The Rattle Me Bones 5K Zombie Run

SO. MUCH. FUN!!!!

The Rattle Me Bones 5K Zombie Run will definitely go down as one of the most fun events I've ever been fortunate enough to participate in! 

Daddy Lego and I didn't know what to expect for the "race" ... All we knew was that there were zombies and the event was not timed. So we went in with a "lets just have fun" attitude. We didn't use any running apps, we didn't set our timers, we just went as us (although next year, we'll SO be dressing up as zombies!!). My only goal was that I wanted to laugh. I wanted to take my time and enjoy the event.

Boy, did I ever.

Ready to run for my life!!

The event basically went like this: We were given flag football belts to wear around our waist, and each runner had three flags hanging off the belt. During the 5K-long course, zombies would attempt to take all our flags. If you finished with any flags, you were a survivor, and if you finished with no flags, you were infected. The entire course consisted of mud (SO much mud - I'm glad I wore my old, crappy shoes), forest, wet grassy fields, hills, tall grass, and obstacles. And there were zombies everywhere, hungry for our flags! (Including children zombies - those were the ones to avoid, they were unforgiving!!)

The first wave of runners going through the first field. You can see zombies in the distance!

The runners were sent through the course in waves, so that the course didn't get too congested in any one area (which was great, so that the zombie-to-runner ratio was reasonable) and so that the line-ups for the obstacles weren't too long. 

Waiting in line at one of the obstacles!

My favorite parts of the course were the forested areas, which there were a lot of .. Wow, was that ever a FUN adventure! The mud was insane and it was tough to jump through the woods and mud pits and avoid zombies at the same time! Some would get really sneaky and hide in the trees or bushes and jump out at you .. And since I'm so easy to scare, there was a lot of screaming and laughing on my part!

There were LOTS of forested areas to run through .. Can't say this enough - I LOVED these parts!

As I'd predicted going into the race, I was picked off by the zombies first, before Daddy Lego was .. So he used me as his "Walker Blocker", (Walking Dead fans will get that!) where I'd run at the zombie to distract them so that he could get around safely. He made it to the last half a kilometer with one flag left, until one grabbed his last flag after he'd passed the zombie (which was technically cheating from the zombie's part, since they weren't supposed to chase you once you passed them) but we just laughed anyway! So close!

Right at the end of the course, a zombie gave me a flag to finish with (what a thoughtful flesh-eater!) so I got to take home a survivor medal, while the hubby got an infected one. Our shoes and clothes were caked with mud and our stomachs were sore from laughing so hard! Our first thought coming out of it was that we wished we'd had our friends with us, because it would be even more fun with a group of us! 

Survivor!!

Infected!! (Gotta say - I've got a crush on this zombie!) hehe

Our medals

One of my favorite things about this event was the sense of camaraderie between the runners .. I'm so used to the competitive feel of race events, but because this wasn't timed, everyone was so friendly and supportive and relaxed. We all chatted and helped each other throughout the course, which was so much fun! 

Best zombie quote: "Avoid the center of the field, it's all muddy and I don't want you to fall .... When I GRAB YOUR FLAGS!!"

This event will definitely be an annual tradition for Daddy Lego and I .. As will be the hot coffee we enjoyed afterwards! The cold weather + mud + light rain made us super cold right after we finished so the coffee was very warming! 

Friends .. Be ready .. You're coming next year!!

Progress Report!

Yesterday was the day that I took my monthly progress pictures! It's kind of nice to see the loss, not only on the scale, but in the photos too! Hard work and dedication do pay off!!

I've started my new job, and I like it so far. Don't get me wrong, it's a JOB and WORK so it's kinda enh, but it is nice to be out, earning money and meeting new people! I really like my coworkers! 

I've come across a couple of issues with the new job, like the steel toe shoes .. Wow do they ever take a toll on my feet .. I'm going to look into getting some good quality insoles to help my dawgs out. The other issue I'm having is that my work shifts are now scheduled during my exercise times, which means I'm needing to find different ways to get in a quick run or a decent yoga workout. There are days where I've been unable to get any exercise in, except for my 3.5 mile walk into work (which is a good workout, sure, but not enough on the cardio / strength stuff to make me happy!). So I'll be working with the calendar to ensure I keep on track! I've worked too hard to get where I am now to let a snag in scheduling throw me off course. Even if it means sleeping in my running gear and setting the alarm to go off a half hour earlier to get my exercise in, I will do it! 

