Oooooh Canada!

After running the Vancouver Half Marathon, we went on a vacation around British Columbia. We stayed in Vancouver for a few extra days to visit friends. Molly and their kid were very smitten with each other.  There were hugs, shoves and kisses as per the normal course for an almost 3 year old and an 18 month old.



Our friends had us over for dinner two nights in a row which was a delight! Lindz is an excellent cook and their house gave Molly plenty of room to get her wiggles out. The hotel room was constraining her wiggling.



Lindz also took us to the beach, Spanish Banks which was awesome! It was low tide so we were able to go really far out and the kids looked for crabs. The 3 year old was unfortunately pinched by one. He had the saddest look on his face when he was re-telling us the story; one which he shared quite a few times as the crab pinching was traumatic.



After leaving Vancouver, we headed via ferry to the Sunshine Coast to stay up in Halfmoon Bay at Rockwater Secret Cove Resort. The Sunshine Coast is a beautiful place and a wonderful place to hike, relax, bike and take in the beauty.



It was still early in the season so our family hike to Smuggler Cove was unfortunately cut short due to excessive water over the path.



Molly hiked most of Smuggler Cove by herself which made me really proud of her. It also meant that we wore her out which is our goal every single day. We don't always attain it but when we do, it is a thing of beauty.



There were a few areas of the hike that Scott ended up carrying Molly on due to safety concerns. The bridges didn't have railings on both sides and Molly is a curious child. The swampy water was not something I wanted to dive into so I could fish Molly out.



Toward the end of the hike, we decided to put her in the Beco Gemini so I could carry her the rest of the way. In typical toddler fashion, this led to a breakdown and photos by her mean parents. Luckily I was able to calm her with some bouncing and singing but really Molly just wants to run free and doesn't understand why sometimes her parents don't want her to run free.



Overall the hike was BEAUTIFUL! I wish we could have made it all the way out to the cove but the water was getting deeper and the hike-around was down a steep cliff which felt impossible with Molly.



On our way back, we ran into a local who suggested that we head down to Sargeant Bay Beach where we could enjoy our lunch and Molly could run wild.  The beach was beautiful and we saw an Eagle resting on the beach. It was HUGE!



Molly spent her time collecting pine cones and rocks at the beach. She had a delightful time. We ended up eating our lunch in the car as the weather turned while we were at the beach and it was chilly. It was a gorgeous beach though and we're thankful for the local who gave us the tip to go there.



The resort had a beautiful looking pool so I decided to take Molly swimming. She loves swimming and I thought it would be a fun activity for all of us. The pool was glacier cold though. Molly didn't seem to mind but after about 10 minutes, my teeth were chattering and I was covered in goosebumps. Brrrrrr!



After a few days on the Sunshine Coast, we headed up to Whistler. We arrived at the ferry a bit too early so Scott spent the hour wait, teasing me about my promptness. We did not miss the ferry so he can thank me for that! In fact, we were the first car on the ferry and had a great view.



BC Ferries have kids play rooms and they are GREAT! Molly had some time to play with other kids and run off some of her energy. We needed her tired for the drive up to Whistler. Luckily we wore her out and she slept most of the ride up the mountain.



We spent one quick night in Whistler but it was fun. They have some really nice activities for kids and a nice park. We spent a lot of time on the swings with Molly. She likes to yell, Wheeeeee! as she swings now which is adorable.



Once we arrived in Whistler, we enjoyed some Gelato which meant that Molly enjoyed it all over her stroller and outfit. Scott and I were a bit neater and didn't smear ice cream all over.



After leaving Whistler, we stopped in Bellingham to visit Scott's cousin. She's attending university there and we wanted to take her out to dinner. It was so nice to see her and to watch her with Molly. They have a great time together.



We arrived home late on Friday and the cats greeted us with excitement. I think they were even happy to see Molly. They had a great time with their cat sitter but they love Scott so much and miss him when he's gone. We are now settling back into the everyday and getting back to a healthy diet. There was a lot of grease and chocolate consumed on the trip but it was tasty.

Ran Like a MOTHER!

I started my second Mother's Day with the Run Like a Mother 5K and it was so much fun! Two of my friends from PEPS also did the race and they also had a blast. The course was all terrain from concrete to gravel, dirt and even a wooden bridge over a stream. We covered it all. 



