Weighed in at 148.2. What I was hoping for was 147, but being that a special visitor just showed up (BAH) and I can tell I'm retaining water...I'm happy!
Now Cheers to the Freaking Weekend!!!!!!!
Jumat, 29 Juni 2012
Kamis, 28 Juni 2012
Motivated me
So not only have I become a new person health-wise over the last months, I have apparently become a more motivated person in other areas of life. I applied for and started Grad School. I started a local chapter of a national running group. And now I am organizing a fundraiser, a virtual 5k, to benefit my local zoo which was devastated by a flood. Today, they called me and offered to collaborate on this. They loved the idea and think it could really be something great. ME TOO!!!
Tomorrow morning is Friday weigh-in. Hoping to hit 80 lbs. And, it's Friday, so what could be better than that!
Tomorrow morning is Friday weigh-in. Hoping to hit 80 lbs. And, it's Friday, so what could be better than that!
First run since the half
It has been over 1.5 weeks since the half marathon and I just did my first run since then. It was on the treadmill but I am still damn proud.
Yes. 3.1 in under 30 minutes! Now to repeat at my next actual 5k race...
Minggu, 24 Juni 2012
Lake Superior Zoo flood relief benefit - Virtual 5k!
If anybody is interested in a "virtual 5k" to help raise funds to donate to the Lake Superior Zoo after their devastating flood, check out our Facebook group!
Participants in the US will receive a t-shirt and even better, know they have done something good for a positive cause. The zoo and these animals need your help to rebuild and thrive once again!
Participants in the US will receive a t-shirt and even better, know they have done something good for a positive cause. The zoo and these animals need your help to rebuild and thrive once again!
Kamis, 21 Juni 2012
Recap: Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon - June 16th, 2012
First off I have to say, for my first half marathon, this was perfect. The course is fairly flat, the volunteers, spectators and organization is amazing, and best of all - it's right in my own city. No wonder Grandma's Marathon and associated races/activities are so highly regarded on a national and even international level.
The night before the half marathon, my hubby and I headed out to watch the William A. Irvin 5k with my sister in law and her hubby. (My sister in law also did the 1/2 with me and hubby, and it was the first for all three of us...while her husband did the full marathon, and it was his first time running a marathon). This was the race that started it all last year...my first. And from then on, I was hooked! It was really great to watch a race rather than be in it for once. I had fun cheering for all of the runners and watching the fastest ones...how incredible they are...it's just amazing. After watching the 5k, we all headed to Red Lobster for our pre-race day dinner. I had a salad, garlic grilled shrimp, some fries, and of course you cannot go to Red Lobster without having Cheddar Bay Biscuits. OH. MY. YUM!
Next we headed to the grocery store to load up on Powerade and race day breakfast items. I decided to stick with basic energy bars and yogurt and just picked a few kinds so that I would have choices. We then headed to the apartment my sister in law was renting for the weekend and got everything ready....Race bibs pinned to shirts, chips on our shoes, sweat bags packed...all that sort of stuff.
Finally it was time for bed, and surprisingly I slept fairly well, except for waking at 3 am and being unable to fall back asleep. Fortunately my alarm was set to go off at 4 am anyhow, as we needed to be ready to be on a bus at 5 am. We got dressed, ate some breakfast and drank a lot of fluids, had some coffee in hopes it would "get things going"...and probably paced nervously a little...
The bus ride wasn't too terrible. I used the time to daydream about my plan of attack for the race. I knew it was forecast to be humid, and had already been doubting my goal time of 2:30 as it was. I made a mental note to myself that my goal might need to be moved back to 2:40, and that was okay.
We got to the start...along the north shore of Lake Superior with a nice view of the lake behind us while thousands of people stood around, chatted, warmed up, stretched, stood in massive lines for porta-potties, and took pics.
I tried really hard to empty...everything...that I could out before the race but was left a little worried because the coffee did not work as I had intended it to. But the show must go on, and at 6:45 am, we were off!
The first few miles went by really fast...literally. at the 5k mark, I was significantly faster than my fastest previous 5k ever. I thought to myself "WTF? Am I going too fast? Do I need to slow down before I crash and burn and end up crawling across the finish line?" But I felt really good, so I went with it. At 4 miles, the company I work for had a large water/aid station set up so getting a little water from somebody I knew helped give me a little burst of energy. The next few miles were uneventful...we were still at a point on the course where spectators are a little more spread out. But I continued to feel good and chugged along at a decent pace.
