Disney's Frozen 5k

The title speaks for itself. Literally. It was beyond cold for this Florida girl. Record breaking temperatures the morning of our 5k. Not fun.

The expo wasn't to crazy, we went on Thursday due to us racing Friday morning. As always, there is never anything for 5k runners. Which stinks. Run Disney really slacks in this area. I loved seeing all the vendors and fun racing attire! 

I had to make some adjustments to our running costumes due to weather. Sadly all our race photos we were covered by jackets. Boo! It'll be another Disney race we won't forget! Wine & Dine had pouring rain and cold temps. Now a Frozen 5k. I'm starting to see a pattern... 

I was Queen Elsa, my daughter was Anna, and my son was Olaf.  We had to stick with the theme! I had a friend make our skirts and paint Lenee's shirt. They came out amazing! I think the gals should go into business!! What do you think?

We were in corral B. WOO!! However, it was a slow start for us. Buggy didn't like the cold weather at all, she was having trouble breathing in such dry air. She did a very fast walk until her body warmed up a little. I think by 1.5 miles she started to run a little. She was still freezing and miserable. Didn't want to stop for characters. I had to talk her into posing for a few photos. 

 

Her mood changed once she saw Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff. I wonder if they were as cold as us? 

(I hope so)!  Although I'm sure Elsa was loving this weather! 

I had a little knee pain, I used KT tape in hopes to be able to run pain free. Having the tape on helped some. Even though I still had pain, it was tolerable and I didn't feel that locking up feeling that always forces me to walk. 

By mile 3 Lenee was in a much better mood, only because the finish line was coming! She didn't want to take after photos. She grabbed her goodies and headed straight for the van. We had about an hour to keep warm before heading back out for Kaden's one mile race. Food and warmth. At the point I don't think anything was better than those 2. 

Trying to stay warm in the van!

As we walked over to the kids one mile starting point, my son informed us, that he didn't want us to run with him. He wanted to do it on his own. What?!? I was a little nervous about this. There were a lot of kids actually signed up for this race. I did love Run Disney's security point though. The parent's had to keep a tag that matched their child's bib number in order for them to come out of the finishing area. Fireman said let him do it, he's got this. I know, I know.. he's 8 and very smart for his age. But still! 

I finally caved and let him go to the starting line alone. My son is a perfectionist and is very competitive. ( I have no clue where he gets it from). The look in his eyes told me he wanted to win this, even though I told him that children up to the age of 13 were running and that everyone is a winner. 

Kaden certainly proved his determination. 7:44 for his mile run. He was in the top 10! Proud mom moment for sure! He finished and told me right away he wanted to run a 5k and then a 10k. I love that running has had such a positive effect on my children! 

My super cute Olaf with his prize! 

Both children have  running goals and I am going to make sure they achieve them! As soon as my knee issue is corrected we will began training! 

Speaking of knees, I went to the orthopedist yesterday. He believes I have Patellofemoral syndrome. So I will be trying some exercises and stretches to see if that helps correct the problem. My x-rays came back looking good. So that was good news. If I don't see an improvement in a month with exercises we will look into an MRI. Fingers crossed I don't have to do that. 

What a way to end a Run Disney race weekend. With Starbucks and a Dole whip! 

MRTT Winter Virtual 5k 2015

This was my second year of doing the MRTT Winter Virtual race. I love my local running chapter!
This was also my first run since seeing a chiropractor and having him adjust my ankles in hopes to be pain free while running.
I was looking forward to this run. WAS. I was going to do the 5k and planned for a 10k if my knee allowed it. However, my knee had other plans.

It was a very cold morning for Florida! We bundled up.

Do you like my beanie?! I scored it for a dollar! Hey... whatever keeps me warm! Plus I am wearing Mary Kay makeup. More on that later!

