Dylan's First 5K

I know, I know, where the hell have I been? I've been gone for way too long. There's been a lot going on in my life lately and this blog seemed to have falled off the face of the planet when that happened. Oops!!! I've got nothing, except I'm sorry and I'm really working to do better. I promise

But what better way to come back to the blogging world, than with a huge brag accomplishment post about my 7 year old. In December, TJ and I ran the Savannah Bridge Run. Dylan was there to cheer us on and that day he had decided he wanted to run it with us the next year. I was so excited and all for it. There's just one thing: Dylan has never run 3 miles all at once before.

I knew I would have to get him to start running and practicing if he really wanted to run the bridge. I've been a huge slacker mom and hadn't gotten him started with running. He was getting plenty of exercise but I just never got him focused on running.

One random weekend day, I brought up the subject of him running the 5K and that maybe he'd like to go run with me just to practice some. Instead, Dylan responded with how easy a 5K would be and how would was going to get first place. I admired his confidence and determination but I also knew at 7 years old, he really didn't know how long 3 miles was and that he might be in for a surprise.

Then a running group I'm part of, Savannah Moms Run This Town, posted a link to a Living Social Deal for the Girls On The Run 5K. The entry fee was half off and knowing Dylan need exposure to the true length of a 5K, TJ and I thought this would be a good chance to allow him to see how long it was and if he wanted to quit halfway through, then it would be ok since it was out and back, and the cost of the entry fee wasn't high. TJ and I asked Dylan if he wanted to try it out. He excitedly said yes, and we were registered for our first 5K as family, with Jordyn being pushed in the stroller by TJ.

Now, fast foward to the week before the race. TJ calls me while he's at school with the opportunity to work on his first film as boom mic operator (you know those guys that hold the huge microphones above the actors during filming) on a student film. Reminding him, he would miss the race, he almost cancelled on the film shoot, but I knew we could do it and he needed the experience. That left with pushing Jordyn in the stroller.

If you've read my blog long enough, you may find that I never talk about my runs with Jordyn. I talk about my walks with her, but never my runs. Why you ask? Because I don't do it. I don't run with Jordyn in a stroller. I typically take my runs as me time, but, really, it's tough work. We also don't have a jogging stroller, which makes it a bit tougher. So, I knew I was going to be in for a real challenge as well.

The morning of the race Dylan was up and ready to go in record time. He was so excited about the race. Me, on the other hand, wasn't as excited. I knew how tough it might be for pushing the stroller but it was more about Dylan and with him as excited as he was, you couldn't help but smile and have a little excitement yourself.

Once we got arrived at Savannah State University, wherethe race was held, we checked in, were given or t-shirts and bibs and then walked around a little bit. And before heading to the start, we of course had to get a before race picture.

Once lining up on the track for the start, we sapotted this awesome dad sporting a matching tutu with his daughter.

Finally it was time to race. Before the race began, I told Dylan how he needed to start slow. If he did that, he'd be able to run longer and farther. Well, the poor kid was just too dang excited. I kept asking him to slow down some in an effort to pace himself. He made it about 1/2 mile before he asked if we could take a walk break, which honestly I was fine with. Pushing that stroller isn't easy. He caught his breath and was ready to go again. We ran for a little bit longer before he needed another walk break. And so on. We made this a run/walk 5K, as I figured it would be. I let Dylan determine when we would walk and run, but tried to push him just a little further each time he said he wanted to walk. If he asked to walk, I suggested making it to the next tree or lamp post. It usually gave him a little push, but I knew I couldn't push him too much since he wasn't used to this at all.

This race route was out and back, so when we started passing people, Dylan would be running and cheering on the other runners. He kept encouraging anyone and everyone to keep it up and that they were doing great. His sportmanship was phenomonal.

We finally made it back to the stadium where we would 3/4 of the way around the track to the finish line. I told Dylan to wait for me to yell, "GO" and when I did to run as fast as he could through that finish line. I told him not to stop until he crossed the finish. At the final stretch, I told him to go, and he took off. I, ran as fast as I could as well but with that stroller I knew I wasn't going to be as fast as he was. I just kept cheering him on as I ran and to keep it up.

As soon as he crossed the finish, he stopped, turned around and waited for me, but he was kind of in the way of the rest of the finishers. Ooops! No one seemed to care but as we walked out the way, they were handing out finisher medals. Dylan was already proud of himself for finishing and then they hand him a medal. His whole face lit up.

