Transformation Tuesday with Julie

Hi there! I haven't done a transformation Tuesday in awhile so here goes!
My friend Julie started her running journey last year and has come so far! I did an interview with her about her transformation. I can't say enough how amazing she looks. I will say HARD WORK PAYS OFF! Julie is a pure example of determination and dedication. I am honored she let me interview her!

1. Why did you decide to get into running? Did anyone inspire, motivate you? My best friend made me agree to sign up for the Run or Dye 5k with the Bridesmaids in her wedding party. I was very reluctant because I’ve never been able to run a mile in my life. I didn’t think I could do it. I did the Couch to 5k program and never looked back with her support and motivation.  I am so grateful for it.

2. What 3 words would you say describe your running? Difficult, renewing, & peaceful.

3. When you first set out on your running venture, what was your goal? My first goal was to be able to run the entire 5k without taking any walking breaks.

4. What is your goal this year? ( has it changed from your original goal)? This year my goal is to run a half marathon. Eek!

5.  Top 3 running songs. We run the night (Havana Brown & Pit Bull), Heroes (Alesso with Tov Lov), & I lived by One Republic.

6. What do you love / hate most about running? I love being able to take time out of my day to be alone with myself. I always come back so clear minded after a run no matter what is going on. I hate getting dressed and out the door. Once I’m out the door, it’s amazing. Before that sometimes I manage to talk myself out of a run.

7.  1 year later... how do you feel vs how you felt a year ago.  I’m still shocked that I can run a mile let alone 6-7 miles comfortably. I’ve lost about 75lbs from walking, running and eating healthier in the last 4 years. It still is surprising how much my body changed and what I can do. Things I didn’t even think were possible are now so attainable.

True determination. It's real. It's out there. I'm so excited for Julie's goals this year and I can't wait to see what lies ahead for her!! 

Year In Review 2014

2015 is just around the corner and as I leave 2014 behind I wanted to look back on all that I have accomplished this past year. I have logged over 250 miles for the year! It could be a little more, I switched running apps a few times thanks to the Nike app making me angry at times!  Regardless of how many I logged, I ran. I accomplished my running goals for the year. I think a little bit of bubbly is in order to celebrate!
When 2014 started I had no desire to lose weight or run much. It was a battle I was choosing to ignore, but 12 days into the new year I got my motivation. I watched my best friend and another friend, along with countless strangers run a full marathon! I thank you for showing me the way!

February 2014, I ran our local MRTT winter virtual 5k race without walking at all. First time ever! I cried. 

I also ran WDW Royal Family 5k with my  10 year old daughter and Fabulous. No walking this one. It was also my fastest 5k time (at this point in my running career).

By the end of February, Fireman and I were signed up for our first half marathon! WDW Wine & Dine 2014. I was shocked that I pushed the submit button. 

I also gave up soda this month. Big accomplishment! 

March 2014, I ran my first 10K. It was a little rough with it being beach side and windy but I finished with great time and was 4th place in my age group! Sisnlaw was 3rd! Proud moment for me! 

April 2014, I did a color run 5k with my sisnlaw's bridal party and Fabulous. I am not a fan of color runs. But still had fun! 

May 2014, Tried Zumba for the first time... and only time to date! 

I had lost 15-20 pounds by this month. All due to cutting out the junk and continuing to run and exercise! 

June- August 2014, Half marathon training had started. Woo! 

MRTT Summer Virtual 10k completed.  

I also became a Girl's Gone Sporty Ambassador! 

September 2014, Sisnlaw's girl's weekend and wedding! Busy month and training was a little hectic. 

October 2014, More half marathon training. 

November 2014, The first I ran the Annual Cowboy 5k with my daughter. 

She ran it in 29:07 and I finished in 31:39. Best time to date!!!

WDW Wine & Dine half marathon / worst running conditions ever complete! 

I still can't believe I ran 13.1 miles with sisnlaw.... in the freezing cold rain. In windy crappy conditions after dark.(being a Florida gal, I don't do cold well).  How we didn't end up with a cold, I don't know! 

