New Balance Minimus : giveaway

I actually miss running. (Never in a million years did I think I would say that).

At 28weeks pregnant, however, I’ve committed to walking 1-1.5miles/day. More power to the women who run 5Ks and 1/2 marathons with bulging bellies, but it’s not for me.

Tim, however, has been running in the recently debuted New Balance Minimus. They’re like the Vibram FiveFingers shoes – but without the alien toe look. He says they remind him of race shoes…like the ones from his bygone high school track & field competitions. Little padding. Lightweight. Lots of traction. Ideal for short distances. Although he’s not completely sold on barefoot running science, he does think it’s been to fun to give them a go on his nightly runs.

new balance minimus trail yellow New Balance Minimus : giveaway new balance minimus women New Balance Minimus : giveaway new balance minimus trail mens New Balance Minimus : giveaway

Available for both men and women, the shoes come in a variety of colors and for a variety of purposes (trail, cross-trainer, etc.).

Have you joined the “barefoot running” club? What style shoe do you most prefer?

WIN IT! One winner will receive a pair of New Balance Minimus shoes! To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Sunday, January 22 at 11:59 p.m. All generic comments like “Enter me!” or “Love it” will be disqualified. Winner must provide a US mailing address.

* Thanks to New Balance for providing two pairs of shoes – one for review and one for this giveaway.  

*UPDATE* The winner is #63 Renee C. Congratulations!

random thoughts from my morning run

morning run random thoughts from my morning runHave you ever seen the movie “What Women Want,” starring Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt? Quick Overview: Mel’s character gains the ability to read womens’ thoughts…and he quickly discovers that their thoughts are going in a hundred different directions at about a mile a minute.

I laughed out loud; the producer got it exactly right.

Here’s a snapshot of where my mind went this morning on my 1.5 mile run. I was rockin’ to Third Day, Sondre Lerche, Mark Schultz, and Black Eyed Peas (a motley crew, I know).

  • Walmart has terrible meat. We’ve almost become temporary vegetarians because of it. Somehow we never park at a campground near Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, or other respectable grocery stores.
  • You would think that produce would be bountiful here on this green coast, but that’s not the case. Tim & I are convinced that all good produce goes to Whole Foods and Costco – regardless of where the farms are or where you live. Supply and Demand, baby.
  • My one material wish these days is for a Kindle. I already know what books I’m going to purchase as soon as the device is in my hands – the top 5 bestselling business books, One Thousand Gifts, Hunger Games, and Colleen’s new book.
  • I also need shorts. I have none. But it’s getting too hot for jeans.
  • We are living very frugally this year though. After all, we did manage to save up and travel the country in an RV for a year – without debt. I’m proud of that (and willing to not have shorts and a Kindle just yet).
  • Metropolitan Mama is ready for a fresh blog design. New colors – pink has to go. I like pink, but…I want my first impression to be stronger, more diverse.
  • New header. My first choice is to hire an artist to hand-draw the header for me (know anyone?).
  • I hope people understand what this year is about for us – it’s infinitely more than volunteering. It’s about learning HOW to give, how to live. It’s about taking a risk. It’s about seeing the world. It’s about breaking free. It’s about pressing in. It’s about holding my kids close…and learning to let go. It’s about re-discovering what matters most.
  • How can we possibly write about everything that we are experiencing?
  • How can I take what is in my heart and type it out on your screen?
  • Should I write short snippets? Or wait to reflect?
  • I can’t wait to go west.
  • I wonder where we’ll end up.
What are your random thoughts right now? C’mon. List one or two. [At least tell me what you're reading...].

motherhood is like running

Tim took this picture of me before a run – no make-up, hair in a ponytail. I put one leg up against the wall.

one leg against the wall before a run motherhood is like running balancing against the wall motherhood is like running posing just like mom motherhood is like running

My 4-year-old said, “I can do that too.” So she did.

She often tells me that when she grows up to be a “b-dult” (“UH-dult,” I enunciate) she is going to run in races…and beat me. I bet she will. She is FAST.

Motherhood is a lot like running. It’s exhausting. It’s exhilarating.

Also? It looks much easier than it actually is.

P.S. If you click on the word “looks,” you’ll see a tiny video clip of our family on one of our runs.

* Comments are closed. Please leave a comment on yesterday’s post about running instead. Your comments mean so much.

running – back at it

hands on the hip before a run running   back at itTim and I sat down a few weeks ago to put together a fitness schedule. We’ve been running on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. We also try to add in a “bonus run” on the weekend – either that or a hike/long walk.

Tim pushes the girls in the double jogger. I run alongside. We’ve been running 2.5 miles; the second half uphill. Killer.

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crossed arms before a run running   back at it

Skirt Sports recently sent me the Tough Girl Skirt ($90) and Happy Hour V-Neck ($65)…and I feel like I’m on-top-of-the-world as I run.

The Tough Girl Skirt is especially awesome. It has the perfect amount of stretch, the flared leg is super flattering, and the skirt keeps my bum covered. I know I’m going to wear it all 4 seasons.

Do you have a weekly fitness “schedule”? What is your exercise of choice?

