March RESTART

Do you feel you aren’t living the BEST version of yourself?  I do, often.  I made a list of 18 things to accomplish this year, 18 for 2018. May seem excessive, some are simple/easy, I have been chipping away with positive results. The results- I am showing up better in my life, but still not my BEST self.

 

I often get caught up comparing myself to others, which takes me down a negative path of self destruction.  This month I am letting that go.  All I can control is ME and being the best version of ME!!

March I will RESTART. The best version of me has Balance. When I was in life coaching class we talked about our personal balance wheel.  Your wheel is where you spend your time and effort each day- Family, Career, Health, Spiritual, Financial, Social, etc…  You can’t give 100% to everything, you will be depleted. Over time your priorities or areas of focus will shift depending on which parts of your wheel need more attention.  Do a quick Google on “Life Balance Wheel” and you will get more information than you will need.

 I did a quick swag for my March RESTART balance wheel.  Each piece of the pie has key actions I will accomplish this month.  It is exciting to have a map like this to reference on my journey. Maintaining balance will be key for me.

PHYSICAL:

Do you remember my bloggy buddy Kerrie, formerly Mom Vs. Marathon, now DISfitlife?  She and her husband Jamey are hosting a FREE #MetabolicMadness challenge starting on March 5th. They will provide targeted workouts for the Fitness portion of my wheel. 

 I joined the gym at my work, I start Yoga for the first time tomorrow at 5:15 am. I will take Yoga class every Friday this month.

 If you want to kick up your workouts another buddy of mine Blond Ponytail also has free workouts in March!!

 FAMILY:

By connection I mean targeted 1:1 time with my husband and children. This will be the FUN part of my month.  Date night with hubby. Taking Kiddo #1 to basketball tournaments, solo, just him and me. Taking Kiddo #2 to a private swim lesson. And special Kindergarten fun times with Kiddo #3.  I also want to pull away from the screen more in the evenings, as I have developed a BAD habit of getting eaten by the couch monster.

As the month progresses I will check in on how I am doing, what is working, what I learn, struggles, etc.  I would love your comments and thoughts as well.


QUESTIONs:
1- Any tips for my first Yoga class tomorrow?? HELP!!
2- What are your focusing on in 2018? How is it going?
3- Anything you plan to RESTART in March?


Go Rediscover the BEST version of YOU!! You will like what you discover.

-Tall Mom

Introduction- Again

 

I believe that a re-introduction is in order, just the key facts...

 

Melanie, working toward age 40, current goal is to avoid buying bigger pants through a RESTART! I set 18 to-do's for 2018, some easy, some take more effort, all attainable when I set my mind and heart to success.

 

We have 3 kids ranging from age 12 to 4:

• Kiddo #1 plays hoops, this time of year you will find me in a gym. To be honest I am a HORRIBLE sports parent and currently beating myself up for it. I want to be better and I will be!
• Kiddo #2 is a sweet kind soul who is finding his way in the world. My goal this year is to help him find his passion and an outlet for his amazing imagination
• Kiddo #3 is a feisty little lady who keeps us on our toes. She is the definition of sweet and sour.  My total mini me with dimples for days. She will start Kindergarten in the Fall so we are in major teaching mode.

We have a Bo-Jack (Boston / Jack Russell Mix) puppy named Rey (Like from Star Wars) who will be 1 in April.  She has a lot of energy but has been a great addition to our busy household. 

 

Married to my handsome hubby, we are building our dream home which closes in June.  Our new place is 5 houses down for a trail through the woods, our happy place!! Our weekends will consist of getting our current home ready to sell, and looking for unique items for our new place.

 

I love to run but cant remember the last time I hit the pavement. I know for sure I will run Rainier to Ruston first weekend in June with 5 of my BRF's (Best Running Friends)

 

I love to write and have the beginnings of a song, novel and children's book series, one of which I WILL finish this year.

 

I love to shop, Goodwill, Nordstrom Rack, Marshalls, Target and Garage sales are my main obsessions.

 

I work in an office and sit 83% of my day, key career passions are communication, engagement, and positive development.

 

My favorite quote is "Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do." John Wooden  

 That's me!!  If you have a minute please re-introduce yourself in whatever way is fun for you!

Happy Monday!


Aspire to Inspire,

Tall Mom

HELLO

Hello it's me.... (Insert Adele lyrics)

I basically slashed my blog to bits and hit RESTART.

I need a major RESTART.

3 is my favorite number and March is the 3rd month, so a March RESTART it is.

Blogging always helped me to maintain accountability.  After all if I am sharing my life with others, I should probably be doing something worth sharing.

Not sure anyone will even read this and that is OK.

I plan to start updating about my RESTART next week- March 1!!


Aspire to Inspire,

Tall Mom on the RUN!!!

Day 1

Wow this Blog is DUSTY!! 2014 was an amazing year for me, I achieved several personal goals but my fitness took at hit while trying to maintain balance.

