Half #2….ugh!

“Oh….hey! Let’s do our next Half in Savannah!!!”, I say. And my girlfriends and I sign up with all intentions of running this race and having some fun times in The Peach State.

We signed up for Publix Women’s Half Marathon. For those that may not want to do the 13.1 miles, there was a 5k as well. This race took you through the beautiful parts of Savannah, starting and ending at Forsyth Park. (Remember Forrest Gump? Yeah…THAT park!)

The route….to my death! 😂

We were able to see parks and squares all throughout town. I saw parts of Savannah that I’d never seen or experienced before. I can not tell you how much I LOVE Savannah and the South! This was a treat!

Now…that I’ve given you the pretty, let’s get to the nitty gritty of it all. I began my training about 10ish (maybe a few more) weeks prior to this race. I have a running base, so I never questioned the amount of time for training. But then…life got in the way! I started off strong, keeping up with the training program from Nike Run Club. I always use their programs and can’t speak enough on how easy it is to follow and how much I enjoy using the program #notanAd . When life decided to creep in, ie BUSY KIDS…my training fell by the wayside off the map! 😂. I guess my body needed…or better yet CRAVED the rest because I didn’t run ONCE while on Spring Break with my family. I always…ALWAYS run on vacation! I had my clothes and shoes and yet didn’t go. I can’t explain why…but I just went with it, I guess.

In total, I exited the last 2 weeks of my plan. I should say 3 weeks because I only did ONE run in the 3 weeks prior to this race. My friend Terri and I had some #confessiontime, multiple times, prior to this race! Something like “I’m gonna die!” or “I’m not ready!“…or my favorite “I’m more excited about seeing you and eating at the restaurant than I am about this race!” You know…stuff like that! 😂. But we decided, we are going to do it, enjoy the race and place and more importantly enjoy being with each other! We agreed that this was not going to be a race that’d we would PR by any measure! We each ran our own race – *that’s race talk for “she’s faster than me and my slow behind was left behind“*

I didn’t mention that my IT Band started acting up again. I noticed it at my 10k in March, around mile 5. It’s not so bad to deal with because you only have 1 more mile to finish the race. However, this was something I did NOT want to revisit during my half. To me, this is just as bad as the ever present, pain in the butt shin splints (which I’ve had twice in my running life and NO thank you!). I started my ITB exercises again with the hopes I would be fine for race time….

7:30 am, race time!

Don’t worry, Apple Watch! ‘Bout to…

It always feels like a cattle call when there are so many people at the start. It takes a few minutes to get in your groove, find your place in the pack and get that pace going. I eventually passed the 2:45 pace group and kept steady. I was looking to be between 2:30 and 2:45 any way, so I was stoked. “Oh…you think you’re gonna do this???” 💥BOOM💥. Per my previous run, I felt the tightness in my hip, which for me, is the precursor to the discomfort that comes with IT Band Syndrome. I really didn’t feel it much until mile 7, so thought I was pretty good. I was able to slow my pace a little and continue to run. By mile 10, it was tight and I felt knee some knee pain and I had to start run-walk intervals. I had 2:45 pacer on my back, but eventually she passed me! She stayed in my site for another half of mile or so, but I never managed to catch up. #bummer I stayed with the intervals until about mile 11.5 -12. When I went to run again, it was like someone stabbed me in my knee!! “This is IT!! This is how I’m gonna die! Die by IT Band Syndrome! They are going to find me on the streets of this BEAUTIFUL city…dead because I can’t run!” #whyyousodramatic 😂

I made the decision to walk the remaining 1.1 miles. I was mortified! I was ashamed! But then I had to check myself because there were women out here just like me doing there thing- running, walking, intervals, whatever! They were doing it and it didn’t (and doesn’t) matter HOW you are doing it! I realized that my body needed to walk because it was protecting itself from ME, honestly. Had I been able to run, I would have, no lie! But what would the consequence be? Injury, which equals time off ! Once I realized this, I surrendered and checked my ego and walked at a brisk pace.

Coming into Forsyth Park at mile 13, I saw Terri and Jerry (her Hubs). And what do you do when you see your friends and you want to celebrate finishing a half marathon?

