WE DID IT BABY!!!!!

TODAY was the day!

7:30 a.m. Woke up and got going, dressed, packed up water bottles, camera and all that fun stuff, stretched out and got going!
8:00 a.m. Picked up daughter Tiffany from her friends and headed to the race!
8:30 a.m. Checked in at the race, put in for our prizes, got our name stickers, and geared up to go.
9:00 a.m. The gun went off and we were OUTTA THERE BABY!

The Rocky Mountain Middle School 5k Fun Run this morning was a blast! The weather was beautiful, the people were nice, racers and coordinators alike. Tiffany and I had a ball!
I do have one minor -ok, not so minor- complaint, the route was VERY POORLY put together, the markers were bad, it was not well planned. Basically there was "SOME" orange cones and orange tape in areas and others had no markings whatsoever. The race was led by a guy on a 4-wheeler and the runners that were fast (that would NOT be us) kept up with him but those who did the walk/run thing (that WOULD be us) were left in the dust with hardly an idea of where to go.
Along the way there were a couple of bystanders who acted like they knew where we were supposed to go and sent us off in crazy directions (like a dead end fenced off field) and we had to back track - blah blah blah - and it really was ticking me off. HOWEVER - we got back on the right race path and actually ended up doing much more than our fair share of distance (it was supposed to be 3.1 miles but I think we did almost 3.5??).
Anyway, we did the race in 39 minutes and a few seconds, and ran for about 1/2 of it so I felt good. We were in the slower group, of course, but we were defintaly NOT the last ones (maybe in the last 1/4 of the racers???) and I felt really really great with what we did!
So, here are the before and after photos and one of the group getting all gathered up after the race for prizes! The photos are simply dreadfull but I am fine with that since they mark a HUGE day in my personal history! So, I apologize, but hey, at least I got any shots at all! LOL!
Tiffany says NEXT year we will both place for awards in our age groups - I believe her!!!!!

Biggest thanks to everyone who has encouraged me along this road - I still have a lot of uphill ahead but the path has been so much easier with all the love and support from you guys! Can't wait to tell you about the next race!

HUGS!!!!
Darla


In the end, the choice you make makes you.


** Just looking back at old blog entries, 2 years ago today I was in Provo UT at CKU with Robin and friends.....last year today I was cleaning house and getting geared up for kids to get out of school and worried about an upcoming weigh in! LOL Guess 2 years ago is ALOT different that just the last year?? hmmm Interesting to look back I think! **

TOMMORROW IS THE DAY!!!!!!!!!

Tommorrow morning is my first EVER try at a running/walking race!
At 9:00 a.m. my daughter Tiffany and I will be participating in the
Rocky Mountain Middle School 5K Fun Run! I am so jazzed up about it!
Originally our friends daughter was going with us but I found out
tonight that she will not be going so it will just be Tiff and myself.
I hope that Tiff will run part of the race with me - I figured if we
can run at least two one mile segments I will be thrilled! I am SOOOO
excited! I probably won't sleep much tonight!

Oh - and of course I will take my camera!

Darla

**** EDITED ****
It is 7;30 a.m. Sat May 17th and I am up and getting ready to go! I am so pumped peoples! Can't wait to come check in! Darla

Friday Weigh In

Good news
Bad news

Bad - I did not run my 2 miles. ugh! Instead I did a 2 mile loop of mostly walking with a couple short spurts of running. It is ok though - I will keep going.

Good - My weigh in "post running" was much better! My early morning one said a mere 1 lb loss, which was ok, but not what I wanted. My later weigh in after excersize and shower was .... are you ready? .... it was 2 lbs and 4 oz! HOORAY! So much better. BUT still not to my 60 lb mark! UGH! I have 1 lb to go - ONE FREAKING POUND!!!! It is all good though - at least I am progressing AND one of my kids teachers told me today that I looked awesome :O) Gotta love that!

OK Sun is out, kids are full of energy and I have a house to clean!
Later folks!

Friday Friday!

Well..... I suppose your all waiting for my good news? I don't have it yet. Completely that is. LOL

I slept in this morning. UGH! I worked in the yard the last 2 days and it caught up with me, neck, shoulders, back, all sore and tight. Now I am trying to get up my energy and go run and try for that 2 miles I have promised myself! YIKES!

