New shoes, a new PR for my 5k record and my hubby's first 5k.
Thanksgiving morning we ran our local Turkey Trot, so much fun, so many fun friends! Some of our friends launched their new product lines, Never Quit. It was great to see their launch and to run and see so many familiar faces. Really made my hometown that has grown so much feel like a small town again.
I took 2 minutes off my 5k time from September Wahooo! Great run up a really tough hill, but we finished. I was able to meet a very nice lady from PA that will be running the Princess Half Marathon in February. Just plain fun!
That was then followed by an 8 mile run on Saturday. My training. Buddy and I not only shopped Black Friday in the middle of the night, but we followed it up with an 8 mile training run. We both did great. A few minor hiccups in the beginning, but I'm really happy with the 8 miles. It felt good and I had no muscles issues, my legs recovered beautifully. Or at least I thought so.
I was pumped for my short 3 miles on Monday. Then, not so much. I was slow and just not excited at mile 2. Then I was kindly reminded my body was still recovering from 8 miles.
Wednesday's run was even worse, faster, but my leg cramped and I was just off. So, today is reset. I've rested my legs for two days. I have restarted my healthy fueling plan and I'm taking tomorrows run easy. 4 miles of calm, not going to push myself farther than I need to. Just going to enjoy the run.
Just keep running, running, running!
Friday, December 2, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
More new experiences....wahoooo!
We all go into marraige with expectations. I want this, we are going to do that all the time, etc. (The list is long!) One of those things I always expected would happen once married was the evening walks after dinner, dog on the leash, sunsets, dreamy evenings, white picket fences......Wake Up Girlie!
When you set those expectations, you usually get let down at least a little bit. It's taken 10 years of marraige, a few evening strolls, but the hubby truly doesn't enjoy walking. He LOVES biking, football, golf, basketball. I've biked, I've thrown the football around the yard, I enjoy golf when we can.
I'm excited to share that we are now running some together! Most of my running is done very early in the morning and he doesn't enjoy mornings. Hubby is training for a tri (involves running!) and we started running some together at least one evening a week. I'm so excited! He helps me work on my speed (if I want to run with him and not just follow) which I need to work on and I help him with distance. I love it!
Excited for a long run this weekend (6 miles), it's a new distance for me. I'm also excited for one of my running inspriations who is doing a Half in Savannah this weekend. I have great excpectations for the many posts that will come after this weekend's NYC Marathon. I'm thinking I want to train to run that one in 2013 (I have to give myself some time to actually run a marathon and be able to do it well, I mean I can't travel all that way and do poorly~!)
First 10k in a couple weeks, can't wait to see how my PR is for that one :).
When you set those expectations, you usually get let down at least a little bit. It's taken 10 years of marraige, a few evening strolls, but the hubby truly doesn't enjoy walking. He LOVES biking, football, golf, basketball. I've biked, I've thrown the football around the yard, I enjoy golf when we can.
I'm excited to share that we are now running some together! Most of my running is done very early in the morning and he doesn't enjoy mornings. Hubby is training for a tri (involves running!) and we started running some together at least one evening a week. I'm so excited! He helps me work on my speed (if I want to run with him and not just follow) which I need to work on and I help him with distance. I love it!
Excited for a long run this weekend (6 miles), it's a new distance for me. I'm also excited for one of my running inspriations who is doing a Half in Savannah this weekend. I have great excpectations for the many posts that will come after this weekend's NYC Marathon. I'm thinking I want to train to run that one in 2013 (I have to give myself some time to actually run a marathon and be able to do it well, I mean I can't travel all that way and do poorly~!)
First 10k in a couple weeks, can't wait to see how my PR is for that one :).
Saturday, October 22, 2011
A New Distance for Me....
As the temperatures dropped this week, my miles went up! This morning, I normally would have started my day with the girls running our training run, but today was a continuation of a 24 year tradition. My mom and I have attended a fall festival in a local little town since I was a kid, I've only missed twice for a funeral and a dear friend's wedding. We started taking my little one a few years ago and today we continued that tradition. One thing was missing, my Nanny who hasn't been able to go with us for the last couple of years. We were there when the sun came up and joined with the die hard attendees in looking for what was new, it was a great morning, I'm certain we would have made Nanny proud.
Back to running, my 5 mile run was scheduled today. I left something out about this morning, it was soooooo cold here! This flip flop wearing Florida girl is not a big fan of cold weather, so when it came down to it, my five mile run happened this afternoon when it was closer to 70 and not close to 46 (as it was this morning.) I was honestly happy about that.
The first couple of miles were interesting, as my left foot continued to slap the ground a bit, but by mile 4, things were moving along nicely! I really found a great groove and felt fantastic that last mile. My hubby took great care of me by bringing water out to the mailbox for me, which I was glad to swing by and pick up before the halfway point.
