Mother's Day - a few days early!

This popped up in my email today. 

I would like to say this describes my Mom perfectly! 

She probably doesn't hear enough from my brother or I, well maybe from him because we all know he's the favorite - LOL! (That's a different post for a different day.) 

My Mom taught to me pray about everything. No, I didn't always take her advice on that topic or many others during the growing pains but I take it to heart now. That's why this picture means so much to me from our wedding ... 

GiGi as she is loving referred to by everyone now that she is a "grandmother", heaven help me if she reads this and sees I called a "grandmother".  GiGi is the best, everyone loves when GiGi comes to town! She is the life of the party! She has the best laugh and the best "you're in trouble look". The girls and I love when GiGi can join us for a beach trip, oh the stories we could tell... right Mom?! 

No worries Mom, your blackmail pictures are safe with me! HAHA! 

Truth be known they were deleted, on accident :-( 

GiGi is also a pretty good personal shopper. I don't have to worry too much when she sends me a text to let me know she has picked up a dress or top for me. I think she missed her calling in her life, monogramming is great but she would've been a killer personal shopper for the famous! 

Proof is the picture, hehe! 

Then there's her life as a grandmother, oh man there's that word again! Riley may not always tell her or show it but he loves his GiGi. To be quite honest, I am not sure he likes the rest of us calling her GiGi, either! 

Riley with GiGi after her first 5K! 

The whole crew at GiGi's first 5K! 

Then there's this, proof that she is awesome... shopping the day after Thanksgiving outside Target at 5:00AM : 

Mrs. Brenda and GiGi were real troopers joining us girls for 

an ALL day shopping adventure! 

So Mom this post if for you! 

 We love you and hope you have a GREAT Mother's day!! 

See you tomorrow, hehe! 

30 days...

First, let me start by saying that writing this post is a little difficult. I told myself on April 1st I would take photos every Monday and post the "success" photos on April 30th. Well, that would be today, eek! I had a goal pictured in my mind and I can honestly say I didn't reach that "pictured" goal. I did reach an unexpected goal of being content with my body, mind and soul. Crazy how that works sometimes, huh?! 

I began round #2 of Whole 30 on April 1st. I struggled with the usual items (no sugar, no dairy) throughout the month but did pretty good overall. Again, I am content with my results of Round #2. There were days when I felt like I could eat everything in sight but didn't! There were also days of emotional stress that made me loose my appetite completely but I still ate, I ate healthy items not comforting items. Moderation is the key, maintaining will be easier for me now. When I started round #2 I was still bummed that I had come up a few pounds short of my round #1 goal. Today I am happy to tell you that I have met that goal, actually a tad under it. I know that the number on my scale fluctuates daily so I will not get on the scale as often. I realize that fat vs muscle can play nasty tricks on the mind when it comes to see the number on the scale. I also realize that my 120 - something will different from your 120 - something because we aren't the same person!

The past 30 days also included a Plank Challenge with our local Moms Run This Town group. At first this challenge seemed easy, well 30 days later I could careless if I ever do another plank. I am just kidding! Planks are good for the abs, arms really could be a whole body workout if you alternate the styles. My goal for this challenge was to learn to hold a 4 minute straight arm plank for 4 minutes. I did it! Last night I even went a little past the 4 minute mark. Proof is in the picture as they say: 

#Proof 

April also provided me with a chance to a run a few 5K's, one every weekend to be exact! By sticking to my food plan and my workout plan not only did I accomplish goals on the scale I  accomplished goals at the finish line. I ran several consistent sub 30 5K's. I also took several minutes off my 10K time missing the sub 1 hour mark by only one minute (1:01:25). 

Finish Line! 

So here's what you've been waiting for the "Success Photos"... 

June 2009   -    April 2013

(A tiny bit sunburned, oops)

April 2013 ... 30 days 

A little leaner - A little stronger - A lot more color - oops! 