Saw this going around FB and it SO inspired me!

I feel like I have so much more to chat about but that's all the time I have for now .. I'll catch up with you soon!! Xoxo! 

2013 Army Run 5K Race Recap

Daddy Lego and I with the Army Run Mascot!

So, the day has come and gone.

And what a day it was!

The Army Run is such a special one for Daddy Lego and I. It was where we ran for the first time together last year (after he filled in for my friend, who was unable to run!) and it is to support those in the Canadian Army who fight for our freedom. 

We were almost unable to race this year because it sold out way faster than we had anticipated .. But a good friend (thank you, Annie!!) was able to connect us with a husband and wife team who were selling their bibs, and in we were!

Daddy Lego and I knew going into this race that we wouldn't be running it side by side. He had been training HARD and really wanted to go for a 30-minute finishing time. I'm not quite there yet .. I've still got a lot of training and running to get under my belt before I'll be strong enough and fast enough for that! I didn't want to hold him down so I encouraged him to run his heart out and meet me at the finish line :)

Gotta say, even though I was surrounded by 22, 000 other runners, it was lonely. I'm not used to running alone, though I was excited for the challenge - me vs me. I had my running playlist ready to go and Map My Run going along with me to help keep me paced. 

A few songs got cut out, but this is the majority of my running list :)

The cannon went off and I didn't cry this time!! I waited patiently for the first few corrals to run through the start line and stood on my tippy toes to watch the runners. I was SO excited for the hubs and was cheering him on!

Then my corral made it to the front and away we went. My plan throughout the race was to keep paced with my music, but I had a verrrrry hard time doing so because of race-day adrenaline - I was going too fast. But I pushed hard and walked when I needed to (but I compromised with myself - if I was to walk, I would have to walk in time with my music, so I was still walking quickly! No breaks till the end!)

I kept getting stuck behind three sets of strollers that insisted on staying side to side .. Once I made my way past them, I feel like I breezed through the run. When I heard through the Map My Run app that my split pace was about 13 min / mile, I was super happy but also nervous - could I keep it up for the whole race?!

Turns out, I could .. And I did! 

Thanks to Map My Run for these results :)

Hmm .. 5K = 3.1 miles .. Yet this race was 3.44 .. Interesting ..

I really started to struggle towards the end, but once the finish line was in sight, I got my 19th wind and ran for the end! I cried as I passed the finish line, it's always such an emotional moment for me .. What an accomplishment, for ME to run a 5K!!

It's rare that I see a photo of myself that I don't instantly dislike .. thinking of ordering this one for my bib binder!

Because of my chest cold, I went into the race hoping for a PR but not expecting one .. And I got it anyhow! My official chip time was 45:24, which is 26 seconds faster than last year's Army Run! Woo hoo!! 

I'm really anxious to be able to run harder and faster .. Training has really been helpful. The more I train and the harder I push (and the more weight I lose!), the better I'll be. I'm looking forward to someday achieving a sub-40-minute PR :)

Finding my hubby at the finish line was a great treat - and hearing about his 31.17 time was AMAZING!! I'm SO beyond proud of him, and so inspired by him! 

It was also really awesome meeting up with my friend and fellow blogger, Joy, who also had a great run!! 

Special shout out to my friend Julie, who ran her first half marathon in 2:10:10! Wow! So inspiring :)

All in all, it was a great run .. Can't wait to do it again next year (and I'll be sure to sign up in advance to make sure I don't have to struggle last-minute to get in!)

To those incredible Army troops .. Thank you for all that you do for us! :)

Keeping My Glass Half Full!

Not gonna lie, I was feeling pretty discouraged after my run today.

I just finished day one, week five of C25K. The intervals were five minutes of running, three minutes of walking, repeated three times.

They just about killed me.

Towards the end of the final five minute run, I started feeling dizzy and seeing black stars in my eyes (thankfully it was in the final 30 seconds, so slowing down to a sloooooooow run didn't impact my training too much). I did have to slow down because I had the Lego Kids in the jogger, and it wouldn't have done any of us good if I'd have passed out on the pathway!

