I'm doing a race!

I have taken the plunge and signed up for a race - a half marathon! I love races and I especially love the half marathon distance. Love competing and love the feeling afterwards of having achieved something (whether I ran well or not). I usually hate right before the race and the night before is not much fun either. I get nervous and wonder why the hell I thought this was a good idea.

Doing a race has also taken on a new significance since having kids. I have had to work hard to be back to the point of completing a race. At times it has been really hard and really discouraging and I didn't think I could do it. But I did and I am. And I am so proud of myself for achieving it.

The race I am doing in the Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon.  It is in mid May. The course is in the CBD and takes in The Rocks, Mrs Macquarie's chair and Hyde Park, where it starts and finishes. It won't be a fast course but hopefully it will be one that I enjoy!

Training wise, it is very much a case of continuing with what I have been doing during the week and focus on keeping the long run mileage up. I have already completed a few 20 km runs so I am feeling well prepared.

Here is my program:

I can't say I was off to a good start though - I blew off Day 1! Oops. In my defense the weekend had involved sick children and sick husband and I was absolutely knackered. I needed the sleep more than I needed the 8 -9 km. Apart from that one tiny hiccup it is going ok.

Have you committed to any races in the near future? Any training advice for me?

Lily

What I wore to play - tropical print shirtdress

Today's outfit is a departure for me. Both the print and the style are ones that I don't usually go for. The colours however, are just my thing. Pink, navy and green make me happy.

Dress : Country Road in the summer sales.

I'll admit I am still not sure about the length. It is slightly longer in the back and has a shirt tail type hem. I would probably be more comfortable with a straight hem and more length in the front but I have decided to live life on the edge and just go for it. Risk taker here! (or not!)

It was warm today in a sweaty kind of way ( sounds attractive, no?) so I did zero accessorizing and just threw on my usual sandals. I was actually quite comfortable all day and got over my reservations. So I will score that as a win for me!

So here's to trying new things and breaking out of your comfort zone!

Jumping on the Green Smoothie bandwagon

So I am really late to the green smoothie party. Years late. I have no doubt that they are now passe and something else is now the hot new thing. Whatever. I like them and they fill a nice niche. For me, they work when I am in a time crunch to get out of the house and the 5 minutes saved by not having breakfast at home is invaluable. Usually it is when I have been for a run in the morning and then have somewhere to be and do not feel like stuffing down my porridge in a hurry. Sounds attractive, doesn't it?

Here's my take on Green smoothies:

Green stuff. Fresh figs, banana, nectarine, peach, milk and protein powder.

• Lots of baby spinach and/or  kale (der - it's a green smoothie!)
• Banana or mango
• Lots of stone fruit - peaches or nectarines especially
• Protein powder - Vanilla
• Milk
• Greek yogurt sometimes

As it's summer here I have been loading up on all the gorgeous summer fruit. White peaches and nectarines are just divine in a smoothie.  Today's also included fresh figs, which is something new for me. In winter I will probably do more banana combos - banana and chocolate ( using cocoa powder), banana and coffee. I will need to experiment a lot.

Looks attractive, no ??!

This is the finished product, well about half of it. I make 'em  huge! I am sure that defeats the purpose but I am not really fussed. Looks really vile but tastes really good. The fruit makes it sweet and the protein powder and banana makes it creamy.

My next step is to work out if I can make them the night before and if they still taste good.

I also really need ideas about other combinations.. Any awesome recipes would be wonderful!
How do you Green smoothie?

Lily.

This week in running - Second week of February

Weekly mileage: 41km + hills

I have been lax in chronicling my running. Which is silly because I find the process quite useful and one that continually throws up some interesting insights.


The last few weeks have been about consistency. While I had time off work my aim was to get a run in 6 days a week and a few weights sessions as well. Mostly I was successful. Day to day runs were 9km ish, a hills speed session, parkrun on Saturday and a long run. I squibbed on my long run on Sunday and only did 10 km due to mental rather than physical reasons.


 The last week has been hard though, mainly due to extended family related stresses. I'm a worrier by nature. Worrying is something I am really good at. But worrying (about EVERYTHING) is crap. I would love to be able to just flick the switch and stop. But I can't, so I run.


