9 weeks till my half marathon =) I'm excited, but I know soon the butterflies will hit and I'll be a nervous wreck! This past weekend I ran 6 miles for my long run. I must say the 6 mile mark is awesome. I felt this confidence I hadn't felt before, it was wonderful! It takes me a good 2-3 miles to get warmed up, but after that I felt great! I just want to encourage you readers that are wanting to start running, to push yourselves. You will be surprised how much mental strength can overcome physical. I would have never imagined I would run 6 miles w/out stopping...heck not even a 5k! Stick to a good schedule that has you doing "easy" runs during the week and long runs on the weekends (or whatever works for your schedule).
Also, some of you may remember me having an injury a year or so ago....I got a stress fracture on my foot. The more I think back I think that it was my shoes. I had horrible old shoes that I'd had for like two years. I'm sure you runners are thinking OH MY....bad, bad Leah!!! haha A good rule of thumb is to replace your running shoes every 300 to 400 miles. I have read that about halfway through the life of your running shoes, you might want to buy another pair of running shoes to rotate into your runs. Your shoes will last longer when you allow them to decompress and dry out between workouts. Also, having a fresh pair of shoes as a reference will help you notice when your old ones are ready to be replaced.
So when I decided to do this half marathon, I bought my first pair of GOOD running shoes called ASICS GEL-Nimbus 12 for around $125. Those are what I'm wearing now on my runs, and I love them. Just recently they came out with a newer version of the shoe, the Nimbus 13...so that meant the 12's would be closed out....good news for me =) I've been researching online and the cheapest place I found was runningwarehouse . I actually just google for a code and at the checkout if you enter RWJUNE11 you get 10% off. So I a brand new pair for around $71!!! SWEET!! YAY And they have Free 2 day shipping! So I will rotate out my new shoes on my runs so that I will have a good pair come the mini in September!
I'd love to hear from my readers....let me know what you're doing or what you'd like to do to stay healthy =)
I'll leave you with a video of my little peanut Stella. Hope it brings a smile to your face =)
6.30.2011
6.28.2011
I'm back!
Sorry it's been a few days, we just got done with celebrating Alli Jo's 5th birthday!! WOW 5 years old....crazy! She will be starting Kindergarten this fall, and it just doesn't seem possible!! I wish I was one of those mommys who writes well, I'm just not. But if I could write you a letter Alli Jo, here is what it would say:
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Dear AJ,
I know you like it when mommy calls you AJ, you always light up and giggle=) How could I ever tell you exactly what you mean to me and how much fun we have shared together? My life has been amazing since you were placed in my arms just five years ago! I remember when you were in my tummy your daddy and I tried to figure out the PERFECT name. Did you know that God already knew what your name was going to be before mommy and daddy even thought about it? He did! And he knows the number hairs on your beautiful head! hee hee He is amazing, and He has let me and your dad be your parents and guide you on this earth and we are so honored!
Back to your name.....Mommy was having trouble deciding on the "perfect" name. Your big sister Hunter said it should be AJ. I thought that was so cute, so we needed to come up with what the A & J stood for. Being that your daddy's name is Joe, it was fit that your middle name would be Jo =) I eventually had it narrowed down to either Aubrey Jo or Alli Jo. And daddy decided he liked Alli better =) So there it was Alli Jo Robinson, our soon to be baby girl!
Mommy's pregnancy went pretty good! It was a hot summer and I remembered being pregnant with Hunter who was born in July...so I was sort of used to it. I just stayed in the air conditioning as much as possible! Your due date was July 1st, but something just told me I wouldn't make it to then. Sure enough I was induced on June 26, 2006 and you were born at 11:31am.
I remember you had the cutest chubby cheeks ever and you were so alert as you tried to open your big beautiful eyes and see your mommy for the first time! You didn't cry much at all, but when you did we knew you wanted something and wanted it NOW!
I wanted to hold you all day long, you loved me and I loved you and to this day we still argue about who loves whom more....I say I love you forever Alli Jo and you tell me, "I love you all the way to Jesus and back!" haha It's just so darn cute how your mind works! You are ALWAYS and I mean ALWAYS making us laugh. I honestly don't think a day goes by that your dad and I don't laugh at something you say....you love to make us happy! Whether it's mocking your big sister and acting like a DIVA or making silly faces at your little sis =)
You have grown into such a beautiful young lady Alli Jo! People come up to me and comment often how pretty and sweet you are, just like a princess =( And you are more loving than any five year old I know. You are kind, caring, love unconditionally and live fully. You love waking up each day and are ALWAYS in a good mood! Your joy is infectious…....your laughter contagious...... and your desire to learn is admirable.
