Happy Friday!

Happy Friday Y'all!

Friday evening is probably my favorite time of the week.  Growing up,  it was the one time each week we ate out and followed with the weekly grocery shopping trip.   For me,  it's usually a lazy evening occasionally I'll try to get a head start on cleaning or meal planning for the week.  Tonight, I thought I would dust off the blog a bit.

I wish I had been blogging more the past two months.  In late June,  I rejoined Weight Watchers.  The primary reason I joined is because I believe 100% in the accountability the meetings bring to the program.  I know there is a lot of science behind their program, but the meetings are what I need.   They help give me focus and self-control.   In August,  I completed JillFit's 20x20 challenge -- it was amazing and deserves a post all to itself which I hope to compile this weekend.  It was amazing on so many levels for me.  In September, I've focused on goal-setting.

Sorry this post is so disjointed, but I really have some much I want to share and need to share!   Even if no one reads this blog -- it is an outlet for me.  In August,  I used Instagram to chronicle my journey, but wish I had shared my thoughts here as well.

We are supposed to have a really wet weekend, so I should have plenty of time to write.  :)

2015

It's hard to believe we already into February!  Time definitely flies as you get older!   Nothing incredible to share with my -2 readers!  What's happening now...

- I struggled last year with finding my exercise routine (due to new job & superson starting middle school).  I've found a Tues/Thurs evening class that is very similar format to the early AM boot camp I loved!  Super husband gave me shoe tags for Christmas #soretoday #strongtomorrow - love!!!

- I am doing Weight Watchers online.  It's not a diet or a fad - it's real food & living. I've never tried the Simply Filling option, so I thought I would try it & so far so good.  I'd like to switch over to meetings when I am closer to goal.  We have an awesome leader in our area. 

Everything Bagel Thin, egg, slice of cheese, 2 pieces of bacon, crystal light "orange juice" -- see real food 

- I am taking a break from Facebook for the month of February.  I have a love/hate  relationship with it anyway!  It tends to become a time suck - hoping to read some books instead! 

- Superhusband & superson are well!  We are half-way through our second year of middle school.  It's been an adventure to say the least.  

Sorry this post is full of random thoughts!  What's new with you? 

Thanksgiving 5k

For the past couple of years, I've participated in a Turkey Strut 5k sponsored by our local Fleet Feet store.  It's always a super fun time; supports a local food bank; and takes an hour or two away from food.  

This year, I'll be participating in a virtual 5k sponsored by  A Journey to Thin.  Click over to her website for details! 

9/11 -- Stair Climb Challenge

Yesterday was a day of rememberance and honor for all those and their families who lost precious family members on September 11th.  It was also a day of recoginizing the unsung heroes - the men & women in uniform, the countless volunteers - all who made a difference in saving a life.

A local personal trainer challenged our area to a stair climb to honor each lost life of 9/11.  She organized the event on the campus of a local university.  It may seem an odd tribute to some but I can't think of the numerous lives that were saved because of the stairwell.  The stairwell became the ONLY access point for firefighters to enter the towers are one point.  I was unable to do the challenge as it conflicted with getting super-son to school. 

It was on my mind all day, so around lunch I decided to climb the largest building on our campus.  I knew it wouldn't be 2,977 steps - but to me it was honoring those on 9/11.  

The building was 265 steps from Main Floor to the Roof Top access.  (The count in unofficial - I may have lost count at some point) - so 530 steps total. 

Half Crazy is Better than Full Crazy - Right?

Not long ago, I shared my 2013 fitness goals with you.  Tonight, I went to a information session to learn more about one of my goals  13.1 to be exact.   I turned 40 this year and I'd love to run a half marathon to celebrate.   I understand to most folks it sounds like the absolute craziest idea in the world.  I'm not sure why I want to do it so bad other than for most of my life I NEVER thought I would be able too.

Let me assure I will not be the fastest,  I will not win any awards - but if I do take the next step and sign-up for this program - I WILL COMPLETE THE RACE.   Whether you cross the line first or last - it doesn't matter.  Everyone who crosses the line is a half-marathoner.