When we started to get into town, the spectators started lining the roads. They were amazing, shouting and cheering. There were people playing instruments, singing, houses spraying their sprinklers into the road for runners to go under...it was just awesome. It was so inspiring to see how many people come out to support the runners. There was one sort of big hill, the only significant one on the course, and it was lined with people. I barely noticed the hill. I still felt great, the people around me were awesome. It was very humid, so we were very hot and sticky, but even still, I was well in line with making my goal of 2:30.
We started to get into downtown Duluth, and I was feeling a little tired, but nothing drastic. My pace, of course, had slowed by now. Instead of 10:XX minute miles I was running 11:XX minute miles. By the last mile, it was even 12:XX at times. But looking at the time on my phone which was strapped to my arm, I knew that I was going to not only make my original goal time of 2:30, but kick it's butt! This gave me so much motivation to keep going. Every second felt important. As I approached the finish line, I did not cry like I thought I would. I would say it was more a feeling of being in awe that I was actually about to complete a half marathon. I wish I could express to you how crazy it is for me to be thinking of myself as a "runner".
I crossed the finish line and my official chip time ended up at 2:24:33. My awesome sister in law finished in 2:22:33, so just shortly before me. My amazing hubby finished in 2:33:49...I am so proud of him...he has lost 100 lbs in the last few years and look at him now! He experienced some knee pain in the race which hindered him a little, yet he still finished in a very respectable time.
After the finish line, I picked up my medal (I did tear up a little, but not much, as they were putting it around my neck) and my finisher's shirt. Then I felt it. The coffee from earlier combined with my digestive system going a little nuts after a long run that I went all out for...I had to get to a bathroom, and QUICK! I hopped in line at the nearest one, and it took for.ev.er. I wasn't the only one in that boat, but I seriously thought I might crap my pants. Not that I would have been the first in the history of running. All in all, over the next few hours, I ended up making several bathroom visits like that one.
When I met back up with my husband and sister in law, we made our way over to watch some of the marathon runners finishing and wait for her hubby to come in. Holy man...marathon runners! Incredible. Inspiring. Amazing. I want to do that.
After brother in law came in, we met up with him and chatted, grabbed drinks, and wandered. I ended up buying a Grandma's sweatshirt in a size SMALL (they ran big, but still...whoa). We headed back towards the buses that would shuttle us back to where we needed to go...while we waited, we took some pics.
As the bus started driving, it started raining. Kind of funny to have my first official 1/2 marathon experience capped off my some perfectly timed rain. My hubby and I eventually got home, and by that evening I was STARVING. I ordered a pizza and enjoyed, knowing that I just burned off 1500 calories and some pizza wasn't going to do all that much damage. Though even if I thought it would, I am pretty sure I didn't give a shit. I was starving. I ran 13 miles and I did it fast (for me). I deserved some pizza, damnit!!
It was a GREAT experience. I cannot wait for my next 1/2 marathon, September 1st. Training starts Monday. And I can't stop thinking about doing the full Grandma's Marathon next summer. Time will tell. If not, I will definitely be doing the Garry Bjorklund. Just an awesome time all around, and I'm so glad I decided to take the plunge!! Running long distances isn't scary... it's hard work, but a fun and rewarding sort of hard work.
Highly recommend it - it has changed me, and it has changed my life.
The night before the half marathon, my hubby and I headed out to watch the William A. Irvin 5k with my sister in law and her hubby. (My sister in law also did the 1/2 with me and hubby, and it was the first for all three of us...while her husband did the full marathon, and it was his first time running a marathon). This was the race that started it all last year...my first. And from then on, I was hooked! It was really great to watch a race rather than be in it for once. I had fun cheering for all of the runners and watching the fastest ones...how incredible they are...it's just amazing. After watching the 5k, we all headed to Red Lobster for our pre-race day dinner. I had a salad, garlic grilled shrimp, some fries, and of course you cannot go to Red Lobster without having Cheddar Bay Biscuits. OH. MY. YUM!
Next we headed to the grocery store to load up on Powerade and race day breakfast items. I decided to stick with basic energy bars and yogurt and just picked a few kinds so that I would have choices. We then headed to the apartment my sister in law was renting for the weekend and got everything ready....Race bibs pinned to shirts, chips on our shoes, sweat bags packed...all that sort of stuff.
Finally it was time for bed, and surprisingly I slept fairly well, except for waking at 3 am and being unable to fall back asleep. Fortunately my alarm was set to go off at 4 am anyhow, as we needed to be ready to be on a bus at 5 am. We got dressed, ate some breakfast and drank a lot of fluids, had some coffee in hopes it would "get things going"...and probably paced nervously a little...