I do have some good news though. Weight was down one lb this morning, might be a few more ounces after my run and shower but we shall see.

Anyway, Happy Friday to ya, I'll come back later and "report" my days events!

Darla

........almost...... almost.........almost there

Running was rough this a.m. - but I did it. I am SO stinking close to that 2 miles but just cannot get there! UGH! I got up to 1.8 miles this morning with some serious push and drag and pull but could not force myself the extra little bit to hit that 2 mile mark! ICK! I better be able to pull it off tommorrow!

That is about all I have to report right now, pretty boring around here with Ed gone. Kids are really starting to miss him too. (me too of course) So, I guess I'll check back in later, maybe I'll post some new photos or something fun? I plan to do some yardwork, maybe I'll take some flower photos??? I worked out front for almost 3 hours last night ... it looks tons better ... now I need to start out back! YIKES!
We shall see.

OK that is it!
Later dudes!
Darla

Hold On

I got a great quote from my bf Lisa today - a co-worker had told her this and she shared it and it really got me going.

"If God brings you to it - he'll bring you through it."

I really liked that thought, and it is one I think I'll hold on to for a while. And speaking of holding on.... I have more inspiration to share. The mush in me is about to come out - I apologize. Get your tissues.

So, many of you know that one of my all time fave musical persons is an LDS writer named Michael McLean, heis amazing and well, his music really touches me. I love his work so much! http://www.michaelmcleanmusic.com/ I have tons of his CD's and music and books and every so often the words to certain songs just come into my head - lately it has been more often - especially in the morning as I've been running. It is funny too because I listen to music while I run and it is usually not of the inspirational type. (We're talking more like ACDC, GunsNRoses and the like) Anyway, today while I was running this song came into my fat little head and as I am listening to my rocker head banger stuff the Michael McLean song just kept playing outloud in my mind. Why? I am not sure. But I think that for today the spiritual part of the song was not necessarily what I needed as much as the general message of the words. Not to give up, not to let go. LOL I am working so hard at this running and health and fitness, some days are easy and others are a real trial but I know in the end that if I just HOLD ON the light will come, if that makes any sense whatsoever. So, for today, when you read this song, if you think outside of the message of spirituality, you might see what I am saying. I think I may have shared this song on my blog before, if I have, I apologize, but it is a great song!! Nevertheless, I think it has a great message for both spiritual reasons and for a bit of drive too. Darla

"HOLD ON" - by Michael McLean
The message of this moment is so clear
and as certain as the rising of the sun
when your world is filled with darkness, doubt or fear
just hold on, hold on, the light will come

Everyone who's ever tried and failed
stands much taller when the victory's won
and those whov'e been in darkness for a while
kneel much longer when the light has come

It's a message ever one of us must learn
that the answers never come without a fight
and when it seems you've struggled far too long
just hold on, hold on, there will be light
Hold on, hold on, the light will come
hold on, hold on, the light will come
if you feel trapped inside a never-ending night
if you've forgotten how it feels to feel the light
if your'e half crazy thinking you're the only one
who's afraid the light will never really come
just hold on, hold on, the light will come

The message of this moment is so clear
and as certain as the rising of the sun
when your world is filled with darkness, doubt or fear
just hold on, hold on
the light will come

this was cool

I wanted to share this yesterday but had so many other photos from our trip I saved them .... so cool. Do you see it?

Also, for those who wondered (and asked) yes, we loved our big flower hats and wore them like big goonie girls and had a blast! Just so ya know! :O)

I'll be back tommorrow with LOTS to share I am sure - more mileage under my belt too!

Darla :O)

1.5 today - 2 by Friday

I did it! Yuppers, got right back into the running/jogging this a.m. after a very slacker weekend and short run yesterday - I ran 1.5 miles (straight!!) and had a bit left in me - I could have kept going! ugh! By Friday I'll be to 2 miles baby!!!
Oh yessiree I will! Sweeeeeeet! Lovin' this!

Darla

**PS I have NO idea whose kids are in this photo! LOL I just did a google search and found it online - they are cute though egh?!

Live from American Falls ID - it's the CRAZY SKINNY CHICKEN GIRLS!

