momstuff

Tuesdays on the Run: No Running

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 7 Comments

This week’s Tuesdays on the Run update will be a little less mileage-focused than usual. Why? Because last week didn’t have any runs.

Due to orders from my doctor, I’ve stopped running for the time being during this pregnancy. That’s right, just as the weather is getting nicer, I’m not running.

I’m hoping this is temporary (and it could be, pending some test results next week!) and the hiatus will be short-lived. But until then, this 32-week pregnant chick has been ordered to take it easy, rest, and stay off my feet when I can.

Am I going a little stir crazy? Just a little … but I know this is not only for my health but for the health of baby #2, so I’m listening to my doctor and playing it safe.

In the meantime, go out for a run for me! And sign up for a race. And if you’re planning on running the Cleveland Marathon or any of the events this may (half marathon, 5k, 8k 10, 1 mile (new!) or kids run, use the code MCCLE10 for 10% off your entry fee. I’m an ambassador for the race, so I get to have fun discounts AND I’ll have a giveaway coming up!

Some questions for you:

  • Are you running any races this spring?
  • What’s the longest you’ve taken off from running?

Linking up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs!

Tuesdays on the Run: Ups and Downs

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 6 Comments

The theme for last week is “ups and downs.” It was one of those weeks that had a few good days (two outdoor runs), but then there were some bad days due to lack of sleep and massive headaches. Here’s where it ended up:

This week’s running highlights:

The ups: I got outside two days for a run and those days the weather was pretty good.

The downs: Those were the only real runs this week.

I’ve been plagued recently by some serious headaches. They started slightly last weekend, but have been getting worse as the days go on. On Wednesday’s run, about 1.5 miles in, I felt one come on; let’s just say it was a painful run home. Thursday, I opted to walk a little bit to see if this would help – I started out painfree but about a mile or so in, started feeling the pain again. The same thing happened Friday. And Saturday, I didn’t even attempt to run – I pretty much woke up with the headache. I’m thinking I have a sinus infection, since the pain is pretty much only in my sinuses, but I’m sick of them! I can’t wait to get out and run without a headache again.

Some questions for you:

  • Any headache or sinus infection cures?
  • If you’re not running, do you try to get in walks?

Linking up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs!

Tuesdays on the Run: Running for TWO

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 8 Comments

Yes, in case you missed last week’s announcement or were still unsure by the title, I’m pregnant with baby #2 and trying to keep up my running. We’ll see how it goes, but if anything, I’ll be sharing the journey again here!

Here’s how last week went:

The week’s running highlights:

The week started off STRONG! I got in my longest and fastest (in a while) run on Sunday with B and FW. It was SO great being outside with the 2 of them, while B pushed FW in the stroller. We had plans to do 3-4 miles, and then when we got to 4, I told B that I hadn’t run 5 miles in a long time, so he suggested we just keep going. So we did.

We ran around some local lakes and then found another path that I’d never been to before and ran through there.

Miles 1-1.5  were okay, miles 1.5-3 were rough but I got a second wind a little after mile 3 and felt good enough to finish strong.

The rest of the week was just so-so in terms of running. Pregnant running his time around has been much harder, not sure if it’s because I’m so tired with FW or because this winter has been so cold and snowy, or a combination of the both. The rest of the week I mostly walked/ran on the treadmill.  I’m hoping to get outside again though soon.

I definitely need to raid B’s drawer for some workout tops!

Some questions for you:

  • Are you running any races this spring?
  • Do you like running on your birthday?

Linking up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs!

Tuesdays on the Run: Birthday Week Runs

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 7 Comments

Last week was my birthday week! My birthday was on Tuesday, and though we celebrated the weekend before, I also got to celebrate a little on the day-of with a birthday run (and semi-nice weather!) and birthday dinner. Here’s how last week looked:

The week’s running highlights:

I got in TWO runs outside! Monday morning it was drizzly but semi-warm and for the first time the snow and ice we had gotten the past few weeks had melted and I felt safe running outside. And because it was warm (40s-50s), running in the rain felt pretty amazing.

And Tuesday – my birthday – I got in another run outside! It made the best birthday gift to be outside, wearing capris, and running 4+ miles.

The rest of the week I stayed inside, but stuck to the treadmill in the mornings and still got in a few miles. Which is important – I’m trying to build a good base this winter so when it gets warm again, I’ll be back outside and running more again!

Speaking of being outside – here’s a friendly reminder, if you’re planning on running the Cleveland Marathon or any of the events this may (half marathon, 5k, 8k 10, 1 mile (new!) or kids run, use the code MCCLE10 for 10% off your entry fee. I’m an ambassador for the race, so I get to have fun discounts AND I’ll have a giveaway coming up!

