A New Year, A New Beginning.

Happy New Years Everyone!  Hope everyone had a wonderful night however you celebrated!  I am excited for all the new beginnings that lie ahead in 2018.  Am I the only one who felt a ton of excitement when I found out that the year started on a Monday? My non-diagnosed inner OCD girl in me was overjoyed. 

I'm hoping in 2018 to commit to accomplishing plenty of goals/resolutions if you will.  I just wanted to dedicate a post to lay out what I'm out to tackle and interesting in hearing where everyone else is planning to do for your new year!! 

When I make my goals, I tend to categorize them and the categories I place them are either things I'm passionate about like fitness/crafts, etc. or general knowledge such as financial/health,etc. 

So my list is pretty cliche and basic but I think the easier or more general they are - the more attainable they are. 

Read the Bible Entirely

In the last few months, I've found myself really craving growth in my faith. I'm finding some peace in attending church. I really want to read the Bible to educate myself on more of what faith has to offer me. I think it'll help me on multiple levels in regards to my faith. I'm excited to learn and also to finish a book that I've been wanting to for a few years. 

Read 5 Books

Something similar clearly to the one before this one, but if you know me- I'm not a reader really at all. I enjoy a good magazine, some newspaper articles but something about reading never "excites" me. But I feel I rely too heavily on technology for entertainment and I need a break away from that. So if reading will help me- two birds, one stone right? 

Lose 30 Pounds.

This is one of those er, der kind of cliche resolutions but I really have let myself go. I know it's a high number to shoot for but it's where I think would get me back to my "happy" weight/body. Also this would hopefully be a result of me achieving other goals which is kind of a positive domino affect.

Run 500 Miles.

I'm not even sure what to say about this other than I just want to run. I wanted a number that I felt was achievable. I know that its kind of a small number? Maybe not. But that would be around 40 miles a month give and take. I'm hoping as I build my mileage back up again and run races, they'll add up quicker some months than others. 

Run 10 Races.

This past year , I ran no races. Like what?  That needs to change. So I set a goal for 10 races of some shape. I think it's pretty achievable. 

Stay Debt Free/ Pay Off Bills.

I think this isn't rocket science, probably another one of those typical goals. In my head, I think?- I'm pretty decent with my money but I could be off base. I am not too deep in any debts but I want to cut my spending down more and make sure that my bills are just paid off.   

Build Up My Savings

Kind of like above, I just want to be more realistic with my spending and my savings. I want to be able to have a nice pillow to fall upon when I move out on my own. Granted, I've should have done it a while ago but I do end up having scenarios that come in my way that have prevented it. I've had conversations with people and in my best interest, having a smarter savings would help me in a more positive direction to have a more safer savings.

Make 100 Scrap Pages.

I think its a pretty hefty goal but it's definitely something I can knock out. I am still working hard on stash busting. This is something that hopefully will end up letting me make a lot of pages as well as save money although it's so tempting to buy all these new lines that are coming out. Damn, CHA why must you do this?  

Whew, so sorry about that being drug out but I just feel if I talk about it- if I throw it out there, more people will hold me accountable. It's public information- no big secrets. I can't say - I have no idea what you're talking about - *shoves a donut in my mouth*. I'm excited to see where this journey leads me and hopefully I can keep myself going to the right destination even if I derail a little bit. 

Let me know what you guys are thinking, what are your goals? I am all about supporting others and their goals. Lets do this together!! 

xo. Renee

Fitness Planning for Jan 1-8

I'm so behind on showing you my fitness and planning! But I'm so excited about all my Paper Issues pages and challenges. I swear even with all that going on, I've been on top of my fitness game and I'm so proud of myself!! 

With the new year, I've changed it up just a little though. Instead of random Pinterest workouts, I decided to whip out my Women's Health Big Book of Exercises and do one of the workouts from the back of the book. Right now I'm doing the 8 weeks til Wedding Body. Yep, no wedding here but I want to look like a fabulous bride! HAHA! Weeks 1-4  has an A or B work out that you alternate 3 days a week.  I've also been doing my own warm up cardio as well as still fitting in my runs before or after the work out. 

This is what I did in my planner! I love the big fitness sticker pack from MAMBI, so many bright colors and fun stickers to use. I also actually had washi already that matched :D I'm finally able to use up my washi haul maybe??  

