13.1 and then some

This week has been nothing short of a whirlwind! I have been going non-stop since the race on Sunday and am finally getting the time to finish this post! 

First lets start with the 13.1.

I have never wanted to not do something so bad as I did on Saturday. Last week was not a good week for me as far as working out. I had decided after my 10mile run that I would not do any of my leg workouts for the week. I wanted to givemy legs a rest and do two short runs during the week and that be it. Well not only did I not do my legs workouts but I also did not do my upper body workout. I was so exhausted by the end of each day I just couldn't do it. Then I spent one of those days completely sick so that put a hold on my first run. 

Needless to say come Saturday I had no weight training done for the week and only 1 run which was a difficult 2mile run that left me feeling very defeated. 

I didn't want to run Sunday.

I didn't want to get up at the crack of dawn and try to warm up before the run.

I didn't want to wear layers of clothing only to shed layers of clothing while running in a misty rain.

I didn't want to....

But I did...

And it was amazing!!

The run was not near as difficult as what I anticipated and I think my body thanked me during that run for letting it rest some during the week. My legs didn't feel near as heavy as what they had in my previous runs. The hills didn't slow my down quite as much as what I anticipated and the few times I actually started to feel the pain a little prayer asking for some relief was all it took and my pain was gone. 

My goal was to finish the 13.1 in 2:15 or less. I had also planned to stop twice and walk the water break if I needed to. I did not stop at all. I threw back some sips as I cruised through the stations (actually choking on air one time...ooops) and I kept moving. 

I could believe that all that hard work really was paying off and my body was doing something that I NEVER imagined I would be able to do. 

I listened to some praise music, sang to my Lord and Savior, prayed for a dear friend and her battle with breast cancer and thought about the many training runs and the many times I wanted to quit. 

I am glad I didn't.

That race left me feeling accomplished and proud. To see my bff standing at mile 10 1.2 to cheer me on and then my hubby and kiddos at the finish line yelling for me was so humbling. I could not have done that without my support system. My running partner who ran with me (even though she can flat out fly she stuck with me). I encourage you to find an accountability partner to keep pushing you even when you want to stop. 

The hardest mile was 12, I think because my Run App had me ahead of what the markers were showing so mentally that was taking a toll that I should have been done and still wasn't close yet.

I did it! I finished!! AND I BEAT MY GOAL!! 

My Official Time was 2:13 and that was for the race course! My Run App said I actually crossed the 13.1 at 2:09...6 minutes quicker than what I hoped for!

I can and did do it...SO CAN YOU!! 

When we got home my wonderful hubby had ordered me my 13.1 sticker and this awesome little charm that goes on my shoes! I would have never dreamed he would have thought to get me those things! 

Nothing is Impossible if you 

JUST 

KEEP 

GOING!

After the race on Monday I went and had a full body massage and boy did I need that. I also got the Biofreeze treatment done on my legs along with a Spa Pedicure and by Monday night my legs felt like a million bucks! Completely worth the extra $$.

I also planned my Christmas Candy Party for Monday. Smart huh, burn a bunch of calories then eat them right back in chocolate and peanut butter!! Oh but I had so much fun baking with my lady friends and we each ended up with a HUGE amount of candy to take home and give away!!

These yummy things are Caramel Pretzel Bites dipped in chocolate!

I totally forgot to take picture because we were so busy but this entire table was covered in chocolates! 

More Oreo balls, Cake pops and Peanut Butter Bon Bons! 

Tuesday I made 7 1/2dozen cupcakes (school parties, neighbors and such). No icing just the cupcakes. Put together Kinley and Lanie's school friend gifts. I also put together 6 teacher gifts, 4 co-worker gifts and 7 neighbor gifts....WHEW I was yet again exhausted! (I'll get pictures of these when I decorate them tonight! Follow on IG for these pics)

Wednesday errr that was yesterday right?? We took the kids to give away Chapstick and Hand warmers and invited people to the new North Campus service for our church. It was a great hour of serving those in our community and hanging with my bible study girls. The hubby and I then took Kinley Ice Skating for the first time which was an experience for us both! I had almost forgot how too but it is amazing how when you are holding your child's hand and trying to keep them from falling you almost become super mommy with super strength! 

He didn't want to do it at first but I am so proud he braved up and tried it (and I'm so glad I didn't let him fall because he would never listen to me about fun again) hehe

Today I have to decorate all 7 1/2 dozen cupcakes, cook dinner and take the kiddos to see Shadracks Light show! 

