Posts Tagged "running"

Therapeutic Running-Guest Post

Posted by cafebebemama on Aug 6, 2010 in Blogger Love, Guest Bloggers, Mummy Tummy Begone | 4 comments

Run Mami! Run!

I met Maria of Mummy’s Busy World at Cybermummy in July. She’s a delightful blogger and mum to Little M. One night on Twitter, she wrangled a few of us into considering running a 5k with her in September. That includes me! I’m still trying to decide but when Maria wrote some of us an email the other day, I knew that she needed a platform here on Cafe Bebe. You see, a lot of us are struggling with our weight and who we used to be before having babies and Maria said it really well. As her delightful blog is from her son’s perspective, I thought it would be nice for Maria to share her inspiration with you here. So get ready to be inspired and maybe you too will join up for the Adidas 5k Run in September. Feel free to show Maria some love in the comments below. She’s certainly inspired me to get my trainers back on…

Therapeutic Running

Thanks to Karin for giving me the chance to guest blog! You may know me as “Mami”. My son Little M over at Mummy’s Busy World is the blogger in the family, but I thought on this occasion I would speak for myself. He gave me the go-ahead so here I am!

Over the past few weeks I have been preparing for the Adidas Women’s 5k Challenge in Hyde Park for Arthritis Research UK.

It’s not my first 5k. I have been running since October 2003. I still remember the first time I ever ran. My boyfriend, now husband stood on the side of the track instructing me to “go slow”. I felt my chest was going to explode and I couldn’t stop wheezing and coughing. I hated it. My thighs rubbed together and I had horrible flash blacks of coming in last in the relay in P.E class.

However, I came back the next night. And the next and the one after that. Essentially that first night changed my life. I am not thin, or super fit, but I feel healthy but more importantly running has played an important part in different stages of my life. It has become my therapy.

I want others to feel the joy of running. I want you to feel the satisfaction of starting something you never thought you would ever achieve and DO IT! I ran a marathon in 2004, exactly one year after I started running. Yes, that’s 26.2 miles. I had never done a day of exercise in my life – and there I was at the finish line tired, sweaty, in pain and HAPPY!

I’ve had weight issues all my life. When I was younger doctors told my parents to put me on diets. My grandparents in Chile would write letters to my mother and send “special recipes” to lose weight. So I know how it is.

After having Little M, I had not only gained 50lbs (high blood pressure didn’t help) but I also got wrapped up in a very very dark cloud and running helped get me out of my depression. It’s not easy. I’m tired. My legs feel heavy. I would rather have a gin and tonic. But even going out for 20 minutes helps clear my head.

I write when I run.

I talk to my self when I run.

I even say a few Hail Mary’s!

My husband and I rarely get a free moment truly alone. It’s always, “you go I stay with Little M” or vice versa. Before having Little M we had running in common.

We would head out for long runs. We would talk, sometimes argue, make plans but he would always encourage me when I felt I couldn’t go any longer. I miss my husband sometimes. He’s there, but its just too damn difficult as you all know.

Running isn’t just about getting fit, it is finding yourself and achieving what you never thought possible.

We bought a running buggy and now we do family runs. Not the same as the old days, but we talk, we still argue, we plan for the future and he still encourages me. Now I have another little coach pushing me along and holding my water bottle!

I truly believe running and exercicse help push along the dark clouds. Don’t get me wrong, I still have my bouts with depression. And it doesn’t just go away after a run, but it certainly helps bring back the sunshine into my life.

So if you are thinking of giving running a go, you should. Absolutely 100%. You do not have to go fast. You do not have to go far. Just one foot in front of the other and let the momentum take you along.

Believe me, if I can run, anyone can run.

Who’s ready to for a 5k?

Maria x

Running for Mummies

Posted by cafebebemama on Mar 23, 2010 in Guest Bloggers, Mummy Tummy Begone | 3 comments

Running for Mummies

As many of you know, I’ve made a commitment to lose my Mummy Tummy to be in better shape for Little Miss’ 2nd birthday in June.  In order to try to kick myself into touch and shift a few more pounds, I’ve taken up the dreaded RUNNING.  In addition to the many benefits of running, it is something that one can do from home which is always appealing to mums.  I’ve found a real release in running at night, under cover of darkness.  It’s much more comforting for me.

