I realize just how easily we find ourselves taking things like relationships and health for granted. Everyday, ordinary moments still contain such beauty and hope. I woke up today feeling much better after the initial shock of learning my mom has MS yesterday. I decided worry can bring nothing positive to my life, so I chose to go on with an ordinary day. It was wonderful.

Just like any other day, I ate a bowl of oats for breakfast.

I discovered the pleasure of NOT stirring all my toppings together before eating. I had a bowl similar to above with strawberries and White Chocolate Wonderful PB with some raisins also added in for texture. I loved custom creating each bite! And savoring the peanut butter oh so slowly at the end. I may never stir up oats again!

Just like any other day, I showered and got dressed.

And smiled to be able to wear short sleeves! I had to put that in here. 😀

Just like any other day, I was a mom and a friend.

We had a fabulous play date today. It felt good to get out and spend time with friends.

Just like any other day, I went to the gym.

I powered through full body weight training and day 3 of this week’s Couch to 5K training. Dare I say I enjoyed the running portion of my workout more than the weights?? That never happens. Who am I?!

Just like any other Friday, I grabbed Subway for dinner.

I’m so over cooking by Friday night. $5 foot long picked up on the way home from the gym? Sounds like a great way to end just another ordinary week to me.

And ordinary is fine by me!

Question of the Evening – What was ordinary but great about your day? And do you stir up your oat toppings or eat bit by bit unstirred?

I continue to fall in love with running! Last night, I completed my next Couch to 5K workout and finished 2.57 miles in about 28 minutes.

I even oopsied and did one running interval over twice as long because I couldn’t see the time on my screen and was just in a groove. Amazing how time flies on a run when you’re into a song and into a groove!

I have also been loving the weather recently!

It’s been like that all this week and the forecast shows weather similar to this for the foreseeable future. I’m in love! Can it last pretty please?

The weather has certainly warranted getting outside as often as possible. I have enjoyed daily walks with the kiddos – Makenzie in her stroller and Baby B in his little carrier pouch with a blanket. 

Walking along and playing “I Spy” with Makenzie and glancing down to baby B’s cute face always puts me in such a good mood. Wouldn’t it make you smile?

For one of our walks we went up to the local Greenway path and it actually got me craving a Couch to 5K session outdoors. I think once I get to longer run intervals, and if the weather stays this nice, I may just do that. I know I want to get used to running outdoors some before that 5K race I’m working towards in April.

Although there is certainly a lot about running I will have to learn. Fortunately, I have you all to turn to for suggestions! So, today I will start with one of the simple ones – gear!

What is your favorite gear for running outdoors? Here are some things I have picked up from you all so far as useful and I could see myself using if I continue falling in love with running and do decide to continue:

Garmin 205

Peter actually found a deal for one for about $100 and I think he wants to get it. He is all about finding deals for electronic trinkets. I definitely think I would use this to help with pacing myself! I don’t know if it would be necessary but I wouldn’t mind having that extra tool that’s for sure.

Arm Band or Pouch?

Running = music. I have learned quickly how much that helps. I use an iPhone for my music and have no clue how I would keep up with it. Holding it on outdoor runs seems…annoying. So which is more comfortable to running? The arm bands? Or I’ve heard of little pouches where you can also store a key, fuel, ID, money, or phone. Another question – what’s good to even take on runs?! [Please note: The iPhone is not my phone. We’re cheap and I have an old school phone with no data plan. The iPhone is a disconnected one Peter took from a friend to fiddle around with and that I can use for music. I’m not even kidding.]

Camelbak

If I DO get into running and end up doing any longer distances, I have a feeling I will want one of these babies. Yet again, the thought of carrying water sounds…annoying. Added bonus? We could use it when we hike!

Running Fuel

Gus, Shot Blocks, SportsBeans, Gatorade, dried fruit, and even candy. So. Many. Options. I’ve got a long way to go before I need to worry about that though.

These are obviously all things I would not need to worry about until more solidly into running – although, let’s face it, that love affair has already begun. I mainly want to stay on top of the game with my running (ha! pun intended!) mental lists. Plus, its fun! I already get excited thinking about my next Couch to 5K session, trying outdoor runs, and learning more about it all.

So, you tell me…what gear do you find helpful? And if not a runner, any gear you must have for your workouts like a HR monitor? I must have my spin shoes when taking spin classes!