Day 90

Another beautiful day here in Nebraska and I'm LOVING it!! My friend and I surprised our kids with a trip to the Henry Doorly Zoo. So, I accumulated much more than 30 minutes and hit some nice inclines while wearing Jude and pushing the double stroller with a lot of "stuff" in it and occasionally a boy or two! It was a fun and exhausting way to get my exercise today. And we ended the beautiful day with an awesome family BBQ (the first of the year)...yum!!!!

day 90

Day 90! Had a good walk on the treadmill at a speed of 4mph with an incline of 4. I tried running for a few minutes and it didn't hurt my cheek so running tomorrow is a must. This may sound strange, but I am nervous to run. I'm afraid I won't be able to make it 3 miles in 30 minutes like I did Sunday. I know it's weird to think that. All the more reason to start running again and face my fear I guess. I found another 5K in Fredericksburg on the 24th of April I'm thinking of signing up for. Woohoo! Maybe this will be the year of the 5K! There's a kids fun run too so maybe Grace &/or Jack will want to run. We'll see.

Happy day 90 friend! We are amazing! :)

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 89

It was a beautiful day, and I know I said I was going to take a week off from running, but I couldn't help it! After about 10 minutes of walking, I decided to run for 10 minutes. Then I walked for the last 10 minutes. So, I still took it easy. :)

day 89

Got my walk done later than I like today. I'm anxious to run, I feel ready to run, but my cheek is still hurting so I think I'll wait a few more days.

Happy trails,

Jessy

day 88

Oh friend. I am tired today. And so sore from yesterday's run. Every time I think about my finish I get the biggest, cheesiest grin on my face and there's no question that my sore muscles are worth it!

So, as you know I had my "mohs surgery" today. I had to be at the clinic at 0715. I was pretty sure I wasn't going to feel like walking once I was done so I was up at 0530 walking on the treadmill. I walked the slowest 1.5 miles you can ever imagine! But I got it done and after the day I had I am SO glad I wasn't stuck walking after I got home from the hospital! Here's how I spent my morning.Just another reminder that it's always a good idea to slather on sunscreen. :) Thanks for your call this morning. Overall I am doing good. Very sore and very happy to have some great pain meds!

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 88

We had a very go-go-go kind of day...FUN, but challenging to squeeze in 30 minutes! Thanks to DST (staying light later) and the beautiful day we had, I was able to take the boys out for a walk after dinner! Thinking of you today!

Day 87

I was still on a running high today and felt like running, but I think my body might benefit physically from a week of walking. So, Jude and I went for a walk around the park today while I chatted on the phone with a good friend. :)
I signed up for another run on April 17th! It's just a 2 mile run, so after my week of taking it easy, I'm going to work on increasing my speed!


P.S. Did you get your watch?

day 87~race day!

0600~Up & at 'em for a nice warm shower. My mantra for the day? "I am speed!" (thank you lightning mcqueen)

0630~Breakfast of champions...half an onion bagel, toasted with cream cheese and a cup of joe.

0645~Final check & round up of running essentials, most importantly my MP3 and an extra hair thing around my wrist.

0715~On the road. Starting to feel anxious and wishing I was there already.

0745~At the park, I hop in line to pick up my race number. Glad I brought safety pins since there weren't any in my packet.

0815~Potty stop. Nerves.

0820~Hugs & kisses from my cheerleaders before I line up at the start.

0830~And we're off. I am speed...

0832~Trying to settle into my groove. My legs feel heavy. I start to wonder why I sign up for these things.

0836~Can't breathe. Want to walk.

0838~I am speed...

0839~I need to walk...

0840~Oh my gravy! I'm at mile 1! Really? I am shocked that I did that in only 10 minutes! I can do this!

0842~Are we at mile 2 yet?

0844~The man behind me is breathing so heavy I wonder if he's going to have a heart attack.

0845~I need to walk. Now I am breathing like the man behind me!

0845:30~No. I can run. I've trained for this! Yes! keep running!

0846~WATER!

0847~I am speed...

