What doesn't kill you...

Makes you stronger.  The Kelly Clarkson song Stronger, while is not about being this kind of strong, fits completely. " What doesn't kill you makes you stronger/ Stand a little taller/ Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone/ What doesn't kill you makes you fighter" So, today, 2 days later I am finally feeling the affects of the steps.  I am not complaining, it actually feels good to know that something is working on making me a better, stronger runner.   I found this picture today, and thought it was perfect..

http://www.positivequotes.us/

I will have to remember that when I hit the steps again next week.  I know that these steps will help me in the long run and while I was disappointed I couldn't run all of the steps 10 times, I did take that first step and I did run them 10 times. That is huge for me. And crazy me, is looking forward to doing it again next week. I had every intention of going to the gym this morning, but Makayla had other plans. I went to kiss her goodbye and she said "Hi, Mommy!" She wanted nothing to do with me leaving so instead I just held her and we nuzzled and hung out. I made breakfast, she wanted breakfast. She wanted my cereal with milk, so I gave her cereal with milk.  I have to say, I really enjoyed the time we got to spend together this morning even though it meant I didn't get to go to the gym. I am sure there are going to be days when she wants nothing to do with me, so I will hold onto these moments forever.  While I am hoping the pain in my calves is only temporary, since I have a 5K tomorrow. It is the Quiet Valley Rooster Run. From what I read, it is mixed terrain and cross country. I have no idea what to expect tomorrow, but with a name like Quiet Valley Rooster Run, it has to be fun right. Stick around tomorrow, I will sure to tell you all about it.

Speaking of tomorrow, my sister J and her family is coming in from Chicago tonight, er um tomorrow for the weekend. I am finally going to meet my month old nephew for the first time. I am sure the kids are going to be up to no good, and I cannot wait! Have a great Friday!

Happy July 1!

I cannot believe that it is July 1st already! Where has this year gone?!?! This morning I woke up early (well late for me 6am) and decided I wanted to start my day off right with a run. I ran 2 miles and it felt great! I am so excited about how PT might have helped me, but I also know I need to take it slow. I am looking forward to my run on Wednesday, it will be a 4 miler, and I know I will be ready. But, that is not why I am writing. Well, it is, but there will be a blog post about that race. I digress, my revelation for today, Wednesday will be my 6th race of the year, that means that Wednesday I will have run exactly double the number of races as last year! I am so excited to see how many I will run by the end of the year. I need to start running with my phone so that I can take photos to document some things from my run, but the scenary out on the roads is not as scenic as other places.
Oh, today continues my journey of gluten and dairy milk free. I feel like it has helped a lot with the bloating (sorry TMI) and I think it is making me eat cleaner and fresher. I will let you know how this journey continues.

So today, on the 1st of July, enjoy yourself. We will probably be spending much of the day by the pool, hanging out with some friends. I will make sure to get lots of photos! Hope no matter what you do you stay hydrated and cool.
Have fun and be safe!

Today...

Was the start of something beautiful. I went for a run and it felt great! It was only 2 miles, as I know I have to take it easy to get myself back into shape and ease my muscles back into running again. But I did it.

And then I found this, and remembered why I started. This sign was perfect, and wish I knew a website where I could make this sign a real sign.
But, I am going to go, I need to get some sleep...430 will come way too soon.
Happy Thursday

Never thought I would be writing this...