Do you have a "big" dream/goal?

2013 Fitness Goals

This post would have been more appropriately posted in January, but better late than never!    Toward the end of last year, I hit a slump with exercising and eating.   I had done fairly well keeping the proverbial train on the tracks from 2009 through most of last year.  Not exactly sure what happened last winter, but I lost the drive and enthusiasm I had for exercising.   In late January, I was watching the first episode of Biggest Loser and realized I needed to get my act together before everything came falling apart.  I decided the most logical step would be to write down my fitness goals for 2013.  Here they are --

I had thought about many of these goals before but actually writing them out on paper suddenly made me more accountable & honestly has helped get me back on track.   I'm still working on my endurance and speed at the top of the list - but many of the others are ongoing - strengthening my core has happened as a result of new activities (Metabolic Effect classes) - I've been averaging around 4 workouts per week (my goal is no less than 3)... 10K was completed on June 22nd... The main thing is I'm focused again and I have been since I made the list...

My words of advice -- make a list  :)

Old news but worth posting - 10K

10K -- no not ten thousand dollars - I wish!   10K = 10 kilometers - 6.2 miles    

In late April/early May, I shared my 2013 fitness goals with a co-worker.  I keep promising to share them here and I will (I promise).   Anyway, one of my goals for this year was to complete a 10K race.  I've done several 5K races over the past three years.  I'm not super fast by any means as of matter of fact at most races I feel like a turtle in quick sand.  This year, I wanted to push myself a little harder because another goal was to increase my pace and endurance. 

The race was held in late June which unfortunately here in the South typically is hot and humid.  To prep for the race, we met 2-3 mornings three to four weeks before the race to run one loop of the course.  My goal was to finish strong and not be last.  This was the first annual race for Industries for the Blind which meant it was a relatively small race (around 170 registered runners - yikes!).   At the sound of the horn, the majority of the pack jetted ahead.  One mistake I've made in the past was starting out too fast - so this time I was determined to pace myself.   It was quite clear from the start I was going to be at the back.  The course was challenging - some gradual inclines, some flat areas, and a nice steep hill leading to the finish line.  My only negative is that it was a two loop course meaning we ran the same 3.2 mile loop twice --- this played with my mind.    At the beginning of the race, I played cat and mouse with one runner for the most of the first loop.  Around mile 4, I managed to pass her and two others.  I desperately tried to pass an older gentleman in front of me - but I just couldn't do it!

Climbing the hill to the finish line,  I heard Kelly Clarkson's "What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger" playing and I dug deep and plowed up the hill.  The good news - I wasn't LAST (three people finished after me) and it was one of my best races pace wise.  AGAIN,  I know I'm not fast - but I was pleased as punch with my 13:31 mile pace (just 10 seconds shy of my best 5K pace). 

I couldn't have done it with out my Super-Friend and so happy she helped me trained and stayed right by my side throughout the race!

Just Do It

Yesterday was a beautiful day!   I woke up to birds chirping, sun shining and relatively warm temperatures.  We went to bed later than usual on Friday night because we were finishing up the laundry room DIY project.  Super-son had stayed over night with a friend, so it was the perfect morning to sleep in!  However, every time I have an opportunity to sleep in - no matter how hard I try - I can't!   I got up around 830a - technically I that is later than a regular work day  :)    Super-husband dropped his car off for service the evening before and around 10a they called to say it was ready.   He wasn't up yet and I hadn't gone for my 2-3 miles yet -- so I decided to do something completely out of my comfort zone! 

I decided I would walk to pick up his car.  I checked MapMyRun for the route and it was almost 2.5 miles to the garage - perfect, I could tackle two tasks at the same time.  I called my friend, Angie, to let her know what I was doing (just in case) and left super-husband a note (he was still snoozing) & out the door I went. 

