Day 30 - Rain Seattle Rain!

Day 30 - What a wonderful way to wake on this lazy Saturday. By the pitter-patter of rain on the windows. Oh my heart is FULL. I strapped my shoes on, excited to try a rain-run/walk. It was amazing! 1.69 miles and good cool weather.

Wet pavement makes me HAPPY. I mean, for now. I don't know how I will feel in a few months. 

Day 30 was great - I was able to run in the quiet morning and collect thoughts from the week. I was able to re-start and re-boot. I have come to find that running/walking has helped me to re-focus and re-center myself. It is a moment of peace in this crazy life. Sometimes I am silent, sometimes I have music, sometimes a pray. It is a time for me - time to come back.

OH and just for kicks and giggles, Rick sent this to me today in the midst of cleaning, and I just had to share. He is SO FUNNY. I am so blessed.

Day 30 - Done. Tomorrow = Last Day!

Day 29 - Friday Friday Friday!

Day 29 - oh thank goodness for Friday AND a THREE day weekend. It was about time. I am so thankful. Got out of work a little early and was able to get a run/walk in. 

Here it is - I have lost 10 POUNDS since the start of my fitness change in late June/Early July! HOLY COW. And most of that was lost in the past 29 days (about 6 of those were). I am SO happy. 

To honor these 10 lbs gone, I decided to bring along (2) 5lb weights to get some ARMS in while I was running/walking. And MAN that was hard. I never knew how much 10lbs actually felt like. And the funny thing was, my time today was around 14:30-15:30 average pace - the pace I was when I started this whole thing. I was spent by the end of the 1.7 miles. 

SWEATY PIC ALERT. Had to at least show you how hard I was working!

And to end a good Friday, I spent the evening with NEW family and fiancé. What a great night for baseball. And the seats weren't to shabby either! :)

Day 29 - Get OUTTA HERE. 2 days to go! 

Day 28 - empire state of mind.

Day 28 - this song, JAY Z got me through today. Tired limbs and a tired mind limped along. But keeping up. After all this running and walking, I am able to walk SUPER fast. I was able to make a mile in 13:14 walking... HECK YEAH! Almost around an average run speed. I was SUPER fast today. And not thinking about what I was doing caused a small muscle strain in my quad.... OUCH. I could feel it, coming on as I jogged on further.

PUSH THROUGH I thought, DAY 28, you got this. So I jogged through. Better. Way better.

Haha, you know when you are running and that ONE song comes on and you just can't help but think you are in a movie? Jogging with a little more pep, punching the air, singing a little out loud? Yeah, that was me today. Until an older couple saw me and gave me a look. Weirdo. Yeah, I know. I am cool. 

They sky was LIKE WHAT?! Beauty.

Another goodie - for the running and quick steps. Or the occasional dance move mixed in the run. Why not? HAH.

DAY 28 - DONE. 3 to go! I GOT THIS.

Day 27 - Wednesday Distance

Day 27 - so a friend of mine said to focus more on distance rather than speed. She said speed will come naturally once you gain distance. So instead of listing to my run keeper average pace, I kept up with the total distance.

2.08 miles tonight. Average okay pace - but I am trying to not let that hold me back. Tomorrow I will go for a longer run. Since I had limited time tonight, I was held back on how far I could go. 

Pictured above are my new shoes - my prize for completing this challenge! It is so hard to look at them everyday, just sitting on my counter BEGGING to be worn. I am SO excited.

Day 27 - Ending with a tossed chicken salad, episode of Criminal Minds, and laughing with my fiancé. 

4 MORE DAYS!

Day 26 - Tuesday Shenanigans

Day 26 - Tuesday WAS HOT HOT HOT. Oh goodness and the food was SO good. I knew that I had to get a short run in before dinner or else I would be too stuffed to workout. So I quickly laced up my shoes before the weekly Tuesday shenanigans started. Sara joined me today - we decided to hill climb.

Time wasn't recorded but we were able to get 1.45 miles in. When we were complete, Sara completed the ice bucket challenge. It was SO hard to watch. But it looks zoo refreshing once it was over. It was defiantly an evening for ice cold beers (water for me!), BBQ on the grill and hanging with great friends. 

Did I mention the food was good? Hah - barely nothing left on the table! Almost a crime knowing the ketchup was gone!

Day 26 - OVER. 5 more days left!

Day 25 - 6 to GO!

Day 25 - Okay so I totally got this. 25 days - no skipping, just running with the occasionally long walk. Everyday! I am so happy! I can't believe I have came this far! Who knew, a working 40 hour a week, wedding planning, keeping up with family/friends, housework WOMAN could incorporate all this fitness time! Man! No more excuses! Seriously, I will never say again "I don't have time to workout." It is all about PRIORITIES!

