Family time can be so COLORful and RAD!!!

Have you ever made plans and as they get closer you wonder, "What in the WORLD was I thinking?" That occurred for me this past weekend.  I signed up several months ago for a Color Me Rad run in South Florida with our entire family.  It sounded like a wonderful plan at the time.  I DID realize it was in my busy season but really, how bad could it be?  Well, last week was just slammed and crazy!!  First, my sweet hubby had work out of town all week.  I was a "single" mom and work was cra-zy.  Luckily, I have the best parents in the WORLD!  So they really helped me out.  I knew I would be getting off work post 5 PM on Friday and having to drive several hours to get to South Florida.  This isn't anything that hasn't been done many times in the past.  BUT this past week, my sleep was very deprived!  Also, I needed to be back at work Sunday.  AHHH!!!!  BUT we serve an Awesome God!  At the last minute, I was able to catch a ride to south Florida.  That meant I wasn't driving alone and getting drowsy!  Instead, I was able to catch up with a friend and enjoy the journey!  It also meant that I got to hitch a ride back with my parents, AKA SLEEP on the journey back!!!!

BUT the best part was the time in between!  My entire family, my sister's family and my parents all did a 5k together!  It was a first 5k for my parents and nephews!!  I am soooo proud of them! 

Here is a before picture:

Here is an after with my nephews:

My job was to make sure that my nephews didn't run too fast as they had baseball immediately following the race.  Those little boogers are FAST!!!  I held them back until they could see the finish line.  Then, well, I just let them go!!! 

It isn't often that you can have a true family fun day that includes exercise!  I am looking forward to the next one!  It was suppose to happen on April 6th BUT my nephews baseball schedule has messed up that running event!  We are looking at the calendar to set a date!  The little girls can hit the 1 miler and the rest can hit a 5k.  Maybe the slogan should be "A family that runs together lives long together!"

This was a great weekend that merged so many of my loves!  My Awesome God who provided rest for the weary, My family, and running....and who doesn't love a little color in their life! 

I am one proud Aunt!  My nephews are quite the ball players!  I realize I am bias!  But here is a pic post their gaame.  I believe the catcher and the 3rd baseman were the best on the entire team!!! The two lil cuties are pretty awesome too!

I do not knw what is wrong with me!!!!!  had a bit of a spontaneous hair and signed up for a half marathon on Saturday!  HA!  It should be fun!  I am not sure how to cage this...am i insane or do i know that running brings me sanity!?   Either way, Here is to a GREAT week!!! 

Get out there, sweat and share what God does in your life! 

It's Raining, It's Pouring...This "young" girl is sweating pink!

Wow!  It has been raining since Friday.  I don't mean a little drizzle and the sun is not out, I mean full on RAIN!!  (That includes a little hail!)  This Florida girl enjoys her sunshine!  However, there were some really bright spots in the weekend!  Clouds can't keep away the joy!

My daughters school has been planning their first annual 5k / fun run all year long.  It occurred this past Saturday.  The forecast was heavy rain and thunderstorms.  As packet pick-up began Friday in the pouring rain, you could read the disappointment on all of the volunteers faces!  The night before, I prepared my sweet baby for the fact that we might not be able to run the race!  The next morning, I awoke and didn't hear rain.  I looked outside and there were clouds but no drops of rain to be seen.  I quickly got up and got her ready.  The race was a success!  Literally, the rain begin to slowly come just as the event was ending!  God is soooo good!!!  Not only that but 4 of the #Badassarmy gals made the top 10 runners in the female division!  The #baddonkey (kids) group kicked serious booty too!! 

Here are some pictures of the weekend!  I was super excited because my parents were able to come watch my sweet one run!!

Some of the BA Crew:

The BadDonkeys:

The parents! - ugh i can't get the pic to do right!!!

My favorite girl!!!

This is her crossing the finish line!!!  She is a BEAST!! :)

Thanks for indulging me with a ton of pics!!  But I have one more picture - I am really excited about this one...READY!

