A Brisk Walk in the Cool Crisp Fall Air before Dinner

Just went for a 20 minute brisk walk before dinner in the cool crisp fall air! My ideal time to work out is actually before dinnertime. I am a stay-at-home mom with a toddler + 2 school aged kids. I like to re-connect with the big kids when they get in from school and get dinner cooking and then go out to workout before dinner. It helps me to transition my day from being home all day with the little one and into the evening family routine.

It gives me a chance to clear my head and get some fresh air and to be alone for 30-60 minutes depending on my route. Then I can dive into dinnertime, homeworktime, eveningtime, and bedtime. It lets me think about my day and plan my evening of what I need to do after the kids are in bed. Do I need to wash their school uniforms? Do I need to do a client bid? (I am a work-at-home mom too) Do I need to layout some custom rhinestone patterns? Do I need to package up internet orders? So much to think about and process !

My friend Lara, The Mom Biz Coach, suggested that I use the voice record option on my MP3 player when my list is too big or to use it during my cool down walk after a run. Then I can play at back after I get all the munchkins to bed. This has been a great tool 'cause you really can't take pen and paper on a run or walk.

I have to say after this cruddy summer weather-wise I am really enjoying the brisk fall. It was a bit cold the other night and a bit winter-like but I hope it will stay in the 40-60 degree range for a while.

When is your favorite time of the day to run?

When is your favorite time of the year to run?

Does anyone have any fall races coming up ?

Happy Running !

Manic Monday Mama Working Out until I Drop

Whoah Mama! What was I thinking! I can barely sit here right now to do this post! I am so exhausted. I went crazy working out today.

Got up at 5am - okay well the baby woke me up at 5am. I didn't wake up on my own free will as I am soo not a morning person! After I got baby settled by 5:11am I decided to drag myself out of bed and somehow put on my workout clothes. I wrote my husband a note - I didn't even tell him I was going. I didn't want to say I was going to do & then not do it after SAYING I was going to do it. So, I left hubby a note that I would be back at 7:30am or 8:00am & to call me if he needed me.

There is this 6am spinning class at the YMCA I have been wanting to do for months - Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays. I somehow got to the Y before 6am to find out that the spin class is now 6:30am. So, I headed upstairs and did some warm up biking and walking around that track. As I was walking around the track this very fit 50-60 something lady was there lifting some weights in her sports bra and hot shorts with a great body. Before she left the room she went to the pull-up bar & did full out pull-ups!

I walked into the spin class 6:25am and the hot pull up mama was our instructor ! I have taken Spin Classes before and really enjoyed riding with a group of people in a room with super upbeat music - noone gets ahead of you & no catching up. I have loved the instructors motivating you through 60 minutes of a super workout!

Well, as I may have mentioned before I am not a morning person and I don't talk much the first hour or two I wake up. This instructor was NOT motivating and encouraging at all. She was shrill and brow beating. Not, "you can do it! only 10 more seconds at 80%", she was more like "come on, stay up there, don't you stop!". It's just not my cup of tea. Reminds me a bit of The Biggest Loser - I couldn't work out with Jillian. She is more a brow beater than leader and motivator.

Bummer - 'cause the people were fun and the activity I enjoy. Though a couple other wanky things she did is she had us get off our bikes and do these crazy holding squats - squatting for 30 seconds or 60 seconds. Huh? I have never ever done that in a spinning class. Then, she wanted us to get of the bikes at the half way point and go across the hall to the gym to jump rope. Huh? What? Well, I left at that point as I wanted to get home by 7:30am to wake up the household to get ready for school.

Side note: I was spinning behind two very fit women. One with with the body I had before kids and the other with the more realistic body of what I hope to have after kids. Still, was very motivating to see my past body and future body right in front of me while working out.

Then, I watched my girlfriends 21 month old toddler for the day - little Emma is only 1 week older than my little Jon Jon. They are a hoot & tons of fun - but boy do they have lots of energy. They only gave me one 1 hour nap - I was hoping for at least a 2 hour nap or two 1 hour naps.

Later that evening, I went to a Women's Running Clinic I signed up for 8 weeks ago. I left the house at 6pm and the class ended at 8pm. It is great working out with 40 other women. All types, all sizes, all fitness levels & most importantly always someone to run with and chat. Now, that Leader is super motivating and ONLY has positive things to say!

