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?

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?

Ahhh-mazing

I'm officially done with my leg treatments, and I'm happy to say that I've been running a lot more.
Before my leg therapy, I was running about 5 miles a week with lots of pain.
Now I can run 9-13 miles a week with almost no pain.
I'm so very grateful to have found this sports injury specialist.
He basically diagnosed my problem- it's my pelvis.
He said that being pregnant with the twins really did a number on my stability,
and he has prescribed tons of pelvic strengthening exercises... FOR LIFE.
Yes, you read that right.
I need to do them for life.
Even when I had to stop running for a few weeks I noticed that I felt like I was limping while I was walking.
The doctor told me that I was tilting forward every time I walked, ran, and stood up.
That put a lot of pressure and weight on my calves, and my left calf couldn't take it.
Running that way really did it in for my left calf, and thus my injury.
He said this injury is very typical for a female mother who is also trying to lose weight by running.
I'm not 100% yet, but I'm getting there.
The temperature here ranges around 40-70 degrees throughout the week, and I love it!
Running in the cold air at first makes me want to just stay in bed in the mornings,
but I know that as soon as I warm up I will love it immediately.
I hope you've found an exercise that you love or at least can tolerate because it means you're getting closer to your goals.
I've definitely gained a few pounds from having to refrain from exercise and/or running these past 3 months, but I'm going to keep on it.
No more excuses!

Have a healthy and happy day!

Oh Boy

Okay, I confess. This week could've been better.
Last Monday I did some kickboxing for 30 minutes.
I know it has been a while since I've done that kind of workout,
but my legs and buns were killing me the very next day.
I think it was the million squats and kicks I did.
Anyway, I was super sore, and took a couple of days off.
How bad was that?
This leg injury has gotten me lazy.
You may be asking, "How is she able to do kickboxing with this leg injury?"
Well... I've actually be with little to no pain in my leg if I don't jump on it. Hence the no running/hard impact on it.
It stinks.
Did I mention that Twin Boy has had a tummy virus for a week now? I called the pediatrician, and his nurse said I just have to let it run its course. Fun. NOT!
I feel awful for the little guy.
I also feel like all I ever do is change diapers.
Anyway, I woke up this morning with a little more energy than usual.
I've been up at 3 a.m. for 3 days straight from Twin Boy walking up cranky.
I told my hubby last night that it's his turn. Hehe.
I woke up this morning, and pumped the tires up on my bike!
I couldn't believe it. My tires were in good shape.
I dusted the seat off, put on the gel padded seat, and got on.
It felt great to feel the wind brush against my hair and face.
Suddenly I didn't feel like a total lazy bum.
Let's talk about my bum. Oh my goodness. I quickly remembered why riding this bike wasn't a fave.
My bum started hurting right away. Maybe I'll get used to it? What do you think?
Anyway... I had fun, and I only went for 30 minutes- up hill most of the way. Ouch.
I know I'll be feeling it tomorrow.
I'm planning on going out for an hour tomorrow. I think it'll do me some good.

Have a super scary and fun Halloween!

More Waiting

Food Temptation of the Week:  Candy, what else? Oh yeah... maybe all the chili and cornbread you can eat at a cook-off we're going to on Saturday.

My "jog" went really well. I had very little to no pain at all on my left leg.
This made me very excited because it has been a while since I've felt good.
I was supposed to see my chiro on Wednesday, but the building they just moved into isn't ready.
I have to wait until next Monday. I'm hoping that he'll tell me that I can start running. Even running slowly and shorter distances in the beginning would be great. We've had some rain for almost a week now, but the air is cool. I'm loving the weather. This morning I took the twins out for a walk, but I don't know how much I'll be able to do that anymore. Twin Girl REFUSES to sit in the double jogging stroller. She finds a way to climb out of her 5-point seatbelt and stands. I then take her out in fear of her falling off while I'm pushing the stroller. Then she wants me to carry her. That doesn't work. It has been quite frustrating, and I feel very guilty for trying to get in some activity while they're in the stroller a few days a week. This is what I've decided to do to help me keep my fitness up and maybe lose these 10 pounds I've packed on since being re-injured in August.

