Hello? Hello? Anybody there?!?!

I have much to update and write so, there may be many part A's, B's, etc. to this post.  I'm going to start with the most happy, exciting thing to be going on with me lately! Let me start where this all began!

Back in October, I was a volunteer at the St. George Marathon.  I helped out at the First Aid Booth, which is quite ironic for me!  I DO NOT LIKE BLOOD!!!!  It was such a great time!  I was there from 7:30am-4pm that day!  It was SO INSPIRING to me to watch all the runners that went by!  What surprised me the most, was the varieties of people that ran through!  All shapes, sized, ages, and walks of life.  It got me thinking that I really have no excuse to exercise and feel better!!!!!  I was so proud of each of them!  Especially the people that I knew that were running!  What an amazing and HUGE accomplishment for them!!!!

Then..............

In November, I ran/walked in a Color Me Rad 5k.  This was my first time every "racing" in anything, other than a crazy game of lethal weapon spoons! I had signed up 3 1/2 months early and thought I had PLENTY of time to train, which I did.  I was very gun-hoe and got advice from other avid runners, etc.  However, my back problems started to worsen to the point of extreme pain and I could barely move.  Unfortunately, I never got the chance to formally train for the race.  The day of the race came and it was SO EXCITING!  When we (me, my sister-in-law Shannon, neighbor Monica, friend Amber, and a couple others) lined up at the starting line, my adrenaline kicked in and I felt like it was Christmas, or something!  I couldn't wait to start!  So, the race was pretty relaxed and VERY FUN!!!  I ran the first little bit, then walked, then ran, then walked, and so on.  I LOVED getting color thrown and sprayed at me!  It was the time of my life!  My dear friend, Amber, stuck with me through the whole thing!  She is an amazing runner and athlete.  She could've whooped on everyone there.  However, she chose to stay with me and that meant the world to me and was so much more fun!  At the end I sprinted to the finish line and it felt great!!!!!!  It was seriously such a great time and I wanted to do it again!  When I puked after, that was even colorful and pretty, ha ha!

So.....

I've been struggling with A LOT of things, in pretty much every aspect of my life.  I know trials are part of life, I get that.  Through these struggles, I've come to the conclusion that I REALLY, DESPERATELY need to do something that will build up my confidence again, make me happier, feel good about myself, improve my health.  I've always had low self-esteem but, it just seems to be really low!  I want to change that!  I want to love ME!!!  And, I also really want to set an example to my kids about the importance of taking care of themselves, being healthy, positive, and loving themselves.  So, I've made a goal for myself and I know that I can accomplish this goal, if I stick to the plan and do everything in my power to accomplish this goal.

My goal is to participate in the St. George Marathon next year, on October 5, 2013.  This is a HUGE GOAL for me but, it's something that I will have to work for and will improve me in every way possible.  I know that as I stick to my routine that not only will I benefit but, my kids and hubby will benefit.  I know Mike has made comments about me being happier and my kids know that when they get up in the morning, and I'm not in my bed, that I"m at the gym working out.  I've been at it for 3 weeks now and have been seeing wonderful results!  I started a workout blog (for my eyes only) that will be a journal for me.  That way I can not only see the progress in numbers but, through pictures.  I think it will help me stay motivated.

So, here's to a better improved, happier Laura!  It feels great to be working towards a big goal!  I've kind of come to a halt on progressing and improving myself.  Now I feel like I'm on the move again.