Day.Fifty.Three.

Thursday.
I was on a high because of how well I had run yesterday. So, I decided I would do a short run to the front of our community and back. I checked the milage when I was driving home. It was a total of 1.6 miles. I think that would be a great run on the off-day. I decided that I would take Adi. Maybe she could get some muscle on her thin frame. We are gaining weight, but we would like it to be muscle.

So, I came home, changed, and we were off. I did not have a solution on where to keep my inhaler. My shorts do not have a pocket. Any suggestions? (I had to put it in my bra... not really comfortable) Anyway... We were off and Adi seemed to be having fun. We made it ALMOST to the front of the community when she just stopped. I mean stopped stopped. Not walking, not budging! I am sure that people who were driving by couldn't help but chuckle. I was pulling with all of my strength. Her neck was stretching out, but her feet were not moving! Well, I had a goal in mind, and she wasn't having it. So frustrating!! So, after about 5 minutes of trying to coax her to keep running, I decided to turn around. I did turn around and off she went, running! Who is this dog? It was nice to run outside and enjoy the fresh air. It was a beautiful day, overflowing with sunshine.

We did end up going 1.2 miles, so not too bad for Adi's first run. I was proud. I was so happy that my app that I use was helpful and tracked the process.

I give our run a 3/5. It felt good.

(true fact)

-Alexis

Day.Fifty.Two.

I had a wonderful proud moment today as a teacher. My students were challenged to read 210 minutes each and earn their way to the top prize of a TShirt. Well, in addition to the prizes, if a certain percentage earned TShirt level, we would have a popcorn party, then an ice cream sundae party, and finally if 100% of the students earned that level, a pizza party!
Well, my students went above and beyond. I sent home a sheet that they could fill out when they read. I tracked their progress on a bulletin board outside of the classroom. It always had kids stopping in the hall to see how we were doing. Our book buddies loved to check on their buddies progress! (which is so sweet) All of my kids got their shirt and they knew what that meant... PIZZA! Today was our pizza party. I decorated the room like a luau, each kid got a lei, and a fun tiki! It was just great to see them strive for a goal and reach it! (The custodian even got in on the fun and brought us cupcakes for dessert!) Yummy!

After a long day at school, I decided I needed to get back into running. I haven't been making time for it for the past 3 weeks! I was nervous, but I knew I had to do it. I decided to run the program where I left off. Brave. I did it! I was so proud of myself because I ran 3 miles (first time since I started the program) in 38 minutes. I did have some walking in the mix for warm up and cool down and a small 3 minute walk. I was so shocked by what I have accomplished. Whew! Color Run, here I come! (I would like to get to a 30 minute 5k... a bit of work still to do)

Today, I took the time to try to start to catch up on my blogging. Again, I am determined to keep up! I went through the days and just jotted down what had happened. I will elaborate more and publish! 

Have a great night. 

-Alexis

Day.Fifty.One.

Well... I can not dwell on the events of yesterday.. I must move on. (easier said than done...)

Anyway...
I started the couch to 5k running program a while back (I would say beginning of February) when my sister, Wendy, approached me about running in the Komen for the Cure race. I looked into the process, and I thought to myself.. I have never been a runner, but I need to be healthy, and this is a great program to get started. (I always joke that I want to be addicted to running... and I don't know how other people are)
Pinterest is a GREAT motivation. There are so many inspirational quotes that are just helpful at times. Here is the pin that made me run for the first time: (maybe it will inspire you too...)

I knew that this was true, so off I went. I am determined to not be a quitter. I searched for the couch to 5k and found a wonderful app for my phone. It is called "Ease into 5k" It did cost money, but not more than $3. It is perfect for me. It tells me when to warm up, run, walk, cool down. It is encouraging too! ("You're halfway there" and my favorite "Last run, coming up!") It has a journal for me to jot down notes about my run, a graph of my running, and even lets me use my own music! I recommend this app!

After I had been running for a bit, I decided I would try to find a 5k that may be sooner. I looked online and found The COLOR RUN! I know that I am crazy, but I was determined to run in it. So, I went to the website (www.thecolorrun.com) and found that there weren't many near Ohio. Bummer! So, I went on the facebook page and asked them to come to Columbus, Ohio. Well...about a month later, it was set! (I had no part in doing this, but I did suggest it at one point) I am so glad that they are coming to Columbus. I have started a team. CR12. (color run 2012) If you want to join, let me know and I will give you the password to join the team. 

Here is a quick overview of The Color Run:

1. Must wear white. 

2. 5k walk or run. (my goal is run)

3. After each kilometer, they throw a specific color of powder on you. By the end, you have five different colors on you and you are tie-dyed!

4. I will frame this shirt and bib from the race. My first race EVER! (I never thought I would say that...)

Check out the website for more info. Here is the picture that made me want to sign up!

You can't deny it... it looks awesome. Join me and my team~

-Alexis

Day.Twenty.Nine.

Monday Monday Monday... I am exhausted! I had a day that was planned and went smoothly. I don't know why I am so tired.

After a good day at school, I headed to the gym. WOW! I couldn't even make it through my run! I had to stop and stretch and catch my breath.. then finish.. this is the first time in 6 weeks I have had to stop. My inhaler didn't help either.. Strange.

When I got home, I fed the dogs, fed myself and had to sit down. I am amazed at how tired I am. I am about to fall asleep. (I will finish the blog first)

Today is a day of fun season premieres! I have a guilty pleasure, of course, and that is classic teenage dramas! (Secret Life of the American Teenager and Make It Or Break It) AND! I just saw a great upcoming new series.... BUNHEADS! How perfect! I can't wait until it comes on.

I am such a TV junkie at times... so pathetic!

Off to watch some 'gripping' TV. (laugh at me... I know)

-Alexis

Day.Twenty.Two

Day Twenty-Two! I am impressed with my ability to continue to write nightly.

Today was a good day in Kindergarten. With the temperature reaching close to 80 degrees, the classroom was HOT! We were all sweating. It was a great day to have our ice cream sundae party! We got to have ice cream sundaes today because 13 of my 18 students have earned their T-Shirt level in the reading challenge. YUMMY! (Of course, they all wanted the whole shebang... chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and of course sprinkles!)

After school, I headed to the gym. My motivation is waning. I don't love to work out... but I need to keep it up. Today, I headed to the gym and was expecting to repeat the last run from the day before. I was quickly mistaken! I checked the app on my phone, and eeeek! It was warm up, run 20 minutes, cool down. WOW! I was nervous to even start. I made it through! I did take two 30 second breaks, and one break mid-way for my inhaler, but all in all, I ran 20 MINUTES! I am proud of myself.

What will the next run bring? I am scared to check!

I am going to start the process for the girl's Easter baskets soon. I am also, of course, going to be making it a habit to clean each night! That is up next, after I type this post.

(I bought The Hunger Games at Wal-Mart today.. so I may get in some reading tonight too!)

Have a great night!

-Alexis

(I see this all the time and I think it is time to print it HUGE and hang it somewhere visible)