The Midlife Reframe

Category: bloglovin

  • Scotland Adventure Part 3 (#2): When TeenThing Got Sick

    TeenThing was a trooper. Even with the head cold.

    Usually it’s me.  I either get the head cold at the end of a trip, or right when I get back (Spoiler:  I got sick too, lol).

    It was TeenThing’s turn this time.  The first day she really started feeling it was a gorgeous sunny day.  I really didn’t want to stay inside all day, so after popping down to the pharmacy and gathering an arsenal of cold meds, I hoofed it back to the house and suggested a walk along the Water of Leith Walkway.

    Once she was sufficiently medicated and fed, we began our journey.  It was a 10 minute walk to the spot where we could hop on, so enough time for us to see if TeenThing was really up for the trek.

    She was 🙂

    What a hidden gem!  This is a definite must do if you ever get to Edinburgh.  We walked to Dean Village and back, took us about 2 hours.

    Murrayfield Stadium. No games while we were there, booo.

    Here we go!
    “Mom, take a picture of me!”

    Dean Village

    There she goes.
    Another serious “trip selfie”.

    So pretty

    Could have walked for hours. So beautiful.

    We could have walked further, but we didn’t pack snacks (oooops).

    The next day was cloudy and cool.  TeenThing was feeling a little rough, but she agreed to a trip into town to check out the National Gallery.

    Rooms and rooms of art.  So many serious people in there sitting and staring at all of the paintings and sculptures.

    We wandered and took in all of the art.  Some of the paintings were HUGE.  It was difficult getting photos.

    The Campbell Sisters

    So serious in here….
    Man with Jawbone (this is the title, seriously)
    Cain and Abel

    Creepy Chair
    Creepy Monk Statues
    More subtle “trip selfie”, lol.

    I was glad I didn’t have our time in Scotland fully planned, as it was good to have some downtime for TeenThing to get better.  It was nice to have a couple of low key days.

    After we had spent our time exploring the Gallery, we took the tram back to the house where we chilled for the rest of the day.

    By the time our next adventure rolled around, TeenThing was feeling better 🙂

    Coming up:  Western Highlands!

    @crazymamaruns

  • Races, Brain Melts, and the Return of the FitBit

     

    Began 2017 on the right foot. Let's hope I don't injure anything, lol.
    Began 2017 on the right foot. Let’s hope I don’t injure anything, lol.

    Okay,

    So over the holidays I decided that I seriously needed to keep moving this year.  Not just for my physical health, but for my mental health.  I sat and muddled about a fall half marathon.  I wanted something close to home (because I am without my own vehicle, and would need to acquire one for long distance travel) and fun.

    I ended up choosing the Half at Maritime Race Weekend.

    Here is the elevation for MRW Half :)
    Here is the elevation for MRW Half 🙂

    I did the Tartan Twosome there last year (5ks) and really enjoyed the atmosphere and all the goodies offered post race.  Also, the views in Eastern Passage are amazing!

    Also, I purchased a Believe Journal over the holidays.  SUPER EXCITED.

    Plan Amy, plan.
    Plan Amy, plan.

    I am ramping up to start training for the BlueNose Half Marathon shortly and have been writing in my journal daily.  I should be receiving my plan soon and am looking forward to getting back on the training train 😉

    You said Brain Melts?

    Oh yes, brain melts.

    Once I had registered and started to plan out my races, I had a brain melt.

    Then panic.

    What had I done?!?!?

    I am usually a one big race and then all the smaller distances to keep me moving.

    I did not get the kms in that I wanted my first week and by the weekend, it caught up with me:  work, life, running, KERSMASH.

    I had an anxiety moment.  A brain melting, bugs crawling on my skin, flight (not fight), moment.

    I’m good now, but it was yuck.

    And now, let’s talk about the FitBit.

    I Thought You Divorced Your FitBit?

    I did.

    We recently made up, for now.  I put my step goal down to 8,000 and joined a challenge.

    Results from first full week:  I can’t do challenges.  It still ramps up my brain and makes me super anxious.

    But I decided to still wear it.  If anything I can see my sleep patterns and make sure I do get up and move around (she says as she sits and types, lol).

