Long Time

I can't believe how long it's taken me to get back tot the computer.  Between my incredibly intense work schedule and never ending sick children, it has been nuts.  I really mean exhausting.  I actually had to take 5 days off exercising between work and sick kids.  There just wasn't a moment to get it done.  I had no seconds for myself at all.  There was always some sweet, sick kiddo needing his or her mom.  So, instead of exercising, I laid in my bed and watched Peter Pan over and over and over and over again.  At least it's a pretty cute movie!

I finally got two runs in the past two days.  Yesterday, I ran 4 miles.  Today, I ran 5.5 miles!  Go me!  I can't believe it's less than a week until the half marathon.  I think I've trained as well as possible considering my crazy life, so I anticipate having fun and a decent time.

My only real concern about the race is the weather.  Shocker I know.  It's February.  Yes, I know, February in central Florida, but February nonetheless.  Right now, weather.com says the high on race day is going to be 89!  I am so glad the race starts at 0530 in the morning.  Otherwise, that type of temperature may just do me in!

I plan on another run tomorrow before going to work!  I still can't believe we have less than a week until the race!!!

Track Time With The Girls

This is how my day started.  Needless to say my sweet boy has the crud.  It's not the flu.  It's not strep.  It's not an ear infection.  It's just the crud causing him to wheeze and run high fever.  It stinks.  We snuggled today (and were up all night), so all my goals of getting a good workout in today vanished.  Oh well.  For any of my kids, I will always do what I need to do for them first.  

I finally made it to the high school track this evening.  Of all things, I had never been there before today.  The girls begged and begged to go run with me, so I broke down and took them.  I knew that had huge potential to once again ruin my attempt at a work out, but I gave it a shot anyway. 

 Both of my girls are good runners! I was actually impressed at how well they did.  Evie ran at least a half mile with me.  Then, she joined in for several shorter distances.  Maggie ran more than a quarter of a mile wit me.  Her asthma has been really bad lately, so she tired easier than her sister.  I'm super, duper impressed with how well she did considering how it's for her to breathe right now!  

They both wanted me to stop and play with them, so I would run one lap and then spend several minutes with them.  We even had to take a potty break right in the middle of everything!  So my watch may not show a good time, but it really is much better than how it appears.  I went. I did. I won.  That's the most important aspect.  I showed up and tried.

Virtual 5k

I am enjoying getting back into blogging again!  It's so great to just write down my thoughts.  Today I ran a "Virtual 5k" with everyone else who follows the Runs for Cookies blog.  It's Katie's 31st birthday, so in honor of this day, she held a virtual 5k.  There are no winners or losers.  Everyone who participates should feel good about the accomplishment.  I know I do!

I had to run on the treadmill today instead of outside.  For a Georgia girl, it was cold and nasty outside.  Yes this means it was 36 degrees with a little drizzle.  It just wasn't the type of day I wanted to be outside.  Honestly, I wouldn't have minded it, but there was no way I pushing a triplet stroller with three almost 5 year old children in it!  So, I hit the gym and dropped the kids off at child care.  That ended up working great for me.

I have to admit the treadmill was nice because I was able to push myself a little differently than I do when I'm outside.  I would run at 6.0 with a 1% incline for two minutes.  Then, I would slow it down to 4.5 for one minute.  I was able to do this for a little more than 2 miles.  I really started struggling and decreased my fast speed to 5.5.  i can't believe I was able to do as well as I did.  I sure am glad I was able to watch "Everybody Loves Raymond" on my phone while running.  I really needed the distraction.  The only problem is I got tickled at one point and almost tripped because of my foot drop!  Otherwise, it went great!

It is so nice to be getting some much needed encouragement via blogs.  It really reminds me of the really special times and friendships from blogging about my pregnancy and triplets for so long.  What a happy memory <3!

7 Mile Run

I feel pretty successful after this beach trip!  I'm trying really hard to remind myself since mom owns a beach house now, going there doesn't mean I can blow my diet!  That's a really hard one for me.  I'm used to going to the beach, telling myself this is special, and blowing my diet the entire time I'm there.  No more.  Yes, A splurge every once and a while is okay, but not hourly!  

Aren't they cute?  And aren't you jealous?!?!?

I didn't end up doing my seven mile run on Sunday.  I have to keep telling myself the morning is the best time to run.  Well Sunday, I waited...and waited...and waited.  I finally went for a quick 2 mile walk and run in the  dark.  I did it though!  I had planned to just walk two miles, but after a 17.5 minute walk, I decided to run the mile back to the house.  In the end, I didn't do too badly!

My night time walk/run time.

I set my mind to running my seven mile run the next morning, and I did it!  Running on an island is so wonderful!  It was flat, the views were gorgeous and I was able to see the ocean.  Seven miles is almost fun with those circumstances.  Running at home is so much harder because it's so hilly.  I at least feel like I'm keeping up with my goal of being able to complete this half marathon.  I can't wait for my next beach run!  It's can't come soon enough!

Half way through the run!

The completed seven miles!

Beach Runs!

I am at the beach!  I have to say I'm a really lucky lady, and I know it!  I have to get in a 7 mile run tomorrow.  However because we are at the beach, it will be a nice, flat run!  Today, I ran 3.24 miles in 37 minutes!  For me, that's pretty good.  In addition to this run, made a quick stop by a shop and bought three bathing suits!  The pool here is heated, and the kids are BEGGING to go for a dip in the pool.  I forgot to bring their swimsuits from home, and JUST IN CASE I feel motivated I feel motivated to take them swimming tomorrow, we now can do!  You should have seen me running home carrying a bag in my hand.  I'm certain I looked a little odd.....

After  I ran, I took the girls on a bike ride to the park.  The had begged for me to take them on a ride earlier in the day, so I redeemed myself.  It was fun to watch the play and swing them though.  However, when we got back to the house and the girls realized Josh had gone with my mom and my sister to the beach, they were NOT happy.  Oh well.  I can't do it all.

I did splurge a little today.  Really, I did well minus the piece of divinity and the marshmallow/caramel bar I had tonight.  Adding up all of my calories, I don't think I had more 1400 calories, so I still okay!!  Sometimes being at the beach brings out the worst in my attempts at losing weight.  So far this trip hasn't been a complete failure!  Yay!  I don't have a picture of my watch from the run, but here are some cute pictures of the kids at the beach!

Anyone Else With My Problem?

I have one major issue. Whatever I pull out to eat, my children decide to come"share" it with me. Sometimes I really think I eat double not really knowing how much I've eaten. It is really one of the most frustrating issues for me. I know you may be thinking I just need to tell them no, but it just isn't that easy. My kids much prefer my healthy foods, so I don't mind sharing.

Oh well. I'm trying to learn to be healthy with the life I have. This is just another little challenge I have to overcome. any ideas are greatly appreciated.

I did get to work out again last night. I have decided it may never get easier, but I am definitely enjoying it! Steve is the kindest, yet toughest, trainer. Sometimes I think his kindness tricks me into being okay with him increasing the speed or incline on the treadmill. I'm relishing these moments I love working out, because I know every day won't feel "fun". However, the results sure are going to be worth it!