My morning started out with a breakfast of eggs and toast made by Scott. We then headed over to Warren G. Magnuson Park for the 5K. The parking was tight but since this was a small race, we were able to quickly find it and then locate my friends. 

Scott and Molly headed off to the park and I headed to the start line. The atmosphere at the start line was full of fun. There were all types of Moms there from Mother/Daughter teams, stroller sets and even some pregnant runners. 



I started out the run with my friend, Teresa. We sprinted away from the start and I quickly knew that I had started out TOO FAST! I tried to keep up the pace but then panted to Teresa, "GOOO (gasp) AHEAD (gasp)!" After she ran off, I slowed my pace but kept running. I wanted to try to run the entire first mile but that didn't happen. The first mile felt SOOOOOOO LOOOOOONG! Laurie commented on that too. I think after running 13.1 miles a week before and then not doing anything at all for the rest of the week, my legs were not ready for the first mile. 



I got to the first mile marker and felt strong. I pretty much ran the entire second mile which felt great. As I approached mile three, I wanted to walk but a volunteer (a young teenager) would not allow that. He yelled, "YOU CAN NOT WALK PAST ME! YOU MUST RUN!" It was just the motivation I needed. I kept running. 

The signs along the course were getting more motivational as the finish line approached. At about 2.9 miles, two girls sprinted across the field toward their Mom who was just in front of me. They said they were going to run their Mom in. It was the sweetest thing ever. 



I run toward the finish line and one sign made me laugh. It said, "The finish line is near and so are your kids". My friends and I later commented that the sign might not be the right motivation depending on how your kids were acting that day. 



Scott and Molly were waiting for me right before the finish line so I made sure to look super fast as I ran by. I'm not sure that Molly was impressed with my running. I think she just wanted to be back at the park in the swings. It still is nice to have two such dedicated fans cheering me on when I run. 



I came in around 43 minutes and learned that the first finisher came in around 17 minutes. WHOA! Go Momma! That is zooooooom impressive. 

I found my friends after the race at the playground and we chatted about the race. Then Molly, Scott and I headed to Top Pot Doughnuts for some doughnuts. Heck, it was Mother's Day and I ran a 5K. I was having a doughnut.  It was a good one. My friend Laurie was also there. Molly mooched some doughnut off Laurie before settling in for her own very large doughnut. The kid was hyped up on sugar! It is a good thing she doesn't get doughnuts very often. 

After enjoying our sugary feast, we headed home where Molly took a 2.5 hour nap. After she woke up, we enjoyed dinner with my brother, SIL and their baby girl. It was nice celebrating my SIL's first Mother's Day with her. Molly loved seeing her cousin who is growing up so fast! She's working on crawling and I suspect she'll be there soon. Molly is going to love her mobility. 

Sunday Favorites

Happy Mother's Day! How will you be spending this day? I'm running the Run Like a Mother 5K and eating donuts. Enjoy my favorites while I do this!

1. week two hundred & five, 2. Hello, there! #pigeon #Waikiki, 3. Our beautiful, strong, loyal boys., 4. shop till your bike drops, 5. HipstaPrint, 6. Spring, 7. I cut and chop, she dumps it in. #shrimpstirfry, 8. pour le plaisir, 9. Untitled, 10. IMG_1426, 11. Sideways Shawl, 12. on my desk..., 13. Untitled, 14. Just some more swoopy hair is left., 15. 5 Days in May, 16. View from the orange corral. Ready to run! #bloomsday #spokane, 17. I took an epic hike with @cliftonburt yesterday evening., 18. Aloha, Oahu! Waz up?, 19. Currently: Waikiki Beach. #jellyfish, 20. progress on my hexagons..., 21. day 124/365, 22. IMG_16121, 23. Everything is awesome. Hella Vegan, 24. Finished my Sideways Shawl at #NESCBWI13 !!, 25. Soprano Rebecca L. Hargrove

April Photo a Day

I'm a few days late showing this but here are my April Photo a Days. I'm continuing on with May! I get all of my photo prompts from FatMumSlim. Come join us!

