USA!

I cannot believe the Olympics are almost over. It feels like the only events that are ever on TV are ice skating and more ice skating. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love watching competitive events, however I find myself hoping for a spill - is that wrong? Whoops.

However, with the hockey fanatics in my boys, we are so excited for today's USA vs. Canada semifinal hockey game. How cool would it be to beat the country who basically invented the game? Reminds me of the 1980 "Miracle" team who defeated Russia and ended up winning the gold.

ANYWHO - LET'S GO USA!

Holy Cow, It's Freezing.

THIS COLD IS JUST UNNECESSARY.

There, I said it. I'm sorry. I'm from NY and I just do not think this is fair. We get it, it's winter. It's supposed to be cold! But when it comes down to the instant facial freeze when you walk outside, we've got problems.

In my twenty-some-odd years of living, I've never had a "cold" snow day.. okay maybe 1 or 2. The boys have had 3 this year alone! Mother Nature is playing some sort of sick joke and the punchline is us.

Sorry, there's my little rant. Happy Hump Day everyone!
-Q

Merry Christmas and A Happy Stomach Bug!

Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone is having a great holiday season so far! My youngest ended up getting the stomach bug. We spent Christmas Eve with plenty of ginger ale, Pedialyte, and back rubs for the most part. Good thing Santa didn't come down with it, the boys were thrilled with their presents.

The hubby got me a pair of new running sneakers - I was stoked. I know you're only supposed to run a few hundred miles in your shoes, but I just can't give up my Nike Pre's. I haven't found a shoe that compared to them weight wise, but for stability reasons and my distance that is going to be increasing soon, my husband bought me Brooks. I'm excited to hit the pavement with them.

It's Already December?

I know they say, time goes by faster than you think - but boy I feel it now! It's already December and soon enough Christmas and New Years will be knocking on my door. I always like to keep ideas on the back burner for Christmas gifts for my family. For my two boys, it's fairly simple and easy to shop for. They are huge sports fans just like their dad. Anything New York Giants will do (we love Victor Cruz in our house).

But for my husband - I feel like he has everything under the sun! It's always hard to try and find something he doesn't have that he could possibly want. I've been on a hunt for the perfect gift to put under the tree this year but have been coming up short. (Sorry honey, if you're reading this!) I love a great mutually beneficial gift that we can share and experience together. A few years ago, I got him a couples massage certificate for after the stressful holidays - it was great! I'm a true believer in those type of gifts. You get to bond together and you also get to reap the benefits too :)

I guess I will continue my hunt for the perfect gift - but I better get a move on!

Keep Things Fresh!

Eating healthy is a huge part of my life. It is a main component of my day-to-day and I strongly believe it corresponds with your daily energy levels. Working an 8 hour day along with morning exercises and recreational soccer and volleyball leagues, it's sometimes hard to find that last burst of energy to function.

As for my diet, it consists of a lot of salads, egg whites, grilled chicken, fruits, veggies with the occasional red meat and potatoes. I tend to throw pasta in the mix as well, maybe a little more than needed (I can't help it.) Take it from me, this can get boring at times and it is imperative to switch up your routine to keep you persistent.

One thing I will add is that I do allow myself a "cheat day." This could range from a Monday night football game with pizza and wings to a "Taco Thursday" with my husband and two boys. Of course, they are all for these types of days because they get their mom for an eating buddy that day. This also helps myself remain in line with my diet, keeping things fresh and motivating myself to eat healthy during the week for that one rewarding day-o-goodies that I look forward to.

I will leave you with this fine advice below that I believe everyone should follow

Speak soon!
Q.

Traditions

McAdams tradition: Go on a nice, long hike the first day of fall.

September 22nd brings joyful sounds of my boys and I walking through the trails in our backyard. My husband and I started this tradition when we were dating and continued it with our two boys. It's one of my favorite days of the year... besides when they go back to school but that's a post for another day...

My two boys absolutely love the outdoors - especially when it comes to hiking. It's a great way to keep them out of the house and playing video games all day, and it's also a great way to tire them out. During summer vacation, it is almost impossible to have them sit down for dinner at the house. Can't say I'm complaining one bit - it's definitely a plus when my husband and I are extremely active. Having kids has not slowed us down a bit, and it makes us still feel young as "late twenty-somethings." 

We are truly blessed.

Q.

Best Time of Year

I'll admit it - every time my alarm clock goes off at 6AM, I want to scream. HOW can it be that time already? I feel like I just went to bed. It can't be.

But it is.

Fall is an amazing time to go trail running and also happens to be my favorite season. The temperature is a lot lower than it has been in the previous months and the leaves are changing colors which makes for a beautiful landscape. The way the sun is just coming over the horizon is re-engerizing when you just start out that morning.

It's a new day! A new chance to conquer this run. A new sense of motivation that creeps in me to do better for my body, mind and soul. The sound of the leaves underneath my feet, the smell of the mildewy grass surrounding the area, there's nothing like it!

Another great thing that I adore about trail running is it unlocks hidden hiking trails that I take mental notes about for a later time. Yes, I do love running and the feeling it gives you, but it's also nice to switch things up and go for a long hike. It gives you a work out more than you'd ever imagine, and I'm usually more sore after those hikes than expected. It's strenuous on your body and makes you realize you had muscles in places you never thought possible!

One last thing - I believe there's nothing better to finish off a great morning work out than with egg whites and spinach. I absolutely believe you need to replenish your body after all the hard work you put it through. Nutrition is vital when exercising. Just like after any long road trip - you need to refill the gas tank!

On a final note, my problem with outdoor running: always forgetting you have to run back.
Q.