What I am proud of??
-Earned the role of Temporary Manager for a team focused on Safety and Culture for 8 months, I have always aspired to be in management.
-Attended the Diversity and Inclusion Conference in New Orleans, LOVED IT!  I geek out on that stuff.
-Read every day starting in April, including completing over 15 books! - This is huge since I am a slow reader.
-Put my family first in many ways

What I am not proud of??
-Watched much more TV than I should, often neglecting my kiddos
-Drank more adult beverages than I should in the name of STRESS
-Failed to get on a fitness and eating schedule
-My weight ballooned to 215lbs!! I told myself I would never be over 200 pounds again. UGH!

What I WILL achieve in 2015?
-Eat dinner at the table atleast 3 nights a week
-Every Friday night is family night
-Create a running/training schedule to be in Half Marathon shape by May
-Track my eating and exercise to get back into onderland
-Watch less TV

Looking back just a few years before I blogged I can hardly believe how different my life was.  I have some of the most amazing Friends, all of whom I met in some way through this Blog.  We celebrate Birthdays, race together, cry when we need to, laugh all the time, and enjoy each others company even if it is via a group text.  Below are a few fun picture from this year, 2015 will be even happier and healthier.

I hope to be better about Blogging...but really living is taking up most of my TIME.  All the best friends.  You can always find me on Instagram at runtallmom.  Happy New Year!!

New Balance Fresh Foam Review

I have had the pleasure over the last few years to make friends with the good people at Onlineshoes.com.  Through our partnership my feet have been blessed to test out some amazing shoes.

These New Balance Fresh Foam shoes are AMAZING!!  Check them out HERE.  When they arrived about a month ago I couldn't wait to lace them up.. I didn't think about how it had been raining non-stop for days... My beautiful new shoes took on mud as we tried to side-step the puddle that covered the trail. I realized pretty quickly that these are nor trail shoes or very water resistant.

Since that day I have worn these shoes out countless times running errands and for runs around the neighborhood.  They are light weight, comfortable, fit my foot great which is nice because I have wide feet and they look pretty darn cool. 

These shoes are a Summer style for me, I look forward to wearing these on steaming Summer runs.  The shoes is very breathable and has lots of cushion.  I have purchased 2 tanks and a sweatshirt to match the shoes which shows you how much I love them...I am funny like that.

In regular shoes I wear a 10 wide.. I wear a 10.5 in this shoe and it fits perfect.  I would say it runs very true to size and the toe box is not overly narrow which makes my feet happy.

DETAILS from Online Shoes:

Wearing the New Balance W980 Fresh Foam athletic shoe, you can feel the science of softness with Fresh Foam technology, a performance midsole compound that delivers soft, plush cushioning to runners seeking a lower, more natural underfoot feel. This women's trainer features a minimal, no-sew mesh and synthetic upper with a lightly padded collar for extra cushioning around the ankle. A blown rubber outsole provides durability and supportive cushioning to the New Balance 980 running shoe, ensuring an incredibly soft, incredibly stable ride for mile after mile.

• 4mm heel-to-toe drop
• Air mesh upper
• Blown rubber outsole
• Competitor Magazine "Best Ride" award
• Fresh Foam
• Lace entry

• Lightly padded collar and tongue
• No-sew material application
• REVlite®
• Running Network "Best Neutral Shoe" award
• Weight: 7.8 oz. / 206g

With Free Shipping, Free exchanges and Free online returns Online shoes is the place to go to get New Balance Fresh Foam.


*Although I was given the shoes my opinion is my own.

Stick and Stones . . .

I set out on my run, 38 degrees and lightly raining, hoping to get in a few miles to prepare for a 5K run next weekend.  To save time I opted to run in my neighborhood, passing a busy baby shower and more Seahawks flags that I could count.  Ahead I saw 3 boys maybe 10-12 years old, at my pace I was bound to cross paths with them.  I sped up to avoid getting in their way, as I did I heard "nice running lardo" by one of the boys as the others laughed.  I cant 100% say they were talking to me, so I didn't turn to say anything, instead my pace quickened and I was transported back to age 13.


One of my favorite things about running is interacting with people.  In general folks will wave, pass a kind word, or flash a smile.  I have been honked at, whistled at and received other suggestive comments from men, creepy yes, but I file those in my brain as compliments.  You never know what you are going to get when you step out the door for a run.  Overall the experiences have been about 95% positive... so why is it that I remember the negative??


While playing college basketball I was at the Freethrow line and 2 guys yelled "Hey 33 you are putting a little stress on your Nikes!" They were drunk, stupid and trying to get in my head, as an athlete I had to shake that stuff off.  Today I remember that moment like it was yesterday, but I can't remember my best performances, the moments when I shined and the crowd cheered. 


The mind is a funny thing... Studies show that it takes 6 positive comments to erase 1 negative comment.  As a society we are conditioned to fixate more on the bad things that happen to us than celebrate the good.  What a BUMMER that is!! 


