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!
Monday, September 24, 2007
We have organizations!
Aaah Monday. Don't always love it, but I was actually almost happy to get back to work after a crazy weekend. Okay that's a lie that I'm telling myself in attempt to remain positive, but I guess it isn't so bad really.
This weekend was chock full of activity, but all good. I had an hour 45 minute run on Saturday, which went really well and I was really happy with, especially considering I had three glasses of wine on Friday night. I then spent most of the rest of the day on Saturday moving my pantry items from my dining room, where they've been stacked on various step stools and chairs and what not for the past 8 weeks during the kitchen remodel, to the new cabinets. It feels so good to actually have a place to put everything!
And as you can see - I'm actually organized. I also moved all of our food, which, admittedly, isn't a lot right now, into our shiny new refrigerator. It is so beautiful and bright and white. I just love it. So of course, I had to show it off with some pics. Yay!
We still don't have an oven or dishwasher or anything and they're still doing lots of work, but at least we're getting closer. I'd take a picture of myself, curled up on the couch watching Heroes, but I went on a run after work in the rain tonight and I am not a pretty picture right now.
On that note, I'm off to snuggle with the boy and enjoy my evening. Hope you all enjoy yours!
This weekend was chock full of activity, but all good. I had an hour 45 minute run on Saturday, which went really well and I was really happy with, especially considering I had three glasses of wine on Friday night. I then spent most of the rest of the day on Saturday moving my pantry items from my dining room, where they've been stacked on various step stools and chairs and what not for the past 8 weeks during the kitchen remodel, to the new cabinets. It feels so good to actually have a place to put everything!
And as you can see - I'm actually organized. I also moved all of our food, which, admittedly, isn't a lot right now, into our shiny new refrigerator. It is so beautiful and bright and white. I just love it. So of course, I had to show it off with some pics. Yay!
We still don't have an oven or dishwasher or anything and they're still doing lots of work, but at least we're getting closer. I'd take a picture of myself, curled up on the couch watching Heroes, but I went on a run after work in the rain tonight and I am not a pretty picture right now.
On that note, I'm off to snuggle with the boy and enjoy my evening. Hope you all enjoy yours!
Friday, September 21, 2007
Weekend!
Hey guys. Okay so today was good, although it probably could have been better but hey, that's pretty much every day at this point.
This morning I woke up and got ready for the day, which started by welcoming the painters to paint the kitchen. Most of you know this, but for those who don't, I've been without a kitchen for the last seven weeks or so. We are on the home stretch, but I have to say, living without a kitchen is really not conducive to weight loss. Eating out all of the time is just not good.
So suffice it to say, I am very excited, because the kitchen got painted today, and our new frig and microwave are getting delivered tomorrow. After that, it's just the backsplash, finishing the floor, and then we're finally done! Hooray!
So anyway, we finalized the paint, and off I went to work. I had a busy but great day at work, and went to visit an amazing gym over my lunch break. I'm definitely joining this gym. It has two pools! One indoor, one outdoor, and the outdoor one is heated all winter! Yes!
After work I had a glass of wine with some colleagues and then an amazing small plate dinner with my hubby, including a delectable cheese plate. mmmmm...... cheese.....
So now he went to meet some friends, and I'm getting ready to tuck in early since I have to get up for an hour 45 minute run in the morning. All I have to say is, thank god this half marathon is getting close. I love running, but I swear, I cannot get up at 6 a.m. on Saturday mornings anymore!
Tomorrow is my run, waiting for the appliance guy, and then a passion party! OMG I do not want to go to a passion party. I told my friend I would though, so I think I'm just going to have to have a LOT of vodka to get through it all.
For those who don't know, a passion party is when someone comes and shows a bunch of silly girls a bunch of "toys" for various uses. It's not really my thing, but I think I can handle it. in fact, I'm just going to try to make it as much fun as possible. I mean, what is life really if you can't make it as fun as possible.
I think I may be over my flex points for the week, but I'm going to try to make this weekend a good one and just do the absolute best I can. Anyway, hope you all have a great weekend!
This morning I woke up and got ready for the day, which started by welcoming the painters to paint the kitchen. Most of you know this, but for those who don't, I've been without a kitchen for the last seven weeks or so. We are on the home stretch, but I have to say, living without a kitchen is really not conducive to weight loss. Eating out all of the time is just not good.
