I have been having a blast so far this spring/summer working out and running. It is certainly paying off physically too. I have been approached by numerous people at the gym who I do not know telling me how great I look and how I've been motivating them. What amazing things to hear!!
I've been super excited about the fact that I have signed up for my first half. While I'm outgoing, I'm not terribly amazing at asking for things (especially at work). I was telling Greg how I was thinking about asking the owner of the gym we go to if he'd sponsor me for the race if I wore one of his shirts with something about starting 2012 at 270 lbs and relatively inactive and look at me now running my first half. He said that he doesn't typically like to do stuff like that since he feels that he needs to do it across the board for everyone that asks, but he has noticed how great I've been doing, and that it is a great accomplishment and he will definitely be doing something for me. Greg thinks he might give us a month free membership (which is slightly more than the entry cost of the RnR half), so that would be a-ok in my book!
I've always been a long term planner and it's starting to come out now. I'm already forming goals for 2013, 2014, and 2015. Insane, I know, but it's who I am. There's also a chance it will change 5 times between now and then. So my current in-head timeline:
Sept 2012: First Half-Marathon
Aug 2013: First TriAthalon
Jan 2014: First Marahon (fingers crossed)
Oct 2015: Ironman
I know I'm getting waaaay ahead of myself. But it will definitely keep me focused and motivated.
The only problem I'm having is over doing it. I was EXHAUSTED this morning. Like my alarm went off and I was like my kids when they stay up too late. I was walking into everything. Too exhausted to keep my eyes open but I grabbed my running clothes and headed to the bathroom to start my routine. I could barely stand up straight on the scale. I headed back into bed and fell back asleep. I must have been tired because that NEVER happens. Once I'm up I'm up and nothing can get me back down. This is the first morning that I haven't been out the door to start my morning with a workout since the 13th. I know that it's ok to take a day off, but I'm having incredible self-loathing and guilt about not doing anything this morning. I passed three runners on my commute in and all it did was make things worse. I don't know how to not be a head case. Any pointers would be welcomed!!
In non-headcase news I made my first weight goal this week. I am officially 230 pounds! I've lost 40 since January. My next weight goal is to lose 15 more. Then I will be the weight that I was when I walked across stage to receive my high school graduation. What a thought!! I would love to make this goal by the time the half rolls around. I do think that this is entirely doable as it's just about 1 pound per week. After that I only have one more weight goal in mind. I'd like to end at 195. This takes me out of the obese bmi category (into overweight, but I don't want to be in normal range, I'd like to have more muscle mass than that). Greg and I both think that I ought to have the skin removal surgery when the time comes. I'm already nutty about how I look now. I was never self-concious before. My body (while large) was round and smooth. I didn't mind that. I do mind this droopy, wrinkled, old lady skin. I don't feel young looking at myself. I think planning wise, I'd be looking to do it after the Disney race in 2014. Then I'd get a few months of recovery and have about a year to train back up for the Ironman.
Sorry for the novel, but this is bound to happen when I don't get on enough for shorter more frequent updates!
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
Summer Vacation!!
Greg and I both took off last week from work. It was so nice to spend so much time together as a family. I don't think we do enough sometimes because we're so busy. We didn't go anywhere amazing. The kids had received ticket booklets to Gillian's Pier in OC, NJ for Christmas so we rented a house about a half mile away (so we could walk) for a couple nights.
In addition, we hosted a bbq, went to 3 birthday parties, spent a day at Sesame Place, and Des attended his first Tae Kwon Do class. It was definitely some busy days off.
With all the fun comes all the food. Honestly, I did not try very hard to limit myself. When I wanted to indulge I did, but I never took it too far. I was also able to get a lot more mileage in than usual. I got roughly 26 miles in for the week. That's my best so far! I know that it certainly helped warding off some pounds. Of course, not all pounds. So I'm back at the same 238 I have been for about 4 weeks now.
Yesterday was the Color Me Rad 5k in Philly! It was totally worth the $17 I paid on groupon to participate! I would love to see groupon post more races!!
We all had a blast! It HAD to be my fastest 5k yet. It was so fun going through the color stations (even though they backed up, so I didn't get nearly as colored as other individuals since I didn't want to wait in line), that I didn't take a single walk break. First. Time. Ever. It was awesome. I completed the 5k before the last wave of runners even left. The last wave was scheduled for 8:20 (my wave was at 8:00), and there's NO way I ran sub 20, so they must have been running late. I'm bummed that it was completely untimed. I wish that they would have at least had a clock going at the finish line for me to have an estimate, but nothing! I didn't wear my garmin, because I wasn't sure what the powder would do to it, and it took me at least 20 minutes to find my family so I couldn't even check my phone for a ball park finish time. Oh, well. Such is life! The kids had a blast playing in the powder and throwing it at runners. I couldn't get a happy picture with them, because they didn't want to stop throwing the "paint balls" as they called it.
I have another race scheduled for tomorrow, which may be the most challenging course yet. I heard from a friend that it is super hilly. We'll see how that goes. Greg is thinking about running it too. It would be his first 5k. I told him he might want to pick something less challenging as his first. I really don't want to see him get discouraged right off the bat. I would love to have someone to run with (even if it means finding someone else to watch the kiddos while we run). He's already made it clear 5k is his max he has no interest in anything longer than that.
Which brings me to....
My first HALF-MARATHON!! :) Scheduled for Sept. 16, 2012. I have been thinking a great deal about doing the Philly half in November. But November and December are seriously my busiest time of the year with work. I put in up to 60 hours some of those weeks, with all the holiday crap going on in my personal life. It's rough, and I don't think that I want the pressure of my first half going on during that time.
I've been able to get through 6 mile runs recently without much problem. My biggest problem is finding the time for long runs. Now I will just have to make it work. I have a little training schedule that I have set to start the day after we finish the mud run.
I'm hoping that this keeps me focused through the summer. After that I will need a new focus!!
In addition, we hosted a bbq, went to 3 birthday parties, spent a day at Sesame Place, and Des attended his first Tae Kwon Do class. It was definitely some busy days off.