My run started out good with Fabulous.  I was excited and feeling great. The cool air is was refreshing. Then at about 1.5 miles in the pain hit. I walked, stretched. Pain seemed to go away so I started a slow run. The pain came back. I started walking again. I was getting mad. I took 4 weeks off to prepare for this run. I rested. I started the run walk stretch method over and over. The pain eased a little around 2 miles and I did some slow pace run / fast walk to try to keep my pace time somewhat decent. 

Fabulous called my cell. She knew when I didn't arrive a few minutes after her that something was up. She told me she would run back to meet me. It was after I hung up with her that I allowed myself to shed a few tears. Frustration. Anger. Sadness. But only for a minute. 

Fabulous came up and gave me a big hug! I needed it. It's a reminder that all runners love each other. We're in it for the same reasons. 

I finished my 5k in 43 minutes. Not my best time, I finished. That's all that matters. I could have given up at mile 1.5 but I didn't. I kept on. 

The end result was worth it. I got this medal and it sparkles! What is better?! 

I do have an appointment with an Orthopedist in 2 weeks. I'm counting down. I will find answers and a solution. 

And yes I was wearing makeup for my race! I'm a Mary Kay beauty consultant. Mary Kay CC Cream is a great option for those wanting to wear makeup and workout / run! I love it!! 

My next 5k is Friday. I see a lot of walking... Disney's PHM weekend I'll see you soon! 

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! 

December Dash 5K Recap

The first annual December Dash 5K was held yesterday.   (also the cupcake's 2nd bday). Proceeds go to support my son's school so I am all for it!!

Being the first race the school put on it, I was impressed with the turn out. There is always a flaw or two with races that are put on for the first time. Being our town is small, many do not like to do the first year because of it being unorganized, or chaotic.  I went pretty smooth though. I can't complain and had a blast! 

It was held on the local high school's cross country track. I was excited for a new course, not so much all the mud and puddles. It rained the night before pretty good. The ground was pretty gross. My first thoughts were puddles, and wet feet all over again from Wine & Dine. I was not looking forward to it as we walked to the starting line. 

I ran with my 7 year old. He was anxious and ready to go! Already full of mud before the start of the race. Now let me give you a little background on him. He ran his first 5K in 2012 and walked most of it. He was not a good sport over it. I was in the hospital ( I had just given birth to cupcake). Yes, we are a committed running family! Since that 5K his running has been lazy. Bubba is very fast, but always starts to fast and to hard and by the time he hits a mile he is done. There is no telling him anything different. He's very bright and it has to be his way. With that, I was telling everyone that Bubba can find a friend and run the course, I wasn't walking or waiting on him. HA! I know mean mom.. but it was a race and I really wanted to run it and work on my time. Turns out that bit me in the rear. Read on..

We get to the starting line and he is right up to the line. Very front. I stayed back a little bit because I didn't know the course at all and didn't want to get lost. My luck, I would. I kept telling him, to not run hard at first, to pace himself. He had found some friends and could have cared less what I was saying to him. The race started and he took off! I said to myself he'll be walking within minutes.  

I started off a little faster than I wanted too. I had to slow down and get my breathing under control; all while worrying about holes and trying not to sprain anything.  I kept waiting to run past my son. I hit mile one and didn't see him. I had lost sight of him on the course. My amazing daughter, opted out of this race in order to volunteer at the water station. She is wonderful! 

Somewhere after mile 2 my outer left knee started to hurt or lock up I don't really know. (Knee issues are new to me). I walked a very fast walk because I am awesome like that and then started to run again. I was able to keep my 11 minute per mile pace still so I was happy. The pain would go away for a few minutes then come back. It was pretty annoying. I didn't know if it was because I was running on a grassy, mud course with a few hills or what. But I kept on going. Never once did I see Bubba. Where was he? 

I saw Fireman taking pictures as I was coming up to mile 3 and asked where Bubba was. He told me he finished. What?! My son, the one who gets tired to quickly and likes to walk had ran the whole thing and finished?! No way! Way! He did it in under 31 minutes!! What?! Sticking my tongue out was all I could do! 

 This is one proud mommy here!

My little man  ran hard!! I am a very happy mom to know that he gave it his all! 

