sponsors

Here are some of Shamrock for Scholarship sponsors!! if you, your blog, or your company would like to become a local sponsor please leave a comment and i will get in touch with you!! race flyer's go out this next week!!

shamrock scholarship run!!

i have always dreamed of putting together my own race, and now my dream is coming true at last.  this coming March 17, 2012....also known as st. patricks day will be the WR Brown Foundations first sponsored running event where we will host a 4mile run and a 1mile walk to raise money for our scholarship foundation!! i am so excited and hope to get as many people involved for this amazing opportunity to run in all your green irish appearl and to help give back to the community by raising money for a college scholarship for a local Provo High graduate.

i am currently in the hunt for any local sponsors who would like to donate some tax deductible money to our non-profit organization...if you or any of your friends are interested please have them leave a comment and i will get in touch with them asap.

i have also attached our link to register for the event....it will be a fun exciting spring kick off race for next years racing season.  hope to see everyone there....
and more updates to come!!

Register Now!

Road Race Management by Active Network

what we do for a little jog...and sanity

 since moving to utah and living on top of the mountain in elk ridge...running with 50lb plus stroller has becoming a little tricky. so i have started to pack up the twins drive down to the middle of the mountain...unload...only to re-load them into this

 and then to start our little slow jumbo-mama jog. 

 it really is beautiful around here, and the girls love the scenery just as much as i do.  i am so glad i have a jog stroller, and i am so glad that since birth...well just shortly after these twinners have been stuck in a stroller walking/jogging with me so we all keep our sanity.  i remember watching my older sisters running and push their kids in strollers,  half the time they were pregnant with their next baby.  mothers are amazing and there is nothing we won't do to sneak a jog in.  

i look back at the days before i was a wife/mom and how i struggled to organize my schedule to fit a jog in...i didn't want to wake up at 6...who does that....if i only knew how much time i really had, and how easy exercising was back then.

so thanks to my sisters who showed me that running during and after motherhood is totally do able. and thanks to my cute twinners who seem to enjoy the jog just as much as i do.  

keep on joggin!

healthy yet YUMMY oatmeal cookies

i have adapted this oatmeal cookie recipe to be healthy and yummy.  believe me, i'm a totally sweet tooth as my pant size can confirm, but i am trying to be a little healthier and since i know i need some sweets, this recipe is great! honestly even the menfolk love em!!

1 3/4 cup brown sugar

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

2 1/2 cups quick oats

1 cup applesauce

2 eggs

1/4 cup skim milk

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

cream applesauce and brown sugar. add all dry ingredients. add eggs, milk, and vanilla. mix well. stir in choc. chips.  bake at 350 degrees.  i just pored the dough onto a cookie sheet pan 10x16 and baked them for 25min. (with 2 babies running around i don't have time to drop cookies on a sheet, plus the bars end up being nice and fluffy)  ***let me know what you think***

legends of running

runners all around the world  for the past 35 years and counting come to run the st. george marathon every october.  i have run 3 st george marathon's myself and i am blessed and fortunate enough to know this guy. Paul Rosser, he is married to my oldest sister and has been in the family for more than 21years!!! which is crazy i'm only 30 yrs old so he has been in my life longer than i can remember.  paul has been selected as #7 in the st. george marathon legends series here is a brief bio of his running career that was sadly and extremely devastating ended prematurely due to an elective surgery on his right leg gone bad....(complete dr's error left his right leg with severe nerve  damages from the knee down)  he still some how manages to run (run fast) and coach and love the sport.    i wanted to brag about my brother in law and tell him congrats for being such an amazing competitor all these years!! its really an honor to have been selected, let alone be in the top ten.  paul is such a great and humble amazing guy, i love him like a brother and its so nice to see him being honored again for all his amazing running talent.  --i remember going to his races and waking up at 6am to see him finish...i wish i knew back then how amazing it was to not only finish a marathon but to win them! way to go paul!!  you can read more about the legends here.  and if you are interested in training with paul email him at pkrosser@yahoo.com


Paul Rosser, Salt Lake City, Utah, completed the St. George Marathon six times during the 1990’s and early 2000’s, and his top level performances easily qualified him as a Top Ten ... Legend of the race.