We did it! A quick but fun trip to American Falls - to Masacre Rocks along the Snake River....
OK most of these photos are just plain awful BUT we had fun and we went. That is what is really important! LOLOL It was cold and windy and overcast (the sun DID peek out for a little bit) and we could not find a single soul to take a photo of all three of us together so.... here is what you get! (Lisa in red, Darla in all blue and Carlee in blue and kahki) Crazy Skinny Chicken Girls! **WHO BY THE WAY HAVE LOST A TOTAL OF 100 LBS ALL TOGETHER!** How much does that ROCK?!?!

OH and how do you LOVE those hats???

Darla!

OH I almost forgot!

See THESE three chubber girls?? (Lisa-white ** Darla-pink ** Carlee-red) Yup, they are all quite a bit lighter now and we are headed to Masacre Rocks for a day hike on Monday (tommorrow) and I can't wait to show you photos of how we look NOW! Stay tuned for more...

Buhbye!
Darla

Happy Mother's Day (and lots of photos)

I wanted to wish all the special people in my life a Happy Mother's Day - there are so many gals who have touched my life in such special ways and although I don't have a Mom here with me anymore I have so very very many ladies who are very good to me and love me and care for me so much - I want them all to know how much I love and appriciate them! XOXOXO! Love you ladies!

Also wanted to share my SUPER FUN Mother's Day gift! Ed and the kids got me my very own BIKE!!! I have not owned a bike since I was in High School and this one is amazingly fun and funky and oh so "Darla"! ( look at that seat!!!)

Then... one last thing, some photos of our oldest son Chris on his big formal dance last night! He went to the HS Commencement Dance with a friend he has known not too long, as a matter of fact, her he's known her father longer than her! LOL Her Dad is a DARE Officer and has worked with the kids in our area for quite some time... anwyay, it was cute. So, here are his photos too! Aren't they sweet??? Oh, and his boss (our friend Blake) let him borrow that "ohhh so coooool" truck to go to the dance in! Chris thought is was pretty awesome!

Darla

Friday!

Big day.
Weigh in AND measure day.
Weigh in will stink - but I am ok with it.
Measure SHOULD be awesome - I just feel it.
And that will make wiegh in ok. :O)

Had a good run this a.m. Remembered to time my run today too - I upped it a wee bit, did 1.3 miles straight (yest I did 1.2) and it took me 22 minutes. The crazy thing here is that on the treadmill 10.5 minutes I was DYING out of breath, could not go on type thing! Weird! So, I did my 3 miles in 54 minutes total - I also did one short warm up run of .4 miles. Not too shabby!

Got challenged last night to get my running up to TWO FULL MILES by this time next week - that is 7 days to get from 1.3 to 2.0!?! I totally took that challenge and I am rearin' to go! I can do it! Then when I go for the 5k next Sat the 17th we'll put it to use!!! Rock on!!

Taking Sat off from the run, going to do the 5 mile walk with hubby again! Wheee! Last week was a blast, can't wait to go again! We are going to go a bit further this time too - gotta keep pushin'!

OK off to shower and weigh in! WISH ME LUCK!
More later -

Darla

*** Edited
Weigh in was not so bad - no loss, no gain, even stevens, I can do that.
Measurements were good too - down 2.5 inches in the midsection but up .5 on calves and thighs (guess that was to be expected with the running??)
So, all in all a pretty OK checkin for a Friday!

I ran and ran and ran and ran some more!

5:00 a.m. Thursday May 8th - 2008
Going out for a 3 mile walk and jog. Want to meet or beat yesterdays' times and distances. (two 1/2 mile runs and one 1/4 mile run) No energy. First run was a bomb, barely over 1/4 mile. That is ok. Keep walking. Old lady "speed walking" passes me up- ok sister - game on. Start the jog, trot, shuffle, whatever you call it, I go. And I go. And I go. Have to at least get 1/2 mile this time. I go. And I go. HEY! I am over my 1/2 mile. Keep going Darla!! And going...and going... this is not hard. Breathing is controlled. Legs aren't hurting. I can so do this! Run to the end of the school crossing. Keep going. Run to the next sign up there - just a few more yards. Keep your head UP Darla - keep going. Breathing is good - legs don't hurt - no reason to stop but your own mind. Keep going. OK, the crosswalk is up there, make it to that and I KNOW I have made at least 1 full mile! ONE FULL MILE??? GET OUT OF HERE! I can't run a mile straight?! OH HECK YES YOU CAN - You just did!

ok - sorry for the goonie dialog there but you get it - I did 1.2 miles in ONE FREAKING RUN STRAIGHT this morning! THAT I can deal with! In total I did 3 miles in one hour with 1.5 miles run and feeling like I could conquer the world right now!