Some things I now appreciate about running in the morning: less traffic, no people watching me, cars have headlights turned on so I don't almost cross the road in front of them, I'm not as concerned about pets being out and about ready to chase me down. My morning runs really give me that peaceful solitude.
It surprises me sometimes in those wee hours of the morning what great conversations I get to have with my heavenly Father. There are times I'm asking for His help to make it around the next mile, other times I'm praying for friends that I know are out and about doing the same thing, and most times I'm asking Him to direct my path for the day ahead. Then I get to the cool down part, when I'm grateful, oh so grateful, that I have the little bit of ability I do have to get up and run. I get to appreciate the stars that are still out, over the summer it was the beginnings of a beautiful sunrise that would end my runs. And amazingly my running mix shuffles to just the right songs just when I need them or can appreciate them the best. I just love it!
I lucked out today, found some long running pants (on clearance) that should work for those cooler temps in the morning and found these reflecter slap bands that I'm going to try in the mornings. This will save some batteries in my little flashlight that I feel the need to turn on every time a car comes within a mile of me. Safety first!
I hope everyone is enjoying this fantastic fall weather!
Back to running, my 5 mile run was scheduled today. I left something out about this morning, it was soooooo cold here! This flip flop wearing Florida girl is not a big fan of cold weather, so when it came down to it, my five mile run happened this afternoon when it was closer to 70 and not close to 46 (as it was this morning.) I was honestly happy about that.
The first couple of miles were interesting, as my left foot continued to slap the ground a bit, but by mile 4, things were moving along nicely! I really found a great groove and felt fantastic that last mile. My hubby took great care of me by bringing water out to the mailbox for me, which I was glad to swing by and pick up before the halfway point.
Some things I now appreciate about running in the morning: less traffic, no people watching me, cars have headlights turned on so I don't almost cross the road in front of them, I'm not as concerned about pets being out and about ready to chase me down. My morning runs really give me that peaceful solitude.
It surprises me sometimes in those wee hours of the morning what great conversations I get to have with my heavenly Father. There are times I'm asking for His help to make it around the next mile, other times I'm praying for friends that I know are out and about doing the same thing, and most times I'm asking Him to direct my path for the day ahead. Then I get to the cool down part, when I'm grateful, oh so grateful, that I have the little bit of ability I do have to get up and run. I get to appreciate the stars that are still out, over the summer it was the beginnings of a beautiful sunrise that would end my runs. And amazingly my running mix shuffles to just the right songs just when I need them or can appreciate them the best. I just love it!
I lucked out today, found some long running pants (on clearance) that should work for those cooler temps in the morning and found these reflecter slap bands that I'm going to try in the mornings. This will save some batteries in my little flashlight that I feel the need to turn on every time a car comes within a mile of me. Safety first!
I hope everyone is enjoying this fantastic fall weather!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
If It Was Easy....Anyone could do it
My first run back out on the roads and I'm going to say.....boooo!
I anticipated being a bit slower, it has been almost a week since I've had a good run. What I did not anticipate was my stride/strike problem. Can you say, one foot cooperates and the other one slaps like a wet noodle. When I started running, I paid very close attention to how my feet were striking and my stride, making sure I didn't over extend, these legs are only so long. I have been very fortunate that both feet cooperated and really have been pleased with them.
I noticed the issue on the treadmill Saturday, but attributed it to the treadmill, my attitude, being tired, etc. This morning.......I'm clueless. Well of course I'm tired, who isn't first thing in the morning. I was on my normal path, with my great playlist shuffled beautifully. My running gear was all the same. I have no idea.........
I love running with music, I even took my headphones off to try and figure out what on earth was going on with my left foot for the last mile. The right one landed beautifully with the just the right amount of force, no pain, no strain. Then here came the left one ....bam.....bam.....and a nice little muscle strain on that leg quickly followed.
I know I've been very lucky to not have injury issues, weird aches/pains, etc. I really don't want to start now, this has me very concerned....time for research. If you have experience this issue or have any suggestions, please share them.
Other than that little issue, it felt great to be back outside. The stars were peaking thru some clouds that are building for the rainy day ahead. I did take a moment to be thankful that I got out of bed this morning, while another hour in bed would have been nice. But as my dad has always said, if it was easy anyone could do it. I'm anticipating cooler mornings than what we've been having, which adds a new twist.
Must get this figured out so my morning run gets back to normal....enjoyable for me.
I anticipated being a bit slower, it has been almost a week since I've had a good run. What I did not anticipate was my stride/strike problem. Can you say, one foot cooperates and the other one slaps like a wet noodle. When I started running, I paid very close attention to how my feet were striking and my stride, making sure I didn't over extend, these legs are only so long. I have been very fortunate that both feet cooperated and really have been pleased with them.
I noticed the issue on the treadmill Saturday, but attributed it to the treadmill, my attitude, being tired, etc. This morning.......I'm clueless. Well of course I'm tired, who isn't first thing in the morning. I was on my normal path, with my great playlist shuffled beautifully. My running gear was all the same. I have no idea.........
