First off, a HUGE “thank you” to all of my readers for your outpouring of support, love, and motivation following my {confessions} post.  Most agreed that I should listen to my body and take my time – after all, there is no rush.  I’m happy I waited as long as I did.  I truly believe my body had a chance to recover and figure out the pieces to my postpartum body.  Like any puzzle, it takes time to put together.

13 weeks postpartum, I decided to give running a try.  It was a beautiful Sunday morning.  The sun was shining.  The temperature was pleasant (for a January morning).  I had zero expectations.  I knew I was going to be slow.  Then I took my slow, and lowered my expectations even (s)lower.  I didn’t want any pressure.  I just wanted to run. Lace up my running shoes.  Wear a technical long sleeve.  I wanted to sweat.  I wanted to move.  I wanted my body to do what I love to do best.

I wanted to run.

After morning family time and reading books, my boys let me do something for me.  BJ smiled as I put on my running outfit.  LJ looked at me in wonder – he’s never seen me in “running clothes”.  Okay, I take that back, he’s seen me in plenty of black stretchy pants and running shoes, but he’s never seen me in running mode.  It felt good to wear running shoes for…running.

I don’t normally listen to music when I run – in fact I haven’t listened to music on a run in over 2 years- but I knew that I needed a little pick-me-up and Foster the People was just the thing to do it.  I turned on my iPod.  I started my watch.  As soon as I hit the pavement I felt alive.  I felt wonderful and terrible all at the same time.  I was running.  I was running. 

My first run postpartum was better than I could’ve ever expected.  Maybe it was the weather.  Maybe it was the energy on the trail.  Maybe it was the runner wearing a Boston Marathon shirt and our mutual respect even though I wasn’t wearing my shirt.  Maybe it was that my expectations were so low that I convinced myself it would be terrible.  Maybe it was the fact that I couldn’t wait to get home to my boys.  Whatever it was, whatever helped me on my first run, it was the perfect re-entry into the sport that I love.  The one thing that makes me, me.

I ran 2 miles.  And even though it wasn’t very much, and even though it wasn’t my fastest run and even though it really hurt, it made me happy.  BJ said my smile was big.  Really, very big.  It was big.  I was happy to finish my first run postpartum.

It felt good to run – but I’m still going to take it easy.  My promise to myself is to run 1-2 days/week, in addition to long walks and {mommy & me} yoga with LJ.  For now, mommy Melody is much different than before – and I’m okay with that!

How was your first (postpartum) run?

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I have a confession to make: I haven’t started running postpartum.  Gasp!  I know, I know.  I’m just as shocked as you are – but for some reason, it just feels right.

I ran (slowly) for 41 weeks.  12 weeks ago, I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy.  6 weeks ago I was cleared for exercise.  But I have no desire to run.

If you would’ve asked me about running postpartum, I’d likely tell you that I’d run home from the hospital once cleared.  While I was still pregnant, I had dreams of running as soon as medically possible.  I even told a friend that I was hoping to run a fast spring marathon.  Yea, that means I would’ve started training in late December.

Maybe it’s because this is the first time, in a really long time, that I’ve taken a break from running (I’ve been running since middle school and haven’t stopped- middle school, high school, college track & field, post-college running/racing).  Maybe it’s because I want to spend every single second with the little guy that I’m blessed to call my son.  Maybe it’s because I’m still (yes, 12 weeks later) exhausted.  Maybe it’s because my body is still recovering.  Or maybe it’s because I know running will be hard (like really, really hard).  Whatever it is, I just don’t feel like running.

And I’m okay with that.

For now.

Don’t get me wrong, even though I’m not running, I still make it a point to move everyday.  LJ and I walk 3-4 miles at least 5 times per week.  And I’ve even introduced some ab/arm exercises back into the mix.  Last week I told BJ that I thought I was ready to try running again… and it’s true, I think I am ready.   I know I’ll come around but for now, I’m enjoying this little break.