So suffice it to say, I am very excited, because the kitchen got painted today, and our new frig and microwave are getting delivered tomorrow. After that, it's just the backsplash, finishing the floor, and then we're finally done! Hooray!
So anyway, we finalized the paint, and off I went to work. I had a busy but great day at work, and went to visit an amazing gym over my lunch break. I'm definitely joining this gym. It has two pools! One indoor, one outdoor, and the outdoor one is heated all winter! Yes!
After work I had a glass of wine with some colleagues and then an amazing small plate dinner with my hubby, including a delectable cheese plate. mmmmm...... cheese.....
So now he went to meet some friends, and I'm getting ready to tuck in early since I have to get up for an hour 45 minute run in the morning. All I have to say is, thank god this half marathon is getting close. I love running, but I swear, I cannot get up at 6 a.m. on Saturday mornings anymore!
Tomorrow is my run, waiting for the appliance guy, and then a passion party! OMG I do not want to go to a passion party. I told my friend I would though, so I think I'm just going to have to have a LOT of vodka to get through it all.
For those who don't know, a passion party is when someone comes and shows a bunch of silly girls a bunch of "toys" for various uses. It's not really my thing, but I think I can handle it. in fact, I'm just going to try to make it as much fun as possible. I mean, what is life really if you can't make it as fun as possible.
I think I may be over my flex points for the week, but I'm going to try to make this weekend a good one and just do the absolute best I can. Anyway, hope you all have a great weekend!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Hi
I'm back. I guess I couldn't take that long of a break. I just miss writing. And I miss you guys! If anyone is still coming around here.
Things are good with me actually. I joined Weight Watchers again about three weeks ago and it is going well so far. Going to WW is interesting to say the least.
I've done the online program before, but I've never been to the meetings. To be honest with you, it feels a little bit like pre-school. I mean, the second week, when they were talking about activity points and working out, and I was thinking about the fact that I ran 8 miles the Saturday before, and the whole "park further away from the meeting" thing just sounded so silly.
But it's not silly, because I wouldn't be there, sitting in the meeting, if I was in perfect shape and at my goal weight and as physically fit as I wanted to be.
And I'm not where I want to be yet, so I am back at WW and I'm actually making an effort to participate in meetings and listen to what they have to say.
Things are good so far. I've lost a total of 6.6 lbs in those three weeks. So that's good. The first week was amazing, the last two weeks have been okay. Kind of slow and steady, although I know I could be doing better. But I know I'm doing a lot better than I had been, so that's good.
Training for the half marathon is going well, it's really tapering down now. I've skipped quite a few of my weekday runs lately due to boredom and business, but I'm getting all of my long runs and I feel ready to run the race. I'm nervous, no doubt, but I'm feeling good and I'm excited to get an actual race under my belt.
I'm also excited to get it over with, to be frank. I still haven't joined a gym, but I've been looking, and the idea of getting to some classes, taking yoga and lifting weights and maybe kickboxing and swimming and spinning just makes me happy. I miss working it out at the gym.
So I'm going to do that.
The half marathon is in 3 weeks. By that time, I'm hoping to be down a few more pounds, but most of all I'm hoping to be just feeling fresh and happy and ready to go. That day, I'll celebrate my one year anniversary with my amazing husband, and I'll complete a goal I've been working toward for a long time.
Then, I'll go to the Ritz! In Beaver Creek! Woo hoo! We're going to relax, hike, relax, hike, and just enjoy being together. And I cannot wait!
So I'm back now, and I'm weighing in on Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays depending on my crazy work schedule, so I'll try to update here. I'm also going to try to make a sidebar or something like that so I can keep better track of my weigh ins.
I'm also going to try to come around here more often, probably not every day, but more than I have been!
Things are good with me actually. I joined Weight Watchers again about three weeks ago and it is going well so far. Going to WW is interesting to say the least.
I've done the online program before, but I've never been to the meetings. To be honest with you, it feels a little bit like pre-school. I mean, the second week, when they were talking about activity points and working out, and I was thinking about the fact that I ran 8 miles the Saturday before, and the whole "park further away from the meeting" thing just sounded so silly.
But it's not silly, because I wouldn't be there, sitting in the meeting, if I was in perfect shape and at my goal weight and as physically fit as I wanted to be.
