lake sammamish half {13in2013}

first [in real life] half marathon for 2013.
half marathon #6 for the 13 in 2013 challenge.
first road trip with a few fabulous MRTT runners.
{weekend wrap-up}


{Friday} a ferry ride to Seattle, started this awesome weekend. It was a glorious day, the sun was shining by the time we got to the packet pick-up location. I was also picking up 2 other packets, for the other mother runners, that were going. We made a detour to ikea before the drive back home, finally picking up a few items for an upcoming project. We got a surprise, my brother arrived a day early!! He was flying in from the carrier, off from deployment, he detached and has orders to SoCal. My girls were SO excited to welcome their uncle back to the USA!! They were all over him, a bit overwhelming for him, I'm sure!

{Saturday} Lake Sammamish Half Marathon
Race day; up EARLY, 4:30! After the morning chaos, and loading of 3 cranky girls, we headed to my friends house, she babysat the girls during my FIRST half marathon, last July. And, is awesome watching my girls. I met up at my friends house, where we'd get together and carpool to the ferry. This was a location, I hadn't been to, so I was happy that we made plans to go together. Ferry loaded at 6:25, after some driving, we arrived at the race location, about 8:00. Got geared up, bathroom break, tried to warm-up, it was COLD!! And, once we crossed the start line, we each went into our own 'running' world.

Mile 1-6: the course was flat, surprisingly, Washington is known for its 'hillish' routes. I was completely stretched at mile 4. I got to mile 5, and realized I needed a bathroom break, my body wanted to instantly stop but I pushed through it. Once, I finally spotted a porta-potty and the long line, I kept going. I'm not going to lie, I hit several spots where I was speeding and zig zagging my way ahead of folks and I felt like a total badass because I wasn't burnt out. I paced though. No knee pain. I was over the moon!! A lot to through your mind when you're running for over an hour...with more miles and time ahead.

Miles 6-8: I took a few walking breaks, around miles 6-8. My feet went numb, and I had to stretch a little. I even took off a layer, because the fog finally burned off and the sun was shining. The trail was mostly gravel, some paved areas. We ran alongside some houses that had lake fronts. It was absolutely beautiful. I day-dreamed, yessss while running, about never moving from this amazing state and owning a house like those.

Miles 9-11: are we there yet? Seriously!? Mile 10 had us running alongside the roadways, I actually ran the entire time, passing several folks that decided to walk. I suppose, this is the kind of running I can concentrate with the most. Just the music and the pavement ahead, I was in a zone. Mile 11 had us back on a trail, heading into the Lake Sammamish State Park. Once again, burst of energy and passing folks. I was eater for the finish line!! Woohoo!! I had Drakes 'started from the bottom' song on replay to push me! It gets annoying but it definitely had me pushing!

Mile 12: longest.mile.ever. {Young the Giant- body on replay for the finish} it was a busy park day, finishers along the trail cheering us on, Families spending time at the park, errr...or waiting for their finisher, the shuttle buses leaving back to start location. Yep, luckily, we didn't have to loop back! The zig zagging felt like the longest time, but I knew the finish line was somewhere over that tree area. The fact that I couldn't see it, was probably a good thing. The last stretch was right along the lake, I was overwhelmed with emotions; fabulous weather, amazing view, garmin watch time was setting a PR,......"my body tell me no but I won't quit, Cuz i want more, I want more..." The finish line never looked sweeter, my music was blasting and I was smiling and holding back tears of awesomeness!! It totally kicked my ass, I kicked ass and was on an amazing runners high!!

Finished Strong: 13.1 miles in 2:30:56!!!

I caught up with the 2 other mother runners and we chatted about our run, each of us setting PR's!! Pretty exciting, considering this was a flat course, which I learned was a BIG DEAL! We snapped photos, refueled and each purchased a shirt from Run Pretty Far, fabulous items. I knew I was going to jump into my shirt, to pair with my celebratory drink, sangria!! We made our way to the shuttle, car drive to ferry, ferry ride back to meeting location. It was 3pm, I rushed home to steal a shower before picking up my girls. Then, back home to cook up a spaghetti dinner; yummmayyy!! After, putting the girls to bed and cleaning the dinner mess, I finally sat down, more sangria, movie night with my brother.