When did you return to working out postpartum?

Share your motivation tips with me!

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If there are two things the Jones family loves in the winter, it’s vegetables and soup.  We like veggies because, well, they’re healthy.  And soup, there’s just something about soup on a cold winter day.  It’s even better if you can combine the two: vegetable soup.

With all of the New Year resolutions for healthy eating and the after effects of a winter storm (3+ inches of snow in VA), today is the perfect day for a warm bowl of soup.  This vegetable soup is easy and packed with such healthy goodness that you can go back for seconds (or thirds).

Ingredients
2-3 Cloves of Garlic
1 bag – Fresh Spinach
1 – Zucchini
1- Squash
1- Onion
4-5 Carrots
Handful of Green Beans, halved
1 – Sweet Potato
1 – Red Potato
1 can Diced Tomato (15 oz)
6-8oz Vegetable Broth 
Splash of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper
Italian Seasoning 
Optional: Cannellini Beans

Directions
Saute onion and garlic in a splash of Extra Virgin Olive Oil until translucent.  Add broth and all ingredients but fresh spinach.  Cook until potatoes are soft, about 30-45 minutes on medium heat.  Add spinach and beans, cook until spinach is cooked through.  Serve warm with a toasty french baguette.  

Enjoy!

2013 was a year of many, many blessings.  I know God blesses those who love and live for Him, but I often wonder “what did I do to deserve *all* of this?!”  I guess 2013 is my living testament to how wonderful our Heavenly Father is!

I spent a majority of 2013 (41 weeks, to be exact) pregnant with “Poppy”.  Brent and I decided not to find out the gender of Baby Jones, and our little seed was lovingly referred to as Poppy.  I loved everything about being pregnant.  It was truly a wonderful and magical time in my life.  I continued to run (albeit very slow) and unleashed my inner yogi.  I believe staying active and eating healthy resulted in a happy and healthy pregnancy.

Poppy and I traveled!  We worked a handful of races, including Rock ‘n’ Roll Dallas & Washington D.C, and an event at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Pittsburgh.  We visited my sister Lindsey in Panama, my sister Katie in Florida, and my parents in Mississippi.  We went to Whistler, B.C. for my Sales Meeting.  We celebrated BJ’s grandparents 70th wedding anniversary in Ohio (yes, 70!).  Ww took the occasional trip to Maryland (we even watched BJ complete SavageMan Triathlon), D.C., and of course, Virginia.

Poppy and I (7 months pregnant) ran a 5k!  Even though the Crystal City Twilighter was my slowest race ever, it was the most fun.  BJ, my mom, and sister Katie ran with us.  It’s a night race – which adds to the fun – so we ran with glow sticks and enjoyed the race.

BJ and I sold our condo.  It was really BJ’s but when we got married I moved in.  It was our first married place.  Even though it was small and cozy, it’s still one of my most favorite places I’ve lived.  It’s a place filled with lots of love and memories (my mom sleeping on an air mattress for 3 years).

Then, we looked for a house – for months…  It was a really trying time and required a lot of trust but, just in the nick of time, God provided the perfect house for us.  We moved in on October 1 – and Poppy was due October 5.  It’s officially our home and I love being able to make it ours.  It’s big enough for us to grow into, is really walkable, and steps from my favorite running trail (Custis).

I turned 30!  The Big 3-0.  I think I imagined 30 to be slightly different (hello, huge party with lots of wine) but in the moment – big belly and all – it was one of the best birthdays.  I celebrated all week with friends, BJ, and loved ones.  I even had the occasional glass of wine (wink, wink).

41 weeks later, the biggest and best blessing of all arrived.  On October 12, 2013, Baby Jones made HIS debut.  Lincoln Macintosh was born at 10:46pm, weighing in at 7lbs 12 oz, and 21 inches long.  It was love at first sight.  It was an overwhelming feeling of love, gratitude, thankfulness.  Every day since has been the best day(s) of my life.  Lincoln and I are having a blast together and I love being (his) mom.  His smile melts my heart.  And his little laughs are the best.

