Friday, August 31, 2012

Veteran's Virtual Run/Walk in November

Veteran's Day Virtual Run/Walk


Run or walk to support the Wounded Warrior Project.  The Wounded Warrior Project's purpose is to: 
  • To raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members.
  • To help injured service members aid and assist each other.
  • To provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members. 
How the virtual race works:
  • Register by visiting http://www.vailazmomsrunthistown.weebly.com
  • Choose your race distance from the options below. 
  • Run or walk your distance any day, time, and location you choose between November 1, 2012 through November 30, 2012.
  • You can run/walk the entire distance in one day or spread it out over multiple days.  It is up to you.
  • Race bling (see description below) will be mailed out beginning December 1, 2012.

Bling you get depending on the distance selected:
5K option: certificate
10K option: certificate
Half marathon option: certificate, race medal
Marathon option: certificate of participation, race medal, race medal display case.


*Every effort has been made to keep the costs down to maximize the amount of money that will be given to the Wounded Warrior Project. The medal pictured is the intended medal. Medal orders are not placed until payment is received.  If the medal and/or ribbon is out of stock we may be forced to substitute with a medal/ribbon that is in stock.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Apple Annie's Orchard Dash 5K March for Zane

Preparing for the balloon release before the March for Zane walk.

Balloon release



Today was truly a great day.  I ran the Orchard Dash 5K at Apple Annie's and then my son and I participated in a one mile walk (also hosted at Apple Annie's held after the 5K).  The walk is the March for Zane.  It is a walk held every year in memory of a special little boy who only had a few weeks on this earth.

The picture in the top left is of my son holding his balloon prior to the balloon release before the start of the walk.  The picture in the top right is of the balloon release.  It was absolutely magnificent.  The picture does not do it justice.

I find it truly amazing and inspiring that a family can turn such a tragedy into something that will help millions of others.  Over the last five years the Holcomb-Kirkendall family has raised over $60, 000 dollars for the March of Dimes.

After the walk my son and I picked some delicious apples, pears, and peaches from the orchard.  We then treated ourselves to the yummy pancakes they were serving.

The drive was long, about an hour and a half each way, but well worth it.  There is something about going to these events together that is really special.  My son didn't do the 5K but he voluntarily participated (and liked, I might add) the one mile walk.  He even ran a good portion of it!

It was a privilege to participate in today's activities at Apple Annie's Orchard.  In the words of my ten year old son "It really is great to participate in something for a great cause."  I couldn't have said it any better and I feel truly blessed that I have a child who feels that way.  

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Planning and Goals

One thing I have learned in order to be successful in my fitness goals is I need to plan and I need to have a goal to work towards.  For me, I have found that if I plan what fitness activities I will do on what days of the week I am more apt to do them.  Don't get me wrong, I am not so stringent that I don't allow for a little flexibility but I initially start with a plan and try my darnedest to stick to it.

Running and yoga are the main activities I choose to do each week.  I squeeze my running in early, early in the morning.  As for yoga, I am fortunate enough classes are offered over the lunch hour nearby where I work - two of the three classes I attend each week are even free - JACKPOT!

I make sure I get all of my "stuff" ready the night before so it is easily accessible in the morning.  On Monday I bring to work with me the things I will need for yoga for the entire week.  This way I have no excuses.  My stuff is all ready.

As for my goal, I've been working on increasing my running distance each week in preparation for my first half marathon in November.  Each day I run I have a mileage goal which - you guessed it - I have planned out for the week.  My initial goal for my first half marathon is to finish it.  After that success I will work on my times - viola a new goal to work towards.  Everyone is different, the key is finding what works for you!

Don't set yourself up for failure.  If you aren't able to do what you planned for the day.  Do it on another day, shuffle your days around.  If you can't do it at all that week, no worries, do it the next week.  Plan, have goals, but be flexible and realistic!

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

New Adventure

One day while relaxing on the couch browsing the internet on my phone I stumbled upon the site Moms RUN This Town.  It's a free nation-wide running club for moms.  I saw the link to become a chapter leader and before I knew it I had clicked the link and signed up.  Within a day I was approved, a Facebook group was created for my chapter and viola the Vail, AZ Moms RUN This Town chapter was born.  I immediately began soliciting for group members, created a website, and now a blog.  All of these things are totally new for me.  I have realized I have a HUGE learning curve when it comes to websites and blogs, but with some hard work and persistence I will get the hang of it.  In the mean time check us out on Facebook under Vail, AZ Moms RUN This Town or on our website at http:\\vailazmomsrunthistown.weebly.com.