Back to the Beginning – Happy New Year’s Eve 2018

Wow!! All I can say is…WOW! Where did 2018 go???? I feel like I just started writing a post for 2017 going INTO 2018. I kind of fell of the radar a bit this year from the Blogosphere. I’m not really sure I have a good explanation, but I know #MomLife is busy! This is truly the definition of mishaps in my life. 3M for LIFE!

I started this blog 5 years ago, this month! I want to say my first post was right around NYE, so this time of year is always a little bit more special for me. It is always fun to look back and see the year brought me. I can’t say that I had an overly exciting 2018, but I did have a few things to share…..

I completed my FIRST half marathon in April . I was EXTREMELY afraid to do this distance, I am not going to lie! I was convinced by my running friends from Junior High (YES!!! You read that correctly….JUNIOR HIGH!). See, we have participated in the Star Wars run in previous years. This year was year #3, so “we” decided to do the challenge. WHAT is the challenge, you ask? Friday-5k; Saturday-10k; Sunday-Half. Sounds doable, right? Sounds like a piece of cake, right? #thatsaNO. 5 and 10k days were fine, but Sunday rolled around and for the first time in a LONG time….I was afraid. What did I possible get myself in to, that I know I can’t possibly get myself out of?? I set a goal for 3 hours, because I honestly had NO clue what to expect. I prepared, using my Nike+ running app, however my longest run was only 9 miles! (good ol’ #MomLife getting in the way!) . Many told me, even the guy on the bus ride back from the 10k, told me not to worry! He/they were right! I mean, I am by NO means supporting lack of preparation to complete a race…it’s just for me…it WAS enough. Given working full time, 2 active kiddos, and being a commuter, I figured it had to be enough. I found myself very emotional at mile 12. This is when I realized…in my best Shalane Flanagan voice…that I.WAS.DOING.THIS!! (she used some other words, but folks, I gotta keep it family friendly! LOL🤣)

Happiness and SUCCESS!

I FINALLY got under 30 minutes for a 5k!! I still don’t know how the hell that happened…but I did it! My sister and I ran a Turkey Trot this year in Haymarket, VA. We’ve done this race before…and as per usual…she kicked my a**! This chick even HATES running! Don’t you LOVE to HATE people like her??

We got up on a VERY cold Virginia morning – 27 degrees to be EXACT- and went for a run. I felt good..and I figured to day was going to be a decent race. I’ve gotten past the pressure I put on myself to ALWAYS be good. I have some good races, I have some bad races, but this one, I would consider a GREAT race. First mile, Nike+ tells me “Distance, one mile; average pace 8:58 per mile”. Ummm, excuse me? Did the cold get to my watch? Did the weather freeze my brain to point of no comprehension? Did my AirPods magically sync with someone else’s watch? These are all plausible explanations to ME, other than I actually did a mile in 8 FREAKING 58! By the time I had completely registered my brain around that first mile, seems as if the race was done! Chip time- 28:41 (Pace of 9:14/mile). I HAVE NOT seen a pace or time like this in a YEAR!! I will keep plugging along and working hard to see that time again!

The Faster Sister, The Turkey, and Me!

My diet FINALLY made sense to me! I decided after training for the half (and after a trip…more to come on that) that I needed to do something about my eating. I am very active and I know that you can’t run or work out enough to compensate for a bad diet. You are fooling yourself that you can…and once I realized that…it began to change for me. My husband was my inspiration, really. He has LOST 100 pounds and has managed to KEEP it off for 2 years! I decided to try the plan Hubs did, called Ideal Protein. It is a medically supervised ketogenic diet that has taught me so much about nutrition. *****DISCLAIMER: While I am a health professional, I am simply expressing my OWN opinions on a plan that worked for me. Anyone that may be considering starting ANY diet plan/program should consult their medical provider prior to initiation. This is NOT an advertisement and I have not been compensated for my opinions in this post.****** . I learned how to balance the macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) and how my body can utilize it for weight loss. I scaled back on my running, sticking to just interval training walking on the DREADmill and strength training, while I was on the plan. Let me say, plan, as in what I had to follow and learned to maintain. This is NOT a quick fix, but a lifestyle change. Maybe I will do another post of the plan and how I am living now. But I will tell you, that I lost the pesky 20 pounds that have been paying for homeownership on my body since I turned 40, almost 7 years ago! You may not see the difference from my pictures above…but trust me..it is there!

