What A Legacy!

Thank you so much to everyone for all your kind words and condolences regarding Andy's grandmother! It makes it a little easier knowing she is up in heaven and is reunited with Andy's grandfather. Death is never easy but knowing that you will spend eternity in heaven makes it less grim. It helps knowing we will see her again one day!

Friday was her funeral. It was a wonderful service. Some of the family members made a slideshow of some of her paintings and pictures of her from all times of her life as well as pictures of the legacy she left behind. It was beautiful!

It was my boys' first funeral where they sort of understood what was going on. When Andy's grandfather died 6 years ago, Hayden was a year old and Sawyer wasn't born yet. I was a little unsure of how to handle the funeral with them. We just decided to be truthful with them. They had a lot of questions about her body and we just told them it was like she was sleeping and all the beautiful parts of her (like her laugh and singing and artistic abilities) were now in heaven. I think Hayden understood but not sure if Sawyer did. Hayden sat beside me during the funeral and broke down several times. It was hard to hear and see him cry like that but I know he needed to in order to grieve.

Looking through some of my pictures from the past I found a few of the boys and Grandmother Bobe. I remember she loved the boys! She loved holding them when they were babies. And she loved talking to them as they got older even though most of the time she couldn't hear them (she had hearing aids and had a hard time hearing at times). I'm so thankful the boys got to spend a little time with their Grandmother Bobe.

Hayden (only a few weeks old) and Grandmother Bobe.

Sawyer (about one month old) and Grandmother Bobe.

Hayden and Sawyer with Grandmother Bobe at our house on Christmas 2011.

Grandmother Bobe left behind quite a legacy! She had 3 sons and 1 daughter who have in turn had their own children and their children have had children! This weekend we all spent some quality time together celebrating Grandmother Bobe's life!

All of the extended family (minus a few that couldn't be there).

Us with my in-laws and sister-in-law and her hubby! My hubby has one more brother and his wife and son but unfortunately they didn't get to come. :-(

My boys and their Grandma and Papa (Andy's parents)!

My sweet boys!

My and Andy...the love of my life!

It was wonderful to see all the family and spend time with them. I think that Grandmother Bobe would have loved seeing us all together. I am sure she and Grandfather Bobe were smiling down on us from heaven!

I have winners of the BAMR Bands giveaway!!! Thanks to all who entered! Congratulations Samantha Golden and Katie Cloninger...you are the winners! Please email me at mindy@roadrunnergirl.com to claim your BAMR Band!

QOTD: How often do you get to see your extended family?

The Weekly Chase #18

Wow! This weekend was a whirlwind of events! Friday we had Andy's grandmother's funeral. It was a sad day but we can rejoice knowing she is up in heaven reunited with her husband. After the funeral we went back to a family member's house and ate and enjoyed being together. There were relatives in town from Texas and California that we don't get to see very often so it was nice to spend time with them.

The rest of the weekend all of the family spent time at a condo on the beach. We had fun! Sunday wasn't as fun because my sweet Sawyer woke up sick. He is staying home from school today and is hopefully on the mend.

It's Monday and that means it's time for another Weekly Chase! I love making my weekly goals and letting you know what they are. It helps keep me accountable although some weeks I am not as successful as I would like to be. I hope you will join us this week!

It's my turn to host this month's challenge! It's Springtime...which is a time of growth and change. So this month's challenge is called "Season of Growth!" I want you to think of one or two things in your life that you want to change or one or two ways you want to grow as a person. For example you may want to grow as a runner. You may want to get faster. So your challenge goal would be to incorporate speed work in your training to help you become a faster runner. Or you may want to change one of your eating habits. Your goal may be to add 2 more fruits and vegetables to your diet each day. You pick! Your challenge goal can be anything you like as long as it's about change and growth in an area of your life. 

Here are my goals from last week and how I did with them.

• Goal #1: Be a better mom by spending at least 15 quality minutes with each son every day (challenge goal). Yes! I did pretty well with this last week! And I spent a lot of quality time with the boys this weekend.
• Goal #2: Read my Bible devotional every day and grow in my relationship with God (challenge goal). 85%. I read my Bible devotional every day except this weekend. Being with family and out at the beach got me out of my routine and I just forgot to read.
• Goal #3: Stretch and roll every day (challenge goal). 85%!
• Goal #4: Run at least 3 times this week. No. I only managed to get in 2 runs this week. I took my running stuff to the beach with me this weekend but never got the chance to run. I was enjoying time with the family and didn't want to leave them to go run.
• Goal #5: Start cleaning out my closet. I started this. I didn't get too far but I did go through a few bags of clothes that my friend brought over for me. So it's a start. I really need to get this done within the next few weeks because our neighborhood is having a garage sale and I would love to try to sell some of my clothes if possible.

