Chris' Marathon

(picture taken at mile 24!)

Today was another big one for our family. Chris ran his first marathon. It was insanely cold at 27 degrees, but we braved the cold - with as many clothing layers possible - and waited for him to pass us by on the 26.2 mile route through the Disney World Parks. We are so proud of him. The kids and I made signs to cheer him on. We talked about the hard work Daddy had put into accomplishing this goal. The children learned from their father what it takes to be a winner. Not to come in at first place, but to finish what you began.

Chris ran for more than 6 hours. Despite the freezing temps and hurt knees, he didn't give up. He crossed the finish line and we were there to see it. It was a special day for our family.

I Did It!!!

I did something I never thought I would or could do. I ran a race. It was the most challenging thing I have ever done. But I did it!

Disney's Race for the Taste 3K was a short run according to the world of runners, but a HUGE accomplishment for this new "athlete." My goal was to run without stopping. It was NOT easy, and there were many times I wanted to quit. But I didn't. Many thanks go out to the Disney workers who lined the course, clapping and cheering, and sometimes spouting encouraging words. I needed to hear every one of them. They really helped! At one point, a quiet older woman said to me as I ran by "You can do it." And that is what I need to hear at that very moment. I could do it. And I did. It felt good to conquer what I thought I could never do.

This run was dedicated to my peeps: Chris (the man I love.. and a fearless father who watched the kids while I was away for 5 days on this trip), Angela T. (my partner in crime and so much more ... I loved running with you!), Kandice (my running partner and so much more),and Karen (my Zumba instructor and athletic trainer). Thank you for helping me change my life!

One race down ... now on to the next one!

Running Running Running

Since we moved to Pearland I've had a lot of time on my hands. Luckily, the gym is only a few stop lights away. The kids like the Kids Club, and I like the classes. In our first few weeks, Zumba and Pilates filled my schedule. I used the fitness schedule as my own, giving me a purpose and a reason to be somewhere ... somewhere other than on the couch in my PJs. It was going just fine, but it started to get a little lonely. Fitness is always easier with a partner!

A few weeks ago, I met a friend, at Chick-fil-A of course, who quickly became my running partner. It was just the thing I needed. Within 2 weeks I have gone from barely running 1/2 mile to regularly running 3, and sometimes even 6 miles! And I am very excited about it. I really never thought I could do it. But I have.

In 3 short weeks, I will be running my first ever "race". Its a quick 3K, but a great place for me to start. And in 6 weeks I will run my very first 5K! Maybe in a couple months I'll post before and after photos.

Exercise

Today I was at the gym doing my thing, trying to stay focused and "in the zone" when started thinking about the evolution of gym clothes. I remember going with my mom to her Jazzercise classes in 1980 something... There was a lot of blue and purple shiny spandex, leotards with belts, headbands, and very poofy leg warmers. I haven't seen any of that at my gym, but I secretly hope I do just because that would be so entertaining.