0848~I have found my groove. I can't believe I've been running this long. And I actually feel like I am running fast!

0849~Aw, there's a cute couple in front of me. Reminds me of Greg and me. :)

0850~MORE WATER!

0851~Mile 2. Ok, that one took a minute longer. I expected that.

0852~I really really really really want to walk.

0853~I neeeed to walk!

0854~I'm going to throw up!

0855~Focus...I am speed...

0856~Yeah, there goes my dream of a 30 minute finish.

0857~No. I can do it! I can do it! I have been walking/running for 86 days straight. I can do this!

0858~Time for some motivating music.

0859~I can see the finish. I need to walk. I'm walking now.

0900~Wait! I see Greg! He's jumping and waving and yelling like a wild banshee. I must have a chance. No, I don't, I can't. Yes, I do. Run Jessy run!!!!

0900:20~Woooooooo! Crossing the finish line has never felt so good! I did it! I knew I could.

I am speed...official chip time 30:20!

Day 86

I completed my first 5K today!! Woohoo!! My goal was to finish under 40 minutes and I did!! I ran the entire way and the rain held up for the whole race!! Here's the email I got with my info!! I'm so proud and can't wait for my next race! :)

Congratulations on finishing the State Farm Run!The following are your personal results: Name: Rebecca Greenwood Distance: 5K Time: 36:50 Pace: 11:52 Overall Place: 514 of 767 Place in Gender: 309 of 482 Division F3034 Place: 67 of 95

My First T-shirt of the year!! I'm planning to get many more this year! :)

# 520!!!

Ready to go!

So happy to see my cheerleaders about 2/3 of the way through...just wanted I needed motivation the most!! So glad to be done!
Kissing my good luck charm

My good luck charm (Thanks Jessica!)

Good luck tomorrow my friend!! You'll do amazing!!! And thanks for all the encouragement today!!

day 86

I had a nice leisurely walk down at the Pearl Brewery/Riverwalk extension with the family today. It was HOT! I've been doing lots of thinking about tomorrow's race. Yikes! My thoughts keep oscillating from thinking "oh man, what was I thinking...I don't want to do this" to "I am going to smoke this race tomorrow!" Boy oh boy, I would love to cross the finish line around 30 minutes but don't want to get my hopes up too much incase that doesn't happen. I'm off to get the kiddos ready for bed now. Then I'll start getting things ready for tomorrow. I must make sure my MP3 is charged! The butterflies are coming back as I type!

Happy trails,

Jessy

day 85

Today was spent walking around Sea World. Although it was never the kind of walk that got my heart rate elevated I'm going to count it for the sheer amount of time I was on my feet...8 hours!! Glad I had new shoes. They feel great, btw.

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 85

Easy, slow walk with the family today...giving my body a bit of a break before the big 5K tomorrow!!! I'm starting to get butterflies when I think of it now!! The forecast doesn't look good...high of 47 and 70% chance for rain!! Yuck!

day 84

While the kids napped & the boys did some yard work, Kenna Lee (greg's mom) & I took off on a walk. We spent the time going through one of the hilliest areas of our subdivision. Technically it should have been a running day but with everything going on I felt this was the best way to get my 3o minutes accomplished. And I'm pretty sure walking those hills was just as good (or better) for me than running!

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 84

Couch to 5K: Week 8, Workout 2.
I was supposed to do a brisk 5 minute warm-up walk followed by a 28 minute run. I did that and only completed 2.71 miles. I was a little disappointed with that mileage. I walked for 2 minutes and then decided I could go longer, so I ran until I got to 3.12 (5K). It took me 38 1/2 minutes total...not great but I know a month from now that number will be lower. That's what's great about all this training...I keep getting better! :)
Saturday is supposed to be 46 degrees (for a high) and rainy. NOT a nice day for a run. I'm pretty bummed...I'm hoping the forecast changes somehow!

