Nike Women's Half Marathon

After months of training, many miles of running and walking, facing personal challenges and expecting my second baby I accomplished a big goal - Running the Nike Half Marathon!  

I spent this past weekend in San Francsico celebrating LOVE with Alex and friendship with my Sole Sistas. We attended the expo (slightly disappointed - will share later), went shopping at the Nike store, lunch in Union Square, manicures, rode in a limo to The Cliff House for a romantic dinner and RELAXED!  It was a weekend I'll forever cherish.  

As race day approached I woke up with a sound mind even at 4:00am (race started at 6:30am). I got in my normal routine: coffee, worship music, bible study and prayer.  I waited for The Lord to guide me and I fully trusted Him in this process.  I got dressed, taped up and we were headed to the race.  Slowly my nerves started to kick in and once we arrived at the corral I lost it.  As I said my goodbyes to Alex I stated to cry.  I don't normally cry before a race but this time it was different.  Especially since I'm 6 months pregnant!   My fear was quitting, stress on my baby and being the last person to finish.  But Alex gathered us in prayer.  Prayed for our health and to enjoy each mile in Gods ways!  He knew I needed to hear that.  I said my goodbyes and off I went!  We waited 45 minutes for our corral to take off.  I was getting antsy but once we ran off I was good.  The first mile was a hill!  But since I trained for them I figured why not - GO FOR IT! 

My plan was to run the first half of the race music free. I wanted to soak up the scenery, hear the people cheering and just focus on each mile.  By time I reached the 5k mark I was feeling good.  Running a good pace and Baby Noah was good.  I had to stop at every bathroom station but it was a good break for me.  Each station was 2 miles apart - there was no way I could hold my bladder HA!  As I reached the 10k mark things started to change.   I got a major cramp in my belly.  Nothing I have experienced.  All I could think of it was contractions.  Stress on the baby!   I didn't freak out.  I just started to walk, pray and told myself that if it occurred by the next aid station I was going to stop.  Had a mile to go. But once I reached the station the pain was gone.  Praise God!  I looked up in the sky, mist falling on my face and said out loud THANK YOU JESUS!   I started to jog, walk, jog, walk and I found my pace again.   Then mile 10 approached with another pain.  This time in my right leg.  Come to find out it was my sacitica acting up.   Mind you mile 10 was 1,000 yards and UPHILL!  This was not your average hill.  I felt like is was David VS Goliath.  The hill was Goliath!  I had received a text from Alex and he gave me words of encouragement.  One of my favorite worship songs was playing and I told myself SLOW & STEADY!   I embraced every step, every incline and again I was in a place where God was pushing me through.  He even sent an Angel my way. A labor and delivery nurse.  She asked how far I was and told me to be careful and keep up the good work.  You see God aligned everything for this hill.  Why should I worry or be in fear?  Yes it was hard but just like life you keep going!   By the time I reached the bottom I still had the leg cramp.  I was in pain and wanted to hurry up.  I jogged what felt more like walking.  Let me just say this was all a humbling experience.  Before Baby Noah I was running at a 9:30 pace and now it was 12:45 pace.  If you're a runner you know what I'm saying!   So as I waddled along my mind was going in a different direction.  I wanted to quit!  My body was tired, I was in pain and I was DONE!  But once again God came through.  I got a text from Max saying GO MOMMY GO!  I literally starting crying.  I'm sure the runner next to me thought I was weird but I didn't care.  This was not just a race. I didn't just show up and run.  It meant a lot to me to finish and in hopes one day my children will know the adversity I faced.  So, I got my game face on and RAN!   Whatever I had left I ran my heart out!  I visioned Alex, Max and Noah at the finish line.  I visioned crossing the finish line and giving praise to God.   I just visioned my life and all that I have faced. 

I approached mile 13 and HALLEJUAH!  I was almost done!!!   I noticed the crowds were small so I started to look for Alex and I spotted him from afar.  I made my way through and literally ran into his arms.  My body was shaking, I could barely breathing and I was crying so hard I couldn't let him go.  His hug was what I needed to finish.  I'm not sure what I would have done if I didn't see him.

