Fitness Friday-How Strong is Your Trot #HOUTurkeyTrot

Can you believe that this year is almost over?  Where did it go?  Who is ready for some turkey? 

This is a sponsored post in collaboration with BakerRipley.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

When you hear the word turkey, what do you think about?  I think about Thanksgiving, traditions, and the trot.  These three go hand in hand with one another in our family.  The Houston TXU Energy BarkeyRipley Turkey Trot has become a family tradition.

Did you know that the trot was my very first race?  It was.  I did not prepare at all for it but I was up for the challenge.  Here are some tips for you:

1)  Trot-Start getting some mileage in everyday.  This will help you get across the finish line.  Whether you run, jog, or trot, it is the best feeling when you cross the finish line.

2)  Tennis shoes-Break your shoes in.  Do not buy new shoes to wear the day of the race.  Make sure you have comfortable shoes.  Good shoes will make a big difference.

3)  Tradition-Make this a part of your tradition.  The trot is a family friendly event.  Grab the entire family and help celebrate the 25 years of Trot. 

4)  Time-Make sure you register before the price increased on November 18th. 

5)  Turkey-BarkerRipley serves more than half a million people across the Houston area.  Serving the community with community centers, charter schools, Headstart programs, senior services and career centers.  This is a way for you to give back.  Then you can go home and have some turkey! 

Currently the prices are as follows:

10K Untimed - $30

10K Timed - $35

10K Wheelchair - $35

Phillips 66 5K Untimed - $30

Phillips 66 5K Timed - $35

Phillips 66 5K Wheelchair - $35

Kids Run - $15

Register now to take advantage of these prices!  Save $5 off your registration by using this code:  17INDEPENDENT

Motivational Monday-Steps For Students 2017

January flew by me this year.  I seriously have not been able to get a grip on things.  Here we are in February, to our first race of the year for our family. 

Steps for Students is an annual race we have started to take a part in to support our friends who have children in the surrounding Catholic schools.  It is a family fun run that is always fun to participate in and of course, contribute to the cause.  This year, it happens to be the first race we do as a family.

My son just turned eighteen this month and will be graduating in May.  Education has always been important to me.  I am trying to make sure my kids understand how important education should be for them.  As he becomes a young adult, I hope moments like this will keep him grounded.  I always enjoy running side by side with him, even if he does beat me by a whole 10 minutes. 

-Teaching them to start and finish things in life.
-You may not be the winner every time but you can continue to improve.
-Community can be, do, and overcome anything.
-In life you have choices, to watch life (the race) from the sidelines or to be a part of something.

We laugh.  We compete against each other.  We motivate each other to do better.  We do it together.

After each race, I always reflect about the struggle.  Because let me tell you, the struggle was real.  I have not competed in a race in a very long time.  Like I said, life has had me busy.  I set goals and then life happens.  When I started the race, I started side by side with my son.  Daddy pushed the Princess on the stroller because her struggle was real too this day.  She decided she was not running.  She wanted to be a part of the race but not actually participate.  I feel her pain.  That morning I thought, why did I do this to us?  Anyways, I told my son good luck as he took off right after we crossed the start line.  I then focused on not stopping.  It was hard.  I knew the faster I went, the faster I would finish.  My body started to play tricks on me.  Soon enough the water station was in the distance and I took my jog to a walk.  Passing the last trash can, my body knew it was time to start jogging again.  This happened a second time at the second water station.  I saw little kids, older people, and even nuns pass me.  Yes, nuns.  When I came around the corner, I could see the finish line and I knew what I had to do.  Run, Forrest, Run.  And just like that, it was over.  I did it. 

The journey along the way will make you think twice about your final destination but you must never forget what your goal is.  Mine was to start and finish this 5K.

Now, to start recovering for the next one. 

Fitness Friday-Texas Children's Hospital Fun Run

This year our first run of the year as a family was the Texas Children's Hospital Fun Run.  It is a 3K.