The bus ride wasn't too terrible. I used the time to daydream about my plan of attack for the race. I knew it was forecast to be humid, and had already been doubting my goal time of 2:30 as it was. I made a mental note to myself that my goal might need to be moved back to 2:40, and that was okay.
We got to the start...along the north shore of Lake Superior with a nice view of the lake behind us while thousands of people stood around, chatted, warmed up, stretched, stood in massive lines for porta-potties, and took pics.
I tried really hard to empty...everything...that I could out before the race but was left a little worried because the coffee did not work as I had intended it to. But the show must go on, and at 6:45 am, we were off!
The first few miles went by really fast...literally. at the 5k mark, I was significantly faster than my fastest previous 5k ever. I thought to myself "WTF? Am I going too fast? Do I need to slow down before I crash and burn and end up crawling across the finish line?" But I felt really good, so I went with it. At 4 miles, the company I work for had a large water/aid station set up so getting a little water from somebody I knew helped give me a little burst of energy. The next few miles were uneventful...we were still at a point on the course where spectators are a little more spread out. But I continued to feel good and chugged along at a decent pace.
When we started to get into town, the spectators started lining the roads. They were amazing, shouting and cheering. There were people playing instruments, singing, houses spraying their sprinklers into the road for runners to go under...it was just awesome. It was so inspiring to see how many people come out to support the runners. There was one sort of big hill, the only significant one on the course, and it was lined with people. I barely noticed the hill. I still felt great, the people around me were awesome. It was very humid, so we were very hot and sticky, but even still, I was well in line with making my goal of 2:30.
We started to get into downtown Duluth, and I was feeling a little tired, but nothing drastic. My pace, of course, had slowed by now. Instead of 10:XX minute miles I was running 11:XX minute miles. By the last mile, it was even 12:XX at times. But looking at the time on my phone which was strapped to my arm, I knew that I was going to not only make my original goal time of 2:30, but kick it's butt! This gave me so much motivation to keep going. Every second felt important. As I approached the finish line, I did not cry like I thought I would. I would say it was more a feeling of being in awe that I was actually about to complete a half marathon. I wish I could express to you how crazy it is for me to be thinking of myself as a "runner".
I crossed the finish line and my official chip time ended up at 2:24:33. My awesome sister in law finished in 2:22:33, so just shortly before me. My amazing hubby finished in 2:33:49...I am so proud of him...he has lost 100 lbs in the last few years and look at him now! He experienced some knee pain in the race which hindered him a little, yet he still finished in a very respectable time.
After the finish line, I picked up my medal (I did tear up a little, but not much, as they were putting it around my neck) and my finisher's shirt. Then I felt it. The coffee from earlier combined with my digestive system going a little nuts after a long run that I went all out for...I had to get to a bathroom, and QUICK! I hopped in line at the nearest one, and it took for.ev.er. I wasn't the only one in that boat, but I seriously thought I might crap my pants. Not that I would have been the first in the history of running. All in all, over the next few hours, I ended up making several bathroom visits like that one.
When I met back up with my husband and sister in law, we made our way over to watch some of the marathon runners finishing and wait for her hubby to come in. Holy man...marathon runners! Incredible. Inspiring. Amazing. I want to do that.
After brother in law came in, we met up with him and chatted, grabbed drinks, and wandered. I ended up buying a Grandma's sweatshirt in a size SMALL (they ran big, but still...whoa). We headed back towards the buses that would shuttle us back to where we needed to go...while we waited, we took some pics.
As the bus started driving, it started raining. Kind of funny to have my first official 1/2 marathon experience capped off my some perfectly timed rain. My hubby and I eventually got home, and by that evening I was STARVING. I ordered a pizza and enjoyed, knowing that I just burned off 1500 calories and some pizza wasn't going to do all that much damage. Though even if I thought it would, I am pretty sure I didn't give a shit. I was starving. I ran 13 miles and I did it fast (for me). I deserved some pizza, damnit!!
It was a GREAT experience. I cannot wait for my next 1/2 marathon, September 1st. Training starts Monday. And I can't stop thinking about doing the full Grandma's Marathon next summer. Time will tell. If not, I will definitely be doing the Garry Bjorklund. Just an awesome time all around, and I'm so glad I decided to take the plunge!! Running long distances isn't scary... it's hard work, but a fun and rewarding sort of hard work.
Highly recommend it - it has changed me, and it has changed my life.
Zoo's Flood Relief Effort
So I am from Duluth, which just experienced devastating flooding after we received 10 inches of rain in less than 24 hours. Fortunately, nobody was seriously injured or killed, but there is a lot of damage. Federal aid is hopefully on the way...
