Let's Be Real

It's Monday morning on the first day back to work after Christmas break.  I'm up before the sun to try and change my workout routine.  Usually Bill and I go in the evenings, and in the past few months I have really dreaded and very often times I have missed workouts because of one excuse or another.  I heard or read somewhere that if you stick with a routine for 21 days you'll change your habits and it will become second nature to you.  So, here I am!

Since I was on my big fitness/running/health kick in the past, I have yet again backed off and gained all the weight back that I lost two years ago.  It sucks, but I own it.  I did it to myself.  I will say though I have stayed moderately active, so getting into a fitness regimen hasn't sucked near as bad as it did the first go around.

I think running two half marathons back to back burned me out.  I took some time off from running and have had a HARD time getting back into the swing of things.  So, here I am getting back.

My friend and I are running the OKC Memorial Half in April, so I've started training for that.  In an effort to improve my pace I've started the 30 Day Shred.  I'll find something else for weight training after I'm finished with that.  In the past I've looked to bodybuilding.com for weight routines, but I'm still so intimidated by lifting that I never stick with it.

I'm off to get this day going!

Make it a great Monday y'all!

I'm out!
Mrs. T

Happy New Year!!!

January 1st.  New Year, fresh start, yada, yada, yada...

Last year was pretty awesome.  Bill and I watched our toddling two year old turn three and very literally grow up in front of our eyes.  Over night he started speaking in complete sentences and going potty on his own (VERY big deal).  He's as rambunctious as ever and is so sweet and funny.

Bill still works for Halliburton and as best I can tell is still enjoying it.  We are slightly concerned about gas prices dropping, but I know God will take care of us no matter what.

He was asked this year to be the best man in his best friend's wedding.  HUGE honor!  It has also turned my strictly "weights only" husband into a little cardio bunny.  He's lost weight and looks good.  He's also become a little party planner too.  I think the latest on the bachelor party is Las Vegas at the end of May.  Sounds like a good time!

 

 

This year I saw myself through many wonderful times.  I'm truly blessed I tell ya.
...2 half marathons...first 5k with my mom...putting a 5k fundraiser together for two of my former students that passed away...getting ordained online so I could "marry" my best friends...took a trip with our friends to Las Vegas...finished up my first school year as a Reading Specialist...started a new school year at a new school with a new title (Reading Specialist/Literacy Coach)...celebrating my 30th birthday...getting a home loan approval...hosting another family Christmas in our duplex...I was asked to be a bridesmaid in my friend's wedding...found the perfect daycare/private school for Billy to attend before he's old enough for "big" school...and I made MANY new friends and strengthened old friendships along the way.  2014 was great!

2015 will be pretty great too!
We're going to buy our first house.
I'm going to run at least one more half marathon.
Billy will be four in May.
Our other Billy will be married in June
Our Alicia will be married in October.
And we're going on 12 (one per month) pre-planned dates :).

Happy New Year!!!

The plan...

I took a week "off" to rest and regroup. 

Billy ended up with a tummy bug, then he passed it to me.  Another joy of motherhood!

I was pretty sore Monday and Tuesday, but by Wednesday I felt better.  Thursday was full of work and travel, but Friday I hopped back on the treadmill and did a leg workout.  It felt good to be back in the gym.

Saturday I was scheduled for a 6 mile "long" run.  I didn't do it.  I should have gotten up early and got it in, but I didn't.  We went to a car show, visited with family, took a nap, and had dinner with friends.  Saturday night the tummy bug attacked me.  So, instead of getting my procrastinated run in Sunday morning, I puked and slept.  I feel much better now.

I wonder if anyone else that runs gets to their race, feels awesome, finishes, and then puts their running shoes on the shelf for a while?

I did for almost a week, and now I can't.  My next race is just four weeks away and I need a plan.  That's what helped me stay on track and motivated last time.

So here's the plan for this next week.

Monday-6 mile make up run
Tuesday-lower body weight lifting
Wednesday-3 mile easy jog/ upper body weight lifting
Thursday-4 mile run
Friday-cross train (Jillian Michaels video most likely)
Saturday-8 mile long run
Sunday-Rest/Stretch/Foam Roll

I hope you all have a great week!

