single Jogging Stroller Weathershield Mountain Buggy Phil and Teds The...
read moreIronman Florida Here I Come Pubic Bone Stress Fracture or Not
So for the past 12 months, I have not written anything on my blog about my Ironman journey; however, today I felt compelled to do so because it is getting close, I am nervous and I was told today I might have a pubic bone stress fracture. Yes, 22 days until Ironman Florida and I was told today by my chiropractor, “you might have the beginning of a stress fracture on your pubic bone and you have a minor case of tendinitis in your abductor.” Yes, really a stress fracture in my pubic bone; really?!?! My hubby who was trying to make light of the situation said, “I might actually win the weirdest injury award for the season.” What is a pubic bone stress fracture, you might ask? It is a condition characterized by an incomplete crack in one of the pelvic bones. What causes a pelvic bone stress fracture? According to several sources, a pelvic stress fracture typically occurs over time with excessive weight bearing activity such as running, sprinting, jumping or dancing. They often occur following a recent increase in activity or change in training conditions (such as surface, footwear or technique changes etc) and are particularly common in long distance runners. Occasionally they may occur due to repetitive kicking in sports such as football or soccer. Pelvic stress fractures may also occur in women, following pregnancy, who commence excessive weight bearing activity without adequate pelvic and core stability. I attribute, mine to the last factor, following pregnancy I started training for the Ironman without adequate pelvic and core stability. I gave birth to my daughter a little over 13 months ago and started training for Ironman Florida three months post pregnancy. My chiropractor’s goal is get me to the start and finish line of Ironman Florida. Being an Xterra World Champion herself, she knows how to get it done; therefore, when she said to me you are not racing this weekend; I am begrudging listening. I was scheduled to race a ½ Ironman distance this weekend, which I was not originally over thrilled to do; I did not want to mess with my head especially if something terrible went wrong and I had a bad race. However, now that she told me I cannot race, I want to do it more than anything. Any one that has ever played soccer with me or ran marathons with me or raced in triathlons with me might know that one motivating factor that drives me to succeed is when someone tells me I cannot do something. So now with unexpected incentive, I am going to try to take this in stride and use this motivation to fuel me in the pool. Yes, the next couple of days – maybe even a week – the pool and I will be best of friends and chlorine will be my new perfume. In the grand scheme of things, I know I need to get healthy and maintain fitness for 22 more days. Then regardless of the state of my injury, I will embrace the pain, endure the waves and wind, and celebrate my teammates and my finish. Ironman Florida, I am still coming for you. For more Run Stroller Run family and stroller friendly races updates, training woes, pictures and more, check out:...
read moreThank You Cards
Thank you! These two little words mean so much. I was taught early on when you receive a gift, you send a hand written thank you card. As a kid, I thought this was a major pain in the bum, especially when you rather play with your toys instead of writing hand written thank you notes. But, we did it because it was required. As an adult, I have tried to maintain this practice and instill the importance of thank you cards with my kids. Yes, sometimes life gets in the way and I do not always get hand written thank you cards out, but I try. Even though my kids are 3 years old and 12 months old, they have been required to participate in creating their own thank you cards. My son has colored on each card that goes out since he has been 15 months old – putting his own touches on it. For my daughter, she painted her own thank you cards for her first birthday. Here is how we did it and how you can recreate them for your own family. Supplies Needed 1 Roll of Painter’s tape 1 Box of plain cards and/or paper (card stock) 1 paint brush or the kids can use their fingers 1 washable paint (colors of your choice) 1 paper plate for the paints Directions Get out your blank cards out. If you are using card stock paper, cut the paper down the middle; leaving two pieces of paper. Then fold each paper in half making two cards. Make your child’s first initial of their name with Painter’s tape on the front of the card. Have your child paint the front of the card over the tape. Depending on the age of your child, you might need Let the card dry. When the card is dry, pull of the Painter’s tape carefully, and your card will proudly display their art work with their initial on it. Voila! You have hand made thank you...
