I was reading Tracy's blog at McMillianElite and saw this one, written by one of their athletes- and I loved what he was saying. Now, we may not all be elite runners, but we are moms, therefore we are athletes. "Listen" to what he has to say and think about how you can apply it to YOUR life.

On another side note, I just want to encourage people out there to look outside of yourself and find something good, admirable or incredible about someone you spend time with. Borrow that good, admire it and help it to fuel your motivation to rise to your own individual success in your life. I have teammates and friends that I look up to for their abilities and mindsets about certain things. It invigorates me knowing that I too can be as strong, persistent and passionate.

One passion that continues to come up in my athletic endeavors is the pureness of being the best athlete that we can be. Can I do more? Can I eat better? Can I train smarter? Can I recover and rest better? Can I do what I must? Can I be a better athlete than I am right now? If so, then train and go get it!

I remember being really bummed when I was working, because all of the cool mommy & me classes were during the day. Didn't these people realize working moms wanted in on the fun too?!
Well, Stroller Strides Flagstaff has heard you working mamas!

Our evening class starts TONIGHT! Meet at Buffalo Park at 5:15pm. This 6-week session will meet Tue & Thurs 5:15-6. Please pre-register at www.strollerstrides.net/flagstaff. If you are already a Stroller Strides member, join us at class for no additional charge.

As your April Newsletter described, May brings us the Healthy Momma Challenge (previously known as the Healthy Mama Challenge).

What is the Healthy Momma Challenge?
The HMC is a program that all Stroller Strides locations across the country are holding during the month of May to celebrate us- moms! Don't know about you, but I love a celebration- especially when it is centered around me.. :)

Using the Stroller Strides motto that "Healthy Moms Make Happy Families" we will begin a month- long self improvement mission on Wednesday, May 6th. For one full month you will take care of yourself FIRST (think of the what they tell you on an airplane- it's YOUR oxygen mask before you assist others) and for each positive thing you do for your mind, body & spirit you will get points. You will be in teams of 3 moms (they do not have to be other Stroller Strides moms or even moms here in Flagstaff) and the team with the most points on June 6th will WIN!

What do you win?
Besides a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyles you will win prizes! They include:
- haircut & color
- massage
- mani/pedi
- Stroller Strides gift certificates
- other misc. weekly prizes

Click here for more Health Momma Challenge info and here for the registration forms.

Get your teams together ladies! Its time to put yourself first, without losing cabin pressure.. :)

So, I'm no elite runner and I have only won my age group in a race twice...in my whole life. Both times in high school, and yes, I still remember the races the Harry the Hat 10k and the Boston Race for the Cure 5k.
Despite my less than stellar racing history, I still love to run in races and part of my pre-race routine has always included coffee. Ah coffee, I love coffee..... Now, like I said I'm no running champ, but I do notice a difference in my races with and without coffee.

And guess what! I was right- check out this article in the New York Times about the scientifically proven positive effect caffeine can have on the performance of elite athletes. Caffeine's effect on the performance of athletes has been known for awhile, but what recent research has shown is that it doesn't take as much caffeine as previously thought, for most people- just a cup of coffee or can of soda will do the trick.

So go ahead, have your cup a day- especially race day.

As promised.
My mom sent me this from an article about eating on the cheap that she found in the Boston Globe. The 'recipe' isn't too firm- but here are the ingredients & what directions I have.
Mine didn't look like this-
it was more of a tostada b/c it was baked & crispy!



We had it tonight and it was really good & filling (seriously- my husband can eat 1/2 a lasagna in one sitting- easily- and he only had one burrito & some salad). Quick & easy to make!!! Try it!