Paul went to Rim of the World High School in Lake Arrowhead, California, and while he did run in high school, he was considered a late bloomer that did not excel in running until he entered college. He was a Junior College All-American in track and cross country at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, and was a member of the 1986 National Junior College Championship team. Paul then transferred to Brigham Young University where he was named All-WAC eight times and was on the WAC cross country championship team three years in a row. He had success in a wide range of distances from the 800 meters (1:54) to the 10,000 meters (29:43).

Paul decided to take the marathon seriously in 1993, when he won the Lake Powell Marathon and set a course record in 2:34:36. He decided to also run the St. George Marathon in 1993 for the first time, and his decision to run in St. George was because his good friend, and a previous legend, #30 Larry Smithee, encouraged him to run the race. He ran well and finished in the top 10 with a time of 2:23:21, but Paul was not satisfied with his effort, with the last few miles being some of the hardest and slowest miles that he has ever run. However, Paul was just getting warmed up. Paul returned to run the St. George Marathon in 1994 and was focused on running an “A” standard qualifying time of 2:20:00 for the 1996 US Olympic Marathon Trials in Charlotte, North Carolina. Paul had done countless training runs getting ready for the race, and also felt more confident because he was now familiar with the course. He had won the Deseret News Marathon in July of 1994, so Paul was ready to continue his running success when he was at the start line of the 1994 St. George Marathon.

Paul and Larry Smithee led the 1994 race and went through the seven mile mark in a time of 35:07 and was feeling very relaxed. When they made it to the top of the Veyo hill at around mile 9, Paul had taken the lead and continued to push the pace. He went through the half way point in a time of 1:08:48. As he began racing the second half of the race, he continued to build his lead, and also still felt very good. At mile 16, he even felt strong enough to give a few high fives to the spectators, which not only surprised the crowd, but livened them up with some cheering. Paul was never challenged and by mile 25, he finally felt comfortable that he would run the “A” standard qualifying time. Paul was the Overall Winner of the 1994 St. George Marathon with a remarkable time of 2:16:10, which is still the 5th fastest time ever recorded in the history of the race, which will have its 100,000 finisher in 2011. Paul was thrilled with his race, as he never felt fatigued at all during the race. He had never ran so far, so fast, and so easy in his entire life. His effort in 1994 also meant that he won the Utah road racing circuit and was also invited to be on the US team for the Marathon World Championships that were held in Athens, Greece in April 1995.

Paul came back to defend his St. George Marathon overall title in 1995, and he felt like he was in even better shape than in 1994. He was in the lead pack up to mile seven, but had to make a pit stop for about two minutes. He actually caught back up to the lead group, but one runner had jumped into the lead over the pack. Paul fought hard to catch the leader, but fell just short as he finished in second place overall, but still had a solid time of 2:18:06, which is the 15th fastest time ever recorded. This time would have won 24 of the 34 marathons that have been held in St. George.

Paul had one more top ten finish when he finished in 7th place overall in the 1998 St. George Marathon in a time of 2:28:34. He finished his career in St. George as one of only three runners that had two performances in the fastest 20 times ever run in St. George. Paul still has such positive memories of the St. George Marathon, and it is still his favorite all time. He has run marathons all over the country and St. George remains at the top for organization, course, scenery, and overall experience. He has had success outside of St. George, as he finished 23rd at the 1996 US Olympic Trials, he also took second place overall at the Hartford Marathon and 3rd at the famous Big Sur Marathon in California.

Because of this performance, Paul Rosser is the #7 all time performer in the St. George Marathon

avocado chocolate mousse!!

not your everyday Chocolate Mousse

my sister is super healthy and i like always 'am a wanna be'...so i found this recipe  for her since she doesn't do any processed sugar this is something new and might just knock your socks off!!!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

• 4 Ripe Organic Avocados
• 1 Cup of Sweetener (Agave Nectar or Evaporated Cane Juice)
• 1 Tbls of Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1 Cup of Organic Fair Trade Cocoa Powder (or Carob)

Slice each avocado open and scoop out the insides. Place the inside in a food processor or blender. Next add the sweetener, vanilla, and cocoa powder. Blend or process the mixture until fully blended. The mixture should be smooth and the color of chocolate. You can instantly serve the mousse, however we recommend you let it cool in the fridge for at least an hour. Serve in cups with fresh fruit or mint. Some of our favorite fruits we like to add are strawberries, raspberries, bananas, and sometimes pineapple! Now put your fears behind and delve into this delectable, healthy, and cooling summer dessert

run like a girl retreat!!

