Monday, July 2, 2012

Uneventful : About sums June up...

June was pretty uneventful for me.  I did not log over 5 miles on any of my daily runs.  My total for June was 58.5 miles...pretty low.  It was nice to sit back, relax, and slow down a little.  I felt like I wore myself down in May.

I finished out the month by running The Dirty Girl Mud Run with a group of girls.  I had done the Warrior Dash two years ago and was really looking forward to another mud run.  It was a great time and it felt nice only running a 5K...for fun.  The Warrior Dash was by far a better race, but take a group of girls, add running, and a whole lot of mud and it makes for a good time either way.

I have no races planned for July, but I do need to get my butt in gear and get back in shape for August.  I will be running CRIM number five at the end of the month and I am really hoping to shave a bit of time off of my PR from last year.

Here's to a great July!  Happy Running!

Monday, May 21, 2012

A Fight to Finish

After hearing what the temps were supposed to be, I knew that this race would be one that I would have to fight for.  Two days before the race, when the forecast wasn't changing and the temps were only predicted to be higher, my goals were thrown out the window and my only goal became to finish.  There were many firsts in this race (from start to finish):

First time racing in a tutu. - A couple of weeks ago, I bought some tulle with my birthday money.  I saw a girl racing in a tutu for my half and I really wanted to wear one for Rockford.  I made one and then my Princess wanted one so I made one for her too.  I was a little nervous to wear it to the race, but sucked it up.  I got a lot of attention and compliments and it made it a lot easier for Dan to know where I was.  This was my first time, and it definitely won't be my last!  I plan on wearing one for The CRIM in August!

First time starting "late". - I was standing in the potty line when I heard the race start.  Panic set in among those of us still in line.  Some of the 10K people let me cut and I finally made it up to the potty.  Walking out, I heard, "Last call for marathoners and half marathoners!"  I ran from the potties to the coral to start the race.  It took me about a mile to kinda settle in and get myself out of that panic feeling.

First time running with a pace group. -  Around mile two I caught the 5:00 pace group.  It was a group of really nice people.  Ralph, the pacer, was running a bit behind but his goal was just to be safe.  The 11:30 pace felt really nice in the heat and I decided to slow down and stick with them.  The conversation was fun and it was neat to hear everyones racing stories.  They slowed down a little bit more during some of the hills and before I knew it, I was running with two guys I met in the group.  We decided we would just keep trucking and stay together, the three of us, as long as we could.  We lost Mark around mile 8 and then it was just Carmen and myself until mile 13.  It was a good experience and I could see running without music if I were to run with a pace group again sometime.

First time thinking that I was going to die. - Around mile seventeen I started to feel terrible.  I wasn't in any of the normal pain that I usually feel from running.  My legs felt fine.  My feet felt fine.  It was my head and my stomach.  I felt like I had the flu.  I knew I was getting dangerously close to having to call it quits.  I backed off from running and decided to give myself some time.  If I had to speed walk until the end, I was going to do it.

First time starting my period during a race. - Of all days, it had to be this one.  During mile twenty, the course took us in to this park.  I spotted a bathroom that I decided to stop at.  I filled my fuel bottles with cold water (everything they were handing out was boiling) and went in to the bathroom.  I looked down and I think I swore out loud.  Guess this explains the cramps...for the most part.

First time laying in the grass during the race. - I saw Dan and my Princess again at mile 21.  I layed my head on his shoulder and just cried, wishing he could carry me to the car and take me away.  I composed myself, kissed him, and said goodbye.  I made it another mile down the course (it was a scenic park trail) and had the urge to lay in the grass, under the trees, in the shade...so I did.  I layed there until my back was itchy...until I knew if I layed there any longer that I wouldn't be able to get up.  During mile 22, I would stop two more times at benches and just sit there.  I was feeling so sick.

First time puking during a race, not once, but two times. - The last three miles were absolute torture.  I have never experienced anything like it.  I puked during mile 23, but it was nothing like what was ahead.  During my races, I usually use all of my "alone time" to pray for people and just talk to God.  I prayed for a few people, but the last few miles were just asking Him to give me the strength to keep going.  At mile 25, I came up to a water station.  I was not looking good or feeling good.  I took a cup of water and a cup of Gatorade and tried to drink as much as I could.  I got about .1 of a mile away and started throwing up again...and couldn't stop...to the point where I knelt in the street...I thought it was over.  There were two cops directing traffic who came over.  One of the cops gave me what was left in his water bottle...it was ice cold and tasted so good.  The other cop poured water down my back.  I heard them talking with eachother about calling medical.  While dry heaving in the street, on my knees, I knew I could not quit a mile from the finish.  I told them that I was sure I was okay and that I could suck it up and finish the race.  They said that they would let me go only if I was sure and that if I made it over the hill and felt like I was going to be sick again that I was to turn around and come back.  I agreed, but it my head I was thinking that I just needed to book it over the hill out of their sight...there was no way I was stopping.  I had come too far and been through too much to not make it the last mile.

