Friday, August 27, 2010

Traitor


I'm a traitor.
I'm sorry Asics, but it just felt right.
I purchased my first pair of running shoes (Asics 2150) on February 26, 2010- day after my birthday. LOL.
It has been six months and over 400 miles since then.
Runners need to replace their running shoes every 300-400 miles and even earlier if they run on rougher terrain.
How am I a traitor?
The new pair of running shoes I purchased was the Saucony Omni 8.
They just came out with the Omni 9's, but the 8's were a great fit for me.
I'm super excited to run this morning.
The owner of the store (Fleet Feet) who fitted me said he also suffers from Morton's Neuroma, but having the right orthotics and high stability shoes keeps him running without pain.
I really hope that's what I found in this new of pair of shoes.

I had an awesome 5 mile run on Tuesday morning (before I purchased the new shoes).
I'll be running 3.5 miles today.
I'll let you know how it goes.

Have a happy and healthy weekend!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Thursday- Throw it Out Day


Today I cleaned.
I cleaned out the master closet, pantry, and first floor coat closet.
I cleaned them out for donations and trash.
It felt amazing!

We're going to be moving out of our wonderful home due to foreclosure in the next 5-6 months.
Yes, it's very upsetting.
We're leaving the only home my twins have known.
It's the home we took the twins to when they came from the hospital.
It's me and my husband's first home together.
I know we'll survive it.
Home is where we are as a family.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Decide Everyday


I had a conversation with a friend of mine about commitment.
She has a sister who recently lost her husband through suicide.
She said her sister has to wake up every day and decide/commit to be happy.
By doing this she has endured and is succeeding in helping herself and her children to heal and cope with the loss of her husband.

I'm very blessed to not have to go through something as sad as this.
I need to look at my life and be thankful for so much.
If my friend's sister can wake up and commit to be happy and endure what she has been, then I certainly can wake up every morning and decide/commit myself to be happy and live healthy for that day.

Take baby steps.

Take it one day at a time.

It seems so simple, yet it's so difficult for so many of us.

What do you commit to today?

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Let It Ride


I'll be expermenting with crosstraining to run better nd faster for my 5K race in November.

Why?
Research shows that rest days (days when you take off activity altogether or do another physical activity other than running) can improve your running. You build and strengthen other muscles and therefore create a stronger body all around.

I'll be riding a stationary bike again. I'm sure my legs will thank me. I still haven't gotten anyone to ride my bike with me or teach me anyway. It's a 21 speed bike, and I never really learned how to play with the gears. You can laugh, it's okay.
It's too hot anyway to go outside and run/bike unless I'm willing to wake up at 4:30 a.m. again. I just have to wait out the heat another 2 or 3 weeks, I think.

Today's Fuel: grains for breakfast and lunch, grilled tilapia with mango salsa, sauteed green beans, 2 nectarines

Today's Activity: Insanity (first time)

Have a happy and healthy day!

Monday, August 23, 2010

A New Personal Best


I reluctantly woke up this morning at 6 a.m.
disoriented,
tired,
and forgetting what I needed to do.

Then I remembered.

Today is the first day of my recommittment.

I'm committing myself to

  • more whole grains

  • more vegetables

  • crosstraining

  • breathing, breathing, breathing
The "breathing" part is to conjure up more patience for the challenges that I'm facing about

  • being a stay-at-home-mom to 2 yo twins

  • maintaining my weight loss

  • getting leaner and stronger core
Despite how I woke up this morning, I actually had a great run! I ran a 9:43 pace! This is definitely a new personal best!

I did fartleks. That's right. That's not a "type-o."
Fartlek is a form of road running or cross country running in which the runner, usually solo, varies the pace significantly during the run. It is usually regarded as an advanced training technique, for the experienced runner who has been using interval training to develop speed and to raise the anaerobic threshold. However, the 'average' runner can also benefit from a simplified form of Fartlek training, to develop self-awareness and to introduce variety into the training program.
I felt like I could've ran another mile, but I am just coming back from injury. I need to pace myself.

Today's Fuel:  1 cup oj, whole grains, nectarine, turkey bacon-covered shrimp and grits, steamed broccoli
Today's Activities:  3.6 mile run, upper body with free weights

Have a happy and healthy day!

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Where Have I Been?

Hmmm...

