weekend wrap-up

Whewww!
What a Weekend!

Winter Runnerland Half-Marathon {MRTT virtual race}
As usual, things didn't go as [originally] planned.
no big deal. I was bummed that I didn't get to meetup with the fabulous ladies of our local moms run this town group.

I set out to the housing gym, to begin running miles for the Winter Runnerland Half-Marathon. With an extra toddler in tow, 4 kids, they did awesome keeping themselves entertained. After waiting (stretching) for an open treadmill, a main reason why i do want a home treadmill. I tackled some hill intervals, with some walking too. It wasn't too bad, I had Bruno Mars latest album on play {another obsession}. My hips were a little tight, since I had a 20 mile spin session the evening before. It helped to pick up the speed though. I run comfortably between the speed of 6.3-6.8, and go hard at 7.3-7.5. It's definitely challenging some days, I take it on. The burn is fabulous!

finished strong; 5 miles in 58:27!!!

I felt amazing!! Body was taking it pretty well too, my hips were stretched pretty well. Once back home, I started the lunch and naptime madness. Showered, cleaned, and did a load of dirty running gear. My friend was coming over to pick up her little dude. And, then stayed behind to watch my girls while I slipped back into running gear to {happily run} finish the remaining miles. Whoop! Whoop!!

I went in daring; tackling the major hills first on the trails! They are KILLER but the views are AMAZING!! Gloomy skies, some clouds, evergreen trees in every direction! First 3 miles were TOUGH!! Miles 4-5 were my recovery, nice, easy, comfortable, I was on the pavement at this point. I made a pit stop for a new pair of earphones and gu gel. And, finished off miles 6-7, on a familiar route. Oh, I missed my outdoor runs! A lot!

finished strong; 8.13 miles in 1:43:43!!

I earned that fabulous bling with sweat, and sweet determination! Woohoo!!
{This is also #3 for 13in2013!!}


Run Fur Fun {#anywhere5k}
They don't call me super {runner} mama for nothing! I was back at it, another fabulous 5k from #anywhere5k. This time we took Bonita out for the run, add in double jogger; we got ourselves an adventure! She did good, running alongside. So, did Leanna.

Imagine it; I'm pushing double jogger with a girl on each side ohh, it was tough! The girls love the trails and we had a pic if afterwards while they played at the playground. We did have to rush home because it got super cold!!

we logged in 2.97 in 1:07:33.

I've got a hot date with my foam roller, while I partake in a twilight marathon. Hope y'all had a fabulous fitness-filled weekend!

Greetings from Texas!

 sunshine {cold front} overcast {surrounded by family} happy holidays y'all.

{Saturday Travels} After 7 hours of air time, 3 girls, 2 plans with a 2 hour layover, 1 exhausted mama. We made our way to Texas for Winter break and it has been CRAZY BUSY.

[airport arrival; mama survived!]

{Today} It’s currently Thursday, and we've got a house full; 3 little brothers (17, 10,7,) little sister (20), my 3 girls (6, 3, 1), 2 nieces (4, 3) and 1 nephew (6). We expect 2 more nieces (3, 4) later!! It's currently COLD & GLOOMY! I want my sunshine back, we want outdoor play.

[family time is the best time]

{confession time}

*I have not ran, at all. I have thought about lacing up my asics but instead, planted my booty on the couch and enjoyed every.single.second watching my girls interact with my family. I actually didplan on running later today [with awesome texas sunshine all around} but mybrother and his family were on their way. He took leave {vacation} time to spend the holidays with family. So, here’s to another fabulous family gathering. All but 2 nephews to complete the bunch. I’m one happy aunt/sister.

*I missed out on Sunday’s [santa hustle] half marathon, my sister bailed last minute. And, I was a little upset & annoyed but it wasn’t the end of the world. Awesome thing, more than a few of my family members, when greeting with hugs, asked how my race went. I was pretty amazed that they knew {via facebook} or heard from my mother in law {she doesn’t have fb}. And, they continued to ask,”well, when are you racking up miles?, we want the girls to come over.” They automatically knew I was going to run, NOT goout drinking or shopping. I sure was smiling. I have the {funD for the Run}Winter Wonderland 5k. This weekend, the #anywhere5k Run! Next week, {for the love of the kids} 5k and half marathon. And, then just running in between.

*I have been on all you can eat, home-cooking { tamales& soda pop} streak for 4 days! Today, it stopped; back to a normal eatingroutine for me, somewhat. I just snacked on an apple.

