Santa Barbara- 1st 5K!

Carl and I had started running a couple of months ago, primarily because I wanted to lose all of my baby fat. Slowly, but surely, the pounds have been coming off – with my postpartum body, for the first time in years, I felt uncomfortable in my own skin… I see mom’s post on social media how proud they felt of their bodies and I felt far from that. I was overwhelmed with the feeling of insecurities – filled with stretch marks, about 65 pounds overweight, hair loss, among many other things. I have used running as an outlet to really embrace myself and get myself where I envision, and running has truly worked! I am almost where I want to be!

When Jacqui, the face behind www.babyboybakery.com, posted on Instagram about joining her running squad for the “She.Is.Beautiful” 5K/10K race- I knew I had to sign up! That same night, I bought my entry and I was so excited about not only finally doing my first 5K, but I was so happy I would be meeting Jacqui Saldana. This woman has been such an inspiration to me, both as a mother and as an entrepreneur. Since the 5K was in Santa Barbara, Carl and I decided to do a trip out of it and booked a hotel for the whole weekend.

This trip was the best thing for the three of us. Santa Barbara is breathtaking – filled with wineries, beautiful scenery, and the air just oozes relaxation. It is a trip worth taking… Carl and I are thinking about retiring here, haha. (Even in our 20s we’re thinking about retirement!)

I cannot even begin to explain the sense of accomplishment I felt once I completed the race. It is such adrenaline to run with so many other women, and feel so much empowerment! Everyone cheered each other on, people were high-fiving each other, people were screaming in excitement…it was such an amazing feeling to be one of the many taking on this event. I felt so proud of myself for taking this step. What better feeling than to be able to do this with Julianna right there next to me – Julianna had such a great time while I pushed her, she couldn’t stop looking at everyone around her and she did some cheering herself. We completed the race in 33 minutes and 43 seconds, and I know that I am going to beat this time in my next 5K! It was a great weekend spent with my family and amazing women.

Below are some pictures of the highlights of my weekend. A huge thank you to my husband, Carl, for always supporting me through it all! We are trying to do a 5K together that is also stroller-friendly so we can bring Julianna along. I can’t wait!