I did It!

{my sweet friend Dana, called me up and asked me to run this race with her.  She just ran a half marathon this past October and is in great shape.  She told me that we could go at my pace and she would not leave my side.  And she didn't!  She was such a great motivator and has always been so encouraging!  I am blessed to have her as a friend.}

I ran my first 5K!  I guess I should say, I ran and walked up part of the FIVE, did you hear me, FIVE hills.  I need some training on running hills.  Anyway, it was awesome and a great accomplishment.  I am 7 months post baby and if you had asked me a few months ago if I was ready to run a 5K, I would have said, "no way!"  Anyone who knows me well, knows that the adjustment from 3 to 4 children was not easy for me.  I will not even try to sugar coat it.  I was worn out all the time and had no energy or motivation to do anything.  I know Seth was praying everyday that I could find joy in motherhood and have enough energy to do the things I needed to do.

One day, I was talking to my friend Wendy.  Wendy has a sister, Lisa, who I am also good friends with. 
You following me?
Lisa loves to exercise, was once an instructor at the Y.
I said, "Wendy, why don't we start working out with Lisa?"  You see Wendy needed some motivation also.  We were both in a slump.
Wendy texted Lisa right then on that Friday afternoon.
We were working out Monday morning at Lisa's house!  Landon played with her little girl Taylor while we did what Lisa told us to do!
Seriously, I think this was an answer to a prayer.  Every morning Lisa would text me, telling me to get ready because she was going to make us hurt!
Now, I love to workout!  Lisa has taught me that you don't have to put in an exercise video or go to a gym class to burn calories.  We are outside most days, in the driveway, while the children are playing.  She is so creative with bands and balls, even a walker!  She comes up with the most interesting exercises.   I know that working out with Lisa, who has basically been a personal trainer, will not happen everyday. But I have learned that taking time to exercise is so important and I will never go back.
Why do I say all of this?
I want my children to know that good physical health is directly related to good mental health!
I feel so much better, mentally, when I exercise.
Now, I make it a priority.  I make time for me.  Because a happy Lori, equals a happy mommy!


So back to the race....

{Sawyer was asleep in the car with Seth's mom}

Of course, Seth was so proud I was going to do this race.  He loaded the kids up and popped up at different spots during the race.  Thank goodness they never caught me walking! :)
They would roll the windows down and say, "go mommy, go!"  So cute.
They were waiting for me at the finish line, which Dana and I sprinted to!
I can't wait to do another one!

{Seth and the kids with his mom}