Then, crazy lady Melissa (me) had a Tennis Class afterwards from 9:30pm to 10:30pm and we actually played until they kicked us out at 10:45pm. I was soo out of energy the last 15 minutes, the racket was feeling too heavy & I was missing shots. This is an advanced intermmediate class - so no messing around and no beginners here.

I did stop and eat a salad and have a beverage between the running clinic and tennis class - but that wasn't enough - I needed to get some protein in there because that salad did not sustain me through the tennis class.

Well, something's gotta give. I am going to ditch the spinning class on monday mornings. There is one on Monday afternoons, but I would have to take 2 toddlers with me - though they have baby daycare. I think I will call first to find out if it's the same instructor.

I paid for the Women's Running Clinic and really love that group & the only other clinic I could take at my beginner level is the 5K training class - but it is on Friday nights. Friday nights are preserved at our house as Lierman Family Fun Nights - with board games, card games, wii, rockband, pizzza, pop, pjs, popcorn, and a movie! I paid for Tennis too & LOVE my instructor - he is awesome! Tennis, hum, maybe I will call tomorrow and see if there is another night for tennis that doesn't conflict with kid's and husband's (hubby is a teacher and a coach) afterschool activities.

I have soo much work to do tonite, but its 1:06am and I am soo toast. I can barely keep my eyes open, but I wanted to download this post while it was fresh and I was feeling it! Any bets on how sore I am going to be tomorrow & how funny it will be to see me with my sore legs hobbling down the stairs in the morning!

Anyone wanna wake me up tomorrow ?

Where Have I Been? August has been a busy month for me ! How do you keep Running when Life Happens?

August has been quite a month for me!

August 10th we closed on a house that I wasn't expecting to buy - a cute fixer upper ranch for $153,500 at 4.09 financing - we felt we couldn't pass it up even though it is a whole year early before a game plan.

My poor sweet baby Jonathan who is 20 months old sorta fell off the bed and slipped on a Sports Illustrated (not mine!) and fell on top of a metal book light that happened to be on the floor instead of night stand (not mine!).

In this freak accident he cut above his lip, below his nose & had to go to the Emergency Room to get stitches (worst mom experience - 3 adults holding a poor screaming baby down while he is yelling "No! Hurt!" - they needed a 4th 'cause he was sooo strong!) and in the next week went back to Urgent Care and ER multiple times to deal with stitch that came out after 1st day and high fever.

End result is that we have a consultation with a Plastic Surgeon next week to discuss options which most likely will be surgery to repair 6 months to a year out because they can't do anything now 'cause wound is so old you only have a 48 window to fix these things. Now, they have to wait for it to scar over & then they will cut out scar and repair.

I wouldn't go through all this if it wasn't on my poor handsome, cutie's face! Give me an arm, Give me a leg, and Give me a scar - totally different story on your child's face.

Okay so other personal - totally too much information - just getting my periods back since birth of baby and they are horrendous - 2nd was better than first - first I was bed ridden for 4 days, 2nd I was only bed ridden for 2 days - but any either scenario - no running for a week!

NOW, I have mastitis! Holy Moly! For past 7 days while dealing with the Jonathan crisis I have barely had 3-4 hours sleep at night with ER visits, high fevers, baby crying, etc... And I was in the process of weaning him - to see if we can be done nursing by the time he is 2 years old (we are discussing if we are going to have 4th child before I turn 40). So, nursing has been erratic during crisis week because I threw weaning out the window with all of these distressing hospital visits. So, nursing pattern immediately and dramatically changing, me sleep deprived, run down, and exhausted, and germ-o-rama sick people all around at Urgent Cares and ERs = Mastitis for Melissa !

I am bed ridden today and tomorrow. My husband, dear husband took all three kids on a road trip today to spend the day with our best friends and their family & may even spend the night. I opted out and am here at home alone. I wish they had a movie place that delivered movies! Ooooh... that's right we have on demand movies through our cable company - chick flick - here I come!

So, my question to all my experienced mom runners - How do you keep running when life comes at you fast and furious? I think that is my biggest problem. Life is Life and things will always be coming up and happening - How do you make sure you are still fitting in Me-Time and Running Time?

Running Log - Ran 62:22 Today - 2nd Run of Day!