Some questions for you:

  • Are you running any races this spring?
  • Do you like running on your birthday?

Linking up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs!

Tuesdays on the Run: Stuck Inside

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 3 Comments

The theme for last week is “BRRR.” Really – this past week was frigid. The high most days was less than 10 degrees, with wind chills making it much, much colder. When the “feels like” temps are in the negative teens, it’s very hard to go running outside.

Still, I got in a few run/walks on my new treadmill and made it to just over 20 miles for the week.

Check out my new watch! It was a gift from B for Christmas and I LOVE it. After my FitBit broke down AGAIN (4 times!), I knew it was time for something better. And so far, I’m loving this beautiful Garmin.

And — introducing my other BIG gift. My treadmill! It’s thanks to this, that I had been able to get in any runs this week. 

ALSO – I’m so excited to share that once again I’ll be returning as an Official Ambassador for the 2018 Cleveland Marathon! I reapplied this year and feel so so so fortunate to be able to represent this great race.

Check out some of the other ambassadors – their names and blogs are all here.

As an ambassador, I will receive free race admission AND get race admission to give away to you, so stay tuned. Also, stay tuned for information on my training and which race(s) I’ll be running. (See here for my recap of last year’s race – I did the 8k/half marathon challenge!)

Some questions for you:

  • Do you have any spring races on your radar yet?
  • Did you stay inside or brave the cold on your runs this week?

Linking up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs!

Keeping Warm in the Burbs

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 9 Comments

It was another COLD weekend here in Cleveland. The temps were highs in the single digits, with windchills making it much much colder. It made it hard to want to go outside, but as you can imagine, with an 18-month-old energetic boy, staying inside all weekend is not an option.

Some highlights from the past few days:

FW had his 18-month checkup. He’s still a little guy, but everything looks a-okay. Plus his doctor’s office is decorated with jungle animals, which he quite enjoys!

FW and B made breakfast over the weekend! Scrambled eggs and some local nitrate-free bacon from a local butcher.

It was delicious!

We stayed bundled up inside and outside.

And even ventured out to Ohio City for lunch and a trip to the Market.

Jambalaya soup for me 🙂 

A few minutes in the snow.

Then it was back inside for some baking. FW likes these muffins and they’re pretty healthy – they’re spinach and banana. 

Yes, FW likes these – a fistful in his mouth!

I also made some almond butter. We had been running low and spending time indoors gave me some time to do so. 

I took Saturday off from exercise, but I did get a few miles – inside – on Sunday. It “warmed up” but was still “feels like -1” with winds 15 mph and higher, so I decided to stay inside. I am so so so grateful for my treadmill – I’ve been getting in many miles this week with it!

Also, while staying inside this weekend, B and I got up to speed on Game of Thrones. OMG … I can’t believe I will have to wait until 2019 for the next (and final!) season to come out.

So now we wait.

Some questions for you:

  • Do you watch Game of Thrones?
  • Were you stuck inside this weekend?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps!

Getting in the Holiday Spirit

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 2 Comments

I can’t believe how fast December is flying by – and I don’t mind it one bit! I love the holidays and with each day that passes, we are one day closer to going home and seeing my family for the holidays.

This weekend I started feeling in the holiday spirit – mainly because it included some COLD weather, baking and gingerbread house making!

I started off the weekend and made this graham cracker toffee from Two Peas and their Pod and she’s right – it’a addicting! 

Before the flurries hit us, I also got in a run this view. I feel lucky to live so close to a path that runs along some lakes.

Saturday included a LOT of errands. We went to Target to do some holiday shopping for our adopt a family, Old Navy for some more adopt a family (and FW) shopping, Home Depot and then out to lunch. It had been a while since I went to Boaz and I still love their bowls!

That afternoon, we made some sauce and then B made homemade pizza. We bought some all beef pepperoni at a local butcher shop and OMG it is so good. What a difference it makes.

That night, B and I also caught up on some Game of Thrones (we are lost done with the season!) after FW went to bed. I never would’ve thought I would like the show – but I really do enjoy it too much!

Sunday was our Ladies Craft Beer Society holiday brunch! Nicole hosted and we made gingerbread houses. FW got to hang out with some of his other baby friends and semi help make the gingerbread house … can that be my excuse as to why it doesn’t look so great? 😉

The rest of the day included a little walk and playing in the “snow” we had gotten (just a dusting from Winter Storm Benji) before dinner with B’s family.

We had brownie sundaes for dessert. I strongly believe that it is never too cold for ice cream.

Some questions for you:

  • Did you get any snow this weekend?
  • What’s your favorite dessert?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps!

