A Great Saturday Run With My Boys

Running. I love running...

The last little while with Carmelo in competitive soccer, and Diodato and myself wanting to be fit, I've been meaning to take my boys running. Real running on a real track.

We tried doing the running on the street with Carmelo. However, being close to home...never seemed to pan out, Carmelo would soon be back on our step with a 'no freakin' way I'm doing this." Trust me, he's no piece of cake when it comes to fitness.

A few times, the kids in our neighbourhood have attempted to work with Carmy. Hamooda had the great idea to build Carmy's leg muscles...jump ups on our steps. "I have no clue what this has to do with soccer, so...no thanks!" Fine, twenty sit-ups would be the punishment. Hill side up. "I'm only doing 2...I did not sign up for this." ARGH!!!! The only kid who remotely got close to training him was Massimo, and soon afterwards Carmelo sweaty, was at the patio door with a look of an imprisoned, abused child on his face. Let's not get into RUNNING. "What does soccer have ANYTHING to do with running? eh?! Tell me...that one!" We tell him everything, but he's a stubborn as they come. The only successful trainer he's had is Mark Hatfield of Hatfield's, and my hat goes out to him!

So, the other day I had an "AHA" moment. "Boys, how about we go to the track, do a run then I will take you to "Booster Juice". It was a great idea. But, would it work? Would I have a whiny four year old, and a crusty Carmelo? I had to chance it. I had to walk (or in this case) run the talk. We all geared up with running shoes, water bottles and i-touches.

It was a clear, cool sunny day. The weather was perfect for a run around the track. No excuses. The first run around the track, I thought for sure, I was going to die right there. I have to say, running on the real thing as opposed to a treadmill is way harder. When I finally reached the the starting point again, my lungs felt like they were bleeding. Seriously! I thought for sure, if I spit...there would be blood. Every breath hurt like my lungs were being stabbed over and over! However, Diodato (my 14 year old) ran by, and continued on. "umm, I thought...this was my idea, and here I am panting like a hot cow in July!". So, I pumped up my i-pod, and sprinted on.

There is something mysteriously motivating and enlivening about running on a track. I cannot explain fully into words the energy that one spans from the track. Whether it be the energy of the moment, or the aura of the runners past who have ran this very track too. With every new breathe, with every step forward and push forth of my arms, my body got into a running groove. Soon, my lungs settled down, and my legs worked hard on the track underneath it. The wind blew a gentle breeze amongst the trees around us. Even the clouds above seemed in sync with our run. It felt wonderful to be training outdoors. I let go, and felt free as I jogged on. Even Carmelo ran and loved it! Now that is a huge milestone.

During our run, Tony (my hubby) came by and watched us. The kids treasured it. I realized that this was the most fun (believe it or not) that my family and I had had in a long time. It was just us, no stress, no mess, the track and a familial achievement. We all did approximately 3k together. We all jogged at our own paces. Even my four year old Antonio ran with us. At one point he held my hand as we jogged around the track together, it was priceless. Nevertheless, there is never a dull moment in my household, and today was no exception. While running Carmelo turned to me: "Mom, when we are done burning fat, how about we go to Dairy Queen and celebrate!" That child!!! After their run, the boys and Tony then played a soccer scrimmage, while I did a few more sprint/walks around the track. It was wonderful.

It really is exhilarating to get moving as a family. I felt motivated by Diodato, inspired by Carmelo and joyful by Antonio. I felt loved by Tony who watched us run around the track with awe and pride.

I hope time will allow us to continue this running journey we have embarked on. Our goal as a family (Diodato, Carmelo and I) is to be able to easily run 5k, so that we can run the CIBC Run for the Cure, Breast Cancer Run in October in honour of my two mother-in-law's who have passed from the disease.

Be well and run on,

I Caved!!

BLAHHHHHH!!!!!



I finally caved, gave my rings to my hubby and had him bring them to the jewelers to have them re-sized. I had been hinting for so long, but deep down I didn't want them sized up. However, after nearly five years of being seen as a 'single Mom', it was time for my beautiful rings to be put back on. So Tony mentioned it again and offered to bring them in...and I handed him the platinum.


I'll be very honest, because that is what my blog is intended for: raw truth. After he left, I laid on my bed and cried. It was one of my long time goals; to have my rings fit me again. But, let's be honest...after five years, my diamonds are made to be worn, and not stored in a safe. It is what it is...and chocolate is my ENEMY!


Nonetheless, don't be fooled...I'm back to smiling (on the outside anyhow!).


The Universe never let's me down for too long though...lol (A Surprise Diamond upgrade would make me feel WAY better...!)

Nevertheless, I attended an open house at my son's school yesterday, a woman from my son's class came up to me randomly and thanked me for this blog. Cheers to you..."P's Mom". She said to me: "a woman I know well, recommended your blog to me to read about your struggle ( that's for sure!) with weight loss and how inspiring you are...I recognized it as being you when I read about Carmelo (the one and only!)...your blog is a wonderful read and such an inspiration (really?!)".

