Gained 1 lb. Boo!
I'm okay with it it though considering the circumstances of the past few weeks - tapering for my run, running the race, and then going on vacation to celebrate my anniversary and the run.
And, I was wearing jeans at weigh-in today, which I never do, so I'm sure that accounted for some of it.
I think I'm going to try to start going to WW on Wednesday's or Thursday's from now on, so hopefully next week I can post a loss.
Tonight we watched the Rockies get their asses handed to them in the first game of the World Series. Hopefully we'll do better tomorrow. Anyway, just a quick post - I'm off to bed.
Gym tomorrow morning, then work and fully OP day. Sleep tight!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
My First Half Marathon: Race Report
I guess I should be honest - this wasn't just my first half marathon, it was my first real race. I did the Race for the Cure 5K with my sister the week before, but that was a whole different ballgame.
The week before the race I was feeling good - a little antsy from lack of workouts but altogether not bad. The day before the race, Saturday, I had a normal breakfast, big pasta lunch, and probably not the greatest dinner - a black bean burger (with french fries, eek!) but I was fully loaded with all the carbs I needed and ready to go.
The weather looked like it was going to be perfect running weather on Saturday morning, but that all changed on Saturday night. The rain started, and it did not stop. It got harder, and the temperature plummeted.
I got downtown early to meet my running group and warm up, and believe me that warm-up was sorely needed. I started out with cheap-o knit gloves, long pants, a long sleeve tech shirt, a long sleeve t-shirt over that, and a windbreaker over that. Oh and of course a hat.
I stood in line at the port-a-potty for about 15 minutes, realized I wasn't going to make it if I wanted to start on time, and headed for the starting line. The gun went off (okay there was no gun, but we started) and the rain continued to fall. I was feeling good though and excited that I was actually about to do this!
I started out pretty slow, just trying to get my legs and make sure I didn't bonk. The Denver Marathon and Half Marathon are amazing because they take you on a great tour of the city, and I was having fun pointing out various landmarks to my buds in my running group. There's my hair salon, there's my favorite restaurant, etc. I'm a dork, what can I say.
Around mile 3 I started getting a little warm, so I tossed my little gloves and my long sleeve shirt at an aid station and put my windbreaker around my waist. That lasted for about 4 minutes, at which point I realized I was going to be drowned if I didn't put my rain protection back on.
I was starting to get really cold around mile 5 and dreading the run up the 17th st. hill, but I was energized when I saw my husband and my sister on the sidelines cheering for me. It turns out this was the first of many times I would see their smiling faces throughout the race, cheering me on even though it was freezing cold. The race was also my anniversary and my husband had made some super cute signs for me and was so incredibly supportive. It meant everything for me to see them out there shivering in the cold waiting for me.
I also saw my friend I. at about mile 7, cheering me on with a megaphone, which was partly hilarious and partly embarrassing, but really great. She was cheering on all of the runners, which makes having your name on your number really awesome. It's so great having someone cheer you on by name.
Miles 8 - 11 were really tough - we ran around City Park and back downtown and by this time I was frozen solid and my right hip and knee were starting to hurt - I think my muscles just couldn't get warm and they were rebelling. My pace was really starting to suffer too - I think I did mile 9 in like 14 minutes - that's like a turtle's pace. But it was all I could muster given the situation.
By the time we had 2 miles left, I knew I was going to make it and I was just trying to finish and get warm. I tried to speed up over the last mile, but I started sprinting to early and had to slow it down just before the end.
Seeing the finish line was one of the most amazing feelings I've ever had in my life.I had accomplished a huge goal of mine - something I'd been training for for a full four months, and I was done!
My official finishing time was 2:53:28, well under the three hours I wanted to finish under, but still pretty darn slow. No matter though, I finished, and that's all I really wanted. My mom, sister, her boyfriend and my husband were all at the finish line trying and I stopped to hug them all and thank them for all of there support. Once I stopped running, I had to limp around because my muscles were so cold, but I didn't care, I was finished and I had a medal to prove it!