Where have I been?
I've been hanging out at my mom's house since Thursday, and I've been running errands.
I'm so sorry that I haven't posted about my fabulous life. Oh yes... fabulous! I just finished cleaning up an ocean of Apple Jacks cereal and milk spilled on the twins' table and chairs, not to mention especially the floor. Oh yeah, let's not forget the overnight diapers I had to change!
Twin Boy has been sleeping successfully on his toddler bed while Twin Girl has been climbing out of her crib because of pure jealousy. The solution? A toddler bed for Twin Girl.
I bought one for Twin Girl on Thursday, and to my wonderful surprise one of my best girlfriends offered me her son's toddler bed. The only stipulation was that I hand it over to her sister once she starts having kids. That'll be at least a couple of years, since she just got married and isn't interested in getting pregnant anytime soon!
How lucky was that?

I ran 3.68 miles on Friday, and boy was it hard.
I've been recuperating and healing up my shin splints (by the way, they still hurt). I think I'm just being stubborn about going to my doc for help. I know he'll tell me to stop running for a couple of weeks and probably even send me to a PT. It was SUPER HOT on Friday. I looked at the forecast before I ran at 7 a.m., and it said it was 84 degrees. To some of you, that might be nice enough. However, for me... it was dreadful. It was also humid. I drank half my water (20 ounces) before I was at 2 miles. There wasn't a lot of shade, and the sun was unforgivable. I went home and saw just how hot it was. I got a serious tan on my arms and legs. I think my run would've been more enjoyable if I had gone earlier. Why did I go so late, you ask? Well, I woke up at 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday to do some church stuff- basically didn't get enough sleep. Then on Thursday, I woke up at 6 a.m. I didn't get to bed early enough the night before. I've learned through some reading and personal experiences that you have a better run when you get a good night's sleep two nights before. Believe me, it's true. So if you're super excited the night before your race and can't fall asleep... don't worry. It's the sleep two nights before that realy counts!

Yesterday I was bad and had white rice. I thought I was over it, but I'm not. I woke up this morning feeling bloated. I'm not used to eating it anymore. I really need to have it once a week or even less and just enjoy it without the guilt. Starting Monday I'll be recommitting myself by way of eating healthier and training.

I've posted my training before, but I've changed this up a little.

Monday:  3.5 mile run, upper body
Tuesday:  Insanity or bike ride and corework
Wednesday:  3.5 mile run, upper body
Thursday:  Insanity or bike ride and corework
Friday:  5 mile run, upper body

Have a happy and healthy weekend!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Patience


Last Saturday, I was "high" off of my first 10K race.
It has been four days since that wonderful event, and I've been trying to be patient.
I'm "patiently" waiting for my body to recover.
I'm waiting for my left leg to heal from a really bad case of shin splints.
I've been praying that I'm not suffering from one or more stress fractures there.
On a scale of 1-10 (10 being labor pains from the twins)... it was an 8 on Sunday.
Today it's more like a 4. That's wonderfully better, but not 100% better.
I was planning on doing a 3 mile run on Thursday, but I'm going to wait until Friday and do one on Saturday too.
I think it'll be okay. I'll just wrap it.
I told you that I will be doing Insanity twice a week and running 3 miles 3 times a week (Insanity in between). I still plan on doing that.
I'm signing up for a 5K in November and February. They're only $25 per event, and you get a fun sweatshirt to go with them!

I have a confession.
For the past couple of days... I've been eating cereal twice a day- breakfast and lunch.
I've been eating two fruits and then a healthy dinner. Last night, I broiled some salmon and sauteed spinach. It was delish. 
I guess I'm tired of the same old tortillas and english muffins. The twins have really hit the "terrible two's." This means they're pretty frustrated because they know what they want at a time yet they don't exactly have the words to tell me or my hubby. It's very frustrating for all of us.
So... I have to practice patience.
Patience with the goal to lower my fat percentage.
Patience with the yucky stretch marks and extra skin on my belly from having twins.
Patience with the screaming and frustrated twin toddlers.
Patience with meal-planning.
Breathe, I say to myself.

How are you dealing with your "get healthy" journey?

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Race Day Pics!


Here are a few of the pics from my first race!

Monday, August 16, 2010

Woohoo!!!


I trained.
I ran.
I finished 6.2 miles.
I finished in 65 minutes and 12 seconds.
I completed the 10K ten minutes faster than I thought I would!