With all the fun comes all the food. Honestly, I did not try very hard to limit myself. When I wanted to indulge I did, but I never took it too far. I was also able to get a lot more mileage in than usual. I got roughly 26 miles in for the week. That's my best so far! I know that it certainly helped warding off some pounds. Of course, not all pounds. So I'm back at the same 238 I have been for about 4 weeks now.
Yesterday was the Color Me Rad 5k in Philly! It was totally worth the $17 I paid on groupon to participate! I would love to see groupon post more races!!
We all had a blast! It HAD to be my fastest 5k yet. It was so fun going through the color stations (even though they backed up, so I didn't get nearly as colored as other individuals since I didn't want to wait in line), that I didn't take a single walk break. First. Time. Ever. It was awesome. I completed the 5k before the last wave of runners even left. The last wave was scheduled for 8:20 (my wave was at 8:00), and there's NO way I ran sub 20, so they must have been running late. I'm bummed that it was completely untimed. I wish that they would have at least had a clock going at the finish line for me to have an estimate, but nothing! I didn't wear my garmin, because I wasn't sure what the powder would do to it, and it took me at least 20 minutes to find my family so I couldn't even check my phone for a ball park finish time. Oh, well. Such is life! The kids had a blast playing in the powder and throwing it at runners. I couldn't get a happy picture with them, because they didn't want to stop throwing the "paint balls" as they called it.
I have another race scheduled for tomorrow, which may be the most challenging course yet. I heard from a friend that it is super hilly. We'll see how that goes. Greg is thinking about running it too. It would be his first 5k. I told him he might want to pick something less challenging as his first. I really don't want to see him get discouraged right off the bat. I would love to have someone to run with (even if it means finding someone else to watch the kiddos while we run). He's already made it clear 5k is his max he has no interest in anything longer than that.
Which brings me to....
My first HALF-MARATHON!! :) Scheduled for Sept. 16, 2012. I have been thinking a great deal about doing the Philly half in November. But November and December are seriously my busiest time of the year with work. I put in up to 60 hours some of those weeks, with all the holiday crap going on in my personal life. It's rough, and I don't think that I want the pressure of my first half going on during that time.
I've been able to get through 6 mile runs recently without much problem. My biggest problem is finding the time for long runs. Now I will just have to make it work. I have a little training schedule that I have set to start the day after we finish the mud run.
I'm hoping that this keeps me focused through the summer. After that I will need a new focus!!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Impromptu 5k
This past weekend was absolutely beautiful! So beautiful I managed to put in 10.23 miles over the course of Saturday and Sunday! It was 60-70 degrees and sunny. Absolutely perfect!
Since Sunday morning was so nice out, I could not resist showing up at the local 5k in our area. It was a super hilly course, and by that I mean if we weren't going uphill we were going downhill, there was not a single stretch of flat on the entire course. All of the houses were absolutely gorgeous as well! They were all $1,000,000+ which was nice to look at. They had there own gates, guest houses, etc. One even had it's family crest adhered to the facade. Unbelievable!
I was super excited because this was the first time I was able to meet my family at the finish line. This is probably one reason I was able to end strong. Seeing Des jump up and down saying "Go mommy!" was one of the best feelings. It was a small race too. There were only 155 runners. I'm not sure how many walkers there were, they actually seperated them all out.
I absolutely hate when races end in an uphill. I don't think it's nice. And this one did just that. On my way up it I was walking, and this guy (who had already finished) was running back encouraging everyone. He looked me square in the eye and said "It's right around that corner. You got this!" He said it with incredible gumption, like he knew I could more than I did. So at that moment I put in everything I had and it felt GREAT!
We went out to breakfast afterwards and then Greg wanted to hit the gym. So I went with him (why should I have to start the yard work all by myself?). And go figure - it was his cardio day. I had lifted weights the day before after my run, so I didn't have it in me to lift again. I did 2 miles on the treadmill next to him. I think it would have gone a lot better if I hadn't just eaten at a diner. But I focused on doing some speed intervals. The fastest I got was a 9:13 pace for three and a half minutes, then I'd have to back off and walk a couple minutes, run at my typical 11:31 for a few minutes and then try to push it again.
Then I got to mow the yard and go grocery shopping and clean the house. It was super productive, I really need more days like that!!
Now I'm just trying to get through this week. Our big bbq is this upcoming weekend and next weekend I'm off for vacation. I cannot wait to run on the boardwalk at 7 am! I think I read online that it's 2 miles long, and we're sitauted almost near the beginning, so it should be a great change of pace. I can't imagine what it's like to run on a totally flat terrain. What an indulgence!
Since Sunday morning was so nice out, I could not resist showing up at the local 5k in our area. It was a super hilly course, and by that I mean if we weren't going uphill we were going downhill, there was not a single stretch of flat on the entire course. All of the houses were absolutely gorgeous as well! They were all $1,000,000+ which was nice to look at. They had there own gates, guest houses, etc. One even had it's family crest adhered to the facade. Unbelievable!
I was super excited because this was the first time I was able to meet my family at the finish line. This is probably one reason I was able to end strong. Seeing Des jump up and down saying "Go mommy!" was one of the best feelings. It was a small race too. There were only 155 runners. I'm not sure how many walkers there were, they actually seperated them all out.
I absolutely hate when races end in an uphill. I don't think it's nice. And this one did just that. On my way up it I was walking, and this guy (who had already finished) was running back encouraging everyone. He looked me square in the eye and said "It's right around that corner. You got this!" He said it with incredible gumption, like he knew I could more than I did. So at that moment I put in everything I had and it felt GREAT!
We went out to breakfast afterwards and then Greg wanted to hit the gym. So I went with him (why should I have to start the yard work all by myself?). And go figure - it was his cardio day. I had lifted weights the day before after my run, so I didn't have it in me to lift again. I did 2 miles on the treadmill next to him. I think it would have gone a lot better if I hadn't just eaten at a diner. But I focused on doing some speed intervals. The fastest I got was a 9:13 pace for three and a half minutes, then I'd have to back off and walk a couple minutes, run at my typical 11:31 for a few minutes and then try to push it again.
Then I got to mow the yard and go grocery shopping and clean the house. It was super productive, I really need more days like that!!