I love running with music, I even took my headphones off to try and figure out what on earth was going on with my left foot for the last mile. The right one landed beautifully with the just the right amount of force, no pain, no strain. Then here came the left one ....bam.....bam.....and a nice little muscle strain on that leg quickly followed.
I know I've been very lucky to not have injury issues, weird aches/pains, etc. I really don't want to start now, this has me very concerned....time for research. If you have experience this issue or have any suggestions, please share them.
Other than that little issue, it felt great to be back outside. The stars were peaking thru some clouds that are building for the rainy day ahead. I did take a moment to be thankful that I got out of bed this morning, while another hour in bed would have been nice. But as my dad has always said, if it was easy anyone could do it. I'm anticipating cooler mornings than what we've been having, which adds a new twist.
Must get this figured out so my morning run gets back to normal....enjoyable for me.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Gratitude
They say you don't know how good you have it until.....complete the sentence as you choose.
I'm finding this to be true this week. I'm very grateful that God has chosen to bless me in many ways. Are they always easy, well no. But I am grateful for each of them. So,now you get to hear what:
I'm grateful for my hubby. I've missed him a lot while traveling. He has been uber supportive and I'll be glad to see him.
For my girlie, we have fun, even when there is work to be done. Plus we have interesting conversations. Grateful that she wants to have those too.
For my home, hotel living is fine for short stays, I think I'm now past short.
I'm grateful that my parents made sure I understood the importance of education. Sitting in class for 4 days that reviews what I learned in 6 courses over a period of 7 months....wow my brain hurts. but I know it's totally worth it in the end.
For my family that encourages me and listens when I just need to vent because my brain hurts.
For my running buddies, I really missed being with all of them this morning for our Saturday run.
For the ability to run outside on roads and not treadmills. This may be what really brought all of this to mind. Tonight I ran on a treadmill, for the first time since college. Can you say boredom?
A. I don't like running looking at myself in mirrors. I tried even imagining where I would be at distance wise on my usual route. Didn't work.
B. I do not like feeling like I could totally face plant with one little bitty stumble.
C. I'm not a big fan of running at the same pace constantly. It's hard to push yourself, and the little speed button, when point B. At the forefront of my mind.
Grateful that I get to go home tomorrow! Monday is going to be crazy busy, but I'll be in my own little world. And I'll get to run my own little roads with my own little heart rate monitor and my own little routine to follow. Wahoooooooooo!
I'm finding this to be true this week. I'm very grateful that God has chosen to bless me in many ways. Are they always easy, well no. But I am grateful for each of them. So,now you get to hear what:
I'm grateful for my hubby. I've missed him a lot while traveling. He has been uber supportive and I'll be glad to see him.
For my girlie, we have fun, even when there is work to be done. Plus we have interesting conversations. Grateful that she wants to have those too.
For my home, hotel living is fine for short stays, I think I'm now past short.
I'm grateful that my parents made sure I understood the importance of education. Sitting in class for 4 days that reviews what I learned in 6 courses over a period of 7 months....wow my brain hurts. but I know it's totally worth it in the end.
For my family that encourages me and listens when I just need to vent because my brain hurts.
For my running buddies, I really missed being with all of them this morning for our Saturday run.
For the ability to run outside on roads and not treadmills. This may be what really brought all of this to mind. Tonight I ran on a treadmill, for the first time since college. Can you say boredom?
A. I don't like running looking at myself in mirrors. I tried even imagining where I would be at distance wise on my usual route. Didn't work.
B. I do not like feeling like I could totally face plant with one little bitty stumble.
C. I'm not a big fan of running at the same pace constantly. It's hard to push yourself, and the little speed button, when point B. At the forefront of my mind.
Grateful that I get to go home tomorrow! Monday is going to be crazy busy, but I'll be in my own little world. And I'll get to run my own little roads with my own little heart rate monitor and my own little routine to follow. Wahoooooooooo!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Changes in Attitude
Attitude, a word often used in our household to mean something that needs to be corrected. I resembled that remark this morning when it came to running intervals.
Our group of women, who have worked very hard this summer to get moving, started the schedule to train for the half marathon. We agreed that we need to utilize intervals in order to stay injury free and make it out alive without being picked up by the Disney running police for being too slow. I've been very fortunate during my weekday runs to be able to run 3 miles regularly and the schedule called for 3 miles today.
I figured, who needs intervals, I've got this. The other ladies were running intervals, yet I still was acting like the pouty child who didn't want to do it. Then it hit me....I didn't enjoy them last weekend because they were new, they caused my pace to get out of whack (which is totally a pride thing that I need to let go of), but how am I ever going to "like" them if I don't practice.
