100 Days Club

Day 15- Making changes

2012-01-15T09:36:00.000+01:00

Dear C,
First, before I forget I want you to read this article about yoga. I meant to send it to you earlier but I think it brings up some interesting points and I´d like to hear what you think. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/08/magazine/how-yoga-can-wreck-your-body.html?pagewanted=all

I hope things are going well with you. Should we make sure to write 1 day per week? Otherwise too much time goes by and then our 100 days does too.

Since our return last Sunday night and surviving the first week back at work I have really tried to make some healthy choices and changes. First, I have not had a diet coke (which actually is a big deal for me) and I have brought my lunch to school everyday. I have not stocked up from the systembolaget but instead just shared a glass of wine Friday evening with L over fish soup from Furren...I have tried to think healthy and truthfully the first days I felt like I was starved but really I think it´s boredom that drives me to the cakes.

There hasn´t been any earth shattering workouts-my usual Monday pilates, and then a half-hour walk here and there. Though I must say the scale has tipped to the highest weight since M was a baby.Seriously it is a bit of a shock, and perhaps the rattle I need to move.

The next two weekends are crazy with ski trainings for the girls. We will drive up to Mora both weekends and on the 28th I will participate in a snow shoe race. It is 6km but I figure something really fun to motivate me.

PS Did I tell you that I gave my work 60 days notice to take parental leave 1 afternoon a week? I know it seems like so little but really I think it will change my life!
Hope you are well and can´t wait to hear from you.
XG

I love parties!

2012-01-03T18:17:00.002+01:00

Dear C,

I am so happy that you took the initiative to restart our 100 days. It s great inspiration-even though it doesn't always go the way we want it to...

Truthfully I never pegged myself as a "ski mom" but I guess you can say that now I gave accepted it and am really trying hard to keep up with the 9-4 ski day. I actually tried to look up approximately how many calories you burn per hour last night. My legs burn, and knees ache and the kids and Leif want more! The girls even say "mom you're doing great" and "we think you are a good skier". What to say to that but I'm really trying to improve my technique and not focus so much on the Après-ski.
So as it is I have been skiing for 9 days and we have 5 left so I will keep feeling the burn on skis and enjoy the beautiful view and snow.
So you know I already have some crazy ideas of my own which are in play. First, http://www.123minsida.se/Snowshoe/ and we will be here in Funas again for sportlov then my darling L and I will travel to Berlin on the 30th of March for the Berlin half-marathon on April 1st! We already have the tickets and the babysitter.
Much more soon I am heading to the neighbors ummmmmm après-ski.
Lots of love and a healthy 2012!

The Great Party Named 2012!

2012-01-03T14:40:00.005+01:00

Dear readers,
While you are still enjoying your last days of X-mas vacation, while G is enjoying loads of snow with her ski-crazy family in some Swedish ski resort, I’m at the office, making plans. And enjoying a season that could be called either “Autumn” or “Spring”, but certainly not “Winter”, (if you ask a Swede).

Anyway, as G is gone, mice are dancing on the table, and I’ve allowed myself to take a decision regarding us both.
I’ve started us a New 100 days club. G is also in it, right now skiing her but off, which is great as the club begun some days ago.

Day 1: January 1. (Of course, the high season for resolutions and New Life…)
Day 100: April 9, the last easter day, Annandag påsk, when we both have a maximum of sugar and cacao in our blood.

"Ah, come on", I hear a reader saying. “You guys keep starting and quitting and disappearing and we even have to ask you to post a message saying that no one died. What is the meaning of all this?”
And I say: “What wrong with restarts? And even who said it was a restart? In fact, we never quit! We’re just taking a few breaks every now and then.”
But the reader keeps going: “So what happened to that fabulous New Summer Club? Was supposed to end September 17 and the last post I can see is more than a month older?”

Well, my computer got stolen and my father died, but that’s old and has nothing to do with the bright future and party that has been named 2012. We’ve done Pilates, both of us, and even invented a new type of exercise: the walkie-talkie-running. G also bought herself a new Friskis-card, I think.
We're on!

And just to give you a little sense of what this successful, brave and enjoyable 100 Days Club is about: A picture from (a part of) my lunch: seaweed. Illustrating at least two of my 15 New Year’s resolutions, to eat seaweed not less than once a week and to eat more Korean food.
The brown one is called Arame, the green has a Chinsese name that could be translated “The future is bright and Spring is here to stay”.
And it is!

Xxx, C

Weeks 6 & 7- Politics, Pools and Jet Lag

2011-08-11T11:30:00.000+02:00

Dear C,

We have returned to Sweden and my head is very foggy and I have no idea of the time. I just finished The Paris Wife: A Novel and really enjoyed it as it kept me sane on the plane and this night while on American time.

I was or am sad to leave my family and friends and of course the weather...as now I am actually wearing pants and a sweater and am wondering what happened to August?

There is so much to tell-I think we should have a coffee and catch up as I can´t possibly say all the things that I need to about working out, running and life especially since my brain isn´t working.

When I went away I thought I was being so savy by making dr´s appts so I could get everything done before I go back to work and it just hasn´t turned out that way. First, I went to BB Stockholm to renew that 5 year old thing and then they told me since I was 41 that I needed to go to a different dr, and actually not to worry about getting pregnant because I am 41...what? There are plenty of moms 41+ in Sweden. So I called this other dr. and of course they are on vacation. Then I went to Sophiahemmet for the continued saga on the lump in my breast for a special test. This test gave me a hematoma and it is the most painful thing ever-they in turn told me to go to my house dr. to check it out and so on and so forth...and our favorite Dr. D is on vacation so I have to go to some schmuck today. While I am there they will have to look at my foot which needs an x-ray because I injured it or did something running...ARE YOU LAUGHING YET?

Seriously, I feel like I am falling apart. My body is not keeping up with what I would like it to. I have pains, and stiffness and have told myself it is from sleeping in different beds, and sitting on the plane. But is it?

So today, the kids and I are going to Böson to the pool where I can aqua-jog (the only thing my body can take now).

In my last entry, I felt so good so hopefully this feeling will all goes back to the jet-lag. Could I contribute it to the mine in our backyard? Only about 30 tons of rock left which L likes to dig at when he comes home from work at night. Or is it the turmoil of the world, The Stockmarket, the poor and unemployeed, the blame game, Obama, Afganistan or even England?

Or what about running? I want to be a runner but instead I think the steple chase may be for me. Jumping over obstacles seems so much more my style...ha! I just must remember what I told little M when she went running with me. You can´t give up but you can rest...that I will do for now.

With love,
G

Week 5 & 6 Rain, Tears and Fear

2011-08-02T15:22:00.005+02:00

Oh, dear G, week 5 was a rainy one. I find myself saying to the kids: oh, what a great weather for playing games and reading books. But after a couple of days… didn't even believe it myself.

Bad weather makes a big difference to a vacation. It requires some consolation: some home baked, a little extra food, some wine, another coffee… and yes, an extra sandwich. What it doesn't: makes you wanna go running.

But with our 100 days club, I did run. Proud to say it: I ran as planned – not as far or as fast when the wind was too hard, but as often.

As the rain continued.

And as we got more and more tired of it.

Second day of week 6 an evil Crazy Conservative Christian decided to combine the Oklahoma City bombing and Columbine High School murders. Placed a bomb in central Oslo, and took his guns to a youth camp at the Norwegian island Utøya. Yes, you've heard about it, and I know you can imagine how the papers, news sites, TV and radio, every conversation – over the phone or not – was full of the stories about how a police dressed, blond, strong man told children that they could trust him, that they were safe – and then shot them. Pleading, bleeding, hiding, screaming, swimming, drowning – he shot them. Didn't want to read about it, couldn't stop reading about it, and imagining the fear they felt.

We had grey days. And it rained.

Made some excursions. And it rained.

Then singer Amy Winehouse was tragically found dead, aged 27.

It felt black.

And rained a little more.

My loved and lovely daughter L turned 4 – the most windy and rainy day we could imagine. L cried on the bed as she had imagined her birthday sunny, bathing, picking berries, biking… And I felt it was my fault – having descried what a mid summer birthday she has.

A couple of days later it still rained, and my father's wife died of cancer. Two days before her 64th birthday, five months after being diagnosed, when her two grandchildren were 2,5 – and a baby. She had the same birthday as you, my dear friend. Which finally leads me to something good: Hurray! So happy to be your friend, and share to this blog.

Also good things: my dear sister-in-law and her family came from Switzerland – so nice to see them. And we had some great swims in the sea, CJ and I, after running. Oh no, not together, hey, we're only parents… but there will be a time when we do, won't it?

Hugs and blessings, C

Week 4 & 5- Boogie boarding beach bums

2011-07-22T01:23:00.000+02:00

Dear C,

We are here in Rockport, where I have spent all my summers since I was small. It is so beautiful and we have so much fun here. It is one of those places that everyone comes back to for generations. Many of the same people I grew up with come with their families too. Each day is a beach day, with picnics, friends and sand castles. The girls have mastered riding in the waves with their boogie boards and despite too much sun, fried clams we are all so happy.

It's the type of place when you start our day with a run that everyone says "good morning" or "great day" as you pass. People are open and friendly and all have a love for this special place.

My days start with an early run-while everyone else is still sleeping. Where I can have the beauty to myself and breathe deeply. I told L that if there is ever a place to become a runner this would be it...maybe I am bias but it just seems that way right now.

Today we had a "brown out" when they turn the electricity off for a while as things supposedly get overwhelmed when it's very hot. Strange really as it wasn't too hot (for Sweden it would be).

The 100 day club is in full swing although I certainly ave not been perfect with the wine and clam part I feel good and am optimistic. I am very sure I will need it more than ever when I return as it may be a bit depressing to hit reality!

Hope u are well and I have not missed little L's b-day.
Lots of xo's
G

Week 4 – Triathlon Training!

2011-07-14T19:31:00.011+02:00

Dear G, I’ve been following program for more than a week now, and already developed a little habit. After running I change to swimming suite and bathrobe, fetch my bike, go straight to the sea, swim for a while and bike back to the house. Which must be good, as the program suggests/demands, cross training. Preferably swimming and biking, as program makers are into triathlon. But I'm not sure they mean ocean swimming? Or this kind of bike?

Otherwise, the program started out fine. At least the first two runs… Only one was supposed to be fast and furious, while the other should be longer and controlled. And they both ended up to be about as long and fast?
Don't know how that happened – I’m all new to this planned running, also to trying to keep a certain speed. Anyway, both runs were much longer and faster than anything I did so far this year, so I was pleased.Problems came with Run #3, which was supposed to be a seriously long one. All went well until about 9K, when my back started to ache. Every step seemed to make it worse. Finished by 11.2K, and the following 48 hours I had so much ache I could hardy move. Couldn’t sleep because it hurt so much, like a knife stuck between two vertebrae. Even thought about going to the hospital, which would have been stupid, as there is nothing they can do about it.
It made me questioning long running, but I decided not to give in.
Next workout was a shorter one, and I kept thinking about what my London consultant have said: “Always run with strong legs. The minute you realize that you let your hip throw you around instead of using your muscles, you know you’ve run much too far.”
Will try to keep this in mind.

Another nice little habit: after running, biking and bathing we all have dinner at the balcony – cooked and served by my husband. In this case grilled salmon, rocket salad, tomatoes, beans and potatoes. And yes, we have been a little French about the wine … (Don't know if you can see it, but we have such a lovely sea view, quite perfect for chilled you-know-what)

The schedule I’ll try to follow:
Monday: Yoga / back+core stability
Tuesday: Track repeats/intervals
Wednesday: Biking / back+core stability
Thursday: Tempo running
Friday: Swimming / back+core stability
Saturday: rest
Sunday: Long runs

Yes, so good to hear from you, too! Yes, please add photos later! It is so fun to see how you live, what you eat and drink, where you stay, workout, and what the country is like. And most of all: Hurra för L!

Week 3 The Sound of Music

2011-07-13T20:51:00.001+02:00

Dear C,

Fantastic that you have your computer back! I was so happy to read your posts. I am writing from my new iPad but I am not an expert at it's gadgets yet...we are in Stowe, Vermont at the Trapp Family Lodge where the family settled after they escaped from Austria and then finished their singing tour. It is a lovely place in the mountains with many outdoorsy things to do. Though there is also the other thing that is part of it all and that is way too much food and drink! I feel bloated and big at the moment.

The fun thing s that little M has taken up ome running with me. She has run 2.2km at a time and she is very determined. That is quite rewarding and I just have to think of that myself when running.

Now as you mentioned running is a time to be by myself, and strive to gain strength,clarity,and breathe. I have signed up for the half marathon and will run the lidingö loppet with the girls. I am going to dedicate my race to my friend Brooke who just last week was diagnosed with breast cancer. She is a fighter and every time I am out struggling I am going to think of her.
Last week pretty much looked like this:

Monday- strength and stretch
Tuesday-3.5 mile run
Weds-2m run or cross
Thursday-3.5 mile run and strength
Friday-rest
Saturday-30 min. cross
Sunday-4 mile run

It seems like a lot but with what I am eating hopefully it just balances out! I am all confused about miles now too good thing the garmin figures it out.

Today is L's birthday. Off to celebrate. Must add pics later as I can't figure this out.

