Happy Friday!!

It has been a week! I am so glad it it FRIDAY!!

This morning I broke out the maxi skirt-- bring on summer!    

After dinner last night I took Chance on a little run.  This picture I caught of him mid run really cracks me up.

Post run hammock layin'- bonus we now have newly installed stairs on our deck making the back yard much more accessible again!  The down side- it was still a little wet from the rain and I ended up with a wet backside. :P

 

Yesterday was Ryan's first track meet! This is him in the 4x1 relay.  The only event I made it in time to see.  He placed first in the shot put though and 3rd in the high jump. He was finishing up the high jump as I arrived.

 

Kinda struck me funny that I got this notification as the track meet was finishing up.

Last night I practiced my cake for Saturday's pampered chef party-


Here's what it supposed to look like...

Here's mine- not too awful... Chocolate cake anyone??

This morning I am proud to say I got my butt out of bed for my work out (Total Body Cardio Fix).  Followed by a healthy breakfast.  Veggie Egg Scramble- made in my Ceramic Egg Cooker.

Tuesday Things

I signed up for the Honor & Remembrance Run on May 20 this morning.  If you recall last year this race nearly killed me. It was the worst run I have ever done.  I have never felt so awful during a race.

But it is also powerful and moving event.  One I felt privileged to be a part of. Especially being both the wife and sister of Marines. There isn't a day that goes by that I am not profoundly thankful my Marines came home safe. My heart aches for those who did not.

This year I plan to be more prepared physically for the run.  I started with a little hill training last night.  

My hope is to make it up that hill this year, I know I probably won't be able to run it... but not feeling like I am going to literally pass out and die would be a plus. And to be able to run the rest of the course.  I will also be doing some trail run training.  I was completely unprepared for how much hard trail running was than road running.

I need to work on Chance's socialization and manners.  We encountered 2 dogs last night on our run.  We had to walk because he was so overcome with excitement it was all I could do to hold him.  Which is an improvement- I think...  Previously he would plant his feet and refuse to go forward if we saw another dog.  So at least now he's not afraid... I actually would like to run a 5K with him- but we have a lot of work to do before that happens!

May 1st I am starting a couple new things.  I have been struggling with my devo/bible/prayer time lately.  I'm thinking these will help.

One is a scripture memory challenge on Colossians 3:1-17. Through the month of May, memorizing a few verses a week.  You can check that out here DoNotDepart.com

The second is a Bible Study on Ruth with Loving God Greatly. There are study journals you can purchase through amazon, but you can also do it totally free.  By following along on the blog and/or the You Version App.

Join us beginning MAY 1ST as we journey through Ruth TOGETHER! 

If you’ve ever experienced loss, loneliness, or seasons of great change or difficulty, then you can immediately identify with the events and people in the book of Ruth.
While Ruth begins as a story of heartache, it doesn’t stop there. Mourning turns to dancing as themes of loyalty, kindness, boldness, acceptance, love, and redemption are uncovered. But ultimately, Ruth is a book about the providence of God.
We should never underestimate the seemingly small events in our lives. Whether it is caring for family, getting married, working, showing kindness to our neighbors, or raising children… all of it is being used by God for the good of those who love Him, for His glory, and for the salvation of others.
The book of Ruth reminds us that no event or person is insignificant in the plan of God.

Happy Tuesday All! =) If you would like to join me in any of the above endeavors, let me know.

If you are reading this today- I could use a little bit of prayer.  My mama-heart is weary and discouraged. :-(

Good Samaritan Recap

Spoiler Alert: I could not be happier about Saturday's race!

 

Saturday was the Good Samaritan run. This is the 4th year of the race and the 4th time I have run it. This year they added a 10K option as well. I debated about doing the longer distance, in the end though  I decided to stick with the 5K. I'm so pleased I did!

Yesterday's Nemitz running team- Laura (ran the 10K) Nathan, Becca and I ran the 5K course.