 this is my amazing, super talented, pretty much a genius sister kristie b. rosser, fnp. i forgot to mention on my last post that she was the key note speaker for the weekend women's retreat.  she was amazing and is such a great teacher.  and you better believe that i'm gonna start taking my vitamins asap!

jo, lora, kris, and i after a little jog up in midway ut.  so beautiful i have never really been up there before (just driven through a couple times but it is beautiful)

lora  and kristie ran together up at university of utah, they both are local celebrities and i was able to run with them and pick up some great tips from lora.  lora is a professional triathlete and is headed this weekend for the national championships in vermont. she also is a personal trainer and triathlon coach, catch  her website at blonderunner.com

this was right before we left for our 10k race.  amy did a great job all weekend planning everything and she had over 100 people show up for the race.  we ran up memorial hill and looped around midway.  it was a tough but good course and i did ok since i haven't ran since july10th!!!  with no hubby around and two babies at home long runs seem like a brief memory....but i'm gonna load up the double stroller toss it in the car and head down the mt from here on out and run with the babes.

it was a great weekend and really gave me the reboot i needed to enjoy life, my babies and this journey of being a single  mommy for awhile....it was just what i needed a relaxing, healthy, fitness get away! 

run like a girl

my super hot, super athletic, amazing friend is putting on a weekend 

retreat for women only!!!

its up in heber, ut this weekend with tons of activities:

yoga, Pilates, nutrition, health awareness, and a 5k/10k as well.

runlikeagirlretreat.com

check out her website and see all the fun things happening. come for the weekend or just the race...

i'm lucky enough to know Amy so i'm gonna be there the whole weekend kid free!! wahoo!

let freedom run!

 we came, we ran, we conquered!

the 2011 freedom run was just as up hill as last year!

jo, kristie, heather, pam, ashley, jess and i all did awesome.

here are some quick highlights...

kristie 2nd in her age group! 

heather 4th in her age group

and i started to cry when i passed the wheelchair racer going up 9th east, 

he wasn't in a fancy wheelchair and with every 2 strokes he made it seemed he would roll back one.  

i cried because i honestly feel that we are all so blessed to be able to have health bodies that will allow us to run and jump and do so much.  i found myself extremely grateful once again to be able to move freely.

2 new prs for me:

5k: 26:50...elle run 1 month ago was 27:40.:)

10K: 58.0 i was hoping to be around 57-58, it felt great and hard!! i went as fast as i could (9:23pace)

(i looked up my race from 2008 and i finished just about the same 58:30)

then kristie and i grabbed some water and ran another 4miles just because we can.still so scared for st. george...
i didn't capture any pics of the race....but the best part was i found $30 on the floor of the port-a-potty race morning!!  best race ever!

its been a year!

july 4th, will mark a year since my first walk/jog race after bedrest.  amanda and i jogged the 5k freedom run last year, and i still remember her telling me that i couldn't walk.  she let me walk and catch my breath for one block and that was it.  she was pretty hard core, but i was so thankful to have someone there with me because it was one of the hardest things i have ever done.  we ran it in 42min, 

(which was 15min faster than the week before at thanksgiving point) 

and i felt so accomplished for my  no muscle chubby self. 

 i mean look at those babies...don't they look like they want to run!!

 amanda her twin, my dad and my twins after the run, at thanksgiving point

 dad helped push my twins because i couldn't walk and push a stroller up hill.  

i remember when the race started i got super teary-eyed and emotional.  for 5months i layed in bed and dreamed of the day when i could go outside and walk, and maybe even run.

...and finally that day had come.  i also got what my dad calls "the eye of the tiger" and i told him i was gonna run, he took the stroller and i tried to run...but i couldn't.  i had no strength, no umph, no muscle.  and i realized as i had many other times, that getting back into a fitter body was going to be a lot
harder than i ever could have imagined.

 they're very first race!!

quincy and tenley just 2 1/2months old...and since then have really loved 90% of the time spent in

the jog stroller:)

 skinny heather, and our triplets, she is such a good runner
i hope to be as fast as her some day!

 last summer me and my twinners set out on an adventure to get back
 some well needed muscle and strength.  i can now say that the twins have been my biggest supporters, they let me push them for endless jogs, all over the place.  and for the most part they too seem to really enjoy it.  don't get me wrong there have been times when one baby cries all the way home and i look like this mean mom that is forcing them to run in the stroller...and its those times that i do my speed workouts...desperately trying to get home as fast as i can to help stop the crying.:)

and in arizona while i was jogging people kept staring at me, and i became so self conscious because i thought they were staring at my chub.  but then i realized they are starring, because i have 2 cute babies and i'm exercising with them...and i guess that is something to look at. 