Some Weeks You Don’t Run As Much

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 6 Comments

It was a pretty ordinary week of running here. In fact, it was a little low – I only was able to get out 4 days this week, which is the fewest days I’ve been out in some time. Here’s how this week turned out:

Some of the highlights from this week:

The beginning of the week started with some warmer-than-usual weather. Meaning, it was in the 40s, and I got to wear capris 3 days in a row. I rocked my Cleveland Marathon capris AND Skirt Sports Redemption capris (I love the stargaze print!).

Work has been pretty busy lately, and unfortunately that has been interfering with my runs. Thursday I had a 6+ hour car trip, plus work, so a run didn’t happen. And the other days I was up late working, making getting up at 5 a.m. to run pretty hard. This week will also be another relatively low week – B was out of town over the weekend and Monday, and I wasn’t able to get out for a run with just FW. That being said, it’s almost time for my vacation, so I’m hoping to get some more runs in soon!

Some questions for you:

  • How do you balance life + work + running when one gets busy?
  • What is your favorite season for running?

Linking up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs!

Tuesdays on the Run: A Connecticut Turkey Trot

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 7 Comments

Happy Tuesday! This week was a pretty low mileage week, mainly due to spending time with family for the holidays, plus 20+ hours in the car 3 days this week. But, I was still able to get out and get in a few runs, including a run in NY and a Turkey Trot in Connecticut! Here are some of the miles:

And some of the highlights:

I got to run with B and FW twice this week! We ran together Wednesday before our car trip and Thursday for the Turkey Trot. AND B even pushed the stroller both times, so I just got to run along next to them.

Post Turkey Trot:

Also, I was able to run on a beautiful and “warm” (40s) day in New York when I was home. I got in a few miles while FW was at a playground with my parents. And I finished up and met up with them!

Also, I saw this floating around on the Instas and had to share it in case you haven’t seen it. Ha! I’m so happy I married into a family where my spouse is up for the crazy turkey day running tradition with me 🙂

View this post on Instagram

Can I get a clause against this in my prenup?

A post shared by Betches Media (@betches) on

Some questions for you:

  • Did you run a Turkey Trot?
  • How cold has the weather been near you?

Linking up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs!

Early Turkey and Game Night

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 3 Comments

Happy short week!! I’m so excited for Thanksgiving and to see my family this week that I almost didn’t get a weekend update post up … but have no fear – here it is! Hope you all had a great weekend as well.

My Friday started a little early- FW had a Thanksgiving lunch at school so I decided to take a half day to stop by the lunch and spend the rest of the afternoon with him.  This meant enjoying some early turkey and stuffing (me – not FW.. he stuck to a banana, roll and cookie #pickyeater)

And then we spent part of the afternoon outside. It  was nearly 50 degrees so it was fun playing around in our backyard.

Friday night, the three of us went out to Aladdins and had some Lebanese food for dinner. FW loves hummus, so he was content for a little while.

And then after FW went to bed, B and I finally watched a movie that had been on our list forever- Get Out.

Saturday morning started with a walk to Stone Oven for pastries and Phoenix for coffee. FW has started liking croissants so we split three of them – forgot to take a photo until after the first few bites. They were delicious – cinnamon, ham & cheese and almond!

The day ended up being mostly rainy after that, so after a trip to the West Side Market to get some food, we pretty much hung out inside and read.

That night we had plans to head to B’s brother and sister-in-law’s house for a sibling family game night! We played Scattregories and Trivial Pursuit. My team won categories but didn’t win trivial pursuit. Believe it or not, the answer to last question in trivial pursuit was “Finland” and the question when to my Finnish sister-in-law. Needless to say, she knew the answer before the questions was fully read 🙂 What are the odds?!

FW hanging out with his cousins during game night

Sunday morning we slept in a little (even FW did after being out so late for game night!), and started the day with some pancakes. B made us pancakes on our new griddle, and I had one with an egg and toast. Sweet and savory breakfasts are the best, don’t you agree?

The rest of the day was pretty gloomy with rain and snow, so we stayed inside most of the day. We played hide and seek (okay, we really just played where FW hid in the cabinets) …

And did a lot of cleaning. It felt good to clean the kitchen and part of our bathrooms. And of course, there was a lot of reading and coloring. FW loves books so much- I think we ready at least 13 books this weekend (or at least a few of them 13 times!).

Even with the cold and less-than-stellar weather, it was a pretty good weekend. And now, the countdown to Thanksgiving!

Some questions for you:

  • What are your Thanksgiving plans? Are you hosting? Traveling?
  • Have you ever played Scattergories?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps.