Trying to Keep Up the Momentum....

10 Pretty Random Thoughts....

2010-04-29T09:32:00.000-04:00

1. The weight loss competition at work is DONE. OVER. FINISHED. Not that it wasn't motivating I did manage to lose about 7 pounds total but the pressure was getting to me and it was tiring weighing in knowing that my weight wasn't going to change all that much.

2. The last time I had my measurements taken at the gym I'd lost yet another 1/2 inch...in my neck LOL I still think that is a hoot. I also found out one of my thighs is more muscular than the other - need to work on that lol

3. Managed to beat last year's time in the Corporate 5k - finished in a blistering 36:08 - ok so I won't win any awards for that but it is an improvement and really that is all I care about

4. A coworker told me yesterday that they wish they had the same positive body image that I do - really some of these women really just need to get over themselves and they will be ok. Heck I know I have a few extra pounds here and there but so what? I also know that I am capable of running a half marathon, heck THREE of them in 3 months!

5. OMG race pictures are the WORST!!! Check these puppies out:

<---- ok this one isn't SO bad...this was from the Corp Run in 2009

SO this one isn't a bad picture - I actually love this one of me and my daughter heading for the finish line

<---- Why are my eyes closed??? I think I was still laughing at the guy that had just told me I looked like I was 19 LOL

On a positive note though - Look at those huge muscular legs I'm a BEAST!!!!! :)

6. I haven't been to the gym AT ALL this week UGH!!!!! This is not like me - I did zumba at home on Monday, ran with the work group yesterday and I should be able to make bootcamp Friday after work so it is not a TOTAL wash out but still I really miss my Tuesday and Thursday classes :(

7. I have 3 or 4 pair of jeans and a skirt that I can take off without unbuttoning/unzipping!

8. I had a really weird/awesome dream that President Obama came to my grandmother's house for a visit - yes odd, but OMG how cool would that be??

9. My hair has grown SO much since I got it cut last year is and it so healthy. Its funny/sweet when Jason uses it like a pillow because it is so soft

10. I will be in total, complete bliss this time next month! Relaxin and chillin

Progress WhooHooo!

2010-04-15T16:20:00.001-04:00

As I've said many times before it is the little things that excite me :)

So yesterday was the 3rd meeting of our 5k@5 running group here at work...the first run was tough, hard and grueling - I was pretty saddened by my time - 46 minutes YIKES! The second week, ok got a little better, was able to finish in 42 minutes - an improvement over week one but still really far from what I know I am capable of. So yesterday week three - all I wanted to do was finish in less than 40 minutes that's all, not too much to ask for.

I was really worried when I had to stop for a walk break before I even hit the first mile..I didn't have on my Garmin watch so I wasn't sure what my pace was I just knew my left calf was hurting along with my right shin and running on the sidewalk was NOT helping my cause.

My goal was to keep the two guys that were behind me from passing me, I wanted to finish in front of two people (last week I finished in front of one so I figured I could shoot for two people this week right). So I took the walk break, saw them catching up and decided I had to push myself...I was able to do so for quite a while, I decided to count my steps until I got to 300 hoping it would take my mind off the pain and keep me at a steady pace. I counted each time my left foot landed and when I was winded it told me I was going too fast and to slow down. I worked I was able to keep going and was still ahead of those two guys.

I gave up that lead a little around mile 2 one of the guys passed me, then he got to a place where he walked a little and I thought that would be my chance to pass him, but he started running again before I caught up. I just kept at it, pushing a little harder when I could, slowing down when I needed.

The sidewalks really are not run-friendly to me so for the last 3/4 mile I decided to run in the bike lane on the road...It was exactly what my legs needed. Not sure where it came from but I had a burst of energy that allowed me not to just catch up to the guy, I passed and put a really good space between us, honestly the only thing that slowed me down was a traffic light. I was still cutting it close to that 40 minute mark - at the light I was at 38:15 and still had quite a few feet to go.

I gave it pretty much all I had, ran across the street hoping there was no crazy drivers making turns and running me over, I sprinted to the finish area - meeting the cheers of all the much faster runners who were waiting for us as usual - and looked down at my watch...I DID IT!!! I'd finished in 39:39 a very respectable time - ok it is an OK time, all that matters is that it was less than 40:00 AND I finished before those other two guys.

After that...I just wanted to go home take a shower and relax...but being the good mom I am I went to watch the end of Taylor's softball game - yeah they play like the bad news bears but she's my kid and I have to support her :) - besides who else was going to give her a ride home?

Today is supposed to be TRX, Zumba and Boot Camp...I am seriously dreading it, any/all of it. I am running in an 8k Saturday so I think I deserve to take today and tomorrow off - heck even if I don't deserve it I am taking them off. I am whipped and just want to go home and chill....

Man I Can't Run!!!

2010-04-01T13:44:00.000-04:00

So last night was the inaugural Beeline 5k at 5 giving us a chance to get some exercise and raise money for some deserving kids (at least I hope they are deserving LOL)...Now a 5k shouldn't be that big of a deal to me so although I knew I wasn't going to be the first person back I felt pretty good in my ability to run the entire distance....um yeah WRONG LOL...I struggled from the very beginning and it only got worse from there, took me 46 minutes to WALK yes WALK to the finish.

My excuse is the workout I had at the gym on Monday (and I'm sticking to it HA). The way I look at it is I can take what happened yesterday and improve on it...I can't do any worse - good Lord I HOPE I don't do any worse next week!

I've decided to reward myself if I can finish in under 35 minutes - I get to buy a big 32 oz bottle of Baby Grace lotion...my goal is to eventually be able to do a 30 min or less 5k - gotta think of how I will reward myself when I hit that goal!

Here's me goofing around at the finish last night... yeah when you ~~run~~, ~~jog~~ ok mostly walk 3.1 miles you have plenty of energy to goof off for the camera

Wednesday March 31st....

2010-03-31T14:02:00.000-04:00

Couldn't come up with a snappy title....

So it is Wednesday that means that it is weigh-in day here at work...wasn't really sure what to expect, was hoping for a loss of course because I hate parting with my money, but knowing that the weekend was pretty much a 'free for all' regarding food I thought I may be the same weight as last week. I was however pleasantly surprised to be DOWN whoohooo! Today's weight was 165.8 lbs - that's 1.90% and 3.2 pounds since last week.

Of course I need to thank the really hard work I put in - went to the gym everyday (ok every WEEK day) last week, three of those days was working out with Lewis and when I say working out I mean him kicking my butt like nobody's business. Plus there was the 'Play Day' we had on Saturday - I think I laughed off about 1,000 calories out there and had a complete blast!

So today starts the Beeline 5k at 5 - where a bunch of us co-workers are getting together to run a 5k so we can raise money for the Win4Youth project where our corporation donates $5 for every 5 kilometers to underprivileged youth...pretty cool huh? So I am doing something good for a kid somewhere AND getting in some running (hopefully non-stop running lol) with a group of people which should be a lot of fun.

So today has been a good day so far, lost some weight and didn't have to pay - I am looking forward to running tonight even though I am feeling a little of yesterday's workout...thankfully we worked whole body instead of just legs - I was informed that if I would have worked legs yesterday I wouldn't be able to run today - yeah I PAY to be treated like this...man I better have one AWESOME body when this is over with!!!!

A little catch-up...

2010-03-24T15:52:00.001-04:00

So at last post I was getting ready for the River Run: done and over with - check..did not beat my under 2 hours goal, but then again I didn't train so hey what do I expect? I did run a lot more than I did last year and I'm pretty proud of that.

So we've had a few weigh-ins since last post...I was down now I'm up - back at 169 whoohoo LOL...still trying to focus on the bigger picture that I am losing inches - whoohooo! I even got a few new clothes, sort of a reward, sort of a - my jeans are falling off my behind and I need more options...either way it felt good to go to another size

So what is up with me now? Well Monday and today was personal trainer beat up on me day - he warned me that I would have a love/hate relationship with him...I'm still waiting on the love part :) Truly I was amazed at how hard he made me work the first day...I usually can push myself through 2 and a half hours of classes including high-energy non stop zumba and boot camp but the first day - I wanted to quit like 20 minutes into our session! Realized two things:
1. I'm obviously not eating the right thing at the right time or I would have had more energy 2. I am not pushing myself as hard as I can in classes
So I asked Lewis what/when to eat - he suggested a complex carb and protein about 2 hours before our session. So something like regular oatmeal and a boiled egg (no yolk thought booo!!! lol). So I did that before my class today and while it totally kicked my butt I did last for 50 minutes without wanting to curl up in a ball and cry.

He's been telling me that this training would push me to a whole 'nother level..and good grief it has. My legs are still angry with me for the lunges and squats and dead-lifts I submitted them to on Monday, then decided to follow up with TRX on Tuesday - yes I am a glutton for punishment.

Today was upper body work, lots of push ups (and not the girly "knees down" type) into side plank, flys, rows, chest presses all that good stuff that I will be feeling in the morning no doubt. He also suggested that I take a before picture and that I get my measurements taken every two weeks...I also decided to join the 60 day challenge at the gym that will start on March 29 and run through June 7th. Just in time for bikini season! (What is it with me and challenges?) I think I am going for the body mass loss..there is also the option for muscle gained...I don't know but maybe I should go for that one?...whatever one, it will be fun to see my progress. I'll hopefully be able to get my measurements and before pic taken on Thursday.

I still want to train to run, and eventually be able to do a 5k in 30 minutes or less but with the way my legs are hurting right now I'm lucky I can make it up and down the stairs lol...I will work on that after my personal training sessions are over and my body has forgiven me

What a difference a week makes....

2010-03-10T15:32:00.000-05:00

I AM the Biggest Loser - at least for this week....so along with the satisfaction of not gaining any weight I got $3 and some change from those contestants that gained and most importantly:

Yes that is Optimus Prime at MY desk!! He's all mine for the week whoooohoooooooooo
The results were so close this week, I won by .001% - whew! So now I am back down to 167.2 and I am going to fight like a mad woman to not get back in the 170s -why my body is so fond of the 170s is a mystery to me!

Made a decision yesterday that I am going to do some personal training - I am going to start off with 8 - 30 min sessions and am going to see a nutritionist about the food side. I figure that will be enough to keep me on the weight loss wagon through the end of this competition. Then it will be summer and I'll be all extra fine and stuff!!!

Three more days until the River Run!!!!

Its Been a While...

2010-03-08T09:01:00.000-05:00

So the plan to be down 10 pounds by River Run time..yeah that's not going to happen, BUT I have managed to keep about 4-5 pounds off in the 6 weeks since we started the 'Biggest Loser' competition here at work. This week I'm concentrating on just getting ready for the River Run- it is SATURDAY!! Yikes it snuck right up on me lol...

So am I ready? Mentally sure, physically yeah, emotionally...heck I am halfway finished and preparing to run up the Hart - whoohoo that bridge is a butt-kicker and you know what I am so feeling like - bring it on! Will I be able to run up it all the way? Probably not, will I TRY to run up it all the way - you better believe it! Will I kick it into high gear and run over anyone in my path on the way down and towards the finish line? Um YES!!!

So back to the weight loss thing...I've managed to gain a few pounds in the past few weeks, not going to stress about it now, can't change what has already happened and I'm still managing to lose inches (I swear this makes NO sense) so my pants are loose - some I can take off without unbuttoning LOL..I still need a new belt and that is enough to keep me feeling good. I also feel like I am running better and that is really motivating.

I'm thinking about signing up for a few personal training sessions at the gym and talking to a nutritionist so I can be extra fine this summer - bring it ON swimsuit season!!!

Anywhoooo...going to make it through this week, maybe lose a pound or two, and come Saturday morning I will be well rested and ready to run like the wind...the goal - finish in less than two hours and not feel like I want to die afterward - not sure how I am going to accomplish that second part but hey its worth noting....

I Owe .80!

2010-02-25T08:47:00.000-05:00

Sigh....I gained weight from last week...I knew it would happen - probably will happen again - but still it is a hard thing to deal with seeing as how much time I put in at the gym. But I will not dwell..it was only 1.6 pounds (I'm back up to 169.2) and I know I can take that off by next weigh in.

