Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving is the epitome of fall. Tables filled with family, friends, cornacopias, leaves, acorns. crisp apple pie. Everything I love about fall is all a part of Thanksgiving. But each year, I begin the day with thinking about what I am thankful for. Family, friends, health, a home, my daughter, my job...

But what does giving thanks mean? Can you even give thanks?

As I thought about this concept I realized that you can't give anythign to anyone unless they are accepting. So how do you cultivate a grateful attitude in someone else? You can't.

So what the world does Thanksgiving mean?

I began to realize that this attitude of giving thanks must begin with us. Its so hard for me to just accept a compliment without feeling like I need to reciprocate. Its hard for me to accept a gift without making a mental note to give a gift back.  So how do you accept thanks without feeling guilty? I don't know and I don't think I ever will. But I am learning that it is about being genuine in the way that we give thanks, not just through gift giving. And what a task that is with Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of buying gifts, follows the day centered around selflessness.

For example, it is really hard to have an attitude of thanks when life is crummy, when life doesn't fit into 140 characters or paint a pretty Facebook post. 

I'm still processing this idea of giving thanks and creating a grateful attitude in my life.

How are you giving thanks?

 

Fitness Friday

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Tomorrow I am posting about my thoughts on the idea of "Giving Thanks."

I'm so excited to share that yesterday, we had our first Run To Feed The Hungry Race. The past 3 years, I have ran on Thanksgiving in local races. And it is madness. The reason I run is so that I can get my metabolism going, but these races were so packed that it was like herding cattle. Last year was by far the worst because we had to deal with a stroller. At the end of the race, after running a few people over, we decided that next year we would have a family run.

WE HAD 61 PEOPLE SHOW UP!!!! Not everyone ran or walked, but it was so fun to be able to be a part of a community event, that we created. I'm excited to see how many will show up next year.

Our Family

The organizers

I woke up at 5 am yesterday to get ready for this event. My body needs some time to adjust prior to intense exercise. My MIL and I got coffee and headed to the course, where I ran it to mark the miles and she followed me in her car so put up the cones. It was cold but beautiful and crisp. Afterwards, we hung up the banner and signs and waited for everyone to arrive.

In true Hannah fashion, I decided to be competitive. I haven't been able to run a short race fast because I really don't want to pay 25 dollars to run 3 miles. I ran it in 23 minutes. WHoop Whoop!!

It was a wonderful day to spend with family and friends, being grateful for health. It was wonderful to see so many people choosing to be active on a day when gluttony is acceptable. But hey, one cheat day won't ruin us. :)

This week in fitness:

Saturday: walk to work

Sunday: 1 mile

Monday: 1 hour hot yoga, run to work and walk home, 4 miles

Tuesday: 1 hour hot yoga, walk to work

Wednesday: 1 hour hot yoga, 6 miles

Thursday: 6.3 miles

Friday: Holiday Hottie Workout by Tone it up

What are you thankful for? Did you trot on Thanksgiving?

 

How to Keep Your House Clean While Raising a 19th Month Old

I realize that this isn't ideal for everyone, but wanted to share a few things that I have found the be immensely helpful.

It was so frustrating to clean house during nap-time, only to find the house in worse condition than it started due to 'playtime.' Toys, tupperware, and toilet paper everywhere. I'd become so frustrated, I began to feel comfortable in this state of life. 

It was so DISAPPOINTING. 

I never wanted anyone over. I feared criticism when we did have anyone over. Really it wasn't pretty inside or out. 

Did I mention we also have a Wheaton Terrier who LOVES to run around outside and bring in a load of foxtails. 

My house was a mess to say the least. 

1. Embrace the idea of decorating with decorative boxes and baskets. I have used this and find it to be a HUGE time saver. I have bins in Lil's room for toys and such, one in the living room for the same, one on the counter by our door filled with snacks I can stick in my bacg before leaving. 

2. As you are walking around the house, pick up anything that you can. Even if it ends up in a pile. You can work from there and begin sorting things. It can become tricky, Lil loves to take her clothes out of her drawer and put them back in (sometimes). When she doesn't I just keeep putting them back and eventually she moves on to a different activity (The short attention span has it's perk).