In 6 days is my first half marathon. I have trained for 12 weeks for this. How quick the time as gone. I am still in awe with how far I have come since September.  When I starting running in September we were on our family vacation at the beach. I thought I was going to run just for exercise, then just for a 5K. And, here I am less than a week away from my first half. 13.1 miles! Holy crap! People have probably been thinking that I was joking about the freak outs beginning, but oh, no, I was not. I am completely flipping out. Yes, I know it is just another race, but it is so much more to me. I wish I could put it into words, but how do you sum it up?!?  I have a feeling that there are going to be a lot of emotions on that day. So many, that I already have my race day outfit picked out.  I will be wearing my red BCR tank, a black running skirt and some red hair bling from the awesome people at SparklySoul. I gotta have some bling. This week is my taper week. I am looking forward to it, to enjoy life a little slower this week. Today was a stretch day, which, I do anyway, but I also took it for time to paint my toe nails.  (Hoping by the time I am finished writing this I will have a picture, if not, later). Tomorrow is a 4 mile day, and on Thursday, it's 2 miles. I CANNOT remember the last time I ran only 2 miles. Look at that, me calling it ONLY 2 miles. WOW! Anyway, here is some race information for those that are reading this that want to come to the St Luke's Half Marathon....

DATE – Sunday, April 29, 2012
START TIME – 8:10 a.m.
RACE START LOCATION
Allen High School
126 North 17th St.
Allentown, PA
FIELD LIMIT – 4,000

For spectators...

Spectator Buses
All buses taking spectators to viewing points: 15th St & Martin Luther King and the Covered Bridge in Lehigh Parkway. Buses will load spectators in front of Allen High on 17th Street. All buses will run continually throughout the race.
Getting Back to Hotel or Parking Lot
At the end of the race, buses will be available at J. Birney Crum Stadium (race finish) to shuttle runners and spectators back to the Holiday Inn Allentown Center City, Wingate, Comfort Suites, Holiday Inn, and Howard Johnsons with a first stop at the Fairgrounds parking lot for those who drove.

There are many good locations to cheer along the half marathon route. We offer spectator buses which will take your family and friends to the intersection of 15th St. & Martin Luther King Blvd. and the Covered Bridge in Lehigh Parkway. Buses will load spectators in front of Allen High School on 17th Street. All buses will run continually throughout the race.
Buses are free for spectators. Please understand that as per the bus company’s regulations, we cannot allow dogs onto the buses.

Starting Area

Runners will be escorted from the Allen High School gymnasium and assembled outside along Turner Street according to your starting time. Runners will then be lead to the starting line along Linden Street. The 5k runners will line up first and start their race at 8:00 am. Once the last runners leaves the starting area the half marathoners will line up.
There will be three starting corrals grouped according to your bib color: Corral 1 (Green Bib) is for anyone planning to run a predicted finish time under 1:49:59. Corral 2 (Yellow Bib) is for a predicted finish time between 1:50 to 1:59:59. Corral 3 (Blue Bib) is for a predicted finish time of 2:00 and aboveI am Corral 3!

Don't know what you will do for 2.5 hours? Check this out...there are live bands at every mile of the half marathon.

Thanks for being a part of this...see you at the finish...in hopefully 2.5 hours!

Gifts

Who doesn't love getting gifts? I know I love them. So when I got 2 gifts in one week, I felt like the luckiest person alive. I started running with a running club thanks to one of the nurse's I work with at work. I really admire her, and because I don't have her permission to use her name, I won't. Anyway, she had her first half marathon almost a week ago. Anyway, being an athlete in high school, I really appreciated the support that my fellow soccer players gave me with the decorating of my locker and everything. So, for her first half, I just made her a little locker sign to let her know that she had support, and hopefully to give her some encouragement in case she needed it. I did it because it is because of her that I run with my running club (some who I hope I am becoming friends with).  It is because of her that I fell in love with running.  Anyway, the other day, she gave me something, and I was flattered. She gave me a gift for support her. I wasn't even expecting it.

I don't even know what it is about this magnet, but I love it so! I was trying to win one on facebook by just going to a website, but instead I won one because I am friends with this said person. To me, that is a bigger win! Then, when I came home from work, I had a package waiting for me. It had a Colorado address, so I was intrigued to see who it was from. Inside it where these awesome things...

I have never heard of this ointment before, but let me just tell you, it took the sting right out of my chafing. I am going to use the samples up, and then really look into using this as an antichafe barrier.

