Enter Tinker Bell?

I had a great workout today.  Nothing out of the ordinary, 10 miles on the bike, 1 mile walking and tons of stretching.  I can't pinpoint exactly why it was so good but it was.  I started out listening to an Another Mother Radio podcast about how to dress up for a race.  I really found this to be fun and just so you know, I now know exactly how to attach Tinker bell wings to my tank for when I run Disney.  Oh, yeah, I am the type of runner who will look like Sleeping Beauty or Tinker bell when I do one of those races.  The more fun the better.  

Not me, but someday, maybe!

After that, I switched to music.  This was at mile 8 on the bike.  The first song that came on was Metallica's Enter Sandman.  Now, I love this song, but for some reason when it came on today I became Super Woman.  I like a lot of power behind my music when I work out and that song certainly had it.  I finished strong and felt happy.  I was glad I got my workout done early, because my day continued to be great.

My iPod is new and I haven't gotten all the songs/albums that I like put on it yet.  I started a search and realized, that Enter Sandman was the only Metallica song on it.  So after I write this blog, I will be adding more.  Any suggestions?

Another cool thing that happened today is I hit 100 likes on my FB page.  Actually, I hit 104.  I promised that I would do 100 squats when this happened, so that is how I am going to kick off my morning.  I am hoping DH is home early enough to snap a photo of me doing this.  Thanks everyone!

That is it, short and sweet.  Hope you had a great day!

Run strong, think big and rock on!

Game On! Week One Recap

So, as you all know, I started Game On last Monday.  I had a lot of reservations about this challenge, because it is so strict.  One of the things that I thought I would have a problem with was drinking 3 liters of water a day.  To my surprise, that is going rather smoothly.   The other thing was no sugar.  I had to do a lot of research to find things without sugar.  Most things, by the way, are better with sugar, ex. peanut butter and bread.

This plan only calls for 20 minutes of exercise a day.  This, as you may have guessed, is not a problem for me.  In fact, I think 20 minutes is not enough.  I usually work out for an hour at a time and have continued doing that.

On my meal off day, I had fried pickles and pizza.  May have over did it a little, but it was soooooo good.  Saturday was my day off and I really over did it that day.  We ate at Red Robin, plus Girl Scout Cookies came in, not to mention, I may have had one to many beers.  Oh, well, I will be more aware this week.

My biggest complaint is I feel hungry all the time.  I am eating according to the plan but I never really feel full or satisfied.  The more I exercise the hungrier I am too.  I am not going to cut back on the exercise, I think that would defeat the purpose.  I have 3 more weeks to figure it all out and find what works for me.

I had to give up a bad habit and adopt a good new one.  The good habit I adopted was to eat breakfast.  I really don't like eating when I wake up, but since last Monday, I have started off each day the right way.  I was expecting to feel better because of this, but I don't.  In fact, I feel exactly the same as I did on the days that I didn't eat breakfast.  This is disappointing.  I know all the reasons that a person should eat breakfast and I will do my best to continue this after the Game is over.

My bad habit is salt.  I love salt and have been known to salt my food before I even taste it.  This has been my biggest obstacle, but I am happy to say that I was successful everyday except day 1.  I used something that I didn't realize had salt in it.  Oh well, now I know.

I wasn't sure what I was expecting to get out of all this.  Mostly, I thought it would be fun to be on a team and compete.  I am not a really competitive person, but the further we get into this plan, the more I want to win.  We submitted our scores last night, but I am not sure which team is in the lead.  I hope it is mine.

I am also down 5 lbs.  I am sure the no added salt has a lot to do with it, plus the smaller portions but I am not expecting a big loss this coming week.  We will see.

On a good note, my back is feeling really good today, Yeah!  I was a little bummed that school vacation is over but not as much as my son.  He did not want to get on that bus today.  I am sure he was fine as soon as he saw his buddies.

I have gotten a wonderful response from yesterdays post on purposeful running.  Thanks for checking it out.

All in all, I am doing pretty good with this Game On plan.  I think my friends are too.  I doubt very much that I would do it again, but who knows how I will feel after the next 3 weeks.

Run strong, think big!

I have been following many blogs since I started blogging in November.  I have found that so many of them are inspiring, funny and full of information that I can use in my own life.  One of those blogs is, Mommy, Run Fast!  She completed her first marathon in 2011, as well as many other races and also blogs about healthy eating and living.