Yes, I do write to de-stress myself. Writing is extremely therapeutic for me. In addition, my wish is to inspire others because we all struggle with our body image, our family responsibilities, our marriages, our journeys, and with life in general. I love to share, learn and hearten. In return, I am the one that is inspired. Thank you!

So what have I been doing as of late? RUNNING!!! Fat girl runs! ha ha ha ( I know, not supposed to say that...!) I ran 3.5 km the other day on my treadmill and it felt AMAZING! I love running (am I trying to run from something?!). Then my sister came for a random visit...and my work-outs stopped and eating began. Gosh, I am so an emotional eater. HOWEVER, I was more controlled.


I am more in control of my eating because I am reading a FANTASTIC book. I have recommend it before, now I HIGHLY recommend it.

"Women Food and God" by Geneen Roth

I am reading it slowly, and doing some internal cleansing. I have to say, that it's like peeling an onion layer by layer. Years, and years of emotional baggage and stuff. The AHA moments are striking faster than I can read the words. More importantly, I have changed the way I view food, and the way I eat. It's very difficult to explain in words. But, I do know that I feel so FREE. I am so liberated, and by that I do not mean that I am gorging myself with food with a 'who cares attitude'. Not at all, it's like a huge grey cloud that has been hanging over me since I was 10 and realized I was chubby (thanks to my grandmother!) The grey cloud titled "DIET" is gone. When I eat, I have no guilt, and don't struggle. I ended a war with food, and all that is associated with it. Surprisingly, I am making great choices, drinking water and treating my body well. I appreciate my body more, and look at myself in a whole new light (aside from the rings incident...lol). It's like these chains that have been choking me for so many years are gone. I can breathe. I cannot emphasize enough about this book. There is something to it...and it's not a religious book at all. Nonetheless, run out and buy it!


You know there is something to be said for letting go. It is such a liberating feeling. Amazing things happen when you let go. I have found a new strength within me (along with a challenge/competition and a Starbucks win...with my friend C (who's a HUGE inspiration)! Part of that was also handing my rings over to be fitted. I am more than diamond rings that I wore when I lost 100 lbs, had to take them off when I gained it back and hoping to lose it again to re-wear them. So I let that go too (with a few tears...)


I hope you will treat yourself to the book, and experience the same enlightening growth that I am experiencing.



Be well (and go get the book!),

Olympic Fever...

Whew! All this Olympic fever has me soooooooo proud to be Canadian. All these late nights, have me staying up late too. I love sharing these moments with my kids.

My favourite moment thus far has been Alexandre Bilodeau's golden win for Canada. We watched all together as a family, and I turned to my boys and said: "you are watching history here, remember where you were when this happened!" :> As I cheer for our athletes, I love to cheer loudly and clap along. Apparently, I should know that they can't hear me, and I'm not really there!? Ummm...who cares! It's the Olympics kids!!!!

So aside from that...I am still on track and working-out. I've also planned to scratch something off my 'bucket' list. Come spring time, I'm going to sign up and start learning to run a 5k (apparently there's a whole method to this). I went to Lululemon (because that's how funny/crazy I am, and I love it!), and bought myself a few things I will need to begin my running journey :>. I feel silly, but EXCITED!

My good friend (I'll call her C-Bu :>), already did this 'course' on 5 k and highly recommends it. Then she added, I'd love to do it again because you forget how to run...so we are in! (YIKES!). I'm surely looking to run the Run for the Cure in October, but also there is a run in June for woman's cancers. Perhaps, I'll be ready for that. For now, I'm kind of 'training' on my treadmill. I know, I know...it's not the same. However, if I can build myself up there cardio wise, when I do start 'running' outdoors...I won't look like the fat girl in a rush to get some more chocolate!

Have a good week-end everyone. I know I will...it's my birthday week-end!!!!

P.S.
Go Canada Go!!!

We Did IT!!!

If any of you have never signed up or done the CIBC Run for the Cure, I urge you to sign-up today! I have never experienced anything like it. I am so proud of my boys, my niece Gabriella and my nephews Luca and Nico. We did it!

I will be very honest, I am not a morning person. Realizing that we had to be at the run site for 7 ish on a Sunday morning was not my cup of tea. Moreover, trying to convince my boys that they too would have to be up by 6 am, was not going to be easy. However, they were great about the entire thing when I told them, 'they'd be getting up for their Nanna's".

My hubby lost both his Moms' to Breast Cancer. His biological Mom, Caterina, passed away when he was 8 years old. He lost his step-mom, Esterina, a few years ago. So he had to re-live this horrible disease twice in his lifetime, losing two wonderful women.

So we woke-up Sunday morning to fog and rain. However, all the rain in the world would not prevent us from doing what we had to do that day. Looking back, I'm so glad we did. We decided to take the bus to the run site (great idea by the way!)...so here we were standing at the station waiting for the bus, when suddenly out of nowhere people starting to join us, all in the CIBC Run for the Cure hope tees. Seems we weren't the only one's with this great idea. Anyhow, our true moment of the cause came when a young father showed up with his two children. Written on the back of the man's tee was: "I'm running for my wife", on the boy's: "I'm running for my Mom" and the little girl's said: "I'm running for my Mommy". Everyone sorta looked at each other, running for our own loved one's and causes, however we all felt the emotion of the moment. With tears strolling down my face, I looked proudly at my fourteen year old who also had read the shirts...and we all glanced at each other knowing that this was the reason we were all doing the run. You could hear a pin drop. Everyone had tears streaming down their face. The clouds broke and the sun began to shine down upon us.