1. Play #fmsphotoaday Molly and I play a lot!, 2. Blue #fmsphotoaday this blue bowl used to hold decorative pieces. Now it is yet another container for toys., 3. Starts with A #fmsphotoaday Apples and Avocados, 4. This happened today #fmsphotoaday Molly discovered the train table at the pool., 5. Something Good #fmsphotoaday My wee cherry tree is in full bloom glory!, 6. Air #fmsphotoaday Playing in the fresh, cold air this morning., 7. Dreamy #fmsphotoaday, 8. On my plate #fmsphotoaday we had buffalo chicken salad for dinner., 9. Tiny #fmsphotoaday my wardrobe only has the tiniest bit of color., 10. A Place #fmsphotoaday At the doctor's with the whiny sick child., 11. Detail #fmsphotoaday, 12. In The Middle #fmsphotoaday Kato always lies in between Scott & I after Molly goes to bed., 13. View from my bed #fmsphotoaday there always seems to be a cat butt in my view., 14. Water #fmsphotoaday, 15. Alone #fmsphotoaday I am never alone anymore but when I am, I knit, read and catch up on Ravelry., 16. Favorite Color #fmsphotoaday I don't really have a favorite color but if I did, it might be pink!, 17. Busy #fmsphotoaday Molly is a busy, busy little girl., 18. Hello #fmsphotoaday oh hai!, 19. Button #fmsphotoaday Selecting buttons for Molly's re-do sweater., 20. On my mind...#fmsphotoaday, 21. Fire #fmsphotoaday This Liesl Cowl is on fire!, 22. Blur #fmsphotoaday Molly was a blur of energy at gymnastics today., 23. Time #fmsphotoaday Tonight was my monthly happy hour with my PEPS ladies. It was time for a beer., 24. Someone I saw today #fmsphotoaday I saw Miss Molly all day. She was full of vigor and toddlerness., 25. Life is ... Fun and Messy! #fmsphotoaday, 26. Childhood #fmsphotoaday is playing in the sand on the beach., 27. Earth #fmsphotoaday secret kitty!, 28. My Sunday #fmsphotoaday Ran 8 miles then came home to this adorable child who was full of adventure!, 29. What I wore #fmsphotoaday it was chilly today so I bundled up with my new Lucy sweatshirt, 30. Glasses #fmsphotoaday I need to wear my reading glasses more.31. Not available32. Not available33. Not available34. Not available35. Not available36. Not available

Favorite Salad Recipes

The sun has arrived here in the Pacific Northwest in the last week and I have really started craving some salads! 

I've been checking out all the food blogs for their salad suggestions and I'm addicted to the Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad from Gimme Some Oven.



I can't wait to make the Fig & Frico Prosciutto Salad with Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette from Iowa Girl Eats



And I'm also looking forward to trying this Strawberry, Avocado & Tofu Summer Salad from Daily Garnish. Though let's be honest, I'll probably sub chicken for the tofu. 



What are some of your favorite summer salad recipes/tips? This salad hungry girl needs them! 

Pinterest Thursday - Need Your Advice!

With so many cool things on Pinterest, I'm having a hard time narrowing down which projects to do next and this means that I'm not actually doing any of the projects. I'm just pinning like a mad woman and making lots of plans in my head.

I've narrowed down my choices to the following and I'd like to hear which pins you think I should take on next! Let me know in the comments or on Twitter. Feel free to suggest your own pins!

The Wednesday Links from Around The Web 5.8.2013 Edition

The Fiber Factor This is the coolest contest! If you aren't watching, start now!

50 Best Restaurants in 2013

High Speed Chase over a stolen iPhone

What it was like to photograph the Punk scene

Why LOL is actually a useful phrase

Quiet Moments

The quiet moments are rare with a child but they are such a delight. These are a few of  mine from the past few weeks with Molly.

Vancouver Half Marathon Race Recap

After 4 months of training, it is all over. I'm thrilled for the race to be done and I'm so happy with how I did. This may have been my slowest half marathon but I had great mile times and felt really good on the course. I felt so cheerful the entire time.



I woke up at 4:45 am, full of nerves and anticipation. I got ready and headed down to the lobby to meet some friends at 5:50. I ended up meeting another runner and we both walked to the SkyTrain station together. It was her first half marathon and I next saw her at mile one when she zoomed past, yelling "Hello Rebecca!" I can get behind that enthusiasm!



