Oh! Hey April,...

Hey. Hi. Hola. What's up. Good morning y'all!

Happy April: a NEW month, a SHORTER countdown to seeing our sailor!! It's getting real, with each passing day!! We are SO excited. And, Heyyyy,....I get my solo [worry-free] running time back!! WhooHoo!!

It's been a bit since I came on here,...no worries I've still been doing my thing. So. What's been going on,....

I shared this 'little' transformation {circa 2007-now}, it was also a 'little' boost for my slowly moving self. And, it definitely did the job!! Somedays, I still feel like that girl in 2007 (post baby #1), especially lately. With a weight gain, and no major rush to lose the lbs, so I keep saying. I don't focus on it too much and instead remind myself that I want to "go hard" post deployment, where I can juggle myself and not everything else too, doesn't mean I'm sitting around now. I lost my focus along the way, hell, I'm just TIRED!! I go through my moments, ultimately, I'm happy in my skin, confident with the extra weight. I'm just proud I'm not who I used to be, even with an extra 15lbs or so hanging around. That's more important to me than a number on the scale. My journey, My accomplishments, Myself. It's never-ending, I don't plan to reach a particular weight or size and stop. I'll keep running, lifting; fitness is apart of my lifestyle.

The Jelly Bean: I earned a fabulous medal for Run with Jess' virtual race, the jelly bean. Just a 'little' 5k on the treadmill. Hah. It's never 'easy' running on the treadmill. Lately, I've been sneaking in my runs during naptime. More manageable in my schedule, especially during spring break. I needed my time, my escape, taking back a little sanity. It's definitely rewarding!

5 by the 5th: A new month also meant completing this on going virtual race, hosted by Mommy, Run Fast. Which turned into the longest treadmill run, I pulled a Forrest Gump, just kept running up to 6 miles. whoa!! It was such an adrenaline rush. I gave myself some walking/hill intervals. Booty bouncing, legs flying, heart racing, sweat pouring; fabulous run!! It's pretty awesome to walk into the garage and into my own 'little' gym, my 'little' space, my 'little' escape. I miss the outdoors, hoping to get reacquainted this coming week! The pavement, the trails, the view, I want it all.

I ran, ran, ran all the last week. 1:1 ratio, every other day. And, my legs were loving it!! Seriously! I kept over thinking my stride, and pain, there was no pain! My knee got a wee bit tired during the long runs, soo, I'd ease off with walking intervals. I got 20 {amazing} miles this week, it was more about the miles though! It was about getting my booty back in gear, pushing through spring break and giving myself some "me" time! Successful!! Sundays run, was challenging, I wanted a LONG run, and kept focused!! 7 milesssssss, whooooo!! I've learned to loveeee the treadmill, I added some personal touches on the wall in front, my 'little' motivations.

It was tough, tough!! I'm on a mission to getting my legs readddyyyyyyy for the upcoming half on May 5th. In the meantime, I have a virtual {cherry blossom} half coming this weekend and then another #anywhere5k {run for rhodes} race. That's just 3 days of logging miles. Other than that, I'm just 'on the run'!!

MAY will bring just a few virtuals; 2nd year participating in the joggermom marathon, sparkle cupcake 10k race, #anywhere5k, and 2 {in real life} half marathons!!!

I've also got something awesome to share, SO excited!! Y'all keep on be lookout!!

Happy Monday!
make it happy y'all!

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

weekend wrap-up {#anywhere5k}

We had a fabulous {super} productive weekend! Lots of sunshine, too!

Friday, I got busaayyy during naptime, hopped on the treadmill! I mentions before how my IT band had been irritating me. So, I've spent the last week stretching and resting the legs. I had to test it and eased into my run, felt better while I was actually running, between speeds 6.6-7.3. Seems like longer faster strides help stretch it. While it felt great, my body wasn't cooperating, must be all the crap foods I ate. Yep, still trying to change my habits but not kicking myself into full gear. Blah, Blah. Intervals are always challenging to me but that's where my awesome playlist comes in "play"!! Whoo! I felt like a badass, and jumped off treadmill doing 50 deep squats. OUCH! what was I thinking!?!

