Extra: Coffee vs Tea

Though it's so hot E has a challenge between those who prefer coffee and those who prefer tea. As I am addicted to both I choosed the least chosen. Which was coffee.

And look how well it's going!

Now my team isn't exactly winning, and the competiotion is far from ended, but it might not be better than this ever.

Running for coffee is a bit odd when one of the reasons why I'm running is I'd like to be less addicted to coffee. But I think of the best Italian coffee you can imagine, right after lunch. Next time I hope I can run for water. Very cold water.

Day 11 – Exhausted!

Dear G, I've had an both exhausting and wonderful day. Went out running 6 k before breakfast, after giving the children clean clothes and their breakfast.

It was amazingly beautiful, but I'm not so fond of running this time of the day. I need something to eat and drink before I get hold of my strength and endurance.

But I'll keep on running this early as long as we have this incredible summer.

All of a sudden complaining about how hot it is – after ten months complaining about the cold. How Swedish.

Again I thought about when Murakami ran from Athens to Marathon. What is this, that I call heat? Most of the running people have this all the time, or at least many months a year. Why do we say that we can't run in the winter? Snow is far easier than heat, unless it's snow storm of course.

Took the new route again, but as yesterday I had to walk some.

When I came home I did some yoga with L. She isn't even two years old, but she knows more poses than most of my friends. Then made the beds, cleaned the house, made lunch, packed it in my new picnic box and took the children to the beach. And yes, we all bathed!

It's a little strange here, because though I know a lot of people with summer houses at Gotland, the only adults I've met are friends of my mother's. Except for the popstar of our neighbourhood, whom I ran into five times already, today we even asked each other who's following who? And as we spoke for quite a while I realized I wore only bikini. With a top sized for breastfeeding… With my post-3-pregnancies I'm NOT AT ALL ready for bikini-meetings.

So I'll keep on running,

godnatt

says tanned&tired C

Day 10 – On Vacation As A Single Mother

Dear G, my children are also longing for their dad, and so am I. A lot.

And by so many reasons.

We've had another great day, with sunshine, a smooth wind, the beach and the sea. But having vacation by your own with a 1.5-, a 3.5- and a 5.5 is pretty exhausting. Even though my mother lives in the next house, and even though she helps us a lot.

Two hours ago we took a evening walk towards the sea and the sun. It was rememberable (Is there such a word? I've gotten lazy and haven't used the dictionary since we restarted, as you've of course noticed) Anyhow, it was very nice, but too late, far too late for L & J.

Had a chaos "good night" and after writing this I'll have to wash the dishes.

Take a look at what I'll se from my kitchen window, though it will be a little darker.

Didn't run today, and I thought it was brilliant that we both ran 32k.

SUMMERY FOR FIRST TEN DAYS: Went running 6 of 10 days, all together 32 k. Did yoga every day, but most of them not seriously at all. Yoga with one or two toddlers isn't very serious.

FOOD & DRINKS: Here I'd like to quote Murakami again. But I have left the book in my mother's house, so I will post it later, but it says that you can live very healthy or very unhealthy, but if you choose only one of this roads your life wont be fruitful.

ps. It was you that introduced me to Murakami. I have two other books, but I haven't read them yet. I'm waiting for time to read. And I'll keep waiting.

Days 7&8 Hills

Dear C,
I am having difficulty downloading my pictures from my camera tonight. So hopefully I will add some pics tomorrow! Yesterday, I couldn´t run because my legs ached. The area where both of my sisters live are the most hilly that I have ever run. They are steep and when you think you just made it to the top you just look ahead there is another one. In additon we went on a big trip yesterday to Eadiville railroad. The kids rode on a train and we picniced in the heat. The girls were very whiny, and C was attached at the hip (literally). The heat, and tiredness has caught up-and it will be great to have Leif arrive at the end of the week! Tomorrow they are supposed to go to Mulle camp for 2.5 hours in the morning. C has already declared that there is no way she is going without me...my running plans on the fritz!
You could definately be a "running novelist". What other Murakami books have you read??
Enjoy the breeze. Fantastic job!
Ran today but not yesterday, stretched but no yoga. Better on the food front though my stomach is not looking good.