XxG

PS the kids call Stowe the Åre of America

Week 3 – With Inspiration From The US

2011-07-13T17:06:00.003+02:00

My dear friend, the 4^th of July was not only celebrated in the US. This from the little Swedish coast village where we've rented a house for five weeks, overlooking our closest neighbour.
You guys seem to be everywhere!

Eventually my husband came back and I started to run again. Very spontaneously, when there seemed to time for it, often just before dinner and with that “sorry-I’m-late-excuse” on my face. I did run many days in a row, but never more than about half an hour, and without plans nor purpose.
But then I read your post!
Made me feel so inspired, both of the idea of setting realistic goals and about following a program. Happened to have a book with running programs, utterly American, tremendously male, full of figures and tables, all written in miles instead of the kilometres I’m used to. Spent a day studying the book, trying to figure out how fast and far I had to go, and what of the countless number of programs I choose.
All the programs for Half marathons were 18 weeks long, and I’m not in shape to jump in week 11. Or even their week 1, to be honest. And speaking of being realistic, I also have to consider my spine injury, that try to forget about. But I found a 10 K program, and decided to go for it. All thanks to my dear and encouraging friend on the other side of the great Atlantic sea,
Xxx C

ps We mostly have good food, a little wine however, and one day I kind of lost my mind:

Week 2 – The Age Of A Woman

2011-07-13T16:33:00.009+02:00

And so it came, the huge leaving-for-vacation-and-8-hours-on-the-road day. I can proudly tell you that NO, we didn’t go to a McDonald’s drive inn for lunch – instead we brought a chicken salad with bulgur, avocado, melon, apple, beans and such.

We made it!

The first actual vacation day was, quite symbolic, the most important Swedish holiday – Midsummer eve. The true start of Summer for all Swedes, and also my birthday. I was almost born in the famous fashion designer Katja of Sweden’s garden, where my parents were invited for a midsummer party.Way back.Which leads me to thinking about ageing. I’ve always said birthdays are more about celebrating being blessed with another year of love&experience, rather than getting older. But still. Age also has to be considered.Though every birthday I experience not getting older, but that the difference between the age I know I have and the age that I feel that I have gets a little bigger.
It’s not even years I’m talking about, but decades!
Just one, tiny example: given the age of my children – what would be my most natural age: 45? 35? Or even 25?
Let me tell you: becoming a mom late in life means that you’ve… GOTTA KEEP IN SHAPE.
To confirm this little theory I was left alone with the children in a quite impractical house right as my husband had to get back to work. No dishing machine, an increasingly sore back, scary indoor stairs and a garden full of places to break a bold boy’s neck… doesn’t leave much time to enjoy the balcony sea view.

We had lots of sports scheduled: tennis every day at 11am and 1pm (when is lunch served?), later changed to 9am and 11am. This, however, didn’t include me, but the two oldest children. In this village, tennis parents enjoy gossip and cappuccino, no workout.

Asked several people to get a little help so that I could run just half an hour, but noone said yes. So I had to do with the running up and down those scary stairs.

Fortunately we had excellent weather, which also meant garden yoga and … the most wonderful, salt and refreshing sea swimming!

Week 1 – Saved By Running

2011-07-13T16:01:00.007+02:00

Dear G, I so much wanted to give you a call to discuss this 100 days club before you left for the US.

Wasn’t sure about what we decided about rules, goals, eating, running, stretching… and everything.

But, I tell you, my first week was a full chaos.

Going away for a six week vacation might seem like a luxury, but to be honest, it’s more like what the slaves experienced in ancient Egypt.

No, no, not the actual vacation, but: before leaving.

Had an incredible, enormous amount of work that had to be finished, meetings and appointments, things to pick up at different places in town, the leaving-for-six-weeks laundry and packing – and of course – J was home sick most of the days.

And then the computer broke down. Totally. Again. I swear to God, I’ve had a countless number of Macs since 1991, and never ever had problems like with my new MacBook Air. Not even my computer consultant could help me out – so for the second time it sent back to Apple. Asked him: can’t they just give me a new one, but obviously Apple doesn’t do that. (This is why I write this post three week later…)

As always when I have too much to do, I kept doing to-do-lists. Several of them. Even at night in bed, when I surely needed to sleep.

I don’t think I ever felt stress so physically. Like a fever with a bad scent.

So I didn’t have any time for running.

But as it was the first week of this 100 days club – I ran. Close to the bay, where the picture is from, the most tranquile and calming trail I know.

And G, I swear, running was what made me survive this horrid first week. Always remember: if you have so much work there is no way you could possibly get even half an hour to run: do it anyway. Makes all the difference.

Workout: running, yoga, London exercises.

Week 2 - Putting the cork into it!

2011-07-05T19:43:00.000+02:00

Dear C,

Week 2 is over and today is really half-way into week 3 but I need to catch up with my writing. I am longing for your computer to be fixed so you can write too!

The girls and I are having a fantastic vacation so far...can´t believe that 3 weeks has already gone by. L is arriving on Thursday and we can´t wait. It´s basically just bedtime that takes the life out of me.

So far this is my most successful 100 day club to date. Probably because it´s summer, and I started loving running again. As I mentioned before I changed my approach and thought about my goals and it just feels right. I have trained 15 of 17 days and am gaining speed and confidence. I started the 12 week running program to the half-marathon and have included cross-training and strength training, and really stretching as well. The weather is fantastic, hot and I come home dripping but happy.

Mostly, I have eaten well but seem to still take wine out of my nightly routine. I realize this vacation isn´t a one week trip where you overindulge but instead just over 7 weeks! Yikes, time to cut myself off.

Yesterday was America´s birthday celebration and we spent a fantastic day on the beach, had a cookout, took our usual lookout for the special parade that I have gone to since I was a little girl. The girls love it and waved their flags. Kind of funny that the 2 little Swedish girls waved their flags with the most pride. It really is a special day filled with so many friends and family. You just can´t beat the 4th in Rockport.
This weekend we are headed to another little New England town in Vermont with my mom for a little R&R.

Hope all is going well as I eagerly await word from you.

XXG

Week 1- Living the "American Dream"

2011-06-23T15:42:00.000+02:00

Dear C,
The girls and I have been here for 6 busy days already. Life is filled with the cousins, and my mom and sisters. All while L is struggling in the pouring rain and huge rocks in our back yard in Sweden.
I´d say the key word to life here is Accessiblilty. If it´s not the drive-thru bank machine, or starbucks, it all seems like an idea can become your´s in an instant. I guess that is why they call it the American Dream. Life seems quite easy but doesn´t it always when you are on vacation?
I´ve put quite some thought into these next 100 days. Somehow for me it has to be different because it is so hard to keep starting again and again. I had a long chat with a friend here about my goals for working out. It made me think of how to approach becoming fit a little differently.
First, what is the feeling you get about training, what sets up the failure, is it the expectation? Perhaps my goals are always a bit lofty, and then it´s easier to fail. A bit of an all or nothing attitude. Instead of working at the things that are realistic, and most important for my whole life. Does the half-marathon give me a burning desire to train? In some ways it does, but it also can become a little overwhelming too. So instead of an "all or nothing" approach I am working on strenghening my body but also my mind in order to succeed.
I had a slow start last Thursday as it was my summer work party-it definately involved too much wine! Then it was basically a race to get ready for our trip...but now since I have been here it has been fantastic! I have joined a gym here and have built a program which has 3 days of strength training, and cardio on the other days with a day off on the weekend.
It is hard to say why strength training always seems so daunting but with most things you just need to get over the hump. The cardio is a cybex machine, running, and some walking too. My sister lives in an incredibly hilly area so I am taking the first 2 weeks with some caution as not to aggravate my piriformis muscle.
I have measured, and weighed in and am aiming to drop 10 lbs. It is easy here to eat really well if you want to there are so many lovely fresh summer things. I am ramping up on the protein as I think my muscles are taking a beating, and going low on the starches. Lots of water, wine in moderation, and really enjoying that I have the time to think about it and get out there!
We will have some great adventures in the next weeks. Signing off from Boston now until next week.
Lots of xo´s to you all. Happy Birthday to you!!
XOG

What is a failure?

2011-06-21T22:01:00.003+02:00

Dear readers,

We didn't succeed with that 100 Days A New Spring Club. At all. At least not here on the blog.

I think G might have done better, but I had lots of asthma and didn't run as much as I wanted, but I did run. On food & wine: wasn't perfect.

But now motivation is high. And what is a failure but chance for a restart?

16th June – 24th September we're doing The 100 Days of Summer 2011 Club – as successful, or even more, as the one we did Summer 2009.

The new rules are: …

What are the new rules? I think that except for running (+ other cardio) we will focus on gaining strength and stretching, turning into strong runners.

The old 5 hours of workout rule will be replaced by:

3 hours of cardio (running, biking, F&S, swimming etc)

3 hours of strength

2 hour of stretching

Too little, too much? What did we really say?

And about food and drinks:

Only well tasting, quite LCHF inspired food.

eh … Wine every … only … ehh … not too often?

Help me out, G!

Or how about this: you'll decide the workout rules and I'll decide the food & drink rules?

My experience is that we've had better results when rules were very precise, didn't we?

Will tell you about my first 7 days tomorrow,

X, C

Day 42 – 45 Shaping Up

2011-05-03T16:30:00.001+02:00

Day 32 – 41 From Easter To Valborg

2011-05-03T16:25:00.002+02:00

Day 30 – 31 Preparing For Easter (All Packing, No Slacking)

2011-04-19T23:11:00.008+02:00

Dear G, it was so good to see you and your lovely daughters today. It wasn't planned, but it was also nice to introduce you to one of my sisters. Hope to get to see yours someday.

As you already know, I've spent two days having Easter vacation with the kids as my husband is slaving at the office, trying to get ready for the holiday. Monday we saw the NASA exhibition at Technical Museum with my old father and had the most wonderful lunch at the Etno Museum. The children ordered Lamb Curry, Salmon burgers with coriander and vegetarian lasagna, and they all loved it.

And today you guys came. But otherwise I've been washing, ironing, packing, running up and down the stairs, preventing all kind of disasters and making peace at times too. Didn't get out much it that lovely weather at all.

I guess that is what is vacation – all the laundry is done, and all the clothing decisions too… for a couple of days…

Had hoped to go out running when my husband came home for work, but it did not work out.

Instead: after a day in the car tomorrow I'll run by the sea again. So much looking forward to that!

Wishing you A Very Happy, Sunny, Delicious Easter.

And yes, do enjoy the candy, food and wine!

You are so much worth it,

my dear friend,

says Mrs

Day 29 Gardening & Home

2011-04-18T18:13:00.000+02:00

Dear C,

It´s really lovely to be on vacation and actually not go anywhere-though don´t tell my husband that! It´s been a few glorious days of sun, gardening and home projects. The girls are happy playing, biking and helping as well. So different from when they were small. We had only one hitch-C was sick much of last week with a terrible headache and fever so she didn´t go to school. Now she has a cold and cough but I think the pollen really has gotten to her as well.
Although I can´t say I am much of a gardener things are really looking up in the yard, and C´s birthday project is well under way too. She picked out a lovely (cough cough) purple color for her new room and the sanding and washing walls has begun. The girls are sleeping together for now and it´s actually quite sweet.

Oh yes the exercise part...I went to jympa 3x last week and ran 3 as well. The jympa was great, and the running is getting better too. It´s the hills that kill me, when my legs feel like they are in cement. On week three of this interval program and really liking that it spells out what I should do-as that gives me a little extra push.

On the wine note, last Friday evening I had three glasses of red ( a little celebration)and I really felt it in my whole body on Saturday! That must have been why my legs were so tired Wine=slow running.

Have been drinking much more water, and not craving sugar at all. Even though the Easter bunny will try and tempt me, I think I´ll be ok. This used to be my favorite Easter candy.

PS down 2 kg!

Lots of xo´s great job C!

PSS 2 months from today I leave for the US!

Day 27 – 29 No Cows On The Ice

2011-04-18T09:52:00.001+02:00

Dear G, do you know what's your Ambassador Matthew Brown's favorite Swedish expression?

Ingen ko på isen. No cows on the ice. Back from the days when people were constantly thinking about their cows. Saying that when there are no cows on the ice there is nothing to worry about.

Come to think about it, that's pretty reassuring, isn't it?

Since I came back from Milan I've not had any specific cows on the ice.

Sunday I ran 9 k on the north side of the bay, thinking about no more important things than that there is no ice left at all … to place cows on. But one thing really struck me: every year I'm obsessed with melting snow. Wishing for spring, praying for degrees over zero, condemning and yelling bad words to the snow, the dirt and ice.

But when my prayers are answered I all of a sudden remember: Spring makes me so allergic! I am, in fact, poisoned by tree pollen, and more so than almost anyone I know.

I mean, how stupid can a person get?

Praying to be poisoned?

So I'm taking the strongest medicines against allergy there is – and I'm running.

Having a little asthma it feels as if I had put on 15 k when I run, or as I'm running in deep snow. But keeping lungs in shape is the best way to conquer (seasonal) asthma.

And when the trees are done those 15 k plus will be like 5 minus.

There are no cows on the ice.

Day 23 – 26 Living Milanese

2011-04-17T21:54:00.011+02:00

Dear G, il Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan is difficult to describe. Even if you for years have heard people say that is so big and fancy you can't imagine it you'd be surprised by seeing it.

It is huge.

And fancy.

Unimaginable.

Apart from being big it also changes your taste, or even personality.

