>Update and a giveaway!

>I haven't blogged here in a while despite my saying I would do better.  However, I took the week off work to spend at home with my family since they were off school for fall break! It was a nice week off and I am very sad to see it come to an end. We have had fun and accomplished a few things around the house I had set my mind to doing.

Moving the booty!
Workouts have gone well and I am up to 13.93 running miles for the week! I've been to BodyPump a few times this week and even took a group Core Challenge class on Thursday that still has my abs aching. But it's all a good ache. This coming week I will miss BodyPump once due to a Girl Scout meeting scheduled for the same time as class but I can adjust my schedule so that it doesn't kill me. lol  I hope to get some good running in this week since I now have only 21 days until my Race for the Cure 5k! I'm hoping to report something exciting in regards to my race as well. And a big thank you to those of you fabulous readers that have helped me in reaching my fundraising goal! Every little bit helps and I appreciate YOUR generosity towards this great cause. :)
I have to tell you that one day this week it was just the hubby and I (no kids home!!) We went to the gym. I ran 3.3 miles, went to Core Challenge class and then to BodyPump. That was the first time I have ever worked out for over 2 hours. It felt sort of Biggest Loser like! I loved it, but boy was I pooped to the max when we finally got home!

Tales from the scale!
The scale is holding steady for me. That is due in part to my choices (some) and my workouts (I tend to retain fluid after tough workouts). But I feel I am struggling getting the scale to move down because my body likes where it currently is! lol Not a good excuse, huh!? Well, this week I am going to call and meet with the nutritionist at my gym. I have the tools and have used them. I have successfully lost and kept off 54 lbs in a year but I want more. I need a new jumpstart on this journey but don't want a fad diet to get me there. I want to continue this the good ol' fashion way. I just need a new outlook and a bit of help from a professional. It happens.

Giving things away!!
Now, onto that giveaway. This is the good part! And really I should save it for a whole other post but why not just get on with it since I am here? ;)

I mentioned a while back about a book (which happens to be my fave!)  called Run Like a Mother. It is a great book. It took me just days to read it cover to cover and I have already picked it back up again to re-read. I am not usually the type to read a book twice but this book is different. If you haven't heard of the book I encourage you to check out Run Like a Mother The Book. You don't even have to be a runner to appreciate these two moms!

What I am offerring you is the chance to win the book! I purchased one new this week for one of you and I am realy excited about it! :)

You will have a few ways to enter. Be sure to leave a comment for each entry. :)
1. Comment.
2. Become a follower of my blog (or let me know you already are).
3. Like Run Like a Mother on Facebook here.
4. Blog about this giveaway.
So, that's 4 entries per person! Entries will be accepted through October 22 and will select (and announce) a winner using Random.org on Oct. 23rd. So, what are you waiting for??

>Three Things Thursday

>1. I overcame a fear last night. It might not be a big deal to some but for me it's pretty big. I live in the sticks in a small subdivision but close to a busy highway. I typically run on the treadmill at my gym or in the park/trail nearby. Last night my kids were both asleep when I picked them up so we just went on home. No gym for me. So, I decided to go run when the hubby got home. My plan was to get in 30-45 mins of running but that didn't happen. However, I overcame the fear of running on that blasted highway. Something about speeding cars and tractor trailer trucks just didn't get my adrenaline flowing in the past. Last night though, I DID IT! And it was a pretty good run. 2.46 miles in 25:53, which I recalulated my route in the car today and found out it was actually 2.5 miles. So, a good run (for me) and I am proud. :)

2. Where are the good people going?? I know my blog is boring, uninteresting and not updated very often (I fail a lot..lol) but seriously people are starting to leave. Sadness. :( I love my followers. What can I do to make you stay??  I'll do anything. Oh, and soon, like next week...I will be hosting my first giveaway on this here blog. Hint: it will involve one of my fave running books.

3. This week has been good for me. I have stayed on plan eating. I had gotten addicted to trail mix recently. I snack on one that I buy at my local grocer that contains dried cranberries, golden raisins, a mix of nuts, choc chips (white and dark) and maybe a caramel or butterscotch chip. VERY tasty. BUT I was not measuring out my portions. Huge mistake. This week I started measuring my portions/servings and I think it has helped A LOT. I hope to have a weigh in victory tomrrow. I will report back either way.

>Dear Santa,

>

I desire the above wrist device that would come in handy while I am out attempting to add miles to my

which will also need replacing around the same time that I would like to see the above wrist device (aka Garmin Forerunner 305) under my tree.

