So I ran a half marathon this weekend. This was my 5th half, and my second in Italy. I finished at 2:11:11. Not a PR for me, but it was very close. Overall, I was quite pleased with my performance.
The Roma Ostia half is a point to point race. You start south of the city and then run straight to the coast. Like STRAIGHT. Like 12 miles of the race is all on the same road. Shockingly, this was NOT as exciting as you might imagine it to be. I know, right?
Inspired by Modern Mrs. Darcy, I’m sharing some stuff that I’m digging right now. Could be a regular feature. Who knows? 🙂
Starting to think about turning all my shirts into half shirts.
I may have to donate my body to science because it is going to be AMAZING.
These are just a sample of the actual things I’ve told James lately. Ridiculous? Absolutely. But I’d say paleo is definitely working for me.
Back in the States, I borrowed my sister’s copy of Essentialism by Greg McKeown. (Full story: she got it for Christmas, and I was all WANT, and she was like back off, but then she graciously let me borrow it when she was finished.)
I’d recommend the book. With my recent focus on mindfulness, it definitely hit me at the right point in my life.
Some bits feel a little repetitive. It is pretty much all variations on the theme of identifying and doing only the essential things. I do love the real life stories of people putting this into practice.
There is a lot of good stuff there. But that isn’t what I want to talk about today.
Hi friend! How are you? Are you having a good February? Also terrified of puppy monkey baby?
Sorry for the radio silence ’round these parts. We’ve been battling jet lag, and I feel like we are just kind of mostly getting back to normal.
I’ve been kind of insufferable lately. I have so many things I want to do that I feel like I’m going to jump out of my skin. We did have excellent family time in January, but it was hard to get going on things while on the road. Then the jet lag is setting us back. I know it will just take time. But I never claimed to be a patient person. I want it ALL. And I want it NOW.
I should give myself a little credit. We have booked 2/3 of a Sicily trip for this spring. I won my January Diet Bet, and I’ve been sticking to fairly strict paleo. I just signed up for the Spartan Run in April (EEP!), but I still need to get officially signed up for the half marathon in March. And then train for it. NBD.
We are psyched to be back in Italy. Carnival has been in full effect. Confetti on all the playgrounds. Children in costume on the reg. We hit up the parade in Piazza Navona this past Saturday. It was quite the classy affair compared to our raucous Tuscan Carnevale last year. Picture lots of people on horses and in period costumes.
We are also in the throes of trying to apply for Italian public preschool. I’m still not sure if we want to do it, but we are trying to even see if we can get a space before we have to decide. Let’s just say the process has been VERY Italian. I promise to share more on this later in case it helps anyone else who wants to try it.
What I was into in January. I should have also mentioned seasonal squash. They don’t really have winter squash here, and I was LOVING all the butternut and spaghetti squash.
I also finally got around to putting pen to paper on 2016 resolutions.
After an awesome free first Sunday museum in December, you’d think we’d have hit one last Sunday, but not. 😦
Those boys keep saying the darndest things.
I threw down the fitness gauntlet. But then I did some thinking on how to feel good without diet or exercise changes.
My latest stroller obsession. I’m very tempted by the fact that my friend says this fits on Roman buses and trams.
Anyone want to buy Michelangelo’s Tuscan Villa? (Hat tip PK)
Want to see where Beyonce (apparently) stayed for the Super Bowl? (Hat tip JRW)
Hope to be back more frequently soon. In the meantime, anyone have any cruise line recommendations?
New year. New slate. I know some people aren’t into resolutions, but I like the chance to step back, reassess, and commit myself on new paths. I still need to do some wrap ups on 2015 (I actually hit some of last year’s goals!), but since we’re already (almost a month!) into 2016, might as well start there.
(Hmm, I also already seem to have used my allotted exclamation point quota up before the first paragraph. I’d make it a goal to stop, but, yeah, no.)
Blargh. You guys. The carb flu is real. I feel gross, but I’m persevering because I know I’ll feel better. Eventually.
(I’m not doing an official whole30, like here, but I’m trying to be as close as possible while traveling. Gotta get that cheddar!)
