Giving It Another Try

My first 5K was a bummer. I did not get to run. I had to take my youngest son with me that morning so we cheered on a few runners that I knew. The best part though my money went to support a great organization.

I have signed up for the next 5K in the area – the Panerathon 5K. All proceeds benefit the Children's Hunger Alliance.

I’m not really out to “win” the race but to finish it. Since this is my first 5K, I don’t want to set a time to beat that’s not realistic for me. I know my time when I run the same distance on my treadmill in the privacy of our garage while watching a good show on television. I don’t see that being the same when I’m nervous, anxious and surrounded by a crowd of people. Plus I haven’t ran since Thanksgiving Day when I was wrapped up the Macy’s Day parade and ran a 5K plus! I plan to get at least 2 runs in prior to Saturday morning *fingers crossed*. I’ll be back to let you know how it goes.

I almost forgot to add that the special bonus of the Panerathon is that my kids will be running as well. They have a special kid’s ¼ mile run prior to the start of the 5K. My kids asked to run which I think is great. I wouldn’t force my kids to run since I’ve always hated running. It’s great that they see the benefits of running and doing it for a great cause.

While I’m on the subject of running, I was asked the other day - why a 5K? For me, it’s quick (and hopefully painless). I think this will be the motivation that I need to get back into my fitness routine. Once I have a race time, I will set out to beat it (yes, I have a competitive drive). I found this article that I thought was interesting too.

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive - Saturday, May 8, 2010

The annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is set for Saturday, May 8th, 2010.

To help Stamp Out Hunger this year, simply leave a sturdy bag containing non-perishable foods, like canned soup, canned vegetables, pasta, rice or cereal, next to your mailbox prior to the time of regular mail delivery. Food items should be in non-breakable containers, such as boxes and cans. Your letter carrier will pick up the bags and deliver them to your local food bank.

To learn more, visit: HelpStampOutHunger.com. Become a fan on Facebook and Campbell’s Soup Company will make a 1 can donation to Feeding America *up to 1 million cans* in support of the USPS collection efforts.

The more people that help this cause, the more successful we’ll be at Stamping Out Hunger!

Checking In

While I had a free minute, I thought I would post a quick update. I have signed up for my first 5K! It sounds exciting, huh? I’m excited, anxious and rather nervous. We’ll see how well I do being that I haven’t ran since Thanksgiving Day. My hope is that this race will bring back the motivation that I need.

Along with that, I’ve rejoined Weight Watchers. I think that will help in getting back in shape and taking the weight off. Notice that I did not say “lose weight”… I don’t want to “lose weight” anymore. It’s just like everything else – if you lose it, you usually end up finding it again. I don’t want to find my weight again so I’m going to take it off this time.

Last, I’ve finally got my schedule changed. I will have more free time in the afternoon rather than just go from work to baseball/football practice, home to cook dinner, do laundry and get the kids ready for bed. I’ll have some “extra” time as I see it right now. Sooner or later, it won’t be “extra” time and I’ll be asking for more!

Giveaway: Ringling Brothers Zing Zang Zoom Tickets - Dayton, OH show

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Zing Zang Zoom will be at the Ervin J. Nutter Center in Dayton, OH April 29-May 2.

Dayton Show dates and times:
*Thursday, April 29th 7:00 pm
*Friday, April 30th 7:00 pm
*Saturday, May 1st 11:00 am, 3:00 pm & 7:00 pm
*Sunday, May 2nd 11:00 am

Through the mystery of magic and the mastery of skill, audiences will be spellboundas Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM, a thrill-filled,mind-blowing circus spectacular where family fun is no illusion.

Magical Zingmaster Alex and his assistant, the alluring Levitytia, lead audiencesthrough a kaleidoscope of color and imagery revealing extraordinary worlds offantasy, flight and phenomena that celebrates the uplifting spirit of the circus andwards off a cynical Mr. Gravity and his team of “heavies” who try to bring everyonedown.

Fun-filled magic merges with traditional circus arts to create a world of infinitepossibilities where apprentice illusionists levitate their parents with a wave of awand, and audience spirits keep rising as the high-flying circus is (literally)turned upside down.

BONUS: All Access Pre-Show is free for all ticketholders andbegins an hour before showtime.

Thanks to Mom Central, I will be taking my family on April 29th. We are looking forward to it. My youngest is super excited since he’s never been and has wanted to go for years.

To enter to win a family 4-pack of tickets to the April 29th opening night: show:

1) Leave a comment on this post telling me what you think your kids (or you) would enjoy most about the show. Check out

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey website.

2) Tweet about the contest on Twitter (include @mom_of2boys) and leave a comment here telling me you did so.

The contest will run until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 15, 2010. The winner will be chosen using random.org. The winner will be notified via email and will have 24 hours to reply; otherwise, a new winner will be chosen.

**The winner does not need to be a Dayton resident (you can enter for a friend or family member), but the person on the ticket MUST be present at the show. Tickets will need to be picked up at the Will-Call window with a valid photo ID before the start of the show.

Can’t wait to find out if you’ve won? Mom Central is offering a great deal on tickets – just use coupon code MOM on

Ticketmaster.com and you can get four tickets for $44 for a weekday show or $4 off any weekend ticket.