 

 

I made the mistake of not bringing an extra layer or jacket for all the time we were standing around. By the time the race started I was freezing and my feet were numb for like the first mile and half or so. I brought my earbuds. I don't usually listen to music during a race but after my run earlier this week where music totally pulled me through I brought them just in case. I did end up using them and started of my run listening to You're Welcome from Moana. Shortly after the start of the race Nate and Becca pulled a little ahead of me. I decided though not to push myself too fast and just settle into my pace and enjoy the run.  As I trucked on I decided I was going to push to get to the water stop without taking a walk break (I have been taking loads of walk breaks as of late, especially when running with the pup!) I made it- stopping only to drink the small cup of water.

Soon after I passed Nate and Becca as they had passed the turn around and were headed back. We slapped hands grinning. I felt great and was soon at the turn around and telling myself I could do this. I could run the whole 5K- I didn't need to stop and walk.

I lost myself in the music (happy to be warm and regaining feeling in my lower half) and kept on running. Once in a while sneaking a peak at my watch. (Oh how I LOVE having a garmin again). 

I was pleasantly surprised when I hit mile 2- just over one to go!

As I neared the end of the park I began to tire- but told myself I could go on. I could make it.  The finish line was in sight! I couldn't give up now!  About that time an All Time Low song came up on my playlist- Finding Neverland.  It gave me the push I needed to get to the finish!  I crossed proud, feeling great. =D

Finish Line Chocolate Milk. 

My favorite part! I was seriously on cloud 9. Usually I have a bit of a finish line high but it quickly fades as I go over the race in my mind, thinking of all the things I could have done better or different. This is one of the few times that didn't happen. I know I did my best. I pushed myself to do even better. I am completely happy and proud of my run.

Post Race DD stop! =)

Back home I took Chance for his promised run.      

Hannah made me a yummy, satisfying salad for lunch.

  

I'm pretty proud of my results: the best race I have had in a long while- possibly ever! First of all- I placed 110 out of 260 finishers! I think its the first time ever I have been in the top half!!! And smack dab in the middle of my age group at 9 of 18.  Finishing time: 33:23 Pace: 10:46

Officially my best 5K to date! 

T.G.I.F.

I was definitely in a grumpy, grumbly mood this morning. I'm so happy its Friday and here's hoping he 2nd half of the day goes by faster than the first!

It's a bit better now...

Love this year's shirt! 

My new watch is here! I can't wait to use it at tomorrow's race! 

 Meanwhile I have become obsessed with watching my steps. 

Today's lunch.... pretty tasty.  A recipe that's been on my to-make list for a while now.  

Greek Turkey Burgers

   

Last night's dinner...so yummy! Homemade Meat-lovers Pizza.  I topped it with pepperoni, breakfast chicken sausage and bacon. Hit. The. Spot. On my Large White Round Stone, of course.

Mikayla sent me this snap yesterday of Chance and his buddy.  Its a giant stuffed dog Rhett won for me at the fair once upon a time.  It was in Hannah's room for a while but she got tired of it and gave it back to me... now its Chance's buddy.

 

 

Any body want some FREE pampered chef goodies??  Just in case here are some available dates... ;-) ;-) Monday April 24, Saturday April 29, on to MAY Monday May 1, Saturday May 13,  Monday May 15, Tuesday May 23... also virtual or catalog parties available. ;-)

Pamper your Mom this Mother's Day... Here's some ideas... Order by Monday April 24 to guarantee delivery by Mother's Day.

 

T.o.L. -- starting to FEEL like a RUNNER again =)

 

This morning I got up early to do my devo first, planning to go for run once the sun came up.  I sat at the table letting His peace wash over me. Spending time in the Word and in prayer.

"Be strong and of good courage,
do not fear nor be afraid of them;
for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you.
He will not leave you nor forsake you.” 

Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV

As I watched the sky slowly turn to light I felt my resolve to go run lessening, but in the end I headed out the door.  It felt amazing. Roughly 50 degrees, which I am convinced is just about the perfect running temperature.  As I started off I glanced at my phone and was pretty pleased to see my  pace was something like 11:44... I happily trotted along, hoping to keep it there.  Imagine my delight when I hit one mile and my runtatsic app said my time was 10-something! I threw my fists in the air and exclaimed YESSS! I was so excited! Maybe I hadn't lost all my running ability after all.  This was my first solo run in eons, I can't even remember. Chance was asleep in Ryan's room still or he would have accompanied me. It felt good to just run and not stop and wait as he sniffed everything that struck his fancy.  I also listened to music for the first time in ages, I'm not sure why I had stopped. I'm sure the music helped me keep on too.