 so now that its been a year, the freedom run is just around the corner, and this year i am lucky enough to be able to do the 10k...and i hope to even run home to clock in 10miles.  what difference a year, hard work, sacrifice and dedication can make.  and isn't that what fitness is all about.  not to be tootin my own horn, but i have to focus on how far i have come, instead of how much farther i have to go. i'm still dreaming of the day when i can run faster than 9min miles again.  but i am truly just grateful to be able to be back out there!!

next wk, i'll let ya know how the race goes

...and yes, since the babes i've cried at every race i've completed!

i hope that some day these girls will know how  far we have come together....and even though getting my strength back has been the hardest thing....i would do it all again in a heart beat. 

little red!!

 wanna give a shout out to mr. mom for the weekend, spence and my parents had a full house of kids to take care while we women went and had a great time riding our bikes!! they had 6kids and the oldest was 6,  keep in  mind this included 2 sets of twins!:) thanks for your help and support. especially my parents for taking the kids while spence was busy working, and while the other hubs had stuff going on as well.

 here is amanda in all her glory, one day she will  have one of these little mini campers!

 this was at the pre-race dinner and expo! it was a throw-back the 50's...little red sure knows how to throw a party.

all of us posing one last time. this group of five hot trotters was so fun!! we had a blast. we did miss pam and kristie, as pam is dealing and coping with a lot, (here little baby just got diagnosed with diabetes, and kristie through her back out) next year for sure girls!! --so sorry you guys couldn't be there.

we had a blast and 80miles has never gone by so fast.  it was mine and amanda's first bike race, neither of us had ever rode more than 42miles, and training this year for me without a husband and moving and blah blah, well training pretty much didn't happen...and still doesn't.   i was really happy with how well we did. total biking time was 4hr we averaged 16-20mph....and had a great time doing it.  lacey really wanted to just be crazy and do 100miles...next time for sure!!

can't wait to ride again with you ladies....so what next?

stayin healthy for a marathon!!!

runners beware of the curse of the shins....shin splints! i found out that i was one of the 4500 random people drawn out at lottery to run the st. george marathon.  and now i keep thinking, how crazy am i what was i thinking to sign up for that?? well i read this guys book and got all crazy and excited and motivated and now....i'm one of the lucky thousand who get to kill themselves all summer just to cross a finish line...needless to say i'm a little scared about it all now.

 plus the fact that training for a marathon is basically the hardest most time consuming thing on earth...and i will do it all with no hubby to help watch the kiddos?? i guess i gotta find a good babysitter for all those long runs.  and i also need to keep my body injury free for the next 4months. so here is what i'll be doing to help....
i am a big believer in prevention. shin splints are the worst. they last for ever, don't let you have any fun, and can ruin any good training program. so here are some tips to throw-in somewhere in your weekly routine. i find that i do them just after a jog on my cool down. i think cars passing by think i'm a little odd....but to keep shins splints away i'll do just about anything. ***also don't forget to get a new pair of shows every 3-6months depending on how much you are running and jumping in them.

next up...back in the hood

so today i ran a 5k with friends from our church. it was super fun and a great pace, its amazing how fast you can run when you have a little adrenaline and good company.  we ran 3.2miles in 28:20 which is fast for me its about a 8:50pace. i felt like a champ running under 9min miles. it also made me realize that i can put together a fun run with friends anytime! i got Einstein bagels to donate our bagels, brought a cooler jug filled with water, and kiana brought cups! it came together perfectly! ..except no pictures to document our stealthness!

also i ran with my friend kassie this week and we ran 6miles! i wasn't planning on running that far but the time flew by and i felt pretty good, so it got me thinking that instead of doing the provo 10k in 2wks, all do the half marathon!!! i'm mean really whats another 7miles after running 6!! so here is a little about the race and course. i'll be running in my old hood (i have run down those streets a million times, the only bummer is that my dad won't be running by my side)...and literally it is the hood of provo. (actually i think they stole the race course from our family!  so back to the hood here we come!  http://www.run13.com/races/provo-city/relay
 and for all you loyal fans...here is the info so come join...but i'm runnin bandit style. (ok i know that i'm really the only reader....seriously not even my own mom reads my blogs:)

Provo City Half Marathon & Relay

Date: May 7, 2011
Time: 8:00 AM
Location: Provo Tabernacle Park – Center St. & University Ave.

