10K Recap- aka The Day I thought I'd Die

This weekend I made a little trip to KC to help Darci celebrate her dirty 30 (if 30 is as lame as we were Saturday night, I don't want August to come this year). Darci wanted to get a few girls together and go out for dinner/drinks, and then have all of us run to our death the next day for a 10k. I had put off registering for the 10k because I think I was in denial about running it. I hadn't trained AT ALL... and when I say at all, I had been running a few times a week, but nothing over a 5k. Super smart idea, Molly!

If you're a mom you can relate to this photo I shared Saturday. One of my favorite guilty pleasures is being ALONE in the car, with the music cranked to some good 'ol dirty rap music! See that... an empty backseat, and my current favorite jam!

Darci got us a room on The Plaza in KC, so we headed to the Cheesecake Factory. I know that place is always busy, but had no idea the wait would be 1 1/2 to 2 hours for dinner. If you know me in real life, you know I'm the most obnoxious person in the world to go out to dinner with. If we wait past the time they tell us, or the service is bad, I'm complaining. I think we pissed the hostesses off so bad that towards the end I think they were just messing with us taking FOREVER! I thought it would be smart to load up on awful food before our big run. I haven't eaten that poorly in a long time (I can't believe I'm saying this, but I skipped the cheesecake- WHO AM I?!), and I paid for it with a stomach ache the rest of the night... Smart idea numero dos! Dinner was great, I got to meet another blogger, Amanda, and another one of Darci's friends from work, Fallyne. We chatted, laughed and took our sweet time enjoying our table that took only a few short HOURS to get. After dinner we headed to a bar down the street to have some drinks and see where the night lead us. Turns out, we (when I say 'we' I don't mean all the ladies, mainly just me) were way too old to be there, and the night led us back to our hotel within a half hour. HEY PARTY LADIES {sarcasm font}.

At least we got some cute pics to commemorate our 'oldness.'

 Holly and I.. she's the cutest. 

Darci and I... with our now similar bangs.  

Moi, Darci and her girlfriend from work (and my newest running idol) Brecken.

When we got back to the room I was trying not to focus on the fact that I was running 6.2 freaking miles the next day. For all you experienced runners, I know that seems like nothing... to this amateur, it felt like EVERYTHING! Darci thought it would be a swell idea to keep the room at like -20* so I spent all night in the fetal position completely under the covers, shaking. I felt a super calming feeling Sunday morning when we got up, and just decided however it went, I'd be fine with it. My ONLY goal was to finish, then Holly and I decided that we wanted to meet a time of 1:15 or better, I thought that was attainable. This run was underground, called the Groundhog Run, through man made caves in Kansas City. It was pretty cool, but played a huge part in my mental struggle while running.

Darci and I in all our selfie, pre-race jittery glory

Me, Darci, Holly and Brecken

One more pic before we get started... Me, Holly and Darci

The race started (with me blasting my super ghetto dirty rap music of course), and I decided I would stay with Darci and Holly the whole time because I know I'd keep a good pace with them. Darci had told me she likes to do about 11-12 minute miles so I thought it would be perfect. I did well with staying with them for a while, then my mind got the best of me, and I walked a few times. I would walk for about 30 seconds, fight myself mentally, and start running again. I only stopped a few times, but I was kicking myself for feeling like I was giving up. I know I wasn't, but I'm so hard on myself, and super competitive nature, so it felt like I should have just called it quits. I didn't, and ran my little heart out. I always kept Darci and Holly in my sight, and eventually caught back up with them. Running for over an hour seriously felt like an ETERNITY in my mind. I know I'll get to the point where 6 miles will be my short run, but I'm definitely not there yet. I'm SO very proud of myself for crossing the finish line with the girls. We did so great, and finished at exactly 1 hr and 15 mins, slow and steady baby! 

Me in all my post race, sweaty glory. It got HOT in the caves, holy moly! 

Darci, Brecken, me, Holly and Amanda post race

WE DID IT!!!

I was so exhausted afterwards from fighting myself mentally. My body felt good, my mind was a mess. I got in the car and just sobbed because I was so proud of myself, and just exhausted. Thank the good Lord that my daughters are so easy going. I picked them up from my mother in laws, we ran to the grocery store, then home where I crashed so bad. I took a hot bath, and didn't move off the couch the rest of the evening. 

