Deployment Project #96 - Just Call Me She-Ra..or Wonderwoman..or Forrest

DEPLOYMENT PROJECT # 95

She-Ra? Wonderwoman? Forrest?

Sometimes I wish I was her....

And sometimes, when things are going my way, I feel like HER...

The last thing I want my husband to return from Iraq to, is something like this...

So, this year I worked extremely HARD at the gym doing LOTS of this....

There were times I felt like Forrest. As he would say, " I just kept running, and running and running."

I began running (consistantly) about 3 years ago. I had an allergic reaction to some medication that could have killed me, and it was then I realized life was too short. So, I decided I was going to be as healthy as I could for my family.

I joined a gym and began doing the body sculpting, aerobics, Zumba and cardio classes. I also started jogging on the treadmill. The first time I tried to run, I wasn't able to run for 3 minutes straight. But with alot of time and dedication, I was able to build up the endurance to start running in local 5k races.

One of my goals for this deployment was to remain as active as possible, and continue running and exercising.  With a deployed husband and 2 small children, it's so easy to forget about yourself....and I didn't want to do that. So I set a goal, that I would run and exercise as much as I could while he was away.

So, I am happy to report I did not fall off the exercising bandwagon. In fact, I exercised more than I ever thought I would and feel better than I ever thought I could!!! In fact, I can't go more than 2 days without my exercise. I need it more mentally that I do physically. it clears my mind, gives me energy and more patience for my children. You can read about my running adventures  HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE

Every now and then I place in the races I enter....but mostly I just enjoy the racing atmosphere!

Racing with friends is also a fun way to get your exercise....

My friend, Kym, is my running buddy. I think she ran in almost every race with me. We encourage each other and enjoy sharing in the victory of finishing together!!!!

I will never be a fast runner....but I can say I am a runner.....even though most of the time I feel as if I am shuffling my feet. ha!

But I also took exercise a step further this year when I entered 2 MUD races!!!! Racing with obstacles involved!!! Can you say FUN?!?!?

Now I can say I have crawled through mud, scaled walls....

...and logs....

...and ropes....

(before the mud race)

(after the mud race)

I also run with a group of wonderful ladies...we call ourselves the Mom's On The Run. We all have kids and are trying to stay healthy. We are able to leave our kids in the gym child care and go out for a run!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE running with these girls...they keep me motivated and pushing to be better!!

Sometimes we do crazy training like running the hills of a parking garage...

..or taking 10lb balls and slam them into the ground...

And in between the slamming and running hills, we take time out for push ups....

and sit ups....

So, this is a deployment project off the path of home decorating...this one is more SELF decorating.  I set a goal to stay healthy and I DID IT! I went to the gym 4-5 days a week and kept up my running!! Here are my stats for the year...

I ran (as of today) 419.17 miles 

I ran over 67 hours

Completed 12 races

Gained 7 pounds of muscle!!

And according to my latest BMI testing, I tested out 7 years YOUNGER than my actual age!!!

If I can do it, anyone can!!! Just set your mind to it and stick with it!!! Determination is the hardest part of exercising!

And speaking of exercise, it's time for me to head out for a run!!! :-)

Happy Friday everyone!