First time running across the finish with my Princess - I rounded the corner, with tears in my eyes, and spotted Dan and Kait waiting there for me.  Kait was walking toward me and when we met, I held out my hand and she ran with me to the finish line.  It was a terrible race, but in that moment, I was so proud and thought it was my best finish ever.


First time finishing a marathon in over 6 hours. - I really have no idea what my time was.  I stopped my Garmin at mile 23 because I was convinced that I wasn't going to make it.   Nothing (but the tutu) about this race was pretty and at times I was sure that they would find me hours later laying in the grass beside the course.  This was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, but my need to persevere proved stronger.  I finished.  I didn't rock this race, but I did rock my tutu.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

April Recap and a Look Ahead to May

Miles Run - 116

Miles Biked - 118

I am pretty happy with my mileage for the month of April.  I kept pretty busy and the month really flew by.

While I was having problems with my foot, I gave the bike a try and found I really like it.  I rode off most of my baby weight after I had Middle Man...up until I couldn't get the last pesky ten pounds off and then I switched to running.  It was nice to switch things up this month, but still keep on top of my running miles.  I don't know, I may want to give a triathlon a try.

I did great this month with my diet...well, until the last week.  I was crazy hungry and gave in to all the carbs and birthday sweets.  It's going to be really hard to get back on track, but the cake is gone and frankly all the junk has left me feeling pretty crappy.

For the month of May :

I have a Marathon on the horizon.  My goal is to finish under 5 hours...it would be really nice to come in close to my Des Moines time.  Chicago knocked the wind out of my sails and left me with a lot of self doubt...it was such a terrible race.  So, hopefully the weather will cooperate and I will enjoy it.

I need to get back on track with my eating.  Nuff said about that.  Time to get to work.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Celebrating 30 at the Illinois Marathon

On April 28th, I celebrated my 30th birthday by running a half...and I wouldn't have wanted to celebrate any other way.

I got up at 4:45 that morning.  I was a little nervous about catching a shuttle and making my way to the start line by myself, but I was so pumped about my first race of the year.

My breakfast that morning (poor planning on my part) consisted of a brown sugar cinnamon poptart and a banana.  Because I wasn't planning on filling my bottles for my fuel belt, I was drinking water like crazy...which might have been a bit of an overkill.

At around 5:45, I went down and boarded a shuttle to the start line.  I hit the porta-potty (I am practically a pro by now and don't give it a second thought anymore) and followed the sea of people to the starting corals to freeze my butt of waiting for the race to begin.  It was cold and windy, but at least the rain stopped.

I had every intention of joining a pace group, probably right up until that morning.  I guess I decided against it because I felt this race was something I needed to do myself...to prove to myself that I can run by myself and be okay.  But, just in case I wasn't going to be okay, I got in right beside the 10:07 pacer and planned on staying on the outskirts of the group for the first couple of miles just to get comfortable.

It was such a rush crossing that start line.  It was nice being with the pace group at the beginning to keep me from getting too excited and starting out too fast.  I stayed with them until mile two and decided that it was time to run my own race.

At around two and a half miles, I looked and saw my little family standing on the side of the road.  I tried not to get too emotional.  My three kiddos were holding up signs that they made to cheer me on.  It was great to see them and gave me the little boost I needed.  I pictured them many times after that.

Shortly after seeing my family, I had to pee so bad.  After every mile marker, I would check out the porta-potties to see what waiting was like.  I couldn't justify standing in line at mile 3, 4, or 5 to pee.  So, I passed each of those up.  By mile seven, I was uncomfortable and it's all I could think about.  I had to stop.  Luckily, there was no waiting so I took a little pit stop.  This is where I noticed that the skin was pretty much gone on my left inner thigh, thanks to my stupid choice of shorts, which my husband would later inform me of.

It's the last 5K that usually plays a few mind games with me...this race being no exception.  I did a lot of praying and I knew that I had many praying for me.  I wrestled a lot with myself in mile 10 and by the time I was on to mile 11 my heart had won and I kept trucking.

Mile 12 I started to get teary...especially during the approach to the stadium.  The winding seemed to take forever and there was really no way to gain any speed weaving through the corals they had set up for us but I was happy to be so close to the finish.  As soon as I entered the stadium, "Knees to the Earth" came on my ipod and I crossed the finish to the verse couple lines to that song.  It was perfect.

I had so hoped to finish in 2:10 on my birthday, but there was no way that I could be disappointed with my time (and new PR!!!) of 2:12:48.  I was thrilled.  After I got my medal and grabbed a bottle of water, I stood in the stadium, looking around, and taking it all in.  While waiting to meet my family (who was in the stadium and saw me come in and cross the finish line) I sat up in the bleachers watching the other runners come in.  It was a neat experience.