So much for all that smack I talked about him walking. HA! 

My offical time was 34:38. I really think this is my average. I seem to be stuck between 32-35 minutes. I don't aim to be fast, Just to be better. My knee stopped bothering me and I enjoyed the refreshments and chatting with others. 

This was a fun race even though our shoes are now junk. That just means new shoes! 

I did have a lot of pain in my knees at night. I had to ice them. I am going to go to my local running store and have them look at my running technique. I am in zero pain today, aside from sore muscles. I am hoping it is my run and that I just need to get an insert or different style shoe. Fingers crossed.

Cowboy 5k 2014 Recap

Yesterday morning was the Cowboy 5k in our town. It helps benefit the IB program at my daughter's school. It was a chilly morning! first cold of the season, so needless to say we were a bit cold!  

My daughter has been running 8:32-9 minute miles in gym. I told her to just run and not wait for me! I am  not that fast! HA! The race started and she wasted no time leaving me! I was excited for her! For  me this race was all about her. I wanted to see what she was capable of. In the past we have always ran together, and I have always felt that I hold her back. I look back to our WDW Princess 5k and have no clue how I kept up with her. So this race I told her to just run and not look back. When she passed me on the loop back I was struggling a little, not normal for me. I was still cold and my nose was all stuffy. ( for those that know me, know I run with tissues. True story). I forgot my tissues and was miserable the entire run, but thinking of Lenee and how well she was doing was what kept me going. As we passed each other I told her to keep going! I was proud! 

As I came to the finish line I saw Fireman, Lenee and the family! But the main thing I saw was the time! For real was I finishing in under 32-35 minutes?!?! Most of my 5k runs are 35 minutes, the occasional run is 32 minutes on a good day. But I saw that time and picked up my speed, I had to finish under 32 minutes! Had to! 

My time was 31:39!!! No way!!! I couldn't believe it!! 

My fireman was amazing enough to snap this picture. You really can't see me, and I don't care. My finish time is all that matters!! I couldn't be more proud of myself for that time improvement. It might not be a lot to some. It is to me and that's all I care about. I finished 5th in my age group and 65th overall! Not bad! 

Okay enough about me, back to my amazing 11 year old.

She ran the 5k in 29:07!! With a pace of 9:24! I am so glad I didn't hold her back. Even though we only had a few minutes between us. That makes a huge difference to a runner! So yes I will be bragging until her next 5k about her time! 

After the race there were refreshments and a raffle, we almost left because it was cold. But I said let's stay and see if we win anything. Sure enough I won a gift certificate to a local restaurant. Whoop! I love food!!  A great end to a great race! I am thankful we have an awesome running community that puts on great races!

Royal Family 5K 2015

I did it! Yup! Signed up!  Mostly for my daughter. She was so upset to hear that I hadn't signed us up for the 5k. She was in tears. I told her it was sold out. Oops... What a nice Christmas surprise it will be! I am excited for her! She loves running and I am so glad to share the same love for it. Because of her, I ran my fastest 5K at last years Royal Family 5K. Let's see what 2015 brings! But for now, I have to think of costume ideas!

Training is going good. I ran last week at a friends house on their treadmill. Got in at 10pm and said I need to run. Being out of town and still being able to train was a win situation.

This week however isn't starting so well.. I think I am fighting off my daughter's stomach bug that she had last week. I have had an upset stomach and pain, but nothing more. (thank goodness). Lots of water and rest right now... which is killing me. Training calls!

A friend has asked for me to do an outline of stretches that I do.. I suppose I shall work on that now while the baby is asleep. More to come.

Running with a view.

