Why did I start running?

This post is part of the 'Get to Know Us' series on The Callipygians blog.

Why did I start running?  For you to fully understand and appreciate how far I've come I think it will be best to paint you a picture.  Growing up I was this petite prissy girl.  I always had the perfect outfit, my big Texas hair was my main concern and I had zero interest in sports.  I thought sports were sweaty and unattractive so why would anyone want to do that to themselves?!  I actually “managed” the school sports teams to receive credit for physical activity throughout junior high.  The extent of my physical activity involved playing putt-putt on dates and running walking the 800 a few times during track season.  Seriously, two of my girlfriends and I walked the 800 meter race at a few junior high track meets.  I look back and think how embarrassing y’all?!  I was the furthest thing away from an athlete.  I did however excel in socializing and shopping.

I went to college and continued on with my prissy little life.  I went to class full-time and worked at a jewelry store.  I had a wonderful boyfriend, Tyler (my now husband), who also went to Texas Tech (guns up!) and worked full-time.  His job was high intensity physical labor at a tire service center.  In the evenings when we both got off work naturally we would go out to eat, as college kids do, at fast food restaurants.  Since he was working so hard and was a young 20-something man he had a HUGE appetite.  I started eating faster to keep up with him and my dainty portions were growing a little more each day.  It didn't take me long to realize that I had packed on that dreaded college weight.  Thankfully mine took a little longer than some to put on.  It wasn't the “freshman 15” it more like the “junior 15” but to me on my petite frame the extra weight was horrific and this prissy girl was freaking out.  

Getting a little chunky!

I had a wedding I was preparing for... I had to look perfect!  I ordered some every workout video with a convincing infomercial.  I started doing said videos between school and work.  I was cutting back on portions and after a few months I was starting to see a difference in my weight.  

One afternoon when I was short on time I decided I would go on a short walk around our apartment complex.  I wasn't breaking a sweat like in my videos so I decided to start jogging.  Surprisingly, I didn't hate it.  I broke a sweat and it was easy…. and hence a runner was born.  The entire summer break of 2004 leading up to my wedding I continued Teabo™ (my favorite infomercial VHS video find – yes, it was a VHS tape back then folks) and I also started going on runs in the evenings.  When I got married I was down to my lowest weight and was in great shape.  

Honeymoon 2004

I continued to run off and on over the years.  
It wasn't until after we had our first child that I ran in an actual 5K race. 

In August 2009 I was asked to help promote an event for a co-worker’s relative diagnosed with cancer.  I didn't even know what to expect when I showed up on race day but I knew I wanted to help.  We ran on a golf course and I think my time was over 40 minutes.  I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the great people that I met.  I continue to participate in local races and even inspired several of my family members to run a 5K a couple summers ago.

I keep running because...  Of course, just like the reason I started, I want to maintain a healthy weight.  As I’m getting older I think more about a healthy heart so cardio is essential and running is by far my favorite exercise.  I continue because I truly enjoy it.  I like it because it’s a solo sport and I can break a sweat anywhere without any equipment.  I only have to count on myself to get it done.  As a working mother of two “me time” is limited and I squeeze it in when it's convenient.  I cherish my moments out alone with my I-tunes up just clearing my head.  I think through personal goals and improvement while I run.  I pray for my family/friends and talk to God.  I tend to have a high anxiety personality so when life gets overwhelming, I hit the pavement and after a good run I can put things back into perspective and realize how truly blessed I am.

I need to add that I am not a fast runner.  I will never be a fast runner.  My 5K PR is right at 28 minutes - pretty average.  I am not a natural athlete.  I haven’t gone near the distance as my fellow Callipygians.  They all have multiple half marathons under their belts.  I’m training for my first 10K in June with hopes of building from there.  But if I don’t go any further than a 10K, I’ll continue to run 2-3 miles a few times a week and be proud.  Another big perk is I have this wonderful group of ladies supporting me!  Yolanda shared a quote a few days ago and it really rang true, “Look in the mirror, that’s your competition.”

