Morning

Last night I set out my clothes and set my alarm. I had 8 miles scheduled for today and I had high hopes. I set my alarm up at the top of the shower in the bathroom so there was no chance of hitting snooze and rolling back into bed.

My alarm went off this morning at 5:15 and I headed out. It was a slow jog this morning. I wasn't going fast by any means, but I did 8 miles without stopping. I've been a little down lately with my running because I have been feeling a little alone. With my parents in Africa and Jason taking care of the kids while I run/race, I've felt like I haven't had the support I wish I had. They do the best they can and I'm not blaming them, but sometimes I just imagine how awesome it would be to be running a race and see my family and friends cheering me on along the way with signs and all that stuff. 

The sunrise on my run this morning. BEAUTIFUL!

While I was running this morning I decided that if I am going to do this I need to do this for me. I need to trust myself and my abilities. I know that I have the ability to do this. I've done it before and I can do it again. I am a better mother and wife when I run. I'm a kinder person when I take care of myself.  I just have to remember that I am never really alone and I have all the support I need.

Anyway, my run went well. I felt good! I'm really proud of myself. We were in Montana visiting my grandmas all week and we didn't get home until late last night. Go me. :)

This week

Well.... I've been running a lot this week and I've been sticking to my training. It's been tough convincing myself to get out and run. Yeah, I really like running and I enjoy the alone time, but honestly I have been having a tough time with the mental part of running. My mind just isn't into it. After mile 2 I'm counting down the steps until it's over. I'm also having a tough time not stopping to walk. It's not like my muscles ache and it's not like it's too hard, it's just that I get this STRONG desire to walk.

I'm going with the thought that if I just get out every day and run then my mind will fall into place with my heart and my running will get easier.

What do you do to get over the mental hurdles that come with running???

Hobbler Half 5k & Mack Family Croc Walk

Yesterday morning I woke up at 530 and headed out the door for a fun day full of events. The first thing was the Hobbler Half 5k. It was a little under an hour away from the house so, I had to get up early so I could get there on time. 

Today was my weigh in day (which isn't the best idea for race day) and I tend to not eat or drink as much as I should before I weigh. Thinking back now, I should have just weighed at home before I left. Oh, well. I got to the race early and had plenty of time to walk around and talk to friends. 

The race started a little late due to the timing company being late, but that's ok. We started out good, I felt a little slow. (I haven't run in 2 weeks since my half.) I did well until mile 2 and then I felt drained. So, I did the whole walk/run thing. I finished the race in 36.02! Not bad considering I walked some of it. It's amazing how 2 years ago when I first started running again it took me over 47 minutes to run a 5k and that was with "running" the whole time. 

After I crossed the line I got in the car and went another 40 minutes back up, towards home, to a fun walk for a great cause. My parents are in Sierra Leone serving a mission and one of the other missionary couples had a daughter living just a few miles from me. Well, a couple months ago, while 8 months pregnant, she passed away and the baby didn't make it either. (Read the story here.) So, the community got together to help support this father and his 3 kids.

Orange was her favorite color and she wore orange Crocs at the hospital, so everyone wore orange and Crocs donated an orange pair of Crocs for all of those who did the Crocwalk. :)

(The Kimball's, Wendy's parents. This is the other couple that was serving with my parents in Sierra Leone.)

The amazing thing about this event was the fact that there were more people there than were at the Hobbler Half 5k. I love when a whole community comes together to help someone in need. :)

When the walk was over we headed home and I weighed in and lost 3.6 lbs this week! I love weigh in weeks like this! :)