Running Log
August 6th, 2009

2nd Run of the day! Whoah Mama! What am I thinking? I joined a Running Clinic coordinated by one of the local Running Stores in town called The Running Room. I wanted to join the 5K clinic because I have already done the previous clinic called "Learn to Run", but the 5K clinic is on Friday nights and that is a sacred Family Night in our house.

Our Lierman Friday Family Nights are filled with fun activities like card games, board games, crafts, pizza, pop, popcorn, pjs, sleeping bags, and ends with a family movie. Once a month we invite another family to join us for the fun & they bring their pjs too! So, there is no way that I could do something on that night.

So, I tried the 10K group and we ran 6K+ on this first night of the clinic and it took everything I had. First off, I find when you run with a group it's hard not to run faster than your normal pace. After about 2K I started moving towards the back of the group with Team Turtles. By 5K we turtles couldn't even see the mid-pack let alone the front pack of Gazelles.

Hum? Completely wiped out & couldn't even see the rest of the runners ahead by the end. Sounds like i bit off more than I could chew & need to downgrade :-(

Running Log - Ran 34:44 Today

Running Log
Thursday, August 6th, 2009

I Ran 34:44 Today. I went to bed early last night (for a night owl) and was woken up at 5:29am by the baby. I decided that after getting the baby back to sleep rather quickly that I should stay up and go for a run like all my mom running friends have been reccommending.

I have so been resisting morning runs because I am so not a morning person and often go to bed at 2am. Guess what? This run was AWESOME! It's been so bloody hot and humid, like August always is in the Midwest - and it was gloriously cool this morning. It was beautiful and peaceful too!

My first 10 minutes are usually the hardest and I often look at my watch 3 or 4 times those first 10 minutes even though I have a timer set & I didn't even feel like it this morning.

It was a wonderful run followed by coming home to my husband waiting at the door to go to work - he needed me home at 6:45am and I was back at 6:44am - we passed the baton and my kids slept for another 1.5 hours! What an additional incentive!

Okay you morning Mama Runners - You are Right! Running in the morning is Great! Now, can you come to my house at 5:30 am tomorrow and get me out of bed?

Happy Running!

Running Log - Ran 36:06 Today

Running Log
Thursday, July 24, 2009

I ran 36:06 today. We are out of town at a friend's house and I put my running gear on and just went out and ran. I just walked out her door and ran up and down her street (because I wasn't familiar with her neighborhood). The street had mild up and down hills - even with a mild incline I could feel the difference. I haven't been out running in over a week! I was blindsided by an illness that had me in bed for 4 days! When is that last time I was sick? I usually only get sick once a year or less. I was fine being in bed first 2 days because I was too sick to care. Then day 3 I got out of bed for a few hours and overdid it and was right back.

I was super bummed that I had either ran or played some serious sweaty tennis for 8 days in a row before illness and feel like I lost most of what I gained in that time. But you know what? That is Life! Things are going to come up in life unexpectedly and knock us off our feet and we have to get back up again. We can't give up 'cause of all of life's interferences and happenings.

So, I am so glad I got back on the horse again. I have been booked non-stop with client work while I am in the Metro Detroit area and will not be able to come up to breathe until Monday morning. I so hope I can squeeze in another run before Monday!

Happy Running!

Get Running ! No More Excuses !

Guest Post by Heather Gannoe a running mommy and blogger of www.runfastermommy.com.
She is also part of our Virtual Running Group on Twitter #momsrunning; you can find her on twitter at @runfastermommy

Get Running! No More Excuses!

If I had a dollar for every time I heard an excuse from a mom regarding exercise, I'd be rich. I'd be blogging right now on my diamond encrusted laptop from a yacht in the islands. Alright, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, but I hear it all too often.

"It must be nice to have all that free time."
"I hate/cant' afford the gym"
"My kids aren't in school, and husband works full time"
"I can't afford a treadmill"
"I'm just too tired after work, bath time, then bedtime"

I could go on and on. Moms, I'm here to tell you that your excuses are LAME-O! News flash: MOST running moms are average moms, JUST LIKE YOU! They are not elite athletes paid to train all day. Instead, they work full time jobs. They have a house full of chores, dishes, and laundry. A husband and kids to feed, clean up after, chase, and answer every beckon call. Bills to pay, carpools to run, soccer games to attend. But the one thing these moms have that others don't isn't something you can buy in a store. It's called MOTIVATION! And you can have some too! You just have to start, which is essentially the hardest part. There is a saying that it takes 21 days to start a new habit. You may hate it today, but I promise at the end of 21 days you too can look forward to your workouts, and have that motivation!

