Dingos Dashing Through the Snow ~ December Running Mamas Thread - Page 7

[Nemesis]

Cold weather running-  I seem to wear less than others, probably because I am carrying some extra weight.  I have some Under Armour cold gear tights and top, and I wear those under whatever else I can stand.  A tshirt or a vest, some light pants.  Gloves and a hat are a must for me!

Knee update-  Last night I wore a stretchy knee support and my leg feels great!  Still a little achy, but it hardly even registers.  

So!  What does that mean?  :blush:   Should I keep up stretching daily and strength training on my days off?  If I am not in pain, can I start running again (maybe next week?)??  Should I wear the support during runs, too?  

I am really excited about this, in case you can't tell.  :) 

tutu- I would say take it easy and do some barefoot walking, working up to running slowly.  I think you'll like it.  I started out really slow, but I was coming back from a 2 year shin-splint hell.   So, I started out walking barefoot every day for about a mile, then after a few weeks I started the Couch to 5K plan and repeated a few weeks of that when I needed to.  I haven't felt the need to go back to shoes, honestly.  

I am glad I have my cushy old running shoes, though!  They are nice to wear at work (and still practically new)!

[sparkletruck]

Nemesis - I would wear the support while you run .... now, what kind of support thingy was that

[poppywise]

Hi all -

I have not been around the thread much because work has been....challenging, to say the least. I also had back-to-back visits from dh's (divorced) parents to contend with and now am readying myself for a 2 week visit from my parents (who, honestly, are very easy by comparison ). I have been running, and feeling good, but have not been able to keep up with the thread.

I need some advice. I know the wise women here will be able to help me out.

My ds is 10. He has been, his whole life, a worrier. We actually sought professional help from a counselor when he was 4 because it was starting to interfere with his ability to socialize and play. Of course, he gets this from me, which I admit openly but sometimes I get the look like "Well, how ironic that you are WORRYING about your son being a worrier..." with a side of brush off and "He's fine"

The boy is anxiety-ridden a lot of the time and it breaks my heart. We have tried and tried to talk him through it, make suggestions, show him the way, lead him gently, firmly tell him to shake it off....you name it.

My fear is that if we don't take care of this now, he may head into middle school a wreck if someone looks at him sideways, which I imagine would be the kindest thing that could happen in middle school, ykwim.

My question: do you think this is something I should seek someone out for to help him develop coping skills? I am surely too late to 'nip it in the bud' but I think maybe, as he gets older and less inclined to listen to his parents, he could use another POV.

All ideas, book suggestions, anything welcome with thanks.

[JayGee]

Geo ~ my sock liners are these super-thin wicking socks that I used to use for skiing way back when I was still skiing.  I probably got them sometime in he '80s.  Not much help, eh....

mommajb ~ I may have to steal some of those motivational ideas from you.  I KNOW the Advent Calendar one would work with my kids.

poppy ~ I'd get the help now.  I was that kid in middle school and my family brushed it off.  The first day of 6th grade, I was so worried that I spent the entire day in the nurse's office, vomitting from anxiety.  I wish they'd gotten me help.  In fact, I need to get myself some anxiety help now because I still don't know how to deal with it.  It can't hurt and it certainly could help.

I accomplised a mountain of tasks this morning (unfortunately, a run was not among them).  Brought DD her running shoes for PE, notified both schools of our upcoming departure and filled out appropriate paperwork, returned library books and paid fine, emptied that last boxes from the storage unit and closed our account there, went to Target for donations for the Furry Friends' food drive, and picked up any lingering items from the dry cleaner.  Now, to get my stuff together for a Goodwill run tomorrow and take all the nails out of the walls where I took down all the pictures yesterday.  Good times!!!

[Nemesis]

I don't have any book suggestions, but I think it would be a great idea to get some help from a counselor or therapist (I don't know who handles this sort of thing).  I mean, could it hurt?  Can you afford it?  If it isn't going to keep dinner from making it to the table and you think it would help, then why not?  