I have lost inches and my clothing size is decreasing and that is a good thing. I want to say that is all that matters and believe it but honestly I want to see the numbers on the scale go down. I doubt if I will ever be able to get down under 150 and honestly I am not sure I want to but I would like to lose at least 10-15 pounds and with about 100 more weeks to go I should see the number go down as long as I can keep up with my eating changes.

So other than that still tearing it up at the gym...Tuesdays and Thursdays I'm doing 30 min TRX then either Yoga or Zumba then an hour of Boot Camp...I don't always make it to Boot Camp some days I am just too whipped to get my butt kicked in that class. As a matter of fact I didn't make either TRX or Boot Camp on Thursday...maybe that is the reason for my weight gain?

We did manage to run the bridges downtown Saturday morning, it was such a beautiful day all I wanted to do was stop and gaze out at the river but I kept my little legs a moving and even made it without stopping to the top of the Acosta bridge. I promised myself if I could run without stopping to the sign at the top of the bridge that I could walk for a few minutes and I made it...it was hard, I was huffing and puffing but it felt really good to make it there.

We are hoping to go again this Saturday, the weather is supposed to be cooler but as long as it is not freezing we will be there...hopefully with a couple of family members and friends that are also running in SIXTEEN YIKES!!! days...wow it will be here before I know it!

Back of the Closet Jeans and Wednesday Weigh In

2010-02-17T09:58:00.000-05:00

Ok yeah I'm doing two two two posts in one :)

Over the weekend I was doing some searching for jeans to wear, just something to throw on and run to the store, maybe go outside and play with the dogs in. Didn't want to put on work jeans so started rummaging back in the back of the closet, you know the place where you put those pants that you will be able to wear 'one day'...well I pulled out 2 pair, one from Old Navy - anyone who has shopped there before know their pants are sized at least 1 if not 1.5 sizes smaller than the tag says (not sure how pants can be 1.5 sizes smaller but trust me on this fact).

So they are a size 10 but knowing I haven't been able to wear them since I was like 140 really says to me they are a size 6 LOL...so I tried them on for kicks ya know...got them up to mid thigh which really is an accomplishment so I put them back on the hanger and returned them to the closet.

The other are a pair of Levi's also a size 10 - fit perfectly...there was no wiggling, jumping or laying on the bed praying to the jeans God to fasten them...I was so happy I ran out in the family room and started dancing (ok first I danced alone in my room...) and singing to the kids about my 'back of the closet pants'...they looked at me like I'd completely lost it - which of course made it funnier. I guess when you are a size 1 or 2 - BOTH OF THEM (scary but Jordan can fit into Taylor's jeans)!!! You just can't appreciate being able to fit into jeans that have been spending years in the back of the closet.

The funniest thing was a few days later Jordan was like 'Mom what did you call those pants again?'...he thought my little saying was funny...ok maybe you had to be there, or maybe you just have to be kind of off like me to think that was funny.

So onto today - Wednesday weigh-in day whoohooo..I've still been working hard at the gym, was able to make my long days Tuesday and Thursday of last week and even went to boot camp on Saturday. I also had my measurements taken since I hadn't done that since I first started back in October. The first measurement was my neck..and I lost half an inch LOL...overall I lost anywhere from 1/4 to over 1 inches not too shabby! I only lost one pound though so Clayton gave me 'the look'...he said I better be glad I lost inches or he would have kicked my butt.

Inches lost are nice and all and do show in clothes but the competition at work is all about pounds lost so I was a little worried about where I would be today. But at the same time I knew I didn't gain which of course is always good. So after the successes with the back of the closet jeans and that whole neck fat loss (lol) I was really hoping I would have a good number on the scale...the verdict? I lost 2.5 pounds that's 1.44% so now I am 167.7 pounds as of today whoohooo...I've managed to drop 6.26 pounds since we started!! I am so on my way to my goal of being 10 pounds lighter for the River Run...I just need to keep up a 2 pound loss for the next few weeks and I will be there.

So that's the wrap up so far...notice I still didn't comment on any running? Yeah about that...hopefully I will get in some miles today :)

It Is The Little Things...

2010-02-12T14:07:00.000-05:00

The weather outside is absolutely horrendous, rainy, cold, raw...there's snow expected in the state what?!?!?! I live in FLORIDA - we don't do snow! But regardless of that mess...I am happy and in a cheerful mood...why you ponder?

I have come to the last hole on my belt!!! A little history...I don't remember exactly when I purchased this belt, I know I was single so it had to have been more than 5 years ago (it's a leather Coach belt and still looks new - that's what you get with good leather) and when I bought it I could only fasten it to the second hole. Wasn't all that happy with that, but I loved the belt and it is basic black so knew I would be able to wear it with anything.

So now I find myself in need of a new belt - already have my eyes on another Coach belt - it's reversible so like hubby pointed out I'm actually getting two belts for the price of one - like I said it is the little things :)

Wednesday Weigh-In Results and Unconfirmed Sightings

2010-02-10T13:51:00.001-05:00

Just now realized I haven't written since last Wednesday...I am slacking...anywho yeah I didn't win the weigh in last week, it seems that quite a few people were able to lose anywhere from 4-2% of their body weight in one week....can you say water-boarding? I can. But whatever, that sort of weight loss will be hard to keep up for 13 weeks, and knowing that I lost instead of gaining was more than enough for me - ok Optimus would have looked awesome on my desk but whatever...

So today was week 2 weigh in and I still lost (according to the scale 1.05% /1.8 pounds) since last week putting me at 170.2 and I am very happy with that. I am curious to see what those people that dropped a lot of weight the first week did this time around.

Writing down what I eat has proven to be a BIG help, its like people say it makes you 1. accountable for what you put in your mouth and can 2. make you disgusted by what you put in your mouth. Knowing that I have to write it down and that there is the possibility that one day if I can't fit into my pants I can go back and look at why is a very strong motivator.

So along with eating better, I have been keeping up with my 2.5 hour gym session as my schedule allows. Thursday of last week was high school night at Tay's school so that took precedence, the gym was closed on Sat due to TRX training. This week is looking much better though, ok Sunday I didn't do anything but I did manage a runish (ha) on Monday, Tuesday did TRX, Yoga (new teacher - Daniel is no longer there BOOOO!!!!!) and I even managed NOT to pass out while kicking butt in Boot Camp...that was where the unconfirmed (hahaha) sighting happened.

Ok so I know that technically everyone HAS abs I just like to tell my trainers I don't when they are yelling at me to tighten them (like during the TRX torture sessions - man I love that class!!). So last night in boot camp I was on the front row, right at the mirrors and as we were grunting, huffing and puffing our way through class I caught a glimpse of something. It seemed odd, out of place even but I was SURE I saw it...it was ...an ab muscle on ME!!! LOL I have ab...not abs...just ab...its so cute too I'm going to have to take a picture of it LOL...as I said it is still unconfirmed so I need to document its existence.

So that is the update...hopefully I won't take another week to write about what is going on. I am hoping to have some positive posts about running - but I guess that means I'm going to need to run huh? Well as I stated above I did run (ish) on Monday even though my foot pod battery was TOTALLY dead so my pace was crap and I almost didn't go...I sucked it up and went, and it was hard and my shins hurt, and afterward my foot hurt but of course I am happy I did it and will do it again - and again cause there's only like 31 days until the River Run, I've talked Stephanie into running it and Taylor is going to run also so I need to step it up so I can represent!

I'm saying it here and now - I ~~want to~~ ...no I PLAN to finish the River Run in under 2 hours which means I have to keep up at least a 12:45 pace per min mile...heck I can do that in my sleep LMAO!!!!

Wednesday Weigh In

2010-02-03T09:57:00.000-05:00

Ok so it is Wednesday and that means weighing in for the competition we have here amongst several co-workers.
What's at stake? Well
1. there is the great feeling of knowing any hard work you've put in the past week has paid off favorably - of course there is also the possibility that the hard work was negated by a weekend filled with pizza and wings - but hey we are all human.
2. there is the possibility that you will have to part with some $$ if you gained
3. most importantly there is the chance you will be the lucky parent to the Optimus Prime pinata for a whole week!!!
Now looking at those who wouldn't want to push themselves the sheer exhaustion a few times a week to drop a few lbs AND have the pinata (not to mention bragging rights)!!

So as the time (9am) approached to weigh in I began thinking back to the past week...mostly smoothies for breakfast and sensible lunches and dinners, then there was the doughnut and cupcake celebration after the run on Saturday...would that be my undoing? Only one way to find out....

Of course I tried to make sure I wore the lightest clothing possible - wrap dress no excessive jewelery LOL...I practiced positive thinking because let's just face it that scale in my bathroom is about as useful as snow tires here in FL.

The verdict? I'm down 2 pounds !!! That's 1.15% w00t!! Don't know if that is enough to win Optimus, but I don't care, I didn't have to part with any money so it's all good to me! I knew I'd lost some, I can feel it in my clothes...the hard part about this will be continually dropping. Hopefully with the small changes I've made in my diet and the varying workouts I've been doing I'll be able to keep this up. I have a spreadsheet showing that if I can consistently lose 2 pounds throughout the competition I'll be down to ~148 or ~25 pounds lighter than I am now.

Another motivator is that I have 5 weeks until the River Run and if I can lose 2 pounds every week until then I'll be down 10 pounds which will be my lightest running weight. That would be a wonderful feeling and I know will help my little legs run that much faster - it is a dream :)

Monday Morning Reflections....

2010-02-01T08:40:00.000-05:00

Well it is Monday, looking back to last week and the weekend I have to say I have put it quite a bit of work, its a good start! I didn't run as much as I should have, still need to work on that. But I didn't do a terrible job at the 5 mile run this weekend...a little over an hour, not too terrible but I am capable of doing better. I did too much walking, gotta think that if I'd been doing more running that wouldn't have happened :)

Its all good though, I see where I am and where I need to be to get a decent River Run time (less than 2 hours). The neighbors down the street invited me and Jason to their Thursday night training runs which is over the bridges which will be a HUGE help. The Acosta is TOUGH and even though that isn't on the River Run route I will feel like I've made a huge accomplishment if I can run all the way up that puppy.

So here's a pic of me and Tay coming to the finish line at the run Saturday. She's such a little trooper, had a toenail digging into one of her toes but she kept on going!

So the plan for this week is to make sure to get more running time in, Monday and Wednesday and hopefully we'll be able to make the group run on Thursday and the other days will be at the gym days. Let's see how that goes!

Musta Lost My Mind For a Minute....

2010-01-29T08:10:00.001-05:00

For some reason yesterday I was feeling exceptionally energetic...maybe it was the super hot and sour soup I had for lunch (I was SWEATING while I was eating it...but I couldn't stop!)..maybe I'm just getting better sleep but for whatever reason I decided yesterday not to just double up classes but to TRIPLE UP...yes three classes...I know...insane LOL

So first TRX - yes I felt the need to be tortured - er challenged again, and I am really glad I did because I able to get into this position and stay in it long enough to do one set of leg exercises...it is a LOT harder than it looks, I have to keep in mind that I am working against my own body weight when using this wonderful device and I'm not 120 lbs- because I'm not 17...

That was a huge improvement just from Tuesday because that class I couldn't even hold myself up much less do the legwork

So I made it through those 30 minutes, and it was really a great class there were only two of us in there so I wasn't able to slack off because Noha was able to make sure I was doing my sets.

Next was Zumba..I.LOVE.ZUMBA...I mean no I can't dance, and trying to follow the instructors moves was like watching a hippo lean how to do ballet, but I laughed (and sweat) and had a blast (and sweat) and I burned a ton of calories doing it and afterward I wasn't tired so I decided to stay for boot camp. Heck why not only another hour of fun :)

According to my heart rate monitor I burned more than 1200 calories, I don't know exactly what it was because like the goof I am, I forgot to turn it on when we first started TRX class. I do think I burned more calories in Zumba than I did in boot camp, but I have to keep in mind that in boot camp we do take our heart rate down when we are lifting weights and doing ab work.

So today is Friday and it is my much needed rest day, my arms are sore but not even as sore as they were yesterday and I thought they would be much worse but I'm able to move them around without too much pain.

