5 on Friday!

Hey Peeps...I'm linking up with Darci from The Good Life...

&Grab button for FIVE ON FRIDAY AT THE GOOD LIFE BLOG

1. I have nothing planned for this weekend. This is huge since usually my weekends go like this: Run here, go there, come home change, make this, go there, come home, get this, go there.
Are you tired? Because I am. I'm excited to finally get some stuff done.....like painting B's room. She finally has a room all to herself and her room choice is Paris. She's growing up to fast and I'm all for changing it up for her.

2. Mommy's night alone. My hubs has taken Big T to the races for the weekend, and my dad is taking B and Lil C for the night so I can get in a long run tomorrow morning, which means I have tonight alone. This never ever happens and I'm so excited I may run around the house naked. Just kidding about the naked part....maybe..

3. Chicago Fire...OMG how have I not ever seen this show. Half naked fire fighters I'm there. I was checking out Hulu.com for a show to watch while I editing one of the many shoots from Sunday and stumbled onto this show. Yum Yummmy...

What was I saying again......

 

 

4. What was I saying again....squirrel...ok back at it. I'm off till Wednesday!! Woohooo. Kids start school on Tuesday and per usual I took off to make their day special. Sprinkle Pancakes anyone...

 

 

 

 

5. The temps are going down...It looks like next week is going to be spectacular for running. Mid to high 70's....while this is cold for normal day to day for me anyways...this is perfect running weather. I'm so excited!!

 

 

That's all I have for you! Have a great holiday weekend.

What's on your agenda for the weekend? Chicago Fire..yah or nay?

 





Badass!!!

I know you're just dieing to know how my week/weekend was. No....crickets...well that's ok let me just ramble away anyway!
Last week it was hella hot here in good old WI. For those of you who do not know this we Wisconsinites can handle the cold. We can get out and drive in 5 ft of snow, black ice, sleeting, 30 below zero anything, but heat well that takes the wind out of our sails. In the past couple of years we have seen record highs. Like 100 degrees. Last summer was darn hot most of us didn't get a tan because we stayed inside all summer in the comfort of our a/c rather than brave the heat.

I luckily am naturally tan so I didn't look like an albino with blindly white skin. And before any haters start to get all up in my business I'm speaking the truth if you don't believe me come and visit our fair state. I have nothing against lighter skinned people I just know that we can rock a farmer tan like no other. Anyways I'm getting off topic. (big surprise I know I'm a rambler). It was hot and my runner girl and I thought we'd go for a short run since we skipped our normal Monday run.
Well Wednesday it was

Notice the feels like temp (92) ummm yeah we have hella humidity. It's not just a dry heat it's sweaty stick to your chair, stick to everything kind of heat. Damn I was super sparkley...

 

 

So we busted out a little 5 mile. My app says more but I didn't stop it so really it was only 5 miles. Seriously I'm glad I busted it out but I was also so glad when it was done.

 

The rest of the week was non-eventful. Did some strength and finished up a photo shoot I did Tuesday. I knew my weekend was going to be super busy since I had two parties to attend, 3 photo shoots to do oh and let's throw a long run in there to.

 

So Saturday morning I got up and met up with my runner girl Hide-a-key and we were set to bust out a 20 miler. Now the longest I've ever done was 17 and that was three weeks prior.

But my race is only a month away and I knew it needed to be done.

 

Sorry for my less than stellar pic, super tired and sweaty and ready to pass out.

 

 

Bam!! Baby and the badass award goes to me. I'm not the fastest as I tell people all the time but darn it I will finish this dang thing. One and done right.

Have a great week y'all.







Confused again....well I get that alot

So I know I changed my blog name before but truthfully I wasn't happy with it. I gave it a chance but I feel like this one is more me.
I'm an akward person. I don't like the limelight and I prefer to be in the shadows, but I've "met" so many amazing people and when I've shared my story they are inspired.
I don't think of myself as an inspiration, just a girl that was sick of being bigger and wanted to get back into shape. I share my story because if you've ever been that overweight girl/boy and feel like you can't do it or someone has told you that can't well I'm proof that it can be done.
I'm not perfect and I haven't reached my goal but saying good-bye to 60lbs is proof that I'm well on my way.
This isn't a total fitness blog as I don't want to label myself because really I have ADD and I'm always all over the place. So one day you may see a run post and the next time I post you may find out I redid a room. Truth be told my life is chaotic and I try to balance everything the best I can.