Friday morning I got up at 5:00 am. To run. Yup. And I actually got up.  Fabulous was still lounging in bed, I had to talk her into getting up. She's in a slump right now and I am determined not to let her fall. She has been my mentor in running and I need her. We ran the river at 5:30, I did just over 3 miles and this was the view when I finished. What a view! Am I lucky or what? Living on the coast definitely has a few perks.
  I was happy with this early run. It totally sets my mood for the whole day. Who else loves early morning runs?
 Saturday was rest day. I had wine and pizza. OOPS! Oh well. I earned it. A week of running/ exercising and eating clean. A cheat day is okay.
 This morning Fireman came home from shift. We had breakfast and trying to plan our day, he came up with the idea to run; (I was going to wait until the evening). However, the wind was blowing and the temp. was nice, considering the Florida heat has arrived. We loaded up the kids and went down to the river.
  Fireman ran with the baby and my son. I set off on my own.  I was doing okay. The breeze was nice and really the heat wasn't bad. It was a nice run. I was doing good too. Found my groove and kept on.  Aside from the ladies pushing a dog in a stroller, not wanting to single file so I could run by, it turned out to be a great run.  Mile 3 to 4 was a little slower. I was thirsty and Fireman was nowhere in sight with my water. I eventually saw him and finished up.
  I set a new record! In the heat! I am so excited with myself! I was not expecting a PR with the heat and wind factor. This goes to show anything is possible! I am proud of myself. This is what keeps me going.

Here is the view when I finished my run. Clear skies and a beautiful view. I love running this route. 

Monday Run Recap

Monday's are almost always a run day. Almost. If fireman is home I run the school parking lot while my son has baseball practice. If he isn't I usually throw the baby in the jogger and do it ( if she lets me).
  It was hot, but the breeze was kicking so it wasn't so bad. I got about half a mile in before I saw the pizza boxes. It was my son's last practice and they had a surprise pizza party. I kept running. I stopped for water and took a small bite of pizza. Fireman was sharing a slice with the baby. I did good, I went back to running. The temptation was there. Not going to sugarcoat at all. I wanted a dang slice of pizza! Pizza sounded better than running. On top of that, one of the moms made cupcakes and offered me one. My response: Not until I finish my run. The line "Will run for cupcakes" popped into my head.
   I ran a little over 2 miles. I earned my cupcake. A yummy chocolate cupcake with vanilla icing! I didn't share it either! It was mine. All mine! I can't even remember the last time I had a cupcake, so it was much deserved.
  How many of you struggle with wanting junk food? I have made many healthy changes to my diet and have cut so much out. Every now and then I want a little junk. I allow myself one cheat day a week, and it's really not a bad cheat day. I guess I started my week with my cheat day. Oh well. I enjoyed that cupcake.

Autumn's Bridal Run

Saturday was Run or Dye AKA Autumn's bridal run. It was a fun run 5k. Weather was nice and breezy. Perfect running weather! Our shirts came out great! Us girls had our socks, leis, and to cool for you sunglasses! Fabulous was there too, with her daughter doing her first 5k! How exciting!  

Running was a little difficult this race, a lot of people were walking and most of them probably weren't runners/ walkers who have done 5k's. They were more than likely doing it for the color fun! Weaving in and out of people got tricky at times, and I ended up with a terrible cramp. (my fault, I didn't drink enough water). I kept running though. Held my side and ran on. The bride to be, sisnlaw finished first in our group! Woo!! Then we all followed behind! 

I think I was the cleanest of all the girls! Not sure how that happened, but in a way I am glad. Clean up was no fun! A day later and the girls still have color on them!! HA! 

Super proud of little Fabulous! 7 year old doing a 5k! Way to go!! Plus she looked super cute!! Her mommy has totally inspired her! Just like she inspires me! Love you Fabulous!! 

     Since I am a fire wife, and the run was in the city that my fireman works for, I felt it was only right that I took a picture by the engine. (which he has told me is their back up engine). So what, still an engine. 

    After our run we went to a steak house and I had a big ol' juicy burger! With water of course! I know, I know, not the healthiest choice.. but I earned it. Will run for food they say! 