read moreFlying the Stroller Friendly Skies
By Cheryl Rushing It is nearly travel season and if you’re reading this you’re probably traveling with an infant or toddler, which brings its own set of challenges; flying the stroller friendly skies. We’re here to focus on a big one: traveling via air with a jogging stroller. Each major air carrier has their own set of rules when it comes to strollers, but some basic guidelines apply: The stroller can usually be checked at the gate. Check with your airline if it is not listed below. Most airlines will allow an umbrella stroller as a carry on, space permitting. Most airlines check the stroller free of charge as long as the child is traveling with you, but please check the website or call the reservations number to verify before traveling. The stroller must fold down/collapse (strollers that do not collapse must be checked at the ticket counter and may incur a baggage fee). The stroller must be bagged and tagged (we recommend tagging inside and out). Label it with your name everywhere; like they tell you when you bring your toddler to preschool or day care, Label, Label, Label. The airline is not responsible for damage to the stroller and damage waiver coverage cannot be purchased. If you are planning on flying the stroller friendly skies; here is a breakdown of stroller guidelines for major US airlines when traveling domestically: AirTran Reservations/Information: 1-800-247-8726 You may bring a stroller to the gate for ease of travel through the airport. The stroller may be gate checked just before boarding the plane and will be returned to the aircraft jet way upon arrival at your destination. Car seats and strollers may be checked free of charge; any other items are subject to standard baggage fees (i.e., portable crib, high chair, etc.). For more information, here is AirTran’s policy. Alaska Airlines Reservations/Information: 1-800-252-7522 Car seats and strollers can be checked as baggage at no additional charge. If the car seat or stroller is needed in the airport, you can check it at the gate. Infants traveling on a purchased ticket should have a proper child restraint. For more information, here is Alaska Airlines policy. American Airlines Reservations/Information: 1-800-433-7300 Strollers that are large, non-collapsible or over 20 lbs. must be checked at the ticket counter. Strongly discouraged to avoid damage. Facilities were not designed to accommodate these types of strollers Must be checked at the ticket counter May not be carried on the aircraft or checked at the gate; No strollers of any size are permitted as carry-on baggage. Exempt from baggage charges when accompanying a child or infant who is traveling For more information, here is American Airlines policy. Delta Airlines Reservations/Information: 1-800-221-1212 Children’s strollers and seat restraints are not counted as part of the standard baggage and therefore can easily be checked for free. For your convenience these items may be checked at curbside, the ticket counter, or at the gate. For more information, here is Delta Airlines policy. Frontier Airlines Reservations/Information: 1-800-432-1359 If you need them, strollers may be used to transport your child to the gate, but then must be checked at the gate as baggage. The stroller will be returned to the gate at your final destination. (http://www.flyfrontier.com/faqs/baggage-faqs) Special Item Handling Fees A stroller and car seat may...
read moreJust breathe!
“Just breathe. Take three deep breaths because you are three years old.” This is what I say to my son when he is angry, frustrated or just plain too excited. Usually after he takes his third deep breaths (properly), he has either calmed down enough to have a conversation or is ready to go onto the next activity. Like any three year old, he repeats back to me what I say to him. So one day my husband and I were having a heated discussion and he turned to us and said, “Calm down. There are other ways to handle this situation. Just breathe.” At that moment, my husband and I were no longer fighting because we were laughing too hard. But, my son has a point. So the next time I got angry and needed to calm myself, I thought to myself just breathe. Except, I decided to take 38 deep breaths for 38 years old; take the number of breaths based on your age. Low and behold by the time I got to 20 breaths I was calmed down; 38 deep breaths takes a hell of a long time. No, I do not do this every time; some times I cannot think that fast. But I realized when I do, the “situation” is not as bad as I thought or I am able to handle myself and my emotions better. In light of everything going on around us, I wonder if we all took the number of breaths that is equivalent to our age, if perhaps, we would have far less angry people in the world. Or if nothing else, we learn a new technique to control our immediate impulses. Seriously, try it! You will find in most circumstances you will have calmed down and most likely you will not have to count to your age to feel more at ease. Remember, just...
read morePositive Impact of Healthy Touch
By Stephanie Maziejka I have been discussing health and wellness as it relates to the individual and I would like to branch out and focus on why healthy touch can have a much larger positive impact on not only the family unit but the community as well. My previous articles discuss the physiological benefits of massage; relief from musculoskeletal aches and pains, stimulation of body systems, and a decrease in stress/increase in relaxation via accessing the parasympathetic nervous system and kicking our bodies out of the fight or flight stress stage, where many of us spend our daily lives. In a world where individuals sustain heightened stress levels, more and more preventable pathologies are popping up (a discussion for a different day) and the emotional and psychological connectedness that used to be prominent among families and communities has suffered. Physiologically, touch improves health. When individuals are healthier they tend to be happier and psychological studies* have shown this to have a tremendous affect on the happy individual’s interpersonal relationships, work ethic and productivity, and their connectedness to the world around them. In addition to the physiological benefits and the increased levels of happy that massage and healthy touch can provide, its strongest attribute is to promote and establish trust. One reason that touch has become such a taboo subject in our society is because of the horrendous stories told on the media about physical and sexual abuse among adults. Even more atrocious are the stories of physical or sexual abuse of children by adults. As a new mother, I am affected by these stories more so than before I had my son. Now upon hearing these stories I get a visceral reaction of panic, disgust, and overwhelming sadness. I realize that upon hearing these stories there is an almost instinctual response to want to protect our children by putting them in a protective bubble lined with barbed wire. However, I think this is the wrong approach. I believe that we as a community need to have a discussion concerning personal awareness, relationships, and safety but I think the tone of this conversation should be positive, not negative. The foundation should be based on education and not fear. I believe learning about touch in a positive way promotes a healthy sense of trust, which is essential to developing healthy relationships throughout all aspects of life. Not all touch is negative. Touch conveys the emotional intent of the individual. It can be a sign of support, encouragement, and it can provide comfort when sometimes words fail. Rather than tell ourselves all touch is bad and avoid touching and being touched, we should be promoting healthy touch and discuss respecting individual’s boundaries and emotions so that we avoid unintentional isolation. Isolation is one of the worst forms of punishment be it in the form of time out for toddlers or solitary confinement in a prison. If we introduce touch early on in a familial setting (i.e. infant massage!) our children will grow up with a stronger emotional bond to family members. Healthier relationships among family members promote empathy and respect; characteristics that children then bring into the classrooms and extracurricular activities aka: the community! Children that are involved in the community in a positive way tend to develop and grow into healthy...
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