The relaxed person that likes a nice and intellectual mixture of furniture from last century all of a sudden CRAVES luxury, modernity, style and glamour.

And all of a sudden living in the hotels

largest suite with a view over both Milan and les Alpes seems very natural…We booked to late, and that is way we had to cope with (the ridiculous expensive price for) a big terrace, a huge marbled bath room and furniture that said: why bother to make the town?

But then again, as that is the purpose of the journey you just have to put on a summerish dress, some comfy sandals and get lost in the surreal and surely commercial world of Design.

Walking, talking, looking, asking and, if you have a bad back like mine, being grateful that a furniture fair has A LOT of chairs and sofas that can be tried.

And then it is time for lunch: pasta, gnocchi or risotto as a starter, followed by meat and maybe rocket sallad, served with wine and after that it is either: A. macchiato and a dessert or B. you won't make it.

Cause there are so many more pieces of furniture to see, before dinner is served in exactly the same way pasta, gnocchi or risotto as a starter, followed by meat and maybe rocket sallad, served with wine and after that it is either: A. macchiato and a dessert like vanilla ice cream with fresh berries or B. you won't make it.

Only it might be a little more wine.

No wonder a furniture fair is tiring.

A good thing: the first day I used the hotel's fitness room. Ran on a treadmill and cycled, plus did some yoga on the terrace. But otherwise: this is NOT a 100 days club life style.

Day 26? jilla jympa

2011-04-14T16:32:00.000+02:00

Dear C,

I am sorry I seem to have lost track of the days-though I am still with you and working hard. This week C has been sick with a terrible headache and fever so I am with her looking out at the sunshine and waiting for L to come home so I can run!

After our last conversation I reminded myself how some of the lbs came off during one of our 100 days-and that was running and jympa together! So since it is jilla jympa week I decided to go back. Sunday, was the first time and the next day I felt it. It inspired me to do this on the opposite days of running or when I can sneak one in. Have gone 2x this week and still running 3x interval program (13 weeks) and am on week 2. Yay, it does get easier and you must have sent some warm weather from Italy as I even ran with just a short sleeve shirt (and pants) the other day.

Perhaps it is because we are studying nocturnal animals in my class but I found myself looking for little burrows and holes that I could take pictures of for my class while running in the woods. Lots of things coming to life. I almost stepped on this couple and was going to scoot them off the road until I saw what was actually happening. Then I decided not to interupt...

XOG

PS Need to catch up on the latest Murakami!

Day 16 – 22 Japanese Obsession (part 2)

2011-04-10T21:49:00.005+02:00

Dear G, I have to admit – I've been obsessed with Japan, again.

This time it's Haruki Murakami's fault. I mean, first of all: why couldn't he write just ONE new novel? Why did it have to be three?

And more: why did he write it so that I just can't stop reading it? Yeah, I know, it is his profession and he wants the books to sell, but why does he have to add the sort of food and cooking descritions that makes me not only obesessed with the book, no books, but also craving Japanese food?

I've been down to the local Sushi, the one in Centrum, a couple of times to many when reading 1Q84. You know that sushi rice is full of sugar, and the Centrum sushi is not really worth it.

But I know what sushi that IS worth it, and eventually, I just had to go to Råkultur, my absoulte favourite Japanese restaurant. Please, please let me take you there! We could buy jeans and then have food this delicious:

Aha, you wonder if the new Murakami novel is good? Can't tell, I just can't stop reading it. It is a little odd, and I don't know how to say it in your language, but in mine I'd say:

Haruki Murakami is a dirty old lobster.

And frankly, I prefer eating lobsters to reading them.

But apart from that, he is a magician. Penis-, sex- and breast obsessed, but a magician.

Råkultur's sashimi, in smoky ice …

Didn't run or exercise as much as I should those days, because of pollen, work, reading, bad moral… and more… But one day I did 8 k – 4 + 2 + 2, with small stops to do the posture correction that London demands.

Tomorrow off to Milan, very early.

Summer clothes all seam to small, but I'm bringing my running gear!

Murakami, Murakami …

Day 10 – 15 Meals, Motivation, Milan

2011-04-03T21:04:00.004+02:00

Dear G, I'm behind with just about everything – running, back exercises, core stability, work, book keeping, A's homework, the dress she needs to wear for tomorrows dance day, and even blogging. Most of all: blogging.But even if far too many days have passed (I'm ashamed) I have had the club in mind. Tuesday to Friday I missed my back exercises a couple of times, and also the scheduled Tuesday and Thursday Core stability. But I've tried to make up for it this weekend, and Saturday I went running. And as you can see I've been eating well…

No, I didn't cook any of this, but I ate. Both the Salma Salmon above and this couscous with chicken, rosted pepper, grapefruit and salad …

And you're right, we need motivation and a goal (or two).

A race, yes, but which? This is too close, don't you think? I've also decided to treat myself with a new pair of jeans as soon as I'm back to normal size. Which should be around day 50, if I keep it up.

And I will.

And I shall.

Next Monday I'm going to Milan for work a couple of days (Furniture Fair). Have to look very deep into my wardrobes for spring/summer clothes to wear… As always asked this time of the year: will they fit? Or not?

Time and coming week's running will tell,

xxxx C

Days 10-13 Motivation?

2011-04-02T08:20:00.001+02:00

Dear C,

Good start to the week, sloppy end. Didn´t accomplish really any excercise Weds, Thurs or Friday. Not good.

I know this is ridiculous but I want toned thighs. Although not the point of the 100 days it´d be nice.

This quote sums it up for me at the moment.

"It's not what you are that holds you back, It's what you think you're not".- Denis Waitley

Happy weekend!
XOG

Days 7-9 Family Time

2011-03-29T17:34:00.000+02:00

Dear C,

Yes, weekends are coveted for "family time" I am not sure what this is supposed to include other than catching up on all the things that didn´t get done during the week-like laundry and breathing...but my dear husband (with a messed up foot) is still obsessed by skiing and this weather is not helping my case.

As I told you the kids are training skiing not only with the slalom club but also with L basically every chance possible. I thought it was fun the first 2 months, and then I got over it. Now, I have promised that I would take part in our "family time" (skiing) this weekend. Yes, going to Dalarna for the last of the regular season-Oh, that is until we go to Åre for Easter. So during my weekend boycott of skiing I did 90 minutes of hot yoga, and went running (very slowly) Sunday and Monday. I am out, it feels great my mind and body need it. Started thinking of a running goal for the summer-perhaps a 10k or 5k nothing more. I ask, did you run down the favorite path? I had trouble getting down safely. Much more soon. PS I need bushes help as I want tall bushes for our front. I know you just did it in the fall. Can you give me some info?

XXOG

Day 7 – 9 The Day Before; The Days After

2011-03-29T14:25:00.008+02:00

Dear G, one of my favourite things to do is to "open" the garden after winter. To rake away old leaves after the snow have melted, and find that small, little beautiful green andred buds have been living there. Just like me, they are just waiting for spring to come. Tulips and narcissus, come dance with me!

And yes, dancing was what this weekend was about. My dear friend C turned 50, and gave a dinner party for about 100 people. She is so close, so I had to give a speech, even though it affected my nerves for days. I'm so nervous DAYS before, but when I actually held the speech it was kind of a relief. Like diving from the 5 meter highbord – and survive.

Had to take a couple of glasses of champagne before and of rosé afterwards, and God, I was so sick the day after. Poisoned. Why is it that I can’t drink more than a glass without being so PUNISHED afterwards?

Sunday was a day I don't want to think about again. Wouldn't have made it without my hero husband.

Monday, weather was sunny and lovely, so I took half an hour I did not have and ran again. By myself, without pressure, didn’t think about time or anything. Almost all ice had melted, so the first time after winter I dared to run my favourite trail on the north side of the bay. Felt so strong, totally unlike the other day. Running I remembered how quickly I gained strength when we did this two years ago.

Small little buds become tulips. If you just rake away those old leaves…

Day 6 – The Usain Bolt Decision

2011-03-25T21:43:00.007+01:00

Dear G, I would like to present the Jamaican runner Usain Bolt – the fastest man on Earth.

As I guess you already know, Usain Bolt is a three time World and Olympic gold medalist, and the World and Olympic record holder in the 100 meters, the 200 meters and the 4 x 100 meters relay (together with friends from Jamaica).

He is the first man to set world records in all those three events at the same Olympic games. He is also the first man to hold both the 100 and 200 m World AND Olympic titles at the same time.

Apart from being fast and handsome Usain Bolt also has scoliosis.

I'm not giving in.

But I did decide not to ever again have loads of waffles, berries and whipped cream just before running.

Thank you Mr Bolt for being such a good role model.

Usain Bolt, I love you.

Day 6 - Oh Deer!

2011-03-25T18:03:00.000+01:00

Dear C,
Think of it this way-you went and you tried! That is fantastic because I´ve seen those fast, skinny little runners and they are an intimidating bunch. Been out run/walking with the deer, saw at least 10 deer wading in the mud too. This week I brought my lunch to school everyday. Mostly spinach salads with lots of veggies and beans or salmon. That is nice and lots of my colleagues are envious of my healthy lunches but as you know its´s just not enough. I need to do other things besides cardio. My muscles are begging me to get a but of circulation in them, and my acupuncture will not last forever...TOMORROW is hot yoga time! 90 minutes of pure sweat. Good enough reason to chug water tonight and not wine. So my friend, don´t beat yourself up. Saturday is the dog day-eat what you like your body will react with the rest of the week´s healthy lifesyle.

Happy Friday!
XXG

Day 5 – Failure

2011-03-24T21:30:00.007+01:00

Dear G, I was such a flop today. Do you remember the running group I told you about last spring? Practicing running technique Thursdays and long distance Sundays? I only went a couple of times, perhaps five, but I enjoyed it so much! Even though I was about the weakest runner in the group.

As you know it my chiropractor and later doctor said I wasn’t allowed to run from – when was it? May? And it was only in December the consultant in London said I could run again, starting from January, when I had strengthen my back for a couple of weeks. And you know Swedish winter; snow & ice, sick children and mothers…

All this time I’ve been dreaming about joining the running group again.

Since January that has been my goal. But lately I’ve been thinking that as I’m recovering they’ll get faster and faster, won't they? So I figured I just had to jump on the train, starting today with the planned TEMPO RUNNING. Just had to do something also postponed since January: arrange a little fika with my lovely and loved cousin A and her two children, turning 5 and 3. Made us waffles and served with raspberries, black berries and red currants and whipped cream. Of course, I had some. Quite a few, to be honest. And as I was already late from work and we had such a good time, I all of a sudden had to JUMP in my running gear and RUN to the running club.

They were all bony and muscular, looking like they’re spending their lives in nature, running and eating nothing but blue berries. And as the leader told us: “a tempo run should be at least 2 times 25-30 min running in race pace, about 5 min rest in between”. Didn’t listen too much when he described the trail, as I wasn’t exactly gonna take the lead.

I wont even tell you what race pace meant to them.

I’ll tell you what it meant to me: I could not even follow them when warming up. Had to take a short cut.

And when it came to the actual tempo running – they just disappeared.

I was so tired, lonely, full of waffles, running for my life but couldn’t even see where they went. Like running in chewing gum. Or like a crimple trying to talk herself into the Olympic beds … I mean games. Sleep tight and don’t even ask me if I did my Thursday Schedule.

Day 4 – Small Little Choices That Need To Be Made

2011-03-23T21:22:00.015+01:00

Stressful day. Turkey sandwich and caffe latte for lunch 4 pm. Nothing glamorous about it.

And now: The London Wednesday schedule –

5 min Supine with poles

5 min Long & Semi hanging,

10 min Iliopsoas

10 min Gliding on a ball.

Or: there is also a huge pile of clothes for someone (like me) to iron.

What day is it? Time flies...

2011-03-23T20:48:00.000+01:00

Dear C,
Oh time is just too fast for me. I don´t have enough time for anything! I know that sounds really lame but I rush in almost everything I do. It´s a bit shameful but I even told farfar (who picked up the kids from school) that my mtg was running late yesterday so I could go on a 20 minute run. Terrible but necessary.
Today, I went to Söder and that is quite off the beaten path for me...but I love just looking in the windows, and taking in everything. Clearly my path between home and school is a bit like the new tunnel being built!

On my trip I oogled into many windows including a classic filippa k (thus the picture). I loved the jacket and though how nice it could be sans my little pot belly.

Good news, I have been out Mon & Tues. feeling so good in the sunshine. Planning the end of week. L is so crazy about skiing he wants to go to the country house again skiing-though I have had enough! Did you know that he has made skiing an obsession and convinced C that she is the next Lindsay Vonn?

He sprained his ankle and thinks he is still good to go (on crutches) though I know better. So perhaps I have another week to breathe and 3 more until after Easter when the ski season will end!

Great job thus far! Love the 100 day club!

XXG

Day 3 – What Difference A Day Makes

2011-03-22T21:02:00.008+01:00

Dear friend, today the weather decided to make an effort to melt all the snow it has gathered for more than 120 days. It didn't quite make it, but it was a good shot, don't you think?

I ran 6.7 k and now I'll spend an hour with London's Tuesday schedule:

5 min Supine with poles

5 min Long and Semi hanging

10 min Kneeling with poles

10 min Sidelying with pole

30 min Core stability (Table top position, Bridging, Cycling and Passing ball from arms to legs).

What a difference a day makes!