So follow my journey...share my stories...let me be your cheerleader...and let me prove to you that no matter your fitness level, your time, your excuses...anything you put your mind to can be done!!!

Happy Friday!!!

Yes, I'm a huge goof ball...

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You Can't Do That!!!

I've been told all my life of all the things I can't do. I've been told I'm not smart enough, that I'm not in good enough shape to be on the team, that I'm to stupid and ugly to do anything with my life, that I won't amount to anything.

You would think hearing these things on the daily from a loved one, a teacher, "friends", complete strangers would get me down. I'm not going to lie it did and sometimes does. I would go into myself and hide. I would believe these comments and truly believe I wasn't capable of doing anything. I would amount to nothing and I would become all the horrible things that these people had said. My saving grace was doing something for me. I tried out for cheerleading in 11th grade even though others said I was to fat and I wouldn't get on the squad. THEY WERE WRONG!!

That one defining moment showed me that I was capable of anything.
I have always followed the beat of my own drum. I have done things in my own pace and haven't gone along with the crowd unless I wanted to.  I didn't listen to the nay sayers because they have been wrong and you know what if it didn't work out, then I would find a different way.  This topic has come up because people have tried to tear me down when I told them I signed up for a FULL marathon. This is some of the feedback I got....Really, do you think you can do that? Aren't you a little out of shape for that? That's really far, maybe you should just stick with your halfs and get better and then do the full. I won't lie it totally tore down my accomplishments. It made me doubt myself. It made me feel sad but then I was like:

 

 

Why was I letting them steal my thunder. Nobody I mean nobody knows what I am capable of besides me. If I think I can do it, then damn it I'm going to do it. Truth is yes I have doubts, and I get scared but then I go and do this:

 

(tank top: thread eleven)

 

 

17.2 miles...whoot whoot...who the hell does that..this crazy girl does and you know what I wasn't sore after and I didn't feel defeated. I felt bad-ass! Yes, bad-ass, because not only am I proof that what you put your mind to you can accomplish I proved it to myself. I am stronger than those ney-sayers, I am stronger than yesterday, I am stronger than my insecurities,  I can do anything.

 

I may not be the fastest, I may not be the fittest, I may not even run the whole damn thing because yes I do need to walk occasionally but it's what works for me.

 

Never let anyone tell you that you can't do something. Tell them to suck it and prove them wrong.

Squat It Like It's Hot!

Two weekends ago I had a good ole 13.1 scheduled. I got up laced up the shoes and out the door I went.
I started my run at a normal pace knowing that my hip had been giving me a little bit of trouble and that a chiropractor appointment was in the books for Monday.
I set out with my ear buds in jamming to some new tunes. While running I was thinking about why I run and some blog ideas came to me. I'm excited to write them and that will be a future thing but as of now I wanted to share how I can run 13.1 miles and not be sore the next day.
It's called training. Not only do you have to log some miles but you also need to do strength training.
Now I'll be honest I did not strength train before my half in May, but with the shin splints and the hip pain and darn it I wanted to run and love it again, I knew I needed to do something.
So when Amber (Crafty Healthy Mom) and Holly (Where We Can All Live Like Jack & Sally) through down the gauntlet I was in. There's was more of a 30 DS but hey I'm lifting weights. And then the lovely Darcie (Strongly Feminae) through out another challenge of running 60 miles in 60 days. Hey I love a good challenge so I joined both.
I'm not saying it's the only reason I'm logging so many miles or squatting it like it's hot but it does light a fire under your tush to get those miles in and to work those muscles.

So I've been doing this routine.