Clearly, I got a little sun on Sunday, a little too much sun! This post is not meant to draw to attention to me. It is meant to show that if you step out of your comfort zone so much more can be accomplished! So often we all get stuck in routine whether it be physically or spiritually. Posting this is completely out of the box and I do mean way out of the box for me; however, I want to show that I am not "picture perfect". I do not have a perfect six pack or perfect hips, etc... I am perfectly made by the spirit! As I told someone a few weeks ago "God gave me these hips and I am proud of them".  God made us all different, I encourage you to set a goal for yourself. Keep track of that goal for 30 days and see what happens, you might be surprised by an unexpected accomplishment as well. For me, I will put on a smile my face knowing that I am wonderfully made by Christ and praise him for all my accomplishments! 

Now it's May 1st... what goals can we set to move forward and continue to be content?! Do you want to try a new physical challenge, check out our MRTT Co-Leader Tammy. She has challenged our MRTT group to "Squat it like it's HOT!" : http://gingermantra.com/2013/05/01/may-challenge-squat-it-like-its-hot/

Full Heart = Happy Runner

Today we ran the Red Shoe Run, a 10K benefitting our local Ronald McDonald House. A charity that has helped so many of my friends and I pray will continue to receive the funding needed to continue their great work! 

I woke up with a terrible cough, snuffy nose and felt yucky overall. I just prayed it would pass and continued with my pre-race preparation! I have been resting and taking it easy due to an IT Band issue that started back in February. This was my longest run / race since that all started. I knew I had the option of joining some friends for the 5K but really wanted to push for the 10K! 

Crystal picked me up right at 7:00am and we made our way to Southwood. We love to run in the Southwood Community, it's mostly flat and provides shady areas. We were joined by several of running friends. Our group is growing like crazy so pre-race is always full of laughter and silliness! I enjoy this group so much! 

The race started promptly at 8:30am, always appreciated! The route was great; however, the signs marking the race route were confusing. I stayed within sight of my running buddies, Tonya & Cory for a good portion of the race. I skipped getting water at the first water station and really wanted some at the second station; however, there weren't enough volunteers there and I missed out on getting water. I was frustrated by that as I was feeling a little parched and needed a little sip of something! I had to fight off the frustration and just focus on running. The turn off for the 10K runners was also a little confusing so again I relied on my girls to go the right way, they did. Somewhere between miles 3 and 4 we were on the out and back portion of the run. This was perfectly timed! My leg was telling me to quit to just walk, my heart was saying just run and my mind was getting lost in the middle of trying to decide what to do. All of a sudden I look up to see my best running buddy, Allison, waving and sending me a high five in the air. Then shortly after I saw our friend Cindy, who was screaming and hollering with excitement. Next was Tonya with her sweet smile. After I made the turn I saw two more of our Mom's Run This Town girls, Tammy and Becky again with more high fives and smiles! This little bit of on course encouragement was exactly what I needed! I kept running, thankfully water station three was staffed by a family friend, Amy and her girls, they took care of us with plenty of water cups ready. I managed to stay under 10 minute miles and finished with a 10K PR at 1:01:25. 

My leg is a little tight but thanks to my foam roller and some Advil I think it will be okay. (Will keep you posted, ha) My heart is very full after today's run! I am reminded on a daily basis why God has placed certain people in my life. We all encourage each other every single day. We don't need a run to show our friends we care; however, it was a blessing to me today to see them on that route. We are Sisters in Faith and Fitness! 

Love these girls! 

Congrats to Megan and Aunt Kim on a great first 5K! 

My Best Buddies! 

Badass Babes, Sweat Pink Sisters, My Mentors 

Let me close by saying that my heart is extra full today as I celebrate this race but more importantly I celebrate 3 years of being with the greatest person ever, my husband! 3 years ago today we went on our first date and have never looked back. He was a bright shining star during a very dark time in my life. As the quote says "He was willing to take my baggage and unpack it." In many ways, he made that past his own by loving my son, Riley, as if he were his own flesh and blood. As many of you know, next week we celebrate one year of marriage. We both agreed we would not ever stop celebrating April 27th as it was the best lunch date ever! We are heading to celebrate under the oaks at Dick Howser Stadium, just as we spent our first weekend together, cheering on the Florida State Seminoles baseball team! 

