To Motivate

Motivate - (v). Stimulate (someone's) interest in or enthusiasm for doing something

There are many things I want to be known for after I leave this earth. I really hope that one of the things is motivating those around me to live a more active lifestyle. I realize that not everyone was born to run a marathon...maybe not even run around the block...but I do believe that everyone has an obligation to their loved ones to live a healthy, active lifestyle. I hope by speaking to me, reading my blog, glancing at my status on facebook, or even emailing me to ask me a question about running gear, vitamins, or running in general I "stimulate an interest or enthusiasm" for getting active and being the best you can be. The sky is the limit...you just have to want to take that first step and keep putting one foot in front of the other when the going gets tough.

This time of year...

Seven years ago, I had just had a baby. My body was transformed in to something I had nightmares about. I had gained a huge amount of weight (50pounds) and my princess weighed under eight pounds. It was stressful enough trying to get in the the routine of being a new mom, I couldn't even think about exercising.

I look back on that time and see how far I have come. I stepped on the scale a few weeks after having K and saw the numbers 1 - 8 - 4. It seemed as if I had no choice other than to surrender to my fate. My body would never be the same and I would never be able to fit back in to my pre-pregnancy clothes. I spent almost two years in the mind set.

After I had my middle man, I decided that I didn't want to live like this anymore. I got a jogger and a little determination and I changed my outlook. This time of year always reminds me of the choice I made to turn things around...to be active...to not be the Mom on the sidelines, but the Mom that can have fun right along side of her kids. It isn't easy. Some days I am exhausted. Some days I just want to skip a run. But, then I think back to how I felt more than 50 pounds heavier than I am now and I would much rather be tired or exhausted.

So lace up those shoes...and give it your all...it's worth ever ache, pain, and bead of sweat.

Girls On the Run 5K

I had the privilege of being my nieces running buddy for a program through the school district called Girls On the Run. Here is a little bit about the program taken from the website:

Girls on the Run of Northwest Illinois is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping girls climb out of the “girl box” using a 24-lesson curriculum designed to promote good choice for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. The curriculum, designed specifically to address “girl box” issues, uses warm-up, and workouts which encourage emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical well-being. Girls on the Run of Northwest Illinois prepares girls for a 5K run/walk event and challenges and encourages girls, whatever their fitness level.

This past Sunday was the 5K that all of the girls have worked so hard to get ready for. It was an amazing event and so neat to see all the little runners out there. It made me really look forward to Kait being old enough to participate...not this school year, but next.

My little niece did great. I ran a practice run with her a few weeks ago and got a feel for her pace and what she could do. She did a great job then and come in second. During the race on Sunday, I was talking to her, singing to her, and trying my best to motivate her to keep going and finish strong. We picked walking points and objects where we would start walking at and then ones that we would start running again. When we would start back to running she would go hard at around a 9:50 to 10:24 pace. I was so proud of her. She really gave it her all and finished her first 5K in 36:32! I got a little teary when we crossed the finish line and they put the medal around her neck.

Now to gear up for my last half marathon this year...so hoping for a PR!