The course was beautiful, flat, and one that I would like to run again.  It was the perfect way to ring in another decade!

Mile By Mile :

Mile 1 - 9:56
Mile 2 - 9:57
Mile 3 - 9:50
Mile 4 - 9:51
Mile 5 - 10:00
Mile 6 - 9:45
Mile 7 - 10:37 (potty break hurt me)
Mile 8 - 9:56
Mile 9 - 9:49
Mile 10 - 10:36 (where I became a headcase :) )
Mile 11 - 10:16
Mile 12 - 10:34 (my thigh was KILLING me!)
Mile 13 - 10:14

Average - 10:06/mile

Highlights of my Race - Seeing my family along the course holding the signs they made, proving to myself that I can keep running when my head is telling me to give up, running in to Memorial Stadium, Looking down and seeing my new PR!

Low points - Wearing tight cotton shorts (I guess it's a big no, no...which my husband failed to tell me before I walked out the door) and scraping off about six inches of the inside of my left thigh...which was pusing and bleeding for two days...now it's just one big scab.

What a way to start the year...couldn't be happier...couldn't be more excited for my upcoming races.

Here's to a great running season...my first season in my 30s!

Ready to run! 


My K with her running sign. 


My Littlest Man with his sign he made. 


Middle Man with his sign. 


Running in to the Stadium...almost there! 


Me with shirt on and my Finisher's Medal!

Happy Running!

Friday, April 13, 2012

Ten

I was up early this morning.  I had trouble falling asleep after getting home from work last night...and then my Middle Man woke me at around 3AM.  At 3:30, I decided that I would head to the gym and hop on the bike for ten.  I finished ten in under 40 minutes and felt like I could go home and go back to sleep...so I did.

After dropping the kids off at school, my husband, my Littlest Man, and I went to the trail.  My husband rode the bike with my Littlest Man on the back while I knocked out 10 miles.  I was determined to finish as close to 1:40 as I could.  Here's a rundown:

Mile #1 - 9:43
Mile #2 - 9:28
Mile #3 - 9:53
Mile #4 - 9:45
Mile #5 - 9:52
Mile #6 - 10:20
Mile #7 - 10:29
Mile #8 - 10:55
Mile #9 - 10:12
Mile #10 - 10:18

Total - 1:40:54  -- average 10:05/mile

My foot started killing me at around 7.5 miles...and I was so thirsty.  I didn't even think to wear my fuel belt and I really wished I had.  I had some serious dry mouth going on.  Other than that, I felt great and was so pleased with my time.  My half marathon is two weeks from tomorrow and I actually feel like I am somewhat ready.  I probably won't run any more long runs until that day...and then it will be time to cram for my full a month later.

I've been starving these last two weeks!  I'm always so hungry when I up my mileage.  I worked out for about three hours today so I had a huge salad with two hard boiled eggs and about a 1/4 cup of cheese on it along with a protein bar this afternoon.  Yum!

I am looking forward to having this weekend off...and hopefully getting in a few more miles tomorrow to finish off my week.

Happy Running!

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Faster

I have always said, I will never be the fastest runner.
I will never run a sub 8 mile.
I will never come in first in any race...
but that doesn't mean that
I can't work at being fast-er.

Yesterday evening, despite my foot, I met my running buddy for a short three miles.  I always seem to do better when someone is beside me.  We started out and it didn't feel fast at all, until I looked down at my watch at mile 1 and we were at 9:11.  I didn't know if I could keep it up, but I told myself just to give it a shot.  My watch went off at mile 2 and we had run that in 9:09.  With a mile left, I knew I could pull it off.  I completed three miles in 27:21...one of my best times yet.

Today, I am giving my foot a break.  Tomorrow, my husband is joining me for another long run.  I'm planning on doing 10 miles and hoping to keep my time as close to 1:40:00 as I can.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Whatcha Eating...


I have tried a few different kinds of protein bars and these are by far my favorite.  I pair one of these with a salad (iceburg, romaine, cucumbers, broccoli, and carrots topped with a low fat dressing) and it's been my usual lunch lately.  These are my three favorite flavors : Chocolate Mint, Fudge Graham, and (most fav) Dark Chocolate Caramel Pecan.

Monday, April 9, 2012

Week in Review

I woke up Friday morning, after very little sleep, and went out for a trail run with my husband.  He biked while I ran.  It was enjoyable for me...but apparently a little boring for him.  I guess that's why he played a few pranks on me...one which caused me to scream and almost jump off the trail...and then laugh so hard that I had to stop and walk for about 20 seconds until I could compose myself.