Tomorrow is clean, Christmas party, clean some more then my mommy and daddy will be here!! YAY!! 

I absolutely LOVE the Christmas season and all the it stands for but it is definitely tiring. The hubs and I are planning to start a Cleanse on Jan 7th and I am currently working on our meal plan for the month! In the new year I am determined to get on a great Clean Eating plan and go back to full force weight lifting. 

I also might still be contemplating that Full Marathon in March!! ;) 

I don't think I'll be back for a week or more so I'll leave you with my rottenly adorable kiddos saying

HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS YA'LL!!!

God Bless You,

~Mel

A Giving Heart 2014

As mothers we all have those moments when our children surprise us. They say or do something that we hadn't realized they knew. Sometimes a kind act other times a curse word (that you are still not sure where they heard it from). Wither way our children are watching us with hawk eyes and soaking up every little thing we say and do like a dry sponge.

This weekend Kinley surprised me. I have been trying to instill the heart of giving in my children for over a year now. We participate in different charity events, we are very involved in a ministry over in Africa and my children know the meaning of having a sponsor brother who lives in Africa. But to see them initiate giving without me even hinting at it just fills me with that mommy pride. That "my student is on the honor roll" pride.

While we were out shopping some we were going into a store where the Salvation Army Bell Ringers were. I was lost in conversation with my husband so I hadn't paid much attention to the man standing in front of the store. Out of no where Kinley stops us and says he needs some change. "For What?" I ask....then he tells me we can't go by the Bell Ringers without putting some change in the bucket.

You're right, son, you are so right.

If you have been reading a while then you will remember last year in the month of December I made it a point to not go by a person asking for donations, whether it be Salvation Army, St. Judes', or any other charity without dropping some change in. I firmly believe it is not the amount we put in but the heart we do it with. I am convinced that if everyone who walked by a charity stand gave...even just 5cents there would be a massive amount of charity work to be done with that increase.

There is roughly 313million people living in the US. If only HALF of those people would drop a nickel into the bucket would you believe that there would be 7million 5 hundred thousand dollars give to a charity...all because someone took the time to dig out 5 pennies or a nickel and put it in.

Truth is most people don't have carry cash. I know that most of the time I do not have any cash but I also have a slew of pennies in a jar or in the car and even some in my change purse.

PLEASE don't be embarrassed to only give a small amount!! As I said a small amount by half the people in the world equals enough money to do great things and bless many people with!

I hope you will take the time this holiday season to instill a giving spirit in your children. Even if it is just letting them see how natural it is to drop some change in the red bucket and say

Merry Christmas

May YOU and I be the CHANGE 

we need to see in the world!

Love,

~Mel

*This was NOT endorsed b y Salvation Army nor am I in any way affiliated with them just using them as the example to what we do.*

The Countdown

Well most people around the world are on the countdown to Christmas. 

I am on a countdown but not to Christmas yet. I'm not the best multitasker...I can fake organization like no other but somehow in my mind things seem to get jumbled and I get stressed. I love this time of year but quite honestly I'm excited to get this coming weekend over. 

I run my first half marathon on Sunday. 

Now let me clarify I am beyond thrilled to finally be "ready" to run 13.1 miles. I have trained and trained for this day. I am excited to feel that adrenaline rush when the gun goes off and  get that runners high when I finish. But with Christmas coming and all the fun things we do as a family during this month it has almost put a damper on my excitement for my race. When I'm running I feel like I should be doing more Christmas activities at home or preparing my house for the abundance of company that comes to visit over Christmas. Then when I am doing those things I start wondering, "Should I be doing some more training to be sure I am prepared for this race". Maybe everyone goes through this before their first race. The questions

 "Can I do this?"

"Am I really ready?"

"Will I be able to finish?"

Ugh I just wish my mind would stop racing!! 

So there you have it. The final week before my longest run ever and I'm torn between two of my favorite things! Running and Christmas,  I specifically picked this race because it was durning my fave holiday! No better race to run right? <insert exhausted voice>

Ok so enough of my rambling and let me tell you about my week to come! I am already over indulging on some of the Christmas treats, I'm trying to do a 5 day sugar detox since next Monday when us girls have our Candy baking night I will consume more sugar than any one person should consume in one day (I atleast did that right and planned it AFTER my race). But dag on its hard though because everywhere I look is goodies!!

