She Is Beautiful

On Febraury 9 I set out a goal to challenge myself to run the She Is Beautiful 10k in Santa Cruz.  This goal took me on a 42 day journey.  Everyday I made it an effort to wake up and have a determined mindset.  Although I was not able to train via running as much as I would like, I still did my best.  I followed the 21 Day Fix Extreme meal plan, walked using my BOB Double Stroller and worked on my core work.   I was able to get in a few runs before race day.   The last walk/run that I did was the Thursday prior to race day.  I woke up and told myself:  What do I have to prove?   I just had a baby via c-section and why am I putting so much pressure on myself.  Mind you I have been running since I was 18 years old and running is a big part of my life.  Running to me is about challenging my mind.  It has never been about losing weight or anything of that nature.   Simply lacing up my sneaks and running.....Running for HIM!    So, that Thursday morning I decided that I would change my 10k to the 5k.

Race day was Sunday, March 22 and I was ready....or at least I thought.  Upon changing my race distance I had still planned on running with my double stroller.  Maximus woke up tired and just not in a good mood - mind you it was 6:00am and that is just to early for him.   As much as I wanted to experience this race with my boys I needed to remember my WHY.  Alex encouraged me to just go on my own and he would meet up with me after.  Now, Alex is always at the starting/finish line but now that we have two boys it was not going to be like that.  After praying about it all I went ahead with my Sole Sistas.  We made our way to the starting line and I had nothing with me.  No water container, no ear phones...no running gear.   I was not prepared to run solo.  But with the encouragement of my friends, seeing all the PINK POWER and being able to run along the coast got me EXCITED!   I was READY!  As I crossed the starting line I told myself THIS IS THE START OF YOUR NEW JOURNEY - Now RUN with your HEART!    I was able to keep up with my Sole Sistas and before we went our own ways we all HIGH 5'd each other - BOOM!!!  That's the beauty behind our friendship - No Runner is left behind.

As I ran all I could think of was my family, the journey we have been on together and just knowing that as we run this race in life, God is in the midst of it all.  This scripture is always on my heart when I run:

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful - 2 Timothy 4:7

Never would I imagine running a 5k 6 weeks postpartum. Running is spiritual to me. It's about overcoming the battlefield of the mind.  As I ran across the coast I came across this inspiration - Truly God was speaking to me.

At times I started to get tired, my breathing was heavy and I could just feel my upper body aching due to poor form.   As soon as I saw the finish line I just envisioned my boys standing there rooting for me!   I crossed the finish line with a time of 34:27 and placed Top 50 in my age group.  I was now a new runner.....A MOTHER RUNNER!

Many memories were created that day with some amazing people in my life.

Mireya/Comadre - I am proud of you for accomplishing another race.  Although we weren't able to run together per say I am glad that we got to experience this race together.  Never Give Up and continue to run with purpose!  You are an inspiration to many.  I look forward to many more races together and seasons together in our reality show.  Iron Sharpens Iron - Love you!

Sweets, Thank You for always being my #1 supporter.  For believing in me when I doubted myself.  For making me laugh when I felt tired.  For praying over me when I felt defeated.  These past 42 days not only made me stronger but made our marriage stronger.  We can and we will overcome any race together.  I am honored to be your wife.  I Love You #TEAMZAPIEN

Yolanda & Patricia AKA SOLE SISTAS, Thank you for a wonderful weekend together.  Your friendship means so much to me.  All the miles, tears, laughter, prayers and races together will forever be cherished in my heart.   I look forward to many Sole Sistas traveling!   LOVE YOU BOTH!

Now as I mentioned earlier this was a 42 day journey and my goals were to run this race, lose weight, become a stronger woman and continue on my postpartum journey.   I have lost over 10lbs, I went from a size medium to a size small, my confidence has grown, new hair do and just a whole new perceptive on being a mother.  I had many tired nights due to nursing Noah, adjusting with Maximus, holding down the fort in our home, being a wife to Alex, a leader in my community and most importantly learning my identity as a Daughter of the King.  These 42 days were fun, challenging, life changing and many humbling moments.  I am not the person I was on Day 1 nor am I the person I am on Day 42.   I am proud of the person I am evolving in.  Everyday is a blessing and I get to live out my story that God has written for me. 

Here are my BEFORE/AFTER pictures:

I'm pushing forward in my next marathon:  MOTHER RUNNER!   Balancing motherhood and running.  I've started PIYO, continuing my lifestyle of the 21 Day Fix, running 3x a week with BOB - the double stroller and importantly growing in my walk with the Lord. 

Many have asked me for running tips, here are a few:

*Find your purpose  - YOUR WHY

*Set a schedule - Schedule in your runs

*Track your mileage - Invest in a running journal and download an app (I like NIKE app)

*Strength Training 2-3x a week - Strong muscles 

*Recovery - Invest in a foam roller, Rocktape

*SHOES - Have a separate pair just for running and get fitted (Road Runner Sports)

*Eat Healthy - I enjoy the 21DF plan

*Find a local trail

*Treadmills are good for sprinting or different weather climates

*Jogging Stroller - BOB is THE BEST! 