Mile 11 was a terrible mile for me.  My right foot and knee started to bother me (my foot is still sore today).  I walked off and on that mile.  Here's a rundown on my miles:

mile #1 - 11:02 (warm up)
mile #2 - 10:17
mile #3 - 10:05
mile #4 - 10:01
mile #5 - 10:05
mile #6 - 10:06
mile #7 - 9:49
mile #8 - 10:20
mile #9 - 10:07
mile #10 -10:28 (started to feel it)
mile #11 -12:54 (fell apart)
mile #12 - 11:06 (tried to recover)
mile #13 - 10:49
mile #14 - 9:59 (finally got back in my groove)

Average pace - 10:30/mile

I tried to stay as close to a 10 minute mile as I could because it's my goal for my upcoming half...bummed that I started to fall apart after mile ten...something I need to work on...for me, it's always the last 5K that gets me.

Even with keeping up with everything around the house, the kids, and working 32 hours this past week, I managed to log 36 running miles and 11 miles on the bike!  Thirty six!!  I am so thrilled.

Here's to another great week!  Happy Running!

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Fast Four and a Long Run on the Horizon

I love to run in the evening.  I wish races were in the evenings.  I love lacing up my shoes and hitting the road to pound out the stresses of the day.

I met up with my running buddy yesterday evening for a hilly run.  We've run many, many miles together.  I really enjoy having her beside me to push and challenge me.

When we finished our run last night, I could tell that it felt fast...especially the last mile.  With it being dark from about two miles on, I couldn't tell just how fast we ran the last half.  I check my Garmin and viewed each mile:

Mile One - 10:06
Mile Two - 9:58
Mile Three - 9:58
Mile Four - 9:00
and the last .06 - 7:14
Average pace - 9:43/mile

For our hilly run, I have to say I was pretty pleased.

On Friday, I have a 14 miler planned (if I'm feeling good it might turn into 16), and so I won't be lonely, I am bringing my husband along to ride his bike beside me.  I'm not really a talker when I run...I like to get in a zone and get it done...but it will be nice to have him there with me.  I'm looking forward to it.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

March Recap and a Look Ahead to April

I have a vacation hangover.  We just got back from spending the week in Florida.  My weekly mileage suffered a bit, but it was so nice to getaway.  I logged a total of 111 miles in the Month of March!  I was pretty happy today when I added it all up before I tucked my mileage calendar away.  Right before we left on vacation, I met my weight loss goal for the month too...just in time for the beach.


Although I logged 12 miles while on vacation (I ran three 4 milers), my eating went down the tubes.  So, once I lose these couple of vacation pounds, I plan on dropping three more and will be good to go. 

I was back in the gym the morning after we got home and today I fit an 11 mile bike ride and some weight lifting in along with a four mile run...and let me tell you that my run felt a whole lot faster not running in 80 degree Florida heat.

My half is quickly approaching at the end of this month....as well as my 30th birthday!  I am so excited to run my first race of the season....bring on April!

Happy Running!

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Long Time Coming

These babies were waiting for me when I came home from work on Tuesday night....


My husband ordered them for me as an Anniversary/(early) birthday present.  So, Tuesday night, I didn't sleep much.  I felt like a kid on Christmas Eve night or something.  All I wanted to do was get up and go for a run in my new shoes.  When my alarm went off at 4:10AM, I popped up ready to run.

I had begun to have some knee, ankle, and foot pain from running in my old shoes.  I haven't had a new pair since May 11, 2011...so, yeah, I was way over the mileage I should have had on them.  I had a wonderful 5 miles in them yesterday morning.  It was so nice that I went for another 4 last night.  Not only are they like running on air...they're super cute too!

My feet are happy again.

P.S. Down another pound and a half...almost there!

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Weekly Wrap Up

I had a great week this week, despite PMSing.  I was able to keep my eating under control (except for the Oreo Blizzard that my coworker brought me on Thursday night)...which is huge for me.  I am usually out of control before I start and my cravings are terrible.  Soups, salads, and protein bars have been my best friends this week.  It's paid off.  I stepped on the scale this morning at was down two pounds!! I have lost a total of 7 since the beginning of January. I am going to try and get three more pounds off...crossing my fingers that it's this week.

I ended the week with 31 miles...the most I've logged in a while.  Most of my miles I was able to log outside.  The weather has been in the high 70s and low 80s.  My knees and feet are feeling it this week...darn shoes.  I was in so much pain after my run at the beginning of the week that I think my man felt sorry for me.  My new shoes are on their way as an early (and one and only) anniversary/birthday gift!  I am so looking forward to taking them out for a spin...a very long spin.

One month and 10 days until the half that I am running on my 30th birthday!

Happy Running!

Friday, March 9, 2012

Prepared to be Shredded

It's coming...ready or not...