I got an email notification last week that I was selected to be a Sweat Pink Ambassador!  What is this you might ask?  Well, I encourage  you to check them out at: http://www.fitapproach.com/sweat-pink/.  BUT basically Sweat Pink represents ladies who are not afraid to be active and sweat and realize the beauty of a true healthy lifestyle!  It is an honor to be selected and I am looking forward to what this new endeavor holds!  I join a group of ladies that I truly admire and that have been encouragers to me in my journey to find the healthy me!!  I hope that I can simply add to this group and help someone else find the strength to beat the game of the mind and find what lives within! 

Here is to an awesome 2013! Phil 4:13!

Run for God Kickoff!

Run for God

January 10 – Day 1

Tonight is the night!!!!  I am very excited about what God has already done with this Bible Study!  We have ….get ready for this…74 people signed up to come tonight!  I am beyond amazed at God’s mighty blessings on this!  We had to move the meeting location to the sanctuary of the church to hold the group!

The thought for the week is: ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE!  Everyone is an athlete.  But some of us are training and some of us are not.

I truly believe that God has been challenging me for some time to stretch farther in my walk for Him.  It is Him saying, “Allison, you can do anything through me.  You just choose not to.  Go ahead; Accept the challenge and the hardness that comes with it and let me show you great and mighty things!”  So I look forward to this journey and many more that will come my way! 

How about you, Will you accept the challenge?  I am not sure what that looks like in your life but I just know that with Christ, it is absolutely doable!

Whole 30 Challenge

 January 10 – Day 7-10

The challenge is actually working out quite well for me!  I know that I have only completed a week and half but there are already results. 

Bads:

1.      I am still a bit nervous about going out to eat or getting off of my planned and prepared foods.  I am in control when I cook and prepare my meals!

2.      THE DREAMS!  I thought this was a joke when I read about them in the book.  Who dreams about food.  Well, it is not!  I have had two!  The first one, I was locked in my office eating as much chocolate as I could shovel in.  Imagine Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory scene!  The other one, I don’t remember as clearly but you wake up feeling guilty and upset.  It is amazing the psychological effect food has on us!!

3.      I might be a little moody around 3 PM!  This is when I usually have a regular sugar/cookie/chocolate break each day.  This has been the hardest habit to break.  I have not cheated but I drink a lot of water at 3…and maybe just avoid me for about an hour! J

Goods:

1.      I do have more energy.  There still are days that I am dragging but overall I am feeling great.

2.      Cooking – Y’all, I thought this would kill me.  Actually, it is the time I most enjoy!  Sometimes the food is edible but not fantastic but overall it has been a really fun thing!

3.      Clothing – well I am already feeling results in the clothing department.  As processed foods have been eliminated, it has done just what the book said.  I am not bloated anymore.  I am seeing changes.  I hate I didn’t take before pictures!  But girls, you know that we realize when those pants fit better!  I haven’t tried on my “really-skinny” skirt yet.  You know the one that I could fit into one time for about 20 minutes but it has become the outfit that will wear again. I will keep you posted when I go to THAT hanger in the closet!  My husband will shutter!   

4.      Okay so this is embarrassing… I will be as simple as I can.  I have always struggled with bathroom issues.  ALWAYS!  For the first time, that is not an issue.  I now understand what it means to be regular! J

5.       When I started, it was a countdown.  How many more days until I can enjoy a starbucks or have ice cream.  My mind has changed on this issue.  I realize there will be times when those items will be eaten BUT I really want to incorporate this in my everyday living.  I don’t NEED that stuff.  Not to mention; the results I have seen, it was holding me back from who I wanted to be!

Success One: I am super stoked as I am not known for being a picky eater but I had never tried spaghetti squash.  I have never been one to eat winter squashes.  But this week, I put the entire spaghetti squash in the crockpot on my way to work.  It cooked all day.  I got home, cut it in half, removed the seeds and then used a fork to remove it.  You use the fork as if you were pulling a pork roast apart to make pulled pork.  It really does resemble spaghetti.  I put a little olive oil, salt and pepper and I had a dish.  It doesn’t really have any flavor.  So I look forward to using that with various sauces.  Overall, it was a success and I look forward to trying other new foods!!!

