Yeah Yeah

Yeah yeah, it's been since October since I posted anything. But I haven't been completely out of the game. In October I did a Zombie run which was fantastic and I will try to do again this year! Then I also did the Thanksgiving Turkey trot 5K. After that I feel like the holidays made me a bit lazier unfortunately.

I've been getting back at it though! Today I did Run For Cookies virtual 5K. 

As you can see it was incredibly slow, but I'm giving myself some slack since I helped my sister move today. 

No I haven't really lost any weight but I feel like my eating habits are getting much better. I would like to get back into the habit of blogging so I can keep track of my progress. All of this seems so much harder but maybe I don't remember how it really was. But no excuses. Time to get it back and feel good. 

I've been trying to find some races to reach for this year but haven't quite decided on any yet. I need a training plan soon though! 

Beckley 5K

Lordy, Lordy I've been busy. Things have been going well though. I'm down to 10mg of prednisone. Woot Woot! After blood work next week, hopefully I can reduce some more! I've been working on my running and a little indoor biking, but it's still hard. The extra weight mixed with legs that still feel like lead makes everything harder. But I will persevere.

I thought I'd share a few photos of what I've been up to lately....

Pumpkin Patch Fun.

Hiking with two kids and two dogs. I'm quite proud I didn't yell at anyone.

Inducing child labor. In my defense, he volunteered.

Tried out a new trail. Went for over 22 miles on the bike!

 I don't have a picture of the Beckley 5K that I did yesterday. It's the same 5K that I did for my very first race.

2011

The only thing good about this race is that I did beat my time from 2011. My time was 36.39, my first race in 2011 I came in a little over 39 minutes. It was just a hard run. It was once again freezing. I believe it was right at 40 degrees when the race began. My legs just kept feeling like lead. This race runs really close to my house and the thought of just running home did cross my mind! Mentally I was struggling as well. I couldn't get over how hard it felt and unfortunately I didn't have any support at the race to look forward to. I ended up walking a total of four times I believe. Of course, my watch was dead, so I'm not sure how long my walk breaks were. I finished the race though. Honestly, the pace of 11:48 is pretty consistent, if not a little faster, than what I've been running while training. So I shouldn't be too disappointed with my time. I guess I was just hoping that once I got out there, the atmosphere would pull me along and it would be less hard.

It might have hurt me that I haven't been very consistent with my running lately. I've been going to my niece's volleyball games during the week and trying to hang out with them on the weekends or I'll have some event or another. I haven't been as good as juggling my time as I used to be (mainly because I haven't been this social in quite a long time!).

But this race can be a good starting point. I know I've got to lose the extra weight and just keep at it. I went for a gorgeous two hour bike ride today on a rail trail in another county and it was so relaxing! The good thing about me being busy, I do work in activities that involve moving, but I still need to make sure I get my runs in so that I can get my heart rate up and my muscles stronger.

3.1 Miles

I may have skipped a week or two of my Couch to 5K today. Last week I walked 1 minute and ran 4 minutes, for 30 minutes. My runs were a little off though. I tried to squeeze one in while I was watching my niece and nephew after a trail walk, that only last about 20 minutes. The next day I did the full 30 minutes on the treadmill and other than sweating to death, it felt good to run for a longer period at a time. Then Friday I could only squeeze in 25 minutes before I had to go to dinner for my mom's birthday. And I did all of those runs in three consecutive days. I had a family reunion on Saturday and just wanted to make sure I got my runs in before that. My legs were feeling quite tired!

So I didn't run or do too much yesterday at the reunion, other than fail at playing volleyball. Today, my schedule was to walk 1 minute, run for 4, for 35 minutes. I did an out and back with my dog today. I went a little further out than I really needed to and when I was at 35 minutes I was really close to 3 miles, so I walked for my one minute and decided to just run for the next four minutes like I had been.

Obviously this was an extremely slow 5K, slower than my first official 5K even. But I did it!

This was my first time over three miles since the Biggest Loser 5K in June. This was also Mattie's longest run yet! My legs were feeling heavy, which seems to be the normal now, but I'm still hopeful that will get better with more running. I think I will keep my runs at 40 minutes for this week and then maybe keep the same routine for next week but add in an extra day.

Tuesday I go to see the rheumatologist. I'm hoping that the taper of prednisone will continue, maybe even at a faster pace. Starting today, I'm down to 30 mg, but I need to get under 10 for the side affects to lessen. I can't even tell you how much weight I've gained. The batteries quit working in my scale and I've decided to leave it that way for now. I'm still watching my food intake. I splurged yesterday at my reunion, but did well at my mom's birthday. Mentally I am not doing well with the weight gain. I just borrowed pants that are a size 16. Before all this, I was wearing 10-12's. I just hope I can get back to that. I don't think the weight is going to come off before I get off prednisone, but I can still be healthy! I'm just ready to feel like myself again. I feel uncomfortable all the time in my body. It just better be temporary.

