Bring It On February: its only 565 miles!!

So, tomorrow is the beginning of something awesome!! What is it you ask..I'll fill you in.

Beginning February 1st, a team of 10 of us will log 565 miles of running, walking or biking. It will all end on the 28th, and on that last day we will have accomplished an amazing fete. During all those miles we will also be raising money for an awesome organization, Gallant Few. The entire event is called Run Ranger Run. It all started when a young Army Ranger who just became a civilian decided to run the 565 miles home to is daughter. During that time media got a hold of what he was doing and it all took off from there. Teams from all over the US are forming and so far over 24,000 dollars have been raised ...And February hasn't even begun yet!!

Gallant Few is an organization who offers support for Army Rangers and veterans alike. They offer counseling and partner current Rangers with Veterans to offer support and stability. As I have a father who was and a brother who aspires to be an Army Ranger, this is something that I am eager to dive into...565 miles and all.

As much as I know we will get it done, part of me deep down fears that February 28th will roll around and we will not have met that 565 milestone. That's a lot of miles!!! But, no matter what, it will get done. Even if I come down to the final hours and many miles left... we will meet that deadline. I will be running to the very end.

Whats great is that there are men and women from 4 states all coming together onto one team to meet this goal..I have some very awesome friends and family I must say, if they agree to do this with me. I have a few spots open, so any of you out there want to contribute to this great cause, email me (amandamwilkins@yahoo.com), get your shoes on and get outside! There is nothing better than doing something that benefits others.

To learn more about Run Ranger Run go to www.runrangerrun.com
To learn more about GallantFew go to www.gallantfew.org

TO DONATE!! Which is always accepted!! :)
 http://www.crowdrise.com/amandawilkins-runrangerrun2/fundraiser/amandawilkins

Think of us this upcoming month and thank your military for all that they do!

My sweet and Handsome brother...Love him.

First run of 2014

Yesterday I was able to get back on the pavement and it felt so good! It was my first run of 2014 a nice 7.5 miles. Since it's been snowy here...and the ability to shovel sidewalks by those who live here to be unreliable, it had been a long time since my last outdoor adventure. 

The weather was clear and cold...which I find to be ideal. Plus it was my first run with my new wireless headphones! I recommend them to anyone and everyone!! 

Now that my family is completely healthy, it's been much easier. Dealing with sick kids and a sick husband can be completely draining! We're moving on to new adventures and look forward to each day together.. ❤️

Here are my babies..they melt my heart and complete my soul

Avaree Kate -9 months

Reiker (on left) is 4 and Brock (on right) is 5....precious little stinkers 😋

S..I..C..K....I need this stuff to go away!

My entire family is sick with a capital S...except me! Which means one tired lady! It totally and utterly sucks...with a capital S.

 My husband is a firefighter and his schedule includes him being gone for 48 hour shifts..which has it's benefits and it's downfalls. Usually what happens is I'll get sick when he's gone on shift and I am alone to tend to life at home..did I mention alone...and sick, with 3 kids. It's a total blast. 

So, I am going to be as paranoid as possible about getting sick. Slather on the antibacterial everything as much as I can, take honey and cinnamon, vitamin C..and pray that I do not fall to the beast that is the "sickness" my family is carrying. Ick. 

To Run or Not to Run..Not a Silly Question Anymore

Once upon a time, that was the silliest question I had ever heard. I am not a runner, is what I had always thought. Yes, I played sports growing up. I loved the competitiveness that it instilled in me, trying very hard to beat the other team through know how, determination and ability. I love the adrenaline rush of a good game. But what next...

I am the stay at home mom to three wonderfully smart, talented and competitive children. At least two out of three are. The youngest is  9 months, but being my daughter she will have that nature in her without a doubt. I am a dabbler of many things, but this running thing has proven to be something that I never in my wildest dreams thought I would actually enjoy. I mean running on an open trail, wind blowing slightly, sun setting...how would that be enjoyable. Not to mention, kid-less for an hour or two. I love my kids, but having a clear head for a bit is priceless. Well, I stand corrected. It is the most amazing thing, and it has started to test my limits..my boundaries..to see how far I can go and how long I can push myself.

I am by no means, fast. I am the turtle..to a T. But, I am not last, and I guess neither was the turtle ;) On a whim I decided to register for a Half Marathon. To run? at the time it was a silly question. I had never entered a race before in my life, so why not go ahead and sign up for 13.1 miles?! Well, I figured I had at least paid for it, I would at least run, walk, crawl or roll my way down to the finish line. It was a downhill course, so at least rolling would have been an option. The day came after months of training, and what do ya know...I didn't need to roll once. I ran, and finished faster than the goal I laid out before myself.

Now here I am, two years since my very first race registration and my next goal is to run/bike/walk 565 miles with a team of wonderful people. To raise money for a wonderful cause. Its amazing to think how far I have come, and yet I'm no where near where I am supposed to be. This running thing is taking me on a wild ride, and I wont ever get off.

To run or not to run, that WAS a silly question, but not anymore. I was once not a runner, but I think I am now. To blog or not to blog? Did I mention, I am not a writer? :)