MARATHON MAMA!!

Oh, Snap!!!

I just snagged a FREE ENTRY for May 2013 Race!! And, this Mama chose the FULL MARATHON ENTRY!! Oh man, this means, it's REALLY happening. And, this means husband and family will be waiting at the finish line. I'm a little anxious and nervous now!! I've got a few half-marathons planned before the BIG RACE!! 

Race Highlights of Why You Should Run Our Race

• Start: Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 7 a.m.
• Full Marathon is USATF Certified and a Boston Qualifier!
• The Full and Half Marathons are scenic and fast and are ideal for setting personal records.
• Expo and Packet Pickup on Saturday May 18th at The Spokane Convention Center, Spokane’s premier event venue
• Long sleeve micro-smooth race shirt for all participants!
• Blinged out shining and spinning medals!
• A lovely long stemmed lilac rose for each finisher!
• Free Complimentary Victory Stand Photo for all finishers!
• Keepsake acrylic awards for top three males/females in 5-year age groups!
• Celebration at post race party with food, beer garden and music festival!
• Register and You Will Find Out Why the Windermere Marathon is the Best Kept Secret in the Northwest!!!

Stay Tuned!!!

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

Runner's Rant!

It's been a fabulous fitness-filled morning! Les Mills Pump called for a WALK!

I loaded snacks, fresh apples we picked yesterday evening, into the double jogger and headed out on the pavement as soon as Leanna went off to school, 9AM! The weather has been absolutely amazing, I couldn't stay indoors!! We started with a warm-up and once we got on the road, I made my way into some "easy" running, Whew!! I had to continuously remind myself, to take it EASY, especially running uphill. Stupid Knee, Impatient Runner. Yeah, Yeah! 

Once, I got to flat grounds, I picked up the pace and we made our way to 2 MILES!! There were a few other Runners and Walkers too. The girls stayed in content and playing peek-a-boo with each other. I had my music on blast, can't go wrong with No Doubt!!

We took a [bumpy] hike towards the lake. It's such an amazing view from every which way you turn, sun shine shining through, squirrels running around the trees, birds chirping. So calm and I needed that, I really did. I needed to push my energy into something positive. 

[Happy Girls enjoying the view]

[Feeling FABULOUS; Day 4 of NO COFFEE!!]

 

  After a walk around the lake, I made a stop on this bench and got busy with some PUSH-UPS & TRICEP DIPS; 5 sets of 10 for each. Because there's no excuses when you have fabulous weather, kids and the great outdoors! Take advantage and make it happen! I was hurting after 2 miles and a hike down to the lake; it's worth it, making my way to my fitness goals!! 

 After this Mama got her workout in, baby girIs enjoyed some park time, and the fabulous weather!! After naptime, we are heading back out with all 3 girls in tow, to start logging in MILES for the KID RUN THIS TOWN Challenge!! And, picking Blackberries!! 

"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!!"

Moms Run This Town!

Whewww!! Morning was a little rough, getting out of bed to kill early workouts has been harder. The cold mornings have me wanting to remain under the blankets! But, I'm a Mama on a Mission to shred those lbs and leave them in 2012!!


Les Mills Pump Week 6, Day 3; Done!! Followed by Rehab Stretches! Whew!!

Caught this snapshot of my girlies. Y'all know kids can be a [very sweet] handful, and they certainly are no exception but all they have is me. We got to [FINALLY] Skype with our man last night. They were full of smiles, I was too, it's been a month since we saw him last and we are looking forward to Skyping with him AGAIN, in a few days when they hit the next port. I often get praise for making workouts a priority & getting them done while having 3 kids. And, I always comeback saying, you can do it too. YOU just have to WANT IT! You have to make time, make it happen. They don't always cooperate.....this leads into today's Moms Run This Town Morning Run!!



The weather was absolutely perfect, and my girls were in/out of the double jogger. Which was okay during walking intervals. We spent the entire morning out on the pavement, picked blackberries too, excited to make jam!! Yesterday, I made a batch of homemade apple butter from the apples we picked on Monday, we came across a surprise tree during a little hike. Leanna has a "weekly physical activity log" as a part of her homework, so we've been enjoying some fun after school activities. Tonight, it's SOCCER Practice!! This weekend we will begin logging in miles for the Kids Run This Town Virtual Challenge. Yayy!!!

We logged in 3.19 Miles in 1:15, a few running intervals with another mother runner. She is doing awesome and is ADDICTED!!!! WOOHOOO!!!



We are both SUPER EXCITED for the FIRST upcoming virtual race that a few Moms Runs This Town Members are RUNNING!!! My fabulous bling arrived TODAY!! I'm even MORE excited for the cupcakes we are grubbing on post-race!!

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

This or That?

It's 'Questionnaire Tuesday' on October's Blog a day! Join in, Link up!!

This or That?

1.  Run/workout in the heat and humidity or freezing temps and snow?

I've done them both, in a few different weather conditions, it doesn't stop me; Running in the Fabulous San Diego Weather to Running in the Dry California Desert to Humid Hot Texas Weather to currently Cooler Rainy Washington Weather. It doesn't matter, as long as I don't bust my ass. 