He went on and on about how awesome he did and how he got a "gold medal." After the race, we met up with a few of the ladies from the Savannah MRTT group for a group photo, and he was flashing his medal around (unaware that they too got one. lol) Gotta love those ladies for humoring him.

All in all, it was a great race for him. He had a great time, but is now a little unsure about the bridge run. I told him with practice, he can absolutely do bridge run and beat his time. He's got a bit of motivation now and is ready to start running a little more.

As for me, whew! Kudos to you moms who run with strollers on a regualr basis. That was tough work and if it weren't for the major calorie, I would never entertain the idea again. haha! But, that calorie burn was amazing! On a completely different note, I would love to make a family 5K a new Mother's Day (weekend) tradition.

Do you run with a stroller? Do you have any tips? How about kids running 5K's? Do you know of the best approach for kids and training?

Friday Faves

It's fantastic Friday! And you know what that means? Another Friday Faves post. I know I've been a bit MIA from these lately but it started with the holidays and being super busy and then a bit of life, but they're back and do I have some good ones this week. So let's jump to it!

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Summer Bodies Are Made In The Winter from Renewed Fitness: This is actually a post from last week, not this week, but I stumbled across this post, I knew I had to share it. Renisha shared an exciting new series coming to her blog. Beginning February 4th (yes this Monday) she is starting a series called, "Summer Bodies Are Made In The Winter." It's a 6 week series of FREE workout videos, along with PDF links to print the workouts, a basic meal plan, recipes and more. You need to check out this post now and sign up. I can't wait!

Buying, Storing and Cook Black Beans from Project Eat Me: Black beans are so good for you and so tasty. Diana shares many different ways to store and cook black beans as well as shares a few recipes. Looking for some ideas? Check out this post!

21 DIY Gym Equipment Projects To Make At Home from Greatist: Back in October, we cancelled our gym membership in an effort to save money. I miss it but I'm OK with not having for right now. Today, I read this article on how to make some of the great gym pieces that I have been missing. If you're like me, you should definitely read this article. Maybe there are a few ideas you can use to enhance your at-home gym

Healthy sELF Challenge from Nutritionella and The Lean Green Bean: Over the holidays, Ella and Lindsay began a challenge to become an overall healthier person. You were given challenges throughout the week that were either fitness, nutritional or mental healthy. They started a facebook group to help motivate each other too. It was such a great challenge that I was really excited to hear it was coming back. It kicks off Monday, so go...NOW....check out the full details and sign up!

Healthy sELF Challenge

Is anyone else excited that it's already Wednesday? I know I am. And you know what made me even more excited? The announcement of Lindsay and Ella's Healthy sELF Challenge. These two amazing ladies started their first round of this challenge over the holidays. It was so much fun and motivating and I am back to do it again.

It's a challenge that incorporates all around health from fitness, nutrition and mental health. There's a facebook group to help motivate each other and it's a great way to learn new ways of having a healthier lifestyle.

Check out the link above and let me know if you join. We can motivate each other

Do you like group challenges? What types of challenges are your favorites?

5 Miles Baby!!!

Happy Sunday everyone! Did you have a great weekend? I know I did. I got a lot accomplished and even got a bit of relaxing in.

Yesterday, most of my day was spent cleaning and doing laundry. I did, however, manage to squeeze in a tiny little 2 mile run. I knew I wanted to get something in but just didn't have a lot of time. Unfortunately, the run was just kind of "blah." It wasn't an awful run but I wasn't really feeling it and for some reason I just wanted it to be over. I really hate those kind of runs.

After my run, it was back to motherly and wifely duties of cooking and cleaning, with some more laundry thrown in. With all I got done, I was able to sit down and relax for a little while. That doesn't happen very often for me.

Last night a friend of mine, told me about how her and another friend are trying to learn to do splits by doing a series of stretches twice a day for 2 weeks. I've always wanted to be able to do a split and I don't know if I'll be doing a full split by the end or not but I figured, why not, I'll try it. Last night I found out how truly awful at them I really am. I have a long way to go. haha! I'm sharing the workout below if you're interested. And if you are, let me know how you do. I can already tell you these ladies are much better than I am. lol

Source: imgfave.com via Sabrina on Pinterest

This morning, the stretches were a tiny bit better, and I mean just a tiny bit, but they still hurt some. I've got one more round to do tonight which I'll be doing here shortly.

