Half Marathon

I still can't really believe that I am saying this but I ran a half marathon! I did it! And I didn't have to walk or stop! Boy this day had a bit of anxiety tied to it as it approached but I am so proud of myself.  I wanted a clear cut work out goal after baby.  Between not working out while I was pregnant, and knowing the weight wasn't going to magically disappear with breastfeeding (that's an annoying myth that only happens for some people) I just wanted to work towards something.  Saying I'm going to "eat healthy" and "go to the gym" were far too vague for me so my husband and I signed up for the half marathon.  We started very slowly, 1.5 miles to be exact.  And I remember thinking I was going to die during those 1.5 miles. But before I knew it we were running 5, 6, 7 miles at a time with no problem.  Then we ran a 9 miler! And a 10! And before I knew it the day had come. I am so lucky to have so many friends and family who watched Gray on those long run days when we couldn't take him with us.   On the shorter ones we took the jogging stroller but boy was it nice to just be alone sometimes on those long run days. Just myself, and my thoughts as I pushed myself mentally and physically. Along with the physical training Logan and I really changed our eating habits quite drastically.  We really haven't had fast food except maybe once after Gray was born, and when we are in the mood for something quick we opt for sandwich shops instead. We don't drink soda anymore (5 months clean for me now!).  We try to go low or no carb at dinner time. And we don't keep too many unhealthy foods in the house anymore.  Don't get me wrong we are still foodies through and through and there is nothing I appreciate more than a good steak or burger but we've definitely made some really healthy steps and are continuing to do so.  I am really grateful to have parents (and in-laws) who are healthy and active and can enjoy all kinds of activities with their children! I want to be this way for Gray and that has been a big motivating factor for me.
The day of the marathon my Sister-In-Law Bethany got Gray all ready to go in the morning (my brother-in-law, Logan, and I, had to be at the buses at 5 a.m.) and my father and mother in law, and my brother all came to greet us at the finish line.  They timed it perfectly so that I could breastfeed Gray as soon as I finished! I have to say I felt like SUPER MOM running a half and then feeding my kid right after. It was so nice to have so much support on our big day!
Here are some pics!!






I'm sure some of you are wondering about my weight loss journey since having Gray. I am about to get really real and really personal.  When I had Gray at 40 weeks I weighted 209 pounds (oh. my. gosh.) I have officially lost a little more than 40 pounds and still would like to loose another 15.  These last 15 are being extra stubborn and according to my doctor might not go anywhere until I am done nursing. But besides the actual weight I have toned up A LOT, and just feel really really good. I feel happy, I have so much more energy, and feel like a good wife and mom which is most important to me.  Below is a progress pic so far. I posted one a couple of years ago after I did Insanity so I thought why not again. Stretch marks and all people. I'm a work in progress but aren't we all?

The Photo On The Left: 38 weeks pregnant
Middle Photo: 12 Weeks PP (1 month of working out)
Photo On The Right: 16 Weeks PP (2 Months of Working Out)

*I am now at 22 Weeks PP so I should take some more photos soon*