A Gator Chomp, duh!!!! We are all Alumni and I needed to show Georgia where the {insert bad word} WE are from! 😂 #GoGators

Ain’t she cute!!! My girl, Terri❤️

Chip time -3:00.25

I wasn’t surprised to be honest. This time makes me 25 minutes slower than last year’s half. I was sad but I didn’t put much on that time because I know what happened prior to the race. “Training is, as training does” right, Forrest?

I will be prepared better next…if there is a next time. Terri and I both agree that our next trip/race will not be a half. Probably just focus on the 10k because I really enjoy the distance. 5k will always have my heart too! Right now, and particularly since I am older, life is busy and I don’t know if I have the time, dedication or desire to train for the half distance again. Additionally, the possible injuries that may occur after the race. I don’t know if I’m willing to stop running or working out because I hurt myself.

We were able to celebrate our race with a fantastic dinner at Alligator Soul. Their take on classic Southern cuisine is exquisite! BONUS??? Since three quarters of the group are Gators, how can this restaurant NOT be loved by us??

I can tell you what I didn’t like!!! Walking down those stairs to get to the restaurant! My God….my legs! Remember, they always say “What goes up, must go down“, right??!! Well, reverse it because I had to go up the stairs after dinner! 😂

Gumbo’s Baby Back

Red Deer

Lamb Chops

Only thing not picture was The “Little Hilbo” named after the owner which is a 16oz bone in Ribeye that I tried to devour! Everything was DELICIOUS!

Back: Gator, Non Gator / Front: Gator, Gator

We had such a good time and promised to not make it a year to see each other again!!! Both Terri and I are looking for races to do for our next trip! We are looking at you, Magnolia (Waco,TX). I’m counting the days until we can do it again!!

Thanks for taking my tour of Savannah and thank you Publix for such a GREAT race!

What have you been up to???

PS– if you are looking for a great place to stay while in Savannah, look no further than Mansion on Forsyth Park .

Source: Google

Top Floor?? Where Hubs slept while I was DYING!😂

Hubs and I have had the opportunity to stay there 3 or 4 times and it’s our favorite spot in Savannah. Make it your business to get there, people! #notanAd

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

The POWER of Orange

No, not the juice!

Not the color!

The power of Orangetheory Fitness (OTF).

My sister and I are vacationing in Hilton Head Island with our families (that’s 11 of us, by the way!). My sister has been going to her OTF in Haymarket (Virginia) and I’ve been intrigued ever since. Why? Because my sister loves HATES to exercise…so if she found something she enjoys…it’s a MUST that I go and experience the workout!! 😂. I didn’t even have to twist her arm to go workout!!!

The alarm went off…EARLY…and off we went to make the 6:15 am class. I actually prefer to workout in the morning because it’s done and one less thing to do for the day!

Since I was new to the gym, we arrived early to allow me to sign paperwork and obtain information on how the class ran during the 60 minute session. I was also fitted for the OTF heart rate monitor to utilize during the class.

These LOVELY ladies welcomed me with open arms!

If you’ve never been in an Orangetheory class, you could be overwhelmed with all of the equipment. This ain’t your regular gym …..

Rows and ROWS of Water Rowers!!!!!

But trust me when I say, the instructor not only explains all about the equipment but leads the class with friendly prompts and reminders of what’s to coming next in the work out.

Thanks AJ!!!!

I saw my name on the TV screen (AngieA.08) with everyone in the class but really didn’t understand until AJ explained it all.

Let’s chat about these heart rate monitors that you receive prior to the workout. The basis of OTF is to get you to work within the 5 Heart Rate Zones:

(Source : Orangetheory)

Zone 1 (Grey): Consistent with light activity

Zone 2 (Blue): Basically the Warm Up or Cool Down periods

Zone 3 (Green): They refer to this as “Base Pace” which a pace that you can maintain for 20-30 minutes

Zone 4 (Orange): This is the MONEY shot for OTF. This is where you burning the most and achieve the “Afterburn”/Orange Effect. Why is this important? If you maintain 12 minutes or more (in a 60 min class) to achieve the maximum caloric burn 36 hours AFTER the workout is completed.