What I have also seen is my running is different. You do not realize how 20 pounds affects your body. Outside of the cold…that probably why my butt moved fast at my last 5k in VA! 🤣

I placed in a race. Yep… you read that right! 3M over here placed in her AG! I did the Santa’s Run for Our Kids in Winter Haven, FL. This race is special to me because it was my FIRST 10k 3 years ago. I missed it last year, but I couldn’t wait to do this event this year. Mostly because it my friend’s FIRST 10k and I wanted to be there to share the experience with her. I was able to cut 3 minutes off of my last 10k and I missed getting under 1 hour by 2 MINUTES!! (Chip time 1:02..ugh!). My friend came in 20 seconds behind me! I had another friend that swore she heard my name when they were announcing awards. I told her to not worry, because that NEVER happens! Come to find out…it actual does happen! Now..before you get all excited for me..there were only 6 in my AG! So, throwing confetti and streamers in a parade for me is a liiiiiiiiitle much but I’ll take the win!

Spain…here I come! I could probably do an entire SERIES of posts on this trip. Hubs and I got to visit the Andalusia region of Spain this year. As a matter of fact, it was right after my half marathon. This trip was nothing short of PERFECTION!

Granada- view from Alhambra

Alhambra- Granda

Ronda

The Gorge-Ronda

Christopher Columbus’ tomb- Seville

Suffice to say, this was a trip of a lifetime! These pictures are only a small sample of all the wonder and glory of this beautiful country.

I went to my first OrangeTheory Fitness class. I’ve wanted to try this class since my sister started going about a year ago. I am always looking to try something new, like when I tried Pure Barre in 2017. I have to say…I loved it! I have only been with my sister twice- once on vacation in Hilton Head Island and during Turkey Day break in Gainesville, VA. It.is.EVERYTHING! I like the interval training and it mixes the workout up, so there is no room for boredom. They use treadmills, rowers, free weights, TRX and floor exercises in each class depending on the type of class (strength, endurance, etc). There are two OTF in my two, which I am equidistant from both facilities. The question is…when can I get there again???

The OTF guru (ie my sis) and Me

J got his license! This is another one of my “OMG’ moments in parenthood, when your baby can now LEGALLY drive a car, on his or her own! He received his license the DAY BEFORE his junior year of high school. He has been driving to school on his own (a little bit more every day), but I am still a nervous wreck! Who said they could grow so fast???

Stop growing so FAST!!!

I am sure that there are some other things that happened in 2018 that I have no doubt forgot, but these are the special ones that come to mind!

Tell me….what have you been up to this year???

I want to wish you all a Happy and Healthy 2019! I can’t wait to see what is in store for us all!! #cheers

My First Time

Hello out there! It’s been a while since we last chatted about life, and miles, and mishaps,huh? Looks like DECEMBER was my last post! Ugh….! Life’s mishaps for you! 😏.

So, this “first time” I speak of is NOT what you think…but I did get your attention, right? I am talking about my first half marathon!

Never…never….NEVER in a million years on this planet did I ever imagine I would do 13.1 miles of running. 13.1 miles of driving? Sure! 13.1 miles of traveling? Absolutely! 13.1 miles of running, intentionally and no one is hurt or chasing me? Never thought so! Guess I fooled myself! 😂.