December 2014, Ran my first cross country 5k with my 7 year old. He beat me! I was shocked because he is a lazy runner! I came in 3rd in my age group! Woo!

As I look back, I am beyond happy with all of my accomplishments! I still can't believe I have achieved so much in one year! 

 When you put your mind to it, anything is possible! I am thankful for all my friends, family, and local MRTT group for all their support and advice!!! It is heart warming to know I have such a wonderful support team!!! I love you all!! 

With that.. my favorite picture of 2014 is:

No it's not a picture of any of my medals. None of my medals can come close to what I felt the morning this photo was taken. None. It's a picture that's worth a thousand words and I will leave you with that. 

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.

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! 

Goals

June Challenge is in full swing. But what about my goals? I haven't thought much about them. So tonight I am.
 In July registration opens for Disney's Princess half marathon weekend. I did the 5k last year and wished I had signed up for the 10k as well. When I registered with my daughter, I was not much of a runner. But after seeing Fabulous in January I was hooked. So I was a slightly jealous that I was not doing more than one race that weekend.
Now July is coming up quick. I want to do the Glass slipper challenge. That is my ultimate goal! However, when I sit back and think about it, I panic a little. That's the 10K plus a half. (which I haven't even done yet)!What if I decide after my first half in November that I don't like running 13.1 miles? Am I crazy?! Back to back races. I've never done before. I mean I run weekly, sometimes 2 days in a row. Should I consider that the same thing? Is my mind just playing with me over this new fear? This has been bothering me for a few days now. Decisions. Decisions.
 My next goal is to improve my time. It isn't a HUGE goal, but a personal one. I seem stuck in the 11-12 minute mile pace. No matter what I try. Maybe I should stop trying. I can't be the only one that struggles with this right?
 My last goal is to tone my body more. I've lost a bit of weight, and look decent. I finally have confidence that I never had before. I would just like to tone some areas. So I need to get back into the gym on my off days from running. I'll be dragging Fabulous with me of course! Now only if Sisnlaw had a membership, we'd make a party out of it.

I can't believe the difference a year makes. I've been running and eating better since January. Hard work pays off! I just need to hit the gym to tone my now small waist! 

June Challenge

I am doing the June 100 miles this month. It is walking or running 100 miles. I am hoping I can complete this!
I usually do around 25 miles a month so this is definitely challenging me this month! I have completed 12.93 miles so far. I know I've got to step up my game.
 I did a new HIIT workout on Tuesday. It was intense, but I got it done with Fabulous. There were some words thrown around doing it, but we finished. That's all that matters. Keep going until you are done. Finishing is what matters, and if you don't finish you are selling yourself short. For me that is not an option. It's all about finishing. Finishing equals results. Satisfaction.
 On another note it is the last week of school. I've been running back and forth  to the school for all the parties, activities. That counts as a workout right?

7 Miles In The Books

I was sick last week. No running. Totally sucked. It drove me crazy not being able to run. Running is what helps me clear my head. It keeps me motivated. A week of not running was not a good thing for me. I was a crab by the Friday and this momma was over it all!
I planned with a few friends for Sunday to be an early morning run. 5:45 am to be exact. I didn't care if I was still feeling icky, I was going to run. Lucky for me, most of my symptoms were gone and I just had a sore throat and stuffy nose. (I can run with that). So I set my alarms and off to dreamland I went.

Do you like my alarm names? Hey.. whatever works!!








I picked up Sisnlaw on the way and Fabulous met us there. We ran with another family member too.  It wasn't to hot out, though the river reeked. Suck it up and run on. That's what we did.
We aimed for an hour of running. We ran longer and did just over 7 miles! I've never ran this far before! NEW RECORD!!
How exciting for me!! We ran it all too. We did our water stops and 1 bathroom stop, but no walking. I couldn't believe it! Like I really can run!! I can do this!! A half marathon doesn't seem so scary now.

While running I noticed this sign, I nearly fell and had to ask Sisnlaw if it really said what it did. We had to pause and take a photo! This totally made our run all the better! Laughter is the best during a run!