She has been doing a series on Purposeful Running, and has asked her readers to share their stories with her.  At first, I was hesitant because I didn't know if what I had to say was what she was looking for.  It took me some time to think about what purposeful running meant to me, and how I could put it into words. Writing is not easy for me and I didn't think I would have as many readers as I do.  I thank each and every one of you who has read and commented and cheered me on.  

After having the setbacks that I have had, I have to say, this couldn't of come out at a better time.  I read it today and am certain that I will run again.  I have to, it is what I do and who I am.  It is not the only thing that defines me, but it is one of the things that makes me feel fulfilled.  Thanks Laura!

So here you go, what purposeful running is to mean.

http://www.mommyrunfast.com/2012/02/26/purposeful-running-nicoles-story/

Run strong, think big!

Long Road Ahead

Well, today was MRI result day.  No real surprises.  I have disc desiccation and a minimal disc bulge.  The doc that I have been seeing was for my knee pain, so he is sending me on to a doctor the specializes in back pain.  My next appointment is March 12th.

I have mixed feelings about the findings.  I am glad that I am not crazy and this was not all in my head, but I think the road ahead of me is going to be longer than I expected.

I did get to the gym today and that made me feel great!  I know there is plenty of exercise that I can do to stay healthy and fit, but running is more to me than just exercise.  It is like freedom.  It helps me stay sane when everything else may be getting crazy.  It was about bonding with friends.  The few times I got to run with my girlfriends were some of my best runs.  It was seeing how proud my family was when I came in from a run or race.  It was mine!  It was the thing that I did, alone with my own thoughts and my favorite music.  I wrote a lot of these blogs in my head while running.

So what do I do now?  I wait until March 12th and hope I like what this doc will have to say.  I pray she can help me and quick!

Run strong, think  big!

The Longest Minute

Today we decided to take the kids to Mystic Pizza for lunch and then spend the rest of the day at the aquarium.  Pizza was awesome, as usual and they had fried pickles!  I know, I know, could there be anything worse on the menu, but damn they were so, so good.  With Game On, you can have one meal off a week, so this was that meal.  I wasn't gonna miss out.  

When we got to the aquarium, it was crowded, which we expected due to school vacation.  We did have two free passes and that was cool because it is one of the priciest things in this area.  

DH and I both do a pretty good job watching the kids and knowing where they are at all times.  Ok, actually, I can get crazy with watching over them, but it is what moms do.  

About half-way through our visit M was looking at one tank and A was looking at the one next to it.  DH and I were behind them.  In an instant when we both looked at what M was looking at, A went missing.  

As most of you know, the inside part of the aquarium is kinda dark and the crowd did not make it any better.  We started to look all around and she just wasn't near us.  In a panic I started yelling for her and so did M.  My husband ran to the door and started his way back.  In the meantime, a woman who works there asked what she was wearing, I told her, and then, I started to cry.  

The thoughts that go through your head will make you crazy.  Where is she, how did we miss this, we were right there.  Is she scared, is she calling for me? Where the hell is my baby!!!!!

Then, we saw her.  She was with a woman who worked at the aquarium.  I grab her and cried even more.  The very nice woman said A went up to her to tell her she was lost.  I was so proud of her for not freaking out (like her mother) and looking for a person in a uniform and asking for help.  We thanked her and then I looked for the nearest bar.  No, no just kidding, but I did need to find a place  to sit and calm down.  

Now here is the crazy thing.  This all went down in 1 minute.  Think about that for a moment, 1 minute.  Do you know what you can do in that small amount of time?  Stop now and look at the clock and time it. Did it take longer than you thought or fly by?  That one minute to DH and I felt like forever.  Our little girl was missing and there was plenty of time for someone to grab her and head out the door.  Honestly, I am teary while writing this.  

Now, she is fine and we are all home and the kids are ready for bed.  Thank God!  I cannot even imagine what we would be doing or feeling if that were not the case.  Tonight, I will say an extra prayer for the missing and scared children out there and for their parents.  I just cannot imagine anything worse.  

So tell me, are you a parent that never leaves your kids side or do you give them a little more freedom?  

On a good note, Game On is going well.  It is a little easier than I thought it would be.  Yesterday, I was able to get 10 miles on the bike in and then I walked for 1 mile.  My back is not doing so good today.  I think it was all the walking and standing at the aquarium.  Oh well, I see the doc on Friday.  Thank you for all the good thoughts you sent my way.  