After my good friends from Junior High (yep…I’m that old because they call in Middle School now!) and I ran the Disney Star Wars 5k and 10k last year, one of my friend’s says “Let’s do the Challenge next year!” I was like…”SURE! Let’s do it!” Sign ups came…and I signed up for the Star Wars Challenge, which is the 10k and Half Marathon. I also wanted to do the 5k, as well, so I basically gave Disney all of my money for the Star Wars Weekend 😏. Now this sounds all fine and dandy when you sign up a year (or less) in advance. As I started training, still hadn’t hit me. The holidays came and went….hadn’t hit me. January and February…nope! March…uh uh. April showed up and I couldn’t BELIEVE I was going to do a half marathon! Apparently, I’m a little slow to the game! What made this half even more scary for me was that I was running the 5k and the 10k prior to the half! I know…I know…I’m crazy! Let me just give you a glimpse of how crazy I am…

Friday (5k):@”

3 am wake up to be on the bus by 3:30. Why??? The buses don’t run after 4 am to assure everyone is at the park and in their corrals for the start.

I don’t do costumes but I do like funny shirts….#truth

My time was ok, but I honestly don’t do the Disney races for time because of the amount of people, participants in costume and the numerous photo op stops. #5kDONE

This MEDAL,though!!!

Me, Kim, and Terri (the infamous “Let’s do the Challenge” friend! 😂). ❤️ them !!

Didn’t have to wait TOO long for Kylo Ren this year!

Saturday (10k):

Same obnoxious 3 am wake up to make the bus. It still sucked! But the funny shirt made me feel better….

My time was a bit slower than I wanted but considering it was a whole racing weekend, I didn’t give it much thought!

It was a really easy 10k. I honestly didn’t feel a struggle at all during the run. I kept an even pace (slower than I would have liked honestly) and just ran. The medals just keep getting better and better….

I went to bed after a nice meal and the nerves really began to settle in. I was nervous, anxious, and scared about this race. I haven’t felt this way about any race in a very long time. My friends, Terri and Kim, helped to keep me calm. Hubs reminded me that I was here to have a good time and to just run my own race.

Sunday (half marathon):

Yep…same 3 am wake up! Sheesh…3 days in a row! If that ain’t the definition of crazy, what is? Oh… running 3 races in 3 days…that’s all kinds of nuts!

I found out one of my favorite bloggers from Tampa was running the half as well! In the blogosphere, you get to know people but maybe don’t get to meet them in person. I was beyond excited to finally meet Denise from RunDMT! (check out her blog…she’s AMAZING!)Denise (aka BB-8), Me, and Terri

What did I think about the half?

I went into this race with (self imposed) expectations of how I should run. I felt as if I didn’t belong here because I am not a “real runner”. I was worried because my girlfriend had done so many half marathon races that I would almost embarrass her attempting to do the same. I was scared that I was setting this goal and that I would fail. I always wondered what do you think about for 13.1 miles?! How could possibly not feel like you are going to die at any moment??

Once I started, all of that crap went right out the window. I got into my groove, I found my pace and I ran my race! I knew that I’d be fine at the 10k mark because I like this distance. #myJAM. It’s what came after that I was worried about….but it never showed up! I just kept running my race and before I knew it, I crossed the 15k mark. At that point, I grabbed some water mixed with some Powerade (yellow…not that yucky blue one!) ate a few Sport Beans and kept.going. Before I knew it, I crossed the 20k mark. That’s when it became REAL for me! That mark was 12.4 miles and I had less than a mile and then I was done! Tears people…TEARS! This is when I realized I had accomplished a goal that I never thought I would!! I crossed that finish line like I knew I was winning a gold medal in the Olympics! I had my Shalane Flanagan NYC Marathon “**** yeah” moment! 😂I was so happy to have done this race and I got to share it with my friends!!! (I think Kim took the picture and that’s why she isn’t here! 😢)

These medals!!! The half marathon medal is the Storm Trooper and Kylo Ren…yeah…he’s the Challenge medal! #yeaBABY

What an emotional weekend that honestly I would do again in a heartbeat! I never thought I would say it, but I am looking forward to my next half marathon…hopefully, this year! (Who is this and what have you done with Angie??)

Thanks for reading and sharing this experience with me!

What have YOU been up to lately???

