Since I skipped any mention of my yearly goals last month, a quick recap is in order. The weight is officially off (plus 2 extra pounds. GO ME!), I completed my marathon goal back in June (with a PR of more than 1 hour and 6 minutes), my house is still a mess (sigh), I've done pretty well spending 1 on 1 time with my kids, and I'm working on cross training via a strength class I started at the beginning of October, which I am LOVING by the way. So that leaves one teeny tiny goal left for the year: 1000 miles.
In October, I managed 74.39 miles of running. I am a little disappointed in that, but it is what it is. Truthfully, I kind of needed the break, and while I didn't run a LOT of miles, the miles I DID run were so so GOOD. So. That brings my 2011 total miles to 843.22, which means I need to run 156.78 more in order to reach 1000. 80 miles a month. Easy peasie, right? I hope so...
This past weekend was full to the top with Halloween goodness. Backing up a bit, on Friday, James' teacher called me at home after school, just to tell me how proud she was of him! They had gone through a haunted maze that was set up in the gym, and James had participated and then gone back for more. AND he'd been trying all kinds of new food in their classroom (they've been having pumpkin seeds, pumpkin pie, apple, all kinds of fall treats) and he's tried them all (and even liked some!). For James, this is huge progress, and it makes me so happy.
For Halloween, we had the Mad Hatter, Harry Potter, Kung Fu Panda and a cute little witch. Everyone had a great time, and the weather cooperated JUST long enough to get Trick-or-Treating done before the rain started. James freaked out initially, but after sitting with me and handing out candy and running costume-commentary, he settled down and went back out for a while. I have entirely too much candy in my house, and yesterday, I gave myself full on permission to indulge. But today? NO. No more candy. (I am unable to ration myself. It's sad really, but I do much better when I can't have any than I do when I tell myself I'll have just 1, which inevitably turns in to just 1 MORE.)
Before the Halloween festivities started Sunday, I snuck out for an 8 mile run with some running club people I hadn't seen in forever. It was THE BEST run. I felt strong, I paced perfectly, and I ran 8 miles. With NO walk breaks. Without even feeling like I NEEDED to walk. This is HUGE for me (don't laugh - really!) and in fact is a personal distance record for me for running without walking at all. Which seems crazy, but I've always taken them. Every mile or 2. So I'm not sure if it's the weather, or the strength class, or smarter pacing or just BELIEVING I COULD, but it felt so so good. I averaged a 10:38 pace, and hardly varied from that the whole run. And it felt easy. New goal? A half marathon with no time goals, but no walk breaks.
And one last question for the parents of middle schoolers out there. What is your take on make up? My oldest is 12, and she doesn't wear much, but would really like to. Some of her friends wear full on war paint ("She wears too much make-up. Makes her look like a whore." Movie, anyone?) and I think that it's ridiculous. Still others have parents who say it's just a "little" and I'm thinking, REALLY? Looks way more than a little to me. So. Am I being over-analytical? Should I just stay out of it? Is 12 old enough to let her do what she wants as far as make up is concerned? I need some advice please! :)
Mad Hatter, Harry Potter, Kung Fu Panda and a cute little witch - which one were you!
ReplyDeleteNot a parent, but as far as make up goes, I am not in favor of any make-up until High School at the earliest. I am sick of seeing 10-12 year old girls looking like frickin' tarts. Be a kid for gosh sakes - you only get to do it once.
While I'm not a parent, I know when I was that age I wanted to wear make up too but I'm pretty sure I wasn't allowed full on make up until freshman year. But things have changed a lot even since then so I guess its just what you feel comfortable with...
ReplyDeleteOh and all the costumes are adorable, btw.
ReplyDeleteThe youngins costumes are awesome '
ReplyDeleteI took a break in October, I am a believer that we all need a mental and physical break from our sport
I dont have kids and my girl doesnt wear makeup, so I am no help, sorry
Nice job on the running in October!
ReplyDeleteMy very first half marathon with no unscheduled walk breaks was in June 2010. Hard to believe it was that recently! You can totally do it next year.