Before you start rolling your eyes at me, let me tell you this: out of the 21 races I've done in my very short running career, all but 3 were done after I had kids. I'm currently training for my third full marathon. Believe me, I'm no stranger to the demands of motherhood. My partner and I both work 5 days a week (but never have the same day off), and we work opposite shifts as to avoid daycare costs. Meaning, the second I come home from work, he goes into work. I alternate working with going to college full time pursuing my bachelors degree. And I toss into this mix, two beautiful little boys, a quickly approaching 3 year old, and a 9 month old. Oh and that house full of housework! Life is chaotic, but I have found the one thing that keeps mommy happy and healthy: running.

I think once we become mothers, we develop a sixth sense. Not the one where you can sense your child about to throw his bowl of cheerios across the room even though you aren't actually looking at him (otherwise known as "eyes in the back of the head"). No the other sixth sense: creativity! When it comes to working out with kids, you need to be creative. There is absolutely no reason you need to spend hours on an elliptical machine in a sweaty gym while your kids cry in the gym daycare! Here are some suggestions for you:

-Two Words: Jogging Stroller. An amazing invention! And my kids just LOVE running with mommy!

-Find company. Or just trade! Are you a part of a local mommy group, or do you have mommy friends? I'd be willing to be there are other moms in the same situation as you, and don't know where or how to start. Suggest making a "workout" play date. Put those babies in the strollers and go for a walk or a run! Stop every so often to do some lunges, squats, crunches, etc. Or, follow a beginner training program for running, such as the Galloway method or couch-to-5k. The company will keep you motivated and prevent you from skipping out on the workout. Or, swap babysitting while you or your mommy friend hits the gym/goes for a run/etc.

One of my running mommy friends had the most amazing suggestion that we have recently put into action. Both of us wanted to get in some speed work as a part of marathon training, but didn't really have the time without the kids. So she suggested that we meet at the local (fenced in!) track, with all of the kids, and plenty of outdoor toys! We take turns: while one is running her laps, the other keeps on eye on the kids. Then, while the first mom is on her "recovery" break, she is in charge of watching the kids while the second gets in her run.

-Kids too big for a jog stroller? Let them go for a bike ride! They can ride along side of you while you run. Or, go for a bike ride with them!

-Just get outdoors...walking the dog, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, a game of soccer at the park, set up an obstacle course, do some hanging pull-ups on the jungle gym or some step-ups on the park bench. Anything can be kid and family friendly!

-For those who would love to workout kid-free: re-evaluate your day. I HATE mornings,especially the "waking up" part, but getting in that long run at 5:00/6:00 a.m. while the hubby and kids are still sleeping starts my day off in the BEST way! If mornings aren't an option, how about your lunch break?

-If you have at least an hour, you can easily squeeze in a 20 minute workout, shower, and still grab your lunch with time to spare. Do a workout video while your kids are napping or playing quietly. Videos these days are not the leotard wearing dancing/stepping routines they used to be. There are some amazing workouts out there! Putting the laundry pile aside a few days a week isn't going to be the end of the world. I promise. You deserve the time!

When it comes to the time and money spent on my running, I remind myself of this: Even though I always put my family first, I am still an important, deserving part of this family. It is just as ok for me to take some "me" time, as it is ok for hubby to take some "him" time to watch the football game on T.V. (see where I'm going with this?). It's all about compromise!

People always ask me what my "secret" is. The secret is: You Have To Believe In Yourself! You have to WANT this for you, because YOU are the only one who is going to get out there and do it! Exercising and being fit is so much more than fitting into those sexy jeans (although that is always a great bonus!) The most important part of all of this is the example you are setting for your children. In our society today, obesity is an epidemic, and inactivity is all too common. The best way to teach your kids to live a healthy, active lifestyle is to lead by example. And giving your kids the gift of having a happy, healthy, active mom? PRICELESS!

ABOUT OUR GUEST BLOGGER:
"My name is Heather, and I'm one of those "crazy running moms". A toddler (two and a half) and a baby boy (eight months), and their handsome daddy have stolen my heart, they are my everything."