I'm out!
Mrs. T

First Half Marathon Recap

If you had asked me a year ago to go out run 13.1 miles, I would have laughed out a, "No way!  I'm NOT a runner!"

 

Somewhere in the last twelve months that changed, and I am changed.

 

If you are a Facebook friend or follow me on Instagram, I'm sorry I overloaded your feeds Sunday.  I'm just so stinking proud that I actually did it.

 

Here's a recap of the race.

 

Pretty much the entire week before I was on edge.  I was nervous about every little detail of the race. "Where will the spectators park?  How will I see Bill and my family?  What if I need to use the bathroom?" etc.  Wednesday or Thursday Bill asked me if I was nervous, I guess he could tell.  I'll say I really didn't need to worry about all of that.  It totally worked itself out and I had a fantastic support system of girls I was running with and supporters cheering me on there and through social media.

 

Saturday was packet pickup at the expo.  I was super impressed with how easy it was to get to the expo.  My mom, Shara, her daughter Mikyla and I took the DART train to get there so we didn't have to deal with parking or traffic.  Loved that!

We got there a little after it opened so it wasn't super busy yet.  It was really well organized and easy to get through.  My favorite booth was Parker University of Chiropractic Wellness.  The doctors were giving free exams and taping runners up.  Fantastic!  I've been having mid to lower back pain and a lot of soreness in my calves.  The exam was quick and painless.  It really helped my pain and eased my tension.  I should look into regular chiropractic care.

For months I've envied the "race gear" photos people post the night before their race.  You know, the ones with their shoes, race bib, and their perfectly planned outfit.  I was so stoked to take one of my own Saturday night.

My best friend, more like a second sister, Casey, drove from Austin to cheer me on.  She met up with us Saturday night in time for Spaghetti Warehouse and a red box movie.  I'm so glad she came!

I didn't sleep well Saturday night.  Nerves I guess.  I went to bed early, for me, and tried to stay asleep.  I ended up awake every couple of hours and had the strangest dreams.  When I woke up a little after four, I hopped out of bed and got ready in a record amount of time.  I ate what I always eat for breakfast and waited for Shara to pick me up at 5:30.  Casey and my mom woke up and drank a cup of coffee with me while I tried to chill out.  There was no chilling out.

After Shara picked me up we headed out to ride the DART train to the start line.  I'm really glad we didn't have to deal with traffic and parking.  We also got to ride with other runners.

 

 

We made it there with plenty of time to walk around and warm up.  It seemed like for.ev.er before my corral got to go.  Oh, that's because I'm a turtle and at the back of the pack.  It was nice to be back there with runners that go my pace.  We were able to spread out and run-walk-run as we needed to.  I set a few goals for myself for this first half.  One...finish.  Two...finish under 3 hours.  Three...enjoy and take a few pictures along the way.  I'm happy to say that I accomplished all three! :)

 

Here are a few shots along the way.
 

 

I checked my phone a few times during the run to know when and where to look for my family, to read encouraging texts and to read encouraging Instagram comments.  Thanks for the support everyone!!!

 

I followed my training plan of running a minute, walking a minute until my iPod died.  That app really runs the battery down.  When I saw my family I handed it off to Casey so I wouldn't have to mess with it or the head phones.  I continued to run and walk for a little bit as I needed to.  I found that I went too quick at the beginning, so the further I went, the more my pace suffered.  Next time I'll start out slower and then kick it up about halfway through.

 

Around mile 5 I had to pee.  There was no holding it anymore so I found a potty with no line and went for it.  Between mile 7 or 8 they handed out GU gels.  I think that's what they're called.  I've never tried them, but I got one because they were free and I knew if I didn't need it, Bill would love it.   I ended up breaking the rule of not doing anything new on race day.  When I got to mile 10 I was slowing down and dreaming of fajitas and guacamole.  I was hungry and I had the beginnings of a headache.  I pulled the gel out of my pocket, salted caramel, and ripped it open.  It was amazingly delicious.  I was surprised and so thankful to have it.  A little ways down the course there was another water station so I was able to stop for a quick second to finish eating and wash it down.  Hallelujah!