I hope to always encourage you, respect you, be your biggest fan, your advocate and your supporter. I will always hope for a brighter, more accepting tomorrow. But above all, I will always love you for who you are...my beautiful, amazing, intelligent, fun-loving daughter .
Happy 5th Birthday, Alli Jo!
You will always be my little princess.
Love,
Mommy
Dear AJ,
I know you like it when mommy calls you AJ, you always light up and giggle=) How could I ever tell you exactly what you mean to me and how much fun we have shared together? My life has been amazing since you were placed in my arms just five years ago! I remember when you were in my tummy your daddy and I tried to figure out the PERFECT name. Did you know that God already knew what your name was going to be before mommy and daddy even thought about it? He did! And he knows the number hairs on your beautiful head! hee hee He is amazing, and He has let me and your dad be your parents and guide you on this earth and we are so honored!
Back to your name.....Mommy was having trouble deciding on the "perfect" name. Your big sister Hunter said it should be AJ. I thought that was so cute, so we needed to come up with what the A & J stood for. Being that your daddy's name is Joe, it was fit that your middle name would be Jo =) I eventually had it narrowed down to either Aubrey Jo or Alli Jo. And daddy decided he liked Alli better =) So there it was Alli Jo Robinson, our soon to be baby girl!
Mommy's pregnancy went pretty good! It was a hot summer and I remembered being pregnant with Hunter who was born in July...so I was sort of used to it. I just stayed in the air conditioning as much as possible! Your due date was July 1st, but something just told me I wouldn't make it to then. Sure enough I was induced on June 26, 2006 and you were born at 11:31am.
I remember you had the cutest chubby cheeks ever and you were so alert as you tried to open your big beautiful eyes and see your mommy for the first time! You didn't cry much at all, but when you did we knew you wanted something and wanted it NOW!
I wanted to hold you all day long, you loved me and I loved you and to this day we still argue about who loves whom more....I say I love you forever Alli Jo and you tell me, "I love you all the way to Jesus and back!" haha It's just so darn cute how your mind works! You are ALWAYS and I mean ALWAYS making us laugh. I honestly don't think a day goes by that your dad and I don't laugh at something you say....you love to make us happy! Whether it's mocking your big sister and acting like a DIVA or making silly faces at your little sis =)
You have grown into such a beautiful young lady Alli Jo! People come up to me and comment often how pretty and sweet you are, just like a princess =( And you are more loving than any five year old I know. You are kind, caring, love unconditionally and live fully. You love waking up each day and are ALWAYS in a good mood! Your joy is infectious…....your laughter contagious...... and your desire to learn is admirable.
I hope to always encourage you, respect you, be your biggest fan, your advocate and your supporter. I will always hope for a brighter, more accepting tomorrow. But above all, I will always love you for who you are...my beautiful, amazing, intelligent, fun-loving daughter .
Happy 5th Birthday, Alli Jo!
You will always be my little princess.
Love,
Mommy
6.23.2011
Nike + GPS App
For those of you with an iPhone or iPod touch...I wanted to share my all-time FAV app that a friend of mine discovered and has me hooked!! It's the Nike + GPS App. Here is a screen shot of what it looks like....
It's honestly like having your own coach with ya. You can map your runs, track your progress and get the motivation you need to go even further. Hear mid-run cheers every time your friends like or comment on your run status, or outrun them in a game of Nike+ Tag!
This app is basically a GPS app that makes use of your iPhone’s GPS functionality so you should be aware that utilizing GPS will decrease iPhone’s battery life dramatically. What makes this app is different with other GPS app is its features which designed specialized for runners and fast-walkers who want to track their running progress.
- The Nike+ GPS App is compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPod touch (2nd, 3rd, and 4th generations) running iOS 4.0 or later.
- Download it on the go and start running anywhere.
- Record your pace, distance and run route using the iPhone’s GPS and accelerometer technology
- Get voice feedback during your run on how you’re doing, or tap the map to see where you are
- Activate personalized PowerSongs to help you blast past your goals and records.
- Broadcast your accomplishments to the world via Facebook and Twitter.
- Keep a record of your best runs and see if you’ve got what it takes to break them.