*Enjoy each mile  - There is no such thing as a bad run

*Run your own race - Don't compare yourselves to other runners

*Study - Pick up running books or magazines

*Faith - You have to believe in yourself

*HAVE FUN!  Don't over think or over train.  Just get out there and put one foot in front of the other!

These have helped me and made a big impact in my running journey.  There are plenty of great runners, tips, do's and dont's.  Just find what works for YOU!

I hope that my story has inspired you in some way!

I am a MOTHER RUNNER.  I am She is Beautiful.  I am a Daughter of the King.  I am ME.

Thank You for reading.  

  

Momanager

I'm often asked how do I have so much energy or how do I manage it all???  

Being a stay at home mom and a Beachbody Coach requires me to be ORGANIZED!  Some days I have no idea what I'm doing OR I think my ways are better and God just laughs at me HA! 

But each morning I start my day like this and these are days when Alex is not home: 

*Wake up around 5:30/6:00am

*Nurse Noah

*Feed Max breakfast - he wakes up at 7:00am 

*Make Beds

*Coffee

*Devotional for 30-60 minutes.  This consists of reading my word, journaling, going over my day and prayer

*Workout

*My TO DO list

Each night I make sure my kitchen is CLEAN so I can wake up and feel the refreshment.  When I start my day with #CoffeeandJesus it makes it more easier to get through my days.  Once I am spiritually fed I know I can give my boys a happy mommy.  I can give my clients a motivated Coach. I can pour back into others without having a bad attitude or not wanting to do something.  

Who I am and what I have is because of God ❤️ He's my daily strength!  He gives me what I need.  His wisdom is what I feed off. Not everyday is perfect and I'm ok with that.  I'm not striving for perfection.  I might joke about my OCD ways but to me having a clean, organized home is important to me.  It makes my job as a SAHM/Coach more peaceful.  My home is my OFFICE.  Who wants to go in a workplace with a mess?  

So, although last week was my first week of my revised schedule I have to say it worked.  I did have a few OH NO moments but I stopped myself and said a quick prayer.  If the boys needed me for some reason I gave them my attention.  I've learned to stay off my phone during certain times (playtime, story time, etc).  Part of my job is being on social media but I'm balancing it all.  Plus I do enjoy sharing my daily life.  In hopes it inspires someone. I've also created office hours and yes I've done them in the past but this time I'm sticking to them.  It gives my mind more ease and boundaries are created.

My ways are not better than yours and my ways might not work for you.  But this is how I mange my household.  It's all a learning process and maybe my ways can inspire you.  Find what works.  Find what's IMPORTANT to you.  Pray over your TO DO list daily.  Have a plan!  Invest in a planner.  Have COFFEE ready HA!  Most of all ENJOY being a SAHM mom or working mama. 

Everyday is a gift and should not be wasted living in a mess and having a negative mindset. 

My ultimate job is serving The Lord.  I want to go to bed asking myself:  Did I give enough? Did I share His love?

He's my boss, my leader and ultimately His ways will always be better than mine.  

So, the ultimate question:  How do I do it all?  Jesus Christ ❤️

Hope this helps and if you have any questions, feel free to ask.  

Have a blessed week! 

Praying for Boys

Dear Maximus and Noah, 

When you read this you'll be old enough to understand why I never gave up on our family.  

Maximus, you are two years old and full of LIFE!  You have shown me what happiness is about.  You are determined, inquisitive and have a sensitive spirit of The Lord within.   

Noah Michael, you are eight weeks old and already you've given our home so much JOY!  You light up the room with your beautiful smile and sweet tender spirit.  

I want you boys to know I'll always be your number #1 fan.  I'll always support you in your dreams. I'll pray for you daily.  I'll wipe away your tears.  I'll kiss your boo boo's.  I'll be there at your glorious moments. I'll pour wisdom when you make a mistake.  I'll be rooting for you from afar.  I'll pray you stay strong in The Lord.  I'll pray you marry a Godly woman.  I'll pray you'll be a Courageous father.  

Home will always be a place you can come to and be a child.  

My job as your mother is to NEVER stop praying for you. To never give up on our Lord.  To never stop loving your father.   I'll never give up on our family.  We will face opposition but with our faith we will overcome.  You're both a reflection of me and your father.  We want you both to be proud of us.  

Our goal is to give you a home full of love, grace and forgiveness.  Just as our Father God has given us.  

You boys have taught me so much about life!  And with that I'm going to continue trust in our Lord. I'll wage war on my knees. When I fall I'll pick myself up 7x until I get it.   Thank You Sons for loving me and giving me a purpose.

One Month Postpartum

I can't believe that Noah is a month- seems like yesterday I was checking into the hospital.   Time sure flies by when you are having fun.  With that said I just wanted to share our birth story breastfeeding journey.  Both which have been a beautiful with challenges, growth and everlasting memories as a mother.  