My Dh has struggled with anxiety his whole life and it culminated in a full breakdown not long before I met him. (He was hospitalized for several weeks at a mental hospital)  When we met, he was highly medicated (which I took as "calm and patient"), but he did eventually come off his medication about 3 years into our marriage.  It was tough and it took a while to learn coping skills for both of us, but it was well worth it.  I think that now he has less anxiety, because we are dealing with it together and not just medicating him.  

Sparkle, it is this one, I think:  http://www.amazon.com/Mueller-Adjusting-Stabilizer-1-Count-Package/dp/B00267SFL6/ref=pd_sbs_hpc_1

I think I would prefer a neoprene support, because I have really chubby legs and this one cuts a little at the top and bottom seam.  But someone with average-sized legs would probably be fine.  

[rootzdawta]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone!  And also for letting me know what you all are wearing during colder runs.  I *think* I may be on the right track in terms of getting the right gear.  I just bought some Underarmour tights and tops plus some things at LL Bean (wind-breaking fleece jacket and windbreaker).  Hopefully they arrive soon!

Poppywise, I think I'd get him help right now.  Having taught middle school, I know that it would be so helpful to him to be in a good place when he gets there.  Middle school is rough socially and emotionally not to mention physically.  So I'm with Nemesis, if you can afford it, why not go for it?  It can't hurt.  I think you have to be careful about the counselor you go to though.  I've had some negative experiences with counselors and sometimes, they can complicate things.  So take your time, ask around and get some recommendations for someone who would know how to work with a 10 year old specifically.  

I see that some folks here lift heavy weights.  What is your routine? 

[tutucrazy]

Loftmama, I think that is a great analogy.  I know my feet are very strong so I don't think it is my foot that is the problem.  Maybe I am just wearing too much shoe for my foot.  I'm going to be in the USA in January so maybe I'll hit up some shoe shops and try out the 5 fingers, Evo, newtons, etc.  I'm due for a new shoe, it seems. 
 

Originally Posted by rootzdawta 

I'm tentatively joining you all . . . I feel like everyone already knows everyone so I'm a little intimidated!

I started running this year.  I do about 10 miles a week.  I'm surprised with how much I enjoy it especially since it was torture in college.  But in college, I ran on the track (around and around) and I realize I need to be outside going somewhere.  I missed my run this Sunday waiting on some appropriate cold-winter gear.  I had tried cobbling together some stuff that I thought would be warm and found myself 30 minutes from home just freezing and miserable so I didn't go out this past Sunday.  I run in the mornings too before my family gets up so it's usually 28-30 degree and lately there's been some stiff winds.  I really want to keep going throughout the winter but I'm nervous that I won't be able to.  Like a track, I don't think I could handle the treadmill (psychologically) so I know I'd have to brave the cold.  

Also, I think I may feel cold more acutely because I'm mildly anemic.  I know I need to start supplementing but . . . I don't know why I can't get with the program.  I hate taking vitamins!!

So any cold-weather running advice for the newbie would be awesome!  :)

rootzdawta, I'm a newbie here too.  I don't have weather problems anymore b/c I live in Brazil but I know that for me (also having anemic history), I really feel the cold.  Floradix is good natural iron! 

Can I ask everyone what their favorite running gear item is? 

[tutucrazy]

Nemisis, will try that for sure!  I'll build up slow to running barefoot.  It will be nice to walk, I don't do that enough and this will force me.  :D

Oceanseve, I almost missed your comment.  Yes, I plan to go back to ball-to-heel for sure!  Hopefully with the right shoe and a slow buildup I can avoid the tendonitis.  :D

[Mel38]

Welcome Tutu and Rootz!
 

