Life After I "Dew"

Perhaps it should be called the Color Walk from now on.  Seriously I don't know if I saw anyone run this thing. Or maybe that's because we were in the last wave of "runners".  Or perhaps it was because over half of our team, Run Betch Run!, was hung over.  Yeah, that.  

My OOTD was worth getting excited for all on it's own.

Tutu, check.  Hello Target, thank you for selling socks that match The Color Run tee perfectly!  And, of course, I needed matching nails.  Duh.

Just when we thought we were the only ones clever enough to think we'd be all sorts of crazy adorable in tutus, the whole city of Columbus did too.  Tutus galore.  The only way we were ever able to find each other was by our yellow bandannas.  Oh and our quiet coyote hand signal, thanks to Alicia.

  We had a blast.  I mean even though some of the girls were "not feeling well" and I had a slight headache, we really made the best of it. I love these girls, none of them take themselves too seriously and I really don't think I've laughed that hard in a long time.  The best part about The Color Run in Columbus was that it ended into our Jazz & Rib Fest!  I mean, if that doesn't say HELL YEAH! I don't know what does.

I will say I was a tad bit disappointed though.  I wish the color stations had been closer together.  They were spaced about 1K apart which is too far! I wish they would have been like 1/4-1/2 mile apart, THAT would have been awesome. Oh and by the time we got to the last station, yellow, they had ran out. So we, literally, rolled on the ground to get some yellow on us. Ridiculous.  

The best part was the end. All of the "runners" gathered and it was like a giant dance party. You know I like any excuse to shake my booty.  All the "runners" were given packets of color and when we counted down {think NYE} we threw it in the air and continued the dance party.  That part was worth it all.

We came, we saw,we Colored.  It was a success. 

And, I saved the best picture for last. A little before and after for you. 

Yep. We had fun!

Big thanks to Holly, Alicia, Kelsey, Lindsey, Amy, & Amber for making this so fun!  Columbus really has the best bloggers. 

I kinda like life without cable.  OK limited cable.  We have basic and a few extra channels {Style, TLC & MTV2} so basically there is nothing on TV, ever. I mean if it's not on Bravo! I don't watch it so, yeah, I"m not watching much of anything these days and it's kinda nice.  Also Big Brother starts today and OMG am I excited!  Thank God my downgraded service lets me keep the DVR.

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I sent out Kendall's birthday invitations yesterday. I cannot believe my baby girl is going to be two-years-old!  Didn't I just plan her 1st birthday?  I mean, seriously?  How does this happen? Although I'm so excited for her party, she's going to freak when she sees all the Doe-rah.  EEK!  So excited.

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Notice how I haven't done another link up for the 30 day/300 ab challenge?  Well that's because I've been a slacker.  I've still been doing it, just not religiously like before, and it definitely shows.  I'm embarrassed.  I know a lot of girls have just started and are seeing great results already and now they are motivating me.  So maybe we'll have a link up soon.  Maybe.

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Speaking of fitness, we have The Color Run in two weeks.  I was so super pumped when we signed up, then I got kinda blah about it, but now that I'm starting to see the pics from other cities I'm getting pumped again.  I know I won't be able to run the entire time, especially if this heat keeps up, but I know it will be a good time and I'll be with good people.  What more could you want?!

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I need a new book to read.  This year I've already read more books than the previous 2 years combined so I'm on a streak and I want to keep going.  I've read Bloom and the 50 Shades trilogy so try something else.  I don't do Nicholas Sparks books so don't even go there.  Oh and if you even mention Hunger Games, I'll cut you.  I hated Twilight and Harry Potter was OK for one book, if that gives you any idea where I'm going with this.  I thought about reading Room but fear that it's going to be too much for my mom heart to handle.  Help!

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Jimmy and I signed up for Netflix.  Yeah welcome to the 21st century, right?  We don't agree on movies, ever, but we do agree on TV shows.  We just finished Sons of Anarchy {well caught up to current}, we're currently finishing up Entourage, and up next is Dexter. I really am glad we did this because it saves a lot of fights when it comes to "movie night".
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You know how I posted the picture of Kendall making the formations with her diapers the other day?  Well it's gotten more interesting from there.  She's been lining up EVERYTHING.  I posted more pictures on Instagram and I've gotten comments telling me that it's a sign that she's ready to read and that it could mean she's gifted.  I can't say I didn't burst with pride when I read those statements.  I guess only time will tell but in the mean time I'm enjoying seeing what she comes up with next.
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Some things to note as of late.

