The Kids' First 5K ~ Race Recap

As I've mentioned before 5k's are not my favorite race distance these days, but doing it as a family and with friends makes it my absolute favorite distance!  We debated whether or not to do a local 5k race even up to a couple days before just simply due to the fact that our schedules have been so busy lately and it was a week before our half marathon race in the mountains. Once the kids got excited about it, we knew we needed to take the morning to encourage our kids and let it be their race :).  It was also the first race for a dear friend of ours, so we were excited to run with her and her dear sister as well.  We love this local race, it's a small and friendly run.  Last year this race was our very first family run.  Thanks Lifestyle Fitness, for another wonderful race!

The kids were so cute getting ready for their race first thing in the morning.  There's something so encouraging and fun about sharing our love for running and taking care of our bodies with our kids!  God has designed our bodies to move and it's so fun to share this message as a family!  We also enjoy sharing the message that lean beef is a great source of protein for active families!!!  I apologize for the picture overload of this race... it was just such a special morning!

We were so proud of these kiddos!

Our dear friend helped design these adorable tanks.  We just love how cute they are and the message of Hebrews 12:1-2 it shares!  Rachael and Sara are such sweet sisters and so incredibly encouraging, sweet, Godly women.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, for sharing this special day with us!!!

Oh, how I love this girl!  She has prayed, encouraged and reminded me of God's purpose on this journey from the very beginning!

Last year I ran with Kylee and Daddy ran with Jayce, so we decided to switch it up this year.  Two years ago, I never would have dreamed that I would see an image like this.  An incredible Daddy sharing such a special moment with his little girl!

I had no idea how much I would learn about my little dude through this race!  I have spent time working with Kylee on how to keep her pace, how to do run/walk intervals, but I hadn't worked with Jayce at all.  I was fully prepared for him to run a couple of blocks and then we would walk the remaining 5k, but oh boy did he surprise me.  This silly 5 year old took off at a sprint and ran for well over a mile without walking.  I had absolutely no idea he had it in him.  I also discovered how incredibly competitive he is.  It was a great reminder that there are other lessons to be learned running a race besides encouraging physical fitness.  I had to discuss with Jayce that the race is a great opportunity to encourage others and that it's important to finish the race!  This little guy touched my heart as anytime he passed or was passed by someone he reached out to give them a high five :)

Sweet Sara was definitely Jayce's budy!  She was so incredibly kind and gentle with him.

 When I asked Kylee what her favorite part of the race was, she didn't even hesitate to say that it was crossing the finish line with these ladies!  I don't think it matters how many races or how old you are, there's something amazing about each finish line!  

After a strong start, some tears and a piggy back ride on mommy, little dude finished strong!

This is one of my favorite pictures of the morning!  I love how Josh hurried to get to the finish line, so that he could capture these three lovely ladies coming across the finish line together.  

Kylee encouraging her little brother as he finished!

This was little dude's favorite part of the race... getting a snack when he finished!

Another one of my favorite pictures of the day.  These two ladies have such a special relationship!  And what a special way to deepen their friendship, running their first 5k together!  

Thanks Miss Rach, we love you so much!!!

Run the Race, Persevere & Focus on Christ!

Blessings,

Krystal

New Year's in July!

New Year's always brings resolutions or new goals.  But we all know breaking down our goals to smaller pieces typically results in greater success.  Around New Year's I was still working on my two prior physical goals which was to run a half marathon and lose 25 pounds.  When I set these goals I was a little concerned that they might not be attainable, but I established a plan and just did the best I could each day.

As I've shared before I fell into the trap of allowing fitness to become my idol and had to reevaluate my priorities and make sure that God was first in ALL aspects of my life.  I'm currently going through Beth Moore's bible study 'David,' which I'm really enjoying (more on this journey at a later time)!  This has really helped bring my priorities back in line and draw me closer to Him.

