Find a 24 Hour Fitness near you and print your free 7 day pass!  Great way to stay in shape on vacation.

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WHAT? My Husband Out Ran Me!

I never thought I'd see the day that "Fat Tony"* would out run me...But the day has come.  I blame my injury slowing me down, and the fact that I'm such an awesome motivator and coach for him *wink wink*.

I haven't run over 5k since I started back.  Tony has been working on the c25k for over a year (yes, it's an 8 week program, but the Tone-ster has a way of taking his sweet time).  Well, he completed the program and asked what to do next, speed or distance.  I said distance, and sent him on his way to 3.5 miles.  He did it, no problem.

This morning on my 2nd day of half training, I was contemplating the upcoming 4 mile run, when I realized that my husband is currently running further than me!  At first I was a little irritated.  Like I said, it's taken him a year to complete the Couch to 5k, and on many occasions I've had to nearly push him out the door to do it.  I've been running for 2 years (I realize that's not very long), completed 2 half marathons, and motivated many of my non-running friends to start running.  Aahhh, that was it, he was one of the non-runners that I had motivated, OK pushed.  And now he was succeeding.  This is actually a pretty big accomplishment and something for both of us to be proud of.


So, this weekend we'll both run 4 miles...but I'll still run them faster! ;)

His and Hers Brooks

* He was dubbed "Fat Tony" years ago by a coworker, when he was probably at his thinnest.  I wouldn't just come out and slap "fat" in front of my husband's name for all the world to see.

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Review/Giveaway: PottyCover

What is it?

PottyCover is a disposable toilet seat cover for children that covers the sides and the front of the toilet, to keep away germs at public rest-rooms.  It is made of non-woven fabric coated with a layer of plastic, creating a waterproof barrier between the toilet and the child. This product has the largest coverage of all seat covers on the market and for added convenience, each seat cover is individually packaged in a small, easy to open bag that makes it super easy to always keep one or two in a purse or a back pocket. 

Using a public rest-room with a young child could be very stressful, but with PottyCovers the whole family can feel safe knowing that even at the filthiest bathrooms they will be protected from germs. We designed this product for kids, but it has become a must-have travel item for many of our adult customers.

What do I think?
PottyCover is genius.  Little kids have, or sometimes just like to go to the bathroom as soon as you leave the house, and it's not always (or ever) convenient.  Let's face it, most public bathrooms are gross.  Even if I don't see the "ick", I just know it's there.  In fact, I tell my kids to keep their hands on their shoulders so they don't touch anything.  My little Micky, has recently developed the need to poop pretty much any time we're out.  PottyCover really does cover everything!  There is no heiny, hands, or legs touching the nasty public toilet.  I can't necessarily say that I like the size of the cover as it is a little cumbersome, but really, if you want full coverage, you don't have a choice.  And to be honest, it doesn't necessarily have to be just for kids.  The PottyCover is definitely worth keeping in the glove compartment or pocketbook, especially if you go anywhere you might encounter a port-a-potty.

You can pick up the PottyCover on Amazon, Ebay, and Bed, Bath and Beyond for about $6.  Or you can enter to win a package right here!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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From Boot to Beach via Half Marathon II

From Boot to Beach via Half Marathon

Today was day 1 of half training.  That means just 10 weeks until the Wild Half at the Jersey Shore.  I'm excited and nervous.

Today it was just 3 miles, but during that 3 miles, I thought about everything that will effect my body; nutrition, cross training, physical therapy, orthodics and *cringe* new shoes.  I've decided that since I haven't run any serious distance since RnR DC, I'm not going to worry too much about my pace, just the mileage.  I'm going for slow and steady this time around...which right now just means slow.  When the Garmin beeped that I had completed the first mile at 11:24, I'd say "ugh", but my first mile is my warm-up, so it's always very slow.  I picked it up, hit my stride and busted out the next 2 miles with no problem.  I came home, stretched (yes, I am stretching after my runs now), elevated and iced.  I'm treating my ligaments as nicely as possible this time around and I'm taking no chances.  I will enjoy the Wild Half, and I will be ready to beat my RnR Philly time in September.

