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!

{5 by the 5th} #1/6

Happy Friday Y'all!!

I've had two [much needed] rest days after running 13.1 on New Years Day!

I headed back outdoors for January's {5 by the 5th} Virtual Race Series, hosted by Mommy Run Fast.
January-June Challenge; Run a 5k or 5 miles by the 5th of each month. Sweet!!

It was cold, it was gloomy, my throat was hurting a little. Where's my Texas sunshine?
I started off with a warm-up, then started a steady slow pace, no route in mind, for an slow 5k.
My garmin took a bit to register the run, but I always back up with 1 or 2 apps (runkeeper/nike+).
I had to run HARD/FAST from random barking dogs, several. And, I seriously thought I was going to get attacked. Sure, some were small little things but mannnn, they kept barking until I was off their street property. Aghhh...I had to watch the 'pavement' with so much uneven areas, I was scared I'd injure myself. It was pretty quiet with minimum cars around, even took it to the city trail, a little peace off the roadways. a little breather with some folks walking.

I gave myself some walking intervals, my calves are still pretty sore, as is my left foot. A little annoyed but manageable. I eased off. I reached the 5k but wasn't close to my finish, so I continued.

The last song on play was P!NK - Try. I can't express how much I love her music and this song especially. (If you haven't heard it; GO NOW, video is linked!) This is also apart of today's FOCUS {2013 Word}, that went into today's gratitude journal entry.

 

These lyrics speak LOUD:

"....where there is desire

there is gonna be a flame

where there is a flame

someone's bound to get burned

but just because it burns

doesn't mean you're gonna die

you've gotta get up and try, try, try..." 

 

 

Even though my run was set for slow and comfortable. I felt a little silly submitting the 4.23 because it was smack in the middle from running a 5k and possibly going further for 5 miles.
Nonethless, I got out there and got.it.done.

[[Currently at 39.87 miles for the Winter 100 Challenge hosted by The Running Mom.]]

[[And, 17.24 for the MRTT 1000 Mile Club]]

Finished Strong; 4.23 in 56:42

"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!!

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!!

Frosty's Great Cupcake 10k

Can I get a wha-wha!?!?

Mama got another outdoor SOLO run (AWESOME)!!! There was SUNSHINE in the Pacific Northwest and I took full advantage!! It was slightly cool, I wore my color run top for comfort.

I ran a familiar route with hills involved! Ouch!! I ran the entire time except for a walking interval at the 3 mile mark! And, the few times I stopped to wait at the crosswalks. I was that runner, not so patiently waiting, a little annoyed. Haha. You've been there, right?

I haven't received my medal yet but I was happy to tackle these miles off the treadmill and in the great outdoors!

Finished strong; 6.12 miles in 1:12:38!

Run into 2013

Jump into your running gear, lace up those shoes and get your run on!

I'm SO exited to get some SOLO miles while in TX. That's why I got myself a full list of races to start off 2013!!

If you're looking for virtual races here's a few I'm registered to:

#anywhere5k Resolve to Run

For the love of the kids

I registered for the 5k and half-marathon

Ready to Run for a good cause 

the swag is pretty fabulous too

First 2 medals for 2013

Run 13 in 2013

I mentioned in a previous post about my challenge for 13 half-marathons in 2013

Here's more fun to the challenge; you can register for 13 races in 2013

Whatever distance you want; challenge yourself

Another fabulous challenge I'm registered for is the 5 by the 5th Virtual Race Series!
Run a 5k or 5 miles by the 5th of each month through June.

Go read all about it and register!

5 by the 5th Challenge

So, there you have it. There's a little push/options to get running in 2013!! I'm pumped! Running has been a HUGE factor in keeping me sane during this deployment!! And, I'm sure I'll continue to keep busy making those runs on/off road!

December Miles

This mama FINALLY got an outdoor [SOLO] run!! It's been roughly 3 1/2 months since I had one. Crazy, right!?
my last SOLO RUN, was right before husband left for deployment!

My friend was so generous in continuing to watch my girls, once I got home from a 5hr shift. I was SO excited!!

I slipped into my running tights, pulled out a long-sleeve top, put on my favorite mis-match socks, buckled my spibelt, put on my earphones and laced up my Asics!

Mama was ready to RUN!!

It was already dark out with light rain, I carried my night light in my hand while running along my favorite 5k course.

BAM! Felt amazing!!

#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!!"

Thankful Heart 5k Fun Run

My legs weren't done for the day.
My original plan was to dual my miles from this mornings race ....but....
my legs wanted MORE! So, after a yummy lunch of roasted veggies/chicken and baby girls naptime was over, Mama laced up her running shoes and we headed to the gym.

Uhmm, I might of still have been wearing this morning running gear, yep!
I pinned on my race bib for the Thankful Heart 5k Fun Run hosted by our fabulous MRTT Chapter Leader over at Pretty Little Loser. Oohhh, I finally met up with her this morning, it's been a few months since we actually saw each other. We've still been busy running, just different times and routes. I also met another MRTT member. We've got some busy running mama's. I've missed hosting the morning MRTT Runs but have been having a hard time kicking the sickness off completely. Boo!