Day 2 – Without Appetite

2011-03-21T21:14:00.008+01:00

Yes, my dear G, I did hear you were awarded with the prestigious prize of the Foundation for American Women Living Abroad! I’m so proud of you, and I think they picked the right woman too.

That, however, was the only good thing that happened today. I must have been food poisoned – I was so sick last night. Disgustingly so. Today I’ve had no appetite what so ever for anything that reminds of food. If I had to eat I’d choose one of the snow, winter aconite and snowdrop cakes the children made yesterday.

Tomorrow is new day, and forecast says C +12! Just a couple of weeks ago I said to a friend in England I’d be glad for anything above freezing… Hope to run tomorrow, but tonight?

If I can find the energy I’ll do my (by London) scheduled Monday exercises: 5 min Supine with poles, 5 min Semi- and long hanging, 10 min Iliopsoas on a ball, 10 min Sitting snail. And if I don’t, I’ll just go straight to bed.

Day 2- Spring, Ice & Mud

2011-03-21T18:07:00.000+01:00

Dear C,
I love your positive thoughts about spring and the blossoms. I too get a little extra spring in my step when the sun shines, it was a lovely weekend! I´ve been out tromping through the mud and ice. Yesterday I wore my hiking boots and felt that was a good choice for my trek. Today, I thought I could do it with the sneakers-Ouch! a big wipe out landed right on my elbow. Still standing but dampened my mood a little.
As you read, I am really happy to have been awarded a fantastic honor and prize by the Foundation for American Women Living Abroad. They are quite an organization and I am really excited to bring home the award for the Stockholm club! So it was a good Monday morning. Even better that we are back for another 100 days!
XXG
PS-I forgot to say that I started acupuncture for my back. Today was 2nd time and will go 10x.

Day 1 – Japanese Week

2011-03-20T21:38:00.004+01:00

Dear G, I have to admit that I've been pretty obsessed by Japan this week. Always felt strong about the Japanese, manner, food and culture, but the three disasters (earthquake, tsunami and nuclear plant mess), they really hit me. One or two days I even felt that the future of the Fukushima plants relied on my constant news update. Quite addictive, that is…

So when it snowed so much again the other day, I said to myself: "It is such a good thing all this snow is here and not in North East Japan. Dear God, if you just fix their houses and nuclear plants, I'll handle the snow."

Truth is, I'm not really handling it. I've always had more problems with my back during winter. I guess it's the cold, the weight of shoes and outdoor clothes, – and also walking in heavy snow or trying not to fall on ice – that makes my back so sore and tense. And it's going on forever…

Look out the window, we have not seen our lawns since mid November!

And no, x-country skiing doesn't make it for me. I have pain sitting, standing, walking and sleeping. I need to run. I need spring.

But compared to Japan?

Small problems, great future.

Today I ran about 6k. A little icy at places, but what a lovely day to start a brand new 100 days club! I'm so glad we're doing this, and have you seen what I have in my window?

A branch of Forsythia from our garden.

Looks Japanese, doesn't it?

Day 30- I Love Friskis!

2010-10-22T16:59:00.000+02:00

Dear C,
I hope you are coming back soon and are feeling well. It´s really boring on this blog without you and there are no pictures of lovely food...
This week I have been at Friskis 3x. 1 time I went to spinning and the other times I ran, and did these two crazy machines that made my heart rate go well out of the "zone". That is my handy dandy Polar watch that keeps track of my heart rate and tells me whether I am in this "zone" which can be really annoying because it beeps if you are not working hard enough and then again if its too hard. Sometimes it even searches for my heart rate which is a bit scary! So with my watch the 2 days I worked on the machines I burned more calories than the spinning class and seemed to keep my hr at a higher and more constant level. Interesting to compare but this machine is really difficult (I know the picture is bad but I thought it may be wierd with me snaping photos at the gym).

Some people hate the gym-they think of sweaty people, germs and feeling rather stupid. I´ll tell you why I love it. First, all the retired people go there and they are in fantastic shape. Those old ladies sure kick some ass! Next, they have totally pimped the place up. New machines, another jympa hall-great atmosphere. Then, I really like the spinning classes (even though I didn´t seem to work hard enough) time flies, good music and you leave feeling like you acomplished something. Finally, I love the sauna. Now this is where you may cringe but nothing is better than sitting in the sauna after a workout and just relaxing. Often I am the only one in there and really it just makes me feel so warm and happy. Once in a while I even get into an interesting conversation with an old naked Swedish woman. You know we just let it all hang out in there.

Plans for the weekend-well a Halloween party with snow, and of course my dear old Friskis. Come on and join me!

Waiting to hear from you. Lots of xo´s

Day 26 - Getting back

2010-10-18T14:31:00.000+02:00

Dear C,

I hope this post finds you well and optimistic about your health. Is it really day 26? If yes, then I still feel that I can make a big difference in the next 74 days! I haven´t blogged because it really isn´t too fun to write when you feel very down, and I miss my training!!

Life has been full of sickies the past 3 weeks. First, M home for a week, and my cold turned into much more... hacking away for what seems like forever! Then C missed 3 days of school last week-had many nights with kids in our bed, sniffles, pains, and coughs.

This weekend I decided to take some baby steps. Get out in the sunshine and the crisp air and just breathe and walk slowly around the neighborhood. It cheered my up, and reminded me how good it is to just take a walk! My mind always thinks that I have to do more but really it´s also about getting out and taking that time just to be.

So this week I am getting back-slowly but surely.

To feeling great,

Days 7-12 Kanel Bullar Day-Again!

2010-10-04T20:28:00.000+02:00

Dear C,
It´s so lovely that you have such talents in areas in which most people only envy. Gardening and cooking are an art-what a nice combination. So while you cook gourmet food and grow and plan for the next seasons I have indulged in a bullar. Yes, it´s that day again (and it feels like I just wrote about it) but that was last year. I must participate in some Swedish traditions since I don´t really understand so many others. For example name´s day, little hot dogs, meatballs and herring at all holidays. Or how about typical drinking songs which are aslo the same for different holidays. Couldn´t you just add in a line or two about Santa at Christmas? Ok so Kanel bullar´s day isn´t a true Swedish tradition or is it? In my opinion it´s similar to Valentine´s Day. A reason to eat and make some people feel badly.
Which leads me to the feeling badly. M is sick and was all weekend, and I actually feel a little under the weather myself. I walked both days this weekend because the sun was shining and I feel like my autumn is running away with the leaves.
Today, I came home and am laying low trying to rev up for the week to come which includes the usual work, kids and activities + an American visitor and her 2 friends for dinner Weds. M was home today with farmor. Hoping to get her back tomorrow.
Also, my dreams of a mama ledig day every week after Christmas and the talk about working less is just that a dream. Today, I received a compliment from my boss and she isn´t one to throw them out very often. With that a promotion of sorts. To continue on with my current postion not for the term but for at least the year. Is this good-well yes of course but also a little sad. It´s so hard to even give my girls the attention they need when I work so much. Again, not a new theory but one to be challenged in the 100 day club. Working hard to get that balance and feel good. Yes, I am going to do and I have the power to change things!
So excited to read about your new journey and the experiences that will come with it. The place looks smashing and since the dollar, Euro and Pound are down you can feel good about it. It´s an investment for the future as these homemade buns are NOT!

XXG

Day 10 – 11 Favourite Weekends

2010-10-03T21:21:00.005+02:00

Dear G, my favourite kind of weekend is when we have a long breakfast, just ha until lunch, have lunch and then go out in the garden, all of us. And then I’d get to work in the garden until it’s dark, moving plants, rearranging, planning ahead… Then I get in to have a quick, warm shower, put some nice clothes and eat a delicious dinner served by my husband – together with just him and the children.

Do I sound like a man from the 1950’s? Like the Swedish female 2010 answer to Mad Men's Don Draper? You know I’m not. Yet. You know muy husband likes to cook, and that I'd love it if he digged until it gets dark while I got to be the kitchen star.

But what about visiting weekend trips? What about the kind of family mushroom picking excursion that every Swedish family seems to do this time of the year? What about endless sessions at small cafés, or eating lunch in a fancy restaurant? What about shopping, visiting friends or doing sports together? What about dinner parties? Museums, galleries, walking in parks and seeing a movie?

Well, I'd like that too. It just isn’t my favourite.

Day 6 – 9 Hear That Noise?

2010-10-02T14:21:00.007+02:00

Dear Houston, we've had some problems.

The rocket is still on the ground, but engines are running and I do hope you hear by the noise that means we soon, very soon now, will take off.

However, little L has had another tonsillitis, so she has been home for a couple of days.

Yes, we've been outdoors a lot and had ok food. But. You know.

Not that I could go out biking or half-running anyway, because I've had the worst cough again.

And most of all, I've had nothing but London in my head.

Worrying about where to stay, about the clinic, about if the treatment will be supported by the Health Insurance or not, about missing my family or just feeling too depressed.

I'm getting insane.

But now at least I think I have booked the five nights that remained.

I've been waiting for friends (and I've asked many) that have said that they might have friends that had rooms or small apartments for rent, but nothing happened. So yesterday I called Central London Apartments with a list with places I could afford and wouldn't mind booking.

Nothing was available.

Nothing.

The woman I talked to said that because of London Film Festival everything in the price range I desired was booked. So would I consider moving my vacation just a couple of weeks?

I told her about the clinic and my poor back, and I really had find somewhere to stay the actual days in October. She answered she needed to talk to some people and that she would phone me back.

After 20 minutes she called and said she had discussed my situation with some colleges, and she wanted to offer me a very, very nice apartment close to the underground, and in the heart of Notting Hill.

But at the double price that I could afford.

Instead of three times the price that it really costs…

Because her name was C, just like mine, and because she knew about poor backs.

"Your friends will envy you", she said.

So now I have booked this, for the first five nights:

Or at least I think I have, because the booking confirmation still hasn't appeared in my mailbox, and I'm getting even more insane.

If I have, I will live rather than shop and eat. And of course, I will leave much cheaper the following eight nights.

Oh, G, I'm such a homie and I worry so much. At first I questioned if my family could do without me, but now I wonder if I will cope without them?

I hear your voice: it will be a great "mother vacation" and I will have a terrific time.

Plus: I will be so fit after a two weeks six hours a day boot camp.

And what has all this to do with the 100 days club?

Nothing, really. I just wanted you to let you know that engiens are running. And soon, very soon now, I will take off.

As there is gold in the end of the rainbow.

Day 6 The winner is...

2010-09-28T20:29:00.000+02:00

Dear C,
My left brain. I am my own worst enemy sometimes. That little guy in the red suit works with my left brain and somehow actually wins. With focus this little guy should never win not when running or in any other area of life. I must look back at Murakami and find peace within myself and running.
Today, no workout as I wasted so much time this afternoon. Went to my appt. to get my hair colored-SJ (you know the place). Apparently J has been sick for 5 weeks and they didn´t tell me until my appt time. So I reluctantly agreed to let someone else do my hair. 1 hour later I was shocked to see me hair the ugliest color ever! Dark with a greyish tint. I said that I couldn´t possibly leave with my hair like this and wanted it fixed now. Finally S came over and agreed that it needed to be fixed and he spent ages fixing it til 7pm! So my 1 hour turned into 3.5 and it still is looking a little sketchy! I know that it seems a little silly but OMG!
So keeping this short and sweet until the tide turns. New day tomorrow and a great workout planned.

Running is a balance of physical exertion, enhanced mental awareness and spiritual peace.

Much more soon and pics to follow!

XOG

Day 1-5 The 100 Days Rocket Ship Club

2010-09-25T18:10:00.005+02:00

Dear readers, I think you already guessed that our last 100 days club was a flop.

Of course G exercised more than most of you, but she didn't eat right and she didn't blog.

And me – a total disaster. Apart from having a three weeks cold – and then getting another one, I was forbidden to run. I gave up on the LCHF method, I had wine a little too often and yes, there were cinnamon buns as well. Colds make me low, and the back situation didn't make it brighter. But now I have a plan.

And as you've also seen, we're not giving up. We are doing another club – ending at New Years Eve. Without asking G I call it The 100 Days Rocket Ship club as it has one direction – right up in the sky. Or as many kids say these days – to eternity and beyond. Or from ground much further away than the rainbow!

Goals:

To wake up sleeping muscles.

To have better posture.

To have less back pain.

To get my back so strong that I can run again by Easter.

To use the "I'm not a garbage bin" method.

To get energy and light by outdoor activities.

To fight the Monica Z frightness & depression.

Methods:

1. Four weeks of treatment in London – that is exercise 6 hours a day, five hours a week. A boot camp!

2. The consultant in England has said that running at this point could be "rather riskful", but I'll do what I call the "hurry up walk" – walking downhills and on flat ground, running only uphills.

And I'll bike, do some gardening, maybe walk with stickers – whatever that feels good and will get me outdoors.

3. I will also do yoga that is ok for scoliosis, like the dog and other symetrical postures.

4. The usual food rules – less sugar, less wine, less coffee – as in the mentioned "I'm not a garbage bin" method.

5. Also I will try to blog every other day, though I already broke that rule.

Started this 100 days club September 23 at 7.20 am in something that looks a lot like a rocket ship – a MRI scan. It is an incredible beautiful machine, but depressing to be put in. And loud!

I discovered that they had given me not one 20 min appointment – but three. And was treated like a piece of broken China – delicatly.

So I thought "this must be my lowest point in this 100 days club. From this I can only go up".