Listen.

Thanks to local, Columbus, bloggy friend, Katie, I am OBSESSED with this little ditty.  KP and I dance to it at least a few times a week and I have no shame about it.  None at all.  It's quite possible her favorite song right now and here's why.

You're welcome.

Watch.

Did you girls watch the season premiere of RHNJ?  No?  Girlllllllll!  This season is bout to get real.  I mean can we say drama drama reality TV llama?  And what about Ashley's face?  Those lips?  That hair?  Oy!  I have always been a fan of Caroline and her matriarchal ways and I don't think this season will be any different.

Run.

So I signed up for The Color Run here in Columbus.  To say I'm excited is an understatement!  I'm freaking PUMPED!  I'm running it with a few of my fav girls {Run Betch Run!} and Jimmy {he's our manscot}. I've never done a color run but I know I will not regret it.  Here's hoping I get more than 3 hours of sleep this time.

 Read.

Thanks to the power of blogging I got my grubby little hands on a PDF of Fifty Shades of Grey and I haven't put it down {so to speak} since.  Oh Mr. Grey, you are so mysterious and with the end of every chapter I just want to keep reading to find out more about you.  Side note:  I have heard the rumors that Ian Somerhalder may play Mr. Grey in the movie version of Mom Porn but I had him pinned as more of a Ryan Gossling or Ryan Phillipe a la Cruel Intentions, no?

Fitness.

My friend Sarah posted about a 300 ab challenge she's been doing and that she started seeing results in just 7 days and I had to know more.  She sent me the link and I got started that day.  Jimmy and I have officially done it for, are you ready, 3 days and we can already tell a difference!  It's not noticeable, yet, but I can feel it.  I feel stronger.  I feel more firm.  I feel changes.  It's amazing.  I did take before pics so once I hit the 30 day mark all will be revealed.  Stay tuned. 

Laugh.

Right?  Because did you hear his new song Boyfriend?  Totally loved it and totally thought it was Justin Timberlake.  In fact, when it came on the radio and the announcer said Justin BIEBER I wanted to call them and tell them they were wrong.  True story.  Then I got on Twitter and saw that everyone thought the same thing.  Damn you JB and that catchy new tune.

Drink.

Last Friday night Jimmy came home with the fixings for this moon-a-rita and, I mean, how am I supposed to turn down that offer?  I'm not. So I played bartender and whipped up a batch and, as much as I wanted to, I didn't love it.  I think it was the mango, I don't know.  It leaves a funky aftertaste that I just couldn't get past.

It's the Sunday after race day and I'm sitting here with my second cup of coffee, sitting in my sun room, The Coffee House playing in the background and I feel peace.  The race was not as I expected but I did it.

The race yesterday was not good.  The day before I did what I was supposed to, drank lots of water, rested, ate light, and went to bed early.  I went to bed at 10 only to wake up in a coughing fit at 11:30 and it went on, and I was awake, until 2:30.  Our alarm went off at 5:55 and when it did I thought, "fuck!!".  Thankfully we had already paid for this race otherwise I am fairly certain my butt would not have gotten out of bed that morning. 

But I did, and that was the first step.  I got ready, even put make up on {such a girl} and we were out the door to drop KP off at my in-laws by 7.  On our way to the race we listened to some upbeat, fun {LMFAO and Ke$ha if you were wondering} music to get us pumped, it worked.  Once we got there I forgot I was even sick.  Seeing all the people was a thrill and the weather was pretty much perfect.  I could do this.

My girls Lindsey, Holly & Alicia met us there and I thought there was no way this could be bad because these girls are too much fun to have a bad race, they did not disappoint. For the most part we were together the whole race and that was awesome, especially for me, the first time runner.

On our way Jimmy had said to me, "what's our goal for today?" and my answer to him was to finish.  Initially my goal had been to run the entire race, regardless of my time, but after the rough night and stupid sore throat my goal had changed to, "just finish".  

Somewhere into mile 2 Alicia got a cramp and I felt like I was going to die so we slowed down to a fast walk for about a half mile or so when we met up with Lindsey and ran to the finish line {with a Sunkist 10 in hand}.  My final time was 36:20 which is the worst 5K I've run to date.  Before that I was averaging about a 9:30 mile so I added about 2 minutes to my mile during this race.  Am I happy with this time?  HECK NO!  But? I finished, and that deserves a pat on the back.  

