Run For Your Life

Want to win a 5 pack class pass to be used at any participating Fit4Mom location (Greater Denver, North Metro Denver, and Northern Colorado franchises)? Head to Facebook to enter! Giveaway ends 5/12!

Fit4Mom is an organization near and dear to my heart! I have never been athletic or much into working out but in 2010, when we lived in Maryland I heard about a Couch to 5K at our local running store and I signed up. Something in me changed! I set goals and beat them! I loved socializing with the other participants and successfully ran my 1st 5K race that summer.

The next fall I signed up for their 10K training and ran my 1st 10K race and just kept on running! In 2011 when I got pregnant with our 4th child, I knew I didn't want to lose this fitness I had built up. I was determined to run as far along in my pregnancy as I could manage. I ran until about 24 weeks when a cold snap hit Colorado and I was starting to really show.

The problem with stopping running is it is hard to get back into it! During our 2011 move from Maryland to Colorado and my subsequent pregnancy, I never did find a training group that was my speed. Then came a baby who never slept and was very high needs and running and exercising did not happen for this mama!

Two of my friends, who didn't know each other both opened Fit4Mom franchises in the area. I checked out their openings but I wasn't sure it was my thing. One of the owners, Darcy Peters, persistently encouraged me to sign up for the Fit4Mom marathon and half marathon training. If she didn't persist I would have never said, "yes"! A marathon seemed beyond my reach but with some time, a lot of hard work, and some encouragement, maybe, just maybe I could run a half marathon. 

That was December 2013 and I am currently training for my 4th half marathon! Running is my outlet. It keeps my mind clear when my world is chaos. It keeps me exercising. It keeps me connecting with other moms. It keeps me setting goals and working towards them. It keeps me doing something for me and me alone.

Fit4Mom was the group I needed. It was structure, it was accountability it was experienced coaches, it was friendship, and it was encouragement. I would have never crossed those finish lines without those ladies who logged all those miles along side with me. We have laughed and shared way too many TMI moments. There is something about running together, where you just bond. Running friends are the best friends!

May 2014 Colorado Half Marathon Fit4Mom Team

In May, 2014 I successfully completed my 1st half marathon, the Colorado half marathon. I started my race with all my teammates but one teammate stayed with me the entire race. She likely could have finished several minutes ahead of me but she never left my side. We finished together and it was an awesome feeling to have accomplished something that many people will never come close to!

My 2nd oldest and my youngest cheering Ginger and I on the race course

Happy Finisher!

I took a short break from training but started back in July to train for the Denver Rock n Roll half marathon in October. Fit4Mom was there again, along with my awesome teammates and friends. Training for a half marathon, you log a fair amount of miles over about 4 months. Not only did these ladies faithfully show up each week for our long runs, we often met up once or twice during the week to get in our shorter, midweek training runs. 

The Denver Rock n Roll half I was on pace with a great friend of mine, LeAnn. When she struggled, I encouraged her along, when I struggled she encouraged me. I beat my 1st half marathon time by several minutes and came in about 2 minutes under my goal. I was a happy runner!

Fit4Mom Northern Colorado Denver Rock n Roll Team!

LeAnn and I proudly holding those medals we earned!

After almost 10 months of training I was getting mentally fatigued and needed a break. A lot of my team mates went on to train for the 2015 Colorado Half Marathon but I needed a break. Darcy Peters, the Northern Colorado Fit4Mom franchise owner encouraged me to try a BodyBack class. I was hesitant to say the least. I had come to love running but don't love exercising otherwise. I had never dieted but becoming healthier and losing weight was appealing. Plus I loved these ladies and two set dates each week to see my mom friends sounded like a bonus!

From the end of 2014, all of 2015, and the beginning of 2016 I took 3 sessions of BodyBack and I came to love the HITT style workouts. The diet part was hard for me but I saw results! My family loved the dinner recipes and some are still in our regular rotation. It was awesome to do assessments at the beginning of BodyBack and measure how fast you could run a mile, how long you could hold a plank, etc. and then at the end of the session seeing how much you had improved. Then there is the before and after photos and inches and pounds lost. I always saw great results and it was awesome to do it in a supported, fun atmosphere, with women who had become my friends.

Then these crazy friends of mine, talked me into a race I thought I'd never do. Horsetooth Half Marathon. Those of you not from Fort Collins may not realize but this is a tough, tough race! You run up a mountain, partially down, then back up another mountain. I am social person and once several of my friends who I had made through Fit4Mom committed to Horsetooth Half I signed up. The training was great. Yes, lots of cold days in January and February but we were ready to race. The day of the race it was snowing like crazy, blowing sideways, not the type of weather you want for a big race you've been preparing for 3.5 months for. With my Fit4Mom teammates and friends, Joni and Dara by my side, the 3 of us crossed the finish line of the Horsetooth Half Marathon. I am still so proud that despite that weather, all 3 of us finished! It wasn't our fastest half marathon but we ran a half marathon, up a mountain, in a snow storm. There was nothing we couldn't accomplish!