But one of the heart string pullers (and main national stories) out of this event is the story of our beloved Lake Superior Zoo. It experienced extreme flash flooding to the point where 2/3 of it was under water, up to 14 ft deep in places. Unfortunately, several animals died in the flood including most of the barnyard animals and a snowy owl. At one point, the seals and polar bear were out of their exhibit. The polar bear was thankfully found right next to it's enclosure and was safely darted and brought to safety. The seals were also found safe and sound, although one ended up on nearby Grand Avenue. Thank god somebody found it and stayed with it so that it wouldn't get hit by a car until authorities/zoo officials arrived.
Anyhow, this zoo has just recently been getting back on it's feet after a few years of financial struggles. It just got its accreditation back, it has been adding new animals and making improvements. This flood is devastating...I am not sure how it is going to recover, but I (and everyone else in the area) will be damned if we will lose it without a fight. Below is a link to donate to our awesome little zoo. Just trying to spread it around wherever I can, every little bit helps. I know personally this zoo means a lot to me, it's the only one in the area and my family and I have an annual membership each year, as my kids enjoy it so much and we are only 5 minutes away.
Zoo's Flood Relief Effort
But one of the heart string pullers (and main national stories) out of this event is the story of our beloved Lake Superior Zoo. It experienced extreme flash flooding to the point where 2/3 of it was under water, up to 14 ft deep in places. Unfortunately, several animals died in the flood including most of the barnyard animals and a snowy owl. At one point, the seals and polar bear were out of their exhibit. The polar bear was thankfully found right next to it's enclosure and was safely darted and brought to safety. The seals were also found safe and sound, although one ended up on nearby Grand Avenue. Thank god somebody found it and stayed with it so that it wouldn't get hit by a car until authorities/zoo officials arrived.
Anyhow, this zoo has just recently been getting back on it's feet after a few years of financial struggles. It just got its accreditation back, it has been adding new animals and making improvements. This flood is devastating...I am not sure how it is going to recover, but I (and everyone else in the area) will be damned if we will lose it without a fight. Below is a link to donate to our awesome little zoo. Just trying to spread it around wherever I can, every little bit helps. I know personally this zoo means a lot to me, it's the only one in the area and my family and I have an annual membership each year, as my kids enjoy it so much and we are only 5 minutes away.
Zoo's Flood Relief Effort
Selasa, 19 Juni 2012
From fearful and fat to half marathon...and beyond?
Yeah, the title seems a bit harsh. But it's how I feel, and how I perceive it.
I completed a half marathon, and I did it in 2:24:33 - well under my goal time of 2:30. This, even despite the high humidity and doubt that set into my mind the night before. To be honest, I had even mentally prepared myself for moving my goal back to 2:40. I figured 2:30 was just too lofty. Turns out, it wasn't.
(Note: I will do a race recap sometime in the near future, perhaps this weekend).
Last year at this time, I had just done my first 5k and laughed at people who suggested "next year, we should do a half marathon". Then the idea grew on me, I felt stronger and stronger, and decided to go for it, all the while saying "a half marathon will be it for me, I have no desire to go further than that".
Famous last words.
Here I sit, still fresh off of my very first half marathon. I'm still a little sore. But it was amazing, and I can't wait for the next one I have planned in September.
But something inside me is nagging at me....*Marathon. 26.2 miles. Marathon. 26.2 miles* ...
Could I seriously be contemplating a full marathon in my future? It seems absolutely ridiculous. Seriously. So ridiculous it's almost comical. And the time commitment...oh dear the time commitment. I work full time, I'm in grad school, and I have 2 little kids. Really - is adding MARATHON TRAINING to the list, a smart idea? Yet I can't stop thinking about it. I love the idea of how strong my body can become while training for a full marathon. The accomplishment and pride I will feel when crossing the finish line. The incredible journey I have been on during this path to good health and fitness. How far I've come. The reaction from people who knew the "old" me when they find out that I run marathons. The amazing support from other runners and spectators at these races. It's just all so awesome to me. I want to take it up a notch, I want to complete a full marathon. I have time to think about it. It's not happening in 2012, that is for sure. But I'm thinking next summer.
Am I nuts?!!
I completed a half marathon, and I did it in 2:24:33 - well under my goal time of 2:30. This, even despite the high humidity and doubt that set into my mind the night before. To be honest, I had even mentally prepared myself for moving my goal back to 2:40. I figured 2:30 was just too lofty. Turns out, it wasn't.
(Note: I will do a race recap sometime in the near future, perhaps this weekend).