And I'm not where I want to be yet, so I am back at WW and I'm actually making an effort to participate in meetings and listen to what they have to say.
Things are good so far. I've lost a total of 6.6 lbs in those three weeks. So that's good. The first week was amazing, the last two weeks have been okay. Kind of slow and steady, although I know I could be doing better. But I know I'm doing a lot better than I had been, so that's good.
Training for the half marathon is going well, it's really tapering down now. I've skipped quite a few of my weekday runs lately due to boredom and business, but I'm getting all of my long runs and I feel ready to run the race. I'm nervous, no doubt, but I'm feeling good and I'm excited to get an actual race under my belt.
I'm also excited to get it over with, to be frank. I still haven't joined a gym, but I've been looking, and the idea of getting to some classes, taking yoga and lifting weights and maybe kickboxing and swimming and spinning just makes me happy. I miss working it out at the gym.
So I'm going to do that.
The half marathon is in 3 weeks. By that time, I'm hoping to be down a few more pounds, but most of all I'm hoping to be just feeling fresh and happy and ready to go. That day, I'll celebrate my one year anniversary with my amazing husband, and I'll complete a goal I've been working toward for a long time.
Then, I'll go to the Ritz! In Beaver Creek! Woo hoo! We're going to relax, hike, relax, hike, and just enjoy being together. And I cannot wait!
So I'm back now, and I'm weighing in on Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays depending on my crazy work schedule, so I'll try to update here. I'm also going to try to make a sidebar or something like that so I can keep better track of my weigh ins.
I'm also going to try to come around here more often, probably not every day, but more than I have been!
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Taking a Break
Hi guys. Sorry I haven't been around. Work and life in general has just been overwhelming and blogging is taking a backseat. I do plan on coming back full force, but right now I'm going to take a little blogging break. I'll still be reading though, so don't you guys quit on me like I'm doing.
And don't worry - I'm still working on losing - I actually decided to go back to Weight Watchers last week, and I lost four pounds this week!
So I'm not gone, just in hiding for a little bit. Be back soon!
ETA: You can still reach me at myfutureme@gmail.com if you want!
And don't worry - I'm still working on losing - I actually decided to go back to Weight Watchers last week, and I lost four pounds this week!
So I'm not gone, just in hiding for a little bit. Be back soon!
ETA: You can still reach me at myfutureme@gmail.com if you want!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Gyms
So yesterday I did the bodyweight workout right? OMG I am SO sore. It's really kind of sad. I mean, I've been running, but I haven't done any weights in at least six weeks. And I can feel it for sure. It's crap. It makes me realize how much fitness I lose when I stop doing a variety of workouts every week.
Sure, my running is better, but my pushups are pretty much pathetic.
So I think it may be time to join a gym again. I'm going to keep the running up of course, until the half marathon in October, but I'm going to try to throw in some classes and weights and yoga and what not here and there. Now I just have to figure out what gym I'm going to join. That's no fun.
Tonight I did some speedwork and feel pretty good about it, although it was shorter than I wanted it to be. I started way too late and I kind of just wanted to get home and have some dinner. Umm and some tootsie rolls. Okay so there's only so much healthy living I can do. :) I'll get there...
Sure, my running is better, but my pushups are pretty much pathetic.
So I think it may be time to join a gym again. I'm going to keep the running up of course, until the half marathon in October, but I'm going to try to throw in some classes and weights and yoga and what not here and there. Now I just have to figure out what gym I'm going to join. That's no fun.
Tonight I did some speedwork and feel pretty good about it, although it was shorter than I wanted it to be. I started way too late and I kind of just wanted to get home and have some dinner. Umm and some tootsie rolls. Okay so there's only so much healthy living I can do. :) I'll get there...
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Back
Umm hi.
Sorry I've been gone so long. Life has been absolutely insane and blogging - and the tiny losing streak I was on, has been pretty much put on the back burner.
I started a new job on August 1. And we're redoing our kitchen. And the boy's been out of town. And then I was out of town. Blah blah blah it was crazy.
Anyway, yeah. I've been running though, and I've actually been doing pretty good with that. Last weekend we went to Calistoga for a a wedding, and the boy and I ran along this beautiful road past tons and tons of vineyards. I would put some pictures up but I don't have any because I was running. It started out as the most sucky run ever. It was Saturday morning at 7:30 and I didn't wanna run. I did not wanna! I was on vacation.