Originally Posted by Nemesis 

Sparkle, it is this one, I think:  http://www.amazon.com/Mueller-Adjusting-Stabilizer-1-Count-Package/dp/B00267SFL6/ref=pd_sbs_hpc_1

I have something just like that, only blue and white. But I had forgotten all about it - even through all my knee drama this summer - and I might just have to go dig it out and try it.

Jen! That sounds really hard for your DS, and I totally agree about this age and middle school being maybe an especially tough time for a worrier. So a big yes from me, too, on some kind of therapist or something. It might help him to understand where it's all coming from or what specific things to do when things feel overwhelming. And maybe some of that is really better at this age, since he can better grasp how his mind is working than a younger child could. Good luck !

Oh, November was a bad month for my eating habits. I felt so wretchedly chubby last night so this morning, I decided to get back into my summer routine. FM was week 5 of c25k, then push-ups, pull-ups (ok, it was only 2 of those, but still), and about 75% of the P90x ab workout.

[OceansEve]

Originally Posted by sparkletruck 

ANic - clearly you need to start being MUCH more neurotic and emotionally unstable - my dh is so wary of me going over the edge that he is sensitive to whatever I may need ...
 

lol! See I agree, there were some days this summer DH would come home and says "go run... please."
 

Originally Posted by bec 

I don't think men realize how important it is for the day to day little things to be appreciated.  Honestly, I NEED my DH to see, acknowledge and appreciate that I have a sink with no dishes, or that there is no dirty laundry.  I need for him to see when I have piles and piles of folded laundry.  I need the acknowledgment of the work that goes into those piles.  I also need him to ignore it when there is a pile of dirty dishes, the dirty laundry is taking over our bedroom, and when the clutter seems to be coming to get us!  He's pretty good about not griping about housework, but sometimes falls short on the acknowledgement part.  It's something I struggle with.

I wish I'd been around more this summer is great things like that I need to hear regularly!  I need you to be blind and observant at the same time :) That's Great!!

Nemesis - Yeah!! So glad your knee is feeling good!

Still planning on a short run and swim this evening as long as DH gets home early enough, wish me luck.

[bec]

2800 yards in the pool today.  It was a good swim.  It's cold here, so getting out wasn't much fun, though!

Poppy - I would get help now. Maybe through the school?  I have noticed that the 9-10 year olds around me are going through similar stages of feeling like everyone is out to get them, and that the world is sooooo unfair.  However, I think that, while this may be age appropriate, it could definitely send an already anxious kid to a really uncomfortable level.  Katie is seeing the social worker once a week to help her social skills.  I don't think she has much of a problem, but she had some bully issues, and it was easy to tack it on when we were coming up with her IEP at the end of last school year.  I think it is helping, and I'm glad we are able to be proactive about it before it becomes a big issue.

[bec]

Just spent the last 4 hours transforming my downstairs from something off of Hoarders, to something livable (if not quite Martha Stewart)!

[Plady]

Originally Posted by loftmama  I'll be fine. 'Cuz I know how to laugh.  And where to buy a margarita.

Cheers mama!  I <3 you!

Originally Posted by kerc 

Originally Posted by JayGee 
 Just thinking of my 71 year old Mom and her 69 year old sister laughing and chatting in the dark like young girls made me grin!

And it made me smile here on a very cold, tired Monday.

Me too.
 

Originally Posted by bec 

JayGee - That is my heart's desire for my girls!  If they can say something similar to that when they are in their 70's, I'll feel like I did my job right!

That too.

Originally Posted by rootzdawta 

Also, I think I may feel cold more acutely because I'm mildly anemic.  I know I need to start supplementing but . . . I don't know why I can't get with the program.  I hate taking vitamins!!

Get yourself a cast iron pan and make tomato sauce in it once or twice a week (and eat said sauce) and that may be all you need if you are only mildly anemic.  Welcome!
 

Originally Posted by Nickarolaberry 
 I didn't even rate a Chanukah present.

That's totally uncool.  And a good reason I rely on Santa.