Last year at this time, I had just done my first 5k and laughed at people who suggested "next year, we should do a half marathon". Then the idea grew on me, I felt stronger and stronger, and decided to go for it, all the while saying "a half marathon will be it for me, I have no desire to go further than that".
Famous last words.
Here I sit, still fresh off of my very first half marathon. I'm still a little sore. But it was amazing, and I can't wait for the next one I have planned in September.
But something inside me is nagging at me....*Marathon. 26.2 miles. Marathon. 26.2 miles* ...
Could I seriously be contemplating a full marathon in my future? It seems absolutely ridiculous. Seriously. So ridiculous it's almost comical. And the time commitment...oh dear the time commitment. I work full time, I'm in grad school, and I have 2 little kids. Really - is adding MARATHON TRAINING to the list, a smart idea? Yet I can't stop thinking about it. I love the idea of how strong my body can become while training for a full marathon. The accomplishment and pride I will feel when crossing the finish line. The incredible journey I have been on during this path to good health and fitness. How far I've come. The reaction from people who knew the "old" me when they find out that I run marathons. The amazing support from other runners and spectators at these races. It's just all so awesome to me. I want to take it up a notch, I want to complete a full marathon. I have time to think about it. It's not happening in 2012, that is for sure. But I'm thinking next summer.
Am I nuts?!!
Jumat, 15 Juni 2012
74.9
I couldn't sneak out a full 75 lbs lost this week...instead I got 74.9.
I weighed in at 152.1.
I'll take it!
Tomorrow, I run.
I weighed in at 152.1.
I'll take it!
Tomorrow, I run.
Rabu, 13 Juni 2012
Running shoes
So I've been experiencing an "off" feeling in my left knee lately when I run. It has been worrying me but I've been hopeful that it would be okay.
Last night I jumped on the treadmill for a nice easy 2 miler (per my training schedule). I noticed my right knee was starting to feel off as well, and at about 1.5 miles in I wondered, could it be my shoes? They aren't all that old but I suppose depending on the shoe and the way I run, something could be going on. So I switched into another pair of running shoes - the ones I was using before I bought my current ones (and really they were fine, I just got new ones because they were cute and comfy and someone was buying as a gift). Right away it seemed to make a difference. It didn't feel 100%, but changing my shoes made enough difference that I'm thinking I found the problem. I'm going to do my 2 remaining easy runs this week in the other shoes to see if my knee continues to feel better.
They do say not to wear new shoes before a race, but these aren't really new. They feel like old friends to my feet, so I'm not worried at all about switching so late in the game. I probably even did a few training runs in them at some point.
Countdown! 3 full days left!
Last night I jumped on the treadmill for a nice easy 2 miler (per my training schedule). I noticed my right knee was starting to feel off as well, and at about 1.5 miles in I wondered, could it be my shoes? They aren't all that old but I suppose depending on the shoe and the way I run, something could be going on. So I switched into another pair of running shoes - the ones I was using before I bought my current ones (and really they were fine, I just got new ones because they were cute and comfy and someone was buying as a gift). Right away it seemed to make a difference. It didn't feel 100%, but changing my shoes made enough difference that I'm thinking I found the problem. I'm going to do my 2 remaining easy runs this week in the other shoes to see if my knee continues to feel better.
They do say not to wear new shoes before a race, but these aren't really new. They feel like old friends to my feet, so I'm not worried at all about switching so late in the game. I probably even did a few training runs in them at some point.
Countdown! 3 full days left!
Selasa, 12 Juni 2012
Weekends
I totally have to get the weekends under control. I need to find a happy medium between allowing myself some wiggle room and going all out nuts.
This past weekend could have been worse, but it was not good. Ice cream cake, a big juicy Steakhouse burger and fries, huge breakfast, lots of high calorie drinks.... I'm all about indulging a little on weekends because it keeps me sane during the week, but there has got to be a line somewhere so that I don't spend 3 of the next 5 days trying to lose the weight I gained over the weekend. It's ridiculous really, and it's a pattern I seem to have gotten into - so my newest goal is that I would like to limit myself to one or two main "cheat" meals (or a night of drinks instead of a cheat meal) each weekend - but not a whole "cheat" weekend.
It would be so easy to just give up. Finding the right balance sucks and it's hard. I have to hang in there though - I'm getting so close to my goal. Then things will get even harder...maintenance - so scary.