Tomorrow is the 5 mile run for Wolfson Children's hopsital and hopefully my cousins Kevin and his wife Stephanie will be running with me, Jason and Taylor..I'm really looking forward to it since I haven't really run this year. Its going to be a boo-ty kicker going over two bridges and on the riverwalk, but we should have some nice scenery and I really think it will be a lot of fun.

TRX!!!

2010-01-27T08:01:00.001-05:00

Well I had a most interesting session at the gym last night...decided to try the TRX Training class, I'd seen the people doing it before and said 'oh that looks challenging, maybe I'll give it a go'. So I race my way there yesterday since class is at 5:30, get prepared, let the trainer know I'm a first timer then...OMG!!!! Who knew two dangling straps could work my body like that?? I mean yeah it is your own body weight that you are working against but I guess I didn't realize how much tougher that makes it WOW!

So this morning I am feeling it a bit, my arms are a bit tired and I can feel my biceps and triceps which is a really good thing. The hardest part of the workout (and it was only 30 mins so it was pretty much go, go, go without a break) was being suspended by me feet only and doing the leg exercises. Imagine your feet in a swing on the playground, you are facing the ground supporting yourself with only your arms. That's hard enough but add in the leg exercises and you REALLY feel it.

After TRX I stayed for yoga, my mind was like hey we can do this, my body was like...you are on your own sucka!!! I was sooo off balance, and felt weak so I was not happy with my performance..but I made it through so I'll chalk it up a a small victory.

Today starts our weight loss challenge at work, I'm excited about it, but at the same time of course stressing because my weight seems to hover around these same 2-3 pounds. I know I HAVE to pay closer attention to my diet, but I DON'T WANNA LOL....then again there is a big fat cash payout to the person that loses the most so I gotta keep that bit of motivation in mind.

So today's starting weight is (I can't believe I am posting this) is 171.5 (174 with clothes on) I'll post a before pic later and every Wednesday will update my weight and pic. The contest is going on until April 28th - 13 weeks so hopefully I can look back at the pictures and see my transformation. My goal is to lose 20 pounds in that time, which is 1.5 pounds a week and doable. Of course I'd be happy to lose more than that but that is the goal I will strive for.

Also I've still got a few runs to get through: 5 miler this weekend and a little thing called a 15k River Run creeping up on me - 1 month and 2 weeks to go for that one!

What's Next for This Crazy Chickie....

2010-01-25T13:17:00.002-05:00

Well it is time to get in gear for the Gate River Run (ok I should have been in gear but hey I'm working on it!) I proved to myself that I could run not one, not two but THREE half marathons in 3 months, and I even managed to do one of them in under 3 hours (whoohoo) - not to mention get my medal AT the finish line (ha)

So I figure heck I did that last year, and I've done the River Run before so let's see if I can do a better job of it this year. Last year it took me a snail-paced time of more than 2 hours - I KNOW I can do better than that!

With the knowledge of the course and what it took to run (ok walk) over the Hart bridge I know what to look forward to. Of course my problem is not the course..its my lack of training thus far. I probably need to kick that in gear huh? Soooooo it looks like the drivers on San Jose and Beauclerc will once again be graced (or terrified HA) with the sight of me huffing and puffing my way through my training runs.

I have a new view on my running abilities: I am running faster than the people sitting on the sofa...I think that is enough motivation to at least get me started...

Oh and if training for this run isn't enough, I decided to sign up for a weight loss challenge at work starting Wednesday January 27th. So I have 45 days to train while at the same time trying to lose or at least not gain any weight for 12 weeks - no pressure right :)

My Wall of Honor

2009-12-22T11:30:00.001-05:00

So here is my Wall of Honor - a little showcase of my medals. All hard won accomplishments that required months of hard training, dedication and sacrifice... LOL

Ok maybe I didn't qualify for the Olympics or anything but I did really surprise myself by being able to complete all three of these runs. Above all I am proud of myself and happy that it is over!

Three Half Marathons in Three Months - DONE!!!

2009-12-20T18:06:00.001-05:00

Today was my last half marathon of 2009 - I managed to run one in October, November and December...I'm kinda sad that it over, then I bend or laugh and feel how sore I am and I realize, yeah I'm ok with this being done LOL

So today's run, started off cold, then stayed cold during the middle then right at the end...still cold. But I ran a lot longer than I had in the first two, I kept a steady pace throughout and I kept noticing how GOOD I felt - the first 4 miles flew by so fast I didn't even realize where I was at one point.

At the turnaround point (6.8) miles the announcer said we were at 1:30 and I knew that if I wanted to get back under 3 hours I'd need to dig and I guess I did. I'd planned on eating my second gel at mile 8 but when I got there, and was still going pretty strong I just decided to keep on going without eating it.

At mile 12 I got a surprise, a lady walking her dog on the course told me my husband was waiting up ahead to run the last mile with me...I was like um he is? I didn't know her or how she knew who my husband was but - I turned a few corners and there he was, out in the cold camera in hand waiting for me! The thing was right before I saw him I passed a clock and saw that I was at 2:41 so I KNEW I could beat my previous time and it was a pretty emotional moment and I shed a tear at how strong I felt and how close I was to the end.

This has been a tough couple of months, the training for the first marathon became boring and I didn't stick with it like I should have and I honestly wasn't prepared -physically for that run and the humidity. Not knowing what it took to run it left me mentally unprepared so that was really a learning experience. I really tried to use what I'd learned for the second half, and although I did a little better I knew I could have done better - plus I had to wait to get my medals for those two since it took me so long to finish.

Finishing this run, being able to pick up my medal as I was going through the finish line and getting my other medal for the Tri 2B Tuff competition really let me know that I accomplished a major goal.

Now I get to enjoy my much-needed break!

No More Medals in the Mail!!!

2009-12-16T16:00:00.000-05:00

So I have my last half marathon coming up on Sunday December 20th....I didn't think I was going to be able to do three of them but after not being dead after that first one, and doing a little better in the second one I said hey - why not?

What I have learned though is that a lot more people have been signing up for the halfs than there are medals and if you finish with a 3+ time you have to wait to get your medal in the mail..IN THE MAIL??? I know I'm new to this running thing and all but isn't part of the joy of doing this so I can have a medal handed to me as I huff and puff across the finish line?

So as of now (ok maybe it is a little late to make this proclamation) I will be getting my medal at the race dangit! If I have to run some people over, snatch it from the hands of some goober lucky enough to have pushed a little harder oh I WILL get my medal!

Well this has been a fun adventure, and finishing this race will mean that I get to become a member of the 2009 Tri2btuff club - after finishing the half (and getting my medal!) I get to pick up my technical t-shirt and announce to the world that I completed 3 half marathons in 3 months!! I know I have goosebumps just thinking about it too LOL

So what lies ahead for me? Rest for one, enjoying Christmas with my hubby and kiddies and a short break from running and boot camp. But starting the week after Christmas I will be right back at it then I will start training for the River Run which will be a whole new adventure to come. So for now I will look forward to running my little booty off (in the cold) on Sunday morning - which means dragging myself to work sore and worn out Monday morning...but then we have a short week and will end it with Christmas and Jason's birthday on the Sunday after.
Fa la la la la la la la la

Another Race Down...

2009-11-30T10:57:00.000-05:00

Well it is the Monday after Thanksgiving which means:
1. I don't want to see turkey again until next year and
2. I ran another half marathon whoohooo go me!
So yes I have another half under my belt, sad to say though I did not complete it in under 3 hours as I'd hoped I would...took me 3:09 GRRRRRRR so so so close. Jason said I just walked too much (um yeah) but I did do a little better than my first one, so I am going to take that as a positive take-a-way and use it to build on...the next half...I decided that I AM going to run another one (yes as a matter of fact I DO like punishing myself lol)

So today starts day one of training for the Jacksonville Bank Half...

I promised Jason (and myself) that I would do more training for this one that I did for the last one. I know it is going to kick my butt but hey I'll be able to say I did 3 half marathons in 3 months...not a lot of people can say that.

The only thing I worry about is this one is on a Sunday so I won't have a day of rest before I come back to work. I'm sure that will be a joy - me hobbling around the office on that Monday...oh well, it will be a short week for me anyway I think I can make it 3 days

So the plan is to get in some shorter tempo and speedwork runs in on Monday and Wednesdays, still going to bootcamp on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and hopefully yoga on Tuesday and/or Saturday and long runs on the two Sundays I have before the run itself. Then really I am taking a break from running until the new year when I start training for the River Run

I'm tired just thinking about this plan! But once again I only have 20 days to train, not nearly enough to get bored with it LOL....

I pwnd that yoga pose!

2009-11-20T09:22:00.000-05:00

Update!! I so totally mastered not one but TWO of those crazy yoga poses (ok sorta mastered the second one)

Bound extended side angle - oh yeah, this move DONE..DID IT...KICKED ITS BUTT AND SENT IT CRYING HOME TO ITS MOMMA...ok maybe that is not the correct way to speak of such a difficult pose LOL...the important thing is that I no longer fear it, I can do it on both sides - one is a little less flexible but not for long!

AND.....

I KNOW!!!! I am amazed at my ability to do this one myself! Ok So I didn't hold it as long as I wanted to (yet) and I'm not as stable as I want to be (yet) but I got both of my feet off the ground and DIDN'T fall on my face that in itself is something to be proud of right?

So yoga is going great and boot camp is still kicking my butt. I decided to get a little heavier weights so this past Tuesday I found a pair of 6lb dumbells that did a goo d job of tiring me out but not so much that I couldn't lift my arms. Last night though I couldn't find them and wanted more of a challenge than the 5lb ones so had to move up to the 7lb ones and that WAS a challenge. There were a few times I wasn't able to complete the 20 reps of an exercise because I couldn't lift my arms but I made it through and (right now at least) my arms aren't so sore that I can't move them...and for a plus I am seeing a little definition in them - whoohooo sexy Michelle Obama arms here I come!!

So my running training - um yeah, about that...I did run on Sunday, got in 5 miles and felt really good. Have I put in as many miles as I should have for the half on Thanksgiving...um no, will I still do it, um yes, will I do it in under 3 hours..sure why not :) I know I should be able to average a 12 min/mile pace. I will be worn out and ready to tear up some food afterward but really isn't that the point of running that far on Thanksgiving morning?

I have decided not to do the half marathon in December...for one it is on a Sunday so I wouldn't have a day off to recover because I don't have any other vacation days to use. I will keep up with boot camp and yoga though and I will start training for the River Run after Christmas. I think by then I will be able to balance running and the classes a little better.

One of these days I'm going to post some pictures of myself to track my progress....I want to be able to show off my sexy sculpted arms -whenever I have them that is :) I'm not doing all these push ups and working with these heavier weights for nothing!

My New Running Partner....

2009-11-05T08:30:00.000-05:00

Running has been a struggle for me, no question about that, but looking back at where I was one year ago and the progress I have made so far still really amazes me. More importantly though I now see that I have been a great role model for my 13 year old daughter who is planning on running the Thanksgiving half marathon with me. At first I was worried about her running that long, she's very active so that's not an issue, but still it is 13.1 miles.

I've wanted her to do some training runs with me just so I could see how long she would last, so last night as I was heading out for a 5 mile run she decided to come along with me. So we set out down San Jose and start jogging along, I had been having knee problems so I was taking it even easier in my warm up trying to stay at about a 12 min/mile pace but when the legs want to go they want to go so we were quickly at an 11 min/mile pace.

Taylor had no problems keeping up with me, we were even able to talk without much of a problem then it happened - she took off! I told her she didn't have to stay with me thinking that she would run get tired and stop and I'd catch her. Never happened LOL...that little stinker just kept on running, she says she wasn't even going fast but there were times I was pushing myself and she was still feet in front of me. She did stop eventually...not because she was tired, because she wasn't sure where we were going - and to wait for me and my little short legs to catch up.

We had a lot of fun running, laughing and just talking. We didn't do the 5 miles, when we got to the turn around she just looked at me and was like 'now we have to RUN back??' I was like only if you are ready to, she decided we would be fine doing a power-walk back home - and honestly so was I. My legs are still tired from boot camp Tuesday night and that seriously took a toll on my ability to run. The difference between my stamina on Monday night's run and last night's run was really obvious and I know it was because of my sore hamstrings.