I changed clothes in the car and we headed to breakfast, where we consumed lots of Bloody Mary's with friends and enjoyed the warmth. It was a hard, cold day, but I wouldn't take it back for anything, and frankly, I've never been prouder of myself. I ran 13.1 miles. And not that many people do that.
Anyway, that's the story of my first half-marathon, which may very well be my last as well. I haven't decided if I've been bitten by the so-called running bug or not in terms of additional races, but I know I'll at least keep doing it. I like that I can run that far. Or even just run ten minutes for that matter.
As a side note - I decided to go to WW tomorrow or Thursday instead of today because of a crazy work schedule, so I'll let you know how my weigh-in goes once it happens.
P.S. Thank you so much to everyone who stops by and reads this blog even though my posts are sporadic at best. Your support means so much to me - it's so great to know there are others out there going through the same things I am. You guys are the best!
The week before the race I was feeling good - a little antsy from lack of workouts but altogether not bad. The day before the race, Saturday, I had a normal breakfast, big pasta lunch, and probably not the greatest dinner - a black bean burger (with french fries, eek!) but I was fully loaded with all the carbs I needed and ready to go.
The weather looked like it was going to be perfect running weather on Saturday morning, but that all changed on Saturday night. The rain started, and it did not stop. It got harder, and the temperature plummeted.
I got downtown early to meet my running group and warm up, and believe me that warm-up was sorely needed. I started out with cheap-o knit gloves, long pants, a long sleeve tech shirt, a long sleeve t-shirt over that, and a windbreaker over that. Oh and of course a hat.
I stood in line at the port-a-potty for about 15 minutes, realized I wasn't going to make it if I wanted to start on time, and headed for the starting line. The gun went off (okay there was no gun, but we started) and the rain continued to fall. I was feeling good though and excited that I was actually about to do this!
I started out pretty slow, just trying to get my legs and make sure I didn't bonk. The Denver Marathon and Half Marathon are amazing because they take you on a great tour of the city, and I was having fun pointing out various landmarks to my buds in my running group. There's my hair salon, there's my favorite restaurant, etc. I'm a dork, what can I say.
Around mile 3 I started getting a little warm, so I tossed my little gloves and my long sleeve shirt at an aid station and put my windbreaker around my waist. That lasted for about 4 minutes, at which point I realized I was going to be drowned if I didn't put my rain protection back on.
I was starting to get really cold around mile 5 and dreading the run up the 17th st. hill, but I was energized when I saw my husband and my sister on the sidelines cheering for me. It turns out this was the first of many times I would see their smiling faces throughout the race, cheering me on even though it was freezing cold. The race was also my anniversary and my husband had made some super cute signs for me and was so incredibly supportive. It meant everything for me to see them out there shivering in the cold waiting for me.
I also saw my friend I. at about mile 7, cheering me on with a megaphone, which was partly hilarious and partly embarrassing, but really great. She was cheering on all of the runners, which makes having your name on your number really awesome. It's so great having someone cheer you on by name.
Miles 8 - 11 were really tough - we ran around City Park and back downtown and by this time I was frozen solid and my right hip and knee were starting to hurt - I think my muscles just couldn't get warm and they were rebelling. My pace was really starting to suffer too - I think I did mile 9 in like 14 minutes - that's like a turtle's pace. But it was all I could muster given the situation.
By the time we had 2 miles left, I knew I was going to make it and I was just trying to finish and get warm. I tried to speed up over the last mile, but I started sprinting to early and had to slow it down just before the end.
Seeing the finish line was one of the most amazing feelings I've ever had in my life.I had accomplished a huge goal of mine - something I'd been training for for a full four months, and I was done!