Monday:  1 hour walk, 1 hour kickboxing
Tuesday:  1 hour kickboxing, 30 minutes upper body
Wednesday:  rest day
Thursday:  1 bike ride (if tires aren't flat) or 1 hour kickboxing, 30 minutes upper body
Friday:  1 hour bike ride or 1 hour kickboxing
Saturday: 1 hour bike ride or 1 hour kickboxing, 30 minutes upper body
Sunday:  rest day

From One to Another

People ask me, "Why do I run?."
I answer,
"Because it's addicting. It's addicting because the fat melts off your body VERY quickly.
It's addicting because
it clears my head,
the weather is getting cooler, and
it's my 'me time.'"
I just finished reading Tricia's latest post,
and I totally agree with her.
As runners, we put our bodies through a lot.
As I've told my new doc, I can block out 90% of the pain when I'm running.
He said, "That's great for a runner, but it isn't exactly safe."
We both laughed. He knew what I meant. He has been running for 30 years.
I've done all kinds of workouts, and running is definitely different.
I never thought I could do it.
I never even wanted to in the first place.
I just know that after all this therapy, I AM going to run again.
This time around, I have learned to take it slow.
Running is a race, but it's a race that I'm in charge of.
The time, personal records, speed, intensity, miles... they're up to me.

I hope you find your "love."

I "jog" two miles tomorrow and have to report the outcome with my doctor. I'll post about it next week.

Have a great weekend!

You'd Better Work!

So I've been out of commission. I've been dealing with a painful leg problem since May, and I just started accepting that it's bothering me more than I was willing to admit. How much have I run since my race in August? Probably about 10 times. What was my longest run since then? Probably 4 miles. How often did I hurt after running? Probably every single time.

I went to my family physician.
He had X-rays taken.
No stress fractures.
He had an ultrasound done on my entire left leg.
No bloodclots. Thank goodness!
He sent me to a physical therapist.
At the first appointment, she said it was tendonitis.
At the second appointment, she said it was the small flexor muscles.
She couldn't show it to me on a diagram to help explain what was going on.
I lost faith in her. I stopped going.
I went back to my family physician to explain how frustrated I was.
He referred me to a chiropractor who specializes with athletes and runners.
This is what he told me.
It makes sense.
He also explained that my pelvis is totally messed up from having twins, and I need to strengthen it. My left arch is also much lower than my right, and it causes me to run basically on one leg. Crazy, but I actually understand all this.
The treatment he gave me was a specific and very painful massage (have 2 places where I have scar tissue), laser therapy, and taped up my foot.
He told me to continue my cardiovascular activity- bike, elliptical.
He told me to jog for two miles, take the tape off, and see how I feel.
For the first time since having this leg problem, I actually feel like I got answers.
I'm sorry for this long post, but getting down in writing has made me realize just how important it is for me to not lose this connection with you all. I haven't strayed from my "Get Healthy" journey. I've just been a little preoccupied.
Now time for some honesty.
I allowed this problem to get the best of me.
I have gained almost ten pounds.
I did try to get back to running after my first 10K even when it hurt.
However, I allowed the pain and not being able to continue with my regular running get to me emotionally.
I've been eating.
I've been told by my family physician and also my chiropractor to not lose the drive and enthusiam, and also fitness level by decreasing my food intake and continuing some type of cardio.
Today I am going out for a walk with my twins.

Thank you for your support and patience with me. I will be running again. I just have to be PATIENT.

Compartment syndrome (CS) is a serious condition that develops when pressure within blood vessels (perfusion pressure) drops lower than tissue pressure within a closed space (compartment) in the body. CS can be either acute or chronic and can be limb- or life- threatening condition.

A compartment is formed by muscle groups that contain nerves and blood vessels. The compartment is covered by a tough, inelastic membrane (fascia) that is not able to expand sufficiently when pressure increases within the space. The resulting syndrome is a painful condition that most often occurs following trauma, vascular injury, excessive activity, or vigorous exercise. CS most commonly occurs in the extremities such as in the arms, hands, feet, or legs, but may also occur in the buttocks or abdomen. Untreated, severe compartment syndrome can cause a series of physiologic events that may eventually lead to kidney (renal) failure and death.

Chronic compartment syndrome is most often caused by injury from vigorous exercise or overuse of a muscle group and develops most often in the legs. Although the syndrome stops when the offending activity stops, compartment pressure can stay elevated for hours afterward causing pain and numbness. This can present significant problems for endurance athletes such as runners or cyclists.  The athlete with chronic compartment syndrome may complain of leg pain that occurs while exercising and that is relieved when at rest; this pain may have been experienced for weeks or months.