Zone 5 (Red): usually seem in “All Out” effort ( 92% or greater of Max HR)

Obviousl the goal is to be in the Orange zone for the duration of the workout. Today was an Endurance workout which consisted of 3 blocks of treadmill work (including Base pace, Push pace and All out) and 3 blocks of floor work with the rower. The floor workout was 12/16/20 of :

• Jump overs
• Jumping squats
• Plank punch outs
• Sit ups
• TRX core

600 meter row after the round. After each round, decrease rowing by 100 meters.

Man…THAT was a workout!!!

Oh..but wait…there’s more! You get to earn Splat points! What’s that, you ask?? They are the amount of time that you spend in the Orange or Red zone. It is ideal to earn 12 Splat points per class. Until this was explained to me…I totally thought I was sucking at the OTF game!! 😂

Sorry, ErinW…but I earned 46 Splat points today! 😂. My sister was right under me at 44. #goGIRL

What’s that other stuff mean?

🔥 I burned 643 calories during this workout….that’s freaking incredible!

❤️My average heart rate was 167

❤️/❤️ Average maximum heart rate percentage

I survived!!! I mean…I didn’t think I was going to die, but I thought I was going to die!😂. I really enjoyed a different type of workout than what I’m used to…DREADmill and strength training.

#BasePace #PushPace #AllOut

MERCH!!!!!!

What did I think about it all?

Honestly, I figured since I come from a strong workout base that I was going to do fine; that maybe it wouldn’t be too overly challenging. It was a straight up CHALLENGE to get through the workout. This ain’t your Mama’s Jazzercise class! You will come here to WORK and work you shall do! Don’t ever underestimate the #powerofORANGE!

I can’t WAIT to get home and go to my local Orangetheory!!!! Thank you, HHI for welcoming this gal into the OTF family.

Have you tried Orangetheory before?

Your thoughts??

PS…this was me later on in the day at the pool….

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???

#12

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??

What a WEEKEND!

Hey there guys!!! Things have been good and busy on this end…kiddos,work, extracurricular activities….all that stuff! Hubs and I were finally able to get away for a weekend, much to the chagrin of this guy…Aidan can STAND  when we go way! At 9 (almost 10) he still thinks we all need to be together…all the time! I explained to him that this was a late Anniversary/early Valentine’s Day celebration for us. He said “Isn’t an Anniversary and Valentine’s Day just one day? Why do you need a whole weekend?“😂 #thiskid

This kid is usually like…“See ya!”

That’s a 15 year old for you! 😂

We slipped away to Epicurean Hotel in SoHo, in Tampa.  This is the second time we’ve stayed here and I can’t get enough of this place!!! My photos do not do this place ANY justice! 

Hubs and I settled in and had a light lunch downstairs at Élevage for a light lunch and a cocktail. We haven’t been drinking since October (with the exception of a few on Christmas and NYE) because of Hubs diet. 

Hubs surprised me with a beautiful story about us and our life together-how we started, where we were and where we are going. It was the sweetest story and then….…he gave me a ring. Why is this special, you ask? I stopped wearing my engagement ring about 10 years ago because the prongs shifted and I was afraid I was going to lose the stone.  He found my hiding place for my important and precious jewelry and had it set in a new band. The two outer rings are my existing wedding bands and the center ring is my new engagement ring in the new setting!  Total UGLY crying went on at that moment.  I can’t think of anything more special that my husband has done for me…and he has done A LOT of special things over the years! Truly from his heart (and his wallet,too!😂😂).

The special afternoon set the tone for a special dinner at Ulele. (You-LAY-lee). 

It’s a restaurant with a fusion of Floridian fare right off of the Hillsborough River in Tampa.

This is Ulele….and her story….

Pocahontas ain’t got NOTHING on Ulele!!! #FLwins

The food was nothing short of perfection! We had two wonderful appetizers of Pulpo Carpaccio (yes…octopus!!) and Lollipop chicken…

The octopus was new for me and it was GREAT!! 

Dinner brought even better food….

Miguel had the 10oz filet (sorry…no pic!) and I had the Crackling Pork Shank.

OMG!! Died!!!!!