Now I'm just trying to get through this week. Our big bbq is this upcoming weekend and next weekend I'm off for vacation. I cannot wait to run on the boardwalk at 7 am! I think I read online that it's 2 miles long, and we're sitauted almost near the beginning, so it should be a great change of pace. I can't imagine what it's like to run on a totally flat terrain. What an indulgence!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Doylestown Race
This past weekend was the Doylestown 5k. It was hot and humid!! I think it was nearly 80 by the time I got to the start line and the humidity was at about 90%. It certainly made things interesting. It was using chip timing, and I may have over estimated what those chips can do. I was under the impression that they didn't start recording your time until you physically passed the starting line and that they also logged when you crossed the finish line. Since I was under this impression I stayed towards the back of the crowd and after the horn blew I waited patiently so I wouldn't be bumping into people to go. Doylestown is an older town and the streets are a bit narrow, and the people who lived along the race route were not required to park in their driveways. So combining nearly a thousand people on car lined narrow streets was not my idea of a good time.
Apparently I'm wrong, because the official time given to me was the one that I saw as I crossed the finish line. So to make myself feel better I'm shaving off 10 seconds. Those 10 seconds somehow mean the world to me. I'm also starting to think I didn't something wrong with my chip. When I look up my results on the web the chip time is blank. Just the clock time is filled out. I guess I'll get the hang of this eventually.
This morning I head out the door at 6 am and it was already 77 degrees out. The heat is killer. I almost can't wait for September. I'm hoping when it cools down that I'll see my race times improving. The disparity between the treadmill and the outdoors continues to kill me.
There's a 5k not even 2 miles from my house on Sunday. I haven't registered for it. I'm thinking of just showing up and paying the race day registration price. I'm just gonna play it by ear and see if I'm up in time (though I can't imagine not being up by 7:30).
The weight is still staying the same. I seem to hang between 237 and 240. It's not terrible. I know that I can do it, but have the hardest time with all the parties that are neverending in the summer. I'm pretty sure we have one every weekend from now until the end of July and that's only because no one plans futher out than that in advance.
Here's to being good!
Apparently I'm wrong, because the official time given to me was the one that I saw as I crossed the finish line. So to make myself feel better I'm shaving off 10 seconds. Those 10 seconds somehow mean the world to me. I'm also starting to think I didn't something wrong with my chip. When I look up my results on the web the chip time is blank. Just the clock time is filled out. I guess I'll get the hang of this eventually.
This morning I head out the door at 6 am and it was already 77 degrees out. The heat is killer. I almost can't wait for September. I'm hoping when it cools down that I'll see my race times improving. The disparity between the treadmill and the outdoors continues to kill me.
There's a 5k not even 2 miles from my house on Sunday. I haven't registered for it. I'm thinking of just showing up and paying the race day registration price. I'm just gonna play it by ear and see if I'm up in time (though I can't imagine not being up by 7:30).
The weight is still staying the same. I seem to hang between 237 and 240. It's not terrible. I know that I can do it, but have the hardest time with all the parties that are neverending in the summer. I'm pretty sure we have one every weekend from now until the end of July and that's only because no one plans futher out than that in advance.
Here's to being good!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Race #2!!
My second 5k is this upcoming Saturday. I'm super excited for it. My mom is going to be there with the kiddos. Greg has yet to decide whether or not he is coming. It will be sad if he doesn't, but that will mean I sleep at my mom's and she's only 5 minutes from the race. If he does go, I can definitely say that I'm not looking forward to waking up the kiddos at 7:30am to get ready (my house is full of relatively late sleepers - all but me).
I'm bummed because the outfit I had planned in my head did not work itself out. I'm having an issue with women's running tops. They're all too fitted. I wouldn't mind if I was walking, but when I run it slides up above my belly fat and doesn't go back down. That would be awful to deal with on race day. I ordered a men's tank (like a tee shirt with just the sleeves cut off), but when I put it on I totally looked like a man and it made my arms like big. No thanks! Guess I will just be in something I already own, but it will not be red, white, and blue for Memorial Day weekend as the race urges. :(
I have been getting the chance to be outside a lot more often now. Since sunrise occurs between 5:30 and 5:40 now timing is perfect. I've been able to get in an extra half mile just by not having to drive to the gym. AND I'm not missing my train to work :)
I was toying with the idea of trying for a 10k this fall. I decided to see what a longer run would feel like this past weekend and went out for a 5 miler. It felt great! A little slower than my current pace (but not a ton slower) but I didn't feel dead half way through it like I was afraid I would. Now I'm toying with the idea of signing up for the Philly Half Marathon in November. This would give me time to focus on my strength training now (I want to be a bit more secure in my upper body strength before the mud run) and then I can focus on training for a half. I was shocked when Greg told me he thought I could do it! I really expected him to tell me I was reaching for too much too soon. I'm going to revisit this thought after the mud run and will just silently obsess over it until then.
I'm bummed because the outfit I had planned in my head did not work itself out. I'm having an issue with women's running tops. They're all too fitted. I wouldn't mind if I was walking, but when I run it slides up above my belly fat and doesn't go back down. That would be awful to deal with on race day. I ordered a men's tank (like a tee shirt with just the sleeves cut off), but when I put it on I totally looked like a man and it made my arms like big. No thanks! Guess I will just be in something I already own, but it will not be red, white, and blue for Memorial Day weekend as the race urges. :(
I have been getting the chance to be outside a lot more often now. Since sunrise occurs between 5:30 and 5:40 now timing is perfect. I've been able to get in an extra half mile just by not having to drive to the gym. AND I'm not missing my train to work :)
I was toying with the idea of trying for a 10k this fall. I decided to see what a longer run would feel like this past weekend and went out for a 5 miler. It felt great! A little slower than my current pace (but not a ton slower) but I didn't feel dead half way through it like I was afraid I would. Now I'm toying with the idea of signing up for the Philly Half Marathon in November. This would give me time to focus on my strength training now (I want to be a bit more secure in my upper body strength before the mud run) and then I can focus on training for a half. I was shocked when Greg told me he thought I could do it! I really expected him to tell me I was reaching for too much too soon. I'm going to revisit this thought after the mud run and will just silently obsess over it until then.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Elevation
So I went out for my run again this morning before work. It was just as hard (if not harder) than it was two days ago. I'm starting to think maybe it's the hills, but I'm not sure what is "typical" and what really constitutes as "hill work". I've included a graph below to show the elevation of the current route.