Since we are on vacation, I am sure we will head out to another crowded, kid hot spot tomorrow, but I may handcuff the kids to me so I can enjoy the exhibits without worry.  

Run strong, think big!

The Non Running Runner

I want to run!  It's that simple, I want to run!  I have been in Rhode Island for 8 years and this is the most beautiful February that we have ever had.  Everyday, I see runners and I am missing awesome running weather.  They are on the main road near my house, in my neighborhood, the beach and the bike path.  Everywhere I drive, I see a runner.

It is funny to think about what make a person feel jealousy.  People are jealous of others because of money or status, maybe because they have a nicer car or better job.  Maybe it is the fact that they have tickets to the hottest show in town and you are gonna miss it.  For me, the last few weeks, I feel jealous every time I see a person running.  Every time I read about a race or someones training day, I start to feel upset it's not me.  I don't consider myself a jealous person, but for some reason, I can't help myself when it comes to this.

I remember the first few weeks of C25k.  I used to think to myself that I am not a "real" runner.  But by the time I got to the end of the program and ran my first race, I knew I was a runner and had been since day one.  It just took me a while to realize it and I was sorry that it took me so long to lace up and get out there. Well, 39 is better late than never.  So here  I am now, a runner who can't run.  Crazy, but yes, I still consider myself a runner.

Friday I should have some real answers to my back problem and I will run again.  For now, I am going to be thankful for what I can do and not focus on what I can't do.  This is just a small set back and life is full of those.  For the most part, this has been a good month, DH has the entire month off and this coming week is the kids school vacation.  It has been great being all together everyday.  It is unusual for DH to have so much time off and I am loving every minute of it, so are the kids.

I hope you are all enjoying the weekend.  I am not too sure if I will blog this week or not.  We will be doing vacation things.  Will you be racing this weekend?  Let me know how it goes.  I promise I won't be jealous, I just want to live vicariously through you.  I have said from the beginning of this blog that I would like to motivate people to do what they love, but I also want stay motivated by hearing about you doing what you love.

Run strong, think big!

Game On!

This is the longest I have gone without a post.  No real good reason, just at a loss for words.  I have been really bad about exercise and I wanted to wait until I could tell you about an awesome workout, but that is just not happening today.  The last time I really exercised was Saturday and by that night, my back hurt so bad I couldn't move.  Today I had an MRI and I will have more details on that next Friday.  The fact that I have not moved my body and worked up a sweat is defeating.  I need to think a little more positively and get on with it.  I think I found a start to that.  It's called Game On!

Have you heard of this?  It is a very strict plan that you do for 4 weeks.  What I really like about it, is that you put a team together and compete against another team.  We are doing a Battle of the Moms Clubs in the area that I live.  We all know each other, it is a friendly competition, but a competition non the less.  The second thing that I like is you have to adopt a good habit and give up a bad one.  For those of you that know me, know I never eat breakfast.  We all know that is one of the worst things you can do, so that is going to be the good habit I adopt.  Added salt will be the bad one I will give up.  I salt before I taste and have done this for years.  Not good.  I am hoping that I can do this and stick with it, which is, of course the point.

You also have to pick a weight loss or fitness goal.  I had to really think about this one.  I have plenty of fitness goals that I would like to see, but I chose weight loss.  I have been the same weight for as long as I can remember, and even though I am happy, it is not an ideal weight for me.  So for the first time in my life,  am going to try and lose a few pounds.  It is only a four week program so it won't be scale shattering, but it still will be a loss, I hope.

You get points for just about everything you do and based on the points is how you win.  You get points for drinking the right amount of water, which is 3 liters every day, sleeping a minimum of 7 hours a night and at least 20 minutes of exercise a day.  You have to eat 5 meals a day and no snacks unless it is a cucumber.  You also get points for touching base with your team and the other team each day.   No alcohol!!!  What, did I just say that out loud?  No worries, I can do that too, I think.

There are also penalties for the the things you miss and there are no make ups or saves.  If you have a drink, you lose 25 points, if you snack you lose 10.  If you exercise more than 20 minutes, which I am sure I will do, you don't get to double the points, it is 20 points, period.  Each meal is 6 points, but if one thing is wrong, than you get 0 points.  Another words if I have a nice meal but I use white bread instead of whole wheat, the meal doesn't count at all.  Are you hooked yet?