:O) YOU have a good day - MINE will be great!

Darla

Step by step - day by day - a little bit less each morning I'll weigh!

Holy COW! I had a good run this morning! I am totally on cloud 9 - seriously serious about those "endorphins" everyone talks about! WHEW! (I used to think that was all a joke LOL ha ha!)
So, I am out of a gym membership for now (let the "Y" go and am waiting for the new Anytime Fitness to open up) and have to be creative till' I get my new gym. In the meantime, I have A PLAN to get me through. Now, I am not 110% sure how I'm going to get my strength training done, but I am trying. BUT... I have committed myself to outdoor only running till' that 5K run on May 17 and I am so pumped up!
This morning I went out at 5:00 a.m. and did a 2.5 mile walk/run .... I ran three intervals, two 1/2 mile ones and one 1/4 mile one for a total of 1.25 miles - yuppers, that was HALF of my distance in running! I also timed it and figured out my running time is a weeee bit slower than it was on the treadmill but I am fine with that bc the outdoor running is so much harder! Anyway, I am pumped up!
On the downside of things, my freaking weight is UP 2lbs and I am stressing bc Friday is my big wiegh in and I was hoping to hit my 60 lb mark - *sigh* - we shall see I guess! If not, it is ok bc I KNOW I have worked my butt off this week and have walked and ran a zillion or more miles at least! LOL It is all good. Step by step.
Today - um, house, kids, laundry, all that same stuff. I am thinking of going "window shopping" for some different jeans - I love the ones Ed bought me, SO lovin' the smaller size, but think I could maybe find a better fit somewhere too? Never hurts to look - the pocketbook won't allow it - but the eyes do! LOL Oh, and IF the weather keeps clear I plan to take the baby on a stroll this afternoon too. Ed had to go out to the Site for work so no noon walk - bummer - but we can go tonight.

OK I am outta here! Make it a good one people!
Step by step -- remember that!!! (it has gotten me 55+ lbs gone!)

Darla

TWO DAYS IN A ROW!!!

Hold up there mr weatherman - TWO days of sunshine and nice temps in a ROW???? I can't hardly stand it! LOL

It is beautiful here in SE Idaho again today - loving the sunshine and warm temps! Feel just awesome! Went at lunch and did a quick 30 min walk with Ed around the park, it was so nice - I was even a bit too hot, sweating like crazy but I guess that is a good thing, "burnin' buttah baby" LOL

Baby finally here today - he is so stinking cute! He put on at least 3 lbs at Grammy's house - she fed him bannanas, oranges and bannana pancakes - he is solid as a rock now! LOL So happy he is back - we missed him! :O)

Going for another nice walk tonight- going to try to push a little jog in there too but we shall see. Tommorrow morning (Wed) I am up early and going for a run no matter what!!! :O)

Got a great compliment on my skinny jeans, made me feel good - I hope I'll be out of that size and down one more before too much longer!!!!!! :O) Gotta keep running though!

Taking oldest son Chris to get fitted for a tux today for the big dance... and then we have to order flowers too! FUN!!! Also taking the two dogs for shots tonight as well - not so fun. :OP LOL


OK laundry waits for my attention - always.
Later guys!
Darla

SUN IS SHINING!

Holy cow it is just beautiful outside! LOVING this weather and the sun and light breezes and it actually ALMOST feels like SPRING! (can't let my guard down yet!)