Still Here

Hello out there! I know it seems like forever since I've posted, and I really am sorry.
I've been down (emotionally, physically) because of my leg pain.
It comes and goes. One day I think I'm totally cured and I run.
The following day bites me hard on my butt.
I'm so tired of being in pain.
I'm so close to just wrapping my leg and continue running with the pain (like I've been doing since May).
Okay, I'll listen to you and everyone here and not do that.
I'm so frustrated.
I just want to run regularly and maintain my weight loss.
It has been almost a month and a half since I've run regularly.
I've been running once or twice a week and then the pain kills me on  the following days.
I've cancelled my 10K race in November. I might do the 5K, but I'm not sure.
I have been referred to see a sports therapy/kinesiologist/chiropractor next week.
I've heard from my hubby's ultra marathoner friend that the doctor is amazing.
I can't wait to get started with my recovery.
To those of you who are total champs and keeping up with your "Get healthy" journeys, I'm proud of you.
To those of you who keep checking up on me, THANK YOU. I'm not giving up. I'm still here.
I'm not running right now, so I have cut down on my food intake.
I'm working with free weights for upper body and abs.

I'll see you all here again after my doctor visit. Thanks!

Ultrasound

I'm heading to my doctor's office tomorrow for an ultrasound on my left leg. I've been praying that it isn't a bloodclot that's been giving me pain since May. I've also been praying that I get answers and something can be done to get me better. All this has really gotten me down, and I can't wait to start running on Saturday. Hopefully, I'll be running without pain!

Two Weeks

I finally went back to my family physician about my left leg pain.
I've been suffering from this pain since May.
It comes and goes, but it never COMPLETELY goes away.
I've probably been "less than smart" about putting this visit off, but what can I say?
I'm a runner. I love to run. I am also stubborn.
They took X-rays and found no fractures.
I'm scheduled for an ultrasound next week to rule out a bloodclot.
I started physical therapy last Friday. The PT says it's the posterior tibial tendon that has been bothering me.

I've been doing exercises, stretches, and ice massages to my leg. For the first time ever, I'm feeling hopeful that I'll soon be running free from pain!

Have a happy and healthy week!

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!

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?

Running In the Dark

I woke up this morning at 4 a.m.

It was still dark.

Very dark, in fact.

This is the earliest I have ever woke up in my life to work out.

Trust me, it probably won't happen again any time soon.

I had to get up early for my 3 mile run because my husband had to get to work early this morning.

Let me tell you that it was hard.

It would've been so easy to stay in bed.

My run went great!

I wrapped my knee really well, and I didn't really have any pain.

I'm currently icing it right now just in case it starts to swell again.

It looked great before my run.

It was in the low 80's when I went out for my outdoor run.

There was a slight breeze that gently kissed my sweaty face.

I loved it.

After not running for four days, I was reminded how good it feels to get your heart

racing and your muscles going.

I never thought I would ever feel that way about exercise.

Who knew it could feel so good?

I made a mistake yesterday and told you that I was going to work on arms.

It's supposed to happen today.

So today, I'm working on arms and core work.

I'm laying off leg work, since my knee is still healing.

Today's Food

3 Triscuits (before run)

1/2 cup Kashi, 1/2 cup 1% milk

1 multigrain muffin, 1 TBS peanut butter

7 almonds

2 corn tortillas, 2 slices deli ham, 1 diced tomato and red onion

3 Triscuits and 1 Laughing Cow cheese wedge

small serving of chicken carbonara with peas

Thank you for your kind words of encouragement and well wishes.

Thanks to my loyal follwers and readers.

Welcome to the newest followers and readers!

 

Have a happy and healthy day!

Fun Run Even at 5:30 a.m.

Last Saturday, I had an awesome unplanned run with my friend, G. She's a friend from high school I recently got in touch with again. Don't you just love FaceBook? She's super nice, and she is an awesome runner. She recently finished a half marathon in San Diego in the beginning of the month. She's actually the one who inspired and encouraged me to run a half marathon. As you know, I'm not going to be able to make that dream come true unless I get surgery on both feet. We ran for 3 miles while she tracked our pace with her Garmin Forerunner. I loved it! I really wish that I had one, but I don't really see how I can justify the expense (starts at $300). I'm not going to be running more than six miles after my 10K in August. Anywhere I run I can map out on mapmyrun.com. Have you tried that site yet? It's awesome. You can map out your run according to how far you want to go anywhere in the U.S. We ran at 5:30 a.m. Why so early? It's because it's so frieking hot during the day! It was a beautiful morning- 70's. I ran 7 miles the day before, and my knees were feeling it before the run. Guess what though! My feet didn't hurt! We ran downhill for 1.5 miles and then back uphill for another 1.5 miles. It was probably 4% grade. It was a really tough hill. Even she was huffing and puffing, and she's totally fit and lean. I was so proud of myself that I didn't let that little voice get the best of me. All it kept telling me was, "You need a break. Just quit." I really hate that voice.