As I sit down tonight and ice again, I'm thinking, it's only 3 miles, and that's pretty much what my runs have been for the last few weeks, but it did feel good to know that this 3 miles is just the beginning of my 13.1.

Yep, frozen peas...And, yes, I realize that I need a pedicure.

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Nothing Like the First Coffee Run!

A friend of mind, Danielle, decided to take up running after her third baby and asked for a little assistance.  During her Couch to 5k training, I added Danielle to my Running Mommies group and she signed up for the Philly Color Run with our team.  Like many, Danielle's treadmill training left a little to be desired when she hit the pavement, but she did hit the pavement.

As many of you know, I meet my crazy running friends Friday mornings for our pre-dawn run that ends in coffee and a nice walk back.  Coincidentally, Danielle was down the shore staying just 2 blocks away from my crazy running friend Katie, who initiated the coffee run.  They had "met" on the Running Mommies Facebook page and felt comfortable getting together while on vacation.  Katie took Danielle out Monday and Wednesday morning for a couple miles.  And then came Friday...

My family was joining Katie's for a couple of days at the end of the week, so we decided that Danielle would have her inaugural coffee run!  Katie and I headed over to the newbie's house early Friday morning.  It was still pretty dark out, though the temperature was in the high 70's.  Danielle was dressed and ready to go, excited and maybe a little scared.  Katie had our route mapped out to hit the Wawa at 3 miles.  We ran at a good pace for me, maybe a little fast for Danielle, and definitely slow for Katie.  Regardless, we all kept up the pace, kept chatting, and kept running.  Danielle was a trooper.  Just over the hump of mile 2 she told us something that we hadn't realized...This was the farthest and fastest she'd ever run outside!  We slowed our pace to get her through the last mile.  With just a block left, Danielle busted out and took off to the finish line.  She cleared 3 miles in under 33 minutes at a 10:44 pace.

I have to say, I feel so honored to have been there for Danielle's longest, fastest pavement run.  And  there was something really nice to have done this Friday coffee run with my mentor, Katie, and with someone that I'm mentoring.  Maybe not the circle of life, but definitely the circle of running.

CONGRATULATIONS DANIELLE!

Danielle, Katie, Me

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My Auntie Yo Will Thank You, as Will I!

Yolanda L. Jackson is the Senior Director of Athlete Marketing and Promotions for the Women's Sports Foundation.  She earned her Masters from Columbia.  Not only has she been a role model, but she's brought public attention to female athletes of the past, present, and future.  Her contributions have been recognized by WSF's Billie Jean who developed the Yolanda L. Jackson Give Back Award honoring a female athlete "who exemplifies what it means to be a role model, and who knows the importance of giving back."  Through the foundation, Yolanda works with elite female athletes to make sure that they are able to reach their full potential.  Her work not only promotes women in sports, but has paved the way for future female athletes to make their dreams come true.


But to me, she's just my Auntie Yo.  She's fun, and smart, and loving, and family.  And a few years ago I sat on my living room floor and cried thinking about the possibility that we might lose her  (which kind of makes my eyes well up just typing it).  Yolanda was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  If you know anything about this type of cancer, you know it's often a death sentence.  Yolanda went through surgery, chemo, radiation, she went through hell.  Even in her weakest moments, she fought with all that she had.  We are so blessed that Auntie Yo made it through and has made an amazing recovery.  Thank goodness too, because she was one of the only people that got little baby Micky to stop crying on our first visit to Grammie's house!  Not to mention, I can't imagine my second baby not being held and loved on by his Great Auntie Yo, like my first baby was.  

And that is why I'm asking you to help me advocate for pancreatic cancer research.

My Aunt Yolanda, along with my Aunt Claudia, will be in D.C. on June 26 to lobby Congress for the passage of the Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act (S.362/H.R.733).  Please send your Senators and Reps an email to voice your support.  This site has a template letter so it will take just five minutes of your time.  Please, just click the link and give your 5 minutes to create more survivors of pancreatic cancer.

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OT, But...

On this Father's Day, it occurred to me just how blessed I am to have 2 fathers.