This reminded me of habits we all have. I forget the number of times you are suppose to do something before it officially becomes a habit, but it doesn't just magically appear. Getting up early to run and make sure I've set enough time aside to spend in the Word didn't happen overnight. This took several mornings of making myself roll out of bed to go do something new (running....or attempting to in the beginning) and making sure I focused my time once I got back to the house to have that peaceful time I need in order to get my day off on the right foot.
All that to say, I did intervals this morning and was pleasantly surprised. I stayed within a decent pace, helped that I didn't leisurely stroll during the walking part as well, I pushed myself a bit harder during the 4 minutes of running in between the 1 minute of walking. Once I sat down to analyze my laps and look at the intervals, I was amazed at the heart rate recovery that takes place in those quick 60 seconds. I'm beginning to see great value, especially once we up our mileage, in these lovely little things called intervals.
Now....to make sure I program the Garmin next time I start will definately make the running part easier. The Garmin has a more pleasant way of telling when it's time to change vs. the voices that were in my ears during C25k, the one guy was a bit intimidating.
This week will be a bit weird, I'll be traveling over the end of the week and the weekend, which means..... treadmill! I'll be very honest, walking on a treadmill doesn't bother me, but I don't enjoy it as much as being outside. Running on a treadmill actually scares me a bit the whole moving belt thing that I have to stay (or should I say attempt to stay) at the same pace.....ack!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Just keep running, running, running
It amazes me that fall has arrived in FL. I know, it happens every year, it just seems like the weather is responding earlier than normal.
The cooler weather during earlier runs has posed some new challenges in the running attire arena. As a new runner, the attire at this point has been solely focused on warm weather. Layering will go into effect, just trying to decide how much, what temperature, what layers? I'll get it figured out, but it may be interesting. My poor neighbors might laugh at me as I'm running and removing layers, I'm kinda klutzy.
The one change I didn't think about was the transition to intervals on long runs impacting my weekly 30 minute runs. I'm not the only one either. I really have to figure out the proper balance. Part of me thinks, hmmmm can I run for the first 30 minutes then do intervals after that. Too complicated at that point.
Not sure if I'm running, cross training or walking in the morning. We shall see....
The cooler weather during earlier runs has posed some new challenges in the running attire arena. As a new runner, the attire at this point has been solely focused on warm weather. Layering will go into effect, just trying to decide how much, what temperature, what layers? I'll get it figured out, but it may be interesting. My poor neighbors might laugh at me as I'm running and removing layers, I'm kinda klutzy.
The one change I didn't think about was the transition to intervals on long runs impacting my weekly 30 minute runs. I'm not the only one either. I really have to figure out the proper balance. Part of me thinks, hmmmm can I run for the first 30 minutes then do intervals after that. Too complicated at that point.
Not sure if I'm running, cross training or walking in the morning. We shall see....
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Going the Distance
The last week of running has been interesting. Last weekend I was out of town at a retreat at the beach, a few of us made sure we were up early and ran anyways, nice 30 minute run with cool down on the beach it was beautiful! Easy paced run, we had a busy day ahead of us and didn't get much sleep the night before. (I know, excuses.)
Monday's run was another story. I just knew I was slower, I kept pushing myself but really didn't feel I was getting any speed put in there. Surprise, surprise, surprise, I had two miles under 10 minutes/mile which is better than I did during the 5k. My goal for next weekend's 5k is to pace right at 10 min/mile and finish in 30 minutes or less. I have to remind myself, I have only been running since July. I read so many running blogs and so many of these folks make me look like a slow little tortoise.
Wednesday wasn't bad and I walked a bit this week. Today was fun day, trying something new! As a group of us are beginning to train for a half marathon (The Disney Princess 1/2) at the beginning of 2012, we've agreed that intervals are likely best for us. Today we were doing 4 miles and putting intervals in, you have to start some time. While we likely could have ran 4 miles, I think I could continue to think that every mile that gets added and end up injuring myself or something. Do I want to be able to run the entire thing, well of course I do. Do I want to end up injured and doing nothing? NO!!!
We had a nice brisk start to the morning, only 64 degrees this morning and I was cold before we started running. (Yes, Florida born and raised and when it gets below 70 I feel the need for warm clothes.) We were ready to go, got started and everything went well. Nothing stellar, I think it's going to take a bit to get the pace right for the walking intervals and the running pace to make sure everything ends up right. I'm getting a little obsessive about my pace, which isn't a good thing.
Another area I am absolutely enjoying is the accessory side to running. I love my Garmin 405cx. My hubby gave it to me in August for my birthday. I was so new to running I really had no idea what I was going to do with this little watch that I swore was smarter than I was. Turns out, that little watch is awesome for all kinds of things! I found this great little hand size flashlight for my early morning runs that isn't cumbersome and is super bright.
Then there's the BondiBands! I love these things! Living in FL and on a hot muggy morning run, we are talking seriously gross amounts of sweat will end up coming down my face from my hair. These bands do exactly what they are suppose to do.