Since Thursday I've been taking walks, have been digging in our garden, have planted 150 bulbs, crossing my fingers when G ran 10k Lidingö tjejlopp, been coughing a lot, shared a half bottle of champagne with my husband celebrating our 13 years as a couple, have been trying to find accomomdation in London, worrying about it – and already lost 1.5 k. But as I said, I started at a very low point …

Hey, you bulbs. Like you I'm all for spring & future, and I'm moving in the right direction.

Day 1- I Gotta Feeling

2010-09-23T19:24:00.001+02:00

A marathon begins with a single step…A lifestyle change begins with a vision and a single step.

Goals:

 To wake up sleeping muscles. Especially the transverse abdominals and the scapular muscles.
 To have better posture.
 To drink water
 To focus and breathe when running.
 To use the “I am not a garbage bin” motto and say no to unnecessary temptations.
 To complete and improve technique and time/ tjejvasan 26 Feb 2011
 To complete and improve marathon time/Stockholm Marathon 2011 28th May.
 To have fun doing it.

Dear C,
Thank you for your continued faith in the 100 days club. During these 100 days I am going to record the progress that should continue well beyond this initial journey. Previously, the 100 days helped get me moving but now I am ready to make the lifestyle change that goes with wanting to run faster, be stronger and overall much more fit. I’m also looking forward to reading about your journey, admiring your healthy dishes, and celebrating us!

XOG

Days 14-22 Over the Rainbow

2010-08-30T19:43:00.000+02:00

Dear C,

Time has gone by so fast and I am sorry I have not written more. Right now, everything is so busy it is a blur. Working far too much, trying to keep on top of things. I managed to run 3x last week.I don´t go home until I have already run and that works because it brings me down and it helps me to focus.If I didn´t do it I´d likely be asking Dr. D for something for my mental status. Amazing, running does help.
The Hippie party was great fun but I poisoned my body with all sorts of things. Felt absolutely out of it yesterday, and entertained the fam for Maddy´s Birthday. I was practically pushing them out the door at 9 because we all needed to go to bed!
I received my number for the Stockholm Half-Marathon...depending on the weather and my status I may run the first 10k for practise for the lidingöloppet. L is running but his number 3005 because he has super times-which is kind of depressing because he barely tries. Why is that?
My kids & L have colds too. Me, am popping echinacea and keeping my fingers crossed.
Running for the light at the end of the rainbow.
XOG

Day 25 – 30 Fish Ginger Soup!

2010-08-30T13:24:00.002+02:00

Dear G, I'm still sneezing and coughing like the rest of my family.

Or trying to get the little one back to sleep, more and more desperate…

I'm so sick, I'm so tired and I find myself thinking: this must be the worst cold I've had in five years.

And then I think: No, it isn't. This is just normal.

Come to think about it: Are people ever well? Isn't rain, colds, autumn and this crazy tiredness more normal than running and not rinning noses?

But then I say to myself: HAHA, you little stupid cold, we're eating Fish Ginger Soup, and soon, very soon, we will all recover and I'll run faster and more than ever.

I'll show that little depressed Nike+Mini!

Fish Ginger Soup!

Day 13–24 Yes, Life!

2010-08-24T20:49:00.005+02:00

Dear G, how sad, how unfair.

I've been following Thomasine's blog since you told me about. And since Sunday I read it through again.

It really hits me, and not only because she was such a good writer.

How could she be so strong? She did all that yoga that I constantly plan to do, but neglect and find so many exuces not to do…

And how strange that she writes about places that I told you about in our blog, not knowing how close she was to you – and, geographical, to me. (this picture is taken close to her favourite place, Hoburgen)

I realize that I've met her.

But of course my feelings about this are nothing compared to yours.

I feel so sorry for you.

Let us remember to be thankful for our lives.

And just keep going.

Which is exactly what I have not done the last days.

I've planned to make a long entry about LCHF success of days 7 – 15.

And about the absolute LCHF catastrophy (and joy) of days 16 – 24.

Princesse cakes, chocolate cakes, wine and champagne – good friends and lots of fun – but no running and no yoga. I will post pictures of this happy disaster later, but for now I can only promise you:

I will shape up … but it'll take a couple of days.

We have the worst of colds, all five, and I surely hope that you, C and our wonderful, generous friends (that fixed us the most luxurious dinner) in Lausanne didn't get it.

I'm taking care of my fever, sending lots of love and many thoughts,

Days 8-14 Life

2010-08-22T20:04:00.000+02:00

Dear C,
My "Swedish" family has lost Thomasine. She died last night, and I have felt a bit sad today about that (this picture is from her blog).

On top of the lovely cakes you made I have had lots of yucky things this weekend and don´t feel good about it at all. This week I worked out 2 days with weights and 2 days running and walking. I realized that when I work it is so important to stay away from all the junk that goes around. If you want to picture the stereotypical British person then you´ll just know.

Lidingö loppet is creeping up on us.

With promises to be a better blogger this week with more enthusiasm.

XG

Days 5-7 Suprise

2010-08-16T20:05:00.001+02:00

Dear C,

Today, I came home from work and this huge treadmill was out in front of our house. It´s my birthday surprise. The treadmill will be carried down to the basement which will be a gym, office and movie room. The construction project L began while we were in the US. All this because he installed a new heating system which also will heat the basement. In English its called Geo-thermal heat, you know where they dig really deep. Anyway, L decided to save money by installing all of the plumbing and heating system himself. I guess that is how this treadmill came about. Does it sound like I am complaining? No complaints here just the knowledge that I no longer have any excuses when the weather changes, that it is dark and dreary or have the kids. Get this- he has also set up a flat screen tv on the wall in front of the tm. Proudly, he has announced that I can watch all the crazy American reality series while running. Really a true American dream!

On Saturday I ran 5km. Every part of my body ached and it was hot! Yesterday, was a free day and I layed on the couch for several hours with my kindle. Today, Monday I went to the gym and did circut training for 1 hour. Eating well, but maybe not enough. Pounding loads of water, only 1 glass of wine since the return from vacation (one week). All in all its going well. Looking forward to seeing you.

Days 2-4 Workin at it!

2010-08-13T19:45:00.004+02:00

Dear C,

This week, the first week back I have worked harder than any other start to our 100 days. Not only did I watch what I ate but trained so I felt the poisons from my vacation over indulgences seep out. This includes training pain in places that I had forgotten existed.

On Weds. interval running 30 on 30 off. then Thurs & Friday more circut and strength training which included the use of my "vacation flippers". I tend to use only when on vacation in warm waters cause after all these years I still think the water is cold here. My flippers and snorkel help me explore the sea or at the pool kick with my little dolphin kickboard til my legs ache. Today with the luxury of a friends pool I had another day from them.

Yesterday I began work again. Strangely, I drove in automatic pilot and had this sick feeling in my stomach. M cried that she wanted to be with Mamma instead of Pappa, and said she will never go back to dagis again (when it hasn´t even started). She knows how to lay the guilt on-even though I am confidant that she will thrive this year especially without a big sister to live up to.

So the unpacking began in my new class filled with boxes and piles the movers so kindly left. The year begins and reality sets in. I sigh on my way home knowing therew are 96 days to look forward to. A skinnier and faster me.

PS: Your pictures of food put me to shame! Also Tuesday, lunch or coffee?

XOG

Day 12 – Crayfish Crazy

2010-08-12T22:31:00.007+02:00

Dear G, there is nothing closer to starvation than sharing a kilo of top quality Swedish signalkräftor with a 4.5-year son and a daughter that just turned 3.

They're not only crazy about it – they do not peel themselves. Instead they just shout MORE!

It gives a new deep to the Swedish expression: Crayfish you eat until you starve to death.

Good thing we had some meet and chanterelles afterwards.

And a superduper LCHF dessert: whipped yolk (no sugar) + melted +70% (whipped together) chocolate + whipped cream (gently mixed). Served with raspberries.

I know dieting is forbidden in our club, but this dessert could make 100 kg people loose their half weight!

If the doctors who's books I read know what they're talking about…

So I surely hope that our local fish shop uses the right recipe…

If not: took the 8k hilly trail south of the bay today, and ran intervalls striaght and uphills. Walked downhills and ended up having run 6 heavy k. It's such good training – and I would never have done it while we did that kilometer Nike+ competition. I'm so glad we don't!

And I made some more decisions: I won't take the 20 10 k competition seriously, and I won't run Stockholm Half Marathon. But I will do either 10 or 15 k of Lidingöloppet and I will run three times a week the whole period of 100 days. Plus do all the physiotherapy back training that I'm asked to do.

Day 11 – The Port Rule

2010-08-12T10:04:00.013+02:00

No, my dearest G, sailors can't let every puff of wind decide where to go. It will just make the sails go back and forth. Seglen slår, they flap, and nothing good comes out of that.

Doesn't take the boat anywhere.

Our sailor could go for Port A, Port B or Port C – and surely doesn't know which one he'd prefer.

But he picks one of them. Lets the wind fill the sails, giving them full power and the boat full speed.

She goes straight to Port A – you see how beautifully she sails?

Berthing in Port A our sailor might not find the gas station, grocers's store or nice little restaurant he's looking for. But if he doesn't, he'll just go on to Port B.

Trust me, he'll arrive a lot sooner

than the Mrs Undecisive, that used to be me.

Didn't run, but I had three important phone conversations: with our reader in Lausanne, with you and with my friend Christina. They all meant a lot to me!

Day 11 dinner: gravad and grilled charr, grean broad beans, yoghurt sauce and green sallad. Very LCHF.

Day 1- Shock

2010-08-11T09:37:00.000+02:00

Dear C,

It´s day 1 and I am officially back into the club and from a very long and lazy vacation! Gone are the long beach and pool days, sipping wine, eating gorgeous cheese, and just thinking about running. It´s time to get back in the business of being healthy. I wonder how I let all that hard work just slip away. Well as you know it can be quite easy to do but now these next 99 days are the start of a longer and more courageous journey.

The one thing I did accomplish this summer was I became and avid reader again. This the first time I think since my now very big girls were born. Sure I have read books here and there but my new birthday gift from my sister is more than a gadget it´s well...amazing! I have read over 20 books in the past few weeks-all just a touch away or a quick browse through the New York Times best seller list. They appear within seconds, are a fraction of the cost (especially the price of English books here) and I find myself staying up til all hours of the night reading, just to finish that last chapter. L thinks its much worse than his blackberry which I call his "crackberry" maybe it is.

On day 1 my running felt like I had a camel on my back. It wasn´t pretty. Then I decided to begin some CORE training. Lunges, push-ups, and some other very unbalanced moves on my part. Ohhh I think I lost a kg in sweat and tears. Then I was totally spent I got a headache, and felt sick and had to go to bed early. I am not sure if this is due in part to the workout or also my body going through detox? No wine, no cheese just a very healthy food day. Salad with turkey breast, loads of water, very few carbs-maybe 1 piece of bread.

Tomorrow is a new day. One I am looking forward to. Every day it will become easier and more fun.

XOG

Day 10 – Couscous Confession

2010-08-10T20:36:00.005+02:00

Dear G, this wasn't my day. After Mr Physiotherapist's treatment every part of my back hurts as if I'd been in a street fight. So I didn't run the LÖ 20 10km part 2 (10 k Aga – Brevik back and forth, looks great on the map) I planned for. Even though I did I put my running clothes on…

And instead of a carb-free dinner I had couscous with my melon, tomatoes, chicken, mozzarella and green leaf sallad.

I guess you've heard of worse sins.

Day 9 – On How I Resemble Monica Z

2010-08-09T20:52:00.010+02:00

Dear G, I guess you're familiar with the great Swedish singer Monica Zetterlund?

She sang like a queen. She was so sensitive, so stylish, vulnerable, beautiful and exotic.

She had a great integrity.

A lingonberry sprig in a cocktail glass, she was described.

Oh, I would like to resemble Monica Z!

To have her style! I want to look good in dresses, like she did. I want to wear a green knitted sweater like she did in Att angöra en brygga, looking like a queen.

My best motivation for our project the ambition to fit in nice clothes. To get the right size, like I had before I met my love.

I'm in it for fashion.

To be, if not Monica Z, something like her.

Monica Z died in May 2005, while you were pregnant with M and I was pregnant with J. She had scoliosis, with a severe back pain that made her an addict of painkillers. And alcohol. She ended up in a wheel chair, with increasingly difficulties to move.

When her home was set on fire she was not able to leave the appartement.

Monica Z was burned to death.

I do resemble Monica Z.

Not that I'm blond.

Not that I can sing anything like her.

But my back look like hers.

I've had pain from it about every day since I was 20, and by some reason it got a lot worse. More bended. Our Dr D has threatened me that if I don't do anything about it I may also end up in a wheel chair. Immovable like Monica Z.

Or I will have to do a surgery with a 9-12 months of rehabilitations and a 62 % risk of complications, the worst of them dying during surgery.

Which scares me as much. I have two thoughts in my mind. Not like Monica. And who will look after my children?

I've been asked not to run. So I didn't run, and got far worse pain. A doctor said I could run, but carefully. I ran carefully. Or, I don't no what carefully running is, but tried.

Still had back pain.

July 20, I met a doctor who said "oh please, do run, you need to strengthen your body".

Today I met his fellow the physiotherapist, a HULK of 100 kg muscles, from some northern part of our country. I was told to take of all my clothes but the bra and briefs, lie on a bunk, and then he put his full weight on top of me, making my back crunch, crack and scrunch. Over and over again.