I used Map My Run throughout this run to check my pace and my distance .. And I almost cried when this is what I saw:

Some people can run entire 5K's in 17.39!!

Understandably, I am a slow runner and in the "beginner" stage so I know not to be too hard on myself for that part .. But I am a fast walker and feel as though I should have done better. At this pace, it would take me almost 53 minutes to finish the Army Run 5K that is NEXT SUNDAY. And that really bums me out. 

I've been training hard, running every two days and pushing myself hard throughout every single step of every single run. I was kind of hoping that I would PR next week. And now I'm not sure that'll happen. I'd need to finish in less than 45.50. I've got to be realistic: it's just not going to happen at this pace.

Thankfully today's result helps motivate to work even harder. It's a downer to still feel (and to be) so out of shape .. But every run that I do helps to bring me a tiny bit more into better shape. 

Mark my words: I NEVER want to ever be this out of shape again for the rest of my life.

I'm thankful that I began this running journey, for everything that it has brought to my life, and for inspiring me (and helping me understand why it is so important) to keep living healthy.

So .. Maybe I won't set a PR next week. But I'm still in better shape today than I was last week .. And that's kind of a PR too, and really, that's the only PR that matters in the grand scheme of things! :)

I'm just excited to be in better shape next week compared to this week .. And I'll be rewarded with a shiny medal for it too, at the finish line! :)

Sister Lego was mad at me for not letting her run during my cool down walk, like I normally do .. I was feeling too faint to risk letting her run free! :(

Are you guys in training for an upcoming event? How's it coming along?

90-Day Challenge

Aloha!

I hope everyone is settling in smoothly with the end of summer / back to school routine .. Brother Lego starts junior kindergarten this upcoming Friday .. I'm a wee bit nervous and anxious, and totally excited for him. 

But seriously. Wasn't he just this small last week!?

In Mama Lego news .. I started a 90-Day Challenge through one of my favorite pages on Facebook, called Debbi's Weight Watchin' Journey to a Healthy and Fit Lifestyle. She challenged herself to 90-day exercise / fitness program and invited a bunch of ladies to join her (in a separate, private FB group). Our only requirement was to pick our own personal challenges and to kick them in the butt! We update the page every day with our activities and cheer each other on. It's been great fun and extra motivating!

This is Debbi's before and after. Incredible, right?!

My personal challenge is to alternate one day of running, one day of yoga, every day of the week. Today is day 3 and I've been kicking the crap out of my goals. I'm going to (finally!!) completely finish the Couch to 5K program (I last left off around week 6 when I injured my hip, so I started from week one, day one, a few weeks back. I'm almost done week 3 now!) and to make it through an entire yoga DVD (my record so far is 20 awesome minutes!! I have a lot of work to do on my core strength!). I'm also tracking my meals, snacks and exercise through My Fitness Pal to ensure I stay on track. Some people have been surprised that I didn't set a weight loss goal for myself for this challenge. While I'm watching my weight and am anxious to see the numbers drop, I'm more focusing on toning my body, getting in shape, and finding confidence in my body. It's not all about the numbers for me.

Daddy Lego and I are in full training mode for the 5K Army Run, and the 90-day challenge has been a big help! The race is coming up fast, in 20 days! I'm SO excited. I have yet to decide if I'll be going for a PR .. Methinks I just might .. Daddy Lego is going for a PR and will be starting a few corrals ahead of me. I'm excited to cross the finish line, right into his arms!

So .. I hate sharing this stuff but I want to be totally honest with my weight loss / healthy living journey. I want to share my results with you guys along the way of my 90-Day Challenge. 

"Before" pictures can be embarrassing and they're definitely tough for me to share. But, here it goes ..

Since having my kids, I have a rule to never put myself down for my physical appearance (well, I try!) .. It's hard for me not to get all judgey on these pictures.

And that "before" is after losing ten pounds. Yup. I got back up to 275lbs throughout a really difficult period of my life. No regrets, only lessons learned ...Now I'm running those pounds away!!

I don't want to see 275 on a scale ever again!!