This past weekend could have been worse, but it was not good. Ice cream cake, a big juicy Steakhouse burger and fries, huge breakfast, lots of high calorie drinks.... I'm all about indulging a little on weekends because it keeps me sane during the week, but there has got to be a line somewhere so that I don't spend 3 of the next 5 days trying to lose the weight I gained over the weekend. It's ridiculous really, and it's a pattern I seem to have gotten into - so my newest goal is that I would like to limit myself to one or two main "cheat" meals (or a night of drinks instead of a cheat meal) each weekend - but not a whole "cheat" weekend.
It would be so easy to just give up. Finding the right balance sucks and it's hard. I have to hang in there though - I'm getting so close to my goal. Then things will get even harder...maintenance - so scary.
Jumat, 08 Juni 2012
Normal.
Yes. I did it. After all this time. I started in January 2011 and here it is, June 2012...and I can FINALLY say that my weight is in a "normal" range. Not obese, or overweight. Just normal. At least per my Wii Fit. Which is good enough for me, and I don't think too far off most height/weight ratio charts.
I am normal. I am normal. I am NORMAL? It seems so foreign for me to be saying or thinking in regards to my weight. Don't get me wrong, I still have a little left to lose. I've got a good amount of excess on my tummy, mostly accumulated around and below my belly button area. It sucks especially with the vertical c-sec scar there to mess everything all up even more.
But holy CRAP does it feel amazing to think that I am not technically overweight. Just barely, but still. I'll take it. It feels good. And damnit I worked hard for it.
Oh - you might notice I changed my ticker at the top. I decided my new goal is 140 instead of 150. I was able to re-evaluate. I asked for a second opinion to make sure I wasn't seeing myself through crazy eyes. And I think 140 might be the number to shoot for. That is pretty much in the middle of the range I "should" be in. And so...14 more lbs left.
BRING. IT. ON!
I am normal. I am normal. I am NORMAL? It seems so foreign for me to be saying or thinking in regards to my weight. Don't get me wrong, I still have a little left to lose. I've got a good amount of excess on my tummy, mostly accumulated around and below my belly button area. It sucks especially with the vertical c-sec scar there to mess everything all up even more.
But holy CRAP does it feel amazing to think that I am not technically overweight. Just barely, but still. I'll take it. It feels good. And damnit I worked hard for it.
Oh - you might notice I changed my ticker at the top. I decided my new goal is 140 instead of 150. I was able to re-evaluate. I asked for a second opinion to make sure I wasn't seeing myself through crazy eyes. And I think 140 might be the number to shoot for. That is pretty much in the middle of the range I "should" be in. And so...14 more lbs left.
BRING. IT. ON!
Rabu, 06 Juni 2012
I'm that nerdy girl
It's not uncommon for people to shed a tear or two after finishing an event such as a marathon, half marathon...even a 5k, right?
What about when you on a training run? I was in the middle of my training run this past weekend and began to visualize the fact that I would be a half-marathoner....and the tears started to well up in my eyes.
Growing up, if anybody had told me I would be a runner one day and actually complete a half marathon...I wouldn't have laughed. I would have been very hurt that somebody would make fun of me that way with that sort of sarcasm. I would have literally assumed they were saying something THAT ridiculous to make fun of me and figured they were being mean. Then last year, the day of my first 5k ever, it was said that I could think about "doing a half next year". I laughed and did NOT think that would ever happen...
But here I am. 10 days away from my first half marathon. And during my last long training run, I thought about finishing and how amazing it will feel considering where I came from. And I cried.
It is official. I am going to be a blubbering fool when I actually cross the finish line.
What about when you on a training run? I was in the middle of my training run this past weekend and began to visualize the fact that I would be a half-marathoner....and the tears started to well up in my eyes.
Growing up, if anybody had told me I would be a runner one day and actually complete a half marathon...I wouldn't have laughed. I would have been very hurt that somebody would make fun of me that way with that sort of sarcasm. I would have literally assumed they were saying something THAT ridiculous to make fun of me and figured they were being mean. Then last year, the day of my first 5k ever, it was said that I could think about "doing a half next year". I laughed and did NOT think that would ever happen...
But here I am. 10 days away from my first half marathon. And during my last long training run, I thought about finishing and how amazing it will feel considering where I came from. And I cried.
It is official. I am going to be a blubbering fool when I actually cross the finish line.
Clubbin, a bum run, and HAPPY NATIONAL RUNNING DAY!
Who am I? What has been done with the "old" me?
I was thinking the other day that my area needs a mom's running club. My sister in law belongs to one in her area and she just loves it. I turned my sights on Google, and found Moms RUN This Town, a (free) nation wide running club with "chapters" in over 140 locations and quickly growing. I searched my city, and it said there were members waiting to join, but a leader needed - and I figured, why not? I submitted the leadership form and here I am - leader (along with one other person, actually, but that's a long story that probably has a happy ending as I am so busy and the group is growing pretty rapidly). I am excited to see what we can make this into and we already have 20+ members, all with different experience levels and comfort levels. It's going to be FUN! If you are one of my actual FB friends or know me IRL, and live in or near the area, and have kids (pets count too) - join us!
