Weekend round up

So, my sister J thought that I should create a blog for my fitness related activities, and leave this one solely for the happenings of M. So, I did just that. Please go to my other blog and follow all my fitness and health related activities. In the meantime... sorry if you follow me on instagram, you have seen this pictures already...

Here, she is flying her airplane around....

Macaroni and cheese is always the best meal

You want me to stop eating just so you can take a picture... yeah right...

I will try to dedicate this blog to everything M and family related. I will try to keep all my fitness related things to PirateBootyFitness,

Have a great week! Hopefully I will be back to post some new photos soon!

Back in the swing...

This week I changed things up around here. Mon, since I had off, I went for a swim. It was nice on my joints, and man, while I thought I was in shape, I realized how not in swimming shape I am. I am looking forward to next Monday when I can swim again. But, I also went to the gym. I did Kacie's arm workout. Man, it kicked my butt. I didn't realize how weak my arms were.  I did know, I just was hoping that it wasn't that bad.  It will be nice to add things to my cross training. So, that is how my week started. I think I will have to look into buying some dumbbells for home, so that on the days I cannot go to the gym I can still get the arm workout in.  I am looking forward to doing it again.  Yesterday, with the downpours of rain, heat and humidity, I didn't get to run.

 It's ok, though, I am currently doing a Sept Ab Challenge on Facebook. It's not too late to join! Today, was a different story. I went to work again early, and as usual, I woke up to do my abs. Took M to my parents, and then went to work. I got off of work at 6, came home, had dinner, and at like 730 I took M with me for a run. We looked for "her moon" her "blue bye bye" and many other things. It was a good distraction on the run. I was determined to run 3 miles, and I did it! It wasn't pretty, and it wasn't easy, but I got it done. I am so surprised with how hard, yet rewarding it is to push her in a stroller, but I wouldn't trade these moments with her for anything.
I have realized many things since I started running, some of these won't be a surprise to you, some might. Some might even give you a better understanding of who I am.
1- Childhood obesity is out of control! Why are there so many children out there who would rather play video games than go outside?!?
2- Have you ever noticed our portion sizes?!? Who needs to eat a meal that is bigger than the plate it is served on?!?
3- Eating healthy is expensive! No wonder people eat unhealthy, it's cheaper!
4- I have realized that I am an emotional/boredom eater. When I am at work, I eat only what I pack, but as soon as I get home, and I get sad, or bored, I eat. I am working on this, but now that I wrote it down, at least I am acknowledging it.
5- I don't know how to cook. So, if you have any recipes for healthy eats, send them my way!

Well, I better go, it's almost 1030. 6 am will get here quickly, and I need to get to sleep. Before that, I want to take some pictures for the app Poshmark, hopefully to sell some of the clothes that don't fit me anymore.

Finally, Welcome to the new SPA sisters! Welcome to the family, we are sure you will love it here!
Have a great night!

What dreams may come...

from pinterest.com

So, as you may recall, this past weekend a friend of mine asked me to help her get running. Well, today was our first run together, and she did awesome! I think she was nervous at first, like I still get before a race.  It was nice. In all honesty, I had no idea what to expect. She told me that she had never run before, so I thought it would be nice if she was able to go a mile. We started with a brisk walk, and then started to run. Slow and steady for 3 minutes...she needed to walk, so we did. 30 seconds later, she wanted to run again, so we did. We did that for a mile. She was so EXCITED!! I asked her if she wanted to go a little further, we continued with the walk/run combo for 1.25 miles. Then we turned back. I didn't want us to get too far out and then realize she wouldn't be able to make it back. I let her dictate how far we went. At 1.25 miles she stated that 3 minutes was too long of a run period, we backed it down to 2 minutes, but kept it at 30 seconds of walking. At 1.5 miles she was beyond happy. She was like I can do this! I knew she can. We continued, and at 2 miles I congratulated her with high fives and hugs! She did it! She didn't even think she could have done it. At the end of 2 miles she stated how much fun she had. How it was fun to have someone to run with. I was so and am so proud of her. She even wants to join the running club on Saturday, I believe I even talked her into doing TheColorRun NJ in Sept, 

