running shoes? check. water? check. buddy?! CHECK!!

I can't blog about health and my love of running without writing about my running buddy, Melissa. Jonathan and I are extremely blessed to live next to some of our very best friends...which we think is quite rare! Shawn and Melissa have become much more than workout buddies; they are dear friends! We've vacationed together, go out to dinner together, and get our families together! I could go on and on about how awesome they are, but I want to touch on how crucial it has been to me to have someone to hold me accountable (and vice versa) to get up to run (at 4:30am!) If you are having a hard time getting on a routine, look at your life, and think about who that might be for you. It could be your next door neighbor like mine, or a co-worker that you could meet up with before or after work, a relative, someone from church or someone else in your neighborhood. I have found that I NEED to do it before my kids are up too. It's a great way to start the day before I put on the "mom hat"...it's MY time that I look forward to every day!! Being active is extremely important, whether it's running, walking or something else you love. We only have one body here on earth!! Grab a buddy, and see how great you feel!!

Melissa and Me in Mexico '09

(doesn't hurt to have a vacation as an extra little motivator!)

Jonathan, Shawn, Me and Melissa... zip-lining in Mexico!!