On to my bum run. UGH. What a crapper. I went out yesterday, it was a beautiful day....started running....and my knees were giving me grief. It's not so much that they hurt or felt injured, but they just felt off somehow. Loose? Swollen? I'm not sure, but I am hoping it is due to some crazy fluid retention I have going on right now (hate being a woman). Before my run, I noticed my ankles were a little swollen, so its very possibly my knees were too and it was just too much for them to handle when I tried to take off running. I completed a little more than a mile, hung my tail between my legs, and headed back. Yes that is kind of dramatic but I was really bummed. It is the first run where I have been unable to complete the distance I set out to do (which in this case was 5 miles) and even had to WALK back. However, I figured better safe than sorry, especially this close to the 1/2.
I KNOW what I would tell somebody else if they had this experience. I would say "don't let it get you down...everyone has bad days...let it go and be positive for your next run". So I am trying to take that advice - but obviously that is easier said than done. I hope to get out for a 3 mile run tomorrow and am crossing my fingers that it goes a little better.
Oh and finally...HAPPY NATIONAL RUNNING DAY!!!!!
I was thinking the other day that my area needs a mom's running club. My sister in law belongs to one in her area and she just loves it. I turned my sights on Google, and found Moms RUN This Town, a (free) nation wide running club with "chapters" in over 140 locations and quickly growing. I searched my city, and it said there were members waiting to join, but a leader needed - and I figured, why not? I submitted the leadership form and here I am - leader (along with one other person, actually, but that's a long story that probably has a happy ending as I am so busy and the group is growing pretty rapidly). I am excited to see what we can make this into and we already have 20+ members, all with different experience levels and comfort levels. It's going to be FUN! If you are one of my actual FB friends or know me IRL, and live in or near the area, and have kids (pets count too) - join us!
On to my bum run. UGH. What a crapper. I went out yesterday, it was a beautiful day....started running....and my knees were giving me grief. It's not so much that they hurt or felt injured, but they just felt off somehow. Loose? Swollen? I'm not sure, but I am hoping it is due to some crazy fluid retention I have going on right now (hate being a woman). Before my run, I noticed my ankles were a little swollen, so its very possibly my knees were too and it was just too much for them to handle when I tried to take off running. I completed a little more than a mile, hung my tail between my legs, and headed back. Yes that is kind of dramatic but I was really bummed. It is the first run where I have been unable to complete the distance I set out to do (which in this case was 5 miles) and even had to WALK back. However, I figured better safe than sorry, especially this close to the 1/2.
I KNOW what I would tell somebody else if they had this experience. I would say "don't let it get you down...everyone has bad days...let it go and be positive for your next run". So I am trying to take that advice - but obviously that is easier said than done. I hope to get out for a 3 mile run tomorrow and am crossing my fingers that it goes a little better.
Oh and finally...HAPPY NATIONAL RUNNING DAY!!!!!
Selasa, 05 Juni 2012
So, so bad
I always gain over the weekend. Surely it's mostly water weight, but it's just the way it is.
Then starting Monday I get back on track and it goes all away by Wednesday and then some.
Not this week! Yesterday was Monday and I totally ate a way too big bowl of wild rice hot dish. And drank diet coke which I also normally don't do during the week because it bloats me right up.
So for my unofficial weigh in this morning, I was up a little more even from yesterday. Crap! Was it worth it?
Actually I'm not sure. But oops. I need to do better today. Luckily the wild rice hot dish is now gone. *Phew*.
Then starting Monday I get back on track and it goes all away by Wednesday and then some.
Not this week! Yesterday was Monday and I totally ate a way too big bowl of wild rice hot dish. And drank diet coke which I also normally don't do during the week because it bloats me right up.
So for my unofficial weigh in this morning, I was up a little more even from yesterday. Crap! Was it worth it?
Actually I'm not sure. But oops. I need to do better today. Luckily the wild rice hot dish is now gone. *Phew*.
Senin, 04 Juni 2012
Why yes, I CAN run a half marathon
Saturday was my final long run of training for the half marathon, which is now less than 2 weeks away. I completed 12 miles, without stopping, in 2 hours, 19 minutes, 1 second. (DAMN that second!). My average pace was 11:35, which I am happy with. My ultimate goal for this half marathon (other than to finish on 2 feet instead of all fours) is 2.5 hours. I am right there during training...SO close...it's going to be tight. We'll see.