from pinterest.com

but not for a time, but just for pure entertainment. I am so excited to do this run! Anyone else wanna join?!?
I have to admit, I really thoroughly enjoyed the 2 mile run with her. It was nice to go out and just run, not worry about time, to spend some time outside of work together while working on getting healthy. It was weird for me to be giving her advice, on strides, on what to wear, to buy bodyglide. I still don't consider myself a runner, is that normal? When did you consider yourself a runner?
Well, I better get to bed, I have steps to do tomorrow. I hope you all had a great day! What did you do to #SweatPink today?

Feelings, nothing more than feelings

     Last week, an awesome thing happened to me. I do believe that everything happens for a reason, and I think that when this thing happened last week,  it was what I needed at the time. The awesome thing was that these awesome ladies over at FitApproach, Jamie and Alyse thought I had what it takes to be a SweatPink Ambassador. I talked about it in my post on Monday, it means that I get to encourage other women to put themselves first and help them reach a healthy goal, whatever that healthy goal is. It is also an opportunity for us Ambassadors to get together and know that there is a group of ladies joined together with something common to continually encourage each other in achieving our goal, no matter what fitness goal that is. Because of this awesome title, I will be going to Bryant Park and we are doing a meet-up of all local SweatPink Ambassadors. I am excited. I have read blogs of some of these women, and they seem awesome. I cannot wait to continue to learn from them and continue to help others achieve whatever fitness goals they have.
   I never considered myself one who would be inspiring others. I sometimes I have doubts in my own mind, that I am doing the right thing. That I AM a runner. On Saturdays, I usually run with a group of friends known as Breakfast Club Runners. If anyone is in the area and wants to run with a group of awesome runners (all abilities, all speeds, all various mileage) please look us up on Facebook and join the fun! Our location changes week to week, and it is always posted by Thursday where we are going. I promise, you won't be disappointed.  The best part of it all, we go to BREAKFAST as a group together!! Even if you aren't local, I recommend that you try to find a running club in your area.  I wish I would have known about this club before I ran my first 5K last November.  Looking back, and moving forward, I recommend to people to run with a group of people for a number of reasons.

1. You will get used to running with someone other than yourself
2. You will get used to running with people faster and slower than yourself
3. You will get used to running with people who are running at you in the same space that you are running
4. You will meet a lot of other runners and these runners can teach you things that they have learned that will help your running.

I always tell people to try it.  Even if they wait until the month before their race, it is important to get used to running with other people.  My first race, I hadn't met BCR yet. I remember standing in the pack of runners almost ready to cry.  I was invading other people's space, they were invading mine. The gun went off and I had to dodge people, go around slower runners, stuff like that, all kinds of stuff that was foreign to me.  I had to learn how to pace myself (I SO TOTALLY BLEW THIS ONE!!) I did not enjoy the experience as I wish I would have. Now, knowing what I do now, I really stress running with others before your race.
  Yesterday, I was asked to pace someone. ME!?!?! I pace my good friend Stef as she is now a running addict, but by pacing her, I am pushing myself, and making me a stronger runner.  I am kinda slower right now than I was in April because I am coming back from an IT Band injury and never thought I would pace an experienced runner from this group and I did just that. I was flattered and humbled all at the same time. I guess my hard work is paying off! Because of pacing, I was able to go the distance I had originally wanted, and didn't let myself settle for a comfort distance. I got to learn more about this person, and I made sure he (HI Frank!) wasn't pushing himself so he can get back to racing.  I know he misses it, and we miss having him at the races.  Later in the day, I received a text from a very good friend of mine.  She is not a runner at all. She will be the first to admit it.  However, last weekend she did the Spartan race, and while she would be the first to admit that she wasn't prepared, she was determined to finish it. AND she did!! She texted me and asked me to help her get ready for a half marathon in 6 weeks.  I texted back saying that I really didn't think that was a good goal.  I told her that it took me 12 weeks to prepare for my half marathon, and that I was already running before I started training.  So I told her that we should pick one in Oct or Nov and that I would try to get her ready for that.  I then also told her that in the meantime we will start doing other races, starting with 5Ks, and build up the races before the half.  I think that it is very important to set realistic goals, and if you don't run at all, going from nothing to 13.1 miles is hard, not impossible, hard, but that doing it in 6 weeks might mean failure.  I do not believe in letting my friends do things that are not realistic.  If I allow that, what kind of friend am I? I am supposed to support them and help them, wouldn't I be doing the opposite of just that if I had let her sign up for a half marathon with inadequate time to train?!?! What did I hope she gained from our conversation...