I also got my run in early this morning, instead of in the afternoon, like I normally do. TJ had a few things at the school he wanted to get done, so I headed out for my run around 7:15 this morning. I was going for my longest run ever, 5 miles.

And judging by the title of this post, you can say it's pretty safe, I accomplished that goal. It was chilly when I started, so I left with a long sleeve shirt. Soon into that run I realized I should have just toughed it out and ran without it until I warmed up. I definitely didn't need it. I was feeling good and my pace wasn't bad. There were a few points where I wanted to stop to walk but I kept telling myself I would go just a little bit longer and then see how I was. I did that a few times and then at one point, I just felt I needed to walk. I was abit bummed and disappointed but honestly not devastated. I know it happens and I'll get better, but I still wished I hadn't stopped to walk, even though it was a very short walk break. Looking back at the run now, I know if I had just pushed myself a little harder, I could have ran the whole way. My mind was just messing with me.

In any case, it was the longest distance I had ever gone, and I am proud of myself. I want to continue to build my runs and this run today, just made me feel tons better about my decision to run a 10K this year.

Have you had one of those runs where you just feel "blah?" How did you break out that funk?

Sent Away

Good evening! How is everyone tonight? I'm not one to typically post at night but TJ has sent me away to the bedroom tonight.

What? I know. Crazy, right?!? I have mentioned before that TJ is attending the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). His major is sound design. His ultimate dream is to make sound effects for movies and TV shows. One of the classes he is taking this quarter is called "Field Recording." Most of his assignments involve him having to go out and record his own sounds to help build his own library of sound effects.

Unfortunately, for me, he has borrowed super sensitive equipment from the school, and my quiet typing was being picked up by the microphone so I had to leave my craft room/office. But honestly, I don't mind. I'm so proud of him for going after what he really wants to do. He could have easily chosen to go to a school and major in something that would guarantee him a job when he was done. Something that he knew would work, but he wouldn't be truly happy in. He's going after his passion and what he really wants. So, I am happy to support him and help him in whatever he needs to help him through school and find his ultimate dream job. 

Besides, I get a chance to catch up on The Bachelor too, without him making fun of every little thing. LOL!

And yes for those that keep up with The Bachelor, I am behind and watching the 2nd episode. Oops! ;)

And with my laptop and my iPad, I figured I'd pop on in with a quick update on me.

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Over the holidays, I slacked off with working out but did maintain healthier eating. I luckily did not gain any of my weight back, but I didn't lose any either. Since the last time I updated about my weight loss progress there has been a loss though. As of tonight, I have lost a total of 29 pounds and have 11 pounds to go. While I am ecstatic about my weight loss, I'm not as toned as I would like to be.

I started running more consistently again and am now actively working to build my base weekly mileage as well as my distance per run. Once per week, I have been going for a "long" run. These long runs are not long...yet, but I'm working on it. Sunday, I ran 4 miles, which is closest to my longest distance, but this coming Sunday, I will go for 5. This will officially become my longest run and then hope to steadily increase my long runs. For me, I feel like I have a long way to go to be where I want to be as a runner, but I have to say I am really enjoying seeing the progress I am making. Just to see how far I have come from when I started is pretty cool to me.

While I have been doing really well with my runs but I am noticing that I am lacking some strength training big time. I think, I know this lack of strength training is also a reason I am not as toned as I would like to be. Sometimes when it comes to strenth training, I feel a bit lost, but I am determined to figure out what will be best for me and work on it.

And on that note, I am off to find some good strength training workouts. Have a happy Wednesday night everyone!

Savannah Bridge Run Race Recap

First, I just want to say this post is entirely overdue! Like ridiculously overdue, but since I've actually had a few people ask me about it. I figured they deserved more than a, "It was great!"

I would like to start out by saying the Savannah Bridge Run was my first ever 5K and I was a little over-the-top prepared....and early, so a huge kudos needs to go out to TJ for agreeing to run this race with me after working all night and then sitting with me waiting for forever for the race to start, Beth who came out to the race to watch my kids and wait for us and cheer us on near the finish line, and for my kids for having to wake up way too early.