We live in a relatively rural area - no sidewalks... fortunately, the garage is relatively close to us and I only had to go down one road after getting out of our neighborhood to get there.  I followed the rules of the road (ride with, walk against) and wore my fluorescent pink wind-breaker.  I was on and off the pavement alot - as cars approached I would walk in the grass  (I've seen some folks who don't budge off the road - I'm not one of those).   I did not have my ear-buds in either.  Since this was the first time on a major road (I'm usually in our neighborhood, at the local town square, or a neighborhood around where I work)  I decided I needed to really be aware of my surroundings.  I wasn't sure I could maintain my usual pace (no music, on & off the road), but I tried not to focus on that and just be proud of the fact that I was doing something NEW!

I arrived at the garage slightly winded, but feeling pretty proud of stepping outside my comfort zone.  I was able to keep my usual pace (yeah!).   I returned home and super-husband woke up 30 minutes or so later & mentioned we needed to go get his car.  I told him it was in the driveway (SURPRISE!) -- I think he was proud of me too!   We went out for brunch and then went to the park at I logged another 1.25 miles.   

Are you staying focused this weekend?

An Interesting Twist...

A New Year often brings the resolve to do better - whether it be with finance, health, emotional well-being, spirituality.  The possibilities are endless.  If I had to guess, I said the most popular are getting out of debt/reducing debt and losing weight.  Yesterday, I shared a tid-bit about saving money this year, so today I thought I would talk about losing weight.

Earlier this year,  I learned about Healthy Wage.  It was being promoted through our wellness department at work.  Essentially, you create a team of 5 individuals committed to losing weight.  You pay out money and compete against other teams over the course of several weeks.  The team with the highest percentage of weight loss wins a hefty cash prize split among the team.  You're literally competing against thousands of other people.  There are other details and competitions too - you can check the website for more details.

Today, I heard about Diet Bet.  It's a similar concept - the focus is losing weight.  Teams are not limited to 5 people.  The team organizer specifies the "bet" amount ($10 and up).   Unlike Healthy Wage,  winners are not limited to five member teams.  Essentially,  as the team grows the money pot does too.  Team members losing 4% of the starting weight will split the pot.  Obviously, the larger the team - the larger the bet - the larger the possible rewards.  Diet Bet runs for 4 week periods of time - Healthy Wage runs for around 12 weeks (maybe a little longer - again, please refer to websites for specifics).

Anyway, I've been thinking about the two a lot today and I'm considering joining a Diet Bet team or creating a team.  I'm always up for extra motivation for a healthier lifestyle.  What do you think about the new angle on "dieting" (I prefer "healthy lifestyle").

December Challenge

Last week, I received an email for a December challenge.  It was from the marvelous boot camp instructor with Mission: FIT.   Her challenge for the month - 50 burpees or 50 squats EVERY day of December.  You might be thinking - I'll be traveling or I'll have company - guess what, no equipment required.  Just motivation to set aside time for 50 each and every day!  I accepted the challenge and I hope you will too.

I opted for squats because I like them better than burpees and they are easier on my back.  I am making one modification and I hope she will forgive me for it.  :)   I'm alternating days with 50 squats and 50 push-ups.  Otherwise, I'm not sure I'd be able to walk by the end of next week.  You don't have to do them all at the same time either.  You can spread it out over your day.

Thanksgiving 2012

I was a bit of a procrastinator in getting prepared for Thanksgiving this year.  No particular reason - just lots of different things going - maybe I was stressed, but like always it all came together in the end.

For the past two years, I have participated in our local "Turkey Strut".   After awhile the race registrations add up, so I didn't register this year.  All along I thought I would do a 5K through our neighborhood, we have a nice route.  Thanksgiving morning came and I had a million things still left on the to-do list:  make deviled eggs; make fruit salad;  (oh, did I mention I hadn't been to the grocery store yet?!); clean kitchen; vacuum house... and on and on.   Super husband and super son were busy trying to gather the leaves that had fallen last week - for some reason they always accumulate around the front of our house and get tracked inside.   We're all making nice progress - gotta love TEAMWORK - before I realize it, it's noon and we're done!  Our guests aren't arriving until 5p, so I have plenty of time.  And then the excuses begin --

• I've worked hard this morning - I should relax until company arrives.
• What if the virtual 5K times are posted like last year?  Then, I'll feel defeated b/c I'm sure I will be slower than last year.
• I can do it tomorrow when I don't have any plans.
• Still struggling with what the "right" thing to do for my back.