This race is affordable.  It is not a big race.  The after party is only open to the participants and volunteers.  This is our second year participating and we enjoyed ourselves. 

Check out of pictures and reasons why this is a fun run:

1)  Meet and Greets-

2)  Moonwalks, Slides, Games-

3)  Family Time-

4)  Medals-

 Last year, my daughter was in her stroller.  This year she actually ran most of the race.  She was so happy that she even started doing a victory dance before hitting the finish line.  Her moment was captured by the photographer at the race:

This is what she started chanting to herself, "You can do it" "Oh yeah, I am gonna win" "I got this"!  It was the cutest and funniest thing ever.  What a feeling it is to cross that finish line!
Start them young teaching them healthy habits.  I think we have another runner in the family.

Fitness Friday-Texas Children's Hospital Family Fun Run

Our 2nd family fun run happened this past Saturday, the Texas Children's Hospital Fun Run.

This was an easy 1K or 3K course.  It was easy to change from one or the other.  There were about 3,400 participants.  I registered the entire family to do this fun run.  The day was perfect.  We had a great time.  I wasn't sure how I was going to feel since I have been dealing with Vertigo for the past 3 weeks.  Check out some of our pictures from the days event:

The importance of fun runs is to have fun.  We have a great time as a family.  My son was felling to well so he decided to stay with me.  Eventually I told him to just leave me.  My body is not in running shape so i was slow poking it but I made it.  He did too.  He finished way before me and was waiting at the finish line for me.  Dad and Lil Bit were with the stroller crew and had to wait for the waves to finally allow them to start 20 minutes after we did.  Dad was not a happy camper since he is so competitive.  Our daughter decided she was gonna ride.  She did managed to jump out of the stroller after the run to join in all the fun at the after party.

Free food, drinks, moonwalks, games, and prizes had the entire family entertained.  Gonna add this one to my favorites and remember to sign us up next year.

Do you have favorite runs you like to participate?  Are they fun runs or are you in it to win like my husband?  What is your next run?

Steps For Students 2015

A healthy lifestyle is what we are trying to show our kids.  This year I have decided to add as many fun runs as possible so that we can all get all stay healthy together.  The first fun run of the year is one we have been a part of before.  It benefits children and education.

 This year was special because our daughter is joining us.  We signed her up for her first 1K.  We didn't know how she would do, if she would actually do it, or what would happen.  Well this happened.  We got ready to run our 5K, which my daughter was going to sit in the stroller and ride, but she decided she wanted to run.  She got off the stroller and got ready.  She was so excited.  She was not overwhelmed with all the big people around her.  She just knew she wanted to run like everyone else.  This picture captures just at the moment of her about to cross the start line.  Daddy was making sure no one trampled her.  She was ready to take off.  I was scared we were going to lose her in the crowd, because she is so little.  She took off right from the start.  I was pushing an empty stroller but I didn't care.  I loved seeing her little self running.  This was our before picture:

Before she decided to jump out of the stroller.  She didn't run the entire 5K but it was great that she tried to run some of it.  She did ask Daddy to jump out and run again later on in the course.

A family the runs together, stays together!

Throwback Thursday-Reflecting

Wow, a new year is here....how do you feel about that?

Looking back at last year and reflecting is a good way to analyze where I am this year.  I started the year so good.  

My husband and I decided to start working out together.  Couples fitness was great for both of us.  We were able to hang out together doing something we both enjoy.  We were accountable to each other.  With our schedules being so busy, this was a way for both of us to spend a little more time with each other.  He was able to help me out and it worked great for us.  

Another great thing that helped me out was the different races I was able to participate in.

Aramco Houston Half was the first race of the year.  A half marathon that I did not train for but did complete.  I am actually signed up to run it again this year.  I am currently in training.  Luckily I will not be alone.  I have a group of friends that are all committed to complete the 13.1 miles.  I have a commitment to myself to finish the half marathon.  The clock countdown says I have 17 more days...this part is to be continued.  