I want to do a few long runs with her, I don't think she is going to be home on Sunday - she's a busy girl :) ...but that still gives us two Sundays before the race to do long runs. I'm excited about her wanting to do this and am hoping that I can keep up with her because with the way she was running if I was able to keep up or at least keep her in my sight we would have awesome finishing times.

Kinda scary running moment...

2009-11-03T09:01:00.000-05:00

I have never really been worried when I run, I mean sure there are the drivers that arent paying attention and even when I am in the bike lane get a little too close for my liking but for the most part even when I was running by myself at 5am I didn't really fear for myself. I paid attention to my surroundings and since I don't run with music I was always listening out for footsteps or a car slowing down behind me.

Yesterday though I had one of those - ok what will I do if this happens moments...running down San Jose and there were two work trucks turning down a street up ahead, the first one turned but the second one was still waiting by the time I passed the street, I didn't think anything of it until I could hear the truck slowing down behind me, then I saw it up ahead of me and it pulled over and stopped...at that moment I had a few options, I could have turned around and went back the other way, risked life and limb and tried to cross San Jose, or just waited for the truck to go..he'd stopped but the engine was still running.

While thinking about my options I carefully tried to remember everything I could about the truck, the company name and the phone number that was on the truck. A few things about the situation made me feel more at ease (but I always try to think of my options in case the situation is different) it was still daylight for one, we were on a very busy road for two, and this was a clearly marked work vehicle, and above all no one is going to just snatch me up without a fight!!!!

So after repeating the company name and phone number over and over as I was jogging closer to the truck I started looking at the rearview mirror to see how many people were in the cab, I only saw the driver and he was not looking in my direction and the door wasn't opening or anything. I still stayed as far away from the door as possible though just in case.

So it was nothing - the guy was waiting on the first truck to turn around - I think they were confused as to where they were supposed to be going. But I still look at it as a learning experience. I think I did the right thing, I knew I was taking a bit of a risk running past the truck, but I also had a plan - something that I think way too many women don't ever think about. It is not that I am constantly worried about something happening but I definitely do ask myself what are my options in this situation/what would I do if x happened? It doesn't make me a nervous nelly - it makes me prepared for what could happen.

All in all I had a really good run LOL...I think that was the first time I have run that far without stopping once in a while. My stamina has been really lagging and running just 3 miles had been a struggle but yesterday - maybe it was the adrenaline rush from the truck incident - even when I said to myself that I could stop I didn't and it felt good to be able to keep shuffling right along.

I'm going to switch my days up again and run on Monday, Wednesday and Sunday and go back to letting Friday be my off day. That way I get my runs done in between boot camp classes. My muscles are feeling really strong, I was a little worried about my glutes yesterday since they have been so sore sitting and getting up has been hard, but it was funny they didn't bother me at all while I was running.

Well today is yoga and boot camp - yes BOTH (!!)...and I have decided I am really going to give that crazy reach through the legs pose a try...the crane will take a little more practice but I will do it!

Training, running, boot camping....oh my!

2009-11-02T10:28:00.000-05:00

I have officially completed one week of boot camp whoohooo! And I can say that yes I am sore - mostly tricepts and glutes - but that just tells me I am really pushing my muscles to fatigue and showing them who is boss (ha) ...and I have even managed to drop a few pounds!

Saturday was another really tough day, it was really hot again and there were several times that I thought I was going to pass out. Still trying to figure out exactly what I should eat before that class, I don't want anything heavy of course since we do quite a bit of running including sprints, but I don't feel like what I am eating is providing me with enough energy to make it through class without feeling lightheaded. I was also really dehydrated so I know I'm going to need to up my fluid intake before classes. I'll be doing some research and trying some new things out as far as the eating part goes. Thankfully the weather will be cooler for those classes in the future which will be nice...heatstroke = no fun

I did manage a run Sunday, according to my schedule it was supposed to be 4 miles but I am not exactly sure what my total miles ended up being because my watch and foot pod were not playing nice. I do know that it was a struggle, I need to take my orthotics out of those shoes when I run, it was not comfortable at all and I think I do better without them.

Today I will do an easy 3 miles while waiting for Tay to finish with volleyball practice. I have already mapped out a route so even if my foot pod isn't working to track my pace I'll be able to use my time to see how long it takes and I know where to run to.

Speaking of my little munchkin..she wants to run a half with me - she's so cute says she just wants to be able to say she did it - made me feel good to know that I am being a positive role model to her! The only thing is - instead of running with me on the weekend longer runs she wants to go to this friend or that friends house...kinda hard to prepare for a run like that. I'd really love for her to run it with me I think it would be a good way for both of us to keep each other going. Hopefully we will be able to do a few training runs and I just don't want to feel like I am pushing her to something she's not ready for.

Pain is weakness leaving the body???

2009-10-29T09:25:00.001-04:00

If that statement is true I will soon be strong as an ox - I am SO unbelievably sore it is not even funny - well it is a little funny - ok a lot funny...

All of the push ups have my front shoulders/chest muscles so sore I can't lift my arms which I kinda need to be able to do, to you know, get dressed.

My hamstring and calf muscles scream at me when I have to get up from a seated position or when I move my leg, the insides of my thighs feel like I have been using the muscles there to crack coconuts

My obliques really got a workout and now when I bend, or twist or - breathe I get a little reminder of the work I put in on them.

So all in all I am a mess :) My body is sore every move, no matter how big or small causes a little 'oh' or 'ugh' somewhere, there is not a muscle group that feels neglected.

While it may seem like I am complaining actually I am VERY happy to feel like this because I have to think this is just the beginning, I am actively making changes in my body that will do nothing but benefit my health, make me stronger and give me the changes I am looking for. Well either that or I'll just lay down in the fetal position and beg for the pain to stop HA!

Yoga and Boot Camp!

2009-10-28T09:01:00.000-04:00

I must be into self abuse or something...last night I had the zany idea that I would be fine taking an hour long yoga for weight loss AND boot camp class. Sure I said I can handle it, I mean yoga can't be that tough right? Some stretching and deep breathing will be good after running on Monday and will get me nice and loose for boot camp.

It started out fine, a few poses, down-dogs, up dogs, runners pose...then it got a little tougher but nothing I hadn't attempted before...warrior poses, reverse warriors ok I'm feeling it and it still
feels good..a few chaturangas to push ups..then it started getting tougher..

first came some warrior 3 poses - ok tough, but for the most part I was able to keep the pose - standing on one leg is hard enough but add in the balancing and it starts to get hard quick...

So I say ok, this IS yoga for weight loss so it should be tougher and more challenging...little did I know what was coming next...

WTH?!?!?! Yes the yoga instructor wanted me to get into this pose - lovingly called bound extended side angle somehow I was supposed to bend one arm around my back and the other through my legs and clasp YES clasp them in the back...yeah that didn't happen YET!!

I think ok I can't do this one yet, but this has to be the most advanced move and I haven't really practiced yoga with an instructor in close to a year...so this will be something to strive to achieve ..then comes THE MOVE...this is the ONE I have GOT to master!

The Crane Pose....yes..this I must master! I will practice and be able to do this pose if it kills me!!...last night however I was content with getting into child's pose and taking a quick nap

So that was my warm up to boot camp which consisted of using a step to do about 1,000 mountain climbers, jumping from side to side, push ups (yes more push-ups), up and overs, squats and jumping jacks...

Following all of that non-stop 'fun' was the weight work which I am now starting to feel in my arms and shoulders..there were hammer curls, deadlifts, over head raises, flys, skullcrushers and all kinds of fun stuff!

That was probably the toughest two hours - outside of running - that I have been through in a while. But even after all of that I have to say I am happy that I did it and next Tuesday I will do it again - and probably be sore again - and probably be a sweaty mess when I finish again :)

Running and Boot Camp and Stuff...

2009-10-23T12:44:00.000-04:00

Well I finally did it! I signed up for a 6 week boot camp class at this new place called: http://elitefitnessjax.com/index.html
I am SO excited about taking the classes, I will experience my first one Saturday morning yikes! I talked to Clayton - the class instructor and he was saying he was sore from Thursday night's class! Um YIKES!!! I asked him if he was a yeller because that is really what I want - someone that will push me even when I am ready to give up. Looking at that guy I don't think that will be a problem.

Jason and I ran together on Wednesday evening - did the overpass on Baymeadows which is tough but not bad really, my hips, butt and thighs felt the burn right at the beginning of of the run and at the end but I was able to do it both times and finished 4+ miles in a pretty respectable pace under 13 min/mile

So now my training plan will look like this - running with Jason on Monday, Wednesdays maybe Friday and Sundays. Boot camp (getting my butt kicked lol) Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays whoo hooo by the time Thanksgiving gets here I will be in FIERCE shape lol

Did I Forget How to Run??

2009-10-14T09:24:00.000-04:00

Ok I took a week off - I didn't run any after my first half and I admit that I could have because I wasn't in pain or anything but I just think I needed a mental break. Anyway I decided to start back with training on Monday so I can hopefully be ready for the next half. Hoping to do cross training a few days a week and run 3 -4 days a week.

Monday went well, went home, changed clothes and did my personal trainer dvd...it was tough, there is some weight training, toning, and cardio all mixed in and the trainer keeps you moving but there were plenty of times I just wanted to turn the dvd off and go watch tv ha...of course I am keeping my eyes on the prize and through the sweat I stuck it out and gave it my all.

Yesterday was my first run - an easy 2 miler that according to my schedule should have been done at 14:42 pace - ok I think, that is a nice easy pace, I can do that no problem...well I get out there on the road and I guess my feet/legs have been missing the asphalt because they just took off! I wanted to start out slow and easy and maybe work up to a a little faster pace (trying to do 14:42 wasn't going to happen, that is my OMG I cannot go another mile and the next step will be to walk pace). So needless to say I was not able to stick with that part of my plan. I ended up doing the 2 miles at a 12:48 pace. So I'm wondering if I should just do my easy runs at a 12 -13 min mile instead. I wasn't totally beat and if I needed to I would have been able to hold a conversation so I think that would have been a good pace.

It was really weird to be running again, my legs did feel a little weird running at first and my form was awful because I had such a sore back halfway through I know I was looking crazy LOL...its all good though that was day one and I didn't even expect to be able to run as long as I did. Today is Wednesday and my new rest day, tomorrow is a 5 mile tempo run that I can honestly say I am looking forward to doing. The weather was nice last night so I don't always have to get up at the butt crack of dawn to run, I will be able to do some of them after work - well Tuesdays and Thursdays will also be after Tay's volleyball games.

Half Marathon #2 - Training Starts Today!!

2009-10-12T12:55:00.000-04:00

Ok it is time to start training for half marathon #2 of my wacky plan to complete 3 in 3 months. So starting today Monday, October 12th I will be back in training mode. Cross Training a few days a week, running the others.

This race is only 7 weeks away so I will hopefully not get bored with training, plus one of these days the weather is supposed to not feel like July - sidenote: look forward to running and not getting a sunburn

So now that I have a half under my belt and am aware of the mental and physical strength doing one of these things requires I am going to set a goal of not just finishing, but also finishing in under 3 hours. Yes finishing in 2:59:59 counts as under 3 hours LOL. Another goal in training for this race is to drop 10 pounds. That is a doable goal given the amount of time I have before the race - well if I can plan and stick to a sensible eating plan..that is always my downfall and as I type this I am imagining myself eating a piece of my birthday cake that is at home waiting patiently for my return.

Well that is it...expect to post more crazy thoughts/insights regarding my training, life, and all that good stuff. Oh yeah - I need to come up with a reward for finishing this race - I'll have to decide if I want another T&Co. gift or something else. I'm still getting used to my new ring, but have gotten a few compliments on it so far which is good...we'll have to see how it goes

My Results - running.jacksonville.com

2009-10-06T09:24:00.001-04:00

Antrelle Brown Results | Search | Marine Corps Half Marathon 2009 | running.jacksonville.com

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One Down Two To Go!!