Monday - 15 minutes on the bike ; Wk1 D1 of the Wedding Workout from the Fitness Book as well as a 2 mile run! 

Tuesday-  15 minutes on the elliptical and a 2 mile run.

Wednesday- 15 minutes on the bike; Wk1 D2 of the Wedding WO and a 2 mile run.

Thursday- REST

Friday- 15 minutes on the elliptical and 3 mile run! So proud of myself!!

Saturday- 15 minute on the bike; Wk1 D3 of the Wedding WO and a 2.5 mile run. 

Sunday- REST ( went out of town so I just didn't work out)

Total Miles : 11.5!! How awesome!!

I know I'm a little behind showing you the work outs but I will be back with this past week's workout! They aren't as exciting as I've been sick with some flu-ish virus going around, and even though I feel a little better- I'm afraid to do a lot of motion that may cause something to turn ugly.  

xo. Renee

Fitness Planning for Dec. 12- 25.

So I have missed a week of showing you my fitness for the week, but you didn't miss much on either week. Seems the cold weather and tons of snow liked to take a hold of my plans! But I did manage to get some work outs in even with it all plus the holidays! 

Still keeping the same routine so it's not too exciting but alternating arm/leg work outs with a run and cardio warm up! :) I just like decorating each week so at least something looks different even if it isn't the work out! Ha!  

I also have been posting some pictures of my work out on Instagram ( Welcome new followers! ) - loving playing with the photo editing apps. I think this new one I've been trying is called PicsArt. Awesome fun filters- makes my work out photos look more exciting, bahaha. 

Don't ask about the face, I have no idea! It's hard to plank and take timer selfies :) But I love the photo, just makes me smile for some ungodly reason! I end each work out with planks and other core work outs.  This week I ran a total of 7 miles, which I thought wasn't too bad with missing a few days due to weather. 

We won't talk much about this week, a whole lot of not feeling good, and Christmas got me some itty bitty work outs. I just ran a total of 4.25 miles but it's better than nothing. I'm hoping to step it up more this week but I still have been having some tummy issues and so I've been doing small work outs.  Hopefully by time the New Years comes, I'll be feeling fresh and rejuvenated.  

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday!  This is also my 100th entry!! Too bad it wasn't more exciting but I have great news and plans for the new years coming up soon so stay tuned!! :)

xo. Renee

Fitness Planning from Dec.5-11

Well I'm a couple days late then I wanted to be with this post! But with the weather blistering cold and my car not starting-my trip to the gym was cancelled so blogging it will be!  I have been doing a great job keeping up with my work outs- and thankful for my new Happy Planner Mini to log all my work outs in!  I think the mini is more my style - it's small, to the point. Also not going to lie- I've been kind of obsessed with decorating it :) I'm a nerd.

This week was very similar to last week- in which I started each day- alternating between riding the bike or elliptical for 15 minutes for a warm up.   

Monday - I did an arm work out that I found on Pinterest, I think I touched base on that last week. I'm a Pinterest stalker and find random work outs and save them to a folder to try later.  Followed by a 1.5 mile run. 

Tuesday - Leg work out (Again, the Pinterest thing.) with a 1.25 run afterwards.

Wednesday - I just did my cardio warm up and 1.75 mile run.

Thursday - Arm work out and a two mile run. It's been so long since I've ran 2 miles straight, it felt so needed.  I'm taking things slow- trying to not to injure myself and find my running again. Sometimes it sucks to take time off, but sometimes it just makes things exciting again. 

Friday- took a rest day :)

Saturday-  did a leg work out  along with a 1.25 mile run.

Sunday- 1.5 run and an arm work out.

Also each day, I do 30 second planks- side, elbow, and full plank. Sometimes also some russian twist with a kettlebell. I'm working it up slowly with the planks, I've always been horrible with them!! But momma needs some abs. 

Total miles : 9.25 miles

I love using the bright color stickers as well as all the fitness stickers! I 'm also trying to keep track of various things I need to do also- but that part is somewhat hard. Don't ask why. I'm a huge list person- I make them all the time at work to take home. (Always remember stuff when I'm doing something else, logical.) I'm just so excited that so far it's been working really well on both the fitness and planner front! This week has been a bit of a hassle but I'll tell you about it next post!!

xo. Renee

Fitness Friday .01

So I haven't been the best blogger this week - I swear my life- is crazier than I thought it was.

