We got hit with a few inches of snow on Monday night! It was the good kind, too – no freezing rain to make the roads miserable and close down the entire city. Just big, fluffy flakes that were perfect for making a little snowman.
I was extra pumped because the snow delayed my mom’s departure! Wahoo. We really like it when she comes to stay with us, and any reason to extend the trip is fine by me.
Because someone always asks –> Claire’s fleece booties. They are Henry’s hand-me-downs and we love them so much we bought a second pair. Worth every penny.
Mom chatted with me while I rode my trainer – yay for conversation! Normally, I read a book or look out the window at our street. This was a nice change of pace.
I did 30 minutes and then I called it quits… I have trouble getting over the 30 minute hump mentally. Anyone else? I can’t believe that I’ve done 2 hour stretches – that sounds soooo painful right now.
The night before, I did an Operation Beautiful event at nearby Wingate University. It’s National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, and I usually travel non-stop this week for speaking events, but with Claire being so young, I decided to mostly sit this round out. It was fun to talk to a school so close – it was only a 45 minute drive.
I did not present to an empty room, hah.
And here are some awesome eats from yesterday and today!
Have you tried the Caramel Almond and Sea Salt KIND bar? OMG. Seriously – OMG. It’s so good. I randomly grabbed it off the grocery store shelf and ate it standing it line… I ended up going back to the shelf and throwing twelve bars in my cart. It’s really tasty with some Earl Grey tea.
Quinoa, beans, roasted carrots, steamed kale and Tahini Sauce.
And hardboiled eggs are making a comeback in my life.
I feel the need… the need for speed. In everything I do lately, but especially in my workouts!
With two small kiddos, it is SO not easy to get to the gym. Or out the door for a run. But it’s really important to me, so I try to find the time to exercise. Unfortunately, more often than not, the available window is pretty small right now – I’ve got half an hour to get in and out. That’s why I’m really loving intensity intervals right now and have been trying to incorporate more of that into all my workouts.
Here’s a fun 20 minute stairmaster workout that I did last week – it includes big bursts of speed that left me breathless and sweaty!
The levels may vary from machine to machine, but for me, Level 5 is a “I can have a conversation with you†effort, Level 7 is getting pretty challenging, and Level 9 is “OMG this is the longest minute EVER!â€
And now – a fun giveaway for you. If you’ve been training hard, I think you’ll love this! I’m giving away two pairs of CSX compression socks. I really liked these socks – they seem more “breathable†than my other compression socks yet just as, well, compressing. You can also feel how they fit differently on different parts of your leg and foot – it’s not just one tight tube compressing your entire foot.
I was super pumped to review these socks because I *believe* in the power of compression socks. After my Half Ironman, I wore a pair in the car for the long (LONG) drive home and really think it helped speed along my recovery. But compression socks can be used in so many other ways (during workouts, on long airplane flights, to help reduce shin splints, etc). I interviewed a member of the CSX team to learn more.
Caitlin: Why wear compression socks? What’s the reasoning behind compression?
CSX: Compression socks are typically well known in medical markets for those suffering with specific medical conditions such as varicose veins, swelling due to poor circulation, etc. However, many are now discovering the benefits of wearing compression socks daily to promote general leg health. Those that are standing on their feet all day, sitting for extended periods or especially exercising will notice a difference in how their legs feel when wearing graduated compression socks.
Many professional athletes have discovered that wearing compression socks can have an extremely positive affect on their athletic performance and in post-activity recovery. Here’s how the CSX compression socks work:
TRUE Graduated Compression (15-20 mmHg or 20- 30 mmHg): 15-20mmHg is suited for most users, however for those serious athletes that want a higher degree of compression, 20-30mmHg is available.
Extra Wide Self-Adjusting Top Band: This design element keeps the compression intervals in the ideal place, comfortably, to maximize the efficiently of the sock as it increases leg circulation.
V-Guard Shin Protection: Special weaving done to the front of the sock help reduce vibration which can cause shin splints. Ideal for those that suffer with shin splints or as a preventative measure.
Seamless (hand-linked), Extra Wide Toe Box: Allows for a supreme fit and does not restrain toes from fanning out naturally. No seam virtually eliminates the chance of blisters forming.
Achilles Tendon Protection: Especially Ideal when using new footwear.
Arch Support Band: Supports arches and also increases air flow around bottom of foot.
