Spring Race Plans

Spring has arrived in the south (well on most days) and with that means perfect weather. Even if it's only around for a little while before the summer heat hits, I'll take it! There's just something about spring that I love...the colors, the weather, the fresh and newness of it all...it's seriously one of the best times of year! (Minus Christmas, of course.)

In the spring, races are usually in abundance around here and they taper off as soon as summer hits due to the ridiculous heat, so you gotta catch them while you can. For this spring, I've found several races I plan on running, so here's a rundown of them all!

#1 St. Patrick's Day 3 Miler

Yes, this race already took place but I'm posting it for two reasons - number 1, I need to write my recap like ASAP and number 2, it's the first race in our local "Triple Crown" series and I'm going for it again this year! (The last time I completed this series was in 2015.)

#2 HCS Warriors 5K

Last year, I ran this "first annual race" and as an alumni of the school, I placed as first female. Yes, the race was small and placing in it was totally random, but I was beyond shocked and excited! This is a race I'll continue running in the future because even though I've been gone for a while, I still love to support the school as I attended there most of my life! (It's a K-12th grade school.)

#3 Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival 10K

This one is incredibly random and 100% new to me as it's in a town about 3 hours away. It also happens to be the day after the Warrior 5K...whoops. In my fervent search for a "local" 10K to use as proof of time for Wine & Dine, I stumbled across this race. It's the only race in reasonable driving distance that is hosting a 10K before the cutoff time for proof of time submissions. I would have run a 10K last fall, but that's when I came down with the great lung plague, so yea...that went right out the window. I'm really looking forward to this one as it's completely new to me and I can't wait! Jason's also going to do the 5K with Brayden!

#4 Contraband Days 5 Miler

Although this race is taking place the day after Relay for Life again this year, I'm still looking forward to running it as part 2 of the Triple Crown series! Yes, my legs are probably going to feel like lead and I'll definitely be sleep deprived, but I think I'll make it! Although it's always hot (this race is held in May) this race is for sure a local favorite!

#5 4th of July 4 Miler

Yes, this race falls in the summer time, but it's also part 3 and the final race in the Triple Crown series. I love running this race and enjoy seeing the local running crowd that comes out for it!

That should be it for now, unless another random race pops up into there (which is completely possible)!

Do you have any fun spring time races planned? Please share! I want to hear all about them!

Fitness Friday - April 20

Currently Training For:

• Dopey Challenge 2018 - Walt Disney World
• Rock n Roll New Orleans Half Marathon 2018 - New Orleans, LA 
• Warrior Nation 5K
• Contraband Days 5 Miler
  

Saturday - 6 miles

Sunday - Rest Day
Monday - 3 miles
Tuesday - Physical Therapy Routine - Squats and Core Work
Wednesday - 3 miles 
Thursday - Rest Day
Friday - Physical Therapy Routine - Squats and Core Work

The spring weather finally decided to cooperate this week (somewhat). Although the temps have been cool every morning, it definitely warms up by the afternoon! This kind of weather can stick around as long as it would like!

With that being said, I definitely made sure to take advantage of the weather this week and make my way outside for several runs!

On Saturday, I had the opportunity to run solo (minus the stroller) and it felt great. I've really been working on my running form and I could tell a difference with this run.

My goal was to stay beneath 10 minute miles - mission accomplished!

On Monday, our whole crew joined us for a 3 miler around the neighborhood! The walk went by so fast - it hardly seemed like 3 miles at all!

Our church schedule has also changed up a little bit due to CRAZY construction over here, so I've had the past few Wednesday nights with nothing to do. It's been amazing and definitely helped with getting that extra week day run in!

A 3 mile run is just what I did on Wednesday afternoon and you can see the aftermath of my run in my arms! Those cups were not for me, they were definitely for my little tag along!

A few other non-running happenings took place this week! 

On Saturday, Jason surprised me with a super fun gift! I love it!!

Picture day was also this week and I was super excited to dress my little guy in my favorite outfit in his closet! Hah! Even though I didn't have a girl, I still love to accessorize him (for now, while he lets me)...

Pixie was groomed this week and came home all refreshed and pretty!

Last but not least, we tried out this new place called Louisiana Reaulx. It's basically ice cream that starts out as a liquid, is poured onto a frozen stone, mashed together until it's frozen, then "rolled" up into a cup. There's video on my insta-stories (for now) so head over there to check it out if you're interested in seeing the process - it really is super neat!

That's all for me this week! I plan on running a 6 miler this weekend but it'll probably be with the little dude so we shall see how that goes! Other than that, I hear it's supposed to be another rainy one.

Have a great weekend, y'all! :)

It's FRIDAY!

Link up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup!

Spring Running Pros & Cons

Spring!

Fresh blooms, gorgeous weather, new growth, new life, pollen, wildlife, spring storms - there are so many things to love (and not love) about Spring!

When it comes to spring running, I'm all about it. I love the weather (most of the time), fresh blooms along the way, and the whole overall expectation of Spring - new life, new growth, transformation, etc.

Today's Tuesdays on the Run topic is all about sharing your favorites and least favorites of spring, so here we go!

(PRO) I have two top favorites of spring running, the first being fresh blooms! I just love plants and flowers and seeing everything fresh and new for spring.

Aren't these azalea's beautiful? You can find them all over the south in the spring!

(PRO) My second favorite thing about spring running is the weather! Most of the time, it's cool and refreshing with just a hint of warmth, reminding you that summer is on the way...