No FM for me and I just pawned off my Fat Ass number to a friend because it was looming over me in an ugly way that made every run feel not good enough.  Not what I wanted when I signed up.  But, I did repaint the kitchen shelves that I painted yesterday and then realized they were a super ugly very frosty white and today I took a deep breath and got a color that looked rather pink in the store but it looks nice and warm and white in the kitchen.  Whew!  And now it's time to go to dance class - wish it was mine!
 

[Nickarolaberry]

Poppy, I am going through the same thing with my 10 year old. She has been, like her mom,  intense and anxious since the get-go. She has periods where it is not as pronounced and times when it is really rough. Dh thinks she'll 'get over it' just as he dismisses my own anxiety as being overemotional and ridiculous.  He doesn't want to get her help although I may have to step in and take care of it myself and go around him. I should probably also get help for my own anxiety. It creeps up on me and makes me antsy and nauseated. Running helps but even that isn't totally a sure thing. Lately because of our conflict with our landlords, it has been bad for me (flashbacks to the whole losing-the-house episode in NY, which isn't even over yet). As much as I want to stop working and homeschool my kids, I don't think I can...my job gives me a sense of financial independence and security that, while not enough to live on alone at the moment, at least gives me some breathing room and feeling like I have options.

Sigh.

Plady, I think Santa might have to pay me a visit. LOL

[babybugmama]

Anxiety in children and mamas...here's my .02c.  Find a good psychologist that will work on teaching kids to recognize their emotions, their thoughts, how the two interact and that they have power to change them and how.  Do it for yourselves too, your children look to you to see how to handle the world and as you handle the world better, so to will they.  Talk out loud about an anxiety provoking situationa nd what you are doing to cope - what your positive coping self talk is.

Running gear in 40*-50* is running pants, long sleeve under armor shirt, long sleeve heavier tech shirt (that usually comes off).

30*-40* above except heavier shirt might stay on, add something to cover my ears (I injured my ears a couple years ago running in cold weather so I wear these even if I'm warm).

20*-30* all the above except gladly have ear coverings, maybe add gloves if my shirt can't cover my hands.

10*-20* all the above plus gloves and a third upper layer.  My pants are pretty thick so unless the windchill is rough, I'm good, if it gets much colder I'll wear tights and pants over top.

Welcome new dingos! It's an amazing group of neurotic, amazing, beautiful, POWERFUL, brilliant, loving, friends.

Nic put that man on notice! Don't ask him to read your mind, tell him exactly what you told us.  He may surprise you.  You put it so eloquently that I want to say exactly that to my dh so that he can understand better what it is I'm asking for. I've never been able to articulate it beyond, 'I just want you to notice and appreciate what I do.'

My favorite running gear...hmmm can it be a person? ;)  I don't think I have a fav gear except maybe my ear coverings...it's actually a neck gator that I fold over for my ears.  I don't think I have particularly big ears, but it seems like the ear band thingies leave my ear lobes hanging out a little.

My dh is a pain in my butt.  He is annoying the crap out of me.  He's a moody mess, he can be scary (without meaning to be), and he's just so damn sure he's right it irritates the poop out of me (ewww the dog just tooted and good grief it's bringing tears to my eyes).  Back to my annoying dh. Wait. Scratch that. He'll get his head out of his butt eventually and we'll be okay.

I'm running.  I'm running.  I'm running.  A lot.  A low mileage week for me these days is 33 miles. I kinda like it in a sick and twisted way.

[Nickarolaberry]

Originally Posted by babybugmama 

Anxiety in children and mamas...here's my .02c.  Find a good psychologist that will work on teaching kids to recognize their emotions, their thoughts, how the two interact and that they have power to change them and how.  Do it for yourselves too, your children look to you to see how to handle the world and as you handle the world better, so to will they.  Talk out loud about an anxiety provoking situationa nd what you are doing to cope - what your positive coping self talk is.