Even though my running this week was sad, I am thankful for it. For being able to, for the mental/emotional balance it brings me, for the example I am setting for my kids, for the time I am spending with my kids and for the time I am spending with Mr MRWS.


 I am also shallow enough to admit that I love how my body looks. Perfect? Nope. I have had 2 kids and I carried low and massive. You can only stretch things so far and expect them to snap back into place! My body is strong and fit and firm and toned and I am proud of it.


Going forward, my goal this year is the Sydney Half marathon in May. I need to write a program soon. Last week soon. My long runs peaked at 20 km last week so I am well positioned to crank it up. Mr MRWS is thinking of stepping up to a marathon this year so fitting everything in will be interesting.


In the interim this week I need to write a program, keep plodding along and get back into the long run game.


Any tips or resources for half marathon programming?


Lily

What I wore to play - keeping it simple with a black dress

Summertime is simple. Dress. Shoes. Done. As much as I love layers, you have to think about them. Plan. Coordinate. Sometimes that just seems like work and I just want to get dressed!

I also love a black dress. Who doesn't? This is an old one from Metalicus. I drag it out every year and throw it on. The hemline is kinda short but it is balanced out by being loose and breezy. The shoes are Saltwater Sandals. I love the vibrant red and they are super comfortable. I have been eyeing off other colours. Would love a bright Kelly green pair!

Do you have a go to Summer look or summer favourite?


Lily

What I wore to play - a paisley shift.

Ever have one of those days? The type when your son flashes your undies to all and sundry at the local shopping centre by using your dress to steady himself on an escalator. The type when both children manage to either wee or poop all over the bathroom floor? ( and not at the same time so you have to clean up twice! Sad when you are just grateful that it was on the tiled floor). Anyway, that has been today. So I am celebrating the fact that a) I am dressed today and b) I quite like what I am wearing! But it also explains why I look like I have been dragged through a hedge.

I bought this dress a few months ago but have only just gotten around to wearing it. I think it is going to be a firm favourite. I bough it at Temt. They have zero online presence and the website is awful. The shops are a bit of a nightmare as well, to be honest, but I have to say that I enjoy the thrill of the hunt and finding the gem amongst the dross and the ugly. As an added bonus - It's cheap! I think this dress was $14.95.

 I was initially attracted to the print. I love a good print. The colour combo is not one that I would usually wear but I do love all the individual colours and wear them quite often so combining them seemed a good idea.

The hem length was an initial concern and still remains so.  I need to be extra careful when bending over! Having said that, I have enjoyed the short hem today. I am feeling really confident at the moment body wise and kinda enjoy showing it. I think the loose shape and covered up top balances the short length.


The shoes are also new. I needed new sandals that I could also wear to work. These were from spend less shoes, of all places. As a bonus, they have buy 1 get 1 half price at the moment so I bought them in Tan at the moment. They are actually really comfortable and are as substantial and well put together as much more expensive versions I looked at.

Shoes: Spend less shoes, Haze $29.95

So this is how I play. Very cheaply today! Do you have a summer "uniform"? I need one, stat!


Lily

What I wear to work - a Dressy Bessy dress with spots

This dress is one that I have bought fairly recently. Which actually just means post kids. Given that kid 2 is almost 2 it is not actually that recent! Anyway, this dress is lovely to wear. It's cool and comfortable and (I hope!) looks nice. I worry a little about the fabric, I think there is potential for shrinkage, but as we line dry everything I am hoping it will be ok for a while.

The brand is Dressy Bessy. I bought it at a local boutique. I really love small boutiques for finding something a bit different. The website here has some really amazing things. I think I will need to spend a bit of time perusing!

The pattern and colours are quite gorgeous. I love colour and pattern, I think it is my inner magpie coming out.


How do you dress for summer? Do you have a go to outfit or look? The cotton is quite cool and breezy to wear so it is especially good for steamy summer days...like the ones we are having now!


Lily

How do I fit exercise into my day?

muscles...this is all I've got

A friend asked me the other day how I worked exercise into my day. Like me she has a couple of young children but for her a regular exercise routine was just not happening. I can't say I have it all figured out but I am proud of how I have been able to regain some of my former fitness levels and routines.