Weekend Splurges

Prednisone aside, my weight gain has to be blamed on what's going into my mouth. I do well during the week, I even track my food, but come the weekend all bets are off. I tend to be very busy on the weekends with friends and family. This leads to eating out or ordering food and no matter what I choose, I tend to over indulge and my weight just goes up and up. Of course during the week my weight will come back down some, but not enough to make up for the weekend weight gain.

So what can I do to change this? Stop hanging out with friends and family? Become a hermit? Workout all day Saturday and Sunday so I can't overeat? I don't think those are the answers. I know it's all about balance, but sometimes trying to balance can lead to overeating!

This Saturday I went to the West Virginia State Fair. I had in my head to allow myself one treat. Well I started out well with some shredded chicken with just a tad of barbeque sauce on it, with a small roll, mashed potatoes (which I only took a couple of bites of), and green beans. Then I had roasted corn on the cob (truly the best corn ever!), due to it being so hot I got an ice cream cone. I was doing pretty well, until we went to see my cousin bull ride and I got a bag of kettle corn, which I ate my weight's worth. Then I had a few bites of a funnel cake! It could have been worse, but not as good as I wanted. Then on Sunday, I started out with a simple breakfast of toast with jam and fruit. I had a snack of these two blueberry fig bars (they are yummy) so I wouldn't get hungry while out on my kayak. Theeeen my boyfriend, a friend and I went to Dairy Queen where I had a grilled chicken sandwich, small curly fries, and a small ice cream cone. That wouldn't have been so so bad, except later that evening I had two and half slices of pepperoni pizza with two pieces of chocolate chip cookie. UGH! I just can't handle it! If it's in front of me I eat it!

So I thought it would be a great idea to share this article of what to we can do on the weekends to not ruin our eating habits: You can find the article here, from Sparkpeople.com.


1. Squeeze in a longer workout. The best part of the weekend is that you have more free time. So while you might not be able to squeeze in a 30-minute run over lunch during the week, you can use the weekend to go for a longer run at a beautiful park nearby. Or go to the gym to try a new hour-long class. Use the weekend as a time to refresh your workout and get more activity in without feeling rushed.

2. Eat like it's a weekday. When you think about it, it doesn't really make much sense to eat differently on the weekend than you do during the week—especially if your food choices during the week keep you fueled and energized. It can be easy to skip meals on the weekend and then make up for it later by overindulging at dinner. So, make a point to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner while sitting down. Pack snacks for when you're on the go, and follow a schedule just like you would during the week. Your body will thank you!

3. Stick to your usual sleep schedule. Are you someone who has a firm bedtime during the week only to stay up late and sleep in on the weekends? Changing your sleep patterns could throw off your schedule (hard to eat breakfast when you get up at noon!), and could also interfere with weight loss. Just think of all those times you stayed up later than usual, got hungry and ended up eating something unhealthy! Changing your sleep schedule can also make it harder to fall asleep on Sunday night which could set you up for a tired Monday.

4. Get outdoors. Because most of us work indoors during the daylight hours, the weekend provides a nice opportunity to get outside, see the sun and connect with nature. Heading outside can boost your body's production of vitamin D, plus studies show that people are happier when they spend time out in nature. So, get out there and enjoy the great outdoors!

5. Fuel yourself for weekday success. Ask yourself honestly if you pushed yourself too hard with workouts or restricted your food or calories too much during the week. If so, come Friday, your body may be hungry and tired, which can lead to overeating and underexercising on the weekend. Remember to practice moderation every day, eating and exercising in a way that you can sustain for the long haul—not just a few days or weeks.

6. Limit your drinks. While many of us forgo the soda, beer and wine during the week, we loosen up over the weekend and drink more of our calories. Just remember that the calories in beverages can add up quickly if you're not careful. Go easy on the drinks, or try healthier drink swaps if you just can't forgo that fancy coffee or sweet tea on Saturday! Practice moderation when it comes to alcohol, too. Just because you were "good" during the week doesn't mean that it's OK to make up for that with one night of all-out binge drinking. Here's what you need to know about fitting alcohol into a healthy diet.

7. Plan for relaxation. Most of us are busy during the week and even our weekends seem to become non-stop errands, chores, work and travel. So how do you find time to relax? Take the whole weekend (or at least part of it) to schedule some downtime for at least an hour or two. Whether it's practicing your favorite hobby, seeing a movie with friends or even meditating quietly, do something every weekend that recharges you. You'll not only feel better, but also beat stress (which may also ) help you drop a few pounds.

8. Break the on-again, off-again diet mentality. If you have a history in yo-yo dieting, make sure that you're not alternating between being "good" and "bad" throughout the course of a week. View the weekend as time for you—not a time to rebel or "cheat" on your diet and exercise plan. Remember that being at a healthy weight is about sustainable healthy lifestyle changes, not just a diet and exercise plan that you can maintain Monday through Friday. Revisit your goals and recommit to making healthy and realistic choices every day that set you up for success in the long term.

