A little background about my running: Sprinter in high school and college (100 to 400m, long and triple jumps), but did run a few seasons of cross country in high school and college. Once I graduated, made the transition to distance. Prefer trail running, but not opposed to running on whatever road is nearby. Since college my running ebbs and flows. I do Pilates or yoga every day. I had just started going strong again when I became pregnant. Not totally excited,wondered why my husband couldn’t be the pregnant one. Determined I would continue with my running regimen, and not be one of those women who have morning sickness. I totally ate my words—within a week of making that statement. One word to describe how I felt up to my 13th week –GREEN. Never threw up, wish that I had. Totally nauseated 24/7. I love coffee, but could not even stand the smell of it. My poor fly fishing guide husband had to resort to moving the coffee pot on the front porch for his morning jolt—and ultimately, just having to get some at the gas station because my acute sense of smell picked up on the coffee when the front door was opened. Needless to say, not much running during this time. Did manage to get through some prenatal yoga and pilates during this time and gentle walking, but sometimes just bed, zestas, and tv. As I warmed to the idea of being pregnant and felt slightly human again in my 14th week, I got back into walk/jogging, which is what I continued for the entire pregnancy along with yoga and pilates. Might have done a little more, but did not take vitamins. Never could get my stomach to handle it. For a couple of weeks, I managed to get some Flinstones down. I think I had an iron deficiency the whole time. Allie was most content when I was in motion. Nice bonding moment for us —felt a strong connection with her during these times that only a pregnant mom could understand. Allie came 5 weeks early—within a couple of weeks I resumed walking, then postnatal yoga. Running with the jogging stroller at 3 months. Loved this time—nothing intense as I would sing a lot to Allie— the only one who appreciates my singing (my younger brother banned me from singing along to the radio or just singing in general years ago on one of our family vacations. He received all the musical genes from my parents and is now a very talented musician). Now Allie is 2, and is less content in the stroller. Sometimes varying the route or going faster does the trick (I definitely benefit from this as well as I tend to get into running ruts at times). What she has the most fun with lately is actually running with me. I either jog in place or do some light plyometrics along with her telling me “Allie runs fast!” . I love to watch her—arms flailing, little body bobbing up and down as she moves along. I am actually quite impressed with her balance and coordination. (I attribute it to our mommy and me yoga time). I look forward to many more years of running with her. Lately, I have been working out on the elliptical during her naptime. I do get the occasional solo run, and I do enjoy it! It is a great time to decompress and reconnect with my old self, energizing me to fulfill my roles as wife, mother, caretaker of 3 large pups, and manager of 2 businesses.

Maybe I should stop reading the New York Times, and start running with my child. Then again, what would I do with the hours I spend nursing while indulging in some great articles.

Oh, yeah, I forgot, I can’t run for the life of me and I have a three year old and a two month old!  Well, according to this article I am the perfect candidate to start a good running program.

The article cites a study done at Texas A&M University that found no increased injury because of stroller running.  The author gives plenty of great tips on how to run with a stroller, since it will change your arm positioning, your leg placement and your cadence.  It is really important that you select a stroller that is a great fit.  This could be a challenge since good strollers are quite expensive and are often pushed by more than one adult.

My husband and I have gone through a few strollers before we found one that worked for both of us.  Thankfully they were all given to us used and we don’t use them for running.  I use our double Chariot stroller very often.  It is a great stroller that can be used for many sports (walking, biking, running, skiing) and carries a lot of gear.  I hesitate to mention it here because it is so expensive and their customer service pretty horrible.  The main activity I do with it is walk long distances on bike paths.

If you are a stroller-pushing runner or an aspiring one, I would love to hear your stories.  What stroller do you prefer?  What are some techniques you use?  Can you beat Mr.Bither who can run two and a half hours at a pace of 7:15 minutes per mile with his double stroller?  I know I can’t, but just to get a chance to go to Brooklyn and be in Prospect Park again, I challenge him to a run around the park!