It's challenging to me, but running just about any distance is still challenging to me. I'm going to snoop around the internet to see if I can find myself some answers.
The next race I'm scheduled for gives me this to go on:
I'm guessing the biggies are somewhat equivalent, but I'm just used to doing the hills in the beginning. I just remember going into the first 5k with maybe 2 days experience outside (and a huge lack of hills at that), and the thing I remember most is thinking how much more difficult it was to do compared to all the treadmill running I've gotten used to.
Going from treadmill to outside has made me gain about one and a half minutes per mile to my time. I'm getting discouraged by it but realize it'll only get better the more I do it. Some days though (like this morning) I feel like I'm just meant for being inside and running in place.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Feels Like A New Start
I was excited in February as I was approved for my first conference/business trip. Of all places to end up - Boston! I really like it there. I seem to be drawn to cities that preserve a lot of history (hence the uplifting feel of walking past the liberty bell everyday to and from work). I finally got to go last week. The Boston Marathon had just happened a week prior as well, so I was hoping there'd be some running excitement left in the air.
I was able to carve out time to go jogging along the Charles River Basin. It was great!! There were TONS of people out jogging too, and it was 6:30 am! It really is a running town.
Despite my ability to keep up with workouts (one every day I was there) - the awful diet did me in. My first day back home I went for a quick treadmill run and it took everything in me just to get through 5k. That's not really what I was hoping for. Yesterday I was able to get outside, and even then, my time was still lacking. It feels like I'm starting over again (ok, not really, because at first 2 miles was a helluva challenge) and it's kind of disappointing. I'm in no way defeated, but I was really hoping to shave at least 26 seconds off my last 5k time in the next one that I have coming up. I still have a couple more training weeks, so here's to hoping it starts getting better.
So... even now, I am unable to find ANY photos that were taken at the Spring Zing 5k. What a total bummer! I really wanted to update with a photo. I suppose it will have to wait until the next one. I'm working on suckering Greg into coming to the next one too so he can take photos this time.
I was able to carve out time to go jogging along the Charles River Basin. It was great!! There were TONS of people out jogging too, and it was 6:30 am! It really is a running town.
Despite my ability to keep up with workouts (one every day I was there) - the awful diet did me in. My first day back home I went for a quick treadmill run and it took everything in me just to get through 5k. That's not really what I was hoping for. Yesterday I was able to get outside, and even then, my time was still lacking. It feels like I'm starting over again (ok, not really, because at first 2 miles was a helluva challenge) and it's kind of disappointing. I'm in no way defeated, but I was really hoping to shave at least 26 seconds off my last 5k time in the next one that I have coming up. I still have a couple more training weeks, so here's to hoping it starts getting better.
So... even now, I am unable to find ANY photos that were taken at the Spring Zing 5k. What a total bummer! I really wanted to update with a photo. I suppose it will have to wait until the next one. I'm working on suckering Greg into coming to the next one too so he can take photos this time.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Had My First Race!
So I finally got to do it! I had my first 5k race! I'm a little surprised that offical times and pictures have not been posted yet. I was going to wait to write this until I had them, but at this point I know that I won't be back to the blog until Monday the earliest and my brain doesn't hold on to things for long anymore.
It was a gorgeous morning. It was in the 70s I think. My girlfriend texted me early that morning and surprised me by letting me know she wanted to attend my first race. This was great! It gave Greg someone to talk to while waiting for me and her kids are close in age to mine, so they got to play on the playground with friends :)
I was sad at the starting line. Desmond was so overwhelmed with the three playgrounds the school had that he would not walk over to the starting line with me and give me a kiss. Since he didn't want to go, Greg obviously had to stay with him and couldn't come over to get any prerace photos of me. Even though I was a bit sad, it was still exciting nonetheless.
Since it was at a school, there were HUNDREDS of kids running the actual 5k, which made for a crazy first mile. They would fly past you, stop suddenly and then once they regrouped with their friends they'd take off like a bat outta hell again. So all the stopping and swerving seemed a bit much, but the kids definately made you smile and brought a positive energy with them!
I don't know why, but I expected something flat; maybe because it was a family run, so to me that equates to easier. It's not that the hills were really steep, just that they were long. Sometimes I didn't really notice until it hit me how tired my legs were getting. I'd turn around and notice that I was slowly going up hill.
I also started out too fast for myself, but there was something to want to keep up with the initial rush of the crowd, though the crowd seemed to die off around a half mile. I kept pushing, my first mile was just over a 10 minute pace. After that my gps lost satellite :( Now I know just how dependent I am on that thing. I walked way more that I'd ever "allow" myself if it was on, because I know that I can push it through the mile, but now I had no idea when that mile was up. I took 4 walk breaks in the last two miles, when typically I'd allow myself two. It didn't seem to hurt me too bad. When I crossed the finish line the timer read 37 mintues and change. I'm pretty happy with that for a first official race, but really want to know what the change was! lol
I texted Greg when I was about .1 -.2 miles away from the finish line. He never got my text! :( So I crossed the finish line with no one to greet me or take my picture, but I'm over it now. It hurt like hell when crossing the line though. There's always next time (fingers crossed!).
So this is why I have no pictures and I'm impatiently waiting for them to be posted online. Since it was a fundraiser they had a raffle. We won one of the baskets! I got a call yesterday to come and pick it up. We put tickets in a couple baskets so I'm not sure which we one. I'm only working a half day today so I will be picking it up after work. Will definately update with what goodies we won. I plan on asking someone when everything will be posted when I stop in. Hopefully I will have pictures for my next update!
It was a gorgeous morning. It was in the 70s I think. My girlfriend texted me early that morning and surprised me by letting me know she wanted to attend my first race. This was great! It gave Greg someone to talk to while waiting for me and her kids are close in age to mine, so they got to play on the playground with friends :)
I was sad at the starting line. Desmond was so overwhelmed with the three playgrounds the school had that he would not walk over to the starting line with me and give me a kiss. Since he didn't want to go, Greg obviously had to stay with him and couldn't come over to get any prerace photos of me. Even though I was a bit sad, it was still exciting nonetheless.