I have never had Larabar before, so I was intrigued by these little things. Well, there were 3 when I got them, but I jumped right at the chance to try Cherry Pie. It wasn't screaming Cherry Pie when I ate it, but it was great! I can't wait to try these other bars!

The odd thing about this gift, is during my run, the day before I got this package, is that I was wondering if there were special socks I should look into wearing.. low and behold these were in it...

I think the coolest thing about these socks is that they are speciality made for a right and left foot! No more it doesn't matter what foot you wear it on. I am planning on wearing them on my run today, I will let you know how it goes. (The sock wearing and the run too!)

It also came with this little note...

So, you are probably wondering who sent me this mystery package. As you may or may not remember, I won a chance to run a race with a superstar athlete. Her name is Sarah Stanley, and you can visit her website here.  I entered to win her 12x12 contest, where she is running 12 races with 12 people to help them finish. Of course, I chose my half marathon, I figured all the help I can get to finish it will mean a lot to me.  I know she is busy getting ready for her own personal races, and even an upcoming race for a fellow 12x12er this weekend, that I never expected to get anything. Now that I did, it has helped recharge me for the training, and getting me even more excited about my upcoming half marathon.

And because my blog is not complete without pictures of my wee one...

Happy Tuesday!

 What are you doing to stay inspired? What have you done to help others cross that finish line?

Differences...



Here is a photo of myself when I began my exercise and weight loss adventure back in Sep



Here is a photo of myself last weekend.

Looking at this right now is one of the first times that I can say I see a difference in my appearance. I guess the running and going to the gym is paying off. I can't wait to see what other changes I undergo. thank you for your support. I hope to always make you proud.

Fitness Goals...

As you know, I have starting grabbing the proverbial bull by its horns. 11 weeks ago I started running, I have my first 5K in 2 days. 10 weeks ago I started going to the gym to cross train. On those days I do cardio, upper body, cardio, lower body, and some more cardio.  I didn't think that I would stick to any goal, let alone running and the gym. My work reimburses me when I go to the gym at least 8 times/month. That was originally my goal, just go 8 times/month. Well, after seeing this...

I am rejuvinated and know that it is all worth it! In all, with running, working out and utilizing the program LoseIt, since May I am down 38 pounds! Right now I am one pound from my original goal, but that will be reassessed once I reach that.

As you may or may not know, I also signed up for my first 10K! That is Superbowl Sunday. I am so excited. I never thought I would really enjoy running, and now that I do, I can't get enough. I just might have to change my schedule and instead of having a rest day, I will make tthat another run day so that I am running 4 days a week! Who would have thought I would just say that!

Enough about me, here is a video of Makayla walking away!



Bucket List-Exercise Version

Many people make bucket lists for things they want to do before they die. I want to make a more practical version, for before I turn 50. Yes, I just put that out in writing, even though I know that the time is distant.
Here is my bucket list:
*Run a 5 K ( less than 2 weeks for this one)
* Run a 10 K
*Run a half marathon in 2013
*Run a full marathon before I am 40
*Run 10 5 Ks
*Run 5 10 Ks
*Run the princess Half marathon (aka half marathon in 2013)
*Feel better in my skin
there is my bucket list....for now anyway

Blah

I am feeling kinda blah today, for no reason in particular. I got called into work last night at 1100 to assist with an appendectomy, and got home at 2 so I did get some sleep. I know I have a full week of work and school work so it's not like my schedule changed much. I just can't shake this blah feeling.  Over the weekend I was looking at my loseit.com on my computer (I usually use it on my phone so I don't view the entire site too often). Anyway, when I looked at it I looked at what my goal is, and how far I have come. I know that I have been doing loseit now for a while, but I think I started doing it again faithfully right before our family vacation. I also know that since vacation, I also started a C25K program, and joined the gym at my work, also to help keep me motivated. Well, looking at where I came from...I can say that I have lost 29 pounds since May! While I am proud of that, I know that there is so much more to come off. This starts week 5 of the C25K program, and I am happy to see that I have stuck with something this long.I take it one day at a time. I will post pictures tomorrow, of when I started 5 weeks ago and what I took today. While I don't see a difference, you might. What I can say, is that with all of this weight loss and running, my bras are now 2 cup sizes smaller, and my pants are 3 sizes smaller from May, but 6 sizes smaller than Jan last year. Yes, smaller than before I got pregnant. Here's hoping you are having a good week.