Maybe your shiny resolutions this year involve diet and exercise. But we all know that is a long con. You have to stick with it, possibly for weeks or months, before you hit real pay dirt.
Maybe you have resolutions that have nothing to do with fitness. How un-cliche of you! Get it, gurl. I can’t wait to hear all about the new vegan taco truck you opened for dogs.
Or maybe you think resolving to be better at an arbitrary time of the year is for complete suckers. You are living in a higher state of enlightenment and resolve to be your best every day of the year. Good for you.
Whatever camp you fall in, I have some thoughts on things you can do for yourself. These are all low effort, low cost, and can help you start the year on the right foot.
Happy New Year everyone! Did I ever tell you about that time I lost weight and made $50? No? (Hang on, checking the archives.) No, you’re right, I didn’t.
Here’s the skinny. (heh) Around this time last year, Roo announced a Diet Bet. I was planning on buckling down on my fitness anyway, and I was definitely intrigued about a competition. A competition where you can make money? Yes please!
To inaugurate 2016, I have announced to everyone who will listen (and some that won’t) the commencement of the Spring of Fitness. But Melissa, it is pretty much winter. You are really jumping the gun on this one. Shhshhshh, there now, quiet, it’s OK. For whatever reason, spring is stuck in my head and this is what we are going with. You’re probably sick of winter by now anyway.
Actually, it is has been really hot. Like unseasonably warm where I live. I’d enjoy a little winter!
You guys! If you don’t stop hijacking this post, I’ll never get around to telling you about that thing I want to tell you before the kids wake up from their naps.
Which is . . . . this year I’m hosting my own DietBet. Just a little friendly weight loss competition where you have the opportunity to make some cash. (Did I tell you I made $50 on my last one? I did already? All for doing something I was planning on doing anyway.)
So remember when I said I wanted to work on getting back to running?
I decided to work on it. Even though it is approximately eleventy bajillion degrees. Definitely a good idea.
For me, running means racing. I like running–once I get out the door. I need some kind of race motivation for me to actually commence the act of running.
Ooo, a half marathon in Rome at the end of August? At night? Perfect! Sign me up!!
(Never mind that it starts like at my bedtime. Also, did I mention that it is eleventy bajillion degrees? Slightly better at night. Slightly.)
I decided to sign up. And immediately ran into an issue.
Required medical form? What could this be?
I consulted my medical peeps here. Yup, most races require a medical form. Some races just need a doctor’s signature. Others need an actual physical.
Guess which one this one needed?
I got an appointment for my physical. I knew that there would be a stress test so that I should wear workout clothes. I knew that it would cost 40 euro. I knew that I had to bring my own urine specimen. I couldn’t leave a specimen there because first morning urine was needed.
Day of the appointment. Thankfully, a friend had hers scheduled at the same time. (She drove.)
We hand over our specimens. Pretty sure these are straight up chucked in the trash. Definitely no way that they were tested during the 30 minutes we are there. Maybe they figure anyone who would actually bring a specimen doesn’t have anything to hide??
After calculating our height in cm (thanks Google!), we stand on a machine that weighs you and uses sensors to check body fat or something like that. We get print outs, but everything is most definitely in Italian. BMI I recognize at least. Looks pretty good, I pride myself.
I have a lung capacity test. It involves blowing into a cardboard tube machine. I think I do very badly. In my defense, I think the test was explained poorly. They do not tell me the results.
I go to a different room for the stress test. I wait. I can see the sinister stationary bike in the corner, sensors dangling like creepy tentacles.
The doctor (I presume???) comes breezing in. He picks up my printout. “Hmm,” he says, peering at the numbers. He fixates at a number on the page. He makes a face. “Fat,” he says, patting his belly.
Uh, excuse me??
I tell him to have two babies and see how that works out for him. Either something is lost in translation or he (wisely) chooses to ignore this.
I can’t help thinking what would he have said if I showed up pre-30 Day EVERYTHING Challenge.
“Take off your shirt,” he says.
