Hitting the Pavement: HoosHeal 5k Recap

 

We woke up bright and early...before the sun...to get ready for the HoosHeal 5k. My close friend, Shannon, and I headed to Charlottesville for the race. The day was perfect...a little colder than expected, but beautiful nonetheless. The sun was out and spirits were high. My hubby brought our daughter to cheer us on.

We picked up our bibs, t-shirts, and goodie bags. We pinned on our bibs and watched as numerous racers came to join us. This was Shannon's first 5k and it was my first race post-baby. I was not nearly trained up enough but I still felt good just be among others excited about such a worthy cause. The funds from the race went towards the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at UVA Children's Hospital.

As the morning went on, we all made our way to the starting line. We were greeted by the race coordinator. A mother who's daughter received cancer treatment at UVA gave a brief speech. As we all became teary from the sweet sentiments and the little girl's positive remission status, we began gearing up for the miles ahead of us.

The starting line

As the little girl blew the starting whistle, we took off. We kept with our walk/jog plan and kept a pretty steady pace. We tackled a couple unexpected hills and some poorly marked parts of our route with smiles on our faces. Racing is so much better when you have someone else cheering you on.

While I didn't capture any pictures during our race, I was sure to get some before and after shots. Shannon is pumped for another race and thus, I am scouring one of my favorite race sites, Running in the USA, for upcoming races. April is packed so the next one won't be doable until at least May. I refuse to greet the heat of summer with a race so we may wait until the Fall to tackle another one if something does not come up in May.

G was not a fan of the Cav Man (Go VT!)

 

Final finish time...36:40!
Full results can be found here.

One thing I'm reminded of during every race I've done, is the fact that I do not have endurance. Even when I was training daily for an upcoming race, I still didn't have the stamina to maintain a run the whole time. I'm open to suggestions on how to do this. With a baby now and the area in which we live, my primary training happens on a treadmill. While that is far from my favorite way to train (I'd rather be outside), it is what it is. I'd love some stamina insight from those of you who far exceed my ability.

::via::

Despite my placement in the race, I finished...and I didn't finish last! I feel like we made great time for getting back in the saddle and I'm thrilled to check off one of my weight loss goals.

::via::

 

If the Jeans Fit

It came time to post my monthly weight loss update and I was proud to see the goals I've achieved over the last month. It's tough work. I was not graced with "skinny genes" and because of that, I do  not sport skinny jeans. For the longest time it was even difficult to wear my regular jeans. I was determined to get back into my clothes after G was born. Everything you read and everything your doctor tells you indicates that it takes about 9 months to put on the baby weight and we should expect it to take about that long to get it off.

The weight I've lost is post-baby weight...which is a huge accomplishment for me. Another huge accomplishment came yesterday morning. I only own a few pairs of jeans in the first place, and considering I'm behind on laundry...I thought I had washed at least one pair but it turned out that I had grabbed a pair of my hubby's instead. ::sigh:: What to do? It was casual Friday at work...I didn't want to waste a jean day! I stumbled upon a pair of jeans that I haven't been able to wear in about 2 years...not even before baby. I guess I kept them in hope of wearing them again someday...maybe? I almost didn't put them on because I was not up for more disappointment, but something inside said, "go for it!"

::via::

I slipped them on...and without laying myself flat on the bed...they zipped!!! While they are not 100% comfortable, they readily zipped and brought a huge smile to my face. Talk about motivation! These past couple of days I've really slacked when it comes to portions, tracking and exercise. With a sick husband and baby, the majority of my focus has been on getting them well and work.

I'm back on track today and I'm feeling good. The house has gotten a bit out of hand this week and I have a lot to get done before church and our lunch company tomorrow. The baby is now down for her nap and I just had to share.

If you're like me and you sometimes need that little boost, do what you must to find it. Don't give up and undo all of the success that you've achieved. If I can do this, so can you.

By the way, one week from today I'll be joining many others in the HoosHeal 5k with my friend Shannon. It's hard to believe that it is almost here! I haven't trained as much as I'd hoped to but I'm still feeling pretty good about it. I'll finish. The. End.

In a related thought, I ran across this funny picture while browsing Pinterest the other day. I had to laugh but then it got me thinking...I don't want my daughter to ever see my happiness or lack there of based on the numbers on a scale. It just reiterated the importance of gaining a healthy self image as I also try to gain a healthier body. Praise God for simple truths.

::via::

Monthly Weight Loss with Pictures

I can't believe another month has gone...and so quickly! My little girl turned 10 months old and celebrated her first Valentine's Day. It was not the best month for weight loss, but at least I still saw some progress (no matter how small).

Truth Time!

From December 29-February 27 I have lost a total of

 

While it's only a 1.6lb loss, I'm okay with that. I ran into a couple of slumps over the last month and I know highs and lows will come. This may not be a strong month in the way of loss, but it's still 1.6lbs I no longer carry on my body...and did I mention I've lost an inch off my waist?! Small victories!



 

I have learned several things over the last month...

 

1. Regular exercise takes away the guilt of a splurge. In January I was very consistent with my exercise. For various reasons (and excuses) I was not as consistent this month. I felt so guilty if I splurged on a brownie or wanted to enjoy a special Valentine's treat. Just the month before I allowed myself to enjoy those things because I knew I was working out regularly. Let's just say I felt a lot of guilt this month...so much so that I took a week off from sweets.

