Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Let Me Show You My Boy Shorts

Yesterday was a weird day. Weird, I tell you. I had woken up in the night nauseous. Not like I was going to puke at any moment, but just that feeling of being sick and every time you see or think of food you get grossed out. No matter how hard I tried to not think about slimy egg yolks on toast, I couldn’t stop.

At first I thought I was pregnant, but then I remembered my eggs are really old and Ken was fixed. For the life of me I can’t remember a late night rendezvous with the milkman, so no mid-life baby for me.

The nausea continued after I dropped the kids off (<-I’m not saying I pooped. I’m literally saying I dropped the kids off). I was going to go to a 90 minute hot yoga class, but honestly, the thought of twisting and contorting my body in 105 degree heat made me want to throw up more. Plus, some turd always farts in the studio and I knew I would gag.

So, instead I laid on the couch for two straight hours and watched “Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition,” which is basically the Biggest Loser on steroids (you can watch episodes HERE). I can’t remember the last time I watched TV like that during the day (okay, maybe the Olympics, but that doesn’t count). It felt indulgent and oh-so-good.

P1120980

I love this guy, but I do think he needs to get that thing on the back of his head checked out.
It didn't go away when he lost weight.

This was one on my favorite episodes ever because the contestant, Jarvez, started at 548 pounds and lost 281 pounds or something crazy like that. That dude never, ever found an excuse to not exercise or eat right. His head stayed in the game the entire time, and he never lost his sense of humor (although I saw him for 120 minutes out of entire year – 525,600 minutes – so maybe he was a douche the rest of the time, but I doubt it).

Unlike Jarvez, I hardly ate yesterday – half a turkey sandwich, a bowl of Kashi cinnamon harvest cereal and lots of ginger ale. This is about 1/8 of what I eat on a given day, so I didn’t recognize myself – laying on the couch, moaning, not eating. I slept for a solid 8 hours last night, and woke up much better. I put on my new favorite running skirt and felt like superwoman (with old eggs):

P1120970

I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time find running skirts that fit right (I don’t like them too long), and feel ultra comfortable while running. This has now become my favorite skirt. It’s the Laser Cut Skort for $54 and comes in lots of fun colors. I love the cute detail on the side.

P1120971

P1120978

The boy shorts underneath stay in place.

P1120973

Sometimes I have trouble with the sizing at Athleta. I find their running skirts are big. I usually would wear an XS or small, but this one is an XXS. I know Athleta can be expensive, but the quality is good. And, they have great sales if you keep your eye out.

I headed out for a 6 mile run (tempo). I felt crappy. I had such bad stomach cramps at mile 5 I had to stop to avoid a mess (I would cry if my new skirt got soiled). I made it home without incident. I’m whipping up some minestrone soup (best recipe HERE – I think the key is so many veggies and adding plain tomato sauce to the broth) and am  hoping this stomach crap is just a small blip on my big radar of life. Or, maybe we’ll have a new baby born in May 2013.

Speaking of babies, this time of year always leaves me unsettled. This year in particular. Sam started high school, Emma middle school. If your kids are really small and high school seems like it will never come, trust me it will and you will cry and wonder how you squandered all your time away.

SamandEmmaAug2012

Feel free to say, “awww..” if you want to. This picture was taken right before he tackled her to the ground and made her cry. (My sister in law, Jen, took this. She is such an amazing photographer!).

The start to the school year reminds me of new beginnings and it always makes me want a fresh start. I used to love the excitement and anticipation that went along with the first day of school. As a mom, each time they go back to school I think I need to revamp my life or something. I think about the years creeping by, and how in just a few years they will both be gone (they better be gone. No one is living in my basement). Even though I am first and foremost a mom (who has 40 part time jobs), I wonder what else my life’s work will be.

Most of the time I soul-search for a day or two then forget about it and go back to worrying about when the season premier of Survivor is and how I can get the smell out of my running clothes. I am very deep.

When’s the last time you’ve been really sick – like the kind of sick where you can’t move and your mom has to come take care of you? I think for me is was a kidney infection I had about 20 years ago.

What’s your favorite running skirt? I love this new one from Athleta, but my other favorite is the Marathon Girl Ultra from Skirt Sports and anything from Running Skirts.

