Beyond Thankful…..

Posted on November 25, 2012 by tootallfritz

As we close out Thanksgiving for 2012, I look back at what the year has brought us. It hasn’t been easy ~~and I’ve wanted to jump off the roof to avoid the noise of screaming/fighting children multiple times~~ but it always seems a little better in hindsight and I am always thankful. I’m thankful for the health of our “little” ones. I’m thankful hubby and I both have jobs. I’m thankful hubby and I haven’t killed each other ~~because of those little screaming/fighting angels~~ in stressed out states of mind. I’m thankful the holidays are upon us so that we can CELEBRATE the ~~close of 2012~~ glory of the season.

For me, the best part of 2012 has been watching Aby come into her own as a runner. Watching her on the Cross Country course, really running, in a strong way I had never seen before this year. Watching her at races, as I trailed behind her knowing that forevermore, she will be the fastest runner in the house.

Running side by side with her on the trail and in weekend runs when she opted to stay with me rather than running ahead.

Taking her to races that she has never been able to run before because I now know that she can hold her own and is mature enough to handle real races and tough terrain.

Watching her collect some serious hardware along the way.

It really has been an amazing year! The Thanksgiving Holiday brings most of us a 4 day weekend and plenty of time to reflect on the things for which we are thankful. It is by far my favorite weekend of the year and the only one where I can expect 4 days off work in a row. The only one we automatically know on which day of the week the holiday will fall. Definitely the easiest one to plan and the easiest to set up annual traditions. I’ve been trying to become more traditional over the last few years, trying to keep at least a few things the same from year to year in both family and life so that on occasion we can step away from the chaos for just a minute and KNOW what to expect. During a time where we are taught to expect the unexpected, it’s comforting to make, and then hang onto, a few traditions.

Which holiday is easiest for you? Which holds the most “traditions” for you and your family? More up on our Thanksgiving traditions tomorrow!

** Be Thankful ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

Slow Times in the City….

Posted on November 21, 2012 by tootallfritz

As with everywhere, even the city of Chicago becomes slow and almost desolate at times. Yesterday and today are such days as the workers/commuters are finishing things up before the holiday with many already on vacation. We are suspended somewhere between the normal hustle & bustle of city life and the approach of the holiday. Most take delight in this short, temporary lull which precedes the Black Friday rush. Things are good. Quiet. The streets are empty with few to be seen. The trains carry only a scattering of commuters, all with the same sole desire to go back home to their family for the upcoming holiday. It’s a tranquil time, even in Chicago. The fog veiling the city just adds to the desolate feel.

It’s cool but not cold.

Gloomy but not rainy.

Quiet but not silent.

Calm but not motionless.

Its a great time to be a runner in the city. Easy to take a few steps and be at peace in the surroundings that are normally alive with constant activity.

I’m wishing you a very happy holiday with lots of happiness, laughter and maybe a long peaceful run (or two) where you can reconnect with yourself and have a minute to give thanks for all the blessings in your life.

** Happy Thanksgiving ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

Favorite Things….2012 Edition

Posted on November 6, 2012 by tootallfritz

Christmas may not be on your mind but it is on the mind of some, myself included. I’ve been asked to identify a few of my favorite things as a few ladies I know are starting to pen their Christmas lists.

My current absolute favorite thing is the new ~~GPS Running Watch for Dummies~~ Garmin Forerunner 10. At $129, I believe that this is the best bang for your buck on the GPS Running Watch market. I own the green one. Aby put a pink one on her Christmas list. This is a simple device that doesn’t create a mountain of data ~~that you don’t have time to study anyhow~~ out of your run. What you do get is a constant update of your time, pace and distance. There is also a virtual pacer, which will tell you that you are ~~constantly~~ behind, ahead or on your desired pace.

Aurelia & I’s run last night is below. We both had tired legs and were talking non-stop but damn we were consistent!