2009-10-06T09:05:00.000-04:00

Well the Marine Corps half is done and the results are in the books! Ok so the results (at least MY results) aren't the best, but I have to keep reminding myself that I did finish and that is what matters for my first half. Honestly I am very proud of myself, I did walk way too much and I didn't mentally prepare myself as much as I should have. The way I see it though that is all part of the whole experience.

I could blame the weather -85% humidity at the 7AM start - haha but honestly I know that it was just me not being able to get my little legs a-moving on that Riverwalk. However I did see two manatees during my stroll LOL...ok I was power walking it wasn't just a stroll.

A few positives - and there were plenty of those - I beat my 10k time from the River Run, I realized I can run a lot longer/farther than I give myself credit for and I didn't feel totally miserable afterward (that was probably due to the 500mg naproxyn). A few lessons learned - cross training is really important, I need to concentrate on my arms, of all of the places to be sore my forearms are the worse and I totally was not expecting that. I still have a slight twinge in my right calf muscle from the massive cramp I got at the finish line but I'm sure that will work itself out. I started back with yoga yesterday and I know that helped work out a lot of the soreness.

So what's next? The Outback half is in a little more than 6 weeks so I am taking this week to ramp up my cross training then back to a few miles running next week and building on from there! Knowing that I can complete a half is amazing, now I need to focus on being able to finish it with a better time than the first one. No bridges in the next one, on a route I am used to running for my long runs and not as much time to obsess about it or become bored with training.

Not Even a Week Away!

2009-09-29T09:12:00.001-04:00

Today is Tuesday and my half is on SATURDAY whoohoo...it is FINALLY within a 'touchable' distance... it was really hard keeping myself motivated during the long training plan I had, I don't think I'll do that again. I want to keep my training down to maybe 10 weeks max, maybe even just 8. After having this under my belt and as long as I keep doing some kind of running that should work out for me.

Did my first double-digit run Sunday. A nice and slow 10 miler and I felt really good afterward, had a Cliffs energy gel before and another one at the turn around point and I know that really helped with the fatigue and ward off some dehydration. I still felt strong after my finish and that is my main concern about the race. I want to make sure I am not being carried over the finish line.

Jason is really worried about the after - he doesn't use the energy gels and I told him that will probably help with that but he doesn't listen to me. Hopefully he will be ok. I'm just so ready to do it and get it over with, I keep going over in my head my strategy...easy out, bridges are first so that will be the first challenge, but I'm trying not to put too much pressure on myself regarding finishing in a particular time..at the same time there is a course limit. It is hard to keep all of that in mind and still try to enjoy the experience.

Oh well whatever happens happens right?

Closer and Closer!!

2009-09-21T07:44:00.000-04:00

Only 12 more days! TWELVE days until my very first half marathon...YIKES!!!!!!! Not getting the crazy dreams like I did when I ran the River Run the first time, partly because I've had that experience..ok it wasn't 13.1 miles but 9.4 aint nothing to sneeze at. The closer it gets though the more I start to worry about the after. I didn't feel terrible after the River Run, really tired of course, but 1. the weather was cooler and 2. it wasn't as long as this run will be so there is that bit of worry in the back of my head.

All I want to do is to finish, I'm not trying to do it in any specific time - other than less than 3 hours. It would be nice to do it in 11-12 min pace, I'm going to just have to keep running - even if it is barely a run lol...the bridges are first which is good, my legs will still be strong and they will be done and over with and it will be all flat ground after that.

I tested out a GU energy gel and a Cliff Shot Blok with my long run on Sunday...I really liked the GU well the energy it gave me, not so crazy about the thick gel but I took that before I started running and was able to eat a little then drink and that really helped. I (stupidly) ate the shot blok when I wasn't near any water and even though it was chewy it did upset my stomach a little. Lesson learned - that's what training is for right? I'm thinking I will do a gel right before the race, and another one around mile 5-6 then again around mile 10-11, I plan on getting water around every 3 miles and I think I'm going to keep my own water bottle with me too...I just want it to be here!

Tennis - oh how I used to love thee...

2009-09-15T14:34:00.000-04:00

We are participating in the Y games at my company - it is a makeup of different athletic events and all of us crazy people from businesses around town sign up to participate. It is ususally full of trash-talk, injuries and lots of fun. This year I only participated in tennis since I am a runner and all (ha) plus I just didn't feel like running all over town to practices and the different events.

So last night was the first (and last) night of the tennis tourney and I just realized how much is involved in playing...I am sore all over! I knew my hands would be, the end of the raquet always leaves sore area in my palms when I haven't played in a while (last time I played - last year's tourney lol). What I was not prepared for is my arms and shoulders being so sore! It feels like I have been lifting weights or doing pushups or something. I am really feeling it!

All in all it was worth it, I laughed a lot more than I had in the past tourneys. The ladies we played against were just out there to have fun, and running around after a ball for an hour and a half - or so - burned off plenty of calories and worked up lots of sweat so its all good. To top it all of I didn't curse out any line judges, break my racket or incur any fines!

Back to my running while waiting for Taylor which works out really well, that way I can go to the school early, park, take a jog around the neighboorhood and by the time I am finished she should be finished as well. Then my workout is done and I've picked up my girlie.

24 Days To Go!!!

2009-09-09T08:43:00.000-04:00

My very first half marathon is a mere 24 days from now (I should probably go register huh?)...time has flown by! It seems like just yesterday I was all giddy and excited about training, now I just want it to be here. The excitement is still there - what else could it be making me get out of bed, dressed and on the road at 5am? But this training for months is really hard, I am sure I will be thankful for it come race day.

My long run on Sunday was really surprising, even with walk breaks I did 7 miles in a hour and a half...that's the longest I've run since the River Run and after the run I felt really good, no headaches, no nausea. This week's long run is 8 miles YIKES! We'll have to see if my body holds up after that one.

I will be able to get in one 10 mile run (my first double digit run whoohoo) the weekend before the race, that one will be the true test of how I will feel after the race itself I think. After this morning's 5 miler I really need to make sure I am starting off a lot slower I was ready to lay down and take a nap around mile 4...

On a positive note I tried on the ring at Tiffany and Co. when we were in Orlando for vacation - actually I tried on a few and now I can't decide which one I want this one: or this one: AND my necklace broke at the waterpark so I need a new one and I am in LOVE with this one:...so we'll see what I decide to get...I need a reward for all this hard work AND my birthday is a week after the race - I think I'm talking myself into a few pieces of the shiny stuff :)

Training and Rewards...

2009-08-18T10:24:00.000-04:00

Changed my training schedule a little last week due to vacation and knowing good and well trying to do 7 miles in a strange location on Sunday would have been a major challenge. So instead Thursday even though I was off work I got up and ran 6 miles and Jason got my butt up and moving on Saturday after the waterpark and I got in 2.5 miles in a very hilly area at the vacation house.

I'm really hoping to do 7 miles Thursday - that will be the longest training run yet, my knee was really bothering me after the run Saturday I'm sure due to the changing terrain and all of the walking around at Busch and Aquatica on Friday and Saturday.

We did stop at Tiffany & Co on the way to the vacation house on Thursday and I got to try on the rings I'm planing on rewarding myself (I haven't decided which one I want yet) with after the half is over... soo pretty! I'm still giving thought to buying myself a necklace too, my favorite one that Jason gave me broke at Aquatica and I lost the butterfly so I am bummed and he mentioned that maybe I should get a necklace to replace it...if course the race is just a week before my birthday and I can totally justify getting a ring AND a necklace - one as a reward and the other as a birthday gift to me :)

So the plan for the remainder of my training (7 weeks to go!) will look something like this:

Mondays - cross training/rest day
Tuesdays - Speed work and Tempo runs 5-7 miles
Wednesdays - cross training/rest
Thursdays - long run days
Friday - rest
Saturday - easy runs - 3 miles

Moving Right Along....

2009-08-10T14:02:00.000-04:00

Here we are another week has come and gone, have had a few difficult days even took myself to a doctor about my knee because it had been giving me so much trouble. Nothing too serious which is good. Just a touch of IT band and patellofemoral syndrome which is common with runners...no biggie, I just need to take some extra time stretching before I start running.

For my long run on Sunday I walked almost half a mile before I started running and I definitely could tell the difference. I've also been researching online stretches to help with my problems, thankfully some of these I do in yoga and others just look like good stretches I should be doing anyway so it is good to know that they will help with my knee issue.

Speaking of my Sunday run...started out a little (ok a lot) later than I wanted, didn't end up leaving the house until just before 7am. But I told myself before I went to bed no matter what time I got up I had to run then. It wasn't so bad, but I do know that I will set my alarm for future runs seeing as how I am increasing to 7 miles this Sunday - which will be kinda difficult because we will be on vacation but I'm sure I'll find a route to run...I KNOW I will..it is non-negotiable at this point lol.

So last week wasn't great - only managed to run 3 miles (very slowly) on Thursday due to my knee/shin pain, but I did get in 6 on Sunday so it wasn't a total wash out. I am now at a month and like 3 weeks to go - whoohoo it is getting closer. I will make sure I do the stretches for my knee issues, and I go back to the doctor for a check in September (on the 3rd exactly one month before the race)

So here's the plan for this week:

Mon - yoga, start doing more strength training concentrating on my thighs and NO Lunges!!

Tue - 3 miles easy run

Wed - cross training

Thu - 6 miles

Fri - 3 miles easy run - wait what happened to my off day?!?!?!

Sat - My new off day :)

Sun- 7 (yes SEVEN) miles!!!

This is my vacation (from work) week, so I'm going to have to fit my runs into all of the fun I will be having while not going to work lol...

Training Log 8/3 - 8/9

2009-08-03T15:10:00.000-04:00

This week's plan...

Mon - Cross Training

Tue - 3 mile easy run

Wed - Cross Train

Thu - 5 mile tempo warm up, 3 miles at 12:07, cool down

Fri - NADA

Sat - Cross Train

Sun - 7 mile long run

Yeah in exactly 2 months I will be running a full half-marathon...mentally I can't even allow myself to think about how long that is because I will lose my nerve, physically I have not prepared my body for it by skipping my long run last week...I can't NOT do it, I've told too many people that I am doing it. My only option is to make the most of these two months leading up to the race, keep looking forward and not think about the run I missed....

No Long Run...Let The Punishment Begin

2009-08-03T15:00:00.000-04:00

Ok I will admit it...I did NOT run all of the miles I was supposed to this week...*big sad face*... I have no excuses, no good reason for not doing it, no injury, the weather was fine in the morning, but Sunday, long run - yeah it didn't happen. I'm not proud of myself, and I know I will regret not running. Thursday's run was tough, my right knee has been acting up, feeling really stiff (going to the Dr. to get it looked at Thursday), so my run that morning was awful...I had to stop THREE times before I hit a mile to try to stretch out my shin...I wanted to quit, but 1. Jason got up and ran with me and I didn't want him to worry about me since we wouldn't have passed each other. 2. I just couldn't give up...it hurt physically, and mentally to take over an hour to run 5 miles since I've been doing so well getting my time down...but I knew no matter how long it took me I had to finish..and I did. Small celebration seeing as how I totally ditched my Sunday run lol...anywhoo..brand new week, not so sure I am going to get cross training in, hate to say it but I'd rather run than cross train and I know that is going to kick me in the butt in the end.

Mon
Cross Train - yeah, didn't do it

Tue
3 mile easy run - whoohoo did it!

Wed
Cross Train - umm..see Monday's comment

Thu
5 mile run - the most painful physically and mentally run I have had since I sprained my ankle in the 5k I ran on my birthday last year - but I finished

Fri
NOTHING Friday is my much needed rest day!! whoohoo

Sat
3 mile easy run or cross training haven't decided yet - yeah did neither...slacker

Sun
6 mile run- BOOOOOOOO I didn't run...I am both disappointed with myself and ashamed that I punked out

Training Log 7/27 - 8/2/09

2009-07-27T09:16:00.001-04:00

This weeks plan.....
Mon
Cross Train

Tue
3 mile easy run

Wed
Cross Train

Thu
5 mile run

Fri
NOTHING Friday is my much needed rest day!! whoohoo

Sat
3 mile easy run or cross training haven't decided yet

Sun
6 mile run

Training Log 7/20 - 7/26

2009-07-27T09:11:00.000-04:00

Well even with the soreness I experienced Thursday I was able to run 14 miles this week! That is one whole mile more than is on my plan (Tuesdays are 2 miles but I did 3 - I'm such an over achiever LOL)..anywho last week was a good week and I am proud of everything I accomplished. This week is the same plan 2 miles on Tuesday, 5 miles Thursday and 6 mile long run on Sunday. I have to say I really enjoyed my run on Sunday, I ran 5 miles non stop and in right under an hour...that was an awesome feeling!