Still smiling after a snowy and hilly Horsetooth Half

Fit4Mom isn't just running training or BodyBack, it is friendship and support, and healthy lifestyles and healthy families. Their flagship class, Stroller Strides allows you to workout while you bring your baby in the stroller with you. They also offer Fit4Baby, pregnancy fitness and StrollerBarre, classes for moms with baby. I have so many great memories with these ladies. Not only of running and exercising together but of ladies night out and fun times together.

One year Fit4Mom had a team at the Color Vibe 5K

Being part of the Fit4Mom family the past 3 years changed me and my approach to fitness. It has grown my love of running and it has shown me that I can dream big and accomplish those dreams. There is nothing I cannot do if I put my mind to it and work hard towards my goals. 

Another bucket list item, hubby and I climbed not one but two 14ers

Want to learn more about upcoming Fit4Mom events?

Greater Denver event- Anniversary Class for all mamas at all locations to attend 

https://www.facebook.com/events/418331361857974/

North Metro - Stroller Strides Lafayette Grand Opening at Waneka Lake Park

https://www.facebook.com/events/765420033639358/

Northern Colorado - Mother's Day 5K

https://www.facebook.com/events/615751518635929/

All opinions are my own and based on my own experience participating in Fit4Mom programs. I was compensated for my time to prepare this post and share it via social media.

Much To Be Thankful For and Delicious Green Bean Casserole Recipe

This year I have so much to be thankful for. I am truly thankful for all God has blessed us with this past year and I try to not take it for granted. We had three wonderful Thanksgiving celebrations with the various sides of our families and ate way too much food.

I am thankful for my husband. Not only is he a loving husband, a great provider, wonderful dad, he also is my best friend and I truly enjoy spending time with him. I can hardly believe we've been together 6 years at the end of the year.

I am thankful for my kids. They truly are wonderful. They are polite, they are smart, they are responsible, and overall they are just great kids. I am so thankful God chose me to be their mom.

I am thankful for the new baby growing inside me that we will meet this spring. I have longed for another baby for many years and am beyond overjoyed that our new baby will finally join our family in a few months. This baby will be part hubby, part me, and something as a stepfamily we all have in common.

I am thankful to be living in Colorado again. I am thankful we now have so much family so close and to have lots of long time friends close as well. I love seeing the mountains everyday and going and playing in the mountains as often as possible. I love all the sunshine we get here in Colorado. I love the slower pace of life and the fact that strangers are friendly and take the time to smile and talk to you.

I am thankful for my hubby's job. Not only does he get to make beer for a living, his job allows me to stay home and raise our children, something I don't take for granted.

I am thankful we were able to purchase our first home this year. Not only is the home bigger and nicer than anything we ever though we'd be able to afford, it is close to hubby's job, in a neighborhood full of kids and really great neighbors.

I am thankful we have finally found a church here in town and I look forward to becoming more involved. This morning church refreshed my soul and changed my bad attitude and I really appreciate it.

I am thankful for so much. I know as college educated Americans hubby and I have more than most others worldwide. Thanksgiving is a great time to pause and reflect on everything we truly do have here in America.

And as an added bonus here is the most delicious green bean casserole recipe you'll ever have. I made it for our first Thanksgiving celebration and it was amazing!

Paula Deen's Green Bean Casserole

From: foodnetwork.com with my modifications.

Ingredients:


1/3 stick butter

1/2 cup diced onions

1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms

2 cups canned green beans (drained)

1 - 10 3/4 ounce can of cream of mushroom soup

1 - 2.8 ounce can of French's fried onions

1 cup grated sharp cheddar

salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to taste


1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2) Melt butter in skillet and saute onions and mushrooms.

3) Add green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions to onion and mushroom mixture.

4) Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste, at a ratio of 2 times more salt than pepper or garlic powder. I didn't measure but maybe 2-3 good shakes of pepper and garlic powder, and 5-6 shakes of salt.

5) Stir well and pour into baking dish.

6) Bake for 20 minutes, then add shredded cheddar on top (don't stir) and bake for 10 more minutes.

7) Serve hot out of oven and enjoy!

Do Everything

By Steven Curtis Chapman



The music video is a little weird but just listen to the lyrics. I heard this song yesterday in the car and while I had heard it before it spoke to me. Sometimes as stay-at-home moms it feels like what we are doing isn't important. Especially for very career driven woman like me. At this point in my life I expected to be a high powered attorney not a stay-at-home mom but you know what I couldn't be happier. The song says, "...wonder sometimes does it matter at all. Well let me remind you it matters just as long as you do everything you do to the glory of the one who made you." It goes on to talk about it doesn't matter if you're a high powered executive, or a stay-at-home mom, or the guy flipping burgers, as long as you do it to the glory of God it doesn't matter.