Smallest, most comfortable GPS watch on the market for women.
It fits my arm very well and I can actually wear the watch all day long.
Looks somewhat fashionable in a casual sense.
Uploads to the Garmin Connect, shows a map of the run, plus mile splits (but I personally can’t get it to connect to Daily Mile).
Device records 7 runs before overwriting, so don’t be lazy about uploading or you’ll lose the data ~~if you care~~.
Device records “Run Records” for the fastest mile, 5K, 10K, Half, & Full marathon.
Auto pause feature which pauses the time/pace/gps when you need to hit the bathroom/stretch then it automatically starts back up when you get moving again.

Second, you know I love the Wrist Saver (starting at $12.95) from Personal Savers. They are currently running a Facebook Special for the next 3 days and if you buy a Personal Saver product, you get a free (refill) bottle of pepper spray. Discount Code: FB-FREE-PEPPER

Third, Whooha Gear products. I love the things I own in addition to their message. I did a recent post and giveaway HERE. This purple I Run Burnout Hoodie for $40 is on my Christmas list. I’m hoping that Santa buys me a large using the 10% off coupon code: TTFWhooha

Fourth, another wish list item of mine is this pair of Keen – Laken High Boots that I have been ~~stalking~~ “watching”. At $190, they are a bit outside my budget ~~and probably Santa’s~~ but hey, this is a WISH list, so I can wish! Plus, with our cold, windy Chicago winters, I think I actually NEED a pair of these or at least that’s what I’ll be telling Santa. 🙂

If Santa can’t afford the Keen Laken’s above, then my second choice which ~~isn’t that much cheaper~~ would be these Keen Sunriver High Boots at $130. These cute purple boots (more color options) also just so happen to match the purple I Run Burnout Hoodie that’s also on my list.

Last but not least, I have several new favorites from Brooks Running. Aby and I have the Nightlife Essential LS 1/2 Zip for $65. It’s bright, plus very soft and has a great fit. There are other color options if you’re not into pink. I wore it for the Hot Chocolate race and I think it helped others pick me out of that massive crowd, see the ~~crappy lit~~ photo below. 🙂

The Brooks Pure Cadence are another favorite at $120. I have two pair of these (different colors) but I prefer the bright pink color. These aren’t my training shoes but I love them for short races! They are cute, flashy and they are comfortable enough to wear all day long if necessary. Win, Win!

Since running makes me happy, I’m of course drown to the Brooks Run Happy campaign. Therefore, I grabbed one of the EZ T LS Run Happy shirts off the women’s sale section for $23. They have several color options but I picked the orange.

Always remember when shopping online to first check the sale, clearance or last chance sections before making a final decision. You can get a lot of great deals in the sale section and save some serious cash!

Good luck making your wish list! Remember your blessings and do your best to not get swept up in Holiday Fever. I personally pledge to limit my holiday spending to fit within my budget. I pledge to cut back on a few expenses now in order to have a cash Christmas so as not to have extra debt hanging over my head at the start of the new year. I pledge to remember my local charities/food pantries this holiday season and throughout the year.

I wish each and every one of you a joy filled, healthy and happy holiday season!

** Happy Holidays ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

The Windy City….

Posted on October 30, 2012 by tootallfritz

The only story in Chicago these days is the weather. No, nobody cares about the election, we just don’t want to fly away as the remnants of Hurricane Sandy bear down on us. We are currently under a Wind Advisory and a Lake Shore Flood Warning. Shocker, the lakefront path is closed. And yes, they are serious. In case you were contemplating going out there to “take a peak”, please be careful so you don’t get swept into the surf like last time.

The lakefront path was last closed on September 30, 2011. Some idiots people didn’t believe that the path could really be closed. NBC Chicago was kind enough to capture some of those individuals on film for our viewing pleasure to help us realize the seriousness of the situation. Please, do watch the video below:

Remix__LSD_Waves_Pummel_Bikers__Runners_Chicago-130864718.html

View more videos at: http://nbcchicago.com.

On that day (above), the “surf” was only 10-15 foot. Today, and for the next couple of days, they are predicting 20-30 footers on Lake Michigan, plus wind gusts around Chicago up to 60 mph. Some idiots adventurers are out enjoying the waves. See this crazy guy surfing at Montrose Beach. Photo courtesy of Chopper 7HD, ABC7Chicago:

Now, I know you all expect me to go out and get you some REAL.LIFE.PHOTOS. I want you to know that I’m not really considering it. I have submitted a proposal to the Association of Chicago Running Bloggers to find a few brave souls to create a human chain of running bloggers to break thru security, sprint to the lakefront and take as many photos as possible before we 1) get swept away or 2) are forced asked to leave.

