Ok, first of all... I wrote this blog post about 2 weeks ago and debating whether to post it.... actually have several others that I just simply did not post. ..... but after a vacation at the beach with my little family of 3, and then a medical conference that allowed me to mix business with pleasure which I brought my mom and son with......I have a little bit clarity and focus on my running......Ahhhhh, vacation....... an escape from reality and allows for time to focus! But, before I share more pics, let me talk about something else......

Ok, those of you who have been gracious enough to support this little part time blogging adventure of mine, know that I took an extended amount of time off...... actually, my last post was the day of my 45th birthday.....MARCH 25th!!! Yikes.... definitely a long hiatus!!!! (this was true 2 weeks ago when I actually wrote this post, but those that follow now that I posted about a recent 5K June 24th... so, officially now, June 24th was actually my last post.

None-the-less, I am back! I may only be able to blog once a week, but will try for a couple times a week...... I am not sure exactly why I became so unmotivated to blog. Perhaps, it was the end of the school year hustle, and trying to keep up with everyday life like work & family. I actually could not even set any goals as far as my running was concerned. I mean, I REALLY want to run a fun marathon and sub 4 hours! But, I started to have doubts, and question why I want to attempt such a goal. One part of my brain says, "You are 45 years of age... why do you feel the need to run a full marathon under 4 hours? You are not an elite runner. You are not trying to BQ. You are not a paid professional runner. So, why the commitment to training and toll on the body?" Anddddddd, then there is the other side of the brain saying, "Why not?!!!!! So what! You are 45! No, you are not a professional or very experienced runner, but, this is YOUR running journey! Your goals! Your desires! You work hard in all parts of your life, that you deserve to train and attempt to accomplish this goal you have set! GO FOR IT! YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE!" I seriously have battled this for several months! Trying to figure out my path with running and what I desired. I kept working with my coach. Kept to my training plans. But, there was doubt even if I would keep on the path to running a full marathon in Dec 2017 or March 2017. But, until my mind was made up, I was going to stick to my training plan. I had my husband pointing out the fact that I had improved so much in the 5 years that I have been running. He even expressed how impressed he was of how I have stuck to running. He reminded me of the total gym purchase that I was so excited to use with the goal of getting in shape after my son was born. However, after a month or so, I was hanging clothes on it! Then, he pointed out my YMCA membership and the classes I was planning to attend to get in Shape, but then I only actually seemed to be donating my money to the YMCA than actually going to it! And, he stated there were all the other work out plans I had......... but, then there was the treadmill purchase. He pointed out that since stepping foot on it 5 years ago, I have continued to do so at the mere early hours of the morning just to get my run in! He pointed out that he has never seen me more excited about an activity like running. He pointed out that my mood stays better when I run. He reviewed my race accomplishments with me: Sub 2 hour half marathon, completing a full marathon at 4:30:39, and getting my 5k times into the 22 min range in the winter (this summer with the humidity, I am happy to be in the 23-24 range). Even with his support, I just didn't know the direction I wanted.

Then, I went on vacation. A solid week off from work and away from reality! A solid week with my little family of 3! I dang sure took a SOLID week off from RUNNING too!!! Yep! A personal choice not to lace up! Now, I did take my running stuff with me..... you know, just in case. But, not once did I get the desire to lace up! Nope, I stayed up late, slept in late, and indulged in food that normally I would eat in moderation. It was just what I needed. I came back with a fresh, recharge look on life and running! My attitude was adjusted in many ways. I think I was more exhausted and tired (mentally, physically, and emotionally). I am trying to improve things in life and look to the positive!

So, here it is!!!! I will remain with my training! Plan is to sub 4 a full marathon...... I am beginning to think December will be axed all together, and I will focus on March......Seriously, here in the south during the month of Dec, it can be in the 40s one weekend and then the high 70s (with killer humidity) the next weekend. Plus, the Albany Snickers Marathon in March was my first (and only) full marathon.... would be nice to have the course comparison as far as time goes. Plus, Albany occurs during a great time of the year and the race is so convenient with the start/finish right outside the hotel!!!!

Then, there was this blog, I questioned why even write it.....but, I decided, I will have fun with it... focus on running, food, and life. Maybe it will motivate some to get moving and set goals of their own no matter age, size, etc.... it may not be another's forte.... and, that is ok. I do hope people comment and make suggestions on blog post... then, I can perhaps cater to what people want to hear about. Also, maybe tips in comments will help me reach my goals!!! Again, no expert here, but comments motivate and help me!!! We all need the support of each other!

Now, on a lighter side of things........ pics from vacation......

Body board surfing.... quite a work out actually....fun too!

Told my husband he needed more sunscreen to prevent burning..... he elected just to wear his beach shirt and panama jack hat...... and, Ben learning to snorkel

I am not much a fan of birds, but there is something about the birds that hang out at the beach... not many know, but I actually have a fear of birds.... unpredictable creatures...like spiders!!