Just for the Health of it

I touched on this today on my facebook page, but felt like I needed to keep the momentum of this discussion going.  More and more people in my age range (mid 30-early 40) are taking a more active approach to their own health and fitness and I think it is just AWESOME!  I mean, I think back 15 years ago to my early 20s and the crowd of smokers/drinkers/partiers I hung out with and was a part of, and I can't wrap my head around the fact that we are now the 5k, 10K, half-marathon crowd.  we are juicing and detoxing and working up a sweat.  It just makes me so damn happy and proud.  I mean, it seems like not too long ago our generation was written off as a bunch of slackers...no here we are changing the world fr the better and starting with ourselves!  We are more aware than I think even we ever thought we'd be.

Examples...my hubby and I, on and off the workout wagon for years, but in the past 6 months-year we have been pretty sticking to things....one of my besties for 20 years who guest posted here is not only an avid exerciser now, she is a Race Director for Susan G Komen...one of my hubby's friends from way back is training for his first half marathon (not even bothering with 5 or 10K just all in on the half), another friend has gotten SCUBA certified and dives frequently, and yet another hired himself a personal trainer to get it done.  Fellow parents are becoming Beach Body coaches, competing on Fitbit, doing 5Ks, taking Moms with Moves dance classes...its like an upsurge in fitness and it is just GREAT!

One of the best parts is seeing the trickle down effect to the kiddos.  Now that Momma and Dadoo both have fitbits, mini me wanted one (big girl is above such things haha)...one of my besties has one then her daughter wanted one.  She got it for her birthday and baby brother just got his for his birthday, if there dad sticks with the trainer, he may just get one for Fathers Day. :)  And it's the kids that are setting up the challenges...weekly and daily and they are busting their little butts to win.  My friends 9 year old is averaging 20K steps/day right now.  WHAT!!!

The kids want to do more too...they have asked about 5Ks, but they are all so busy with different activities already (dance, soccer, football, cheer).  We don't want to lose that excitement about being fit and healthy, so we are looking at options like virtual races, our friends at Level Up Runs can help you with that!  They have registration open RIGHT NOW for their Incredible Virtual Run which you can do on your own dime, in your own time.

The future seems so bright right now...I can't wait to see what these kids push us to do next!!!

I am a runner

I am a runner.  It has taken a long time for me to feel confident in saying that.  Despite years of track and soccer, despite running on and off over the years, despite completing (finally) my first 5K...it's just been in the last few months that I feel like I have REALLY become a runner.  I make time each week to run, whether it's outside in the cold or sun...or inside on the treadmill...I do it.  It's my time for me.  When I workout at home, I get a cheering section and sometimes even company...and I LOVE that, but sometimes I need to just be on my own.

For me, running has always had a relaxing effect.  I still fall into the same breathing patterns I learned when I first made the track team in 7th grade.  An easy in through the nose out through the mouth rhythm that times out with my footfalls.  I pop in my earbuds, turn on  my audio book and just go.  It's my way of getting back on track mentally.

What I have found since completing my first 5K last year, is that the high that comes from crossing that finish line is addicting.  It keeps poking it's head up and saying "don't you think it's time to do it again?!?!"  And I do.  I really do.  And even though I make sure I make time to run every week...making time for races is a whole different thing.  Our weekends are packed generally with the girls activities and family fun and I wouldn't have it any other way...but still that pull for a medal hanging proudly on my wall is there.

I started to look into virtual races, ones where you can sign up and do your run and they mail you your medal.  I know this lacks the camaraderie of an actual race, but for me...that part isn't as important since running is a solitary thing for me.  As this idea started to take root...fate intervened.

Do you remember how when I kept hinting about a running belt for Christmas and didn't get it how I bought one, and then literally right after was approached about reviewing one?  Well maybe I need to hone this skill more on lottery numbers, but as I started looking into various runs online, I was connected with Brad at Level Up Runs.

Level Up Runs is a company "run" by runners.  They set up various virtual races so that all runners can have that medal earning opportunity.  They know how hard it is to get those races on the calendars sometimes, so they allow for you to do it on your own time!

As a lover of all things Disey, and feeling pretty Bada$$ when I complete a run, I am VERY excited about their upcoming virtual race, The Incredible Virtual Run, I mean check out this awesome medal!

The Incredible Virtual Run is open from April 15-30 for completion, all ages and levels welcome.  You can even chose your race 5K, 10K, Half-Marathon.  You can register online here.  The cost is only $25, and for you, my fine readers, they are offering a 10% off coupon code SAVE10.

I am hoping that since the hubs has started running again that he may even join me on this virtual adventure!  Have you ever done a virtual run?  What do you think of the idea?