My family followed my progress with the Find my Friends app.  They were able to watch me in several spots on the course.  It really helped to have their support as I ran by.  They were champs to drive around all morning battling the traffic and standing out in the cold.  Thanks y'all!!

When we were getting close to the 12 mile mark, there were groups around me laughing and cursing the last mile.  They were hilarious and a much needed comedic break.  There were finishers walking along side showing us their medals and encouraging us during our last push.  It really is true that runners support other runners.  It really doesn't matter how fast/slow/whatever.  If you run, you're a runner, and you are loved.

Rounding the corner into Fair Park was exciting and a huge relief.  It was almost over.  I knew at some point it would hit me, because let's face it, I'm sentimental and I'm a crier.  This was that moment.  I started crying then and running faster.  The closer I got the finish line, the more emotional I got.  I've always hated running.  I've always stunk at sports and I've never enjoyed physical activity.  This was and is a big deal, but I think I've doubted myself.  I think that in the back of my mind I wasn't sure I could or would actually do it.  So when I came around that last bend and realized I had, you see the ugly cry face.

 

I've never been more proud of that face.  I did it.  And I didn't die!

 

Smiles from ear to ear!

 

Casey and I :)

I finally earned that 13.1 sticker!

My family gave me this ring to celebrate!

Official results.  They are what they are!  It's a starting point!

 

I just realized I didn't take a picture with my "fan club" or with my husband.  I must remember to do that next time.  Speaking of next time...

Here I go again!!!

I'm out!
Mrs. T

Blogging Break, St. Paddy's Day 5k, First Half Marathon

Hallelujah! I made it to Spring Break!

I've really enjoyed the extra time to play with Billy, pamper myself a little and get my housework caught up.

First, Life got a little overwhelming there for a second so I focused on the must haves and went from there.  Work sorted itself all out, as it always does, and now I'm all caught up and sitting pretty to conquer the remainder of the school year.

For the last few months I've been following my half marathon training plan and getting my long runs in on the weekend.  Here are a few things I've learned during this process:  I know I don't enjoy running during the first mile or two, but after that it's pretty awesome.  If I set my mind to it, I do it. Setting a goal, and going after it gives a feeling of accomplishment I don't even know how to describe.  I also know I haven't been this nervous about something in quite a long while.

Before entering my last week before the BIG 13.1, I ran a 5k with my running partner, Shara.  She's a boss at all this running business and I feel like a newborn horse running next to her.  Even though she can run circles around me, she stayed with me the entire race, walked with me when I needed to and shared victory smoothies with me post race.  She's super awesome and a great friend.

In these last few days of preparation, I've been trying to get in a lot of water and good carbs.  I've also been taking it easy with exercise.  I did get out yesterday and jog over to my sister's house and back.  It's right at two miles.  :)  It makes me super happy to say that my sister is that close to me.  We've lived over 100 miles apart for the last six years.

A while back I saw where people dedicate miles of their run to people in their lives that have inspired them, that they love, etc.  I think it's a cool idea so I'm stealing it.

Here's to 13.1...

Mile 1:  This one is going to be for me.  Selfish, maybe, but I decided to do this a long time ago for many reasons and one of those for me.  To say that I can.  I CAN.

Mile 2: This is for my husband.  Even though he's remained pretty quiet about all of this, I know he's my biggest fan and he's a big part of the reason I started on my fitness journey over a year ago.

Mile 3: Billy.  THE reason I'm here.  THE reason I'm a mommy and the most joy-filled I've ever been.  For him I want to be the healthiest example and in the best health so that I can live a long, long time.

Mile 4: Shara.  Oh, Shara.  Without your support and encouragement I wouldn't have been fired up enough, or believed in myself enough to sign up to torture myself like this. :)  Every text, message on map my run, and pep talk have lifted me up when I was unsure on this journey.  I would have thrown in the towel a long time ago without you cheering me on!

Mile 5:  Brandi Laughlin.  We've only met once, but your healthy choices that you blog about, your goals you've set for yourself, and your 26.2 miles have pushed me out of my comfort zone and have been a great catalyst in my journey.