Since it was at a school, there were HUNDREDS of kids running the actual 5k, which made for a crazy first mile. They would fly past you, stop suddenly and then once they regrouped with their friends they'd take off like a bat outta hell again. So all the stopping and swerving seemed a bit much, but the kids definately made you smile and brought a positive energy with them!
I don't know why, but I expected something flat; maybe because it was a family run, so to me that equates to easier. It's not that the hills were really steep, just that they were long. Sometimes I didn't really notice until it hit me how tired my legs were getting. I'd turn around and notice that I was slowly going up hill.
I also started out too fast for myself, but there was something to want to keep up with the initial rush of the crowd, though the crowd seemed to die off around a half mile. I kept pushing, my first mile was just over a 10 minute pace. After that my gps lost satellite :( Now I know just how dependent I am on that thing. I walked way more that I'd ever "allow" myself if it was on, because I know that I can push it through the mile, but now I had no idea when that mile was up. I took 4 walk breaks in the last two miles, when typically I'd allow myself two. It didn't seem to hurt me too bad. When I crossed the finish line the timer read 37 mintues and change. I'm pretty happy with that for a first official race, but really want to know what the change was! lol
I texted Greg when I was about .1 -.2 miles away from the finish line. He never got my text! :( So I crossed the finish line with no one to greet me or take my picture, but I'm over it now. It hurt like hell when crossing the line though. There's always next time (fingers crossed!).
So this is why I have no pictures and I'm impatiently waiting for them to be posted online. Since it was a fundraiser they had a raffle. We won one of the baskets! I got a call yesterday to come and pick it up. We put tickets in a couple baskets so I'm not sure which we one. I'm only working a half day today so I will be picking it up after work. Will definately update with what goodies we won. I plan on asking someone when everything will be posted when I stop in. Hopefully I will have pictures for my next update!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Found a Race!
So I finally found a good 5k to make my first race. It's a charitable run for a nearby elementary school. Since it's at a school it's geared towards families and kids. My kids won't need to be bored waiting for mommy to run the race. They'll have the school playground to keep them occupied. Afterwards there's a free buffet, dj, face painting, auction, and other activities for the kids. I'm super excited!
I did notice a downfall though. I was totally negative in my thinking this morning while running. That I am too slow, that I'm too accustomed to the treadmill and there's no way I'll make it outdoors. I started out stronger than usual this morning, which means I needed an extra walk break during the last mile. This was failure in my head. However, I'm pleased to say that it was my fastest run (that was longer than a mile) to date. Overall I had a 12:05 pace. So, I don't know if this negative mind monster is a good thing or bad thing. It challenges me, but I hope it doesn't get destructive.
I actually started getting comments about my weight loss. It only took 23 pounds to get there. I received nice words from my old boss yesterday (a feat in itself), and a super nice girl at the gym I've been chatty with was exclaiming how well I've been doing. It feels good to hear. I also think my husband is appreciating it, which is a big motivator, though I don't expect him to come out and actually say it.
I think the next time I go clothes shopping I may be trying on a size 16. That will be a nice feeling. Hopefully then I will only have about 20 or so more pounds before I hit the 12 I want. It will be nice to not have to shop at over-priced plus-size stores!
I did notice a downfall though. I was totally negative in my thinking this morning while running. That I am too slow, that I'm too accustomed to the treadmill and there's no way I'll make it outdoors. I started out stronger than usual this morning, which means I needed an extra walk break during the last mile. This was failure in my head. However, I'm pleased to say that it was my fastest run (that was longer than a mile) to date. Overall I had a 12:05 pace. So, I don't know if this negative mind monster is a good thing or bad thing. It challenges me, but I hope it doesn't get destructive.
I actually started getting comments about my weight loss. It only took 23 pounds to get there. I received nice words from my old boss yesterday (a feat in itself), and a super nice girl at the gym I've been chatty with was exclaiming how well I've been doing. It feels good to hear. I also think my husband is appreciating it, which is a big motivator, though I don't expect him to come out and actually say it.
I think the next time I go clothes shopping I may be trying on a size 16. That will be a nice feeling. Hopefully then I will only have about 20 or so more pounds before I hit the 12 I want. It will be nice to not have to shop at over-priced plus-size stores!
Friday, March 30, 2012
Personal Milestones
Sometimes the small, personal milestones might be the sweetest. Greg and I will have been together for 10 years next week. It's crazy to think about. Desmond also happens to turn 4 that day. I can't believe that nearly half of our time spent together has been raising children. It seems like we were together for so long before having kids, but it seems like Des was only born yesterday. Time is flying way too fast.
When I started this on Jan 1, I was about 20-25 pounds heavier than I was the day I met Greg. Not anymore! After being together for 10 years, I can now say that I weigh the same as I did when we first met. That somehow means a lot to me. Granted, it certainly does not look the same. Though, I didn't expect it to after two surgeries. After reading so much bullshit about couples fighting or the men leaving because the women "let themselves go" will not be relevant to me. Phew! Not that I really thought it made a difference to him. He's always been super sweet no matter how heavy I had gotten.
So here I am now, the weight I was when I was 19. My inital goal weight of 230 is now just 18 pounds away. I have a feeling I will need to reasses, because even though I've lost 22 pounds so far, I'm in an 18 pants. I would like to be a 10 or 12, so I'm guessing I will need to lower the goal weight. If 10 pounds per size is in fact correct, I will need to be more in the 200-210 range. I will reassess once I make my goal. Hopefully that will be in a couple more months!
When I started this on Jan 1, I was about 20-25 pounds heavier than I was the day I met Greg. Not anymore! After being together for 10 years, I can now say that I weigh the same as I did when we first met. That somehow means a lot to me. Granted, it certainly does not look the same. Though, I didn't expect it to after two surgeries. After reading so much bullshit about couples fighting or the men leaving because the women "let themselves go" will not be relevant to me. Phew! Not that I really thought it made a difference to him. He's always been super sweet no matter how heavy I had gotten.
