Okinawan Seidokan Test

Isaiah has been working hard for the past few months to earn his next stripe for his white belt. Last night he not only earned his next stripe but tested and ended up earning his third stripe! I'm bummed I can't figure out how to post a video to the blog, but here are the pictures after the test and being presented with his certificate.

His next goal is to work towards his green belt in February. We're SO proud of him. Isaiah is also getting some sparring gear here in another week or so. Thank goodness we have a punching stand in the garage so it'll help him train over the winter break.

Beirut 10k with Ainsley's Angels

It's was definitely a crisp, fall morning on race day. JuJu was NOT excited for me to wake her up and remove her warm blankets. I had to laugh, it was typical 8 year old behavior of wanting to sleep in! I couldn't let her miss out on this race so I was the mean mommy who got her up and dressed. She was going to have a grumpy morning. I on the other hand was excited to run with JuJu but nervous that I wouldn't be able to do my share of pushing her in this race. The original team set ups had me paired with one other runner. So I was mentally preparing to switch off every mile to finish 6.2 miles. Not an easy task. I was very thankful to learn after we arrived that JuJu and I were partnered up with 4 other runners aka "Angels". This was our group photo!

We had a total of five kids that were being pushed in this race. It was great seeing them and how excited they were to get moving! We started the race after the presentation of the Colors. I took the first mile pushing Julianna and tried to get as close to 10 minute mile as I could with our group. The minute we started the race Julianna started to smile! I'm really glad, I wasn't quite sure how she would handle the cold wind in her face. I handed JuJu off to another Angel after the first mile and little did I realize that I would be running faster to keep up-lol! I have been letting myself run around 10-10:20 mile, but now was averaging around 9:36 minute mile. I was so happy to see my husband and kids cheering us on after the 4 mile mark. I was hurting a bit (more mentally) but kept running to try to catch up-lol! JuJu enjoyed every turn, bump, hill of this race! You could see the joy on her face. When she gets excited she does this hair shaking move that just cracks me up. One of the Angels brought along her camera to take action pictures while we were running. It was perfect because we now have a photo of one of the many mud puddles we had to maneuver around. I'm sure it added a challenge pushing JuJu around them but you couldn't tell by looking at them. I think the Angels had more fun during that part of the race-haha!

We started out in the back of the pack so when we crossed the starting line the timer had been running. So personally I'm going off the time my garmin says- 59:33! A new 10k PR for me =) I think we the official time clock said just over one hour.

Here is JuJu getting some after race laughs with one of her Angels!

Ainsley's Angels has grown and I'm so excited to see what the future races hold for us. This is our group photo after the race.

Here a few pictures of Gabriella and one of the many donuts she ate that morning-hahaha! I think I have her sold on coming to more races.

*****I forgot to mention that during the Awards ceremony Ainsley's Angels were recognized and each child was given a medal! So sad we left during the award's ceremony. JuJu is starting her collection of medals!! My family is looking forward to the next race next month, the Hampstead Turkey Trot! It's a beautiful area and a well organized race. More great news is that Isaiah will be testing for his next stripe in Karate later this month! I'm so proud of him. He has been working hard on learning more advanced kata's, all while helping the newer students learn the first kata. I'll be sure to blog an update! Have a fitabulous day!

Volunteering with the munchkins

I remember training in the summer heat. I would wake up at 5am just to get my long runs in before it would get too hot. The first part of the summer I would make loops around my house to stop for water. I would dread those runs, due to mostly wanting to quit every time I would pass home. The last part of the summer I started running on a trail that had water cooler stops spaced out a lil' over 2 miles apart. I was amazed that no matter what time of the morning I'd run by one, the water was ICE cold. I often joked with husband (semi-seriously)that I wanted to leave donuts and a thank you note for whoever filled those coolers. I know that it's not a glamorous task but I hope they know it's much appreciated. Which got me to thinking that somehow, I needed to give back.

This morning, the kids and I volunteered to work a water station at a Stroller Warrior event. They're informal races and all run by volunteers. Call me crazy, but I was EXCITED to see runners and give back. When I see water stations in a race I tend to exaggerate and hear a choir singing in my head "Aaaaaaaahhhhhh!" At that point those volunteers are saints! I also really love seeing signs people hold up along the course. I really enjoy the ones that make me laugh rather than ones that would make me cry. I'm an ugly cryer...it's better to laugh. I made a few signs for our station today. I had a blast searching for sayings to use. I posted a list below of the best ones I've seen. It'll be fun using them in future races!

"It's Fartlek, Not Fart lick.", "Don't stop...People are watching", "I'm a stranger but I'm so proud of you!", "Chuck Norris never ran a marathon", "Hurry They're gaining on you!, "Body Glide: $7, "Brand of shoes: $80,Race entry: $70, Crossing the line? Priceless!", “Wine and Beer Ahead!”, "Where are you all going?", "Don't worry, toenails are overrated.", "Worst Parade Ever!", "MOVE IT! My mascara runs faster than you.", "Who needs toenails, anyway?", "Kick some asphalt", "The Kenyans are already at mile 15."

Our next scheduled race is the Beruit 10k with Ainsley's Angels! I'm happy Julianna has another opportunity to race. She's had such a tough start with school that she could use some smiles and people cheering her on! I can already picture her smiling face =) I hope everyone is having great weather this weekend and has the chance to get out and enjoy it!