Training with Tildy.

 

Family stretch time

 
**I use the term training loosely!

I’ve just started getting back into semi-regular training with Matilda in tow. 

It’s slow going that’s for sure. But I’m enjoying it much more than I thought I would!

I’ve got my sights set on the Mudgee Half Marathon in August and maybe one other run prior to this if I can get my shit together! 

I don’t think Tildy will be joining me on the run – I think 2 hours in the pram would see her screaming like a banshee! 

It might make be pick up the pace a little though…!

 

We made it to 5km!

 
I remember when we were looking at prams I said to Nate let’s get a running pram even though I know I’ll try once and probably hate it. 

I imagined it to be like running with a backpack or something else just as awkward and annoying. 

Well, we reached 5.5km last week so it can’t be THAT bad!

It feels good to be slowly getting back into the swing of things. Matilda’s feeding is still pretty awful and her sleeping was shocking but it’s just started to improve, so it’s important that I have a release.

Pre-Tildy I would have scoffed at running anything less than 5km on a BAD day and was regularly disappointed in my pace. These days I’m stoked to get over 4km and pace is more out of curiosity than any sort of gauge…

It’s refreshing to have this perspective on training. I’m much more grateful just being able to get out of the house. It’s no longer feeling like I HAVE to exercise – I WANT to!

I have also realised how important it is for me to get out and about with Matilda. Having started training again, feels like I have a piece of my pre-Tildy self back and it feels nice. Anyone who has kids can tell you that your whole world is turned upside down when you have a baby, and it’s nice to start piecing together a new, modified version of myself!

I’ve also come to realise that by taking better care of me, I can take better care of Matilda. 

Since we’ve started running again, I’m finding myself eating a bit better, actually feeling like I have more energy and just a more positive outlook which are all super important. 

I know Matilda is too little to remember these days, but I like to think I am setting a good example for her and laying the foundations for her love of sport and exercise. 

I think the next addition will be a bike with a seat for Tildy! 

xx

Brickie 

Chocolate Cake Batter Smoothie.

Cake in a glass!

My cousin Ant came to visit me again on the weekend. We got out for a little 30K ride before work on Saturday morning before Ant headed back out for another lazy 70K! What the?!

Sunday morning we jumped up and headed off again – I really wanted to get up to the Sea Cliff Bridge.

Wow. What an awesome ride. The morning was absolutely perfect.

On the way back into town, a bunch of 4 guys over took us as we approached a hill. Ant and I both looked at each other and Ant goes “Want to see if we can stick with them?!” He had read my mind.

So off we went and with a little push from Ant we tagged on the back of the bunch. I mentioned to Ant that I thought they would probably head back into North Beach and stop for a coffee.

When we arrived back at North Beach we thanked the guys for the tow back into town – and then ended up sticking around for 2 coffees and and an hour and a half later thought it was time to head home!

What an amazing morning! In the last 2 or so months, I have already met so many wonderful people through running, riding and swimming. I’m blown away by how much people are willing to help you out. It’s awesome!

I also got out for my first real ocean swim yesterday morning, and again, I met a lovely bunch of people willing to help me out!

The morning was perfect so still and clear.

What a view!

I tagged along with my friend Andrew who’s a keen swimmer and had the best morning. The night before I seriously woke up every hour stressing about the swim in the morning. The guys I went swimming with were lovely and kept an eye on me the whole way so there was really nothing to be scared about in the end.

Although I’m still not completely convinced that a scary looking hand from an ocean zombie isn’t about to pull me under…

Please don’t eat me ocean zombies!

I guess I have surprised myself too, when I first started swimming I could barely make 50m without getting a head spin at the end because I hadn’t been breathing properly! Although I was scared shitless yesterday before jumping off the rocks I was determined to still give it a go.

I guess that’s the best thing about deciding to train for some tri’s this season – it’s forcing me to do things I have previously been scared of. Even road riding used to scare the crap out of me!

Looking back to a time when I was paralysed by anxiety on a daily basis and driving, going to work or even talking to people was insanely scary to me and then realising how far I’ve come is pretty great… now I kind of have the view if it scares me it is probably something worth trying. I never want to be too scared to attempt anything again – at least once! I like the feeling of being scared or uncomfortable now and using it to challenge myself!

Enough of the rambling  time to hook you up with this recipe.

This  seriously tastes like cake batter but better because it won’t make your tummy sore from eating buttloads of flour!! I also remember Ant and I used to mix together muffin mixes just to eat it raw I don’t think we managed to bake a whole mix, ever!

The bits and pieces

1 1/2 frozen bananas

1 C rice milk

1/8 C oats

1 Tbsp tahini

1 Tbsp hemp seeds

1 Tbsp cocoa

1 Tbsp shredded coconut

1 Tbsp ground cinnamon

Ice

In a blender pop all the ingredients and blend!! Toooooooooooooo easy! Top with more coconut and walnuts!

Enjoy!

Super Smoothie.

 

This straw is totally for show.

 

One sleeeeeeeeeeeep!

One sleep until my race and one sleep until the baby is due!!!

As much as I want to meet this gorgeous bubba, I am quietly hoping all the fun and games don’t begin mid-run.

A massive thank you to everyone who has donated – we have raised over $1500 so far!!

Click here to donate!!

I received this email the other day too – how excitement!

I’ve not been feeling 100% this week, so in order to try and fight off the flu I have taken to drinking my greens. I’ve made a variation of this smoothie most days and after a week of rest (we’ll call it strategically tapering) I am definitely on the mend.

I added kale to this the first couple of times and then, I went and did something crazy – added broccoli.

Broccoli in my smoothie – say what?! Yep, I know, I’ve lost it now – but hear me out!

One cup of chopped broccoli = 5.7 grams of protein

Yep, that’s right! Along with a lot of other greens – this little guy packs a mighty punch. So – this is what I will be using to fuel my run tomorrow morning.

I’m not gonna lie, there’s definitely still little chunks of broccoli but you can’t taste it! If you’re not into eating your smoothie just omit the broccoli or replace it with another green that will blend better. Kale, baby spinach etc.

Chunky – but tasty trust me!

Oh – and food processing 101…

Put the blade in and have everything together before you start adding ingredients. Learnt that one the hard way…

The bits and pieces

2 overripe bananas, frozen

1 tbsp cocoa

1 tbsp mesquite powder (optional)

handful broccoli, chopped

1/4 avocado (seriously, don’t skip this you can’t taste it)

1 C coconut water

3 dates

1 tbsp peanut (or other nut/seed) butter

 

Whack everything in a food processor and process until smooth.

Enjoy! I may have already eaten most of this… looks like I will be making another one for tomorrow!