Whether it is night, afternoon or early morning, I will make it happen. YES.

Today, I was tired. So a quick 1.68 mile walk/run was what I needed. Rick joined me today too! So fun getting to be active together! 

I was a little excited to have Rick with me today! (forgive the random awkward hand).

When complete with the run/walk, It was time that I did the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge that has been sweeping the social media world! So below is the "after" - not looking to shabby! To be honest, if you are nominated to participate in this great cause, do this after a hot run. WOW that ice water was cold but goodness it felt AMAZING!

 To sum it up - this quote was spoken to me a week or so ago. It just stuck with me! What a wonderful concept of what life should be like. What wonderful lives we would leave if we just stayed hungry for life and never really fully "grew up."

Day 25 - PEACE OUT. 

Day 24 - Night Life

Day 24 - SUNDAY was a good night to run. Weather was SO comfortable that I was able to run a half mile without stopping. My best friend and fiancé was able to join me tonight - this is what happens when we fill our day with errands and visiting family - we get to run in the dark.

I have to say, this running or walking some distance everyday has now become normal to me. Everyday I get up and think "When am I getting in my exercise today?" It is something I look forward to, a time where I can escape all of the chores, electronics and distractions and just BE. 

Who knew I would be saying that!? All I know is when this challenge is over, I don't think I will be quitting in the least bit. I think I am hooked!

My reward for this 31 days is going to be a new pair of shoes. HAH and I already bought them! They are sitting on my kitchen counter, taunting me - saying "Almost done and then you get to love on us!"

Oh I am so excited. You know you have the runners bug when you are super excited about new running shoes and the majority of your laundry on weekends is exercise clothing.

Day 24 - DONE. Tonight I will be joined with friends and it will be OH SO FUN!.

Day 23 - More Family!

Day 23 - Today was all about serving others. I was able to spend the morning/early afternoon with my grandparents up north, helping clean, organize and do things that they are not able to do on their own anymore. I got to spend time with my family, learn some family history and pick flowers with grandma. 

Every time I think of my Grandma, I think Dahlias. Here was my favorite of them all. She literally grows HUNDREDS OF THESE!

SO SO Beautiful. After all this work and re-connecting, it was time to head home. I told myself, I would get back to my parents, pack my things and head home where I could get ready for the evenings adventures. I knew I HAD to run sometime in-between then and my evening plans. But when I walked in the house, there she was, waiting to be played with! LOOK AT THIS FACE!!!!!

So I decided, I would take her on a long walk and THAT would be my Day 23! And it was so much fun. Sam had so many smells to seek, so many people to kiss and nudge and so many cars to attempt to run after. After a long week, seeing this adorable puppy and having her tackle me in the yard with wet kisses and snuggles put so much love in my heart. We got about a mile before we were both needing water so of course we decided to have a water fight. I am so blessed.

Today was a good day. I have been reflecting a lot on this challenge, this journey. I have learned so much and have gained a new outlook on health, fitness and especially HAPPINESS.

This song above ended a lovely evening with one of my best friends. This song states " There may be pain in the night but joy comes in the morning."

And don't forget, " YOU make all things work together for my good."

Day 23 - Done. And I only have 8 more to go!!

Day 22 - Coming "Home"

Day 22- Friday was a blur! Sorry for taking so long to post but I DID RUN! I was on my way back from work and a little shopping. I thought, okay, tonight is friday which normally I want to gorge on food - junk food. But tonight, I thought, I need to stop and get a better option.

Um Subway can make any sandwich into a salad??? Why haven't I ever done this before!!!???

My meal after my 1 mile run. OMG SO GOOD. Lettuce, spinach, turkey, ham, cucumbers, olives, tomatoes and a little pepper jack cheese. Top it off with some fat free italian dressing and a hard apple cider (hey, it is Friday) - I would say a good night. 

One of the main things I like about coming back to my parents house are the simple pieces that form the concept of "home." Where the people you love are, where you grew up, where you feel safe and loved. I walked through their from door and felt like all my problems or struggles or any negatively was left outside. Once inside, I was cared for, loved and supported.

Love that feeling.

Day 22 - DONE DONE. Subway for the WIN.

Day 21 - Meh Meh

Day 21- Today was a BLAH day. Work was fine, after work was fine. Today was just muted and weird. I was in a funk today - just not into doing anything. Ever have those days? You just don't feel motivated or wanting to do anything? Yeah, that was my say today. But I got outside and completed the challenge for the day. Not much running today because I didn't feel it. My body felt okay but my gut was just not having it. So I sped walk - about 1.8 miles. And I completed it around 25 minutes. I was a little disappointed that I didn't run much, but you know, sometimes you have those days.

One picture for today - the song I needed to hear.