Leanna kept reminding everyone this, “the holiday season isn’t about toys, it isn’t about presents, it’s about family time.” My girl is totally right.

I hope y’all had a fabulous Christmas, filled with family!!

"Don't wait to for inspiration to find you; BECOME IT!!"

Here's what. Virtual Runs!

Whoaaaaaa....

It was a busy weekend, work was busy too. Running didn't happen this weekend either. No biggie.

I did however receive my medal for the 10k I ran last week, Frosty's great cupcake run. {super fabulous} And, the sweet cupcake race, is in the works, for February!! I'm ready to earn another {fabulous} medal from those gals.

In all things running related; I signed up for another surprise virtual race, over at FUNd Run 4 Bling. And, she also created Kids Fun Run, my girls are registered for that race, matching bling, since I'm up for a 10-miler!! She does an awesome job, and also creating fun medals and themed races. Another virtual [January] run to add to the....hmmmm...maybe 6 virtual races already on schedule!! So, currently 3 half marathons for my {13 in 2013}, just in January alone!! Whoop! Whoop!

I told y'all I was {Running into 2013}!!!

{FUNd Run 4 Bling; Winter Half-Marathon Miles}

Mama jumped into her running gear, laced up my Asics, loaded baby girls in double jogger and headed out for a trail run!! It's been a while since we hit the trail. And, it was a perfect Washington morning; mist and overcast.

Finished strong; 2 miles in 30:42!!
It burned, it felt great!!

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!

YMCA Turkey Trot

food donation = running a race

Trail Running with double jogger and Leanna by my side.

it was wet, it was muddy, it was rough.

walking, crying, whining, jogging, running,...repeat.

it was quite an adventure....and I'm thankful!

According to my Garmin, which I forgot to stop right away,

We finished strong at 48:59!!

We rushed home to skype/oovoo with our man.

 The connection was in/out but we got to see and hear him and we are truly thankful!!
Now, to roast a load of yummy veggies and start our movie marathon.

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!!

"Don't wait to for inspiration to find you; BECOME IT!!"

G.O H.A.R.D!!

G.O    H.A.R.D

Happy Globally Organized Hug a Runner Day!!

I'm a lucky mama, who gets hugs from my girls.

Yuuup, even after a swety-filled RUN!

"Don't wait to for inspiration to find you; BECOME IT!!"

Runner's Rant

Happy Running Y'all!

Happy Veteran's Day to our special man. He is on deployment, serving his country, and we are SO proud!! He was a veteran when I met him, almost 10 years ago. And, I've continued to stay by his side in support. It's not always full of smiles but we get through it. He is making his career a big one, and we have never discouraged him. We are SO lucky to have him in our lives. Show appreciation to all veterans, not just today, those who served, are serving or made the ultimate sacrifice. 

*cough, couch*
Yep, I'm still fighting the virus; yuck!! And, guess what I pushed past it and RAN! 
Baby girls were up and at it, EARLY, 7 am on a Sunday. I was TIRED! Especially, after baby girl hardly slept, she was up between 11pm-1am. Grabbed my cup of coffee, woke up, got into my running gear and out the door we went at 9am!! (of course after breakfast, getting the girls dressed). This has been the only "break", I have had since Friday.....Yay!!

[Treadmill view; Happy Girls]

I set the treadmill at 60 minutes, I was ready to give my legs a good beating!! I was HAPPY to have an empty gym, and I left the lights OFF!! There was a few stops, I was coughing and had to visit a trash can, Yuck!! The girls kept fairly content with playing however, there were a few times that  I had to grab the girls attention, and stop them from climbing or fighting.  

I was sweating HARD, I was running HARD.

Logged in 5 miles in 60 minutes!!

 I needed this LONG Run, needed to shake the legs up after all of Saturday's driving. 

We had a FABULOUS time at the Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream Show!! 

I'm definitely looking forward to next years line-up!!!

The Week Ahead; I've tweaked my fitness calendar!! I start TURBOFIRE tomorrow!! And, it's week 12 of Les Mills Pump, ALMOST DONE!! And, I have some catching up to do for the November [Daily] Challenge. This sickness won't derail me this week, it's in for a fight.

Now, for some REST!! 

 "Don't wait to for inspiration to find you; BECOME IT!!"

Hello, there!

The last few days have been INSANELY BUSY; the last thing I wanted to do was plant my booty in front of the PC!! I've missed RUNNING, and missed slipping into those running tights. However, I did LOVE feeling the difference in my jeans, slimming down!! Whoop! Whoop!!
 