How did I feel about running though?  I hated it.  As soon as we were finished Jimmy was so pumped that he immediately asked what 5K we would be running next to which I quickly gave him a serious side-eye.  Next? There will be no next!  I had such a miserable run and felt like total shit, there was no way I was thinking about the next run. I never wanted to run again, another day in my life.

But then today I thought more about it.  I had a great night sleep {hello 8:30-7} and felt refreshed and clear-headed when I woke up.  I will do another 5K, soon.  In fact, I think April 15th is the next date. I want to do another one where I feel good, am not sick, and prove to myself that I can do this thing.  I can RUN a 5K.  This next one is along the Hoover Dam and it's gorgeous so should make for a very easy run based on scenery alone. 

Most people say you get a runners high and become addicted after your first one, that is not the case with this girl.   For me, if I did better this time I would be done with 5Ks altogether, put a fork in me, I'm done.  But, for the sake of proving it to myself, I'll do another one.  Who knows, maybe after that one I'll feel that way.  Maybe.  We'll see.

So tomorrow's the big day.  And I'm not talking about the National Day for Beer Drinking aka St.Patty's Day.  Tomorrow is the day I cross that something off my bucket list called a 5K. 

You know what the kick in the pants is? I've been sick, all week.  Kendall had this cough for a few days earlier in the week that seemed to only bother her when she'd sleep and, well, looks like I've caught it too.  Only mine comes with coughing up what resembles vomit mixed with snot.  Hope you weren't eating just then.  And, unlike KP, mine seems to be the worst in the morning.  Guess when the race is?

Needless to say I've turned into a man and have become completely incapable of doing anything all week, especially run.  Monday I managed to put in 16 whole minutes on an incline walk and Tuesday I was able to complete 30 minutes of walking and that's it. So I haven't actually run a 5K in over a week at this point and I still haven't ever run outside.  

So pair my lack of training with my lack of health and that should equal a pretty sucktastic race.  Oh and did I mention that it's supposed to rain too?  Icing on the cake.

I've got my best man and some great ladies running with me so hopefully that will be enough to get the adrenaline going in the morning because otherwise I'm afraid I may fall asleep at the pre-race breakfast. 

Wish me luck. 

Another week, another Firm Friday.  This FF is serious though.  As in for 3 days this week I did 2 workouts a day, that's 6 workouts this week y'all.  I started because Jimmy was out of town so I was doing a workout during Kendall's nap and then the evening I was so bored that I'd do another one.  Well Jimmy got home on Wednesday and needless to say I didn't do any work out that day but I loved the feeling of 2-a-days so much that I wanted to keep it going.  Thursday I woke up bright and early at 5:30 and got a workout in and then during Kendall's morning nap I got in a 5K.

Speaking of 5K...my first one is in just over a week, it's NEXT Saturday people!  I have to say I'm excited to get it over with.  Not because I want to put the first race/pre-race jitters behind me but because, quite frankly, I'm over running.  There I said it.  I'm over it.  I've been very honest about my experience with running this far so why quit now?  I've told you I've never loved it, so no lies here.  In fact, I've only been running about once a week lately and none of it has been outside, so this race ought to be interesting to say the least.  I know I will run the entire thing but my pace may not be what it used to be, and that's OK with me.  The goal here?  Finish {and then drink LOTS of green beers}!

See I've come to realize that I need variation in my workouts, something that running on the treadmill just doesn't give me.  Instead I started doing the 30 Day Shred again.  For you long time readers you'll remember I did 30DS to prepare for my boudoir pics and the wedding back in '09 and saw results without changing much else about my lifestyle.  I know it works and so why not start doing it again?  I also incorporated a couple new home workout DVDs to my collection, courtesy of Jillian Michaels, of course.

 Jillian is the best DVD workout teacher I've "met".  I've done Core Secrets and I have Weight Loss Yoga with Bob Harper and none of them can compare to "TVs toughest trainer".  She's motivating, she's encouraging and she's here for results!  I have done both DVDs this week {along with some incline walking on the treadmill} and I can officially say that if I keep this routine up there will be results in fewer than 6 weeks. 