One of my inspirations for taking up running has been my new blogger friend, Rachael from Marathon Mummy.  Her moving reason for running will bring a tear to your eye…it did mine.  Rachael and I have decided to use our powers for good and guest blog for each other in order to share our running experiences which will hopefully motivate some Mummies to get up off the sofa or away from the computer.  Rachael’s first guest blog follows…I know you’ll be able to relate.  I sure can…except for the part about her boobs.  I don’t think I can compete with those puppies!  Without further delay, Guest Blogger Extraordinaire, Marathon Mummy Rachael…

Marathon Mummy

The first thing I should point out for those of you thinking that you’d like to run, but you’re not the right shape, is that I’m not the right shape either. Four children and too much chocolate have left me with a tummy which lies obediently beside me at night like a puppy. My boobs, never small at the best of times, are now a rather tremendous FF cup. As Mama Ramotswe would say, I’m traditionally built.

I used to run. I was in my final term of university, breaking up with a long term boyfriend and drinking too much gin, when one morning I was taken by the urge to run along the beach. I came home with salt in my hair and full of endorphins. Before I knew it I was running along the beach for miles every morning, barefoot, until the summer came.

Fast forward 17 (ouch) years. Four children, no time. My oldest’s tenth birthday on the horizon. I know, I thought, I’ll go for a run.

I just assumed I’d pop on some trainers and fly down the road like the 20 year old me used to.

I ran for 20 seconds then had to stop before one of my lungs fell out. Then there was the slight technical hitch that was one of my boobs escaping from my bra. I turned around, managed another 20 seconds, and spent half an hour in the garden recovering with a scarlet face.

After that triumphant return to running, it was obvious that there was nothing for it. I called my sister, and told her that I’d had a brainwave. We could run the London Marathon in memory of our dad. Exercise, heart health, child free time (big selling point that one) and raising money for charity. What else could we need?

They say the joy of running is that it costs nothing. That’s not strictly true. When I started, it was in a pair of 9 year old trainers, with an everyday bra on, and the loosest t-shirt I could find.

Lesson no.1: if you want to start running, there are two things you absolutely mustn’t skimp on – trainers and bra. I ended up with shin splints because I was hammering along on a pair of badly fitting shoes and I was too embarrassed to go to a running shop. When I finally did, they couldn’t have been more helpful. They looked at me running up and down with my jeans rolled up (okay, that is a bit mortifying) then tried me in about ten different pairs of shoes. I have lovely arches, apparently. Who knew?

As for the bra, well, let me save you the agony of discovering what it feels like to be rubbed raw by an underwire. It takes a lot longer to heal than you’d think, too. We’re lucky to have a specialist bra shop in town, and the women in there have seen it all. Get those girls hoisted up and strapped in and together with your sparkly new trainers you’ll be feeling more like a runner already.

My final tip for those of you feeling inspired is to start slooooowly. Buy a copy of Running Made Easy and stick to it. Walk a bit, run a bit. A year of walking a bit and running a bit and I’m preparing for the London Marathon.

If I can do it, anyone can.

Running is such sweet sorrow

Posted by cafebebemama on Mar 22, 2010 in Mummy Tummy Begone | 2 comments

Cry Baby Me?

Confession time: I have fallen off the wagon. Well, I wasn’t on the wagon entirely in the first place but I’ve had a bit of a bad exercise week this week. I have also discovered that running can truly be sweet sorrow! So far I’ve only done my run/walk programme 1 night yet have had 2 walks with Little Miss + pushchair and best mates. I HAVE been doing my Mummy Tummy visualisation and zzziiippp exercises thanks to Wendy Powell which is difficult but I feel better for it. I’ve been eating ALRIGHT but I’ve had distractions.

It was hubby’s birthday on Monday so I had the inlaws over to eat Dot au Vin which left me with a kitchen full of dishes and a child to put to bed at 9pm. No running that night! Tuesday night was my one night of success. Well, sort of! I pulled on the new trainers and charged out the door…at 9:00pm! My run was painful and, for lack of a better word, OUCHIE. I don’t mean, “get me to a doctor” pain but that pain where you think “why AM I doing this?” I managed to run a bit farther and actually did feel good about it…afterwards. On Wednesday we were at the inlaws for dinner, as is our usual routine. Again, I ate dinner and ended up a bit too full (is my stomach getting smaller??) and home after 9:00pm. What is it with me and 9:00pm this week? I chose to spend time with hubby and the computer vs pulling on the trainers. Thursday was COMPLETE RUBBISH (as some of you know) and was my 4th Wedding Anniversary. Hubby came home late, the inlaws had been here for 2 hours before he got home and again we were putting Little Miss to bed at 9pm. Considering that it was my anniversary, I chose not to go for a run.