To say I was pumped about the race was a gross understatement. Even though I had slacked for a while before this race, I wasn't at all nervous and was so excited. The night before the race, I had everything in the car and ready to go that needed to be: race inf and bibs, a change of clothes for TJ, and stuff for the kids when Beth took over. I had my clothes out and ready and I went to bed early.

I picked TJ up from work the next morning, and we were off to meet Beth downtown. Once we found Beth, we gave her everything I packed for the kids (you probably would have thought she was watching them all day, not 2 hours). We then walked the few blocks to the Savannah Civic Center. The Bridge Run had two areas for parking. One was across the bridge at the Convention Center and the other suggested area was a parking deck on the downtown side. The rebels that we are chose neither and parked on a side street close to the Civic Center where the race was finishing. If you parked on the downtown side (where we parked) they had trolleys that would take you over the bridge to the Convention Center where the 5K started. After saying goodbye to Beth and the kids, we hopped on trolley and headed over.

We were literally on the first trolley over. My need to be early is kind of ridiculous. Sometimes, I can't help it. We arrive at the Convention Center and have nothing to do for almost 2 hours. So we find a spot inside, and we sit. And we took pictures.

Of ourselves.

Of our game face!

Of the man that is about to run 3.1 miles in heels! He rocked my world...and those heels! LOL!!!

Finally the time came to make our way to the start line. We knew this was a big race but it really helps put it in perspective when you're at the start line and see all the people there. Here's everyone in front of us. And we were a little close to the front.

And now it's time to race! The have separated the runners and the walkers by the divide in the road which I think is great and was probably a huge help to the runners. It took us a few minutes before we actually were able to cross the start line, and then we were off making our way to the bridge. It was once we we were going up on the bridge that I needed to slow down and take a few walk breaks. Most All of the runs I had down before the race were on flat ground, so this hill they call the Talmedge Bridge wasn't easy. I did better going up than I thought, thanks to TJ and his constant pushing me to keep running but I still needed the walk breaks. It was when we were almost to the top (and I was on one my last walk breaks on the bridge) that I snapped a few pictures. It was a gorgeous day outside and despite that fact that we were on the side of the bridge that was closer to the ports, the view was spectacular! It was halfway up the bridge that I had already made my decision about making this a race a yearly tradition.

Once we got to the top, and I was done with my camera phone pictures, that we began the run down the bridge. The hardest part was over! I know it's a downward hill but this was the easiest part of my run and I was impressed with how controlled I kept myself, rather than wanting to run as fast as I could down it. I knew I would need to save some energy for the bottom of the bridge.

Once reaching the bottom of the bridge, you have to make a loop and go under it. Looking at everyone behind was truly incredible. There were so many people out here running. It's pretty inspiring!

Once crossing underneath the bridge, I knew we just had to make across one major intersection and we would see Beth and the kids soon. I took one last walk break and then TJ and decided we running the rest of the way.

The excitement on their face was priceless and just seeing them cheering us on was the motivation I needed to push it that last little bit. We rounded the corner to the finish and then grabbed hands and ran the last 10th of mile crossing the finish line hand in hand at 37:01.79

We went straight to the water table and then met up with Beth and the kids. They were so happy to see us and Dylan said he wants to run with us next year! No problem! We can make it a family event. Dylan talked about all the people in costumes that he saw and how fast some them were running. We stayed and listened to music and for them to announce the winners.

And by that point TJ was getting tired. He had worked all night, then went straight downtown to run a 5K. He was ready to go home and sleep, so we didn't stay long enough to hear the results of the costume contest but here are some of the people in costume we saw

Have you ever run a bridge run? How was it?

Happy New Year and New Goals!

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First, let's just to state the obvious....I'm a bit behind on the New Year post. I really wanted this written and up on Tuesday but I was super busy and that just didn't happen. Bad blogger. And speaking of bad blogger, you may notice there are a few missing recaps. I never got around to sharing my first race experience with the Savannah Bridge Run, nor did I share any Christmas stories, or anything about my trip to Atlanta, which I sadly never even mentioned. Talk about awful. They're coming all in the next week. Don't mind the delay. I'm working on it.

And while I could share one of those stories today, I'm instead going to share some goals I have set for myself for the new year. Some are running, some are personal, and some re blog-related. None the less, I feel writing them down and sharing them with you will help in not only seeing what I want to accomplish, but also hold some accountability for myself.