Start the running season off right by testing your grit at this year’s Provo City Half Marathon. This course has quickly become a favorite among runners as it showcases the best of Provo, it’s downtown city streets and scenic river trail. Live music, food, entertainment and kids games await you at the finish line, not to mention the awesome random prize giveaways. As the original downtown Provo race, we are ready to prove once again that Provo knows how to have a good time! The Half Marathon course is USATF certified and all participants will be chip timed and receive performance tech shirts. Half Marathon finishers will also receive finisher medals. 

this week

this week was a pretty good week for me!! besides the fact that my little twinners turned 1yrs old this week (you can read all about that here ) i am trying to get ready for a huge bike race i little red ridding hood! its a girl only bike ride and it should be super fun i'm excited to be headed back to utah and enjoy all the good summer triathlons, running races, and friends!! but also a little bummed to be moving from the sunshine state of arizona, i can't believe its been three years already!! i'm really going to miss the friends i made here in az, our running groups, our spin group, and so many of us all in the familiar boat of having our husbands in medical school...and all the blah that goes with med school hubbies.

so with the days counting i tried to make this week count with every workout and it went like this:

mon: spin 50min
tues: run 4miles
wed: spin 50min
thurs: run 3miles
fri: run 3miles
sat: biked 18miles with an ave pace of 18mph. it was a great ride & i feel stronger than i have in a long time. 
sun: off

i got a little bummed because my free 24hour fitness pass expired since i had to tell them i am moving and relocating to utah...they will only let you have a free pass if you are an active employee, i had to do the paperwork to transfer my employee id to utah...i won't become active until i teach again which could be who know how long:( especially since the nearest 24hr fitness gym is 45min drive....but i'm hoping to get hired at a different gym and start teaching and getting free stuff asap. so besides that, this week i really tried to work my butt off and get ready for some summer races.  what races are you doing???


this is a rough draft i what i'll be doing this summer: so excited for races....summer running is one thing not available in arizona!
may 7th: provo half marathon or 10k don't know if i'm ready for 13.1miles
June 4th: little red riding
June 11th: provo tri
July 4th: freedom 10k
July 7th: brown's reunion bear lake triathlon: i'm the race director for our family tri!!!

haven't really planned the rest of july/aug/sept/oct but i'm feeling the need to do another marathon!!! crazy i know!!! i'm hoping to get into st. george marathon anyone wanna sign up on my lotter ticket with me?? you can have up to 5 names entered let me know!!

gotta try these

i know the new fade of cutting out all possible white/simple sugars is tough especially for me as pasta is my go to meal.  but i found these 'garden delight' pasta and they are amazing and actually made from vegetables!!--not just died a different color.  i find that you have to cook them a little longer but they are perfect for any pasta dish: spaghetti, mac n' cheese, fettuccine, and a great addition to caeser salad.  give em a chance and let me know what you think. i think they are a great substitute and don't taste any different than the regular ole' simple noodle.

flexibility and balance

flexibility!!! oh me oh my!! who has time for stretching really....who has time.  well there really isn't anything better than a good nice stretch to all our muscles.  just like cardio, strength training, and proper nutrition stretching should be next on our list.  when we stretch we lengthen our muscles which allows them to become more flexible.  why is flexibility important??? because it allows our muscles to stay agile and to stay strong and firm, which in turn decreases injury. our muscles are like a rubber band they should be nice and elastic, but sometimes if we don't stretch and lengthen them they become stiff and can snap!!(especially if you are working out a lot, trying a new routine or sitting in a chair at the office all day, no matter what you do you gotta stretch)
so when you are debating whether or not you have time to stretch, just remember you really don't have time to be out 4-6wks with a pulled or strained muscle.  i try and do my stretching on the floor and let the babies crawl all over my legs.  its amazing how after stretching even though i didn't sweat one drop i some how feel more fit and healthy.  so on your lunch break, or after your run, or while you are stirring dinner do a stretch or two and enjoy the longevity of your beautiful muscles.  what are your favorite stretches??

monday meals, cluff rolls

way back in high school, at good ole' Provo High, there was a catering class offered -the class was taught by mrs. cluff and she had amazing recipes...amazing. one recipe she was famous for was her delicious rolls 'cluff rolls'. people in utah might also love 'magelby's rolls' a restaurant in utah county. believe me if you have tried their rolls you wouldn't forget them!
  anyways i came across this recipe on-line and fell in love!! so easy yet so good, and they tasted just like cluff rolls!! give this recipe a try and let me know what you think. i'm really not the type that makes homemade bread, but i will be making these quite often as there really is nothing as delicious as a nice and tasty hot roll!

• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
• 2 cups Heart Smart Bisquick
• 3.5 oz shredded sharp Cheddar cheese 
• 2/3 cup fat free milk

Preheat oven to 400°. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Melt butter in a small frying pan, add half the garlic and saute on low heat about 1 minute. Remove from heat and add parsley.

In a large bowl, combine biscuit mix, cheddar cheese, and remaining garlic. Stir in milk and mix (do not over mix). Drop batter by heaping tablespoonfuls (1.5 oz each) onto prepared cookie sheet.

Bake for 10 minutes. Brush or drizzle biscuits with melted butter. Bake for 5 more minutes, or until lightly browned on the bottom.

its hard! but now i can crawl.

i have realized this past week that being healthy around the clock is really hard. and i think its ok that we admit to ourselves that it is hard. i have been looking at other blogs to see what i should be eating and to see how you all do it. and i was amazed at how so many fitties (thats what i call all you tight bummed peeps) only eat spinach shakes for breakfast, yogart for lunch and a salad for dinner. that doesn't seem very fun....it seems really hard to me. but i will give you all major major kudos for being so strong and not having a food addiction: there is no over eating, over indulgance, splurging, or sweet snacks on your lips. i seem to always find something naughty and pop it into my mouth and then onto my tummy it goes and increasing my muffin top. so as i have realized that i need to make a couple changes to my everyday diet i am stumped at how hard the changes are. but nothing good is ever easy.:) so as i have realized its hard, i like to read and hear things that motivate me to keep on track. I would love to hear some of your inspiring stories or things that you do to keep you on track. each month i would like to feature someones special story. if you know of an inspiring story and would be willing to share it with the world wide web please leave a comment with you email.

for now i will share one of my own stories that i think is inspiring.

my twin girls now 11 months old are crawling all over the place. it has been fun and interesting to see them learn how to crawl. first they learn to get up on all 4's, then they rock back and forth, back and forth. they do this for days and days, and then suddenly slowly they try and put one hand in front of the other to move. it took a couple weeks for them to finally make the hand and mind connection to actually begin crawling. crawling seems like such a simple thing, but as my girls where figuring out how to put everything together it reminded me of a day when they were just 8days old....a day when i couldn't crawl.

i had been on 5months (thats 19wks, or 133 days) of complete bed rest due to a very complicated high risk twin pregnancy.(and by complicated i mean you name it...it went wrong, preterm labor, placenta concerns, cord flow, protein, lung development, high blood pressure, extreme nausea/vomiting blah blah...so glad that is over)  i was only allowed to walk the 14steps from my bed to the bathroom(yes, its 14steps, i counted them day after day) and i had showering privileges every other day. i couldn't make any meals for myself, i couldn't refill my own water bottle, i couldn't go outside, i couldn't even get up and get the remote if it wasn't by my bed, i couldn't have it.  it was hard....the list goes on.

thankfully i had a super amazing husband that did everything for me that i couldn't do for myself, even shave my legs, and comb my hair.:)i also had awesome friends that cooked amazing meals, and told me i looked ok and was doing great.(even though they knew i was a mess:) i tell you all this because little did i know as i layed in bed all day everyday for 133days straight i lost all my muscles. i have read that after 2wks of no or little use your muscles atrophy, and that is exactly what happened to me, i had no muscles left, none.
 finally the day came when the babies were delivered safely and i had freedom to move again. i could finally be self-reliant and do whatever i wanted!! but i couldn't. i really felt like i had to teach myself to walk again. my body hurt everywhere, my toes were even sore. the first 3wks after having the babies i couldn't sit or stand without help. and though the babies only weighed 5pounds my arms ached after holding them because i really didn't have the strength to hold them, let alone my own heavy body weight.

