Get Real

Here it goes...

Honesty.

Let's get real.

I just ran my very first half marathon.

I kicked asphalt and my own butt!

However, it's time for some real serious talk or typing.

I am up on the scale.

To be honest, I need to lose 15 pounds.

I am at ???? pounds right now.
How did I do it? Well... I ate more than I should have, of course. While training for my half marathon, I started running 6 miles a week. By the time I finished my training, I was running 26 miles a week. What does one need to do to have the energy to do that?

Eat, of course... and sleep too.
Well, there are lots of things to do, actually. I'm just going to address the "eating" part of it.
I needed carbs to fuel my body for the speed runs, short runs, hill runs, and of course the long runs.
So I ate.
And ate.
I know at this point that I ate too much. I'm a novice half marathoner though, okay?

The other part of this weight gain is also the fact that I'm off my meds. I have insulin resistance due to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
I used to be on Metformin, but I was taken off it around Thanksgiving last year. I think that was probably disastrous. I'm a little worried now because my younger sister just got diagnosed with diabetes a week ago. Her health, eating habits, lifestyle, and activities are different from mine, but diabetes does run in my fam. I have to see my doctor in June, so I need to drop the pounds fast and eat all the whole grains I can get my hands on.

As a serious runner, you'd think I would lose and/or maintain weight loss. I really think there's something going on with my body besides PCOS. I'm also going to have my doctor check my thyroid.
Here's my plan:

Eat and drink these!
*whole grain
*more fiber
*salad in the afternoons
*small portion at dinner
*white meat chicken
*one sweet dessert reward on date night
*water, water, water

Get rid of these!
*red meat
*candy
*white bread
*white rice

I apologize for this long post, but I need a good kick in the butt. I know I'm the only one who will do it too!

Two to Go

I have two days until my half marathon.
I'm super busy, but I'm also trying to relax my mind.
I've been packing my street wear (normal human clothing) and also my running gear.
I've also been packing for the twins.
Who does this? Oh yeah, a running mommy. That's me!
If someone told me a year ago that I would be running a half marathon, I would've peed myself from laughing so hard.
Now I'm just peeing myself from nerves. Just kidding.
I am feeling my nerves kicking in though.

I just have to remember these things before Saturday:
Eat little and often.
No spicy food.
No fatty food.
Eat carbs.
No new foods.
Water, water, water!

My gear:
shoes
socks
sports bra
4 packets of Gu
water
capri tights
long tights
short sleeve tech shirt
long sleeve tech shirt
ipod
head band
gloves
dri-fit fleece hoodie

I am packing some warmer clothes because it was snowing there today. I can run in the 30's as long as it's not snowing hard or raining. I really hope that all my training and hours of work will pay off!

Four Days to Go

I have four days until my first half marathon!

Last Friday I ran 10 miles.

The Fridays before that I ran a 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13.1.

Technically, I have already run a half marathon in my training.

Race days are different though.

You run faster on race day.

You also tear up your muscles a lot more.

I'm a little nervous, but I know I will finish it.

I just want to finish it strong and without any walking.

I want to put all my training to the test.

Wish me luck!

Blood, Sweat, and Tears

Blood?  Check.
Sweat? Check.
Tears? Check. Check.

I don't know about other runners out there, but I enjoy watching people run on TV.
I've watched marathons, tri's, and ironman competitions...
and I've cried every time I witness someone run across the finish line whether
they're first or last.

This may sound strange, but I cry.
I guess I picture myself crossing that finish line with them.
I imagine the blood, sweat, and tears that took to get there.

I have the ongoing blood blisters.
I sweat lots.
I've cried many times from pain and happiness... sometimes at the same moment.

Do you watch these races?
Do you find yourself emotional too?

No More Wind, Please

Yesterday I ran 6 miles with my friend, B, and "windy" doesn't describe it.

It was so windy that when it was done, I wiped my faced and took off a few layers of dirt and dust.

It was pretty gross, but I felt like a champ.

The hills by her house are so steep that they make the hills by mine look like "a walk in the park."

The good news is that I'm no longer intimidated by them.

I am however feeling those hills in my left calf.

I'll be icing that baby all day today.

I have 5 miles tomorrow and then a rest day before 11 miles on Friday.

Wish me luck!

And the Beat Goes Running Running Running

I'm so bad!
I haven't blogged since January.
Since then I've come off the no carbs diet for two weeks.
I don't have a lot of carb cravings right now, so I think it helped.
I also lost 10 pounds, which puts me at a healthy BMI again.
I ran 10 miles on Friday, and I'll be running 11 this coming Friday.
My 10K is in two weeks, and the half marathon is next month.
I'm super excited, and I can see that I can totally run the entire time.
It's such a relief to me that my body is learning how to recover from my runs quicker.
I have a friend that has been running with me on Mondays, and it's been awesome.
She pushes me to run some big hills, and they have made me faster.
It probably won't be long though until she leaves me in the dust.
She is a marathoner, and she's used to running 9 minute miles.
My average pace is 10:30's.
I'm not ashamed.
Just six months ago I thought I wouldn't be able to run again.
Here I am training for my fist half!
I hope you're all doing well.
Keep working at it!

Just Say No

Part of the success with blogging is that it has helped me

be accountable to you, my readers.

I can't shove junk down my throat and feel good

keeping it from you.

I've decided that all the sugar and fat that I've eaten

during the holidays and just recently my mom's "sweet" 60th birthday bash

has taken its toll on my body, mind, and spirit.

No more.

I'm done.

I decided a couple of days ago that I need to flush out my sugar and fat cravings.

They've been bad.

I haven't gained back all the weight from my former 163 pound body,

but if i were to continue eating junk it would be easy to.

Add to that the fact that I'm no longer on any of the medications that were

keeping me from being diabetic.