You see where this was going right?  Several friends started posting on Facebook about what a fun time they had on Turkey Trots, Gobble Wobbles, etc and I said ENOUGH is ENOUGH.  And headed out for my own 5K.

And, in under 48 minutes it was DONE!

Quick Update

Sorry for the lack of posts... a few quick updates

• I followed doctor's orders and didn't run for 2.5 weeks. 
• I went to physical therapy -- it's amazing how much that helped.  They gave me the green light to run.  It sounds as though my pain is not related to arthritis in my SI joint, but rather from a disc issue.
• I finally finished the directed study hanging over my head from last semester - DONE!   Now, I'm attempting to focus on this semester.  Realizing last night, I overlooked a MAJOR deadline for next Wednesday & need to crank out an 8 page paper this weekend.
• I spent this past weekend at Atlantic Beach for the Crystal Coast 5K.  I'll try to post an update on that soon.
• Still doing boot camp on M-W-F mornings & walking (but now can go back to intervals) on T-Th mornings.

That's it for now -- just wanted to let you know I'm still around just busy!

Doctor's Orders...

First of all, I LOVE my doctor.  More than anything it seems like I am chatting with a friend who is genuinely interested in my well-being.  Outside of my annual physical,  I've maybe been to the doctor 3 times in the past 10 years for a concern.  I'm grateful for my health. 

BUT... I've been dealing with some back pain since Labor Day of last year.  The college I take night classes at was offering free sessions with a personal trainer.  It happened to be on a night - I had class and had free time, so I decided to take advantage of it.   I don't remember specifically what she asked to do, but I realized as soon as I did the movement I had a "catch" in my back.  It didn't hurt that day, but for about two weeks after that I was miserable.  I sucked it up and went on.  Since then, I've had intermittent back pain.  It's mainly worse at work where I sit for most of the day.  It hasn't been bothering me when running or at boot camp.  Anyway, this week it has been quite unbearable, so I had an appointment with my doctor today.

She's not 100% on what the specific problem is but we think it is related to my SI joint or lower back (sacral/lumbar area).  We are hoping it is just inflammation (that would be the easiest of possible problems).  I had some x-rays done this afternoon.  I'm taking high doses of Naxproxen (like Alleve) twice a day for two weeks.  And, I'll be doing some physical therapy.  Sigh -- she's also asked me not to run on my "run days", but agreed that I could walk.  After some back and forth discussion about boot camp, she agreed I could continue as long as I don't run, jump, or do any activity where I feel it in my back.   So, I'll continue to go and modify the best I can. 

Have you had a back injury?  Did it set you back?

Popsicle 5K Recap

It's probably a good thing meteorlogists don't get fired for wrong forecasts.  :)   The last night, today's forecast was mostly cloudy with rain rolling in this afternoon.   Well, we definitely woke up to mostly cloudy skies, but the rain wasn't far behind.  Brandy and I met around 7:30a to drive out to the Popsicle 5K.  It was the first ever Popsicle 5K and it was well-organized, great volunteer involvement, and not a bad showing for the "first ever".

My reflections:
It was a great, but challenging course. There was alot more positive self-talk today :) I jogged the first mile and intended to do intervals, but ended up trying to listening to my body more. I think I ended up running more than I would have - had I chosen just to do intervals. Anyway, it was great. I was hoping to come in under 40 mins, but as I turned the corner I saw 40 min on the clock - for a split second I felt defeated. Then, I could hear our boot camp instructor's voice inside my head "Finish Strong" - so gave it all I had up the small hill to the finish line. I finished just over 41 minutes (41:30 I think - waiting on official times to be posted)- a new peronal best for me!!!! Both of my November/December times were right at 46:10 (5K) -46:15 (5.5K).