Here I was ten pounds ago. I feel like I can already see a difference. I wish I'd thought to take side and back pictures too. Ah well.

Phew. That was hard to share. 

Here are my measurements (all the areas I'm wanting to see results in!):

Arm: 15.25 inches (wings!!)

Upper Thigh: 32.2 inches 

Upper Calf: 21 inches 

Lower Calf: 13.5 inches

Waist: 48 inches 

Booty: 54.5 inches

Chest: 46 inches

I'm SO excited to see my progress along the next three months. I can already feel the changes in my body since starting the challenge three days ago. I'm anxious to get my toned body of last summer back :)

Does the return of the school year mean new routines for you too? Any new fitness goals? Let's hear 'em! :)

Having A Great Summer!

Over the past few months, I've been very focused on fixing me, which has not been an easy task. Apparently I have a lot of layers and each layer has its own layer of layers. I'm complicated .. Like every single person on this planet!

I've made many changes in my life to get myself (and keep myself!) on a track that I'm happy with. And I've learned so much about myself too! I'm trying to be a better wife, mother, friend, family member. All these changes have made for a pretty great summer. I've spent many hours outdoors with my family, playing and laughing. I spend time with people who make me happy and who don't bring negativity in my life. I go above and beyond for the people I care about, and provide support to friends and family in need. I've been eating delicious, healthy meals and am proud knowing that my kids are enjoying them too! I can honestly say that I am happier now than I have been in a long time. I feel more like myself again!

I love when Daddy Lego cooks :)

I'm running again! My nagging hip injury has given me less of a hard time (three cheers for healing!) and I've been able to get back to my 5K training. I've started my Couch to 5K app from the beginning, and am almost done week 2. I've been able to secure race bibs for Daddy Lego and myself for this September's Army Run (I'm SO excited!!) and have happily been tackling one training session at a time. I'm not going to be looking for a PR at that race - just looking to keep jogging for the entire thing! Maybe in doing so, I will set a PR? Who knows. I'm just thrilled that I was able to register with my hubby. The Army Run is the first 5K we ever ran together so it means the world to us to be able to do it again.

Hard to believe this was almost a year ago!

I've recognized that winter is a problem area for me (I know, how dare I mention winter mid-August!). My asthma makes it difficult for me to breathe in the cold temperatures outside, but I figure maybe if I keep at outdoor running, my lungs will come to adapt to it. I'm planning (dreaming!) of registering for one 5K race per month throughout the winter to keep me motivated! I'm really excited about this and I think it'll do the trick. I've already picked which events I want to do .. Now it's finding the money to do it all, ha ha! Darn registration fees!

Running really does make me happy and motivates me to keep on track with my weight loss and healthy lifestyle. It's also really challenging for me and I love seeing my progress! I also adore how my kids have taken to running - they just love it. Kids truly do live the "monkey see, monkey do" kind of way and if it means they will be active, then I'm happy to keep living the example for them :)

Sister Lego running to her buddy, Brother Lego 

How about you? Has the summer been helpful with keeping you on track? How has your summer been!?

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip "Cookie" Pancakes

Hi guys!

We made this pancake recipe this morning and I just had to share because it was so yummy! 

We altered our original whole wheat / flax pancake recipe to include oatmeal so it could have that "oatmeal cookie" flow to it .. And it worked :) They didn't last long this morning! They're delicious and full of yummy nutrients to kick-start the day.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip "Cookie" Pancakes

1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 tbsp sugar

Pinch of salt

1/3 cup quick-cooking oats

1 tbsp ground flax

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla 

1 1/2 cups milk (use more or less for your desired pancake consistency!)

1/3 cup dark chocolate chips

Mix your dry ingredients together, then blend in your wet ingredients until well mixed. Spoon into a lightly greased (we use Pam) frying pan. Cook over stovetop, medium heat, and flip halfway through cooking to ensure it cooks through on both sides.

This recipe yielded three large pancakes and two medium-sized ones .. And one medium-sized pancake filled me right up. And needless to say, it was a hit with the kids!

Enjoy :)

(And ps .. I'll be posting a Mama Lego Update soon!)

Race Weekend 5K

So this past weekend was the big day .. Race Day!