Whatever I put into my body will affect my health greatly,

and also may take me back to taking 3 different medications.

I'm not willing to do that.

I've researched and done the South Beach Diet before and lost a few pounds.

I didn't stick with it, but I have to stick with it this time.

There's so much on the line now.

I am confident that with the training for my half marathon and the

encouragement to stay off medication will keep me on plan.

Today is Day 1.

It's in 3 phases.

Phase 1 is two weeks long.

It's the hardest.

No bad carbs- bread, pasta, rice, sugar.

Phase two is as long as you want to keep losing weight.

You add a little whole grain, carbs, and fruit.

Phase 3 is maintenance.

That's the hard part for me.

As long as I can be active (running, mostly) without injury, I'll be good.

The wonderful thing about sticking with the first two weeks is that it really does change my body chemistry. I no longer get the bad cravings for sugar and fat.

It's still there, but it's not as bad.

Wish me luck!

A Big, Huge, Scary Announcement!

Drum roll please...

I have decided to

run

my

first

Half Marathon!

I'm running the Salt Lake City Half Marathon!

There. I said it aloud. Kind of. Good enough in blog world.

I'm nervous.
I'm scared.
I'm so totally excited!
I've worked out my training program, and I have plenty of time to be ready.
I just have to stay injury-free.

What fear are you conquering this year?

Brrrrr

Yesterday I saw a really cute way I could stay warm during my early morning runs.

I may be a wimp to some or maybe all of you when I admit this, but here it goes.

I don't like being outside in super cold weather when I have to run.

Two days ago, it was 36 degrees for my first run this week.

Yesterday, it was 33 degrees. Yes, I braved it.

Here is what I wore.

long sleeve tech shirt that wicks away sweat

pink Nike fleece hoodie

fleece lined pants

knit gloves

knit hat

Every part of my body was warm within ten minutes of running except for my head, neck, and hands.

So here is what I'm contemplating on getting.

It's called the Original Buff Headwear.

Here is its description from Planet Buff.

The ORIGINAL BUFF® is a multifunctional tubular microfiber accessory that can be used for many different activities in both cold weather as well as hot weather. Our unique product will keep you warm while it is cold out, while wicking moisture and keeping them cool when it is hot out. Our lightweight, breathable and moisture wicking material not only is wind resistant, but is extremely comfortable to wear. The more you wear it, the softer your ORIGINAL BUFF® will get.
The ORIGINAL BUFF® can be worn as a neckerchief, headband, wristband, mask, hairband, balaclava, scarf, hair scrunchy, saharine, pirate cap, beanie and bandana.

Here are the three designs I'm looking at.

Which one should I get?

I'm also contemplating on getting running gloves. Mine just don't keep me warm at all.

Get Off it!

I'm off!
I recently saw my doctor, and he told me that I can get off Metformin and Spironolactone!
My first reaction wasn't exactly "jumping for joy" though.
I frieked.
These two meds have helped me lose weight quickly with eating right and exercise.
Now those two things are being taken out of the equation, and I'm super scared.
What if I start to gain weight?
What if I can't lose the weight I would gain?
He said that if I keep up my running and eat right, then I should be okay.
I sure hope he's right.
I've had enough setbacks (running injuries, sickness, etc.).

I should be happy though because I did accomplish one of my goals from last year.

I'm no longer in danger of becoming diabetic, and my cholesterol is normal.

Here is my "big pat on my back!"

I go back in 6 months for new bloodwork just to make sure all is good.

Yesterday I had an awesome 4 mile run.

I'm really happy that I can run 4-5 miles with minimal pain on the balls of my feet,

but I wish I could go faster.

Energy-wise I'm doing great. I'm not struggling too bad in my last half mile.

I guess I just need to keep at it, and I can go faster.

Anyway, I'm not racing anyone but myself.

How are you doing on your runs and/or exercises? Are you running out of gas at the end or are you pushing yourself enough?

2011 Goals

Time to set some goals for this year.

I'm publishing this, so I am now accountable.

Those with * means I already do and will continue to do.

1.   Run 4 times a week.

2.   Runner's Therapy Exercises everyday*

3.   free weights 3 times a week for upper body

4.   Eat fish twice a week.

5.   Eat whole grains, fruit, and veggies everyday.

6.   Sweets and salty snacks only on Saturdays

7.   Read my scriptures for 2 hours a week.

8.   Post about my journey here 4 times a week.

9.   Weigh only on Saturday mornings.*

10.   Be thankful for my blessings.

What are your 2011 goals?

Snow?!?!

It snowed here.
Today.
I woke up at 6 a.m. ready to run.
I go outside, and this is what I saw.

Okay, so this is an exaggeration.

And it's not my yard.

Although it might as well have been.

It snows in the valley about every few years, and of course it hits

the same time I've been itching to run.

It would've been fine if the ground wasn't too wet.

I'm just too clumsy, and I'm sure I would've slipped and fallen flat on my bum.

I was so upset that I tried to pick a fight with my hubby about me not having a gym membership to one of the clubs that has an indoor running track.

I hate the treadmill, and I'm not allowed to run on it anyway.

He says to me, "Why not go on the elliptical?."

I gave him a look.

We've had this convo before.

I HATE the elliptical. Mostly because it's inside, and I've become a lover of breathing somewhat fresher air.

I say "somewhat" because I live in a city full of cars. It's not exactly mountain air I'm breathing outside.

It is outdoors though, and running outside keeps me sane.

You know that shirt that says, "Running is my therapy?"

Well... in my case... it really is.

The stresses of being a stepmother to a couple of very challenging kids, my husband's every now and then not-so-nice remarks about anything, and being a mommy to twin toddlers can take a toll on me.

In short, I need to run.

What's your "therapy?"