Resolutions...

This year, I decided against making a resolution for New Years. Why? Because I never kept them anyway. So, this year, I have decided to take matters into my own hands. While pregnant, I developed Gestational Diabetes and therefore lost weight while pregnant. Granted, I did gain some weight, but it was monitored and controlled. Just like my eating habits. While I can say that I don't miss pricking my finger, I loved how full I felt when I ate a nutritious well rounded and proportionate meal. I guess I can say that I must have done something right because my daughter is not yet a month old, and I am wearing clothes I haven't worn since my honeymoon and some of those clothes in fact have room in them. While I go to the doctor's next week and get my official weigh in,according to my scale I am down 55 pounds from March. If I keep eating like I did pregnant that means I could be down another potential 55 pounds in another 10 months. (Although I know it will be hrd to lose the next 55 pounds. So here's to eating healthy, exercising any way you know how and becoming the best self you can be. Hears to a New Year and New You!

Workout..

You know what I love about working out...how it makes me feel after it. I might not like it while doing it right now, but I know that will change too. I was never really a runner growing up, but there is something energizing when I see the little numbers on the treadmill slowly change. I feel completely different after running than before I start...it feels like my stress level plummets completely during the race. It's like my body says to me, wait, you don't need this anymore and off it goes. I also know how much healthier I feel after I workout. Yes, I know that I am carrying more weight than I should, but I also know that I have lost 18 pounds since Jan. I try not to focus on that so much, but I know how far I have come, and how much further I want to go. I want to be a healthy weight, healthy by my standards, not society per se. Because quite frankly, I am an athlete, or well once was. There is no way that this 5"3" girl can get down to 115 pounds and not look like I am starving. So, I want to get a lot lighter, but still be healthy. I know I can do it. I gained a workout friend who will keep me motivated because she wants me to keep her motivated. We are going to try to hang out a lot outside of work, and hopefully, the weather will clear up by Thursday so we can go bike riding. Oh, today she said she loves to swim...be still my beating heart. I need.to.swim before camping, besides, I think cross training will do me some good. Anyway, not much else is going on here. Hubs has a job interview tomorrow for another part time job, so fingers crossed here. I work tonight, then am off until Friday night. Looks like the middle of the week will be a "normal" days, that will definitely include working out and eating right. Hope your Monday leads to an excellent week!

Shred Day 5

Today is Day 5 of Shred. But, before I get to that, let me just say how excited I was to wake up to SNOW!!! I took the dogs out at noon, and there was nothing on the ground, but while I was out there I got hit in the face with a snow flake. Needless to say I woke up to snow!
OK, now back to Shred...
5 Days in a row...for me this is a huge accomplishment because I have worked everyday since Wed, so making sure that I have made time for myself, even if it was just the 27:36 that it takes from warm up to cool down, I am still making time for myself. So, what have I noticed...
1- No changes physically yet, although I am hoping to start seeing changes soon
2- This is not a workout that I should do in front of hubs; while I was exercising here is what I had to listen too : Hubs "push it ladies, I want you to feel the burn, burn this skinny b*tch." (Jealous much?)
3- While I haven't noticed a huge change in my endurance, I have noticed that I only had to stop once because my arm weights are really too heavy. Oh, and I HATE, no wait, loathe, jumping jacks. Being a girl with really large tatas, even with the specialized sports bra, they are still uncomfortable, although getting more tolerable.
4- I actually feel hungry sometimes, and for me that is huge. I know that I am an emotional eater, so I am fighting hard to only eat if I am really hungry
5- (this part is gross, so readers beware) I have now remembered how gaseous I am. I am so glad that this is a workout I do at home. Hopefully this will get better..otherwise, maybe I need been-o or gas ex.
6- Hopefully I will be in at least a little better shape by the spring so that I can run and not feel like a tub a lub