Watch Clip: http://youtu.be/q6a2vQfMgDw

At this point I had one more challenge to face and that was CROSS THE FINISH LINE!!!!  And I DID! THANK YOU JESUS!!!!!

Aside from the marathon being in San Francisco with hills and running pregnant it was truly one of the most physical challenges I've faced. The weird things is I LOVED every moment!!!  I've learned in this past year that I should and will honor God with my body.  For it is Him that gets me through.  I've always had a meaning for running but after this race I believe my new meaning has changed.  I'm a RUNNER who loves Jesus!  I'm not the type to just show up to a race.  I believe each medal is earned.  Race day to me is the celebration.  Even if I have to face Goliath.  I'll still OVERCOME!!!   Jesus is the King of my Heart! 

http://youtu.be/G3OTNMoe26g. This song got me through the past few miles.  Listen to the lyrics. 

Would I do this race again? YES!!!   What I didn't like about the race was the expo.  It was small, hot and overrated.  The swag is super cute!  The Tiffany's necklace is pretty.  The memories will last a lifetime. 

Life is a marathon and I am literally running it everyday.  I'm not the same person I was on race day.  My vision has changed.  I now have a new meaning of running.  My friendships are stronger.  My marriage is a testimony. My sons give me new meaning of motherhood.  My love for Jesus is stronger.  

I am ME!  I'll always be running towards a goal.  There will be spectators.  There will be many Goliaths. But one thing remains:  2 Timothy 4:7

Coffee and Jesus

It's been a sweet morning.  Even though I only got a few hours of sleep I'm still feeling joyous.   This morning is extra sweet because Alex is home today.  As I was studying I glanced over and seen Max and Alex bonding. There's mornings are rare.  A sweet blessing. 

I just LOVE when I get in my study and God gives me the exact words!  He's always on time.   It's also refreshing to give my burdens to him, ask him for guidance and thank him for all that He's done for my life. I woke up with a burden on my heart but I knew before I could move forward in my day I needed to give it to God.  

I'm not perfect, I'm tired at times but one things remains: I'm always JOYFUL!  Life's too short to be worried or live in fear.  Been there done that.  I want to wake up everyday and find something good to celebrate.  Even when the seasons change - it's just a sign that I'm moving forward.  Sure some moments might be challenging but it's part of the process.   I'll continue to dust myself off. God has great plans for my life and everyday He gets me one step closer.  GLORY TO HIM ❤️

There will always be people saying things about me and maybe in the past I would have let it affect me to the point of focusing on it.  But now I just pray for them.  I can honestly say I know who I am.  I've worked really hard to get where I am today.  I'm PROUD of the woman I am today!  If Jesus brought it to me no man can take it away.  

How does one get to this point?  Well, I wish I had the answers.  But what I can tell you is what has worked for me:

*Prayer

*Study Gods word

*Journaling

*Walking in His ways

*Fellowship with others

*Praying for others

*Surrending my worries

*Knowing Gods plan for my life

*Letting Go

*Putting my flesh to the side

God is my #1 leader, mentor and counselor.  Almost all the time I go to Him for clarity.  I say almost because I'm human and sometimes I do things on my own.  It only leads me to frustration, stress and drama that I created to self.  I've learned and still do - the hard way.  Remember I'm not perfect. HA!

I always like to think and encourage others by telling them to NEVER GIVE UP!  Your mountain may be big to climb but just know there is always VICTORY!   Have faith.  Believe in yourself!  Surround yourself with others that encourage you. Always be willing to learn.  Thank JESUS daily!

We all have a choice - what choices are you going to make?   

Strong & Fearless ❤️

Our Totschool Journey

Since I'm a little behind on my blogging and I usually write my thoughts down in a journal before I type it out.   This will be more of a journal entry but I'll end with my thoughts currently.  ENJOY! 