We celebrated and hosted Thanksgiving and Christmas in our new home, with our new baby.  It was the perfect ending to a blessed 2013!

While 2013 didn’t hold a new PR or a blog full of race reports, it was one of the best years of my life.  2014 will likely hold more races (we’ll see about the PR’s) and more blog posts (thanks to everyone who has continued to follow despite the lack of posts).

I hope your 2013 was a wonderful one, filled with love, races, margaritas, and PRs.  Cheers to 2014!

It’s the most wonderful time of year!  The holidays are upon us, Christmas lights are on display, and it’s the perfect weather for peppermint hot chocolate.  I love Christmas – it’s a time for giving and spreading holiday cheer.  Speaking of giving, I’ve complied {my favorite things} for holiday gifting.  If I could, I’d give myself a thing or two…

1. Koss Fit Series  $29.99 ($19.99 during the holiday season at select retailers)

Note: This post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Koss.

I love listening to music when I work out or travel – but ear buds are almost always too big for my ears, which makes listening to said music pretty annoying.  Koss Fit Series Headphones are made by women, for women so it’s the perfect fit every time!  With two options – FitBuds & FitClips – you can pick the right fit for you.  My favorite part: with three different ear cushions, you can customize how it fits in your ear – guaranteeing the perfect fit and stay-put ear buds!

Buy: Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Walgreens, Kmart, Sears (retailers will promote at $19.99 this Holiday Season) or Online

2. Lululemon Wunder Under Crop $72

I’m a sucker for Lulu’s Wunder Under Crop – I wear them with just about everything.  A little pricey, yes, but totally worth it!  For this holiday seaon I’m diggin’ the Ziggy Wee September Plum colorway. 

Buy: Local Stores or Online 

3. Moving Comfort Mix It Up Scarf $48

I love anything infinity, especially if it’s in the form of soft, buttery polyester.  The Mix It Up scarf is the perfect addition to cozy-up any pre- or post-workout outfit.  With two colors to choose from, it’s cozy enough for working out but stylish enough for a night out with friends.

Buy: Local Run Specialty Accounts or Online

4. WatchCo Nixon Watch $300 – 500

I’m slightly obsessed with watches – between fashion and athletic, I have over 10.  I love being able to accessorize accordingly and watches are a huge part of that.  Nixon watches are my favorite accessory for the holiday season; paired with Alex and Ani bangles and a Tory Burch wrap, I’m ready for any holiday party!  WatchCo has a large selection of Nixon watches, in addition to many designer brands including Citizen, Fossil,  Bulova, Suunto. Casio, Seiko, etc.  If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for fashion and athletic watches, WatchCo is the place to go (plus, free US shipping).

Buy: Online

5. 4Love Clothing Love Wrap $25

I’m a little biased because my sister owns this amazing company, dedicated to empowering and employing indigenous women in the Republic of Panama, but biases aside Love Wraps are a beautiful and practical way to keep hair put.  Each hair wrap is handmade by a Ngobe Bugle Indian that receives fair trade wages and supplemental education.  Perfect for just about any occasion – tie on a 4Love Love Wrap before a yoga class or run, for errands, or a lunch date with friends.  This holiday season give a gift that gives back!

Buy: Online

6. For Two Fitness $49.99 (racerback tank)

I can’t think about 2013 without thinking about my baby belly and For Two Fitness.  I lived (and sweated) by For Two Fitness and I can honestly say it made my pregnancy way more fun!  Each shirt has a clever saying – my favorite is {running for two} – and I was often the recipient of “you go girl” or “I love your shirt”.  If you’re pregnant, have a friend who’s pregnant, or you’re about to be pregnant, do yourself a favor and buy anything For Two Fitness.