I will most definitely be running another 10k, and have a half marathon in my sights this year as well. Let the training craziness begin!!! 

Accountability

First I have to give a shout out to the amazing Chris for making over my hot mess of a blog that hadn't been redesigned in 2 years. Thanks again Chris, you rock!

One more thing... a quick PSA before this post: I am NOT a fitness expert, nor do I pretend to be one in real life. These are things that have worked for me, and resources/tools I've found to be useful. I am not a personal trainer or dietitian, or anywhere close to either.

Ok now that we've got that out of the way, we'll get to the good stuff. Most of you know I've been on a weight loss journey of sorts, since July 1st. My starting weight was around 165 when I stepped on the scale in January/February; today the scale reads between 135-137 depending on the day. I still have days where I can't believe I accomplished my goal (weight wise), and completely surpassed my physical goals. My two favorite tools are 'My Fitness Pal' which is an app I use on my phone, you can also access it from the computer, and my second favorite is pinterest. I have an entire board dedicated to health and fitness, with a catchy little Fergie inspiration title: Workin' on my Fitness (sing it with me, G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S (and yes when I spell that word I sing that song)). My fitness pal is an app/website that allows you to input all of your personal fitness goals (height/weight-goal weight), and then you keep track of what you eat daily, and also your physical activity such as workout classes, running, walking, etc... I highly recommend it, such an easy way to hold yourself accountable.

I have been very fortunate along this journey, I've had a lot of people cheering me on, and for that I'm so grateful. It makes a HUGE difference when you have people holding you accountable. I will get random texts, emails or Facebook comments/messages from people telling me I've been an inspiration to them. I smile from ear to ear when I hear that, because 6 months ago I would have NEVER in my wildest dreams imagined I'd be influencing anyone when it came to health and fitness. A few days ago I proclaimed my new found love of green monster smoothies (click that for the recipe) on Facebook and Instagram. Today I opened up fb to see one of gf's from high school had said she tried it out thanks to me, and she loved it. A few other people wrote me to say they tried it and loved it also. I can't take credit, it's definitely not my recipe, but I'm glad people are trying it and loving it. If you replace one unhealthy meal you would have eaten with this smoothie, that's one step closer!

Cleaning up your eating is a HUGE part of changing your life style. I'm going to stick with what I've been calling it all along- a lifestyle change. It's not a fad diet, something that I'll give up on, or any other failure catch phrases you can think of. I'm in it for the long haul, baby! I'm not going to pretend I always eat clean, because I don't. I enjoy the occasional splurge, and I finally came to terms with the fact that I can't beat myself up for enjoying something that isn't good for me from time to time. Food is such a taboo issue for women, you don't want to reward yourself with food, but you also don't want to deprive yourself from the things you like to eat. Moderation and making better choices is a KEY factor! Replacing things like regular milk with almond milk, ranch dressing for a balsamic based dressing, white rice with brown rice. Those are little things you can do that shouldn't be a huge sacrifice (unless you LOVE ranch like I do, then it seems like life or death). So many things we eat are processed and just flat out horrible for us. That's why kids are hitting puberty at such a young age, people get sick so often. They even over process milk so much that they've removed all the good bacteria that we need. I plan to do an entire post dedicated to eating, feel free to offer any input you may have. I love second opinions :)

Sam has been one of my biggest inspirations, especially with running. She spent quite a bit of time on me (amidst all her law school finals) the other day giving me lots of pointers. I'm glad she feels like I'm knowledgeable enough to ask me about my clean eating habits. I have to credit my friend Kristen for being a huge running inspiration also. And my gf Jamie who keeps calling me skinny, I could kiss her! Ha! I'm less concerned with being skinny, and more focused on being physically fit. I want to be able to kick my husbands tail if need be ;) (j/k babe).

I've been focusing a LOT on my arms, here's a few shots I took the other night before I went to boot camp class. Push ups have been my best friend, and worst enemy. I'm trying to lose that jiggle that us ladies love to hate.

