Another Half Marathon!

Back in June I ran the Slackers Half Marathon race, which was such an incredible experience.  I also learned so much from that race.  One of the difficult lessons I learned was that I must be careful when choosing a race to run.  I have to be cautious for both my spiritual and physical health.  As I've wrote about in the past, I got a migraine two days before my first half marathon race due to stressing over the race and allowing my fitness to become an idol.  What was a way to relieve stress became my stress.

Like many runners, I am much more committed and dedicated on a daily and weekly basis if I have a goal to works towards, which is one of the many reasons that races are so valuable.  A dear friend and fellow running pal came across US Road Running, which is a site dedicated to virtual races.  The way that it works, is you register for a race (which they have all sorts of different themed, monthly, team races, etc.) online.  The fee is really reasonable, simply to cover the administrative costs and costs of the medals.  With some of the races they mail you your medal right away and you can have it ready for race day and others you log back in after your race, record your time and then they mail you your medal with your name and time on the back of the medal.  You can then run your race at any location (indoors or outdoors) at any time (within the guidelines of the chosen race).

I absolutely loved this idea for so many reasons.  Living in rural America it can be a challenge to travel to the larger races, therefore a virtual race is less expensive, easier on my family and a lot less stressful for this runner and yet, still gave me a great goal to work towards.  A group of us then picked a date, picked our distances, set our goals and got registered!  I registered for the Movie Madness Half Marathon, which is a virtual half marathon that you can complete anytime during 2013.  I was so excited to receive my medal in the mail and then I sat it on the shelf to wait for 'race day', which I happen to receive the same day as a new pair of running shoes.  Oh happy day!!!

I didn't feel near the anxiety in the days leading up to the race that I did for my last half marathon.  I'm not sure if it was the fact that I had already proved to myself that I could actually run the distance, the fact that I was able to sleep in my own bed the night before or the fact that I had an amazing group to run with and support each other.  God truly has blessed me with an incredible group of supportive and encouraging people along this journey and the fact that we never get tired of talking about 'running' with each other is a bonus.

Race day finally arrived!  I usually run really early in the morning, so waiting to run at 8:00 am was a bit of a challenge, but it was just too cold for us to start any easier!  We went a little early so that the kids and I could create a finish line.

Then it was time for a quick picture before we got started!

We had such a sweet supporter who set up a water station for us and the greatest little guy rooting for us as we went by!  And just look at the fall colors we enjoyed on this run!

My very sweet husband traveled around the various locations taking pictures, while also being there to love and support me on this race.  He blessed me so much by making me feel like this race was just as important as a race that had 10,000 people running!  I just love him so much!

I made a 4 mile loop around our small town several times and then finished the last 1.1 miles on some side streets! At mile 8 my dear husband had a water bottle ready for me.  He also drove around to various spots so that him and the kids could encourage me and make sure I was doing okay.

Because of this being a virtual race, my precious girl was able to join me for part of my half marathon.  

Her original plan was to run the last mile with me, but after about 1/2 a mile her little tummy was hurting, so she headed back towards Daddy and celebrated coming across the finish line as well, while I finished out the final portion of my run!

I made it and my little dude had my medal at the finish line.  There's nothing sweeter than the loving support of my dear family at a finish line, even if it's a finish line that only a few have crossed and one we drew out with sidewalk chalk.  I'll take it!!!

 

I finished this half marathon in 2:20:21 (average pace of 10:42), which was about 7 minutes faster than my first half marathon race.  My goal was to keep my average pace under 11:00 minute miles, so I was excited!  

I love this little guy, he cheered for mommy and was the first one to say 'good job mommy' after crossing the finish line.  Those words my friends, make every single strike to the pavement worth it!

It brought me to tears when this sweet girl came running up to me to join me for part of my race.  She's definitely starting to enjoy this support.  Although I would love for her to enjoy running the same as I have come to do, my real hope is that she see's how running has changed her mommy's health, life and the way God has used it to draw me closer to Him!