Today, September 8, was Maximus's 1st day of homeschooling AKA Totschool. We started our day with prayer and devotional.  I'm so glad that we did because after Max had breakfast he started to get fussy.  Of course part of MY prayer was we would all be patient.  Seeing how this is new to both of us I wanted our experience to go smoothly.  We began our activities slowly just so Max could get used to the new flow.  Plus I wanted to see his reactions.  I did not want to be a drill sargeant mom/teacher.  He gravitated to the magnetic ABC letters and the chalkboard.  I could see the excitement on his face!  He was curious but also eager to see what it was all about.   He really loved the chalk!  Of course his art work was all scribbles but at least his motor skills were being used.   Alex was home that day so it was a blessing to see him be part of the experience.  As time went on we did puzzles, sat at the table and did a few things.  Dot art, coloring and stickers.  I started to notice Max was either getting bored or his attention span was running low.  So we headed to the library!   A fun time we all had! 

I chose this path because for a few reasons:  Daycare was out of our budget, we are planning a big move and I wanted to be able to bond more before the baby arrives.  For a few weeks leading up to our final decision, I had been in prayer about my role as a mother.   What was my purpose?  How can I serve my children and honor God?  God just kept telling putting Motherhood on my heart.  I couldn't figure out what it was.  I talked it over with Alex, my friends and mentor to see if they knew what God was telling me.  About a week or so after I was in prayer and it hit me.  TEACH MAX!  Now I ponder the idea of homeschool before for various reasons but I didn't think it was happen now!  At first I laughed and then I was like YES! That's exactly what you have been telling me all along.   

At that point I need a "plan."  If you know me I'm all about planning!   I did research online.  Found some neat ideas on Pinterest.  Started following other moms for inspiration on Instagram.  After all that I was feeling kinda overwhelmed!  So many activities, toddlers his age were way advance and did I really know what I was doing!   I sat in prayer and ask God to give me a vision of this journey.  I discussed with Alex and made sure this is something we were both in agreement with.  Amen for support!   I then procecced to the next step: BUDGET!   Again the internet has many cool fun ideas but I could not and would not break my bank for this.   I found a few things at Target Dollar Spot:  Magnetic letters, foam shapes, color books, crayons, chalk and color trays.  Then I went to Lakewood Shore Learning Center - this place is HEAVEN!  They literally have everything you need to start a school!  Again, BUDGET was the focus.  I found a toddler activity book, dot art, calendar and a few other things.    Lastly, I headed to the Goodwill for new books and puzzles. During this process I stated to get an idea of how it was going to work in our home.  I didn't want a strict schedule, no drill Sargent mom and most importantly I just wanted Max to learn a few things and have fun!   As I mentioned earlier toddlers his age were advanced but I placed it in my heart that it was OK!   I was not going to compare my son to another.  Maximus is a smart boy and I know what he likes and dislikes.  God created him just the way he is.  My role was and is to simply encourage him daily and tell him "Mommy Loves You."  

If we had to indicate a schedule it would be this:

Mondays - Play day (Alex is home)

Tuesdays thru Thursdays - Tot school

Fridays - Field Trip day 

We began our day around 8:00am with breakfast, prayer, play time, learning activity and wrap things up around 11:45am.  Lunch and then naptime.  It's a go with the flow schedule.  The key is to have fun, laugh and learn a few things. 

Do we always stick to the schedule? No especially since we are in the process of moving our lives are upside down HA!   Lately we have just been going with the flow.  I've noticed over the weeks he's learning, he understands certain things. Like he'll point to the car, giraffe and colors.  Although he only says a few words he can communicate in other ways. And that makes me PROUD!  

So, whether you homeschool or your children go to day care I believe it's our role as mothers to provide as much love, encouragement and prayer to our children.  They are the future!  I know that God has big plans for Max and it's my job to make sure I give my best to him on a daily basis.   This experience has blessed me but also has made me a stronger mother.  I want to continue to give my children my very best.  Continue to show them the true meaning of life.  Allow them to experience things on their own.  To allow them to be their own person.  Let us know compare ourselves to other mothers.  But instead let us encourage each other, help each out, create memories together and show our children that we are their heroes.  

Lastly, remember your home is your ministry.  Each of us are in homeschool.  We learn every single day.