So here I am now, the weight I was when I was 19. My inital goal weight of 230 is now just 18 pounds away. I have a feeling I will need to reasses, because even though I've lost 22 pounds so far, I'm in an 18 pants. I would like to be a 10 or 12, so I'm guessing I will need to lower the goal weight. If 10 pounds per size is in fact correct, I will need to be more in the 200-210 range. I will reassess once I make my goal. Hopefully that will be in a couple more months!
Monday, March 26, 2012
Update From Outta Nowhere
I haven't been good at updating. I'm just slammed at work and at home and it seems impossible to find time to form cohesive thoughts.
I finished the C25k program! I did not end as strong as I'd have liked initially, and I'm still not as strong as I'd like to be, but I've found what is working for me, so I'm going to stick with it for now and then try to better it from there.
I still cannot run a full 30 minutes without stopping. In fact, I've stopped trying. The last few runs, I've focused on running a mile, then taking a minute to minute and a half walk break to towel down, get my breathing back and track and take in some water. Then repeat with each finished mile. Taking the planned breaks seems to have helped. I can run a bit faster than I was (at an 11:32 minute instead of 12) and think I'm still in need of the smaller goals. Eventually I'm going to aim for one break at a mile and a half, but today was not that day.
Since the program is completed, I signed up for my first race. I'm fortunate enough to have three people that want to do it with me! We've signed up for the Merrell down and dirty mud run and it looks crazy. My goal is to have the course finished in an hour. We'll see if that happens. I'm trying to step it up with the strength training. While an unassisted pull up is the logical goal, I certainly do not see that happening by the time this race rolls around on July 15. I'm a little concerned about how the mid July heat is going to affect me. I'm just crossing my fingers the excitement and adrenaline do they're part to drown that out!
Des is also signed up to do the kid course! So after I'm done with the adult race, there will be a quick break for me, then a parent is required to go out with any kid aged 4-6. I'm excited. It seems like it will be an amazing experience to share with him! Lots of pictures will be taken!
In the meantime, I'm trying to find a 5k that is near home and strictly running to sign up for. It just seems like every time I think I've found one something else pops up! I also haven't gotten out to train outside more than twice. I know that this needs to happen, but again finding the time seems to be the issue.
The weight has stopped coming off, so I'm sure that's an idicator that I need to change routine. I have an e-book I need to check out that a friend gave me. It's a strength training program referred to as turbulence training. I'm hoping if I do that 3 times a week, get a 3 mile jog in three times a week, and do a zumba or yoga class once a week for an easy day it'll start happening again. I'm currently at a 19 pound loss for the 2012 year.
I feel like a cheater, but I started a fat burning supplement this morning. I was taking one half-assedly (NOT by the directions on the bottle - much much less) for mornings I was going to run since I can't stomach food or coffee before running and needed something to help wake me up, but I didn't acutally attribute any weight that I lost to that pill. I've also been able to maintain all that weight lost (aside from the normal couple pound day to day fluctuation). I'm going to take this new one as directed and I'm afraid once the cycle is over it's going to come back - which to me means it was the pill losing the weight and not me. Hopefully this doesn't end too badly.
I suppose that's all I really got for right now. I'll try to check in again a bit more frequently, at least to update on the new training regimen and supplement.
I finished the C25k program! I did not end as strong as I'd have liked initially, and I'm still not as strong as I'd like to be, but I've found what is working for me, so I'm going to stick with it for now and then try to better it from there.
I still cannot run a full 30 minutes without stopping. In fact, I've stopped trying. The last few runs, I've focused on running a mile, then taking a minute to minute and a half walk break to towel down, get my breathing back and track and take in some water. Then repeat with each finished mile. Taking the planned breaks seems to have helped. I can run a bit faster than I was (at an 11:32 minute instead of 12) and think I'm still in need of the smaller goals. Eventually I'm going to aim for one break at a mile and a half, but today was not that day.
Since the program is completed, I signed up for my first race. I'm fortunate enough to have three people that want to do it with me! We've signed up for the Merrell down and dirty mud run and it looks crazy. My goal is to have the course finished in an hour. We'll see if that happens. I'm trying to step it up with the strength training. While an unassisted pull up is the logical goal, I certainly do not see that happening by the time this race rolls around on July 15. I'm a little concerned about how the mid July heat is going to affect me. I'm just crossing my fingers the excitement and adrenaline do they're part to drown that out!
Des is also signed up to do the kid course! So after I'm done with the adult race, there will be a quick break for me, then a parent is required to go out with any kid aged 4-6. I'm excited. It seems like it will be an amazing experience to share with him! Lots of pictures will be taken!
In the meantime, I'm trying to find a 5k that is near home and strictly running to sign up for. It just seems like every time I think I've found one something else pops up! I also haven't gotten out to train outside more than twice. I know that this needs to happen, but again finding the time seems to be the issue.
The weight has stopped coming off, so I'm sure that's an idicator that I need to change routine. I have an e-book I need to check out that a friend gave me. It's a strength training program referred to as turbulence training. I'm hoping if I do that 3 times a week, get a 3 mile jog in three times a week, and do a zumba or yoga class once a week for an easy day it'll start happening again. I'm currently at a 19 pound loss for the 2012 year.
I feel like a cheater, but I started a fat burning supplement this morning. I was taking one half-assedly (NOT by the directions on the bottle - much much less) for mornings I was going to run since I can't stomach food or coffee before running and needed something to help wake me up, but I didn't acutally attribute any weight that I lost to that pill. I've also been able to maintain all that weight lost (aside from the normal couple pound day to day fluctuation). I'm going to take this new one as directed and I'm afraid once the cycle is over it's going to come back - which to me means it was the pill losing the weight and not me. Hopefully this doesn't end too badly.
I suppose that's all I really got for right now. I'll try to check in again a bit more frequently, at least to update on the new training regimen and supplement.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Fresh Air Needed
I have not been a good blogger, though that does not deviate from my past blogging experiences at all.
February was not a good month in terms of weight loss. I didn't gain any from January back, but my net loss for the month was about 4 pounds. Here's to hoping March goes a bit better.
Despite the weight not coming off as quickly as would be preferred, everything is going good on the running front. I'm up to 28 minutes at 12:00 minute mile pace and have been able to meet every goal in the C25k program that has been listed. I have 5 more runs to follow until completed.