Heidi

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CW-X Stabilyx Tights

CW-X makes a line of compression and stabilization undergarments. I tried out the Stabilyx Tights which CW-X claims are, “ideal for activities with lateral motion such as skiing and snowboarding.” I have tried them while skiing, biking, and playing hockey. CW-X says that they support the knee, the hamstrings, quadriceps, core and adductors while also facilitating cooling and peak performance. I can’t really fully evaluate all of their claims, but I can say that I felt supported in the muscle areas that the tight targets. I did wrap my upper adductors for extra stability when I played hockey. Also, the hip-to-ankle tight itself is more comprehensively designed and constructed than anything that I have seen or worn before.

Soft Support Bra:

It is hard to find a sports bra that fits well, supports well and is comfortable.  Initially when you put on the CW-X soft support bra it feels kind of confining, but you kind of get used to it because of the amazing results.  I used the bra for working out, biking, hiking, and doing outdoor sports and it gave me the best support I have ever gotten in a sports bra.  I used it while pregnant where my bust increased in size and need of support and I always felt very comfortable.  I really recommend this bra for any outdoor enthusiastic women.

Overall, my family and I do not like energy bars. We get easily bored with their texture, consistency and the fact that they are not really like a real meal, but we do end up relying on them when doing outdoor activities. Some of the ingredients in many bars on the market are not that great for you, or are additives.  Many have ingredients that are major allergens.

In the end, I think all three of us would decide to bring Jocalat bars on a trip with us.  We don’t usually feed chocolate to our daughter, but these bars are not chocolate bars in the sense that we are familiar with.  They have cocao in their list of ingredients, which gives any energy bar a more distinguished, earthy and real flavor.

Both LaraBar and Jocalat : All natural wholesome ingredients. Most bars have between three and five ingredients.  Made from 100% whole food, no added sugar, unprocessed, raw, gluten free, dairy free, soy free, vegan, kosher, 1 serving of fruit. Made with nuts and seeds.  All nutrition comes from real, whole foods.

LaraBar

Pros:  You get your nutrition from real food that is minimally tampered with.  Offers you a serving of fruit when you are in places where getting your fruit and vegetables may be more difficult.

Cons:  Mushy texture, all flavors slightly similar, made my daughter go to the bathroom, too sweet, low in protein. Eating a whole one made me feel like I was chewing something I should not be.  I did not feel full or energetic after eating it.

Jocalat

Pro:  Chocolate, consistent texture, no overwhelming sugar rushes or flavors, simple, you get your nutrition from untampered food.  Felt satisfied for a short while after eating it.

Con:  low in protein. Could get boring to eat really fast since most flavors are similar.

ClifBar: Made by ClifBar a company that specializes in energy products.  They make their bars from natural and organic ingredients and really study the composition of each of their products to deliver a more balanced energy product.  Their bars are some of the most balanced on the market when you look at the ratio of calories, fat, protein, carbohydrates and sugars.  They have a huge variety of flavors.

On the whole we liked the different bars we tried but did not like the heavy use of soy and flavors that where more like deserts.

Pro:  Many flavors, balanced nutrition, texture is like that of a moist cookie,   felt more energy for longer but felt a slight sugar high and crash.

Con: heavy on the stomach, uses soy, too many ingredients, and not enough use of real unmanipulated products

I know this is not the answer you are looking for.   I will look into this question more thoroughly and get back with more information.

If more mothers, families and pregnant women share their need for better outdoor clothing, I am sure that some companies will step up and create clothing that is more appropriate.

I'm looking for some maternity clothing suitable for outdoor winter running and cross country skiing.  I'm 6 months pregnant and my tech-fabric running shirts don't quite cover my belly anymore.  It's a bit too chilly to have that exposed skin!  My active vests and jackets aren't cutting it anymore either.  I've tried borrowing my husband's gear, but his stuff is too big and baggy.  The only maternity "workout" gear I've ever seen is for yoga, which isn't really the styling and fabrics needed for outdoor pursuits.

Is there anything out there for us active pregnant ladies who still want to get out there and exercise in the winter?

