On Election Night: Yoga and Muffins

Tonight, like most of America, I'm on the edge of my seat hoping my chosen candidate and party wins.

Dan, Ingrid, Harper and I walked to the polls first thing this morning where I voted and Dan stood outside corralling the toddler and dog as they waited patiently roamed around aimlessly.

With a hectic workload, I didn't think much about the election until I hit the yoga mat after work and started to have anxious thoughts.

The rest of the class must have felt the same because we were unbalanced, unfocused and a little nuts. About halfway through, the instructor had us pause with namaste hands and let out a sigh.

Instead of an appropriate, normal exhale, all of us let out a dramatic, audible "AHHHHHHH." In response, the instructor and students laughed. And not a little "class laugh" - no, this was a full-on real laugh, that finally broke the tension. From then on, we were able to concentrate, breathe and as cliche as it sounds, get centered.

On the drive home I turned off the radio in hope to continue some version of peace throughout the night. Even if things don't turn out how I'd like - the back-to-back ads, emails and not-stop speculation will all be done tomorrow. I hope the banter on social media doesn't get out control and everyone embraces a sense of civility and humanity with each other.

If that's too much to ask - feel free to whip up a batch of these Cinnamon Donut Muffins.

They'll be sweet in victory or defeat!

After Bedtime

The sweet sound of a quiet house at night. Even sweeter, a house all to myself.

Ingrid is in bed. Harper is sleeping. Dan is at school. A quiet house is oh-so sweet.

Here's what I like to do after the kids go to bed. Or, simply put - here's a list of 21 things you can do when you're board:

1. Mix cocktail. Read magazine. Better yet, change into jammies. 
2. Make tea. Read book. In jammies (similar yet very different from #1). 
3. Watch Boardwalk Empire. Watch Bravo to get over the disturbing scene involving Jimmy's mother. 
4. Work out in your living room. Don't worry, you can do this for about 15 minutes and feel some sense of accomplishment. 
5. Write your mom a card. 
6. Or phone it in and send your mom an e-card.
7. Reserve books at the library.   
8. Paint your nails. 
9. Promise to go to bed earlier, tomorrow. 
10. Google Chat with friends. The best way to catch up! 
11. Wonder how you didn't know about The Land of Nod sooner. 
12. Think of ways to replicate The Land of Nod holiday decor in your living room. 
13. Wonder if anyone else thinks The New Girl is seriously funny. 
14. Make a Cupcake Costume for Ingrid. 
15. Check out The Everygirl.
16. Read The Happiness Project. Nah, just watch Fashion Police instead. 
17. Pin a wonderful recipes like these lovely Doughnut Muffins
18. Learn modern calligraphy.
19. Debate the cost-per-wear of this J.Crew Keeper Chambray shirt. 
20. The cost-per-wear will be low. Order it.  
21. Look at these pictures of Ingrid and marvel over how much she has grown: 

Triathlon

Over the weekend, my best friend and I completed our first triathlon.

The Danskin Triathlon is not a full (aka, crazy) triahlon. It's an all-women event, a .5 mile swim, 12 mile bike ride and 3.1 (5K) run. When you break the sections apart, it's manageable. Tie them all together and it's fucking hard.

Without going into the nitty gritty details, the day before the race I came down with the stomach flu. Or food poisoning. But, I wrote this off as nerves and hoped for the best.

Race day was overwhelming and exciting. We woke up at 4:30, drove down to Pleasant Prairie and waited to be shuttled to the starting line.

Where I was a bucket of nerves. Checking my bag, asking pointless questions and declaring my bag contents every two minutes:

Here we are pulling it together for a moment: 

After the bus ride, we set up our gear in the transition area:

And waited.

And then, as we watched the hard-core athletes complete the swim and start their bike rides, I started to get nervous and excited. And tried to squash any feeling of wooziness.

As the corralled our heat to the starting line, I knew something wasn't right but figured I was in my unflattering Speedo already, and swam with the rest of my red-swim-capped heat.