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It’s SUMMER TIME, folks! You know what that means??? Yeah…work! Work…that’s what it means for me! 😂. But….it also means the yearly Summer Sunrise Watermelon 5k Series around beautiful Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland, FL.  I’ve been doing this series for about 5 or 6 years now.  I LOVE this series because it keeps me motivated to run despite the hot and humid Florida weather.  I’m a FLORIDIAN, people and I can’t STAND the summer heat! But if I don’t sign up for a race, I’ll look for every excuse not to run, only because of the heat!! On the other hand…I HATE wasting money!! So..if I sign up…I’m DOING IT!!!

I always managed to rustle up my friends to run with me! 

They are STILL my friends….I think! 

I love when my “I hate running because it sucks” do so well!!! We had a PR in the group and no stopping too! I celebrated with them and for them because I know how hard they worked! 

I on the other hand, didn’t have a good race.  I had to stop about 2 miles and change because it was hot and I felt like I couldn’t breathe. And I am always disappointed in myself when I do stop….

I felt defeated because I didn’t do well.  But I didn’t let that rain on the parade of my friend’s victories!  I didn’t do well because I really didn’t run in May.  My last race was the 2017 Star Wars Marathon Weekend – The Dark Side.  I ran the 5k

…and the 10k

All of my runs,up to that point, had already been on the calendar.  For some reason, May was missed and therefore nothing was scheduled! I have no one to blame but myself. Now let me be clear, I don’t pity myself because I am able to run.  I’m just disappointed that I didn’t do well. If you’ve been reading for a while you know I need that kick in the ass moment to shock me right back to reality with my running. Watermelon Series, race #1 = my kick in the ASS! 😉

It’s Monday and it’s a new beginning.  I’m ready….I’m recharged…I’m ready to GO!!!

How was your most recent run??

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Happy New Year!! At what point do you stop saying that?? I mean….I haven’t seen you guys since “last year”, so it’s only appropriate that I greet you this way, correct? This blog hiatus was not on purpose (I know you weren’t DYING to know what I was up to!)….life just got in the way!! But I miss blogging and slowly moving my way back to regular posting! 

I forgot my Blogiversary during my hiatus! 3 years has gone pretty fast since I started this little venture.  

I realize now that just being me, (I think) is what people relate to and keeps you guys coming back to read. I hope that I am also inspiring some of you to know that you CAN do it…with all that life throws at you!! I strive for this every.damn.day!!! 

What have I been up to??

In my endless pursuit of weight loss, I started changing my eating habits with Hubs. He started a diet plan called Shake it Off.  (***DISCLAIMER: No compensation was received for this post. These are my own opinions regarding this plan.). Essentially….proteins, low and correct carb selections, lots of veggies, no sugars, no ALCOHOL (wahhhhh!!)..you get the idea.  He has a plan different than mine because right now, he’s not working out because he has a lot of weight to lose.  I wanted to support his weight loss and to help make the transition smoother for him.  This is the first time Hubs has been serious about his weight and how it can potentially worsen his health in the future. His “why now?” was he was tired of being overweight.  He made a committment to lose it and keep it off!

 My “plan” is just a few things that I have cut out and continuing to work out. 

What have I removed?

• Sugars
• Alcohol
• Awful snacks (oh…Tortilla chips, how I have missed THEE!)

What have I added/changed?

• More veggies
• Eating every 3-4 hours
• More water
• Less snacking 
• Learning how to substitute items in meals (HELLOOOO…cauliflower rice!)

As of today, Hubs has lost 60 pounds! We had to clean out his side of the closet because his clothes looked RIDICULOUS on him! 😂

Before….

Now…I’ve always thought (and STILL think) he’s handsome! I just think it is even more handsome that he’s taking care of himself…all by himself!! He will be at his goal by March.