What voices do you hear when you're trying something new or really working out hard?

That hill nearly killed me, but I didn't quit. Like Lance Armstrong said, "Pain is temporary. Quitting is forever."

Today's Food and Activities
3 mile run
upper body with weights
1 cup Kashi, 1/2 cup 1% milk
7 almonds
2 slices multigrain bread, 1 TBS BB spread, 6 slices turkey deli, basil, tomatoes
grilled pork and veggies, 1/2 cup brown rice
1 orange

Have a happy and healthy day!

Homeopathic Remedy

Last week, I saw an osteopathic doctor. Along with accupuncture and micro-current therapy, he gave me a homeopathic remedy I take twice a day. It's called Ruta. I wanted to know more about it, so I did some research. I found the following info on answers.com.

"In homeopathic medicine, ruta is used as a first-aid remedy. It is used to treat strains and sprains, injuries of the cartilage and tendons around the joints, injuries to tissues lying over the bone, injuries of the periosteum, and sciatica. Ruta is often used for pain and stiffness in the hands, wrists, feet, and legs."

It sounds like my new doctor knows what he's talking about. I ran 7 miles almost pain-free on Friday. I say it was almost "pain-free" because there was a little pain around mile 4. On a scale of 1-10 (1 being no pain and 10 being like labor pains), it was a 3. Not bad after one treatment with the new doc.

I weighed myself on Saturday, and I lost 0 pounds. It must have been the birthday cake, teriyaki chicken, ribs, and white rice from the twins' birthday party. Or maybe it was the 2 slices of greasy pizza I ate just a couple of days before. Oh well. This stinks, but I know I will eventually lose the last 6 pounds. This week will be easy for me as far as eating better because I only see one bad eating session. It's on Tuesday night when I go out with my mom and sisters just before we see a midnight showing of "Eclipse." Oh yes, I am a true fan of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight saga. I read all four books in a week. I got my mom and sisters hooked on all the books even though they're absolutely not readers at all.

Today's Food and Activities
3 mile run
core work
legs
1 cup Kashi, 1/2 cup 1% milk
7 almonds
2 slices multigrain bread, 1 TBS BB spread, 6 slices turkey deli, basil, tomatoes
Dinner out with mom and sisters & small dessert!

Have a happy and healthy day!

Cutting Back

So I'll never run across a finish line after running a half marathon (13.1 miles).

So I'll never run my dream of 10 miles once a week.

So what.

So this.

I've lost 37 pounds since January.

I've run 8 miles without stopping.

I fit into those tiny little running shorts in a "small!"

I used to wear a size 14, and now I'm a size 6.

I can go without dessert on a daily basis.

I enjoy eating veggies every day.

My family is eating better because of the choices I've made.

Finally, I can chase my twin toddlers around without being out of breath!

Thank you for your kind words of support and encouragement.

The past couple of days were pretty tough for me to face.

To be honest, I broke down and had 2 slices of pizza last night.

I figured that I really haven't cheated since I started this journey last January.

The slices were good, and I was over it quickly.

I have no guilt.

I don't know how Saturday's weigh-in is going to go.

My feet were pain-free yesterday.

Today was supposed to be 9 miles.

I'm not going to do it.

I have come far in this journey to give up.

Yes, it would be easy to just give up right now.

I'm going to continue running, but it will be shorter distances.

I plan to run 3 miles three times a week and run 6 miles on Fridays until my 10K race in August.

After the race, I will continue to run 3 miles three times a week and do a long run of 5 miles on Fridays.

I think my feet can handle that, and my body will continue to lose weight and/or maintain health.

I also plan on continuing my weight training and core work.