Night night,
G

Day 9 – Getting Warmer

Dear G, today the heat came to Gotland. And they say it will get even warmer. So it's a good thing that decided to run in the morning, though I left much earlier than 9.30 am. By 10 it was to hot!

I've found the perfect route – both adventurous and beautiful. Starts from the forgotten road of my mother's house, goes towards the sea and then by the coast and up again to the plateau where we live. I think it's 7 or 8 k – but today I only made 5 and had to walk the last part as it was so hot.

We also went to the beach, but as the sun is so strong I didn't dare to stay long with the children. I don't know why people go to Thailand, Spain or other "sun destinations" only to keep their kids out of the heat and sun?

WORKOUT: 5 k + yoga.

FOOD & DRINKS: My aunt came to the beach with buns baked aspecially for us. And I was hungry… As you I'm not eating perfect at all. But it's vacation, right? And we are running!

Day 8 – Drying Weather

Dear G, while I hear that the rest of Sweden, and you, are plagued by the heat, we have a refreshing wind. Perfect weather for those who produce a lot of laundry!

I often think that it must be difficult for you to live so far from your own family, so I'm happy to hear that you enjoy being at home. Also good for your girls to get to know their mother's country and family. Just wanted to say that you are important to me.

I also feel that it's good for me to be close to my own family and this place, that I love deeply. Especially in this both sunny and windy weather!

It's a little to windy to stay by the beach, but we went anyway, had a picnic, and bathed our feet. And a little more. As you see we had to choose the rocky beach on the west coast instead of the sandy ones at the east coast, where the wind was too strong.

Later I ran a little more than 6 k. Ran better than ever before out, but going home the wind worked against me… And it was too late according to my Mother, so from now I'll try to run in early mornings.

XC

ps. What a lovely view. Of course you should come there more often!

Day 6 - HHH!

Dear C, First of all I am so sorry I forgot your Birthday! Usually I am quite good at remembering but obviously not this time. Glad that you enjoyed your day and are in beautiful Gotland.

Today its the 3 H´s Hazy, Hot and Humid. My run was a slow one, but I was drenched. Its all about the timing in this weather you must go early or late and the kids were too high maintenance during these times.

This photo is the view I woke up to everyday in the summer for years. The lighthouses are called Thatcher´s island. The light actually used to flash in our window.

Of course life in "the neighborhood" is nice, but it just seems easier at the moment here.

Run was 5.7 ish slow. Food has been non-stop. Feeling really bloated. Moving on to my other sister´s Sunday. I think she has less food or I hope so!

Best wishes to you and your wonderful postings. I promise more thoughts and exciting pictures in upcoming days.

XXG

Day 7 – Running By The Sea

Dear G, today I got a chance to run, Or should I say: I took a chance to run.

It was very, very windy, but also incredibly beautiful. I wanted to stop to take pictures all the time, but it disturbs the running too much.

Thought about when Murakami ran from Athens to Marathon and had a photographer in a van that followed him. I needed that van today.

But on the other hand, I didn't have to think about pollution, crazy drivers or road builders. And as opposed to the five ded dogs and nine ded cats Murakami had to pass I only saw one ded rabbit during my 6 k.

Day 6 – Arriving To Gotland

Dearest G, I'm so glad to hear that the flights were ok for you and your girls and that you enjoy being at home.

Come to think about it, I'm not. Your home is suposed to be in Stockholm! Don't turn American on me! I'm glad that you have a good time and I think spending Summer and X-mas there is a great idea, BUT DON'T YOU MOVE BACK! I need you in the neighbourhood!

Thursday me and the kids finally made it to Gotland. As L cried the last 1.5 hours in the car we were quite happy to arrive – also safe and sound – to my mothers house. I even had to take a picture from the car to prove it.

It so beautiful here in the most Southern Gotland – and today sunny and VERY windy.

WORKOUT: no time for running

Day 5 – Celebration!