After spending a lot of time in prayer, I've been able to refocus my priorities and establish some goals for the second half of 2013, which I'm really excited about.  First and foremost, my time in prayer in God's word is my first priority.  Time on the computer (or any other device at home) will not take place until my kids are in bed, ensuring that they don't feel like they have to compete with my time!  Keeping these areas, as well as my marriage balanced, will allow me to establish some new physical goals.

And without further ado, here's the new fitness goals!

1.  Run 1,000 Miles in 2013 (I've already run 503 thus far).  This will be a challenge, but I've got a plan and am just going to take one run at a time!  I use Daily Mile to log my workouts, which helps track my progress.

2.  Be able to plank for 7 minutes by the end of the year!  My plan is to begin with 1 minute planks and increase 15 seconds each week.  This will also be a challenge, but I'm hoping the increased focus on my core will help with reaching my first goal!

3.  I will also be using Turbo Fire as cross training on the days that I'm not running.  I needed something to change up my fitness routine to ensure that I'm working different muscles and ensure that I don't get bored!

One crucial lesson that I have learned over the last year is establishing a plan is crucial to success.  When I set up my plan to train for my first half marathon, I put every single workout on my digital calendar.  This ensured that I completed the workout and it also took a lot of thinking and planning out from day-to-day.  So, I set up the goals above, broke out the goals by weeks and then by day.  I'm still working on what the reward will be to myself when I reach these goals but I will get that figured out soon, which is half the fun of setting goals!  Here's a sample of my calendar for the next 6 months.  Having every workout established also helps me move workouts around if necessary when 'life' happens.

I'll admit, this process took me a considerable amount of time to put together, but I'm excited to have a plan in place!  I'll also be posting my weekly workouts on my blog for a couple reasons.  First of all to help hold myself accountable.  

The other reason is because I simply love running buddies.  If any of my girlfriends close by want to run with me on a day I'm scheduled to run, drop me a message and we'll set up a time and location (with a slight disclaimer that I usually run pretty early in the morning)!  I would absolutely love for you to join me for a warm up together, an entire run, or just whatever you have on your training calendar.  We're not on this journey alone and I ALWAYS welcome a running pal!  What goal are you setting for the second half of 2013?  Make it count!!!

Blessings to you on your journey,

Krystal 

First Family Race Recap

After our kids have watched and supported Josh and I several times, our oldest has been asking to run in a race.  When we heard about a local 5k/1 mile walk/run race we were so excited to sign up as a family.    Living in a small town there aren't too many local races so we like to take advantage of them when we can!  The kids were so cute last night when I told them they had to go to bed early so that they were rested up for their race.  This morning we woke up, fixed breakfast together and then everyone got into their running gear, laced up their shoes and off we went!

It definitely wasn't a typical day in June in Colorado.  It was so windy and only about 50 degrees.  When Kylee heard the wind this morning she started complaining about not wanting to run in the wind and honestly I didn't either.  It was a great teachable moment though as we had a little talk about following through with our commitments regardless of the weather.  We also talked about how when you sign up for a race you never know what kind of weather you're going to end up running in, but you still show up and give it your best and praise God for the day!

We all got our bibs pinned on and we were ready to run (and to warm up). 

Some friends of ours were running their first race as a family too.  It was so much fun sharing this special morning with them!  I ended up running with Kylee and the boys all ran together.  I love how they were holding hands.  I heard that they may have crashed along the way too, oops! :)

As Kylee and I turned around at the half way point we saw Josh and Nate carrying the little boys on their shoulders, it was so cute!  I wasn't able to take a picture of them while we were running but had to snap one at the end of the race!  Great job guys!

I was so proud of Miss Kylee.  She struggled a couple times but kept pushing on and ran the entire mile with me in 11:35.  She even finished 1st in the 1 mile division.  I loved how she sprinted through the finish line.  After we finished she now understands the fun and excitement of a race regardless of your time or placing and is already asking to run another race.  We also had a sweet conversation with both of our kids on the way home about what the purpose of a race is.  It's not about winning, it's about getting exercise, enjoying time with others who enjoy running and enjoy being outside!     