9. Weigh in Monday morning. If you need extra help being accountable over the weekend, schedule your weekly weigh-in for Monday morning. Knowing that you'll step on the scale at the start of the week can help you to stay accountable and be more aware of your weekend choices.

10. Plan for the week ahead. What better way to stay healthy on the weekend than by using your extra time to continue to set yourself up for success? Take a Sunday afternoon or evening to plan your meals, hit the grocery store, and do some big batch cooking for the week ahead. That way, when your busy week gets even busier, you'll already be ahead of the curve and able to stay on track! Don't forget about laundering your workout clothes, packing your gym bag, and getting prepared for workouts, too.


 I know I need to start scheduling my long workouts for the weekends again. I've not been doing that since I got sick. I think I also need to make sure I'm drinking enough water on the weekends. I'm probably more thirsty than I am hungry and then end up over doing it on food. With these tips, I'm hoping to make better choices this upcoming weekend! I'm still working on Couch to 5K, biking, a little strength training, and kayaking when it's not raining!

Here's a couple of pictures of where I went yesterday, Bluestone Lake in Hinton, WV. I went about five miles. I love it!

Source

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I've got to get ready for my run. Unfortunately, it will be on the treadmill since it's been pouring rain all day, but at least I get to run! Have a good and healthy week!

National Running Day

The running world is on fire for National Running Day! Are you running today? Taking those first scary steps? Wondering if the world is going to judge you for 'pretending' to be a runner, when really you can't run for more than thirty seconds (and yes running is a loose term)?

My badge, to make one go here.

That's how my first steps felt. I prayed that people wouldn't see me or if they did see that I didn't look like a fool who didn't know what I was doing.

And now, two and half years later, I love running. It has changed my life.

I also miss it. I am not magically better yet. The initial consensus so far is that I have polymyositis. More information Here. And I agree. My symptoms fit pretty closely now.  Its basically the same thing I had as a kid, with just a few variations.

Basically my body is fighting my muscles instead of healing them. I have weakness, I get tired easily, trouble swallowing (from weak esophagus muscles), and it's moved into my legs as well as my arms.
I don't know everything quite yet, but I think it might be something I fight on and off for the rest of my life. Right now I am on 60mg of Prednisone. I don't know if I will have to take additional medications. I still have to discuss a plan of action with the rheumatologist.

BUT! I am making some improvements. I felt well enough Sunday and Monday to try walking and then running for thirty seconds and then walking for one minute, for twenty minutes. I don't think it was very wise to do two days in a row, because I hurt a lot yesterday, but I was just so excited to be able to do something.

It's a start.

I'm starting over. And it's going to be a slow process, but I'm not going to let my body rule my life. I'll find out over time what my limits are, but right now, I can start.

I've sent an email requesting to volunteer for a triathlon on Father's Day weekend. I haven't heard anything yet, but I thought it would be fun to volunteer since I'm out of commission. I'll update more, if I hear anything.

I also have the Biggest Loser Run/Walk in Charleston, WV on the 28th. I switched from the half to the 5K. Obviously, there is no way I can do a half marathon at this point. I really hope I can do the 5K. I know lots of walking will be involved, but it's nice having a 5K to work towards. Hopefully my body will let me get there!

Quite the Trail Run

Yes I had quite the trail run on Saturday.

I had about three hours of running ahead of me, so I started my day off with a bagel and some water at Panera. It was yummy! I went straight to the trails after that. Within the first half mile, I had to pee something fierce. Let's just say I marked my territory. Hey, don't judge...at least not yet.

So I was plodding along, just watching my footsteps when all of sudden a dog was just a couple of yards in front of me barking at me!

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This is definitely what the dog looked like.

 

Okay maybe it looked more like this....

The owner came around the bend and the dog was obviously very friendly after it got over the surprise of seeing me. I was just glad I had already stopped to pee or I may have went right there in my pants. The owner apologized profusely, saying that there usually weren't people on the trail that early. I told him it wasn't a big deal and went on my way.

I should start this next part by saying the night before I went out to dinner with my family to a Mexican restaurant. I was starving by the time we went so I ate way too many chips with salsa and then had three tacos! Yes, three.

So, of course, on my second loop, out in the middle of nowhere, came the stomach pains. And then the sounds. And then the feeling of oh my goodness, I'm gonna poop my pants. I again, had to find a tree. I'm so sorry tree, I know you will never be the same. All I have to say is thank God I had a baby wipe thing in my pack. (You can now judge me). Does this mean I'm a real runner now?

But that's not all. On my third loop, my legs must have started getting heavy because I fell flat on my face! I had tripped over the tiniest root you've ever seen. But at least it was soft dirt and not wet mud or hard concrete! I spent the rest of the third loop continuing to get tripped up on root after root.

Despite all that though, I feel a little better about my run two weekends from now. It will take me forever, but with walking up steep climbs, I'm hoping I make it.