    It gives me some motivation to be active, and see lovely sights such as this on my lunch hour:

    Halifax Waterfront
    Halifax Waterfront

    That is what’s been happening here in the land of Amy so far in 2017.  Come back around soon, as we get ready to document the Odyssey that is my life and how I am going to manage 2 Half Marathons and my brain!

    @crazymamaruns

  • My Love/Hate Relationship with June

    The Month, Not a Person

    June:
    The month where summer starts.
    We (kind of) get warmer weather.
    Kids are gearing up for their summer vacation.
    Everything is in full bloom.
    June:
    The month I was diagnosed with a mental illness 5 years ago.
    The month I was lost.
    The month I broke down.

    Photo courtesy of the American Psychological Association

    Every year I mull this over.  Awful, right?
    Yes and no.
    I take time to try and remember the signs.  I want to remember so that I never forget.  Knowing the signs reminds me of how I felt before I broke down.  This is important.  If I remember then I know when I need help.
    That being said, there are times that I have a bad day.  As someone with a mental illness, I can say that I worry about that day becoming the next.  And so on.
    This is where Anxiety is a big jerk.  This is when I take some Ativan.

    But you’ve said in the past that movement is medicine.

    Yes, it is.
    But sometimes moving itself is a struggle.
    Every day is different and it is on the days I DON’T want to move that I struggle to move the most.  Getting out of bed, getting dressed are sometimes the biggest ones.
    Making sure I keep moving is why I have been signing up for more races.  Having a goal, a target, works best for me.  Keeps me moving forward.

    “The Plan” to keep moving.

    I have signed up to do Maritime Race Weekend in September to give me a month to work on my 5k pace after Epic Canadian 10k on Canada Day.
    Will be looking for an October/November Race of a smallish distance and will probably end off the year with the Resolution Run.
    After those races, I can plan for 2017.  No half in the spring though, lol.  Will save that for the fall.  Smaller distances so winter training isn’t so daunting 😉
    What does your race calendar look like until December?

    @crazymamaruns

     
     

  • Post Half Marathon Chaos and My Next Race

    It seems like forever since my Half Marathon

    I recovered.

    I took some time off from running.  (Work and family stuff has kept me busy over the past little while.)

    Celebrated my Dad’s 65th Birthday in Cape Breton with a big feast at my Aunt and Uncle’s place in Boularderie.

     
     
    Then once I got home and settled, I sat down and thought about races.
     
    Not having anything to train for put me in a little bit of a funk.  Not unusual really.  But I forgot that feeling.  I had to take a step back because it took me by surprise and freaked me out a little bit.  Feeling that way makes me afraid I am getting sick again.  Once I was able to figure out that it wasn’t my illness creeping back in, then it was all good.  Of course, it did spike my anxiety a little bit….grrrrrrr.  That required a visit to the local marsh to see the baby ducks!


     
    I’ve made a decision that the remainder of my races this year would be shorter distances.  5k and 10k races to work on my form and speed.  That leaves more time for me to enjoy my running and the summer months ahead.  Early morning runs will be placed back in my calendar and weight training scheduled in the evenings.
     

    You said next race?

    I sure did!

    I am running a 10k on Canada Day.  The Epic Canadian is a local race I have yet to run, but I am familiar with the route.  Some of my local Twitter peeps will be there and I heard there is cake and sno cones afterwards.

    I will run anywhere for food, lol.

    2016 EPIC Canadian Course 10K
    Photo of race route courtesy of http://www.epiccanadian.ca

    Sprint Triathlons?? 

    Yes.  I am considering these in my future.

    But I need to do some things before I take on a swim/bike/run combo.

    I need to learn to swim again.  I can swim to save my life, but for technique and form, I need to take lessons.

    Also, extra gear will be required:  a road bike, shoes, swimsuit/cap/goggles, etc.

    For now, I will focus on the swimming aspect.  Maybe lessons in the fall.
     
    That’s where things are at now!
     
    What’s new with you?  Summer Plans?
     
    Feel free to share 🙂
     
    @crazymamaruns
     
     

     

  • Post Plague, Burger Week, and a Pulled Calf

    Running


    Post Plague Amy had a couple of runs during the week with some gym time. Easing back into it.  I am loving my new Brooks Glycerin 13s 🙂


    The weather has been dicey here, but I lucked in with my timing.  Lots of core work and some legs/glute work (deadlifts anyone?).

