Hello All & a big CONGRATULATIONS to you all!!  Way to go! Well, Sunday morning came bright and early.. 5:15 am. Got up, me & hubby left around 6:15 and headed for LA.  Got there at 7:30 nice and early giving us time to stretch and take it all in.  So, my first thing that fired me up a bit was my number. As you've noticed, my sign in name is Softballmom41. Well, when we registered and got our numbers... yep.. #141!  That was pretty cool. 41 has been our Family's number. My husband's Basketball number was 41, and now our daughters have taken on that proud number of their own for softball. Something simple, but I thought it was pretty cool. what are the odds of that happening.  (thought maybe Michelle fixed that! )  Then, for those of you who know the area in LA where the race took place, it was USC territory. And I of course wore a UCLA shirt to 'represent'! So that was pretty funny having everyone comment on my UCLA shirt. Even when we came through the finish line, the announcer was teasing me about it. All in fun!  Started the race, and did a little jog to get going. It felt good. I knew I'd be fine and wasn't too worried, but I wanted to really challenge my time.  So here I am 5 ft. 6 in. and my husband is 6 ft. 3 in. His regular step is like 2 of mine. So I had to push it a bit to keep up with him.  Everything was great!  My husband had knee surgery maybe about 6 year ago, and sometimes has to take it easy.  Well, he had his brace but it started bothering him half way through, so we took it slower. We finished and all was fine. We walked it and finished in exactly 70 min.  Sure I would've liked a quicker time, but we had a lot of fun together and we did it together!  Just having him there with me and participating with me meant the world!   So, on to the next challenge. I've already signed up for the next one coming next month in San Diego. I'm excited to continue on!  This has become a new found adventure and a thrill to set goals, believe it, and achieve it!   We all can continue on!   And...  don't forget to celebrate the 'small victories'.  Good Luck to you all, and thanks again to Coach Jenny & Michelle for all the great advice, encouragement, and support. I'm going to miss that.

Congrats to all the winners!  It's always a nice motivation to have a little extra incentive!!  Well, this week has been a good one, I'm getting all of my workouts in, and it's feeling like a normal part of my daily routine.  My husband and daughter's are really keeping me in check. I feel loved and supported!  I have to say that my 10 year old daughter is pretty funny... She asked me the other night if I got my walking in and I told her, yes!  I told her "remember I get my 'orders' from my email and they let me know how long and at what rate,  she said yes, but don't you want to do more?  Geez, I'm doing good to just do what is required, and she wants more from me!! She told me she is going to make me a chart so she'll be able to keep track.  She was explaining to me how she  was going to chart my progress and set up the days of workouts!  I might have a 'trainer' in the making!  Se loves sports and is very athletic!

Today, my husband & I took our 3 year old to San Diego's Wild Animal Park.  We have passes and she LOVES going there. It was fun just us three, while the other two were at school!  OH, those hills....  I have to say that I got around much better , it was still a bit challenging, but it felt good to feel like I could walk up those hills without having to stop! That was a good workout in itself!  I still haven't been sleeping well, and I think that is what's causing me to feel like I need to 'graze' throughout the day. The last two days have been quite emotionally draining for me, as I deal with some big family issues with siblings and my parents. But I feel in control this time, and am not going to sabotage my diet and ruin what I've worked so hard at.  No more emotional eating!  I've got to think about me and be 'selfish' in a good way. I am getting excited for the upcoming race.  I hope we all stick with it, and keep going strong!  Just like I tell my softball team (we are the Warriors),  fight for what you want and don't ever give up or quit!  So, I say to 'US' fight like a Warrior, especially through the tough times. STAND UP, STAND OUT, and STAND STRONG!!

Have a great weekend-  Ruth 

Wow, this week flew by!  But, I have been feeling great and keeping on track.  Little by little, I know I'll get there!  I'm down 8 pounds (wish it was more), but I'll take it!   I just keep telling myself Baby Steps. This time NO going back.  It always amazes me how great it feels when we exercise, and yet so hard to get out and do it at times! It just feels good and keeps me all 'balanced'.   So, between two softball teams, being the coach, Dance, Piano, school activities, church activities, preschool, and just being a mom and wife I think keeping it all together fits my blog post today!

I do find at times that I need a little extra motivation for ME.  I have to remember to keep 'me' at the top of the to-do list.  Like the saying goes..'when momma's happy, everyone's happy!'  And who doesn't love a Happy Family!!  So, keep on pushing through those tough days.  I am so glad for this opportunity, it has been good for me!

Life may not be the dance we hoped for,

but while we're here, we might as well Dance!

Who wants to get active??  I DO!  Well, here I go! I was so excited to be chosen to participate in this great opportunity. Luckily, I stumbled across this from looking into coaching tips on the active website.  I applied, and next thing you know I'm blogging for the first time!      I am 37 years old and live in southern California.  I have three beautiful daughters and a great husband! I am so blessed to be able to stay home and raise my girl's. They are involved in softball, dance, piano, church and school activities. I don't know how I keep up sometimes.  I have realized that I have lost myself and the things that I like to do to keep myself fit.      It's time for mom to get healthy!  It's time for mom to start feeling good about 'mom'.  When I do this, everyone benefits. I know that this program will give me the kick start that I need to be on my way to success!  I was very athletic growing up, and never had weight issues.  I was the thin one!  I love sports and especially softball! Well, as I got older, had kids, and neglected exercise, things didn't look or feel so good anymore. Sure, I've gone on diets and lost weight, but I now realize I need to make it a lifestyle change. Also, when reality hits, it's a little scary!  My father is on his third cancer, has had numerous strokes, diabetes, and most recently open-heart surgery. I need to make changes now! I want to be around for a long time. I want to see my girl's grow up to marry and have children of their own. I want to run and play without the aches and pains.  I love being active and am excited to start this journey. I would love to lose about 65 pounds by the end of the year. But, as for this eight week plan, I want to challenge myself and work hard to achieve a realistic, attainable goal. I look forward to team support, advice, and encouragement along the way!       We can do this!  Let's Rock 'n' Roll!