Thanks to whoever switched the letters around. Although I'm not sure the owner will find it as funny as we did, but I do hope they at least laugh a little.




After this 7 mile run, I was starving. Hungry. I wanted to spend the rest of the day eating everything I saw! Please tell me this is normal right? I hope so!

My weight loss journey

I've lost weight. 15-20 pounds maybe. Doesn't seem like much; but it is. Here's my take on it.
 Starting last June, we decided no more fast food. We've stuck to that rule. I can't wait to celebrate the 1 year mark next month!
 In January, we decided we were going to exercise more and move towards cleaner eating. It has been a challenge at times. I've tested myself more than once. Even caved a time or two. I am happy to say that 4 months later I feel like I have control.
 One of the things to cut was coffee creamer. I was a sucker for loading my coffee with that stuff. I wouldn't add sugar, just a ton of creamer. I slowly started cutting back the amount. Fireman cut it cold turkey and never looked back.  One morning I woke and said when I run out of this creamer, that's it. No more. It was hard drinking coffee black that first week. I survived. Now it's not bad at all. Even when I hit up Starbucks, I get a black ice coffee. I do ask for sugar, as a treat to myself that I don't need a whipped cream latte.
 The next thing to go was soda. I'll admit. I loved my Pepsi. LOVED. We have never stocked soda in the home. We would get at a restaurant or while out and about. Regardless, it was still soda, still very bad for one's self.  February was the last time I had a soda. I've craved it and when I was having a stressful day I really wanted it because sugar and junk fixes everything. Right? Now that it has been a few months I am okay and Pepsi doesn't come to my mind. Truth is, I don't miss it at all. I am so happy I gave it up.
 The next thing we've pretty much cut out all together is processed foods. We still have a little ways to go with it, but a chunk is gone. I read all labels on the things we buy now. I only buy my fruit / veggies from the local produce stand. We eat so much better.

 With doing those few things, along with of course running. I have lost weight. I didn't even realize until my clothes were practically falling off and my belts were to big to help. I was a 7/9 and now I am a size 2/3.  Unreal! I have never been that small. Not even in high school. My wedding rings are huge on me. It's amazing what a healthy diet and some running will do.
 Since I was only running, I do have some flab and I have started back at the gym to tone some of this; (I hope).  I rather run then weight train, I have to remind myself that cross training is good. The end results will so be worth it. I can do this!
 Last, I am still unsure of how to respond to people who comment on my weight loss. Some just say nice things. But there is always that person or two, that make odd comments, Like "don't lose to much weight" or "you're going to waste away". I have been just smiling and laughing, but really I want to tell them to fly a kite or this is what being healthy is. How do you handle weight loss questions and comments?
Bottom line is I am healthy, happy and proud of myself!

Zumba say what? And the Gym!

I had a run plan for yesterday (Wednesday), but good ol' Florida weather had other plans. It started to down pour as I was headed out the door with my sis-n-law.  Sis-n-law decided to drag to me to zumba on a whim! Why? Because she knows I don't zumba. I'm a little clumsy. Okay maybe more than a little. I've never tried it and was freaking out. The class was small; (thank goodness).  I was lost and all sorts of backwards most of the time. I did it though! I didn't quit. I stuck it through. One full hour of arms flapping everywhere and feet going every which way. The music was great so maybe, just  maybe I'll attempt it again.
Here is our after zumba picture.

Tonight, the weather was bad. Lots of lightning so it forced Fabulous and I back to the gym. I haven't used my membership in almost a year. Before I got my mojo for running back, I grew to hate the gym and avoided it. However, that is behind me! Fabulous only wanted to run, I said nope lets do this! We biked, used weights, had a few laughs and then hoped on the dreaded treadmill. I am an outdoor runner. The treadmill bores me!! But I did my mile and got it done. That's what matters. I am already feeling the burn in my legs! How I have missed it!! Plus I weighed myself and dropped a few more pounds. 

While I can ramble on, I won't. My story tonight is one of which reminds me that I can do this. I can try new types of workouts and not be afraid of going to the gym. I can push myself to do what I haven't done before. I am determined. I am motivated. Most of all, I am happy.