The Outdoor Family: ERGObaby Performance Carrier

ergo performance in action The Outdoor Family: ERGObaby Performance CarrierTim & I like to hike. When we began having babies, we had two options: (1) Stop hiking and wait until all of our kids were old enough to hike on their own (that might be a long time coming…) or (2) Carry the little ones. We decided on the latter.

For shorter hikes, our 4-year-old can hold her own. She’s quite an able hiker for being so young. For longer hikes, Tim carries her part way in our Kelty carrier.

When our baby was younger, I carried her in the ERGO on my chest. Now that she’s a toddler, I prefer to carry her on my back (The only downside of carrying her on my back is that it’s harder to get her situated without help from another adult. Once she’s in, though, she’s content.). She also likes to get out and do a little hiking herself when we are on flatter surfaces.

hiking with a toddler on my back The Outdoor Family: ERGObaby Performance CarrierERGO recently sent me their newest Performance Carrier ($120) in Spring Green to review. I was giddy when it arrived. You see, this is the “ERGO for outdoor people.” It has all of the same great features as the original ERGO, but it’s lighter in weight, has a more durable exterior, and is lined with mesh for better breath-ability.

I haven’t used it on any long hikes yet, but it’s proven itself to be awesome on shorter hikes.

ergo performance back carry The Outdoor Family: ERGObaby Performance CarrierSo. I bet you want to ask me, “If you had to choose between the organic carrier and the performance carrier, which would you choose?” That’s a tough one because they are VERY similar. I almost couldn’t tell the difference. If you intend to use the carrier at least semi-regularly in outdoor pursuits, I would say to get the performance.

Do you have any babywearing questions for me? Feel free to ask.

WIN IT! One winner will receive an ERGObaby Performance Carrier ($120). To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Monday, October 11th at 11:59 p.m. All generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified. Winner must provide a US mailing address.

* ERGObaby sent me a sample for review purposes and is also providing 1 carrier for the giveaway.

*UPDATE* The winner is #28 Tiffany. Congratulations!

The Outdoor Family: A Giveaway Event

hiking in cienega creek The Outdoor Family: A Giveaway EventHere in Southern Arizona, we are all holding our breath for the end of summer.

Tim and I (and the girls) are all going crazy from staying inside in the AC so much. In fact, we keep going outside – hoping with all of our might that we’ll be greeted by the tiniest hint of autumn in the air.

Case in point: we went hiking this evening at Cienega Creek (one of our favorite spots). It was too-hot and the mosquitos were biting (they always get me!). We still had a good time (we always do when we’re together), but…I’m ready for lower temperatures. Nanny Nature has been on vacation far too long – I hear she’s been on the East Coast. ;)

Over the next few days, I’ll be debuting a mini-series of giveaways that revolve around enjoying the great outdoors with your family.

All giveaways will be linked to this master post for your convenience and will close on Monday, October 11th at 11:59pm.

Which season do you spend the most time outdoors?

Dangers in the Wild (Mountain Lions, Bears, Rattlesnakes, etc.)

hiking with baby Dangers in the Wild (Mountain Lions, Bears, Rattlesnakes, etc.)We go hiking as a family often. In the mountains. In the desert. Across rocks and over hills.

We breathe fresh air. We activate our muscles. We observe plants, flowers, and animals. We soak in the sun, splash in the water, talk without distractions, and are filled with peace.

When we tell friends & acquaintances about our 2-7 mile hikes – with our 1-year-old and 3-year-old in tow – some of them react like this:

  • I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking my toddler out that far.
  • Aren’t you scared of mountain lions/bears?
  • What about snakes?
  • Isn’t that dangerous?”

We usually reply by simply stating that it’s quite safe when you take the necessary precautions.

Sometimes, however, we present some short stats on probability.

Let’s take the data from 2008 as an example:

  • Number of Fatalities by Car Accident: 37,261
  • Number of Murders: 14,180
  • Number of Fatalities by Lightning Strike: 28
  • Number of Deaths by Bear: 3
  • Number of Deaths by Mountain Lion: 1
  • Number of Deaths by Snake Bite: 0

Based on these numbers, you should be absolutely terrified of driving in your car. On average in 2008, 101 people per day were killed on roadways in the USA. Motor vehicle accidents are also the leading cause of death among children.

Sadly, statistics also show us that we ought to be more frightened of humans than animals. Indeed, I would venture to say that it is MUCH more dangerous to go to the mall or to work than to go for a hike.

Certainly, it is prudent to be prepared for emergencies outdoors (take enough water, keep your children close, know what to do if you encounter a mountain lion or how to treat a rattlesnake bite, etc.), but…it is even MORE important to be vigilant about safety on the road (pay attention, drive less, don’t-even-think-about texting and driving, etc.).

running at cienega creek Dangers in the Wild (Mountain Lions, Bears, Rattlesnakes, etc.)The truth is this: Being outdoors is safe and wonderful, even for – especially for – children.

Sure, it’s a little “wild” out there, but life is full of dangers no matter where you are. And, statistically speaking, it’s much scarier to go for a ride across town than to spend an afternoon in the wilderness.

Do you hike/explore with your children outdoors?Have you ever been attacked by a wild animal? Have you ever been in a car accident?