    Ahhhhhh Burger Week



    The week when restaurants in Halifax, Nova Scotia, make some delicious burger offerings for us food lovers.  There are also burger combos with a portion of the combo donated to the local food bank!  TeenThing and I have had 3 so far.  I’ve been posting them in Instagram.  So good. Sooooo gooooood.


    Pulled Calf??


    Yes, at the end of my 5km run on Sunday I felt a pull.  By the time I got out of the bath I was limping *insert large sad face emoticon here*.  I pulled on my compression socks and put that calf on ice. Good thing:  no bruising.

    Today I can walk without limping, but I am getting this looked at.  Still a good amount of time out from my race, so I am not freaking out.  Yet 😉

    (Note:  When I saw the Doc last week, she gave me a note for physio.  Just in case.  Blargh!)

    So, March and I aren’t getting along right now, lol.


  • The Post Where I Need to Tell You Something…..

    But First….Migraines

    I had one of the most EVIL migraines in a very long time on Sunday.

    It was a very yucky Sunday
    It all started out with what I thought was a just a bad headache….but NO.  It turned on it’s hatred full strength.  Nausea, dry heaving, and all kinds of evil pain.  I had to take 2 of my migraine pills, which has not been the norm for quite some time.  There were many factors at play, but I had no idea they would culminate into superstorm PAIN.
    I am thankful for V, as she looked after her Mom and hung out in bed to keep me (silently) company.
    Needless to say, I am back to tracking triggers.

    Okay….so SPILL IT

    Well, as most of you know, I am able to start running in about a month.
    Joining me on my journey will be V.  She is going to be a big part of my return, as she will be keeping me on task.

    This will be great, not only because I can share what I love with my daughter, but because I am SCARED.

    Of what?

    Of hurting myself.  Of feeling pain.  Of hurting myself.


    V’s “new to the sport” status will allow me to start all over again.  Which is what I really need to do.  
    Slow and steady.  
    My body will want to “go go go”, but my goal for my “second chance” will be to do it right.  Proper form, proper fueling and a consistent gym schedule for strength training will be paramount in my comeback.  
    I have been a little obsessive with thoughts on fueling and the lot (thanks anxiety).  But taking a step back and focusing on keeping my body strong and my mind calm are important right now.
    Also, thinking about running with my BRB is keeping me on the positive train 🙂

    Before I go…..OMG LOOK, I AM FAMOUS!


    All kinds of awesome up in here!!


    That is me with some of my @RunAtCan crew and John Stanton during the Scotiabank BlueNose Marathon Expo here in May.  Can’t tell you how awesome this makes me feel!

    Tomorrow is Canada Day here, so much fun will be had.  Happy 148th Canada!!

    Also, to my American friends, have a fantastic 4th of July this coming weekend!

    Party safely.  Party responsibly.

    Until next time…..

    #crazymamaruns

     

  • Manitoba Harvest Hemp Heart Review AND Giveaway!!!!

    Hemp Heart Awesomeness and GIVEAWAY!

    Here we go my fit friends.

    I am a lover of food, those of you who follow me know that (well, food and coffee!!).

    I was asked to do a hemp heart review with Manitoba Harvest 🙂

    What ARE hemp hearts??

    Well, hemp is a species of Cannabis sativa. Hemp is NOT the same as marijuana. Hemp hearts are the raw shelled hemp seed.

    From their website:

    • Great tasting – Hemp Hearts have a slightly nutty taste, similar to a sunflower seed or pine nut.
    • Easy to use – Simply sprinkle Hemp Hearts on salad, cereal & yogurt, add to smoothies and recipes, or eat them straight from the package!
    • Nutritious – per 30 gram serving, Hemp Hearts contain 10 grams of plant-based protein and 10 grams of Omegas.
    • Hemp Hearts have more protein and omegas and less carbs than the same serving of chia or flax.
    Getting down to business!

    I am a lover of greek yogurt.  So much so that regular yogurt holds no place in my heart…lol.  So, hemp hearts in hand, and after my trip to Costco for my fruits and veggies, I began.

    Yes, there is yogurt here 🙂

    I am telling you, these little babies really added a little something more to my greek yogurt and berries!  The nutty taste is NOT overwhelming at all.  It rounded out the taste and was DELICIOUS!