1. Dream big, but dream realistically.  If you dream you want to do a half marathon, let's do it, but let's make sure we have enough time so that you don't injure yourself
2. Don't rush the process. Rome wasn't built in a day, you can't expect to become a runner overnight.  Good things come to those who wait.
3. Enjoy every moment.  If you don't enjoy what you are doing, you won't do it.  If you don't enjoy running, there is no way you will do it for 3.1 miles, let alone 13.1.
4. Friendship brings people together.  Being some one's friend is awesome. Having them come to you for help is very humbling, but you also sometimes have to be their brain.  Dreams clog their thinking (in a good way) so sometimes you have to take their enthusiasm and just portray it a different way.
5. Don't tell them they cannot do something. Tell them they can, just not to expect instant results. (See #2).

I am very humbled by the support I am getting from my family and friends, and now by the support I am giving them. I never thought I would be one for them to come too for running guidance, and now as a SweatPink Ambassador I believe I will be able to help many others. I needed this "title" if you will. It put the wind back in my sail.  It helped me get rid of the cobwebs of doubt that built up from 6 weeks of not being able to run.  It has helped me love running again, and hopefully, I will be able to help others start running and love running like I do.  If you need any help, know someone who you think would love running or just want me to run a race with you, you know you can always count on me!

copied from Pintrest

Happy Running!

Today is a milestone

Today I will be running in my 6th race of the year. While that is not a lot to some people, it makes me energized! I only did 2 races in all of last year, but, since I only started in Sept that makes sense.  I have no idea how many more I will do this year. Hopefully this race will be my leaping point into my healing and my training for more 1/2 marathons. Instead of doing 3 2 weeks apart, I think for my health benefit I should do 1 a month, that would still give me my 3. But, before I cross that bridge, I have to see how my 4 mile run goes today.
I have never run this race before, it is really close to me, and from running this trail myself, it is really flat. Flat is what I need right now, I was told to embrace hills a little later in my running, which is kinda hard living here, but I do what I can to avoid hills. Hopefully it won't be too hot out, but I will enjoy every moment of this running milestone for me. I know the first half was a HUGE milestone, and running 3 in 3 months will be another one, but today, is a mini milestone and I can't wait until how many more there will be.

Happy Birthday USA! Happy 4th of July to all of you! And no matter what you do, just do it and have fun!

The following message is brought to you by my colon..

If the title didn't get you to leave and you are still here, thank you. Today is day 2 of becoming someone who eats gluten free. No, I don't have celiac disease, but I have noticed that certain wheat products made me feel really bloated and it was uncomfortable. So, I am trying gluten free eating to see if that resolves my bloating. I also have become dairy-free and even have given up my love for Greek yogurt. Yep, you read that right, I gave up my Greek yogurt.  That's ok, I found something even better. I found Amande Yogurt, made from Cultured Almondmilk and I love it! It was sweet at first, but just like any yogurt may take time to enjoy. There aren't many flavors, but the flavors that they do have are good.  Jumping to giving up cow's milk wasn't a big jump for me, I don't really drink milk, and when I do I usually drink Dark Chocolate Almond milk. I even once tried Chocolate Lactaid, but didn't even like it. I will take my Almond milk anyday.  I am not sure if turning away from Gluten products will help boosted my weight loss path (I have been on a stale mate since I haven't been able to run) but right now it is about how I feel, not what the scale says.