2. Have washboard abs or flat abs?

In all honestly, just a flat looking tummy to work on getting defined. After 3 babies in about 5 years, my stomach area took a beautiful beating. The excess skin is proof that I carried children, as are the stretch marks and I wouldn't trade them in. It's always a work in progress.

3. Dr. Oz or The Doctors?

Hmmmm, I've never really watched either shows.

4. Cardio or strength?

Both, I love to SWEAT!! Running, Spinning, Ellipticalln',  Lifting, Kettlebelling, Kickboxing (with Jillian), Getting in some Intense Yoga, .....I could go on,....burn, baby, burn!

5. Cravings: Protein or carbs?

Carbs!! Protein!! Carbs!! Protein!! I crave both.

6. Jillian Michaels or Bob Harper?

Both!! I love her kick ass attitude and love his drive to get it done harder!! 

7. Frozen Yogurt or Ice Cream?

I haven't had either in such a long time. And, I'm okay with that.

8. To train: Upper body or Lower body?

Lower Body usually wins, lately it's been the upper body I've been focusing on.

9. Protein powder or food with protein?

Food with protein! I don't do powders, just can't wrap my head around it.

10. Lunges or squats? 

Definitely Squats! Lunges always get me and currently flared up my bum knee! Definitely staying away from those.

11. Sweet or salty?

Mmmm, I love them both!! At the same time even, that's right I said it! Don't judge!

12. Workout attire: cute or comfy?

Comfy Cute, after all I'm a girl who loves to coordinate!! Sure, I often get told my socks don't match because they aren't supposed to, Leanna got me in that crazy loud neon sock craze. When I'm at home, I'm usually in workout compression short and a tank. When I'm in public, it's compression capris or tights with tank or tee. 

13. Body Pump or Heavy lifting?

Oh La La!! I've taken a few body pump classes. And, found Les Mills Pump to be in the family. I love it and I'm currently on my 2nd round!! Halfway through, Lifting anywhere from 20-35lbs on the bar during the insane rep effects!!. I also, pre-ordered the next program, Les Mills Combat!! 

14. Yoga or Pilates?

I've actually fallen in love with a yoga/pilates combo!!

15. Nike or Adidas?

Nike, all the way.

16. Running on the treadmill or outdoors?

Outdoors!  

17. Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s?

I h ave yet to visit Trader Joe's and it's about 5 minutes from my place. Whoops!

18. Summer or Winter Olympics?

Either!! Too much awesomeness to handle!

19. Exercises classes or Exercise videos?

I've always enjoyed classes but for the last year I've been stuck at home. Not too bad, I sneak it in the early mornings, naptime or at night.

20. Steamed veggies or roasted veggies?

Roasted! 

Your turn!  Pick a few and share your answers!

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

Motivational Mondays!

This goes well with my latest post, Hello, October!!!! 

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

Hello, October!!

Phew!! It's been a BUSY few days!! 

My girl had her FIRST Soccer Game for 2012, Saturday Morning. I am one PROUD SOCCER MAMA!! She went in there, NO FEAR! She cheered on her teammates even on the opposing team after each goal was made. And, at the end, reminded everyone, "It's not about winning, it's about having fun." She's definitely a champ in my book. We got home and held down the couch for the rest of the weekend. I got a lot of details squared away for the upcoming Fall Festival. It's a busy-fun month of events for us, apple dipping, happy {crafty} hour, pie party,.....whoohoo!!!

As we relaxed, I kept my bum knee elevated, iced and tried to remain away from the staircase but couldn't with chores and busy with girls. I also, spent some time updating the October Calendar with a few favorite "oldies" added back in. Notice, my friend, Jillian, she's back!! Today also starts the MRTT Holiday Challenge, first up is, Frightfully Fabulous Arms!! I'm adding an Arms routine to tomorrows Moms Run This Town Meetup, using the great outdoors!!

EARLY this morning, I welcomed October with a double workout BEFORE waking the girls for the day. It's WEEK 6 for Les Mills Pump!! I'm HALFWAY through the program, and with 30lbs on the bar, it was INTENSE!! Jillian had my heart pumping, she's still killer!! I kind of missed that lady. It's always a good time to go back to the routines you first started with!! I stayed away from squats and lunges, anything that would make my knee "click", still got sweaty and muscles burning; fabulous feeling!! I'll be ending the day with my fabulous BOSU Routine!! Whew!!

I also, had my physical therapy appointment, after this and that, he determined that I had Runner's Knee!! As a result, of that major downhill RUN back in August, I took on too much to the cartridge, luckily no major rehab or surgery. They did do X-RAYs just to be safe.  I've been hearing clicking from the knee since Wednesday and he said that's not a big issue, and common; still no fun hearing it. Running isn't eliminated, I do have to ease into it, Whew!! I was RELIEVED to hear that. Same thing with Spinning. I have a few different rehab exercises to do 2-3 times daily. And, need to focus on my stretching. Hello,YOGA! Back to the calendar to tweek the upcoming routines, I'm EXCITED to add a BIG piece of equipment to my gym; SO EXCITED!! 

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