However, I shall now share with you how running and my commitment to the Mummy Tummy Begone challenge is changing my life. We are going to London today (Friday) for a bit of a mini-break. We’re staying overnight at the City Inn Westminster (a review will follow) and will attend a special Reebok event on Saturday at the Reebok Sports Club where I will be getting the low-down on Reebok’s Easy Tone shoes and outreach campaign. This will complete the CROSS TRAINING aspect of my Mummy Tummy Begone challenge…using my Reebok Easy Tone trainers to do my daily walks with Little Miss in the pushchair! Rock on Reebok! But here’s where I show you how committed I am: the City Inn Westminster has a FITNESS SUITE! That’s right…I’m packing my running trainers, sports bra and rubbish gear (until I get some blingy new stuff from Reebok) and will have a run and workout on the treadmill tonight while Hubby amuses Little Miss. Wee! I’m workin’ out! Plus we’ll be getting loads of walking in while in London on Friday and Saturday (including a fitness walk along the Thames as part of the Reebok event) so I believe I will have redeemed myself with the close of the week.

Have you been more successful with your own personal Mummy Tummy Begone challenge? I think it’s important that we own up when we falter, don’t you? I promise to do better by you all as the week comes to an end. I’m trying to be a good example after all! I will be practising my “visualisation and zzziiippp” exercises on the trip down to London and will report back to you on the success (or failure) of my fitness attempts this weekend. If you haven’t had a chance yet, do see the first installment of Wendy Powell’s Diagnosis Mummy Tummy post where we learn how much of a disaster our abdominals might be in! Good luck everyone…mummy tummy begone!

Running down a Dream

Posted by cafebebemama on Mar 10, 2010 in Featured Posts, Mummy Tummy Begone | 9 comments

Tom Petty is one of my least favourite singers/performers BUT, I do like the title of his song “Running Down a Dream”.  It’s what I’m trying to do right now…a dream of a healthier me who feels better, looks better and can’t be beat!  Last night I managed day two of my Run/Walk plan for world domination health and fitness.  Hubby got home late, there was a Balance Bike to be put together and no dinner on the table at 8:00pm.  I could have packed it in but I didn’t.  Hubby took over with Little Miss, I put my headphones in and my jacket and gloves on and walked out of the door.

There is something about running/walking at night.  The air was cool and crisp; there was a light mist in the air and it was SILENT.  I popped my headphones in and searched for “Glee” on the iPod and noticed that my battery was almost completely flat.  I nearly went back in the house!  But, I was determined to see it through, “Glee” soundtrack or no.  I set off on a clockwise path around the village and marched on to “Don’t Stop Believin’”.  When I reached the end of the paved footpath up to the school and turned onto the dirt path around the side of the school, I broke into my shuffly-run.  It actually didn’t feel half-bad!  My initial plan was not to worry about a clock but instead set physical distances to try to achieve.  My goal was to get by the school and then walk but when I got to the pavement at the front of the school I carried on all the way to the corner by the pub (you know where that is, don’t you??).  I ran ALL THAT WAY!  I know you don’t know where and how far that is but for me, it was FAR!  I did a brisk walk along the next stretch of pavement and then ran from the local shop front to nearly the corner of the next turning.  I almost made it as far as I wanted…it’s amazing how your body just says, “NO…STOP!”

When I turned the corner, at a semi-brisk walk (my feet were getting MUCH heavier) the “Glee” stopped!  Literally.  Damn…right after “Gold Digger” and everything.  I had to complete the remainder of my walk without the cast of “Glee” urging me on.  But I finished with a final run push all the way to the lamp post on my road and then walked the rest of the block down to my house.  I was out for about 20 minutes, I suppose (I really have to start keeping better track of this) and have realised that my village is VERY SMALL but will plot out a few more streets to add a bit of length to the run/walk adventure.  I got back in the house with BURNING tibialis anterior muscles and a bit of a wheeze in my asthmatic lungs but I FELT GOOD!  What the heck?  Who knew?  Hubby was getting Little Miss ready for bed and all was right with the world.