I almost feel guilty considering something so crazy adventurous with Gingerfoxxx out of town. I know she is going to be so sad to have missed the theatrics fun but I’m hoping that Running Kellometers and Mag Mile Runner are up for the task at hand. So if you see a bunch of crazy women Chicago Running Bloggers bound together in a human chain, be swept off the lakefront path and into the surf……feel guilty. Very guilty. Cuz we were just there trying to get YOU a few photos! 🙂

Post inspired by another crazy Chicago Running Blogger, Xaarlin.com, who is seriously wanting to go get some photos of those big waves.

Be safe my friends!

** Happy Adventure Seeking ** Amanda – TooTallFritz

Life Happens…..

Posted on September 13, 2012 by tootallfritz

It appears that some people have it all together but know that they are real people too, have real problems and nothing is going as smoothly for them as it looks. Or at least this is what I’m telling myself this week as I just can’t seem to find the balance between reality and sanity.

No workouts since Sunday.
A house so messy that I should be embarrassed ~~but I’m not~~.
Late bedtimes.
Sleepy, grumpy children ~~and mommy~~.
Nails that need polished. I need to move this to the top of the To Do list!
Desk at work possibly as messy my kitchen floor where Michael does his “cutting”.
Missed the first mile of Aby’s 2 mile Cross Country meet last night due to jacked up traffic.
~~Can’t keep the dog from pissing on the floor where the treadmill will sit upon tomorrow’s delivery.~~
~~Can’t help but dwell on the fact that every step I will take on this new treadmill with Air Flex technology will send up a billowing perfume of dog piss.~~
~~Can’t help but wonder if the dog will piss ON the treadmill once I put it in her preferred pissing spot.~~
Too busy to even give a damn anymore about how much ~~shit~~ stuff I have to complete before I leave work or go to bed.

So let me pretend for a minute that the pretty ladies, that look all calm, cool and collected also have a dog pissing in their dining room and a toddler who destroys the house faster than the grown-ups can clean it up. That they look like this as soon as they step thru their front door. 🙂

Source

I’m going to take a deep breath and refocus, acknowledge that life happens to all of us. Not feel guilty about anything. I’m going to repeat what my friend Bridgett once told me, “Fake It Til You Can Make It”! And I’m going to fit in a workout today, no matter what.

Are you managing life better than me this week?

** Fake It Til You Make It ** Amanda – TooTallFritz

Changing Things Up…..

Posted on August 23, 2012 by tootallfritz

Yesterday, I went out to grab a salad at lunch and just couldn’t force myself to go back inside. It was a beautiful day in Chicago and I couldn’t remember the last time, I had been out just wandering around the city. I was longing for my running shoes so I could cover more ground faster!

Being downtown on a daily basis, I tend to be constantly rushing around, back and forth to the train or my car, or running errands for work. I rarely even leave the building for lunch so yesterday I was pleasantly surprised to see some small changes like new store fronts and brightly painted sidewalks which had not been present in the spring. Yes, the spring. That was the last time, I was out running and/or wandering during lunch. I remember specifically going out for that springtime lunch run so I could see the spring colors (March 27, 2012) and I haven’t been back out for fun or running since. Kinda sad.

Yesterday, I spent some time on Michigan Avenue around the Art Museum.

And strolled thru the Art Museum Gardens:

Art Institute Gardens_8-22-12

I also was pleasantly surprised to see an increase in healthy lunch options and stopped into Kramer’s Health Foods on Wabash for a Supreme Veggie Salad and Faux Chicken Salad. Really tasty, I’ll definitely go back!

Today will be another beautiful day in the city and I plan to change things up from the norm and head out to “see what I can see”. I hope you get a moment today to stop and enjoy the day. I think we work too hard, are too busy in general and miss a lot of the beauty around us. I’m going to get out and enjoy some of that beauty and I wish the same for you.

Do you ever have the opportunity to break up your work day by relaxing in a beautiful park or strolling around town?