I love great accessories. I could go on and on about my shoes (Asics) and my favorite socks (New Balance), but I'll save that for another time. This week I'm working on my pace for the 5k next weekend. I just want to make sure I'm seeing improvement. I will never be the fastest, but I just want to improve.
Healthy Habit update, I haven't had a soda since I gave them up over 2 weeks ago. Funny, I really don't miss them. It's October, so I need to add another "healthy habit" to my routine. Any suggestions?
Monday's run was another story. I just knew I was slower, I kept pushing myself but really didn't feel I was getting any speed put in there. Surprise, surprise, surprise, I had two miles under 10 minutes/mile which is better than I did during the 5k. My goal for next weekend's 5k is to pace right at 10 min/mile and finish in 30 minutes or less. I have to remind myself, I have only been running since July. I read so many running blogs and so many of these folks make me look like a slow little tortoise.
Wednesday wasn't bad and I walked a bit this week. Today was fun day, trying something new! As a group of us are beginning to train for a half marathon (The Disney Princess 1/2) at the beginning of 2012, we've agreed that intervals are likely best for us. Today we were doing 4 miles and putting intervals in, you have to start some time. While we likely could have ran 4 miles, I think I could continue to think that every mile that gets added and end up injuring myself or something. Do I want to be able to run the entire thing, well of course I do. Do I want to end up injured and doing nothing? NO!!!
We had a nice brisk start to the morning, only 64 degrees this morning and I was cold before we started running. (Yes, Florida born and raised and when it gets below 70 I feel the need for warm clothes.) We were ready to go, got started and everything went well. Nothing stellar, I think it's going to take a bit to get the pace right for the walking intervals and the running pace to make sure everything ends up right. I'm getting a little obsessive about my pace, which isn't a good thing.
Then there's the BondiBands! I love these things! Living in FL and on a hot muggy morning run, we are talking seriously gross amounts of sweat will end up coming down my face from my hair. These bands do exactly what they are suppose to do.
I love great accessories. I could go on and on about my shoes (Asics) and my favorite socks (New Balance), but I'll save that for another time. This week I'm working on my pace for the 5k next weekend. I just want to make sure I'm seeing improvement. I will never be the fastest, but I just want to improve.
Healthy Habit update, I haven't had a soda since I gave them up over 2 weeks ago. Funny, I really don't miss them. It's October, so I need to add another "healthy habit" to my routine. Any suggestions?
Saturday, September 17, 2011
First 5k.......check
I am elated that I actually ran in a 5k. I truly never thought I would ever get to say that! When you get rid of an extra 30 pounds, it's rather amazing what your body is more capable of doing.
I woke up about an hour before the alarm clock, was able to go back to sleep and got out of bed when the alarm went off. Everything was laid out, all I had to do was stay calm, follow the list in my mind of what I needed to do and all would be fine. My best cheerleader and running buddy texted me first thing and I shared that I wanted to be sick. Just race day jitters, right? She gave me a way to deflect and it came in handy at one point.
Hubby was great, supportive, calm, camera in hand. My mom and dad came out and cheered me on. Great friends racing and a great group of family and friends cheering all of us along.
Shortly after this was taken, as we were getting ready to start, met a very neat lady from Bradenton. This was also her 1st 5k, she was running in it for her son who is autistic, running alone. Debby and Pam talked both of us thru the start and what to anticipate. This nice lady came and found us after the finish, great experience.
Last night I worked and worked on my playlist, strategically placing songs based on where I should be pacing. I labored over the thing a bit too much for a 3 mile run. But knowing my competitive nature, I knew I had to come up with some way to pace myself. It worked.
I'm not a tall person, ok I'm short (or as a friend once said "fun size"). Normally this doesn't bother me, but when you are crammed into a small space and everyone is trying to move along (think crowded football stadium) I am armpit height to a lot of smelly armpits! So, I need to work out a strategy for that next race, walking no problem, I'm pretty fast at that, running, new ball game....
I paced myself really well, stayed within my 10-11 minute mile range I was shooting for. We came out of the main park we were running at and I totally got distracted. I started heading towards my family, no that wasn't the course. Had to double time it a bit to get back on course.
I did walk a tiny bit of the last 1/2 mile, I really wanted to finish strong and new I had to breathe for two cones in order to do that (staying in my 10-11 min pace as well.) But I did it! I finished! I have a PR now, pretty funny considering a couple weeks ago I had to Google that to determine what all these runners were talking about on their blogs (Personal Record.)
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| Two fantastic women that inspire me and I was fortunate enough to run with today. |
Hubby was great, supportive, calm, camera in hand. My mom and dad came out and cheered me on. Great friends racing and a great group of family and friends cheering all of us along.
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| Everything I read said to take pre race pic, so here I am :) |
Last night I worked and worked on my playlist, strategically placing songs based on where I should be pacing. I labored over the thing a bit too much for a 3 mile run. But knowing my competitive nature, I knew I had to come up with some way to pace myself. It worked.