I never thought I would ever be a runner, and still use that term VERY loosely. I'm working towards being a runner is how I should word it. I ran 3- 5k's in the past 2 months, and felt great about it. I'd like to step up my training and train for a 10k and eventually a half marathon. I've heard from lots of runners that the biggest motivation is signing up for a race. I think the Route 66 Marathon (half for me) next fall is my goal, with a few 10k's between hopefully. 

I'm fortunate enough to have one of my best friends as my workout partner. We slacked a few weeks ago and skipped the gym for a few weeks, but momma is back and kicking butt! Ashley and I did the Color Run in early October, the Capitol Craze (which is super similar to the warrior dash) late October, and the Rescue Run the weekend of Thanksgiving. I feel like I got a little stronger every time, which is all that matters to me!

I've got some ideas cooking up with a few of my favorite bloggers for some health and fitness link ups, and am also interested in maybe having a few of my girlfriends guest post their journey's for me. Who would be interested in participating?!!

I am definitely proud of how far I've come, and know I still have a ways to go, but I'm on the right track, and that makes all the difference!

Tacky Sweater Party and Other Hodge Podge

Last weekend we had our annual Tacky Sweater party. The outfits this year were just as amazing as they've been in previous years. I always question how people seriously wear these type of outfits and think they look good?! This vest I wore, it was a real doozy.

My dad built us an amazing photo prop, that got tons of use all night. We decided from the start of the night we were going to make the photos look as awkward as possible.... Mission Accomplished!!!

Melisa, Ron and I trying 'not to smile' (I have the worst straight face EVER)

Merry Christmas, Sh#@%er was full! 

Sheena, Carrie and Ron with more ridiculous poses

Melisa and I... I think this was one of the worst. I should have taken a pic of Melisa's full outfit. She ordered this quilt material type, jumper dress on ebay. It was awful, and amazing! 

Ashley, Sheena, Carrie and I practicing the 'look away.' Clearly we all need some work ;) 

Who knew, Carrie's screen printed t-shirt from Walmart was made from my sweet vest?! Best outfits! 

Ashley and I with more awkward posing.

The party was a big hit as usual. We were trying to cook up some other fun themed party ideas to have throughout the year. I think the next party will be an 80's theme this summer when it's warmer so we can be outside. 

So who is finished with their Christmas shopping already? If you are I probably don't want to know. I haven't really even started on the girls or Gerrad. We're finished with my parents and his family (that we draw names for), but the girls are proving to be a HUGE challenge this year. All Addaline says she wants is Brave, the movie. And Macie is only requesting Just Dance 4. Easy enough, but how what the heck do we get them??!! My dad is surprising them with Taylor Swift concert tickets for next summer (stay tuned for a video of their reactions after Christmas, I'm sure the tears and excitement will be flowing). That leaves me with ZERO ideas. What are the latest and greatest things for 10 and 5 year olds that I'm unaware of? Help a sista out! 

Ashley and I started back on the C25k this week, I forgot how much harder interval training is than just straight up running. I'm trying to build up a bit more endurance before 10k training, after that comes half marathon or bust. Those words make me want to puke just saying them, AHHH! I've found so many inspiring bloggers that have really prompted me to kick my booty into high gear with working out. Not to  mention Gerrad and various friends as well. It's awesome having people to hold you accountable because you're all trying to achieve the same end goal together. If you're trying to get in shape/lose weight and don't have a workout partner, I highly suggest getting one. It makes the BIGGEST difference having someone to hold you accountable. I'm no expert, but am trying my hardest to keep this weight off, and build muscle. We'll see how it goes as I step up my training. 

Hope everyone is having a great weekend. We've had breakfast with Santa this morning, attended a birthday party, and now are headed out to watch Addaline dance at the mall for a Christmas show. Tomorrow my only goal is to stay in pajamas and watch Christmas movies with the girls all day. 

Thanksgiving Break

Our Thanksgiving break was pretty low key. I relished every minute I got to spend with the girls over our 5 day break together. The girls enjoyed a sleepover with one of the grandma's one night, and another night their other grandma came and stayed at our house. They definitely got spoiled over those few days. I love that they have such great relationships with their grandparents, makes my momma heart happy since I was never lucky enough to have that!

This is our first major holiday without my sweet father in law. It was super hard on Gerrad, broke my heart to see him hurting. My fil's sweet smile and outgoing personality were definitely missed, it's just not the same without him.

