End of week running plus a field trip

I had a busy end to my week. Wednesday evening I got a short run in with Kaden.  Thursday was packing for his field trip on Friday to Animal Kingdom. With that trip we decided to make an extra day of it (we are pass-holders); so I had to make sure everyone was packed and good to go.

Starting with Wednesday-

Kaden and I went for a run. He was still a little sore from Monday's run but still went out and did almost 2 miles. He is 8 so I give him lots of credit for asking to go with me. 

I did a slow run with walking intervals. I did 2.5 miles with a pace of 11:21. Super happy with that considering I am doing walking intervals. No knee pain either! Oh happy run day!! 

Friday-

Our trip to Animal Kingdom was bright and early on the bus with lots of 2nd graders! Thank goodness for coffee! I was chatting on and off with a few parents. Then as we pulled into Animal Kingdom, of course I had to brag about running on that road and how flooded it was from Wine & Dine weekend. It's still very fresh in my memory! Sis-n-law and I tried to take pictures but our hands were so wet we couldn't get our phones to open at all! 

I had a group of boys. First thing they wanted to do was Mount Everest! Bless their brave little hearts! They rode it like champs! Our day consisted of lots of walking and for that I was thankful. When I am unable to do my running, walking will do. 

We went on the safari and I took a selfie, yes a selfie with the giraffe! 

Fun stuff! 

The kids had a great time, even though it was sooo hot! Florida has missed the memo for springtime. High 80's in March! Unreal! 

Even though it was hot, we made the best of it. Lots of smiles to go around!

As it was time for the field trip to end, we stayed and were meeting the rest of the family at Epcot. Fireman had a day with the girls checking out the Flower and Garden Festival. Lucky gals! 

Kaden and I hopped a bus to meet them there and decided to take a few fun photos. 

I love this little guy to pieces! He is so much fun! 

Saturday-

We had Magic Kingdom planned, but it was crazy busy. I know how that sounds, but we have never waited in traffic for more than a few minutes just to park.  The ticket lines were insane too. so we decided to hope a monorail back to Epcot. ( the kids were not super thrilled). We did stuff that they didn't do yesterday, just to change it up. Plus, we take things slow since we don't have to rush around. (perks of being a pass-holder). We did a few countries to let the kids learn a little. by 3 pm we were hot and over it.  It was time to go home. Boo! 

Sunday- 

We unpacked, did grocery shopping and all that fun stuff. I did lots of laundry. So fun said no mom ever! Kaden kept asking if we were going running. I told him yes, I planned on it at 6:30 and fireman was going to prep dinner. 6pm rolled around and I hadn't drank nearly as much water as I should have. I was still exhausted from the past few days. I decided to sit down and finish the book I was reading. My son was a little bummed and I was bummed for letting him down and not going, but I knew not having enough water and being so hot the past few days it would have made for a crappy run. With that I have a goal to run a few days with him this week. 

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! 

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.