Fun Family Fitness

Another half marathon is in the books! This past Sunday was the third time I did the Rock n' Roll Dallas Half marathon. 

It started out in 2012 with my dad and boyfriend. 

I was about 15 pounds heavier in this picture.

Last year we recruited my dad's brother and his daughter/my cousin. My dad is 60, his brother 61. I strive to be that athletic when I am their age!

It was interesting because my dad and I are "woggers". That first year we finished in 3:30. Last year we finished in 3:15. 

We ended catching up to my uncle towards the end of the race, who is in excellent shape and runs 5ks and lifts weights. BUT he didn't train for long distances or walk any, which at distance really makes a difference. He ran as far as he can as long as he could and as far as he could and walked the rest but had to hobble to the car (he was so sore). In contrast, I trained to walk/jog long distances all the way up to 13.1 miles and felt only minor soreness, could have even gone a few more miles . I firmly believe getting in long training walk/jogs/runs leading up to the race are important. My compression socks also made a world of difference in my recovery. I wore one pair during the race and another after. If you have access to a hot tub or spa tub definitely take advantage of that! Foam rollers are also your frienemy after 13.1 miles-it "hurts so good." 

This year we recruited my dad's other brother and my sister. 

Our goal was a sub 3 hour half marathon. My sister is special needs, was a preemie and not even suppose to be able to walk! So it was quite the accomplishment that she finished this with my dad and I at 3:21. Could my dad and I have gone faster? Yes, but we wanted to support and encourage my sister and finish as a family. The last 3 miles were the hardest for my sister, you could really see her struggling. I am so proud that she stuck with it! Next year I think she will do it again, but be a part of a relay and do half the 13.1 miles. The weather was windy, overcast and in the 60's. I am so glad it didn't rain like the forecast predicted! Here are a few more photos from Sunday :)

I really enjoy being active with my family. My mom was a wonderful cheerleader and showed up on the course 7-8 times. It was sweet, she told me as she was waiting for us to pass by, she'd cheer on others. If someone looked to be having a hard time and struggling she would look them in the eye and yell encouragement. I am linking up with Ash, Heather and Liz. I can't wait to see what everyone has been up to! Have a great week.

Buckle up buttercup!

Last week was full of fun. Plenty of quality time with family, yummy home cooked meals, exercise and live music. I got to meet one of my musical heroes Rhett Miller of the Old 97's.

At Home Goods I also picked up a spiffy new apron.

Read my recap from Monday to see what else I got up to. :) On vacation I felt pretty balanced. I didn't grab any fast food, go out to eat or drink alcohol. I did thoroughly enjoy my cousin's home cooked meals for dinner and eat a sensible breakfast and lunch. I did snack on candy a few days, but read what a serving size was and stuck to that. My water intake was awesome. I walked about 8 miles a day all over Austin, TX Tues and Wed. Did a Brazilian Buttlift DVD with my cousin Thursday and went for a hilly bike ride Friday. Overall I felt balanced and in control. 

That being said, I was up a few lbs upon my return. (TOM is also a culprit) I didn't freak out, just settled back into my routine of eating healthy and exercising. There are many exciting things for me on the horizon. Mud runs, bike rides, hiking now that the weather is nicer and of course lots of roller derby. I am really focusing on enjoying exercise and making tasty food. Healthy food doesn't have to be bland! Elle has Operation Red Bikini in full effect. Marcy, Jess and Val have a 90 days till summer swimsuit challenge. I'm up for the shenanigans! The weight I have left to lose is totally doable in that time frame. Today I'm linking up with Heather and Ash. Are you getting ready for summer as well? Any fun races on the horizon?

Vacation fun

My week long vacation has just come to an end. I had such a wonderful time down in Austin, Texas with my family. While I was down there, the South by Southwest music festival was happening. I went to it once before and had a blast! This year I saw 2 musicians that I have been a fan of for years Cas Haley who has a laid back reggae vibe.

He played at a great outdoor amphitheater called Symphony Square. It was sunny and warm outside, so I really enjoyed it. After he performed there were 2 guys from Oahu Hawaii that played. It made me miss living there, but it was just too expensive! After that, it was decided to walk to all of the destinations for the day because it was so nice out and each of the venues were only 2ish miles away. It was a wonderful way to experience Austin. The State Capital snuck into my selfie ;)

After hitting up a quirky place called the Spider House Cafe for some more music and art, Rhett Miller of the Old 97's was singing at Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop. I've been a fan of that band for 15 yrs, so it was exciting to finally meet him.

I walked everywhere that day, made sure to drink lots of water with me and brought some almonds to snack on. Home Goods had a cute apron that I purchased.

Goodwill had 2 gems for me, a 1950's retro swimsuit in excellent condition.

A vintage cycling jersey was also included. Once it warms up I can't wait to wear it!

I enjoyed several home cooked meals with my family, lots of good conversation over coffee....

Between walking around 8 miles Tuesday and Wednesday, a bike ride around my cousins subdivision (wow, they don't call Central Texas "Hill country" for nothin') and an hr long exercise DVD, I feel like I got a fair amount of exercise in. It was quite an enjoyable week. The bluebonnets were blooming (Texas state flower).

The below stencil was on the sidewalk, there were so many different stencils on trashcans, walls and the ground throughout Austin. This is a fitting end to my post because my vaca concluded with a really rainy drive back to Dallas.

I'm linking up Dateless in Dallas. I'll be back to posting more regularly now, I have the Rock n Roll Half Marathon coming up here in Dallas this Sunday! :)