I am still struggling with the food part, but really just over the weekend. Either I just don't eat, or I eat crap - pizza, cake you know the good -bad- stuff. But I am not going to beat myself up about it, I have been a lot better in watching what I eat during the week, trying to make sure I get fruit, bringing my lunch helps a lot too.

So on to a new week, and one week closer to the race itself! The more miles I get under my belt the better I feel about being able to finish strong.

Mon
Cross Train - I did yoga this morning, but plan on doing Jillian Michaels shred thingy when I get home...I'm scared just thinking about that! did NOT do the 30 day shred

Tue
3 mile easy run - ran at pace of 11:10 finished in 33:30

Wed
Cross Train - belly, butts and thighs workout and cardio A (personal trainer dvd) felt really good afterward, but I paid for it later in the week!

Thu
5 mile run - ran at 12:06 pace finished in 1:00:32!!

Fri
uh NOTHING Friday is my much needed rest day!! whoohoo

Sat
3 mile easy run or cross training haven't decided yet - cross training with Jason *smile*

Sun
6 mile run - ran at 12:07 pace finished in 1:13:01!!

Eight miles so far, yoga, and strength training...

2009-07-24T10:30:00.000-04:00

that is how this week is going and because of all of that....my body hurts....the running didn't do it, I felt really good after both runs and my pace was nice and even this week. Its the strength/cardio DVDs that are really kicking my be-hind! The sad thing is, I'm using the lightest weights (5lb) and I am STILL sore.

Really I'm not complaining, it just didn't occur to me how much work I was doing, I definitely work up a sweat, and there are what feels like hundreds of squats/lunges involved but Thursday morning I didn't feel anything - which in hindsight is a good thing - and my run was strong, but later on Thursday walking down the stairs felt like murder...and I only work on the 2nd floor HA!

Thankfully today is Friday and a much needed rest day. Tomorrow is cross training and I'm thinking about taking up the offer from our neighbor to use the pool and do a few laps, cool down and enjoy myself.

Sunday is 6 miles and I do feel like I am fully ready for that - I think knowing I can run that much with the minimum of walk breaks will be a huge boost. the last time I ran 6 miles was almost a month ago (YIKES what HAVE I been doing???? I need to get on the ball for real!) and it took right at an hour and a half so I'd like to think I can do a little better than that. I remember that day, I know this time I will need to get started earlier in the morning like before sunrise - I love the pre-dawn runs during the week no reason I cant do that on Sunday as well.

Ready for a New Week of Training...

2009-07-20T10:24:00.000-04:00

Today is Monday and that means it is a new week for training yippee whooo...ha

Actually even though I don't run on Monday I am really looking forward to running this week. Not quite sure where this has come from, maybe guilt because I haven't been training like I should have, or just excitement because the 1/2 isn't really that far away. Whatever it is, I hope I can keep up the positive energy until October 3rd!!

Decided not to run the upcoming Tour de Pain - (doesn't that just sound like a big ol ball of fun?) The $50 entry fee is just a tad bit more than what I want to pay with back to school shopping right around the corner. However I will be able to continue training - or get back to training I should say...

So going forward I'm going to lay out my training plan for the week on Monday then come back and update on Sunday so it is out here for everyone to see and even ridicule if I don't log my miles. (YIKES!!) So here goes:

Mon
Cross Train - I did yoga this morning, but plan on doing Jillian Michaels shred thingy when I get home...I'm scared just thinking about that!

Tue
3 mile easy run

Wed
Cross Train

Thu
5 mile run

Fri
uh NOTHING Friday is my much needed rest day!! whoohoo

Sat
3 mile easy run or cross training haven't decided yet

Sun
6 mile run

We'll see how it all goes!

Motivation!!

2009-07-17T09:28:00.001-04:00

Being that I am not one of those people who just naturally took to running -I have VERY flat feet and my first attempts left me in so much pain I wondered if I would ever be able to run more than a few feet without just giving up - I look for motivation anywhere I can, most times all it takes is getting on the scale to get me out the door, other times I think about the 1/2 marathon and know I need to log more miles so I am ready.

Some days it is just not there (yesterday was one of those days) and I need an extra kick in the butt so I signed up for a daily email from Runners World that provides some outside motivation...

Tips to get you motivated to run

101 Kicks in the Butt

You have 100 reasons for losing motivation to run. But we can top 'em with tips, inspiring quotes, and more. Pick your fix. Repeat as necessary.

By Calvin Hennick

1. CREATE A BLOG where you post your daily mileage, then give out the Web address to your friends and family. Do you really want Aunt Ellen to ask why you skipped your four-miler on Wednesday?

2. MAMA, GET A NEW PAIR OF SHOES. Two-time Olympian Shayne Culpepper puts new gear she receives as an elite athlete to good use. "It's fun to break in a new pair of shoes," she says. "Sometimes that's enough to get me excited."

3. RUNNING COMMENTARY "Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp, or are you going to be strong today?'" --Peter Maher, two-time Olympic marathoner from Canada

4. GO SOFT. It's hard to stay motivated with shinsplints, so get off the pavement for a few days and run on a cross-country course or unpaved bike paths.

5. LOOK TO THE PAST Emil Zatopek, who won four Olympic golds in his career, was a tough-as-nails athlete known for his intense training methods, such as running in work boots. Competing with a gland infection and against his doctor's orders, the Czech won three distance events--including the marathon--at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. That stuffy nose doesn't seem quite so bad now, does it?

6. FORGET TIME. Shane Bogan, who coaches distance runners in the Washington, D.C./Baltimore area, advises leaving your watch at home once in a while. "It's liberating not to be worried about pace," Bogan says.

7. SIGN UP NOW for a winter marathon in a warm state. Every training mile you log takes you closer to that winter getaway in toasty Phoenix, Florida, or Las Vegas.

8. THINK FAST. The runners Christy Coughlin coaches in Wilmette, Illinois, always get a boost from this simple negative-splits workout: Run for 20 minutes as slowly as you want, then turn around and run home faster. "The long warmup helps you feel great and run faster on the way back," says Coughlin.

9. GOOD-TO-GO PLAYLIST
Classic Rock
"Don't Stop Me Now," Queen
"Break on Through," The Doors
"Gimme Shelter," Rolling Stones
"Come Together" the Beatles
"What Do You Do for Money Honey," AC/DC

10. BLAZE A NEW PATH. "If you do the same runs all the time, it can beat you down," says Olympian Alan Culpepper. GPS systems work great for mapping new routes. Or check out favoriterun.com or usatf.org/routes, which use Google Maps to let you plan and save routes.

11. FILL THE TUB with hot water, then head out for a three-miler on a frigid morning. The sooner you get back, the hotter your bath is.

12. EVERY MILE YOU RUN burns roughly 100 calories. Think of that next six-miler as two slices of pizza.

13. RUNNING COMMENTARY "No one can say, 'You must not run faster than this or jump higher than that.' The human spirit is indomitable." --Sir Roger Bannister, the first man to run a sub-four-minute mile

14. THE BOSTON MARATHON is a year away. Think you can get there? (Go to www.baa.org for qualifying times.)

15. RACE ODD DISTANCES FOR AN INSTANT PR.
Kennedy Drive 8-K, San Francisco, May 13
Run for Alex 2-miler and 5-miler, Bentleyville, Pennsylvania, June 2
Six In The Stix II, Newport, New Hampshire, June 9
Quad-City Times Bix 7-miler, Davenport, Iowa, July 28
Falmouth Road Race 7-miler, Falmouth, Massachusetts, August 12
Bigfork Valley Challenge 4.5-miler, Bigfork, Minnesota, September 8

16. READ THIS The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner, a short story by Alan Sillitoe, tells the tale of a rebellious youth in a reformatory who runs in solitude and makes a stand against a system he doesn't believe in. You'll have new appreciation for the power of solo runs.

17. PLAY IN THE STREET. Skip a dreaded track workout for a fartlek (Swedish for "speed play") session. After 10 minutes of easy jogging, run hard between two telephone poles, then slow down until you pass three. Then see if you can get to the traffic light before it changes, followed by a jog to the next mailbox. There are no set rules, so make it up as you go along.

18. THE PILE OF DISHES in the sink can wait till the sun goes down. Your tempo run can't.

19. RUN AT LUNCH. Daniel Sheil, a marathon coach in Portland, Oregon, recommends lunchtime runs for two reasons: (1) You get your workout in before the day gets away from you; (2) You get a midday break from work stress.

20. RUNNING COMMENTARY "The more I run, the more I want to run, and the more I live a life conditioned and influenced and fashioned by my running. And the more I run, the more certain I am that I am heading for my real goal: to become the person I am." --George Sheehan, M.D., beloved former RW columnist
21. THAT NEW RUNNING WATCH you want? Buy it--after timing 10 more speed sessions with your old one.

22. WATCH THIS Chariots of Fire In this stirring 1981 Oscar winner for Best Picture, two British athletes prepare for and compete in the 1924 summer Olympics. For bonus motivation, download the famous Vangelis theme to your MP3 player for tomorrow's run.

23. WEAR A PEDOMETER on your run. Distance sounds more impressive in steps. Some tricked-out sports watches also record steps.

24. BUDDY UP. Not many people can keep up with nine-time University of Colorado all-American Sara Slattery. Luckily, two-time Olympian Shayne Culpepper happens to live down the street. Find your own version of the Olympian next door to run with regularly.

25. LOOK TO THE PAST In 1949, 9-year-old Wilma Rudolph learned to walk without leg braces after suffering from polio and spending most of her first years in bed. Rudolph went on to win three gold medals in the 1960 Olympics.

26. HAVE A DAILY GOAL. Scott Jurek, seven-time champion of The Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, sets goals not just for big races but also for workouts. "Maybe it is a technique goal, maybe a pace goal, maybe a goal of running faster at the end," he says.

27. MAKE A MASSAGE APPOINTMENT for the day after your long run.

28. WATCH THIS Baseball had Babe Ruth. Basketball had Michael Jordan. American distance running had Steve Prefontaine. Doesn't matter that he wasn't the best ever--he was the sport's rock star. Prefontaine (1997) and Without Limits (1998) both capture Pre's cocky swagger. Or check out the 1995 documentary Fire on the Track: The Steve Prefontaine Story.

29. GET YOURSELF A HEARTY DOG who needs lots of exercise. You'll always have a reason for a daily jog.

30. GOOD-TO-GO PLAYLIST
Country
"Cocaine Blues," Johnny Cash
"Ain't Going Down (Til the Sun Comes Up)," Garth Brooks
"Wide Open Spaces," Dixie Chicks
"Chasin' That Neon Rainbow," Alan Jackson
"The Devil Went Down to Georgia," The Charlie Daniels Band

31. RUN THROUGH A SPRING STORM. With rain hitting you sideways and the wind whipping your face, you'll feel alive. Just make sure you have a dry pair of shoes for tomorrow.

32. READ THIS The cult classic Once a Runner, by talented runner John L. Parker JR., captures the hard work and dedication required of fictional collegiate miler Quenton Cassidy.

33) RUNNING COMMENTARY "A lot of people run a race to see who's fastest. I run to see who has the most guts." --Steve Prefontaine

34. FEEL A NEED FOR SPEED. Sometimes you need the thrill of moving your legs as fast as they can go. To get the wind blowing through your hair, try six to eight 200-meter repeats at your mile race pace.

35. FOR EMERGENCY USE ONLY: Consider taking a short break from running if you think you've got the beginning of an overuse injury or you're truly fatigued. A couple days of rest may be the thing to reinvigorate you. Call this one instant running motivation for three days from now.