Success Two: This week I really wanted to do something different in my workout.  So I went to a spin class.  How many of you have done a spin class?  Well it is not my favorite workout.  It is hardcore and it is a GREAT workout.  But let’s be honest, after a workout, sitting is not exactly the most pleasant experience.  It is my understanding this passes, we will see!  I had also hoped to join a Hot Core class.  I am completely bummed that I had to miss that class.  The day got away from me!  But I plan to make it next week! 

13 in 2013

I have another half marathon next week in Amelia Island.  I need to get in one last long run this weekend.  I found that the big running club here, Gulfwinds Track Club,  is having a 15/30k race on Saturday!  This is perfect!  I can log another race onto my goal of 13 in 2013 while meeting my need for a long run!  WHOOHOO!! 

On a final note, I love when God sends you a bonus in the week!  This week I got a FB message from a friend I knew when I lived in Gainesville.  She totally encouraged me and rocked my world.  She has some big goals and plans for this year and Satan is really trying to defeat her by destroying her confidence!  It was great to see how I had encouraged her through various FB posts.  I praised God for the lift that I needed today and committed to praying for her and checking in to see how she does!  God is good, all the time!

Have an awesome day!!  I can’t wait to report how the Bible Study goes tonight!!!!

Allison

Prayer, Performance and Power

Prayer
Well the weekend began on a rather sad note for our church family.  Our Youth Pastor, Tom Burke, has been fighting a very long battle with cancer.  His earthly battle ended early Saturday morning and he now has a completely healed and strong body in Heaven. 

Also, a sweet friend from high school would be saying goodbye to her husband for a year as he was being deployed overseas.  My heart just broke for her and her three sweet children.  I am always so amazed at Military Families!!

With the Burke family, The Akers and so many of our sweet youth and their families on my mind, it was a perfect day to begin the #13in2013 challenge. 

Performance -13 in 2013
One of my goals this year was to complete 13 races in 2013; they were to consist of 10k, 15k or half marathons.  Our Moms Run This Town group had signed up to run in the "Winter Runnerland" Virtual Half Marathon on January 5.  Our organizer, Tammy Poucher, did an awesome job setting up and executing the run!!  (We had running bibs and a photographer at the end!!!)

I was a bit nervous as this would be my first race on the #whole30.  First, it was COLD (37 degrees...okay that is cold for Florida!!). More so,  I would not be able to do my normal race day morning eating routine!  But no complaining, just success!!!

Success One: Egg scramble and a banana to get some energy in the body!  I also had a banana and other fruit ready for the completion of the race! 

The race went awesome! We were on the St. Marks trail which is a nice flat course.  It is a beautiful scenic route, perfect for a morning of prayer for so many in need!  I completed the half in 2:05.  I actually felt pretty great!  Around mile 9, I was missing my sport beans.  However, more for an activity to do while running, then the need for energy.  I actually believe this #whole30 thing can be complete life-changer for me!

First race for 2013 is in the books! Next race is January 19 in Amelia Island!  I cannot wait for the Ritz, the run and the brunch following!!  BRING IT ON!!

Power
Well I knew the day would come, I am far too social to live in a cocoon for long!  I received an invite to go to a friend's house for a cookout.  OH NO!  I don't want to look like a freak but am I ready for this?  I went in with a strong will and determined attitude!  Praise God!  It was a success!  I will not say it was easy, there were scalloped potatoes, garlic bread and a cake that looked amazing!  I DID IT!!!!!  WOOT, that was not a hard core workout but that was very #fistbump worthy!!

Closing out the weekend was awesome, I was able to watch a sweet girl (one of my sweet friend's daughter) be baptized!  There is nothing more precious than seeing a child accept Christ!  Just gives me chills!  Then, Shannon (badassfitness.com) met several of us at EarthFare to point out foods to strengthen us and those that could detour us from our healthy living goals!  It was awesome!  My favorite part of the night, my entire family in the kitchen preparing food for the week!  We laughed, we cooked, we bonded!  I LOVE that #whole30 has challenged me and now I am reaping so many more blessings than just healthy eating!

Prayer
I will end as i started.  Thursday begins our "Run for God" Bible Study (www.runforgod.com).  We have 63 people signed up!!  God is soo good!  Praying for a great class that draws each of us closer to God as we seek Him and seek a healthier lifestyle!

