What doesn't kill you...

Makes you stronger.  The Kelly Clarkson song Stronger, while is not about being this kind of strong, fits completely. " What doesn't kill you makes you stronger/ Stand a little taller/ Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone/ What doesn't kill you makes you fighter" So, today, 2 days later I am finally feeling the affects of the steps.  I am not complaining, it actually feels good to know that something is working on making me a better, stronger runner.   I found this picture today, and thought it was perfect..

http://www.positivequotes.us/

I will have to remember that when I hit the steps again next week.  I know that these steps will help me in the long run and while I was disappointed I couldn't run all of the steps 10 times, I did take that first step and I did run them 10 times. That is huge for me. And crazy me, is looking forward to doing it again next week. I had every intention of going to the gym this morning, but Makayla had other plans. I went to kiss her goodbye and she said "Hi, Mommy!" She wanted nothing to do with me leaving so instead I just held her and we nuzzled and hung out. I made breakfast, she wanted breakfast. She wanted my cereal with milk, so I gave her cereal with milk.  I have to say, I really enjoyed the time we got to spend together this morning even though it meant I didn't get to go to the gym. I am sure there are going to be days when she wants nothing to do with me, so I will hold onto these moments forever.  While I am hoping the pain in my calves is only temporary, since I have a 5K tomorrow. It is the Quiet Valley Rooster Run. From what I read, it is mixed terrain and cross country. I have no idea what to expect tomorrow, but with a name like Quiet Valley Rooster Run, it has to be fun right. Stick around tomorrow, I will sure to tell you all about it.

Speaking of tomorrow, my sister J and her family is coming in from Chicago tonight, er um tomorrow for the weekend. I am finally going to meet my month old nephew for the first time. I am sure the kids are going to be up to no good, and I cannot wait! Have a great Friday!

I feel good..

Yesterday, I did a double workout. Today, I feel good. A little sore, but after I tell you what I did, I think you will agree that it is acceptable. On Saturday while running with Bob from Breakfast Club Runners, we talked about running stadium stairs at Lafayette later in the week. Well, yesterday was the day. Of course, I was running late, but I made it anyway. Of course, I brought my entourage, but it was good to have Makayla there for these steps. Anyway, Bob didn't wait for me (thankfully) and Brian (I was just meeting him for the first time) was already doing the steps. So, I had asked Bob how many of these things he does...10. OK, I will shoot for that number. DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY STEPS THERE ARE FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE STADIUM TO THE TOP?!?! I will tell you A LOT!! Check out Brian's website for a picture of these steps. Anyway, I ran up the steps all the way to the top and back down. Then did crunches. Then all the way up again and back down. This repeated one more time, and realized that I didn't want to overdue it. The next 4 times I only ran up to the tunnel and then finally for the last one all the way back up and down again. Between each run, I was greeted by this kid...


Next week, Bob will not be joining me at the stairs, he has the nerve to go on vacation (just kidding) but I know I will DEFINITELY be back at them again.



After the 10 reps of stairs, I was worried that my IT band would hurt, but it didn't. That is good because after that I knew I had another date with another running friend Holly. Off to a LVRR FREE 5K. What's better than free running and free food and running with awesome friends?!  Brian, who I had met earlier in the day, was there, and he captured as much of the run as he could. I word it that way because this particular race we were able to run in 2 different directions, makes it harder for the photographer to capture the race.  Anyway, I didn't know much about this course, so I was really just running it to stretch out my legs since I hadn't run since Saturday. I am so glad that I went. I ran all of the hilly course except for one hill, and my IT band didn't hurt at all. I didn't care for my time so much, but again I was just running it to run, and while my legs felt great, my cardiovascular and lung capacity is still terrible. I NEED to get out and run more. 

Today, my legs are just a little sore. A LOT less sore than I was planning and that makes me happy. I think today I am going to keep it light, stretch and relax it today, and tomorrow head back to the gym. Sat, I have another 5K, this time it is a cross country course which will remind me of Jacobsburg. Speaking of which, I wonder if anyone is up to running that again?!? Hmm.

Happy Thursday!What did you do this week so far?

Differences...



Here is a photo of myself when I began my exercise and weight loss adventure back in Sep



Here is a photo of myself last weekend.

Looking at this right now is one of the first times that I can say I see a difference in my appearance. I guess the running and going to the gym is paying off. I can't wait to see what other changes I undergo. thank you for your support. I hope to always make you proud.

Spring

Today is the second day of spring, and what do I wake up too? Snow! I don't know about you, but I am so over wintertime. The weekend was beautiful, Makayla and I did lots of walking, a prep for what is to come when I go to work 3-11. It's not the best shift, but, it is what I need to do for my family. I found the good things that come with working it, and Makayla and I will get a lot of time together...like we used to. Also this weekend, I found out that I got into graduate school! It will be a lot of hard work, with now having to balance work, being a mom, school and home life, but, I know I can do it. When we aren't busy at work, and all the work is done, I can do some of my school work there. I can also come home and do work for a little before going to bed, but I also know I can't stay up long because my sweet little babes wakes up no later than 730. Hope you guys have a great day! It's Monday, but hopefully spring is around the corner.

But, here is a picture to remind us that spring is around the corner. This is from my parents' garden.