Two runs, one day

Last weekend, I did something absolutely insane and did two races in one day. No really, I did. I started my morning by doing a 5k with inflatable obstacles. I set off with two of my friends and one of my friend's sisters. It was in a huge field near our local airport. The organization benefiting from proceeds collected from the race is the National Mill Dog Rescue. So, I got to hold this little cutie - a spokes-dog for the organization. As you can see, I was quite content holding him. :)

My friend and her sister pushed themselves and ran ahead, while my friend Melanie stuck with my slow butt and pushed me along the way. She didn't let me stop (other than the water station). She pushed me to run for short distances and then keep a brisk walking pace. The group was uneven and we got eaten up by bugs, but I got it done in 51 minutes. 

After the 5k, the kids and I headed for the Big Dog Brag where I signed us up for the family 2k. The Big Dog Brag is a mud run that took place at a local off road park. They have a family 2k, with kid friendly obstacles and a 5k for adults (13+) only. Despite being tired, I had a lot of fun watching the kids get muddy, push themselves to do all the obstacles (Melayna skipped one, but otherwise, she did great), and endure the nearly 1.5 mile trek. Tristan, I believe, made me the most proud. He's normally very frightened of heights. He got through each obstacle not once complaining about the height (some were pretty high climbs). On one obstacle, a tight rope walk of sorts, I could see the look of determination on his face to get through it. I could tell he was scared to fall, but he pushed through his fear and got all the way across. This was officially, Melayna's first mud run. She did really well despite getting scared with a few obstacles. She also wanted to sit on my lap for both mud slides, which I happily obliged. And both times, because I couldn't control myself going down, we turned 180 degrees and went into the muddy pool of water backwards! So much fun!

 I have so much more I want to do when it comes to my fitness goals. Exercise is my drug. It keeps me going. I feel so motivated and excited when I see results. I feel stronger and fitter than I have been in a long time. It is so easy to feel bad for myself, to feel so defeated after all I've been through. Some days I want to crawl under my covers and not come out at all. And these days come and go. But with exercise, those days don't come all too often. With my goals in mind, I want to get up and do something.

The next big adventure is the B Strong Ride in Boulder, Colorado. Twenty-four miles with 1,000 feet in elevation gain. This is going to be tough. I really need to get on my bike more. I may try to do a 5k in July, too. Just a small, short-term goal to keep me motivated. In September, I may sign up for a 10k. Beyond that...I'm not quite sure. I definitely want to do the Spartan Race and finish it. Thinking of signing up for the one in Phoenix in February. I'm hoping to make a long weekend trip out of the whole deal. Maybe see the Grand Canyon while I'm out there.

I have weight loss goals, which is slow going, but I really don't mind so much. I have to keep telling myself, that the scale isn't what matters. What matters is that I'm doing it. I'm staying active. I'm eating better than before. And that I feel better. The weight loss will come in time. This isn't going to happen overnight. For now, my plan is to continue what I'm doing and add more to it. I want to do some strength training by lifting weights. I need a lifting partner, though. Someone who has an idea of what he or she is doing. Maybe I should pay for some personal training sessions, too? A thought to revisit later.