I spent the rest of the day enjoying the spring-like 55 degree day with my family. We enjoyed a nice farmer's market, a trip to a local state park, and then to a fabulous restaurant that makes everything from scratch! If you're ever in southern West Virginia, I recommend the Secret Sandwich Society. I ate soo much including the best burger I've had at a restaurant, but we won't talk about that!

 

My sisters and family at the park.

 

 

Hopefully it will be as nice as it was this past weekend for my race!! 



 



New Year

A New Year A New You.

That's supposed to be the motto right? Well I need that motto right now. I'm struggling and I need support like crazy. However I think I'm just gonna have to buck up and take charge. These past few weeks have just been crazy crazy and I hope that things will slow down a bit. But if they dont then I still have to be responsible for getting my workouts in and choosing healthier foods!

So even today, when I'm frankly a little hung over, I'm going running. And I'm going to make some goals for this year. I've already been thinking about them and I'm not going to choose a certain weight to work towards but have some racing goals, tracking my food goals, and new adventure goals!

I'd like to say that I've had fun letting go these past two months but the truth is I don't feel good. I have headaches again, I don't feel good about myself, and a lot of times I come home just feeling gross and sick. So really enough is enough. The holidays are over and im ready to make this town fit into my lifestyle, not change my self to fit into this town's lifestyle!

So here's to one step at a time. Today's goals: go for a run and eat a healthy dinner.

Have a happy and healthy new year everyone!

Failed Week

This week was yet another fail! I continued to drink soda, ate without abandon, and didn't get even four measly workouts in! (I had three workouts that actually count as workouts). It will get better, it will get better, it will get better!!!

I was stupid and let my emotions talk me out of working out as planned on Thursday. For some reason when I get mad, I just want to eat junk food and wallow and not workout. Do I think that gets back at the person I'm mad at?? No, I just feel like crap, let my anger grow, and don't let it out constructively.Yeah, I'm a work in progress that's for sure!

Thankfully it was in the upper sixties today (wth right?) and I not only walked the dogs this morning, but went on a run after we ran some errands and before a work party. Unfortunately, yesterday I was just lazy and didn't workout in the morning. I did lift boxes full of books all day, does that count for anything? (The only thing it counts for is making my sciatica act up! haha).

Needless to say my weight is still at 170. Oh and get this. My feet and legs are retaining water. This never happens to me! Sign that I'm eating too much salt and not enough water!

So my goal for this week, yes I have goals for Christmas week, is to drink more water everyday, get FOUR workouts in at least, and try to make better choices where food is concerned. I know Christmas will probably be a bust, but I also don't have to keep eating and eating and eating. Small portions are my best friend and I need to be reacquainted with her.

I can really tell that I've gained weight. Running is harder, I feel like my stomach is sticking out worse than usual, and I just feel gross. Ten pounds might not sound like a lot to some people, but when you've worked so hard to lose weight, ten pounds is disheartening and frustrating. But I will not let this get the better of me of course. I'm starting to really feel the need to go back to telling people no, passing on desserts, and being picky about where I eat out. It's freaking worth it and I have goals in 2014 that I want to accomplish damn it! Food is not more important than that!

On that note, I'm going to catch up on some Biggest Loser and continue to enjoy my holiday vacation! Happy Holidays everyone!!

I Resisted


Holy Moly Batman! I actually kept with my plan this weekend!

I didn't indulge in this:


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I didn't eat this:

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Or this:

Instant Karma Cupcakes

 

And these:

 

Rum and Coke



 

I even lost weight this weekend! (Okay only .2 pounds, but it's still a loss!!!) I did drink my weight in sweet tea this weekend, but what can I say? I can't give up my sweet tea just yet.

No my family and friends aren't sugar addicts. The reason for all the treats were due to a couple of birthdays. Two friends of mine have birthdays this week and my mom's birthday is Wednesday.

I think writing out my goal to show willpower and making small choices that lead to better things really paid off. I kept reminding myself of it all weekend.

The interesting thing is that I realized it's not ALL of my fault that when I go home I overeat. Not only are there temptations just laying around in plain view and for easy grabbing at my parent's home, but people can be pushy when it comes to food! My friends and family kept trying me to eat these desserts, but I remained firm. I stated that I wanted to lose more weight and to do that I couldn't gain five pounds every time I return home. I also planned like I said I would. I took water and either a granola bar or some 'trail mix' that I put together. I put trail mix in quotes since it was really just peanuts and dried cranberries and some raisins. But that mix of salty and sweet absolutely did the trick. I went to three movies this weekend and didn't get popcorn, even though I really really wanted it!! I saw The Big Lebowski at a new movie theater/playhouse that has an old feel, Planes at a Drive-In movie theater, and The World's End. all were great! haha.

I managed to get in one run on Saturday. I met a friend and we did five miles in 58 minutes together. It was so nice to have someone to keep me company and to talk to during the run. It made it go by much faster! I didn't run yesterday though. It was rainy and honestly I was really tired. So I'll either run or bike ride today after work. Yes I have to work on Labor Day!