3 miles done!

Saturday. Welcome, Spring Cleaning!
This 'spring cleaning' has been going on for a few weeks now! It hadn't reached the upstairs though. Well, it finally happened! And, it was crazy! I mean there's 3 bedrooms and a huge closet, errr,..my craft corner! There's still process to made in there. My quads were SO sore but the constant moving and going up/downstairs helped relive it a little!! Cleaning came to an end when I began babysitting 2 extra kiddos for a sleepover too. Well, I did hang clothes before I went to bed. Anyone else hang their race day tee and running tops!? My hangers about double because I certainly do! What!? I wear them way more than my normal tops! Race tees; are earned and I wear them proudly!

Sunday. {2nd annual #anywhere5k}
Another virtual challenge hosted by these folks. Another fabulous 5k run during naptime! And, it was pretty awesome. While I was getting my oldest took notice, next thing I see is that she is also dressed up in her running gear! She said, "while you run in the treadmill, I'll run on next to you on the ground. I want to workout and be string like you,...". I was smiling pretty dang big {super proud}, she's awesome! {lead by example}

I was email chatting with my husband, so he was kind of there with me. I'd reply during the walking intervals. It was slower than normal, however I wasn't aiming for a PR on the treadmill. Before I jumped on I foam rolled and there after, it feels good! My legs felt amazing!!

I showered, got dressed and ready and we then heard out for a park play date, followed by fro-yo, dinner and target. Once, we got home, bedtime routine started. I changed into running gear, I wanted MORE!! However, my leg didn't agree! And, I only got 2 MILES in! Better than nothing, I ran with my heart and pushed my legs!

It's Monday and I'm getting my foam rolling on, a little yoga. Then LIFTING AND a RUN!!

y'all get out there in whatever it is; make it happen! happy sweating!

Barking Mad for Breast Cancer {13in2013}

{virtual} Half Marathon #5 is in the books y'all!

It didn't quite go as I had planned, I wanted to run it at one time. ahh well. There's always next time, like April's Virtual.

I dedicated this weeks running miles to a good cause that's dear to my heart. Barking Mad about Running hosted this virtual race.

Monday; jumped on the treadmill, it was by far challenging, and the longest I've ran on it since it joined the family. I pushed and pushed and pushed myself. Especially, since I had ran 6 miles the day before. I ran for an entire hour, and had a lot of things on my mind. I've made a lot of changes recently and have been defeated in a few things. It was the perfect opportunity for a major switch up, in all things fitness. I'm excited.
Finished Strong; 4.45 miles in 60 minutes

Wednesday; after a wonderful rest day, morning meetup at Joann's to pick out fabric for an upcoming {wreath project} craft play date! I set out Wednesday for a LONG [outdoor] RUN! I dropped off my girls at a friends house, about 20 minutes late and tried to make the best of the clock! I ran the usual routes but in the opposite way. HILLS, still got me but i was tackling them!! There was sunshine, just perfect!! I covered it all, pavement, trails, mud,....evergreen trees all around. I love Washington state!

Finished Strong; 7.06 miles in 1:28:05

Thursday; today was definitely a fabulous fitness-filled day! Started off with stroller strides, wheww!! Then, I got busy during naptime, jumping on the treadmill. I was a little sore from SS and yesterday's 7 miler, so I went comfortable. I have myself a few speed intervals, Britney's spears and will.i.am cheered me on.

Finished Strong; 2.01 miles in 27:03

I earned myself a fabulous medal to hang with the 2013 bling.

{Half Fanatics}
I'm eager and excited to run my first 2013 [Half-Marathon] road race next weekend (3/9) and then another the following (3/16) that's right, becoming an official half fanatics member!! MAJOR RUNNERS HIGH! The bling is SUPER FABULOUS but I'm more excited about the course, the views will be AMAZING/UNFORGETTABLE!!

weekend wrap-up

what a fabulous weekend!

an impromptu zoo trip, first pho experience, treadmill 5k, and track 5k. Whoop! Whoop!

