Happy Monday everyone. I feel like my weekends fly by. My husband worked all weekend so I did not get any gym workout or running inL We had a friends First Holy Communion and party, a kids birthday party, grocery shopping, laundry and cleaning of the house. My 2 oldest kids reorganized their art room with me so we felt very accomplished on Sunday. I feel very sluggish when I don’t get to get out and be active. I’ll make up for it this week with:

· Monday - chest/back/biceps workout before running home for my son’s soccer practice. After practice and getting the kids settled I’m going out for a run.

· Tuesday - leg workout and then heading home so my husband can get our other son to a cub scout meeting.

· Wednesday and Thursday – hoping to get runs in each evening and/or a shoulder/tricep workout

· Friday – rest and I have a mass scheduled for my Mom who is batting breast cancer

· Saturday – Color Vibe 5k

· Sunday – baby shower for a neighbor, so not promising anything. I would love to get to the gym or do a run that morning, but we will see how time permits.

I have also planned my dinners for the week, in no particular order, as I will do each night what I am in the mood for and what my kids seem to want. With 4 kids I can never keep them all happy with regards to food, but I do my best to ensure they have well balanced meals each day.

· Cobb salad with spinach/romaine, hard boiled eggs, chicken, corn, black beans, avocados, blue cheese and a homemade lime dressing (ok kids won’t want this so I will probably make them homemade mac and cheese which is a favorite at our house)

· Grilled chicken with sweet potatoes and green beans

· Burgers and salad

· Couscous with sautéed veges

· Spicy chicken and broccoli

Enjoy your week – mine is going to be a busy one!

HopePeaceFit!

My First Blog

So, today I write my first blog. First and foremost, I am a Mommy to 4 amazing children ages 10, 7, 5 and 1 and a wife of 12 years to a husband I adore. I got into running short distances for weight loss about 3 years ago. In the past year I have incorporated weight training into my fitness routine. I never thought I would be interested in doing weights, but the combination of weights and running is just what I needed. I have run 6 virtual 5ks in 2013 and one actual race that I did in my city last weekend. I have also signed up with a friend to do the Color Vibe at the end of April as well as a host of other races throughout the rest of the year. I have always been very fortunate and haven’t had a lot of issues with weight in my life, but just can’t seem to get rid of the belly fat after having a baby. I’m sure the constant sugar loaded sweets didn’t help my cause either. I have completely revamped what I eat on a daily basis and have made a total lifestyle change. I still allow myself sweets and extras on the weekends and I definitely haven’t given up my wine….hey, a girl needs that some evenings, right? Overall, I feel like I have more energy than I ever have, I don’t feel exhausted by the time the kids go to bed at night and most importantly, I am setting a positive example for them. I always tell them that they are eating and living a healthy lifestyle because they have to, but as they grow to be adults my hope is that they choose to do so on their own. Being healthy and fit can add years to your life and overall, you just feel better. I’m not sure what exactly I will blog about or how often as I don’t know how much time I will have. You’ll probably see some recipes, some things about my kids, some of my 5ks or workout plans. Mostly, I just want to be a positive motivator for others along this journey.

So, I will end with this…..may you find hope in humanity, peace in yourself and the determination to be fit…..HopePeaceFit.