Now you've read how far I've come.  From the girl that couldn't understand why anyone would want to work out to the girl that strives to run more, to sweat more and LOVES IT!  

How would you answer the question I run because....?

This post was part of the 'Get to Know Us' series on The Callipygians blog.

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Memorial Weekend

I hope everyone enjoyed their long Memorial weekend as much as we did!  I always love this holiday as we remember our heroes and kick off summer.  I looked forward to spending time with my little family all week. 

As I was walking towards granny's garage to pick up the boys on Friday afternoon, I knew we were going to have a great weekend when I saw this little head grinning ear-to-ear pop up out of nowhere to greet me! #hesthesweetest

When we got home we played outside and ate watermelon as we waited for daddy to come home.  It was terribly windy but that didn't stop our fun.

On Saturday, the little cowboys and I met up with our friends Jill, Cameron, Gavin and their little cousin Maggie for a day at the zoo.

 The kids got to feed the giraffes and we had a little picnic in the park.  We went to the zoo with the Wahl's last year on Memorial Day weekend and had a great time but this year Kallahan REALLY liked it!  He is so fun to watch because he thinks he is just as big as the other kids and tries his hardest to keep up.  

After the zoo and some shopping we made one final stop for ice cream.  Our boys are so ornery together but they are so much fun!  I just wish they lived closer. 

We had all the kids freeze for a minute in the same place we took their pictures last year.  We were pretty impressed that all kids are looking and smiling at the same time!

What a difference a year makes!

While I was digging for this picture in my shutterfly archives I started reminiscing and looking back at old pictures.  I decided to pull a picture from Memorial Day weekends in the past and it really made me realize how quickly life changes and how truly blessed we are.  

2009:: Keeler's first Memorial Day (10-months-old with cousin Samuel)

2010::  Keeler 1-year-old playing at the park

2011:  Keeler 2-years-old playing in our old backyard.  Enjoying his last few months as our only child.

2012::  Keeler 3-years-old / Kallahan 8-months-old

and it just keeps getting better...

On Sunday, Keeler and Tyler went out to work on the farm.  Kallahan and I had a lazy day and slept in until 9am.  This was amazing!  When Tyler and Keeler got back home they said they had a surprise for us... they escorted us outside and showed us they'd brought home 4 turtles.  They plan on taking care of them and training them for the fair turtle races in July.  Keeler cannot stop talking about them.  He has them named (Pocoyo, Hearts, Marshmellow and Doodles) and keeps going out to check on them.  I told Tyler someone might need a dog?!    

Tyler put up our pool while were at the zoo on Saturday so we got to swim in the afternoon and then went to a family barbecue in the evening.  

The little cowboys had a great time!  Wanda pulled out all her old toys so they were in heaven.  I can't get over how grown up Keeler looks in this picture.  When we got home Sunday evening Keeler said, "This was the best day ever!"  I agreed with him wholeheartedly   Then he started singing "This is the day that the Lord has made..." My heart melted :)

On Monday, instead of sleeping-in I got up and ran my long distance run (5 miles).  I'm still right on track for my 10K training but it was so windy and hot all weekend I knew I needed to squeeze it in as early as possible to beat the heat.  When I got home, Keeler and Tyler went back out to the farm for chores.  Kallahan and I cleaned the house and did a little grocery shopping.  

After lunch the boys took a nice long nap then we went on a family Sonic run.  

After that it was pool time!  

 Tyler found this Texas Hold 'Em set and had to buy it!  It's actually pretty impressive!  We stayed in the pool most the evening.  Right before dinner Tyler's cousin and his fiancé

  came over for a swim.

Kallahan didn't like the water much on Sunday but yesterday he warmed up.  
Now it's back to reality.  I'm already looking forward to next weekend for more summer family fun.