From one I inherited my hair color, the way my little toe curls in, my smile, actually pretty much my whole face.  He bread into me my will and determination, my artistic abilities (which I sadly let fall by the wayside) and creativity, my wit and maybe my wild Irish temper.

From one I learned about pancake breakfasts, Sunday family dinners, being grounded, last minute road trips.  He taught me about class and manners, though I may forget them after a drink or two, and encouraged my creativity and wit.  He exposed me to theater from "What a Spot" to "A Chorus Line", and classical music.  I actually picked the piece for the recession after our Wedding Mass because it was one of the first that I remembered listening to.

Though my "birth" father didn't have the opportunity to see me grow and change throughout most of my life, he was there at the beginning.  And there are memories of sitting at the drawing table with him as a child that will forever be vivid in my mind.  My "step" father didn't have the opportunity to be there in the beginning, but he held in his tears of pride and love when he walked me down the aisle.  I would not be the person that I am today without both of these ever important men.  And although, on this Father's Day, I can't physically be with either of them due to death and distance, to both of my dads, I say Thank You.

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Sad Observation by a 4 Year Old

Paddy's last day of PreK was Friday, so we decided to kick off summer vacation with a trip to the Philadelphia Zoo on Monday.  We invited a friend whose boys are grown, and has recently been feeling a little nostalgic about the Philly attractions that her kids used to enjoy.

Slathered in SPF 50 and armed with our packed snacks and lunches, we made our way past the giant tortoises, and through the primate house (yes, I do skip the reptile house, gross, that's for when daddy's with us).  Around the bears, we stopped in the shade for a snack, and then headed to see the animals of the plains.  By the time we came out from seeing the bunnies, ducks, and baby chicks, all of the walking had made us pretty hungry and we were ready for lunch.  Just outside of the kiddie zoo there is a big picnic area.  There is also a food stand*.  I use the term "food" loosely.  They serve hamburgers, foot-long hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, potato wedges (aka fries), and the other side has Icee's by the yard.  Besides the giant soft pretzel twists, there was not a thing remotely healthy on the menu.  This, besides the absurd prices, is why we pack our lunches.  To be honest, I don't even think that my kids would eat any of that stuff (I'm saying "stuff", what I really want to say is "garbage", oh, guess I just did).  Anyway, targeting kids outside of the petting zoo with junk food, isn't the point of the story...

During our lunch break, I had to take the Mickster to the bathroom, and left Paddy with our friend, Beth.  While I was gone, a group of Kindergartners had been seated at the tables around us.  Apparently, Paddy had been observing them, and one boy in particular.  He sadly referred to the boy in the green shirt (a 5 or 6 year old that easily weighed well over 100 lbs) and stated to Beth, "That boy is very fat."  On her own journey from health issues to fitness, Beth was interested to find out what else Paddy thought about the situation, and decided to pursue further conversation.  Paddy told Beth that he thought that the boy ate too much bad food, and that he probably didn't get much exercise.  He also said that he didn't think that the boy's mommy taught him about being healthy.  Am I proud of my son?  Absolutely.  Am I a little sad?  Yep.

It is good to know that I've instilled in my children the importance of healthy foods and physical activity.  It's amazing how much children absorb without us, as parents, actually having to point it out to them.  My heart breaks that more people don't take advantage of that, and teach their kids about healthy choices and back it up by setting a good example.  Yeah, that candy bar might put a smile on your kid's face now, and maybe they don't want to eat their veggies.  Yes, I know you don't want to hear them carry on or fight with them about food.  But...How do you think they'll feel when kids tease them about their weight?  How will you feel if you're giving them insulin to treat them for Type 2 Diabetes, or simply knowing that their little heart is weakening from having to work twice as hard to keep their body going.  Think twice about that toaster pastry and offer them some peanut butter on whole grain toast and a piece of fruit.  With childhood obesity completely out of control and Type 2 Diabetes steadily on the rise in the youth population, I urge parents to take control, because ultimately, it is on YOU...Even the 4 year old knows it.

*The Philadelphia Zoo does have a much smaller stand that offers what they consider to be healthier foods.