This week is going to be many of the same goals as last week. I haven't accomplished them yet so I am going to keep trying. 

Goal #1: Be a better mom by spending at least 15 quality minutes with each son every day (challenge goal). 

Goal #2: Read my Bible devotional every day and grow in my relationship with God (challenge goal).

Goal #3: Stretch and roll every day (challenge goal).

Goal #4: Run at least 3 times this week. I really want to get in two short runs and a longer run this weekend. I know I'm not training for anything right now but I also don't want to lose my mileage and endurance.

Goal #5: Finish cleaning out my closet. Got to get this done!

Goal #6: Drink my water! I haven't been hydrating with water as much as I should lately. I've been drinking a lot of sweet tea and coke lately and I need to stop. It is just empty calories and doesn't help my hydrate for my runs. 

So there's the plan for this week! 

QOTD: What are your goals for this week? 

Runner Spotlights #35

This weekend has been one of sadness (over Andy's grandmother passing away) but also joy as we are spending quality time with family that we don't get to see very often. The boys are having a blast being out at the beach! This has been just the weekend we needed to take our minds off so many things.

Now it's time for another runner spotlight! If you would like to be spotlighted on my blog please email me at mindy@roadrunnergirl.com. I am running low on spotlights and would love to feature you! You don't have to have a blog to be spotlighted...you just have to be a runner! :-)

Today I am super excited to be spotlighting Holly from Running and Baking, Oh My! If you read my race recaps then you know that this girl is my pace partner! She has an amazing story! And she is also wonder woman! She balances being a mom and wife and working full time and still manages to find time to run! Keep reading to learn more about her!

Name:  Holly Johnson

State:  Alabama

When and why did you start running? I started running in December 2011. I tried twice prior to this to run the C25K, but was unsuccessful. I recruited some ladies to join the Sole2Soul Sisters group in Daphne and most of us have been running ever since. It seems like for the past year and a half, my whole life has revolved around running, it’s been so much more than just a way to get fit though. It has helped me breakout of my shell, I tend to be a little shy. I think it has also helped to encourage my kids to be active.

What is your favorite race and race distance?  My favorite race distance is the half. I really enjoy running the longer distances and just getting out there and having two hours or more to run, talk and enjoy the moment. And to be honest, I love the medals, lol! My favorite race so far has been the Seaside Half, it was just a perfect run and beautiful scenery.  It was also a pretty big PR for me as well as  my first race-cation, I am really looking forward to running it again!

What is your race day routine?  I try to wake up an hour before I need to leave. Most of my stuff is laid out the night before and my running bag is packed. I showered the night before so all I need to do is get dressed and go. I eat a protein bar or drink a shake on the way to the race and also drink some water on my drive down. I like to ride with someone to the races so I can relax and take my mind off the race, I tend to get nervous prior to the race, it seems to help to have someone else there to distract me.

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?  My favorite pair of running gear is my shoes. Without great shoes, I couldn’t run all of these miles. I have a bad back and have had a hip injury. I need all the support and cushion I can get. My Asics 2170 GT are my current favorites.

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running? I have gotten into trying different protein powder/shakes here lately. I usually drink a shake for brunch at work. Then have some sort of yogurt & granola or fruit snack.  I love the shakes before my runs. If there is one supplement I would recommend other than a multi vitamin, it would have to be Advocare O2. It helps to oxygenate your blood. Love it! It really gives you that extra kick!

What do you wish you’d known when you first started running?  I wish I had understood that it never gets easier, you just get better. I always doubted that I could do it. But once you build up and train, anyone (medically fit of course) could run these races. You just need to stop letting your head tell you different. Our legs and body can far outlast our doubting minds!

What is your fondest running memory?   I really cherish my group runs with Mindy and all of our Sole2Soul Sisters! I have not listened to music since I joined the group. We run and talk. Or run and listen. It is so nice to have the support of these great ladies.

What is one thing that most people do not know about you?  I am very shy!, I think running and blogging has helped me to be less shy, but it can really be an issue. 

Here are all the different ways you can connect with Holly!

Blog:  www.runningandbakingohmy.com 

Twitter: www.twitter.com/running_baking

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/RunningBakingOhMy

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/hollylolly

Instagram: http://instagram.com/running_baking

Thanks so much for sharing with us Holly!