Noah's birth story began the morning of February 2, 2015...it was a chilly morning.  We left our home at 5:30am and checked into Los Banos Memorial Hospital at 6:00am. Alex and I were both experiencing so many emotions...although we have been down this road before - two years ago with Max.  But this time it was different.  We were in a new town and the only family we had with us were my in laws and they were at our home with Maximus. As I checked in, changed into the hospital gown and settled into the pre- op room I started to get nervous.  Nurses were poking me, asking me a million questions and the room was HOT!  I was literally watching the clock go tick tock.  My phone was going off, Alex was taking selfies of me trying to distract my nerves but nothing was working. 

I had to use the bathroom a million times and each time I kept telling Alex I can't do this.  I'm not ready!   I was literally freaking out!  I was a huge mess..not exactly how I visioned this experience to go.   So as I sat on the toilet - yes the toilet - I had to get myself together!   We stood in the bathroom and literally started praying.  I had a choice to either stand tall and walk by faith or literally have the worst c-section experience ever.  I knew that I was in good hands by my doctor and many were praying for me. I walked out of the bathroom and the nurses were waiting for me. They wheeled me off to the operation room and the whole time I was just praying, thinking of Maximus and how blessed I was to be a mother.  Alex had to wait for a few minutes before he could join me.  The nurses were amazing!   As they injected me with the shot, one of the nurses asked to hug me and I said YES, please do because I am scared!!  It smelled, the room was bright and I saw all these utensils.  Shortly after I did not feel my legs, everything was blocked out and I started to relax.  Then Alex came in and grabbed my hand.  He started to pray, I closed my eyes and started to vision our family of four.  All the memories we were going to make.  Seeing Max play with his brother. Noah worshiping in church.  I could truly feel God's presence in the operation room. Even Alex had shared with the team that I ran a half marathon while pregnant! I could hear them saying nice things and although I wanted to laugh and chime in I knew I needed to keep my eyes closed, continue to be in His presence and just be still.   Shortly after I opened my eyes and I could hear Noah's cry!   It was by far the most beautiful sound ever!  They brought him to me and I thought immediately he looks like Alex! Tears of joy fell from my face (I am literally crying as I write this), tears ran down Alex's face and we just looked into each others eyes and without saying nothing we both felt the same thing.  


I had to go into a recovery room for an hour - YES AN HOUR!  I was not aware of this and all I wanted to do was hold Noah and start our breastfeeding journey.  I started to get nervous because the first few minutes are crucial to a nursing mom.   But looking back I am glad that I waited an hour because I got time to rest and take it all in.  Shortly after I got to meet my beautiful son:  Noah Michael Zapien.  Holding him for the first time was breathtaking.  He was so beautiful. He smelled fresh.  A gift truly from God.  I fell in love with him immediately.  I couldn't believe he was mine.  It was a feeling of becoming a mother for the first time...indescribable.  Nothing else mattered.  No pain. No worries.  No anxiety.  I knew that God has given me Noah to strengthen me up and he did.   The tears I shed when I held Noah was my way of saying Thank You to my Heavenly Father.  He chose me as Noah's mother.  He chose me to birth him.  He chose the c-section path.  He had it all planned out since day one.   For that I am grateful because if I didn't experience it all I don't think I would have the strength I have today.   

A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world - John 16:21


When Noah and I got to experience skin to skin and I was able to nurse him it was yet another sweet reward as his mother.  I longed for this moment to come.  I truly believe it's one of the most beautiful moments a mother and child can share.  At first Noah had latch on issues but with help we were able to start our journey together. He only had three demands. They were warmth in the arms of me, food from my breasts and the security knowing of my presence.  At this point that was my only focus as being his mother.  

Breastfeeding is very important to me as mother.  I didn't care if I would go through troubles because I know how important is was for me and how beneficial it was to my children.   I was fortunate enough to have nursed Max for sixteen months.  Not once was he sick. We created a bond that I cherish to date.  Breastfeeding helped me with my postpartum recovery - you burn many calories!  We saved hundreds of dollars, time and effort.  Breastfeeding has many positive benefits.  
I've come to realize that there is not much support for mothers who choose to breastfeed.   There are many articles out there that give support to mothers who didn't breastfeed and with much respect that is their choice.  But I wonder what about the mothers that do?  Why is it we get the short end of the stick?   I am very open on sharing my breastfeeding journey in hopes that it will inspire a mother to choose to breastfeed and choose to not give up!   We bust our butts off and we should be credited.   Some of us including myself have faced latch on issues, over supply, nipple soreness, long nights, no sleep, waking up every 2-3 hours to nurse or PUMP.   Not to mention the emotional aspect of it.  BUT!  I am here to encourage every nursing or pumping mama to NOT GIVE UP!   YOU ROCK!  There are many supports groups out there.  La Leche League is a great one!  I recommend their book:  The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. I've also been inspired to start a Facebook breastfeeding group.   We ALL need the support!   The bond that you have created with your child will forever be cherished.   I AM PROUD OF YOU!  

Each experience can either break us or make us.   I am choosing God's path to make me....make me a stronger mother both spiritually and physically.   We all have a beautiful birth story and God knows exactly how's it going to pan out.  Whether you pushed for a hundred hours or had a c-section you still had your baby the natural way.  

 I truly hope that our story has inspired you.  It's been an incredible ride this past month.  I am thankful for all our friends and family that has reached out one way or another.  THANK YOU!