** Enjoy the Beauty ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfrtiz.com

Matthiessen State Park…..

Posted on August 20, 2012 by tootallfritz

Each year, the month of August marks our most hectic month of the year as we squeeze in lots of last minute activities before school starts, we celebrate our anniversary, Aby’s birthday, the start of Cross Country season, the fall festivals begin and we attempt to remain somewhat sane even though the chaos moves at full throttle.

One of my favorite places locally is Matthiessen State Park in Utica, Illinois. A friend and I just made a short day trip there with our kids on Friday. I must say it took some guts resolve to go on an adventure like this with 6 kids but they did great! The first photo starting on the left is: Kate, Nora, Tommy, Quinn, Michael & Aby.

The last time Aby and I were at Matthiessen was right before I became pregnant with Michael in November of 2008. It’s been a long time, and Aby looks so young in the photos, plus there was water then and in each previous trip but none this time around.

November 2008

August 2012

This trip was quite different than those in the past for many reasons, first we went with another family, second, we didn’t take Libby the Weimaraner and third, the Midwest is experiencing a drought. The normally cool running waters were non-existent. So while I stupidly hyped the kids for waterfalls and amazing water play, we instead were hiking dry creek beds and able to stand in places were the water is normally deep and flowing fast. Here is our crew, standing at the top of a dry waterfall which normally would be slippery and non-traversable.

Here is how it might look on a normal different day.

I do think it was much safer easier for us with less water because it was hard to keep the kids close. They kept running off without much regard to Amy and I yelling at asking them to stay with us. So we saw a lot of them from behind but at least we didn’t have to worry about them slipping and drowning falling.

Kids on top of the bridge “waiting” for us.

Overall, it was an amazing trip and I’m so glad that we went. I like just getting out to let the kids run somewhat free and connect with nature. I also think that when we return, we will have a greater appreciation for the beauty of the free flowing water which we greatly missed this time around.

This was my favorite photo of the trip. I love the intricacy of the natural stone work combined with the start of the bridge.

Huge shout out to Amy C. for being brave enough to make the trip to us!

Where is your favorite place to hike?

** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

Right Vs “Could Have Been Better” on Refocusing….

Posted on August 16, 2012 by tootallfritz

We all admit to having good days and bad days when it comes to food intake and workout plans. Since I specifically called myself out yesterday and promised to refocus my efforts to “do better”, I figured it would be good to review yesterday and acknowledge what went well and what could have gone better. This is all about accountability, ~~right Lisa E~~?

Today the scale read 165 but it had to think about it. I don’t have the tenths position on the scale so it wavered a little bit flipping between 166 and 165 but it finally settled on 165! Whooooop, I’ll take it! One step at a time, right?

Right Vs “Could Have Been Better”

RIGHT	COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER
4 mile run before work	2 shortbread cookies with Michael while packing his breakfast
ProBiotic from my Cleanse kit before work	Starbucks Skinny Peppermint Mocha after a chilly walk to work
Banana & Greek yogurt for breakfast	Cheese curds (non-breaded) as a snack while “warming up” dinner
Baby Shortcut Carrots for AM snack	Leftovers for dinner, which were from a restaurant, did not include any fresh “green” ingredients
Salad with fresh veggies & 2 low fat cheese sticks for lunch	Late dinner – 8:30pm since I worked late
Protein Drink for PM snack since I worked late	No PM workout since I worked late
Tons of water throughout the day	More time between dinner & bed
Herbal caplets from my Cleanse kit before bed

I’ll never have a prefect day and that’s certainly not my goal but it would be better for the columns to be imbalanced, in favor of the good. As a general rule, I focus on drinking my water,

Eating fresh fruits and veggies,

Consuming lean proteins,

Focus on whole grains and avoiding processed (canned, packaged foods). I do my best to use fresh ingredients, even for cooking. I also change up recipes that call for “frozen” veggies and use fresh and I normally steam fresh veggies to serve as a side dish for dinner (thank you Ziploc Steamer Bags!) rather than using canned or frozen options.

I do need help in identifying more lean proteins. I don’t eat a lot of meat, mostly just chicken and pork and I rely heavily on dairy to pull in the protein that I need. Do you have any suggestions for good lean proteins?