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| Enjoying my playlist and telling my Dad what I'm listening too....I so love great music! |
Race starts, things are moving along, I'm staying with some, getting passed by others, passing a few of my own. As we are making a sharp turn, I determined something about my future in running. I either need to be faster, grow taller, or just not run when there will be a lot of men.
I paced myself really well, stayed within my 10-11 minute mile range I was shooting for. We came out of the main park we were running at and I totally got distracted. I started heading towards my family, no that wasn't the course. Had to double time it a bit to get back on course.
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| Headed to the finish with my Mom cheering me on (I so love her!) All in all, great experience! I really enjoyed the running and knowing the money was going for a good cause. I am so grateful for Pam and Debby and all the support my friends have been giving me. My hubby rocks, he was super patient even when the race was over and I was chatting with lot's of people.  So, my 5k PR is 32:25 with an average pace of 10:36. Best pace of 8:19 (maybe for 2 seconds while escaping armpits?) I'm already excited for the next one and seeing how I improve. October I'm going to do another 5k for Heart Disease with several more running ladies I hope. Greatest moment for me was when my play list hit a certain song and all I could think was, "Thank you Lord for giving me legs and helping me each step of the way." I truly am blessed. |
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Temperature Dropping
I completely enjoyed my run this morning. The temperature was a bit cooler, full moon, great run! I worked a few more speed drills in and finished stronger than I anticipated considering I stayed up too late last night and ate dessert (shhh! don't tell.)
With cooler temperatures and the seasons ahead, I know how busy schedules are getting. It's evidenced by my calendar and trying to sync it up with everyone else's calendars. Football games, holiday events, women's retreats (I'm really looking forward to running at the beach in just a little over a week), events I want to participate in, events I need to participate in, general fun I want to have. Then there are those things I know are profitable. Decisions, decisions, decisions....
I'm working on saying "no" more often. "Working" is the key phrase in that sentence. I'm finding that I am often stretched a bit more than what is likely good for me, the fam, my friends, and the list goes on. Yes, I know several of you have warned me about this, often. Yet, I still find myself in these little quandaries where I'm having to make those tough decisions. My great friend A and I have had the conversation many a times, that just because we are capable of doing something doesn't necessarily mean we should be the ones to do it. Yet we still argue with ourselves, to offer my time and services or to keep them to myself.
Isn't that the whole reason I wanted to get healthier, so I would have the ability to help others. But as with all things, there must be proper balance. Ahhhh, Balance....must work on that some more!
Overall, excited about my first 5k this weekend. Grateful that God took great care of my mom today, the gall bladder is gone and now recovery begins. Next week I get to start working on the next level of training.....10k then Half Marathon! Bring on the open road!
With cooler temperatures and the seasons ahead, I know how busy schedules are getting. It's evidenced by my calendar and trying to sync it up with everyone else's calendars. Football games, holiday events, women's retreats (I'm really looking forward to running at the beach in just a little over a week), events I want to participate in, events I need to participate in, general fun I want to have. Then there are those things I know are profitable. Decisions, decisions, decisions....
I'm working on saying "no" more often. "Working" is the key phrase in that sentence. I'm finding that I am often stretched a bit more than what is likely good for me, the fam, my friends, and the list goes on. Yes, I know several of you have warned me about this, often. Yet, I still find myself in these little quandaries where I'm having to make those tough decisions. My great friend A and I have had the conversation many a times, that just because we are capable of doing something doesn't necessarily mean we should be the ones to do it. Yet we still argue with ourselves, to offer my time and services or to keep them to myself.
Isn't that the whole reason I wanted to get healthier, so I would have the ability to help others. But as with all things, there must be proper balance. Ahhhh, Balance....must work on that some more!
Overall, excited about my first 5k this weekend. Grateful that God took great care of my mom today, the gall bladder is gone and now recovery begins. Next week I get to start working on the next level of training.....10k then Half Marathon! Bring on the open road!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Monday Monday.....
I fully understand now why I do my running first thing in the morning. This morning I woke up in time and did my 3 miles, added in some short speed work. Great run, good heart rate, finished in ample time. All in all, great run.
Then things started going down hill......I couldn't find paperwork I needed, couldn't find choices I wanted for some proposals I was working on. I feel like I've hit a brick wall and I'm so ready for bed. Not an option!
Great value in getting out of bed early enough to get the running in. I can't imagine if I hadn't, this evening I would be dying!
So excited, I run Wednesday and then my first 5k will be on Saturday! I'm a bit nervous and excited. My primary goal, FINISH. Secondarily, stay absolutely injury free. I need to make sure my little competitive streak doesn't get in the way of staying healthy!
Sorry no pics, hopefully some from this weekend! Oh and first day of no sodas, excellent so far!