It wasn't painful, but so weird!

Mr Physiotherapist Hulk has given me a program to do twice a day.

As I'm not ending up like Monica.

When it comes to the back.

Otherwise, I'm a lot like Monica!

Day 7-8 Low Carb High Ambition

2010-08-08T16:51:00.007+02:00

Dear G, as I've said: I've been reading a LCHF book that some publisher send me to review (I never review), and I'm getting convinced. Nota bene, it's not No Carb High Fat as many people think. It's Low Carb High Fat.

Nothing crazy, nothing extreme.

Started it Saturday, today (Sunday) I'm still alive. A little sleepy, but who isn't in this low pressure?

Yesterday we had the worst rain, so I only ran 4.5, but today I did the first stage of the Lidingö 20 10 km. Partly it was hilly as hell, and I had some trouble following the map. But I'm doing quite good, don't you think?

Hope to hear from you soon!

Day 6 – Heading Home

2010-08-08T16:49:00.004+02:00

Dear G, rainy days we choose to travel. Or is it the weather that chooses to rain when we're stuck in a car for about 7-8 hours?

If so, thank you Weather!

Day 5 – Pirates Or Lifesavers?

2010-08-08T16:29:00.008+02:00

Dear G, do you know what happened the last day of our vacation? We heard this very obvious helicopter sound and I thought "Oh no, some rich guy must have been bored".

But as it landed right on the medowland outside our garden, we saw the words SEARCH AND RESCUE written on it. Looked very official.

So we moved closer and the pilots, all in uniform, came out. I asked them "Are you here to enlighten our last day of vacation?". They said "yes", "do you have any questions?" and "would you like to go on board?"

Afterwards, L and I had a little discussion. Was it a sjöräddningshelikopter or a sjörövarhelikopter?

Life savers or pirates?

It's like with food – so difficult to tell. So many food products have words like SAFE AND RESCUE on them, even if they are close to poisonous. I'm reading a LCHF-book, and I'm getting more and more concerned about how bad advice doctors and diet experts are giving fat (and normal) people.

Didn't really have time for it because of packing, but I ran a fast 3 k and also had a last, wonderful swim.

Day 3 – 4 Village Living

2010-08-05T07:12:00.005+02:00

Dear G, this is a special village, in many ways. It's cute. It's next to the sea were the water quality and temperature is at its peak in Sweden. The surroundings are nice, at some places. Where they haven't built sewage treatment works and other ugly houses (to be honest, I've seen much more amazing landscapes in our country). It has an excellent cocktail life. And most of all: it's expensive. As you might know, house prices here are among the highest in Sweden.

But even though people in our village have higher income and bigger fortunes than elsewhere, they seem to live under the most overcrowded conditions. In Swedish I would even use the word trångbodda.

Each morning we take our kids (A&J) to tennis school, and you know what the one topic of the mothers conversations is? How to cope. How to cope with grandmas and grandpas, being tired of them, and trying to get the kids behave so the old people can stand the crowdiness. And about just getting out of the house. They take the outdoor public pool, Copenhagen shopping or anything, just to get out. It's not said but we all know it: people pretend to live together during summer vacation because they have such nice families. But the truth is they do it because of the house prices. Very few in our age can afford a summer house here. Our generation is squeezed in between two generations that know what they want. And the idea of certain activities that a childhood should contain.

Interesting enough, those activities are the solution of the crowdiness problem: golf, tennis, sailing school, sailing races – and not to forget: the spas.

Women go there to have relaxation. To flew the crowd. Or not to break down. As I said: anything to get out of the house.

Haven't been to the spa yet, but I try to get out running every other day. Day 3 I finally ran my first 10k this summer, and even felt good about it. Not as last year, but ok.

And yes, we do occansionally have some wine.

Day 2 – Realistic, Healthy And Nice

2010-08-02T20:03:00.005+02:00

Dear G, I'm so glad you're accepting my invitation! I think we could do something realistic, not too ambitious but healthy and not competetive. Just nice. And for now, considering my back and what different doctors say, I think I'll go for the 10 k September 26 rather than the half marathon.

I repeat: realistic, healthy and nice!

Today we were invited to some friends with the kind of summer house that I dream of. We had a very nice and healthy lunch.

But later in the afternoon we were celebrating August 2, a date that in my

husbands family is almost as important as X-mas. Traditionally celebrated with lots of cookies at this nice little café. Cookies that by the LCHF-doctors I believe in are considered the most toxic you could get.

I had many. Didn't have them all, but close to it.

I won't be perfect, but I'll do my best.

Day 1 – Determinated!

2010-08-01T16:45:00.004+02:00

Dear G, I'm starting a new club today:

10/08/01 – 10/11/08 – The 100 Days 2010 Autumn Club!

I know that you are in South of France, sipping champagne and enjoying good cheese, but I do hope that you will join me when you get back.

This is what I plan for us:

LÖ 2010 km – 20 times 10 k – 200 k! At their website you'll find 20 10-k trails, all in Lidingö, and you are allowed to run them any time you'd like between tomorrow and October 10, hoping to have finished 19 of them 10/10 at 10 am. At the final October 10 all the runners run "the last 10 k".

Other suggestions:

August 14, Midnattsloppet 10 k.

September 11, Stockholm half marathon, 21 k,

September 26, Lidingö tjejlopp, 10 k

October 10, Hässelbyloppet, 10 k

November 8, Finalloppet, Göteborg, either 8,8 or 18,8 k.

And then finally:

November 8, the Autumn 2010 100 days club amazing running party, whatever that is.

Does it sound overambitious? Insane?

Yeah, you're right, but please help me to get it straight!

Love,

ps. Later today I ran 7.5 k, and took a swim in the salt sea afterwards. I can't tell you how lovely it is. The swim I mean, cause I'm not in the good shape I was last year…

July 2010

2010-08-01T16:44:00.003+02:00

June 2010

2010-08-01T16:44:00.001+02:00

May 2010

2010-08-01T16:43:00.002+02:00

April 2010

2010-08-01T16:43:00.001+02:00

March 2010

2010-08-01T16:42:00.000+02:00

Day 4 – Nothing But Bad

2010-03-08T08:46:00.005+01:00

Dear G, sun is shining, it's only a couple of minus degrees and my legs tell me to run.

Have to wait another couple of days, and also must, must sit by the computer to finish loads of work.

So how am I supposed to say that this life is 100 days clubbing? And how am I supposed not taste those childmade, delicious meringues?

Crunchy above, soft inside, perfect with coffee and practically made of mean sugar.

Nothing but bad.

My show is on tonight. Will you watch?

Day 3 – Exempting Spring

2010-03-07T20:47:00.003+01:00

Dear G, in less than three weeks I've said I'd run a 10 k race. What a joke! I planned stay strong this winter, snow or not, but the truth is I only ran once in January and once in February. Look at my mini! She is not only sitting – she is playing gameboy!

I'm a bit ashamed, but I've had such a crazy winter. First all this snow, then I've been cooking food in a TV contest (lots of fun) and, of course, as the program was recorded (day and night) the kids were constantly sick. In the end they and their dad even had the worst vomiting desease EVER.

On top of that: I thought my head would explode, because of the sinisutis.

Still not allowed to run, but today my husband went out running (I'm so glad, it makes him a happier person), while me and the kids went on a "Find spring in our garden-tour". There are so many plants that need to be exempted from the heavy snow. We all digged in and did find grean leaves! A honeysuckle and the bambu seemed to be having a good time in glasshouse that snow creates.

Then we went in to bake meringues made for a "Royal Dessert". Not at all 100 days club thing to do, I know. I'm not hitting the ground running, but this is only the beginning.

Spring is still to come.

Let's exempt it!

Day 2 – On A Poor Start

2010-03-06T20:30:00.004+01:00

Hey G, I have quite bad timing for my restart and new 100 days club. As I have a bad sinusitis and take penicillin, dr David says I can't run. But as my goal is the half marathon from Denmark to Sweden June 12, there was no alternative.

And what shall we do with all this snow? It'll take for ever to melt down, and we do plan to run the 10k race March 27, don't we?

How are we supposed to get proper training?

And don't give me that treadmill talk…

Anyway, I'm getting started. Today we invented a new sport, my husband and I. You have to tell me what we should name it, but what you do is that you drag kids on sledges and run. The dad gets a 6-yearold and a 4-yearold and the mom a 2-year old on a snow racer.

Up the hill, again and again.

At least it's a start, don't you think?

Day 1 – Restart!

2010-03-05T21:05:00.005+01:00

Dear G, it's nearly exactly a year since we started this blog. We should have celebrated.

Today I'm doing a restart. A new 100 days club, with lots of good ideas and goals.

It's also almost two months since my last entry, and there is so much I need to tell you about this extraordinary winter. And about you – like your brave 30 k cross country skiing with thousands of native swedes (read native x-country skiiers).

But it's bedtime, so for now, I'll just say: Yes, there is gold at the end of the rainbow!

A Little Warmer In The Afternoon

2010-01-06T22:16:00.004+01:00

Only -15° at 2 pm.

Spring is getting closer.

Right now – 17° C

2010-01-06T09:12:00.011+01:00

I don't want a treadmill.

I don't want a dirty gym full of viruses.

I want nature.

I want sun.

I want to run free as a bird.

My running project is about freedom, not about paying fees.

Go away, Sibirian winter!

I want to find out when running turns from inspiring, developing to insane, and then stay at the right side of the border.

Sane: between -10° and +20° C?

Between -6° and +24°?

Colder? Or warmer?

Where goes the line?

And who can tell?

Sibiran Weather Extreme

2010-01-05T16:41:00.011+01:00

Dear Reader, who am I to complain?

The "Sibirian Weather Extreme" holds Europe in a state of chock.

In Lyon the planes can't lift because of the 10 cm of snow. London is getting prepared for a snow storm and Great Britain is having its coldest winter in 100 (or is it 30?) years.

In Swedish Dalarna it's about to get colder than -44° C. And yesterday 122 people had frozen to death in Poland…

So not being able to run isn't that serious. But when I woke up this morning I felt so motivated, so I didn't think the -16° C at 9 am could stop me. But by 11 the temperature had raised only to -14°, and that is a little chilly for a mother of three. Even in her best winter gear.

The only thing that could cure the "I didn't get to run"-depression was: cookies. Classic Rutkakor (Chess Cookies), baked January 4 by people in checked shirts. Odd tradition, I know.

All of a sudden lunch was served by the chef husband, and then it was time to go snowslading with the kids. We were the only family out, and there was a little sun, so I had an "luxury ski vacation" vibe about it.

But yesterday I did go running – outdoors, on snow and ice for 40 min. The Nike+ figured it was 7.33 k and look what I bought for my shoes! Slip stoppers! Or broddar…

So the question is: will I have to find a gym with a treadmill OR will I do fine with those shoes?

No matter snow or ice?

Only the Sibiran winter knows for sure…

Still Celebrating

2010-01-01T18:45:00.006+01:00

Dear All, the worst thing happened yesterday. I fell asleep puting the kids to bed.

Woke up by the fireworks, but I was all too dizzy to have Champagne and anyway my husband had given up. He was drinking tea watching a movie… What a couple…

So instead we celebrated the New Decade for lunch.

With Toast Skagen and Champagne.

Then veggies with Risotto Milanese Cookies.

Some salami.
And more Champagne.

Finished it with coffee and chocolate truffles with Atlantic Sea Salt.

No, we didn't make

it through the door today.

It was – 10.

And I'm not sure I'm going to be a professional Half Marathon Runner.

Making Plans For A New Decade

2009-12-31T17:49:00.005+01:00

Dear G, the year is almost over and it's time for a summery.

Small picture: I didn't quite make my goal for 2009: 100 runs and 600 k. Aspecially not since it became so cold and slippery. Today I fell even walking to the close fishshop buying lobster and other new years stuff.

Big picture: I became a runner. We both became runners and yes, we changed our lives in 100 days. Unbelievebly much so.

And even bigger: this decade gave me three wonderful babies and what more could I ever ask for? I got a new profession and published another two books. Next decade there will be many more. Books, not kids.

And I'm making new plans. This is me, photographed by my 4-yearold son, comparing running programs for the half marathon.

My ambitions are high, but I'm also trying to stay realistic.

Which is so much more difficult…

Not quite knowing if I succeded or not my new goals can be seen under my mini.

I wish you all the best and a happy new decade!

Are you starting it skiing?

Running for Paris Marathon?

Keep me posted…

Love,

Freezing X-mas

2009-12-27T11:35:00.007+01:00

Dear G (how are you?), I have a long story to tell you about something I heard just before X-mas. Will add it later. For now: it's been cold. And beautiful. At times, very cold.

- 13° even at 10? That is too cold for running, isn't it? Anyway, this particular day I had to hurry in to town to buy X-mas gifts.
I did run at X-mas Day in brand new pants, jacket and gloves and the snow made it so heavy, but my Mini is pissed off. Hope that you'll are having the most wonderful, relaxed, warm, stylish and tender Chrismas. We are! Love, C

Best Run Ever?

2009-12-18T13:50:00.005+01:00

– 6 ° C, no wind, blue sky – and sunshine!

The Nike+ says I ran 6.33 on 34:34, (average pace 5.27), but I say:

Naah…

Running on snow is slippery and sometimes heavy, and it means taking small steps.