Health & Fitness

• Last month I signed up for 1000 Miles for Smiles set up by the fabulous Victoria Runs. It's a challenge to run 1000 miles in 2013 and the money used to register is donated to a charity. There are prizes, winners as well. You should definitely check it out. For me, this is going to be HUGE and TOUGH! I didn't even come close to that last year, and while I don't know if this is a goal I can actually complete, I'm going to try. I signed up for the challenge to give me motivation to run more and because  the cause is great! Realistically, if I can complete 450 miles, I'll be ecstatic, but I'm using this challenge as a push to do more.
• I want to get fitted for running shoes. I've never done this but I know how important this can be. I know I will need new running shoes in the next couple of months so this goal should be crossed off then.
• I want to run at least 3 races, hopefully 4, one of which is a 10K. I know this doesn't sound like a lot but while my husband is in school and only working part-time, we have a budget. If we can fit more into our budget, that would be great. I really need to start looking at which races I would like to do and sign up.
• Eat healthier and get my family eating healthier. While I ate a lot healthier last year, I still have lots of room for improvement. My family, especially my husband, isn't as big on the healthy eating kick, but is willing to try. With his help, I hope to keep junk food out of the house, and only have healthy snacks on hand for all of us.
• Strength train 2-3 times a week. I admit, I'm awful when it comes to strength training. I know how important it is, but I just don't do it like I should. I need, and want, to be better and stronger. This is a must.
• Lose that last 15 pounds. I have hit a stand still with my weightloss but I am deermined to lose this last 15.

Personal/Family Goals

• Organize my house and keep it organized. This involves so much, including having TJ and the kids help. I want to start small and focus on one room and go from there. I also would like us to go through our stuff once a month for 20-30 minutes and see what we can get rid of that we don't use. I think these small tasks will help in the long run
• Make a budget and put it on paper. This year, my husband and I want to work on paying off a few loans we have and saving some money. Change is in our future. Not in the immediate future, but in the future and we have to start planning for those changes now, even if they won't happen for a few years. We want to start planning and saving for when the time comes to leave Savannah and move on somewhere else. And what better time to start, then now with a budget to help us do that.
• Become more consistent with my meal planning. I meal plan now, but not every week and sometimes I'm just not in the mood to have what I have planned. I want to become better at it.
• An active family day. My kids get outside but not as much as I would like. I want to take one day a month (to start with and then work towards more later) where we plan to spend the day as family outdoors doing something active. It doesn't have to cost a lot but it could be as simple as a day at the park running around, or a day at the beach swimming in the ocean. We could make it educational and head to Ft Pulaski, or walk around downtown. I just want to do something that gets all of us moving more and together as a family. 

Blogging Goals

• Begin to consistently post. I work full-time and when I get home, I sometimes just want to spend time with my family or relax. But since starting this blog, I have realized that I enjoy to write and share my life experiences, whether good or bad. The days I post I feel more positive about myself and have found an inner peace. I hope that if I can post more consistently that inner peace and positive energy will stay and that I can also begin to grow my blog into something that I strive for it to be.
• Come up with a new, more personalized design that better represents me and my blog. I have been thinking about some ideas for a while now. I just know I need a little help in getting it all put together and out there. Do you know of someone who can help me with that?
• Post some informative and helpful posts. I post mostly about my personal experiences but I would love for people to be able to come here for information as well. And maybe I'll throw in a few recipes in there too!
• Comment on my favorite blogger posts more often. I do what I can but I know how I appreciate every time I get a comment, I would like to do the same for them.

Career Goals

• I have been slowly working on building a portfolio to start my own photography business. It's slow going, but I want to make sure I do everything correctly and don't fail in my first two years. Finishing my portfolio would be a great step to help get me started. Do you live in the Savannah area and want some pictures taken? Go ahead and shoot me an email and we'll meet up, I'll show you some of my work and see what we can work out. You help me, and I'll help you! ;)
• Get all the paperwork I need to file for my business license in Savannah.
• Get my business running by the end of the year. I plan to start out part time (I need to keep my current job as a steady source of income) but hope that once I grow and have enough clients, I could go full-time.

Well I guess that about covers it! It seems like a lot but I fully believe every single one of these goals will be doable. They won't all be easy, and I know there will be times when I feel like they will be impossible, but I will just have to keep telling myself all of these will be worth it and make me a better overall person.