Color Run 2014

Months and months ago I finished the Color Run. It was a total blast!

I ran with a colleague who took his phone along and grabbed some pictures. First at the starting line:

Then in the fields during the race:

Seriously, he is really good people.

Afterwards, I got a quick picture with some friends who also did the race.

And, finally, the ever-elusive family photo!

It was a fun race and I hope we can ALL do it next year too!

XO

Running Momma Spring 2014

Shaping Up 2014 continues to move ahead!

I completed my first and then second 5km road race in April. The first was planned and took place in a small town within the limits of Mannheim. A dear friend and running partner did the race with me. She came in in less than 30 minutes - go GIRL! - and I finished in a little over 34 minutes. The weather was decent and I was proud to share the experience with my friend and my family.

Getting our numbers

Getting ready to go

PJ was sad that he couldn't run with me :(

Which made me a little sad.

The path was pretty boring; it went in one big circle through empty fields and then a short period through the little village.

First came Mama Bear...

Then a bit later, me!

The finish line - feeling proud

And feeling exhausted!

And getting a massive hug from my little man.

Afterwards we enjoyed some time off and cake. 

The second 5k race was a lovely surprise and took place in our little town...actually on my training grounds. All of the starting places for the 5k had sold out (in less than 2 days!) months ago but when the Mr. went to pick up PJ's number for the kids' 500m race, the organizers had one starting number for the 5km that someone had cancelled. Lucky lady, I am!

PJ was excited about running a race "like mommy", so we got dressed up in similar outfits. His "running shirt" is actually the top of a two piece swimming outfit. Thankfully we both have grey pants!

At home, proudly showing off our outfits

At the castle's gardens, proudly showing off our numbers

The first race was PJ's 500m; my little guy doing his first road race at the ripe age of 2.5! At first he wasn't too excited about it but after a little bit, he insisted that he do it himself, following papa's lead. (I'm pretty sure this is also the Mr's first road race ever.)

PJ and the Mr. headed to the finish line.

PJ crossing the line - check out how big those other kids are! 

And then I was up. I was so excited and proud that I could just hop right into a 5km race with just one day's notice.

At the start line...

...at one km...

...my kiddos waiting at the finish line...

...me finally getting there (it was hot!).

This race was a little more interesting that the first one and there were many more people out to cheer us all on. Running around a castle garden isn't so bad either. It was pretty hot though; I was thankful for the water station! I did push myself a bit more than usual and was rewarded with a new personal record: 33:47!

Again I was proud and excited to share this experience, this time with my little boy. Together we can build healthy habits and hopefully a joy in movement and exercise. PJ was extremely proud of his medal - he even took it to his kindergarten the following week to share with his friends.

The Running Steinbachs

XO

Shaping Up 2014

I've mentioned a few times that 2013 wasn't exactly the best year I'd ever had health-wise. Thus, my goals for 2014 are mostly health related. After seven rounds of antibiotics in one year, I'm aiming for no rounds this year. After gaining (and carrying) a certain amount of weight in both pregnancies, this year I want to "sleek up" and cut down my extra jiggle. And - most importantly - after a year of feeling like crap most of the time, this year I want to feel good, strong.

Therefore, on December 17, when I was finally cleared to start working out and medicine free, I started moving again. My soon-to-be sister-in-law helped me set up a quick and simple set of strength exercises that I can do at home. As I started moving more, I also started to be more aware of what and when I was eating. On the advice of a lovely new friend, I started probiotics and fish oil and even chia seeds. I added fermented foods to my diet and really slashed back on the sugar.

I've lost some weight and - even more exciting - this past Monday after two months of training, I completed a Couch to Five Kilometer program (C25K) through sparkpeople.com. Meaning I walked/jogged five kilometers! This morning I did it again and snagged a picture with my peacefully sleeping running buddy right after hearing mapmyrun.com's robotic voice proclaim "five kilometers."

I've still got a while to go but I'm enjoying the journey. Here's to health!

XO