Who knows when The Biggest Loser Starts again? I could NOT believe our boy, Dolvette, was the first to go on Stars Earn Stripes. Dude needs to learn to swim.

SUAR

52 comments:

  1. Feel better, Beth!

    (And considering you & Ken make cute, semi pro wrestler kidlets, another would be perfect anyway. So either way, life is good!)

    GET SOME REST! :)

    Sarah
    www.thinfluenced.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I never puke, unless I've poisoned myself with vodka which I learned how NOT to do a looonngg time ago. Anyhow, this past Feb I was knocked cold with what sounds very familiar to your story today. After the hurl I simply proceeded to sleep for an entire day. Funny how the little viruses tend to make you stop cold and take time to rest your body.
    My favorite running skirt? My husband affectionately calls it my Richard Simmons skirt. Super neon blue shorts on the inside with white and chartreuse green stripes on the outside. Comfy comfy and it's doesn't squinch up into your crotch while you run!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hope you feel better soon! I love the running skirts from Lululemon. They really stay put on the legs -- I find in Nike I am always tugging them down.

    Got two of mine off to college and my junior in high school starts tomorrow. I've spent the whole day organizing my office :) My fresh start, too.

    Have a great day. Love your blog! Michelle

    ReplyDelete
  4. 1. I've never been that sick.
    2. If I wore a running skirt, I'd probably get sick.
    3. You're funnier than I remember.
    4. Which seems impossible.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Where you been girl? Have missed you. And I'm not even trying to be funny.

      Delete
  5. It's been a year (knock on wood) since I've been really sick. I remember it was right after I was hired for my new job and I was scared to call in sick but more scared to leave the bathroom floor.

    I want to find a running skirt that fits but doesn't look too skirty. Make sense? OK, maybe I want one that makes my legs look freakin awesome and my butt perky. A magic skirt you may call it.
    I LOVE Biggest Loser. I don't love that it's two hours and I don't love that my husband doesn't love it, but that is what the internet is for!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I had strep throat about 18 months ago, and I thought that was going to kill me. Funny thing is, neither of my kids (who are in daycare) got it. Nor did my husband. Just me, and I am the healthy one.

    I hate running skirts. On me, not other people. When I wear one, that's all I can think about.

    My oldest starts kindergarten next week. I am excited and scared, but he is just excited.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Last time I was really sick was when I had strep throat. Knocked.Me.Out.
    Love my Athleta Contender Skort. Debating whether I should wear it in Tough Mudder and risk ruining it. Athleta is expensive but darn the quality is good! I have a pair of their Presto shorts that are two years old and are like brand new yet.

    ReplyDelete
  8. ohh! I love that picture. My oldest started high school, yesterday, too. I hope yours had a great day. I was surprised at how much mine liked the day. Glad he wasn't totally blown away. :)
    My problem is, it seems like I was JUST there. How did this happen?
    Hope you feel better very soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. YES. It is such a weird feeling to have him in HS when I feel like I am still in HS on most days. Glad he had a good day, mine did too.

      Delete
  9. I enjoyed this weeks Extreme Makeover Weight Loss. I've watched this season & last & it was nice watching someone actually lose weight & really dedicated to the process & actually seemed like a nice person. Most of the time this season everyone just makes excuses and whines and probably really just gained all the weight back.

    I have not been really really sick for a few months. I will be taking a sick day, as a personal day, at work soon.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Kidney stone in 2006. They had to go in through the front door to get it out. Way not pleasant.

    I remember Dolvette being on the dangle in one of the challenges last year where he was going to end up in the water, and he was super freaked out by it. He definitely needs to learn to swim, and this is coming from a dude that can't swim much either.

    I've never worn a running skirt but if the price were right....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In thru the front door?? Ouch! And I don't even have a front door like yours.

      Off to by you a skirt.

      Delete
  11. I have one running skirt (Nike) and I dislike it so much that it's put me off trying another running skirt altogether. Just give me the boy shorts, camel toe and all. Might have to rethink that given everyone's recommendations here. I second your thoughts on the quality of Athleta.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haahahah!! "Camel toe and all"might be one of my favorite quotes of the month!