I am so humbled by the efforts of all the runners last Saturday.
The run wasn't easy.
It was warmer than it has been for the past two weeks.
There was a hill 1.5 miles long. It was fun going down. It was hard going up.

All I can say is that I am proud of myself.
I am a runner.

Thank you to my hubby, twins, mom, and sisters for loving me through my training and "get healthy" journey.

Thank you to my new friends (my readers) for your support and encouraging words.

Thank you to my friends who ran with me on my training runs.

I'm sorry that this post doesn't have any pictures from the race. My mom and hubby took pics, but they haven't uploaded them yet. I'll try to get them this week.

I am super sore from the race, so I'm taking a break from running until Thursday.

Today's Fuel:  grains, veggies, milk, soup, orange, apple, lean beef in soup
Today's Activity:  free weights for arms and upper body

I'm looking into doing a 5K in November and definitely one in February.
Having something to train for will be the key to maintainance.

I am loved and so very blessed.
I hope you're "kicking butt" with your journey.

I'll see you here again tomorrow.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Just Another MInute?

"Ask yourself: 'Can I give more?'. The answer is usually: 'Yes'."


-Paul Tergat, Kenyan professional marathoner
 
I ask myself this when I start feeling like I have no more to give to my run. The answer 99% of the time has been, "Yes."

Thursday, August 12, 2010

No Whining

"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, Canadian marathon runner

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Where are you at?

"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, 'I have finished.' There is a lot of satisfaction in that."


-Fred Lebow, New York City Marathon co-founder

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

A Little Encouragment


Expect results each and every day!


Monday, August 9, 2010

Satisfied


I've learned to get over it.

My goal was to get to 120 pounds.
I didn't make it by the first Saturday of August 2010.
I weigh 125 pounds.
Did I ever think I would get to this point? Heck no.
Up until last January I thought I was destined to be fat, tired, and uninterested in living a healthier life.
I am now
healthier
and
happier.
I can now
run without passing out,
be more flexible, and
enjoy my life even more with my hubby and twins.
I am blessed
to have my family,
friends,
and you blog readers
to support me and cheer me on.
My first race is on Saturday.
I'm very excited and also nervous at the same time.

Monday
Fuel:  eating clean with a little extra carbs
Activity:  3.5 mile run outside, corework, legs

Tuesday
Fuel:  eating clean with a little extra carbs
Activity:  3.5 mile run outside, arms and upperbody with free weights

Wednesday
Fuel:  eating clean with a little extra carbs
Activity:  3.5 mile run outside, corework, legs

Thursday
Fuel:  eating clean with  a little extra carbs
Activity:  rest and at least 8 hours of sleep

Friday
Fuel:  spaghetti for lunch and dinner, fruits, veggies
Activity:  rest and at least 8 hours of sleep

Saturday
Fuel:  pineapple rings, oj, toast, steak and eggs breakfast, light lunch, celebratory dinner
Activity:  10K race

Have a happy and healthy day!

Friday, August 6, 2010

Kiss my Face

 

I've been so very blessed to be able to wake up so very early in the morning and run outside. The city lights are still on when I head out the door. The sun hasn't risen yet. Not even a tiny bit. We live above 95% of the city, and it's quite beautiful (urban view) in a different sense. I've been reading a lot of blogs lately, and most of those people live in more rural parts. I don't have the luxury of large fields or quiet solitude like them, but I do find some beauty in the city I live in. The temps have ranged from high 70's-low 90's. That's pretty wonderful compared to the 100's during the day.

Today I'm running my long run- 7 miles. It will be the last time I run this distance for a long time unless I decide to run another 10K in the future. I haven't decided just yet. I keep my shorter runs under 4 miles because my feet still hurt like heck when I hit 4 miles. I've been told by two doctors to stop running and take up something else, but I haven't found anything I like besides dancing. Maybe I should go into that. Hmm... There's a thought. It would have to be something I do at least 4 times a week.

I weigh myself for my "final weigh-in" tomorrow. I'm not really looking forward to it. I know I'm not down to 120 pounds. That's okay. I've come a very long way. I'm proud of my accomplishments.

