We've Been Busy

There have been some major changes going on here in our house over the last month that have kept us very busy. 

We have been going to the YMCA 4 days a week since the last week of February and it has been wonderful. The boys love going. They even ask to go and get very excited as we are getting ready. I love seeing them excited to go knowing they will get some time to play without Mommy. It's been great for me as well. I get an hour and a half to really focus on myself.  I can get out of mommy mode and just spend time with me.  Over the last 6 weeks I've lost 10 pounds, have started fitting into a size smaller pant and the shape of my body has really changed. 

I've never had a desire to be a runner, ever. I always thought it was boring.  When we joined the Y, I figured I'd be joining classes as my workout routine.  However, James got me on the treadmill my first day and I lasted much longer than I thought I would.  The next time we went I lasted a bit longer. After a few times, I thought it was time to try my hand at running again. I've tried in the past and due to zero endurance and shin splints, I always gave up. However, this time something was different.  My kind set is different. I am determined to run. I want to run. Where it has come from, I'm not sure, but I'm excited about it.

I've had a few bumps in the road, but I'm not giving up!!  I had a flare up of shin splints again, but thanks to Jeff at Fleet Feet, I got an awesome pair of turquoise running shoes with inserts that have made all the difference. And with the stretches he showed me, I've kicked those shin splints in the butt. Then I had some knee pain which I read was termed "runner's knee". Thankfully I have some awesome PT friends who told me to strengthen my hamstrings and get back at it.  I took a week off running to rest my knees and build up my strength.  That was followed by a week off from the Y all together due to entire family sickness.  Today was our first day back and I left so incredibly proud of myself. I finished a 5K in 49 minutes with 21 of them running.  In my adult life I have NEVER been able to run 21 consecutive minutes.  Apparently resting like I did was super beneficial.  I felt like I probably could have done more but I didn't want to push myself too far.  I've decided that I am going to register for the Oldham County Grand Slam.  It's a series of four 5K races, the first being May 19. I am so excited.

This is definitely a different me.  I'm running.  I'm cooking as healthy as I possibly know how. I have eliminated soft drinks from my diet completely which means my water intake has gone from little to no less than 30oz a day. We are making healthy choices for our whole family and it feels great.  I'll keep you updated on my progress!