All I know is that the last 1/2 mile was TOUGH. I was dragging for sure. I am not sure how much of that was physical and how much mental...definitely a mix of both.
Even if I don't make my time goal of 2.5 hours for the half, I need to remember to be happy with what I will have done. A half marathon! ME?! I just wish I could adequately express how completely nuts that seems.
All I know is that the last 1/2 mile was TOUGH. I was dragging for sure. I am not sure how much of that was physical and how much mental...definitely a mix of both.
Even if I don't make my time goal of 2.5 hours for the half, I need to remember to be happy with what I will have done. A half marathon! ME?! I just wish I could adequately express how completely nuts that seems.
Minggu, 03 Juni 2012
Jumat, 01 Juni 2012
I just made 70 my BITCH
That's right. 70 lbs is my bitch.
Weight this morning was 156.3. That is 70.7 lbs down from my original starting weight of 227.
My goal, when I started this blog, was 77 lbs. Holy crap. I'm that close?
Best of all, I am literally less than 1 lb away (per Wii Fit and lots of "height/weight charts found online) from a "normal" range for my height. This makes me so happy I want to cry. Honestly, I don't think I've been in a normal range since I was 8 or before. I was always overweight. ALWAYS. I grew up that way, suffered through my teenage years that way, and have battled this for as long as I can remember. I was only "overweight" up until my twenties...which is when my weight started yo yo-ing between overweight and obese territory. So the fact that I am about to break through into "normal" territory....and I've done it in a sustainable way...well it is pretty damn spectacular.
Last night I went for a 10k (6.2 mile) run on the Lake Walk. It felt pretty good, so were still in business to complete the half marathon coming up. Last night was probably the longest run, besides 12 miles this weekend (omg I hope I don't fall over), that I will do before the race. Next week, I plan on doing two days of 4 milers. Next weekend I am only scheduled for a 5 miler. The following week, all I'm supposed to do per my schedule is easy runs, like 20 minutes or something.
I can handle that!
So last night I was doing a bit of evaluation with the help of my hubby and a promise that nothing he said would be held against him in any form. We determined that I have a lot of skin, which I won't be able to do anything about, but also still another 10-20 lbs I should be able to lose without being nuts or looking like a starving person. I'm talking just pure excess fat that is still hanging around my middle. My initial goal here was 150, but I always said I would re-evaluate. I think my first goal after 150 will be 145. Then another re-evaluation. I've never been this low, it's new territory for me...so I'm not sure how much effect 5 lbs has on a person my size? So I will take it slowly to make sure I don't start looking weird. lol
Finally I leave you with another inspirational quote, courtesy of Pinterest:
Weight this morning was 156.3. That is 70.7 lbs down from my original starting weight of 227.
My goal, when I started this blog, was 77 lbs. Holy crap. I'm that close?
Best of all, I am literally less than 1 lb away (per Wii Fit and lots of "height/weight charts found online) from a "normal" range for my height. This makes me so happy I want to cry. Honestly, I don't think I've been in a normal range since I was 8 or before. I was always overweight. ALWAYS. I grew up that way, suffered through my teenage years that way, and have battled this for as long as I can remember. I was only "overweight" up until my twenties...which is when my weight started yo yo-ing between overweight and obese territory. So the fact that I am about to break through into "normal" territory....and I've done it in a sustainable way...well it is pretty damn spectacular.
Last night I went for a 10k (6.2 mile) run on the Lake Walk. It felt pretty good, so were still in business to complete the half marathon coming up. Last night was probably the longest run, besides 12 miles this weekend (omg I hope I don't fall over), that I will do before the race. Next week, I plan on doing two days of 4 milers. Next weekend I am only scheduled for a 5 miler. The following week, all I'm supposed to do per my schedule is easy runs, like 20 minutes or something.
I can handle that!
So last night I was doing a bit of evaluation with the help of my hubby and a promise that nothing he said would be held against him in any form. We determined that I have a lot of skin, which I won't be able to do anything about, but also still another 10-20 lbs I should be able to lose without being nuts or looking like a starving person. I'm talking just pure excess fat that is still hanging around my middle. My initial goal here was 150, but I always said I would re-evaluate. I think my first goal after 150 will be 145. Then another re-evaluation. I've never been this low, it's new territory for me...so I'm not sure how much effect 5 lbs has on a person my size? So I will take it slowly to make sure I don't start looking weird. lol
Finally I leave you with another inspirational quote, courtesy of Pinterest:
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