WI #7 and 'Half-Assed'

Again with the sideways photo!?! Oh well.

160.4 Down .4 from last week. At least it's in the right direction, but it's a little disappointing. I had been down in the 150's at the beginning of the week and then it went up enough to push me back into 160.  I WILL GET DOWN TO THE 150's! Dang it! ;) I just want to be considered a healthy weight one time in my life!

I'm going out of town this weekend. I have been doing pretty well with my eating for the past few weeks, but I've also been at home a lot. My weight always goes up when I go out of town. I was thinking about my willpower at my parent's home versus at my home, when I read these few pages in a book called Half-Assed by Jennette Fulda. (Really funny book about her weight loss by the way).

"Willpower was good for getting me to speed up my grocery cart as I passed the Oreos strategically placed next to the milk section....But using willpower as the energy source for a long-term weight-loss plan was like trying to power an aircraft carrier with a hamster running in a wheel."

Meaning that we can use willpower to get us through the small daily choices we have to make, but you can't base your whole weight-loss on willpower. You have to have a plan, goals, and make actual changes to your life to get what you want.

"I was making a lot of choices these days. I would always go for the slice of whole-wheat over the white bread. Sweet potatoes would beat normal potatoes in all my vegetable wrestling matches. I peeled the skin off the chicken even if that made my a poultry scalper."

 

 

"All those little choices in the day added up to something bigger. It was like stacking every brick to make a glorious cathedral or sitting at a loom every day, weaving thread in and out to make a glittering tapestry. Losing weight required a lot of constant thinking and decision making."

 

 

This is so true. Weight-loss really requires a bunch of small choices that add up to something bigger at the end of the day and your end goals. To choose water over soda. To choose to skip seconds. Etc. These steps do take willpower. But to know what you are going to order before you get to the restaurant. Bringing your own food to the party. Getting your exercise in. These are all steps that have nothing to do with willpower, but planning. And keeping your end goal, whether it's weight loss, to train for a race, to avoid gluten, whatever. It will take planning.

 

Even though I will probably eat out more than normal because I will be visiting family and friends this weekend, I can CHOOSE to eat healthy. To go to restaurants that offer healthy options. And to get a couple of runs in. 

So don't use the lack of willpower as an excuse to not lose weight. The lack of willpower probably means the lack of overall planning. Also just because you have a treat does not mean you failed. Accept it and move on. The next meal can always be healthier. Yup still working on the acceptance thing, but I do make sure that I get right back on track.

We can all do this! I'm already planning tonight when I meet friends at a bar before a movie. Water at the bar and I may be smuggling in my trail mix for the movie, haha.

_______________

Workouts this week went like this:

Sunday: Rest
Monday: 46 Mile Bike ride - 4hrs 30 mins.
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: 2 Mile run and strength training, mostly arms with some squats and dip thingys
Thursday: 6 Mile run 1 hr 9 mins (slow, but I didn't look at my watch the whole time, it was nice).
Friday: Slept in, so I guess it'll be another rest day bc of traveling. Oops.
Saturday: I'm thinking 5 mile run.

WI #6 and New Race

Woot! 160.8. Down 1.2 pounds from last week! Sounds good to me!

It's been a good week. I chose healthy choices at a Chinese buffet that actually had a fresh grill. So I loaded my plate with fresh veggies and chicken, added a little garlic sauce and a guy grilled it all right in front of me. It was delicious!

I've also been enjoying my go to salad.

Strawberries, blueberries, avocado, spinach, and light raspberry vinaigrette. Yum!
I also made a big pot of cabbage roll soup type of mixture. It's not very pretty, so no pictures.
I made it with cabbage (duh), ground lean turkey, tomatoes, and tomato sauce. It's so filling and pretty good too!

Workouts have been okay:

Monday I did a short recovery run of 15 minutes then walked for 10 or so.
Tuesday I went for a 1 hour and 35 min. bike ride. It was nice, but it wore me out!
Wednesday, I didn't feel like running. So I did some strength exercises at home. I tried to do a plank for just a minute, but only got to 43 seconds before I started shaking so badly I had to stop. I went for another one to finish out the minute. Definitely will work on that! I used a little weight and did some lunges, plus sit ups and squats. Turned out pretty well I think.
Thursday I did a hill workout. I never do hill workouts. And this one HURT! Oh my, it left me out of breath and my legs shaking. I went for about 20-25 minutes and then walked around the neighborhood to get my legs to act normal, haha.

Things I learned this week I need to work on: hills and planks. Looks like I need to work on getting stronger!

Today will be a rest day since I have to work until 9pm, but tomorrow will involve a run at some point in the evening.

I didn't do my full on usual workouts this week, but I'm very proud of myself for doing something everyday. A lot of times I feel like just laying on the couch all evening and being a slug. If I get up and tell myself that I'll do something for just a little while, it helps motivate me. Sometimes I go longer than I think, but sometimes not, and that's okay. Movement is movement. It's really good for overall health if I just get in a little something!

