Let's do this run!!

Yesterday, I got back on track with my running. I have been running off and on, even ran a half marathon recently, however, have not been very consistent. I had a back injury, a hamstring injury, then had a small surgical procedure of which I will share at a later date but PLEASE TO EVERYONE WEAR SUNSCREEN WHEN YOU RUN!!!! Enough said about that.

Here I am excited about getting back out there!!

Wait a minute! You want me to run on that thing! The dreaded treadmill!

I had my little guy home with me today so no outside running.

At least I had this view outside of my window!

Afterwards, my favorite recovery drink!

Many people are unaware of the benefits of milk let alone chocolate milk. Studies have been done separately on each milk and chocolate, but never in combination. It wasn’t until recently that scientists began to delve into the benefits of chocolate milk versus water or Gatorade after a workout. Athletes such as Michael Phelps drew attention to this at the 2004 Olympics when he was seen to be drinking Carnation chocolate drinks after swims. Studies now show that chocolate milk aids the body in

recovery, most importantly the muscles.

Check out this site about chocolate milk as a recovery drink:

http://www.chocolatemilk.com/after-workout

Top Three Thursday!!

Top Three Thursday!

“Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.”

Today, I decided to post about my TOP three songs I enjoy today. . .maybe not tomorrow and different from yesterday. See, I love music. My house always has music playing in the background, my car, my dock, my boat, you name it. When I run or work out, I ALWAYS have some tunes on. I grew up the same way. Every Friday night, we would sit back and listen to music with family and friends. Most of the time it would end up with dancing. Sooooo much fun. Saturdays were our cleaning days and I can see my mom now cleaning the whole house and the music going. The windows up and a cool breeze flowing through the house. Then on Sunday, music before church and then during church. Great memories.

I love all kinds of music. I am not a musician, however, I played the baritone in middle school for 3 years. It can change my mood in an instant.

Here we go:

Wednesday Workout Blog!

Hosted By: My Fitness World , Lets Move It Mamma's & Living Smart Girl

This is a workout blog hop for Wednesdays! You will receive workout tips, exercise ideas and healthy food ideas from My Fitness World , Lets Move It Mamma's & Living Smart Girl, plus work on your followers!!! Fitness and Health doesn't have to be boring or hard. It can be fun and enjoyable.

Check this out! It is awesome and a great way to check out new blogs!

Wordless Wednesday!

Virginia Beach Rock n' Roll Half 2011

OK , Just registered for my 1st Rock n' Roll series half marathon. Extremely excited!!!!

Oh no, got a problem. . . I cannot get out of my running slump : (

I trained sooooo hard for the Disney half and then afterwards sloooooowwwed down. I ran the Canal Half marathon here in Roanoke Rapids and it kicked my butt!!!!

What to do, what to do? I need someone (0ther than me) to hold me accountable!!!

I am going to the Rock n' roll with a group of folks that are awesome runners, however, they are. . . awesome!!! I SUCK! I hope to finish this half in 2:15, they are hoping under 2:00.

I know I need to run for me, my time, my pace, my race; but it is very hard to get motivated. I have hit a wall. That is WHY I registered for the Rock n' Roll half. MOTIVATION!!!!

Roanoke Canal Trail Half Marathon

This past weekend was the 2nd annual Roanoke Canal Half Marathon! This was the first year I ran this and loved it. It is a tough trail, but beautiful to run. The conditions were great and it was a great turnout. Over 400 runners turned out from all over the US. Kind of cool for these folks to be in Roanoke Rapids, NC to run a half.

The morning started out at 8am with the half start.

A couple of the girls from I.M.A. (In Motion Athletes)

My running partner, Nikki, for the 1st 11 miles. I kind of hit a wall at

that point and ran/walked/cried the rest. (A mental thing)

This is not the wall I hit. . . this is part of the original canal we ran past this. The entire trail is full of beautiful sites like this. (You run a while along the Roanoke River)

Finally!!! I love this medal! I earned it!!!! It was hard but I would definately do it again!!! Such a well organized race. Awesome tech shirt also:

I would recommend this trail run to everyone. They also have an 8 k the same morning. It is a lot of fun and very organized.

The new me ( Kind of)

"Good habits are worth being fanatical about."
John Irving

I have noticed in the last year, I have change my habits without really knowing I did.

Here are a couple of thing I have changed!

1.

I change from beer to Pelligrino. See, I am sort of a BEER SNOB! I love to try different kinds of beer and usually keep a variety in my refrigerator in the garage. Well, years ago I stopped drinking soft drinks but I LOVE the bubbly fizz, so I might have a beer (or 2) with my dinner. That in itself can add calories to your day so, I change to the fizzy Pelligrino and LOVE IT. I am not a water drinker but I am now! PS I still love beer!

2. I became a runner. That feels great to say. Never thought I would. I have 3 kids, a job, and help my hubby with his business. Who has time???? Well, I do know!! It is something that is extremely important to me. I am in the the best shape I have ever been, minus the upper body which I am working on and I feel great. I competed my first half marathon in January of this year at Disney which was an awesome experience. I had a goal of 2:20 and finished in 2:19. I got a lot of help from TMB Endurance Training, even though I had to stop to get through the holidays. Here are my scheduled races so far for this year!

5k River Run to benefit Halifax County Boys and Girls Club ( May 14th 2011)

This is just so far. I will also register for the Medoc Mountain 10 miler which is usually in October. It was voted best trail race in Endurance Magazine this year. Great race.

3. Lastly, I have joined a gym. For the past month, I have been going to the gym 2 - 3 times a week. I have noticed I feel a bit stronger and have a bit more energy. The gym is called:

It is a great gym, especially if you want to join some of the classes. On Monday ( if I am off) I attend PUMP YOUR BODY, Tuesday evenings I attend GUT and BUTTS, and then on another day I may attend POWER STEP or just do some cardio or upper body with some friends. I have really enjoyed it so far.