I have had a great week.  I am writing this update 2 days early, but I have already logged 25 miles this week and stepped on the scale this morning and was down 1.6 pounds.  I am not going to lie, my body is sore today.  I am pretty sure it's because my running buddy and I rocked our hilly run last night.  It's been nice to be able to consistently get together with her and run.  It's helped having her beside me...I think I push myself harder.  I know that along with all of this running that I have been doing that I need to change things up a couple times a week.  I saw a commercial for this a couple of days ago and got really excited and thought it would be a great addition to my week...and for only $8.98...can't beat that!  So, it will arrive shortly and I will bikini (and race) ready.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

February Recap & Thoughts About March...

February flew by.  I ended the month with 86 miles run and 2.5 hours of spinning under my belt.  I started working in some hill work into my week.  It's nice to be able to feel myself improving.  I also went on my first night run in the dark...strapped on a headlamp and took off with my running buddy for a run under the stars.  It was absolutely gorgeous!

These last five pounds are going to take a little harder work to get off that I have been willing to put in lately.  I am determined to get them off this month though...before Spring Break!

I'm still running in my same pair of shoes and trying to hold out until April.  My left foot went numb today on my run and my knees are starting to bother me so hopefully I won't injure myself before those new shoes show up.  I'm looking forward to my first new pair in almost a year.

This month, I am planning on upping my mileage on the weekends.  I really need to make those long runs a priority if I am going to reach my racing goals this year.  Since I will be going it alone in my Marathon training for the first time, my husband has agreed to join me on those long 18-20 mile runs on a bike...should be fun.

I had a little bit of a health scare in February.  I am relieved that everything checked out okay and I haven't had any episodes since a day before I saw the doctor.  I scaled my miles back that week because I didn't know what was going on.  This past week was the first week that I was able to get my mileage up over 20.  I ended with 25 miles for the week.

March is going to be a busy month (my calendar is already basically full), but I am determined to find the time and put in the work.

Happy Running!

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

It's Something

There's just something
about
lacing up those shoes
and heading out
the door
not having the slightest
clue or idea
of where you're going
a little spontaneity
freedom
when you're feeling
like a caged bird
no one to tell you
to turn there
or take this road here
anywhere
any road
is game
and it's a game
i love playing

Monday, February 6, 2012

Because of her...

Yesterday, I was tired...really tired.

My plans didn't include a run.  They included a very long nap.

After I had been sleeping close to two hours, my Princess came in and shook me and asked if she could ride her bike along side of me while I ran.  Of course, I really dreaded the thought of leaving my warm, cozy bed...but for my princess, I gave her a nod and made myself get out of bed.

My hubby was gone for the weekend to a boy scouts retreat with my Middle Man so I had to figure out a way to get somewhat of a workout in.  On Saturday, the weather was gorgeous (thankfully) so I loaded my Little Man up in my single jogger and my Princess rode her bike beside us.  I was so proud of her for making it 3.5 miles...there was a stop at the park at mile two to make both of them happy.  Gotta do what you gotta do.

Well, I guess she really did enjoy her bike ride as much as she said she did...she was begging for more.

We hit the road and she wanted to go a little farther and try to beat our time from the previous day.  Man, she is so much like me.  Now, when I run, I really don't like to chat...usually.  My Princess, on the other hand, got really chatty as soon as we left our drive...which turned out to be such a nice conversation and some real quality time for the both of us.

When we pulled in to our drive, after four miles, she immediately started planning our next run/bike together.  I am really looking forward to her getting a little bit older and being able to hop on her bike and ride 10 miles beside me...or lace up her shoes and run beside me.

I am so thankful for my little girl...and thankful, because of her, I got four miles in yesterday when my plan was to stay in bed.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Still Running

I am still running...in case anyone out there was wondering.  I haven't fallen off the wagon, just got sick of talking about it all for a bit.

I ran 92 miles in the month of January.  I am really liking logging my miles on the calendar I have put beside my "real" calendar.  It was nice to take the January calendar down on February 1st and be able to add up and then also see how everything totally fell apart the week I was PMSing...but that's another story.  I still lost a total of 5 pounds last month, so I will take it.  Hopefully, I will do better this month and reach my goal.

Anyway, it's been so nice to be able to run outside so much this winter.  I am feeling truly spoiled and it's partly the reason why I have my heart set on running the full in Rockford in May...just waiting on the funds to register.

I am also loving a certain food combo that I have been eating a few times a week.  I take a chicken breast, cut it up and season it with cumin and chili powder.  Then I throw it in with about a half cup of black beans, a half of a green pepper, sprinkle it with salsa, and add a little bit of lettuce...Yum!  It's an easy, healthy dinner when I am working.  I have also been getting strawberries at Aldi for $1.59/lb and dipping them in melting chocolate for when I am craving something sweet...better than a brownie or a piece of cake.

