Amber's Year In Review

I am featuring a fellow running friend. We met through my sisnlaw's consignment shop and the rest is history.
I mentioned doing WDW Wine & Dine half marathon weekend and the next thing I knew, she was signed up!
I have enjoyed following her running endeavors this year! It's so inspiring to see someone just say "hey I'm going to start running race events".  I asked her to write up a review of her year in running. And well... here it is!

I used to run just "to go for a run" and I never trained for anything. I even ran an ultra relay and got a medal, with no real regard for the whole situation. Fast forward to January 2014, I began running to train. But for what, I didn't know yet.
Then early spring I got word of the registration opening for the Wine & Dine 1/2 marathon. I asked my hubby about it and he said "sure why not?!" So, I signed up and realized I needed to train for it. I mean it was friggin' 13.1 miles!
In signing up for this race, I also began finding other ways to start participating in runs. So it began...the great race...uh, race, of 2014.
Since beginning in January, I've run too many 5Ks to count, two 10K, a quarter marathon, and a half marathon. More than 1.5 races per month!
I've pushed my body beyond its limits, cried, laughed, cringed in pain. But all the while, becoming a better wife, mother, runner, and person. My children now participate in races and my husband has begun running again as well!

You can follow her running journey over at: www.runmomgo.wordpress.com

I love this picture collage she created! I can't wait to see what 2015 has in store for her! 

End of August update

Sorry I've been quiet and not keeping up with my blog. August is a hectic month (I'm sure it is for many). With getting kids ready for back to school, supply and cloth shopping I feel like the month slipped away from me. Plus I turned 31 this month! More about that later. I have logged over 25 miles this month and did another 10k over the weekend. My half marathon is slowly creeping up on me!

I now have a 6th grader and a 2nd grader! I'm not sure when that happened, but it did. My babies are no longer babies and my baby is becoming a toddler! Time needs to slow down! Everyone is settled into their school routine. ( my 6th grader is having a little trouble with her locker but I think that is all newbies).
I transferred my 2nd grader to a new school this year and he loves it and adjusted just fine. I was worried about it. Now it's just me and the baby during the day. Lots of play time and tea time! She loves her tea set!

31 is new the 20! I feel wonderful and healthy! I'm at a good weight and eating right (with the occasional cheat day).  Soda free for 6 months now! I never thought I would make it that far. Pepsi calls my name but I refuse to give in. I am stronger than I give myself credit for! I spent my birthday, also the last day of summer break by the pool with my loves. Life is good!

I got a new bikini, I no longer fear shopping for one. I can't tell you the last time I was excited to shop for one. My hard work and dedication has not only paid off but it has given me a new found confidence. 

I still need to do more toning work. I'll get there.  For now, here's to turning 31!

Last Saturday our local MRTT group held our summer virtual race. I went early to do a 10k. Fabulous and I did a nice early morning run. It wasn't to hot yet and it was actually quite nice out. 

I feel very lucky to be able to witness something so amazing!  What a sight! 

I am grateful that I was able to run 6.2 miles and that I didn't do any walking. Running truly is a gift. I am going to enjoy running for as long as I am able to run. 

Our medals are pretty awesome! Super cute and I love the colors!

I had a blast doing it. I love my MRTT group! So nice to have such supportive runners. Best of all is sharing it with my 2 favorites, Fabulous and Sisnlaw! I am a lucky runner!

I love running! 

One last note, I received my email to be a Girls Gone Sporty Ambassador! I am so excited to be a part of it! 

10K Complete!

My first 10K is done! I did it! It's over! Completed! Finished!

I am still in a bit of shock that I completed it. I completed it in good time too! My time was 1:07:43. My goal was an hour and I was only 7 minutes over. I am beyond pleased with those results. 4th Place in my age group! I'm allowed to brag right?! I think so! My sister in law placed 3rd! And fireman placed 1st in his age group. I am so proud of us all! (of course fireman would place 1st. He's good like that)! 

The run was pretty good. Running along the boardwalk to the beach was beautiful until the turn around, then I had to run against the wind. That sucked, not even going to lie about it. I had to walk a little bit ( I counted to 15, then started to run again). Even with a little walking I maintained a really great pace. Once I was off the boardwalk It took a few to get back into pace, but I did it! 

I finished strong. Fabulous waited at the finish line with a bright pink sign; she knows my color. Happy tears came! I couldn't believe I was finishing a 10K and my best friend was there to run along the side lines with me! Fireman and sisnlaw were also there cheering me through! What a happy finish for me! 

Determination has paid off. I've been inspired by Fabulous. Motivated by my family and friends. I won't quit. I will keep running. I will continue to be inspired, to be motivated. 

I love running now. Running is happiness and I am a very happy runner.

10K Coming Up

I've been quiet this week. Disney called and I answered. It was a much needed Disney get away with my family. Now back to reality.

I run my first 10K tomorrow! I am very anxious, yet excited about it. I am trying not to think to much about it though. I won't be able to sleep tonight.

Some of my worries:

Will there be enough water stops. (Seriously I am worried about this). LOL

What if I don't finish? (Yes I worry about this too).

What if I go off course? (I tend to get lost often, so it's only fair that this is on my mind when running).

Now that I have gotten my worries off my chest I am going to attempt sleep. Wish me luck.

Working On A 10K

Monday, I ran. Got 5 miles in. 5 very hot miles. I felt great after mile 2, the rest... wasn't so great, but I ran forward. While I ran my first 3 miles, 4 and 5 had a combo of walking and running, mostly running though so I am happy about that progress. I just kept telling myself I could finish. I was determined to do 5 miles and I did it. That's all that matters! I can do this and it isn't so hard. Now let me tell you about after my run....

Yup came home showered, ate dinner and crashed! I have never felt so drained before. Not even after a sleepless night with a newborn. Thank goodness fireman was home to put kiddos to bed. (He was also in the parking lot while I ran.. he sat on his bum). I know crashing like that was my own fault. I didn't drink enough water. Note.. drink lots of water! I definitely did not. I am still feeling it a little bit today. On that note, it's safe to say that today is a rest day! 

I did 5 miles. I can do this. 

10K On The List

Just registered for a 10k at the end of March. Nothing like having 4 weeks to get my act in gear! Motivation to get moving!! I can do this. (at least I keep telling myself that ha)! 

Now to get that running schedule worked out......