training

For the past few years I've been interested in doing a 5k race.  The most I've ever run is (embarrassingly) two miles, and a 5k is 3.1 miles.  I'm not really a runner, but I know that with a little training it is definitely something attainable.  Another thing is, I still have about 15 lbs to go until I will be more comfortable with my body and at my pre-baby weight.  I've heard other people talking about doing the couch-to-5k program.  It's an 8-week program that takes a non-runner gradually up to 5k shape with three 30 minute workouts a week.  This sounds perfect for me because I have limited time as a mother of three young children. 

I found a race that is on November 3rd and it's routed through the fairgrounds.  I was looking for races in November so that I would have 8 weeks to train and also so that the weather will be cooler.  This means we will be starting our training next week if we want to finish it in time.

I recruited my little sis, Chelsea, to train with me.  Neither of us is a runner so it will be a challenge for us both.  I'm really happy about this because while I know Luke is willing to run with me, that doesn't really bode well for either of us.  He is an advanced runner and much faster than me, so he would have to slow way down so that I could keep up.  Now Luke can run his speed, and Chels and I can run ours.  

A couple years ago I committed seriously to a diet leading up to one of my best friend's wedding.  I realized then about myself that I have a hard time sticking with something unless I have an end goal.  I lost 25 lbs then, and I am hoping to have similar success.  I will try and do a weekly progress update on how our training is going to hopefully keep myself motivated.

Wish us luck!!

Goals:
-Finish the Couch-to-5k program
-Finish the 5k
-Lose 15 lbs
-Fit into a smaller pant size

Asa Lennox

Asa Lennox Harden 

Born: April 28th, 2013, at 12:22 p.m.

8lbs 4.5 oz, 20.5 inches long.

His due date was May 5th (cinco de mayo, AYE AYE!) and he was supposed to be induced on the evening of April 28th, but Asa had his own plan.  At around 4 a.m. I woke up with my first contraction - it was very light and I didn't even know that's what it was...until I had another one, and another, and suddenly they were strong enough (around 6 a.m.) that I decided to go downstairs and have some coffee and just see what these pains were all about.  Luke had worked overtime the night before and was sleeping in the basement so I woke him up and told him what I was feeling.  Went back upstairs and wasn't up there for long when I realized this was it.  Started timing my contractions and they were becoming very regular.  

Luke got up, we packed our bags in between contractions (yes, I wasn't packed yet), and headed to the hospital as soon as my Grammy arrived to watch the girls.  The ride to the hospital was interesting.  This was my first time really experiencing true contractions because with my first two I was able to get my epidural before the real pain started.  I'd be fine one minute and then literally climbing my seat and yelling the next.  

I was able to check in pretty smoothly.  A man that rode up the elevator had seen me having contractions and was very concerned and got me a wheelchair.  He pointed at his name badge and told me if it was a boy to name him "Michael", like him. Sorry Michael, it was a close second.  ;) 

After a while in triage we were taken into a room finally and I was given some medicine to make the contractions less intense, and then ultimately I was given an epidural.  Thank God for modern medicine.  I was very comfortable after that and just had to wait to dilate completely.

The same doctor that delivered my girls came in to deliver the baby.  We were so happy because if I had been induced like I was supposed to it would have had to be a different doctor.  We really like our doctor so that was just so special to us.  

After about 90 seconds and 3 pushes, out came Asa!  It was so easy.  

They say those first ones pave the way!

Asa has been such a joy.  He is an incredibly easy baby.  He's always been very content.  At 3 months old he has already been sleeping through the night for at least a month.  I am so in love with my little boy.  And that's another thing - we just can't believe we have a boy.  I honestly thought it was going to be all girls for us, and I think Luke did too. (Even though he claims he knew Asa was a boy all along.  Yeah right.)

Heartbreaker.