Built-in Ankle Support: Provides an extra layer of ankle compression adding extra stability and confidence during exercise. Ideal for those exercising on instable terrain or snow and ice where ankle injuries are more likely to occur.
Caitlin: Should you wear compression socks WHILE exercising or just AFTER? Why?
CSX: It will vary from person to person, but compression socks are great for wearing during exercise – to encourage better circulation and minimize leg fatigue – as well as for recovery purposes.
Caitlin: What makes CSX different than other compression socks?
CSX: When we were developing these socks we really wanted to offer more than just basic compression. In the end we were able to design an athletic sock that’s rather unique; compression encourages increased blood flow/circulation and reduces leg fatigue, and built-in supports offer unparalleled ankle, arch and tendon protection. A major distinction is our years of experience developing TRUE medical grade compression products under our sister brand, Truform Leg Health. That’s what gives us a real edge over other compression sock styles.
Caitlin: How should you wash and care for your compression socks?
CSX: To obtain months of comfortable wear, wash gently in lukewarm or cold water (never hot) with mild soap or detergent. Rinse until the water is clear. Do not wring out or twist. Roll in a soft, absorbent towel to remove excess water, then air-dry flat. Keep socks out of contact with oils, petroleum-based ointments and direct sunlight.
It’s giveaway time! Enter to win a pair of CSX socks using the widget below. As usual, I’m closing comments on this post so there’s no confusion on how to enter.
If you’d like to purchase a pair of CSX compression socks, head over to their website and use the coupon code tippingpoint for 10% off your purchase.
This post is sponsored by CSX. Thanks for reading sponsored content and for supporting my blog!
Did you have a nice weekend? We did! MomHTP came to visit because the Husband went out of town – together with his sister, Kristien took my mother-in-law on a CRUISE for her 60th birthday! I hope my kids take me on a cruise for my 60th! Hah. I would’ve tagged alone, but it was really a momma-kiddo trip (and Claire is too young to cruise, anyway). He’s coming back tonight but was gone a total of 5 days – the longest we’ve been separated in about 12 years. It was weird (especially because we couldn’t chat on the phone), and I really missed him.
So I enlisted MomHTP’s help this weekend, and we enjoyed a wintery Charlotte version of fun instead.
Henry had a “Parents Night Out†party to attend at school on Saturday, so mom and I took Claire out to eat. I didn’t plan things too well – I haven’t been out on a Saturday night in a while and forgot how busy the restaurants get! – so we ended up sitting at the bar with Claire. Baby in a bar! She was a hit with the waitresses and actually seemed to enjoy the experience. Oh, Claire…
I managed to squeeze in an outdoor run on Sunday morning. I’ve created this awesome pop-rock station on Pandora that’s filled with tons of antsy hits – it’s so fun to run to.
Look! I’m wearing a tank top and there’s no snow on the grass. Wahoo for warmer temps <— hope that creeps up North soon!
A Few of My Favorite Things…
We made these cookies last night. OMG. RUN RUN RUN to the store and purchase this. The cookies were so chewy and chocolately. The first ingredient is sugar, which is obviously why they rock.
I had to freeze the leftovers or else Mom and I would’ve consumed the entire box in a sitting. While taking this photo, I discovered that the frozen cookies taste pretty damn good, too. Crap!
Speaking of chocolate (and sugar)…
The Husband picked up this jar of Justin’s Chocolate Hazelnut Butter, which is basically a slightly healthier version of Nutella. It actually has 1/2 the sugar, I think. However, it’s more cakey than creamy (not necessary a bad thing, the texture just isn’t the same as Nutella). It’s so delicious. The Hus is going to strangle us when he comes home and realizes Henry and I ate the whole thing (although I think it’s a fair trade since we couldn’t be in the Caribbean, too!).
On an actually healthier note…
This Tahini Sauce from Trader Joe’s (in the same section as hummus) is a new favorite in our house. I’ve been making cast iron tofu with brown rice and steamed kale with a huge glob of this Tahini Sauce on top… it’s perfect.
Our tea cabinet is looking a little bare (this is “bare†for us – we like options).
One of my current favorites is Twinings Earl Grey Tea with some creamer and a few drops of Stevia. I have it every afternoon – it’s the perfect pick-me-up.
This week’s Book a Week was an important one for me.
I read How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk. I actually started this book last year but only got through two chapters before I set it aside. The introduction recommends reading it sloooowly so you have time to learn and integrate the principles, but I think I was reading it TOO slowly before.
