Getting to know you

I have been wondering about my readers lately. I have been blogging for quite awhile now. Sometimes it can feel like my posts are just sitting there unread and unloved. When I first started this blog, my number one goal was to inspire people. So today, I have a few questions for my readers. Please answer honestly! 

1. What age did you first start running? 

2. How far is the farthest you have ever ran? 

3. How fast have you ever ran? 

4. Have I inspired you in your journey towards a healthy lifestyle? 

5. Do you think I should continue my blog? 

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to read my blog! I really appreciate my readers and I hope I can inspire someone today! 

Until next time,

Janelle 

The Good the Bad and the Ugly

There is something that every runner experiences at some point or another. It is the highs and the lows of running. When you disappoint yourself beyond belief or you surprise yourself to the fullest. The most incredible thing to me is how quickly your muscles can change. I have been recovering from an injury for a few weeks now and it has been a learning experience. It seems at times like all of the cards are against me. I ended up going for a run and completely disappointing myself. It was one of the most humbling running experiences I have had since I began my running journey. Here are a few tips to staying positive. 

1. Don't be hard on yourself. Everyone has bad days.
2. Think about your good runs when you have those bad days. 
3. Listen to your body. If you need to take a break take one! 

My meal of the day is grilled chicken salad. It's delicious and super easy to make!

I am so excited to announce I have started a running club where I live. If you are interested let me know! Please remember that all are welcome! 

Until next time,

Janelle 

Motivational Monday

I was reading my diary from years ago when I was in college. I found something I had written and it inspired me. I hope it inspires you too! 

Life is just a flash. Hold your loved ones close - never go to sleep angry - be confident in what you believe - pray without ceasing - make goals that you have to work for - pressure yourself into doing things you don't think you can - take risks - don't stress about the small things. 

Tip of the day.

I'd encourage you to start a diary or a journal if you haven't already. Who knows maybe one day you will inspire yourself. 

One thing that I will always love is fireworks. This past weekend was the beginning of riverfest in wichita and my husband took me to see the fireworks. I got many great photos but this is my favorite! 

What about you? What inspires you?

Until next time, 

Janelle 

Memorial Day & First Run!

I hope everyone had a good Memorial Day remembering those who we have lost and spending time with family! I was so excited to run my first "long run" since my injury. The rain lately has been so crazy I haven't been able to do that. 

So monday morning after some coffee and a blueberry struessel muffin from starbucks I headed out on my run. I geared up with some cliff energy gel and my new running belt! I cannot tell you how helpful that running belt was for me. I barely even notice it was there. I will recommend that to anyone looking for some place to keep their valuables, water, and food while running. 

 

When I first took off running I was running an eight minute mile. That is extremely good for me. In fact it is way too good because just a mile into it I began to feel it. Also, the extreme heat and humidity didn't help much either! I slowed down immensly and decided that I am happy with my 9 and 10 minute miles. 

 

Over all I was very pleased with the progress I have made in my recovery. I am so grateful for my health and the ability to run. Those 3 weeks without running were very difficult for me. Are you healthy? Do you have the ability to excercise? Take advantage of it now because it won't last forever! 

Here are some pictures. 

My cliff energy gel. This stuff is amazing!

Me looking not so great after my run. I'm sporting my arm band and running belt! Can you tell it was a great work out?!

Then just a fun picture of the double rainbow from this weekend!

What an awesome weekend! I am so blessed! 

Until next time, 

Janelle 

Marathon running belt

My marathon is just five months away now and I am slowly mentally preparing myself for the race. I am so excited to conquer this milestone in my life!

Recently I purchased some running gear from amazon for my marathon. I really wanted to find something that would be able to carry my necessities while I ran but was also comfortable. I can't wait to try it out! 

You would not believe how many different running products are out there. I spent probably two hours trying to decide on different styles, colors, and not to mention the high prices!

When I did finally decide on something I was so relieved. It came in the mail a few weeks ago and I can't wait to try it. Here are a few pictures! 

It came from Adalid gear.

It cost around $35 dollars. 

It came with a running pouch with belt and two water bottles that you can attach! 

I will be posting a review on the product next time after I try it out. If you have any questions about the products let me know! 

Until next time! 

Janelle 

Momma

This post is dedicated to all of the women out there! Happy Mothers Day! I am so grateful for my mother and all the mothers in my life. Mothers are such a blessing from God. A good mother always puts their children before themselves and loves them unconditionally. 

My mom and her girls! 

Are you a mother? Are you longing to be a mother? This may be controversial but I believe that all women are mothers in their own way. Whether it be to a child you counsel at church or a niece or nephew you babysit. Oh and I can't forget about those animal lovers! We all make our mark on this world in some special way as mothers. 

I really can't say I know what it is like to be a traditional mother. To be pregnant for 9 months, go through labor, and experience seeing my child for the first time. But I can say that I know exactly how it feels to create a bond with someone, teach them from Gods word, worry about them, and pray they follow God. 

We all know It's not always easy being a mother. Just always remember to trust God will get you through each and every day. We love you both traditional and untraditional mommas!  

Please please take a few minutes from your day to listen to this beautiful song from the Willis family. It was such a blessing for me and I hope you enjoy it!

Courtesy of YouTube 

http://youtu.be/xqTiTiat-jE

Until next time,

Janelle

Dealing With Change

So today we are going to talk about changes. Life has been full of surprises lately! I suppose a life without surprises would be quite boring. 

I have never been a huge fan of change. It always bothered me growing up when we had to re-paint our room or change the design of the bathroom. But one thing I was told that helped me with this is "the only constant in life is change". This really helped me learn to embrace change. 

Learning to handle changes in a healthy way is so important in order to lead a normal life. Here are a few tips I have found helpful in my life. 

1. Embrace 

Although all change may not be good, learning to embrace change and turn it into something positive is very important. 

2. Relax 

Learning to relax when change comes helps you to cope easily. Deep breathing and exercise are some of the best ways to relax! 

3. Prayer 

Praying about change can give you peace knowing that God is in control of all changes that will come your way. 

Also just remember one thing. When change is stressing you out dance like no one is watching! Cheesy I know! 

Until next time 

Janelle