Happy National Running Day!! I celebrated by going for a glorious, yet rare, afternoon run. The weather was glorious and the smells of summer are beginning to fill the air. The hubby is heading out of town on business later today so he wanted to come home and spend a few hours with the kids first. So I took the opportunity to lace up my sneakers and head outside! It was the perfect way to prep myself for a couple of days alone with the kids and all of the craziness that comes along with it.

I love running for so many reasons. I really feel like there are very few problems that can’t be solved by going for a run. It clears my head and keeps me sane. It forces me to actually take some time out of the day for just myself, even if it usually means that I am up before the sun or after everyone else is in bed to do so. It can sometimes be hard to motivate myself to get out the the door but I have never once regretted it when its finished. It has taught me so much about myself and how in all areas of my life I can really push myself harder than I ever thought possible if I really want something. It has helped me explore new cities and meet new people. On top of all of that it has given me the luxury of being able to indulge in my sweet tooth more often than I would otherwise…I love a good cupcake :).

Whether you are a runner, hope to be one someday or know someone that is I hope you enjoy this day that has been dedicated to all of the crazy runners out there.

So it has been brought to my attention that I have been noticeably absent from this blog. Of course I already knew it was true but when someone I don’t even know mentioned it to one of my sister’s it meant it was time for me to step it up. Now I could give you a whole list of excuses as to why I don’t post very often…two young kids at home, training for a marathon, a husband that travels but basically what it comes down to is that you make time for things that are important to you. Lots of people would question how I have the time to devote hours and hours to running every week but I make the time because I enjoy it…and it’s cheaper than therapy haha. So here I am because when we first started this project I thought it was going to be so much fun and therefore from now on I will find the time to contribute :)

I was checking out one of the many running blogs I read on a daily basis, SkinnyChickBlog, and she mentioned that she was going to try out a shape up series being put on by another fitness blogger.

Apparently Gina at The Fitnessista is a personal trainer and fitness instructor and does this type of series twice a year. She focuses not on weight loss but on losing fat and gaining lean muscle while helping you feel healthier.

The Fitnessista’s Summer Shape Up is a four week meal and fitness plan and it’s FREE. I consider myself to be in pretty good shape but my eating habits could definitely use some work. As I’ve mentioned before, my meals often consist of whatever my three year old leaves on his plate. I would love some help with ideas of eating clean and it certainly wouldn’t hurt the hubby either! The workouts are mostly at-home routines so I plan on doing them along with my running. I swear nursing this kid is sucking everything right out of me and I could definitely use some more muscle too. It will certainly help with bikini season right around the corner too!! Who’s with me?? It’s only four weeks and it’s free so it can’t hurt to try…right?? Your health is certainly important so you need to make time for it :)

I promise to be back again soon. You won’t see me doing many kids fashion posts since I have two little boys…unless I can dress them alike while the hubby isn’t looking because I secretly love when people dress their kids the same. Since I live in sweats and running clothes you also won’t want me doing any fashion posts of my own. However, I will give you some killer baking recipes because sugar really does make everything better…probably won’t fit into our little fitness challenge though :(