Wait, what???
Nothing is really explained, but it seems that this is a part of the stress test. I sit on the bike. He starts soaking me down with water. It becomes clear that this is to make the sensors stick, but again, nothing is explained.
We start the test. I have to keep the bike above 80 RPM for three minutes. And it will get harder.
The first minute, I’m thinking, this isn’t so bad. I can do this. I’m singing Henry’s favorite, Chumba Wumba, in my head. I get knocked down, but I take your stress test again, . . .
I can see the hills coming. It starts to hurt. Bad. My legs are shaking. I see the RPM slow to 60. And then 45.
The “doctor” is not sympathetic. “This is a stress test,” he explains. THANKS. I get it.
I keep my legs turning, even though I really thought I might stop. I wonder why I didn’t adjust the bike seat down a little before we started.
Towards the end, when I’m thinking that I have definitely failed, he comes to stand beside me, presumably as motivation. He pushes my knee down to keep it going. I can smell cigarettes.
And then it’s over. He jumps down saying “Follow me” and runs out.
I’m dazed. My legs are like jelly. Can I put on my shirt? I gasp.
I stumble to the reception area, and my friend (who went first) assures me that it is over. Later, she hypothesizes that the whole thing is just a formality. She thinks they printed out my certificate before I even completed the stress test. Glad I went through that then.
And that is how I am the proud owner of a certificate stating that I have excellent physical fitness which is good for one year. And after that creepy, painful experience, I am now obligated to run ALL the races.
And I sure showed that “you’re fat” doctor. After I get home from my test, I make a healthy dinner. And then go get some gelato.
OK, enough of my son’s adorable ramblings. Let’s get back to the business at hand. (But this morning he asked to put on his sun scream. I know!) AHEM, back to the business.
The business, of course, being the 30 Day EVERYTHING Challenge. I promised you guys results. Let’s chat results.
But first, for those of you just joining, let’s relive the glory days with a quick recap.
What am I talking about? Here is where I lay out the challenge.
How did it feel? (FEEEeeelings) Check out my real time diaries and report cards here and here.
What worked? This is where I do my best to put on my responsible adult thinking hat and consider what I liked and what I didn’t.
OK, NOW down to business. But first, I wanted to chat a little about why I did this challenge.
I could say that I did it for the kids. I could tell you how I want more energy to keep up with them and to feel better so that I can be a more patient and awesome mom. And I DO want those things, but that isn’t why I did it. The kids certainly don’t care what size I am. And I’m sure I can always improve in the patience/energy/awesome category, but that is just side gravy.
I could tell you I did it for James. That guy did marry me for my hot bod, after all. (Snort.) And James does support me and want me to look and feel my best however I decide that is. But nope.
I did it for me.
You see, since moving here or probably since Mac was born, I’ve felt a little less “me-like.” Don’t get me wrong. I love Love LOVE the time I’m getting to spend with the kids. I’m having a blast exploring a new country and continent.
But sometimes I feel like my mom hat dwarfs any other hat I have. I usually only leave the house completely by myself once a week, if that. I don’t spend tons of time on myself or doing things for myself.
This challenge helped me take care of myself better. It helped make me more of a priority. The kids are very high on the list, but I matter too. I should be taken care of as well.
I’m enjoying the morning time I’ve carved out for myself to exercise and to think and to do whatever I want. I’m enjoying feeling good getting out of bed in the morning. I’m also enjoying access to more of my pre-baby wardrobe. So yay! “Me” is pleased.
And now for realz, BIDNESS.
Are you guys ready to see the results?
I mean truly shocking before and afters??
Hold on to your butts.
Keep scrolling.
Scrolling.
BAM.
As you can see, the difference with clothes is subtle, if noticeable at all. (My doofusness has not changed a bit.) I admit that some sort of side-by-side photos would have been ideal and photos actually showing my body would have been better, but I’m only a mere mortal and not a Biggest Loser contestant. I don’t need any bikini photos on the internets, thank you very much.