I'm not getting outside nearly as much as I had hoped I would. So far I've run outside a whopping ONE time. Needless to say, while it wasn't a bad experience, it certainly wasn't what I expected. I'm very reliant on the treadmill to pace me. I started out way to strong and winded myself within a quarter mile. It took me about a mile to figure things out. After that I found my groove, but it certainly took longer than expected.
I wanted to sign up for the Get Your Rear in Gear 5k on March 18th. Reduced registration is offered until this Friday. I wanted this one in particular because they have a kids 100 yard dash with it. I would love to sign Desmond up to be mommy's running buddy! I really want to get more outdoor runs under my belt first though and not try to figure it all out on the day of. We'll see what I can do, but I may need to start later this month or even next month.
Because I'm such a freak for exactness I bought a used garmin forerunner off ebay. It's incredible what these things can do. I loved getting to use it and want to use it again, and after making the investment I have no excuse not to.
That's about all I've got for right now. My stomach has been upset all afternoon, but I felt a need to log in quickly and attempt to keep this thing alive.
February was not a good month in terms of weight loss. I didn't gain any from January back, but my net loss for the month was about 4 pounds. Here's to hoping March goes a bit better.
Despite the weight not coming off as quickly as would be preferred, everything is going good on the running front. I'm up to 28 minutes at 12:00 minute mile pace and have been able to meet every goal in the C25k program that has been listed. I have 5 more runs to follow until completed.
I'm not getting outside nearly as much as I had hoped I would. So far I've run outside a whopping ONE time. Needless to say, while it wasn't a bad experience, it certainly wasn't what I expected. I'm very reliant on the treadmill to pace me. I started out way to strong and winded myself within a quarter mile. It took me about a mile to figure things out. After that I found my groove, but it certainly took longer than expected.
I wanted to sign up for the Get Your Rear in Gear 5k on March 18th. Reduced registration is offered until this Friday. I wanted this one in particular because they have a kids 100 yard dash with it. I would love to sign Desmond up to be mommy's running buddy! I really want to get more outdoor runs under my belt first though and not try to figure it all out on the day of. We'll see what I can do, but I may need to start later this month or even next month.
Because I'm such a freak for exactness I bought a used garmin forerunner off ebay. It's incredible what these things can do. I loved getting to use it and want to use it again, and after making the investment I have no excuse not to.
That's about all I've got for right now. My stomach has been upset all afternoon, but I felt a need to log in quickly and attempt to keep this thing alive.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Inital Goals
So the last two times I've tried to run have been pretty bad - and it doesn't end when the run ends. When I wasn't able to finish the scheduled run the last couple times the disappointment seemed to follow me throughout the day putting me in a funk that would affect my work and my mood when I got home.
Today was scheduled to be my third time doing this same run (that I have not yet been able to complete in it's entirety). The last two attempts have ended in crazy panting, legs that feel like lead, and side stitches. I wasn't sure if I should just chalk this up to my time of the month but everything I've read makes me think I'm just trying to go faster than I'm really able.
Today I decided to try a slower pace. I still kept my warm-up and cool down at 3.5mph. But instead of running at a 10 minute mile pace I decreased it to a 10:54 minute mile. The walking parts in between the jogs I decided to bump down to 3.2mph (instead of keeping it at 3.5 like my warm-up/cool down). What a difference! There was no heavy panting, and while the last 20 seconds of the last jog really started to burn my legs, they certainly weren't lead. And best of all - I didn't feel the need to collapse in the locker room afterwards for 5-10 minutes before finding the energy to take a shower. Amazing!
I have to say at first I felt really guilty about slowing my pace. This is not what I wanted for myself when I started. I really wanted to keep it at a 10 minute mile, so when I finally transitioned to outside I wouldn't be upset when I would possibly go down to a 12 minute mile (it just looks so much harder outside - nothing to pull your feet under you and having to propel yourself forwards against wind certainly seems to slow things down in my mind). But what's the point of trying to push myself to do something I'm just not ready for? All I was doing was failing and than feeling miserable.
I think what I'm going to do now is stick with the slower paces. Once I start working up to where I can go a half hour jogging without taking walk breaks then I will focus on increasing my speed. I just need to remind myself that it is ok to take the time to reassess every few weeks and adjust accordingly.
I've already got my positive feeling back which is so much more motivating. This Sunday I'm increasing my jogging intervals from 3 minutes to 5 minutes with shorter breaks in between. Exciting!
Today was scheduled to be my third time doing this same run (that I have not yet been able to complete in it's entirety). The last two attempts have ended in crazy panting, legs that feel like lead, and side stitches. I wasn't sure if I should just chalk this up to my time of the month but everything I've read makes me think I'm just trying to go faster than I'm really able.
Today I decided to try a slower pace. I still kept my warm-up and cool down at 3.5mph. But instead of running at a 10 minute mile pace I decreased it to a 10:54 minute mile. The walking parts in between the jogs I decided to bump down to 3.2mph (instead of keeping it at 3.5 like my warm-up/cool down). What a difference! There was no heavy panting, and while the last 20 seconds of the last jog really started to burn my legs, they certainly weren't lead. And best of all - I didn't feel the need to collapse in the locker room afterwards for 5-10 minutes before finding the energy to take a shower. Amazing!
I have to say at first I felt really guilty about slowing my pace. This is not what I wanted for myself when I started. I really wanted to keep it at a 10 minute mile, so when I finally transitioned to outside I wouldn't be upset when I would possibly go down to a 12 minute mile (it just looks so much harder outside - nothing to pull your feet under you and having to propel yourself forwards against wind certainly seems to slow things down in my mind). But what's the point of trying to push myself to do something I'm just not ready for? All I was doing was failing and than feeling miserable.
I think what I'm going to do now is stick with the slower paces. Once I start working up to where I can go a half hour jogging without taking walk breaks then I will focus on increasing my speed. I just need to remind myself that it is ok to take the time to reassess every few weeks and adjust accordingly.
I've already got my positive feeling back which is so much more motivating. This Sunday I'm increasing my jogging intervals from 3 minutes to 5 minutes with shorter breaks in between. Exciting!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Good-bye January! Good-bye 9.6 pounds!