30 Day Shred Day 2

Today was day 2 of the 30 Day Shred, or well day 3 if you count the day I did before Thanksgiving. Anyway, I wasn't as sore today as I was last week, nor was I as tired today as when I did the exercises yesterday. No, I am not saying that I am in shape, but I am a shape and I guess from the research I am pear shaped. Today, I took pictures before my workout, which I will keep to myself. In a week, I will take pictures again wearing the same clothes as today to see if there is a difference. I am also thinking about supplementing the 30 Day Shred with WW although I have to do some more research about my job helps pay for that. Anyway, I am looking forward to this daily taking care of myself business, and the next 5 days will be a challenge because I work every one. Well, hope everyone is having a great day. Later alligator!

Today's the first day of the rest of your life..

OK, really, that is a song by Rascal Flatts, but it popped into my head as soon as I got home today. Why you might ask? Well, I keep talking about going to the gym, and right now that is not in the budget for Penguin and me. So,my sister J had given me Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred around the time of my wedding and I promise, no I pinkie swore that I would do this tape. Well, I am sorry to say that I didn't. I had every excuse under the sun, and man, to me they were all good ones. The only one that made the most sense was that I didn't have the right sports bra. Well, J fixed that too. see, she told me about this sports bra company that makes bras for well endowed women. I even got a bra in my favorite color PINK. Anyway, I think I used the sports bra like for a week and then put it away. Out of sight out of mind. Well, last night at work it occurred to me that I don't need a stinking gym to get in shape. I can start with the Jillian video and then see where I feel I need to go next. So, that I what I just got finished doing. I did the level one video and it KICKED MY ARSE FROM HERE TO NEXT WEEK!! No seriously, I am sore in places I didn't know existed. And even better, in exactly a month is Christmas, so if I can do this 20 minute exercise every day for 30 days, maybe I will notice a change in myself by Christmas. I am the hardest critic I have. Even though everyone said I looked beautiful on my wedding day, all I see are the flaws and the what ifs. But, I also know that it is possible for me to get back to that day, and maybe better. See, right now I come home and go right to bed. I don't sleep well, I don't eat correctly, heck, even other body systems were wacky. About a month ago I started taking vitamins and I have started to sleep better. I really think I was lacking vital nutrients just because of my sleep schedule. So I figure maybe if I start exercising I will feel the need to sleep. Penguin starts school in Jan, so he won't be able to still be sleeping when I get home from work. In a way that is a good thing because then nothing will stand between me and working out. I just have to remind myself that it is only 20 minutes a day...what is 20 minutes if it means I feel just a little bit better about myself.
I also started looking up smoothie recipes. If you have any good ones, send them my way. I never eat 3 meals a day, so I know I am not getting enough fruits and vegetables in my diet. Add on the fact that Penguin doesn't eat fruit and only certain vegetables you see where my dilemma is. Anyway, I found this awesome recipe and I am dying to try it. See, I am lactose intolerant, so I only do dairy in small amounts. This recipe calls for Almond Breeze, which sounds amazing and I think would be an awesome change from milk. Anyway, today, before my work out I made a smoothie, and I surprised even myself. Here is my smoothie recipe, which I think I am going to try to make again before I go to work. Again, any recipes send them my way!

Mixed Berry Smoothie
1 cup Lactaid (we have non-fat, although I am sure milk will work as well)
1 cup fresh blue berries
1 cup of frozen mixed berries (some concoction my mom gave us)
6 oz of Yo plait yogurt ( mine was peach)
Put it in a blender and puree. If you don't use frozen fruit you may have to add ice.
It was yummo..although I think the mixed berries had raspberries in it because I kept picking out seeds.