Friday Five

There have been so many times the past few weeks where I sit at the computer ready to share with you what life looks like behind the blog… but no words come to mind to share.  I think I have been using up all my words on little people at school.  Ha!

Life here has been good.  It has been busy filled with me buying a new car to replace our totaled van, subbing in my desired school district, running the boys to and from soccer practice, coaching my oldest son’s soccer team, reading and writing papers for my college class to get my teaching certificate renewed, and finding time to fit in a solo run.

I thought I would write a few things that have been going on to update you on our life.  You can always follow me on snapchat, facebook, instagram, or twitter for regular updates on life outside the blog.

Books I am Reading

I have been on a huge reading kick lately.  For some reason, I have been digging the dystopian society style of writing in the young adult section.  They are easy reads and allow me to take my mind off of the crazy real life world.

When I am not reading for leisure, I have been reading up on education professional development books to refresh my teaching brain.  It is my hope that the tools and skills I read will help me as a substitute teacher (now) but also prepare me for my own future classroom again.

Fitness News

Ya’ll know that I love ASICS.  They have this amazing running challenge – race – called Beat the Sun.  It looks like SO much fun.  It reminds me of running Ragnar… but on steroids! What I love about this race is that you can train from home utilizing their amazing knowledge, trainers, nutrition information, and more!  You can check out the ASICS Fitness Training Plan and follow along too!  I know I will.

It is my plan to run the Rock N Roll half marathon in STL.  I am really hoping to run Chicago and a few other MidWest RNR races too.  I am pretty undecided (non-commital) at the moment.  I need to sign up so I have a reason to train and race again. Ha!

You can save $15 off ANY Rock N Roll Race Series race using my code: RunWithRachel.

Lunch with a friend at Hoolihans

I was invited to visit the new Hoolihans in Overland Park, KS to try out their Inspiralized menu.  I invited my friend, Ariean, blogger at One Krieger Chick.  She is a three boy mama also and her two older boys are my two younger boys buddies.

It was so nice to spend an afternoon catching up with her… without our 6 wild boys running around nearby.  It was nice to just relax and spend time catching up with my friend, eating yummy food, and being an adult.

We both tried and loved the Thai Chicken Salad.  It was so yummy.  We devoured the whole dish.  Yum.

Lessons Learned

I have learned that I would must rather support a friends business rather than start my own.  I love and am passionate about health and fitness.  However, I am not a business connoisseur.  Thanks to blogging and working in the health and fitness industry the past few years, I have met some amazing business women who also have the same passion for health and fitness.

Just last night, I decided to work with my fellow Stonyfield Boston Marathon teammate Laura (Mommy Run Faster) to help me with my health and fitness goals.  We are going to be focusing more on metabolic efficiency with my running/strength training while balancing it with a healthy nutritional approach.  I am excited to see what the next few weeks will hold.

New Car

Last week I shared the stress of finding out that my van was deemed totaled from the accident.  I had a week to purchase a new (different) vehicle to replace the van.  sigh That was stressful to say the least.  I took a week off work (subbing) to drive all around Kansas City to look at, test drive, and eventually purchase a new car.

We ended up getting a 2012 Ford Explorer.  I love it.  I have always wanted an explorer.  I am still unsure of how to use all the features in the new car.

I joked with my husband about wanting to add my 26.2 sticker to the back. He said that I was not able to do that because I did not run a marathon while owning that vehicle.  So… I guess that is permission to start training for marathon #4, right? 

I did find this sticker on amazon that I love and purchased.  I think it matches me and my running personality perfectly. I love to run… and run with my heart… while using my polar heart rate monitor.  I can’t wait to add it to the back!

Alright, that is about it for me.  Time to take advantage of my day off… before spring break!  Heading out for a solo run, reading my college course books and write some papers!  Ah.  Adulting.  So much fun.

Have a great week!