Dear G, June 24 I celebrated that I've been blessed with another year of life. Healthy and with a wonderful family and friends. That is what I think about when it's my birthday – rather than getting older.

And to be honest I should say "I was celebrated", because I did't invite even my parents, nor any friends. Didn't fix anything, didn't bake and didn't even go to buy a cake.

The celebration started early – L woke me up by 5 am, but fell asleep next to me again. We both were woken up two hours later by CJ + A + J that brought one big packet – and no breakfast (?!).

The packet contained a big, black picnicbox – and out came half a bottle of champagne, orange juice, a box of strawberries, a box of raspberries, a box of melon, a box of slices of grapefruit – and many adorable gifts. I was so surprised! Also got some drawings and true love letters from A + J.

Spent the most of the day in our garden, because the weather was divine. Sunny, without a cloud, but so windy that you could imagine the sea. So I cancelled a lunch with a friend (it seamed crazy to drag three children into town on such a beautiful day). Instead we moved some plants, watered and had left overs for lunch – me and my lovely kids that I love so much and that this particular day didn't quarrel at all. As I remember it.

The only bad thing about this day is that I didn't find time for running, but that was my own fault.

As you can see CJ also made the most fantastic dinner that we ate in the evening sun.

And then we packed until 1 am... And L woke us up by 5 again.

I will never, ever write that she sleeps all night in her bed again.

WORKOUT: None

FOOD & DRINKS: The best.

Day 5- This is Home!

Dear C,

We arrived safe and sound. The girls slept 5 hours on the plane-and said it was only far to London (when they were awake). Really adjusted to all very quickly and are happy. We went to Story and craft hour at the local Book store-all free and very fun with a starbucks connected for mom´s. Played non-stop with cousins as though they have been together forever! Already bought a pair of Stuart Weitzman sandals (on sale) of course. Weather hot but grey but getting better. Tomorrow to the beach. Have already had thoughts of why we don´t spend more time here. Also of coming for entire summer and Christmas every year...

Went running this morning 6 sweaty k. Yesterday did yoga and the eliptical trainer for min. Won´t brag though as I have eaten the most delicious and sugary items. My sister stocked up on every single thing that she knows I can not resist. Plus have had half and half in my coffee!

Safe and happy travels to you. Now hope to be on-line more often and keeping up.

XXG

Day 4 – Going All Murakami

Dear G, like Haruki Murakami I want to say that I'm a runner because it suits me. If it wouldn't suit me I'd quit.

I am a runner.

I won't quit.

It's good to say.

And I believe it's true.

Tomorrow I'm celebrating one year with Nike +, and I will do it quoating Murakami.

It was even warmer today. The kids are lovely, so is the garden and sun, but it's difficult to get any packing and washing done. Tomorrow is celebration day and Thursday morning we are leaving, with or without clothes.

Murakami: talent, focus and endurance.

That is a truth for running and for work.

And mothering. And packing. I think I have talent and endurance – I'm just a little short on focus.

But I've bought two other Murakami books. Didn't remember his name properly, neither did the staff in the book shop, but A helped us out. The 5.5 years old expert on Japanese novelists.

WORKOUT: My current plan is to run 2 days followed by 1 day rest – and 0.5 k further every run. Did 5.25 today (instead of 5.5). Headphones kept falling of and I'm not really good with the heat. Mr Murakami says you should stop where you still could continue the next day, so I did. Dinner was about to be ready.

X C

Ps How are you? How was your flight? Do you feel at home or abroad? What do the girls think?

Day 3 – Suburb Summer

Dear G, today you and your daughters flew to the US and I tried to call to wish you luck, but didn't catch you.

CJ is working and I home with the three children for some days in this brilliant weather.

The sun is warm, the sky is blue and we are using our house and garden as a summer house.

I don't dare to go bathing with the three by myself, but A & J are getting wet anyhow while L is enjoying the shade. Look at this picnic with the most delicious strawberries, turkish yoghurt, brown sugar and digestives!

