September 08, 2015

Currently…{End of Summer Edition}

I'm forgoing a weekend recap post this week for a Currently post instead. Two reasons: for one, I hadn't realized I haven't done a Currently post since March, and two, even though this past weekend was a long weekend, with the rain and cold temperatures, we didn't get up much to anything worth sharing on the blog. (Save for my 10K race on Sunday, but that post will be coming to you tomorrow).

Currently…End of Summer Edition

So with the end of summer here, and the fall clearly making it's presence (we even had a bit of snow on the weekend! Don't worry, it didn't last), here's a look at what I've been up to as summer comes to a close:

Currently…

Thinking About: how to maintain a consistent workout schedule come the colder months. How can I ever get ahead in my running if I give it up every winter? I'm not sure I'm ready to be an outdoor winter runner though. The thought of running in the cold terrifies me, but then there's also the whole wardrobe factor: what do you wear and how do you keep warm, but not overheat? Plus, with the winter months also comes less daylight. I'd have to get all my runs in during the day and I find it hard enough on the best of days to gather the motivation to run, let alone run and push a heavy jogging stroller. So what does one do? Do I beg and plead with my husband to buy a treadmill? Do I get a gym membership that provides childcare so that I can also get out of the house on the months that I often turn into a bit of hermit? But I hate signing contracts.

Reading: I started More than Happy: The Wisdom of Amish Parenting several weeks ago, but had to return it to the library before I could finish it. My hold for it came in again the other day so I'm revisiting it and finding myself completely immersed in all it has to say. I would be highlighting my little heart out in it if I owned it, but instead my messy notes will have to do. The Amish lead a way of life that will always be fascinating to me, and their beliefs and values behind child rearing are no exception. I truly think we could learn a lot from them and I hope to instill some of their "tips", such as, "teach your children to be givers by becoming a giver yourself", in my parenting journey. This book is teaching me things on how to be a better parent AND a better person. Maybe I'll do a review on the book once I'm done.

Listening to: I recently discovered Michael Franti & Spearhead and I cannot get enough. (How am I only hearing about them now?!)  While most of their songs have been on heavy repeat the last few weeks, Say Hey (I Love You) is one of my top favourites. They remind me of a more happy, more upbeat, fresher version of Jack Johnson with a reggae vibe. Their songs are incredibly catchy, and so far, kid-friendly. Sully immediately starts bobbing when one of the tunes comes on. Fun fact: according to Wiki, Michael attended a junior high school in Edmonton, Alberta for his grade nine year. And you better believe their songs are on my 10K race playlists!



Watching: More like, what am I not watching? I'm starting to feel a little overwhelmed by the number of different shows Jim and I have on the go. We're constantly starting a new series and not finishing others, for no other reason than there are just too many shows we want to watch. Currently on the go: The Walking Dead, Sons of Anarchy, Rules of Engagement, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, House of Cards, Community, Revenge, and An Idiot Abroad. And then there's the shows I watch on my own: 90210, The Mindy Project, Downton Abby, Suits, Parenthood, and Orange is the New Black. (This is why I want a treadmill - so I can run and watch TV, haha!). And of course, there's still other shows I'd like to watch! Our goal is to go back and finish one series at a time this fall before starting anything new.

Eating: Not as good as when I was on the 21 Day Fix plan, but not as bad as I was before. I'm still working on my post of my experience and review of the 21 Day Fix, but overall, it really helped me reevaluate my eating habits. Unfortunately, I still have an extreme weakness when it comes to avoiding unhealthy foods (i.e. beer and sweets), but I feel like things are more balanced now. The plan did reignite my love for steel cut oats in the morning though, which Sully also happens to love, so I'm happy for that!

nutella, strawberry and whipped cream stuffed croissant
{surprise dessert from the husband…which totally justifies eating it right?
I'm  the Queen of excuses though!}

Looking forward to: Getting into a better routine this month. The summer was fun, we had a blast, but I'm really struggling motivation wise, in all areas of my life, with the lack of routine. Next week we start gymnastics and a registered reading program at the library. That gets us out and about regularly twice a week. On top of that, my plan is to get back on track with grocery shopping and meal planning. This summer, I was too often running out at random times to grab just "one more thing" from the grocery store. This ends up being a bit chaotic and results in more money being spent on groceries that we didn't really need in the first place. I've been reading a lot of posts from other bloggers on how they organize their lives, and I'm feeling really inspired!


Do you winter run, take it indoors or put running on hiatus until spring?
Do you have multiple shows on the go, or are you a 'one show at a time' person?
What are you looking forward to for fall?


25 comments:

  1. I'm the same as you with winter running. I always say I'm going to stick with it in the winter and then the snow comes and...nope. It SUCKS giving up everything you worked for and I so wish I had room for a treadmill because I'd be all over that in the winter. If you lived here I'd make you run with me no matter what, haha.

    I don't watch much TV so I'm mostly a one show at a time person. I was watching Suits but it's on hiatus so I likely won't watch anything else until it starts again.

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    1. Aw man, I WISH we lived in the same city - we'd totally get each other's butts out there in the winter! Something about winter running alone isn't nearly as appealing as getting out there with a friend. Plus, it helps that we have a similar pace.

      I think I'm so overwhelmed by my TV watching (well Netflix - we don't have cable) because I don't have nearly the time to watch TV like I used to.

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  2. I can definitely relate to your winter running woes. I HAAATTEE the treadmill and I hate being cold so it feels like a lose-lose no matter what. I think we will just have to man up once and for all, and embrace how shitty it is!
    FYI- Lululemon insulated running tights are the best. I wear them in -20 and my legs feel okay. Other than that, a warm/moisture wicking jacket, something to cover your nose/mouth - like a buff band, warm touque, running gloves ...
    UGH let's move somewhere hot.