*lost 38 pounds
*can run 8 miles without stopping
*run 5-6 times a week
*lift 10 pound weights for many reps
*became more flexible
*lost 21% body fat
*wear size 4 and/or small in clothing
*developed muscle tissue in legs
*toned arms
*have more energy to take care of twins
*less stressed in marriage

Friday's Fuel:  eating clean
Friday's Activity:  7 mile run

Saturday's Fuel:  eating clean, yummy dinner and dessert, experimenting with dried pineapple rings
Saturday's Activity:  rest

Sunday's Fuel:  eating clean, experimenting with dried pineapple rings
Sunday's Activity:  rest
















Thursday, August 5, 2010

Gym Etiquette


Warning!
This post has been written by an irritated and offended person.
Please forgive her rant.

Last week when I was running one of my short runs (3.5 miles) a new gym user came in to work out.
I saw her there the week before. She came in and hopped on the treadmill two feet away from mine. I was in the middle of my run, and it was very easy for me to see what she was doing. She started running. She started running at my pace. I was already at my faster pace. After running for two minutes, she slows to a pace that's too fast for walking and is bent over on to the console of the treadmill. I thought she was going to stumble on her feet and fall over. She was there for 10 minutes... hanging on to an obviously "too fast" setting on the treadmill. This has always bewildered me about some people at gyms. Why set the treadmill at that speed when it's so obvious it's too fast and you're inevitably going to fall and/or hurt yourself? So then I finish my run. I always spray the machine with disinfectant the gym provides and paper towels too. It was very clean when I gathered all of my belongings and got off of the machine. I started to stretch my legs and cool down. The minute I got off of the machine she quickly got off of hers (an identical machine like the treadmill I was on) and started disinfecting it and wiping it down AGAIN!!! I couldn't believe how rude she was! Was she for real? Yes, I was perspiring A LOT. That's what happens when you run for an extended amount of time, but I cleaned up after myself. After she did her "thorough" clean-up, she hopped on my machine and started running. Of course, she again was bent over and hung on to the machine and for her dear life. What I really wanted to do was unplug the stupid thing and see where she would land. Hehe. Okay... that was mean. Anyway... she could've waited five minutes and let me leave before she started her disinfection process. Oh, how irritated I was.

Gym Etiquette... some people have it and some people don't.

Today's Activity:  3.5 miles up that hill again, upper body with weights
Today's Fuel:  clean eating

I've decided that I'm going to start Insanity on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Core work on Tuesdays and Thursdays too.
I'll work with free weights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
I'll only run 3.5 miles on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
I'll do something active and fun on Saturdays- walk with the twins, walk a mall, hike, etc.
This will begin on Monday, August 16. My 10K training will be done by then.

My stepkids leave tonight! I am so frieking happy!

Have a happy and healthy day! I'm not irritated anymore.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Slippery Slope


According to recent studies, 95% of people will gain back the weight they lose within a few years, and 41% of those who attempt dieting will eventually gain back more weight than they lost.

Sad, isn't it?
I don't mean to be a "downer" today, but believe it or not, my mind has been racing with scary thoughts. I have 3 days until my "final" weigh-in. I can tell you right now that I probably won't make my goal weight by then. I'll be missing it by 5 pounds. I'm not moping about it. I've come a very long way from where I started. I'm grateful for the progress and life changes I made. I guess I've been a little worried about keeping it off.

It's a slippery slope. The slope I'm talking about is the "maintenance" portion of being at a healthy weight. I've never done it. The last time I lost 45 pounds I just met my husband, started eating what I wanted, and gradually gained 15 pounds in 10 months. It doesn't sound like a big deal, right? Well... after the wedding, I really started packing on the weight. He did too. Hehe. It was the dumb deep fryer we registered for! We were making homemade tortilla chips and roasted corn guacamole dips every weekend. Who wouldn't gain weight from that? I eventually gained back all the weight I had lost. Anyway, I've been contemplating just joining Weight Watchers to help me be more accountable to maintain it. What do you think? I could probably lose the last five pounds, make "lifetime goal," and not pay future fees if I keep myself from gaining less than 3 pounds a month. I think that's how it still works. I'm not really sure.

Yesterday's run was awesome. I have a friend who has been doing and teaching Krav Maga for a 1 1/2 years, and I outran her! I couldn't believe it either. Her training doesn't make her run crazy miles though.

Wonderful News:  My stepkids are leaving early! They're leaving a 1 1/2 weeks early. I am so freaking happy!