 Saturday: I watched my girl get busy on the field during SOCCER!! She is getting aggressive with those boys. She is the only girl on her team and I believe it's rubbing off on her. She gets after it and when playing defense, blocks em'!! And, we chant her on from the sidelines, PROUDLY! After, soccer, it was a mad dash to go find the 'perfect' princess costume. Leanna said I looked 'fabulous' even though I felt silly. We originally were going to dress up as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles but of course my girls changed their minds. So, we are princess'.







 Later that night, I finished up last minute crafts; Spooky Pins & Pumpkin Game Stand. I loaded my car with hay bales (yes, actualy HUGE hay bales) for the Fall Photo Display!!! Also, with a few totes of decorations and supplies. 













Sunday: My FIRST event as Social Chair was a crazy success; Fall Festival. 
Many, Many, Stennis Families came by, they decorated cookies, made crafts, played games, turned in/decorated their family leaves and entered raffles, had fun with the crazy pinata & got to trick r' treat at the end. My co-chair and volunteers did a FABULOUS job!!!
I was SO happy to see so many families come out and enjoy the event with their kiddos. Someone, even bought out ther 'flat daddy' and had him displayed for pictures. I REALLY loved that idea, a little creepy but totally memorable!! hahaa




Monday: No time for "rest", car pooled with a friend as soon as our kiddos were at school, to a town 30minutes away for a KEURIG PARTY!! A friend was a host applicant/winner, for a Keurig (to keep) and party to host. She made a yummy brunch and there was lots of chatting with other mama's. Great Morning. Afterwards, we enjoyed the rainy drive to Toy R Us, for some Christmas Shopping. As soon as I got home, I got busy with folding 4 loads of laundry. And, then babysat her kiddos. Finished the night off with crafts, week 9/day 1 of les mills pump and Spinned 10 miles!!

These are the latest Hoop Art on display; Navy Love!!

Today: Mama on the go for school drop off and then back home to walk Leanna to school. Add in a dramatic little nursing monster. We Headed back to Ailea's school to join in her First Field Trip to the Pumpkin Patch. We had a GREAT time, luckily NO RAIN, although the cold wind was picking up a little. Brr!! Both girls, saw several farm animals, walked the corn maze, yelling "PUMPKINS", and picked their own little pumpkins. 
We currently have a total of 9 pumpkins in our home. No carving this year, we've had fun painting and decorating them. 

It's Back to the routine tomorrow, got myself a morning run, Moms Run This Town Meetup on Thursday and then Friday Night, Dawn of the Dead Dash!! I recevied the email with all the DETAILS, I'll admit I was SPOOKED!! I'm super excited though, not sure how far I will go, and I'm sure I will be screaming more than running. Hahhaa, good times ahead!! 

"Don't wait to for inspiration to find you; BECOME IT!!"

Mama on the G-O!

Wheww!! Monday way busssaaaayyyy!!

After our quick morning errands, we came home and I spent some cuddle time with my little monsters. Before taking them to a friends for a few hours. Some days, I need to quiet time but today was a different kind of away time. Orientation. Mama is going back to work.

I'm excited for the HUGE step I took, it's a small start but it's something. Orientation was LONG, 2 1/2 hours and every.single.time. I'm away from the girls, I go into a "relaxed" mode where I can literally fall asleep standing. In this case, I was sitting, fighting to pay attention. Agh!!

We had a RAINY afternoon and my friends asked if I could pick up her boy before coming over, which worked out perfectly, since I had to grab my girl too. And, it was easier for both of us since we have little ones we'd have to lug out in the rain. 

We had a successful Fall Festival Volunteer Meeting, the big event is on SUNDAY!! And, I'm getting busy with prep work for crafts/activities/decor. Even an evening chat with the vice president of the committee to go over the details for the millionth time. So, much involved and I'm happy it's almost over!!! 

I also received Happy Mail; Sweat Pink Ambassador Swag!!
And, I moved my SPIN BIKE back into my living room, squeezing in 8 miles before bed and a kickboxing session with Jillian!
I laced on my running shoes with the fabulous pink laces, I'm excited to REPRESENT during today's Moms Run This Town Virtual Race; Run with Jess The Cupcake Classic 5k!! One of my Fabulous Mother Runners has made some Delicious looking (fb posted last night) Frenchtoast & Bacon Cupcakes!! SO EXCITED TO RUN & GRUB!!