    I also put them in my smoothies – just a tablespoon was good for me. 

    These hemp hearts are SO versatile.  I used them on my salads, and really really loved them with pineapple.  I do enjoy them more than flax seed as I find they don’t get stuck in my back teeth 😉  They would be great for those folks who may not be a fan of chia.  I love chia seeds, but they have a certain texture that some people are not a fan of.

     

    On Pineapple – OMG!

    I loved these so much I went a purchase a larger bag from Costco.  I will be putting these in some No Bake Energy Bites in place of the chia seeds.

    So….who wants to try these?  Manitoba Harvest is kind enough to let me give away a package to one of my lucky readers!!!

    To win some of these little yummy guys – enter below!

    a Rafflecopter giveaway//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js
    Good Luck!

    #crazymamaruns

     

  • Knee Surgery BABY!!!!!

    Yes, I Have a Surgery Date!

    Relief is in sight!!  Happy Dance all around!

    When I arrived home last evening after getting the new hairs (check out my FaceBook Page for pics!) I checked my voicemail.

    *Insert Angelic Music Here*

    There was a message from the Surgeon’s Assistant telling me off I go for surgery on February 18th.

    Happy is just one word I can use.  Nervous and excited for sure!  All depending on what the CT Scan shows and what he sees when he gets in there – there MAY be a bone graft for my femur.  Crossing my fingers that this is not the case and he can just screw the hangy piece back in and work on the dead fractured area.

    What does this mean?

    Well, we are looking at a 6-8 week recovery where I can not have any weight on my leg AT ALL (unless I am doing well, and may be able to put weight on my toes after a few weeks).  Then physio and check ups.  Not sure of the full recovery time yet, but it would be wonderful to run in the late summer early fall.  Just recreational at first, but man, I CAN’T WAIT!!!!!

    So NOW

    I begin my crazy Virgo induced worrying and preparing for the worst, lol.  My V and I will get the apartment in order (two level two bedroom = stairs) so I will be able to survive the first little bit without moving too much.

    And then meal planning and prepping after that.  V will be able to help out big time since she’s 16, but to have simple, fast things to pull out and heat up would be great, and some slow cooker stuff frozen so she can dump it in before she heads to school.

    All that being said, I know I have some great resources at my hands – YOU!

    • What are some quick and easy freezer meals?
    • Any sites you would recommend for easy recipies?
    • Any injury experiences you would like to share?

    Feel free to comment below – I love getting feedback!

    #crazymamaruns

     

  • I Mustache You A Question……

    So I was nominated by my Twitter runner bud Rod over at Runnersmythos to answer these 12 questions so that ya’ll can learn some more about little ole ME!

    Here we go, hang on for dear life!

    1. Four names that people call me, other than my real name:

    • Mom – well this one is obvious.  I have a beautiful 16 year old daughter 🙂
    • Auntie – another obvious one.  I have two awesome nieces!
    • Aim/Amz/Aimz – when you thought you couldn’t shorten Amy, you can 😉
    • Whiskers – this was a nickname given to me in junior high by my friend Ernie Wasson.  I had a large sweatshirt with a pink cat face on it.  He called me that for the remainder of my time back in Oromocto.

    2. Four jobs I have had:

    • Candy Concession Stand Chick – I worked at the Famous Players Theatre in Penhorn Mall during Grades 11 and 12.
    • Legal Secretary – I worked at one firm for 4.5 years before I got pregnant.
    • IT Helpdesk Support – I went back to school to obtain my Network Internet Support Specialist (Microsoft Stream) Diploma when my daughter was 3 and landed a job right out of school at a law firm in their IT Department.
    • Paralegal/Litigation Support – I left IT in that firm to become a Paralegal in their Litigation Department, it was there that I transitioned to a Litigation Application Specialist role.  (I left that firm after 6 years and went to the firm I currently work at where I am a Litigation Support Paralegal and part of a great team!)

     3. Four movies that I have watched more than once:

    • Star Wars Trilogy – I mean come on, you HAVE to watch these over and over!
    • Back to the Future Trilogy – These are just awesome, enough said.
    • Grease – My mom and dad had the album and I listened to it religiously.  When my mom took me to see the movie in the theatre, I sang EVERY SONG.  lol
    • The Exorcist – Because I love to scare the living crap out of myself and sleep with the bible under my pillow for a week after I watch it.