Speaking of running...yesterday was my LAST physical therapy session and I was given the go ahead to run again! YESS!!! So, I will be back to it on Thursday, running 2 miles, but it is definitely better than nothing. I am going to take it slow...I don't want to have any setbacks. Today is my last day I am giving myself off from the gym...I go back at that on Friday, toting along my exercises from Physical Therapy and some ab workout. I know it will be great to be back to running. I never really realized how much running has transformed my life and I also never thought I would ever miss it. I have realized both over the past 6 weeks. I am looking forward to getting running and getting moving again. I am even more interested in seeing how going gluten-free will affect my performance and or my weight loss.

And because some of you don't visit my sister's blog, here is a picture she took, that I just love...

And one more.

Happy Wednesday! I hope you find your passion...and run away with it!

Support greatly appreciated...

So, this picture has already made an uproar...

1 year and 57 pounds lighter (2011 on left, 2012 on right)

In a good way. The number of supporters I have has blown me away.  I knew I had acquaintances, but I never knew I had that many FRIENDS! That is certainly what you are to me, friends. I appreciate the support that you guys have shown me, especially now, has re-motivated me to lose the remaining weight that I have to lose. It is hard right now with being down about not running like I used too, but, I am now even more determined to get back into it. Slow and steady wins the race, and I don't need to expect my body to just jump back into where I was with 6 weeks off of no running. That, has been the biggest lesson that I have learned right now. Today, is my last physical therapy session, and I am hoping to have the therapist adjust this session to be ways I can do the exercises at my gym that doesn't have the same machines that they have at the rehab.  I also NEED to get myself back into the swing of the gym.  As much as I love working days, it is requiring me to readjust things, and I just haven't conquered that yet. But, that is my goal for this week...(little steps I promise). A good thing that has come out of all of this, is that my good friend Stef has now raced in her 3rd 5K, just about every other weekend since MayFair 5K, which was her first. Anyway, so far she has gotten stronger and better with every race and is now completely addicted. BUT, on Saturday, I also raced with her, in a race at Skytop Lodge up in the Poconos, and my racing felt good. It felt strong, it felt better than I have felt in a while, so what did I do...I pushed myself. I raced to my second fastest 5K race EVER!! Even with hills, which I walked up (I don't believe I am ready for hills yet) I found my zone and eventually just felt that I could push harder. My time wasn't as good as I hoped (still trying to break 30 mins) but I know I will get there. Then, on Sunday I was supposed to run 7 miles. I NEVER run back to back days, why on earth would I think that I could do it while I was still recovering from an injury?!?! Well, I couldn't do it. I did 5 (which to my healing body was 8 in 2 days) and I felt the effects until this morning. I am going to go to therapy and tell him all of this. That my next run will be Thurs and will only be 2 miles, followed by 4 on Sat. I will rest between my days off, and go to the gym m-w-f and continue to do the squats and crap (yes, I called it crap) that I have to do to make my legs stronger so I can become a stronger runner. I WILL figure out an abs workout so that I can get rid of this stupid pooch and feel like I look like the picture on the right, not how I feel right now (that I still look like the picture on the left). I know that feeling will pass, my clothes size alone should tell me that, but when you hit a stale mate, and you feel that no matter what you are doing nothing is working, you need something to kick start it...your support and "love" over my picture has given me just that. I will continue my weight loss picture, and by December, I am hoping to post another picture.

I hope you all have a happy Tuesday. Get out and run!

What's a girl to do?!?!