Anyways, but I will try my hardest to keep pushing when I can with great posts :)

I'm sitting here almost a week after my last race. What?! I know- I didn't mention I had a race coming up but I will give you a little recap? There isn't much to say. The normal 5k run down.

So last Saturday I participated in the CWC Heartland Day 5k in my hometown.  Leading up to it- I'm not going to lie- I didn't run as much as I probably should have been and I could list a million excuses but simply said- I just didn't get out there.

Allergies this year- for me- have been horrible. Constant stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and best part of all- the worse sore throat ever. I've been to the doctor twice- I swear to them- it has to be strep. It has to be something. Nope- they swear to me it's just allergies. Suck it up buttercup- take your Claritin.

So I've been tackling those- somehow. That morning I woke up with the worse throat ever- and barely any voice. Could I breathe through my nose? Not so much. Could I swallow? Kind of.  Also, did I mention all week long we've had temperatures in the 80s with 100% humidity.  So of course, Saturday was predicted to be the worse all week.

After much thinking- I decided I'd just go down to the park and pick up my packet and head home. There wasn't any reason to make myself sicker.  I got to the park - immediately got jealous- I know I would be mad at myself if I once again dropped out of a race. I decided basically - why the hell not? Grabbed my headset and sunglasses out of the car.   Clipped my bib on, grabbed as much toilet paper as I could crumble up, and got myself to the starting line.  In my head, I know the weather isn't great and hell- I could barely breathe so I would take whatever time I can get. This wasn't going to be my best.

Honestly, it could have been a great race.  My first mile wasn't bad at all, but I'm a sucker and when I see someone walk- I feel I tell myself sometimes I should walk too. I could have gone longer without taking my first walk break. I probably could have taken less walk breaks. My dad had to work, but my mom did catch me a few times along the route. Literally every time she caught me- I was walking. Maybe I'll blame it on her, she cursed me ;)  I didn't walk crazy slow, I utilized my walking for a drink break as well as to blow my nose then hustled back to running.   I didn't finish at all near my best time but it also wasn't my worse. So that made me feel a little better.

Because of the weather, as well as multiple conflicts- this race ended up being rather smaller then normal. I watched the times be placed on the board- I noticed I was the third person to come in in my age group for females. WHAT?! Okay for many reasons this shocked me, I'm in a popular age group- I didn't realize how small the race was either. So I ended up with a shiny medal.  I loved that I placed- how fun is that. But I know had circumstances be different, this wouldn't have been possible at all. So by no means am I letting it distract my thinking that I do need to work harder.

I'm going to get my ass back in to gear. Hopefully stick to some medicine everyday so I get battle these pesty allergies. Take advantage of the outdoors with strength training in the park and swimming at the pool during adult swim hours. Run - of course, like always. I plan to sign up for some more races- just have to do some digging around and my calendar out!

Hope you all been enjoying the wonderful summer and that your allergies haven't gotten you down! 

xo. Renee

No Place Like Dome.

I know, this is about a month late but I forgot!  I really want to share this layout because... I love it.

Just to catch you up- a month ago I ran in a race that took place at the University of Northern Iowa Campus and ended on the fantastic 50 yard line of the UNI-Dome where the Northern Iowa Panther Football team plays.  If you want to read my recap on that- click here!  Just one of the best moments of my life!

I really can't express how much I loved this run- so I'm not going to try that again. But I got inspired by one of my favorite scrappers over at Paper Issues- Heather. I used my cameo to cut out "No Place Like Dome."  I can't remember where I saw the phrase but it was perfect for this page!!  

Like Heather, I found a gorgeous page to put behind it- a purple ( Duh, like I'd use a different color for Panthers?! ) watercolor like paper.  I cut the white cardstock down so I could place a boarder around it. I stapled the edges down but roughened them up just a tad. I'm not sure if everyone else caught the crazy craze- but I adore the ombre tape from Michaels. They had this perfect purple ombre that was matching identical to the watercolored paper. I took some and tore it up- placed it in different places along the boarder.  Did it as well with some gold washi I had to balance it out just a little with the gold Run4UNI 2016 I added to the title. 