I am an ultra-marathon runner and have a 2 1/2 year old son. I ran all the up to 2 days before delivering Shepard. I starting running again 2 weeks after (very little and slow) and 6 weeks later I ran a trail half-marathon. At that time I also starting running with my son in the best jog stroller ever invented. We own the Chariot Carrier CX-1 www.chariotcarries.com . It completely encloses your child and has an infant attachment that provides support for a newborn. This jog stroller has allowed me to gain my strength and fitness back in less than 9 months. We spend countless hours on the road and rail trails together. We both love it! We run all year round and all types of weather. It has a water proof covering for downpours. Mom gets wet but Shepard stays warm and dry! My Chariot also converts to a bike trailer. I have been able to cross train and pull him to work 2X a week during the warmer months. Shep will be able to use it up to 75 pounds; at that weight he should be able to push me around then!

I tested out the 12 cm container which holds 3 cups of food.  The bowl was completely airtight.  I stored the soup I did not finish that I cooked on a backpacking stove inside my pack and I never got a messy leak.  I was on a whitewater canoe trip and this bowl came very handy.  I like to try to keep my gear to a minimum and this bowl does the trick.  Also, for thirteen bucks it really is economical as outdoor gear gets.  I was easy to wash and did not get too dirty when cooking on our little stove. 

I love gear that I can use outdoors and also at home ( spend less $ on consumer goods).  This container is great to store snacks for little trips around town.  It can easily carry yogurt.   My daughter likes to store her snack in the container and close the three little clasps.  When she is done I can through it in my bag with no mess even if it flips upside down  or I am riding my bike.

 They are available in four convenient sizes: 14 cm, 12 cm, 10 cm and 8 cm diameter. They are made of high grade stainless steel #304. Easy to clean, the bottom part can be washed in the dishwasher.

Another great reason to buy this container is that you will be purchasing less plastic and storing your food in a more healthy environment.   Outdoor travel is surrounded by plastic and I am making it a point to feature products that reduce our use of this toxic material.

To purchase this great product click on this link:  Life without plastic

Life without Plastic is a web-based company based out of Canada and run by a family.  They offer many other products that I would love to get my hands on.

Maybe these little bowls will become the Sigg version of food containers, can you imagine them in different colors and designs. Hey, maybe I should get royalty on that.  For now, you can take a marker and write on the container to identify the content or the user.  Useful, if you are traveling with a few little ones and you are digging through your pack for your picky toddlers bowl of snack and not your leftovers.

www.lifewithoutplastic.com

Heidi

Richmond, Virginia straddles the James River.  James River Park offers over 500 acres of urban wilderness on islands and river banks on both sides.  I'm most familiar with the Huguenot Woods section on the south side that stretches along Riverside Drive east of the Huguenot Bridge.  It has become a family tradition to walk along the river on Thanksgiving morning.  It is a beautiful and simple hiking path, surrounded by autumn trees, grasses, a pond, and friendly faces.  The trail goes along the James River where you can see birds, fish and rocks because the water is low this time a year.  If you are adventurous you can walk on these rocks quite far into the river.  In the spring this river is a great whitewater canoe or kayak spot.  But stay away from the shallow dam, where the turbulence can be treacherous.  The trail is about two miles long with different loop options.

• Further west, in Midlothian, there is a small park called Robious Landing, that can be a nice spot to visit with small children.  The park is adjacent to a playground and there's a short path along the water’s edge with floating docks that let you look at the river upclose or go fishing.

Both these places are great places to get a beautiful run surrounded by beautiful scenery. A short amount of biking can be done also.
 

When my first was born I thought my long distance days were over. Far from it. With a 3 year old and an 18 month old, my program just keeps getting better. First, get a double stroller. Then, have a wardrobe of warm kid clothes to choose from. The faster you can pull it out and throw it on them, the better. We've got a nearby scenic hill that is 1.5 miles up and climbs 700 feet. It's got a single lane paved road to the top, which is only open to pedestrians. So I push the 100 pound load up the hill (while wearing the wrist safety strap) at a slug's pace but technically running. At the top, there is a commanding view of the city and I always pack snacks for the kids. We have a picnic up there and on the way down, the 3 year old likes to run part of the steep downhill. She has even run the whole thing before but I don't push her. This started with just one kid in a single stroller. I thought I was going to die. Then I added the second and now they're both pretty good size, around 26 pounds each. The stroller is well over 40. I recently did a 50 mile trail race with over 8k feet of elevation (not pushing the stroller) and I could clearly feel the benefit that weekly hill run had done for my training. Whether or not these kids grow up to be runners isn't of concern to me, but hearing them say things at the dinner table like, "If I eat my vegetables all gone I'll be a strong runner like daddy," seems to indicate they're pointed in the right direction.