Even though we were warned, the swim was hard. I won't sugar coat this - the swim sucked. It's unnerving to swim with that many bodies with limbs thrashing around you. I learned pretty quickly that I was a slow swimmer and had my eye on the sandy finish line from the start.

Next was the bike. After I saw my friend in the transition area, I got my headphones in and playlist going. Surrounded by so many different women of all shapes, sizes and ages - the bike ride was inspirational, motivational and fun. At first I was disappointed that there weren't mile markers along the course, but as the miles ticked by, I was thankful because judging by my ongoing playlist - I was going pretty (preh-tay) slow.

I couldn't wait for the run. The run is what I trained the hardest for and what I wanted to do the most.

But, near the end of the bike ride, my stomach bug had returned and knew it was no longer related to nerves.

I'll be real with you - after the bike, I threw up. Then, signaled for someone to come help me because I felt like shit.

A volunteer jogged over and asked me what was wrong.

"I think I have the flu." 

"Do you want to go on?"

"Yeah, I think I want to finish. "

"Then, go!'

She patted my back and with that, I needed to finish.

I started to run and feel dizzy - and with literally nothing to fuel me, I needed to walk and cross the finish line.

Now, I'm not sharing this to be dramatic or because I think I'm special for finishing a race in this condition. Not so.

In that moment, I was proud of myself mentally. Proud that I didn't stop or push myself too far. I just walked and thought of Gatorade.

And with the finish line in sight, I ran:

Crossing the finish line, I was dehydrated, tired and slightly disappointed. 

Then, the loudspeaker announced: Lindsay Atkinson is now a triathlete! 

And my slight wave of disappointment was temporarily washed away because that announcer-guy was right, stomach flu or not, I was a triathlete.

Which is slightly amazing (and annoying) that even while literally crossing the finish line, I had to be reminded that this was a mental and physical accomplishment. 

The next day, I was still sick. But, on Tuesday, my friend and I rehashed the details and came to the conclusion that we had more fun than we though we would. 

The race was a challenge, the women were inspiring, the elite athletes were motivational and the energy of the day was indescribable. 

Can't wait to beat my personal best in 2013! 

Rounding Third

Earlier this year I started to run.

Sick of the lingering pregnancy pounds and eager to find a quick workout - running sort of made sense. But isn't it sort of terrible? I started running on a treadmill indoors, gradually working my way up to a mile. Then two. In January a two-mile race, then in March, a 5K. I was inconsistent, slow and was so hard on myself mentally. Every walk felt like a failure. Every slow run I hung my head in shame and questioned my motives. After a painfully slow and disappointing 8K CrazyLegs race in April - it was time, time to stop dicking around and actually start to put some serious effort into this "hobby."

I'm not suggesting it - but for me - quitting the gym was key. I was too focused on all of the shit around me instead of running. Chatty personal trainers and TVs on every machine were so loud when all I was looking for was an escape. Time to clear my head and focus.

When it wasn't unbearably hot this summer, running outdoors proved to be the missing link to help move me from slow/inconsistent to not-as-slow/semi-consistent.

Then, it was time for the Summerfest Rock 'n Sole Quarter Marathon. Remember 2011? When I thought it would be a good idea to sign up for a race when Ingrid was roughly 3 months old (see "I'll use the term 'race' loosely" and 10-astrophe).

This year, the race was well organized and Dan and I crossed the finish line together and then met our good friends for a beer. It felt fantastic. No disappoint, no dramatic victory - just personal accomplishment and an excuse to get together with friends.

In a few short days, my best friend and I will be participating in a triathlon. An unexpected first for both of us. I'm nervous about the entire race, the transitions, everything, but I can't wait to cross another finish line because it finally feels like I've hit my stride - no apologies - it feels good!

Accountable.

These mantras make me smirk and I'd like to think they help to give me the motivation to run. The only real mantra that's ever worked for me has been: 

Just Put On Your Shoes and Get Out the Door. 