I have lost 12 pounds as of last week. I weigh tomorrow, so I’ll see! I have 8 more to go….🙏🙏

This morning was my first race of 2017……around beautiful Lake Hollingswoth in Lakeland,FL.  This race was a 5k hosted by Run4One, to raise awareness about human trafficking.   I did this race last year- another great race for an GREATER cause.  My friend, Katelyn and her BF, joined me for this race. They CRUSHED it!! I had a PR at this race at 30:05.  I would have been sub-30 this race, but I felt like my tank was emptying towards the end. I should have/could have pushed on through….but I am happy at the prospect of sub-30 again! I’m coming for you next time!!! 

Thanks for staying and coming back on my mishap adventures! Thanks for celebrating the busyness of motherhood. Thanks for watching my miles getting bigger, faster and making me stronger!! 

How has your Saturday been?

Oh…it’s basketball season!! We are watching a crap load on this house!! My Gators lost today to Vandy😢😢.

But some others are pretty happy about an up coming game tonight..It’s Hubs versus Julian! Who’s gonna win??? 

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Since Fall is here in the Sunshine State, it is easier (for me) to be successful running in the morning. It was a BEAUTIFUL 67 degrees this morning!!! My friend, Leslie and I decided today was the day to get back at it! Plus…we always try to do either a WOD or run for her birthday (Nov. 8th).  We ran Summerlin Academy 5k.  It was held to benefit the veterans of Polk County (FL).  It was a small race because unfortunately there was another race going at the same time!! And when I say small, I mean like, 12 people! I’m sure they were expecting a better turn out, but it was a great reason to run, so….let’s do it!!! 

Source: Google

Pretty, isn’t it?? It’s a very nice park in Bartow (FL). It was a first for me! Little tidbit– I found out about a year ago that this park was named after one of my good friends, Leandra’s Great Grandmother. I know someone who is related to someone famous! 

I ran a very good race today…at least for me since I have really just been back to the gym and running consistently for about 2 weeks.  I’m excited to be back! The student cadets helped us manuever our way from the school, to and through the park, and back.  I was a little nervous because I just knew I was going to get lost and maybe end up back home if I didn’t pay attention! 

I got a side stitch in mile 2 which caused me to make my only walk of the race. It was a brief walk but I’m determined to getting my breathing and pace synced, so I wont do that again!  PS- I’m NOT knocking on those that do walk nor do I think it’s a bad thing! I just don’t walk in my races and for me…don’t want to make it a habit. Just my opinion for what I want for ME. 

Average pace: 10:06
Not bad for the first race of the season for me.  I have my eyes on the prize for better numbers, so hopefully I won’t disappoint! 

Oh yeah…First in AG and second for Leslie! Nevermind that we made up the AG..😂😂 #winning

It was such a good race to start back! Can’t wait until the next one!

How’s your Saturday been?? Any races you want to share??

Thanks for reading! ❤️

When did I……?

…..become a parent of a high schooler?

J’s first day at Santa Fe Catholic High School. This is a new school for him, so first day in another way as well. I am beyond nervous for him but he seems confident and ready for the new experience. Prayers, people….PRAYERS!! 

….become a parent of a 4th grader?

Aidan’s first day of school at St.Joseph Catholic School.  This is the first time Aidan has not gone to school with his brother.  He had mixed emotions…happy that he’s the only brother left at the school but sad that he’s the only brother at the school!!! 

….become a football parent AS WELL as a basketball parent?

J decided he wanted to try football this year.  I figure it can’t hurt…well…it CAN hurt really bad!!!  (He’s nursing a muscular injury now because of learning to tackle!  No practice today but back tomorrow…). But it can’t hurt because he is getting great conditioning for basketball and if he doesn’t like it, he gained some experience about another sport! Win WIN in my book! 

….have a child that wants to be a swimmer too??
Aidan spent a month with my sister in VA.  His cousins swim and he desperately wants to swim now! With a month there and swim camp for 6 weeks, we are in swim mode to try and get on a team (or so HE says!). He swims every Saturday at the Y and he loves it! We shall see….

….forget how to use a lock for a locker in school?

I’m totally aging myself here but I remember going “3 turns to the right, 2 turns to the left, 1 turn to the final number”. Over 20 minutes trying to open this damn thing….only to find out you don’t do this ANYMORE!!! Wha????? 