Preschool Graduation (round one)

Keeler is officially a preschool graduate!  

Well, that is until he starts preschool again in the fall.  

He's been attending a local Christian preschool program for the past two years.  We love it!  His teacher is amazing with the kids and he's done so well.

Last year he went twice a week in the mornings and then this year he attended the 4-5 year old class in the afternoon Monday-Thursday.  We were considering sending him onto kindergarten in the fall with the rest of his class but after parent/teacher conferences this spring we all decided it would best to have him go one more year through the 4-5 year old program.  His teacher was once again amazing and agreed to hold his spot if this was our decision.  Only 12 students in our community get into this program (first come, first serve) so this was a major blessing!   

Since his birthday is late July he was the baby of this class.  He went ahead with their graduation ceremony yesterday knowing he was returning in the fall.  It was a precious program.  They sang about 4 songs, received their 'diplomas' and then we had a cookie and punch reception.

Keeler has made some really good little friends over the past two years so we hate that they won't continue on together.  But after much prayer plus visiting with other parents and teachers we think we made the best decision for our little cowboy. 

His teacher, Mrs. Winner, explained that time to time it does impact him that he is 'the baby.'  She said personally she wished she would have done the same with one of her son's with a summer birthday.  Waiting a year will allow Keeler to mature and really get ahead on learning/socializing.  He has stayed along with the rest of the class and only struggles time to time to grasp things as easily as the others.  However his teacher said when he does struggle - he really struggles because he's struggling.  Does that make any sense? She said he is really hard on himself and gets discouraged that he's struggling and then has to work to hold back emotion.  When she told us this I immediately understood because I am the same way.  

I want to give him the best chance in life.  Yes, this was a small decision in the big scheme of things but I want him to know someday that his father and I really thought long and hard on what decision to make because we want the best for him.

We love you Keeler.  We are so proud of you.  You are the sweetest little guy and we want nothing but happiness and success for your future.  I promise that I will hold your hand along the way and pray for you everyday.  And just think, you'll be leaps and bounds above the rest holding two diplomas before you head off to kindergarten in 2014! jk :)   

30 Day Challenge

This past weekend marked the end of my 30 Day Challenge.  

I am so proud of myself for sticking to it!  

I learned a lot about myself over the past 30 days.  Not every day was easy but most importantly I didn't quit.  In the past if I would've had one bad day then I'd throw in the towel.  Of course I would start again but the cycle always repeated itself without good results because I wasn't consistent.  Trust me, this time around I still 'cheated' and had a little chocolate time to time but counted it in my calories.  I learned to not dwell on a particular day if I went over 1200 calories (look at my Saturday ^ cake and beer, lol).  A good friend of mine that was very successful and lost over 50 pounds with myfitnesspal shared the best advice, "I don't worry about my daily average but concentrate on the weekly goal.  We all have bad days."  This made it so much easier for me this time around.  I CAN take the cake but just run a little further on Sunday.  Each day is a new day - just have a good balance!

Over the past 30 days I have gained a confidence about my body.  I can see a change.  I am more toned and actually excited for my new swimsuit to arrive in the mail. I could not have said that a couple weeks ago.  But I'm not done.  With fitness and wellness you're never "done."  It's a lifestyle.  

"I have always been conscious of my weight and a bit obsessive at times. I only have a couple pounds to lose but maintaining is work…perhaps even harder. I am tired of being fanatical and I am ready to achieve my goal of finding a practical balance for a healthier lifestyle." - this is what I wrote on my myfitnesspal profile over a year ago.      

  So as I close my 30 day challange I want to shout it from the rooftops - I have found my balance!  I'm going to keep tracking and training.  Want to join me?  

I'm using dailymile and myfitnesspal.   

Linking up with Jen!

The biggest secret? Learn to use the word DIET as a noun - not a verb. People who "go on diets" will put the weight back on. It is inevitable. However those who adopt A diet (and implement exercise routines to build lean mass) will not put it back on.