"Running keeps me sane in the chaos that is my life (but I wouldn't trade this life for the world!) . In fact, it's pretty much an obsession (most runners would agree). Somehow, I've gained quite the competitive streak within myself, and I'm now trying to "go faster". My most current goal is a Boston qualifying time...that is, if I can squeeze the training in with a jog stroller"

Check out Heathe's Blog at:
www.runfastermommy.com.

She is also part of our Virtual Running Group on Twitter #momsrunning;
you can find her on twitter at @runfastermommy

Running Log - Ran 45:35 Today

Running Log
Sunday, July 12, 2009

I ran 45:35 today and my legs were sore the entire run. My left back of my leg and my right knee. I bet it was the stupid shoes I was wearing. I have 5 pairs of running shoes in my world from various times and various years and I keep hoping one pair will work until I get a bit better to invest in new running shoes.

So far, I have tried out 4 out of 5 and 3 pairs literally give me pains and 1 pair is okay and I have 1 more pair to try. Why do I have so many running shoes? Well, a couple are more than a couple years old. They are all in good shape - I donate my shoes once they are worn. The problem is with each pregnancy my feet change shape and size!

I haven't bought a pair since my latest baby was born and I know it is time to get fitted and measured and whatnot. I keep hoping there is this fantasy pair that is good for me and is like $50 bucks or less. Everyone I ask says that the cheapest pair is in the $80-$100 range. I thought this was a cheap sport? Just throw on some shoes and run out the door - literally??

Well, needless to say it wasn't a fun run for me and at 3 minutes shy of 30 minutes I was looping by the house, but I don't dare to stop before my 30 minutes is up and then I decided to push on and do my 40 minute route forgetting that involves 2 inclines!

I am glad I forced myself to go out and keep going through irritation but I am almost out of shoes to try. I so don't want to go try and pick out shoes and spend $100 on this cheap and easy sport! I used to love Ryka and Saucony 10 years ago - I see they still exist and I just went on www.ryka.com
and they have all kinds of running shoes for $51 - $75. They even have a promo through July 31, 2009 where you can get a free pair of running shorts with each running shoe purchase !

I've never ordered shoes online. I need to go to a shoe store and get my arch assessed and my feet measured so I can order the right shoes. Has anyone ever ordered shoes online before? If so, leave a comment and let me know about your experience.

Happy Running !

Running Log - Ran 59:27 Today

Running Log
Saturday, July 11, 2009

I ran 59:27 today. I wasn't sure that I was going to go out because it was raining. My twitter running friends (#momsrunning) encouraged me to go out in the rain as long as there wasn't thunder and lightning.

Running in the light misty rain was cool and refreshing for the first 30 minutes, then sun came blasting out in the 40 minute range and super humid super fast, then 50 minute range sun went behind clouds and there was a fantastic cool breeze until the end of my run.

I was slow today. Could have been the fact that I stayed up until 3am working on new blog colors and formatting you are looking at right now. Could have been the fact that the baby woke up every hour on the hour from 11pm until 6am (he's getting all 4 eyeteeth in at the same time and he seems to be going through a growth spurt as he is super duper hungry all the time and daddy forgot to give him his night time snack of warm cream of wheat or oatmeal).

I so physically wanted to stop at 30 minutes and was looping right by the house, but thought that today is Saturday and the kids are fine with dad and I time-wise can run as long as I want today and it's been so hard finding time to get out by myself with 3 kids and husband. I forced myself to go on and the last 10 minutes were the best 10 minutes of the run - I pushed myself grunting uphill (nice visual)!

I also forced myself to stretch for 10 minutes after the run. I stretched outside and that was way more successful than trying to stretch once I walk in the door, because somehow everyone needs me the second I walk in that door!

What I want when I walk in the door is applause - "Yeah Mommy! You went out and ran! We are so happy we want a healthy and happy Mommy !" Sometimes I just clap for myself and say that outloud and my kids will start clapping and say "Yeah Mommy!".

