Weeks 6 & 7- Politics, Pools and Jet Lag

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

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

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!

Dear G, I’ve been following a running 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

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

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” express 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

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

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!

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"

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?

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

Day 32 – 41 From Easter To Valborg

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

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

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!

G

PSS 2 months from today I leave for the US!

Day 27 – 29 No Cows On The Ice

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

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

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)

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

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?

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

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

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

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.