I was pretty happy to be able to get back out for a run. And, throughout the entire run, all I was thinking was, I'm thankful for these legs. I'm also thankful for my determination, my heart, my love for running. It's grown drastically over the last few years. I still remember only jogging, as a release, my escape, after a busy day w/a full-time job and as a college student. That was, literally, 10 years ago!! I was a little 18 year old, going into my own. Fast-forward....now, I'm balancing my running with the day to day of motherhood. I love it, and I woulnd't change it.

I logged in my 5k in 37:18

2 minute warm-up and cool-down

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

the view from here

The runner in me has already  been thinking of Races for 2013. 
And, I've decided to go for 13 half-marathons in 2013. 
I've already added 6 on the calendar, looking through the ones I wasn't able to do this year.
This year took a beating, unexpected deployment. I've managed a few races but not as many as I had planned for. So, even if they are virtual runs for the first half of 2013, that still counts as a race in my book. Ohhh, I also need to add the Turbofire schedule in for 2013. It's going to be interesting while I'm in Texas for the Winter break, to get those in. I'll be back to an EARLY or LATE routine!! I also found a Half-Marathon I will be running, along the beach, Santa Hustle. I'm SUPER excited!! Mama needs a GOOD LONG SOLO RUN!! It'll only be a few days after out arrival; PERFECT!! And, I get to see my sister & baby girls at the finish line. Sweet!!!

Another thing, I plan to do it VOLUNTEER at races, not only with MRTT, it's been mentioned but as a SOLO gig too. More so, when husband returns. I have to take in account that I have 3 girls to care for FIRST. Once, husband is home, I'm all in. He's already planned to go running with me AND.....dun, dun, dun....register to a few races with me. Ain't that lovely!!

Alrighty, back to planning and watching the HOUSTON TEXANS do their thing. 

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

Ohhh, Zombies!!

So, this Mama got to RUN, 2 days in a Row!! Whoop! Whoop!!
Pretty exciting weekend, but I was mostly exhausted!! 
In all things RUNNING-RELATED; here's my weekend race re-cap. 

Friday: Dawn of the Dead Dash 
After a 4 hour shift, I had to rush home, get changed into my running gear. I didn't really plan on dressing up, I was pulling out my warm running tops from my drawers, hadn't used them in a while. Leanna suggested I dress up as a Princess Runner...princess? Okay. She gave me the running skirt I had won a few months ago, Sparkly Aqua!! And, said to wear my sparkly runner band. Then, I added in a pair of high socks, that had a little sparkle to them. I felt a little silly but they were totally smiling. We headed out a later than I planned. It was a rainy drive, rainy!! We found a SONIC once we made the 50 minute drive to Tacoma; HAPPINESS!! Then, it was off to drop girls at a friends house. Once, I found the address it was back out into the Friday Night Traffic on I-5N..did't expect that, add in unfamiliar roads and I was a little worried. I found a parking spot and RUSHED to the meeting venue. 

While, I was jogging UPHILL, I started to notice runners w/bibs going downhill. They had started and it wasn't even 7:30. It was about 7:15, so I was racing up to check-in. Got there. Got checked-in. Got my bib & shirt and info on what's going to happen. Then, I realized this wasn't at all what I 'expected'. There was no exact course. They gave you a map, and the crossroads for checkpoints, then you had to 'get there' and not be tagged. Okay. Okay. I was scared at that point. I was alone. Made it out the venue, asked a couple to snap a quick photo of me and asked them if they were familiar with the area. They said, yes. Then another 2 minutes of chit chat and I was joining their group. Cool. UNTIL, we heard craziness nearby and everyone started running. ZOMBIE!! And, I was flying, like lost the 'new running friends' flying. There was ANOTHER couple, and I asked if they knew where...yeah, I was a dork. Turns out they did...and I stayed with this duo. We took other routes to stay away from the 'popular' streets. There was real life still going on, people still driving to/from places, going out to dinner. Made it to checkpoint 1, where they met up with more friends. Checkpoint #2 was crazy infested!! And, one of the teammates and I made a QUICK run to the 'safe zone', I was tagged, but still got checked in, which made me think, did they tag me after I stepped in, since I was running hard into the zone. I don't know. I just continued on with the team, UPHILL, running from zombies. Running from possible zombies, Running & Running. Jumping over a fence because the alley was blocked off. Laughing. It was COLD. Luckily no rainfall. Wet Roads. Chatting. Continuously saying, "oh sh*t!" We heard from other runners that Checkpoint #3 was crazy infested and we made a plan of attack. Well, after all that planning, and ducking, hiding behind trees, taking it silly serious, checkpoint #3 was NO WHERE to be found. And, about 15 other runners had also scoped the scene with nothing. Ah, well. It was a hilarious/spooky 2 1/2 hour FUN RUN!! Once, I saw that it was almost 9, and I was FAR from my parking spot, I was literally running through the area, a good mile! Ohh, and I was loving it!! The weather was just perfect.