Jillian is no joke!  She's all about pushing you and making you work for the body you want, "this doesn't come for free". Even Jimmy is excited to start 6W6P, even though he's yet to give it a try.  I was sore the days after I did both DVDs but not so sore that I couldn't function, I think that's important to note.  

6W6P is core based so even though you work arms, shoulders, back and even legs all the moves are intended to strengthen your core muscles {where I need the most help}.  This one is tough.  It's circuit based, just like 30DS, and she goes through the moves slower at first and then, like Tae-Bo {told you I've tried them all}, the second time around is double time.  I'll say during the first round I was all, "this ain't so bad", but when we moved to double time, boy did I feel the burn!

Yoga Meltdown is unlike any yoga I've done before.  It's harder.  If you are looking to do a relaxing, mostly stretching based yoga {like I'm used to}, this isn't for you.  She mixes in cardio with it and even moves like upward dog {an easier position} are challenging in this video.  From what I've gathered this isn't a calorie burning workout, as you only burn about 150, but it's still a really good workout and stretch.  

My plan is to incorporate these videos and some light running and walking a few days a week.  I realize 2-a-days aren't always going to be possible and I'm sure I'd burn out of them after a few weeks too but for now it's a really nice accomplishment.  

Pretty nasty huh?  I can't believe I just aired all that dirty laundry but you know me, I'm all about keeping it real.
So here's the dish.  I need to get that ish under control in a bad way.  So obviously running alone ain't doing it.  Sure it's helped.  I haven't changed anything else, I'm not eating differently, I'm not doing additional work outs on my nonrunning days, nothing.  I have seen results from just running though, believe it or not.  Here I am after 9 weeks of running.

Progress?  Sure, I totally see and feel the difference BUT it can be taken up a notch {or 5}.  My butt feels higher/firmer and my belly doesn't seem to be as jiggly {contrary to what you see in the pictures}. So that's what this year is all about.  Last year was about losing it and I did just that so this year is going to be about toning it up.
I had originally set my goal at 130 but when I got to about 135 I was happy, I felt good, and so I adjusted my goal a bit.  After the holidays and being a little loosey goosey with the calories I have managed to gain a few of those pounds back and I need to get those back down and then some.  I don't necessarily care about the number on the scale as much as I do the image in the mirror.  Sometimes I swear I have the reverse body image problem that anorexics have.  I will be all, "go head girl, you got the skinnies" when I'm dressed and then I lift up my shirt to show my belly button obsessed child my belly button and I'm all, "dang girl, what up, that isn't even suitable for a 1 year old to see".  Ultra sads.
I think my new goal is going to be to feel comfortable in a belly baring two piece this summer.  Last summer I felt pretty good in a tankini but swore I'd never wear a real two piece again.  Well, never say never.  This summer I will wear a two piece and I will be that mom that everyone says, "I can't believe she has a kid!", I will be hot.
So Firm Fridays is where it's at.  I'll be accountable again and that will help!  Time to kick this Get Fit stuff up a notch!  Are you joining in?

This year I want to get a head start on this resolution business.  Last year I didn't pick my resolution till February, February!  I think the reason I waited so long was fear.  I knew what I needed to resolve but I didn't want to face it.  So this year I have a few things I want to work on.

This year I resolve to...

I think that should do me.  It looks like I have a busy year!  What are your New Year's Resolutions?

So, let's talk about me for a minute, k?

So ever since I reached my goal and decided to cross that 5K off my bucket list I haven't really talked much more about my progress and that's not good.  You see I need to be held accountable and this blog does that, for me.

Let's start with the good.  Running is getting better.  It's a slow better but it's improvement over complete and total hatred.  So I am on week 8 of the Couch to 5K program.  A lot of you had recommended I try it in my last running post and I had one up on you, I was in week 4 when I posted that.  So far I have nothing but good things to say about this ap.  It takes a complete and total non-runner {couch me} to a 5K runner in just 9 weeks.  I can say that at the beginning of the program I thought there was no way it was possible for me become a runner in 9 weeks, no way.  Much the same as when I started MyFitnessPal.  