Never thought I would have this dilemma, and I think it is kind of awesome to actually have it. How can a dilemma be cool, well, when the dilemma comes to which 1/2 marathon to race I think it's kinda funny that I have so many options.  This is where my dilemma begins...I am already committed to the Runner's World Half Marathon in mid-Oct, ok, no dilemma there. I was thinking about running the Lehigh Valley Via 1/2 Marathon in early Sept, but yesterday at therapy, the Physical Therapist Intern told me about an awesome race in OCNJ the last Sunday in Sept.  That would give me 2 weeks to recover for my next 1/2, which I know is doable, I just don't know if I am physically able to do it. But, that would be an awesome quest for me.  What that also means is I might pass on doing a triathlon this summer (because of the 2 1/2s in within 2 weeks) but add more 5ks and 10ks into the mix. While my life will still go on even if I don't do the 2 1/2 marathons, I don't want to wonder could I either.
Oh, yeah therapy...my physical therapist told me to run 7 miles this weekend...yahoo! It feels so good to be told to just run 7 miles.  So, here's to healing, and 7 miles pain free, and trying to figure out what my plan of running will be.

Happy Thursday!

Running

I am slowly returning to the running world. I ran 5 miles pain free on Sat, and I only have 2 more scheduled visits of physical therapy. Hopefully things are still healing well, I miss running. I will have to figure out how to run before work, although right now getting up at 430 is really early. Looks like it is heating up quickly and running in the afternoon is starting to get not safe.  When I go to my 10 hour shifts, looks like I will be utilizing the jogging stroller, I just hope Makayla enjoys it as well. I will be taking my bike to get serviced, hopefully this weekend, so I can start training for a triathlon. But back to running. Remember when I won the contest to have a professional run any race with me (she ran my half with  me), well part of the requirements were that I was to get friends to run.   Well, since my half, I have introduced running to 2 friends, one of which I believe I got addicted. ;) She loves it so much, she is even already planning a 10K race, and talked about running a half with me. I am currently cheering on 2 more friends who are getting ready to run their first 5Ks and I have another acquaintance, whom I just met, who wants to run 5 miles with me on Sat so she can see how it goes and decide if she wants to run a half with me.  I am humbled by the people who tell me that I inspire them, I just have to find that spark again in me. I am missing running, it is hard to not run, but I also know that I need to do this slowly in order to stay healthy and be able to accomplish all the things on my bucket list for this year. I love how running makes me feel, and right now I am missing those feelings, but I know that as soon as I am cleared to, I will be running at least 3 days a week and that those feelings will get better and I will start too see the weight loss kick back in.  I also have to make sure that while it is awesome to introduce all of these people to running, that I start to push myself, I NEED to get stronger...I have a time goal I need to beat for my next half.

Happy Wednesday! I hope every one has a great hump day!

Back to reality

I don't really know what else to title this. The beautiful weekend is over, and we were greeted with rain on this Monday. What a way to start the week! So, I spent all weekend praying for nice weekend and we got it! I also spent some alone time praying that joining this specific gym is the right choice, and for me it was. So today,went I went to the gym to work out, (still keeping it light, but trying to get back into it and I start physical therapy tomorrow) and of course I knew I wanted to do cardio. When I walked in, I noticed that the movie cardio room had Miracle as the movie of the day. I HAD to go in there. I got so lost in the movie (I LOVE IT!!) that I ended up cycling for an hour! I rode for 10.5 miles...I really only planned on cycling for 20 minutes, but whatever..it still felt good. So, when joining the gym, I also got to sign M up for daycare at the gym, so I can still work a sweat while M gets to "work out" at daycare.

Yesterday, my grandmother's pool was opened. Apparently, I missed the actual opening process because I had to work, but it was opened none the less by the time I got off of work. And who couldn't wait to get in...

She LOVED it! While the water was cold...65 degrees, it couldn't keep my niece Shae it. Had it been warmer both outside and water temp, I am sure that Makayla would have been in it because I am sure she would have made sure that I was in it. I am excited to see what the summer brings us, and what photos my sister R took yesterday, and once I learn how to pack EVERYTHING including the camera for this summer, I can't wait to capture every.single moment.

Happy Monday ya'll!

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?

Race Recap!