This Thursday is our annual Kids Night. We all know how expensive Christmas can get. Even if you make your own gifts, it can still get expensive. Last year we wanted to do something for those friends in our life who are always there for us when we need them. The ones who you might not talk to for a few weeks but are there for you the minute you call. However we have a good amount of friends like this so it was going to be expensive to buy for all these people. So the hubs and I decided to offer our friends a "Free Night". We do a kiddie Christmas party (crafts, pizza, hot cocoa and we have a special surprise planned for this year) and our friends get to drop their kids off and go have a night out on the town or at home in the peace and quiet! It is a win win because it doesn't break out budget and it allows them an evening to get last minute Christmas presents or wrap presents without trying to find a babysitter! 

I have to admit as the kids get older, it gets funner and I can't wait for this Thursday. 

We are also staying at the Wilderness Lodge this Saturday since the race is so early on Sunday. They have the indoor waterpark so that will be a nice mini getaway with the kiddos this weekend! 

Any last minute tips for this half marathon momma? 

My plans are doing a short 2-3 mile run this week and a yoga workout Friday for stretching. I'm cutting out my leg days because I don't want to wear myself out before Sunday! 

BTW I started a Jamie Eason 30day workout...I love it! My upper body I do at home then I go to the gym for Leg days. I seem to push myself harder at the gym on leg days then I do at home. Plus it's nice to just get in to that gym mentality. 

Now I'll leave you with a few pics from out Christmas fun this past weekend! 

We love bass Pro Shop at Christmas! 

Getting excited to see Santa! 

This coat was mine from when I was a little girl!! I love that it fits her now! I'm going to find the picture of me in it one of these days! 

I can't believe we didn't have any tears shed! (We totally bribed her with candy canes) IT WORKED! 

Y'all have a great week! I'll be back next week with a Kids Night post and a Half Marathon RECAP!! 

Merry Christmas, 

~Mel

It's December Y'all!

We are full blown into December now. Everyone's Christmas lights are up or going up. Christmas carols are playing everywhere and the stores are buzzing with people shopping.

My Christmas list is almost complete which leaves me feeling accomplished. There is always so much I want to do in December but it seems I never have the time to do it. This December seems even more crammed packed since I am fitting in training runs and a half marathon....which is only 12 days away!

EEEEK!!!!!

I can't believe how fast it has came up. Part of me is nervous, the other part is excited! I'm ready to show that course what's up! 

I have been messaging back and forth with one of my favorite Etsy store friends and she has created me this beautifully UGLY Christmas Tank to sport during my half on the 15th. I can't wait to get my hands on it and ugly myself up some more! I'm telling ya go visit Strong Confident You for your workout tanks!! Ilona is UH-MAZING!

Now onto my Thanksgiving meal recap:

I did really well with eating and I am happy to report only a .5lb weight gain over the weekend. With Thanksgiving and a wedding in one weekend I call that a WIN! 

I'm trying really hard to keep my eating on track this month. I forgot to put somewhere my beginning weight so I'll put it here. My beginning weight before Thanksgiving was 135. Goal weight for jan 1st...135!! Who's with me to NOT gain weight this month? I wanna see some yummy comfort food recipes that aren't bD for your booty! 

Every year some girlfriends and I have a Christmas baking night, we make Oreo balls, Peanut butter Bon bons, peanut butter ritz crackers dipped in chocolate, salted Caramel cake pops, and this year I am thinking of adding cookies to the mix. It is so much fun to just hang out with my girlfriends while baking goodies! Plus they are great gifts for neighbors, mail man, co-workers, etc. Follow me on IG @sweetsouthernmel for pics of that fun night! 

I am also planing the surprise golden ticket night for my babies. We are blessed to be in a neighborhood where lots of people put up lights so right now I am on the final planning stages of surprising them at bedtime with their golden tickets and hot cocoa and taking them on a drive to look at lights. 

So I know this post is a little random and all over the place but that is exactly what my December is. Random and all over the place but at the end of the night it is all about Jesus. While we keep busy running around this Christmas season lets not forget the reason we celebrate and the reason we give at Christmas. We received the most precious gift on that night so long ago and because of that I will celebrate for eternity in heaven with my Lord and Savior! 

Happy December y'all! I'd love to hear what some of your traditions are! 

Much Love, 

~Mel