July Challenge

I’ve mentioned this before, but I’ll say it again, I’ve got some AMAZING friends, and I’m so very thankful for them. They are the kinds of friends that motivate, challenge, support, assist, and best of all (if there had to be a best) laugh with you when you need it the most.


In this group of friends, there are a few of us that have been working out, trying to kick our butts back in to shape, or train for a run/race, whatever. In June, we did an Ab Challenge together, only took 15 minutes or so, 5 different exercises, and we did it almost every day since June 11 or so. The July challenge is going to be Jillian Michaels Yoga Meltdown. Deal is since most of us are also running or otherwise working out so we will do the Meltdown four days a week. Hmm…I run three days a week, so I guess that means July 1 marks the day of my first month of attempting to work out every day. Considering my first run/race is August 1, let’s hope I can still walk at the end of the month!

We’re doing measurements and before and after pictures (for ourselves), nothing more humbling than that! And to report on the running outside effort, it is improving, my legs are getting more used to the concrete, shin splints aren’t as bad as they were, and I actually find it more motivating to run outside than at the gym but I sure do miss that AC!

18 Months Old!

Yesterday was Brenna’s 18-month “birthday” and her check-up as well. She did pretty great at the appointment, until the nurse I’m going to call turtle came in to give her the shots at the end. I have to say, nothing makes me want to reach out and slap a nurse more than seeing her move at a snail’s pace while stabbing my child with multiple needles. She even hummed. Really? Ok, moving on now…

Brenna weighed in at 24 lbs. 1 oz. putting her in the 47th percentile, and measured at 32 ¾ inches tall landing her in the 84th percentile. She is on track with her fine motor and verbal skills, and way ahead as always on the physical side of things. He said she looks healthy and hopes to not see us back there until her 2 year check up, that would be so nice!!!

She received three shots yesterday, one of which was the new and improved Prevnar vaccine, which now vaccinates against 13 strains instead of 7. Sammie is going to have an impromptu visit soon for one herself, which will be SO much fun! (read sarcasm here, a lot of it...)  Hoping this new vaccine will help keep my girls healthier this winter. We had a blood panel done on Sammie in the spring that revealed her antibodies weren’t as mature as they should be for fighting certain strains of pneumococcal, and our pediatrician felt that this new vaccine would cover those that she was weak on. We didn’t test Brenna, as they always catch the same thing at the same time, so the hope is that this will be a “fix” for them both! Keep your fingers crossed everyone!

I haven't posted pictures in a LONG time, so here are a couple recent ones of the girls, courtesy of Rachel, so that you can remember what they look like!

The Run

Well, I have done it. I have officially lost my mind. I just got done registering for my very first run. Unable to find a 5K that worked out timing and location wise sooner, I chose a 5 mile run on August 1. I refuse to use the word ‘race’ and me in the same sentence, so we are going with ‘run’. I would consider it a huge, HUGE accomplishment if I could run the whole time, but I am not that crazy. My goal for this first one is simply to complete it, running as much of it as I possibly can.


Here’s my biggest problem at this point, I NEED to start running outside. I run, but I run inside on a treadmill at the gym. I need to get adjusted to the outside, with no a/c, no fan blowing on me, no TV in front of me, with horrible humidity and no peppy music pumping in the background—wait, that last one I can do…

So on the nights that I do not go to the gym, (not all but some) I'll be working on my outdoor running stamina, if you don't hear from me in a week, please send help...

Wish me luck, I’ll need it, I have less than two months to get ready!

Psst…oh yeah, a milestone for me today, my weigh in this morning left me at a 10 pound deficit since I started (this is week 13).  I’ve been in the best mood ever since!!