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    1. Running is so mental for me, so the treadmill is EXTRA tough, but I like the idea of at least watching TV to distract me while running ;)

      I am totally checking out those tights, thanks! I just wore regular lulu tights on Sunday and my thighs were frozen for a good chunk of my run. Ugh…I'm already overwhelmed by your list!

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  3. I can definitely relate to your winter running woes. I HAAATTEE the treadmill and I hate being cold so it feels like a lose-lose no matter what. I think we will just have to man up once and for all, and embrace how shitty it is!
    FYI- Lululemon insulated running tights are the best. I wear them in -20 and my legs feel okay. Other than that, a warm/moisture wicking jacket, something to cover your nose/mouth - like a buff band, warm touque, running gloves ...
    UGH let's move somewhere hot.

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  4. Michael Franti & Spearhead's cheery, summery sounds are perfect to wrap up the season :)

    The treadmill and Netflix are my good friends during the winter - running indoors isn't too boring when you're catching up the latest drama in OITNB or pretending that you're running from zombies in The Walking Dead :)

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    1. Aren't they?! I embrace fall in all other aspects of my life, but upbeat songs will always have room no matter the season.

      And yes - the treadmill ONLY appeals to me because then I could knock off some of those shows on my never ending to-watch list! ;)

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  5. I'm the opposite. I like running in the winter (yay for treadmills) and hate the overheating feeling in the summer.
    You know me. I have way too many TV shows and fall is only worse because everything comes back from summer break!!
    We're looking forward to getting outta the house in the fall for more swimming lessons and we start gymnastics tomorrow! Should be fun!!

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    1. Hey you!! :) I don't like the overheating feeling either….and I seem to overheat very easily which scares me for winter running because how does one dress?!

      Yay for gymnastics! I wish we were doing it with you guys :(

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  6. Ughhh winter running. Honestly? I don't do it. I will take treadmill running over a freezing cold outdoor run anytime. So winters for me running goes to the backburner/doesn't happen very often and I focus on strength gains instead.

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    1. Well, I'm glad to hear that most of you don't suck it up and run outdoors! haha, I was thinking I was just being a big baby about it...

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  7. Beg and plead for a treadmill! haha. I do get out and run on nicer days but that is rare. Last winter I just ran a 5-10km a week and that maintained my endurance enough come spring.
    We watch way too many shows! I am dreading the productivity come fall with all the shows.
    I love fall clothing!

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    1. Haha! I'm trying! Especially with the short days, a treadmill would be nice. Luckily, we only watch Netflix so we aren't bombarded with fall TV, but I clearly remember how we used to when we had cable!

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  8. Winter running can definitely suck, but you can definitely do it! It just takes investing in some good, warm clothes and layering. I ran a lot after work when it was dark in the winter, so I highly recommend a reflection vest. I bought mine from Running Room.

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    1. Are you planning to winter run this year? I'm also feeling cheap about investing in winter running clothing. I already feel like I need an entire new regular winter wardrobe! Why do we have to have so many seasons here?! ;)

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  9. I agree - I didn't mention it, but slipping is also something that scares me. And something that seems to happen to a lot of people in the winter, runners or not! The gym I want to go to (Goodlife), only offers 1 or 2 year contracts (I wish they offered 6 months - I would totally get one without hesitation then). I never seem to go consistently enough over a two year period…we will see!

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  10. Having a running partner makes winter running way easier, especially when it's dark out!! That's also hard to do when you have kids though so the treadmill is my backup! I don't watch a lot of TV (no time and I swear Netflix is down every time I go to fold laundry!) but sometimes that's how I motivate myself to run on the treadmill. Check kijiji- you might find a good deal on there! I have a full winter running wardrobe that I have accumulated over the years but I have no problem spending money on running clothes unfortunately!

    That book sounds great! I need to figure out a way how to teach my kids about giving- makes sense for them to learn by seeing you do it so I guess I need to give more!

    I need to get on track with my eating too- I find way too many excuses to eat bad stuff!

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    1. I'm definitely going to keep my eye out on kijiji! I really can't imagine keeping up with running through the winter without a treadmill. Plus, when I used to go to the gym, I really liked watching TV while I ran haha!

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  11. You know I'm all about the treadmill in the winter. It's my best friend! That, and Netflix to keep my mind distracted from the task at hand. I don't have cable but I usually watch a show, or two, on Netflix or stream something (right now it's Big Brother.)

    If you ever decide to get a treadmill. Sign up for Canadian Tire alerts. They ALWAYS have sales. Mine was 2200 and dropped to 850 :)

    PS I wish we lived closer.

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    1. We don't have cable either, but I love the idea of working through my netflix que while running on the treadmill, haha! ;) What brand is your treadmill? I'm assuming you really like it?

      P.S. Me too

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  12. I can't wait for fall shows to come back! That way, there's plenty on the PVR to watch when I'm bored

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    1. I don't think I could handle a PVR backlog AND my netflix que!

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  13. I one ran a race in Northern California during the winter and loved arm warmers- I'm a really, really hot runner and I despise anything but tanks. I know you're conditions are pretty severe, but just in case you have a day around 40-50 they might work for you.

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    1. Yes, I am a hot runner too! And you know what, I actually have a pair of arm warmers…I will have to give them a try on warmer days and see how that goes.

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  14. I've always thought having workout equipment at home (such as a treadmill) would so awesome! Put on your favourite show (or one of the many haha) and away you go! I always loved that about Dad's gym when I lived with him. Plus you guys have the space now in that basement of yours! I'll help you convince Jimmy. ;) Miss you!

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