WORKOUT: Running up and down, running in and out, to take care of the cute ones in the garden, laundery in the cellar, food in the kitchen and clean clothes upstairs. And doing yoga with my two yogis J & L. They know what poses they like and do not accept their pupil to take own initiatives. My son is my commander.

Day 2 – East-Asian In Mind

Dearest G, we need to talk more about Haruki Murakami. I think I will have to quote him many times the coming weeks. Or months.

I'm not really sure why I love his book so much, but apart from the subjects (running and writing) his Asian way of thinking is a good start.

I've always been drawn to Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese culture – that is food, architecture, films and of course gardening. There is something about it that feels both so exotic/exiting and so familiar/logical/evident.

Was I East-Asian in my last life?

Speaking of Chinese gardening these are Peonies that CJ gave to me because he knows that celebrating midsummer in our suburb makes me a little depressed. Aren't they beautiful?

We had a great Sunday and I went running again.

And so did you!

It was good speaking to you today – though a little short.
Hope so much that you will have a good time in the US!

WORKOUT: Ran 5 k. Will do as Murakami suggests: increase the running little by little.

Day 1 – Hurray For Love

Dearest G, why did I think that Midsummer day was such a great day to start a new 100 days club? Not that we drank close to as much as we used to do at the great, crazy and generous parties in the archepelago that we were invited to pre-kids (and with one baby…). 

We didn't even have nubbe. 

But yes, we had some wine with a faboulus piece of nature meat that CJ found (or I'm afraid bought) in Östermalmshallen. 

Also had some herring with fresh onion of different types.

This onion was quite obvious when I ran my first k of this 100 days club. So was the wine…

Otherwise, I had such a great run with almost no people out. I only met one other runner. Also met a couple of two men holding their hands – that very quickly let go when they saw me. When I passed them again going home they reacted a bit slowly and saw that I saw them holding hands. One of them looked so scared. He had Indian or maybe Pakistanian colours, but still … I thought it was so sad.

Afterwards I regret that I didn't say "hurray for love" or anything like that.

Instead I do it now. Hurray for love!

I love my husband that made this healthy lunch. It's rimmad salmon with salmon roe, horseradish and poached eggs, inspired by a toast that my brother and I invented a midsummers day many years ago. 

WORKOUT: 4,26 k running + some yoga/streching

FOOD & DRINKS: 1/4 of a bun, otherwise healthy

Day 1 Glad Midsommar!

Dear C,
Here we go again! Cheers to a happy and successful 100 more days. We have been in Lenåsen for a few days but came home today to do the upacking and packing again. We leave Monday and of course last minute things to do before the girls and I are off.

Goals:
1. To run 3x per week. I have researched a bit and have started an interval program with the 10k in mind. You run fast for a certain amount and then slow. The distance varies but allows for "rest" days inbetween with the longest runs on Saturdays. Really running against myself to have more endurance etc. 2. On the non-running days I will work on yoga, and try to become more confident in the poses. 3. Maybe biking or some othe kind of cross-training too. Depending where I am and what is around me? 4. To eat junk in moderation-meaning that I don´t need to hit the sugar highs and lows. 5. Run 10k Aug. 30 and Sept 27th with a time of 55 minutes.
Yes, I hope we can do more together in August! Stay healthy and puss and kram to all. Will keep you posted as much as possible.
Today: Ran long run intervals; 8.76k
Food: Too much bread and cheese and potato. Rubarb pie.

Day 0 – Goals For 100 Days Club #5

Dearest G – wherever you are, these are my goals for our fifth 100 days club:

1. To run – not obsessed in periods, but moderate every week.

2. To not let the vicious circle of bad sleep + coffee + sugar + a little too much wine take over my vacation and summer.

3. To run the Tjejmilen August 30 and Lidingö tjejlopp September 27. I'm not aiming at a certain time (yet), but just to run the 10 k in both competitions.

4. I will blog every day, but if it's ok by you I'll blog about the day that passed next morning, so that I can go to bed when I need to. I'll also try to blog a little shorter in my new moderate style.