"When the waves are taking you under, hold on just a little bit longer. He knows this is going to make you STRONGER, STRONGER."

One of my most favorite songs. I see it for what it is, but this verse could be used by EVERYONE. Life lessons and life's moments make you stronger. We learn from them and move on from them.

THIS WILL MAKE ME STRONGER.

PS: these chips (below) are AMAZING!

Day 21 - Done. Now it is time for arm exercises and then CRIMINAL MINDS. Did you know they released ALL seasons on Netflix??? For a girl that doesn't pay for cable... JACKPOT! 

Day 20 - 11 More Days to GO

Day 20 - What a good night to run!

Tonight I was joined by my bestie Sara. We set off to get plenty of good intervals in. Hoping for distance more than time. And we DID IT! Tonight I got my 3rd Best time ever for a run between 2-4 miles! YAY!

Leaves are starting to FALL. I LOVE the summer but I am excited for those cooler Fall evenings. 

Rick came over tonight just as I was finishing my 3rd mile. He decided to help pump the tires on the bikes in the garage. Thankful for his support with my fitness and doing what he can to encourage me in my lifestyle changes. :)

SO I did it! 3 miles tonight and at a pretty good pace for the level of runner I am. Here that, I am a runner. I had a few people tell me that today - saying that I am an inspiration to them, I am encouraging them. And all I have to say is, thank you and it is a good feeling to know that I could be encouraging someone, at least one person to make better choices in their lives.

Love you all!

11 days to go! And I am not stopping!

Day 20 - Done - time for my delicious chicken salad!

Day 19 - Laterblog!

Day 19 - Tuesday's later blog!

HOLA! Sorry this one is late. I have been SUPER busy - goodness! But I did run last night - 1 mile even. Included a hill and running along a road. 

All my friends were gathering for the weekly Tuesday dinner. I knew that if I didn't run before the food, I probably wouldn't run at all. I can't give up! I knew I needed to go real quick. So I dropped my bags and off I went.

Here are some pics from my run!

My run was full of new neighborhood and dead ends. I looked pretty funny maneuvering my way around the blocks.

New neighborhoods bring NO shade. Ugh. It was a warm one.

But, in the end, we ate, we drank (water for me!), and were merry. A happy happy Tuesday it was. 

Day 19 - Done. And it was so worth it.

Day 18 - All About dat Bass

Day 18 - BAM DONE. 

Tonight I was tired. Not physically, but just sleepy tired. But BUT I texted my BESTIE Michelle and she encouraged me to lace up and GO. So I did. Here is what my expression was before my run:

Well that is kinda ugly. But whatev. I didn't want to do it. Not because of the running, but because I am so busy in life, I kind of just wanted to lock myself up in my little house and sleep. But NO, I have to do it. I have to run AT LEAST a mile. My body was craving it and I can't deny it a good workout! So here I was after - BETTER: 

I think what made the end of the run the best one to finish we because this BALLAD came on and I was totally pumped to finish strong.  

Not a good time tonight but it was okay. Another 1.2 miles in the books. After 18 days of this, I have found out how much weights and weight work is SO important to incorporate with running. I mean, I have lost inches, but sometimes I look at myself and I am like "I don't want to become a 'FAT RUNNER.'" Now, I am not saying I am fat, I am saying I don't want to become someone who only runs and never really loses the fat because of the lack of weight time. So, I have been getting up at 5AM to accomplish a little weight time. Sucks in the morning but I feel better about it later.

I think once this challenge is over, I am going to continue my journey to a habitual runner but also incorporate other ways to get exercise and have fun!

WHOA - there is some writing for you. Thanks for listening to me ramble.

DAY 18 - DONE and DONE.

Day 17 - Nap time?

Day 17 - what a weekend! SO MANY GOOD THINGS! I had a total blast and was completely blessed by my amazing family, soon-to-be family and amazing friends. Two bridal showers back-to-back and WHEW I am tired. 

Tonight, I looked at Rick and said "I don't want to run. I don't wannaaaaaaaa....." I just wanted to either sleep or lay on the couch. He looked at me and said "Lets go, at least a mile and then you are done." And he was right. I got up and got out there. It was a coolish night but I was not feeling it. But here it is, I did it - about 1.02 miles and completed in about 12:50 minutes. 

Smiling but ready to be done.

Rick all excited to scooter. 

But here it is - done with Day 17. Getting stronger, I can feel it. 

Michelle and I are thinking a 13.1 this next summer - if we can keep this up through the winter and increase our distance, I think we can have a GREAT shot in getting a half done!

Wanna join? Message or comment! Tell me what you think about this 13.1 idea!

Day 17 - DONE DONE and DONE.

Day 16 - Another Late One!

Day 16 - SO MUCH TO DO. Oh goodness today was ONE of possibly FOUR bridal showers and it was SO much fun. Rick and I are BLESSED. 