when the babies were 8days old, my mom was in town to help. she had left to go to the store, so i was alone with the babies and i had decided i would put some of the babies laundry away. i had a hard time bending down so i thought i would just sit on the floor, especially because i was so tired from all the sleepless nights. (the first 5months i averaged 2-3hr of sleep total a day. thats what happens with twins and with a husband in med school) --as i made my way to the floor i realized very quickly that getting to the floor was harder than i thought, and that there would be no way i could get up off the floor without help. i put the laundry away, and then sat there on the floor scared to death because i didn't know how i was going to get up. i took a couple deep breaths and slowly got on all 4's. then i rocked back and forth, back and forth, just like my babies did as they were learning to crawl. finally i had enough momentum to move forward. i cannot tell you how hard it was to just be on all 4's, to have to hold my own body weight up was overwhelming, and i couldn't believe how much of a struggle it was. i then gradually with 2big breaks in between made my way to the crib across the room and slowly pulled myself up. i was sweating, and out of breath, and crying. crying because i couldn't even crawl. the body that i had 9months ago was gone. not because of being pregnant, but because i had layed in bed and not used my muscles, and they had gradually disappeared over time. that day i realized that recovering from 5months of bedrest was going to be harder than i had ever imagined. that my body was not even strong enough to do everyday activities: walking, sitting down, standing up, carrying a baby, lifting my arms up, tying my shoes, combing my hair. i really didn't have any muscles to even care for myself. i was devastated. gradually muscles came back. when my sister was in town to help me with the babies i walked 2blocks and thats all i could do, and the babies were a month old. we went to v isit my in-laws out of state who have a 2story house, and i remember being so worried about the stairs. i was 8wks postpartum and it would be the first time i had walked up stairs in 7 1/2months. knowing how hard other minor movements had been, my husband and i debated how i should go about going up the stairs for the first time, or was i even ready? i was able to go up the stairs, taking one step at a time, and desperately holding onto the railing, but i did it. it was extremely hard and i can't tell you the burn in my quads from simply going up stairs.

so as i have watched my babies learn to crawl, watching them steady their own body weight and move, it reminded me of when i was re-learning how to crawl, and how hard it was to steady my much heavier body weight. and as i remember how weak and unsteady i was only 9months ago, i am inspired because i have to remember where i came from. (we all need to remember where we have come from.) i have an overwhelming wave of emotions when i recall the first 4months of my bedrest recovery, it almost feels like post traumatic stress.

i am not as fit as i was before bedrest, i am not as thin, or as strong before my bedrest experience, but i can move. i can crawl with my babies, and i can walk more than 2blocks, i can go up and down stairs, and i can sit and stand without any help. i can comb my own hair, and cook my own meals.  so i inspire myself by giving myself some slack, because it really wasn't that long ago when i couldn't move without extreme focus and muscle soreness. and i realize i can't take my body for granted, even if it doesn't look like the body i want. that this body of mine is all i'll ever get and that i am grateful for a body that can do all the things i ask of it and as hard as it is to get and stay fit, i know i can do it, because i have done much harder things before....and i'm sure so have all of you.

Dean Karnazes

have you heard of Dean Karnazes??  you might have as he is a wild running machine. he has run 50 marathons in 50 states, he is an ultra marathon and endurance supreme athlete.  

his latest voyage is running across America!! thats right he is running from california to new york!! he plans to run 12-14hrs a day and it will take him about 3-4months!! all to benefit childhood obesity you can read more about his journey and just where in the world is Dean here.  you might also have the chance to run with dean, in his journey across america.  certain cities will feature mini races along side dean.  he is an amazing inspiring athlete and also a loving husband and father of 3.

sweet fries...

Monday meals: i've decided to start featuring healthy recipes on Mondays so here is one mine, the twinners and spencer's favs.  if you have any healthy and easy recipes send them to me at browncrosscountry@yahoo.com

Servings: 2 • Serving Size: 1/2 • Old Points: 2 pts • Points+: 3 pts Calories: 108 • Fat: 4.7g • Protein: 1.1 g • Carb: 15.8 g • Fiber: 2.0 g

• 1 sweet potato, (about 5" long) peeled and cut into 1/4" fries
• 2 tsp olive oil
• sea salt
• ground chili powder
• garlic powder

Preheat oven to 425°.

combine sweet potato in bowl drizzling with olive oil and spices until all slices are evenly covered.  place on baking sheet and bake for 10min or until crispy.  serve and eat.  you can find other healthy and wonderful recipes at gina's website here

RaGnAR!! mortensen style

last weekend spencer's family all got together to run the RaGnAR del sol. its this crazy race with a 12 person relay team running all over phoenix a total of 200miles for 24hrs!! ty and ash got to know a gal who works for the runner's den and got us sponsored so we didn't have to pay an entry fee. thanks runners den.