(Disclaimer : I am [clearly] NOT an expert on exercise. I have no qualifications whatsoever in this field!)

So what do I do?

At the moment I run 5 days a week, go to the gym 1 day a week (weights) and try to do weights type workout at home/work 2 days a week.

How do I fit it in?

I make it a priority! It is both that simple and that complex!
For me, a regular exercise routine relies on two things - mindset and practicalities.

 Mindset has nothing to do with willpower. I have no more willpower than the next person.  What I do have is the right mindset. I have given myself permission to make my exercise a priority. Does it supersede all other family demands? Nooooo. Does it become the lowest priority demand? No, it does not. And that's what I mean by mindset. I allow myself to put a value on my exercise. Many women (Mums) don't. So they don't exercise.

The practicalities are also complex. The things that I do:

• I have a running pram.
• I have a supportive, runner husband.
• My gym has childcare.
• I am realistic and crafty about when I can squeeze exercise in.
• I work 3 days a week, and whilst I have zero flexibility in hours I do finish early enough to run before daycare pickup ( though I usually prefer not to but it is a backup).
• I have a GPS watch. It keeps me honest. A phone app would do the same job.

The running pram is just about the best money I have ever spent. We have a Bob Ironman Dualie and it is awesome. I cannot recommend it enough.

I run both days of the weekend with my husband, kids loaded in the running pram. Saturday we do parkrun, possibly the most awesome development in running ever! They are everywhere, runners and walkers welcome. (Check out parkrun.com.au)

Mondays, due to timing, I can squeeze in a hills session and basic weights at work before I pick up the kids. Hills are awesome. They take maybe 15 minutes and I am absolutely spent at the end of it. The weights I do are really basic. Full body, using dumbells and bars, sets of push ups. I usually allow about 15 - 20 minutes. It's rushed but that is the time frame I have to work in. I save time by doing abs later at home. (When I remember).

Tuesdays and Wednesdays I run with the kids. My oldest will still go in the running pram. For now. We have a little deal going. We run, then go to the park or playground and do whatever errands we have for the day. We are also lucky enough to run amongst great beauty.

At the moment the kids aren't doing any classes. They go to daycare 3 days a week and I think that is enough stimulation ( although swimming classes will probably be starting up in the New Year). Wednesday I also try to do weights at home - pushups, lunges, squats, simple handweight exercises.

Saturday afternoon I go to the gym while Mr MRWS stays home with the kids during naptime.
Because Mr MRWS also runs I am somewhat locked out of morning runs but my job gives me wiggle room in the afternoons so sometimes that is when it happens.

I run because it's just what  I do. I do have the advantage that I have been running for about 15 years so was in the groove before having kids. That has made it easier to slot back into running. I also know how good being fit and healthy feels and did not care for the alternative. I like being in shape!

Some will say that it is shallow/vain to worry about your exercise routine. But having a baby can do a number on your body. Not being a fan does not make you shallow or vain or a bad mother. Non mothers are allowed to care about their body image so why not mothers? It can make such a difference to your mental well being and equilibrium. Well, it does to mine anyway. When I get my runs in I feel so much better, physically and mentally.

The takeaway is that you need to find what works for you. Don't like running? Then don't do it! Find what you do like/love/enjoy. Realistically look at when you can fit it in. 20 minutes is plenty of time to get the heart pumping. Get your other half on board, there are plenty of benefits for him of a fit and healthy sweetie! Give yourself permission to prioritise your needs. As Nike would say "Just do it"!

Lily

What I wore to work - patterned silk and pants

Sometimes it pays to be cautious. I have had this top for some time. It originally had a long, empire waist tie that tied in the back. After I had the kids I pulled it back on. And then took it off. After 3 years of pregnancy/post partum/pregnancy the last thing I wanted was to look 4 months pregnant. So I put it back in the wardrobe. Some time later I pulled it back out and thought about wearing it without the tie. Much better! It now looked like a loose, breezy top, not a maternity one. So I cut the tie off and kept on wearing it.