…..become the person that signs up for TWO races in one weekend!!

Yep…while J was figuring out his lock I was registering for the Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend run.  I did the 10k last year and was all too excited when I received the email that sign up was August 9th at noon. You know what I did??? I signed up for the 5k AND 10k!!! It’s costly but I am going to run with some girlfriends from HS and plan on making it a girls weekend! All too excited!!  I need the motivation to get back and what a perfect way!

I am sure this school year will many more firsts, so maybe there will be more “When did I…..?“posts in the future!😉

How was your day??? Did anyone have some first day of school stories???

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On this early Saturday morning, I went for a run.  A 5k…in Lakeland (FL)…around Lake Hollingsworth. Yep, it’s Watermelon Series time, y’all!  Truth be told, it’s the third in the series. I missed the first in the series because I had a triathlon in Clermont (FL) that same day! The second in the series…yeah, missed that too because I had to take J to camp at Duke University. So, #3, I was excited to see/run…considering I paid for the series!! 😂

My friend, Leslie and her son Donald, also ran.  I’ve missed seeing Leslie because of both of our summer schedules!  It was great to catch up!!!

The run began at 7 am and it wasn’t as hot as it usually can be this time of year. Don’t get me wrong, it was hot, just a lot more tolerable! 

I was running at a good, slow pace for this run.  I haven’t run in 3 weeks and I wasn’t expecting a decent time.  I just wanted the kick in the butt- “I hate my time”- “I suck!” time so I can get back on it! I know once school starts, I will be back on a regular schedule.  This is the only reason I’m excited for school to start!!😂

I finished and didn’t die! 

It was a good run, but I can do better. I WILL do better next one! My time wasn’t stellar (actually quite slow for me) but what did I honestly expect for a 3 week hiatus??? I feel like I’ve had this conversation with myself (and you all) for some time!! Hope you aren’t bored with it! But the point of doing his blog is to show that I’m a real person…with a real career, real family, and real wishes.  Like most things, it’s about balancing all of these real things!  I’m still, after all these years, still trying to figure it out!  Stick with me guys…..I’m working on it!! 

The Watermelon Runners!!!

C’mon #4….I’ll be waiting and ready for you!!!!

RunGAB

Happy Hump Day!! It’s STILL my favorite day of the week! 
If we were running today, I’d tell you….

….I am FINALLY seeing some changes! 

I am down 3  from last week compared to Hubs like 6 or 7! I’m just happy I’m seeing the number go down for the first time in a while! I am more aware of the choices I make when eating. I basically go back and read my information from Swim Bike Fuel program that I did in November. It’s a great program and if you are interested sign ups are NOW for the session starting July 1st. 

….my BLING came in from the Disney Virtual Running Shorts.

If you remember, it’s a 5k series during the summer; your own time, your own pace, your own pace! And…you don’t have to feel embarrassed when you submit your time because you don’t HAVE too!😉  There are four runs and if you also remember from last week’s GAB, I had an epic FAIL moment when I found that the rest of the races were sold out!!

….I made popcorn in the microwave! Yeah…this isn’t Earth shattering news. But I’ve been doing some reading on microwave popcorn and how some of the stuff in it that’s not good for you! There are some chemicals worth long names and long initials that cause a multitude of health issues.  As a PA, I believe in medicine that is fact based.  Meaning there is a study to support the claim.  I don’t see one in particular, but my thoughts on this particular issue….if I can’t freaking PRONOUNCE it, I don’t think I want it in my body! Simple,right? So I am going to go back to air popped but I don’t have a machine. That’s where the paper bag comes in and all the fixins’ come in…

1/2c of popcorn with 1/4tsp of OO

A pinch of salt

Vent the bag…but hopefully BETTER than this….

…because you get THIS!!

..et VOILA!!

It turned out GREAT!!! It’s a tad bit more laborious than just opening the bag and putting in the ‘wave. Hope you can try it!!