36. IT'S SPRING! Why are you even reading this? You should be motivated just by the fact that you're not forced to run on a treadmill.

37. YOU'LL BE WEARING A BATHING SUIT in another month or so, won't you?

38. GOOD-TO-GO PLAYLIST
Hip-Hop
"If I Should Die," Jay-Z
"Get By," Talib Kweli
"Let's Get Retarded," blackeyed peas
"Lose Yourself," eminem
"Bombs Over Baghdad," outkast
"Get Low," Lil jon
"Caught Out There," Kelis

39. EXERCISE IMPROVES SEXUAL PERFORMANCE, according to research. Nuff said.

40. IT'S NOT TOO LATE to salvage your New Year's resolutions.
41. READ THIS Pain, by Dan Middleman. Fictional college senior Richard Dubin attempts to balance hard partying, a complicated relationship, and world-class competition.

42. GO EARLY. Two-time Olympian Shayne Culpepper says that rather than putting off a run, she'll head out even earlier than usual when she's not in the mood to work out. "If I have that extra cup of coffee or I wait an extra half hour, it becomes too torturous," she says.

43. LOOK TO THE PAST Billy Mills came out of nowhere in the 1964 Olympics to become the only American to win a gold medal in the 10,000 meters. Mills's PR at the time was nearly a minute slower than that of Australia's Ron Clarke. With 100 meters to go, Mills sprinted ahead, improving his PR and setting a new Olympic record.

44. IF YOU'RE REALLY IN THE MOOD to change things up, or if you just have nothing to wear, check out the list of clothing-optional races at cybernude.com/nuderuns.

45. GOOD-TO-GO PLAYLIST
Alternative Rock
"Beautiful Day," U2
"Run in Place," The Nadas
"Seven Nation Army," The White Stripes
"Take Me Out," Franz Ferdinand
"Get Free," The Vines
"Just (You Do It to Yourself)," Radiohead

46. PAY YOURSELF. Set a price for attaining a certain weekly mileage goal. When you hit it, pay up. Keep your mileage money in a jar, and once it accumulates, buy yourself that new running jacket you've been ogling.

47. ASK A FRIEND TO BIKE alongside you when your running partner isn't available.

48. GET WET. When it gets hot out, Washington, D.C.-area coach Bruce Gross suggests logging your miles by running in the deep end of a pool while wearing a flotation vest. Gross tells his runners to break it up by going hard for five minutes, then resting for one minute. Work up to an hour.

49. RACE RESULTS STAY ON GOOGLE FOREVER.

50. TURN THINGS AROUND. "A poor performance is a strong motivator for me," says elite marathoner Clint Verran. "I can't wait to prove to myself that I'm a better runner than my last showing." Verran also says negative comments from his coaches fire him up. "For me, proving somebody wrong is key."

51. BEEN MARATHONING FOR YEARS? Maybe it's time to try an ultra. Or the mile.

52. BECOME A RUNNING MENTOR. Once you get your neighbor, coworker, or significant other hooked on your favorite sport, they'll be counting on your continued support and guidance--and company.

53. FEELING TIRED? Instead of taking the day off, throw some walk breaks into your run. Use the breaks to refuel, stretch out sore muscles, or get inspired by the scenery.

54. HEAD FOR THE HILLS. "When I need a boost, I attack a hill workout," says Greg Meyer, winner of the 1982 Chicago Marathon and 1983 Boston Marathon. "You can't do hills halfhearted." Meyer believes the difficulty of the workout brings out the best in him.

55. WATCH THIS Saint Ralph In this 2005 Canadian film, a teenager sets out to win the 1954 Boston Marathon, thinking this is the "miracle" required to wake his mother from a coma.

56. RUN FOR A REASON. Do a race for charity. Helping kids with diabetes or women with breast cancer makes it much easier to get out the door.

57. DUST OFF YOUR TRACK SPIKES. Most states have Olympic-style summer games where you can compete in events like the mile or the 400-meter hurdles. If you're really looking for a change of pace, train for a field event like the long jump.

58. RUNNING COMMENTARY "Workouts are like brushing my teeth; I don't think about it, I just do it. The decision has already been made." --Patti Sue Plumer, U.S. Olympian

59. REMEMBER that you almost always feel better after a run than before it.

60. LOOK TO THE PAST Roger Bannister and John Landy (the only two men to have broken four minutes in the mile at the time) raced at the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Vancouver in what was billed as "The Miracle Mile." Landy led for most of the race, but Bannister passed him on the final turn--proving it ain't over till it's over.

61. RUNNING COMMENTARY "If you want to become the best runner you can be, start now. Don't spend the rest of your life wondering if you can do it." --Priscilla Welch, who won the 1987 New York City Marathon at age 42

62. KEEP A LOG. Greg Meyer, former Boston Marathon and Chicago Marathon champ, says his logbook keeps him motivated. "I just can't stand to look at my log and see a goose egg for the day," he says.

63. MAKE A CONNECTION. www.Fitness-singles.com connects active people looking for love. Get in your run and go on a date at the same time.

64. BRING HOME SOME HARDWARE. Okay, so you're not going to win the Chicago Marathon, but that doesn't mean you can't score a trophy. Find a few small local races where you might be able to compete for the top spots in your age group.

65. DON'T EXPECT EVERY DAY TO BE BETTER than the last. Some days will be slower than others, and some days might even hurt a bit. But as long as you're on the road, it's a good day.

66. IF YOU DON'T RUN ROAD RACES, where will you get all your T-shirts?

67. JUST START. If the thought of running your full workout is too much to bear, just suit up to run around the block. Chances are, once you're outside, you'll start to feel better and put in at least a few miles.

68. READ THIS Bowerman and the Men of Oregon, by Kenny Moore. Learn about Bill Bowerman, one of the most famous track and field coaches of the last century and cofounder of Nike. You'll be surprised how the legend initiated his new runners at the University of Oregon.

69. RUN SOLO and away from the crowds on recovery days. The faster runners on popular routes will make you want to pick up the pace. Alone, you'll be able to listen to your body and reap the recovery you deserve.

70. RUNNING COMMENTARY "Those who say that I will lose and am finished will have to run over my body to beat me." --Said Aouita, 5000 meter Olympic gold medalist

71. YOU'RE NEVER TOO OLD FOR A GOLD STAR, says Sacramento-area running coach Shauna Schultz. Plan your workouts a week in advance, then place a star sticker on the calendar for each day you meet your goal. "Visualizing your progress in this manner is very encouraging," Schultz says.

72. THINK YOU DON'T HAVE TIME TO RUN? You can probably make a list longer than this one of things you're wasting time on today. Cut one of them out and get the run in.

73. FOCUS ON THE COMPETITION. Olympic 200-meter gold medalist Shawn Crawford says his two chief competitors--himself and his stopwatch--keep him heading out every day. "I want to break records, and you can't break records sitting home."

74. BECOME A RACE DIRECTOR. If you live in a small town with no road races, start your own. Most towns have some sort of yearly celebration in the summer, and you can tie the race to that. Work with local track and cross-country teams to help promote it.

75. RUN AN ERRAND--LITERALLY. Run to get cash at the ATM, buy that lottery ticket for the mega-million-dollar prize, or return the DVD to the rental store.

76. CHECK WEATHER.COM. If you know it's going to be 110 degrees by 2 p.m., run early in the morning. Terrible thunderstorms on Saturday? There's your day off. Proactive scheduling now will give you fewer excuses later.

77. GOOD-TO-GO PLAYLIST
Guilty Pleasures
"Good Vibrations," Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch
"Toxic," Britney Spears
"Lovefool," The Cardigans
"Flagpole Sitta," Harvey Danger
"Fergalicious," Fergie

78. QUIT RUNNING IN CIRCLES. Andy Steinfeld, who coaches marathon runners in Maryland, says group "point to point" runs are a fun way to mix things up. His runners head out for 12 to 20 miles, then refuel at a local restaurant before hopping on the subway to ride back to the starting point.

79. WATCH THIS Endurance. This 1999 docudrama shows how Ethiopian Haile Gebrselassie became one of the best distance runners of all time.

80. CREATE CONFLICT. Drew Ludtke, head women's track and cross-country coach at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois, says his runners are sometimes too social. So he tells them to imagine that the runner next to them just stole their boyfriend, which amps up the competition--and the fun.
81. RUN TRAILS to challenge your body and mind. "Trails are a fantastic way to give your training a change of pace," says Long Beach, California, coach Todd Rose. Rose advises always running trails with a partner and a cell phone to stay safe.

83. BE REALISTIC with your training. Sticking to a schedule of three workouts per week feels a lot better than quitting a more demanding plan. Go to runnersworld.com/smartcoach to customize your training program.

84. LIVE IN THE NOW. Seven-time Western States champ Scott Jurek focuses on the moment to get him through rough spots. "I tune in to my breath, technique, and my current pace, and I stay away from what lies ahead," he says. This is especially helpful when "what lies ahead" is another 99 miles.

85. GET SOME PERSPECTIVE. Eritrean-born U.S. runner and 2004 Olympic Marathon silver medalist Meb Keflezighi listens to songs about his former country's struggle for independence from Ethiopia when he needs a boost. "The true heroes are the soldiers," he says, also mentioning American troops in Iraq. "Those are the real tough guys."

86. BUY A FULL-LENGTH MIRROR and make sure you look in it every day.

87. RUNNING COMMENTARY "If I am still standing at the end of the race, hit me with a board and knock me down, because that means I didn't run hard enough." --Steve Jones, former marathon world record holder

88. READ THIS Life at These Speeds, by Jeremy Jackson. When an entire track team is killed on the way home from a meet at the beginning of this novel, star Kevin Schuler, who rode home with his parents, is left to pick up the pieces. Sad but stirring.

89. GOOD-TO-GO PLAYLIST
Silence
Leave the MP3 player at home and see how you like it. Sometimes, the rhythm of your own breathing is the most inspiring thing of all.

90. BUY GOLD RACING SHOES. With those on your feet, you'd better be fast. It worked for Michael Johnson.

91. KEEP LOOKING FORWARD. It would be easy for Maurice Greene, 100-meter gold medalist at the 2000 Olympics, to rest on his laurels. "People always ask me, 'Why do you keep on going?' I always say, 'I believe I haven't reached my full potential.'" Greene's current goals include another Olympic gold and a time of 9.67 seconds in the 100--which would currently earn him back his world record.

92. FORGET ABOUT THE BIG PICTURE every now and then. Put away your training manual and your race calendar. Quit overthinking it. Run for today.

93. TRY A TRI. Logging a chunk of your weekly miles in the pool and on the bike for a triathlon can reinvigorate your mind and body--and running.

94. SALE AWAY. When online running coach (therunningcoach.com) Christine Hinton is feeling unmotivated, she heads out for what she calls a "Garage Sale Run." "I take some cash or my checkbook with me and run in search of garage sales," Hinton says. "When I find one, I stop briefly to check out the goods. I tell you, I have found some good stuff that I've picked up later with the car."

95. RUNNING COMMENTARY "The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare." --Juma Ikangaa, Tanzanian marathoner

96. A HEALTHY RUNNER IS A HAPPY RUNNER. As soon as you feel like you might be coming down with something, pamper yourself: Eat more healthfully (think lots of fruits and veggies) and get extra rest. A little prevention today means you won't be debating next week whether you're too sick to run.

97. LISTENING TO YOUR FEET crunch gravel for an hour can erase a day's worth of stress.

98. INVEST IN GOOD GEAR. For beginners, this may mean a good pair of running shoes to avoid injuries and technical clothes made of fabric that wicks away moisture and prevents chafing. For others, experimenting with the latest GPS unit or shoe pod can be a fun way to track training progress and stay motivated.

99. BE CREATIVE. If the idea of going on your regular four-miler just sinks you further into your recliner, remember that there are other ways to put in some miles--like a pickup game of soccer, flag football, or ultimate Frisbee. A soccer midfielder runs up to six miles in a regulation 90-minute game.

100. SURROUND YOURSELF. When Greg Meyer, former Boston and Chicago marathon champ, needs a lift, he just looks up at the wall. A clown stares back at him from a poster with the caption: "To be good is not enough when you dream of being great."