ARMS - 15lb weights 2-3 times through twice a week

20-push ups

20-dips

12-Over head Press

12 - Bicep Curls

12-Hammer Curls

12-Dead Lifts

12-Bent Over Rows

12-Upright Rows

12 Chest Press

12-Chest Flys

12-Skull Crushers

Legs - 2-3 times through, twice a week

20 of each move

Squats (regular stance)

Front Lunges (20 each leg)

Plie' Squats

Back Lunges (20 each leg)

Side Lunges (20 each leg)

Squats (regular stance)

Curtsey Lunges (20 each leg)

Calf Raises

Donkey Kicks

Fire Hydrants

Hip Lifts

ABS -

40 sec Plank

30 Crunches

30 Bicycle

30 Toe Touches

30 Reverse Crunches

15 Side Plank

30 Crunches

15 Side Plank

30 Russian Twist

30 Crunches

30 Bicycles

40 Sec Plank

Let me tell you I was sore sore sore the first week of doing this routine, but things got better and I've noticed I can run longer and I'm not as sore when I'm done running.
It's been going so well that on Saturday when I ran I felt like I could just keep going. That my friends has not happened in a long long long time.

So if you want to run well, don't forget the damn strength training. It seriously works and that's coming from a girl that hates squats...so do it...Squat It Like It's HOT!!!

Who Are You? Part 3

Part 3

Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
1. Tardiness (which is really hypocritical of me to say because I'm usually 10 min late if I have to bring my kids anywhere.)
2. People saying their going to do something and then they don't.
3.Coupons (why make me work for a lower price, just make it the best price from the start)
4.Dirty Sheets
5.Dirty Nails
6.Complainers
7.Being Taken For Granted
8.People that do not pick up their dogs poop...
9. When I waitress says do you need change...never ever expect a tip. You say I'll be back with your change. or if I put money in there even if it's just $2 change you bring me my change and don't assume you get to keep it...yeah that just happened Saturday night.
10. Whiney children

12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
Weekdays-Get up, shower, make my MIO energy water, first kids come, make breakfast, clean up breakfast, read a story, craft time, snack, outdoor time, make lunch, storytime, nap time or quiet time, snack time, free play, kid go home, make dinner for my family, workout, watch an hour of tv, bed
Weekends-run, grocery shop, catch up on anything that fell by the wayside during the week.

13. What’s the hardest part of growing up?
working everyday and not having summers off

14. Describe 5 and weaknesses strengths you have.
Weeknesses:
1. chocolate
2.wine
3.A good book
4. sugar
5. Shopping
Strengths
1.Work Ethic
2.Loyalty
3. Multi-tasker
4.Patience
5.Trusting

15. Describe when you knew your spouse was the one or how I fell in love
I think I knew within the first month that we would be married. He said he knew within the first two months. We just clicked and liked a lot of the same things and it seemed like we knew each other forever.

Who Are You Part Two!

Linking up with Miss Kimmy...Seriously she is a funny lady and if you don't read her you should.

If you could have three wishes, what would you wish for?
1. $$$$, yes it may be selfish, and it does bring more headaches but I would love to not stress about bills and to be able to do any job I wanted and not be tied to something that makes money.
2. A cure for cancer....yes I know super generic but it's taken some people that I love way before their time.
3. To be able to eat whatever I wanted and not gain unwanted weight.

What is your dream job, and why?
Just one...A talk show host, a movie maker, a singer (if I could sing), a professional dancer (not the pole type), a vacation blogger (the one where you go on vacations all the time for free and get paid to write about it)

What are 5 passions you have?
1. Running. I love to run and I think it clears the mind.
2. My family.
3. Music.
4. Positivity...seriously being a negative nelly is not cool
5. Being Creative...photography, scrapbooking, whatever