…..I made it to 75# for my overhead squats (OHS) at CrossFit! Even at my best, I didn’t have that! I’m pretty stoked!

Great gab! What have you been up to this week??? ❤️

RunGAB

Happy Wednesday!! My favorite day of the week…Hump Day!!  Let’s go run!!

If we were running today, I’d tell you….

….that I finished another triathlon last weekend.  I’m pretty stoked that I have 2 races done this season and still have more to come!

…that if eat popcorn BEFORE you WOD, you WILL feel like you are going to barf!!  I had a little snack on the way to the gym.  Well…do 6 – 2 minute AMRAP consisting of 12 calorie row or assault bike and max rep of power cleans at 75#. Yeah…you’d want to barf,too!! And horrible residual heartburn, too, by the way. 😝 

…I’m still keeping up with #RWRUNSTREAK. Yep, still logging 1 mile daily.  

….I’m pretty pissed about missing a virtual race! What??? Yes!! This year, Disney was hosting a 3- 5k virtual runs: Red Pants, White Gloves, and Yellow Shoes (all parts of Mickey’s iconic outfit,for you non Disney folks).  Sign up, run, get a medal without having to submit a time. #winning. I’ve already done Yellow Pants and waiting for my medal.  Went to sign up for the others…
What?? REALLY????EPIC FAIL!!! My friend, Leslie, signed up for the series! I am sadly only getting one medal because all the rest were sold out! But because I am a good sport (and really need the practice!!), I’m going to run the 5ks with her. No medal, but getting in shape…I still win! 👊

….today is my birthday! Yep…44,baby!!  That went fast! I still feel like a stupid teenager, sometimes. And I really don’t like to “ADULT”on most days, but I guess because I’m a MOM, I have to!! 😂😂

THIS IS 44…and I intend to make it a GREAT year!  Here’s to an abundance of  health, happiness, and cocktails! 😂

Great conversation!  Thanks for the chat! ❤️

You Can Do IT!

What can you do? Better yet, what did I do? My friend, Leslie, sent me this link on Facebook about a virtual run.  I’ve done one before with Swim Bike Mom and I had a great experience.  I like the idea of being held accountable for the “race” (because I paid for it) even when my schedule may not allow for a traditional race.  

Virtual Strides is a company based out of Florida that is company that gives back by donating some profits to charity. Who doesn’t like that? 

Leslie and I did the One Tough Mother Runner….

Source: Virtual Strides FB page

…and opted for the 5k distance.  We could squeeze that in before having to pick up our kiddos.  Once completed, we get a medal for finishing.  Isn’t that medal cool with Rosie the Riveter??!! (Wine and snacks not included, darn it! 😂)

We opted to go around another lake in Winter Haven, Lake Howard.  I’ve actually run the entire lake last year and it’s well over 4 miles. But we figured out an out and back route that gave us the 3.1 we needed. The weather was perfect…cooler (thanks to the horrible rainstorm all day yesterday) and a nice breeze.  Plus…a different route = GREAT RUN!! I wasn’t in love with my time, but it’s better than no time, right??

We get a cool medal and the comfort of knowing I did a 5k in the middle of the week! #boom

We are some tough Mother Runners!! #goUS

I’m digging the virtual run and “meeeees” think I’m going to do more! They are:

• Priced just like an “actual” race.
• You, the particpant(s), can select your course.
• HUGE accountability because you ain’t paying for something and NOT doing it, right?? 😉

Interestingly, before I signed up for this race, I just received information about Disney’s Virtual Running Shorts.

It couldn’t have come at a better time because I was bummed I didn’t get into the Disney Marathon Weekend in January. I wanted to do the 10k because I really had fun at the Star Wars 10k last month. But, sadly, it sold out quicker than I anticipated!! Boo!! But the virtual race sounds fun and hey…it’s all about the medal any way! I’ll keep you posted on when I do it. 

Have you done any virtual races? What was your experience? Love it or hate it? 

Oh… In honor of Cinco de Drinko…

Source: Pinterest

Art-2-ree-2 says “Drink up”! 😉