Beautiful

Today was Youth Sunday at our church. Youth Sunday is the week where the worship service is turned over to the youth of the church to run and man, is there some energy in the room! Youth Sunday two years ago was actually the first time we attended Grace church and while energized, we weren't sure what to think, it was definitely more upbeat than we were used to. Now that I know what to expect I was delighted to walk into service today and to see the stage full of high schoolers on fire for Jesus. We sang so many great songs and I love worship music but this is one of my favorites we sang today so I wanted to share it with you, enjoy!

This Is Your Life!

By Switchfoot

The DC area Christian radio station I listen to has been playing this song the last few months and the lyrics are quite powerful. Searching around the internet I found out a music video was never released but this YouTube video with the music playing and the lyrics on screen is great because it forces you to truly think about what is being said. Isn't it amazing how music can move your soul?

You Must Be The Change You Wish To See In The World

~Mahatma Ghandi

Helping others is an interesting thing. I find it brings more joy to me than anything else.

The Matthew West song, "My Own Little World" touches my hear each time I hear it. Yesterday on my way back from running errands and I heard the song and it spoke to me. I thought if I saw a homeless person or someone in need instead of passing by them and pretending they don't exist I was going to acknowledge them as a person and give them a little money, regardless of what they spent it on.

Not 2 minutes later as I pulled off the interstate there was a homeless man, not a lot older than me. One thing I remember about the interviews with Ted Williams, "the homeless man with the golden voice" is him saying one of the worst parts of being homeless is you feel invisible, people don't even acknowledge you exist. This touched me as well. How hard is it to say, "hi" and acknowledge someone else is another human being that deserves respect like the rest of us?

The exchange was simple, I rolled down my window, smiled and said, "hi, how are you"?, to which the man responded with a smile and, "a little better now". I handed him all my change, couldn't have been much more than a dollar, I smiled again and said, "may God bless you" and the light turned green and I went on my way.

The interesting part is how it impacted me. I've given money and food to the homeless before but over time has become a bit cynical about the whole situation. A lot of people are homeless because they struggle with mental illness, or alcohol or drug addiction, and money is often spent on drugs or alcohol, but you know what I realized yesterday, it is not my place to judge. I will not miss a dollar or even five. We have always been blessed with enough to meet our needs, even when things have been tight. It is much more important to respond to someone in need with compassion rather than judgement. This doesn't mean every time I see someone asking for money I'll be able to give but it does mean when I feel moved to give I won't resist it.

Just One More Day

I first posted this on my blog on 4/24/2009 but when reading through my archives I wanted to repost it. As moms we get so busy that sometimes we forget to just stop and take the time to enjoy our little ones while they're little. The time you have with them is so precious and goes by so quickly!


Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess ever y decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given, I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a Little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask Him for nothing, except one more day............

Thank You To Those Who Have Served

Our country would not be what it is today without the sacrifices you have made, of your time, your time away from loved ones, putting yourself in harm's way, and some of you even with your life. We salute you!

Lead Me

Several weeks ago I first heard the song Lead Me by Sanctus Real. For me it struck a chord and has since become one of my favorite songs. It seems to come on the radio just when I need to hear it. I wanted to share the song and video with you, my readers.

Sanctus Real is a Christian band, but Christian or not, as wives, mothers, and husbands the message is powerful. I don't claim to be an expert on marriage, I've only been married 2 1/2 years and in relationship with hubby for 5 years, but I was married before, I know what didn't work for us. I have seen countless marriages fail and crumble under the day-to-day pressures of life, as well as countless marriages succeed.

Hubby and I are also part of a small group at church for stepfamilies. We alternate between doing stepfamily studies and marriage studies. The group has been such a blessing to us and our marriage. Last spring we studied a book called, Love & Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs, and the message was similar, men need respect, women need love, and went into great deal how you can meet your spouses needs, which of course leads to a happier, more fulfilling marriage. As much as it may not seem like it at times, women want their husband to be the leader of their house and to lead and take care of them and men want to provide and take care of their families.

One thing is for sure, marriage is not easy. There are many things necessary for a successful marriage but a marriage cannot be sustained on love alone. A marriage needs constant work and effort, undying commitment to one another, and willingness to be partners in life, and take everything head on together. I especially like to be in control, to try to have everything my way, but really I want my husband to lead me and need to give up some of that control.

Take a minute and listen to the song, very powerful!

This Touched My Heart Today

This is not what I planned to write about today but after seeing this video on Kristen's blog I knew I had to share this with my readers. Maureen's story is amazing. Please watch, please share with your kids. My own kids asked why I was tearing up watching the video, stories like this touch my heart.

