DAY 365!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The only thing that could have made Day 365 better would have been to have you by my side friend!! I really was fortunate to have the opportunity to complete my last day with a run on the beach! I left the camera with Craig to take pics of the boys playing on the beach, and there were so many photo opps along the way as I ran. I was a little sad I hadn't brought the camera along even though it would've been a hindrance. But then, as I got closer to the family, I noticed they had drawn a finish line in the sand with the number 365 by it and Craig was ready with the camera! Perfect...we couldn't have planned it better. :)

So, we're DONE! Wow!! I'm so proud of us...I really am...walking or running every single day of the year is HUGE! I am definitely ready for a new challenge, but am so ready for something with a bit more flexibility. What I've learned about myself from this challenge is that setting little goals and keeping a bit of competition going with myself motivates me and keeps me on my toes. And by completing this challenge, I've proved to myself that I have staying power...no more excuses!! :) Overall, I've definitely been more active this year, but I have also felt a little narrow-minded when it comes to working out. Because we were walking or running every day, I rarely did anything but run or walk...that needs to change in 2011! So, bring on 2011, 500 miles of running, and some variety!
Thanks for inviting me to take this journey with you! It's been a pleasure and a huge pain! ;)

day 365 yippeee!

I was hoping to get outside for a run today. But unlike yesterdays gorgeous weather, today was blustery & snowy! So...I celebrated in New Year's Eve style with a late walk on the treadmill after the kids went to bed.

I can't believe we actually made it 365 days! It's just mind boggling to me. I've had so many up's & downs through this whole thing. I can definitely say I've learned a lot along the way! First, I'm pretty sure you're the most amazing friend ever. I can't think of anyone else crazy enough to do this challenge with me. And even if I could, I wouldn't have wanted to do it with anyone but you. You have been such an inspiration from day one! You have definitely seen me at my best and my worst this year and I'm glad you still want to call me your friend. :)

I think the biggest thing this year has taught me is that I can do anything if I put my mind to it! I know it sounds cliche, but it's true! If you would have asked me a year ago to just hop up and run 3 miles I would have laughed. But this year has taught me that I can do it. No, it may not always be easy, or fast, or fun, or pretty, but I can do it!

I am thankful for the journey that we have been on...but I am so thankful it's done! I think we can officially call ourselves "runners"!

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 364

We headed a couple hours East this morning and are now staying with Craig's family for a couple of days...today I just took a walk around the neighborhood. It was overcast, but at least it was warm!! I seriously want a winter home in the South!!!!

day 364

I took advantage of the unseasonably warm temps today and went for a 2 mile run! It felt great to be outside for a change! I'm glad I went when I did though. About an hour after I got back the temp dropped from 60 to 35. Oh well. It was nice while it lasted. I can't wait until spring!

Happy trails,

Jessy

day 363

treadmill, again.

happy trails,

jessy

Day 363

My company...
and my view!

day 362

treadmill.

happy trails,

jessy

Day 362

A run by the lake with my hubby!! Yes, this pic is from post-run...yuck! :)

day 361

Are we done yet? I swear if I have to set foot on that treadmill one more time I will scream!

Happy(?) trails,

Jessy

Day 361

I'm getting so spoiled by my surroundings, people to watch my kids at the drop of a hat, and company to walk with!! Thank goodness that by the time I'm back in Nebraska, this challenge will be OVER!

day 360

A walk on the treadmill, incline of 4, speed of 4.2. :)

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 360

It was a little chilly today, so we decided it was perfect for a walk by the lake with Starbucks in hand!

day 359

Merry Christmas to you! I spent my 30 minutes walking to Christmas music. ;)

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 359

Merry Christmas!!!
We went out for a walk after dinner tonight...it was chilly, but nothing a hoodie couldn't handle! We even saw deer...Craig spotted them and I thought they were fake, but then they all took off running! Very cool!!!

day 358

After a sugar cookie baking marathon I mixed up my treadmill walk by adding an incline...ooooh! :)

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 358

I got up this morning and decided to run to the lake! I could handle a winter home here!! There's nothing like the sun reflecting on the water!

day 357

Yay! It's Christmas vacation! Lots of crafts & baking going on here. I'm letting things go & enjoying this time...and another walk on the treadmill!

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 357

Getting 30 minutes in here is so easy...happy helpers to watch our boys and wonderful December temps!!

day 356

walkin' on the treadmill. i'm sick of this cold, dreary weather!

happy trails,

jessy

Day 356

I'd say that the last thing I wanted to do was take a walk after arriving in Louisiana...it was a LONG night, but after a nap with the boys, I was ready to go walk by the lake. There were plenty of willing family members to hang out with the boys at the playground while Craig and I walked on the lakefront as the sun was starting to set. The temperature was in the 70s today...pure awesomeness!! We do look tired though, don't we?!?!

day 355

Crazy day here...first day of Lexi's speech therapy, making a pie for Grandpa's birthday, and lots of other errands to run. Just managed to squeeze a walk in late in the day.