At 5 (err...6) in the morning, running doesn't sound like fun to me. Sleeping, coffee and donuts sound like fun. But can I just put on shoes and get out the door? Sure. And by the time this happens, running sounds fine and donuts have lost there appeal. And by the time I'm back from a run, donuts sound...ok, donuts still sound good. So what. 

For months, I've struggled with getting into a solid routine and have been putzy with my runs. Why is it so hard to remember that "post workout buzz" when you muster up the mental energy to decide to workout? Why does Storage Wars always win (ugh, I'm so ready for them to replace Dave! Anyone?). 

These sporadic workouts - and the recent discovery of donuts - are making my stack of too-tight jeans start to accumulate dust. I'm so over it.  

Then, a few weeks ago Dan started to run. Granted, we can't run together, but we have a nice little schedule worked out and it's nice to know that for two mornings a week, I'm running. And two mornings a week, he's running. And on the weekends we're running. We don't have to juggle a schedule or talk about Ingrid's naps - we just get up and go. 

This seemingly simple schedule has helped me tremendously and I'm now able to focus and feel somewhat accountable - even though during my runs Dan's sleeping or taking care of Happy Morning Baby Ingrid. Which, if you're wondering, looks like this: 

We even signed up for a race later this month with some friends. I'm sure I'll come in dead last in the group, but I don't care, because I already have more energy and more willpower against donuts, party coffee and late night frozen yogurts. 

What about you - how do you stay consistent in your workout routine? 

Two Miles and An Elk.

Last week, my friend and I ran the Samson Stomp & Romp two-mile race at the Milwaukee County Zoo.

Growing up, my grandma took my sisters and I to the zoo frequently. Fond zoo memories include -  train rides, sea lion shows and air-conditioning breaks in the reptile house. I loved those plastic Mold-a-Rama animal molds and lunches of ham sandwiches and sodas wrapped in aluminum foil (natch).

Remember Me? 

I couldn't help but feel a twinge of nostalgia while walking through the front gates of the zoo.

Then came the kids.

I figured a race at the zoo meant kids would be in attendance (the Children's 1/4 Mile race was also a clue), but I didn't anticipate running next to nine-year-olds. Nine-year-olds can run six minute miles while discussing Justin Bieber. We made it a mile-and-a-half before we stopped to complain about our cold toes and pointed at elk. We ran by families with strollers and a pack of firefighters. We huffed by real runners who were lapping us - or running multiple races with their kids. When all was said and done, we ended up finishing in a reasonable amount of time and left with a race shirt, Caribou coffee and renewed sense of motivation.

Next year, I hope to make this an annual family tradition. The whole Atkinson clan will be bundle up and run (and/or walk) one of these races. Just because it's January, doesn't mean we can't enjoy looking at elk and mountain goats. And maybe if the mood strikes us, we'll splurge for a plastic mold of a crocodile. Any maybe, I'll be able to keep pace with a nine-year-old, who is too cool to zip her coat.

Y is for Yoga.

Tonight after Ingrid went to sleep, I just felt jittery. After deciding that wine wasn't the answer, I figured a quick, 40 minute yoga DVD was what I needed.

I always feel weird doing yoga in my living room. During Downward Facing Dog, I always notice dust bunnies. Kitty inevitably creeps over to the mat. It's all very zen-like.

During the last 10 minutes, Ingrid woke up. Thankfully, she was in a cheery, bubbly mood. I decided, what the heck, let's finish this "practice" as I sat her down next to the mat and finished the last few poses. It was hilarious you guys. It meaning yoga poses. The stretching. The pink mat. The hands in the air.

It wasn't wine or yoga, I think after a mundane Monday, I needed that big cheeked little girl to literally laugh in my face while doing yoga poses half-ass in the middle of my dusty floor. That, and a large glass of wine.

R is for Running.

3pm energy slump got you down? Some say you should reach for a handful of almonds and a water. I say that plain almonds are gross and I'd rather throw them in your face! And I'm over 19, so having caffeine after 11am on a weekday = crazy in my world - so what to do, what to do....