I met my friend at the train station and off we went! I was nervous about taking the train out to Cambie and finding the start but there was nothing to worry about. Everyone else on the train was going to the exact same place. I guess the train isn't a busy place at 6 am on Sunday morning. We had a long walk from the station to the start but it was a good warm-up for the race.



Laurie and I spent some time trying to use the porta-potties along with the other 10,000 runners. At 6:55, we gave up and headed up to the start line.



The race officials had said there would be corrals for the start but we lucked out and there weren't. I was thrilled because Laurie and I were in different corrals and I really wanted to start with her. She's a lot faster so I knew that would be the last time I saw her but I wanted to at least have the thrill of crossing the start together.



The race start was delayed by about 10 minutes but we finally were off! I crossed the start at 7:25 am and flew down the course. The first few miles were downhill and my legs were enthusiastic about that. I had a few 13:16 miles which were faster than any of my training runs. It's amazing how you go faster in a crowd of 10,000 people than you do alone. The buzz of the crowd pushes you. I ran straight for the first mile and a half. I usually run for 5 min and walk for a minute but I saved that for later. I just felt like running and so I did.



Molly and Scott found me around mile 5. Molly giggled when she saw me. Scott snapped some goofy photos and they both cheered me on. Then I was off again! The course started out in Cambie and curled around to Chinatown and through Yaletown before heading into Stanley Park. The city streets were full of people cheering. They had the best signs. My favorite was "Go! Stranger Go!" and "Your Mom and I are so proud of you".



Vancouver is a beautiful city to run through and I love how you go from city to forest on the same course. Stanley Park was a welcome respite due to the heat. It was a hot day and I've been training in 45 degree weather. 65 feels super warm when you are not used to it and out running. The clear skies and sunshine was very welcome though because I've done races in the rain and those are miserable.





I finally used the port-potties around mile 10 and text Scot to let him know I was 3.1 miles away from the finish. By then, Scott had met up with some friends. One of them had run the race in sub 2:00! Our friend's kid is almost three and got to meet Molly at the finish. He is now smitten with Molly. She thought he was pretty darn awesome herself. So while the kids were having a lovefest, I was still ambling along. My miles were getting a little slower. I had a few 14:01 miles and then my longest of 16:12 at mile 11. Mike 11 was hard for me. I just wanted to be done and I was tired. My legs felt like lead and I got a little dizzy. I walked, snacked on my sports beans and drank more water. At the next water stop, I chugged some Gatorade. Then I felt better and started running again.



The chute at the finish was looooong. You could see the finish arch in the distance but it never felt like it was getting closer. The crowd along the chute was great! They cheered! Yelled out our names (our bibs had our names on them) and pushed us on. It was so appreciated at that point. The woman marathon finisher flew past me at the very end and I was impressed!



I couldn't find Scott and Molly at the end but I had gotten a text from them cheering for me so I watched that and then texted that I was heading to our meeting spot. I grabbed two bananas (I had been dreaming about them since mile 6) and a water and started walking. I got to our meeting spot but couldn't see them. I didn't trust myself to stop so I texted that I was going to the hotel and like a robot kept walking. Scott called me when I got to the hotel and they were at the finish so I headed back. It was on,y a few blocks and I think the walking helped. I met up with the group and they led me to food. Halfway through our meal, I realized I was supposed to text Laurie about lunch. Oops!



I texted Laurie and they were having lunch. She completed her race in 2:18 and I was so happy for her! What a great birthday present to herself!



All in all, I enjoyed myself and had a great time. I'm thrilled to be done with this race and don't really care that it took me a lot longer to finish than my friends. We all had a great time and we all covered 13.1 miles. My legs are still telling me about their adventure. I plan to rest them this week. Then I'm running a 5k on Mother's Day because it sounded like fun.

Race Stats:
3:18:30 Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
1:34:50 Halfway (6.5 miles)

Sunday Favorites

Today is RACE DAY! While I'm out running 13.1 miles, enjoy a few of my favorite images from Flickr this week. And if you can, please send me some good running vibes! 