{Sunday} active recovery. Ouch.
I rolled, literally, out of bed around 8am.
After a little bit of lounging, watching Wreck it Ralph.
I decided to get busy in the garage, the fact that my either was leaving Monday morning too. I wanted to relocate the treadmill into the garage. And, complete the garage gym. Err, I mean, clean the garage. Even, getting the car loaded with a hefty goodwill donation. I spent a few hours and it sure did help relieve the soreness, a little sangria helped too. It looks amazing now!! And, I've still got some clearing/trashing of toys and junk. It should be cleared out by the time husband returns. We finally have a homecoming date, finally!! I'm SO happy he will be home to celebrate half-marathon #3, we've already got a BBQ and margaritas planned post-race, his mom will be in town too. Such exciting news to a running-super active-filled weekend!!

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!!!!!

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 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!!"

Thankful Thursday!

What are you thankful for?

Tonight, I am thankful for a wonderful support system!!

From family to still breastfeeding to school to work to military life to fitness...I've got it all covered. And, I'm very thankful for those that are apart it. Lately, I have started to re-read, Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives. It's an excellent book, and I kind of read through it before deployment started and didn't digest it properly. Now, I've got a new outlook into reading it and I am identifying to it, open-heartily.

Some days,  some weeks become overwhelming, but like many others, I get through it. No matter what. I sometimes go harder in a workout routine, or spend more quality time with my girls. Remember, I have 3 girls; 6, 3, 1, all demanding ages, all different personalities, each needing my attention. With daddy on deployment, it's be ROUGH, giving them each my all. Juggling different roles, motherhood be the most demanding of them all. I have my good/bad days, days I felt as if I've failed, others I am on that super mama high. My husband is continuously praising me, reminding me that I do A LOT, a lot that other mama's might now do. I am very  much involved with them, from an early age teach them, opening their creativity, showing them the world is an adventure. I haven't stopped enjoying myself just because my husband is away. I'll be honest there has been several days, that I do breakdown with emotions because I do miss him. And, that's completely fine. I've seen many other military spouses via facebook groups, express misery, express how life sucks without there other half home. What I don't see is how they are enjoying their children or themselves. How miserable is that? A waste of time, if you ask me. I make the best of life while he is away or at least I try by hardest. I've embraced the deployment, I've set goals, I've planned out months, outtings for my girls, I've made things happen to keep us distracted. Later, this year we will be traveling to Texas for the Winter Break, it's going to be our first time flying from Washington an my first time traveling with my 3 girls. It's going to be pretty memorable. And, I am totally looking forward to it. We get to spend Christmas with family, I get to RUN a lot and just enjoy time in Texas.

When, it comes to fitness, it's also been challenging but I have put myself out there with friends via the world wide web, they have been apart of my journey, they have seen my success, they have seen Rosanna WORK her ASS off to get her body back after kids. And, they have become INSPIRED, some have jumped on and off, others have had their own success stories, and some are back with me. This brings me to a story in the book,Conquering Resentment, ....... "How can I serve others this week?" No matter how challenged I am in my life, I have to get myself out of that and move forward. I'm self-motivated, a go getta, a woman on the go. And, that's one reason I started setting up bootcamps, started this past April, for fellow military spouses, it's been off/on with our husbands schedules and recently with my knee injury. I'm happy to say, that it's back on the calendar this week. In September, once school started, I began hosting weekly run with Moms Run This Town, another way to keep myself busy and moving, to motivate other moms. Other wives know that I love all things fitness-related, they know I have 3 little ones, and know that I am always ready to get busy. 

Getting crafty, staying social. Those things people already know I enjoy, plan. And, it's been happening lately. We've got our second {eat.craft.drink} event coming up; Pie & Mug Swap!!

One of the chapters that caught my attention early on was, In Everything GIVE THANKS. 
And, I do that often. I am thankful for many things throughout the day. I don't take things for granted, most especially, the time with my girls. I know that on the other side of the ocean, my husband, is missing them. He is making us proud and doing his job which he loves. The deployment factor isn't permanent and we survive. We are proud of our sailor, we are thankful for him.

"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!!"

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!!"

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!!"

The week ahead...

While folding laundry, I kept thinking of the week aheaddd....it's a BUSSAAYYYY one!!

And, tonight's craft project was just perfect. 

My latest craze in my creative crafts; Wood!!

It's FABULOUS. It's MEANINGFUL!

It's PERFECT!

Back to the week ahead; along with the daily craziness of 3 girls & household duties.

