going the distance

*Just a heads up- this post is not about the twins. It's about running. You can skip to the end to see a recent picture of the boys if you aren't interested in reading about running.*

Slowly but surely, I'm getting back into running again! It's difficult but feels phenomenal.

Once upon a time, I thought I would never ever be a "runner" ... so I challenged myself to training for and running a 10k race a year & 1/2 ago. It was very hard at times to power through, but ultimately it was an awesome experience and I can honestly say that I came to enjoy running. I loved the feeling of accomplishment that came with reaching every milestone and the overwhelming rush of excitement that came over me on race day! Crossing that finish line was such an important moment to me.

After completing that race, I quit running altogether because I was pregnant. It was partly because I used pregnancy as an excuse to be extra lazy, but I also wanted to take it easy to carry the twins as long as I could. After I delivered the boys last December, I tried running a handful of times to see what I could do. I was very discouraged to be wiped out after running only .25 of a mile when I had once been able to run 6.2 miles. Obviously this was to be expected after taking several months off and recovering from a less-than-smooth delivery. However, it was more disheartening than I anticipated.

I recently saw that a 5k color run is coming to Des Moines this October! I was having troubles finding motivation to hit the pavement again, so this color run has been my motivator to finally get back into it again! I put together a 10-week training schedule to work back up to 3.1 miles in preparation for the race. I was ecstatic to reach a major milestone last week by running 1 mile at my personal race pace (6.0 mph = 10 minute miles), and I just completed a 1.25 mile run on the dreadmill today! Wahoo :)

This has been a long time coming and I'm excited to keep at it and work my way back, no matter how long it takes or how many obstacles manage to get in the way. Last time I trained, I hit a rough patch when my arch acted up and made it extremely painful to run anymore than 2 miles. I worked through it with the help of a wrap and getting my feet conditioned to the right running shoes. I'm hoping I don't have to face that again this time, but if it's not that then it'll probably be something else that will try to hinder me.

Also, I realize it's not the most ideal time to be training for a race right now with church conventions right around the corner, but that's why I'm working towards a 5k and not a 10k! I think my goal is obtainable even if I have to skip a run here or there in the training process.

?? Question to readers:
I've heard from a few folks that there are some repercussions from breathing in the color during a color race. I'd prefer not to keel over at the finish line, so I'm trying to gather as much information as possible before registering myself in this race. What do you know about this?
Thanks!

If you never thought you'd be a "runner" either, lace up your tennies, fill up your water bottle, and get out there and surprise yourself!! I'll see you on the starting line ;)

Race Day!

yes, I probably do look that goofy when I run

this is how I see things when I get done with my run ... I may need to get my vision checked

I find that it's good placement for this training schedule to be hanging on the fridge ...

It helps me think twice before I open the door!

and here's a pic of the boys for those of you who only check the blog to see baby pictures :)

eight months

Happy 8 months to Brayden & Cooper today!

In some ways it's unbelievable that 8 months have already gone by

... and in other ways it's totally believable.

• Stage of Development:

Both boys are in the beginning stages of crawling now. C is doing quite well with pulling himself forward and slowly but surely scooting all over the place. B is scooting too but seems to have his gears stuck in reverse. I've had to rescue him from under the couch a few times now!

• Teeth:

B now has 4 - 2 upper and 2 lower

C has yet to show any pearly whites

• Favorite Foods:

sweet potatoes, green beans, carrots, pears, applesauce

... and ice cream of course - who doesn't??

I'm very impressed with how this semi-candid family photo turned out. We were playing in the grass with the boys after a baby shower this afternoon and our friend Rachael came up and started snapping photos of us. We can partly thank the passing train behind the photographer - B & C found it quite interesting!