We had a blast at this place! Please…PLEASE make this restaurant a place to go if you are in Tampa!! 

Leyva STAMP OF APPROVAL!!!

Sunday started out in the AM with a fitness center visit for the both of us. Hubs was on the DREADmill for a 3 mile walk and 2 mile run for me….(PS…this was the first time EVER that Hubs and I were in the gym together! Like in the 20+ years we have been together….#mindBLOWN)

I have a 8k in 2 weeks (Gasparilla) and a 10k a week after that (Promise Run). 

After breakfast, we did some walking around the mall…did a little shopping ( I may or may not have sneaked into Tory Burch and picked up an item) and before we knew it…lunch time!!! We stopped at Miguelito’s Taqueria y Tequilas.  Both of us have wanted…craving Mexican food.  This place did not disappoint! I’d never been to the place before but Hubs had and he always steers me in the right direction when it comes to food!! Sorry I have no pictures because I scarfed it ALL down! 😂

Hubs had another surprise up his sleeve for the evening.  At the Epicurean, there is a theatre where events are held, cooking demonstrations and so on. Hubs signed us up for “Love by Tipsy Candle Light“.  It was a candle making session, with wine and cheese, hosted by a local company, Tipsy Candle Company. This company uses 100% soy wax and essential oils to make candles.  All natural and all good!!!  Why the name Tipsy?? Because they recycle the wine bottles from the hotel and use them as the candle holder!! How fun is THAT????

We were able to make 4 candles- picking one of the 4 essential oils they provided and then making a scent of our own from the other selection of oils.  And…if they liked any of the original candles, they would sell it!! Hubs selected “Mimosa” and his special scent was a combination of Tahitian Vanilla, Bergomot, and ? (which was a mystery scent). I selected “Vanilla Mandarin” and my special scent was a combo of Tahitian Vanilla, ? (the mystery scent), and Georgia Peach.  Sadly we didnt win…BUT…we walked with four candles!!! #winning.  They all smelled so good!! 

Hubs had THE best weekend planned for us! I had a BLAST and it was nice to have the time away for just us!! ❤

Oh…let me just point out something. Remember I said Hubs and I have been on a diet since October? It started the last time we stayed at the Epicurean in October.  This is us that weekend….

And this is Hubs now…

70 pounds lighter (or later)!!! Can you believe it??? I am so proud of him!!! 

Hope you all enjoyed your Valentine’s Day! 

What did you all do to celebrate??? ❤

****DISCLAIMER- I have not been compensated for anything included on this post. All of the opinions are my own.

5890

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??? 

1010

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! ❤️

Hey There!

Thanks for hanging around during my drought from blogging!  It’s been hectic juggling two ACTIVE kids in two different schools!   I will admit that it is challenging, but I am trying to make it all fit.  

About 2 weeks ago, I was challenged a friend of mine to participate in a 22 day challenge of push ups! Why in GOD’S name would you do that?? This brings awareness to the fact that “on average 22 veterans committ suicide every day”. EVERY.DAY. You can find more information and how to do your part at www.22kill.com. 

I’m just doing my part to help raise awareness. It’s small…but I feel good about it.  The idea is to challenge other friends to join in, but I’ve run out of people that I KNOW will do it.   I lose friends in the FASTEST way!😂 

I am on Day 14 and I have challenged myself to get through the 22 push ups UNBROKEN! I don’t know if I will make it, although I am currently at 17, I’m going to try my hardest to get there! 

​​I laughed because my Dad said something funny (to me) to my oldest about the belch he heard! The belch wasn’t funny, but my father’s response to it cracked me up! Teenage boys…..

I did the challenge after my run yesterday…. ….and finally was able to run with Leslie before we had to put our Mommy hats back on! We haven’t run together in about a month! I was so excited to get this itty bitty run in!! 

The weather has been a little cooler in the early evening, so the runs don’t feel so awful!  I got 2.5 miles in on Monday and it was epic! #thanksFALL

This weekend, I plan one more run and to get back on track with my 22 minute Hard Corp DVD. <—-More on this later!

Thanks for sticking around and reading!❤️

What have you been up to since we last saw each other? 

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???