day 83

Lots going on here today. Lexi had a swallow study done this morning and Greg is picking up the Grandparents as we speak. Should be interesting to see how getting my 30 minutes in goes over the weekend with company. To top off a busy day Lexi & I swung by the BX to get new shoes! I was figuring I still had plenty miles left in my other shoes. But after a week of an aching foot (& icing & massaging that aching foot) I decided new shoes was probably what was needed. They felt great on my walk today. Can't wait to really break them in on Sunday. Yikes! :)

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 83

It's a dreary, drizzly day, but it beats snow and freezing temps and still qualifies as walking weather in my opinion! :) It was good for my mind and body to have a slow, leisurely walk today, and check out my awesome view the whole way! ;)

Day 82

Couch to 5K: Week 8, Workout 1.
Today's run was physically and mentally tough for me, and then tacking on 3 minutes to the end made it even worse! But I made it and it's done! Only one more training day until my 5K! Struggling with today's run made me even more nervous for it, though!

day 82

A quarter for your thoughts?

What mental tricks do you use to "find your happy place" while you are running?

Happy trails,

Jessy

ps~i ran past this quarter today and had to run back and get it. ;) i'm a weirdo.

Day 81

My older two didn't nap, so they got to have no say in what we did after "naptime"!! ;) So, they got to ride in the double stroller and I wore Jude in the Ergo as we walked around the park. They did well considering they had no nap, so we stopped to play at the playground too. :) It was nice out this afternoon but pretty windy, so I had a lot of resistance to walk against (wind, stroller, Ergo)...I think it would have been easier to run (minus the resistance).

day 81

Howdy. Had a good walk on the treadmill while flipping through a Cooking Light magazine. Mmm...so much yummy food to be made!

Starting to get butterflies when I think about Sunday!!!!!

Happy trails,

Jessy

i heart the black eyed peas. can you tell?

Day 80

Couch to 5K: Week 7, Workout 3.
I left Craig with the boys at a playground and took off down a trail for 30 minutes. It was fun to run somewhere that I hadn't even walked before...like a little adventure. :) A little sidenote: I've heard of running barefoot but I've never actually seen anyone do it until today!!! Ouch!! :) The weather was still a little chilly but I'll take it over the last couple of days. I'm looking forward to some mid to upper-50s this week!!!

day 80

80 days around the world! It's hard to believe we've been at it this long...and yet I feel like saying, "Really!? Only 80 days? It has to be more than that!"

I had great plans for a great run today. But alas, great plans don't always pan out. The kids were stir crazy (& driving me crazy) so we needed to get out of the house this morning. I planned on running on the treadmill at naps but due to low motivation and a sleepy husband (who worked last night) to distract me that didn't happen. I'm glad I was able to go with the flow today. It was tough to remember to breathe through the craziness. The kids & I had a beautiful walk at Crownridge Canyon Natural Area so all in all it was a wonderful day!

Happy trails,

Jessy

PS~how was your chocolate?

day 79

Today was rainy & oh so chilly so I got to walk on the treadmill while the kids napped. Bleh. Didn't really do it for me today. But I got 'er done!

I'm taping this quote to my treadmill for tomorrow's run. ;)

"The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful

is the man who will win."

~Roger Bannister

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 79

This time next week my first 5K will be DONE!! I couldn't bear a repeat of yesterday, so I took Jude to the mall and did the mall walking thing today. :) Of course the problem with that was that I rewarded myself with some chocolate from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory...I'm sure it contains way more calories than I burned!!! Oh well, it'll be yummy to enjoy during a movie tonight! My run tomorrow will burn it all off, right? ;)

Day 78

Would you believe that after our gorgeous day yesterday it is freezing and snowy today? Ah, Nebraska! Without a treadmill, I was forced to walk outside in the wind and snow...brrrr! No surprise that my footprints over this bridge are the only ones to be seen!

I actually passed one guy out walking his dog. He greeted me with a "hi" that sounded kinda questioning, like "I have a dog that needs to be walked...what's your excuse?". :)

Glad to have that walk out of the way!!!

day 78

This morning I left Greg & the kids to play at the park on Base while I took off for a walk. Greg challenged me to a "last chance" workout going up & down this hill for 30 minutes!The picture does not do it justice!