And if you also see fit or *if* you just cannot find it in your heart to appease my longing for the GF305 I would like to share with you some other items my heart desires as well (you know, just for ideas...wink, wink).

And Santa, it's never too early to start your shopping. Just sayin'.
X to the O.....

~moi

>Three Things Thursday

>1. I am still feeling sore all over my body from BodyPump on Tuesday. However, I plan to go back tonight.:) And I am sure tomorrow I will be complaining even more. Thank goodness Friday is my DOR. I could be sore too from my run last night (coupled with Tuesday's BP class). I ran 4.15 last night.

2. I asked you guys to tell my scale to start moving down, down ,down... it is not obeying. SO, which one of you isn't sending "happy scale vibes" my way??? LOL ;) I know it'll move. I need to take measurements and go by those especially since adding this new class to my routine.

3. I have exactly 38 days until my next 5k. The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.  And as I have said before, I am doing my best at attempting to fundraise for this great cause....Breast Cancer Awareness. Many of you have been affected in some way by this disease and I know you join me in hoping they find a cure one day.  I appreciate all the kind words of encouragement but did you know that you can help find a cure!?! Every donation counts in helping find a cure! I have put a button on my sidebar or you can go to Kimert's Komen for the Cure fundraising page.

>Every inch of me aches

>Yesterday I ventured out of my exercise comfort zone. I had been wanting to attend group classes at my gym for a while but I have this phobia of mirrored rooms full of strangers in workout gear. I didn't want anyone being able to see my butt jiggle or my batwings flying or heaven forbid smell my sweat. I had walked up the stairs to the main studio at my gym on more than one occasion to only walk back down because I chickened out of going to a group fitness class.

However, I made my mind up yesterday that I was just going to do it. BodyPump began at 5:30. I changed at work so that once 5 pm hit all I had to do was load the kids (they were with me) in the car and drive the few miles to the gym. But at 4pm I began to get really nervous, questioning whether or not I could do it. I needed someone to hold my hand. My hubby had offered to go with me once before (I chickened us both out) but since it is football season he just isn't able to go workout with me. Boo.

So, back to yesterday.
We arrived at the gym early (well, before 5:30). So, I got the kids all tucked into their area and headed upstairs. There were already lots of people waiting to go in the class. Luckily, I know the instructor so when I saw her coming down the hall she gave me a big smile and assured me that I could do this. Sigh. "Don't make fun of me!"

I did it!
And today I totally feel it all over my body. My body was trembling half way through the class. I did not start out with heavy weights either. But I felt like, last night and today, this was my very first time ever working out. I had no idea that I would be so sore. However, it is a good kind of pain and I am looking forward to the next class! I am planning to make this a part of my exercise routine each week.

If you have a gym membership and they offer BodyPump classes - you should totally take one if you never have!

>Victory!

>Been a long time, no!?
Almost 10 days to be exact and let me tell you....
Great things have happened!

I had a day off this past week. I dropped my son off at preschool and hit the park to run. It was a cool, crisp fall like morning. I was dressed in light layers and fueled up ready to go. I didn't have a mile goal in mind or even a time. I just wanted to enjoy a run.

And that is just what I did.
6.04 miles at an 11:35 min/mile pace. This is slower for me but since it was more miles than usual I was fine with my slower pace. Especially since I was just enjoying taking in all the beauty I was surrounded by! And I counted the little stop to read the park map and chat up the location with a couple of ladies on bikes.

Other exciting news...
My regular jeans (size 14) that were bought in December had begun getting too big. When I first got them I would wash them and then hang to dry so they didn't shrink any but in the last few months I began drying them because they felt loose. Well, Friday the pair I had on were just uncomfortably loose. This is an awesome feeling! So, while on my lunch I headed over to Old Navy just to *try* on some new jeans. Size 12. I grabbed a few pair and headed to the fitting room not expecting for a whole lot. BUT let me tell you....

My whole week was made right there in that fitting room when those size 12s went on so easy and buttoned and zipped perfectly. I think I squeeled and danced a little jig right there in the fitting room! I cannot remember a time that I was a size 12 in the last 10+ years. I text my hubby right away and said I was buying jeans and because I was so giddy over the jeans I got a new top, too! ;)

Sweet victory!

Now, tell my scale to start moving on down!

>Another heads up

>Head on over to Running Diva Mom to check out the awesome FuelBelt review and give away she has going on!!