There was some awesome sunshine on Saturday, and after lounging the morning away. I packed a backpack and loaded the kids for a drive to the Seattle area, I wanted to surprise them with a fun afternoon, unsure of what exactly where I was going. We ended up at the zoo and spent 2 hours exploring, soaking up the sunshine and saying "hi" to animals.

{The Sweet Cupcake Race 10k}
Sunday rolled in early, I was up and serious about finishing the last few miles. I logged in 4 on Tuesday {2 with baby girl outdoors and 2 on the treadmill}. I received my medal last week and proudly hung it with today's treadmill run. It was a little rough, I'll admit it. My treadmill is set up next to the window and the heater was still on; aghhh!! It took a bit for the heater to shut off, so it felt like I was running in a sauna. I pushed through several hard moments. I slowed down, I sped up, ran hard. My knee didn't bother me much. Whewww.

Finished strong; 3.11 miles in 36:44!

{#anywhere5k team challenge}
Another #anywhere5k run complete! I started participating in these run events back in September and I'm happy to see other friends joining in. This months theme was "team challenge". Another mama and I teamed up, we me up at the track, each of us have 3 kiddos, 6 and under. We had or youngest babies in their single joggers and the older ones joined us with some walking/running on the track, wondering off to explore nearby.
We did running intervals, and chatted, there was some light rainfall, wind and it was COLD! We made stops along our rounds, it was nearing lunch and naptime, so my younger 2 were a tad bit cranky. Why didn't I bring my double jogger instead and forgot the snacks in the car. Aghh!! Nonetheless, I managed the tantrums, crying, whining, and got it done!

Finished strong; 3.11 miles in 1:13:19

What's next?
Logging in miles for the latest virtual half marathon, #5 for 13in2013!! Starting week 5 of les mills combat, stroller strides, and saying bye to February!! Woohoo!!!!!

Helllooooo, February!

Ohhh weeee!!! It's a new month, a new start, a new challenge, a new attitude, a new.....y'all get the point.

Thursday nights SPIN class was (with a different instructor) slow and intense; still had me a sweaty hot mess!! I do mean, SWEATY!!! Other that the fabulous burn, I love that its lights out during class! And, again I learned new terminology and moves! She really had us working out the hamstrings and glutes! Several reps of climbs, flats, tunnels, core,......logged in 10.1 miles.

Fridays runch (lunch run) was a little tough; heavy legs got challenged with hill and speed intervals on the treadmill. I was on fire, SWEATIN' like crazy! I was soaked, talk about a crazyass challenge! Alicia Keys latest album was on play (she is phenomenal). Lately, I've been running, too a much more mellow playlist, and I am loving it.

Finished strong; 2 miles in 26:09!!
First 2 miles toward this months virtual half-marathon, apart of the 13in2013 series: Tackle the Miles (feb 1-8)!!

What's going on in February?
My littlest baby girl is turning 2 YEARS OLD (just a few days from today), time has flown by!!!! I'll cry. I've been soaking up every single second with her as a one year old!!

I'm looking forward to a 'not so busy' race schedule; Sweetheart 5k (first road race of the year, on base), and at least 4 more virtual races. Lots of spinnin', stroller stridin', squattin', juicin', green smoothin', core workin', liftin', combatin' and a few other AMAZING events!! February is going to be FABULOUS!!!!

Y'all have a fabulous fitness-filled weekend! Happy running; Happy sweating!

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!

Winter Half Marathon Finisher!

Whoop! Whoop!!

I got busy this morning and busted out Les Mills Combat Kickstart; 30 minutes of Sweat!! Had me pumped for my run!

Mama completed the Virtual Half-Marathon; 5 Runs; 13.37 Miles!!!

I'm actually still waiting on the medal but what's more important, is that I went running!!

I had to fight a headache and some minor foot pain on the treadmill today. I eased off with walking intervals and hit a max of 8.0 speed for a bit. It was exhilarating!! Major sweatfest!! I got it done!!

