April 2014 – Storybook Erin

Clermont 12k on Lake Minneola, Race Recap

Healthy Living

In order to get a proof of time for the Tower of Terror 10-miler, we needed to run a 10k or longer distance, and when we found the Mineola 12K, we knew it was the right one for us. My parents live not too far from Clermont, so we had someone to watch our daughter and a place to stay!

Here is a breif recap of our experience at the Minneola 12k.

The course was beautiful, we started in the park and ran completely around the lake – which was nice because at times you could feel the cool breeze.

Miles 1-2 I held up a 4 min run / 1 min walk routine.

Mile 3 – I started to feel really dehydrated, so I switched to a 3 min run / 1 min walk

Mile 4 – choked down some GU, made me more nauseated. 1 min run / 1 min walk

Mile 5-end – finally feeling better!! 2 min run / 1 min walk

I genuinely felt great! I was super nervous with only 1 hour of sleep the night before and I was also feeling nauseated (nerves always get me) – but, it was a great race!

I’m proud to turn in this pace for my upcoming Run Disney events!!

3 Reasons Pregnancy Made Me a Better Runner

Healthy Living

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Last May when I found out I was expecting, I was undoubtedly excited. I couldn’t wait to be a mom.

Only thing, I was in the early stages of training for my First Marathon… Actually a 39.3 mile, two day challenge at Walt Disney World.

My pre-pregnancy plan was to keep up my base mileage, and work on strength training. I’ve read so many articles that encourage a strong core for better running form, so I was going to work on my core, and building my base from April – July.

In July, I was going to start the Jeff Galloway training plan for the 2014 Goofy Challege. Since I was expecting, I couldn’t train for the race but with my OB’s consent (and constant supervision – seriously, she was always checking in on my mileage) I continued to run until I was 36 weeks pregnant.

Becoming a #pregnantrunner helped me in many ways, here are three of them!

1) Proper Form

When you are carrying a child, your balance is different. In order to compensate, I took shorter, more focused strides and was sure to keep my head up. By focusing on proper form, and taking slower runs during pregnancy, I’ve seen a change in my current running.

I’m actually paying attention to the details of the run, not just pounding the pavement gathering miles!

2) Nutrition

Running for two requires attention to your water and calorie intake!

It’s easy to get focused on the need to run and forget to make sure you are properly hydrated, and have a snack before the run.

Now that I’ve gone from #pregnantrunner to #breastfeedingrunner the same applies!

3) Enjoy each run, and be thankful.

At 37 weeks, my baby was full term and I had started to lose weight. Baby was healthy but my OB was concerned for my health and asked me to stop running, and only walk a few times a week.

I was bored. The 8 weeks I wasn’t permitted to run I missed it…

My lesson was learned. Even on the rough days, I try to be positive and thankful that I was able to run!

Question: did you / would you run while pregnant?

Reminder: I’m not a health professional, prior to running while pregnant be sure to get clearance from your doctor! ❤️

First pregnant running event! (June 2013)

Organization Hack for when babies outgrow clothes

Mom Life

Babies grow really quickly, they are in and out of sizes faster than you can blink! Here is how I am keeping things neat and tidy in my daughters room.

I have a small basket on the shelf by her crib and if something doesn’t fit, I put it in the basket. Once the basket is full, I go ahead and box it away to either donate or keep for future babies.

Easy and convenient.

Since I’m still losing weight I’ve taken this tip and incorporated it into my fitness life.

I have a bag next to the dryer of clothes, as I fold clothes and find things that are too big, I put it in the bag to donate!

Question: how do you organize clothes that don’t fit?

2014 – So many transitions

Mom Life Uncategorized

2014 is a year of transition in our Storybook Life.

Our hearts expanded in mid January when we welcomed a beautiful princess into our family.

I transitioned from pregnancy to motherhood, and Prince Charming was an instant super dad.

On Tuesday our Princess will be 3 months old, so the next transition for us will be moving from bassinet in our room to the crib (a.k.a. Big girl bed) in her room.

Here are 4 things I’ve been doing to help transition baby girl to her room.

1. Tummy time!

All tummy time is done in her room. I’ve moved all her toys into her room, (re-claimed my living room) and we just have a fun time exercising our muscles and playing with toys.

2. Diaper changes.

I’ve moved all of the diaper changes to her room.

3. Feedings.

I’ve started feeding her more in her room. Associating comfort with her new space.

4. A.m. Nap

I’ve been successful a few times with getting her to take a long nap (30-45 min). I stay in her room and fold clothes, or rest for a few minutes while she sleeps. I think it gives me piece of mind to be in the same space, and also I love watching her wake up from her morning nap – seriously, check out these smiles!

Anyway, we are still transitioning and the process isn’t fast, but we are moving in the right direction.

Question: when did you transition your child into the nursery? Any tips?

P.s. Afternoon naps (if she naps) look more like this, and I really don’t mind one bit!