we all did 3 legs my first leg was at 8pm, i have never ran in the dark with a head lamp....but i kinda like it!!!

leg 1: 5.5 at 9min pace,

leg 2: 3.1 at 9:20pace...it was my hardest leg all gradual up hill.

leg 3: 6.2 at 9:20 pace, spence was nice enough to run this leg with me...cause i was exhausted and didn't think i could run another 6.2miles with no sleep!!

i ran faster than i thought i would, and the race was funner than i thought it would be.

it was crazy to not sleep and just run, but it was so fun to be in a 15person van and cheer everyone on...
so glad i was able to do it!

kristy and ash at a relay exchange

ty running his butt off!! he had some killer up hill runs

partyin in the van

kristy was our mvp you might also know who as the queen of sweettreatsandmore

she averaged a 7:30pace for a 9mile run and then a sub 7 for her 3.4mile run!

here is spence and i finishing our last leg.  spence is amazing. he hasn't been running at all, and this is only the 2nd time he has ran this far, last time he ran this far was for a triathlon 3yrs ago!!

i loved it, and can't wait to do it again next year!! i ran a total of 15miles but it felt like 6, and with all the cheering and momentum i ran faster than i have in a really long time.

raw food detox

i wanted to pass along this great new healthy eating/cooking from two wonderful experts. i'm lucky enough to have one of them be my very own sister!! Kristie B. Rosser (aka my sister) Nurse Practioner and marathon runner is teaming up with Cody Sanders a personal trainer and nutritionist to teach about going RAW. below is all the details and where you can find them. i have also linked cody's blog, and kristie's blog they have already taught one class today and the response was so great that they are going to teach another class next saturday. for those of you in utah you really shouldn't miss out!!! Kristie B. Rosser wrote,----"As we all know, nutrition is the foundational key to wellness, energy, aging well and maintaining a healthy body weight. Nutrition and food cleanses serve a similar purpose in cleansing the body of toxins and re=energizing the body. We will also give a basic introduction into raw foods which I am loving!! I have been doing RAW foods for a while now and it has improved my health in many many ways. I will be adding my 2 cents for wellness and medical information related to the detox. Soooo exciting!! If you are like me----very interested in health, wellness and optimizing every part of your lifeand body possible and aging well---- and if you are interested in healthy eating options that are clean and nutritious, and if you are interested in learning more about nutirition, raw foods, and detox, then this the first of a series of saturday morning events that you will not want to miss!! Those of you who have changed your eating habits for the better, have completed HCG (or even those who are currently on an HCG cycle right now) would love the information offered in this class!! It will make a lot of sense to you as Cody and I discuss the importance of eating whole foods. With spring right around the corner, this is the perfect time to start a cleanse and detox, and get excited about feeling energetic and healthy! THis is the first of many nutrition, food, and wellness classes that will be offered on Saturdays with a nutrition, diet, wellness and food theme. So if you cant make it, many more will be offered. If you want more info on future classes, please let me know. THe cost is $20 per person for the 1 1/2 hour class. This covers the cost of food (we are cooking for you!), recipes and handouts that Cody and I will be preparing for you. A great deal!!! The class will be March 12th (this Saturday) from 10 -11:30am, and will be at my house (we need a kitchen to cook for you!) in Springville, near Hobblecreek Canyon. We are limiting this class to 30 people due to space and i have have already had tremendous interest in this class, so: To attend you must do the following: 1) go to cody's blog www.freshairwanted.blogspot.com 2) find event option 3# on the right side of the blog 2) pre pay the $20 fee using the paypal account.(there will not be any refunds or credits for this event, sorry) 4) email me so I can keep track of all that are attending and get you my address/directions. kristierosser@gmail.com thank you and healthy living to you all! PS . I will also be giving another free wellness seminar and lecture March 31st on yeast and colon cleanses in the spirit and theme of "spring cleaning". This will be a free lecture in orem. More information to come, so if you are interested in more info, please email me.

--

Healthy Living!

Kristie

Kristie B. Rosser, APRN, FNP-C

Healthy living, Hormone, Weight loss, and Wellness Specialist

kristierosser@gmail.com

Office: (801) 357-7190

Fax: (801) 356-3107

1055 N. 300 W. Suite 307

Provo, Utah 84604