Less than 100 days until my half marathon on my 30th birthday and I think I get more excited about it every day.  I have started to work on speed.  I discovered just how rusty I am when it comes to hills during my run on Friday so I made a mental note that I really need to add this to my weekly workout.  I am thinking I am going to be paying many a visit to a nearby road known for hills and hoping the weather will continue to cooperate.

Guess that pretty much catches me up for now.

Happy Running!

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Whatcha Eating...


Caramel corn rice cakes have become a favorite of mine.  When I am craving something sweet and salty I put a tablespoon of peanut butter on top of one and have a 130 calorie snack that's good for me.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Visual

I've got them all hidden away in a tote in my closet.  I get them out once in a while to look at, to remember.  I pulled something off the shelf and the tote fell.  Everything inside spilled out on to the ground.  I wasn't intending to get them out and look at them, but was thankful for the mishap.  I have a visual of my accomplishments...my hard work and dedication....and I am hoping to add at least three more to my collection this year


Medal Count:

1 Warrior Dash (3.1 miles)
4 CRIMs (10 mile race)
1 Marathon Relay
4 Half Marathons
3 Full Marathons

...and countless training miles.

Monday, January 16, 2012

End of Week Two

Saturday marked the end of week two.  I ended my week with 30 miles and then 50 minutes on the spinning bike.  I was pretty sore...it's been a while since I have logged 30 miles in one week. 

While I met my mileage goal for the week, I didn't meet my weight loss goal.  I am still down four pounds, but didn't add anything to that.  It was discouraging, but my goal might have not been that realistic, especially with dropping 4 pounds the week before.  So, I am hoping for the two pounds this week.

I have a busy week a head of me with work and then a little getaway this weekend.  I am hoping for 25 miles this week and just to be mindful of what kind of food and how much I put in my mouth while we are away over the weekend.

I bought a few new songs for my marathon playlist...leaning toward making it a full in May!

So, here's to a good week!

Friday, January 13, 2012

Benefits...

I scored a great deal on Shape magazine on cyber Monday.  My first issue came at the beginning of this week and it's packed with tips, exercises, and a ton of information.  Here's one article I thought was worth sharing:

On the Clock

Even a little exercise improves your well-being, but the benefits multiply as your rack up more time.  See where your weekly tally falls on our weekly health-o-meter, then make every minute count:

Live Longer

90 Minutes - Get moving for just 15 minutes six days a week and you'll increase your lifespan by three years according to a Taiwanese study

Feel Happier

135 Minutes - Working out boosts your energy and reduces stress. Plus, a Duke University study found that 45 minutes of cardio three days a week may be as effective as prescription drugs for depression.

Strengthen Your Ticker

150 Minutes - Research published in Circulation found that 2.5 hours of exercise a week lowers a woman's risk of heart disease by 14 percent.

Prevent Diabetes

210 Minutes - Research in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport showed that this amount of exercise improves blood sugar control, which can halt onset of type 2 diabetes.

Drop Pounds

275 Minutes - A healthy diet along with 55 minute workouts five days a week may help you lose 10 percent of your weight -- and keep it off --according to a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

A Mommy...A Runner

It was a hard adjustment.  I went from doing my own thing...eating when I wanted to eat, sleeping when I wanted to sleep, going anywhere when I wanted to go...to no longer having my own freedom.  Nothing was my own any more.  My body was not my own, my bed was not my own, my room was not my own...I couldn't even take a shower without having her in the room with me.  After giving birth to my first born, life changed...forever.  I was a Mommy.  All other things fell to the way side.  She was my priority.  I cared for her round the clock.  And after the months went by, I felt as if I was losing myself....losing my identity, my individualism.  So, I had another 14 months later...because, afterall, I was a Mommy now and nothing else mattered.

Then, one day, I was going through bins in the basement and came across some old pairs of jeans that I told myself I would never wear again.  I felt a twinge of something inside of me...a spark that was on the verge of starting a huge fire.  The guilt set in.  I told myself that I was a Mommy now and it was selfish of me to want things for myself...my focus should be on my kids.  But, the nagging thought would not leave my head...and I decided on January 1st, 2006 that I was going to do something about it.  I was going to get "me" back.

A few months went by, I felt the shell start to crack around me.  Everything I did, though, all the hard work was put in while my kids were sleeping.  Any time that I took away from caring for them, I felt guilty about.  Time away from my kids was not a "good Mommy thing" to do...but my ideas began to change as much as my body was changing.  And, I knew that I needed this time for myself as much as my kids needed it.  I bought a double jogger for my birthday that year in 2006 and the rest is history.

I remember stepping on the scale one morning and looking down at a number that was lower than what I started at before I became a Mommy.  I had accomplished what I had thought to be impossible.  I wasn't selfish.  I wasn't a "bad Mommy".  Through running, I was showing my kids that I cared enough about myself to keep myself healthy.  I cared enough about them to make sure I kept their Mommy healthy.  I was showing them what hard work, determination, and dedication looked like.  They knew that every morning at 10AM they would go for a ride in the jogger because Mommy needed her exercise.