Then things started going down hill......I couldn't find paperwork I needed, couldn't find choices I wanted for some proposals I was working on. I feel like I've hit a brick wall and I'm so ready for bed. Not an option!
Great value in getting out of bed early enough to get the running in. I can't imagine if I hadn't, this evening I would be dying!
So excited, I run Wednesday and then my first 5k will be on Saturday! I'm a bit nervous and excited. My primary goal, FINISH. Secondarily, stay absolutely injury free. I need to make sure my little competitive streak doesn't get in the way of staying healthy!
Sorry no pics, hopefully some from this weekend! Oh and first day of no sodas, excellent so far!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Healthy Habits
After another three day weekend of a family member getting ill and ending up in the hospital (she's ok, the gall bladder must go), I've decided that every month I'm going to add a new healthy habit to my lifestyle.
Over the summer I changed several habits: eating only lean proteins and veggies, exercise (which I now enjoy), and drinking less soda. Now that we are looking autumn in the face, I think a new healthy habit a month should be achievable.
Starting Monday I'm going to stop drinking sodas, entirely! I have cut way back, but typically will have one a day. They are always diet, but they are still bad for me. So no sodas in September!
I love the holidays, I know they are fast approaching and I know there will be a ton of food that I LOVE! I'm not going to deprive myself, just not going to over indulge as I normally do.
But now that I've committed to this idea of adding healthy habits, I actually have to figure out some healthy habits to add.... research time!
Over the summer I changed several habits: eating only lean proteins and veggies, exercise (which I now enjoy), and drinking less soda. Now that we are looking autumn in the face, I think a new healthy habit a month should be achievable.
Starting Monday I'm going to stop drinking sodas, entirely! I have cut way back, but typically will have one a day. They are always diet, but they are still bad for me. So no sodas in September!
I love the holidays, I know they are fast approaching and I know there will be a ton of food that I LOVE! I'm not going to deprive myself, just not going to over indulge as I normally do.
But now that I've committed to this idea of adding healthy habits, I actually have to figure out some healthy habits to add.... research time!
Friday, September 2, 2011
C25K.....check.....now what?
Today I finished the couch to 5k program. I followed it to-a-t, dieted, and am on my way to dropping the last 10 pounds I need to take off.
Why, you might ask, am I now writing a blog? Well, this morning as I was running I started writing this post in my head. Then the rest of the blog started forming. You see, I'm just not what one might call athletic. Over the last 9 weeks, I can honestly say I have fallen in love with running. I feel better than ever, I have become a bit obsessed with running blogs, running accessories, all things running related.
You see, I'm a bit of an over achiever, type A, love to work, wife, mom, sister, daughter, friend, student........the list goes on. I have battled with my weight since I was 10. I am not coordinated at all, just ask my friends who were there in 6th grade to watch me break my elbow while flying a kite....seriously. During college I achieved what I thought was a great weight. Wedding day, oh yeah I went on a major diet and looked great. But truly, this was an absolute roller coaster.
Over 2 years ago, while shopping with my mom and daughter, I had a major seizure, fractured my skull in 3 places, perfectly fractured my eardrum in my left ear (I hate to do things halfway). After another seizure in the ER, transfer to Shands Hospital, week of tests that I have just one little memory of, there was no medical reason for this. This is common for women in their late 20's and beyond to have happen, the only thing they can attribute this to is stress. Really? I hate answers like that, but that's all I got.
The Lord truly had a plan for this event in my life, especially after being told multiple times how close to ending my life this event came. My hubby was perfect (even while sleep deprived, stretched, woken up due to massive leg cramps.) My family was amazing, my church family did more than I could have imagined, the prayers alone were more than enough!
The one question that stuck with me...what are your hobbies? When I answered reading, the neurologist said, no, that's not a real hobby......I didn't like that answer either, as I love to get lost in a great book.
In the months and months to follow, I kept adding weight, my doctor put me on cholesterol medicine because that was climbing. Every time I heard the same thing "Stephanie, you really need to lose weight and get some exercise.". No kidding.....but I don't like to exercise and I love food....no really I LOVE food!
A friend of ours started biking last year, did P90x and dropped a ton of weight. He truly inspired my hubby and I to get the DVDs. So we tried that. Let me just say, I really don't do the superman/banana moves justice. I think I spent too much time laughing at myself. So, then our buddy Steve took my hubby biking. Dave got hooked, the next thing I know we are all biking.
Quick side note, my hubby has only fluctuated 10 lbs in the 10 years we have been married. He now weighs 5 lbs more than he did when we got married. I on the other hand have fluctuated well over 40 pounds in those same 10 years.
So, we start mountain biking (totally love Santos Trails in Ocala and the fact that we live 15 minutes from the trailhead!). Dave is progressing, Ky (our daughter) is great at it. I enjoyed it, but really didn't see myself improving or losing any weight.