Week 8 of Les Mills Pump/Kickbox Combo. Morning errands with my baby girls. Coffee dates. Orientation. Meeting for Volunteers for Fall Festival. Spinning for Recovery Week. Double School Mornings Tuesday and Thursday. Moms Run This Town FIRST Virtual Race; The Cupcake Classic 5k. Fall Festival Prep. Soccer Practice. FRG Meeting. Hosting FIRST {Eat. Craft. Drink} Event. Soccer Game. Fall Festival Event. 

I'm thankful for busy-filled weeks. These are the kind of weeks that make me forget about deployment. It gets rough some days, I break down in tears, I miss my husband, my partner in parenthood, my best friend. I have to keep on keeping on for myself and my girls. Because they miss their daddy just as much. We have some special crafts we are working on to add to his care package. Special for him, he is a family man, the most amazing father.

Hurry, deployment, be over already!!

"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!!"

Thankful Thursday!

Fall is in FULL SWING in the Fabulous State of Washington!!
We got to enjoy it yesterday during our Moms Run This Town Morning Run!
And, today, I took a breather to enjoy some one-on-one time with my baby girl.
**Oh, Tues/Thur can be a little rough. Having the girls up by 6:30 and ready to head out by 7:55, drive 15 minutes, drop off Ailea at Preschool, head back home, have lunch packed (because Leanna doesn't decide what she wants until the morning of) and out the door to walk to gate by 9. Wheww!! I've decided not to schedule workouts for these mornings and either do them during naptime or in the evenings. It's also DAY 3 of NO COFFEE; Phew!!
Baby Girl and I  had brunch, and began watching The Walking Dead, okay, so I was watching it mostly. What?! I'm stuck on it. No fear, even with a deployed husband. Hah!
Anyways, I enjoyed my time with her, I look forward to Thursday Mornings, and it's become my time with her. No workout, No Runs, Nothing major scheduled. And, she loves it too!

We were rolling around the ground, reading  and taking turns passing the basketball to each other. Then, I caught her doing this and quickly reached to snap photo's. She is something else, something special. And, so are my other two. When I do workout with them nearby, like the other day, I was in the garage with them going in/out during Jillian Michael's Kickbox Fast. I had to make sure I wasn't going to kick one of them across the head. And, it's obvious Baby Girl pays attention to Mama, because she's got the body ball routine down! I'm so THANKFUL they benefit from the positive example I am setting for them. Leanna is a quick runner during soccer practices/games. Ailea wants to jump out of her jogger seat during our runs. And, she goes for it, intervals, my little runner. Leanna even suggested we go as a 'Team of Pink Sparkly Tutu Girl Runners' for this years Halloween costumes, complete with funky tubed socks, sparkly headbands and wearing one of my fancy medals. I think she might be on to something. Hmmm...maybe no Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles this year...maybe!


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

Reflecting back on 8 years!!

Whoop! Whoop!!

This Mama is 2.2 lbs DOWN, currently at 158!! BEST ANNIVERSARY GIFT EVER!! I weighed in at 165 just before he left, 28 days ago. It's a big deal, since I've been back on the weight loss journey. I was 147 mid-February and my new "deployment goal" is at 140. Giving myself a little leeway to gain and not beat myself up. Of course, it's not all about weight loss, I am seeing the toning of my arms, once again. In my legs too, over all really. Les Mills Pump is doing it again. Week 5 starts tomorrow!! 

Back to the weight gaining drama!
That's right I said, my military wifey's know it. With homecoming, usually comes some weight gain, husbands back home, home-coooking, dining out, late night grubbing. You know all the stuff you avoided during that deployment. It happened to me and while I didn't necessarily care when it was happening, I was actually enjoying it, I didn't enjoy the gaining weight from birth control though. And, it's finally shedding off. Thank Goodness!!! 

 I'm also celebrating 8 years of marriage, 8 years y'all!! And, as a military spouse to a husband who has had a VERY demanding schedule in the last, almost 2 years. That's a pretty big deal. I mean, being a sailor is pretty demanding, especially on the Stennis, his current back to back deployment hit me hard but I love that my man. And, stand behind him 110%. If anything, it's made our marriage stronger, I don't base it on the military lifestyle, more of parenting, partnership...all that mushy stuff. I can't wait to have him back, really.can't.wait.

