{The Jelly Bean}

It’s been a while since I lasted posted anything about running. It made me a little sad to realize that I let something so important to me slide away. Although not completely gone, it’s been tough to keep things at a steady pace.

As I sat down to write this post, it dawned on me that I never shared the aftermath of our big Goofy Challenge. Don’t worry, I won’t bore you with long drawn out details, I will however share that my injury set me back quite a bit. Running 40 miles on a freshly healed foot wasn’t exactly the brightest idea and I am very lucky to have gotten through it as well as I did. The race was a bit rough on my foot. When we got back from our trip, I was pretty much told that if I didn’t take time off to heal properly, the chances of making it to my next race were pretty slim. I know that I’m getting older and regardless of what my husband says, I still consider myself to be pretty dang young! =) I have a lot of life to live yet and many races to check off of my "running life list"! Needless to say, the words time off were like a big slap across the face. It’s quite ironic how back in high school I dreaded that 1 lap around the gym before volleyball practice when nowadays, I can’t imagine my life without running. I get upset if I can’t run at least a 5k every time I lace up my shoes.

Before I got hurt, I had gotten to a point where I could get up, drink a protein shake, lace up my shoes, turn on my I-pod, and hit the road for an easy 5 mile run. I strived for a very long time to reach that goal and I was very proud to be able to do that. Over the past few weeks, I have been trying really hard to build up not only my strength but also my endurance. It’s been a very tough road for me. I tend to be very hard on myself and don’t always take the time to look at the overall picture. It’s hard for me to get excited about being able to run a full 3 miles without stopping when not so long ago I averaged a 5 mile a day run. Sometimes I find it really hard to read the miles that others are logging in on a weekly basis. I even stopped logging my own miles which turned out to be a huge disaster for me.

Another thing that I have been struggling with lately is my weight. My weight is a very sensitive subject and it’s no secret that I have struggled with my self imagine most of my life. I will admit that running freed me from a lot of the negativity I have carried around with me for years. It’s amazing the transformation that took over the moment running became a part of my life. When Jason deployed last year, I made a commitment to myself to get fit. I wasn’t necessarily looking to lose weight, I just wanted to be healthy and strong. There are so many goals I want to meet as a runner. I know it takes determination, attitude, and strength. Attaining those qualities for myself was something I had hoped to achieve. I worked really hard while Jason was gone but unfortunately, depression was a stronger force and the weight I lost was dramatic and completely unsafe. In a matter of 6 months, I lost over 35 pounds. Don’t be too alarmed, since Jason has been back home 20 pounds has found its way back. Obviously I’m not thrilled about it but I also know that the weight I was at wasn’t that healthy either. Trying to find that balance has been a challenge...I’m still a work in progress.

A little off topic so let me back track to running. This past week, I put myself up to a challenge. Up until now, I have been taking things easy. I have been slowly working my way back up on my treadmill. My hope was to be ready to do a 1/2 marathon by the end of this month. I haven’t quite made up my mind on this challenge just yet. I have until April 20^th to decide...I did however decide to put myself up to a 10K challenge. 


One of my favorite running blogs is Run With Jess. I can’t even explain how inspirational she is. She always has something amazing to share, she has some pretty fabulous giveaways, and she even hosts some pretty awesome running events. Remember how I ran for cupcakes??? That was all Jess!!! 

This past week she held her 2^nd annual Jelly Bean Race. My only option was virtual but someday maybe someday I will join her for real!!! This was my first “official” race since running the marathon event in Florida.

She listed 4 different events: 5K, 10K, 1/2 marathon, or a 21K on a bike. Do one, two, three, or all four. The choice was yours! My original plan was to make it through the 10K but as the week got closer, I decided I wanted to give a little more of myself.

I started my week with the Jelly Bean 5K. I wasn’t sure how I’d do considering my runs have been steady and on a treadmill. Running on a treadmill and running outside are two completely different worlds!!! My hope was to come in at around 30 minutes.

My official Jelly Bean 5K time

After my time on Monday, I decided to take my 10K on with full force. On Wednesday, Jason and I hit the base to get our cardio on! I wanted a change in scenery and a few less hills to tackle. Little did I know, I would have to make loops in order to get in my full 6.2 miles. Did I mention that I absolutely detest making loops?!?!?! Unfortunately, it slowed me down quite a bit but I was determined to get myself through it.

My official Jelly Bean 10K time

I wasn’t quite ready for the 1/2 marathon challenge but I did make my way out for a 13 mile bike ride. The best part...

I had someone to join me on part of my little outing!

My official Jelly Bean 21K bike ride

I truly am taking this as a sign to get myself going again. When I first got the email about this event, I was excited but there was one thing that truly caught my attention.

Remember this little creation I made?

It’s my most favorite piece I’ve ever made for myself because I truly believe that those exact words are inscribe on my soul every time I lace up my shoes.

Here is the shirt Jess made for the run

Pretty amazing...right?!?!?

Unfortunately I didn't get to wear my new shirt this week because I messed up my own order but it should be on its way by next week!!!


Meant to be??? I think so!!!