2022

Happy New Year! We ended 2022 with a hotel swimming, pizza party. These kids never stop and continue to keep going. I thought life would get easier as my kids got older but it just continues to get harder. There’s always something to do or somewhere to be. We are currently on winter break and enjoying the slower days at home. As we look ahead, so many goals are already set in place for 2023. Such as basketball camps and tournaments, sport clubs, family trips, house projects and races. We are all excited for what’s to come and are striving for a New Year full of laughter, gratitude, great physical and mental health and fitness. 

I OWN THIS

In 2014, I ran my first marathon in 3 hours and 40
minutes. Eight years later, I ran my fourth  marathon in 3 hours and 13 minutes. This proves that Anything is POSSIBLE. Even though, I’m happy with these results, I still KNOW that I’m capable of so much more. In five years, I’ll look back and be proud that I never gave up. Consistency was important but now focusing on the goals and putting in the work to get there is more important. It’s been over a month since the Leavenworth Marathon and I’m excited to move FORWARD with resilience and perseverance. 

Live a Great Story

Everyone has a story to tell. That’s what my mother in law would say. During my long run yesterday, I thought about my story and what my purpose in life is. Raising four responsible, hardworking, successful, genuinely, kind-hearted people who continue to follow their faith (with my husband) is what first came to mind. Some days are definitely easier than others but we seem to get by, every day. As I continued to run, I reminded myself that “I can do hard things.” That’s when I realized that running hill repeats and miles after miles isn’t so hard. Raising four kids in this world is pretty darn challenging and the hardest job I’ve ever experienced.

Upgrading my GOALS

I feel like somedays are definitely easier than others. Trying to balance work, parenting and marriage can be a challenge. After a great day, I’m feeling like I won the lottery and after a bad day, I feel like I just experienced the worst day of my life. Sometimes I have to remind myself that even on a bad day, there’s always something to be grateful for. 

As I look back on some of the positive memories made from 2021, my priorities and goals continue to change. 

1. Worry less, laugh more

2. Clean less, sit more

3. Talk less, listen more

4. Don’t give up: when life gets tough, keep going

5. Show up everyday with a positive attitude

6. Believe that anything is possible 

7. Do something everyday that scares you and get out of your comfort zone

8. Focus on staying healthy: mentally and physically

9. Rest and recover

10. Always focus on what went well at the end of the day

Life is going by so fast as I watch my kids continue to grow. Rather than focusing on what’s ahead of me, I’m making some every day changes. Mom, wife, teaching and running goals will only come as I continue to stay positive, be happy and appreciate life. The best days happen when WE least expect them. So, living in the moment is my goal.

Running is My Therapy

In the past, I spent the winter months running on my treadmill. This year, I have dedicated myself to running in all weather conditions. As difficult as this has been, I’ve learned to enjoy running in the dark, cold weather. I’ve also learned that running isn’t always about setting fast goals and personal records but that it’s my therapy. 

My daily runs have become my quiet time. When I try to only allow positive thoughts in my head or not think at all. During this crazy time that we live in, I’m feeling very grateful for my new running habit. Regardless of the uncomfortable weather, my therapy morning sessions are something that I look forward to. 

Summer Days

After a few months of 5k training, I’m ready for a change. During these hot, humid days, I’ve stayed consistent with my early morning workout routine. I’m currently not training for a race but working toward building fitness by increasing mileage and doing some speed work. I’ve hit a running plateau and need to try something different. I’m in the sixth week of a training plan and focusing on staying patient as I’m learning that progress takes time. 

These days, I feel like I’m RUNNING to keep up with life at home. Summer vacation is going by fast and we only have a few more weeks until school begins. I’ve spent most of my summer break with my four kids, doing house chores, working on my yard and driving kids around to do farm work. Every day is an adventure at home and on the farm. I’m trying to slow down as my summer is coming to an end. Soon, I’ll be missing these summer days. 

The 5k

When people ask what are you training for? I almost feel embarrassed to say it’s 3.1 miles. 

A few years ago, I told Seamus that someday I’d like to run a “very fast” 5k. However, I haven’t fully committed myself to reaching this goal. Most times, I run a 5k as a practice run for another race or I start training for one and find myself giving up and signing up for a longer race. 

I fear training for and running a 5k. The first hard speed workouts at a sprint usually scare me away. As a long distance runner, the feeling of burning lungs and fatigued legs is tough for me to experience at such a short distance. Over the years, I’ve became rather comfortable with running a certain distance at a tolerable pace and struggle with sprinting. Seamus says to run as fast as you can until you can’t run any more, but I find it hard to do this.

In less than four weeks, I’ll be running a 5k race. Staying committed to my training schedule has been a great challenge. Every day I’m forced to push myself at a different level. I’m doing exercises that I don’t necessarily enjoy doing and running at paces that are extremely uncomfortable. In between all the hard workouts, I’ve also dedicated myself to improving my mindset, such as changing old habits (longer runs to shorter, speedy, runs). I started new ones and am working to stop the self-conscious negativity. Instead, I am focusing on positive self talk (I am strong, I am unstoppable, I am feeling great)! 

I’m not only growing as a runner but also as a mom. Now, I find myself more often using positive self talk through difficult situations when dealing with a kid at home. I’ve also learned that my daily running habits have reflected on my children’s behavior to stay active. I’ve been unintentionally training them as they continue to ask questions about how they can improve their running skills. It has encouraged them to enjoy running as well. My oldest son, Kieren, has dedicated himself to running a few times a week in the early mornings and is competing in a 5k in four weeks. My two middle children are constantly sprinting laps around the house and cheering for one another to “keep going.” 

Through mindset training, I’ve learned to love and appreciate the journey of reaching a GOAL and to continue to work toward being my BEST. For that reason, my goal for this race is to run as fast as I can until I can’t run any more. Regardless if I meet my 5k goal, I’ve got to stay positive knowing that my kids are watching what I do. They need to learn how to be patient and resilient when facing challenges, too.