101. LET US HELP. We've got more where these came from. To receive a daily motivational e-mail, go to www.runnersworld.com/motivate.

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Back At It!!!

2009-07-14T08:37:00.000-04:00

Ok took a week off to rest my knee and am feeling much better - yet guilty - its a delicate balance. I started yesterday with some cross training, I got some new DVDs - part of the Prevention line up with one of my favorite DVD people Chris Freytag, it was butt kicking and interesting and it can be configured to do cardio on some days, or toning or everything (you know for those days that I am feeling extra hyper). I'm waiting on a yoga DVD and Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred (that just strikes fear into my heart) so I can have a nice variety of workouts to choose from.

Last night before going to bed Jason asked if I was going to run in the morning and of course every part of my body was saying 'hell no' but I told myself (and him) that if I happen to wake up at 5 I would run otherwise I'd just wait and do it after work. Well obviously my bladder has its very own alarm because 5am and I was in the bathroom, of course I was hoping against all hope that it was like 2 or 3 am but I saw the faint morning light and knew it was later than that. But hey its all good, I was up, dressed and out of the house by 5:15am which meant I would be back home around 6am and be able to fully cool down, shower and all that good stuff before I had to get my day started.

So I get up and hit the road and was back in 32:54 whooohooooo!!! I don't think I completed the 3.1 miles my Garmin reported, I mapped my route on runningmap.com and it is only 2.8 miles on there but you know what, that was 2.8 miles that I wouldn't have completed if I'd decided to stay in bed this morning so I'm ok with that. I'm trying to decide if I should recalibrate my watch now or just keep doing this loop and see how much I can improve my time...I think I am going to try improving my time first then I can recalibrate it one of these days.

Celebration 5k July 4th!!

2009-07-04T11:49:00.000-04:00

Whoohooo got up and ran in the Celebration 5k race this morning and I am really proud of myself here and my results:

 268   46  Antrelle Brown, 35*, Jacksonville, FL       34:33

Only walked at the water station after mile 1 which I finished in 10:30 which is a personal best for me so I think I'll do a little 'go girl' dance ....ok finished dancing ha...but seriously I am proud of the progress I have made, I haven't run in a race since May and I was a little worried even though I've been training. I guess it came down to mind over matter.

Had a lot of fun yesterday at the beach with the family, thought I was going to get a cramp in my leg though from body surfing and all I could think was that I wouldn't be able to run if I was in pain so I decided to just sit back in the water and just hang...I think I can count that as cross training right? Ha...

Well it is time to go get my 4th of July celebrating on...low country boil (crabs, shrimp, potatoes yummmmm!) with the family, hanging out, laughing, enjoying the little ones - what can be better than that? Well the fireworks will be a nice way to end the evening - looking forward to that as well.....

Five Miles at 6am Bring It On!

2009-07-02T10:09:00.000-04:00

Well the plan was to be out the door at 5:30 this morning to complete today's five mile run, however the bed and ac felt too good so I didn't hit the road until about 5:45 but that's not too bad...

I'd promised myself that if I made it in under an hour and 5 minutes that I could buy myself a new phone to replace my blackberry that Daisy decided makes such a nice chew toy. I made it back in 1:02:17 whoohooo I am seeing some improvement in my time and that makes me feel sooooo good...

I decided that I have been working hard and deserve to treat myself - ok honestly I feel like I deserve to treat myself for pretty much any reason...I am spoiled lol. Anywhoo, I have to get a new phone anyway since we are switching to Sprint and why not get this sexy piece of technology?

Why not? Because it would cost me $299.99 to get it today YIKES...of course I am lucky enough to qualify for a $100 mail in rebate...I can just tell the electric company and my other debtors that I can get them in 6-8 weeks when I have that money right? Yeah probably not...soooo I did not get the phone, I opted for a less expensive ($49) Samsung Instinct instead..of course that is not to say that I won't get the Pre in a few weeks when I do leave AT&T for good.

Anyway back to my run...I felt really strong considering I had pancakes for dinner last night, (note to self - need to work on my diet) I kept myself at a good pace, I didn't walk as much as I have in the past so that is a really good feeling. Still trying to get past that 4 mile - my legs feel like lead- mark. I guess I should probably avoid looking at my watch, it was like the minute I saw I was at 3.75 the fatigue set in. Another diet related issue, I don't eat beforehand since it is so early in the morning. I tried to take a few bites of a bar but just couldn't do it. I know that is going to be a major deal when my miles increase. Next Thursday thankfully is only 3 miles, but the week after that is 6 miles on Thursday. I may try running late in the evening and see if that works any better. I really enjoy the morning runs though, it is quiet, not much traffic and when I am done I am done for the day...then again if I run at night I can enjoy the bed and the ac a little longer in the morning...yeah there is always a trade-off somewhere I guess.

Excited about this weekend, I haven't done a 5k race since May and I am really excited to see what my time will be for the race on Saturday...ha I'm excited about a race...

Love the Short Runs on Tuesday

2009-06-30T14:03:00.000-04:00

According to my plan - from runnersworld.com - the only day better than my Favorite Friday rest day is the short run Tuesday. The max miles I'll run on Tuesdays is 5 miles! That is AWESOME, I can pretty much get my training done in less than an hour first thing in the morning then bam! I'm done for the day!!

Today for example, my training took all of 23 minutes, I managed to burn about 251 calories and I got it all done before 7am!! Now for those people that complain that they can't find time to exercise, or are complaining about not being able to lose weight I just have NO sympathy. Yeah I had to get out of my bed at 5:45am but so what? The weather was nice, unless you live in a 24/7 busy place there is little to no traffic on the road at that time, the sun isn't up but it is not pitch dark so it really is the perfect time to exercise.

This week is going to be a fun one, Friday I am going to the beach for a family trip which will mean lots of running around and playing in the water, a 5k race on Saturday morning which I am excited about so I can see what kind of progress I've made since the 5k I ran in May. I'm excited about it and am really hoping to be able to keep up with Jason enough that he isn't waiting for me for 5 minutes after he's crossed the finish line. I want to be able to keep him in my sights!

Have I Mentioned How Humid It Is?....

2009-06-25T14:14:00.000-04:00

Good Lord the humidity is not playing! I guess I never really paid much attention to it, other than the days it totally ruined my hair-do, back in my relaxer days (another reason to be SO very happy that I am a beautiful natural chick)..anyway, running in the humidity can be best described as trying to run in water, or cotton, or something like that.

You start out - early in the morning before the sun comes up or even in the late evening when the sun is going down- and you think 'hey this isn't so bad' there may be a slight breeze, you can smell the different blooming flowers (except that one house with the plants that smell like some kind of stinkweed) and you think it will be an easy run, nice run up the street and around the block..then BAM!! First the sweating, and not a nice light 'glisten' oh no once the sweating starts it is THERE...it is so humid and the air already has so much moisture in it the sweat on your body doesn't evaporate so it just builds, and drips off you, in HUGE puddles.

So there is the sweat, the feeling of running through thick soup (lol) which adds up to the breathing difficulties. Thankfully I think I am doing ok with this one, I am really paying attention to my breathing, making sure I am taking more deep belly breaths instead of the shallow chest breath that I found out doesn't help get the oxygen needed all through my body.

I look back at my training and race results and I am amazed that my last run before the height of humidity set in, I was able to finish in 35 minutes but now 3 miles takes me closer to 38 sometimes 40 minutes and I feel like I am struggling just to finish. But on the other hand, I ran 7 minutes faster today on my Thursday 5 miles run that I did last week. I stopped a lot less and was able to kick up my pace more and that felt really good.

Tomorrow is my FAVORITE training day - it is my rest day whoohoo! Then an easy 3 mile run on Saturday morning then comes Sunday (cue scary music) and my looooong run day...ok my long run right now is only 6 miles (ha I just typed only 6 miles) - thats just one more mile than my Thursday, I can do that no problem :)

Week One!

2009-06-22T08:54:00.000-04:00

Well I have officially finished week one of my training and I am still alive and still able to walk YIPPEE!! The weather was unforgiving as I knew it would be - it was still 100 degrees at 6pm yesterday- I figured running in the morning would be easier but it is so humid out there that it just beats you down, but I still did it! I do hope that throughout this I am able to see improvement in my running, right now I still feel like it is a struggle to breathe - which I am sure has to do with the humidity.

I'm trying to remember to start off slowly, but I get out there and my legs are fresh and I just want to run and get it over with...of course 30 minutes into the run my legs are feeling like overcooked noodles that somehow weigh 20 pounds and it is hard to get my feet off the ground. So I take it easy for the first mile, talking to myself reminding myself how to breathe, to keep my feet light when hitting the ground. I stopped listening to music and just listen to myself and I think that has helped me get in better tune with what I am doing and how I am feeling.

Overall I knew going in this was going to be an uphill battle since my training is taking place during the hottest time EVER lol - but like they say what doesn't kill us only makes us stronger...yeah um yikes!

2009-06-10T08:09:00.000-04:00

Still technically 'pre-training' but am realizing that this is really going to be tough. The weather is so humid this time of the year it feels like I am running in cotton or underwater. I had to slow my pace waaay down, and I was running with Daisy so that in itself has its own challenges - all good ones of course! She is a really good running buddy when she's not chasing lizards or investigating what is rattling in the bushes on the other side of the fence.

Yesterday's run was supposed to be 2 miles @ 12:52 pace which I thought would be really hard to go that slow but with the humidity there were times I was running at a 13 min/mile and it was wearing me out. I know this should get better the longer I am training and get more used to (ha) the humidity.

Wednesdays are cross training so I'm hoping I can do yoga when I get home today and take Daisy on a walk before I pick Taylor up from camp. Thursdays are tempo or speed workouts and I'm planning on going to 1st place sports to run with a group those evenings. Saturday and Sunday are my run with hubby days and the mornings are the best time to get out get it done and get it over with.

So I'm feeling good - my legs definitely know that I have been running, they are 'worked' but not so tired that I am miserable. Along with the really good night's sleep I am happy with the weight I've taken off and am able to keep off, I am also feeling stronger and can see the changes in my body...that is always a good thing!

Pre-training fun!

2009-06-08T09:12:00.000-04:00

Ok I don't officially start training for my VERY FIRST half marathon (Marine Corps 1/2) until next Monday but I am just so excited about doing this that I decided to start writing about it anyway....I started my 'running career' (can you call it that if you aren't making money?) back in October 2008, me and my trusty running partner hubby Jason decided after running in a race my company paid the entry for that we enjoyed it and would sign up for more. So every weekend in October we ran a 5k, I would like to say it was fun, but at that point running was not fun to me (honestly it still isn't, but I do enjoy it more) I just really enjoyed doing somehting that was healthy and having Jason there cheering me on as I was crossing the finish line - yeah he's a lot faster than I am.

Well from the October runs I decided to keep it going with a 6k on Thanksgiving day, and we ran in a nighttime run in December and even got Taylor to run with us. That one was fun I have to admit, the Christmas spirit, lights and musis made that run very different. A few more months later and a run here and there then came the BIG ONE - the River Run, a 15k course that ended with the Hart bridge...that was the longest race I'd ever been in and I trained for it - though not as seriously as I should have. But above all I finished it - in a little over 2 hours but hey I ran across the finish line. Thinking back I now appreciate the training I did and didn't do becuase now I know that I HAVE to train and be mentally and physically ready for the 1/2 and hopefully for two more 1/2 - one on Thanksgiving and one in December.

So the fun (ha) begins, I have been running mostly on weekends with the 4 miles I did Sunday being my longest run in a while. It was tough, it is humid even at 8am, but I have slowed my pace way down and am able to run a lot farther with no walk breaks and that is such a wonderful feeling. I am going to add in runs on Tuesday and Thursday and do some kind of cross training on Monday and Wednesday - actaully I'm thinking about doing yoga and pilates on those days and maybe the kickboxing dvd I have. Of ocurse I have to fit in nice long walks with Miss Daisy - I haven't given her the attention she deserves with the rain and just letting other things get in the way but I'm going to include walk/runs with her into my training. I know she'll love the time we spend together.

So the journey begins - well it will officially begin next Monday but hey there is nothing that says I can't run now...