It's naptime here for baby girls and I just unloaded the rest of their gifts from the car into garage. Toy Wrapping Party tonight!! Santa is making an EARLY stop this weekend! Since, we are flying out to TX next weekend. Yayyyy!!!

Winter Half Miles

Whewwww

Got to the gym and squeezed in a quick 5k. And, I do mean quick. I haven't been under 35 minutes in a while. I did have to stop a few times to spit, sore throat business. Y'all know what I'm talking about. Gross, I know!!
When I jumped back on, Went into full force!! I stayed between speed 6.3-7.3.
Not bad at all. Now, let the craziness begin!!

Finished strong; 5k in 34:35!!
One more 5k to complete for the {FunD Run 4 Bling} Virtual Winter Half Marathon!! Woohoo!!

Winter Half Miles

It was a busaayyy morning.

And, this mama managed to squeeze in miles after both girls were off to school. And, quickly ran home for a quick shower before meeting up with the Frg ladies for some party favor prep. We have a fabulous halfway party next month!!

Finished strong; 2 miles n 21:47

It's naptime for my baby girls, time for me to cuddle up with a cup of yummmaayyyyy peppermint green tea. It's a perfect Washington day; grey skies and rain.

#anywhere 5k stache dash

Mama got her run on this evening.
After 6 miles on Thursday and 3 days straight of work..
..my body needed some miles!

I've been a happy runner participant over at #anywhere5k virtual races for most of 2012.
This was a fun one!!

I got to the gym a little early, logged in .44mi in about 6 minutes
but lost the data when Ailea distracted me to go use the bathroom. Agh!!
Once, my friend arrived, I got back on and started my run. It was a little rough, legs were heavy.
We gave ourselves time, walking intervals, picked it back up and RAN!

I logged in my 5k in 43:31.

I went on for a little more 3.67 in 50:03

November daily challenge is almost over and I need to update my times.

Back to foam rolling, a runner's best friend!!

"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!!"

in sickness & in health...

I've been trying to lay "low" to kick this sickness out of my system.  I pushed myself on Monday for an elliptical workout & November [daily] challenge. And, I've been struggling since then. Yesterdays severe headache had me limited, pushed through the morning school madness but took it easy at home. It's mostly allergy-related but those headaches are NO JOKE, and my voice is all scratchy! Booo!! I even received the TURBOFIRE package but it was stuck, since the mail key wasn't working.

TODAY was up & down. UNTIL, I received a knock at the door and there it was, TURBOFIRE!!

I was EXCITED!! I wanted to jump into it immediately but waited....until naptime. Haha. Even, Ailea and Serena were excited to see what was in the package. I just wanted to "see", I quickly changed into workout gear and laced up my shoes. BOOM!! Just like that, I did DAY 1!! Whoooaaaaaa, she was something else. I'm the least coordinated person you will ever meet. And, that was my BIGGEST challenge, not the workout, keeping up with the fast, intense, moving routine. I LOVE the kickboxing aspect, surprisingly the squats didn't cause knee pain; YAYYY!!! I was SWEATING by the end of it. I'm REALLY liking that woman, she is spunky, the music was good, the workout was killer! I won't kick off the program until I complete my last few weeks of Les Mills Pump!! And, the last few weeks aren't as intense, sooo, that works with kicking this current sickness I have going in. 90 days is still pretty intimidating. There's no turning back now!! 

I was so PUMPED from Turbofire, that I wanted to get out for some 'stennis miles'.

So, right after Serena woke up from naptime, they snacked and then we headed out to the gym. I was pushing it close because Leanna was due to be off school soon. My first mile went pretty fast, 10:32, but then I noticed a little someone had climbed on the furniture. STOP. And, then back to it, I started off slower, lost my momentum and just gave it an easy go. It was also my FIRST time in running shorts outside the house. And, running in them. Different. They held up, there was still some 'jiggle' but I didn't mind it. I still got my run on. 