Here was one of the gifts we received in the mail from a WONDERFUL family! We were so excited we decided to set up up right in my small 850 square feet condo. BUT IT WORKED.

Tonight - even though I TOTALLY pigged out and didn't follow my meal plans, I was READY to run! And tonight I ran the furthest I ever had without stopping - about 0.45 miles! What an accomplishment! :)

Rick was really excited too - can't you tell???? :)

Short run because sometimes running at night in my area seems scary - but got a good average time tonight. I am thinking for the next half of my challenge, I am going to try and focus on getting my time better - just means I need to take longer interval strides. I can feel my body getting stronger with every run and it makes me so EXCITED. 

Who knew that a girl like me could become addicting to running??

Day 16 - OVER. Another shower tomorrow so sleep is needed!

PEACE OUT

Day 15 - Late Night

Day 15 - Late Night run. This evening was filled with family, friends and this cute new pup!

Meet Sam (Samantha) my brother's new puppy LOVE. She is a doll and we LOVED getting to know her. Since we had a HUGE BBQ and stayed most of the evening playing with this little girl, I knew it was going to be a late run for me!

Rick joined me running tonight! And my momma gave us these SUPER COOL reflector vests. Yes, go ahead. Make fun ALL YOU WANT :)

Here we are - OH BTW 56 days till WEDDING. 

Anyways, it turned out to be a decent short run. My shins that were hurting all day yesterday and today seemed to calm down this evening to allow me to run. Ahhh.. what a night. I am so blessed.

Day 15 - DONE. tomorrow - might be another night run :)

Day 14 - Body Check

Day 14 - Body Check.

Okay so today it was Anna and I. The girl that got me into this and the one mentoring me through. We haven't worked out together in a while so tonight she decided to challenge me. And I SUCKED. Despite all this running, my body was used to the "running movement." She decided to quick interval it up with me and it was like I hadn't run at all. 

Today, for some reason was the worst running day ever. My mind was somewhere else. My body was tired and sore. I just wasn't in it. But I pushed, as hard as I could. Almost cried twice. But made it through about 2 miles of intervals.

Today was also measure/weigh in day. Weight is the same BUT I lost another 4.25 inches! That is a total of 17.5 inches since the beginning of June. NOT BAD. I am learning how to balance 40 hour work week + wedding planning + friends/family/fiancé time + keeping a clean house + fitness/nutrition etc..... SO MUCH TO DO. 

It is a battle lately. Part of me just wants to curl up on the couch and watch a whole season, but the other is like "Oh, you have no clean shirts for tomorrow and you really need to do dishes."

 ** this was SO needed today. 

ARGH. But here I am, finding the time whether it be in the short 10-30 minute breaks between events or getting up early to hit the weights, I am doing it.

So here it is - Day 14 DONE. Until tomorrow.

Day 13 - Home, Sweet Home

Day 13 - Home Sweet Home - Wednesday I went home to visit the folks. Before anyone was back from work I pranced off for my Day 13 run. For some reason, coming home is weight-lifting. It is a place where you can come, take a load off and just breathe again. Walking through the front door and seeing so many familiar things made me relax.

Easy run tonight - 1.5 miles for the day. Home is so much more hilly then my little condo area. 

So many more trees and green here in the valley. Love running through all of this.

I have found, listening to this type of music soothes me. It encourages, strengthens and calms me down. I was always wondering why my times were terrible when I listened to hard music.

Momma grows these in her backyard. They smiled at me while I walked around the backyard for my cool down. What a beautiful creation.

BEFORE my run - no sweat, clean and HAPPY. Ending my run was a happy moment. I was glad to be done for the day. 

Day 13 - DONE. 

Day 12 - New Route!

Day 12 - I tried a NEW route!

Tuesdays are one of the best 
days of my week. Tuesday evening 
is spent at one of my best friend's 
house - everyone gathers and we all 
have a meal together. We garden, 
play games, watch movies, laugh, 
joke and play with the chickens.

Tonight I arrived a little early so I 
decided to get my run in then so I 
didn't have to leave early in the evening. 
Started a new route. I told myself I 
was going to run to the nearest 
grocery store down the block. 
2.5 miles total today - still working 
on my intervals between running and walking.

Today I was able to run 0.5 miles 
without stopping! What a feat!! 
I am so happy about that. Once you 
have stopped running for so long, 
it is the little things that bring you back.

Here are some photos of my trip. 
After the run, I was greeted by 
friends (more like family), 
a home cooked meal - topped off with 
homemade ice cream and Cards Against Humanity.

I have a good life. I have great friends. 
Without them, I wouldn't even be doing this. 
They are my rock.

Day 12 DONE - only 19 more to go! :)