I was a bit stiff this morning but feel better than I have in quite some time.  Thanks to some comments on my One Small Step I am beginning to wonder if I might have a bit of a gluten intolerance.  I have really cut back on my bread intake the last two days and I have no heartburn and don’t feel AS bloated (I’m sure you wanted to know that).  It would make my sad to be gluten intolerant as I LOVE bread and any form of Carbohydrate but perhaps for me, just cutting down dramatically will make a difference?  Baby steps…  Are you taking up the Mummy Tummy Begone Challenge as well?  What have you accomplished this week?  My run/walk might have to be in the light of day today as we’re at the inlaws for dinner and I might not be able to manage a run/walk after that.  I quite like the security of run/walking at night.  No one can see me!  And it’s so quiet…other than the sound of the cast of “Glee” in my ears.  Run/Walk tips are now called for…what works for you?  What’s your favourite music to run/walk to?

One Small Step

Posted by cafebebemama on Mar 8, 2010 in Featured Posts, Mummy Tummy Begone | 19 comments

I blogged this morning about a personal challenge.  Mummy Tummy Begone, is the name it’s been christened.  I’m fed up with the way I feel and the way I look and let’s face it, no one is going to do it for me so the time has come.

There was a very encouraging response and a plethora of comments from Mums everywhere who have struggled with the same thing that I am battling.  In particular, I am finding that a lot of Mums who are 1-2 years post delivery are in the same place as me which is comforting but also tells me that there’s something missing out there in the health & fitness world.  I’m hoping that the ladies who have commented and whom I have emailed will join me in this uphill climb.  I’ve even made a badge!

I’ve made some great progress on day one, I must say!  Little Miss and I went to the grocery store and bought a lot of fruit & veg, some good protein and NO BISCUITS or SNACKS whatsoever!  I had salad & veg for lunch accompanied by 2 Ryvita crisps with hummous spread (very thinly I might add) plus a handful of grapes.  I had a Cup of Soup for a snack and a VERY sensible dinner of chicken breast, roasted vegetables and couscous.  We even ate at the sensible hour of 7pm!

Here was the real achievement though!  Once hubby came home (around 6:15 tonight), I got my iPod which had been loaded with the “Glee” soundtrack earlier in the day, layered up and went out for a walk/run while hubby stayed with Little Miss.  I walked briskly down the street to “Don’t Stop Believin’” with a right kick in my step!  Then I tried running…holy.crap.  I think I have forgotten how to run!  I ran for about 40 seconds.  When I stopped, my feet could barely keep stepping.  The muscle that runs on the front of your shin (tibialis anterior, thank you very much) was in spasm.  It didn’t know how to cope with the minimal strain!  It took me several minutes for my normal gait to return!  I was battling with my iPod as well.  The headphones wouldn’t stay in my ears and I was trying to use the stopwatch feature to time my 1 minute of walking and 1 minute of running.

I persevered however.  I somehow managed to do another 3 stints of 60 second running but I needed quite a few more minutes in between those 60 second intervals to function properly.  I haven’t felt such pain in a long time!  The music helped.  The darkness helped.  I started to feel better and eventually feel quite good.  I was out walking and sort-of-running for all of about 30 minutes but it was a start.  I think I will still include running but I’m going to space it out differently.  I might attempt 5 minutes of speed walking and 1 minute of running.  Advice on this matter is much appreciated.

I arrived back home moderately exhilerated and got dinner on the table and enjoyed a healthy meal with my family.  I feel good and for the first time in a while am still full and not suffering from heartburn.  Day one is one small step for Cafe Bebe, one giant leap for Karin!  I may not be able to pick up my feet tomorrow or negotiate the stairs but I’m starting and will continue.  I promise I won’t bore you every day with a post about what I ate or the fact that I did manage to walk outside but I will share my baby steps throughout the week.  I hope you don’t mind and I hope you will join me in the challenge.  I’m going to take some ibuprofen now…I may be cursing Marathon Mummy Rachael tomorrow.