Why I run? I run for me.

This is why I started with my running races obsession.

I turned 29 in December.
Twenty Nine.

That meant, days later... when 2015 rolled around... that was the year -this year- I would turn 30.
I could feel an itch in me.

I wanted to accomplish something.
Something that was hard for me.

I have no problem accomplishing something that I LOVE or that comes naturally, but I never seem to do the unpleasant hard things.

I had also recently been watching my friend, Emily post all of these race pictures and results. She looked like she was having an awesome time and I was so inspired by her. Shes a normal lady who is doing something hard and awesome. I wanted to do that too.

So I decided to train for a 5K.
Seems like not a lot to you, but 3.1 miles is a lot to me.
And in a race you get a medal, and medals mean you've won.
I wanted to work hard and win. (not to actually place, but to just accomplish it)

I started doing the couch to 5k training via the app and I loved it. It hurt while I was doing it, but when I finished I felt so proud of myself for not stopping.

I saw there was a 5k near by but would be before my training was finished... I was nervous and worried I wouldn't be ready, but I signed up for anyway (and made my brother sign up for it with me)

As my training with the app progressed I realised I COULD run a 5k. My body didn't give out on me and I wasn't dead. I could hurt and keep going. I could totally do it. So I started looking for more races. I discovered virtual races and fell in love. I could drop the kids at the gym kid care and earn a medal? Heck yes!

I decided I wanted to do one a month... then two a month. Well, its now about three a month, but two a month is still my official goal.

I created the cool header for my FB page and blog that listed my races and when I would do them. I needed everyone to keep me accountable.

I did have to fix my runner girl I found online... she need more belly, more booty and a modest shirt. Shes still in way better shape than I am though.

I'm also obsessed with running rundisney races too.

Anyway, I'm really excited to be doing this and for the first time in a VERY long time I feel proud of myself.

I feel really good.

I'm living up the last year of my twenties and will welcome 30 with open arms!

Jogger Mom Springtime Sprint : 5k #7

I haven't run in over a week because of a nasty staph infection on my leg, so I wasn't expecting much for this treadmill Jogger Mom Springtime Sprint on my first day back. But I was surprised and very much enjoyed it. 

That trash can is always behind me, isnt it?

This tee is from Another Mother Runner on super clearance 

(I actually don't think they even have it anymore.)

And I really like it, but I am not happy with the fit. I usually get unisex tees, because they're longer. 

This is a woman's cut tee and I just... ick. Not so much.

But I love what it says! The mantra for us slow runners. 

The 3.11 miles themselves were good. I kept even pace and actually listened to the Star Wars raido drama instead of my usual fast tempo music... it actually distracted me a little better. 

I pushed myself. I was well rested and I felt good when it was over.

Just waiting for this beauty to arrive

 My total time was 41 minutes and 33 seconds. My best time so far. :-D

Puppy Love Run, by Will Run for Bling and Charity - 5k #4 (Virtual)

Ok, so this was my first run with our new double jogger stroller and it was NOT easy. First I couldn't' find the flat trail I was supposed to running on, then Kaleb needed me to stop 5 or 6 times and I just felt all discombobulated. But Eventually the kids fell asleep and I found my trail and I ran and earned myself this pretty little thing. 

This is what they looked like when I stopped.

I was also having trouble with my fitbit tracking my steps as I held onto the stroller, but I clipped it to my bra (as suggested by Miss Emily) and it worked perfectly.

So, this was the Puppy Love Run and it was benefiting the World Animal Protection, So I ran  in honor of my Buster who died in January 2011. 

This is a cast the vet made of his paw when we took him in after the accident, but it was already too late. 

Our last images of Buster captured by Kara Rush Photography.

My total time was 48 minutes and 9 seconds. A good time for me ... considering.

Winter Woodland Run by Cheetah Runners - 5k #2 (Event)

Ok, my first live / event / not on a treadmill 5k race. I was super excited and super happy to be running with the little brother. 

I really love my headband.

This race was put on by Cheetah Runners and was awesome. 

Every runner is randomly assigned and animal team (I was hoping for Fox) and the first team to get a certain amount of runner across the finish line won a prize!

I did get fox.

and the brother got bear.

Once the race started I told Peter to just go. I was much slower than he was and I NEEDED to just focus if I was going to finish. 

Peter was in the top 20 finishers. So proud of him!

I wasn't planning on running the whole way, I was going to walk if I needed to, but I got halfway and hadn't stopped yet, so I just thought... "You can do this. You dont need to walk." . . . however I did jog very slowly a few times.

According to my fitbit...

My total time was 43 minutes and 3 seconds. There were a few hills, but they weren't awful. I'm pretty proud of this time. 

We're awesome.

And the Bears won! So peter got a cool little 5K shoe charm.

And I... didn't know what to do with my hands... 

Look, the first medal on and bib on my glorious medal and bib holder. 

Resolution Run 2015, by Get Fit for Bling - 5k #1 (Virtual)

MY FIRST 5K!!! It was the Resolution Run put on by Get fit for Bling, which I thought was appropriate.  It was also benefiting Autism Speaks, which is also awesome. 

Its the last day of January, and I decided to have a goal of one 5k a month this year. I'm so excited to do this. 

I went to the gym and ran it on a treadmill, in the best tee ever. My spirit Tee. 

This is my first (and only) attempt at a "during" selfie. This will not happen again. I almost fell.

Just like the couch to 5k training, I ran in jogging and walking intervals. I still pushed myself but I didnt over do it.

Best part? I did it. I DID IT. Me! The woman who hasn't done any intentional exercise (not really) in about three years. I'm so happy. 

I cant wait till I get my medal!

Our 8th anniversary

 8 years of marriage to my wonderful husband. EIGHT YEARS! I didnt know if it would be super enjoyable, because of all the baby bloated achy ness, but it really was so much fun!

We went to Steakhouse 55 ( our Anniversary place)

We got some appetizers and Mocktails. (see my fauxhito below)

We even ran into an old friend...

It was a wonderful, adult and delicious evening.

Moving Sucks

So, I am still continuing my (probably foolish) attempt to blog all about this summer via phone pictures. But I'm also so filled with the "now" I can't keep myself from blogging anymore.

Since October we've moved twice.
It has been chaos and madness.

I HATE moving. I hate it when all of my belongings are dumped in the middle of my new living room and I'm left to rummage through it all and find a place for things. I hate it when the curtains and pictures are not up, when I can't find my clothes and when my computer is on the kitchen table.

The past couple weeks have been tedious and trying, but things are finally falling (read placed meticulously and with great effort) into place.

In all honestly, I love our new little town home apartment. I really do.

I'm sure I'll blog again when things are in order.

see you in 6 months. . . 

Three things I learned today...

Three things I learned today.

1. I'm the luckiest girl around.

2. My son is such a big boy! 

3. I need a hair cut.