I really do feel better mentally and physically. Even the little workouts help keep the blues away and I usually sleep better (except when we have major thunder storms like last night!). So this is my suggestion world, get up and do something that doesn't sound like torture to you and do it for just 15 or 20 minutes. It'll pay off in the end and could lead to some great workouts!

Also, I decided to sign up for the Wells Fargo Mountaineer Triathlon/Duathlon. The race is September 22nd. I decided to sign up for my first Duathlon. Mainly because I don't like swimming that much and it's only a month away. Since it's my first duathlon, I chose the sprint distance instead of the Olympic. I realized that I have plenty of years left to do the Olympic and there is no need to push myself too quickly. The sprint consists of 5K run (3.1 miles), 20K bike ride (12.4 miles) and another 5k run. I'm pretty sure I can do it, but it'll still be a challenging race. I've never run that long with biking added in! Thankfully the course is pretty flat so the biking hopefully won't be so bad.

I need to get my bike checked out. It was making a couple of funny noises. It might just need bike grease on the chain though. 

I'm really looking forward to this race. I love incorporating running and biking into the challenge! I better start training!! Have a good weekend all!

P.S. Did I mention in my last week's race that I didn't walk hardly at all? I don't remember if I did and I'm too lazy to check, but I keep thinking about how I'm so proud of that. There was only a couple of water stations I walked through and one time to get a Cliff Chew out of my pack because it wouldn't come out. That is all.

Biggest Loser Half Marathon Recap

I achieved a new PR (personal record)!! I finished the Biggest Loser Half Marathon in Erie, PA in 2 hrs., 15 minutes and 51 seconds. That's ten minutes faster than my first half marathon! I went from an 11:10 pace in my first one to a 10:22 pace! And that's with a bathroom break during the race!

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This is the race course. It is completely on Presque Isle. It was a gorgeous and very flat course. The race began at 7am, so my beau and I got up at the crack ass of dawn to get ready. We drove to Erie the day before, about a three hour drive from where we live. After getting ready that morning, we had to get some breakfast. We went to McDonald's and I got an Egg White McMuffin and a water. I have these type of sandwiches at home so I figured it would be fine. We ate on the way to the island because on a normal day it can take twenty minutes to get from the entrance to the point of the island where the race would begin. We had marked out where we needed to go the night before and they were not kidding about how long it takes to get out there!  So we wanted to leave plenty of time for traffic. And I'm really glad we did. I had plenty of time to use the port-o-potties (not that it helped much) and we got a good parking spot. There were plenty of people rolling in, this was around 5:30am. Crazy runners.

Is it just me or do I look completely freaked out?

The start/finish line.

On good thing about getting up so early, we got to watch the sun rise over the water.

 The race seemed well organized with plenty of bathrooms at the start/finish line as well as on the course (since there are already bathrooms on the island, they were easily accessible during the race), some vendors, even a concession stand that was open and selling coffee at 5:30 in the morning! They separated the half marathoners and the 5K runners with the half lining up and starting first. I'm not sure what happened, but the race did start a little late and with a crowded chute, I was getting ansy.

Waiting...

 I decided I would line up with the 10:00 minute mile pacers. That was my A goal. I didn't think I could do it the whole way, but I thought it might motivate me to keep a more evened pace. And the pacer had a pirate flag. It was meant to be.

Finally, we started moving. About .2 miles in, I realized I had forgotten to start my watch. Doh! Then I realized I must have hit something while I was waiting because it was no longer on run. Extra doh! I got it working though, which was not easy as I was running.

I stayed with the 10:00 pacer really well, even during the water stations, where I still have to walk. I walked quickly just enough to gulp a drink down and then started running again which kept me right with them. I did that until mile 7 or so. That is when my stomach decided it hated me. I could feel it rumbling before, but I thought I might be able to ignore it. Well it would not be ignored. I saw a bathroom at mile 6 but again thought I could hold out. Like I said above, it was not happening. I started slowing up just a little bit at around that 7 mile marker. I could still see the pirate flag just barely ahead of me. I didn't think I was going to make it though. I'm not sure if it was the fried fish sandwich I had the night before or the extra Power Bar fruit gummies I ate during the run, but my stomach was roaring. There were no other bathrooms and I was heavily considering either going behind a very skinny tree or getting a lift with one of the cars passing us in the open lane. At mile 9 though there was a ranger's station that had a bathroom. Thank heaven! I made it and all was well.

I totally lost sight of the pirate flag after that of course. And I started to get really hungry. I'm not sure if it was because we started a little late or because I had eaten so early. Maybe a combination of both. So I had more fruit chews, way more than I usually eat. I only had one of the Clif Shot Blocks. I usually have two of those during a run like this, but they can upset my stomach and I didn't want to take the chance of making things worse. So I stuck with water, a little bit of gatorade that was offered on the course, and my chews.