But I put my shoes on and walked out the door. I was planning on following this trail suggested by the hotel but when we got out on the road, there was nothing. Nothing but, well, road.
And it was a busy road. Turns out the Silverado Trail is not so much a trail. It's more like a highway.
But we decided to stick to the side and run, because the hotel recommended it. We got going and I was feeling okay, but sort of dreading the length of the run. One hour and fifty minutes is a long time to be running. But I had my watch and I was timing ten minute intervals, so I was going to be okay.
And then my watch battery died. I threw a fit. I was pissed. I yelled at the boy. It wasn't his fault but I yelled at him. I was pissed that I had to run on my vacation. I was pissed that I had to wake up early. I was pissed that I had to run down a busy road. I was pissed that my watch battery died.
I was just pissed.
But the boy talked me off of the ledge, I realized I was acting like an asshole, and I just decided to run.
In the end it was a really good run. I think we did about eight miles, and it was nice running with my husband. Totally annoying that he hasn't run in three months and he was able to do eight miles, but fun nonetheless. And the scenery was gorgeous.
So now I'm back home and happy to just be here, but I have no kitchen so the food situation is pretty dire. In fact, it pretty much sucks.
I've been trying to figure it out, I have a toaster and a microwave, so that's good, but if anyone has suggestions on healthy things to eat sans kitchen, I would love them!
So sorry I haven't been commenting for you guys, but I'm off to read now. Hope all is well
ETA: I actually found some pics I took with my phone. The first one is me holding the phone in front my my face - mid run. The second is the beautiful view. I loved the fog by the way, so nice to run in cool weather like that!
Sorry I've been gone so long. Life has been absolutely insane and blogging - and the tiny losing streak I was on, has been pretty much put on the back burner.
I started a new job on August 1. And we're redoing our kitchen. And the boy's been out of town. And then I was out of town. Blah blah blah it was crazy.
Anyway, yeah. I've been running though, and I've actually been doing pretty good with that. Last weekend we went to Calistoga for a a wedding, and the boy and I ran along this beautiful road past tons and tons of vineyards. I would put some pictures up but I don't have any because I was running. It started out as the most sucky run ever. It was Saturday morning at 7:30 and I didn't wanna run. I did not wanna! I was on vacation.
But I put my shoes on and walked out the door. I was planning on following this trail suggested by the hotel but when we got out on the road, there was nothing. Nothing but, well, road.
And it was a busy road. Turns out the Silverado Trail is not so much a trail. It's more like a highway.
But we decided to stick to the side and run, because the hotel recommended it. We got going and I was feeling okay, but sort of dreading the length of the run. One hour and fifty minutes is a long time to be running. But I had my watch and I was timing ten minute intervals, so I was going to be okay.
And then my watch battery died. I threw a fit. I was pissed. I yelled at the boy. It wasn't his fault but I yelled at him. I was pissed that I had to run on my vacation. I was pissed that I had to wake up early. I was pissed that I had to run down a busy road. I was pissed that my watch battery died.
I was just pissed.
But the boy talked me off of the ledge, I realized I was acting like an asshole, and I just decided to run.
In the end it was a really good run. I think we did about eight miles, and it was nice running with my husband. Totally annoying that he hasn't run in three months and he was able to do eight miles, but fun nonetheless. And the scenery was gorgeous.
So now I'm back home and happy to just be here, but I have no kitchen so the food situation is pretty dire. In fact, it pretty much sucks.
I've been trying to figure it out, I have a toaster and a microwave, so that's good, but if anyone has suggestions on healthy things to eat sans kitchen, I would love them!
So sorry I haven't been commenting for you guys, but I'm off to read now. Hope all is well
ETA: I actually found some pics I took with my phone. The first one is me holding the phone in front my my face - mid run. The second is the beautiful view. I loved the fog by the way, so nice to run in cool weather like that!
Friday, July 20, 2007
Burgled!
TGIF! Although my Friday's are strangely different now that I've started training for this half marathon. I mean I was never a crazy partier out until 4 a.m. (I like sleeping too much) but now on Friday's I try to be in bed by 10:30 or so. I have to get up at six for crying out loud and go run a billion miles. Okay not a billion, but I'm running for an hour and 55 minute tomorrow. Holy crap.