The hardest thing for me will be no sugar at all.  Now it is not that I am a sweet person, I much rather have a chip than a chocolate bar, but there is sugar in everything.  I have to buy different bread, different peanut butter, what will I put on my salad, no french vanilla cream in my coffee and no iced tea or orange juice.  Just finding the food is going to be a challenge for me.  I may even have to venture into a health food store!  Oh my!

The prize you ask, well, we all are putting $20 into a pool and the winning team gets it.  Plus, I am hoping to pick up some good habits and get rid of some bad.  A few lost pounds will be good too.

I think the fact that we are working as a team and all the points get added up will keep me motivated.  I would hate to be the one to let the team down.  I am also hoping to learn a few new things about food too as this will benefit my whole family since I am the main shopper and cook.

If you have a minute, look at the plan and if you have any good recipes that fit into it, please share them with me.  Let me know what you would have for breakfast, as this will be hard for me to do every day.  What brands do you use that have no sugar added?  It can't have any sweetener in it, so nothing with equal or the pink stuff.

If you have done this, let me know how it worked for you and your team.  Any pointers would be appreciated.

We are starting this on Monday and I will keep you posted on how it is going.  We did not pick a great week to start as it is school vacation and we will be away for some of it, but I will do my best.

I still have hope that I will be running again by March.  Send your good thoughts my way.

Run strong, think big!

Run for Sherry

Beth from Shut Up and Run, organized a Virtual Run today to honor her cousin Sherry.  I know you have all heard about this and I hope that some of you were able to get out and run, walk, ride, swim, etc.

I picked up my friend JA and we headed down to the beach.  It was in the mid 30's today and snow/raining.  After we found someone to snap our picture, off we went.  Because of my back, we walked.  It was really nice to be able to talk and walk and get to know each other better.  JA and I have only been friends since September.  Ours sons are now BFs.  She is super fun and I am glad we hit it off.  She is a runner who stopped for a while and is now getting back into it.  Yeah you, JA!

Me and JA

The walk was cold and once we turned around, I had a hard time seeing out of my wet glasses.  No worries though, we were here to honor the memory of women whose life was cut way to short.  She was a wife, mother, daughter, friend, and teacher and she was loved by many.  Beth has said that people from all over the world are participating in this event.  How amazing is that!  I am still so new to running, but have found a wonderful community of people who have and continue to inspire me.  

Along the way, we saw a few other walkers and runners out, we were the only ones who had Sherry bibs on.  One man who was walking his dog stopped us to ask what the bibs were all about.  We told him and I am sure he finished his walk today with Sherry on his mind.  

I was happy to be able to do this.  I have thought a lot about Sherry and her family since January 7th.   I cannot even imagine what that must feel like.  I am angered that her husband was robbed of growing old with his wife.  I am angered that her children were robbed of having a mother.  I am angered that her future grandchildren were robbed of a grandmother.  I am angered that students lost a great teacher.  These are things that each and every one of us is entitled to.  No one has the right to take that from us.  

What do we do with this anger?  Well, I think, today was a great start.  I will never forget Sherry and I hope her family can find peace and heal.  I pray every day that her body is brought home so her family and friends can say a proper good-bye.  We all deserve to be able to walk out our door and feel safe and I hope that message got across today.   I am pretty sure the earth shook with all the running today and that makes me proud.  Thank you for reading and running along with me.  

Run strong, think big and RIP Sherry!

Derailed 2

I can't even believe this!  I am so upset, I cried.  Yesterday, I volunteered at my sons school.  I do this, one day, every other week.  I did a bunch of stuff I am not supposed to do, like sitting Indian style, getting down on one knee, bending at the waist, etc.  By the time I got home, my back was killing me.  I had to take something for the pain and I didn't want to move.  Today, I had PT and I told her how I felt.  She looked at me and I was out of alignment again.  Really!? Because I sat on the floor!?  Yes.  This sucks, why is this happening, just when I was feeling really good.

She said we have to work on strengthening my core.  I am also seeing my doc tomorrow.  No running for at least one more month.  There will be no Jamestown Bridge Run for me.  This is so disappointing to hear.  I am so mad at myself and my body.  For those of you who may be new here, this is what is happening.  I have two issues.  My first is my knee, which is no big deal.  I have mild PF Syndrome and ITBS.  I have been able to run with this and just RICE after.  This is the least of my worries.

The second is my back.  This has caused me a lot of pain, but I thought I was getting better.  I even ran on Sunday and felt good.  In the note she wrote out to fax to the doctor tomorrow, she said, "feel there is probable disc protrusion as well as S I joint dysfunction."  Sorry about all the links, but it is easier then typing it all out and plus, I am still trying to understand it all.