Now I'm not even sure what made me decide to try the new Amy Tangerine Line- Better Together with this layout, But I kind of think it works!  I used a lot of the mail aspects of the line such as the stamps, letters- I also used some of the cut outs and embellishments to layer behind the picture of my sister and I. 

I'm so thankful to have experienced this with my sister. She's one of my biggest influences in my life, one of my biggest cheerleaders. I didn't expect to run the entire race by her side but I am so glad we did this hand in hand.  The way we got to end this amazing race- was a complete adrenaline rush. There really is No Place Like Dome.

xo. Renee

Run4UNI.

I remember being at the break table - a day this past fall when my favorite local racing company -Trekman Racing- threw out an idea for a run via Facebook that just blew my mind.  A run around the campus of the University of Northern Iowa.  Without even hesitation, I had to text my sister - an alumni of UNI as well as one of the biggest Panther fans I know.  We had to do this race.  I was ready when they released sign-up at midnight a few months later and it happened- I was the very first person to sign up for the Run4UNI Inaugural race.  Signed up my sister a few days later when arrangements could be made for her butt to be beside me at the starting line.

My excitement level was through the roof about this race. Although drama didn't stray too far away- I didn't realize that the weekend of the race collided with work events so my heart was broken to see I wouldn't be able to go.  I bargained and pleaded to do anything so I could be at this race. With faith, I was clearly able to make it. I'm still beyond thankful for people doing what they could do to make this possible for me.

I'm not even sure where to begin this race recap other than my excitement. But what I do know- my sister and I were getting ready with buying Panther tutu's, face tattoos and tank tops.  The weather for recent weeks were in the 60's-80's - it would be perfect! My luck never last hugely long- so when we arrived to the date with rain storms and 50's - out the window went our crazy outfits in favor of warmth and rain proof apparel.   It was suppose to storm pretty heavily all day - but somehow- the rain literally split right as the race began. There were some Panther Gods.  A slight sprinkle throughout the race- I'll take over the storm.

Our beginning was one of my favorite parts of the race. The National Anthem usually always gives me chills either way, no different at the beginning of every race. But just as they were playing the National Anthem, their I Pod decided to die. So all of the race participants sang it instead.  It just seemed like a unified moment before we took off on to the winding paths of the University. Thankfully there was a cap on this race, the paths- at the beginning was a tight space until people started spreading out.

I wasn't sure how I would do in this race, with all the mixed emotions prior to the race- I kind of abandoned running for a few days plus I haven't ran 4 miles in a long while either. I also figured I'd be running it alone, if I needed to take a few walk breaks- I would. But my sister said she was coming to run with me, plus she hadn't been running consecutively either- so we stayed side by side through the entirety of the race.  

We went at a good steady pace, almost conquered a hill at mile 2. I knew I should've just listened to my sister to keep pushing but for some reason, I walked. Continued with the steady pace for the rest of the race with maybe another one or two small walk breaks in between. (Funny also, around this time in the race we actually ended up by multiple people from our hometown meaning we all finished around the same time.) Once I saw our destination within site, there was no stopping me. Which brings the best part of the whole thing; coming in the dome through the tunnel where the football players roar on through. It was such a rush running across the finish on the 50 yard line, seeing myself on the jumbo-tron. (I wish I would have gotten a photo where you could better see our goofy faces on the jumbo-tron- you would've enjoyed.)  But I'm glad my dad saw us finish and got close enough to get the pictures he did get on the finish line. 

I loved everything about this race. The beautiful campus- even with the slight drizzle. Running beside my big sister who was my cheerleader, keeping me going. Being able to finish on the turf of the University of Northern Iowa Panthers.  I couldn't have asked for anything better!! Okay, maybe the beer at the end helped also ;) 

This blog entry can't even do justice to how much I loved this race. I can't wait to run it again next year, hopefully with better ability.  If I thought I couldn't bleed anymore purple and gold, I definitely was proven wrong.  

xo. Renee

Race Bibs.

I am not sure why I haven't even written about this yet; but there's one thing I've done that's tied both my scrapbooking and running together! But before I get in to that- I wanted to apologize for being absent. I can't even make a logical excuse - I've been working and life happens but I'll pull my act together. 

