Our first S.T.E.A.M class

Searching for fun and educational events is my full time job as a SAH (stay at home) mom.  Scouring Facebook, parenting magazines and local blogs helps me find many exciting activities.  On the top of my list was S.T.E.A.M classes.  S.T.E.A.M which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathmetics.  I loved the idea and knew my son would be as excited.  The Schoolhouse Children's Musuem and Learning Center has developed a summer long S.T.E.A.M curriculum.  We joined in with our first class just a few days ago.  It was S.T.E.A.M. Creepy Crawlies Class. First the kis created cricket hats, had story time, watched a video about crickets and learned some interesting facts about crickets. 

Adorable Cricket hat

Did you know crickets dont have "ears" but "hear" through their knees.  Then the kids practiced "cricket jumps" and made crickets sounds.  

Lerning interesting Cricket facts

The last part of class included examing a real life cricket using a magnifying glass.

Close up of a Cricket

So excited for our the next S.T.E.A.M. class!!!

   

Running as life

Running first became a priortiy in my life when I needed stress relief.  Stress was a daily occurence while in college, studying premed classes.  Running allowed me to be in silence, to think through problems or even not to think at all.

Compeitive running came much later.  After having a baby I wanted my body back.  I set a goal - to run a half marathon.  A HALF MARATHON! My mind could not wrap around the magnitude of my endeavor.  I ran 5ks, maybe a 10k here and there, but never anything close to 13 miles.  I researched and talked with anyone that had any knowledge of long distance running.  I joined running groups online and runing teams in person.  I streamlined my diet and became all about running.  Slowly I began to lose weight.  Losing weight was amazing but what happened after was even better.  I found my tribe aka my running family.  Having met so many people along the way with the goal of incorporating running into our daily routine.

My top 4 tips to anyone just starting out would be:

1) Research, research, research - make sure you read about the different running methods, long distance running plans, etc.

2) Join a running team.  I have met my closest friends through the running community.  The encourgagment from my running family has made this running journey the best undertaking in my life.

3) Pick a race that excites you.  My first half marathon was in Disney.  Why? Because I love everything Disney! Disney races enterain in almost every mile.  From characters (Mary Poppins dancing with penguins) to DJs thoughout the course. RunDisney always has a charity attached to every race which makes me feel great supporting them.

4) Make sure to get fitted for your running shoes. Go to a local run store and have an expert check your gait and suggest the perfect shoe for you.  Then buy it there.  Help support our running community!



One of my favorite local races has to be the Fort Lauderdale Public A1A Half Marathon.  The best part, besides being local, the beautiful beach scenery. 

My awesome Publix A1A Half Marathon medal