End of the Year 5k!

end of the year 5k!!
and, I stacked this 5k for two virtual races!! BAM!!

My girls went to dinner with their cousins, so this mama took full advantage of "me time", got dressed and laced up the asics, and headed out. It was dark, and my SIL's neighborhood had several dark areas, minimum lighting. Afterall, we are out in the country. So, I went FAST in some areas and eased off in others (no repeat of a sprained ankle, please). It was still pretty windy but I was getting my run on and I was loving it. got.ir.done.

Finished Strong; 5k in 35:19

 {for the love of the kids} New Year's Resolution Run 5k
My race [bib] packet was mailed to WA and I didn't receive it before we left town. Not to worry, I received my bib number via email, and logged in tonight's 5k. I have the half-marthon that I will be running on January 1st, the whole 13.1 miles, no better way to start 2013 Running [First Race for the challenge; 13 in 2013]!! The medals are fabulous and so is the tee swag. I should be receiving the medals sometime in January; 5k to be added to the 2012 bling and half-marathon will start the 2013 bling.

{FUNd Run 4 Bling} Snowflake 5k
Here's another fabulous race. I have the medal sitting on my counter at home. It was just waiting to be hung with the 2012 bling and I meant to run the race before I left but it didn't happen. So, here it is. Done. I've participated in 5/6 races with this awesome group. And, have more in 2013. Her bling is pretty awesome and the girls are also participating in the kids run.

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

Resolve to Run {#anywhere5k}

{Virtual Race recap} Talk about challenging!!

It took everything I had to get through this 5k! And, I mean everything!
I participated in another fabulous virtual 5k hosted by #anywhere5k. This is race # 4 or 5, I think.

I planned to get this run in on Saturday but after an impromptu night out and hangover, it didn't happen. Yepp, I let loose and paid the price. That's not happening again. Ehh...

So, onto plan #2. Running on a Sunday morning. And, even that didn't go as planned. Baby girl woke up around 4:30am and cried for nearly an hour and 1/2. Ouch! I slept in past my alarms.

I was out the door around 10:30, ran to the store to grab a hat and Chapstick. I can't believe I forgot to pack my running hats! I ran along the country roads, loving the fresh air, the view of grass fields, horses and cows. I was not enjoying the cold wind, it was killing me, my legs were so heavy. I was sweating out the last of the hangover, agh!! I wanted to go longer (in attempt to knock off another virtual 5k) but it didn't happen. And, that's fine.

Finished strong; 3.14 in 36:44!!

{run to the finish} challenge 13'

So.... I came across this challenge recently from one of the runner blogs I follow, and was ready to go. I actually find myself, using a 'gratitude' app. almost daily. And, often write notes into my fitness binder while hitting goals or just because. So, this is just another little 2013 Goal. 

{ONE WORD CHALLENGE} another 2013 challenge; FOCUS!!

Want more info on the challenge head over to Run to the finish. Join in!!

"For January 2013 the challenge is simple…and hard because it may require changing your patterns. It’s about creating one single new habit. Enjoying the success of your habit to build more habits.

Challenge: 5 minutes upon waking spent saying affirmations, creating a gratitude list, meditating, or free writing. 

Tony Robbins likes to call it the Hour of Power and Zig Ziglar promotes at least 15 minutes…but we are all about making a habit that will stick by starting SMALL and relishing that SUCCESS. The idea of our 5 minutes is to create a POSITIVE mindset for our day.

TIP 1: Even if you are finding day two that you can do 10 minutes, 20 minutes…DON’T!! Week one stick to just 5 minutes, we don’t want to start strong and fizzle.

TIP 2: A starter guide to meditation >> Check out all the ways it can benefit you and some of the top performers who use it like Oprah, Albert Einstein, Elle Macpherson.

TIP 3: Why free writing? Have you ever noticed that you repeat things over and over in your mind? The act of simply writing it down seems to help us let it go, move on and focus our energy where it’s really needed.

TIP 4: Here is why I started a daily gratitude journal and it creates an incompatible behavior with stress. You cannot be thinking thoughts of love, appreciation and joy while simultaneously feeling stressed.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE
1. Register here for free >> Sign up
2. Receive weekly emails when a new post is up where you can link up anything you’ve posted and get more motivation, tips and details on making each morning count.
3. Post the logo on your site with a link to this page to encourage friends to join.
--- I’ve talked about this before, but the community we have created is what makes these challenges successful for us all. Accountability. Idea Sharing. Friendship. Motivation. Excitement….tap in to all of it!
--- Right click save image as
4. Use #bestfoot on Twitter, Instagram, etc. I’ll be following and re-tweeting and responding!
5. Print out the tracking sheet and mark off each day you complete your 5 Golden Minutes"

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

Fun Fact Friday

happy friday y'all!!

ya'll ready for another random 10....here goes it!!