God used this race to teach me once again!  A lesson in contentment!  I don't need a big racing event with a lot of people, a fancy venue, multiple water stations or an overnight stay somewhere to enjoy a great run (although those races are fun too).  All I need is God's strength, great friends, an incredible family and an open heart to enjoy the view of where I'm at right now!  Well... and a good pair of running shoes.  I can't wait to do another virtual race.  Now to put another race on the calendar!

Blessings,

Krystal

Yet Another Project

About 8 years ago my husband and I rushed into the idea of having a home.  The struggle at the time was I was still finishing school, we didn't really know what we wanted and we were new to the entire concept of being a home owner.  As most home owners, if we could go back there's a lot of things we would do differently, but for now we're just taking one project at a time.  Over the past several years we've done a lot of planning, saving, dreaming and working on various projects.  This last year we've made a lot of progress and getting closer to having our 'big' projects done.  Our focus recently has been on completing our wrap around porch and finishing our mud room.  I think every house has an area where things just get dropped off, everything from coats, bags, sunglasses, hats, gloves, papers, etc.  We have definitely had that issue in our house (and these pictures are from a good day)!

My dear husband is so incredibly talented at so many things that it's extremely difficult for him/us to hire some of the work to be done.  After some discussion, Joshua agreed to have the cabinets in our mud room custom designed and installed.  First thing we needed to get done though, was repairing the walls from where we used to have the washer and dryer and the doggie door.  Then it was time to texture the walls and paint them!  I think we make a pretty good team :)

Our mud room is one of the smallest rooms in our home but to me it's one of the most important rooms. So much love and encouragement can come from this one little room.  This will be the main door that my precious family will leave from and return to.  It's the one room where the coats, hat, gloves and shoes that keep them warm and protect them will reside.  And soon one of the walls will contain a verse of encouragement for them to see each and every time they walk into our home.  And last, but certainly not least, it will be the room that will help save the insanity of this Mama :)

I'm not sure who was more excited about getting this space put together.  The kids...

Or there Mama?!?

The room isn't completely done just yet.  The company needs to come back and fix a few things, the trim needs to be put up, the crown molding on the ceiling needs to be added, but we can at least begin using it.  After Joshua got the hooks installed anyway.

This makes a Mama's heart happy!  Being able to be organized in my home makes my heart happy and helps me serve my family on a daily basis.  I have definitely learned that organization can ease daily stress and frustration for everyone in our home.  Truly blessed!  We're excited to work on the finishing touches of this room and have another project completed!  We also had a broom closet added to the opposite wall, which I'll share after we completely finish the room :)

And now some of other other space can be better utilized, for example the kiddos have their homework table back!  It's the little things that make us smile!  Growth chart by Heritage Designs.

I truly feel that maintaining my home and finding ways to serve my family is crucial for me to be the wife and mom that God has called me to be!

'By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; 

through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.'

Proverbs 24:3-4

Stay tuned as we add the finishing touches~

Blessings,

Krystal

A Personal Shopper ~ Stitch Fix!

I've been talking to several of my close friends about how I actually enjoy shopping for clothes now, but to find the time to do so is such a challenge.  Plus I get so frustrated going from store to store and from one dressing room to the next.  Some of the items are a little expensive but I also factor in the fact that I saved on fuel, time, meals and additional unnecessary impulse buys of traditional shopping!  I also have absolutely no fashion sense and definitely need some help in that department.

After reading a blog post written by Candace Cameron Bure (DJ from Full House) about the company Stitch Fix, I was SOLD!  Here's how it works:

1.  You sign up and provide them information regarding your size, body shape, style preference, the type of items you're looking for, your preferred budget by item type, etc.  The more information you provide, the better experience you have.  You can even give them the link to your fashion board on Pinterest so that they can see the outfits/style that you like!

2.  You then schedule a 'fix.'  This requires a $20 design fee, which can be deducted off of your purchase on an item(s) in your 'fix.' You can also decide on the frequency of your 'fix.'  It could be monthly or it could be a couple of times a year, it's entirely up to you!