He's been with me since my slimmest, at 145 before marriage. I got careless and comfortable there after. Even though, I worked out, almost daily with a full-time job and college. I still let myself go. Stupid. I remember moving to Hawaii, in September 2005 and being in the 170s. He 's said, he hardly recognized me. I easily gained 15lbs while working/drinking (oh, to be a 21 yr old again), in 3 months. Yes, I can't believe it either. That was wreckless. So, being pier side at homecoming was nothing but uncomfortable.

 I began working out once I got settled into Hawaii, he was there too but honestly I wasn't feeling it, especially since I was pregnant with my first kiddo. You know how that can go. She gave me insane morning sickness and I was pretty miserable for 3 months.  m.i.s.e.r.a.b.l.e.

Hello, San Diego. A new duty station, July 2006. And, Having a baby a month after moving into a new State was rough. And, single parenting a new born was harder since he was out to sea A LOT. I hardly new what I was doing, I thought I was prepared. I was wrong. He then then left for deployment when Leanna was about 6 months old. I started somewhat of a routine but it wasn't enough. Running with jogger, walking, pilates. And then came another homecoming. I don't even think I had lost any baby weight, I was actually "comfortable" with that then. 

That.was.crazy. y'all! 

[March 2007]

[Oct 2007]

[Dec 2007]

Hello, China Lake!! Moving again, to a super secluded area, had me motivated to lose weight before we started for baby #2.  I found a newly started "stroller strides" group, May 2008 and went every week, every week. I even started a weight loss meetup with a few other Mama's on the weight loss journey, we'd walk/jog/run to the gym on base for a workout. I lost about 15lbs. Once, the pregnancy symptoms started with super nausea I stopped stroller strides in November. I tried to keep up with daily walks, or evening walks with the family.

[August 2008]

 

[October 2008]

Fast-Forward to 6 weeks post-baby August 2009,I started to hit the gym; fitness classes like Spin, BOSU, Body Sculpting. I reached my lowest (then) at 154, at 8 months post-baby.  It was far from easy, trying to juggle a new baby, a preschooler, in home daycare business. It was ROUGH waking up at 4AM to nurse Ailea and then hit the gym for a run, spin, or elliptical workout. And, then adding evening classes was my outlet, I found energy and got it done. It did the job and I loved it.

                                  

[March 2009; 154 lbs at 8 Months Post-Ailea]

[Baby #3 in the oven; June 2009]

After an AWESOME [SUCCESSFUL] WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY, what do you think happened??! We turned around and got pregnant with baby #3. Oh, what a HUGE surprise!! And, of course it started all over, trying to hold on to a fitness routine while pregnant. And, then getting back at it after baby arrived. Hello, Baby Serena!!

[Hiking w/baby Girls; April 2011]

 There wasn't much time to get a routine going since we were due to move AGAIN, but this time we were going to Texas for 4 1/2 months, during the Summer. Yay and Boo!! It was tough. My runs happened LATE, I started several different routines, sprained my ankle, bought a spin bike...reached 154 lbs at 4 1/2 months POST-BABY!! 

[July 2011]

[August 2011]

Hello, Washington!! Once, we moved to our current duty station, he left a month later, Nov 2011. That left me to once again juggle this fitness business with 3 girls in tow. I did it. I ran, spinned, walked, worked out, lifted, started running races. Did it all!

In February 2012, I reached another MAJOR weigh loss milestone; 147 lbs!!!

[Dec 2011]

Treadmill Running

[January 2012]

First 10k

 [March 2011]

5k in the Snow

 

[April 2012]

5k with my family

[May 2012]

Color Runned with my girls on Mother's Day

[July 2012]

First Half-Marathon

[Even Leanna gets in on the action; Little Runner Girl]  

[July 2012]

Mud Run

I run, hike, walk on several types of terrain; pavement, trails, anywhere! 

So, as I reflect on the last 8 years of marriage and weight loss challenges. I can't say I "really" had excuses just a few obstacles. We all have them. We all have husband who deploys,....oh wait. No we don't. So, there's no excuse to not claim your body back from whatever it is. Pregnancy, depression, eating too much, lack of motivation, anything. If you've got the drive and dedication, make it happen. The last 8 years of marriage have opened my eyes, as a mother and wife, there's always time for Rosanna to take time to herself. It wasn't something I realized early on but I certainly take "my time" each day, I'd say, it makes me a better person to them. every.single. day.

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