Happy Running! Just finished my chocolate milk (best thing to drink after a run, better than gatorade or water, see earlier post about it) and need to eat some lunch my stomach is growling :-)

8 Tips for New and Beginning Runners

GUEST POST by Amanda Espinoza, Founder & Contributor - http://www.themomcrowd.com/

8 Tips For Runners Starting from Scratch

Have you thought about running as a way to workout? As a way to lose that postpartum muffin top? If you want to run, you can do it! It is just a matter of wanting to do it and carving out the time in your schedule. Even if you have never ran a day in your life - you CAN run! You just need to be sure that you don't have joint problems or any other condition where running would make your condition worse.

Myself and a few other friends are gearing up to run a Half Marathon in San Antonio, TX in November. My friend, Natalie, asked me what she needed to know before she started running.

Here are 8 tips if you are brand new to running.

1. Know the lingo and set a goal.
In McKenna's first 5K post http://www.themomcrowd.com/my-first-5k-race/ she recommends to find a Fun Run in your area and register for the race. Because the race fees are usually non-refundable, you are more likely to do the race.

Here are the types of most races:
5K = 3.1 miles
10K = 6.2 miles
10 Mile Race
Half Marathon = 13.1 miles
Marathon = 26.2 miles

2. Have a good pair of running shoes.
Your feet and your joints will thank you! Saving your body is worth the price of a new pair of shoes. An article for beginners on RunnersWorld.com says, "Cross-trainers, aerobics shoes, and other athletic foot--wear don't have enough cushioning to handle running's impact--nor does the pair of running shoes you wore two years ago. Buy new running shoes, or you risk getting injured."

3. Stretch, Stretch, Stretch before and after your run.
Set a stretching routine that you can follow every day. Don't ever skip stretching, unless you want to pull a muscle. Additionally, stretching after you run will help with soreness. I really dislike stretching after I run, because I just want to be done. So I only do three stretches when I am done: touch my toes, stretch my quads and my calves. For me, these are the 3 areas that I will most likely be sore later. Here is great post with stretching suggestions!
Thanks TimeOutMom for the link!)

4. Take baby steps!
You can start running in intervals while running and walking. Go for 30 minutes by doing a 1:4. This means that you run for 1 minute, then walk for 4 minutes. You do that same pattern 6 times until you have completed 30 minutes. Then the next week you can do 2:3. Running for 2 minutes and walking 3 for 30 minutes. You keep up this pattern until you can run 30 minutes straight.

If you decide that you want to start running without any walking, then you can start with a short distance. Only do a quarter of a mile until that quarter of mile gets easy. Then, do a half mile until a half mile gets easy. And so forth. Eventually doing 3 miles will be easy!

5. Take rest days.
You need rest days! Sometimes we want to come out of the gate fast and workout every day, but your body needs recovery days. While you should maintain a minimum of 3 runs a week, you also shouldn't run every single day.
MarathonRookie.com says:

You should not run every day. Your body needs to rest between runs so it can recover from one run to the next, getting stronger between each run. Nutrition and eating the right foods at the right time also play a vital role in recovery. Take recovery days equally as serious as your running days.

6. Have accountability and support.
Doing a race with friends will help you stay accountable. You can cheer each other on during the training weeks. Text your friend and see if they ran that day. You also need the support of a spouse or friend to help you watch the kids when you go on runs.

7. Run for a cause.
Need some inspiration to run? Run for a cause. If you run a half marathon or a full marathon you can sign up with an organization and help raise money to support their cause. Angie of Me and My Good Life Blog ran a marathon and raised 4,536 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in honor of her father. She claims that she is not a runner. If you need some inspiration for running read her Gonna Run a Marathon Blog.

8. Brag!
There is nothing wrong with getting on your blog, Facebook, Twitter or texting a friend to tell people that you ran that day! Knowing that I will get to update my Facebook status and Tweet my run gets me out of bed. (If you do tweet about running you can use the hashtag #momsrunning.) My friend, Dawn, also set up a Blog
just for the 4 of us running together to cheer each other on.

Now it is time to get out there and run! :) Do you like to run? Have you thought about running? Have you ever completed a Half or Full Marathon?

RESOURCES: More Articles About Running

Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Runner Training For Your First Half Marathon

Half-Marathon Training

Six Simple Rules for Safe Runs

RunningMoms.com

Train Before Your 5K Goal

Guest Blogger Bio:
Amanda is the founder and a contributor of an encouraging, informative, and inspiring parenting blog written by five moms. You can read more about our first 5K's and Dawn's first Half Marathon on our blog. http://www.themomcrowd.com/category/running