List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
1. My mom -Although she has made some bad choices through the years she has come through it. Without going through those struggles I wouldn't be the person I am today.
2. My dad- he pushed me everyday to get a good job, and get good grades. Although I never listened to him he still pushed. He always has wanted the best for his kids and he goes out of his way to help.
3. Heidi- She is my running partner in crime. She believes in me and pushes me to go faster. We can laugh at each other and be goofy with each other and she doesn't judge me. I talk to her everyday and I am so grateful that we met.
4. Marie - She pounds my greatness into my head even though I don't believe it. She reminds me that just because I help out others doesn't mean that I don't need help to. She is my voice of reason and my voice of concern. She is always sending me little cards on how I'm a great friend, etc. Which can make me feel uncomfortable because I don't take praise very well but it teaches me to be a gracious receiver.
4. Felecia - Although we haven't known each other long it feels like forever. She pushes me everyday and holds me accountable. She is my biggest cheerleader and even though she lives so far away it's like she's right next door. I can tell her anything and she listens and responds with love. Although if I need a kick in the pants she'll give it to me.
5. Lori- she is the only one who knows what being married into this crazy family is all about. We can laugh about it and say that their really should be a handbook so you know what you're getting yourself into. I love hanging out with her and drinking some wine with her.
5. Shannon - She was the first friend to stick up for me and made me realize that the friends I did have were toxic and crap. She has made me realize that I'm worthy of more than I was letting myself believe.
6. Crystal - She's the friend that I can call up and even though we haven't talked in months it's like no time has gone past. Her faith in God is outstanding and she reminds me that she is always there just a phone call away.
7. My Kids - Truly I never knew what it was like to love someone so unconditionally before at first site. I want to hold them in my arms forever.
8. Steve- He drives me crazy, and is stubborn but he loves me even though I do exactly the same to him. He picks me up when I'm down
9. Natalia/Maleah - This is 2-fer because they are my sassy sisters that both bring out the best in me. Natalia has taught me to be a better listener and patience. I'm thankful she has met someone that loves her unconditionally. Maleah - is my goofy, fun, movie quoting sister. Just love her. to pieces
10. Maya Angelou - Although I don't know her personally. Her ability to keep going with a positive attitude no matter what hardships you have gone through is inspiring and it is the person I strive to be everyday.

Describe your most embarrassing moment.
Well really there are too many to list. I embarrass myself every day.
It could be as simple as running...tripping...and falling face first on the concrete, or being on the dance floor at a wedding and dancing my butt off  and slipping on my butt legs up to the sky wearing a dress. Or how about the time I jumped up from sleeping and forgot I was in a camper and slammed my head into the bottom of the top bunk and then proceeded to run into the door because it was so dark I couldn't see it was closed only to fall out again face first and wake every one up.

Who Are You Pt 1

So I'm late to the party and really nobody cares.
I'm linking up with Kimmy...from That's The Thing About Destiny.

So here's Part 1

 List 20 random facts about yourself.
1. I'm training for a full marathon.
2. I love my kiddos and hubs.
3. I was a cheerleader in high school
4. I try to look at the good in every situation.
5. I love reality TV.
6. I hate to be wet with clothes on.
7. I love steak
8. I don't drink alcohol during the work week.
9. I'm really not that interesting.
10. I love looking at pictures.
11. I love to laugh
12. I wanted to have 6 kids.
13. I can not live without my phone (it has all my info on and I really should back it up somewhere)
14. I love to dance

15. I usually have my hair up in a genie bun. (please don't mind the dirty mirror)
16. I love music...all kinds
17. I'm tech challenged
18. I love to take pictures
19. I don't like to be the center of attention
20. I'm a huge goofball (hence the dorky picture above)

Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears
1. My kids being kidnapped or sexually abused. It maybe from the media that throws it in your face or the fact that I raised my siblings at a young age, but I worry about this all the time.
2. Spiders....thank you 100 yr old farm house that I grew up in for making me face this fear everyday, and it wasn't until last week that I could muster the courage to kill one above my head without sucking it up with the vacuum. Oh yes that is what I use to do.
3. Car accident, airplane accident anything I guess where I could die.

Describe your relationship with your spouse.
We're goofballs, and we bring out the best and worst in each other, but we work on it everyday. He is my best friend but also knows how to push my buttons.

List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.
1. You are beautiful
2. This too shall pass
3. Study more!!
4. Step away from the chips
5. Step away from the chocolate
6. That girl you think is your friend is not
7. Laugh more
8. Save your money
9. Stand up straight
10. Don't stop singing

What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
1. My husband and kids
2. My family
3. My friends
4. Running
5. Music