I hope this is just the first of many special family runs!!! Thanks to Lifestyle Chiropractic & Fitness for putting on a fun run this morning!  We appreciate all your effort to encourage families to be active.

Blessings,

Krystal

My Before & After

I've been working out on a regular basis for several years but didn't really take it seriously until a year ago.  When my dear friend suggested a mud run, I had no idea how much of an impact that one moment would have on my journey physically, emotionally and spiritually (as well as the friendships formed along the way)!  As I began running so many things changed in my life.  I focused on what I was eating as it was taking more 'fuel' to continue to increase my distance.  I still have a long ways to go in this area, but it's baby steps.  I also had to pay close attention to the amount of water I was drinking and had to eliminate one of my favorite drinks... sweet tea!  My daily routine and sleep habits had to be evaluated and adjusted.  I was really just focusing on improving my health as I was suffering from migraines and issues with stomach pain and not necessarily weight loss.  The weight loss was just the icing on the cake. 

After losing about five pounds, I found myself focusing entirely too much on what the scale was showing and wanting the number to continue to decline.  I had to constantly remind myself to focus on the bigger picture, which had nothing to do with numbers.  After a year of blood, sweat and tears I have lost 30 pounds (and 3 dress sizes) and find myself still wanting to lose another 10 pounds, get stronger, run faster, BUT I have to learn to be content and happy where I am at right now and praise God for the journey and just continue working to improve my health!  Over this last year, I've also learned that there is no shortcut to a lifestyle change.  It takes a lot of planning, commitment, support and love from family and friends and it's a constant learning process.  And I can tell you that it's worth every step.  When this journey began, I had no idea the impact it would have.  Over this last year God has restored my health, renewed my marriage and reminded me that my body is a temple and I praise Him for every step of this journey!  I had no idea that a year after this journey began that running would be a family affair!  I'm training for my first half marathon, my husband has enjoyed a couple of races and we're doing our first family fun run this weekend.  Nothing bonds a family like running does!

God has also reminded me that every day is a gift, celebrate and rejoice in it!  I recently decided to do a 'Journey' photo session with my favorite photographer Cherished Snapshots as a way to move forward on this journey, celebrate what God has done in my life, for increased motivation and for one other silly reason... to replace an old high school volleyball picture my husband STILL has in the dash of his pickup :)  I had so much fun with Jenn taking these pictures.  She has such a gift of coming along side her clients, create a vision and join them in the celebration.  It was so different having pictures taken without my dear husband and precious kiddos, but I have learned that taking care of myself allows me to take care of them the way God has called me to!

So, without further ado here is my before and after pictures as well as a few pictures from my 'journey session.'

BEFORE & AFTER

One of my favorite pictures of the entire photo session!  This is such a reminder of how I feel after the journey I've endured this last year.  My hope is to hang on to this feeling and continue to focus on my health and the health of my family!  One other piece of wisdom I would share is set reasonable goals for your journey and CELEBRATE when you reach them!  The goals I set for myself about 10 months ago was to run a half marathon and to lose 25 pounds and I was so excited to reach them both!  Maybe you celebrate with a new outfit, new gear, a special getaway, or a fun photo shoot, the list goes on and on!  Now to set some new goals!  Maybe I'll think about that on my next long run. 

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. 

Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. Psalm 139:14

Blessings to you on your journey and thank you for your love, support and encouragement as I continue and share mine!

Krystal

Maintaining Training On the Road!

As I'm sure you've seen from my various posts that I traveled to Illinois in mid March to attend the Hearts at Home Conference (more to come on the conference).  It was an amazing few days of being renewed physically but most importantly spiritually.  A dear friend of mine and I traveled together.  We laughed together, cried together and were truly blessed.

Amy has been with me on this journey to get healthy from the very beginning.  Her encouragement, prayers, accountability, and support has been such a blessing.