Nike+ apperantly knows nothing about running on snow …

But it's good training and quite heavy, so maybe it's fair to call todays run at least worth 6.33…

Or it will make up for the unfortune calibration I had in July and August.

Anyway: thought the fingers were a bit cold and I need a hat, but the rest of my clothes worked fine. And my new sweater is the best ever!

Didn't have time to run, but it sure made me a better mother, person, wife…

And yes, I think it was one of the best runs, ever!

Couch Potato & Gravad Lax

2009-12-17T10:24:00.013+01:00

Dear reader, as you can see my Mini is complaining. It's been 12 days since my last run, and in two days it won't even move. Looks like I won't succed with my goal of 100 k before X-mas eve either …

Today L is back in preschool, so I do have an opportunity to run, but…

This is no running weather, is it? The newspapers that have sense for drama says "keep of the streets, don't go out walking" and that the "the cold keeps on craving casualties".

So I'll just use my time for the work that was supposed to be finished last week. Or was it a month ago…?

I'm also behind with all sorts of x-mas-fixing: buying gifts, baking and cooking. But yesterday I did marinate the salmon. I use the Swedish Marine Core's recipe (my brother made his service as a Marine Core chef) for Gravad Lax: 2 kg fresh salmon, 1.2 dl sugar, 0.8 dl salt, plenty of dill and white pepper. Mix sugar and salt. Gently dry the salmon with some paper. Put the salt/sugar on top, then dill and white pepper. Cut it in two. Put the thick side against the thin.

Put it a plastic bag (or two) and marinate it for 3 days (first 24 h in room temperature, next 2 days in fridge). Then you put it the freezer for 3 days (not according to the Marine, but to the Health Authorities) and take it out at least 24 h before serving. The whole thing takes 7 days, but it's so easy…

And as soon as the weather calms down…

Now What?

2009-12-15T10:56:00.004+01:00

Dear G, I was supposed to finally have time to run!

E was supposed to start a new challenge!

My new sweater is waiting!

And now what?

The Nike+ site has gone mad. It won't let E start a new challenge and registred her last run year 2099. L is home sick. And there is so much snow! It just keeps coming!

Yeah, I know that I said I would run this winter no matter the weather, but does the snow have to come this sudden? Does it have to be so much of it? I'm not prepared! And anyway, I can't run with a sick little 2-yearsold in my arms.

Hoping for more runner's luck,

Christmas Craziness

2009-12-15T10:11:00.008+01:00

Dear G, when I was a kid we used to celebrate Christmas at Christmas. Around December 24 – 27, that is. Nowadays Christmas is celebrated whenever in December. The sooner the better, they all seem to think. Though December still is the month when all work has to be finished (I need time to work!) and when so much has to be bought. No wonder people seem to think that buying is an occupation.

Thursday there was a little party at L's preschool with lussebullar (saffron buns), gingerbread and homemade apple must.

Friday morning: Luciaparty at A's school – more lussebullar and gingerbread.

Saturday: After J's gymnastic and A's tennis my parents-in-law came to celebrate Christmas, as they will be in another part of the country the actual days.

Sunday: big Christmas party at this fancy social club where my uncle is member (see pic). My mother, my aunts, uncles, sibling, cousins and cousin's and sibling's children plus the relatives of my cousins husbands – we had the traditional Swedish smörgåsbord served at Christmas – the eat all oldstyle dishes you wouldn't dream of having at home UNTIL YOU DIE or at least fall of your chair.

Monday morning: big Luciaparty at J's & L's preschool. More gingerbread and even more lussebullar.

No time for running whatsoever. So I didn't get to try the new runners shirt, I lost Emi's competition and my goal is down the drain. Why are goals so much easier to set than to keep?

Ps. This is little Santa Claus lamb is what J got in his goodie bag at the club. Isn't that a great idea for the kids' parties? No sweets in their bags, just ONE big toy? A bit expensive, but wouldn't it be nice to NOT give them more sugar after the cakes, buns, cookies and lemonade?

Rewards For Running

2009-12-10T21:35:00.006+01:00

Dear G, instead of running I went to town today. Shoped some clothes, and not for the kids! (No, that is not me in the pic, but I did buy the skirt).

I've always loved clothes shoping, but with my new size it's a real treat. I've lost weight for one size this 100 days club year, but most of all, clothing is not about hiding anymore. It's not "what can I find to hide my belly" it's: "this I like" or "this I don't like". Like buying clothes before babies, husband and marriage. Only with them I'm so much happier.

Afterwards I was hungry, and passed a restaurant that my dad had told me about. I did hear that their sushi was really good, but I had imagined something small and the opposite of glamorous. Instead I found something that made me close to religious.

They don't have any ovens, no permission to sell wine, you can't reservate a table and they only serve lunch. But the food!

I had to ask people "what are you having?" because everything looked so delicious.

This is my sushi. I might be the best I ever had in Stockholm. Not as good as Nobu, London and Nobu, New York, but really good, and so much cheaper! Cheaper than East, but much more interesting. My wallet had just been emptied, and I had to go back to work, but otherwise I could have ordered the whole menue…

Anyway: this is why I run. To be honest, I don't need races.

I run to be able to enjoy fashion and food.

Isn't that a good enough?

December Darkness

2009-12-09T21:48:00.006+01:00

Dear G, I don't when you spent your first December in Sweden, but I guess you must have been chocked by darkness.

Even me, who lived every December of my life in our just outside Stockholm – I still can't get it. It's so dark!

I leave my eldest at school at 8 am – still dark – and get home after picking up the kids from preschool and school at 4 pm – and it's night. Without the outdoor lights I wouldn't find the keys – or even the door!

Swedes try to cope with the lack of sun by lighting every candle we find (and call it Christmas), but you know what? Candles are not the sun. They are just not enough to keep the depression away.

So this is what you need to do: you have to get out at least 30 min every day at fullbright sunny noon. Because then it looks like… Like this.

Like today: instead of having a social lunch I put on my sneakers for a quick 6 k run at 11.30 am. Took this pic at 12.15, had lots of work to finish and a meating to go to, so I had to hurry back home.

The Ipod said: "This is Tiger Woods speaking. Congratulations. You've just made a new personal record for the mile."

A bit surprising, that too. He could have said: Good running, but it doesn't look like this in Florida. But they say he has bigger problems on his mind?

Without any sort of comparing with Mr Woods and his wife, I would like to say that friends are an utterly good Darkness Fatigue Fighter. Our dear reader in Lausanne came by, was so nice to the kids, and also gave me a new runner's sweater that I can't wait to try. And then my husband made us grilled salmon with yoghurt sauce, couscous, lime and broccoli, full of all sorts of vitamines. Fighting December Darkness!

ps: maybe Mr Woods should try a new hobby – cooking for his wife… ds

100 Days Winter Club & What's On

2009-12-06T17:28:00.012+01:00

Dear G, it has been cold, but I've kept on running. This particular day we had –4 C°, and I did 7.5 k. Was actually quite warm, because I put far too much clothes on.

This could be the first time in my life I run in this cold weather, maybe even the first time I run outdoors in December. Better get used to it, because I've decided to run during the whole winter. No matter snow, ice, wind, darkness – or rain.

I need to get outdoors and get some sun to stay strong during the dark months. And to run enough to be able to enjoy Christmas treats – and life!

As always I will combine running + yoga (the best of marriages). Goals: a record for the 10 k and to improve my handstand. Will explain why another day.

As I couldn't run for two weeks in November, I've restarted with what I call the Murakami method. I run nearly every day – but never very long. You should stop when you still could go on running, says Murakami. Which in my shape means between 6 and 8 k (as opposed to Murakami's 6 – 8 miles). The method made wonders end of June and still does.

Friday, the five of us had our shots against the New Flu, and I didn't really feel fit to run. Instead we baked

gingerbreads, and guess what? The dough tastes even better than the cookies, and yes, the kids do know that …

On 100 Days Autumn Club & What Happened

2009-12-06T16:54:00.011+01:00

Dear Readers (if I have any), as you've probably guessed, my dear friend G and I split up. G is currently training for 30 k cross country skiing Feb 27 and Paris Marathon (Wow!) while I have a little too many and small kids for such brave and extravagant plans.

My 100 Days Autumn Club was about running further and faster. Half a year after I started running I decided to make a personal record on the 15 k.

It was a good plan and October was a great month for running, so I kept on going longer and longer.

But then life changed, again, as it sometimes does either you like it or not. My husband and I had a sick parent each to worry about. We also had sick kids, too much work, too little sleep and too little time for ourselves. All of a sudden two weeks without running had passed, and it was end of November. And much muddier. Didn't make the 15 k, but almost.

During this private mess we had a little (or not so little) garden project, me and my husband. I ordered 28 big ligustrum for hedge planting, got the wrong type, had to buy new ones and to sell the old ones – while my husband spent the weekends mud digging. I wanted to help him, but it was too heavy. Eventually, I had to ask a man with a steam shovel to come. Life should contain many more steam shovels.

If you think I complain, I'll say that we had some of our best meals this Autumn. Here is Coq au Riesling with potatoes, one of the best courses after running in dark, rainy Swedish November. And yes, a glass of wine. As life is meant to be a pleasure!

Day 12 – 15 Green Tea – And Black

2009-10-16T09:21:00.010+02:00

Green tea is healthier. It goes better with sushi and most other Asian food. A cup of green tea can be very refreshing.

But then again, who could live without a morning Earl Grey or Sir William? Who could survive without a afternoon Darjeeling, or a cup of Lapsang, the Chinese tea that goes so well with certain books?

My heart is with the black tea. And so are my legs – all of a sudden running in miles… Yes, black team brought home the victory.

Apart from the Tea Challenge I've been working on my ability to run 15 k. Monday I ran 13.3 k on the northern side of the bay, all the Lidingöloppet trail, from the church to the goal. I'm trying to find the right pace for 15 k, and quite by mistake did a new personal record for the 10 k. Wednesday another 10 k, no record.

I like the long runs. Moving on, no stoping, the legs do what they have to do and the path just goes on and on. Who would have thought there could be so much tranquility in running?

Like having a cup of green tea.

Or black.

Day 14- Challenge Break

2009-10-14T07:03:00.001+02:00

Dear C,

I am taking a challenge break. I´m still running, still reaching for the stars...
Still thanking the 100 day club every day.

G

Day 8 – 11 On Hold With A Cold, But:

2009-10-11T18:17:00.007+02:00

Dear G, I so much wanted you to rest to get well, and as I didn't see you run I kind of thought that our club was on hold. Also my dad is sick and it's confusing to be a parent to one's parent. And time consuming …

Have also had a cold (like the rest of the family), but I just ran 5 k in the rain and it felt great. See you at Tuesday,

your brunette friend

Day 11 - Week in Review

2009-10-11T15:55:00.010+02:00

Dear C,
Today is Sunday, and tomorrow it will all begin again. I am trying to remember when I worked out, and what I have done based on my pictures.
Been in the park a few times. I know where you were running and depending on which direction you were coming from I think that was the green trail? Not really sure where the 15k run intersects. But I need to look at the map or maybe my gps one time when out. As you can see by lovely foot picture I have been fighting this old blister. Lobbing on vaseline before I run so the underlayer can grow. Yuck, I know.
Thursday evening I took the train to Uppsala for dinner so I could help entertain L´s American colleagues. First, I missed the bus, then I missed the train by 10 seconds. I ended up on this train filled with commuters who were very busy on their computers, phones or reading so it was completely quiet the entire trip-sort of nice. My lovely dinner of seafood was much more exciting than the company. Understandably Americans can get a bad rap and I have to say they were so narrow-minded and boring. I guess to come from a sunny 85 degrees to Sweden isn´t the dream trip but come on! Got home too late and had dessert of very rich chocolate cake.
Back to Saturday skating with the kids. They love it, my legs thank me until next Saturday. C and I went to a girl dinner which was fun. I drove so no wine-fairly healthy and fun but once again no time to breathe.
Picked apples from neighbors yard and then make 5 liters of apple sauce. Tastes fairly good and only a tiny pinch of sugar.
Needless to say, I still have a cold and am thinking of whether or not I may take a sick day to totally veg??
About planning the workouts I go into the week with a rough idea of what I want to do. Then, the unforseen changes may take some reworking of the original idea. Generally it would be great to say that I run 2 days and do 2 days of strength training-spinning or army bootcamp, and the yoga but it seems better to just do the best I can at the time.
I´d say I am working much harder now than before because I need more strength in my legs, and will definately need that for the ski.
Have the funny feeling that you may be in the south of Sweden? Hope all is ok.
XXOG

Day 7 – The Importance of Getting Lost

2009-10-07T09:19:00.008+02:00

Dear G, speaking to one of the fathers on preschool I realized that I didn't run the 15 k trail yesterday.

Started right, but at Långängen I took the wrong path and after a while ran I the 30 k trail instead. At this point, Killingebacken, I'm far from the 15 k.

It's a pity, because this was my favourite part of what I thought was the 15 k trail.

But now I've found a new favourite 10 k trail.

As an American you of course know that the men (no women) that discovered new parts of our planet nearly always were lost. Looking for India, finding America…

It's very important to get lost every now and then.

In every aspect of the word.

Day 5 – 6 Planning For Blossom

2009-10-06T21:09:00.008+02:00

Dearest G, do you remember how we, when we did our first 100 days club almost four years ago, planned our exercise for the coming week on Sundays? And e-mailed the plan to each other?