I'm off work early this afternoon, but honestly, I haven't been doing all that much work for my current job - I've really already started doing things for my new gig. I don't start officially until August 1, but I'm helping out here and there before then. I'm so excited and cannot wait to get started. Nervous about the fact that I'll be working with almost all men, but I think I can handle it. I'm confident in my abilities. And it's nice to know that I am good at my job, and I can get out there and do something different and be recognized for my brains and my ability to help a growing company. Well I hope so at least!
I feel good about running, good about my eating and good about things in general, except for the fact that our garage got burglarized this week. Boo!
We live in an old neighborhood and have a detached garage, and I think they jumped the fence into our backyard and went in through the unlocked door. Eh. Guess it teaches us the lesson to always lock all of the doors. They stole both of our bikes (nice road bikes too!) our lawnmower than the boy spent hours perusing Craig's List for, and all of our tools. At least a couple thousand dollars worth of stuff, and our insurance deductible is so high that it's not really even going to help anything.
I've been trying to remain positive about it, but I tell ya, I'm really bummed about the bike. I'm running right now, but I don't belong to a gym currently and that was at least one other exercise option. Now I'm stuck with running, walking, or videos, which I absolutely despise. I'm sure I'll get another bike eventually, but it's really not in the cards right now since we're redoing our kitchen in the middle of all of this.
The worst thing about it is the feeling of just being violated. I hate knowing people were in there, even if it is detached from the house, while I was sleeping.
So that sucks, but I'm trying to move on. I'm off to get a pizza for my friend who just had twins, drop it off for her and her husband, then meet the girls for one drink (can't be drinking too much the night before a long run.) Tomorrow is the run, then granite shopping, a nap and seeing a friend's band play tomorrow night. Should be a fun weekend!
I'm off work early this afternoon, but honestly, I haven't been doing all that much work for my current job - I've really already started doing things for my new gig. I don't start officially until August 1, but I'm helping out here and there before then. I'm so excited and cannot wait to get started. Nervous about the fact that I'll be working with almost all men, but I think I can handle it. I'm confident in my abilities. And it's nice to know that I am good at my job, and I can get out there and do something different and be recognized for my brains and my ability to help a growing company. Well I hope so at least!
I feel good about running, good about my eating and good about things in general, except for the fact that our garage got burglarized this week. Boo!
We live in an old neighborhood and have a detached garage, and I think they jumped the fence into our backyard and went in through the unlocked door. Eh. Guess it teaches us the lesson to always lock all of the doors. They stole both of our bikes (nice road bikes too!) our lawnmower than the boy spent hours perusing Craig's List for, and all of our tools. At least a couple thousand dollars worth of stuff, and our insurance deductible is so high that it's not really even going to help anything.
I've been trying to remain positive about it, but I tell ya, I'm really bummed about the bike. I'm running right now, but I don't belong to a gym currently and that was at least one other exercise option. Now I'm stuck with running, walking, or videos, which I absolutely despise. I'm sure I'll get another bike eventually, but it's really not in the cards right now since we're redoing our kitchen in the middle of all of this.
The worst thing about it is the feeling of just being violated. I hate knowing people were in there, even if it is detached from the house, while I was sleeping.
So that sucks, but I'm trying to move on. I'm off to get a pizza for my friend who just had twins, drop it off for her and her husband, then meet the girls for one drink (can't be drinking too much the night before a long run.) Tomorrow is the run, then granite shopping, a nap and seeing a friend's band play tomorrow night. Should be a fun weekend!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Loss!
Quick post before I head to work to let you know I lost 2.6 lbs this week for my first week of the challenge with team Skinny Minnies. Woo hoo. I am stoked! Let's see, since I last posted I also did a 4 mile time trial on Saturday (found out my goal pace for the half marathon is going to be about 12:30/mile). I'm slow, but hey, at least I'm doing it.
I also got offered a new job this week and quit my current job (last day is next Friday). Seems like there's a lot of people out there with new jobs - it's exciting and freakishly scary at the same time. But more on that when I have more time.
Hope you all are well, and good luck to all of the challenge members!
