That time I decided to train for and run a 5k...

So back in February I downloaded a Couch to 5k app on my phone and slowly but surely began following along and completing the workouts. This is the app. I liked this app for several reason but mostly because it was easy to use and the virtual coach was there to cheer me on during every workout. I think I'm going to do another post at some point about the app and how I progressed through the workouts. In the meantime, I posted a lot of the pics here on my Instagram.
 

About halfway through I decided to bite the bullet and sign up for my first 5k to give myself a tangible goal to work toward. Since the date aligned with the end of my training I signed up for the Secret City 5k for Haiti hosted by the Oak Ridge Track Club.

Today was the day for the big race! I worked my butt off but my workouts never quite got me all the way to 3.1 miles so I knew that the actual race would be a huge challenge. My husband and pup were there to support me!

Marked my calendar so I wouldn't forget!

Race day ready with the pup! Gorgeous backdrop!

Behind the start line before the gun fired!

Annnnd I was off!

I'm still there, but slowly disappearing.

Coming back, almost...there...so....close!

FINISHED!!! Got a second wind after I crossed. Guns out!

Finish line family photo!

Proud wife, proud husband.

The shirt I got and my bib! #108

My FitBit tracker captured the route!

My unofficial finish time was 44:50. I'll have my official time as soon as it posts online.

Overall, I'm ridiculously proud of myself and I'm so glad I decided to start this journey. I've had a whole lot of fun and I've definitely gotten healthier by getting out and staying active. I can't wait until my next 5k!

Book Review: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Last month I read an amazing book over the course of a weekend that I spent babysitting. In between making meals, breaking up skirmishes between siblings, and keeping said siblings entertained, I managed to finish the entire book.

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert was a refreshing read that really helped me reflect on how to incorporate creativity into my daily life. The big take away for me was that I shouldn't let fear cause me to push away the creative things that make me happy.

I truly, truly enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone who needs a little boost to go after the creative pursuits they enjoy.

"The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them."

EMERGENCY DAPHNE

Respeta mi existencia o espera resistencia!

My Self-Care Mandate

I don't think anyone is really reading this blog but if you are, and you're wondering about my day job, I can tell you that I work in the social services field. Specifically, I am a social worker (without a degree). I've been told that I can't call myself a social worker unless I have a degree in social work. Either way, I do the same work with or without the degree.

Anyone working in a social service field will tell you that self-care is of the utmost importance. One of the biggest problems social workers face is the mentally, emotionally, and physically draining toll that caring for others can take on a them if they don't also devote time to caring for themselves. It's a constant battle for me.

Knowing what a serious issue self-care is has helped me continue to do the work that I do. Without self-care, I feel certain I would have burned out by now. I've taken steps over the past few years to practice self-care regularly and limit the negative impact my job has on my overall well-being.

Some things I like to do for self-care are:
-Taking a walk, alone or with my husband
-Reading
-Writing
-Exercising
-Playing with my dog
-Talking to family on the phone
-Seeing a therapist if needed
-Going to see a movie
-Playing board games
-Attending church regularly

This is not a comprehensive list but they are the most common things I do. I'm always on the lookout for more ideas!

Vision Board: 2017 Edition

My 2016 vision board turned out to be SUPER motivating, so I thought I'd share some pics of my vision board for 2017. My vision board is for Fitness and Weight Loss goals. I started this board last year and I am still amazed at how just seeing it everyday kept me motivated. Keeping your goals visible keeps them in focus! So here are the pics of my updated 2017 board. I totally admit to thinking this was a pretty silly idea when I sat down on January 1, 2016 to start it but its SO worth it. I hope that others give it a try!

This is the section where I track pounds lost. I update it every time I weigh in.

This section is for monthly tracking of weight lost and its a place where I post my rewards. Rewards motivate me to keep pushing through hard times!

This is a section for pictures of things that inspire me to get healthy. Mostly, my family and my pup.

This is the section where I started putting up motivational pictures and quotes.

This is my favorite section. Before I started this vision board, I wasn't much of an outdoors person but I decided that had to change. This is where I keep track of my outdoor activities and push myself to try at least one new trail or greenway each month. Finding new trails to try each month is one of the fun parts!

This is where I track workouts. I mark off the numbers as I complete the workout. On last year's board, there were several weeks when I exceeded my goals! Woot!

This is the entire board. It hangs behind the desk in my home office. I bought the cork board for $9 at Walmart and used scrapbooking suplies that I already had to decorate it.

Check out my post about creating the 2016 vision board here.