$50!!

So back when I was probably about 10 my dad and sister Angela started going on runs in the early morning.

I personally thought they were crazy.

But my dad decided that I should go with them.

Again, crazy.

But my dad, being the smart man that he is, convinced me to join them by bribing me with doughnuts.

You see, there was a delicious doughnut shop in the middle of the running course that they took. I was so excited. I got up and started that run with some serious determination.

I was going to get to that doughnut shop.

So we reached the shop.

Then we passed it.

And we kept going.

I, being the patient person that I was, didn't say anything for a few minutes. But then we got to the point where we would no longer be able to see the shop anymore.

And I was concerned. I wanted my doughnut! I deserved it! So I asked my dad when he was going to get me my doughnut.

And guess what?

He lied to me!!

Anyway, he loves to make fun of me for that. I guess he can. It is a pretty funny story…

But you can bet I never went running with them again.

So over the years I've had a love-hate relationship with running. I occasionally went running in my parents neighborhood. I was on the track team my freshman year. And Kyle and I have attempted it a few times since we've been married.

After having Kacie, I knew I needed to get back on a workout schedule. I am still that doughnut loving girl at heart and pregnancy only brought that out in me more.

And if we are being honest, I'm running low on pants that fit!

I had an epiphany one day.

Running one mile can take as little as like 4 minutes. That speed is definitely not up my alley but I am so out of shape, I can barely even run a whole mile. And that's just not acceptable.

So I set a goal to run one mile a day. If lack of time is my excuse and it only takes me under 15 minutes to run a mile, then what I am saying is that I can't take 15 minutes out of my day to take care of my body!

But we were given this gift, a body. And our bodies are amazing things. And not everyone has the gift of using their bodies. Not everyone can walk.

Well, last month when we were in AZ my family got to talking and decided to have a mile challenge thing. So the day after Christmas, we are all going to run one mile. Whoever runs the fastest mile will win $50 (boys and girls categories).

Because right now, we are all at a point in our lives where a mile is a challenge both physically and timely. My parents are busy, my siblings are busy, Kyle and I are busy.

I don't get to the gym every night. Having a baby changes your priorities.

And I might not win the $50 but that's ok. Because I am improving my health. And After I go to the gym and exercise, I feel better! My body is stronger and my energy is higher.

And I know that I am investing in my future. I want to be around for my children for a long time and not just physically being around. I want to be up and active with my kids.

Plus, when I exercise I can eat sugar with less guilt…

So that's a plus!

Anyway, I'm still hoping Kyle and I each win $50… that'd be a good Christmas bonus along with being healthy!

Now we just have to stay motivated to get to the gym…

And eat less ice cream.