Countdown to my first 5k race!!!!

Hi all!!!  God is sooo good!  I just wanted to stop by to share a little of what i've been up to over these past several weeks.  The kids are still playing in their spring soccer league (M/W/F and allllll day Saturday).... Baby girl has scored multiple times in all of her games and is the MVP of her team!



 My eldest daughter scored in her 2 previous game and she hustles like no other!!!!  She can run down anything and play offense and defensive with her eyes closed.  Don't sleep on her!  She's an all star for sure!  She has been asked to join other teams and even move up to a more competitive level.  For now, we just want her to enjoy the sport and move when she's ready.

My son is playing for the first time and is making strides by leaps and bounds.  He is an amazing goalie and he blocks everything that's coming his way!! We're just so happy that they are enjoying it so far. I plan to put together an end of the season highlight tape of the 3 of them.  I may post it here on the blog as well so be on the lookout! Hubby has been traveling with work again so we were able to join him for a few days during his last trip.  We had a chance to spend some wonderful family time together.  We took the kids to the ACC Mens Basketballl Championship game in Atlanta, GA.  I have always been a fan of the NC Tarheels so i was all smiles when hubby told me he had tickets!  NC didn't win but it was such a close game!  Here are a few pics of us at the game.... the girls and i got matching tarheels tatoo's on our cheeks :)

And here is a pic of the family...

My eldest daughter celebrated her 8th birthday...

The played a game of soccer, arcade games and rode on rides....

Everyone was all smiles...

Here are some of her gifts...

I have been one busy momma!!!  There's still so much more to share... spring pics for baby girl, a spring concert for both my eldest daughter and my son and etc...  The next event i'm looking forward to is my 5k race in Atlanta. It takes place next weekend and it is sure to be a memorable time for me!  I met 2 of the most fantastic ladies (mommies) via FB through a weight loss support group.  The 3 of us live in different states but we are coming together to meet for the first time and to compete in a 5k race.  We are alllll so excited and we have been supporting each other through our daily workouts, healthier eating and etc...  So far, the 3 of us are running pretty close to the same time so it will be interesting to see how it all comes together once we have a chance to run together.  I have a PR of 38:59 for my 5k (3.10 miles) that I ran yesterday during my training.  My goal for the actual race is to finish in under 40 minutes.  Right now my pace is 12:35 and i am working hard at getting it closer to 12:15.  I'm just going to do my best, have fun and Go HARD!!!  Stay tuned!!

Today's MOTIVATION~

yes, Yes, YeS & YESSSSS!!!! It will hurt and there WILL be quite a few sacrifices BUT YOU.ARE.WORTH.IT!!!! Get up and do something that will move you closer to your goal... TODAY!!!!

Working on toning, strength building and endurance

It's been a minute since i've posted but i've still been on my grind.  I've been getting in my  runs (both on the treadmill and outdoors) and feeling stronger each day.  My legs are looking more defined, my waist line is trying to come togther and i'm getting tougher (physically and mentally).  A good friend of mine, who is also a personal trainer, suggested that I begin to shift my focus toward weight training.  Her reasoning behind that was so I can can build more muscle which burns more fat.  As I continue to lose weight the tone will be become more prevelant because of the weight training.  So, I started lifting with light weights this week.  She suggested that I do this for 39 minutes at a time.  Right now, i'm doing about 15 minutes (upper body) because my lower body is getting a mega workout with my runs and such.  I plan to increase that over time.  Here is a quick picture of where I am now and I will update in the months to come.

Well, my kids (all 3 of them) have officially started their spring soccer seasons!  This past Saturday we were at the field from 9:30am-6pm!!!  They each have a different practice time throughout the week on different days.  This coming Saturday, they will all have different games at different times of the day!  CRAZINESS!!!!  We'll make it through, I suppose.  Be on the lookout for pics and updates about their season.  This is my sons first season playing soccer so he's super excited to get out there and make things happen.  We are hopeful that this will help to improve his speed, footwork, coordination and agility for the upcoming football season that will soon follow.  I'm an offical SOCCER MOM and I never thought in a million years I would be saying that :)

Shoe Shopping Experience...

After spending an hour with this amazingly knowledgeable saleswoman I learned that I have an overpronation, a flat foot w/ a low arch and an excessive inward roll. She examined my bare feet (bless her heart), had me squat, walk (frontward and backward), balance on one foot, jog outdoors (with several pairs of shoes and a variety of arch supports) and try on sweat reducing socks!! Almost $200 later I proudly walked out with comfy sweat reducing socks, high end arch supports and a FRESH pair of kicks! I didn't look at the price until I got home. If you're serious about running PLEASE go to a running store (not foot locker and etc) and don't judge a shoe by it's looks or price. You're worth the investment and your body will thank you!

These are my wonderful shoes that I will hopefully grow a tight knit bond with over the next 400+ miles of wear and tear... Asics GT-2170

What's funny is that I actually wear a whole size larger than i've been buying my entire adult life (thx to the saleswoman who brought this to my attention)!!! This is also why you NEED to go to a running

store to make sure your running/walking/exercise experience is as enjoyable as possible! ~s/n I got a 1/2 size larger shoe (once my true size was determined). She said that runners should buy 1/2 size larger. It makes a difference for sure!  I have to walk in these shoes ONLY for the next 2 days or so before actually running in them.  I've been told that I need to give my feet a chance to get used to them so, I WILL WAIT :)

Pattin' myself on the back...

Pattin' myself on the back for BRINGING IT yesterday during my workout. I power walked & jogged 4.02 miles (around the lake at hubby's business park), had a deliciously healthy lunch with hubby and then did another 2.04 miles. Whew... 6 miles, freeing my mind of everyone else's problems/issues/concerns/drama while putting in some training for my 5k was quite rewarding! It was a good day :)

I originally set out to do 4 miles and call it quits... in fact, I did!  Then hubby sent me a text and asked if I wanted to have lunch at one of my favorite organic places to eat (Earthfare), so of course I accepted!  They sell fresh produce, meats, household items, dairy products and etc... but they also have a wonderful buffet of organic foods to choose from... fresh deli sandwiches, hot meals, fruit and salad... a soup bar and a dessert bar (which i stay away from).  Here are a few pics of what they have to offer...

And here's what I had to eat... Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad with a mixed salad and fruit :)

Hubby had a caesar chicken wrap with soup.  It was super delicious!  Today, I will take it easy and powerwalk at least a mile on my treadmill and allow my body to rest.  Hubby is meeting me for lunch and then we're going to pick out a new pair of running shoes for me.  Sooo excited.  I cannot wait to break them in during my workout today,  I'll be sure to post about it :)