1. please summer, 2. rob's hanging out with oli today so i'm stitching up some stars., 3. more star parts. i've got about 300 half square triangles ready to be sewn up., 4. Was supposed to go to yoga, but I was late, so I ended up at @onepennyblack & this amazing Danish just "fell" into my mouth!, 5. Sadly, this is actually organized chicken-scratch., 6. Light at the end Of, 7. Gathering ingredients to make spaghetti carbonara from @lucyknisley 's book Relish. I am loving this book., 8. BEST MAIL DAY: a scrumptious plummy infinity scarf handknit by @daphneadair! A million thanks to you, D! <3 a="">, 9. Untitled, 10. reid vs tub time, 11. Untitled, 12. Coifing., 13. Home., 14. Dumpling Party Day! Dumpling by Naomi., 15. Saturday morning coffee table. On today's agenda: finishing this sleeve! (And laundry.), 16. Train delays, 17. the Diva is done with her photoshoot, 18. Happy Day of The Donut on Flickr! #PicTapGo, 19. Ice Kitchen, 20. Chinese Chicken Salad taco topped with crispy chicken skin, 21. Coco chewed through the leash I got him last year and broke it. Today, my dad repaired it. It looks like new. And tomorrow the three of us will go on a roadtrip to the beach. See what I mean, @lcd_n? His awesomeness is legend., 22. Day 2275, 23. Today is ANZAC Day, and my fellow Kiwi @ladyeclaire and I baked Anzac biscuits to commemorate the day (and to feed to our workmates!)  ANZAC Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and Ne, 24. Untitled, 25. Untitled

Race Ready

After 4 and half months of training, tomorrow is RACE DAY! My bag is packed. 

My shuffle is charged. My heart rate monitor is ready to go. 

My race belt is packed and stuffed full of Gu and Jelly Belly Sports Beans. My Nuun tablets are ready to go.  

My breakfast is ready! I'll only eat one of these but I like to have a selection when I travel. 

My shoes and socks are packed. 

And my running outfit is ready to go. Now to get my nerves under control and do this race! Wish me luck tomorrow! 

Avocado Green Smoothie

I've been experimenting with smoothies in the search for non-dairy veggie goodness. I've thought about using coconut yogurt but I'm not really a fan of it. I've also thought about soy yogurt but that is even less desirable to me.

On my last long training run, I mentioned to my running partner that I wasn't sure how to replace the yogurt in my favorite smoothie recipe because I liked how creamy it made them. She suggested subbing in avocado. I asked on twitter and people chimed in saying avocado in a smoothie was delicious! My friend Amanda even sent me her favorite recipe. I was intrigued with this idea and so I made a smoothie with avocado this morning. Yum! Even Molly liked it.

Avocado Green Smoothie
makes 3 smoothies

Ingredients
1 avocado
1 cup frozen berries
1 frozen banana
1 cup almond milk
2 Tablespoons almond butter
4 cups spinach

Directions
1. Place all ingredients in the blender (or food processor if you discover that your blender has a leak!) and blend until you have reached the desired consistency. 
2. Drink up and say Yum!

Pinterest Thursday - Chalkboard

I'm a sucker for chalkboard paint and anything painted with chalkboard paint. I love this pin because it is easy, fun and includes chalkboard paint! 

 I didn't have any spare logs laying around (and really who does?) so I bought a cheap wooden frame thingy from JoAnn's. Next I spray painted the entire thing blue before taping out the center and painting that with chalkboard paint. 

And that was it! The longest part of this project was literally waiting for the paint to dry. I spray painted the piece one day and then did the chalkboard paint the next day. 

Now to just find the perfect place to hang my new masterpiece. 

The Wednesday Links from Around The Web 5.1.2013 Edition

Bricoleur Knits and my favorite place, The Nederlands

Big Sibling's Big Influence: Some Behaviors Run In The Family I think about the big sibling's influence a lot. Scott and I are both the older sibling and we hope that Molly will get to be a big sibling one day too. But where will that leave her younger sibling? Will they be "doomed" to follow in her footsteps? Better make them good footsteps then!

What it feels like to be bad at math I've always been bad at math and it has always bugged me. I want to get the problems easily. I want to be good at it. 

I'm Gay, an NBA star comes out and I think this is AWESOME!

Do we need to stretch?