3. Have them help. Lil loves the dishwasher and laundry. I don't have her play with the dishes and I always take the knives out, but she has fun playing with the door. Laundry is by far the trickiest. She loves to take the clothes out and put them all over the room. I let her choose a few and then I continue folding away from her reach. Once again, she usually moves on by the time I finish and I just pick up the few pieces and fold them. Putting them away is another story!

4. Use the high chair as a place for coloring. I strap Lil in and put down a piece of paper and crayons and let her color. I can then do a few things, dishes or sweeping. By the time she is done, I've had just enough time to tidy up.

I hope this helps. Share what ways you have occupied the kiddos to get cleaning done.

 

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Fitness Friday

Welcome to Fitness Friday!

Hope your November is going well. Have you started thinking about New Years Resolutions?  Last year I wanted to focus on being more intentional, running a half marathon every month, eating clean, and work on incorporating more weights in my workout.

I did really well with eating clean. Fell of the bandwagon once I lost my baby weight. I began eating more sugar. I worked on cutting that out and am happy to say that I'm in a positive place with desserts, where I can still occasionally enjoy them.

I've run a half every month now, just December to go. It will be interesting to see how the rainy weather plays into my completing 13 miles.

Resolutions are so difficult to keep and I know that the reason many people don't complete them is due to accountability. Its so important to have support, especially when you are making a big change, like weight loss, or healthy living.

Saturday: Walk to work, ab workout

Sunday: 15.5 mile run

Monday: Yoga videos

Tuesday: REST

Wednesday: Tone it Up KettleBell Workout

Thursday: ab workout, 3.5 mile run

Friday: 4-6 mile run

What are a few ways you get support for major changes? Are you planning on doing a Turkey Trot this year?

Don't forget to link up!!

 

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Reason for a Name Change

I've had this little old blog now for 7 years and I thought it was time for a name change. Hurley Love was just not well thought out. I didn't have a plan for where I wanted this blog to go. It was mostly just an online diary that help me keep track of wedding planning. But now that I have taken blogging more serious, I have found what I am interested in blogging about: family, fitness, and faith.

I settled on Mommyhood and Marathons, partially because I love alliterations. I loved the word mommyhood and feels like that describes the phase I'm in. Despite the want to be a mother, I would much rather be a mommy. That word has so much youth and innocence in it. I feel such a raw emotion when I hear the word 'mommy.' I was so thrilled when Lil first said mom, but I cannot wait for her to utter mommy. A word that is used for endearment, love, in moments of joy and pain. Maybe mother is too old fashioned for me, but there is a distinct difference between the word mother and mommy, at least for me. So I arrived on that as part of the title.

And despite the fact that I haven't completed an official marathon, I have 3 halfs under my belt and have finally come to a place where I wanted to try to train for a marathon. Maybe not this month, or the next, but sometime. My crazy obsession with fitness really began when I found a love for running. But after having Lil, I wanted my body to reflect my new phase of mommyhood. I wanted to be able to run and play with my kids. I wanted to be strong and a good role model of health.

So here there is how I arrived at the new name. I believe that it will bring great inspirations and allow me to better represent what this blog is about: family, faith, and fitness.

How did you arrive at your blog name? Did you think about it?

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Fitness Friday

Happy November!!

What beautiful weather we have been blessed with in Northern California. Which leads me to this question:

How do you train in Cold, Wet, Dark Weather?

I'm worried that I won't be able to get many miles in next week as the rainy weather approaches.

It's not the rain I'm afraid of, but that after a wet run, I need to shower immediately and that isn't always possible with a little one :). I'm hoping she will enjoy the rain cover for the stroller and that she will find it soothing.

Saturday: 1.5 mile walk to work (total), 1.5 hour Hot Yoga

Sunday:REST

Monday: Blogilates videos

Tuesday: REST

Wednesday: 30 minutes yoga, 7 mile run

Thursday: 4.5 mile run, leg workout, blogilates videos

Friday: (planned: short run, weights, and stretching)

Health

Well now that all the candy has been eaten :), I'm trying to abstain from cookies and the like, but it tryly is so difficult. I really miss juicing and having so much fruit around. Some day soo, that will be normal. But until then, I need to stop the sugar craze, especially since it's holiday time. 

So I'm practicing 

"Let it go."

when it comes to sugar.

Drink more water!!

My goal is 8 glasses, but I'm upping it 10.

How much water do you drink.

Since we are entering holiday season, I am setting a challenge for myself to not overeat and to abstain from sweets. Will you join me? Accountability is crucial for success. 

Leave me a comment on how you plan to make  this the healthiest holiday season ever!!

 

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Recipe: Crockpot Meatball Sandwiches (Emeals Inspired)

Since I've begun using Emeals and posting my pics on Instagram, I've been getting some requiest for recipes. Here is one of the simpler ones.

Ingredients:

Homestyle meatballs (I use Safeway brand)

1 16 oz jar of Tomato Basil Spaghetti sauce (I use Safeway)

1 pkg of Sourdough Sandwich Rolls

1 pkg of Provolone Cheese (I use Lucerne)

Turn Crockpot on High. Add Meatballs and sauce. Cook for 4-5 hours, turning occasionally

Set oven on broil.

Place Sandwich rolls open with meatballs and provolone on rolls. Cook until cheese has melted.

Enjoy with a yummy salad!

 

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A Late Halloween Post

Lil was a duck this year. She LOVED her costume, once we convinced her how cute it was!!

She really loved taking out her cousin's candy and spreading it throughout the house!

 The Goods

 Earlier that day, we got to dress up at gymnastics!

Before she knew how much fun she would be having

Hope you had a Happy Halloween!!

 

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Happy 18 months Lil!!

Oh my gorgeous girl, this month has been so much fun!! We have laughed at how you becoming more vocal and an individual. We pray that you will be bold and an encourager to all!  

This month: 

You learned to say: hot, up, pop(papa), hahaha (when something hot), that,

 Can stack two blocks

Hand over hand to pull down a balloon

Puts hands on her cheeks for "Oh Dear."

Tries to put her shoe on

Likes Veggie Tales (Loves Larry)

Likes Madeline

Knows that the remote is for the TV and likes to play with the controls

 Still a good sleeper

Usually takes one long nap

Weighs about 27 lbs

Size 18mo-2T

Starting to run

Likes to stick her belly out

Knows where her bebo(belly button) nose, eyes are

Likes to cuddle

Went to the pumpkin patch

Interested in leaves and acorns

Doesn't like paint on her hands

Went under the parachute at gym

Likes to put blocks into shape sorter

Likes to play with clothes and pretend to fold

Likes to sort : take things out and put back

Loved to play at the park

Likes to read books (brown bear, Brown Bear is her fav)

FALL Fitness Friday

Another Friday and guess what?! It's my birthday!!

So how was your week?

I took a lot of this weekend and week to rest! My legs are starting to get more stiff from running. I was so glad to have tried Dr. Scholls Active Series Insoles. They helped my shoes last just a little longer. 

This morning I also did some Yoga for Running. Which helped me a lot on my 9 mile run today.

Here was my week in fitness:

Saturday: Jog to and from work (1.5 mile total)

Sunday: rest

Monday: 

Tuesday: Blogilates videos

Wednesday: 2 miles in the morning, 3 to the park, and .5 mile home.

Thursday: yoga for running (see above), 9 miles

Friday: planned (run and weights). I gotta get my extra frosting badge on Nikeplus

Our eating wasn't sooo great. For the days we ate healthy, I've consumed too much suga :(.

Here is a quick yummy dinner for mommas or daddies on the go:

4 chicken breasts

1 bottle of Italian dressing

2 cups of quinoa

1/2 onion

1 clove of garlic

Place chicken in crockpot and pour bottle on italian dressing. Heat on low for about 7 hours. 

Thirty minutes before dinner, saute onion and garlic in 1 T of olive oil. Saute unitl translucent. Then add dry quinoa. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often. 

Bring 4 cups to boil. Add quinoa mixture. Continue to heat quinoa on medium until water is absorbed. Enjoy!!

Hope you have a great week!! Remember that exercise is heart healthy. Eating right is what makes the scale move :)!!

 

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