Friday's Food and Activities

6 mile run

legs

core work

Latte Gu Gel (before run)

Latte Gu Gel (during run)

1 cup Kashi, 1/2 cup 1% milk

7 almonds

1 multigrain muffin, 6 turkey slices, basil, tomatoes, 1 TBS BB spread

1 apple

grilled chicken, steamed veggies

Saturday's Food and Activities

upper body

stretch

1 cup Kashi, 1/2 cup 1% milk

7 almonds

1 multigrain muffin, 6 turkey slices, basil, tomatoes, 1 TBS BB spread

1 apple

Eat what I want for dinner!

Sunday's Food and Activities

rest day

1 cup Kashi, 1/2 cup 1% milk

7 almonds

1 multigrain muffin, 6 turkey slices, basil, tomatoes

teriyaki chicken, brown rice, veggies

I hope you have a happy and healthy weekend!

49 days and counting until my stepkids leave! LOL!

Crushed

There was no more putting it off.

Yesterday I saw a new doctor for my Morton's Neuroma.

He is an osteopathic doctor.

Morton's Neuroma is basically a benign tumor at the nerve between your toe bones.

I have them in two places on both feet most likely from

*wearing heels and/or non-supportive shoes

*wearing flip flops

*using an elliptical machine (way too much)

*working out like a mad woman

*being on my feet a lot (I used to teach, and now I run around with the twins.)

*running, running, running

I got two shots on both feet last March, and they helped.

However, I need to continously get these shots if I want to stay active.

Can you say, "espensive?"

My toes feel like they're literally on fire after running about four miles.

First they're numb, and then they hurt a lot.

On a scale of 1-10, it's definitely 7-8.

Ouch.

So on to the doc visit...

He asked some great questions about my feet.

Here goes the conversaton.

Doc:  Why are you here today?

Me:  I have Morton's Neuroma on both feet and on two places.

Doc:  When does it hurt?

Me:  When I get to 4 miles running and every once in a while during the day.

Doc:  When did this start?

Me:  March of this year.

Doc:  Is there something else you could do for exercise? Like swimming? Running is really hard on your feet.

Me:  I really love running. I'm not a good swimmer at all.

Doc:  How much are you running? Maybe you shouldn't run more than 4 miles.

Me:  I'm actually training for a half marathon in November.

Doc:  (slightly laughing) I don't think so. You shouldn't be doing something that causes so much pain.

It's your body's way of telling you to stop.

Me: (almost in tears) I was afraid you were going to say that.

I got some accupuncture on my feet and also a microcurrent treatment.

I'll let you know how it all works out.

Well... I think my hopes and dreams of running and finishing a half marathon are gone.

That dream is probably gone for good unless I get surgery to cut out the neuromas from my nerves.

That means the doctor would also have to cut off the nerves.

There's a possibility of permanent numbness to the areas affected.

Even with that surgery there is no guarantee.

I've been doing some research on it, and sometimes there are even worse problems when they cut the nerve.

I signed up and paid for my 10K in August a while ago.

There's no way I'm going to miss it.

I also have a friend who is doing it with me.

I'm so completely crushed by this news.

I've worked so hard to get to this point.

The longest run (last week on Wed.) I've done so far is 8 miles.

I've never even dreamed of running that far.

To be honest, the last half of those 8 miles was run in excruciating pain.

My toes hurt even hours after that run.

The pain was crippling.

I have no choice but to give up my dream of the half marathon, or I will risk some serious nerve damage.

I'm going to follow the doc's advice and run shorter distances.

I will see if I can run 5 miles for my long runs without pain.

I know I can run 3 without pain.

Maybe those will be my short runs 3 days a week.

Today's Food and Activities

30 minute stationary bike

30 minute walk

upper body with weights

1 cup Kashi, 1/2 cup 1% milk

7 almonds

2 slices multigrain bread, 1 TBS BB spread, 6 slices thin turkey deli, basil, tomatoes

7 almonds

grilled chicken and veggies

Thank you for your kind comments, love, and support.

I hope you're having a happy and healthy day.

Seven, You're Going Down!

Last Saturday, I weighed myself, and my friend the scale (this week anyway), said I lost 1 pound.

Yay! Woohoo!

I am now 127 pounds.

Seven lovely fat pounds to lose.

I've got this.

I had an awesome weekend.

I spent all day Saturday at my mom's with the twins- a nice

break from the stepkids.

My 7 mile run on Friday was amazing, uplifting, and envigorating.

Yes, running is very physical.

Running is also so very mental.

I think I've learned how to "shut off" the pains on my legs, feet, and lungs in my mind.