    Overall I had a wonderful time with the girls doing what I LOVE doing! And I couldn't be happier to have friends who share the same love for running that I do. Without them keeping me motivated and inspired I would not be the runner that I am today. I love you girls!!! XOXO 

 

Run Down

This fire wife here hasn't ran this week. BOO! Between his schedule and me getting a stomach bug I haven't done much of anything. The house is a mess. I just want to run, but don't want to over do it. I need to get better and to feel better. I can't stand being ill, it throws my running off.  I finally feel like running 3 to 4 miles is easy peasy, then get sick, it knocks me back down. Very frustrating!
I have a color run 5k on Saturday with my sisnlaw and her bridal party.  I am very excited for a fun run! (Fingers crossed that I am 100% better). Sisnlaw made shirts and all! She's crafty like that! Me, not so much. I can't wait to rock these shirts.  How many of you prefer making outfits for runs?

Super cute shirts huh?! I think so!! I'll be sure to post more pictures after Saturday's race. Stay tuned! 

Disney's Royal Family 5k

This past Friday, I ran Disney's Royal Family 5k with my 10  year old daughter and Fabulous. It was a blast! We ran the entire time (with the few stops for pictures). I'm a mom... it's what I do. I take pictures. Speedy (my new nickname for my daughter), was over the pictures, she kept saying she just wanted to run. After all it was a race. We finished in great time. 35 minutes! That is another record for me. Speedy kept running ahead and I would have to chase her down and yell for her to slow down. She was amazing to watch! She breezed through people with such grace. It was as if she had run 100 races before. I swear she is a natural at running. As a mom I couldn't be more proud of her and her decision to love running.      After the race through out the rest of the weekend, she kept telling me she wants to now do a 10k. Again, another proud mom moment.

It was a great weekend, sad to see it end, but having my daughter by my side was great. It makes me happy to know my daughter is choosing to be healthy. I don't have to force her to run. She loves the sport and does it for pleasure. So here's to raising a runner!

MRTT Winter Virtual Run

Today was our local MRTT (Mom's Run This Town), group run. We did a 5K.  I arrived a little early to squeeze in an extra mile.  I must say it was my best run to date. For several reasons I can say best run ever!

Reason six: I ran with a group of moms who have the same passion for running that I do.

Reason five: Fabulous was present. So of course it was a great run.

Reason four: I did my first mile before 7 am. This has never happened before. The view from the river was amazing.

Reason three: When I started again to do my 3 miles, I had a goal to run the entire time. I usually do a run / walk. I have been working really hard to do full 3 miles with no walking and it hasn't gone well. I always end up walking by mile 2. I hate mile 2. Period.

Reason two: I reached mile 2 without walking and was feeling great! I began to tell myself that I could do it over and over. I even told myself slow and steady wins the race! Hey.. whatever works!

Reason one: I DID IT! 3 miles done! No walking! As I was coming up to a local restaurant that was right before my ending point I teared up. I couldn't believe I did it with no walking at all!

It was such a wonderful feeling and such a big accomplishment for me; the lazy runner. Fabulous was there waiting for me! I was so happy!! She hugged me, then let go telling me I was to sweaty to hug. Yes people in 50 degree weather, one can sweat! This accomplishment  is big. It tells me I can do this. I can go further. No quitting. No giving up. Lazy runner no more... I am now a determined runner with big goals for 2014.

One last note...  Make sure you car keys are safe and sealed tight while running...otherwise they may end up on a park bench.

 

The Madness that started it all.

So I'm a fire wife, who happens to have a love / hate relationship with running.  Let me tell you how I got my start in running.

In 2011 I had a girlfriend ask me to do Disney's Princess 5k with her. Keep in mind I haven't ran in years. Wait, I take that back. I only ran if my kids were screaming bloody murder for me. Then of course I ran faster than the road runner! So ya I hardly ran. I looked at her like she was crazy; ( at this point in my life I was walking daily while my two oldest children were in school. I have a mean power walk let me tell you). I told her I would attempt running, but more than likely would walk most of this 5k. So I registered.  Princess weekend came quick. Looking back it was such a blur. Who knew people dressed up for a race?! I ran / walked it. In good time too. Under 40 minutes! I was so proud of myself! After that I found a love for running and a hate for running.