Weekend Whoas

We had an amazing weekend celebrating my handsome hubby!  

All week we ho-hummed about what to do for his birthday.  We finally decided on Thursday evening to have a cookout with the neighbors.  We didn't want to do anything big.  But then we decided that we needed to include his cousin, Shalie, who's birthday is just a couple days after his.  Then of course we wanted to invite all the rest of the family and her boyfriend's family so needless to say, it turned into quite a big group.  I love that we have so many people close to celebrate with! #themorethemerrier

On Saturday when I finally had time to think about planning and shopping for the party - I started to panic and knew I needed to get lots of stuff. Keeler had luckily gone out to the farm with Tyler so I loaded up Kallahan and we headed to Sam's.  The closest Sam's is about 45 minutes away.  Kal did great riding in the car and was such a good little shopper.  He must get this from his mommy :)

  It worked out perfect that our neighbors were also in town shopping so we met up.  Randy helped me shop - he's great at throwing big meals together and then Cristen ended up staying with me to help with Kallahan.  

The party consisted of grilled chicken/steak/shrimp kabobs, beer and lots of laughs. Granny brought over two of her famous chocolate cakes and then Cristen decorated them.  I let Cristen and the kids handle the party decorating.  Since it was a last minute party my OCD party planning skills were put on the back burner.  It was progress for me!

Everyone seemed to have a great time.  It was so nice to have the neighbors involved because then my boys had some kids to play with.  We are the only family in town that has small children so parties sometimes are disappointing for the little cowboys.  But not this party!  The boys played outside and had a great time!  The kids also had a lot of fun helping Cristen decorate.  They decorated one of the tables and then chalked birthday messages and pictures on the driveway.  

Happy birthday Tyler and Shalie!!

On Sunday, after church, we all enjoyed a nice nap.  Everyone was drained from our fun Saturday night.  Once we all got around again Tyler wanted to do some work in the garden.  I worked in the flower beds and the little cowboys played in the yard.  We even played in the sprinklers for the first time this year!  After a fun afternoon outside we all needed a refreshment.  For Tyler's birthday I bought him Mexican Cokes (one of his favorites) but guess who decided they needed some?! 

I'll leave out the part about my baby spilling said coke not once, not twice but three times all over my newly cleaned kitchen floor.  But it made for some pretty darling photos.

High Five for Friday!

 Linking up with Lauren for High Five for Friday

1// High Five - it's my handsome cowboy's birthday today!!  

I love this man. I admire his love and commitment to our family.  

I wonder everyday how I got so lucky.

 We plan on celebrating with a party tomorrow evening. That means tonight I have to bake a cake - eeek. Please send some positive baking vibes my way!

2// High Five for darling lunch dates at the park!

 3// High Five for great friends! 

I received this sweet message from a dear friend that has joined me in my fitness challenge. It's been so great to chat back and forth and encourage each other. My neighbor has also got on the wellness wagon and most evenings, while waiting on our husbands to get home, our kids play while she and I chat. We've even had some fun stroller workouts together, lol.

  "Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you HIGHER." - Oprah

4// High Five for my precious little cowboys and finally warm weather.

I'm also linking up with Jen for Health and Fitness Fridays!

  5// High Five for reaching my goal weight this morning!

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This week I've done great with working out and eating well.  I don't want to jinx myself but I feel like I finally found a good balance. 

Sunday:  Mother's Day - traveling home

Monday:  6 mile run (4 miles solo & 2 miles with Whitney)

Tuesday: 30 Day Shred / 2.25 mile run

Wednesday: 2 mile run - stiff

Thursday: 2 mile intervals with Cristen

Friday:  Rest

My right calf has been tight since Wednesday so I'm trying to take it easy for the next few days to prevent injury.  

I'm using both these websites - dailymile and myfitnesspal to track my progress.  
I'd love you to join!  #gettinsummerfit