Today's Food and Activities

4.5 mile run

legs

abs

1 multigrain toast with 1 TBS honey

green tea with Splenda

1 cup Kashi Crunch, 1/2 cup nonfat milk

7 almonds

1 multigrain muffin, 6 slices turkey deli, 1 TBS BB spread, basil, tomatoes

7 almonds

1 cup white chicken chili

1 apple

Have a happy and healthy day!

A Week Off?

I took another trip to the doctor this weekend, and I've been told to stay away from exercise (especially running) for a week.

What???

How am I supposed to lose weight?

They took X-rays of my left leg, found no stress fractures, and deduced that it's a bad case of shin splints.

I have one week to get better, or I'll have to go to physical therapy.

Sometimes stuff that's good for you (running) can be bad for you too.

This really sucks.

It's R.I.C.E. for me.

Rest

Ice

Compression (Ace bandage)

Elevation

Ways to stay active:

Do P90X upper body workouts

a million punches (hooks, upper cuts, cross punches, jabs)

elbow strikes

P90X abs

I also weighed myself on Saturday, and I lost 1/2 a pound!

This stinks!

Well... a loss is better than a "gain" or a "stay." That's two sticks of butter, Baby!

I only have 13 more pounds to lose, and if it's going to be super slow, then it's gonna be super slow.

I lost most of the pounds pretty quickly, so I guess this is "payback."

Did I mention that the pain in the balls of my feet come back at every other run?

I wish I didn't have all these problems.

It's making losing the last few pounds so much more difficult.

How are you doing?

How do you stay positive when you're losing the weight so slowly?

Today, I'm thankful for this 1/2 pound loss. I'll just keep plugging away!

Today's Food and Activities

P90X shoulders & arms

P90X abs

1/2 cup Special K granola cereal, 1/2 cup fat free milk

7 almonds

1 multigrain english muffin, 6 slices ham, tomatoes, 1 TBS Brummel & Brown spread

7 almonds

grilled sirloin pork and veggies

1 WW fudgsicle

Have a happy and healthy day!

It's a Beautiful Day

 

I weighed myself on Saturday, and I lost 1.5 pounds!

The past week has been a rollercoaster of emotions and physical strains on me.

I can't believe I ran over 12 miles this past week.

I'm so happy that I could just pass out.

Actually... there have been times when I feel like passing out and throwing up right after my runs.

This is a good thing, I think.

I must look crazy to those people who see me at the end of every run. I'm  nearly in tears. It's not pain that I feel; instead, I feel joy.

I'm so thankful for every ounce of energy (to run and/or work out) that has been given to me every time I ask for it from above.

I used to (and still do for that matter) watch people run as I drove by them and think,

"Gosh... they're in really good shape. Look at them run. I wish I could run like them. They're so cool. They look so determined and strong."

I never thought about how difficult it may have been like for them to start running.

I never imagined that they could've been as big as I was when I started working out.

I've developed a new appreciation for those runners.

Can I call myself a "runner?"

My husband has been telling me that I am "athletic."

I feel funny hearing that.

I was pretty active as a teenager. Although I never participated in sports outside of P.E. (We couldn't afford paying for me to participate in sports.),   I used to love to dance.

My friends and I would come up with our own dance routines and perform at dances and parties.

It was so much fun!

Can I really be called "athletic?"

Can I really be called a "runner?"

It would be nice to think of myself as something other than

"fat, tired, chubby, lazy, etc."

As of today, I am 13.5 pounds away from my goal weight.

As I lose this weight, I can't help but think that I'm still fat.

Yes, I know that I'm not skinny.

Yes, I know I've lost about 30 pounds, but I had this problem before.

I guess that's when you really realize that this "weight" problem isn't just a "weight" problem.

It's also a psychological problem.

I've been told by friends who have lost a lot of weight (50-100 pounds) that it takes a while for your brain to catch up with your body's changes.

The last time I lost about 45 pounds (about 7 years ago),  it took  me a while to "catch up."

I hope it doesn't take too long this time.

Today's Food and Activities

3 mile run

P90X abs (doing this every other day)

1 cup Kashi cereal, 1/2 cup 1% milk

7 almonds

1 english muffin, 2 oz. lean turkey, tomatoes, 2 TBS fat free cream cheese

7 almonds

ground turkey and 2 oz. whole wheat spaghetti with 1/2 cup low fat sauce

1 apple

Have a happy and healthy day!