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 355

I got up this morning to get my 30 minutes out of the way because I will definitely be needing naptime to get ready for our journey!!

day 354

Happy Birthday to you!!!! :)

I walked on the treadmill today. Just not feeling the C25K. :(

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 354

I started off my 32nd year right with a morning run on the treadmill in my new shoes...really wish it could've been outside, but it is December in Nebraska! Looking forward to some warmer temps down south SOON!
Thanks again for letting Craig and me get out for a fun evening! You guys are the BEST!!

day 353

Not a lot of motivation here. Just a walk on the treadmill with a book.

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 353

Happy early Birthday to me...these were much needed!

day 352

A chilly walk through the neighborhood!

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 352

Treadmill walk...

day 351

Happy 10th wedding anniversary to me! My present to myself? I didn't run today. ;)

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 351

It was supposed to be a C25k day, but I was feeling like such a cow (too many Christmas cookies), I made myself run the whole time...it was only at a 5.5 mph most of the way, but I feel good that I can still run a full 25 minutes without stopping.

day 350

Time for another walk on the dreadmill...

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 350

I wasn't looking forward to walking at all until I got the mail...a new Fitness magazine!! That magazine always motivates me, but I still only walked...and slow enough to read too! ;)

day 349

C25K, week 3, workout 2...another 2 miler. Seriously, I am struggling in this weather. No motivation, whatsoever!

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 349

Couch to 5k: Week 3; Workout 2; 2.2 miles completed...not bad considering I held my pathetic napper for the last 8 minutes, which obviously led to a much slower pace. :P

day 348

Oh man, I had so much fun "running" on the Wii with you today! It was just the thing I needed! Can we do that every day?

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 348

Thanks for a great day friend!

day 347

C25K, week 3, workout 1...not a lot of get up and go in me today. Didn't push myself at all and went 2 miles. Blah.

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 347

Back to C25k today...Week 3; workout 1; 2.31 miles completed.

day 346

Happy birthday little Ian! :)

We bundled up and hiked around in the snow today. It was cold but we were all thankful for great winter gear!

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 346

Today was a repeat of yesterday, but I threw an incline in there to mix it up a bit. ;) I was just happy to squeeze my time in today, as it was a busy, busy day! Happy 3rd Birthday to my sweet Ian!

day 345

A busy day meant a late walk on the treadmill, but it's done! Yay!

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 345

I was happy to just walk nice and slow on the treadmill while reading a book!

day 344

A lovely, lazy walk on the treadmill.

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 344

I actually got up and went OUTSIDE for a cold run this morning. I figured this was about the warmest morning we'd have for awhile, but it was still in the upper 20s...brrrrrr! Anyways, it was supposed to be C25k, but I just ran instead of following the program...it just felt too complicated for my foggy brain at 6:45 a.m! Now I'm enjoying a quiet naptime without having to worry about exercise! Happy Friday!

day 343

Oh what a beautiful day! 54 degrees!!!! I wish it would stay like this all winter! The kids needed to get the second round of their flu shots so we walked to their doctor's office for the appointment. It was just great to be outside in the fresh air and not be freezing our buns off! And, once again, I just love doing "errands" on foot versus in the car. Sure it takes a little more planning, but it feels so rewarding!

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 343

A walk outside on a beautiful day...hallelujah!!!!

Day 342

C25k Week 2; Workout 2: 2.4 miles.
I'm honestly having mixed feelings about the fact that I'm doing the same training program I was doing at the beginning of 2010. I started thinking I should really be doing a 10k training program, but the reality is that I don't feel like I have the 15-30 extra minutes to do that kind of training program at this time...and I really don't know if I have the motivation to exercise for that much longer either...I'm annoyed with myself, but that's the truth! So, I guess to make myself feel all better, I'll call this round of Couch to 5K a post-test, and I'm rockin' this post-test...ha! :)

day 342

C25K, week two, workout two.

I really didn't not want to run today. Really. But I made it 2.28 miles. Not so much a speed workout as a mental workout today, that's for sure! My foot is hurting, and like you I need new shoes, but that will have to wait.

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 341

C25k: a do-over for yesterday's fail! Week 2; workout 1...2.37 miles.

day 341

Taking advantage of a windless Nebraska day we bundled up and headed out to Pioneers Park to hike on the nature trails. As soon as we hit the trail Jack took off running so I took off right behind him. That boy is fast! I finally caught up to him and between gasps he said, "this...is why...I wanted...to come...here!" And that, my boy, is why we brought you! To wear you out! :)

Happy trails,

Jessy

day 340

C25K week two, workout one...didn't happen today. The morning was full with homeschool. I usually run in the afternoons while the kids nap/rest, but today I had an appt smack dab in the middle of nap time! :( These last few days of the challenge have been really tough!