The starting line. Look at all those runners!!

Not gonna lie - going into the 5K race, I was a little gloomy. Having to stop my training for this race mid-way because of the allergic reactions attacking my lungs put a damper on the day. I knew I wasn't going to be setting a PR, I knew I probably wasn't going to be able to run even half the distance without slowing to a walk, I knew that I felt like my body totally let me down.

But I didn't let anything stop me. I wanted to push myself as much as I could go and do my best, and use the race results to gauge where I was at with my training. 

And yeah .. I wanted that medal!!

Daddy Lego is the best race partner I could ever ask for. I am so happy and proud that we run together. Makes every event that much more special, knowing that we're in it together!

We started off in the red corral (translation: the verrrrrrry last one!). At first I was down about it (especially when they announced us as the walking group!) but I turned out to absolutely love being there. Everyone around us was so happy and upbeat! They were there for fun!

Waaaaaaaaay at the back! 

The race began and we were in the second wave, so it took some time to hit the starting line. Once we crossed it, off we went .. And this is where being in the "walking group" benefited me: everyone in front of us was either walking or jogging at a slow pace, which helped keep me from rushing off in the excitement of the moment. They helped me keep a steady pace that I was able to maintain and I found myself being able to run for that much longer because of them!

I was so inspired by the people in my corral. I saw all sorts of body shapes and sizes, many incredible seniors, young children, and people walking for causes. Seeing a grandfather running hand-in-hand with his seven-year-old granddaughter? So motivating. I stopped feeling sorry for myself and my lung struggles, put a smile on my face and put my best foot forward.

I ran as much as I could and when I needed to slow it down, I speed-walked but I did not ever stop. When Daddy Lego felt me struggling, he held my hand and encouraged me to kick my butt into high gear!

When we passed the halfway point, I started to struggle a bit - then a little girl who was watching the race high-fived me with SO much excitement that it reminded me of my babies at home who were cheering for us, and that got me going again. Run!

We made a dash for the finish line and crossed the line at one hour and two minutes clock time .. I was disappointed to have at not come in (at least!) under an hour but was still happy that we did it and that I pushed myself as hard as I could! I knew that I did my best!

Note to self: three layers of clothing do not flatter the figure.

We collected our awesome medals and walked our way back to the mall to rest our feet for a few minutes. I google'd our race results and we were thrilled with what we saw ..

48:51 CHIP TIME!!!

That's only three minutes and one second longer than our first official race, The Army Run! (And I remember that even though I ran 90% of the Army Run, it was a slooooooooow run .. Even slower than I had run / speed-walked for this race!). I was elated, and still am. 

My results helped me ease up on myself. Injuries and illnesses will happen, that's an unavoidable part of life ... But what is important is to not let them stop you. They may deter you a bit, but push past them! 

Happy and tired on the bus ride home

Knowing how well I did this race gives me so much more confidence for the Army Run this coming September (where I WILL set a PR!!!!). I know I can do this!!!

There were some flaws in the organization of the race (no mile-markers along the way to track your distance, the water station was right at the end instead of part-way through) ... but all in all, it was a great race and I'll definitely participate next year. I'm anxious to see the pictures of the race when they get posted :)

Boy Lego wearing my medal :)

I got to share my medals with the Lego Kids when we got home .. And they surprised me with birthday cake. Such a great day :)

The icing melted, but reads: Happy Birthday! lol

Happy Birthday Healthy Foodies, Losing Booties!

I can't believe a whole year has gone by since I started my healthy living journey. There have been many MANY fantastic things that have come from my choice to live happy, healthy and active. I'm grateful that I blogged about every step along the way because I have so much to look back on! And I'm even happier for all of you guys for joining me! 

So reflecting back on before and after pictures is always lots of fun .. Now since I was stupid not thinking ahead at the time, I didn't take a "before" picture of myself at the beginning of my journey .. But I can still share pictures of my progress on just about everything else!

So that was me a year and a month ago. I was sedentary, very inactive, VERY overweight, constantly exhausted, moody, depressed, unmotivated, unhappy with myself, and struggled through day to day activities. 