At that point we had my old friend Sven as our PT and consultant, and he and I made up the rules together (mostly he, to be honest). The planning was certainly his idea, and I never really liked it. I like to live life as it comes, and as a mother of a baby and a toddler following plans was very difficult. And therefore depressing.

But now that we don't have any babies, perhaps planning could be to our advantage?

This week I actually have a plan. It is to explore the 15 k trail of Lidingöloppet. Today I ran its first third, and getting there and back made about nine. So to reach magic 10 I did some pace training on our street. Later this week I plan to explore the remaining 10.

And I must say it is a beautiful trail. Like this place, south of the bay, where you can see over the water, the woods and the northern part of the island.

I remember that Sven said that we should go for the 15 k competition instead of the murder 10, and for next year I certainly agree.

I also have a plan for you: why don't you just concentrate on getting well? And on work? It's not the end of the world if you don't run for a week. Remember this April when I couldn't run for a whole month? What is a week compared to that?

You know that in the end of those seven week you will have run farther than I anyway.

Another plan: to make a beautiful spring garden and to get those tulip bulbs in the soil.

But when? The days, as you say, get shorter and shorter and between work and sleep and picking up kids there is so much laundry to keep up with. Where does it all come from?

I haven't been to the yoga for three weeks now, and I miss it so much. It's exactly what I need – training strength, flexibility and balance, together with some letting go of responsibility. I agree that it is a lot of stress to go there, and Tuesday afternoons I always feel that I need to be home with my lovely kids+husband.

But all the amazing knowledge that our teacher has and learning the poses gives me inspiration for the rest of the week. And relaxation, concentration and mindfullness, even if it seems like she hasn't time for that during the class. The hard work pays off, even if it doesn't happen right there and then.

It's like with the tulip bulbs.

You plant.

And then, much later, it blossoms.

WORKOUT 10 k, homestyle yoga, for once without kids.

Ps. CJ thinks I bought ugly tulips. He only appreciates the white ones.

But I'm not planning for the expected.

I'm planning for the extraordinary.

And I do worry about you.

Day 6- Best Intentions

2009-10-06T20:25:00.003+02:00

Dear C,

I met these 3 babies this morning. You have to look closely at the picture to see them but they seemed very happy at the ungodly hour of 6.

As we have spoken about trying the run before work- it just never seemed like a good idea until this week. When I realized that I do not have enough time or light to get out. Especially on a yoga night.

After having my ears ache and a cold since Lidingö loppet I thought I felt better...but now I can hardly hear and my head is full! UGH.

Yoga has been a bit of a flop. It is much more of a struggle than I thought it would be. Leif getting home on time, mtgs, and sickness. I hate to think of wasting the money, stretching and peace of mind.

What is up with the TV tax? That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of. They call my mobile all the time and I tell them that I don´t believe in TV. It´s a conspiracy that I will not be part of. What is the argument for it-please enlighten me.

Impossible to be sick this week. Have staff in London are covering for each other...

XXG

Day 4 – Cinnamon Bun Day It Is!

2009-10-04T20:28:00.009+02:00

Dear G, marriage has its sides. As you know my husband is not only a brilliant chef and an excellent sommelier, he is also a heavy cinnamon bun addict. His abuse is so serious that he considers people that eat less than two cinnamon buns during a meating wimps. And that three cinnamon buns a day is a perfectly normal diet.

And now we are talking about the big cinnamon buns of Valhallabageriet that we (at home) cut in 4 pieces.

As you also know this "diet" keeps him very slim, while I have put on a rather large number of extra kilos since we met.

So married to this man I have to watch out.

But of course we also celebrated Kanelbullens dag, even though we didn't bake as you did. Maybe it was a good thing that we didn't, because then I'm not sure I would have stopped after having two.

My dear husband also made us Rosemary Sausages with truly Parmesan-heavy Italian Risotto for lunch, and Veal Steak with chanterelles, fried potatoes and a creamy Calvados sauce for dinner – so yes, it was a good thing that I went out running.

Thought it looked so cold and rainy, so I took my storm- and rainjacket, which was a bit of an exaggeration. Hate being too warm while running, and hate even more to have a jacket jumping around my waist.

WORKOUT: hilly 6.45 k. Did yoga with all the kids afterwards, including hand standing against a wall.

PS 1: Isn't it American to celebrate all kinds of special days? If not: I agree that Kanelbullens dag is among the silliest. But also the nicest…

PS 2: My 4-year old son asked "What gift does the cinnamon bun get on its day?" And replied the question himself: "A glass of milk".

Day 4- Kanelbullens Dag!

2009-10-04T19:37:00.005+02:00

Dear C,

I´m certainly no expert on making these but L went to the country house to take the boat out of the water so the girls and I made an effort. What are all these silly little days here in Sweden? No Swede should ever complain about Santa or Valentines day because Kanelbullens dag is right up there.

I ate two and had 2 coffees (obviously we believe in Santa).

Legs still in pain & cold worse than ever! No working out, just laundry.

Grumpy,

XXG

Day 3 – Goals & Dreams

2009-10-04T12:21:00.005+02:00

Dear G, these are my goals for our 50 days Autumn club:

1. To be able to run 15 k without stoping or walking.

2. To look good in this skirt.

Ps. Even if I not quite get the star jumps (they seem terrifying) – I'm very impressed with the boot camp training.

Day 3 - A much needed Saturday

2009-10-03T17:26:00.004+02:00

Dear C,

I am sitting by the fire, cozying up. My cold is still thriving and every muscle in my body hurts. This I don´t think is from the cold but instead from my Army workout yesterday. It is quite random but I heard through a friend about an American ex-marine who is does his version of an Army fitness regime. I thought I´d try and encourage some people from work to do it after school one day per week. So I volunteered to meet him and try it out. We met at Gardet betwee the American football goals (as it was fitting). I´d say I felt pretty good about it for the first 30 miutes. Then when he had me doing star jumps. That is not what he called it but in my field hockey days we called it that. Anyway it is really hard jumping up into a squat and then pushing your legs out and then literally jumping back up. My legs could do no more but I had to go on-after all he was a marine and I didn´t want to seem like a whimp. What I got out of it was that it is going to take more than running to get ready for the 30k ski. I need more total body strength and endurance. This leads me to the next 47 days and goals:

With the change in seasons I want to be realistic-especially when the clocks change. With work and the kids it will require some change. Including running some on a treadmill when necessary. I ready an inspiring nytimes article about running on the treadmill. Of course it is silly to compare Baghdad and Sweden but they both have extremes! So spinning, and strength training are in order. In addition, sitting in the sauna which will help relax muscles and keep me warm!

With this there are some things that are expected: like the disappearance of my spare tire. Also, I am going to stretch stretch and stretch some more! The comfort of my couch, a lovely fire, and some red wine and chocolate should come in moderation.

Today, I got out hoping that the run would help. No pain no gain. Right now it doesn´t feel that way...

PS Not sure about the army fitness. Will keep you posted,

Day 2 – Brrr!

2009-10-02T19:00:00.005+02:00

Dear G, it was so cold today! Frost on the car, no thing to get rid of it, no gloves when they all of a sudden are needed.

And the gym was a flop. So I'll just stick to running.

Ran a little more than 6k, but I need warmer running clothes.

What are your goals for the 50 days club, G?

And how about our Canadian friends?

Are you there?

Can you hear us?

Day 1 – Autumn Soup

2009-10-01T21:40:00.007+02:00

Hi dear G, I planned to start this 50 days club with a inspiring picture of the lovely colourful Autumn Soup that the kids and I made for dinner. But I forgot to take a picture. Which was a real shame as I, apart from the 2-, 4- and 6-yearold assistants, also had two dishwasher-fixers lying on the floor as I cooked. They were about 1.95 tall each. You should have seen us…

And no, they're not done, because they needed a carpenter to finish the work.

Planned to start with a nice 10k run, but had too much work to do and also a cold. With CJ coughing and L waking up a 1000 times per night because of the cold I'd pay anything for a cold vaccine. Isn't it strange there still is no cure for colds?

Not too healthy we had all sorts of pancakes after the soup – also quite messy.

But at least we have a dishwasher after two weeks of hand washing.

Our new runners are a surprise to me as well. I must have forgotten to make the challenge for invites only. Shall we force them live by our rules? To blog at least every other night and to do the Vasaloppet 30 k x country skiing? While taking care of preschool children, housekeeping and work at the same time?

Watch out, Happy Runner, Cbege and 2Big4Now, you have no idea what's coming up!

I thought about you and your ear and hoped you'd get a chance to relax… Didn't make it to the yoga either, but tomorrow I'm invited to try a new gym method.

Life is an adventure.

With or without 1.95 m tall dishwasher fixers lying on the floor.

Take care,

Day 1 - Perscriptions, Painkillers & Priorities

2009-10-01T21:03:00.007+02:00

Dear C,

Today is the first day I have actually moved my body since Sunday. My ears & throat hurt and my head has pounded. Tomorrow my class has their first assembly (for the parents) which is a big deal. My stress has taken a turn for the worst instead of running I ate brownies, cookies, ice cream, and who knows what else.

Thank goodness it is Oct 1st! Time to get back into the mode. This dark picture is from my evening run. It included a reflex vest, hat and mittens. What a change from a week ago! Anyway, the park is fairly well lit and you can run 3-5 km with lights. It sure helps your time to run in the dark as each shadow jumps. Not sure I like it or if I will run streets instead. But maintaining any running schedule now probably requires some running in the dark.

So who are all our challengers? Or is that part of the fun that we don´t know who they are?

Hope you are well. You should have received email saying you are officially signed up for tjejvassan. 30k baby!

XXG

Day 100 – A Great Success, Totally Murakami

2009-09-28T09:15:00.011+02:00

Dear readers, you must admit that our last 100 days club was a great success.

Like G already said: totally Murakami (if a specific Japanese author and marathon runner ever reads this – thank you for being our guru).

Ok, we might have had a little more wine than suggested at times than the rules suggested. And even more coffee… But we have both improved our snack habits. We've had less sugar, less cookies, less crap food and more food. I think…

We've been both doing some yoga, and now we're doing the powerful dynamic yoga that gives strength, flexibility and muscles. Where as the relaxing part can be made at home…

And most of all – we have been running! Mostly in sunshine (it was hot, remember?) but also in rain. In those 100 days

G ran 411.45 k

C ran 289.83 k

Together we made 701.28 k!

Finally, we made the super hilly last ten k:s of Lidingöloppet (speaking of Chinese torture…), the Lidingö tjejlopp.

C made it on 1.03.52 with a cold in her body.

G made it on 1.05.43 with an ear infection!

(Next year we'll both go under one hour…).

About my personal goals:

1. To run – not obsessed in periods, but moderate every week. On my personal goals: I was obsessed at periods, but only had one week (in delicious Denmark) without running.

2. To not let the vicious circle of bad sleep + coffee + sugar + a little too much wine take over my vacation and summer. There were many days when I had to have coffee after a messy night with my 2-yearold (or the others), but I had a lot less sugar and wine.

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. Didn't do the Tjejmilen because of sick kids, a cold and no night sleep, and regretted it so much. So it was a good thing to run the Lidingöloppet though the cold. Wouldn't have been able to do that without all the running the last 100 days.

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. Have been blogging a lot. I think it has been good for my English too.

5. I will be more serious about my yoga. Am getting more serious about the yoga. I believe yoga is the perfect wife for Mr Running.

And now new adventures are waiting. We are taking a three days break, but will be back already October 1 for a sweet little 50 days challenge.

Day 100- Congratulations!

2009-09-27T19:54:00.002+02:00

Dear C,

We did it! First goal completed. It feels good to have that done. Even with lifes obstacles it is possible.

So as you can see I rewarded myself with a nice, strong latte.

This week I will start a different kind of training. Along with the running I will bike, and attend an Army boot camp class.

Time to train the whole body, and get better strength.

Hope you are proud and feel good! Thanks for being a great friend and 100 day partner.

Totally Murakami, Until the 30th of Sept. signing off.

Gxo

Day 99 - Stressed Out!

2009-09-26T20:24:00.005+02:00

Dear C,

Where do I begin? It has been too long since I have written. My body is stressed, and I can´t seem to calm it down. My shoulders are high, the knots hurt, and for some crazy reason my ear is bleeding. It must be an ear infection but it doesn´t really hurt. Though when I think about it perhaps I have been a bit dizzy (more than the usual).

How do we become mindfull? That we can get into a zone and just let go. Yoga does this but there isn´t much time for the relaxing part in yoga she is so busy with the chinese torture. This rushing reminds me of a little story "Slowly, Slowly, Slowly," said the Sloth really a tribute to the rainforest but a question of why we rush as well.

Running does this but my body doesn´t want to now. But I will go on, and do the best I can.

Today we went shopping because the girls have been wearing too small shoes. Now they both have the same size feet, and there are no hand me downs. Then we went to löplabbet and I got new running sneakers. This may help my knots? Anyway the shopping took ages we got way more than we set out for and the kids became cranky and hungry.

Tomorrow the girls will go to a birthday party instead of watching mom run. We said they could choose and of course the thought of candy is much more fun...

So I made my 400k goal. that is nice. Hope I make 10 tomorrow!

Much more to come in the future for us!

PS I need your pers.no for registration for vassaloppet.

XXG Should we walk over together?