3.  Then the fun begins!  Your personal shopper at Stitch Fix picks out 5 items based on the information you provided.

4.  Once you receive your fix you have 3 days to try on the items with other items in your closet (in the comfort of your own home) and decide what you want to keep (oh, and it's free shipping both directions).  My first fix consisted of a necklace, a pair of skinny jeans, two tops and a sweater/jacket.

5.  You also get two styling ideas with each piece, which is what I so desperately need!

6.  Then you log back into Stitch Fix and check out.  You decide what you want to keep and give specific feedback on each piece.  This feedback helps the personal shoppers improve on your next fix.

7.  Also, after you sign up, refer your friends and receive a $25 credit towards your next fix!

I REALLY enjoyed my first fix and have already scheduled my next 'fix.'  And this time I let them know what colors we're doing for our fall family pictures.  I can't wait to see what they come up with!!!  It's going to be so much fun overhauling my closet... gradually :)  

I enjoyed this process so much, that I just had to share!

Blessings,

Krystal

A 17 Year (and counting) Journey!

As women, we all go through periods of life where we find ourselves feeling unworthy, lacking beauty or undeserving of God's blessings.  In hopes of helping just one woman understand that she IS beautiful and that God loves her even more than her spouse could possibly love her, I would like to take you on a little trip down memory lane and how my journey over the last 16 months has impacted my marriage.  As you can see over the last 17 years Joshua has always been pretty fit and incredibly good lookin' (yes, I'm a little biased), but over the years I was up and down a lot, but how he loved me and treated me never every changed!

1996

2000

2001

2002

 



2003

2006 

2007 

2008



2009

 

2010

2011



Fall 2011 

June 2012

 

Fall 2012

 

2013 has been another incredible year full of blessings but not absent from challenges either.  I've lost about 32 pounds since beginning this journey in May of 2012 but it's what I've gained that's been far more praise worthy.  Not only did I learn that my husband has always loved me and has always thought I'm beautiful regardless of my weight, size of clothes, exercise routine, etc.  But the change that my husband has noticed and has enjoyed is my change in attitude!  When Joshua shared this with me, I don't think he quite understood just how much his comment touched my heart.  God used this man to speak directly to my heart!  No matter what we look like on the outside, God cares more about our heart and chances are, so do those that are closest to us.  Part of me feels like I wasted so much time (even years) feeling inadequate, unworthy or lacking beauty.  The other part of me is so very gracious for this journey that God has brought me through.  God can (and does) use all sorts of avenues to change our hearts and draw us closer to Him.  I never dreamed He would use my fitness (or the lack of) to change my heart forever!  No matter where you are in your journey, please take a few minutes to look back, reflect on where you've come from, be encouraged to where you're going and simply thank God for every step!

Our marriage is even stronger now and I couldn't be happier to stand next to this incredibly good lookin' guy!  Thank you Joshua from the bottom of my heart for ALWAYS loving me and ALWAYS thinking I was beautiful.  I love you... more!

 

I can't thank this man enough, as he has supported me on this journey.  He's even improved his fitness and health as well.  In January of this year he quit drinking pop completely, periodically runs with me too (and lost over 20 pounds), and we've enjoyed running several races together.  AND he's not afraid to try some of the new recipes I've been cooking either!  Ladies, keep it up... you never know who's life you're touching.

Chances are, it's those that are closest to you.



Blessings,

Krystal





 







Homemade Flat Bread

My family really likes flat bread, and so do I!  It's been a while since I've made some homemade flat bread, so I was glad to get some more made and put in the freezer.  They are great for lunch or a quick meal when we don't have much time.  I make 4 or 5 batches at a time as this recipe doesn't make a lot of dough.  This recipe was adapted from http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/kathleen-daelemans/homemade-flat-bread-recipe2/index.html.
 

Ingredients:

* 2 teaspoons active yeast

* 1/2 teaspoon sugar

* 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (next time, I'm going to try using whole wheat flour for an even healthier option)

* 1 teaspoon salt

* 3/4 cup warm water

Directions:

In the bowl of a food processor combine first four ingredients.  Pulse to combine.  Gradually poor the water in a steady stream.  Dough will form a ball.  Knead dough a few times and place in a bowl that has been coated with oil.  