Today, running looks a little differently for me.  I don't push a double jogger anymore...rarely do I push anything...except for myself.  It's a chapter in my life that has slowly faded out.  These days, instead unfolding my double jogger, I lace up my shoes and hit the road solo.  Instead of loading up two (at one time, three) of my kids in the jogger, I blow each a kiss and tell them that Mommy is going for a run.  It's me time...it's a time of pounding out the stress of life, listening to the thoughts in my head, with nobody asking me for anything, calling my name, or needing me.  It's just me...on the open road.  I have discovered over these last (almost) six years, who I am.  They call me Mommy and I am thankful for every minute of it.  But, it's also wonderful that I can hang that hat up several times a week and lace up my running shoes...for me...because I am also called a runner.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Whatcha Eating...


I *love* these wraps.  They are found near the bread at most grocery stores.  I prefer the plain as opposed to the Tomato Basil, but both are tasty.  They are low carb, around 70 calories per wrap, and have 12g of fiber!  I love to wrap a few slices of turkey or a few strips of chicken, throw some lettuce and cucumber in there, and it makes for a delicious lunch or dinner.

Monday, January 9, 2012

Pushin...

A new workout week started yesterday.  I ended Saturday's post with "push yourself this weekend" and I feel like I did exactly that.

Yesterday, I got up early to go to the gym.  My goal for yesterday was 10 miles.  I knew my mind could not take 10 miles on the treadmill so I was shooting for six.  It's all I can stand.  I kept a nice relaxing pace of 10:30/mile.  It felt nice, although I was a little sore from the workout on Saturday.  Later on that day, the weather was gorgeous and it was time for round two.  It's amazing to me that it's the second week of January and I am still able to run in a long sleeve shirt and a t-shirt over that and be comfortable.  The temps have been perfect!  I had a great afternoon run.  I put in four miles in 39:15.

This morning, my body was tired.  Today was day six...I haven't rested since Tuesday.  I decided that four was all I could pull out.  I did a comfortable four and then worked on weights.  Tomorrow is rest day!

I had forgotten how fun this is!  It's got me itching for another full marathon and I am thinking that Rockford might be the one to do that.  I'm going to think on it a little more...see how the rest of this month goes.  I would love to be able to run a full so close to home.  In the mean time, I am going to look for a good training plan and see how this all plays out.

26.2 Bling


Ever since running my first marathon, I have wanted to get one of the 26.2 stickers for my van.  After running Chicago, I found a cute pink one.  I love it.  It's a great reminder to me of what I have accomplised...and also motivates me to keep it up.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

One week down...

Well, I made it through the week...and I feel like I was pretty successful with everything I set out to do:

- My goal was to up my mileage.

I finished out the week with 29 miles under my belt and a total of 85 minutes on the spinning bike.  I really like the visual of having my mileage up where I can look at it on my calendar.  My only day off this past week was Tuesday.

- My goal was to lose at least 2 pounds.

I stepped on the scale this morning and I am down 4!  I couldn't have been happier...my hard work and dedication has paid off.

- My goal was to make healthy food choices.

This is the area that I struggled in the most.  Coming off of the holidays, I have gotten so used to eating anything is sight.  I have been surrounded by cake, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, pies...mmmm.  I have a bad habit, that I have acquired this past year, of night eating...which I didn't do at all this past week.  I was able to eat healthy ( I did allow myself some chocolate), stop the night eating, and watch my portions....it was tough though and I had many, many times where I had to fight temptation.

Goals for next week :  30 miles, lose 2 pounds, no night eating

Saturday, January 7, 2012

The Relation Between Speed and Weight...

Check out this article over at Runner's World.  Worth the read!

I have a spinning class on my to do list today and then maybe a run outside.  So far, this week, I have run 25 miles and done 40 minutes on the spin bike.  I am so happy to finally have a scale again!  I stepped on this morning (I couldn't wait until tomorrow) and was so excited to see that I have lost 3.4 pounds this week!  It's nice to see my hard working paying off.  I still have a ways to go to get me back to a comfortable racing weight, but after reading the article it has inspired me...especially if I plan on reaching my half marathon goal in April!

 Push yourself this weekend!

Friday, January 6, 2012

These Shoes

 My babies



These shoes have seen better days, run many miles, been many places, crossed several finish lines.  I did my research and I think this is the longest I have kept a pair of shoes in about three years.  These babies came in the mail on May 11, 2011 and have been racking up the miles ever since.  They were on my feet my whole racing season last year.  I really, really need a new pair.  My ankle is starting to hurt, I have a shooting pain that goes up the side of my right leg, and my knee is bothering me...all things that happen when Mama needs a new pair of shoes.  The general running concensus is that a runner will need a new pair of shoes every 300-500 miles or every 6 months, which ever comes first...both of which I have passed up.  I am sure you'll be the first to know when my new pair arrives...now to convince my biggest fan (aka - my hubby) that I am in great need of these expensive shoes.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Whatcha Eating...