My official finishing time was 2:53:28, well under the three hours I wanted to finish under, but still pretty darn slow. No matter though, I finished, and that's all I really wanted. My mom, sister, her boyfriend and my husband were all at the finish line trying and I stopped to hug them all and thank them for all of there support. Once I stopped running, I had to limp around because my muscles were so cold, but I didn't care, I was finished and I had a medal to prove it!
I changed clothes in the car and we headed to breakfast, where we consumed lots of Bloody Mary's with friends and enjoyed the warmth. It was a hard, cold day, but I wouldn't take it back for anything, and frankly, I've never been prouder of myself. I ran 13.1 miles. And not that many people do that.
Anyway, that's the story of my first half-marathon, which may very well be my last as well. I haven't decided if I've been bitten by the so-called running bug or not in terms of additional races, but I know I'll at least keep doing it. I like that I can run that far. Or even just run ten minutes for that matter.
As a side note - I decided to go to WW tomorrow or Thursday instead of today because of a crazy work schedule, so I'll let you know how my weigh-in goes once it happens.
P.S. Thank you so much to everyone who stops by and reads this blog even though my posts are sporadic at best. Your support means so much to me - it's so great to know there are others out there going through the same things I am. You guys are the best!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Snowy Sunday
Wowee. It is snowing here in Denver. Big, beautiful, wet flakes. And I'm sitting on my couch, enjoying a delicious cup of coffee and deciding what I'm up to this beautiful Sunday morning. I know I have to hit Whole Paycheck and stock up on healthy groceries for the week, and my sister and I discussed a possible yoga class. All I know is that I need to get back on the healthy eating track this week - starting today!
Since the half marathon last Sunday, I've pretty much given myself free reign to eat whatever I want, and in all honesty, it hasn't really been that bad. I got on the scale this morning and was up a little less than 2 lbs, but I think with a couple of days of getting rid of some bloat and chugging water, that should go away. Which reminds me, I do have a race report to get out, and I hope to get it out tonight.
We got back from the mountains on Thursday afternoon after an amazing, relaxing time. I got a massage and a fantastic pedicure, which I sorely needed after running 13 miles in the freezing rain. I also experienced some hot/cold therapy, going from cold showers to a hot sauna, and came out feeling so rejuvenated. I'm actually going to try that on my own at home sometime - the cold is really hard to bear, but it just gets your heart pumping and feels so great on your muscles. I really recommend it - after a particularly tough workout, try a cold shower (for just a minute) then immediately hop into a sauna or steam room if you have it, then end with the cold again. You can do the cycle as much as you want, as long as you're feeling good, according to my massage therapist. Fantastic! (*I know I don't have to tell you I'm not a doctor, etc. so please be careful if you try this).
I've spent the past couple of days since getting back from the mountains just enjoying being lazy, including visiting the brand new Nordstrom that opened up in the Cherry Creek Mall and picking up some adorable flats with a buckle on the toe. I can't find them online right now, so you'll just have to trust me that they are super cute.
I also babysat my friend's 3 month old twins for the afternoon yesterday, and I am officially not ready for children. Not yet at least. Maybe when I hit the big 3-0, but even then I'm not sure. It was fun babysitting, but also fun leaving!
Okay, I'm off to get through my day. Hope you all had a fantastic weekend and are enjoying your Sundays! Look for a race report tonight!
Since the half marathon last Sunday, I've pretty much given myself free reign to eat whatever I want, and in all honesty, it hasn't really been that bad. I got on the scale this morning and was up a little less than 2 lbs, but I think with a couple of days of getting rid of some bloat and chugging water, that should go away. Which reminds me, I do have a race report to get out, and I hope to get it out tonight.
We got back from the mountains on Thursday afternoon after an amazing, relaxing time. I got a massage and a fantastic pedicure, which I sorely needed after running 13 miles in the freezing rain. I also experienced some hot/cold therapy, going from cold showers to a hot sauna, and came out feeling so rejuvenated. I'm actually going to try that on my own at home sometime - the cold is really hard to bear, but it just gets your heart pumping and feels so great on your muscles. I really recommend it - after a particularly tough workout, try a cold shower (for just a minute) then immediately hop into a sauna or steam room if you have it, then end with the cold again. You can do the cycle as much as you want, as long as you're feeling good, according to my massage therapist. Fantastic! (*I know I don't have to tell you I'm not a doctor, etc. so please be careful if you try this).