    4. Four Books I recommend:  I have so many more than 4, because I LOVE to read, but I pick these…

    • The Book Thief – Because it is narrated by Death.
    • Under The Dome – Stephen King.  Need I say more?  I love how he dives into human nature and the whole “what would people really be like in this situation?”.
    • Gone Girl – I could not put that book down.
    • The Game of Thrones Series – I started reading these when I was diagnosed with depression.  It really helped me escape and relax.

     5. Four places I have lived:  (My dad was a Military Policeman, so we moved around a bit)

    • Baldy Hughes, British Columbia – This was a Canadian Forces Station – a Radar Base.  In the middle of NOWHERE.  We lived in a barrack block that had been split into “apartments”. (This is now home to the Baldy Hughes Therapeutic Community)
    • Oromocto, New Brunswick – I was born here, and we were posted back to CFB Gagetown when I was a teen (where I completed Grades 8-10 before we were posted to Halifax).
    • Summerside, Prince Edward Island – I started school here (Kindergarden to Grade 3), we did not live on base, but in the actual City of Summerside in the PMQs. 
    • Cornwallis, Nova Scotia – Where we were posted after Summerside.  I completed Grades 4-7 here. I love the Annapolis Valley. (This is now home to Cornwallis Park – a business park).

    I made some awesome friends through my travels.  But now I have this weird desire to move every 3-4 years.  It kind of stays with you.
     
     6. Four Places I have been:

    • St. John’s, Newfoundland – A business trip, but I saw it!
    • Orlando, Florida – Took my daughter to Disney in 2010 🙂  She was an awesome travel buddy, and we totally want to go back!
    • Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – My Greg and I went.  LOVE. Stayed at the Grand Bahia Principe.
    • Calgary, Alberta – I was there when I was really young, we went to the Zoo and the Tower.  That’s all I remember, lol.

      7. Four places I would rather be right now:

    • The Bahamas – Because it’s cold here now.
    • Hawaii – Because it’s cold here now.
    • Spain – Because SPAIN.
    • Scotland – Because my parents both have Scots in their backgrounds.

     8. Four things I don’t eat:

    • Brussel Sprouts – GAG
    • Liver – GAG
    • Caviar – GAG
    • Snails – GAG

     9. Four of my favourite foods:

    • Pizza – YUM.
    • Chocolate – I would swim in it if I could.
    • Coffee – Don’t mess with my caffeine intake…I will hurt you.
    • Peanut Butter – MMMMMMmmmmmmm 🙂

     10. Four TV Shows I watch(ed):

    • The X Files – Mulder and Scull were my peeps.
    • NCIS (the original) – I just love Gibbs, and Abby.
    • SOA – Hello, need I say more?
    • Salem – This is pretty cool so far.  Just watched Season One.

    11. Four things I am looking forward to in 2015:

    • MY SURGERY!!!!!!!!!!!
    • Running again.
    • Growing my yoga practice.
    • SUMMER!

     12. Four things I am always saying:

    • WHATEVER – Sometimes there is a name attached to it, depending on the situation.
    • Really? – Because I am a mom.
    • F Off – I have a potty mouth, sorry!  I do know when NOT to be a potty mouth, for real.
    • Because – usually attached to “I told you so”, “I said so”, and “I am the parent”.

    So, there you have it.  A little bit more about me.

    Thanks Rod for tagging me, this was really fun!

    #crazymamaruns 

  • Christmas Vacation Check In

    Okay, Are You Ready??

     I will do a pic post today 😉

    Christmas Eve – Spotted Christmas Car
    Candied Bacon on my cupcake after Turkey Dinner #3
    Christmas Day – My “Greg” was good to me! xo
    Christmas Day with Auntie – Turkey Dinner #4
    I now scare my kitties with my Yeti Feet I got for Christmas 🙂

    I logged 13,800 steps yesterday with my FitBit Flex, and I am loving it!  Not being able to run until surgery in the New Year had me bummed, but my FitBit has movitated me to kick butt!

    I hope you are enjoying your Christmas! And yes, I am totally doing a FitBit Blog Post in the near future!!!

    #crazymamaruns