So as of January 1, I was an amazing 270. Yesterday I clocked in at an amazing 260.4. Obviously, I'm quite happy with how the first month has gone.
I've had quite a number of cheat meals too. I let myself have about 2 a week (one with coworkers and one with the family). I've really come to savor my cheat meals too. I don't bother eating the things that I never really cared for but ate anyway (french fries for example), I cheat for the stuff that seriously makes my taste buds happy. On Saturday hubby and I finally had our anniversary date (you know, that one that we were never able to schedule for our September anniversary). We got couples massages and then headed to a wine and cheese place for lunch. That's my gold - cheese! We got a meat, cheese, and olive plate for starters and my lunch was a super soft pita with fig jam, goat cheese and sundried tomatoes. I should have taken a picture - it was a work of art. It was so darn good. Even though the meal was mostly fat, I still think I could have made much worse decisions.
I currently have myself set up to work out 6 times a week. 3 days running, 2 days "other cardio" (which usually takes the form of elliptical with the occassional zumba or spin class) and 1 day strength training. Strength training with Greg (husband) always leaves me sore for a couple days, but I suppose that's a good thing. At least he knows what he's doing :) Thursdays are my day off, so this morning I got to sleep in to the ripe old hour of 6:25. I've been having problems getting into work on time since incorporating excercise into my morning routine. I was able to get in on time today, because of my day off, but tomorrow I need to try to start getting to the gym even earlier so I'll be up at 5:30. Hopefully I'll be able to keep up this schedule. Methinks I'll need to stick to a strict bedtime of 10:30. We'll see if I can manage that!
I've had quite a number of cheat meals too. I let myself have about 2 a week (one with coworkers and one with the family). I've really come to savor my cheat meals too. I don't bother eating the things that I never really cared for but ate anyway (french fries for example), I cheat for the stuff that seriously makes my taste buds happy. On Saturday hubby and I finally had our anniversary date (you know, that one that we were never able to schedule for our September anniversary). We got couples massages and then headed to a wine and cheese place for lunch. That's my gold - cheese! We got a meat, cheese, and olive plate for starters and my lunch was a super soft pita with fig jam, goat cheese and sundried tomatoes. I should have taken a picture - it was a work of art. It was so darn good. Even though the meal was mostly fat, I still think I could have made much worse decisions.
I currently have myself set up to work out 6 times a week. 3 days running, 2 days "other cardio" (which usually takes the form of elliptical with the occassional zumba or spin class) and 1 day strength training. Strength training with Greg (husband) always leaves me sore for a couple days, but I suppose that's a good thing. At least he knows what he's doing :) Thursdays are my day off, so this morning I got to sleep in to the ripe old hour of 6:25. I've been having problems getting into work on time since incorporating excercise into my morning routine. I was able to get in on time today, because of my day off, but tomorrow I need to try to start getting to the gym even earlier so I'll be up at 5:30. Hopefully I'll be able to keep up this schedule. Methinks I'll need to stick to a strict bedtime of 10:30. We'll see if I can manage that!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
So I Guess This Is It....
Hi! I'm Nikki.
I've got a husband, two kids, and a more than full-time job. I've also got tons of extra pounds and a new found interest in getting rid of some of them. They're nothing new, they've always been there. I graduated high school at 215, gained 20 pounds my freshman year of college, another 15 in a (failed) pampered relationship, bringing me to 250 when I met my now husband. Since being with him I've been all over the scale - except the part that is below 250. My highest was 307 the week I delivered my son.
Now that I've shared numbers, you know me better than most of my friends already!
On January 1, 2012 I weighed in at 270. I don't necessarily have a problem with this, but I do have a problem with all the health problems that I have that are related to my weight. I poked around a bit and found much motivation in someone that I have never even met. I believe we initially "met" on a wedding planning blog in 2005 or 2006 and have managed to follow each other since then onto various social networking sites. Insane when you think about it....
I've never been one to set goals at New Year's. I've always found it stupid, because once February came everyone forgot about them anyway. I also am not a fan of generic resolutions i.e. to lose weight. I think it's a bit too vague. I don't know if it was getting to have both kids (1 and 3 btw) up with me until midnight this time that struck a nerve, but I would like to be around a bit longer than the 62 I always thought I'd make it to.
So my goal for 2012 was not to lose weight, but to run a 5k, which would hopefully have some nice side effects to it. I poked around and found the Couch to 5k program at coolrunnings.com and have been in the midst of tackling that these last few weeks. It's certainly not going as smoothly as I had initially thought, but I'm sticking with it, even though at this current moment it has me completely frtustrated.
More on that later... lunch break is over!
I've got a husband, two kids, and a more than full-time job. I've also got tons of extra pounds and a new found interest in getting rid of some of them. They're nothing new, they've always been there. I graduated high school at 215, gained 20 pounds my freshman year of college, another 15 in a (failed) pampered relationship, bringing me to 250 when I met my now husband. Since being with him I've been all over the scale - except the part that is below 250. My highest was 307 the week I delivered my son.
Now that I've shared numbers, you know me better than most of my friends already!
On January 1, 2012 I weighed in at 270. I don't necessarily have a problem with this, but I do have a problem with all the health problems that I have that are related to my weight. I poked around a bit and found much motivation in someone that I have never even met. I believe we initially "met" on a wedding planning blog in 2005 or 2006 and have managed to follow each other since then onto various social networking sites. Insane when you think about it....
I've never been one to set goals at New Year's. I've always found it stupid, because once February came everyone forgot about them anyway. I also am not a fan of generic resolutions i.e. to lose weight. I think it's a bit too vague. I don't know if it was getting to have both kids (1 and 3 btw) up with me until midnight this time that struck a nerve, but I would like to be around a bit longer than the 62 I always thought I'd make it to.
So my goal for 2012 was not to lose weight, but to run a 5k, which would hopefully have some nice side effects to it. I poked around and found the Couch to 5k program at coolrunnings.com and have been in the midst of tackling that these last few weeks. It's certainly not going as smoothly as I had initially thought, but I'm sticking with it, even though at this current moment it has me completely frtustrated.
More on that later... lunch break is over!
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