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!

{5 by the 5th} #3/6

Happy March y'all!
A new month means, another 5 by the 5th virtual race.
And, I went with a spontaneous 5k.

{Monday} I woke up to a pee on laundry room floor, crazy dog!! Uhmm, this wasn't exactly my idea of a great morning start. Ehhh, I got busy cleaning, and I mean cleaning! I didn't stop until I noticed sunshine and then got in contact with a friend, who said she'd be running. I loaded my girls in the double jogger and met up with her and another gal for a park playdate, which turned into my warm-up. The sun was shining, kids were playing/exploring and we were chatting.

We parted ways, and I decided to RUN {runch = lunch run} And, headed the opposite way, tackling an uphill route. We spotted a mama and baby deer along the way, snapped a photo. Whewww, pushing/running with the double jogger is a major challenge and I kept at it! We got a 5k done! Whoop! Whoop!

Finished Strong; 3.13 in 43:07!

{Tuesday} I planned a run with a new running mama, I got there a little early and after some stretching, started to run. We got a mile in before she showed up with her little one. We walked mostly, and stopped to let the kids play.

Finished strong; 3.34 miles in 1:04.

{Wednesday} active rest day! I got some yoga in with a little foam rolling. And craft store shopping, fabulous project underway!!

{Thursday} today, I decided to shake my legs up. Baby girl and I headed out to the trail, she was cranky!! We took on some hills, speed intervals, and fabulous gloomy weather! I walked along the wood trails, as they were slippery! I kept thinking, how much I'd miss my little monsters during Saturdays trip up north for the Lake Sammamish half marathon. At the same time, I was excited because they'd want to hear all about it!! Plus, my brother is coming into town the same day, so we get to celebrate that too! He recently, became a first time daddy to a precious baby girl. He's been on deployment, same as my husband. And, will be finally settling into shore duty, new family, new state, new duty station, new baby, new beginnings. I'm so proud and excited for him!! Our family is always growing, I'm the oldest of 10 siblings!!
I currently have 3 nephews and 5 nieces and then there's my 3 girls! Wow!

Back to the running; this was the last run before the half marathon this weekend! I might spin them out tomorrow.

Finished strong; 2.16 miles in 31:10!

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!!!!!

tackle the miles {13in2013}

Half-Marathon #4 is in the books and it was rough!!

I broke this virtual race into 4 challenging runs, wheww!! When you're husband is on deployment, that's how things go. I {sometimes} feel kind of guilty putting my kids up with friends for virtual races. It's happened but not often. Anyways, I went from treadmill to outdoors and back to treadmill. Booyah!!

Friday's run, was challenging, my shins were a little annoyed. Maybe from the spin classes. I logged in 2 miles in 26:02 with some hills mixed in.

Saturday was rough, I had crabby kids in tow at the playroom and with the shins still bothered I gave myself some inclined walking intervals. I logged in 3.22 miles in 45:32. Ehhh.

Tuesdays, impromptu run in the rain was fabulous!! I doubled these miles with the 5 by the 5th virtual race. That rush from coming home soaked is awesome, I love it!! A friend joined in and we logged in 3.20 in 1:07:02

Today's last 5 miles. Whewww, I was a sweaty mess during the first mile. Yuck!! It didn't hurt but I was just soo over the treadmill. Ever feel like that? I wanted to get it over with, mixed in hills and speed. I logged in 5 miles in 1:05:00.

What's next?
Resting these legs from running for the next 2 days. I have a weekend of racing; my first outdoor races!!!

Sweetheart 5k and Fishline 25k trail run.Holy cow, a 25k!! I'm excited for some "me" time!!

{5 by the 5th} #2/6

Here we are again, another fabulous virtual race complete!

February'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.

I had another mama runner join me for the RAINY run, although we ended up at the gym. Hey, I logged in 1.66 miles in 9:02 while waiting for a treadmill but after an unhappy baby girl in playroom, we dared the light rainfall. Back outdoors we went. Awesome!! I took her through a familiar {favorite challenging} route of mine.

We started on the roadways, then the trail around the lakes,....and then I asked if she wanted more, more of a challenge. We hiked uphill, I pushed my double jogger, she had her single jogger. And, we came up on a back roadway, and started our running intervals! Boy, oh, boy, were my legs on FIRE!!! At this point, it was raining more, like we began can to get soaked. It's an awesome exhilarating feeling to run and I mean, run in the rain! Kiddos were content in the joggers and we got a fabulous workout in.

Finished strong; 3.20 miles in 1:07:13!!

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!

{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!!"

 

New Years Resolution Run {13in2013; #1}

Yayyyy-Uhhh!!!

FIRST 2013 [virtual race] half-marathon DONE! [#1 for {13 in 2013}]

As usual, it didn't go as planned, I had set my alarm for 6am!
I went to bed around 9pm, and had a hard time staying asleep.
I didn't get out of the door until 10:30ish.
It was raining. It was cold. It was gloomy. It was PERFECT!

{for the love of the kids; New Year's Resolution Run}
I began my way towards my planned route and realized after a few lights that it was too much waiting around. So, once I reached 6.22 [half-way] point, I decided I would RUN a different route to the 'finish line'. It was actually better. Let me remind y'all that I have not even ran any of these 'routes'. Last summer while in Texas, I had 2/3 different trails (parks) where I'd run. So, these were all new routes, there was some minor hills, yes, even in Texas. The route back, had plenty of surprises but there was less traffic. So, I enjoyed and pushed myself against the growing wind. The temp had dropped too after the rain. I'll admit, I made a few stops to stretch my burning calves. The were on FIRE!!! Whewww. Next up, 5 by the 5th Challenge!

This run wasn't about making time; I was *FOCUSED* to enjoy the time great outdoors, the feet hitting the pavement, it was a FABULOUS start for 2013!!

Finished Strong; 13.1 in 2:43:51

Here's the fabulous bling that will start my 2013 collection!

Hope ya'll got out there and started 2013 with some fabulous miles. Happy 2013!

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

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!!"

Weekend Wrap-up!

I spent every.single.second of this weekend with my girls!

No running. No workouts.

*I can't say much about the tragic events, my poor heart aches at the thought*

As I mentioned on Fridays post, I completed the {FunD Run Fir Bling} Virtual Winter Wonderland Half-Marathon; 5 runs for 13.37 miles.

I earned the fabulous medal and it's displayed on the Christmas tree with the rest of 2012 bling. Whoop! Whoop!

I plan to do the {FunD Run for Bling} Virtual Winter Wonderland 5k on Friday, to celebrate the first day of winter. Then, the Santa Hustle Half-Marathon on Sunday, in Texas. Ohhh, can't wait!!

{Merry Christmas}
Today, we celebrated our [early] Christmas!! Molly the elf, surprised the girls with a note!! We even got a call from our special man!! We lounged, played and enjoyed the day. I didn't let this lingering headache ruin my fun. We even welcomed SNOW, Leanna's ultimate Washington wish was full-filled!! Snow on Christmas Day!! My girl was over the moon with excitement!! So, was I!!!