It's old Country Road. Their current similar version is here.
Pants are also Country Road - their stock standard work pants. They always have them or something similar, colours vary. Current version here.

The sleeves on the blouse are a nice flutter sleeve. I think they are quite flattering.

The necklace is a lovely one from Tiffany several years ago, but is no longer available.  It has Diana, the Greek Goddess on one side and "courage" on the other. It's a talisman of sorts for me. Whenever I put it on I think  "Be brave today Lily. You are courageous". And then I usually start singing "I am woman, hear me roar", much to the kid's and husband's displeasure.  And I have a good old chuckle at their expense. Deal with it people! It's a nice start to the day!


Lily

This week in running - Run Newcastle race report

Mileage last week: 35km + hills

Last week I did the Run Newcastle event. It offers a 6km walk, 6km run and 12 km run. I did the 12 km run. It was also my bright idea that I would push the kids rather than Mr MRWS pushing.  Which would be fine if there wasn't a massive hill in the first few kilometres of the race!

The Race outfit. Changed shoes at last minute.

I had a goal in mind before the race that I wanted to break 65 mins. With the climb and the pram I wasn't sure what my pace would be like. The climb was not horribly steep but was reasonably long so I had decided beforehand that I would walk where necessary.( Ok, more like I had told myself that I was going to have to walk and that it was ok, there was no shame in walking. ). I ended up walking 4 times, once fro each section of the hill. Talk about happy to reach the top!


The course was such that you ran up to the top of a hill and then came straight back down to sea level, via a big park by the ocean. Coming back down the hill I was flying and managed to overtake a lot of the people who went past me going up the hill. Once back down at the beach the course wound it's way around the harbour and back to the start/finish area. I was happy with how I ran as I managed to maintain a steady pace once I was up that hill!

This view was my reward after the hill!

 The day was hot so I was glad for the water and sports drink I had with me.  I didn't quite think the sports drink through. Trying to drink out of a full, normal bottle  while running and pushing a pram is generally not a good idea. I think that more drink went on the pram and on me than actually in me!


I enjoyed the race but Mr MRWS was not a fan. There were only 2 drink stations (water only) fro the 12 km course. As I said it was a hot day. You know there aren't enough drink stations when people are queuing at bubblers along the course! The course was also problematic for the second half - on and off footpath, through busy restaurant areas. It was a bit of a nightmare with the pram, actually.


I finished in a tick under 62 minutes. I was very happy with that! It's hard to really push hard when racing with the pram over any distance.  You can't risk completely blowing up and having to sit  in the gutter and wait for your other half to come and retrieve you and your offspring from aforementioned spot in the gutter 5 km from the finish. Or something like that.


When I finished Mr MRWS was waiting with a big, sweaty hug. He wasn't thrilled with his race but I think he ran really well. I'm keen to RunNewcastle next year, I will need to talk Mr MRWS into it.

My leg muscles were sore for the next few day but not crazy sore and I was able to run easily the following Tuesday. So I am back into it and trying to navigate running in the summer heat!


Lily.

What I wore to work - denim and sparkles

I am lucky that my workplace is relatively casual. I don't wear jeans but I am not expected to wear a suit. Neat, tidy, professional looking.  Not terribly exciting. I've mentioned before that I am struggling with trousers at the moment. They don't seem to fit right. Two pregnancies in a short amount of time will do that. So I feel schlumpy and dumpy all day. Hence the reason I wear dresses. A lot.


So today it's another dress. A Denim Shirtdress. Comfortable. Love it. Of course I have to add a little something-something to it. Today it was a sparkle necklace and patterned shoes. Which probably should not be worn in the same outfit but that is how I roll.

(Please excuse the creases, a morning moving computer hardware around will do that to a girl!)

Dress: Target USA, similar here
Necklace: Target Aus, similar here
Shoes: Diana Ferrari, similar here.

I find the process of blogging an interesting one, for a number of different reasons. Being a proud tech head I love the actual IT process involved. The hardware, the software, coding, love it all. I find the taking of photos also quite fascinating. I am frequently (daily) surprised to see how outfits look in a photo, as opposed to how they look in my head. Sometimes it is a nice surprise, sometimes (all too often) it is quite confronting. Is that how that outfit actually looks?? Why didn't anyone tell me??