      Delete
    2. This product might help:

      http://www.camelflage.com/

      Delete
    3. That is the best ever. The perfect stocking stuffer!

      Delete
    4. Haha! You just literally made me laugh out loud and now my boys want to know what's so funny...they already know more than they should.

      Delete
  12. That skirt is so cute and actually $49 is a good price from what I've seen lately. My oldest son is going to be in 7th grade and is almost taller than me at 12 years old. It happens so quick! Hope your stomach bug is gone for good:)

    ReplyDelete
  13. right now i wear the gym girl ultra from skirt sports...the only ones i will wear! will have to check out athleta though given the recommendations

    ReplyDelete
  14. After watching a marathon of Ninja Warrior (Japanese version), my boys and I went outside to bust some ninja moves. I dug deep and busted out the perfect cartwheel. Upon sticking the landing, I knew why there are no 40 yr. old cheerleaders. A full week on my back with a sprained sacroiliac joint, mother reinforcements called in, bad, bad TV and lots of reading about getting healthier.

    Putting a skirt on the wish list. Will maybe get one after I accomplish my first 10k.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love Athleta skirts, run shorts, and casual dresses. Yes, pricey, but the quality is great. Plus, they have that 'wear it once and send it back' thing if you don't like it...I wonder if they would really take my sweaty skirt back if I didn't like it? }(I've thought about giving it a go just to test them on the policy)
    Right now, they have a couple of pairs of run shorts on clearance. I already own one pair and ordered another. I love them.
    As for sickness, it would be about 4 weeks ago when I got a horrible summer cold. I've never had a summer cold but this one was a doozy! It started with a sore throat (the weekend that I was at the Aerosmith concert-I'm sure the people that I spoke to at the concert thanked me for the germs later but there was NO WAY I was missing that concert); then, sinus pressure to the point that I contemplated putting a hole in my head to relieve the pressure (seriously-desperate times call for desperate measures); then, on to the cough and runny nose. The cough has yet to pass. The whole cold put on the couch/ bed for a solid week and I'm still trying to gain my (running) strength and endurance back.
    Thank goodness it happened when the Olympics were on. I don't know what I would have watched otherwise(even if women's water polo was slightly boring, just as team volleyball was).

    ReplyDelete
  16. Ok - So I'm sure you're getting totally bored with my "parallel lives" references but come on! you aren't feeling well either? Sometimes I think it's you stalking me! My eggs are also dried up. My husband is fixed too. My kids are growing up and it makes me mad and thrilled all at once. The boy bought a JEEP this summer with 5 years of paper-route money and then had the balls to DRIVE himself to school! What a little jerk! And the girl? Uh - middle school, texting and giggling. If life keeps going this miserably I'm going to have to move to Colorado where it really sucks!
    :-)
    PS - hope your tummy feels better soon. If not, I loooove babies & you can send the stinker to KS.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. God that kid has nerve being all responsible, buying a car and driving himself places. Doesn't he know that's what you wait around all day to do? Yeah, lots of giggling going on here too. I don't think I ever giggled that much.

      Delete
  17. I've gotten a ton of mileage out of the Salomon Whisper skirt. I can do hours of trail running in that one without the shorts riding up or chafing. It beats out most of my shorts too in terms of comfort. I also love the Athleta Endorphin Skirt but I don't really run in it much; I just wear it a lot in summer because it looks like an ordinary skirt and I can sweat in it without looking gross. I've even debated wearing it to work when it's hot outside, but I teach at a university and that's probably too much leg to flash in front of impressionable young minds.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I love the Lululemon Pacesetter skirt--super cute and comfy!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Loser starts in January I believe. I have an Avia skirt that I love...clearance at TJ Maxx...also love athleta.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Not sick but a few weeks ago I pulled my back badly. I whined for two days. I tried to put moist heat on it by taking baths but I had times where I thought they would find me dead in the tub because I couldn't get out. (Spoiler: not dead).

    I love the lululemon pacesetter skirt. I have it in three colors - white, lavendar, and a beautiful gray/purple/white/other colors stripe. The striped one is my favorite. I love them all, mostly because I feel like I'm off to play tennis in them, even though I am just going to go sweat them up on the road. And I mean fancy tennis - like with diamond tennis bracelets, blonde hair, purse dog?

