{Holiday Challenges}

Its official, 

Jason will be leaving for the NCOA next week. 

We have been caught in limbo for the past couple of months. First he was going and then he wasn’t. Then he was going and then he wasn’t. Then he was going and then he was put on the stand-by list. I always love when they say “be ready to go just in case you do get called to go”. This time, being prepared worked in our favor because he received final confirmation on Wednesday that he would for sure be leaving on November 1st.

Please don’t be alarmed my turkey week family visitors, Jason will be home for the holiday weekend just so we can all count our blessings together. However, you will be stuck with 3 kids and me as your entertainment for the first part of your vacation! =)

Before I share some fun running stuff, there is something I'd like to say. My mind has been a little preoccupied and I do believe that my stress level has reached the realms of another planet. I know that I have not been the best at all with keeping up to date with everyone. Please know that I am doing what I can with all that I have. My number one priority is my family. My second priority is getting through my next exam. I have had to battle personal fears and doubts. I have had to push feelings aside and keep chugging forward even in those moments when I felt like I completely failed because no matter what, at the end of the day when I have to face myself in the mirror, I see the person I aspire to be. She's inside battling her way through every obstacle, every challenge, and every barrier that staggers upon her path because she knows exactly with out a doubt what she wants to be when she grows up. I hope that you will be patient with me for a little while longer and please know that I haven't gone anywhere. I'm still here!! 

Okay, moving on to "run happy" thoughts!

Jason and I decided to make a pact with each other while he is away. We both have specific goals we would like to meet over the next few weeks. Our race is quickly approaching and we both have quite a few things we want to accomplish before the BIG day. I won’t go into Jason’s side of the pact because after all, it should be his choice whether or not he wants to share. As for me, well I’m just a girl who simply likes to share (probably more than I really should).

I haven’t been running as much as I’d like. I’m a little behind in my training schedule. I’m not horribly behind and I know that I can catch up but nonetheless I am behind and I don’t particularly like feeling like I am “lagging”. I had no idea that studying and preparing for the Master’s program would consume so much of my time and energy.

My final exam is next Wednesday. Hoping, praying, keeping my fingers and toes crossed that I pass with flying colors!! Actually as long as I pass, I will be ECSTATIC!!!

After I get through the exam, my focus (after the children) will be completely on R~U~N~N~I~N~G!!! I will be building my way quickly towards the 26 mile marker. Somehow...someway...I have to be able to run 13 miles and 26 miles on consecutive days without feeling like my legs are going to fall off on day #2! This has proven to be quite the challenge so far.

Last week I reached the 13.1 mile marker without looking back. I will admit that I was a little proud of myself. The last half marathon I ran, I ended up finishing in 2 hours and 17 minutes. Last week, I ran 13.1 miles (barreling my way through hilly territory and playing nice with 3 different dogs) in 1 hour and 56 minutes. This was a HUGE accomplishment for me!! However the next day, my legs were on fire!!!

Lucky for me I have had the chance to gain some bloggy support. I read other stories, I find inspiration, and then, I put on my game face, pull up my running pants, lace my shoes and tell myself that I will not give up on ME!

So here is my plan of action:

I just signed myself up for two different challenges.

Challenge #1:

"Pile on the Miles" is a challenge that runs from November 1-24. The concept is pretty simple...a little added encouragement to pile on the miles instead of “piling on the pounds” as we head into the holiday season. Prizes will be awarded weekly! All you have to do is submit at least 5 miles of either running OR walking. Check out Run Eat Repeat for more information and to sign up before Sunday October 30th.

Challenge #2

Holiday Bootie Buster is a challenge that will take me (and maybe you) through the entire holiday season starting November 19th and ending on January 6th. Work your bootie off, accrue points for engaging in different activities (even eating your daily serving of fruits and veggies), and maybe even win a prize or two.  The list of prizes so far is pretty amazing. Check out Run To The Finish for more information.

I am hoping that these two challenges will keep me focused and on track. 

I read this quote the other day. It happened to pop in my head as I wrote this post. Must be a sign! =)

“In order for women to succeed in life, 

God provided them with two means, 

education and physical activity. 

Not separately, 

one for the soul and the other for the body, but for the two together. 

With these two means, women can attain perfection.” 

-original quote by the Greek philosopher Plato 

(revised slightly for RunnerGirl)