Our own financial situation has stopped me from committing to sponsoring a child so far but God has touched my heart in a way that I know it is our time. My 10 year old son wants to sponsor a child. Time to talk this over with hubby and pray. Time for us to make a difference, if only in one child's life.

Have a great Friday and a great weekend!

12 Hours Until March For Babies and Still Need Help Reaching Our Goal

My wonderful son, B (9 years old) and I are walking tomorrow morning to help save babies. This is B's 2nd year walking and my 8th. The March of Dimes is a cause I am passionate about because I have seen how many lives they can change. The March of Dimes is the foundation behind the cure for polio and now they are focused on ending prematurity, infant mortality, and birth defects. The March of Dimes has made great strides since the prematurity campaign kicked off but there is still more work to be done and we need your help!

B and I will be walking rain or shine tomorrow morning 4 miles. Last year it rained the entire 6 mile route and rain is forecast for tomorrow but it won't dampen our spirit. If our efforts save even just one baby, it is worth all the effort!

Won't you support our efforts and make a donation to the March of Dimes? Any amount will help! $5, $10, it doesn't matter, just hurry, the walk is Sunday morning (4/25).

Head over to my March for Babies page:

www.marchforbabies.org/brennbug

-or-

B's

www.marchforbabies.org/brennan85926

Thank you for your support!

And as an additional thank you for helping the March of Dimes, each person who donates $5 or more by 6am EST to either me or B will receive two extra entries in my giveaway that ends tomorrow. Just leave a comment, letting me know you donated!

The World's Largest Nerf Party

Today our family had a Nerf party in honor of Mighty Mason. Mason is an adorable little boy who is celebrating finishing his oral chemotherapy by putting together The World's Largest Nerf Party. Kristen at We Are THAT Family was contacted by his mom to help coordinate this.

We love Nerf at our house and we love helping people so this was a great, easy thing we could do to brighten a boy with cancer's day. Even cooler is he lives in Aurora, Colorado, which is where we moved from last year. Mason literally could've been our neighbor back in Colorado.

Here are the highlights from our Epic Nerf Battle:

B really got into the Nerf laser tag.

Oh, wait! So did I! A Nerf party isn't complete if mom doesn't play too.

Here's my little pip squeak FiFi. She is good! She beat me at Nerf laser tag.

Wyn is my little strategist. She was sneaky and always found good places to hide.

Once the neighbor kids saw we were having a Nerf party they had to join in the fun with their Nerf dart guns.

The neighbor boys in action.

Here's a short video I took of the epic battle. I hope you all enjoy! And Mason we are so glad you NERFED cancer! Awesome!

The Birth Of A Runner

I know this may shock some of you who know me personally but I have really gotten into running these past few months. Before I could walk for miles upon end, no problem, but I hated running with a passion. Absolutely hated it!

Then a funny thing happened, I started running, starting pushing myself, and I really like it. I like how I feel while I am doing it. I like how I feel afterwards. I like meeting my goals, no matter how small they may be.

This weekend I made a big step in becoming a true runner. I bought my first pair of real running shoes. By real, I mean expensive, bought from a running store after a detailed fit and analysis of my feet, my stride, etc. And even a day later my feet are so happy. My old Nikes just weren't cutting it. Honestly, once I moved my intensity level up from walking to running they were killing my feet. This was my first hurdle to becoming a true runner.

The day before I bought my new running shoes I told hubby I was going to run a marathon. He laughed and me and said I won't do it. Now before you all think he is a big meanie, he is not, he just knows me. He knows how much I hate running and he knows how unathletic I am but I think he forget how determined I can be. He just strengthened my resolve to meet my goal.

Obviously there is no way I am going to go from hating running, to running 3/4 mile, to running a marathon overnight, but I have some intermediate goals in place. Baby steps, right?

The running store has a 5K training program that includes weekly coaching sessions culminating in running a 5K in July. Right now I can probably run about 1 1/2 miles total, with walking breaks in between. The longest I have run without walking is 3/4 mile. All this has been inside on a treadmill and I know running outside is a completely different ball game.

If this goes well, I can then train for a 10k in the fall and go from there. I am little concerned the training program might be easier than I am looking for since they said they run 1 minute, walk 1 minute. At least easy is a good way to guarantee I will complete the program and run my 5K. Plus the $125 race/training fee and scheduled training sessions will keep me on target.

I am very excited to start this chapter of my life and to really see what I can accomplish.

Michelle, the marathon runner, I really like the ring to that.

This Made Me Cry On the Way To Work Today!

I heard this on the radio on the way to work this morning. I know I am a sap but this 911 tape of a local 4 year calling 911 to save her mom's life made me cry. You have to hear it! The little girl is so smart and so cute. At the end she tells the 911 operator to be careful because she left her toys on the floor in the living room. Click the link to watch the video:

http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/local/4-year-old-calls-911-saves-moms-life-111709