Thanksgiving day we just lounged, cooked a bit, painted nails, browsed the Black Friday ads, and enjoyed being together as a family. With Gerrad traveling so much for work lately it seems like we've been non-stop all the time. This momma needed a little break!

Snuggles and nail painting were the highlight of this girls Thanksgiving, oh and pumpkin pie with extra whipped cream!

I finally got Macie to put down the 'ol ipod and take a pic with me. Love my sassy girl! 

Saturday evening was our annual Christmas parade downtown, with a 5k beforehand that benefits our Rescue Mission. My gf Ashley and I decided we wanted to run it, and support a great cause, and my brother in law Dion decided he wanted to join also! It was my worst 5k out of the 3 I've done in the past 2 months, but at least we finished. Running in cold weather is not something I think I'll grow to enjoy. Coughing up a lung afterwards and my ribs hurting the next day was no bueno. Our 33 minute time wasn't the greatest either, whoops! (Dion ran it in 28-29)

Ashley and I had some sweet, tacky turtlenecks- penguins with scarves and snowflakes. YIKES! 

Hope you all had a low-key Holiday spent with family and/or friends. I'm looking forward to the next holiday event we're having: our annual tacky sweater party. Look for the hideous photos to come next week!! 

Because I'm a Slacker

I realized I never posted any of our family photos we had taken last month. Maybe because I've been avoiding blogging again, whoopsie! Thanks Darci for the kick in the butt today reminding me to blog :)

 I think these two are my favorites!

I love how this one depicts their little personalities so well.  

This is typical for Macie and I lately, Lord help us. The preteens/hormones are no joke! 

Weekend Recap

After a weekend spent with a few of my favorite bloggers, I've been inspired to get back on the wagon. I've felt like I lost my blogging mojo for a long time. I'm going to try to get it back, again!

Friday night my favorite women and I had a girls night in, pj's required! Ashley hosted a Favorite Things party, and we all got to go crash her place, enjoy a delicious dinner (prepared by moi), drink wine and open presents. What more could a gal ask for?!

Saturday morning I loaded up super early with Lindsey (aka Nancy in the blog world), and hit the road for Tulsa, OK to meet some of my favorite ladies that I've been bloggy friends with for the past few years. The ONLY pleasant thing about 5am on a Saturday was my venti PSL, I thought about kissing it for the photo. Just keeping it real!  

Holly and Aly ventured to Tulsa to listen to Mama Laughlin speak, and watch her run her 2nd half marathon the next day in the Route 66 Marathon. I had only briefly skimmed Mama L's blog, but decided what the heck, a chance to meet Holly, Aly and Darci (who I had only stalked on instagram but was still pumped to meet), I was in! 

Here we are with Brandi (Mama Laughlin) after she spoke at the expo about her weight loss journey and her training for running her half marathon. She's a pretty inspiring gal! Look her up!

I FINALLY got to meet Aly, and give her a big 'ol squeeze. She's just as cute in real life as she is on her blog. Love this girl times a thousand! 

Don't even get me started on Turkey hat guy, hey old man perv! Gag! 

Me, Darci, Lindsey and Holly before our night on the town, which turned out to be 6 hours spent in the same restaurant because we were having such a blast. 

These ladies are hilarious, and kept me laughing all night. So fun to be goofy and enjoy a night out. 

Darci and I practicing our pageant face!

We also learned I cannot take good selfies/OOTN (outfit of the night) photos. Hello goofy face. I could never be a fashion blogger with the 'look away' face. Sheesh!

Thanks so much ladies for an amazing weekend. Can't wait to get together again with Darci, Lindsey and hopefully Holly. We'll have to drag Aly down for a weekend sometime soon. Check out their recaps from Tulsa, they're sure to be entertaining! 

I'll start blogging more about my fitness journey as well. I've run a few 5k's lately, and have another one this weekend. Darci is trying to talk me into running a 10k with her and Holly in Kansas City in January, we shall see. I'm not sure I can keep up, but let the training madness being (maybe ;)). 

Hope you all have a fabulous Thanksgiving spent with family. I'll be enjoying wearing my fat pants with the rest of my family. Thank you Addaline for deciding our attire for turkey day should be pj's... that's my kinda get together!