A Baby Running Barefoot

  by: D.H. Lawrence (1885 - 1930)

When the bare feet of the baby beat across the grass
The little white feet nod like white flowers in the wind,
They poise and run like ripples lapping across the water;
And the sight of their white play among the grass
Is like a little robin’s song, winsome,
Or as two white butterflies settle in the cup of one flower
For a moment, then away with a flutter of wings.

I long for the baby to wander hither to me
Like a wind-shadow wandering over the water,
So that she can stand on my knee
With her little bare feet in my hands,
Cool like syringa buds,
Firm and silken like pink young peony flowers.

I was introduced to bits of this trail built on an old train bed by my 65 year old friend when I moved to Carbondale, Colorado. We would go off in the early mornings and bike from Carbondale to Basalt (about x miles?) while I pulled my Chariot with sleeping Cora.

Now, the whole 51 mile long trail has been paved and I have traveled the length of it.  You can start at any point along the trail or from either end.   If you start by Hanging Lake and go to Aspen you will be going uphill the whole way.  RFTA, the  Roaring Fork Valley bus system, has stops starting in Glenwood Springs all the way to Aspen. and they have bike racks. Some taxi companies also provide shuttle services.

Enjoy exploring this amazing bike path. You don’t have to do the whole thing at once or even a return trip (use the bus or taxi).  The longest two sections I have done are:

Carbondale to Hanging Lake one way: 16 miles total.

Carbondale to Glenwood Springs (14 miles) doesn't offer a lot of beautiful views. You can often see the  highway, but you are riding downhill.  To continue on the path past Glenwood, you cross the river and go by the Hot Springs to find the trail. Hanging Lake is 2 miles further. MAP

Glenwood Springs to Hanging Lake is the nicest part of this ride.  You are biking by sheer rock cliffs and the Shoshone part of the Colorado River.  It is slightly up hill with two long up hill stretches.  When you get to Hanging Lake, there is a public restroom, picnic table and a beautiful HIKE

Carbondale to Aspen: 35 miles total

This section is the most picturesque throughout.  At equal intervals you will arrive in the town of Basalt (13 miles), then Woody Creek ( 13 miles) and then Aspen ( 9 miles).  In all these towns there are restaurants, public parks and bathrooms. From Woody Creek to Aspen you will be on a non-paved trail but it is very well maintained with crushed rock (almost sand). Aspen has a great recreation center and pool for you to relax in after wards.

When we do the trips we stop often.  Take dips in the river, eat at breakfast, lunch or dinner spots along the way or bring a picnic.  When biking with a child, make sure you make it an adventure for them too.

Doing outdoor activities with your kids isn't often about  serious or intense training.  Just make it into a family fun day.  With two adults to pull it's easier too.  Remember to always wear a helmet, even on a bike path, and your child should have one on too.

I should also mention that more than 14 miles from Glenwood to Carbondale (Katherine Store bridge) is maintained during winter months for snowshoeing and cross country skiing.

Here are links to other great activities in the area: Hiking

Heidi

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Every week before the holiday season is really underway, I will write a short piece about a product that may interest some of the folks on your shopping list.

This week’s featured product is a pair of fleece pants by The North Face.  These Glacier pants are very soft and can be worn alone for milder outdoor activities or they can be one of the layers that will keep your toddler warm during those very cold winter days.  My daughter is sensitive to textures and seems to find that these fleece pants are fine directly on her skin. She does not get irritated from them.  These pants come with a full life time guarantee.  The pants also look good, with their simple cut that doesn't add too much bulk to an outfit.  I believe these Glacier pants are available in adult versions as well.

To find out about more gear suggestions read my Shopping List Blog.

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