Oreos? 

No. Too guily.  

Tea? 

Boring!  

Today after work I was so tired I was literally counting the hours until I could go to bed. Literally, not figuratively. 

So I actually went to the gym and I actually ran and I actually, literally, feel awesome right now. 

The house is clean, laundry is in progress and we'll all be enjoying a nice little dinner of Apple, Goat Cheese and Pecan Pizza in moments. 

If running means I'll lose this baby weight (I mean honestly, aren't you sick of hearing about it?) AND have excess energy - I MIGHT think about doing this consistently. 

The only downfall? My iPod is full of husband's whiny music. 

Share people share! What are your favorite amazing, workout songs? Nothing with a robot voice please!

M is for Motivation and Milwaukee.

Just put on your shoes and walk out the door.

The best running advice I've ever read.

No expectations, no goal setting, no run-here-to-there-and-back. It's simple, it's doable. Wake up with Harper, put on my shoes and walk out the door. Sometimes this leads to a nice run (for my low standards and endurance level) or a walk around Humboldt Park.

The stack of too-tight jeans and pre-baby shirts are all the motivation I need.

During these runs I have such a strong appreciation for my family, my career, my everything. Appreciation that my sub-par knees allow me to run, appreciation for the time, appreciation for our wonderful park. When I run to the lakefront, appreciation for Milwaukee. It may not be the healthiest, most cultured or the cleanest - but it's so fun and a lot of people I like live here. I make no apologies, I love Milwaukee.

J is for Jeans that Fit.

This Month I'm Thankful for Jeans that Fit.

After complaining about my excess baby weight daily and working out minimally - I finally became fed up with my lack of progress and started to work out sporadically. For the first time in years, I actually want to run. Who knows how long this will last - but I'm thankful for the energy to run and I'm beyond thankful for another pair of jeans that once again fit. Baby steps! 

10K-astrophe

The Rock N' Sole race received a lot of heat from the press and the runners - due to the lack of water, shade and "rock." Yes, I was hot and yes, I could have used more water - but honestly, it was a pretty good experience. I was able to walk the Hoan Bridge with two great friends - and about 6,000 other Milwaukeeians.

But, since my 8thish month of pregnancy, my knees have been killing me. I've been doing this odd-hobble around thing if I sit for more than 30 minutes at a time - and my knees have swelled to the size of Big Macs. So knee issues and 20 pounds of additional "baby weight" REALLY made this race a challenge.

As I walked along the bridge I started a nasty inner dialogue:  
Why didn't I train better? 
Why didn't I train - at all? 
Come on, I just had a baby three months ago - and I wasn't able to workout until she was 6 weeks old.
Ugh, this extra weight is gross and annoying. 
At least I'm doing this. 
It's so hot. 
I think someone in their 80s just passed me. 
Seriously, at least I'm out here doing this.  

It's so easy to do this while running. During a yoga practice, I can get lost in a pose or mentally give myself a pat on the back for holding a really challenging pose - but running. Ugh, running. It's just this never ending cycle of...running.

Then, near the finish line, a girl from the sidelines pumped her fists in the air and yelled "Go Mom!" and her mom just put her hand in the air, a gesture of thanks. With that sweet gesture and the finish line in sight, I turned off my negative-twirly thinking.

How wonderful for this daughter to see her mother in this way - healthy, normal and active. She set a goal, met her goal - and now they can go enjoy a complimentary MGD together. That's what I want for Ingrid - to understand the importance of goal-setting, being healthy and to make time for yourself.

At the end of the race, my friend and I were discussed how disappointed we were for our pre-race training, and perhaps we should view this race as a starting point vs. an end goal. So, we committed to running a 5K this fall.

I'll be honest with you - I hate running with a passion. I love yoga as much as I hate running. Wait, I love Oreos as much as I despise running. But, because I left this 10K race feeling less than satisfied, I owe it to myself and my BigMac knees to start training.

Serena and I after the race. She's the one with the non-Big-Mac-sized knees.