Cover bowl and let rise until double in size (about an hour).  When the dough has doubled in size, punch the dough and knead it lightly.  Cut into pieces and roll out to form very flat 5-6 inch circles.

Preheat an electric skillet to about 300 degrees (do not oil).  Place bread on hot skillet and cook without touching it until you see bubbles on the surface (about 2 minutes).  Turn and continue to cook about 2 minutes until bread has puffed up.  

Serve immediately or store in freezer safe container or freezer bags!

Blessings,

Krystal

Good Mornings Come From Great Evenings!

We all go through various changes and adjustments to develop new 'normal' routines.  This summer has been packed full of trips, mini vacations, time with family, home improvement projects, family workouts, and so much more.  But the time has come!  School has been in session for a few weeks now, AWANA has started, year end at work, and of course our home improvement projects continue.  This new season of life requires my entire family to be flexible and patient as we all adjust our day to day lives to maintain our focus on what's important!  Our time with the Lord and time as a family are of course the first priorities.  If we can keep those priorities, everything else will fall into place!

Over the last couple of years I have read MANY blogs and tips on ways to save time or be more efficient as a wife and mom.  I've appreciated the wisdom shared by other women and the time they take to touch another woman's heart, family and home.

Like most families, our mornings can definitely be the most challenging.  I get up at 4:00 AM to get my run/workout in, then I head home to get showered and ready for work, grab breakfast, take Kylee to school and then to the office by 7:45 AM.

Without further ado, here's a random list of things that have made our mornings pleasant, timely and possible with a smile (most days)!  I certainly don't have all the answers or tips, but if one tip helps just one mom, then it's worth sharing!

1.  A new haircut!  I've had long hair for as long as I can remember.  After reading about another mom cutting her hair shorter to save time every day to help balance her day it really got me thinking.  Having four inches cut off was a big deal for me, but let me just say that I love the time it saves every day!  And it's also been fun changing things up a bit.

2.  Smoothies premade and ready in the freezer!  Breakfast can definitely be a challenge for me to squeeze in before heading to work.  Once a week or every other week I've been making smoothies, putting them in a ziploc bag and putting them in the freezer.  When I get home from working out, I sit one of them out and then it's thawed just perfectly by the time I need to poor it in a cup and head out the door.

3.  Clothes picked out and ready for the week!  I typically do laundry on Saturday's.  Then Sunday afternoons/evenings we check the weather and then the kids get their clothes all picked out for the week.  This has been such a time saver!

4.  Meal planning & food preparation!  I definitely dislike going to the grocery store, but planning my meals and having a list has helped so much.

5.  Most importantly give grace to your kids, your spouse and YOURSELF!  We all know that even with the best planning and best intentions some mornings just don't go well and that's okay.  With God's grace we'll get through the rest of the day!

I would absolutely love to hear any other tips or pearls of wisdom that you may have for us to add to our list!

Blessings,

Krystal

Granola Energy Balls

I've been wanting to make Granola Balls and/or Bars for quite some time for several reasons.  First of all, I love being in my kitchen.  Second of all I've began to strength train (which I REALLY enjoy) to gain strength and in hopes to prevent injuries from running and need to make sure that I look for ways to increase my protein intake and fuel properly.  And finally, they're just YUMMY!

There are a lot of different recipes out there and it really is fun to try different ingredients and I already have some ideas of what to try next.  Here's the first recipe I tried.

Granola Energy Balls

Adapted from http://themarathonmom.com/granola-energy-balls.htm

Ingredients:

*  2 Cups Oats

*  2 Cups Coconut flakes (I used the unsweetened ones)

*  1 Cup peanut butter (can substitute almond butter)

*  1 Cup ground flaxseed

*  1 Cup Chocolate Chips (I made one batch with chocolate chips and another one with raisins)

*  2/3 Cup honey (I used raw, unfiltered)

*  2 teaspoons vanilla

*  1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

*  Mix all ingredients thoroughly

*  Roll into bite-size balls

*  Store in fridge 

I've stored mine in the freezer and grab a few to take to work for an afternoon snack.  They are so yummy!!!  

Blessings,

Krystal