Words hurt whether you are 5 or 34, the sting is still the same.  I cant control what other say but I can control my reaction.  This "lardo" pushed the pace and finished strong, I took the comment and used it as fuel to push harder.  Then when I got home I talked to my 8 year old about what happened, telling him that he needs to be careful with his words and how they impact others.  Who knows if that conversation will sink in?  It is possible the mother of the kid today has uttered the same words to her son.


Here and there I say things I know I shouldn't and I realize it in the moment.  This was a healthy reminder: 1.  I need to watch my negative words because they have power  2.  I need to always say the kind things that I am thinking because people NEED to hear it.


What interactions have you had while running both positive and negative and how did it impact your performance?

Tall Mom Catching up

I used to have time to run, shower, read, relax, cuddle with my hubby, curl my hair, Blog….my time is now absorbed by a chubby cheeked little lady and I would not have it any other way.  We are living life to the fullest with 3 kiddos and doing our best to balance it all. 

Here is an update on the last few months in the Tall household.

• We visited Lincoln City on the Oregon Coast for an early Thanksgiving with my in-laws.
• Hosted Thanksgiving at our house with my family then partook in very light Black-Friday shopping including purchasing Turbo to watch for Family movie night (cute move!)
• Went on our annual trip to the Christmas Tree Farm
• I ran Santa Runs 5K with many running buddies
• Hosted Christmas at our house
• Had 2 full weeks off from work and did NOTHING bit spend time together and shop a little
• Watched the Seahawks WIN!! And lots other football.

Tall Mom: I am 5 pounds from pre-pregnancy weight and holding.  Breastfeeding is going great, although I am starving and thirsty all the time!!  I drink water like a crazy person and am still thirsty.  I am PROUD that I have been able to keep up with the breast feeding. I was not successful with the boys mainly because I hated not knowing how much food they were getting.  Little lady is a champ feeder and I love the cuddle time.  My office recently completed a Mother’s room which is so peaceful for the pumping breaks...before I was using a small office in HR which worked but was not fantastic.  I am not sure how long I will keep it up, but at this rate 1 year does not seem too tough.  My original goal was 6 months ad we are almost there!!  

When the New Year came I thought about goals a little…. I have no resolutions this year.  Being present with my kids, husband, friends, etc. is a focus for sure.  I need to put away my phone and not check Facebook every 2 seconds.  As for running and working out, I am not very motivated right now, I feel physically drained and do not like being away from the baby.  It is a struggle and that is OK.  My goal is to get back into Onederland (under 200lbs) by the time she is 1 year.  I have 12 pounds to go so I will need to get back to moving and eating better ASAP.

There are some fun local races coming up in the next few months.  I need to get registered and start training.  Having a race on the schedule is fun for me.  I REALLY loved Santa Runs this year because most of my running buddies were there, like old times.  I ran a 25:53 which is 8:21 pace and under my 26 minute goal.  I placed 8th in my age group.  The social aspect keeps me smiling; I am not shooting for PR’s these days I am shooting for PE- Personal enjoyment.  I have put in years with loads of miles, earned PR’s I will probably never hit again, run 6 Marathons, 14 Half Marathons…. I run because I enjoy it period.  This year is about finding ways to fit it in my busy life and ENJOYING the miles.

Muscle Man:  As usual my husband is AMAZING!  He has adjusted to having 3 kids magnificently.  Out little lady does not like to nap, I am unsure how he gets anything done during the day.  With the weather being a bit colder I can tell he is getting cabin fever and really wants to run and workout.  As a Seahawks fan he is on cloud nine right now.  He has a goal to run at least 1 mile every day this year.  I am supporting him 100%, so far he is 13 days in and going strong, including an unplanned 7 mile trail run where he was exploring a new area and got a little lost.. OOP!

Little Stud #1: Turned 8 in early November and wanted a small family get-together.  He is at the top of his class for reading and math.  He does not like to read which is a bummer since he is so good at it.  Our big boy is very helpful with that baby and his brother.  We have dealt with some minor jealousy issues but nothing that a little extra TLC can’t fix. 

Little Stud #2: He is doing well in school and well liked by his teacher.  This kid is always moving, twirling things in his hands and making noise at home, so I was not sure what to expect when he started Kindergarten.  It was a great surprise to hear the good things his teacher has to say.  I love the funny things that this almost 6 year old says.  He turns 6 this month and is having a Disney Planes themed party.

Minnie Me: She is about 5 1/2 months.  Her happy and smiley personality is so fun. She is sitting up unassisted and is super strong.  She loves playing with her brothers and peek-a-boo with Mommy and Daddy.  She is down to waking about once a night around 3am which works great for me.  She loves to shop with me and naps or just looks around.  

And for your enjoyment here are some fun pictures... All the best- Tall Mom

GO SEAHAWKS!!!!