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 340

Only 25 more days!!

Well, C25k didn't exactly end up happening, although I intended to give it my best shot despite the way I'm still feeling! I did my first 90 second run at 6.0 and then when I was walking at 4.0 something was pulling in my hip...ouch!! So, I had to slow down to 3.2...and that's what I did for the rest of my 30 minutes...blah! Shoes? C'mon body...hang in there until after Christmas...please?!?!

day 239

Happy birthday to my Mom! :)

Everyone in the house is feeling a little better today. I got a walk in and we all made it to the pool for our usual Sunday afternoon swim! :)

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 339

Still not feeling awesome...achey with really random pains, and I didn't end up on the treadmill until the kids were down for the night. I literally walked at a 2.0-2.2! Ha! I guess that's still better than just sitting on the couch where I really wanted to be! :)

day 338

Well, I didn't get any exercise in today. I had a horrible nights sleep last night. Then this morning 2/4 of the kiddos were coughing with runny noses. I'm bummed. :( We ended up going to a birthday party that we had rsvp'd to in the afternoon but we were all more than happy to come home, put on some pj's and snuggle in. Here's to a healthier tomorrow...

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 338

I walked on the treadmill this evening while Craig fed the boys dinner. I started not feeling very good...just really achey. Not sure what's up...I hope I'm not getting sick! :P

day 337

Note to self: too many ramen noodles right before a run can easily turn it into a pretty bad experience. ;)

But...C25K, week 1 is done! Thanks to those ramen noodles feeling like a brick in my stomach I only made it 2.1 miles today.

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 337

C25k Day...I'm gonna call it Week 1; Workout 3 and move on to week 2 with you next week! I did a total of 2.33 miles. I'm looking forward to a couple walks this weekend, but I'm excited to have a new program to follow, so I'll be ready to get back at this on Monday! Happy Friday!

Day 336

I walked on the treadmill and read Making Toast during naptime today!

day 336

We finally made it outside after the kids napped. They really had a lot of "zoomies" to get out. I'm afraid cabin fever is already setting in & we haven't even had our first snow! Yikes!

Anyway, we crossed Vine Street and walked through the neighborhoods we haven't been through before. It was a nice change of scenery. We walked so far next thing we knew we had made it to O Street, right across from the entrance to our pediatrician's office! Hmm...maybe we could walk to their next appt!?! ;)

Happy trails,

Jessy

day 335

Oh my gravy, I'm tired right down to my bones!

Today was C25K week 1, workout 2. I tried to walk at a 4.2 & run at a 6 or 6.2. I really started to feel exhausted about 15 minutes in. At this point I was so tired it was mentally tough for me to hang on.

But...that's what I love about this program. I gave myself a mental punch in the arm and said, "come on, anybody can run for a minute and a half!" so I stepped it up. My last two running intervals I ran at a 6.4 mph. Finished a total of 2.37 miles.

To top off my day I went kickboxing. And I thought I was tired after I went running!?! Ha! ;)

Happy trails,

Jessy

ps~I just read your comment about needing new shoes! When we went for our Thanksgiving walk I was having a lot of pain in my foot. I thought it was because I had my old shoes on. Then, when I was running on Monday (with my good shoes) I had the same pain...the one I get when my shoes are getting old! I'm so glad to hear you need new shoes too! I thought I was just going crazy! ;)

Day 335

Okay, I'm gonna jump right on that Couch to 5k Bandwagon with you and hope to finish this year off strong! While I know that I can still make myself run for 20+ minutes straight, I'm not feeling mentally strong, and physically I'm not feeling as strong as I was at my last 5k when I set my PR. I've kinda gone downhill with no focus. I know I do best with some sort of goal or challenge whether it's a race, a little challenge like when I did the 5 days straight of running, or being in some sort of training program telling me exactly what I should be doing. So, C25k seems perfect right now and I know I can push myself much harder on the speed in these early weeks! So, here we go again! :)

I did Day 1, Workout 1 today and completed 2.26 miles and burned 330 calories! I was loving the 1 minute runs where I could push myself between 6.2-7.0 mph because I knew I'd be done quickly. And you know I'm not a fast walker, so 4.0 mph was challenging for me, but I did it for all my walks other than my 2 minute cool down. I just looked back at my Day 1, Workout 1 from the first time around and I completed 1.72 miles with 3.0 mph walks and 5.0 mph runs! Nice to see that comparison!

P.S. I really need to get new shoes...what a horrible time of year to have that expense! :P