Saturday: #anywhere5k Zombie Run.
I was exhausted after the drive home and a sleepless night but I had planned to get my virtual race done. Another runner mama, was going to be running with me and since there was rain in the forecast, we planned for a treadmill 5k. We met up and I did my 5k first. It was ROUGH, I was a little worn. And, I actually ran Mile 1 in 9:50!! Not too bad. I had a pretty LONG walking interval which slowed my pace down drastically. My legs were a little beaten up from killer hills, walking them even got me. Washington has some STEEP hills. No joke. After the recovery walk. I picked it back up to to finish strong. 
5k in 42:42. Not my best on the treadmill but I got it done. Notice the shirt, it's the swag from the Dawn of the Dead Dash. I would much rather receive a shirt vs. a medal any day and I have with most local races. Other, than the virtual races. Medals aren't that big of a deal, I still love them and get happy when I receive them. I'm REALLY excited to see the Memory Run Medal with a photo of my dad. I love to sport my tops more. And, you will see me wearing them,at least, weekly, not the same ones since I have several. You really can't walk around sporting your medal. Yes, I have them proudly displayed on my bling/bib board. And, I've been thinking of a way to display the bibs instead of just stacking them. 

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

Memory Run

I signed up for a virtual race a few weeks ago, over at FUNd Run 4 Bling.

And, I've been avoiding it since then.
Why?

While, I was excited about it when I signed up, I was sad too. Overwhelmed, actually.
You see, it's called, "Memory Run".

"This run is a run that you will dedicate to someone in your life, past or present. Maybe even a cherished pet?! The bling is a frame medal. Instead of having an insert on the front you will be able to insert a picture! You have the option to email me the pic (or snail mail) and I will affix it to the medal before it is shipped to you! (I am a scrapbooker and have acid free glue that should work nicely without wrecking the photo). Also I would like to have the bling out early so that you receive the medal before your run so that you will have it as soon as you finish!"

 Tonight, I finally emailed the photo of my dad. He's always on my mind, heavy in my heart. Especially, while running. I started running last summer, like REALLY running. I was back in my hometown, and it was staring right at me. I had no other choice but to face the reality of what happened. It was always "easy" for me to deal with family loss, since moving because I didn't see the hurt of family in my face. I could easily distract myself with my girls, my family, anything really. I was miles away and phonecalls was all I had between them. And, to be home and not see my dad when I went over to my mom's, their place. To see my little brothers still at home, 16, 7, 5..hurting for our dad. It.was.rough. So, I would run at night, the only peace I found, and I ran A LOT! So, with every.single.stride I take, he is already on my mind. 
I've associated running several times with feeling close to my dad. It's not only "my" time to breath, de-stress, feel free and powerful because I have total control of it. My emotions have been off the wall lately, like seriously crazy!! Crying for the littlest things, feeling overwhelmed because so much is happening with my girls and my husband isn't home. And, my mom and siblings back home. Call me a baby. Call me human. Call me an emotional runner.


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

The Cupcake Classic!

We ran for cupcakes during today's Moms Run This Town Meetup!! 
We got lucky with sunshine after a few rainy days. 
And, it was Crystal's, mama runner friend, first time running a virtual race.
She's a cupcake lover & baker, so it was PERFECT for her!!
She did awesome and she's hooked for a few upcoming virtual races!!
We ran, we took walking intervals, we had a fabulous time!

There's still time to register for The Cupcake Classic, run between October 14th - 21st.
There's some fabulous prizes to enter for!! Go check out Run with Jess. Hurry!

The Cupcake Classic is a fun run for women of all fitness levels. There are no awards, as fitness offers its own rewards! You can run, jog or walk. As sisters, moms, daughters, friends, we make choices every day to lead our families and communities towards a healthier life. The Cupcake Classic celebrates those daily efforts.  Gather up your friends, go for a run and then treat yourselves with a cupcake... because the FIT LIFE IS SO SO SWEET!

Yep, I earned that Yummy Cupcake!!

The View from here; perfect morning!

 There she goes.

Run, Mama, Run!

Trail View

We did it!

3.18 Miles in 55:01

French Toast & Bacon Cupcakes 

at the finish line!

Crystal did an Amazing job!!

 "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!!"

Runner's Rant!

Happy Sunday y'all!!

Another early morning wake-up from the girls. No, sleeping in for this Mama!

After breakfast, they got crafty painting pumpkins!! 

. We have some GIRLY painted pumpkins, and they are PERFECT!! 

Then it was time to gear up for a morning run; the last few miles for the Boo! Half-Marathon. 

Treadmill View

No climbing baby girl!

  MAJOR SWEATFEST!!

Sweat dripping from my chin, down my neck, chest; WHOA!

FABULOUS FEELING!!

Ran 3.11 (36:34) Boo! Miles for a total of 13.52 in 4 RUNS!!

I definitely earned that BOO! BLING on my FABULOUS RACE Board!!

"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!!"