Finished Strong at 2 Miles in 22:40

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

"Running the Gulf" 615 [deployment] Miles!

If y'all know me by now, y'all know I love CHALLENGES!!

And, now I jumped into a hefty challenge. The MWR STENNIS, announced their, "Running the Gulf", by running/elliptical 615 miles until the end of deployment. Sweet, right!?

What does this mama do on a Monday, laced up her running shoes, and headed to the gym after snack time. It was a CRAZY WINDY morning, leaves were flying everywhere, grounds were covered in fabulous colors. My girls were loving the walk to the gym, KIDS RUN THIS TOWN MILES!! I patiently waited for a treadmill, I stretched while those other joggers did their thing, and 30 minutes later it was time. Luckily, my girls were pretty content during that wait and while I went running. There were a few walking intervals and I kept pushing myself, I aimed for a 5k but decided to keep going. I was pouring sweat, like major, I stinky sweat. My bondi band was soaked, as was my shirt. 
Finished Strong; 3.84 in 40 minutes. 

I've created a document to log in my 'stennis miles'. I'm excited for this 'deployment distraction' and love racking up those miles. There's a game plan in motion too, and I'm pretty excited!! Now, to get my husband on this challenge!! 
JOIN IN; it'll be a nice distraction. You know you want to RUN!! :D

Geez! Time flew by today, It's almost time to go pick up my oldest from school. After, my run, we came home, prepared lunch, cleaned, got the girls down for naptime. And, then got busy LIFTING for week 10/day 1 of Les Mills Pump. Whewww, my upper arm was sore from this morning Flu Shot but I got it done!! I definitely earned my mid-day shower, I was a SWEATY HOT MESS!! Now, to continue my cleaning frenzy, tonight Mama gets to R-E-L-A-X!!

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

9-11 Memorial #Anywhere5K

Whewww!!! Virtual Race #2 for this weekend DONE!!
9-11 Memorial #Anywhere5K
34:13 min.
And, on the TREADMILL! Thank you Running Gods for NO KNEE PAIN!!
Although, I am planning to take it easy until Thursday's Moms Run This Town Meetup.

Luckily, baby girl didn't climb but she did spend a good amount of the run whining  crying at the window. And, as usual the girls destroyed the playroom by tossing every. single. toy out of its box, took longer to put everything away that to RUN. LOTS of DISTRACTIONS but I. got. it. done! I stayed between Speed 6-7, I usually go faster but did not want to irritate any possible pains. I did take a few breathers and a PAUSE, 5 minutes in .48mile, to take Ailea to the restroom, I rushed back and lost the data. So, I had to start all over!! So, technically I ran a little more than a 5k. Had a SUPER SWEATY TIME!!! 

 

Another RACE added to the Race Display!!

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

Sneaky [Rough] Miles!!

Husband was still out running errands with baby girls when Leanna [finally] woke up. I asked if she want to the gym, so Mama can get her RUN on!! Yeahhh, I was excited, she was too...we chatted to/from out short walk. I reminded her that her 6th BIRTHDAY is tomorrow and she reminded me that her Daddy leaves on Monday. Bittersweet.
I'll admit, it's always awkward not having all 3 girls in tow, not holding someone's hand, or carrying one on the hip.

 Well, there was nothing quick or fun about running on the treadmill. My knee was not feeling it, awful pain, no matter what I did, inclines, slow speed, fast speed, the 1 MILE 'run' was my roughest ever, on the treadmill. That won't be happening for a while... It's pretty bothersome because since the bum knee injury, I've still managed to get some good running miles, even with a little pain at the beginning, I feel great afterwards. Wahhh!! When we got home, we decided to get a little more running in, taking bonita for a walk/run to the lake. We squeezed in a mile before meeting husband back at the house. 

Well, at least I was able to squeeze in 2 MILES toward THE BUG RUN MILES. Only, 4.57 Miles to go. 

 Bummed about the SLOW/Rough Mile

 Happy with my girl

Bonita did good on the walk/run

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