My next race was the Steps 4 Students.  I like doing races that I can get the entire family involved.  5Ks are fun and short.  Fitness does not have to be hard.

I normally do not run more than 1 half marathon in a year but never say never right.  I ran the Biggest Loser Half Marathon.  A different city, the month of May and me running 13.1 miles.  This was a challenge but again I succeeded by crossing the finish line.

Both of the half marathons really did a number on my knees.  I even went to the doctor to make sure I was not injured.  I was cleared.  I decided to give my knees a little rest by starting to ride my bicycle.  This was really good for my knees.  I was able to get out and get the mileage in without hurting myself.  No more pounding on my knees.  But this was not the only way that I stayed the focused on fitness.

A fun way I was able to train last year, was to do fitness challenges like the 1000 burpee FitFluential Challenge.  I did not think I was going to make it there at the end but I did.  Completing the 1000 burpees was awesome!  Those burpees were so hard but breaking it up for 30 days and doing some a day helped me complete this challenge.

It was a great year but I did lose focus.  Life got very busy and it was difficult to make time for the gym, working out, or anything.  But I kept refocusing as much as I could.  I started watching my steps to see how much I was moving since I was not able to make it out to the gym.  I had to get creative with my movement.  

-Workout breaks-I tried to get up, move around, squat, jumping jacks, or whatever got me moving during the day.

-Counting Steps-Watching my steps made it easy to see when I had not moved.  So on days I noticed my movement was low, I took the long way to places, more stairs, and move more.

-Me time-I realized that even though life got complicated I was allowed to have a moment to myself to regroup.  Selah-Peace, be still.  When I go for runs that helps me clear my head, and I needed lots of head clearing time this year.  Thank goodness for the support I have from my husband, and the encouragement to take me time.  that I deserved it.  That I was allowed.  That it was ok.

It was hard but I am not quitting.  I am running the Aramco Houston Half Marathon in 17 days.

I am not looking to break my PR.  I am looking to be at a place of happiness with myself, because it is about me being happy with ME. 

Fitness Friday Challenge Yourself-Triathlon

***Disclosure-This is sponsored conversation brought to you by New Creative Media.  Any opinions stated are my own based on my own personal experience.

2014 is half way gone.  Yes, gone.  We are in the second half of July and July is almost done too.  Have you challenged yourself this year?  Are you those people that see something and say I wish I could do that?  Maybe next year, I will start tomorrow, I could never do that????  Well that use to be me.  When I saw an athlete, I did not see me.  Never did I think I could do or be athletic.  But never say never.  If you want to do something, challenge yourself and prove to yourself that you can.  The only person stopping you is YOU.

This year I completed my 4th Half Marathon-Aramco Houston never in a million years could I have said I would be a runner 10 years ago.  In order to participate in the Aramco Half or Chevron Marathon there is a lottery system you enter yourself into.  And lucky me has been picked for the 2015 Aramco Houston Half Marathon.  I am currently training for this run in January.  My training has been different this time around as I have started to ride my bike.  I had not been cycling as part of my previous training.  My husband mentioned to me the other day that all I needed to do now is started swimming and I could be a Triathlete.  I started laughing at what he said.  And then I stopped.  Why?  Was this so impossible to imagine?  

What is a Triathlon?

Swimming
Cycling
Running

Yes, all back to back.

This is now my new challenge to myself.  I challenge myself to do a Triathlon.  I want to prove to myself that I can do this.  I love the water.  I can swim.  I have been running.  I am currently taking cycling classes at the gym too.  I know this will be hard but I am willing to try.  One of my favorite shows to watch is Extreme Weight Loss.  A couple of weeks ago, one of the contestants changing their life completed a triathlon.  They were not first to finish and bearly made it to each check point but they completed it.  I want to be able to say that soon.

There is one coming soon near me, I did think there were any close to me.

7th Annual Clear Lake International Triathlon is happening on Saturday, August 23, 2014 in League City, Texas!!  