The poignant moments would continue as we boarded the bus. Here we were on a public transportation bus loaded with everyone running for the cure that day. It was just a sea of white tees with the breast cancer ribbon etched with the words "hope, espoir". Unbelievable! Every stop, after stop the people were lined up going to the run for the cure. It was stirring, moving and emotional. To be a part of it all...was such an amazing feeling!

Once we arrived at the run site, the energy of the moment was contagious. The adrenaline was rushing through us all as we made our way to the start line.

Through the line we could see the names, the causes and the reasons why people had chosen to walk/run. It was incredibily powerful, words cannot describe it. One guy did a portage and carried his canoe the entire 5 K with his loved one's names etched on the canoe. We also seen many survivors, and many woman currently battling the disease. It was poignant moment after poignant moment. It was an honour to walk 5 km with my boys amoung these heroes.

Together, Ottawa raised 1.5 million dollars. It was a day I will never forget. When I arrived home, my hubby kissed me and thanked me for doing this for his moms', it was my honour. Next year he vouched to walk with us all. Together, as a family...we will support the cure for this disease that has touched so many lives.


To leave you all on a happy note, I will post a few conversations I had with Carmelo along our 5 k walk. Diodato, Gabriella ran ahead of us! Luca and Nico joined in, but they ran too. So it was Carmy and I the whole way. He held my hand (rather squeezed) tightly for dear life...afraid to lose me in the thousands of walkers.

Of course, it took about fifteen minutes for us to go through the start line, as there was so many people.

Carmy- "...wow...are we done yet?"

Me- " Look up..." as I'm pointing to the start sign..."we are at the starting line now."

Carmy- "YOU've got to be KIIIIIIIIIDING meeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! How long is this walk anyhow?"

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Carmy- "OKAY! We've been walking for longer than 1 k...you said! It was to my school and back...I've now walked from my school back again ten times at LEAST!!!!!"

( We walked the 5 k...)

Oh...and upon seeing the men pulling the buggies...I guess in case someone is unable to finish.

Carmy- "hey...MOM>.>>>tell them I want a ride!"

Me- (trying to whisper) "Carmelooooo, those are for the people who are sick and cannot finish the walk"

Carmy- "EXAAAAAAAAACTLY!!! I AM SICK>>>I am finished...and I can't walk anymore...if he doesn't believe you...pull out five bucks and pay HIM!"

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Me- "Carmelo! I see the finish line"

Carmy- "Thank the LORD! I did it...I actually did it...okay...I'm doing this...I did it...yahoo for me...I did it."

Carmy- "hey MOM...can we do this every year?"

:>

Our family's CIBC Run For the Cure is tomorrow. Pictures to follow...and maybe I'll even 'run' into Joania, a fellow popular blogger, inspiration, also from Ottawa.

Go TEAM Pink Nocita!

News and Such...

Refreshing Starbucks?

Okay, my trainer Rob has suggested a wonderful new refreshing drink. It's Starbucks and it's not expensive. Another bonus, low in calories! It's a 'Venti shaken iced green tea" *no syrup. I highly recommend it!

CIBC Run for the CURE

In another news, I've signed up our family for the CIBC Run for the Cure. I was first inspired to join in because of my altruistic niece Jessica whom at age 25 not only does the run, but also volunteer's her time for much fundraising and events for the cause. Tony lost both his Moms' to breast cancer. What better way to teach your children that we can make a difference in this world?! In addition, there is so much more to life than television, video games, and sports. Life is not only short, it is precious. Together we can make a positive impact. I find it an imperative lesson for my children to learn. So I signed up our family and entered us as a team: Pink Nocita's. Tony's two niece's are also going to join us and our family as we walk the 1K in honour of Caterina and Esterina.
https://www.cibcrunforthecure.com/html/personal_page.asp?track=3475513&languageid=1

Lifestyle...

In the weight loss world, seems we are on a hold. I've made a few changes and I'm sure it's had an impact on things. So I'm back on Almond Breeze in my cereal and coffee. I think that I must be sensitive to dairy as when I switch to skim milk...I don't lose weight. The day or two after I've been on Almond Breeze and cut out dairy from my diet; the scale starts to plummet! I wanted to experiment a bit and that is the conclusion I have come upon. I'm also going to make a greater effort to go to the gym, as well as continue walking with my club. Maybe the walk isn't enough cardio. So I'll try that for a few weeks and see where I go from there. I am still motivated, and on the wagon. That is a plus. I'm looking to be in the low 200's (- 210) so that is my goal. Rob is coming to visit this week and hopefully pump us right back to where we need to be to kick start the journey again.

That's all for now. I'm off to go do my business writing strategy school work.

Blessings to all!
Kimmy