 

2. Accept the numbers. I was really down on myself for the days I did not do well, which were clearly more often than not. Thanks to the encouragement of my best friend, I stepped on the scale each week, regardless of what I thought knew would be the end result. I learned to accept that not everyday would be good and that was okay. I also decided to not solely focus on the weight loss itself. I added my waist measurements.

 

3. I am worth it. This is something that, while it seems like a "duh" kind of mindset, is far from a statement I have been comfortable with, let alone believe. I know I am loved and I know that I mean a lot to others, but I've not accepted myself in a way that provides motivation. I strive each day to give my all to others in all that I do and I am learning that this needs to seep into my weight loss journey. There have been days when I ask myself "why am I doing this?!" and then I look into the face of my daughter or in the eyes of my amazing husband and I am reminded that I need to do this for them. I need to do this for my future children. I need to do this in order to live the life God intended me to live. So while I strive to lose the weight, I will also strive to own my self-worth.

 

 



I'm also really excited to announce an upcoming goal! My friend Shannon and I are going to be participating in the HoosHeal 5k coming up in April. I will be racing in memory of Sarah Ann and in honor of my daughter. In case you missed my Raising Royalty post where I introduced many of you to precious Sarah Ann, you can find it here. I am so blessed to have a beautiful, healthy daughter of my own and I never want to take that for granted. I truly feel it an honor to race for those who have gone before, for those who are currently fighting, and for those who may face childhood cancer in the future. This will be my first race since before I became pregnant in 2012. It will be a slow go but I will finish. That finish line is mine...

 



Raising Royalty

From an early age I was taught that I was a "princess". Not in the "wear a crown and have your own way" sense, but in the Princess of the King sense.

"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ..."

Romans 8:16-17a

 

It didn't sink in until I was older what that meant. It means that I am cherished and beautiful and priceless in the eyes of my Savior. He made me with purpose. He desires that I glorify Him in all that I do and that I love others into the Kingdom. Just as any princess, I have a great task before me, none of which I go about alone. Just as the King reigns His Kingdom, so does He reign my heart.

 

"Hanki Doll"

These truths have been at the forefront of my mind since last week. I received a pretty package in the mail (I do love brown paper packages tied up with strings...or in this case, a pink bow.) I opened the box to reveal its contents. Inside I found an adorable little hat, a beautiful gift for G and a card that still brings tears to my eyes.

 

G wearing her new hat

These precious gifts were sent to us by our dear friend, Kelly. Our friendship began the summer of 2004. I answered God's call to work at a Christian camp tucked in the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia. At the time, Kelly and her husband were part of the management staff of the camp. I adored Kelly's up beat personality and her love for the Lord was contagious. She shared many God given gifts and talents with me over that summer, but the most important one that she shared was that of her daughter, Sarah Ann. Talk about a beautiful little girl. She had "God's Masterpiece" written all over her. To look at her sparsely toothed grin and her glittery eyes, you'd think she was just like any other little one. Unfortunately, Sarah Ann was battling cancer. At just 10 months old she was diagnosed and spent the next year battling the earthly fight. I watched through pictures as she grew bigger and more beautiful, but weaker as the months went by.

 

In January 2005, I received the call saying that Sarah Ann had gone Home. A beautiful princess went to be with her King. I remember answering the phone, but could not tell you who called. I remember sitting in the living room chair and crying, grateful that her fight had ended but devastated over her family's loss. The tears were, and still are bittersweet. I remain in awe at how such a little life could touch the world in so many ways. Her legacy lives on through her family as they continue to use their testimonies that were furthered by her life.

 

She also left her mark on us. C and I knew she was the one we wanted to be our flower girl, and when the time to nail down details for the wedding came to pass, we knew that there was not a one that we would rather have in her place. We decided not to have a flower girl, but instead honor her memory on our wedding day. That picture still remains framed and sits prominently on our bookshelf next to one of our favorite pictures of G.

 

 

I write all of this because, as I've reflected on the  amount of love and commitment that her family poured into her in just a short time here, I, too, long to provide the same for my daughter. On February 19th, G turned 10 months old. What would I do if I received that kind of news at her tender age?  I've learned, among many things, that one of the most powerful things about the love we have for our children is the part of that love that allows us to let them go. I'm reminded that our children are entrusted to us, not for keeps, but to grow them up as fruitful, loving, passionate victors for Christ.

G loves playing with her "hanki doll"

 

As G grows, it is my #1 goal to raise her to love the Lord. I want her to want to know Him. I want her to rest in His presence and live undoubtedly loved. As Kelly and her husband continue to raise their two boys, I remain in awe of their courage, faith and dedication to His service.

 

It's hard to believe that Sarah Ann has been dancing on the streets of gold for 9 years now. How amazing that must be. I imagine her painting pictures and hanging them up for all to see. I imagine her singing the songs of praise taught to her by her parents. I know that she is in good hands and those same hands are the ones that continue to guide us here. Those are the same hands that cradle and protect our daughter as she grows in this sin laden world. For that I rejoice. For Sarah Ann's life and her home with Jesus, I rejoice.

 

The other day, Kelly posted this verse:

 

 

May we never forget to live in this way. I pray that you will hold your little ones a little longer and seek to raise them in a way that will honor the Lord. Teach them to love the Lord, love others, and love themselves...we are in fact raising royalty.
 

 

To learn more about the life of Sarah Ann and her family's testimony, please visit their Family Web Page. God is good and His love is a priceless gift that we can pass down to our children. It is the greatest gift we can give.