It's huge & takes trucks at least 5 minutes to creep up it.
My thighs & calves were burning.

I'm glad to have my 30 minutes done for the day (and it was great to do it outside). Now I can spend time while the kids nap getting caught up on things around the house.

Or...maybe I'll just take a nap. ;)

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 77

Couch to 5K: Week Seven, Workout Two. I'm not sure of my distance. It was a beautiful, sunny day in the mid-60s today...I don't think the weather could have been any more perfect for a run, in my opinion! When Craig got home from work, I took advantage of the weather and headed to the Mopac Trail where part of my 5K run is supposed to take place next weekend. This is my first run outside...the 30 minutes seemed to go so much faster and I still surprise myself when I complete a run of 25 minutes straight!
Any advice on keeping a pace while running outside?
How's your playlist these days? Since I've been doing these runs without walk breaks, I find that music really helps to keep me motivated and gives me an extra push when I need it. I know it's recommended not to listen to music during races though...thoughts anyone?

day 77

I'm feeling pretty positive about my run today. I shaved off 1:04 (!!!) and ran 3 miles in 31:20! That 5K will be here before I know it. Yikes!

Happy trails,

Jessy

day 76

I definitely felt yesterday's run today. It's gorgeous out, but I felt like I needed to have more control over my incline so I stuck to the treadmill with an incline of 6, speed of 4.3mph. I'm glad today was a walk day. I am so sleepy!

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 76

It turned out to be a beautiful day after naps! So, another walk with my neighbor friend...wonderful!

Day 75

Couch to 5K: Week Seven, Workout One, 2. 51 miles completed. I'm tired and sore, but happy! :)

day 75

After a week off from running it felt really good to pick up the pace. I managed 3 miles in 32:24. Still not under 30 minutes (which I would love) but I did shave off 3o seconds from the last time I ran so that feels good.

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 74

My body needed this walk day! Looking at the last few weeks of this Couch to 5K training, I think I'm going to appreciate my walk days even more!! We went out for a walk after Craig got off work and ran into our neighbors...it was perfect...the dads took the older kids to the playground while the mamas pushed the babies in strollers. It was so nice to have good conversation while I walked today. :) Back to running tomorrow!

day 74

Oh man I'm super sore after lots of yard work yesterday! This morning Grace said, "Mom, if your muscles are sore that means they are getting bigger!" Thanks for the inspiration Grace. So I hopped on the treadmill, sore muscles and all, for a nice walk at 4.3 mph, incline of 7. And I didn't hold on! ;)

Happy trails,

Jessy

day 73

I was pleased as punch today to find what feels like my own private field of bluebonnets right next to a Home Depot, of all places. Fyi, bluebonnets are the state flower of Texas and the most beautiful flowers ever created. Anyway, while the kids frolicked through the flowers I walked laps around the field soaking it all in: happy kids, beautiful flowers, glorious sunshine, fresh air, and a husband happily planning home improvements.

Day 73

Couch to 5K: Week Six, Workout Three, 2.47 miles completed. I wanted 2.5 miles so bad but I pushed for it too late in the game. Still though, I'm so proud of myself! We're sleep training with Jude, and with the loss of an hour last night because of Daylight Savings, I was ZONKED. I had told myself that if I didn't make it the full 25 minutes without breaks, it was okay, there's always tomorrow. But I did it!! Woooooooooooooooooo!!

day 72

I wish I could have spent "day 72" with you. Awwww...;) Seriously though, today was gorgeous and the sunset was amazing. Have I ever mentioned how much I love winter/spring time in Texas?

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 72

It's cold and windy today, but I think it was still nicer to be outside than on a treadmill. I walked through our park and sprinkled in a few quick, short runs to mix it up a little. I think I'll take advantage of my free week at the gym tomorrow for my Couch to 5K training day. I can't believe that my 5K is TWO WEEKS FROM TODAY!!! Yikes!!
Oh, not sure if you're still looking for music, but I got this link through email today...might be worth a check.