Where do I start with this race. The beginning. It was fa-reezing this morning. There was a firepit advertised, but really, it was more like a smoke pit. Lots of people, not a lot of port-a-potties=long lines. Anyway, the race did not start on time, but when it did, at first there was a false-start. (I think they were trying to get us ready for the game tonight) and then we were off. Up a hill...up a long and gradual hill, but a hill none the less. Let me just tell you, for this race, I started at the back of the pack because I didn't want to start off too fast. Do you have any idea how lonely this race was. I understand it was cold, but really there weren't many spectators there to keep you going. Oh, and did I mention we were on roads that were not closed to traffic. Or, did I mention that some random runner right before the race started and the announcement was made that the roads would be open to traffic kindly told me about a runner in Illinois who was hit while running and is in Intensive care? (No, I forgot to tell you, oh wait, DID NOT calm my nerves at all!) Anyway, at the top of the first hill the road curved to the left and up another gradual hill. I believe mile 1 was seemed to be the fastest mile. Anyway, we continued to weave through a neighborhood and before you know it, the fast runners started on their way back while I was trying to just get to the turn around point. Today was my first experience with water stations, and there were 2 of them. Mile 2 had one, and while I believe only a sip of water actually made it into my mouth, it was actually nice to wear some of it. I know mile 3 was only a mile, but it seemed like it took forever to get there, maybe that is because I knew that was the turn around point. Anyway, the turnaround came and went, and then at mile  4 was another water station. This time, I was greedy and took 2 cups, managed more to drink than wear, and then the pain began. Not like injury pain, not like over training pain, just pain. Pain in my feet at the balls of my feet. It went from the balls of my feet to the toes. What do you do at 4 miles, but I pushed it. I also wanted to make sure that I held myself accountable to all those training runs and run sub 11 minute miles. I know that may not seem fast to you, but I have only been running since Sept '11 and my 2 prior 5Ks were run at paces between 11 and 11:30. I knew I could do faster than that, so I made sure each one of my miles was sub 11. Back to the pain. I couldn't get it off of my mind. I tried to change my music, I tried to turn it up. I tried to lose myself in the scenery. NOTHING worked, but I knew I came to far and worked to hard to give up. Fast forward to mile 5. Couldn't have come soon enough! I don't really remember much about that mile, I just know that it was down hill and the pain in my feet was constant now. Somewhere around mile 6, I ran into my friend Jan from work, which helped me keep going, and shortly after that I ran into my friend Roger, from Breakfast Club Runners. Seeing him at the end always helps me through...this time more so than ever! The pain in my feet was so bad, I was near tears, but I knew I had to finish. I crossed the finish like in 1 hour 6 minutes. A time I was happy happy with, but I know, had I been pain free, I might have been able to go faster. After the race, the line to the club house was way too long, and Pizza was on the menu. Who wants greasy pizza after a run? Not this girl. So, I skipped the pizza, went after the drinks instead and grabbed an apple instead.
Will I run this race again, most definitely! I hope they give better post race food next year. Maybe metals for all finishers? Wishful thinking, yes, I know. Hopefully next year, more spectators, warmer weather.
I give this race an A, but post run B+.
Thanks to my running family and Jacobsburg Park for giving me some insane hills! At least I felt equipped to handle them, albeit slowly!

Happy New Year! New You!