I can tell you that I dropped a clothing size. For example, these pants definitely didn’t fit before. Also, I’ve moved to the smaller size of my ONE SHIRT TO RULE THEM ALL. Oh, and I got a hair cut.
Fuzzy shot, check. Dirty mirror, check. Rando toddler shoe, check and check.
And the numbers don’t lie. I followed whole30 protocol and didn’t weigh myself at all during the challenge. But, boy, was I excited to whip out that scale on day 31. (Since then I’ve weighed myself once, but I’m trying not to get back into the every day habit. It’s about feeling good; not about a number.)
And again, I hope you guys will forgive me for not sharing raw numbers. First, the internets just don’t need to know my weight. Second, these are my numbers and I’m happy, but I don’t want anyone to get hung up on them. Your numbers are probably different and they are your story and that’s what matters, ya know?
But I will share the delta. James took before, mid-way, and after measurements. I realized later that he left very helpful, scientific reminders like “top of crack” for my hip measurement so that he would hit the same place again. (He also measured in centimeters because he has gone FULL Italian, but he claims it was for more accuracy.)
Interestingly, probably almost 75% of the changes occurred in the first two weeks. Except for my waist which actually was lower at mid-point measure than final. I guess I was feeling bloaty that day. Or, you know, ALL THOSE ABS.
So yeah. That happened. In just 30 days. It could have been any of the factors (whole30) or the whole combination (whole30), but results were had. I know some people would think a whole30 is extreme, but I’ve never found a way to get such significant results in such a short period of time. This approach works for me. Seeing big changes makes me more motivated to keep it up. If I tried to adopt a “be reasonable” approach for six months, I doubt I’d see any difference because I’d never be able to stick to it.
Those are the “sexy” changes. Let’s talk about some other changes.
SKIN
OK, here I really should have taken some before pictures. But in my haste to get the party started, I didn’t think through all the details. So NO PICS FOR YOU, said in my no soup for you voice.
And because we do not have hard evidence, my response is wishy washy, but I think my skin is better. Although this could be a halo effect from just feeling better generally and thinking I look better. But when I touch my face, it feels, uh, plumper. I don’t know, but it definitely feels a little different. I can at least report that eating good fats, washing your face, and drinking water are not deleterious for your skin and probably definitely at least a little help.
SLEEP
As you guys saw, I failed BIG TIME on bedtime alarm. Despite this, I’m feeling more rested. First, even if I’m not going to sleep at 2200, I am going to sleep earlier than I had been so that’s a win.
Also, I’m getting higher quality sleep. I fall asleep faster, and I usually never wake up in the middle of the night, barring child screaming, of course. Even post challenge, I’ve been waking up on my own around 600, ready to start the day.
MOOD
You could ask James for confirmation, although he would probably insist that I am delightful all the time because he is a smart cookie, but I would say there has been definite mood improvement. I still feel overwhelmed by the kids at various points every day and my mind spins with a million things I need to do but can’t because Mac will RAGE if I stop walking him around. But I feel better. I really do.
FOOD
My urge to snack has diminished. Sometimes it is still there. Sometimes I just want to put food in my mouth. But I think it is more under control. I’m better able to gauge when I really want something versus just eating it because it is there.
A lot of food tastes better. Although I still just can’t seem to love red peppers, much to James’s chagrin. He loves that shizz.
I plan to keep cooking whole30 at home and then not worry as much when we go places because convenience food on the whole30 is a fantastical pink unicorn. I’m also hoping to keep my booze consumption for special, out-of-the-house occasions. Last night I had one glass of wine at date night. We’ll see how this goes.
But what about BAD changes, you ask
I can’t really think of any. Possibly my current paranoia that eating gluten will derail my whole way of life. Or my questionable fashion taste now that I am combining more clothes. Or needing to pee more from all the water and not being able to. See Mac raging when I ask him politely to let go of my hand. But seriously, I can’t really think of anything.
30 days, all gain. W00t!
Any other questions on results? Aside from my weight, I’m happy to share! And then I promise to shut up about the 30 Day EVERYTHING Challenge for a bit. Probably.
Roman Reboot 