Had a good workout at the gym this a.m. - 1 mile on the treadmill with the incline cranked up - full weight circuit - and some killer ab excersizes. Then I went with my sister Lisa to do a walk/run and we did great on that too! We did about 2 miles and really pushed ourselves hard - it was awesome! After a healthy lunch, I decided to venture out on a bike ride - LOLOL - it has been a while, that is all I can say! I did pretty good though, did a nice big ride thru our neighborhood, about 30 minutes and boy does my butt feel it! LOL That is ok though, at least I went! Also tonight I'll meed hubby after work and wer'e going for a walk on the greenbelt too! So happy for such an active and beautiful day!

Working on laundry and housework right now, just hanging out, waiting for the kids to get out of school. Haven't figured out dinner yet - trying to come up with something yummy-o and healthy!?! We shall see...

OK more later!
Darla

Sunday Afternoon!

Having a slow morning - Sundays are great for that! But have a busy afternoon coming up quick!
At noon I'll be off to a soccer game - family friend's team is in the play offs and they need some crazy sister mojo to cheer them on! LOL It will be fun - I'll be sure to get some pix to share!
Then later today I'll be going for an all time distance/time run outdoors! I am going to really really push myself hard! I can't wait!
Tonight we'll be having a family favorite - creamy chicken enchiladas for dinner - omgosh they are SO stinking yummy!

That is about it for today. I'll post some pictures later for you guys!
BIG HELLO TO HELEN!!!!! Ed got your email today so I thought I'd say HI!

HUGS
Darla

Why am I up at 4:30 a.m. on a Saturday?

OK I think my internal clock has gone whacko on me. I slept in on Thurs as I woke up sick and Fri I slept in again and went walking in the a.m. instead of my early 5:00a.m. gym call. Today, I woke up WIDE awake at 4:30 a.m. rearin' to go. LOL The gym does not open until 8:00 a.m. on Sat! (Or I'd already be there!)


I do have a big agenda this a.m. - going for a 5 mile walk with hubby at 6:30 a.m. so something must be up with my body/mind just gearing up to go go go! LOL In the meantime, I'll drink my green tea and catch up online before I get ready.


Found out yesterday we'll have a housefull for the 4th of July again!!!! I love this holiday - it is such a big deal here in Idaho Falls - parade, activities all day, picnics, bbq's, and a HUGE fireworks disply (largest this side of the Mississippi!) and tons of fun. Always a fave for me. I guess 2 of Ed's sisters families will be here, Odessa and Carla. Very fun! Very cool! Odessa and her crew (hubby and 2 kids) live in Boise, and Carla and her family (hubby and 2 kids) live in Texas. We are really looking forward to the visit and lots of fun times!


In other big news - TODAY is National Scrapbook Day people! FUN TIMES! I never seem to get to go to one of the cool all day crops or anything but hopefully I'll find time to at least play a little today.

OK I am outta here. Going to finish up on the pc and then get ready to go for my big walk!!!!

Make it a GREAT one today!
Darla

** just got home from our 5 miles - it was awesome! felt great and totally awesome! we did it in under 2 hours with 2 potty breaks and stopping at a yard sale - not too shabby for old folks! we plan to do it again next weekend! **

GOOD day!

Cruisin' right along here! Went with my sister Lisa for a walk/jog this a.m. - about 2 miles total with 3/4 mile running. Felt great but still had energy to burn! So this afternoon/evening I went for another long walk - 3 miles! (no running) Total of 5 miles today! NOT SHABBY!
** SORRY - had to remove these photos - I apologize**
Also wanted to share my kids latest photos - these are the spring "personality" portraits that they take even if you don't want to buy them and send them home so your kids whine and beg you to buy them at an outrageously obnoxious price and then Mom scans them and cheats to share them and get off free considering Mom never ordered them OR wanted them to begin with! BUT HEY - they are good photos this time! LOLOL So, without further ado - Tiffany Marie (5th grade - 11 yrs) and Micheal Andrew (1st grade - 7 yrs).

:O) Darla

Ick Snow Ick Snow Ick Snow Ick!

I woke up icky sicky poo. Tummy something going on. Ick. Hope it passes soon. Ick.

Snow. It snowed yesterday, last night, and this morning. The pavement is wet but the grass (and my blooming daffodiles) are covered in white. Ick.

I am going back to bed to drink my tea and get feeling better. At least I have a good excuse to NOT run in the snow today. Ick.