Swimming into Clear Lake, Bike a loop course, crossing the Kemah Bridge and going past NASA back into transition. Run partly shaded course overlooking Clear Lake and South Shore Marina.  Official website: Clear Lake International & Sprint Triathlon

This is actually one month away from now.  How exciting.  I have a couple of friends are currently training for Tri's already.  How crazy and challenging will this be?  Have you ever thought about challenging yourself to do a Tri?  I won't say it will be easy but training is the key to not hurting yourself.  My friends and I are crazy Mother Runners, maybe now we will be crazy Mother Triathletes???

Have you challenged yourself?  Start today?

Giveaway-The Biggest Loser RunWalk

I am so excited to tell you all that I will be taken a part of The Biggest Loser RunWalk.  Yes, you heard right-Biggest Loser!  I have received a complimentary entry to the race and you could win one too.  Do I have your attention now?

The Biggest Loser RunWalk is hosting a fun and inspirational Half Marathon/5K/Kids 1 mile Fun Run in Beaumont, TX on May 3, 2014.

Remember Dan & Jackie Evans from Season 5?  Join me and them.  No matter what your fitness level, if you are trying to set a new PR (personal record) or if this will be a first time experience for you.

I love The Biggest Loser.  I watch every season.  I have my favorites.  I am #teamjillian all the way.  I love #teambob too.  But Jillian is my girl.  If you like the show as much as I do, you could have a chance to meet former contestants from the show.  This will be an awesome experience.  Haven't you ever wished they would pick you for the show?  I have.  I would love for Jillian to train me.  This is your at home chance to train and join us at this fun run.  

Each registered participant and finisher will receive the following: 

• The Biggest Loser Finisher's Medal
• Commemorative Technical T-Shirt
• Drawstring Backpack
• Free Downloadable Race Photos
• Award Divisions for Runners and Walkers 

Online registration is open for this event through the evening of April 30th, 2014. If the race has not sold out, walk up registration at Packet Pick-up will be available May 2, 2014.

Half Marathon Registration:

$75.00 through 3/31/14
$85.00 through 4/30/14
$99.00  @ Packet Pick-up Registration (if available)

5K Registration:

$35.00 through 3/31/14
$40.00 through 4/30/14
$45.00  @ Packet Pick-up Registration (if available)

I would love for you to be there with me!  Register now, using this code INDEPENDENT20 for 20% off on your entry.

Challenge yourself today...need help.  Go to http://biggestloserrunwalk.com.  Thanks to  BodyMedia FIT you can get training.  Click on the training tab to get your training started.  It is time for all of us to get off the couches, because The Biggest Loser is not on right now, hit the pavement and achieve our fitness goals.  This is a lifestyle change, remember that.  So are you with me?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fitness Friday-Steps 4 Students 5K

I have a new found love for running and I know I sound redundant when I keep writing that but I do love to run.  But what I enjoy the most is that I get to do this with my family.  This hobby helps me keep up with my healthy lifestyle.  I try to find races that are available in my city that are cost effective so that we all can participate.  In February, we participated in the Steps for Students 5K for the Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese.  My friend's children attend and so it is great that we can help them with this fundraiser.  

What is a 5K?  5K = 3 miles

You do not have to run.  Most of these are fun runs that include family walks.  Everyone can participate and you can even push strollers that is what is so fun about this.  You can go online and find tools to help you get to where you want to be.  I am not where I want to be but I try, try, and will keep trying.  

This is the route of the 5K we did.

 The day was not too hot or too cold for a run.  I like when the route is a straight shot and not a lot of curves.  This even when through some streets with a lot of shade so it was perfect.  So how did we do, you ask?

1st Place-MJ 27 minutes
2nd Place-Dad 28 minutes
3rd Place-Mami 35 minutes

We had fun and that is all that counts.  I will tell you that none of us wanted to wake up this morning.  We had a lot of things on our plate this day.  But we made no excuses and went out there.  A practically 30 minute run and we were done.  Look I burned 355 calories in that 5K run, we had family time, and we helped a great cause.