Today's Fuel:  clean eating
Today's Activity:  core work, legs, 3.5 miles up that hill again

Happy day!

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Insulin Resistant



I was watching Dr. Oz yesterday, and I got a better understanding as to why it is difficult for me to lose weight.

I have insulin resistance.

"Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body produces insulin but does not use it properly. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps the body use glucose for energy. Glucose is a form of sugar that is the body’s main source of energy.

The body’s digestive system breaks food down into glucose, which then travels in the bloodstream to cells throughout the body. Glucose in the blood is called blood glucose, also known as blood sugar. As the blood glucose level rises after a meal, the pancreas releases insulin to help cells take in and use the glucose.
When people are insulin resistant, their muscle, fat, and liver cells do not respond properly to insulin. As a result, their bodies need more insulin to help glucose enter cells. The pancreas tries to keep up with this increased demand for insulin by producing more. Eventually, the pancreas fails to keep up with the body’s need for insulin. Excess glucose builds up in the bloodstream, setting the stage for diabetes. Many people with insulin resistance have high levels of both glucose and insulin circulating in their blood at the same time.
Insulin resistance increases the chance of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Learning about insulin resistance is the first step toward making lifestyle changes that can help prevent diabetes and other health problems."   (National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse)
"Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, affects women of all ages and is one of the outcomes of women with insulin resistance. Women with PCOS often report gaining an unusual amount of weight over a short period of time. Most of those women carry the extra weight around their waist. This rapid weight gain is especially frustrating since it often occurs despite a diligent diet and exercise routine. Rapid weight gain in women with PCOS is linked to insulin resistance, a sustained high level of insulin in the bloodstream. Women with PCOS related weight gain are left wondering what they can do to lose weight or stop further weight gain. Effective solutions to this problem include Diabetes related drug therapy combined with a low carbohydrate diet and exercise program." (Suite101.com)

This is something I have to live with for the rest of my life. My diet and activity has changed dramatically since this past January, but watching my carbohydrates intake is something I must be deligent about.

Today's fuel:  clean eating
Today's Activity: 3.5 mile run outside, arms, upper body

Have a happy and healthy day!

Monday, August 2, 2010

No Change


No loss! I'm guessing that I'm building a lot of muscle between all the running and weights. My body fat percentage went down to 29% though. That's pretty cool to see, since I was at 50% body fat when I started this journey back in January 2010. Yes, that's right. it was at 50%! Insane, huh? I am proud of this accomplishment!

Last chance runs has officially begun!
I'll be running outside between 5-6 a.m. 4 times a week this week.
I'm reserving Friday's long run (7 miles) on the treadmill.
Next week, I'll be running Monday-Wednesday at 3.5 miles outside too.
I'll rest on Thursday and Friday, and carbo load.
I've decided to add an extra carbohydrate every day next week and also fill up on turkey spaghetti on Friday for lunch and dinner.
I'll probably gain a little bit of weight next week, but it will be worth it when I run my 10K without a whole lot of problems with endurance and stamina. All the carbs will be good for me. I'll also be experimenting with dried pineapple rings too.

I ran outside this morning, and my time was about 4 minutes slower than usual.
It could be that it was already warm at 6 a.m.
It could be the extra 4 pounds I was carrying in my CamelBak.
Four minutes isn't bothering me.
I'm proud of the run I had today because despite how warm it was getting, I didn't quit and start walking. I've told myself that if I'm going to sign up for a race (and pay for it!), I'm not going to walk any of it. I think that will just push me even harder to train better.
Everyone who runs has their own opinions about running and walking. This is just mine for me.

My twins aren't sleeping as well as they have been for most of the summer.
Twin Boy has been waking up at different hours of the night. Last night my hubby (thank goodness) went into the nursery to sleep with him in the big bed at 12 a.m.
The other night I was there at 3 a.m.
It's nice that we're taking turns. I would be a zombie if we didn't do that.
I've already told Hubby that he's on twins duty the Thursday and Friday before my race. I desperately need all that sleep and rest.

Today's Fuel: 
Kashi Crunch, fat free milk, turkey medallions with grilled veggies, 1 orange, 2 corn tortillas, cheddar cheese, 2 slices ham, 14 almonds

Today's Activity: 
3.5 mile run, core work, leg work

Have a happy and healthy day!