So, how was the rest of my day?   Well, I've been looking into spring races.  I'm already planning to do the Crystal Coast 5K (Feb 25th) and the St. Leo's 5K (March 17th).   Today, I discovered an 8K in May about 45 minutes from here.  It would likely be a challenging race as it's in the mountains.  A challenge will only make me stronger right?  :)   And, I found a half-marathon that offers a 4 person relay in June.  Both races sound really cool - just need to convince Brandy to come on board with me.  :)

Are you ready for your next race?

Quote of the Day

I intended to post this yesterday, but completely forgot - so hear ya go!

It's been unseasonably warm here this winter - 50s & 60s this week - crazy huh?!  Wednesday evening it started raining and rained for most of the night.  I woke up early on Thursday morning and thought I heard rain - but it was really just rain falling off the trees. I peeked out the window and saw it was misty, fogging and just plain yuck.  I went back to bed & waited for the alarm to go off.  The alarm went off at 4:55a and I thought "I should hit snooze.  Text Brandy.  It's wet."   HELLO!

 "Athletes don't hit snooze"

So, I jumped up, got dressed, and headed out to meet Brandy.  When I got to meeting spot, there were already 2 other groups of runners on the street.   I've noticed these two groups before - I can tell they are more advanced (longer distances and times).  I'm inspired and motivated by them.   If I want to run with the "big dogs", I gotta get up outta bed.   :)

I'm so glad I didn't hit snooze & so glad Brandy was there to meet me.  Our run was a little slower than Tuesday - but we got 2 miles of intervals done with a .25 warm-up and .25 cool-down.  Slow doesn't matter because while someone was hitting snooze, we were hitting the pavement.

Hot Yoga

For some time, the idea of hot yoga has intrigued me.  I'm not exactly sure why - I've never taken a yoga class in my life and definitely not hot yoga.   Anyway,  I learned early in the week our local YMCA had just opened a hot yoga studio.  They were offering classes to members and non-members. 

I messaged my friends, Angie & Brandy, to see if they would be interested in joining me for the Saturday 9:30am class.  Brandy jumped on board.  I was really excited because I was too nervous to try it by myself.  Not sure why - I had a fear of getting dizzy, light-headed or nauseous.  Friday, I attempted to hydrate more in prepartion for the class.   I didn't want to hydrate too much this AM, so I ate an orange before I left.

We walked in and found our spot - near the door (LOL).  The instructor was really nice.  I told him it was our first time and expressed my concerns (noted above).  He said the most important thing to remember is breathing - breathe alot.  His other words of advice - 20 minutes into the class we would take water break, so try to take in alot at that time and other times in the class just sip;  modify the poses as we needed but to work on stretching and working with our bodies.   Overall, some great advice.

I enjoyed the class much more than I anticipated.  I liked the heat - yes, it made us sweat (duh).  My clothes were drenched when we left - but to me the heat was also very calming.  I thought it was a little pricey (even members have to pay for the class) - but I would consider doing it once a month. The more active I become, the more I enjoy trying new and different things. 

Have you tried hot yoga?  What did you think?

Goals...

So the coolest part of the Mission-Fit 12 week challenge is the awesome, encouraging, and informational emails we get each day.   Earlier this week, we received an email on goal-setting and today's email was about road races.   Wow!   Is this a big secret with all her emails directed toward me?

After reading and reflecting on the emails this week,  I decided to verbalize my goals for 2012.

• 12 races in 2012
• 10K race in fall 2012
• continue boot camp on M-W-F
• increase race endurance & decrease time

I emailed our boot camp instructor with lots of random thoughts and she is helping me come up with a realistic plan.  She totally "gets" me and I love that.   Even cooler, I was talking with a friend (who does boot camp too) and she is totally on board with me.  After I get the specifics, my plan is to add an extra early AM (either T or Th) and then a run on the weekend. 

Super excited, so much so that I am probably going to make a cheesy goal poster over the weekend!
Do you keep your goals internal or have you shared them? 

Excuses, excuses...

Excuses... I've used them before... it's too hot, it's too cold, I'm too tired, I have too much to do, my workout clothes are dirty,  etc.   However, I can say for the past 15 months - I've kept the excuses on the shelf.   I've been consistent with three workouts a week - snow, ice, heat and humidity didn't stop me (but they probably slowed me down!).  So, why do I do it?