Mile 6:  Megan Stoeckl.  Your positivity is simply infectious.  I've gone back and read your half marathon recaps over and over.  Last summer the bug was put in my head about running this half, and that was because of you. 

Mile 7: Mom.  If I can, YOU can.  I've watched you struggle my whole life.  The ups and downs in your own journey.  I want you to know how much I love you and that you are bigger and better than your struggle, you are more than your diagnosis, and you CAN and WILL feel good again.

Mile 8: Dad.  During my training runs I was really afraid of my long run of 8 miles.  I don't know why it loomed like a dark scary cloud, but it did, and it made me mad.  I was stubborn, super hard-headed, I wanted to quit during that run a million times, but thanks to those German genes we share, I angrily and defiantly made every step.  I love you and all that you've taught be about meaning what you say and saying what you mean.  Setting a goal and sticking to it. 

Mile 9: Sister.  Watching you grow up has been fun, frustrating, and exciting.  I've seen you overcome situations that I know I would have crumbled under.  You inspire me to take it one day at a time, that only YOU can control how you act/react, and that NOBODY can push you around.  I'm so proud of you and the mother and wife you are.  I love you.

Brother from another mother.  You can piss me off like no other.  You frustrate me to no end with your confrontational personality and your love for a good debate.  This mile is also dedicated to you.  Your strength over seas, your leadership in your family, and your support for my journey are very appreciated.  If you can spend a year in the desert, I CAN do this!

Mile 10:  Mama Janice and Papa Bill.  I couldn't ask for better in-laws.  If I had my pick of anyone, I'd always pick you.  Thank you for your encouraging words, for keeping Billy when I needed to go to the gym, get in a run at the park, and letting me go on and on and on about my plans for these races.  I love you both so much.

Mile 11: Sister from another mister.  Name twin. Maid of honor.  Finisher of my sentences.  Amy Forbes.  Mile 11 is for you for so many reasons.  You're the Carrie to my Charlotte.  I love you.

Mile 12: Talbert Family.  When I married Bill I only knew a little about what a wonderful family I was receiving.  I'm thankful for all of you every. single. day.  I'm so blessed to have such loving people support me and my little family.  I love you all!

Mile 13: Casey, Mary and Mike.  You're family.  Even though we don't share blood, we share heart.  I love you and I'm thankful for the role you all have played in my life over the last 29 years.  I wouldn't be me with out you.

Point 1: Me...this last part is about me.  Enjoying the journey.  Celebrating the destination.  And earning that sticker. :)

Only 3 more days!

Dallas here I come!!

I'm out!
Mrs. T

Parenting

Hello All!  I've been away trying to stay on top of work duties, wife duties and mommy duties. 

Today I wanted to share an article that a friend of mine posted on Facebook.  It hits on several important things that I know I'm guilty of.  As with anything, take what you want from this and toss what you will to the side.  I just felt it was worth sharing here.

10-common-mistakes-parents-today-make-me-included

These are my confessions...

I'm about to be one Negative Nancy. So leave now if you're not down for a gripe fest.

In the last two weeks there have been so many things that have gone right in my life.  I've stuck with my fitness plan, our house has remained fairly clean, and work has been great. 

That being said, I should've seen this coming. You know when things are going too great, the bottom is about to fall out.

I'm not going to go into great detail because my frustrations stem from an enormous workload and I don't want to say anything I'll later regret. (I'm so glad I learned that lesson in my early years.) 

What I will say is this...I'm not a miracle worker. I can do awesome stuff, but taking a child THREE grade levels behind to on grade level mastery in 4 months is asking a lot. People that don't work in education shouldn't make laws about it.  Planning meetings, parent events, ordering materials and preparing for an audit make for a full plate.  When will I teach?! 

I know it will pass. I will accomplish what I can when I can, but I'm not a fan of the stress.

I'm off to start my to do list. In June I'll be poolside. For real.

Half Marathon Training Update

The Dallas Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon is March 23.  That's only 78 days away people.  SEVENTY-EIGHT!!!

No need to panic though.  I have a plan.

Last week I started my training.  Ironically, I decided to kick it in gear Christmas Day.  Who decides to start their half training on a major holiday? You can see below how well that went!