They had water stations every mile and water/gatorade every other mile! That's fantastic. They didn't really need it this year since it was a lovely cool day, but it was nice to have that option. My strategy going in was to have water every two miles and gatorade if I needed a little extra boost. The few miles before I found a bathroom, I didn't have anything. I didn't want to put anything more into my stomach!

After the bathroom incident, I felt pretty good. My pace did slow down a little, but I kept it right around 10:00. And really the scenery was beautiful. A mix between beautiful trees, marsh lands, and bright Lake Erie. And with that I finished in 2:15!

Not sure if you can really tell, but I'm running towards the finish line.

Trying to not let that girl pass me! The time shows the gun time, 2:16.42. Chip time 2:15.51

 Overall it was a nice race. I might have hit closer to my 10:00 mark if it hadn't been for the pit stop. I'm really proud of my race though. Except for my left knee (not the one I messed up) hurting the last mile or so, my legs did well. I'll make sure to tape both of them next time!

The swag.

Source

After the race my beau and I decided it would be a great idea to swim in Lake Erie. So I decided to just go in with my clothes on. It was freeeaking cold! It's the middle of August and that water was ice cold! We didn't last long, haha.

It was sunnier than this might seem. Great for running!

 Also, I wasn't feeling well. Unfortunately, my stomach was majorly upset all day. Thank goodness our hotel room was nice and our king sized bed was comfy. I spent a lot of time in that room and not for any good reasons! My beau was very nice about it though and stayed with me even when I told him he should go out and find something fun to do. After lots of Pepto and a nap, we did take a little time out to do a first for me. We went to a casino!

Presque Isle Downs and Casino

I didn't win the big bucks. Better not quit my day job.

Today we decided to hit up a zoo. We had a really good time and it was nice to walk out my slightly sore legs. Even though we didn't do as much as I had thought we would, since I was dying on Saturday (dramatic much?), it was so nice to get away. And I leave you with a cute picture:

I thought this Red Panda was adorable!

P.S. I didn't stay on track with my eating. At all. But when you don't feel well you eat what sounds good. Doing better today and back on track completely tomorrow!

Perspective

Another lesson learned yesterday.

I know that I am a slow runner and I am okay with this. The fact that I run at all is brilliant for me. Yesterday though, I had trouble of keeping the feeling of failure at bay. I joined up with the group run that happens every Monday after I had already run a few miles so that I could get in my last longish run before the Erie Half Marathon. There were four people that were running about the pace that I needed to go. A little fast for me, but they were keeping it easy so I figured I could stay with them. WRONG. I felt like such a loser when I had to take a minute to walk, because I couldn't run at their pace anymore. They were averaging around a 9:30-10:00 min. mile. It was a simple jog for these people who were obviously much fitter than I. I became so discouraged that after all the time I spend running and cycling, that I still have so far to go. It also doesn't help that I haven't been training as hard lately so that I don't re-injure myself before my race.

But then I have to remember, a couple of years ago, I would never have stepped foot in the running shop or gone anywhere near a running group. Sometimes you have to cut yourself some slack! Yes I still walk on some of my runs and that's okay for me. I'm not a super skinny athlete that has been training for years and years. I will get better, I already have. And I will not be the only one taking a walk break during the Half. I can guarantee that! (Though my goal is to only take walk breaks at the water stops.)

I may never be like the speedy people at the running group. That is not the point of my journey. My direction is to try new things, work at them, explore, and create experiences. I get the opportunity to run along an island this weekend! That is something special and that is what I need to remember when those discouraging feelings come up. I may not be quick or look good doing it, but I will finish and I will enjoy the journey.

I feel better already.

On a side note: Looks like great weather for this weekend. A little cloudy, but no rain and a high of 80 degrees. Since the race begins at 7am, it should be nice and cool! I'm getting very excited and a little nervous. I always get nervous though. You just never know what will happen on race day! I'll try to get lots of pictures though!

Have a good week!

So Frustrating!

Grrrr!

I finally got rid of my knee pain (yay!), but now I'm having major ankle pain! UGH!

I've taken two rest day this week already, Sunday and Tuesday, with a bike ride on Monday. I just tried running on my treadmill and it still freaking hurt. I even taped it up this time. So I just walked for a little while and now I'm icing. I guess I'll take two days off and work on stretching with more icing? I don't even know.

I just wanted to vent. My Erie Half Marathon is growing closer and I just want to enjoy the experience, pain free.

On a positive note, eating is going pretty well. No sweets (minus a granola bar I had today that had some chocolate on it, not sure if that counts though) and no junk food.

Jamboree

I was perusing Yahoo working when I came upon this article about the Boy Scout Jamboree in West Virginia. This is a massive event they are having in southern West Virginia (where I'm from).

It wasn't the Jamboree that I was interested in really, but the fact that they put a physical limitation on the Scouts that were able to attend. According to the article, scouts who had a BMI higher than 40 were ineligible to attend. Okay, I get that they want to promote healthy choices and being active. Their facility is amazing, with Olympic pools, rafting, rock climbing, etc. However, my problem is, how are these kids going to realize their full potential and how being active can be fun, if they are  being ostracized?