Okay- but back to my original plan- I wanted to show you what I've done to tie my loves together! I'm not sure if I'm the only dork- haha- but I love keeping momentos from different occasions in my life. Racing is no exception. 

I have kept each race bib from all the different races I've signed up for. Some people hang them on the wall, some frame them- what do I do? I put them on a cordinating colored 12x12 paper with a photo of me from the race! 

I've started an album with all of them this far and can't wait to eventually fill it completely. It's fun to be able to look back at them all and remember- also to see how I've improved or lack there of. 

This is a great way to combine my favorite things and remember the memories of all the races.  I'm not sure how many other runners are following me- but how do you guys save your race bibs if you do??

Hope I inspired you on a great way to save memorabilia that is important to you!! 

Xo Renee 

What The Face?

Okay, I'm not sure how many runners follow me. But we all have that one race photo- where you literally are not even sure what you're doing in it. You're making some bad face... have some weird body pose, etc. etc. Well welcome to one of my new great race photos. Or the absolute worse.  

This race, as I've already recapped was not my best. Granted, by the end- just wanted to move along to something else. Coughing... trying to find water. And my dad captured this gem. Even my sister texted back- what is this face? - I would love to know also- I don't know what this face is. But I'm glad that everyone who sees/saw it- is highly amused. 

                 

Either way, I wanted to scrap this picture. It can't all be sunshine and roses photos. I thought with my bright colors I was wearing- the Simple Stories Summer Vibes collection would work perfectly. Yes- its not a summer photo but roll with me.  I used a cut file from The Cut Shoppe- a great place for you to pick great cut files for your silhouette or circuit.  I picked which letters in the alphabet I wanted and traced- then paste to form WTF which I wanted instead of cutting all the letters. 

I had a ton of the journal cards left so I used bits and pieces of them to back behind the letters also used some of them as embellishments by fussy ..or crappy cutting them out. It was a great way to ween down my stash.  

I say WTF often, but at least this way I could use it in an appropriate way to scrap! What the face?!

xo. Renee.

Fools 5k.

This past weekend I ran in another 5k. I know- look at me - I'm on fire. Okay, maybe not quite so much but I'm excited about all the races- that I just sign up for any of them that intrigue me. I just can't wait to get back in to it all. 

I have ran this race once before and even then - it wasn't my favorite. Maybe that's a giveaway that this one - just wasn't it.  What I do love is that they did move it from Saturday to Sunday - yes- last minute but the weather on Saturday was horrendous and I would have hated to battle the winds. I know people were mad but I commended Trekman Racing for making the correct call- people's safety should definitely be a priority. 

Sunday ended up being perfect weather for the race- not too much of a breeze and by the end it was nearly 60 degrees. Too bad I already had my chip timer attached to my front shirt- I'm sure it would have much better had I taken it off.  

The race was in a state park around a lake, which was great for views - fun for the fishermen I'm sure to watch us. Had two roundabouts also was an out and back so I definitely saw all the great people who finished before me. I'm not sure what it is about that- but for some reason - it always screws with my head. I'm clearly aware I'm not going to finish fast so it makes no sense.  Maybe I'm alone on that?

Just like any other race, my dad accompanied me down and took pictures. I'll spare you some of the real gems he caught ... he couldn't follow me for most of it- so the beginning and end is what I'm left with.  Anyways- back to the race- I just knew this race was going to be scratchy for me. I'm not sure why but my stomach was feeling off and I was lacking sleep.  So I did walk a few times when my stomach was telling me to do so.

Finally when I saw the sign that told us to sprint to the finish, I did just that - rounded the bend and under the finish line I crossed. That's where my real gem photos were taken that I won't show but sprinting with an upset stomach probably wasn't ideal.  

I got to plop down after my finish with some water and food from the stand. Half the food - I didn't finish but at least once I sat and stretched it out- I felt better.  

Although it didn't turn out to be my best, I did enjoy the chance nonetheless. I'm proud of Trekman for making a responsible choice to change the race- it made the race more bearable especially more so for others. I definitely will give the race another go- just next time- eat right and sleep right- perhaps run a few more times before to feel more confident. 