Wish I had some advice on the make-up front. I really only wore it for special occasions until about 6 years ago and I'm still overwhelmed by make-up in general. But I don't think I wore it in middle school.
I wore makeup in 7th-8th grade. Maybe if you limit it to some eyeliner or mascara and lip gloss? Idk, I have boys, so I'm not that much help, but it's definitely icky seeing these young girls looking MUCH older.
ReplyDeleteWay to go on the goals! I did manage 100 miles in October, just barely, and a large portion of them was walking. Ugh. It takes so long to walk. Here's to getting back to regular running!
Yay for a fun Halloween and great runs! I totally get the walking thing. I wasn't a habitual walker until this year and am working on breaking that habit.
ReplyDeleteI didn't start wearing makeup until well into high school but that was the stone age so I'm no help. Haven't gotten there with my kids although I will be soon enough.
Snickers PB, is good, just not fabulous. Maybe I need to steal another to be sure. Then again maybe not.
I love all the costumes! And am so happy to hear James is doing so well.
ReplyDeleteAnd 8 miles with no walk breaks? Wow. Just wow! Go Bobbi go!
You can totally reach your 1000 goal this year!
I'm not really a makeup kind of person but my daughters both think it is fun. I allow my younger daughter to wear it for special occasions (holidays or things with family) but not to school ever. My older daughter is almost 14 and occasionally wears makeup to school. I should note that when I say "makeup" I mean a tiny bit of mascara and lip gloss. My older daughter might put on a little sparkly eye shadow but she does it so light that you can barely see it (as it should be in my opinion!) My girls think it's fun to look at makeup at the store but they don't really overdo it and even when they do wear it you can barely tell, which is I think how it is meant to be. I suppose if they used it like some of the girls do at their schools I would limit it but I remember back to when I was little and the only reason I wore it was because my parents hated it and made a big deal about it.
ReplyDeletemy kids are grown but i know exactly your dilemma. 7th grade is when the young girls start wanting to wear makeup - it's perfectly normal. i say it's realistic that most are wearing a bit somewhere in that 7th grade. by the time 8th grade is in full force they are all wearing makeup and it's a huge deal. (by the time they are in 10th grade the thrill of it all wears off) i just say to keep it at a minimal - and keep on top of it.
ReplyDeletelove the little costumes! And yay for James! Isn't it great when they surprise you?
ReplyDeleteI only have a 5 year old but I don't like makeup so early. eh. My friends 12 year old was at a wedding with us on Saturday and her skin was absolutely perfect. I told her keep up what she is doing.
Great progress with your goals and good luck with the final 156.78 for 1000 in 2011.
ReplyDeleteMy 7th grade daughter is not allowed to wear any make-up [yet] and she wants to so badly. And the friends with war paint is out of control which of course makes my rule worse. She doesn't know it yet but for Christmas she is getting make up and a lesson on how to wear it. She will be shocked. And my definition of "a little" is probably going to be interpreted as "Really mom?!? Are you kidding me?"
No. I'm not :)
We don't have any middle schoolers yet - can't say I'm looking forward to it either...maybe some lip gloss - or chap stick?:)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun Halloween at your place, what great costumes :).
ReplyDeleteMiddle school is some of the toughest years my daughter went though, just trying to fit in at such an awkward age. Use your good judgement...a little makeup is good, but don't get to ridiculous amounts stage!
Bobbi, you are getting so strong! You'll be a 9 minute miler before you know it. And you'll hit that 1000 mark. Now that is impressive.
ReplyDeleteNice job on the running! I like your goals for the half w/out a goal too.
ReplyDeleteAs a teacher? (Since I am the only female in this here fam) I think that when they are "ready" to start with make up, (which is around 12- incredibly!) My coworkers and I always say: Take your daughter to Sephora/Ulta/etc and have a make up artist sit down with her and show her a few SIMPLE looks that enhance her features. Buy a decent variety to help her get started.
I think if they have some guidance from an adult "make up expert" they are more likely to keep it simple, and not go for the full black eye look!