The Inaugural Tooth Fairy 5k

Have you ever seen a grown man dress up as the tooth fairy (other than on TV)? what about multiple grown men, women of all ages and adorable toddlers too? Well, I had the chance to run with a multitude of tooth fairies this past weekend in the Inaugural Tooth Fairy 5k and 1k fun run. All proceeds benefited children's dental health at the Free Clinic of Simi Valley.

I am happy to say that I finished the 5k in 27:19! My fastest time since high school! Since that was more than half my life ago, so I get to start over and make it a PR? I actually have no idea what my PR is, though I know it's 24 minutes, no idea about that seconds. I placed 3rd in my age group, so I stuck around and got the medal. It was also my first race running 4 my buddy Connor :)

I had some coffee and pecan pumpkin oatmeal for breakfast - so I was all fueled up. I probably could have hydrated up a bit more, but overall, I think I was well prepared. All the race adrenaline hit and I ran the first mile at 8:07. My goal was an average pace of 9:30, so I far exceeded that!

For an inaugural run, it was well organized. It started on time, had a clear start/end line, the results were up quickly and the MC looked great in his fairy costume :) It was a quick course, though I don't usually enjoy having to do two loops, this wasn't so bad. I love when they have fresh oranges at the finish, so I was happy! The 1k race was my favorite part though - the kids running as little tooth fairies was adorable!

Things that might make it a bit better next year? Signs for parking, a route map ahead of time and some way to separate the folks coming into the finish line from those finishing their first lap. I had to dodge quite a few people and a dog as I made it to the finish line! But overall, everyone was friendly, the race ran smoothly and I had a great time. I'll definitely be back :)

Ventura Family YMCA Fun & Fitness 5k

I can't tell you how excited I am to be running the Ventura Family YMCA Fun & Fitness 5k! My last race was the color run - which was tons of fun - but not timed. So now I am incredibly excited to see if maybe I'm improving my times with all my extra training. The 13th annual 5k run/walk  is on July 27th at 8 am in Ventura - followed by a pancake breakfast (yum!).Not only is the race close by, it's also for a great cause. 

Event proceeds with go to the Ventura Family YMCA Open Doors Program, ensuring that no one is turned away from the YMCA due to heir inability to pay. I think it's incredibly important that all families and kids learn to love fitness, and can benefit from the great programs that the YMCA offers. The Ventura Family YMCA has FUN fitness programs for kids, families, seniors - everyone! Including, of course, the 5k this month :)


The Fun & Fitness event has awards for the top 3 finishers in each division as well as raffle prizes. But honestly, the biggest prize? Having fun while staying fit with friends and family. 

So what are you waiting for? Register now - individuals are $30 ahead of time, $35 on the race day. If you want to go with the whole family? $65 today and $80 on race day. I can't wait to see you there!

Color Run Pomona!

Well, we did it! We ran a Color Run :) I was with my husband who ran the entire way - I'm so proud! It was fun - more fun than I expected. But it was HOT. When we got back to the car the car told me it was 104 degrees. That is too hot! I think I was more tired after this run than the 10K I ran a few week ago.

There were tons of people - wave after wave after wave of runners. It is definitely not a race if you care about your time - since there is NO race clock. But everyone was happy, smiling, and having a great time (including me!).

It was definitely a fun time! Nick Cannon did the race countdown and performed at the end. According to other runners they were generous with the color - so everyone ended up layered in color by the end...which is the point, isn't it? They changed one of the stations to a water and color station to help with the heat and there was plenty of swag given out :)

Post Race Clothes!

Not sure I need to do another one, but I am glad I did it at least once!

Success at Fitness Goals!

I consider this week a great success at meeting my fitness goals ~ I ran a 5k and had a mostly great week for my second week of Revolt!

This past weekend, the whole family ran a 5k - Miles for Melanoma - at Universal Studios. Out team raised $320 and we all finished in 43 minutes. That even included A running for about a mile. No, really! He was quite a hit on the course :)

Not only did the little guy love running, but he had fun at the "after party!" I love that the whole family is getting fit together...it just makes me so happy. He's also been doing the workouts with me at home. He is quite cute when he tries to life weights with me - and makes my exercises all the more difficult when he crawls underneath me while I am trying to do a plank!

This was also the second week of the Revolt Fitness plan. I am doing great at the workouts - they are awesome. Quick, tough and fun. I can do them at my lunch break or when I get home from work.

The diet - hmmm, having a harder time with. This week was sugar detox week. I made it two days without cheating - eggs, eggs, eggs, bananas, spinach, brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes....then on day three I ate french fries. They were so good. I am having a hard time with the monotony of the diet, but the results are awesome! I have so much energy, I feel stronger. I love the feeling! If only I can get through the rest of week two :) Wish me luck!

Exercising

I'm training for the Miles for Melanoma 5k coming up in one month ~  my husband and son are running too - well, sort of, we'll be pushing the little guy in a stroller!




Today I actually got out of the office for lunch and ran! There are some benefits to working in a National Park :) Beautiful scenery and running trails!

Supporting research for Melanoma is incredibly important for our family. Someone we love very, very much has been hit hard by this disease so this is just a small way I feel like I can maybe do something.

If you are interesting in donating to support us in our run for this cause - Donate here!

Brought to you by the letter "E"

part of the A-Z blog challenge

p.s. love you E!

It's Spring!

I've set some lofty goals this year. Looking back, I'm not sure what came over me :) But, today is the first day of Spring - so a time for renewal, happiness, warmer weather, more sunlight...good things!

1) Couch to 5k - My husband and I decided to get ready for a 5k. This weekend was supposed to be that 5k...well, not gonna happen. I have to give kudos to my husband however, he did do a 20+ mile trek, so I consider him to be successful! A three week illness derailed me. But I'm getting back into training as of this week and re-scheduling the race for late April. Minor set-back here!

2) 40 bags 40 days - What is the definition of a bag exactly? :) No, but really, I feel like I've done a pretty good job of organizing the garage, the closets, the bathrooms and making a sizeable donation to Goodwill! I'm not doing a great job of quatinfying my 40 bags, but I've made great progress organizing my life and getting "stuff" out of the house, so I am considering this a success!

3) Donate 52 hours - haven't actually volunteered yet, but I've done quite a bit of research and have some great ideas!

4) 21 day Meditation Challenge - As part of the Inspiring Moms Network, I took on a meditation challenge. Though it has put me to sleep a few nights, it has also been relaxing. I have not been able to do it every day...but it has been very inspiring when I have managed to do it :)

Wish me luck to keep up for the rest of the year! :)

Today's 5k in Camarillo!

I ran a 5k today! Did I train? Not really. But did I get my butt out of bed and run it anyway?

Yes I did :)

To make it even better? My husband and son came out to cheer me on - and as added bonus, my parents agreed to come at the very last minute. Yep, I forgot about the race until pretty much right beforehand (oops!). So we loaded up 2 cars with 2 grandparents, 2 dogs and a toddler and made a morning out of it!

Even with the chaos and arriving 5 minutes late, I still got 2nd place in my age group. Great morning!

Next 5k

So I am looking to sign up for a 5k in about 8-12 weeks. Anyone have any suggestions? I'd be up for one in Southern California - any suggestions appreciated :)

I've found a few nearby...I need to sign up for one to have a goal!

Simi Valley 5k

Camarillo Lions Club 5k

Malibu Canyon Dirt Dash