And the Beast Goes On!!!

Since the last post on my major feat of the winter run, I totally dropped the ball. This winter season seemed to be the snowiest ever - well at least in a long time. Every other day, the flurries would fall from the skies and pile into inches. The temperatures plummeted to single digits and wind chills reported to have a feel within the negative teens. Needless to say, there went my winter run.

Fast forward to March 10th, with the morning temperature back in the 30's and heading up to the 40's - it was time to head back out and get back on track. This time it was different as I heard my King (the Beast) ask if I wanted to go for a run, my heart sank. Our ideas for a run are way different. My run is just a smidgen above a snails pace, his idea is like a cross country pick up the pace and let's go. Prepared to challenge myself, I agreed to run knowing that it was going to be a rough one.

What I wasn't prepared for was the slick patches of ice. The day before was beautiful, a high of 50 was instrumental in melting the snow. However, there was some refreezing due to the drop in temperatures over night. We ran up on hills, on mounds of snow and gingerly ran over icy patches. It was like a boot camp run, testing my ability to make it through. I tried my best to keep up as the beast was way ahead of me. Over all, I made it through. Once again, I am proud of my efforts and now that the season is changing, I will be back out there even if it means I will go for the challenge run with my King - the Beast.

In the meantime, if the weather decides to take a turn, I will take full advantage of the indoor workout. How about you?

Update: Friday the 13th
It was 32 degrees so the Beast and I headed out for a run this morning. Although the path was much better as the snow has melted even more - it was a tough one. So tough that the beast was way ahead of me and kept running back to tell me to pick it up. With an aching knee, I begged him to go ahead - "I'll make it" but the truth is I felt like giving up, turning back and walking home. Here's the kicker, as I ran at a pace that allowed me to focus on running, the beast would make announcements to alert me that "this is the tough part" or "pick up your knees we're going up this hill" - things I really did not want or needed to hear. I just wanted to run the best way that I could. The best part of it all - I did it and I am so glad that I did.

A Happy Healthy Home - Living with Pets

Don't you just love your pets? People are becoming more involved in their pets way of life from style and transportation - I've seen it all. While at the airport, there was a couple with their small dog in a stroller. I thought it was the most ridiculous yet funny thing ever - clearly they were serious. We've since seen pets in strap on carriers, booties, leather outfits, etc. At one point the pet in the purse was all the rage. The love is oh so overwhelming. However, hugging and kissing your pets, handling their food and treats may cause you to become ill.

Dr. April Hodges, Nutritional Scientist with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discusses the importance of handling pet food with care to avoid illness. Although it is rare that pets can become sick due to salmonella, the chances exist and most importantly, it can be very dangerous for humans, especially children.




The latest pet food recall and withdrawal lists:

FDA Pet Food Recall & Withdrawal List 2014

Healthy Habits Healthy Homes.........

Seems like it was just yesterday when I was a little girl having fun in my very own land of make believe. In my land, I was all grown up, married with children - a boy and a girl. I played with my dolls and pretended that they were my children and I would go through great lengths to give baths, dress and feed my babies (pretend food). In my land of make believe, my babies were fed cakes, cookies, ice cream, candies, chips and all the tastiest snacks as if it were a never ending, all you can eat buffet.

However, in my real world, I was raised with the morning ritual of taking the cod liver oil in liquid form which was absolute torture as it gave me the shivers every single time. One A Day vitamins were also a part o the daily routine. Most importantly, we were served the healthiest breakfast choices. Our house was filled with fruits for snacks, 100% Fruit Juices, yogurt the real original no fruit mixed smelly yogurt, nuts and grains. Cakes and ice cream were treats that would come on birthdays or after a Sunday dinner.

As a child who was raised in a home where healthy foods were emphasized, I looked forward to my adult life where I would one day be able to eat whatever I wanted. Before you knew it, the time had come where I was able to make my own choices. I became a mom and for some reason, I just could not stray too far away from my dietary habits. My children had to take their vitamins which were flavorful, chewable and made in their favorite cartoon characters. They had the cod liver oil capsules. The yogurts were plentiful with a variety of fruit flavors and the breakfast was mostly healthy choices. Incredibly enough, they love salads, whole wheat bread, vegetables, fish and fruits with a great appreciation.

Here I am now well beyond my dream of becoming a mother. Now as a grandmother of Autumn and Theo, I can be confident that the healthy habits will continue with them. Autumn loves fruits, vegetables and at two years old, she would eat her salad as if it were a tray filled with desserts. Theo is only a few days old but it is only a matter of time he will also share in the healthy habits.

We enjoy eating desserts and snacks. We eat the pastas, the fried foods, the desserts. However, we are fortunate enough to have had a foundation that set the standards of eating healthy which is key in keeping us in line. One of the greatest things that my parents gave me, is a healthy start. No matter how much I may have resented it as a child, I am so glad that they did - it has made a difference in our lives. With the high rate of obese children who are now facing diseases that were once considered for adults or the elderly, it's time for parents to take control and make health habits for the home.