Another one of my goals for this coming year is to make healthier food choices and eat appropriate serving sizes.  It's been so difficult for me to go from eating anything I want to eat during the peak of my training and then have to watch what I eat when I am putting in fewer miles per week.  It's been a real struggle and something that I really have to watch.

So, every so often I will be posting a list of my top 10 (that might turn in to top 20) healthy, low cal food choices.  And because I have gotten so many cans for $1 this week, I will start with this one:


Soup!  This Progresso Light soup has 80 calories per serving, two servings per can.  In the summer, I am not too in to having a hot bowl of soup for lunch or dinner, but in the fall and winter it's a wonderful thing.  You can eat one serving and save the other for next time or you can eat the whole can.  Not only is it good for you, it's very inexpensive too!

Playlist : Burnin Up

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Keeping Track


Another one of my goals for 2012 is to keep a record of miles I log.  I did really well at this back in 2010 when I was training for my first marathon.  After that was done and over with, I stopped. 

I print out a little calendar (www.vertex42.com) with my work days highlighted and hang it next to my regular calendar in the kitchen.  So, I decided that I will use that calendar to keep track of not only my work days but also the miles that I log...it's out in plain sight, it's fast, it's easy, it's free.  When I am done with the month, I will total my miles and slip the calendar in to a three ring binder.  It's nice to have a visual of my hard work for the week and it will also help me keep track of how many miles are on each pair of shoes...speaking of which, I am in desperate need of a new pair...but that's another post.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Swallow This

Along with my racing goal for 2012, I also have a couple more that pertain to living a healthy lifestyle and I will be sharing those over the next couple of days.

From the time I got pregnant with Kaitlyn to about a year after Collin was born, I took my vitamins faithfully...like my life depended on it.  For about a year and a half now, it's been hit or miss with me.  I will remember for a month or so and then miss a few days and before I know it, two months have gone by.  So, this year I plan to change that.

Along with my new scale, I also have a new bottle of Women's One A Day on my kitchen counter.  I was taking about five or six different vitamins, but I have decided to keep it simple for now...plus the very thought of fish oil burbs and that darn nasty after taste of the vitamin B complex has me wanting to dry heave a couple of times.  One vitamin, once a day...I can handle that.

Monday, January 2, 2012

Plans for 2012

I bought a new scale for 2012.  I haven't had a working one since summer.  I am using that as my excuse as to why I have gained eight pounds in 2011...just let me have this one excuse and then I promise I won't make any more this year.  So, with my new scale and my new motivation for the new year, I am planning on being bikini ready by Spring Break.

I ended 2011 with a four mile run outside...without a bunch of layers on.  It was wonderful and gave me some quiet time to myself to reflect on the year that I had.  I was so thankful to be able to end my year that way.

Then, the very next day, the first day of 2012, I started my year out with 6 miles on the treadmill.  I would have much rather been pounding the pavement, but I was afraid I would get blown away...heck, I am just a sissy lately when it comes to the cold.  Even though I was on a treadmill, I decided to challenge myself with not only speed but also incline.  I delivered a real butt kickin workout and was so thankful when I hit that six mile mark and I could stumble off of that machine.  I don't think I have been this sore after six miles in a while.  It was just what I needed.

In 2011, I fell short of finishing a half marathon in under 2:10.  So, that is my goal for this coming racing year.  I want it so bad.  I have been looking over several races for the upcoming year and I am thinking my year is going to go something like this:

April 28th (my 30th birthday!!!) - The Christie Clinic Illinois Half Marathon - Really hoping to reach my goal on my birthday!

May 20, 2012 - The Rockford Half Marathon - Love this race...the course is nice and it's close to home.

June - The Milk Days 10K - If I have this weekend off, I am thinking I will give it a go.

August 18th - The Warrior Dash - This race was so much fun when I ran it in 2010...looking forward to getting dirty and having some fun this year!

August 25th - The 10 mile CRIM - I've lost count but I am thinking this will be my 5th one.  I am hoping that I will be running next to my sister again this year and maybe my Dad...and hoping we can get my Mom, Aunt, and a few cousins to come along and at least walk.

Sept - I would like to run another half but we shall see...I might just be focused on my training

October - Another full marathon.  I am still deciding between a rematch in Chicago and the Detroit marathon.  I have some time, but I do know that I will get another 26.2 under my belt in 2012.

I am looking forward to another year of running!  Happy New Year everyone and have fun working on your 2012 goals.