QOTD: What is the weather like where you live now? Is it still feeling like winter or has spring sprung?

Fitness Friday...April 25th Edition!

It's been a busy week! Monday I went shopping with my friends Stephanie and Ragan. It's been forever since I've taken the time to shop with the girls! I enjoyed it!

Tuesday I had to sub in the morning and then I enjoyed lunch with Stephanie and her sweet boy Mason. That night I ran with the girls! Wednesday I went shopping (YES twice in one week!!!) with my mother-in-law! We had fun spending the day together just the two of us! Thursday I ran with the girls that morning and subbed that afternoon. Today we will be heading to my hubby's grandmother's funeral. Then we are staying the rest of the weekend out at the beach with all of Andy's family. There are a lot of them in town from Texas and California so we don't get to see them very often. We are looking forward to lots of family time this weekend and the boys are sooo excited!

It's time for Fitness Friday! Despite my busy week I managed to still get my runs in! 

• Saturday- Color Me Rad 5K with my boys! I hate that Hayden was cut out of this picture! :-(

• Sunday- #plankaday 1:01

• Monday- #plankaday 1:01

• Tuesday- #plankaday 1:05, 3 mile run in 31:16 average pace 10:24

• Wednesday- #plankaday 1:02

• Thursday- #plankaday 1:06, 3 mile run in 32:36 average pace 10:51

• Friday- #plankaday 1:00

All in all...a pretty great week of runs! I'm not sure if I will get in a run this weekend. I'm going to take my running stuff to the beach and try to run. But I'm not gonna stress if it doesn't happen either. I hope you all have a great weekend!

QOTD: Do you like to shop? Or hate it?

Don't forget to enter my BAMR Bands giveaway! 

Run Strong...Boston Strong!

I normally run on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. But since I am a substitute teacher...sometimes my run schedule has to change. This week I had to sub on Tuesday morning so I couldn't run. Luckily, several of my Sole2Soul Sisters were meeting for a run that night and I decided to join them!

The plan was to run 3 miles and then eat at our favorite sushi restaurant. Unfortunately I couldn't eat after because my hubby had to go back in to work (he had a deadline). He was super sweet to come home for a bit to watch the boys so I could go run. So although I missed eating sushi I at least got to run.

We met in the parking lot of the restaurant and ran from there. The route was out 1.5 miles and back to make 3 miles. It was a route I haven't done in a long time. It was super hilly and on concrete (sidewalk) the entire way. I knew it would probably be tough for several reasons...the hills, the hard concrete, and the fact that my body was not used to running at night. But I was thankful to be there and thankful to be running with friends.

We started running and it felt pretty good. My legs felt like they were questioning me a little...what are we doing? It's the end of the day...we are supposed to be relaxing now, not running! But I kept pushing. And then came the hills. I just kept repeating to myself, "you can do it, run for Boston, run for those that can't run."

After what felt like forever I finally made it to the turnaround. Going back wasn't quite as tough...since the first part of the run was uphill, when I turned around it was mostly all downhill. Finally I made it 3 miles! Of course after the run I felt amazing! I felt STRONG. I had conquered those hills!

I've said several times that I am looking forward to running for fun. I have no races to train for at the moment (don't worry I have several planned but they are for later in the year). It is starting to get way too hot to train here on the Gulf Coast. So my runs are all about me at the moment. If I don't get in a long run this weekend...that's ok. It's not going to hurt my training. I don't have to stress out about missing the miles. The only thing I am worried about is not having a goal. Races are my motivation to keep going and keep running. But I just have to remind myself that race season will be back upon me before I know it.

As for right now...my motivation to run is for Boston. I've been dedicating all my runs to Boston. I run for those that were affected in the tragedy. I run for those that can no longer run. To me..that is enough to keep me motivated and keep me running strong. 

There are many companies out there with items to sell where all the proceeds go to One Fund Boston, an organization set up to help the people most affected by Boston Marathon tragedy. Here are two that I have supported.

• Shubeez has their #runforBoston shoe tags on presale. All the funds go to One Fund Boston. You can wear these on your shoes in honor of Boston. 

• Bic Bands has a limited edition Boston Strong thin headband for sale. They are also giving 100% of the proceeds to One Fund Boston. 

I am excited to wear both of these products as a way to honor the victims in the horrible tragedy in Boston. I don't feel like I can help much but I think if everyone just does a little something it will help. Pray, run, and give to One Fund Boston. 