After PT today, I left feeling really bad.  My back was hurting more than when I walked in and mentally, I am feeling drained.  I don't want to hurt anymore and I was so sure I was on the mend.  DH is home for the whole month of February and I am so happy to have him here to help but mostly because he is my biggest support and gives great hugs.

OK, no more whining!!!  This is a temporary problem.  I will not be in pain forever and I will run again.  So what to do now.  Well, back to the bike and walking.  What are your thoughts on yoga with these issues?  I have never done it and think I might want to give it a try.  What about acupuncture?  Do you think it would help?  I am up for any suggestions.

I will be doing the Virtual Run For Sherry on Saturday with a few friends, although, it will be a walk for me.  No worries, the point is to get out there and honor her memory.  I think it is amazing that this run is going to be a global event.  I think that it proves that there is more good in the world then bad and that makes me proud.  Did you print your bib yet?

Run strong, think big!

It's Just Three Miles

In July, 2011, I started to run.  I liked it so much I decided to sign up for a 5k which was going to be in October.  Being the person that I am, I started telling everyone around me.  I couldn't help myself.  I was excited about doing something that I thought was impossible.  The training program I used was the Couch to 5k plan.  If you are just starting out, this is a great program.

One of the things that I found annoying when telling people about my upcoming race was when they responded, "It's just 3 miles".  Now, it didn't bother me the first time, but it didn't take long for it to upset me.  Just 3 miles for someone who has never run in her life is really a challenge.  I had to work hard to get to 3 miles.  I spent a lot of time away from my family to go out for a run.  I had aches and pains that I never felt before.   It's all good though, I was happy and feeling great.

I had one friend who I confided in about what people were saying.  I told her it bothered me and now it is a little joke between us.  She, by the way, never said to me, "it's just three miles".  Thanks MB!

This brings me to today.  I have some good news actually.  I was given the OK to run, but just a little at a time.  Don't over do it, just ease into it.  Yeah!!!!  This got me thinking.  I was not able to run the whole 5k on Sunday.  I hadn't run in about 5 weeks.  I am out of running shape.  I finished as you all know, but I did struggle a little.  There was plenty of walking and I was 3 minutes over my best time.  I am not upset over this.  I wasn't planning on running.  Now that I can run, where do I start?  Do I just go out and see how far I can go without walking or do I start at, maybe, week 5 in the C25K plan?  Knowing me,  I will probably just see how far I can get and go from there.

The goal right now, is back up to 5k, which by the way is 3. 1 miles not 3!  If you are gonna say something like it is no big deal, make sure you have your facts straight.  And I mean that in the nicest possible way :)

I am excited to get out there and run again and happy that we are still having such nice weather.  Hope it last a little longer.

What is the most annoying thing someone has said about running to you?  Did you ignore it or say something back?
How long after an injury did it take you to get back to your average miles?


To me, no matter what your miles, it's a big deal.  I am proud of every mile under my belt and you should be proud of yours too.  Even the not so great runs are miles added onto your total.  Even at my slow pace, I am faster than everyone on the couch.

So, whatever distance you are training for,

Run Strong, Think Big!

Super 5k and Birthday Recap

I woke up today and had every intention to walk the 5k.  I have not been given the ok to run yet.  I am feeling better and it was a beautiful morning.  I got there and registered and met up with my friends, TL and MB.  The race today was TL's first.  I didn't want to miss it.  I realized early on that there really weren't too many walkers.  This made my anxious.  I don't know exactly why, I guess because I was hoping to not be the only one.

We went down to the start line and I got in the back of the pack.  There were 381 participants today.  The gun went off and I started to walk.  This did not make me happy, I wanted to run so bad.  Where I was there were some walkers but it didn't make me feel better.  I thought to myself, "just try it, see how you feel."  So that is what I did.  I was slow but I felt good so I kept going.  I ran most of the first mile at a 12:10 pace.

I was so happy to run, it felt great and I know I was smiling the whole time.  About 2 minutes into the second mile, I saw MB and she look great!  A minute after that, TL passed me and she looked strong.  I was so happy for her.  I finished mile 2 at 24:?.  I just don't remember the seconds sorry.  I did most of my walking in the last mile but it was down Ocean Road and the view is beautiful.  I crossed the finish line at 38:29 with MB and TL cheering for me.