Running gear in 40*-50* is running pants, long sleeve under armor shirt, long sleeve heavier tech shirt (that usually comes off).

30*-40* above except heavier shirt might stay on, add something to cover my ears (I injured my ears a couple years ago running in cold weather so I wear these even if I'm warm).

20*-30* all the above except gladly have ear coverings, maybe add gloves if my shirt can't cover my hands.

10*-20* all the above plus gloves and a third upper layer.  My pants are pretty thick so unless the windchill is rough, I'm good, if it gets much colder I'll wear tights and pants over top.

Welcome new dingos! It's an amazing group of neurotic, amazing, beautiful, POWERFUL, brilliant, loving, friends.

Nic put that man on notice! Don't ask him to read your mind, tell him exactly what you told us.  He may surprise you.  You put it so eloquently that I want to say exactly that to my dh so that he can understand better what it is I'm asking for. I've never been able to articulate it beyond, 'I just want you to notice and appreciate what I do.'

My favorite running gear...hmmm can it be a person? ;)  I don't think I have a fav gear except maybe my ear coverings...it's actually a neck gator that I fold over for my ears.  I don't think I have particularly big ears, but it seems like the ear band thingies leave my ear lobes hanging out a little.

My dh is a pain in my butt.  He is annoying the crap out of me.  He's a moody mess, he can be scary (without meaning to be), and he's just so damn sure he's right it irritates the poop out of me (ewww the dog just tooted and good grief it's bringing tears to my eyes).  Back to my annoying dh. Wait. Scratch that. He'll get his head out of his butt eventually and we'll be okay.

I'm running.  I'm running.  I'm running.  A lot.  A low mileage week for me these days is 33 miles. I kinda like it in a sick and twisted way.

 Right there with you on all of this BBM. Cannot wait to meet you IRL!

[mommajb]

I am nodding along and want to say so much but I am shutting the computer down.

lifting... I use New Rules of LIfting in general but have been for a while (so it could be time to move on).

anxiety/worry... Do what you can to support him. There are enough things coming up in his life to worry him, he doesn't need to find extras.

BBM, a low mileage week?

bec, you may have hit the nail on the head re noticing.

So sorry I am not more eloquent.

[kerc]

Originally Posted by babybugmama 

Anxiety in children and mamas...here's my .02c.  Find a good psychologist that will work on teaching kids to recognize their emotions, their thoughts, how the two interact and that they have power to change them and how.  Do it for yourselves too, your children look to you to see how to handle the world and as you handle the world better, so to will they.  Talk out loud about an anxiety provoking situationa nd what you are doing to cope - what your positive coping self talk is.

I'm decent at the out loud talk. That's a conscious decision for me: my parents didn't do a good job at it and I felt nervous a lot. I knew there was stuff they were worried about all the time and it was just out there.

I'll add to this: my husband is a blooming idiot when he is stressed or doesn't get enough time to do fun stuff for himself. We all joke about "Mama needs a run"  IMO it does good for your marriage AND for your kids to acknowledge when that is happening with yourself OR your partner. I sent my husband out on a date tonight with his friend to see a local hs hockey game. Friend called last minute (expecting E to say no and I basically pushed him out the door). I told my kids, "we're having a crazy dinner of leftovers and toast because sometimes Dad needs to get out with his friend."  Unfortunately the timing was friend calling on day dh was doing dinner.

Speaking of getting out: I need to get myself out doing something. Today was running around. Tomorrow is looking good for a lunchtime workout. Otherwise I need to mail off all the cookies this house is now laden with (I took a "sick" day today in order to take my oldest to the doc for a recurring skin rash.).

[1jooj]

BBM, I hope all that mileage is joyful, mama!

Nick and Plady, St. Nick apparently stopped in at my work cube. I got chocolate so I guess I was OK this year.