I should probably preface this by saying that I am in no way, shape, or form athletic, at all.  So the first week I think you start out doing 1 or 2 minute runs, that's all, and each week you increase the length.  I did fine until I got to the point where I had to run 18 minutes straight, without stopping.  I remember getting of the treadmill that night and feeling like I was going to DIE!  I even remember tweeting something along the lines of "if you don't hear from me for the rest of the night it's because I died on the treadmill", dramatic much?  Speaking of Twitter I would just like to say that without this social media tool I'm not sure I would have stayed motivated over the past 8 weeks!  I am connected with the most amazing, SUPPORTIVE group of girls that ever did exist.  The tell me I can do it and cheer me along when I don't want to even so much as look at the treadmill.  

So now I can run for 25 minutes straight, without stopping!  And?  I don't feel like I'm going to die anymore!  As of yesterday I was running about a 9'32' mile {according to Nike+}, not too shabby huh? All of my training thus far has been on the treadmill because 1. I hate the cold 2. I normally run at night when Kendall goes to bed which means 3. it's dark out and 4.  I don't live in the most ideal place for running outside, alone, in the dark.  But I'm dying for the day where I get outside and hit the pavement.  I even got new running shoes, an outfit, and arm band for my phone for Christmas so I'm all set to do this thing, I think.  I mean I did actually run 5K about a week {or so} ago so I guess this program has worked.  Now I just need to psych myself up to actually register and run a real 5K.  Baby steps.

As for the weight loss maintain, well I don't have as good of news to report.  I have gained a little back, I say it's the holidays muscle from running.  Honestly even though the number has gone up on the scale I feel like my jeans are getting looser in the thigh and butt area, can't say the same about the waist.  I wish I could say that I stayed dedicated to MyFitnessPal after I reached my goal, but I'd be lying if I said so.  In reality I kinda half-assed used it since the day I hit my goal, not good.  So now that the craziness that is The Holidays is over, I'm going to start keeping track better.  Not that I need to lose, but just so I can be more accountable.  Obviously I learned nothing during the 7 months and 42 lbs.  

So some bad but mostly good.  I may not love running yet but I actually do look forward to it.  I don't look for an excuse to not do it, I just do it.  If I have a headache, cramps, am tired, I push through and I run.  I've learned that my body is capable of so much more than I had given it credit for.  My body is strong and I'm just now learning that.  

This year has given me such a perspective on my body, it's unreal.  I may need to do a little toning and could stand to lose 5 more lbs but never have I felt more confident and comfortable in my own skin.

I try to live my life pretty simple.  And by that I mean I try not to over-think things.  

I am the person who never imagined their wedding as a little girl, ever.

I never actually thought about childbirth when I was pregnant, not once.

When I was on maternity leave I never anticipated the day I'd go back to work.

When I got my wisdom teeth taken out I never thought about the pain I'd endure.

I just knew all these things were coming and were going to happen whether I liked them or not and went on with life.

I just don't dwell on things that 1. I have no control over and 2. are inevitable.  

I don't know how I do it, I just do.  I can honestly say that all of the above are true.  I just live each day without anticipation of what's to come.

I'm not saying this is a good thing because clearly I can see where this could cause issues.  Like you wouldn't want to live with your head in the clouds all the time and end up running into a brick wall, ouch!  

For example, I am aiming to cross something off my bucket list.  Something that is going to require me to get outside of my comfort zone a little.  Something that requires training.  Something I don't love.  But guess what?  I'm just going to Dew do it.  I'm not going to think about how much I hate it or how much I don't want to do it, I'm just going to take each day as it comes and when the day comes I'll cross that thing off my list and not think twice about it.  

And that's the real reason for this post.  

I am going to run a 5K, eventually.  It's cold outside and I heard that whole rumor that if your lungs aren't used to it they can explode if you aren't used to it.  Yeah, not a fan.  So I'm aiming for spring time.  It doesn't have to be warm out just warmer than snow.  Also as much as I hate cold, I hate running.  Like I feel like I'm going to die when I do it and I'm pretty sure I look like it to.   

But I'm going to overcome that.  I'm not going to focus on the shortness of breath or the fact that I hate sweating.  I'm just going to take each day as it comes, run as much as I can, hopefully learn to love it like so many others do.

So I wanted to get this out there because I need you to hold me accountable.  I need you to tell me to get on the treadmill when all I want to do is sit down with a box glass of wine.  Can you do that for me?  This is the one area I think  I will struggle with, the one thing I will dwell on until the day it comes.  

So what do you say bloggers?  Are you in?  Please say you're in.