Happy Running Y'all!!



"Don't wait to for inspiration to find you; BECOME IT!!"

Super Saturday!

Whewww!! Time to catch a breather!! 

And, I just finished up a few craft projects; Boo Blocks & decorating my little pumpkin. 
I also finished up my "leaf" for the special project, apart of my Social Committee planning. Each family can participate by making a leaf (I shared a template) and getting creative including a photo of their family, children, to send to their sailor. A fabulous family tree. I'll share it later, once my sailor receives his. We will be doing a special project for each season until their homecoming. Being Social Chair is PERFECT since I love all things crafting and social scenes!! 

We had a RAINY day, SO happy that weather is back!!
I was woken up before my alarm by my baby girls, we snuck downstairs and watched Steel Magnolias before Leanna woke up, around 8. We got breakfast going and then started to get ready for our first RAINY SOCCER GAME!!!  

I'm that Soccer Mama who stands the entire game, cheering on her player, while running around after my other two kiddos. I'm snapping photo's, taking videos to share with husband.  My girl was on FIRE today, keeping her feet moving, blocking goals, I AM PROUD!! And, even though husband is MILES, ocean away, I can HEAR his excitement via emails. He is rooting for his girl too and is SO happy she is continuously improving. 

I didn't squeeze in my Boo! Miles today, instead I took my girls out for a surprise, PUMPKIN PATCH!! They were SO excited!! And, got busy in the Pumpkin Patch finding that 'perfect' pumpkin. I snapped TONS of photo's, as I do often for our memories, to share with family, and husband. Today, most especially because it was my FIRST time going to an ACTUAL pumpkin patch, so I was beyond EXCITED!! We did some serious walking, exploring the farm, corn maze, animals. It was GREAT MEMORY and I am totally looking forward to making another visit  next fall as a COMPLETE family!! 

"Don't wait to for inspiration to find you; BECOME IT!!"

Runner's Rant!

Whoop! Whoop!! 

Mama got out for a morning run, it's been a FABULOUS week of RUNNING!! I'm back on a routine and I am loving every single second of it!! The moment my feet hit the pavement, trail, whatever terrain it is!! I've logged in 10.39 Miles thus far!! WHOOHOOO!!

As soon as Leanna crossed the street to the school gate, I popped in my earbuds, turned up the tunes (Mumford & Sons latest album) and got to RUNNING!!
I RAN 4 Boo! MILES in 56:05!!! One more RUN this weekend and will complete the Virtual Boo! Half-Marathon!! Whoop! Whoop!! I haven't had a "long" run since August, it was killer with the double jogger. Whewww, Mama got it done!!!

We headed out on the roadways, it's a fantastic warm-up with a slight incline. 

There's those hills that I can't avoid, any which way I go!

After all, we are in Washington, duh!!

I kept it "easy" on the hills, a little struggle!

I have a need for speed.

 Yep, I pushed [BURNING Arms & Glutes] UPHILL and it was HARDCORE!!

Whew; SUPER MAMA!!

 Took it through the trails for the last mile stretch!

 

 Cool down with a view on the way home!

I just can't get enough of these views!!

Today, I received a fabulous package from my MUG SWAP partner!!

Loving all the cuteness!!

She was super thoughtful to add some things for my girls!

"Don't wait to for inspiration to find you; BECOME IT!!"

Wednesday RunDay!

Mama was on the Run this morning!! I laced up my running shoes, loaded up baby girls in the double jogger and turned up the tunes for a fabulous morning [base] run!!

It was a FOGGY morning and we even caught a little drizzle halfway through. I made a quick stop at the Base Redbox to get my girl a rental. She was happy, and they enjoyed the views ahead! It was actually the first time I took them along on the particular route. It's usually a route for SOLO Runs, since it's along the base roadways but we kept as far from the road, as the pavement allowed. I felt AMAZING, not much pain on my knee, however, my foot was a little annoyed so, I kept easing off of it with a couple of "slow" paced intervals and was easy on the hills. Oh, those hills, can't avoid them in Washington. We logged in 3.27 Boo! Miles in 44:18.

[Foggy Morning]

 [There's the hill that got my knee a few months ago]

[Fabulous Fall Colors!]

[Feeling SUPER & SWEATY!!]

[Happy Mail; Received the BLING for the Boo! Half-Marathon]

"Don't wait to for inspiration to find you; BECOME IT!!"