    ReplyDelete
  21. The sickest I have EVER been was this past June. I had pneumonia. It was awful. 105 degree temp and I was shivering so much that I was wearing sweatshirt, sweatpants, wool socks, gloves, wrapped in a big blanket (yes, I was quite the site) - and it was a blazing 100 degrees outdoors. I was pitiful and miserable.

    My favorite running skirt is a bright red Brooks I bought from Zappo's. It has this awesome pocket on the leg of the shorts that is great for my phone and a zippered pocket on the back for keys and such. I also adore Athleta, too. I have 3 running skirts and a pretty dress from them.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Ha, I watched that same episode of Extreme Makeover yesterday while cooking up massive amounts of zucchini that my garden insists on producing even though I try to kill it and I thought the same thing about the lump on his head! Last year, the first week Josh and I were living together I got a kidney infection. I thought he was going to haul ass to Canada and never come back. Lucky for me (and him) he stayed.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I'm so sorry you weren't feeling well--that's awful--but I'm glad you were able to feel better relatively quickly. Your new running skirt is really cute and flattering. You should be a model because seeing the photos of you in the skirt make me want to go out and buy one. And the picture of your kids is really great. I honestly thought it was a professional photo until I read that your sister in law took it, so you're right, she is really good.

    I hope your stomach continues to feel better!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thanks for the update on Jarvez. I couldn't keep my eyes open to watch the show b/c unlike you I was working out early in the morning yesterday....haha!

    And I hate it when my running skirts don't fit right. Always the worst.

    ReplyDelete
  25. No stay in bed all day sickness in a while but did succumb to an cyst that became infected and had to be drained by a doctor AND a cold all while on a cruise last month. They have excellent medical facilities on cruise ships. Pricey but quite nice.
    Love the skirt. Believe it makes my ass look great. My favorite is from Sport Skirt and no longer made - Roller Girl. I like briefs underneath so I'm limited to Sport Skirt and Running Skirts. Have 5 that I routinely wear. Relegated my Lulu to weight lifting as I'm not a fan of the boy shorts - hit in exactly the bulge out part of my thigh.
    High school prepares you for college. Didn't see my children a couple of days week while they were in high school (I'd head out before they got up and would be in bed before they got home). The oldest is a Jr in college and the baby girl is a freshman - 6 hours away! But she just called. :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. Oh I hope you feel better soon! I am battling a summer cold myself, so haven't ran in 2 days. Bah!
    My favorite running skirt is from Brookes. You can see a pic of it on my last blog post!
    And I agree, the kids grow up far to quickly...Mine will be in 1st/7th grade officially as of tomorrow!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Sorry you haven't been feeling well, I hope you get better soon.

    I have 2 Brooks running skirts that I have run my last couple of marathons in. I love them, the shorts underneath don't move, so no chub-rub issues!

    Your kids are adorable. I can't imagine mine starting high school, but it's only 2 years away. Time really does fly.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I ran a 105 fever for several days two years ago, and the terrifying thing is that I went to work all of those days. Then I lay in the corner delirious. But I was clocked in at least.
    Hope you're better soon. Nausea is the worst feeling ever.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Skirt is on-line: http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=59019&vid=1&pid=905937

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Perfect, thanks!! Don't know how I missed it the first time!

      Delete
  30. I swear I'm not being biased when I say I love the bum wrap from Oiselle! I'm on their ambassador team, but wholeheartedly endorse it - great compression shorts underneath and really sporty looking rather than frilly. http://www.oiselle.com/shop/running-shorts/bum-wrap :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. I love running skirts, and I've got some from Asics, Nike, Running Skirts and Gore Running Wear. Right now the Gore running wear skirt is my favourite.

    ReplyDelete
  32. I love running skirts too! Even the cheap c9 one from Target. But my favorite one is from Athleta. The last time I was super sick was when my oldest son was in the first grade, so, seven years ago. He had an epic stomach bug that kept him out of school for over a week. As soon as he started feeling better, I came down with it. It was just about the worst I've ever felt. My SIL had to come from out of town and stay with us a few days to help with the kids. As soon as I felt better, I made a big batch of Julia Child's Potato and Leek soup. I don't even like potatoes that much, but that was the best soup I've ever eaten in my life.
    I didn't see Stars Earn STripes, but I'm a Dolvett fan too. He teaches a class called "Pure Energy" at a gym here in Atlanta, and a friend of mine went to it last week. She said afterward she felt like she does after running a half marathon - just absolutely spent!