I've spent the past couple of days since getting back from the mountains just enjoying being lazy, including visiting the brand new Nordstrom that opened up in the Cherry Creek Mall and picking up some adorable flats with a buckle on the toe. I can't find them online right now, so you'll just have to trust me that they are super cute.
I also babysat my friend's 3 month old twins for the afternoon yesterday, and I am officially not ready for children. Not yet at least. Maybe when I hit the big 3-0, but even then I'm not sure. It was fun babysitting, but also fun leaving!
Okay, I'm off to get through my day. Hope you all had a fantastic weekend and are enjoying your Sundays! Look for a race report tonight!
Monday, October 15, 2007
Success!
Hi guys. Quick post to let you know that I successfully finished the half marathon, and I did it in under 3 hours, which was my goal. Woo hoo! The weather was miserable, 40 degrees Fahrenheit and raining, but I made it through.
I'm now in Beaver Creek relaxing with my hubby, so I'll post full race report report when i get back. In the meantime, have a great week!
I'm now in Beaver Creek relaxing with my hubby, so I'll post full race report report when i get back. In the meantime, have a great week!
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Pre-Race Jitters!
Whew! This has been a crazy week. I had to go to Atlanta for work, so no WW for me. I've been checking my home scale and I think I'm pretty much maintaining this week. Which is fine with me considering I'm tapering for my race this week so I'm not getting in a whole lot activity.
Tomorrow is the big day - 13.1 miles. I'm not going to lie - I'm nervous as hell. The longest I've ever done in my training runs was just about 11 miles. I know 2 more isn't going to kill me. But that 11 miles was hard. And it was weeks ago. And I know I've been doing my training, but I just keep wondering, was it enough? Did I do everything I could have done? I certainly wasn't perfect.
Anyway, today I'm just trying to relax and visualize myself doing well. I just took the dogger on a walk to get some coffee, had some Kashi waffles for breakfast, and now I'm watching Boyz in da Hood. Hey, it's on TV, and it's a good movie!
This afternoon I'm going to go with some friends to pick up my race packet, drive the race course so I can see what I'm in for, eat a big pasta lunch. I was told to have my big meal today be lunch, and then something small but hearty for dinner, so that way I don't end up literally having the runs during the race. :) I know that was a bad joke, but I just had to do it.
Then it's early to bed, hopefully I'll be able to sleep, but I'm sure the nerves are going to make it hard. I'm meeting my training group at 7:15 to warm up, and then the race starts at 8. I'll try to do a race report sometime tomorrow, but we'll see how I feel. It is my one year anniversary after all, so hopefully I'll be basking in the glow of just finishing a great race and enjoying my husband. We're heading to Beaver Creek to celebrate first thing on Monday morning, and I can't wait! It's the off season in the mountains right now, cold but there isn't enough snow to ski yet, so rooms are cheap. Cheap enough that we're staying in the Ritz! Woo hoo!
Hope you all are well and have a great weekend! Wish me luck!
Tomorrow is the big day - 13.1 miles. I'm not going to lie - I'm nervous as hell. The longest I've ever done in my training runs was just about 11 miles. I know 2 more isn't going to kill me. But that 11 miles was hard. And it was weeks ago. And I know I've been doing my training, but I just keep wondering, was it enough? Did I do everything I could have done? I certainly wasn't perfect.
Anyway, today I'm just trying to relax and visualize myself doing well. I just took the dogger on a walk to get some coffee, had some Kashi waffles for breakfast, and now I'm watching Boyz in da Hood. Hey, it's on TV, and it's a good movie!