Buy: Online

7. Alex and Ani $28

I love jewelry – especially bracelets and bangles.  Hello, arm candy!  I can’t get enough Alex and Ani – you can get anything your heart desires.  Sorority, check.  Favorite football team, check.  Favorite city, check.  Initial, check.  I ran track in college so this is – naturally – my favorite.

Buy: Local Stores, Bloomingdale’s,or Online

8. Nuun $24/4 pack

Where to begin with Nuun?!  I’ve always loved Nuun (strawberry lemonade, anyone?) but then there was Hood to Coast, and my love for Nuun skyrocketed. Nuun is the perfect addition to any water bottle – and there are so many delicious flavors, it’s hard to choose (but I’ll take strawberry lemonade and lemon tea, please).  Drop a tablet into your water and it’s magically transformed in minutes (with little calories and tons of electrolytes).

Buy: Local Specialty Run Accounts or Online

9. Brooks Silver Bullet Jacket $170

When you turn it up, so does the Silver Bullet. Lined with an aluminum membrane, this jacket reflects body heat back to create extreme warmth using lightweight, stretchy fabric. This jacket is perfect for trails-to-coffee and makes a statement beyond the workout.  If you’re looking for a jacket that does it all, the Silver Bullet is your pick.

Buy: Local Run Specialty Accounts or Online

What’s on your holiday wish list?

Okay, so I know I’m a month late, but BJ and I are excited to announce the arrival of Lincoln Macintosh on October 12, 2013.  Lincoln weighed 7 lbs 12 oz and was 21 inches long.  He’s such a sweet, sweet baby and we are totally in love!

Our little guy was one week late – just the perfect amount of time for me to finish his nursery and mostly unpack the house.  We are now adjusting – and loving – to life with a newborn.  I’m also learning what to do with a little boy (I’m the oldest of 3 girls – and have a lot of experience with girls.  Boys…not so much, if you know what I mean).

We feel so blessed and thank God everyday for our little miracle!

If you’re looking for a wonderful family/newborn/maternity photographer in the Northern Virginia area, check out Betsey Darley Photography.  We couldn’t be happier with her work!

Baby Jones is tardy to the party – but that hasn’t stopped me from settling in our new home & setting up the nursery.  Its actually been nice, nice to have extra time to unpack, nice to spend quality time with BJ, nice to feel (almost) at home. 

We’ve had a lot going on lately – which is why I’ve been MIA.  We bought a house.  We moved in on October 2.  We were supposed to have a baby on October 5.  We had a lot of work done on the house.  I’ve been busy.  But with the little extra time (that I’m so very thankful for), I thought I’d share pictures of my favorite room in the house: the nursery.

I painted this dresser on October 8 (NBD). My sister Katie painted the canvas hanging on the wall.

We started setting up the nursery on October 5 – my due date.

And here’s one of our new house.  So excited and thankful we have a place to live!

Name:  Andrea Merber
blog: http://www.thefitscoop.com/

Age: 31

Location: Alexandria, VA

Years Running: 9

Favorite race distance: My favorite distance to race is the 5K, but my favorite distance to train for is the marathon. 

PRs: 5K: 19:49 10 mile: 1:14:31 1/2 marathon: 1:32:57 Marathon: 3:34:04

How did you get into running? I got started running toward the end of college.  I was studying abroad in Athens, Greece and after indulging a little too much in the local cuisine, I decided to join a gym instead of buying bigger clothes.  I started out by walking and lifting weights.  Slowly over the next year I began adding jogging segments into my walking and eventually built up to running.  I quickly realized how much I loved running, and it became a real passion.

How many marathons have you run? 5 (Chicago, Marine Corps, DC Rock ‘n’ Roll, Boston, and Richmond).

Do you cross train or lift weights: Yes to both!  Unlike most runners, I actually like to cross-train and lift weights.  My favorite modes of cross training are cycling and swimming (I spent a couple of years doing triathlons).  I lift weights both to stay strong and to help prevent injury.