Finding a race in your area can be as easy as goggling- Run/Walk in _____ city  

I challenge you to do your first 5K by the end of this month.  Good luck! 

Run for the Rose 2013

I won a free entry (Thanks to Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation) into a race I had never heard of, Run for the Rose.

Dr Marnie Rose was a doctor who died of Brain Cancer at 27 years young.  She was a resident at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital (same hospital my daughter was born at, and was in NICU). 


Will you join me?  This isn't just a race, it is a great cause.


***Disclosure-I was not asked to post, promote any of this but I believe everyone should know about this great family and foundation that supports brain cancer research, survivors, and pediatrics.  I did win a free entry into this race through an online contest.

Recap TXU Energy Turkey Trot

So what were you doing Thanksgiving morning?  Sleeping in, up early and cooking, getting ready for football, or running a turkey trot?

We were running a turkey trot.  TXU Energy Turkey Trot was held right outside the fountains by the Galleria.  It was a great event.  We had a blast and many of our friends and family joined in.

This is not even half of our group that ran.  We had over 25 people in our group...  We had the kids in the 1K.  We had the pre-teens and teens run in the 5K.  And the adults all ran the 10K.

My official time:

Alba

1:07:58

I beat my old time by 7 minutes.  (Bayou Classic 10K 2011 1:14:33)  This is my 1st 10K after the pregnancy and having had the baby.  In 2010, the turkey trot was my very 1st race ever, and now I was back here again.  This year we had a couple of new comers, and we were all so proud of them for completing and crossing the finish line.  They even did better than they imagined.

In the end I burned over 700 calories, ran 6.2 miles, and will be able to have bragging rights that crossed that finish line.

So are you up to the challenge?

TXU Energy Turkey Trot-Turkey Calling Contest

The past weekend’s turkey calling contest was a smash. There were media reps from KHOU, KTRK, KPRC, KRIV, KUBE, CBS Radio/Houston Chronicle and the Houston Press. Anna-Megan Raley of CBS Radio and the Houston Chronicle won the media contest. She gets to decide where TXU Energy and the Texas Trees Foundation plant a tree in the Houston area.


Today is the last day for early registration and discounted prices. Regular prices start on Saturday and online registration wraps up at 7 p.m. Nov. 19. After that, there is day-of registration at the race.

Hurry and register.  See you at the race.

***Disclosure-Sponsored post.

2012 Turkey Trot Race Course Unveil and Grand Marshal Announcement

On Saturday, TXU Energy will join Sheltering Arms at Luke’s Locker on West Gray to unveil the new race course and announce the Grand Marshal – a real champion with a very inspiring story.

The event starts at 11 a.m. Luke’s Locker officials will be available to talk about training and there will be opportunities for you to get registered for this years Turkey Trot.

Luke Locker’s store is in the River Oaks Shopping Center.
 
1953 West Gray
Houston, Texas 77019
(713) 529-0786

Sheltering Arms Senior Services will host its 20th Annual TXU Energy Turkey Trot benefiting the many programs and services it provides to more than 80,000 seniors and caregivers in the Greater Houston area.
Interested participants may walk, run, volunteer or partake as a spectator. The race will continue to take place at Dillard’s near the Galleria on Thanksgiving morning. 

Cost: 
Payment required - Turkey Trot Race Fees Through Nov. 16th: 5K/10K/Wheelchair – Timed Competitive – $30;
5K/10K/Wheelchair – Non-Competitive – $25;
Kids Run/Walk OR Seniors (70+) for all races – $10;

Rates increase by $5 for each race after November 16. Timing chips will not be distributed on Race Day, so be sure to register online or during Packet Pick-Up at Luke's Locker on West Gray between November 17 and 21.



***Disclosure-Thanks to TXU Energy my family and I will be participating.  I was not required or asked to post but I wanted to spread the word and try get you to join me this year.  It is a great cause and it will be so much fun!  See you there.