I evaluated the things that motivate me and my reasons "why" ...

• Family. I talked briefly about my husband's heart disease here, not only was it a huge shock and scare - it was a motivator for me.   I want to be healthy and ALIVE for my family!
• Health.  I guess this goes with my first motivator - family, but I really do want to be fit and healthy.  I want to be an ATHLETE.  PS - It was great to go to my annual physical and see a 14 lb. loss and get an A++ from my doctor.
• Self-esteem.  This is one area I can definitely see an improvment - I feel good about myself & I'm more confident.  It's great to get compliments too!

When I started exercising, I felt like I needed someone to go with me or be with me.  I'm extremely grateful my friend, Angie, was willing to get up EARLY and go with me those first few months. I really feel like I would have thrown in the towel had she not stuck it out with me.  Now, I realize this journey is about me and my goals.  It tooks alot of guts for me to try boot camp -- walking into it - not knowing anyone, but I quickly realized we are all on a similar journey.  While I may not "know" them, they were (and are) extremely encouraging and motivating to me.

I guess the bottom line is ... if the journey isn't about YOU or what motivates YOU, then you are doing it for the wrong reason and that is when we start making the excuses.  You may disagree with me and think that sounds selfish - but in the end you have nothing to prove to anyone but yourself.  Set your goals and then reach for the stars!

What motivates you?
Why do you exercise?

Click over to Twelve in Twelve,  Ann wrote a great self-reflection about what the RunStreak challenge taught her.  I think self-reflection and re-evaluating your goals is a GREAT source of motivation and success as well.

What a difference a year makes!

New tread on the left / Flat tread on the right

The new year brings crowded gyms and people hoping to become more fit and healthy in 2012!   In 2011, this is something I definitely worked at consistently.  I received my 3rd pair of Saucony Ride 4's for Christmas this year - I've averaged a one pair per year since 2009.  As recommended by Fleet Feet, I use these for exercise and exercise only.  I snapped this picture of the old & new pair as motivation for me to continue pressing ahead in the New Year.  As you can tell, the old pair is completely flat - I didn't realize how much I worn the tread down until I compared them with the new pair. 

Too often, we continue to view ourselves the "old" way too -- instead of celebrating the small accomplishments we've made.  My run pace may still be slow - but it beats my old routine of sitting on the couch.  Take time in the new year to compliment yourself - each day there is something to celebrate.   Maybe you stuck to your plan of eating your packed lunch instead of joining our co-workers for lunch out  or maybe you did "blow it" from a calorie stand-point BUT at least you tracked those calories!  

What are you celebrating today?

If you are starting a new fitness routine, please consult with your doctor.  :)
And, I recommend being properly fitted for a pair of exercise shoes.  You can read my posts on getting started and being fitted.

Happy New Year & Race Results

Cheers to the New Year - "Running of the Lights" 1.01.2012

As I mentioned yesterday, our family participated in a local 5.5K at midnight to ring in the New Year.

I'm not sure why it was a 5.5K this year - the only think I noticed that was different was the start/finish line was moved.  I finished in 46:15 - I ran more & when I stopped to walk - I tried to keep a brisk pace & I would do more running (usually I get mentally defeated after I take a walk break and never pick back up with running again).  There was a tough steady incline (that's a nice way of saying HUGE hill) on the back stretch & it slowed me down a bit. I felt strong and my breathing felt really good - just need to work through the "mental" of thinking I need to slow down and walk - when I should just press ahead.  Overall, I'm really happy with where I finished and how I felt throughout the race.

So today, I celebrate:

1.01.11 - Running of the Lights 5K - 53.25

1.01.12 - Running of the Lights 5.5K - 46:15

My best 5K time - Crystal Coast 5K - March 2011 - 45:19

And, congrats to my friend, Sally, who did this virtually with me (via her treadmill!).

PS - If you are reading my blog and thinking "man, that's slow" - then you probably don't need to be reading my blog.  :)    Just remember, I'm still lapping the people who are sitting on the couch.