Perhaps these kids need to be given a chance. Just because one is obese does not mean that they couldn't do the physical activities the other kids could do. It probably would be harder, but not impossible. Ugh, I just hate it that such a thing exists as being too fat to go to camp. Poor kids. I hope that some of the ones that were denied have their "ah-ha" moment and start changing their lives. This is probably the objective of the limitation, but it doesn't always work...

__________________________________________________________________________________

I've been working on my goals that I set for myself. I've made healthier choices, though I did have some tea. I've been catching up on my blogs. And I got in a long run Sunday. It was 8 miles, but I only ran probably 7 of those. My knee just hurt so badly. I talked to a girl at my group run today (2.6 miles) and she is using tape for her shin splints and various other pains. I might give it a try. Basically it's using a type of medical tape, shaping it around whatever hurts and this causes the skin to pull away from the muscle so that there's less pain. At least that's what I understood she was saying. I don't know if it will help, but I'm willing to try anything!

My knee coupled with the hot humid air made for a rather miserable run. It also didn't help that I decided to run around 2 o'clock. Yeah, not a smart decision! I guess I know why most people run before the sun really comes up.

My week of training looks like this:

Group run today
Spin tomorrow morning
Spin on Wednesday followed by a run in the evening
Thursday tempo work
Friday rest
Long run Saturday morning.

I have a family thing on Sunday so I have to get my run in on Saturday before I go into work that evening.

Back to watching Bones! I'm going to try and get some tape tomorrow and will update after I try it out a couple of times. I can't stand this 'runner's knee' any longer!

Biggest Loser 10K

*Sorry it has taken me so long to post. Technical difficulties with my computer.*

 

I'm back! From vacation that is. I've been gone over a week at the beach and boy it is hard to get into real like (mainly just getting up to go to work). Vacation will be a whole post of it's own, because I'm too tired to write about the whole week right now, but I did start my vacation on a positive note and ran the Biggest Loser 10K in Charleston, WV (it quickly went downhill from there, health wise, but again that's for a different post).

I arrived at the packet pick up relatively late, so I didn't get to enjoy the full expo, but I did get to see Dan and Jackie Evans from the Biggest Loser, Season 5. They were already on stage when I walked in.While I was there, they talked about how better they felt now that they were active and how simple it can all start with just walking.

Also Michael Dorsey from Season 14 was there. People were in line to take a picture with him, but I parked in a short term parking spot, so I didn't take the time to get a picture. I did say hi though! 

As far as vendors. The expo was a little sad. There was only one other store there, who sold jewelry and magnets/stickers that involved running.  I received a bag and white shirt, which looked incredibly small.

There was a 10K and a 5K. A friend of mine was doing the 5K with a friend of his. It was nice to have people to hang out with before and after the race. Both races didn't start until 9AM, so we didn't have to get up until after 7. I stupidly woke up at 6:30. Thanks bladder. I mistakenly only ate two frozen waffles. I should have eaten more or took a little granola bar since it would be two hours before I actually ran, but ya live 'n learn. The race had a good atmosphere, but there weren't really enough toilets. The race relied on the park restrooms and frankly there weren't enough and they should have had at least a couple of port-o-potties. They did have some on the course, but that didn't help before the race! We eventually went into a hotel to use their bathrooms, so did a lot of other people, but it move quickly.

My friend Brian, his friend Lauren, and I all started out together. We tried to get into the correct corral to start, but they had it so blocked off that there were too many people and we were stuck around the 15 min. mile pacers. It didn't really matter since our time didn't start out until we crossed the mat and none of us were there to win it. But it was a bit crazy to have to dodge and weave around everyone and it took about a mile in until we could finally get a steady pace. Unfortunately, they had to turn at the 1.5 mile marker and I had to keep going. My pace/effort seemed to be going okay, but looking back my pace dropped quite a bit after they left. It was so hot though and I felt tired. At the turn around, I could start feeling that I should have eaten more. I do not do well in the heat. That is for sure!

At the turn around point for the 5K'ers I got to slap the hand of Mike and Lauren Lee from the Biggest Loser. They had actually been running it and as I went past them I told them how happy we were that they were here. It was also nice to get a little support at that point. I just kept trudging along. The course follows the Kanawha River. It does not have any trees or shade except for one bridge you go under. It was freaking hot! We passed by the state capital and it looked beautiful as usual, but my goodness, I would have traded it out in a heartbeat for some trees.

Needless to say, this was not my best run ever. My time was 1 hr and 4 mins (almost 5 mins.). My knee did considerably well which I was thankful for. I didn't wear my big brace, just the strap, but it did fine. Still some twinges, but not the kind of pain I have had. They can't all be PR's and I'm a little disappointed, but it was still good to get a run in and join in on the fun and welcoming environment that the Biggest Loser provided to a variety of people.

Coolest thing were the free pictures!