Me, TL and MB

I have to say that this was a really nice race.  It was a totally flat course and you can run it fast if you want to.  Probably a good one if you want to PR.   It starts and finishes at a hotel, so we got to use real restrooms.  That is a huge plus.  They had a pasta lunch for us when we got back inside the hotel.  Parking was easy and close.  Not to mention the view.  I would do this race again.

I am also happy to say, that my back and knee, so far, feel good.  I hope it stays that way.  I will have to come clean to my therapist either way on Tuesday.  Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Now on to my birthday!  I had a great time on Thursday.  DH and I were able to have coffee together in the morning after we got the kids to school at a little coffee shop.  We have been doing this when he is home now that my youngest is in preschool.  It is like a little date and I love it.  Later, two of my greatest friends took me to one of my favorite restaurants for lunch and drinks.  We had a wonderful time.  For dinner, DH and the kids took me out for burgers and ice cream.  I couldn't of asked for a better day.

The Birthday Girls!

My Beautiful Cupcakes!

On Saturday, me, DH and 9 of my friends, plus my mom and dad had dinner at Mariner Grille.  the food and service was excellent.  They were very accommodating for such a big party.  Instead of cake this year, I had cupcakes from Silver Spoon Bakery.  Holy cow, they were the best!  I chose two kinds, Cookie Monster and Bubbly.  Let me tell you, it was hard to choose but I know I made the right decision.  Everyone really enjoyed them and I have leftovers, Yeah Me!  For those of you in Rhode Island, I highly recommend both of these places.

So far, 40 is fabulous!  I am happy that my first race is done and I am hoping I am ready for the 10k in April.  Did you race this weekend?  How did it go?  What are your Super Bowl plans?

Run Strong, Think Big!

I Love February!

I know most people think it is a cold and dreary month, but not me.  February is my birthday month.  I was born on the 2nd, which is groundhogs day and my mother's birthday too.  Isn't that cool?!  We are 24 years apart.  I have always found this fun and glad that we get to share in such a special day.

If you haven't figured it out yet, I LOVE my birthday!  Not because of presents.  In fact, I don't like people spending money on me.  I just want your company.  I love my birthday because it is fun to celebrate life.  Getting older is a good thing.  Think of all the stuff you know now, but didn't 10 years ago, the good and the bad.  It is all a learning experience.   Each year we grow, I think, mentally and spiritually.  If you are a parent, you got another year with your children and if you are a grandparent, the same.  You get to see your life live on.  Each year I learn something new.  And the last several years, I have been lucky to add more friends into my life.  Every year when DH and I celebrate our anniversary, I realize I love him more and more.  That is one of the greatest gifts I can give my kids.

This year I wanted to have a big blow out party complete with more food and drinks than one can handle and a DJ that shares my love of 80's hair bands.  But I am not much of a party planner, so instead I made a reservation at one of my favorite restaurants and ordered two dozen cupcakes from Silver Spoon Bakery.  The best cupcakes ever!!!  I will be joined by a few friends and family.

I am feeling pretty good about 40.  After all, the alternative is not so appealing.  I am happy and healthy and my family is too.  I feel blessed to have this life and it is getting better with every year.  Thank you God!

This is an unusual February.  Today it is 55 and sunny.  I love this weather and honestly, if I never see snow again, I would be happy.  My kids on the other hand, not so much.  They are so disappointed that there is no snowman in our yard,  I almost wished for snow for them, almost.  Hee Hee

I told you Monday that I was going to the gym everyday this week.  So far I am on track.  My back is doing better and I think I am on the mend.  I am hoping I will be running again by March.  Today I biked 8 miles and walked for 1 1/2 and yesterday I biked 11 miles and walked 1/2 mile.   Just two more days and I will take Saturday off.  On Sunday, I will be walking in the Super 5k with my husband and kids.  It was supposed to be my first running race of the year, but at least I still get to participate.   I think it will be fun that all four of us are going to do it.  I hope the kids think so.  And to top it off, the weather will be really nice. Did I mention that it is the first weekend in February and it is going to be nice?!

So tell me, how do you feel about your birthday?  Do you get excited or dread it?  How do you usually celebrate?  What is your favorite kind of cake?

I hope that where ever you are, you are having this wonderful weather too.  Get out and enjoy it!  I also hope, that next time your birthday comes around you embrace it.  Life is short and goes by so fast, so live every moment!

Run strong, think big!