(CON) With the pro of weather also comes a con - spring weather. It can be beautiful and it can be horrible all at the same time. Having a tornado in your backyard isn't the best way to kick off spring, either. Along with crazy weather comes lots and lots of rain and unless you love running in lots and lots of rain, that leaves running up to the treadmill. Ugh.

(PRO) Wildlife - I just love seeing little babies running around outside, enjoying the fresh weather. Sadly, I missed the little baby chick in this picture but it was so cute!

(CON) Wildlife - I need I say more? I'll occasionally see these guys in my running route and I never get close enough to figure out their "type".

(PRO) With spring running comes more opportunities to run with my little guy because the weather is just that nice (most of the time)!

...and that's about all I can think of! Spring is definitely a favorite time of year for me and I love getting out and breathing in the fresh air and getting in a great run!  

Did I forget anything? What are your spring running likes/dislikes?

It's the Tuesdays On The Run Linkup with Erika, Marcia and Patty. 

Brayden's First Easter Egg Hunt

Hello and happy "almost" Easter weekend! We are excited for this weekend as it will be Brayden's first Easter and we will have a chance to spend time with family and do a lot of shopping! Let's also not forget the true reason we celebrate this Easter holiday! :)

Last weekend, Brayden attended his first Easter Egg Hunt - and it just so happened that it was hosted by our church!

In the days leading up to the egg hunt, we spent a few minutes each evening "practicing" how to put eggs in a basket! By the time the day of the egg hunt came along, he had the concept down pretty well!

The event opened to the public at 10 a.m. with Brayden's group (0-2 years old) hunt beginning at 10:15 a.m.

When we arrived, parking lot attendants handed us a schedule which was really nice to have in hand so we knew what was taking place and when! 

Behind our children's building is a large field and that's what they used to "hide" the eggs. Some eggs were extra special with prize tags inside!

Parents were allowed inside the egg area with the 0-2 group, so I was able to help guide him where he needed to be!

 The Easter Bunny made a visit and started off the egg hunt!

It was a lot of fun showing the eggs to Brayden and helping him put them in his basket.

His favorite thing to do with them, though is bang them together. Typical boy!

In the basket they go...

I can't wait to see what he's going to do next year as he will officially be walking by then!

Look at my egg, momma!

Posing for a picture with the Easter Bunny!

My friend Kim had the idea to make shirts for the day and I love how mine turned out!!

Along with the Easter Egg hunt, they also had fun jumps, face painting, balloon sculptures, and a train for the kids to ride. I completely forgot about the train, so we didn't get to go - oh well, next year for sure!

After all the groups had finished, there was a puppet show and a fun little message from our children's pastor and kids ministries team where they shared the Easter story. Also, awards for the prize eggs were given out here.

In all, we had a great time and really enjoyed the Easter Egg Hunt! Easter is one of my favorite holidays and I absolutely love spring and this time of year!

I hope you all have a wonderful a blessed weekend! :)

The Color Vibe and a Baby Shower!

This past weekend, I spent time doing something I love to do...volunteering! Since Brayden's been born, my volunteer time has been cut incredibly short which is ok because I really love spending time with him. However, it was nice to get back into my old routine, even if just for a short time!

My first volunteer opportunity happened on Saturday morning with The Color Vibe. The American Cancer Society has been the charity partner with this race for the past three or four years and since I'm on the Relay for Life Committee, I had the opportunity to volunteer!

Our crew's main job was the water station and boy did we have it going on! There were over 1,800 runners and only five of us, so it was incredibly fast paced once the runners began flowing in.

 

We rocked it! 

 This was the first wave of runners (there were five waves total).

I also had a couple of friends participate in this race and they did amazing! I was so proud of them!! This is obviously the "before" picture...

...and after!

They might have tried to hug me...but I ran away! Haha!

After the color toss, they really had it going on!

If 5K's that involved colored powder is your thing, check out the Color Vibe! It's a great organization and gives back to local charities. They also know how to have a great time!!

After the run, we had to have breakfast of course!

My second function of the weekend took place at our church for my sister-in-law's shower. I was asked to provide the decorations and I had a lot of fun making them! She went with a green/mint nursery theme, so that's what I based the decorations around.

 

There were several signs like this. Others said "Precious Little Miracle" (because he is...another story for another day), the verse from 1 Samuel 1:27, and the fourth one had his name in bold print. 

There are two types of tables in our glass foyer - tall skinny tables and short big tables. I chose two different centerpiece ideas off Pinterest and ran with them.

He's due in April. Get it? April showers! :)

My niece had so much fun pushing Brayden around in the stroller! She's too funny! 

After the shower, several of us went shopping at Sams and all happened to purchase matching skirts. They were so cute we couldn't pass them up! After our shopping excursion, we stopped for a sno ball - our favorite, "The Little Mermaid"!

Brayden was all dressed in his St. Patrick's Day themed gear for church this morning. I LOVE the plaid shirt with the blue jeans!

After church, I continued my project of getting the flower beds nice and neat once again. 

The weeds were making my head hurt. There's just something about Disney trips - I always want to get my yard looking nice every time I return home from a trip!

Thankfully, this little guy napped for a while then played outside in his jumper while I pulled weeds and guess what?! I'm almost finished! I just knew that the weed pulling would be a week long project and now it's not! YAY!

Next, we are going to buy a few new flowers as well as fresh mulch and make everything nice and pretty once again!

It was an exhausting weekend, especially with the time change, but we had fun! I hope your weekend was great, too! Stay tuned for more updates from our Princess Half Marathon Weekend! :)