This afternoon I'm going to go with some friends to pick up my race packet, drive the race course so I can see what I'm in for, eat a big pasta lunch. I was told to have my big meal today be lunch, and then something small but hearty for dinner, so that way I don't end up literally having the runs during the race. :) I know that was a bad joke, but I just had to do it.
Then it's early to bed, hopefully I'll be able to sleep, but I'm sure the nerves are going to make it hard. I'm meeting my training group at 7:15 to warm up, and then the race starts at 8. I'll try to do a race report sometime tomorrow, but we'll see how I feel. It is my one year anniversary after all, so hopefully I'll be basking in the glow of just finishing a great race and enjoying my husband. We're heading to Beaver Creek to celebrate first thing on Monday morning, and I can't wait! It's the off season in the mountains right now, cold but there isn't enough snow to ski yet, so rooms are cheap. Cheap enough that we're staying in the Ritz! Woo hoo!
Hope you all are well and have a great weekend! Wish me luck!
Friday, October 05, 2007
Run run run
TGIF! I am so glad it's Friday. After a long, crazy week at work it just feels so nice to sit and enjoy a glass of wine and contemplate my weekend.
Sorry I didn't check in earlier in the week - I can tell you that I gained .6 at WW. Boo! That brings my loss since I joined to only 6 lbs total. Oh well, I guess it could be worse. I was back on track after weigh-in but had a pretty craptastic day yesterday. Today has been better, although I'm pretty low on points and I haven't had dinner. It will have to be something small.
Anywho, this weekend should be fun. Only one week left until my half marathon, so I'm tapering down and trying to get psyched. Frankly, I'm sort of freaking out and getting really nervous, but I think I've done the training and I should be able to handle it.
This Sunday I'm doing the Race for the Cure with my sister, and I can't believe this, but that will be my first experience with an organized race. It's a huge one too - they expect more than 50,000 people downtown just for the race! So that's a 5K, and then I have a week of fairly easy runs on my training calendar, and the half mary is next Sunday, October 14! Scary. I know it's going to be a lot more hardcore than the Race for the Cure, but at least I'll get some experience with the race format, the crowds, etc.
The boy and I are currently trying to figure out what we're going to do tonight. Tomorrow is a little bit of shopping, cleaning, and then I'll head over and pick up my race packet. Tomorrow night will be some pasta to prep for the run and then we go. It's supposed to be only like 50 degrees (F) and rainy, so I'm not looking forward to that, but I am looking forward to some hot coffee and a yummy brunch afterward. Wish me luck! And have a great weekend!
Sorry I didn't check in earlier in the week - I can tell you that I gained .6 at WW. Boo! That brings my loss since I joined to only 6 lbs total. Oh well, I guess it could be worse. I was back on track after weigh-in but had a pretty craptastic day yesterday. Today has been better, although I'm pretty low on points and I haven't had dinner. It will have to be something small.
Anywho, this weekend should be fun. Only one week left until my half marathon, so I'm tapering down and trying to get psyched. Frankly, I'm sort of freaking out and getting really nervous, but I think I've done the training and I should be able to handle it.
This Sunday I'm doing the Race for the Cure with my sister, and I can't believe this, but that will be my first experience with an organized race. It's a huge one too - they expect more than 50,000 people downtown just for the race! So that's a 5K, and then I have a week of fairly easy runs on my training calendar, and the half mary is next Sunday, October 14! Scary. I know it's going to be a lot more hardcore than the Race for the Cure, but at least I'll get some experience with the race format, the crowds, etc.
The boy and I are currently trying to figure out what we're going to do tonight. Tomorrow is a little bit of shopping, cleaning, and then I'll head over and pick up my race packet. Tomorrow night will be some pasta to prep for the run and then we go. It's supposed to be only like 50 degrees (F) and rainy, so I'm not looking forward to that, but I am looking forward to some hot coffee and a yummy brunch afterward. Wish me luck! And have a great weekend!
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