Day 71

For the first time this year, my 30 minutes were spent taking a walk with the family. It was pretty chilly, but nice to all be together! Happy Friday!

Another 30 minute walk, another book finished.

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 70

Well, I had a dilemma today. My treadmill is not usable until the service guy comes and fixes the belt. I figured I'd do my run outside until I woke up to MORE SNOW! I couldn't believe my eyes...I thought we were done...that's Nebraska for you! So, I considered being hard core and running outside once it turned to rain, but I didn't want to ruin my new shoes in all the puddles and slush, and running in my old shoes would be bad on my back and knee. So, what did I do? I called the new gym close by and asked if they offered any free trial memberships. :) They told me I could try it out for a week for free!! Yay!!

Couch to 5K: Week Six, Workout Two (I skipped workout one since that was the day I was sick), 2.21 miles completed.

I noticed a couple things when going to the gym today...it's a lot more motivating to keep running when there are lots of people working out around you and I'm sorely lacking in cute workout clothes. Also, I saw the PT that worked on my back! That was also motivating for me...knowing he was seeing me run when 2 months ago he saw me when I could barely walk!!

day 70

Another day, another dollar, another walk on the treadmill...

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 69

Not feeling 100% today but I got right back at it. I started off on the treadmill until I noticed there was a tear starting in our belt that got worse as I went. Halfway through, I stopped and went outside to finish up (good thing Craig was home). So, now I have another thing on my to-do list...treadmill repair! Ugh!

day 69

Now that my couch to 5k plan is officially over I'm having a hard time actually running. Yesterday technically should have been a running day. But the morning was crazy with school work for Grace, an Easter Seals appt for Lexi, and a last minute trip to Costco for diapers. Can you believe we did not have one single diaper in the house?!! Anyway, that was yesterday. I was planning on running today, but alas, we had another crazy morning. And instead of getting on the treadmill during nap time like usual I was at an ENT appt for Lexi. After that, swimming lessons for the other three kiddos, a quick supper, baths, and the bedtime routine. I am exhausted (physically & emotionally) tonight so once again I walked. Tomorrow is a new day. Let's hope it's a good one.

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 68

Ugh! This hurts to admit, but it was impossible for me to get my 30 minutes done today in any way, shape or form (unless you count countless trips to the bathroom as mileage...sorry if that's TMI!). Oh, how I despise being sick!My amazing husband, who spent all day at work, went to a 3 hour class, did a presentation, came home to a house that looked like a tornado went through it and no dinner prepared, put the boys down and cleaned up the mess, then spent 30 minutes on the treadmill for me! I love you Craig! I'm proud of him too...it's been months since he's been on our treadmill and he pulled out 2.22 miles...that's more than I've done yet this year! Way to go Babe!

30 minutes of walking, check.

happy trails,

jessy

Day 67

I spent the 30 minutes that Jude gave me during naptime with my brother, doing some crazy hard fit test for Beach Body Insanity...I'm going to be sore tomorrow. Since I didn't get on the treadmill during nap, I had to have a Plan B. It was dreary out but almost 50 degrees, so I convinced Dax and Ian to ride in the double stroller for a walk. It's so nice to have outside as an option for walking now!!

day 67

Oh boy, here we go again! Here's to another week!

Happy trails,

Jessy

day 66

An invigorating trail run in the rain to celebrate the my last couch to 5K day! Woohoo! Gotta love spring in Texas!

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 66

I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I ran a whole 20 minutes straight!! Woo Hoo!!

Couch to 5K: Week 5, Workout 3 for 2.19 miles completed.

Day 65

Wow! Only 300 days to go!!!! ;)

The temps crept into the 50s here today! I just got back from a walk outside with 18.5 pounds of the most adorable resistance strapped to me. :)

Say an extra little prayer for me tomorrow...I'm scared for my 20 minute run!!! :S

Whose idea was this anyway?

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 64

1.88 mile walk completed this morning...I went a few extra minutes while the boys finished up a show. It's so nice to have it out of the way on this busy Friday!