Another race at the end of the month, and I can't wait for this one- on the campus of the University of Northern Iowa with my sister by my side. I'm literally too excited!!

xo. Renee

Running.

This may just be an all over the board long post as well as kind of raw for me.  You've been warned. ;)

I call this blog Miles and Memories, yet- I've kind of left my fitness part slide off the blog radar. Today I'm pulling it together. This past weekend I participated in my first 5k of 2016, actually my first race in literally 2 years. This is when it kind it goes off the ... route. I have no one to blame but myself when it comes to letting my fitness out the door. 

In those two years- I joined gyms- yes, that's plural. Even then, I couldn't get in to it. I think between my two jobs and my boyfriend's job- I wanted to spend whatever minute I could with him. I know that may sound cheesy, or dare I say- dependent (if the negative way is how you'd look at it.). Yes, I shouldn't have let go of things that made me happy before him- and I didn't let go of everything. I just loved all of our random adventures, our crazy family moments together- I didn't want to spend time I could be with him - doing something weird like running.  I did run a few times- definitely probably could count on my fingers and toes. He supported me and the running.  We even went a few times out together where he rode his bike, and I ran.   He had big goals of riding his bike in races also- I'm not sure what got in to each other. We were -in my mind- each other's biggest cheerleaders; there isn't a reason why we couldn't have just done it.  There's a whole lot of coulda, woulda, shoulda- but now, obviously we can't go backwards.  

So once we seperated, one of the first things I did when I got to my parents home was dug in my closet for a pair of my old running shoes.  There was something about the weather, maybe even just being in a familiar place of running, but it felt like something I needed to do.  I clipped my leading lady on her leash and we ran. We both were hurting, both needing something. Maybe the run would be the answer.  

I continued to run through the fall, not as often as I should've.  I even signed up for a 5k, but something just didn't feel right about it and I dropped out.  But since January, I've taken it upon myself to make my fitness more a priority. Hopefully trying to find this part of myself again even been pretty consistent in running a few days a week.

After I saw an idea a friend of mine did, I decided to dedicate each of my runs to someone who've helped me heal. But after day 8, I kind of forgotten/ran out of people to dedicate my miles to although I kept running them.  With my running coming back to my old/new norm, I decided to sign up for races once again and see where it led me.

Which brings me, to where I meant to begin, with the race I ran last weekend.  

The Brew & Stew 5k. A local race in a small town near by which I've ran twice previously. I was kind of hesitant about this race as I haven't had stellar luck with it but I knew it would be a perfect start.  Of course, the weather prior to the race couldn't have been better- temperatures in the 60s and snow was melted.  Wake up that morning,  sleet/rain/snow/hail mix and temperatures to match.  I figured this is just my luck. 

But the skies cleared and well, I suppose I could suffer out the temperatures- I've done this before in the freezing cold- I can hold my own in the 40s.  Plus- bonus this year, instead of the normal t-shirts- they put together a clinch bag with a pair of gloves, beanie hat, a coozie and waterbottle.  The gloves worked perfectly- I would have wore the beanie also- which was very cute but didn't want to kill my St Patrick's Get-Up vibe.

I'm not even sure how to do a recap of a race but what I do know is that the race felt amazing through the whole thing- although I did get slower as my first mile was a tad faster than I normally run but by no means did it tire me out. I knew the whole time in my head- from the past- that I was going to speed walk up the huge hill that is in the middle. I knew if I tried to run it at the pace I was going, it would wear me out. I'd rather take it slow on the tough parts so I could save my energy for the end. 

And that's exactly what I did, I knew that I saw the end quickly approaching- saw the time at 33 and minutes plus some odd seconds, and I wanted to do anything to beat 35 so I picked up my pace so I could slide on through before the "buzzer".  I know that under 35 isn't the "best" but for not racing in two years, I'll definitely take it.  I think I'm still even on a running high from the race, I just am happy that it went so well- that I broke a curse for this race. Not a bad moment to be had! And to top it off, a glass of free green beer from the local pub at the finish. :)

This just makes me want to keep working hard, and I can't wait to complete my races in the future!!! 

Thank you so much for reading this, if you did - all of it. I just felt I needed to purge these running emotions for I can continue to write more about my fitness journey as it's a beginning to become part of my life again which is so exciting!

xo. Renee