My meals looked a lot like this: 1. The famous Mac of Big! 2. Yeah, my pizza addiction can still be a problem .. hehe. 3. Hamburger Helper and LOTS of it and 4. Mac and Cheese with hot dogs (not gonna lie - I still love that stuff!)

Well, thanks to a great friend (Hi Christina!!) and wonderful hubby, I was encouraged to return to Weight Watchers (where I previously lost 97lbs in high school!) to get myself back on track. Christina kicked my arse on the days I wasn't up to going to the meetings ("but I had a bad week and the scale won't be nice to me!") and hubby helped lift me up when I was down. Another wonderful friend (ROXY!!) introduced me to her passion for yoga and her positive energy motivated me completely - when someone is passionate about something, it really is contagious . I fell in love with yoga! Then a few friends registered for this 5K Army Run thing .. and Cindy (love ya!) convinced me to register too and run with her. ME, run a 5K?! Pfffft.

I started a Couch to 5K program and really struggled at first .. but soon I was in love with that feeling you get during and after a tough run (runner's high!). And I loved the results I was seeing - the combination of running and yoga was not only helping my weight loss, but my bum and legs were really starting to tone down! Running was a challenge that I loved to overcome. Asthma shmasthma. Before I knew it, I was running my first ever 5K!

And then once day where I was lounging on the couch after a loooong week .. I came across this incredible show:

Remember how I said how someone's positive energy and passion can be contagious?! BOOM. These ladies are frickin GODS in my book. They made nutrition and healthy living fun! They showed me that healthy eating doesn't have to just be salads and baked chickens. Before I knew it, I was addicted to learning about nutrition and had purchased their amazing book, The Looneyspoons Collection (now my bible and easily my go-to for just about anything .. go buy it!!) and wanting to do something more with my life. Janet Podleski inspired me to become a nutritionist - learning how different foods can impact your body is so fascinating. I'm now enrolled in school, getting my prerequisites in order to study nutrition and to become a dietician! And I got to meet the Podleski sisters - what a dream come true!!

I became an ambassador for Fit Approach #sweatpink, Girls Gone Sporty and Greatist. I've lost 57lbs (okay, now it's 37lbs because of my winter gain - no worries, it's disappearing fast!), love running and yoga'ing, walk just about everywhere, live in my workout clothes, and have a passion for nutrition and healthy-ing up my favorite recipes. I'm happier than I've ever been in my life!

So before, my snacks and eating looked like this ..

1. Chocolate cake (and just about any baked good!) 2. Hawkins Cheezies 3. Chocolate chip cookies in bulk and 4. Pralines and Cream ice cream

My meals now look a lot more like this:

Breakfast is served! 1. Scrambled eggs w/ spinach, mushrooms and green onions. 2. French toast w/ whole wheat and flax bread, a dollop of light whipped cream. 3. Avocado, onion and tomato omelette. 4. A breakfast wrap! All served with a pile of fruit, every single day.

Lunch time! 1. Light egg salad sandwhich on whole wheat and flax bread, veggies on the side. 2. A homemade mini pizza with light cheese and a big salad 3. Quinoa salad with feta, corn, red peppers and spinach. 4. A huge spinach salad with chicken and lots of veggies!

Dinner's Served! 1. BBQ chicken breast with mashed sweet potatoes and sauteed veggies. 2. Taco night! Light cheese, extra lean ground beef, tomatoes, avocado and mushrooms. 3. My favorite!! Daddy Lego's homemade turkey burgers with provolone, mushrooms, spinach and avocado, with a huge salad on the side. 4. A lightened-up Shepherd's Pie, made with lots of veggies, lean ground turkey, creamed corn and mashed sweet potatoes.

Snacks! Larabar all-natural no-crap energy bars (the apple one is my favorite!). 2. Fruit salad. 3. A handul of almonds. 4. Grapes! Yum!

A girl still needs to treat herself from time to time. 1. Lightly sea-salted almonds with dark chocolate quinoa pearls. 2. Rocky Road frozen yogurt. 3. My favorite lightened-up frozen coffee! 4. Apple chips!