QOTD: What is your motivation to run? Has the events in Boston made running even more meaningful to you?

Color Me Rad 5K!

This past weekend me and my boys participated in the Color Me Rad 5K! It was my boys' first 5K and they did awesome! I was so proud of them!

I went to packet pickup two days before the event.

There wasn't an expo but they did have some pretty awesome Color Me Rad merchandise for sale. They had several shirts, tanks, and socks you could buy. They also had a super cute hoodie for sale. I didn't buy anything though...and my hubby is proud! ;-)

I was super impressed with the race shirt. They had men and women fit shirts. I ordered a women fit and it fits great....other than being super long. Along with a shirt, you also got a bib, RAD tattoo, and a pair of neon sunglasses! 

My plan was to run this race with my friend Stephanie and her daughter and daughter's friend. My boys didn't want to do it at first. And then 3 days before the race they told me they wanted to do it...yay! Stephanie and I had plans to make our own rainbow tutus for this race. But after the bombings at the Boston Marathon, I decided to make my tutu in the Boston Marathon colors of blue and yellow. My blue is a little off (it should be more of a royal blue) but I couldn't find that color tulle. It's the thought that counts though. I think the tutu turned out great!

This race is mostly a race to have fun. It is not timed. You basically run it for the purpose of getting "color bombs" thrown at you! You sign up for a wave time...and that's the time you start running. Our wave was at 9:20. The race was only about 30-40 minutes away so I felt like I was sleeping in on race day! It helped that we didn't have to be there super early because not only did I have to get myself ready...I also had to get my two boys ready! 

The boys were so excited! Sawyer couldn't wait! Hayden was a little hesitant about it all because he hates to get dirty. I've done the Color Run in the past so I knew he could stay in the middle at the color stations and probably wouldn't get much paint on him. I told him that and it helped him feel a little more at ease. 

We rode with Stephanie and made it to the race in no time! We took a few before pictures of us all clean and white!

The race was being held at the fairgrounds. We wouldn't be running on pavement...but on grass and gravel. You could feel the excitement in the air! Everyone was excited to get colored with paint! We saw tons of people throwing color at each other as we made our way to the start line!

We made it to the start line and had to wait about 5 minutes before our wave started. One of the volunteers kept us entertained and threw color packets to the crowd. We also saw Gumby! He was running each wave that day...and would have ran a half marathon by the day's end. But it was all for a good cause...this race was raising money for the Ronald McDonald House!

Finally it was time to start! We started out running but that didn't last long with the little ones. I knew going into this race that we would mostly be walking since my boys were doing it with me. But I was ok with that...I was so excited they were there with me!

There were four stations of color throughout the race with the final one being at the finish line. Unlike the Color Run (that does one color at each station) this race had several colors at each station. And the color wasn't always in powder form. They had some color that was wet...like green water. They would spray it at you or even pour a bucket of it on your head if you so desired! Another difference from the Color Run was how they colored you. At the Color Run the color was in bottles that they used to pour on you. At this race, they threw the powdered color on you.

At the first station I watched my boys carefully to see how they were going to react. Sawyer loved it! Hayden was shielded by me and barely got any on him...but he was good with that!

The boys did really well at the race...we took turns jogging and then walking. They complained a few times about their legs and feet hurting but I would just tell them we were almost done and they would continue on. I was super proud of how well they were doing! After four color stations we made it to the finish line. I was so proud of them! They had just completed their first 5K!!!!

Of course we had to get some pictures of us all colorful!

Me and Stephanie had to have a picture together too! I love this girl! Her husband is in the Coast Guard and they will be moving in about a month and a half. I'm going to miss her so much!!! :-(

Here's a quick video of all of us that I took after we finished the race!

We hung around a little while after we finished. We watched the activities on stage. They had several people that were being "colored" for prizes. They also would count down and have you throw your color packets in the air at one time to make a huge color explosion. I tried to get a good picture of that but it didn't turn out as good as it looked in real life.

Another fun activity they had was the "mullet toss." If you're from Alabama then you know what that is. It's basically what it sounds like...you toss a mullet which is a very populated fish in our area. They had 3 people toss mullets into the crowd and the winner was the one who tossed it the farthest! It was hilarious...and pretty gross! ;-)

We took a few more pictures before we headed home for some much needed showers!

We had a blast at Color Me Rad! My boys are already asking to do another one! Hayden even said that the next time he was going to get as much color as he could on himself! :-)

QOTD: Have you ever done a Color Me Rad or Color Run?