    ReplyDelete
  33. My favorites are Athleta since they have some in talls, and the boy shorts aren't micro bikinis on me. 35" inseams are a pain to outfit in anything, but I will check out the other names people suggest.
    The last time I was sick was 3 winters ago, when my little boy 'shared' his stomach virus with me. He was well, running around, and it hit me like a ton of bricks in the middle of the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. Boy, that was fun getting home! I asked his father to take him somewhere, which he obliged; I never knew so much food could lie in wait like that! I lost 8 lbs in 24 hours, but recovered nicely. I don't remember anything other than getting out of bed, getting sick, getting back in bed.
    My son is now going into 2nd grade and I am crying every night knowing how fast its going. My eggs have been dried up since I was 35, my man is not fixed (maybe he can have more kids with the next wife) and you can always send the baby to the east coast, we love them here! My son keeps begging me for one, but a hermit crab, a dog and an iPod have so far sufficed to stop the constant barrage of begging for a baby sibling.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Well when you do go back to worrying about the smell in your running clothes....BORAX! Soak the clothes in borax for about 2 hours before you wash them. Pain in the a$$ but it works!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. My oldest is a freshman in college, middle a sophomore in high school and youngest a 5th grader, so I get how fast time flies :) have a great year and I hope you feel better soon.

    ReplyDelete
  36. You're so funny. I was surprised that you didn't comment that you look like you have to pee really bad in the picture of you in your skirt. All kidding aside, you look amazing...I love that skirt! My kids are only 2 and 4 and thinking of them in high school...it's not possible...I FORBID them to grow up.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I bought an Adidas skirt from Costco and I hate it so much I am afraid to try another one. But you get what you pay for right?!

    I don't get sick often but sometimes I think about faking it just so I can get alone time and so my husband can keep the kids quiet and get me whatever I want. But I hate missing work and I don't want to squander away the weekend.

    My oldest is about to start kindergarten and your post made me tear up just a *tiny* bit.

    Feel Better!!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Haven't been that sick in a long, long time (thankfully!). Hope you're feeling better quickly. Such a cute (and deceptive) picture of the kids; they grow up WAY too fast!

    Love anything from Running Skirts, although I just got one from Team Sparkle to wear over compression shorts that is fun and worked well on my night leg of Ragnar--the sparkles made it easier for my team to see me, they said. I'm liking the one you have from Athleta, though, might have to do some shopping there. If I can't be fast, at least I can look good, right?

    ReplyDelete
  39. We just dropped off our oldest daughter at University this morning... Talk about wanting to cry! There's no way I THAT old.
    Hope your belly gets feeling better.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Oh running skirts! I love the ones from LuLuLemon, but I haven't really been buying or running in them lately- TOO HOT! So I just opt for the boy shorts sans extra skirt material covering it all up. Some day my daughter is going to scold me for my short short short shorts, but until then........ if you don't like it, don't look at it! ha ha!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Love, love, love my running skirts! I have them to cycle in too with my favourite being the Marathon Girl in purple...

    I had the stomach cramping on my run this morning too. Maybe there is something in the water both in Colorado and Sydney! lol

    ReplyDelete
  42. How funny! The last time I called in sick to work, I sat on my couch ALL day watching Extreme Makeover: Weight loss edition. I started texting all of my friends, "Will you still be my friend if I end up weighing 469 lbs?"

    I love the trainer on that show! I can't remember his name, but I just adore him. I love that you are able to see an entire year in one episode. I'm really impatient, so I can't handle the biggest loser. Who can wait a whole season to see hundreds of pounds lost? Not this girl!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Yes, love fall! :D

    Gym Girl Ultra is my favorite running skirt, except I don't run in it. In fact I have like 3 running skirts & don't ever run in any of them. I just like them for hanging around. That one looks cute!

    ReplyDelete