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Review/Giveaway: Howard B. Wigglebottom Listens to His Heart

We've recently had a few discussions with Paddy about being yourself.  I never realized that this would be a conversation I'd be having with a 4 year old.  He's started to realize that he and his friends have some different interests.  We just want to make sure he understands that that's OK, and the same things don't make everyone happy.  We also want him to be true to himself.  He often tends to be a people pleaser (not that he necessarily cares about pleasing me, just his friends).  The opportunity to review "Howard B. Wigglebottom Listens to His Heart" couldn't have come at a better time.

In this Wigglebottom installment, Howard gets made fun of while doing what he loves best, dancing, and decides to just be like everyone else.  Unfortunately, that's not what makes him happy.  After some guidance from a grown up, Howard realizes that he needs to do what he loves and do it the best he can, and only then will he be truly happy.

The We Do Listen Non Profit Foundation website offers free animated books, songs, posters, lessons, non-violent games and how kids can write their own book. The ten Howard B. Wigglebottom books in the series tackle important life lessons for 4-8 year olds like listening, bullying, sportsmanship, anger management feeling good about themselves, moderation, truth, divorce, peer pressure, belonging, generosity, sportsmanship and attention. Check them out at  http://www.wedolisten.org . Click on animated books, lessons/posters and songs.

What We Thought:
Much like Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Sportsmanship, we've really enjoyed the lesson in this Wigglebottom story, and it definitely hit home.  As seen in the video, 4 year old Paddy took away that he should be true to himself too.  He recommends the book to other kids and parents...And so do I.
For your chance to share one of Howard's stories with a child in your life, enter below to win the Wigglebottom book of your choice!
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Lunch

This is what my kids eat almost every day

• Raw vegetables
• Fruit
• Half a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (heavy on the pb, light on the j as Paddy says)

So most of their lunch is fresh produce.  They eat this because it's what I give them, and it's also what I eat.  Well, not the pb, it's the one food that I just can't stand (truthfully, I don't even like getting it on my fingers when I make their sandwich.  Yes, I know pb is a runner's best friend.  Just blech).  But I have my protein, so you get the picture.

Here's the thing, if a 2 year old and 4 year old are eating a more nutritious lunch than you, maybe it's time to brown bag it instead of hitting the closest takeout joint...Just sayin'

*This post contains affiliate links.  By clicking these links, you're supporting Running A Healthy Family.  Thanks for the support!*

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Recipe: Chicken Fingers That Won't Clog Your Arteries

How do you ruin perfectly healthy, low fat, high protein chicken breast?  Flour it, egg wash it, cover it in bread crumbs, or better yet soak it in batter, then toss it in a molten vat of grease.  Unfortunately, most kids, and grown ups, love chicken fingers.  There is a better way, really.  Your "fingers" don't have to be covered in an inch of breading and fried to be crunchy and delicious.

My Chicken Fingers Won't Kill Ya


1 lb chicken breast cut into "fingers" (or the tenders work too, already the right size)
1 tbs French's Dijon mustard (don't forget to grab your coupon)
2 tbs Greek yogurt
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 tbs extra virgin olive oil
1 gallon sized zip bag

- Preheat oven to 425
- Grease a cookie sheet with the olive oil
- Put the chicken, mustard, and yogurt in the bag and squish it around until all of the chicken is covered
- Toss in the bread crumbs and shake shake shake!
- Lay the chicken out on the pan
- Bake for 20 minutes and serve, you may not even need any honey mustard or bbq sauce.

*This post contains affiliate links.  By clicking these links, you're supporting Running A Healthy Family.  Thanks for the support!*

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My Plan for the Week

As I gear up to start half training again, I need to get back into a regular weekly routine.  I've been running short distances and cross training, but I don't feel complete unless I have a real plan.  So here is my week in exercise:

• Monday - run 2 miles for speed (let's remember, I've got a lot of catching up to do)
• Tuesday - core stability and pt exercises
• Wednesday - run 2 miles in the morning and another 1.5 with my 4 year old in the afternoon
• Thursday - pt exercises and I'm going to step out of my comfort zone and try some yoga
• Friday - 4am coffee run and planks (love those elevated planks on the ball)
• Saturday - run 5k at a comfortable pace
• Sunday - off, minimal pt exercises

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