When it comes to parenting, I really want to THINK about why I do certain things and try to improve on the way I interact with my kids. I’m sure I have a million bad communication habits that I don’t want to pass down to Henry and Claire. And this book is not just a good book about communicating with children, it’s a great book about communicating with PEOPLE. How to Talk So Kids Will Listen really challenges you to think about the offhand comments you make and how those remarks either build someone up or tear them down. I loved how this book is formatted, too – there’s a discussion of the technique, little cartoons showing you how to implement them with your kids (and this applies to kids of all ages, from toddlerhood to teenager), and then real-life stories from parents who tried the method on their children.
And the techniques actually work – and fast. I love the idea of not peppering kids with questions. I’ve noticed that when I ask Henry, “How was school? Did you play with Ben? Was your teacher nice? Did you go outside?†he shuts down. But if I just say, “Hello! I missed you!†he tends to start talking. The book talks about how children – of all ages – have a private life and that’s okay. Makes sense to me – I don’t want to tell everyone everything all the time, either. There’s also something really belittling about forcing children to talk.
The book has made me say “Mmm?†and “I see†a lot, lot more. It’s amazing what kids tell you when you shut up and stop asking! Another big takeaway for me has been the recommendation to “describe problems†instead of directing orders. I do a lot of “I see a boy with no jacket on! I see snow outside the window! Brrr!†now. You end up saying more words sometimes, but this technique really encourages cooperation. I’ve also been doing a lot of, “Now that’s what I call being responsible!†v. “I’m so proud of you for picking up your toys.†Not only am I putting the focus back on him (v. me for being so proud) but he’s learning new vocabulary words!
The other day, Henry was throwing a tantrum because I wouldn’t buy him a new toy, so I excitingly whipped out a paper and a pen and made a list of all the toys he could think of that he wanted (there was a lot – hah!), and then I made a big show of folding the note up and putting in my purse, with the explanation that the next time I had money for a new toy, I would refer to his list. The tears IMMEDIATELY went away – all he wanted was to be heard. It didn’t matter that I didn’t buy him any new toys – he just wanted his wants to be acknowledge. It was great! I talked about another “Write it down†experience with Henry on this post.
My Review: 5 out of 5 stars. I think they should hand this book out at the maternity ward of hospitals. I’m going to keep this book on hand and refer to it over and over again.
Everything Else in My Kindle…
Part of my Book a Week challenge is to rent more books from the library – but I’ve been lazy about that and keep buying them on my Kindle. It’s just so much easier to download a book than drive to the library! But not cheaper…
Anyway – I thought it’d be fun to list everything in my Kindle. The good, the bad, and the totally embarrassing. I BOLDED the books that I thought were really good!
Operation Beautiful by Caitlin Boyle (yeah, that’s me – I bought the book, which is really picture-heavy, to see how it looks on Kindle – buy the hard copy; it’s no good in Kindle)
I’m starting to focus on getting faster. I use the term “faster†loosely because I’ve never been a fast runner – but I’d like to speed up my normal in preparation for the Publix Savannah Women’s Half and 5K on March 29. (I’m race ambassador and am doing the 5K – if you want to do the race, too, use the code HTPSAV10 for $10 off!).
I asked her to share some of her most notable tips from blog posts she’s written about speedwork. She sent me a mix of running speedwork and swimming speedwork advice because many of the principles are similar.
Get faster before you go longer. Rather than feeling stuck on accomplishing X-yards each practice, focus on time… your sets should be short and intense with adequate rest.
Next, build your endurance. Once you have a faster template to work with, you can gradually build with your endurance as you peak for your big race.
Skills and form override speed and power. If form suffers, our athletes have to slow down or adjust the workout. If skills are not addressed, an athlete is waiting for an injury to happen.
Strength training also helps to build a strong athlete. Flexibility work helps keep an athlete healthy.
I’m integrating Coach Marni’s advice into my training plan by integrating the following ideas into my speedwork days: I’m running for time with bursts of speed mixed in, stopping my speed workouts before I feel like I get so tired that my form falls about, planning to slowly increase duration of my speed workouts until race day, and I’m trying to do more strength training (which is always a weakness for me!). Coach Marni is pretty darn wise (hello, she’s a nine-time Ironman!) so I figure that following her advice is probably a good idea.
Alright – it’s giveaway time! In honor of the upcoming Publix Savannah Women’s Half and 5K, I’m giving away two $25 gift cards to Publix supermarket! Fun fact: my first job ever was as a Publix cashier.