I go to church with some amazing people. Two of the women ran in The Disney Princess Half Marathon earlier this year. A couple months ago they talked our pastors wife to run in the Half marathon next year, if they could get 12 women from our church committed to do it also. So, these amazing women started asking around, telling us how much fun it was, showing us the medal they received for finishing it. There's something about shiny sparkly things that just makes a girl smile! So they told me about C25k.
This was shortly after my very good friend Lisa and I decided to challenge each other to lose 30 lbs, (you'll have to read my bio for the cause for that challenge) so we began the program in hopes to complete the half marathon in February 2012. Now, there are several of us encouraging one another, and my best cheerleader and running accountability partner, Amber, helped me prepare the schedule for the next segment of training.
I'm going to run in my first 5k on Sept 17, so we'll see how it goes. If you're reading this, welcome to the beginning of my journey. Where will it go? Not totally sure right now. I've titled my blog "Faith Run" because my greatest desire is to live my daily life trusting God and running hard after Him. Do I always succeed, well NO! Does that mean I give up, NO WAY! So, my running is actually about more than my physical health. I'm now down 28 lbs and I want to lose another 10 now. Lace up because I'm running, are you coming with me?
Why, you might ask, am I now writing a blog? Well, this morning as I was running I started writing this post in my head. Then the rest of the blog started forming. You see, I'm just not what one might call athletic. Over the last 9 weeks, I can honestly say I have fallen in love with running. I feel better than ever, I have become a bit obsessed with running blogs, running accessories, all things running related.
You see, I'm a bit of an over achiever, type A, love to work, wife, mom, sister, daughter, friend, student........the list goes on. I have battled with my weight since I was 10. I am not coordinated at all, just ask my friends who were there in 6th grade to watch me break my elbow while flying a kite....seriously. During college I achieved what I thought was a great weight. Wedding day, oh yeah I went on a major diet and looked great. But truly, this was an absolute roller coaster.
Over 2 years ago, while shopping with my mom and daughter, I had a major seizure, fractured my skull in 3 places, perfectly fractured my eardrum in my left ear (I hate to do things halfway). After another seizure in the ER, transfer to Shands Hospital, week of tests that I have just one little memory of, there was no medical reason for this. This is common for women in their late 20's and beyond to have happen, the only thing they can attribute this to is stress. Really? I hate answers like that, but that's all I got.
The Lord truly had a plan for this event in my life, especially after being told multiple times how close to ending my life this event came. My hubby was perfect (even while sleep deprived, stretched, woken up due to massive leg cramps.) My family was amazing, my church family did more than I could have imagined, the prayers alone were more than enough!
The one question that stuck with me...what are your hobbies? When I answered reading, the neurologist said, no, that's not a real hobby......I didn't like that answer either, as I love to get lost in a great book.
In the months and months to follow, I kept adding weight, my doctor put me on cholesterol medicine because that was climbing. Every time I heard the same thing "Stephanie, you really need to lose weight and get some exercise.". No kidding.....but I don't like to exercise and I love food....no really I LOVE food!
A friend of ours started biking last year, did P90x and dropped a ton of weight. He truly inspired my hubby and I to get the DVDs. So we tried that. Let me just say, I really don't do the superman/banana moves justice. I think I spent too much time laughing at myself. So, then our buddy Steve took my hubby biking. Dave got hooked, the next thing I know we are all biking.
Quick side note, my hubby has only fluctuated 10 lbs in the 10 years we have been married. He now weighs 5 lbs more than he did when we got married. I on the other hand have fluctuated well over 40 pounds in those same 10 years.
So, we start mountain biking (totally love Santos Trails in Ocala and the fact that we live 15 minutes from the trailhead!). Dave is progressing, Ky (our daughter) is great at it. I enjoyed it, but really didn't see myself improving or losing any weight.
I go to church with some amazing people. Two of the women ran in The Disney Princess Half Marathon earlier this year. A couple months ago they talked our pastors wife to run in the Half marathon next year, if they could get 12 women from our church committed to do it also. So, these amazing women started asking around, telling us how much fun it was, showing us the medal they received for finishing it. There's something about shiny sparkly things that just makes a girl smile! So they told me about C25k.
This was shortly after my very good friend Lisa and I decided to challenge each other to lose 30 lbs, (you'll have to read my bio for the cause for that challenge) so we began the program in hopes to complete the half marathon in February 2012. Now, there are several of us encouraging one another, and my best cheerleader and running accountability partner, Amber, helped me prepare the schedule for the next segment of training.
I'm going to run in my first 5k on Sept 17, so we'll see how it goes. If you're reading this, welcome to the beginning of my journey. Where will it go? Not totally sure right now. I've titled my blog "Faith Run" because my greatest desire is to live my daily life trusting God and running hard after Him. Do I always succeed, well NO! Does that mean I give up, NO WAY! So, my running is actually about more than my physical health. I'm now down 28 lbs and I want to lose another 10 now. Lace up because I'm running, are you coming with me?
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