Do you try to avoid the “inner” section of the grocery where the processed foods are located? I know it is difficult to eliminate all of that stuff with kids ~~and a husband~~ in the house but I personally TRY to keep from eating the processed in favor of fresh.

Please share any tips you have for eating fresh and/or let us know of those non-traditional lean protein options which you incorporate into your diet.

** Happy HEALTHY Eating ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

Invest In Yourself….

Posted on July 26, 2012 by tootallfritz

I keep seeing the same photo of a woman being posted on Facebook. A photo of a woman who I have known for a very long time. A lovely photo. She looks beautiful but she isn’t the same person I once knew ~~and I was thankful the photo was tagged so that I could identify her~~. At some point, surgery happened. Now the smile that shines comes from a nice tight face which looks full and perfectly defined. Her body which was once petite and thin has become quite voluptuous with time ~~and money~~. She looks lovely, yet it makes me sad.

These photos represent the same path of so many women who are unhappy inside and out. They can’t accept what life and time has given them. I always encourage people to invest in themselves but this is not the type of investment I personally recommend. I refuse to judge anyone who makes this choice but wish other steps could have been taken to foster self-esteem. I certainly understand the “look better, feel better” motto but nobody is perfect. Please embrace your imperfections. For example, I was fortunate enough to inherit the Fritz nose. It’s not lovely. It’s not even straight. It’s not ~~even close to being~~ small and petite. People constantly ask me if it has been broken. No, not broken, I was born this way!

In order to feel better on the inside and out, invest in yourself. Make a time investment. Everyone deserves a little “me” time away from the chaos. Find something that helps you feel better about you and fosters self-worth and self-confidence. This doesn’t mean hitting the bar with your friends for drinks. Who feels better about themselves after that? Who is better prepared to dive right back into family life after cocktail hour? Not me! Hit the gym, go for a walk, run, ride your bike, connect with nature. Do something to clear your mind and suddenly you will be a lot more appreciative of life as it is even with all those little bumps in the road.

Focus on building your confidence. If you feel good about yourself, just the way that you are, you will be more productive and be a better mom, wife, employee and athlete. Be confident! Here are a few tips from eHow to help you get the job done, please take the time to read thru these tips as they can help you in so many aspects of your ~~running~~ life.

Confidence is one of the most important factors to building self esteem. In order to be confident, one must become very positive. Love yourself no matter what people say about you, and always keep your head up high.
When building self esteem, it is very important to include positive self talk. This may be a very silly skill to you, but to some people, this can help a lot. When you use the self talk method it reduces your stress. Also, sending a good message to your brain can improve your self esteem.
Choosing good and supporting friends is also one of the most important ways to improve your self esteem. Make sure to choose friends that will not criticize you, or make fun of you in any way. Having supportive friends can boost you self esteem magnificently. Anyways, why would you want to have a friend that makes fun of you?
Volunteering for any city or services builds self esteem also. When you volunteer for an organization, you make yourself feel better, in return, building your self esteem. Not only do you help yourself, but you also help others. When the people you help say thank you, you become very confident and proud of yourself.
If you are struggling with building self esteem, try something new. When you try something new, make sure that it is a little out of your comfort zone. When you accomplish something out of your comfort zone, it makes you feel like you are the king of the world.
Setting healthy goals is a very important method. When you set out to accomplish something new, and achieve it, it makes you feel very confident. Also, setting goals helps you to accomplish new tasks.
Having fun may be the most important factor when it comes to building self esteem. Sometimes, people are not confident with themselves, so they do not go out and have fun. Having fun and laughing makes you feel better, and relieves a lot of stress you may have.

So according to tip #7, drinks with friends is ~~sometimes~~ acceptable, after you hit the trail and get your workout in for the day! 🙂 Just remember to take the time to get out and reconnect with you so that you can be thankful for the blessings in your life. The poorest attitude will be corrected within the first mile of a run. I promise. Things always look better when the blood gets flowing! Use the eHow tips above for life, running/triathlon, dealing with boss & family. Be confident, stay calm, cool and collected and know that you are AWESOME!

** Love Yourself ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com