As you know, I have been busting my tail with both diet and exercise aspects in my life. With the new year here, I am hoping going to continue what I was doing last year and continue it not just this year, but for as long as my body allows me. In 2010, I ran my first and second 5Ks. In 2011, I plan on running more 5ks, but I am also planning on throwing some 10ks and brace yourself, a half marathon into the mix. Well, I am not worried about the 5Ks (I feel like an old hat), the 10K yeah that worries me, my first one is in February so I will let you know how that goes. Anyway, back to the half marathon. I downloaded Hal Higdon's half marathon training program, if you are interested, you can find it here. So, I have the training plan ready, and now I can't back down. Well, besides the fact that I feel like I will let myself down, I also know that I will let my family down. What you don't know, is that I entered a contest offered by Sarah Stanley. Sarah is "Professional Endurance Athlete & Ultra marathon runner, entrepreneur, health/fitness advocate and speaker." Sarah offered this contest called the 12x12 project, where she will run 12 races with 12 different people. I was chosen to be one of the first 5 people that she will run with. The best part about this is that she will run the race withme at mypace. Click here for more information about the 12x12 project and Sarah Stanley.
Along the journey from now until April, I am hoping to keep you informed of the trip. Will definitely need to look for longer places to run, but am hopefully going to embrace this journey one step, one day at a time.
On a better note, I went to TJ Maxx today and for the first time in 8 years, I can honestly say I enjoyed clothes shopping. I wasn't even planning on going there, but I saw the store and just stopped in. I am enjoying the journey to fitness so far, and today's experience relit the fire. I didn't make it to the gym today, and I cut myself some slack, I needed this shopping trip for me, and I would call today a success.
Back to the grindstone tomorrow, for both the gym and classes.
Hope you all had a great hump day! Many more adventures in the works...please stay tuned.

12 weeks

That is how long ago I started running. 12 weeks ago I looked like this...

Today I look like this...

In just 12 weeks I have lost 21 pounds. I am at my lowest weight since probably about 2001. But it doesn't mean I am going to stop now. After just 12 weeks, I have run my first 5K, and this weekend I will be signing up for another 5K, my first 10K and even my first Half Marathon. Yep, you read that right, my first Half Marathon. I love how it feels to get out and run, but I love what it is doing to my health. I love shopping for smaller size clothes, and while I haven't bought new clothes in 10 weeks, I will probably by a pair of pants or something just to keep me motivated. I never really thought that I would like running, yet keep at it after my original goal of running a 5k. I NEVER imagined that I would be so excited that I would want to run a half marathon. There is something about running. How proud of myself I am after a run is complete. I think back to 12 weeks ago when I couldn't even jog for 30 seconds, and now I run for at least 40 minutes straight. Well, unless you take today when running with a jogging stroller is so much more than I expected. My goal for that right now is to run 2 miles ;) I can't believe that I am that person who has to figure out how the gym or running fits into her day, and if it looks like it won't I hit the gym or run BEFORE I care about anything else. I hope you will all continue to support me as I work my way to a healthier me, and that you will be there cheering for me at my next 5, or at the 10, but even better I hope you are there as I cross the finish line of my first half marathon! Thank you for all of the support you have given me so far. I know without it I wouldn't have accomplished so much. 21 pounds in 12 weeks, and 40 pounds since May. That is a whole lot of me that has left, but I am so happy with the results!

Pre Race Gitters

This is it! This is the day I have been waiting for. No, wait, that will be tomorrow. Today is the eve of the day I have been training for thus far. Tomorrow is my first 5K race! I don't know all the particulars of what people do before the race, but I do know this. My clothes will be picked out tonight, my pre-race meal will be planned tonight. I will have pasta for dinner tonight (possibly lunch too).  I am trying not to let myself get to nervous about the race, I know that I can do it. I have been running 4 miles up to this week, so 3.1 should be easy, but I know how I get. I start to tell myself that I can't do it, that I haven't trained long enough. But, I KNOW I can do this. I know that it is normal to feel nervous about my first race, but I won't let it hold me back. I won't let it keep me from the goal! I can't believe how far I have come in 12 weeks. 12 weeks ago I started the couch to 5k program and could barely run 30 seconds, and now I run 4 miles. Other races are starting to peak on the horizon, and I can't wait to see me conquer those goals as well. Who would have thought that I would be a runner? I can honestly say I never saw this coming. But, I am so glad it did.  You never know what God has planned, but when you are patient and listen to Him, He will allow greatness into your life. I know that I won't win any prizes at my race tomorrow, but the best prize that I can win and will win is FINISHING the 5K and knowing that I put it all on tthe line.

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!