I love you, Mr. Woods

I hope everyone who has a run this weekend will experience great encouragement and happy miles! 

xoxoxo

Mitzi 

Esprit de She ~ Atlanta

Earlier today I received an email from Lauren with Lifetime Fitness notifying me that I have been selected as Ambassador for the Esprit de She - Atlanta Event.  As an Ambassador  I will run the 1oK on November 7th. I will be sharing more details directly related to this event through my blog. As time grows closer I will have some giveaways to share with you as well. YAY!! 

What could be better than socializing, shopping and an early evening run through one of my favorite cities?! Having friends with me, of course! This is going to be a great event and you don't want to miss out. 

For now, check out the website and consider joining me in Atlanta for an unbelievable evening on the town! 

If you can't make the Atlanta event with me then check out their website there are plenty of opportunities to join in celebrating "The Spirit of Her" in their inaugural year of racing! 

xoxoxo
Mitzi 


P.S. - For my running buddies reading this and having a panic attack...No worries, I will be in Savannah on Friday morning! I have a plan :-) 

Wednesday Fun

A few throwbacks... 

FSU Baseball - May 2010

Atlanta - July 2010

First 5K together - Feb. 2011

xoxoxo

Mitzi 

It's time to celebrate!!!

Wishing you happiness 

To welcome each morning, 

Wishing you laughter 

To make your heart sing. 

Wishing you friendship 

Sharing and caring, 

And all of the joy 

The birthday can bring! 

Happy Birthday to one of the best! You inspire us daily to be a better person today than we were yesterday! Enjoy YOUR day!!!

I realize the photo is from a year ago but it's one of my favorites from that day!!! 

Happy Birthday!!

We Pray for Boston

"So do not fear, for I am with you;

    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10 

There's no escaping the tragic news out of Boston yesterday. The bombing at the finish line of the Boston Marathon touches everyone, runners and non-runners alike. We all stopped in our tracks at 3:00pm yesterday and watched as the story unfolded. A bombing at the finish line of a race, what?! The finish line is the best place of any race, no matter the length. It's a time of celebration and reuniting with family and friends. Yesterday brought about different emotions from that particular finish line. 

While none of my running buddies were in Boston for the race, we had several from our area that were running the marathon. Thankfully, all are accounted for and most are back in Tallahassee. I can't imagine how they must all feel this morning. For some the memory of their first Boston Marathon is forever tainted. For others that were fortunate enough to finish, they may have PR'd but are reluctant to celebrate their own accomplishment. 

The running communities that I am apart of are some of the most encouraging areas of my life. I know it's been said, let me say it again "Runners are strong, Runners UNITED are even stronger!" This person has upset the wrong group of people. We will not "run" from this with fear, instead we will unite and face it together... just like every other finish line. 

I have been asked about our upcoming trip the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta. This one of the largest road races with roughly 50,000 or more running the race. The finish line party in Piedmont Park is always packed with thousands of spectators, friends and family awaiting their runners. Am I going in July to Atlanta? YOU BET I AM! This will be my third trip to Atlanta to celebrate July 4th. It's an atmosphere that's hard to explain, people are just happy at the PRR. It's an atmosphere of everyone celebrating their freedom to be up at the crack dawn to run! Our Badass Fitness and Moms RUN This Town group members will unite on the streets of Atlanta and do what we do best. We will conquer the streets of Atlanta together! 

My continued prayers for the families effected by this tragedy! In honor of those families several of my fellow running buddies (and baseball moms) will meet this afternoon to get in a few miles. I encourage everyone to run or walk at least a mile today. If you physically can't then do something to honor those families. Many of us have on race shirts to show unity today, others have on Blue and Yellow. Today we all just pray! 

xoxoxo
Mitzi

#WePray4Boston #WeRun4Boston