     Plan/Actual
25-3mile Run + Strength/Nada...aka rest...aka stuff my face
26-Rest-Foam Roll/Who needs to rest and foam roll after eating ham and potatoes?  I ran 3.26 miles.
27-30 min cross train or easy run/ Rest and foam roll...mama was sore.
28-4 miles long run/Mind games, and I lost.  Nada today.  Rest, played with Billy and went fishing.
29-Stretch and Strengthen/Walked the outlet mall on a day date with my man.
30-3mile Run/2.61 miles...I ran from the park to Grandma's house.
31-2mile Run/Chased Billy for about an hour.  Gosh his energy is endless!
1-New Years Day Virtual 5K/ 3.14 miles on the treadmill. :)  It felt good!
2-Rest/ 2ish miles on the treadmill...started the Jillian Michaels DVD Challenge...Ripped in 30
3-30 min cross train/Bench press, light walking and biking, JM DVD Challenge...Ripped in 30
4-4 miles long run + JM/4.4 miles using the run-walk-run method and JM Ripped in 30

I think having a plan, and sticking to it, or as close to it as you can, is what's important.

Goals for this week...
-clean up diet, duh.
-follow the plan
-go to bed early (try, Amy, try)

If you're interested in joining the Jillian Michaels Challenge, head over to Holly's Blog for the details.  It's been a great motivator for me!

Also, a special shout out to Valerie!  Thanks for the inspiring emails!  If you want in on that check out her blog.

See you soon!

I'm out!
Mrs. T

In a flash...

It was gone! 

I love the preparations and all the hustle and bustle that the holidays bring, but I always suffer a Christmas hangover, not the kind you're thinking. 

The day after Christmas I always miss that great feeling of anticipation.  You know the feeling of something big and wonderful on the way.  I'm sure that's how Mary felt before she gave birth to Jesus.

The day after there's nothing but leftover food, crumpled wrapping paper, and empty boxes waiting to be trashed.  The big events are over.  Family has returned home and the decorations need to come down. 

I've never been one to immediately take down the Christmas décor.  I love the lights, wreaths and tiny singing snowmen.  I enjoy drinking my coffee out of my red and green snowflake mug.  It always so bittersweet taking it all down, so I wait as long as Bill can stand it before it all must go.

Christmas is my favorite time of year.  There's something so special about it.  People seem to be a little more jolly, a little more giving and a little more forgiving.  It's a magical time.

Students at school get so excited as they anticipate Santa, and their two week break.

So, I'm a little bummed that it went by so fast.  It always seems to go by too fast. 

This year Bill and I hosted our families for Christmas Eve snacks and games along with Christmas day present exchanges and Christmas dinner.  The preparation took weeks, and it was all over too soon.

I've never been a whiz in the kitchen, ask anyone that knows me.  So I have no idea why I agreed to make dinner for 12 people!  My mom of course agreed to help so I thought it would be a breeze.

Before I get into my meltdown over squash casserole, let's do a little update on the days leading up to Christmas.

                                  

 

A week ago I got a wild hair and decided to add a little red.  Call it Christmas spirit, boredom, whatever, the red was added and I love it!

                 

For our Christmas party at school we decided to jump on the "ugly" Christmas sweater train.  I was particularly stoked about it so I got crafty.  Here is my creation.  It was very well received!

                  

This party was by far the most fun I've had at a work party.  My coworkers are hilarious!!!  This is a picture of my boss and one of our first grade teachers.  My boss walked away with the grand prize for her ugly sweater creation, and I tied for second with the Jesus sweater.  I'll take that!

 

                  

This past weekend some of my book club ladies and their kids met up with me to go see The Nutcracker ballet.  It was amazing!  I love the live orchestra, the wonderful dancers, good times with friends, and of course a chance to dress up a little.

                 

Billy had a party at school on Monday.  I swear he had a good time, although it's hard to tell by this picture!

                   

Monday my friends and I did our own "Jingle Jog Virtual 5K"  it was almost like we were running a fun Christmas themed race together.  Almost.

                                      

Most of my family holiday gatherings involve a game or two of some sort.  This year we played dominos.  So. Much. Fun.
 