I love syncing my runs afterwards and hearing if I've got a new PR or a new accomplishment. This morning it said I've ran the most this week, than any other week! Saturday it told me I got a new PR for my mile time as well as the 5k time ;) I post it to FB in hopes that I inspire people that they can do it also! Oh and I think I paid $1.99 for it....can't beat that!
It's honestly like having your own coach with ya. You can map your runs, track your progress and get the motivation you need to go even further. Hear mid-run cheers every time your friends like or comment on your run status, or outrun them in a game of Nike+ Tag!
This app is basically a GPS app that makes use of your iPhone’s GPS functionality so you should be aware that utilizing GPS will decrease iPhone’s battery life dramatically. What makes this app is different with other GPS app is its features which designed specialized for runners and fast-walkers who want to track their running progress.
- The Nike+ GPS App is compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPod touch (2nd, 3rd, and 4th generations) running iOS 4.0 or later.
- Download it on the go and start running anywhere.
- Record your pace, distance and run route using the iPhone’s GPS and accelerometer technology
- Get voice feedback during your run on how you’re doing, or tap the map to see where you are
- Activate personalized PowerSongs to help you blast past your goals and records.
- Broadcast your accomplishments to the world via Facebook and Twitter.
- Keep a record of your best runs and see if you’ve got what it takes to break them.
I love syncing my runs afterwards and hearing if I've got a new PR or a new accomplishment. This morning it said I've ran the most this week, than any other week! Saturday it told me I got a new PR for my mile time as well as the 5k time ;) I post it to FB in hopes that I inspire people that they can do it also! Oh and I think I paid $1.99 for it....can't beat that!
6.22.2011
Excuses
For the last 4 years I've had so many "excuses" not to exercise and be healthy...that honestly I would write a book!
Here is my main one. "I just don't have time!" Do you hear yourself saying this? I did; I said it all the time! Well I have yet to meet someone busier than me (I'm sure they are out there) but I work a full time job M-F 8-5, have 3 kids (10 & under), a husband, and do photography part time......BUT yet I've managed the last 3 weeks to FIND TIME for ME! And you know what I'm HAPPY!!
I have trained my body to wake up at 4:30am on Tues & Thurs to run in the mornings. If you are NOT a morning person....let me tell you...I was worse than you. I'm serious, just ask my husband. I would sleep in until the last possible second. Setting my alarm to snooze 10 times or more HA HA. Well now I meet a friend and we run what my schedule calls for. Having a friend hold you accountable...make sure it's a friend that you don't want to disappoint. I suggest running with someone that is stronger than you when you're training. They can push you further than you think you can possible go! Find someone who knows the "rules of running" when you need advice they can help you!
Monday evenings I've hired a personal trainer to do Pilates. This is some cross-training that I NEED. I go straight after work so that I have NO DISTRACTIONS! If I chose to go home first I'm sure I'd pick my kiddos over myself, that's just the way it is =) So I head straight there and I'm home just about 1hr 1/2 after I usually get home.
Wednesday & Sundays are my rest days. I use them to sleep in an extra hour or two. And you NEED your rest days. Some only take 1, right now I take 2. You can view this article HERE to see why rest and recovery is sooooo important.
Fridays I try to do just a little bit of cross training. Sometimes I just do a video I have at home or I may go to the gym first thing in the morning.
Saturday is my LONG RUN. Long runs are VERY important! You can build the endurance you need to run a successful half-marathon!
Give yourself 2 weeks. 2 weeks for your body to get into a new routine. That's what it took for me =)
Here is my main one. "I just don't have time!" Do you hear yourself saying this? I did; I said it all the time! Well I have yet to meet someone busier than me (I'm sure they are out there) but I work a full time job M-F 8-5, have 3 kids (10 & under), a husband, and do photography part time......BUT yet I've managed the last 3 weeks to FIND TIME for ME! And you know what I'm HAPPY!!
I have trained my body to wake up at 4:30am on Tues & Thurs to run in the mornings. If you are NOT a morning person....let me tell you...I was worse than you. I'm serious, just ask my husband. I would sleep in until the last possible second. Setting my alarm to snooze 10 times or more HA HA. Well now I meet a friend and we run what my schedule calls for. Having a friend hold you accountable...make sure it's a friend that you don't want to disappoint. I suggest running with someone that is stronger than you when you're training. They can push you further than you think you can possible go! Find someone who knows the "rules of running" when you need advice they can help you!