Overall though, it is a positive experience and one that has me thinking. And isn't that what it is all about?

Lily

What I wore to work - grey pants and jewels

I've mostly been wearing dresses for work lately. Part of the reason is that I don't think my current work pants are very flattering. I'm blaming (pregnancy, postpartum, weaning) x 2 for that! I think I need to bite the bullet and get some more basics that actually fit.


Today's outfit is grey pants and shirt by Country Road, red shoes and a multicolour stone long necklace. I tend to wear a basic outfit and then add (hopefully) a bit of spark with accessories and shoes. I love my colour and I love patterns and detail so I try to wear some (all) of each, each day. I think I nailed the boring basics today. Spark and interest? Not so much.

Pants :Similar,  Country Road Double Cloth Pant $129

Shirt:Similar Country Road Scoop Neck TShirt $39.95

Shoes : Cotton On

Necklace: Absolutely no idea, it's old, old, old.

I need to do workwear better. I can't seem to carry it off without looking schlumpy. Exhibit A, above. My workplace doesn't require dressy ( clearly, lol) so I have a fair amount of leeway. I think I need to Pinterest and shop. That will be a hardship! Any suggestions?

Lily.

This goes with that...At Sussan

Now that I have kids it is very rare that I have a nice leisurely stroll through the shops. Most of my shopping is a snatch and grab affair. The main goal is to be out of the shop before the offspring cause too much damage or offence. A good returns policy is an absolute deal breaker. As a result I tend to go into the same shops as I don't have the time to investigate further afield. Or if I have the time, prolonged clothes shopping with a 1.5 year old and a 3.5 year old and I may lose the will to live.


Whilst I don't spend much actual time in clothes shops, I do seem to spend a lot of time in shopping centres. At the playground area. At those ride things (that I let the kids play on - I usually tell them that the ride is broken. Mum of the year?). I was hanging around one of those ride things the other day (Thomas and the troublesome trucks) when I noticed the shop window nearby for Sussan. I liked what I saw. We didn't actually venture inside ( a meltdown was on the cards) but I did do some investigating when I got home.  Thank heavens for the Internet!


First thing that caught my attention was some of their tops.

Circle cutwork top $89.95

Print Shirred shirt $34.98

Both of these tops would look great with jeans - either skinny or boyfriend- and sandals for springtime.  For a (slightly!) more dressy look a pair of straight/skinny ankle pants like the ones below would be fab.

Crop Sateen Pant $69.95

Summertime is shorts time in the MRWS household. Running shorts, short shorts, long shorts. Love them all. I especially like the print shorts around this year. The ones below fit the bill ( though the website pic is crud) - geometric print in navy. Be still my heart!

Print short $69.95

The one thing that Sussan has always done well is accessories. I love scarves and bags (and jewellery. And shoes. Hmmmm. So everything. I like everything.). If I am wearing a boring plain outfit I can throw on a scarf and it looks better and dressier. Or that's what I tell myself. I like these ones

Multi Tassle Scarf $39.95

Navy Polka Scarf $29.95

The necklace below would look fabulous with just about everything! I would start with a crisp white button down shirt. Then whatever floats my boat for the bottom half - skinny jeans, trouser jeans, the black sateen crop pants above. Actually I think  a full a-line, black, knee length skirt. With either sandals, ballet flats or serious shoes (heels, slinky ones). So basically I need this necklace. Plus, it's hexagons. As a Mathematician, gotta love that!

Hexagon statement necklace $39.95

To finish, this bag is yummy! I may have to risk going to the store - god help me - to check it out. Browns can be so tricky or maybe I am just picky particular. The long strap and the tassel are fun.

Avery Satchel Bag $59.95

These are some of the things that caught my fancy. Also at the moment Sussan has a deal - every $100 you spend you get a $25 gift card. Finishes at the end of the month. I might need to scoot on in.

 I would love suggestions for other stores. Let's face it, I can't be bothered trawling through in person with the two mini me in tow. Where else should I rediscover?