Picked up Mom and Dad  from their trip this evening. They loved SFO, their luggage didn't make it home yet, they ate dinner here and Mom was p!$$ed about my planned trip. I thought of Plady and calmly sighed and told her this is my one week in the year when dh is guaranteed home so I can actually go somewhere and leave farm and kids. I got a ,"yeah, I guess so," I'll take it! I might just start an annual tradition.

Or...maybe not. Also got a call from dh introducing the possibility of a new position far, far away from here. It's still a hazy, vague possibility, but he gets huge props from me for immediately thinking that he wants to try to negotiate a position for me as part of the deal. I'm not even thinking about my ladies here in the barn right now, because I won't go there if I don't absolutely have to. I'll keep you posted. Don't want to say too much, but I can tell you it would be a lot warmer.

[loftmama]

Plady, I love your siggy.  

Penelope Dingo Mama to and with DH

I had to read it a couple times before I realized the smilies must be missing.  Oh and on the paint color.

And does it not work to just type the smilies anymore?  Do you always have to click on the smile face and then click on the specific smiley? Is that the only way?

Welcome, Rootzdawta!  I've never used UA but I like how they look. And I second the cast iron skillet.  I've tended to be anemic my whole life and am usually denied being a blood donor.  Since I have begun adding more healthy fats to my diet, I think these have really helped with my energy.  Whole milk yogurt, Whole milk lattes, coconut oil in my baking, and healthy animal fat whenever I can. 

Speaking of fat, I just saw in a paper somewhere about a woman's study about longevity, diseases and fat.  Let's see... the high end of the healthy BMI is supposed to be the best place for health and longevity.   Now I want to find out my BMI but I have such nightmare flashbacks to my whole obsessive bulimic disorder as a teenager and I just don't even want to go there.  I'll take a bit of fat, thank you. 

Who asked about fave running gear?  In the winter, I have a spendy pair of running gloves and running hat that I could not run w/o. 

Poppy et al, :hug  I don't have any advice.  There was one book that I really loved that helped me a lot but I guess it doesn't really apply to helping a kid.  It was called "The Blessings of a Skinned Knee."  I think the other moms here have given some good advice.  I send you love.  

Tutu, sounds like you know just what you need.  Too much shoe can definitely be a problem.  Have you read some of the latest barefoot research or the book about the barefoot runners?  I think you're spot on.

I am so jonesing for a run.  Since I had to skip TKD and Yoga for stoopid counseling    I seem to have this excess energy.  Plus, I need to work out some thoughts in the way that only a good pavement pounding will do.  But alas, I will be in the car the entire day tomorrow driving home and then driving to various lessons.  Btw, thanks for the dh commiseration.  Instead of my usual desire for a warm and fuzzy outcome, I tried to just observe. Observe him. Observe counselor.  Observe him.  Observe my feelings about comments.  For once, the counseling remained mostly on him and I just had bits and pieces of observational comments.  It was so stress-free, it was almost fun.  That is, fun to see dh unable to put all problems onto me b/c I simply didn't even give them a reaction.  The counselor was great.  DH apparently got A LOT out of it so I guess that was what was needed all along.  Me to stop trying to fix things.  He thanked me several times afterwards for coming and even went so far as to say that I probably didn't even need to be there.    Which, of course, made it totally worth it.  Sigh.  None of us are perfect;  we all grow at our own pace and sometimes we just have to live and let be.  Anyway, she wants us to text her with weekly updates for a while.  Oh and the other good thing, she and he realized that most of these problems are the same ones he's dealt with in Al-Anon and if he still went, then...  So that was all good.  Yes. Done.  I am intact w/o compromising self. The best part for me.  

Oh and the new word I learned today:  FINE.  Wanna know what it means when you say you are Fine? Warning: there's cursing involved.  

F-ing

Insane

Neurotic

Emotional.

I so love my counselor.  Anytime I am with her, I feel as if I am bathed in light.  And once again, she refused to let us pay.  Double le sigh.