Please join me in praying for the Burke family and the Fellowship Baptist church family.  Tom's funeral will be Wednesday. 

Have a strong week!  I had a sweet friend send me a text this morning with such an awesome quote that I must end with it:

"It is senseless to be physically fit and have a broken spirit.  You can't cover up a shattered self esteem.  Face your self and get healthy from the inside out."

Can I do this?

Hello world!

I find this bizarre that I am writing a blog!  I assure my life is busy but BORING!  My primary purpose for doing the blog is to have accountability measures in my physical and spiritual activities and a desire to keep a healthy lifestyle!  Also, as a way to capture how I was feeling through the process!

However; I guess if you are choosing to gander at this, I should let you know a little about who I am!

My loves are simple: Faith, Family and friends!

The title of my blog is Phil413Soul2Sole because the scripture Philippians 4:13 really does sum up my life!  “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.” My Lord and Savior has helped me through the darkest times and allowed me to soar on His wings at the highest of highs. There are many times that I ran very far from God…I praise Him daily that He did not forsake me! Instead, He waited patiently for my rebellions to cease and for me to again seek Him!  He has accepted me back with loving arms…every time!  God is good all the time!!!

I have an amazing Mom, Dad, Sister, Brother-in-law, 2 nephews and a niece!  They keep me grounded and laughing!  They are the reason I am who I am (good and bad! Ha).  I am married to the most patient, loving, sweet, understanding man God could have placed on this earth!!!!  We have been married 10 years and have one sweet, crazy, mini-me daughter!  I work crazy hours and I keep going 90 mph most of the time!  I could do nothing and would be nothing without the man God put in my life!

I have the most awesome friends on the planet!  They challenge, encourage, and teach me things all the time!  When I look back over the last few years, these friends have become more like family.  It is awesome to see scripture lived out…”a friend is closer than a brother.”

Over the last three years, I have developed a “liking” for running. It is an action that began out of a dire need to clear my mind and think through struggles, successes or issues.  My husband, ever the supportive one, would start with me!  I was lucky to get 200 feet before I thought I was going to die!  It had to be comical for anyone watching.  But he continued to support me.  Then after work, I would come home put on my shoes, grab my ipod and go.  I had downloaded the Couch25k plan and read it over.  Certainly, I could do that!  Luckily along with my husband, a friend was also learning to run!  Together, we were crazy enough to sign up for our first 5k and make our husbands join us.  Then we were hooked! It is good for my soul and it is good for my body!!  That is what I call a win/win! 

This past year, I continued running and added boot camp.  The group I joined, well the name fits them well, The Badass Army!!   When I started, the thought of doing “boy” push-ups was a dream!  As 2012 just completed, I can now do those and so much more!  The confidence and strength it has created is out of this world!  You should definitely check out our Drill Sgt and her website!  She is, in one word, AWESOME! www.badassfitness.com (go ahead, check it out!  Her site is way cooler than this blog!...really, I'll wait for you to return!) Okay, welcome back...great site right???  I'll continue now!

So that brings us to this point!  A new year of goals!  I rarely make New Year’s Resolutions but this year I wanted to make them and make them public!  AHHH! 

Goal 1: Seek Christ and His goals for my life with a heart abandoned.  Make Him my focus and desire throughout all my other activities

Goal 2: Take time to realize the amazing blessing that are in my life daily.  Don’t take them for granted!

Goal 3: Complete 13 in 2013.  The goal is to complete 13 races (10k, half) in 2013.

Goal 4: Complete Whole 30 Challenge

Goal 5: Participate and Lead the “Run for God” Bible Study

This blog will just be my experiences through all of these.  I am definitely not paid or asked to promote any websites that will be seen.  If they helped me, I thought they might help or encourage you!  I am not any kind of expert in exercise or nutrition.  I am an average person trying to figure out this stuff like the next person!  Sometimes with success and sometimes failure surrounded by a comedy of errors!!!  All of it makes me better and makes me able to relate to others!  God can use any of my professed “mess-ups” to lead people and draw people to Him! 

So here goes my journey!!!