All of my meals have fruits or vegetables (or both - and LOTS of 'em!) whereas before, I was lucky to have a banana or have Subway (there are veggies on my sub!). I always make sure to have a snack between meals so that I don't get too hungry and over-indulge come meal time. I drink lots of water and love to put lemon in it! I rarely buy packaged foods and eat mostly foods I prepare at home. 

I love being active. Running and walking are my go-to exercises, and when I want to tone and stretch, yoga is the one I choose. Being outside makes me happy. Soaking up vitamin D while exercising releases all those happy endorphins that keep my depression in line. I have never been in better shape - and I plan to keep getting better!

The absolute BEST reward for my decision to live a healthy lifestyle? Seeing the joy on my kids' faces because mommy has the energy to run along with them, kicking a ball, or chasing after them at the park, or playing Ring Around The Rosey for the millionth time without losing steam. I'm able to be the mommy I wanted to be - happy and energetic and active with my kids! And I'm a role model for the lives I want them to lead. They will want to be active and eat healthy because that is what they know right from childhood, and because their parents practiced what they preached. I LOVE IT.

Family runs, chasing bubbles, and a yogi-to-be!

Healthy breakfasts of eggs, toast and fruit, no-sugar-added applesauce snacks at the park, strong boys eat their fruits, and PB & J on whole wheat and flax with cheese and veggies.

So that was this past year. Better food choices and active living can make for a pretty darned amazing life, you know!? I'm so proud of this past year, slip-ups and all, and I know it can only get better from here.

To my hubby: I love you. Thanks for being my partner in crime and my number one biggest fan. You're pretty kick-ass!!

To my kids: thank you for being my cheerleaders, my motivation, my reason for healthy living. You both saved my life.

To my friends (my girls!!) .. Christina, Christine, Cindy, Roxanne .. You're all amazing. Thank you for inspiring me and for giving me the kicks in the butt that I needed.

Thank you all for being a part of my journey. I can't thank you enough for your kind words and support! 

Always remember: Healthy Foodies, Lose Booties!

Lego Lately

Hey guys!

So Daddy Lego and I have been solid on our commitment to healthy living. We've been preparing healthy meals and snacks, exercising regularly (and with the kids!), drinking plenty of water, and tracking what we eat. So far, he's down about 12 pounds and I'm down 11! (Which means I've chomped down on my winter weight gain of 32 lbs .. Now it's only 21!) :)

The Lego Kids holding hands on a family walk :)

Our local Farm Boy just recently put in an incredible salad bar. Here's a Greek salad I made!

Jumping back into the healthy living zone was quite natural for us - it felt like we never went off track to start with. If ever we're craving something "bad", we do what we did all along - make a healthy version and enjoy! 

Breakfast is served! An egg, baby spinach, tomatoes, light swiss and green onions, wrapped in a whole grain tortilla, served with fresh fruits. Total points: eight!

Homemade pepperoni mini pizza and a baby spinach salad - total lunch points:  six!

I'm feeling fantastic. I have so much more energy and am feeling much more confident. It is really great to feel in control of my diet again, instead of letting the food control me! And if I can do it, anyone can!

We've also been training for our 5K run for Race Weekend, coming up in two weeks! I'm not as fit as I was this past Fall when I ran the Army Run so I'm not pressuring myself to run the whole race as fast as I can with no breaking and get a PR. I did originally want to get a PR but being sidetracked with horrible chest congestion due to severe hayfever  (trigger: asthma) means taking it easy and waiting for my lungs to clear up before trying to run (or wind up in the hospital on an oxygen tank!). That being said, if I'm only able to run for 10 minutes and have to walk the rest of the race, I'm okay with that. I'll give it my all and finish with a smile, knowing I did my best :) 

Me and the kids made it on Run With Jess' Mother Runner collage!

But come September when we participate in the Army Run again ... I'm going for a PR baby!!! 

Posing for a picture after a good run in the sun!

Allergies aside, this May weather has been just gorgeous! I've been walking to work and back again, which I just love .. 45 minutes to myself, enjoying the scenery and my favorite music. It's meant getting up earlier for my Saturday and Sunday shifts, but it's worth it. I start my work day in such a better mood. 

How is your month going? Anyone struggling to get back on the wagon? Or are you powering through too?! 

Happy Mother's Day to all you amazing Mommies!