1. I jumped out of bed while scrolling down my fb newsfeed yesterday morning when I saw a photo of my man!! Yes, that man who is currently on month #4 of deployment. {{YES, I often visit {stalk} husband's SHIP facebook page, when they hit port for possible photo's of him.}} They recently made a port visit in DUBAI!! And, he volunteered for a COMREL (community relations) project. He was busy at work, and we were SO happy to finally see action photo's. This wasn't his first COMREL, he has volunteWe are anxious for homecoming!

2. My 20 yr old sister could be my twin! Yes, I'll admit it...and everyone is constantly saying when they see photo's of us. Especially, now that I'm in town. She is 20 years old, so I'm flattered. I look young, thanks...I'm pushing 30 but don't feel it one bit. It's just a number in my book!! Would you agree?

3. I'm head over heels with flats, like all kinds; toms, bobs, leopard print, khaki's, chevrons...and so on...I love them! I've got an every-growing collection but can't wear them on rainy days. I've tried a few times, and soaked feet aren't fun!! My rainboots are another growing {fabulous] collection!!

4. Starbucks Venti Dirty Dirty Chai Latte, please!! What's that you ask?? It's a chai latte with 2 espresso shots. SO YUMMY & my ultimate fave! go try it!! Ohh, I love Washington. It feels weird NOT drinking coffee on rainy cold days. I'm an addict, and happy keurig owner. If it's not coffee, it's green tea, chai lattes, green chai tea, even hot cocoa with my girls.

5. You know you're a fitness addict, when your family mentions they have a new local gym.
I'll be getting my gym time on this weekend, while in the country.

6. I've been called, "the craft queen, crafty mama, craftiest person I know, craftaholic, creative mama, creative {running} mama, miss crafty pants,.....etc" by countless friends since high school. It's true, I take pride in my projects whether they are home decor, scrapbooks, kids crafts, wall art, you name it. Earlier, I was looking through  a few boxes that have some of my items, like photos and other crafty such from high school. Wow!!

7. Since, I'm home and I've been asked about my husband A LOT. I've realized that in 2013, we will mark 10 YEARS since we met and became a couple!! 10 YEARS, unbelievable!! We met through his SIL on June 20, 2003 (while he was on leave after deployment), she was my co-worker and it was a done deal. We talked and talked for almost 2 weeks, we fell in love and started this "long-distance relationship", he was stationed in Hawaii! We married September 23, 2004. I think it's cute when my {now} growing nieces & nephews {in-laws} 15+ years, ask how we met and how it all began. TRUE LOVE Y'ALL!

8. I've been debating on my latest pair of eye glasses for a few months now. It's like I get a new pair every year and have the hardest time over & over. And, it's sad, because I almost want to get the same exact pair but take advantage of the 'new look' option. {same thing for running shoe} still on the search,,,

9. It's almost January; I've been anxiously waiting for a few months now {silly, I know}!! Not for the whole a new year, a new start deal. Because, it's 2013, ...we are in the YEAR that homecoming gets [a whole lot] closer, become [way more] real. No more, next year business, now it's the same year. We have our HALF-WAY party in 2 WEEKS {Saturday} and I have yet to even look for a DRESS. I will next week, it's an OLD HOLLYWOOD GLAM theme. Dressing up, red lips, wavy hair, heels, Oh My!! A totally different look from the housewife, stay at home, runner mama look. Aghh, I'm EXCITED!!

10. Happy 2013 Y'all!! I hope y'all have a safe and happy celebration with your loved ones!! And, don't forget to set those goals and make it happen!! *happy running {happy fitness] happy health*

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

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!!"

happy winter y'all

The WINTER season has officially began...there's still snow on the ground here and now icy roads.

It's definitely looking & feeling like winter in the Pacific Northwest.

Have a fabulous fit day; happy running!

26 for 26

{26 miles for 26 angels}
Last night, I jumped on the saddle, and spinned my heart out, 26 miles in 1:15.

I've been so heartbroken with the tragic event at Sandy Hook Elementary. And, while I tried to avoid the media on it. I did come across a few stories of the victims.
I found peace with myself during the spin. Being so hard on myself a busy week. Realizing that the big things on my list weren't that big. Reminding myself, that the little things matter the most.

{winter wonderland; snow day}
I mentioned snow on a previous post. Well, we received roughly 5-6 inches yesterday!! We woke up to a winter wonderland, and it snowed all day long!! I received a call around 5am from Leanna's school reporting 'snow day'. We spent about an hour outdoors, the girls made snow angels, got crazy with a snow ball fight, made lil snowmen, even ate snow [yea, like a snowcone]. And, then rushed indoors for warmth and hot cocoa. It was just perfect, and I was happy spending every single second with them. It was special for me. I grew up in Texas, snow was never apart of our crazy [unpredictable] weather conditions. So, I'm just amazed when I see it, and I just stare outdoors watching it.

Spinning 26 miles set my heart on fire, on fire for peace & comfort, for the families affected. Motherhood is the best [amazing] experience in my life, an ever-growing one. I'll always be a mother to my 3 precious girls, always. And, I'm thankful for that; everyday.single.day.

{the view from here}