5. I will be more serious about my yoga.

Also wanted to say that I hope that we will find time to do more things together, but as there will be an Atlantic sea between us I'll save that goal for another 100 days club.

Hope you've had a nice midsummer's eve and are ready for a restart! 

ps For a number of reasons we didn't make it to Gotland (CJ has too much job and J has been so sick) so instead we celebrated with a picnic at dear Hustegaholm… ds

Dear Readers!

Dearest Readers, this was only our first Nike + 100 Days Club Challenge. We won't forget who was the Absolute Winner (I'm not so good at sports language even in Swedish – that will also have to improve…) Hurray for my friend! 

Tomorrow we will start a new 100 days club, ending September 27. Hope that all five of you are inspired. Or have we readers that I don't know of?

Please feel free to leave a comment!

Day 100 – Dearest Winner!

Dearest G, I don't know if you already left for the States now when I finally have time and patience to write a little conclusion about our 100-days club. Seems very urgent as we are restarting already TOMORROW!

This is you with the price that you had to fetch at my house, instead of me surprising you as I had planned … 

Though this lapse I wanted to say that you did a fantastic job with all your running and yoga on top of that.

Also wanted to thank you for that fantastic book that I love so much. I agree – it's the best book about running I ever read. So thoughtful of you…

Myself, I did not do so well with the workout part at this fourth 100 days club – apart from four or five week. Ate so much healthier though – and I'm quite satisfied anyway:

1. Most important: I started out close to going crazy by lack of sleep. Had a little girl that slept on top of me and that woke me up so many times a night that I didn't even dare to count them. And ended up in bed with my husband – and the cute little girl (very often) sleeping the whole night in her own bed!

2. I did start running and even felt good about 8 k. 

4. Even though I was sick a lot I feel stronger and healthier.

5. I quitted the bad coffee-candy-being tired-circle.

6. I've been writing more English than in my whole life.

7. We kept contact more than we usually have time to (but next 100 days I hope we could do things together, with and without family).

8. As you said the best thing is the mental …

9. … but I lost 3.2 kg …

10. … I've found so many nice things in my wardrobe that I actually can wear! 

Hope that you are glad too! 

Day 88 – 99 End Of Spring Chaos

Dearest G, what is it about end of May/beginning of June that everything has to happen at the same time? Job tasks are supposed to be finished. Preschools are having all sorts of excursions and parties – and as two preschools were not enough we also have A's new school that somehow already started. Then there is the garden that's exploding of weeds, soil sacks and plants that needs to be planted or cut.

I haven't been blogging, I did not run and did very little yoga, but I wasn't dieing and I haven't been to the hospital, either. At least not too much. 

Instead I was trying to survive. As we are going to Paris to celebrate our ten years wedding anniversary I finally had to deal with L's sleeping habits.

Before: she slept on top of her mother.

Now: she sleeps in her own bed, sharing room with her brother. 

First night in her new room she woke 

me up I would say about 20 times, mad with anger. 

Second night: about ten. You can imagine how tired I was.

Then I turned sick, had fever and disgusting wounds in my mouth. But still. 

But though there are many reasons why I didn't run the past ten days I still ask myself why I stopped running. Why is it so easy to stop even when you think it has become a habit for life?

Day 96: Morning picnic with A's new school. After lunch: parents (mothers) were supposed to come to A+J's preschool to create flower wreaths for my children. At the same time I was supposed to bake a cake for L's preschool, get to the church to hear her friends sing and then participate at their party. I had to do my wreaths at home. By midnight I was finished.

Day 97: Party at A+J's preschools at 11-13, kids were free rest of the day. For the first year I realized how many mothers that buy their wreaths. Isn't it all crazy?

WORKOUT: Stressing. Gardening. Flower wreaths making.

FOOD & DRINKS: I still do think about the rules. But day 95 A and I went to the big amusement park – I had promised her that for such a long time. That day we had no rules. What so ever. I give you: popcorn and cotton candy – but I assure you that those are only the top of it.

Day 96+97 also had preschool party cakes.

WEIGHT: Haven't gained – I think it's because of all the stress. Final result after day 100.