We had such a special time together.  Both of us have made such drastic changes to our life over the last year.  Our daily routines of what we eat and our workouts are so important that we discussed our plans before we even left.  We travelled on a Thursday, worked out Thursday night, scheduled a rest day for Friday (to fully enjoy the conference) and then both of us enjoyed a workout on Saturday before we began our travel home.

Before we left I did some research to see if there was any running paths close by and was so excited to discover the Constitution Trail that goes through the Normal/Bloomington, IL area.  The weather was a little brisk and foggy but I was SO excited to run outside.  

This was THE best run I've ever had since starting this journey.  Being refueled spiritually the day before had such an impact on the thoughts I had while I was running.  I'm pretty sure I had a smile on my face for the entire 8 miles and felt like I should have ran farther.

Here's a the view I had on my run!  It was incredibly refreshing!

There was also a couple little ponds that I enjoyed running past, even with the fog!

Absolutely loved being outside on this peaceful, beautiful morning!

It's so easy to skip a good run or workout while you're traveling, but it's so important to stick to your plan even while on the road.  This taught me to seek this opportunity whenever possible!  I can't wait to discover new areas or paths when I travel.

Blessings,

Krystal

Out with the Old in with the New!

After close to 500 miles it is officially time to retire my very first pair of running shoes!

I don't think I will ever be able to get rid of these shoes as they are such a great reminder of how this journey started.  Simply putting one foot in front of the other!

I've recently had some pain in my feet when I run and my toes were really starting to hurt and after evaluating the mileage on my first pair of shoes, I realized it was time for a new pair.  I started doing some research and reading reviews on different brands and styles of running shoes and let me just say that is quite the overwhelming task!  

I came across these Brooks PureCadence (http://www.zappos.com/brooks-purecadence-black-anthracite-purple-magic) shoes and after trying them on, I quickly realized 'WOW, I really did need a new pair of running shoes.'  They had great reviews and were a reasonable price as well.  Gotta love Zappos!

I'm so excited to give them a try tomorrow morning!!!

If you are just getting started with any physical activity, make sure you start with a good pair of shoes, it's definitely worth it!!!

Blessings,

Krystal

Dirty Girl Mud Run - The Dunamis Divas

The day was fast approaching for the Dirty Girl Mud Run last September after we had trained all summer.  I can't tell you how much it motivated us to have this race on the calendar way in advance and to just simply have a goal.  The Dirty Girl Mud Run is a 5k mud run/obstacle course.  This mud run is not timed, which certainly decreased the pressure.  The three of us were anxious, excited and maybe a little nervous.  Before race day Amy came up with our team name (which we will continue to use for future events).  Our team name is "The Dunamis Divas."

Dunamis is the greek word for "power."  Romans 1:16 says, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power (Dunamis) of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes..."  What a great verse to help inspire us for this race and races to come and to be reminded of the race we all endure each and every day!

We decided to have temporary tattoos made with our team name for us to wear, as well as our precious kiddos!

   Here's a picture of the kiddos there to support their mom's.

This was so fun to do as a family.  Having family there to support us (and take pictures) was so wonderful and a day we will never forget!  Here's a picture of my dear husband and our kiddos.

This one photo captured such a special moment for me on this day.  I love this little dude!

Well enough being cute, now it's time to get dirty!  Those that know me well know how much I enjoy playing in the mud, although I must say the water/mud was a little chilly on this September day.  Here we are getting warmed up at the starting line and practicing the signal for needing medical attention!

Here we are on our first obstacle!  It made us feel like kids again bouncing down.

Our kids and men were waiting for us towards the end of the race and captured some fun photos of us as we finished!

Look at these shoes!

I will forever love these Dunamis Divas as we have such a special bond that I will hold close to my heart as we began this journey together!

There's nothing more valued than accountability, encouragement and friendship among Sisters in Christ!  Love you girls and I can't wait to do another run with you!

If you've never done a fun run like this, I highly recommend you find a group of friends and put it on the calendar!  

You'll be glad you did!!!

Blessings,

Krystal