Monday evenings I've hired a personal trainer to do Pilates. This is some cross-training that I NEED. I go straight after work so that I have NO DISTRACTIONS! If I chose to go home first I'm sure I'd pick my kiddos over myself, that's just the way it is =) So I head straight there and I'm home just about 1hr 1/2 after I usually get home.
Wednesday & Sundays are my rest days. I use them to sleep in an extra hour or two. And you NEED your rest days. Some only take 1, right now I take 2. You can view this article HERE to see why rest and recovery is sooooo important.
Fridays I try to do just a little bit of cross training. Sometimes I just do a video I have at home or I may go to the gym first thing in the morning.
Saturday is my LONG RUN. Long runs are VERY important! You can build the endurance you need to run a successful half-marathon!
Give yourself 2 weeks. 2 weeks for your body to get into a new routine. That's what it took for me =)
6.21.2011
13.1
Well it's nice to know that I have 1 reader out there, thanks Courtney HAHA!! J/K Glad you all are tuning in and reading this post today. I know that I haven't updated about my weight-loss/running in a while...so I thought I'd fill you all in.
For the last 3 weeks or so I started to train for a half marathon. YIKES How many miles is that you ask? 13.1 to be exact. You all know that I've ran two 5k's (3.1 mile) ...I actually just finished another this past weekend as well! I achieved a new PR of 36.44, yay me! ha ha It was the toughest 5k thus far...seemed to be all up-hill :( But I made it, I survived! Hunter my oldest decided to join me...ok well I made her LOL She is a great runner, just gets very nervous before the race.
So back to the half marathon talk. I'm using a schedule that a friend and I found online, then modified to fit our schedules =) Here's a scanned copy of what I'm doing. As you can see it's not as bad as you might have thought...at least I don't think so =) The number one thing I hear from people when I tell them what I am doing is, "I'm just not a runner!" Well technically I'm not either folks. I've been overweight for 4 years now, since having my 2nd daughter....and if I just ran 5 miles Saturday SO CAN YOU!!
My long term goal is to do at least 2 minis a year and as many 5k's that I can do. 10k's just don't seem to come around here very often. I'm excited...not quite nervous yet, but I know when it starts getting closer I will be.
As for pain, yeah it hurts during my runs...not hurt like I need to stop....just sucks to be blunt. But to be honest the "runner's high" that I get afterward and all day long...is sooooo worth it!!!!!
For the last 3 weeks or so I started to train for a half marathon. YIKES How many miles is that you ask? 13.1 to be exact. You all know that I've ran two 5k's (3.1 mile) ...I actually just finished another this past weekend as well! I achieved a new PR of 36.44, yay me! ha ha It was the toughest 5k thus far...seemed to be all up-hill :( But I made it, I survived! Hunter my oldest decided to join me...ok well I made her LOL She is a great runner, just gets very nervous before the race.
Hunter got an award for being 10 & under
I was a little worried when I saw my number was 13 haha...but it all worked out!
So back to the half marathon talk. I'm using a schedule that a friend and I found online, then modified to fit our schedules =) Here's a scanned copy of what I'm doing. As you can see it's not as bad as you might have thought...at least I don't think so =) The number one thing I hear from people when I tell them what I am doing is, "I'm just not a runner!" Well technically I'm not either folks. I've been overweight for 4 years now, since having my 2nd daughter....and if I just ran 5 miles Saturday SO CAN YOU!!
My long term goal is to do at least 2 minis a year and as many 5k's that I can do. 10k's just don't seem to come around here very often. I'm excited...not quite nervous yet, but I know when it starts getting closer I will be.
One of the gals I run with gave me this quote this morning and I love it:
"Enjoy your pain, you've earned it"!
As for pain, yeah it hurts during my runs...not hurt like I need to stop....just sucks to be blunt. But to be honest the "runner's high" that I get afterward and all day long...is sooooo worth it!!!!!
6.20.2011
6.17.2011
I love you......
Alli Jo....as you always say, "I love you all the way to Jesus and back!"
Sorry readers...I'm busy preparing for a big 5 birthday party, will get to updating soon =)
6.13.2011
Someone is turning 5
When you think about 5 years it seems so long ago, but when I realize that my baby girl AJ is turning 5...man where did the time go??? Sorry for the lack of posting, it's been crazy as always! I have some weight-loss victories I'll have to share in another blog =) Preparing for Miss thing's 5th birthday party...can't wait to celebrate her life!
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