How do you find/make time to train: I prefer to get my workouts done first thing in the morning so that I make sure they get done.  This sometimes means getting up at 5:30 AM, even in the dead of winter.  It can be rough to get up that early, but I’m always glad I did once I get moving.

Favorite place to run: In the DC area, I love running the hills on and around Military Road.  My favorite place in the world to run is Whistler, Canada.  Running on the trails there in the fall is really quite beautiful and peaceful.

Favorite/most memorable race: My most memorable race was the ½ marathon I ran that was part of the National Marathon here in D.C. (before it became the Rock ‘n Roll USA race).  It was a cold, crisp day (excellent running conditions for this hot-weather hater!).  It was my perfect race to date – I ran negative splits, I felt strong the entire race, and I ran a bigger than expected PR.  I’ve yet to duplicate this magical race experience, but I keep trying!

Favorite pre-race meal: Either a small bowl of oatmeal or some cinnamon raisin toast.  I run best (i.e. don’t need to make bathroom stops) if I run on a mostly empty stomach so I try not to eat too much before a race.  Instead I make sure to have an early dinner the night before and a good-sized snack before bed.

Favorite post-race food: Whatever I’m craving!  Most often it’s pizza or a cheeseburger.

Favorite quote: Everyday is a good day when you run.

Favorite running shoe: I’ve been wearing Mizuno Wave Rider’s for a while, but I’m leaning towards trying a more minimalist shoe with a lower heel to toe drop.

Best running advice: Consistency and patience are key!  It is better to make gradual gains in speed and mileage than to do too much too soon and end up sidelined with an injury.  (Been there, done that – and it sucks!)

Running accomplishment I’m most proud of: Not quitting during my worst race.  I had a horrible Boston race in 2009.  I developed stabbing knee pain somewhere around mile 15 and couldn’t run without significantly altering my gait (definitely a sign to stop running!).  I was pretty devastated.  After running a ½ marathon PR just 4 weeks earlier, I was expecting a great race.  I wanted to cry and quit, but the thought of not crossing the finish line at Boston was even more upsetting.  It didn’t hurt my knee to walk so I ended up walking the rest of the race, finishing over an hour past my expected time.  I did shed a few tears as literally thousands of runners ran past me. I realized though that even though my time would be slower, I would still finish and that I was lucky to be a part of such a special race.  Now I just need re-qualify so that I can go back to Boston and have a redemption race!

What races are you currently training for?  I’m currently 32 weeks pregnant so the only thing I’m training for is labor and delivery!  I stopped running early on in pregnancy, so my return to running will be pretty gradual because I’ve had such a long layoff.  I’m hoping I can do some shorter distance races in the spring and then do another marathon in the fall of 2014.  Many women experience running gains after pregnancy so I’m excited to see what I can do next year!

I don’t have much of an appetite these days (blame it on being 37 weeks pregnant) – but when I do, all I want to eat is fruits and veggies.  Between all of the pineapple and kale I go through each week,  I’m keeping Whole Foods in business.  Kale is great for so many reasons, and can wear a lot of hats (morning smoothie, chips, sauteed).  In this version of kale, I combine veggies, quinoa, and a little soy sauce to create a kale stir fry.  It’s easy to make and tastes more decadent than the amount of calories in the dish (it was even better the next day!).  Have fun with this dish – add whatever veggies you like to create a colorful and delicious stir fry.

Ingredients
1 cup Quinoa
1-2 bunches of Kale (it shrinks down when cooked)
baby bella mushrooms
1/2 red onion
broccoli
2 cloves fresh garlic
1/2 tbsp olive oil
3-4 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
salt & pepper
red pepper flakes

Directions
In a saucepan, cook quinoa according to package.  In a large pan, saute garlic in olive oil and add kale, red onion, mushrooms, and broccoli, about 10 minutes.  Add soy sauce, salt and pepper, and dash of red pepper flakes.  Saute 1-2 minutes.  Once quinoa is cooked, add veggie mixture to quinoa and combine.

Enjoy!

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