 

I'm looking forward to Saturday and the Good Samaritan Run with the Nemitz Fam.  If I can maintain the above pace for another mile, I just might hit a PR. We'll see. I actually toyed with the idea of going on for mile 3 as I drew close to my 2 mile to turn around but since I had dragged my feet getting out the door, I was running a little short on time.

In my kitchen-

 

I think I am finally getting the hang of the new Slice and Grate! Mostly likely it will be part of my LIVE video tomorrow night- making the coleslaw for the chicken sammies below.  The kids were so stoked when I said I was making them again for dinner on Friday night! =)

Last night we had Chicken Gnocchi Soup- always a fave. It's supposed to be a lightened up version. The recipe said it was like 5 weight watchers points- not sure how it would go over on 21 day fix...

Especially since I ate it with 2 of Mik's delicious banana muffins. No regrets.

 

Monday night we had baked salmon (with PCs Garlic & Herb rub), couscous and green beans.

 

Tuesday night I made Lasagna Roll-ups and salad.

I've found life a little overwhelming as of late. I'm not sure why. Struggling with extreme tiredness, again not sure why.  But I keep plodding away hoping it will get better soon... looking for the gifts along the way...

Some gifts from this week-

• library w/ the kids
• so much running! With my sister, my brother and sis-in-law, by myself
• snuggles w/ the pup
• Hannah having a sleepover w/ Makenna
• dreaming about a maybe, someday triathlon relay
• finally wearing my Pitbull Mom shirt! I love it!
• my new watch has been delivered! I can't wait to get home and play with it.
• my cooking turned catalog party looks like it may turn out ok, despite the disappoint of losing two cooking shows this week...oh well... earned Level one for this month, still shooting for Level 2

Decided to link up today with Amanda @ Running with Spoons =)

What!?!?

 

As of yesterday my sister and I are signed up for the Syracuse Half! I am so, so excited about this! 

Previously this was a spring event- usually falling somewhere around my birthday.  I have wanted to run it for the past couple years, but have never been able to commit to it. Just before the half last month the race announced it was moving to the fall... I was a little bummed, as part of the draw was running a half marathon in my home city, on (or near) my birthday weekend! I quickly let go of the disappointment though, at the thought of actually being able to train and run a Half this fall.

Open registration started yesterday with a coupon code (only for yesterday) for $10 off. My sister made sure we were both signed up for the event and I am so excited I can hardly stand it!

My new running watch is on the way! It should be delivered tomorrow. =) A belated birthday purchase! I can hardly wait for it to get here. =) This one is updated from the old one I used to have, it can sync to my phone and it will count my steps too.

  

I'm looking forward to training with my sister for this fall race. =)  I'm looking forward to longer runs and building my strength and endurance up again.

Springtime

Saturday was the Springtime 10K- LOVE this year's shirt and medal. =) It turned out to be a beautiful day for a race!

Chance got really excited when he saw me putting on my socks and shoes. His excitement quickly turned to dismay when I realized he was getting left behind.  I promised him a little run later.

Start Line Selfie

Headed out of the park, love seeing the line of runners stretching a head of us.  

Shortly after the start line we passed this guy, playing the bag pipes. That was pretty neat.


Somewhere after this the familiar self-loathing began to set in, as I struggled to get through that first mile.  Thankfully though chatting with my sister helped snap me out of it. She pushed me to do better. I'd say after mile two it got a bit better, we settled in and plodded along.

Hannah helped Mimi with baby duty.

I'm thankful my sister ran with me.


Feeling happy and accomplished at the finish.

We decided to forgo the race food and hit up Dunkin' instead, I tried the new pretzel croissant sandwich- it was pretty tasty and satisfying.
 

Back home I took Chance out for a quick mile.  He was pretty tired and happy after that.
   

I'm sad to say my time on this race has gotten progressively worse each year!  Although, the experience I would say has improved.  Shooting for a PR next year! I am proud to say I have run this race all 4 years since the very first one.

My official time for this one was 1:15:55
2016
2015
2014