                                     

We must have had a VERY good boy this year.  Santa really overdid himself!  I wasn't sure there would be room for all of our guests.

                                    

If you are friends of mine on Facebook you've already seen this picture and my declaration that this year was the Christmas of the batteries.  For real!  I'd also like to declare it the Christmas of Thomas the train.  Choo! Choo!

 

 

Ok, back to my meltdown.  About halfway through our gift exchange, my oldest niece started complaining of an earache.  It was hurting her so badly she stopped opening gifts and laid down on my mom.  Yikes!  So, my sister and my mom left to take her to urgent care to get her checked out.  I'm so glad they took her.  That poor baby had a pretty bad ear infection. 

 

They were gone for a while, and during this time the natives were starting to get a little restless.  The boys/men were in all parts of the house chatting it up and playing with their new gadgets.  I started cooking and about halfway through the green bean casserole prep it hit me that I had never cooked for this many people before, I was totally on my own to pull this off, and I had NO IDEA how to put the squash casserole together.   It is my mom's recipe and that little baby is locked tight in her head. 

 

Crazy thoughts started taking over and the tears began to flow.  I didn't have the potatoes peeled yet or put on to boil for the mashed potatoes.  I didn't have the ham out of the fridge yet, the water wasn't boiling for the macaroni, and I couldn't find enough bake ware for it all.  MELTDOWN!

 

As I was trying desperately to hid my tears, my mother-in-law stepped in from watching Billy and started to lend a hand.  She also recruited my brother-in-law and my husband. 

 

Even after all the help I just couldn't stop crying.  I was M O R T I F I E D.  So I snuck off to get myself together.

 

Soon after my mom, sister, and niece arrived and all was well again.  My mom made the squash casserole and we set everything up to eat. 

 

The blessing was said, merry wishes were made, and we dug in. 

 

                                 

I'm sure I freaked everyone out.  Nobody will want me to host ever again.  And now I have a billion Santa plates that will never be used.  Wonderful.

I'm sure that's not true, most of it anyway.  But I'm pretty sure they all think I'm crazy.  Eh, oh well.

What was your Christmas like?

Did any of y'all have a meltdown?

What were your kids favorite gifts?

Merry, Merry Christmas!!!  Please don't ask me to make the squash casserole.

I'm out!
Mrs. T

                                

Goals

I think it's important to set goals for yourself in all areas of your life.

Goal setting can keep you motivated.

Goal setting can give you a sense of purpose.

Goal setting can give you a road map for achieving your dreams.

Goal setting can help you find yourself again.  At least that's what it has done for me.

Back in the spring when I started this blog I was excited to start something new, not just the blog but going after weigh loss and fitness goals.  I was in a kind of low place and I needed to reevaluate my blessings and go after my dreams.  I needed to spend some of time focusing on myself so that I could be the wife and mother my family needed.  Taking charge of my body through diet and exercise has done just that.  Everyday isn't easy, but it's worth it.


Here are a few of my goals for 2014.  There's a few fitness, a few life, a few mommy related. :)

-Potty Train Billy
-THINK before I react
-Give more
-Choose a new home church
-Get fitted for REAL running shoes
-Run a Half Marathon (I've already signed up for three!)
-Run a Full Marathon (I've already signed up for the Route 66!)
-Revamp the diet (as in lifestyle eating)
-Take a vacation
-Get my phone screen fixed (it's looks like I stomped on it in stilettos)
-Do more things that bring joy to my life.

What are your goals or resolutions for the new year?

I'm out!
Mrs. T

Shuffle...

On our road trip home today I thought it would be fun to put my songs on shuffle and see what the first five would be. 

I LOVE Christmas music.  A few years ago I sang this song with one if my friends during the Christmas Eve service. It was a magical moment. 

Again with the Christmas music, and it's the Glee version! Lea Michelle sings it and it is so good! She's got a set of pipes.

Great song, great group. 

Ha! This song cracks me up! Reminds me of college.

Oh how this song reminds me of last summer. Friends, fireworks, and fun times.

Play along with me! What will the first 5 on your shuffle be?

I'm out!

Mrs. T