I also got offered a new job this week and quit my current job (last day is next Friday). Seems like there's a lot of people out there with new jobs - it's exciting and freakishly scary at the same time. But more on that when I have more time.
Hope you all are well, and good luck to all of the challenge members!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Commentary
Hello! So I started a challenge with Kim and Jodi and I'm feeling pretty great about it so far. I mean, it's only been two days, but I like how I'm feeling. Apparently I'm not looking that great though, because my mom dropped off a salad for me today at the office - we were supposed to go out to lunch but I got too busy - and she said I looked really tired.
I'm okay with it because it's my mom and she's allowed to tell me I look tired and be concerned about my well being. She actually asked me if I'm running too much, now that's something I never thought I'd hear. But yeah, other people, not so much.
What is it with passive aggressive people who say shit like that right to your face? I mean let's say you get a new haircut, and someone says to you
"Did you get a new haircut? (So at this point, they've clearly noticed the haircut)
You say "yeah, I did."
Then they just don't say anything. Or they say, "oh." Or "that's nice."
Well clearly they think your haircut sucks. So why bring it up in the first place right?
I just don't roll like that. Sure I make snarky comments about people all of the time, but I do it in the privacy of my own home. Or in my office. At least I judge quietly. Dammit.
So why am I on this rant? I have no idea. I was actually in a good mood for a few hours in the office today, which is more than I can say about the rest of the week. Running is going well, and I'm doing a 4 mile time trial on Saturday to help me gauge my expected pace for the half marathon. And I'm actually excited about it!
Now if it would just be the weekend already...
I'm okay with it because it's my mom and she's allowed to tell me I look tired and be concerned about my well being. She actually asked me if I'm running too much, now that's something I never thought I'd hear. But yeah, other people, not so much.
What is it with passive aggressive people who say shit like that right to your face? I mean let's say you get a new haircut, and someone says to you
"Did you get a new haircut? (So at this point, they've clearly noticed the haircut)
You say "yeah, I did."
Then they just don't say anything. Or they say, "oh." Or "that's nice."
Well clearly they think your haircut sucks. So why bring it up in the first place right?
I just don't roll like that. Sure I make snarky comments about people all of the time, but I do it in the privacy of my own home. Or in my office. At least I judge quietly. Dammit.
So why am I on this rant? I have no idea. I was actually in a good mood for a few hours in the office today, which is more than I can say about the rest of the week. Running is going well, and I'm doing a 4 mile time trial on Saturday to help me gauge my expected pace for the half marathon. And I'm actually excited about it!
Now if it would just be the weekend already...
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Love
Wow. July 4th on a Wednesday? Not a big fan. Today felt like a Monday all over again. But at least tomorrow's Friday, so it's all good.. We're dog sitting for my parents right now, and the dog is just ridiculously sad and misses my mom so much. She's just precious and cute, but really whiny. And pretty darn spoiled. Unfortunately I'm not getting a lot of sleep right now, because she wakes up twenty million times a night looking for my mom.
So between that, and the beers and the chips yesterday, I woke up today feeling icky poo poo, as Perez would say. I was dreading my group run tonight, but it actually went fairly well. We did our warm ups, and then 3 sets of 15 minutes each, with 6 sets of 15 second strides. The last 15 minute set was a little rough and I had to walk a tiny bit up one of the hills, but I made it. A girl in my group said we did about 5 miles total, including the warm up, so I'm pretty excited about that.
I've now done 5 mile runs twice in the past week! Wow, I have got to say that I really rock. I also did a 16 mile bike ride yesterday, so hopefully that helped offset the crazy amount of food I ate at my friend's BBQ yesterday. Still need to work on that part, but I got back on track today so that's all good.
The boy and I had a big talk last night about how I approach food when it comes to social events. It's like when I get to a party, or a social gathering, or even just dinner with friends, all of the sudden my knowledge of nutrition and my ability to make good choices just flies out the window. I think I use food to compensate for some level of social unease. It's like if I just hover by the chips and dip, I won't have to mingle and wonder if anyone wants to talk to me. I never consciously think that when I'm at a party, but for some reason it always tends to happen.
So I'm going to try to work on that, and I'm going to try to work on the guilt thing that takes control of me if I do end up straying from my plan a bit. Negative self-talk is killing me, and I just can't do it anymore. I need to love myself. And it starts now!
So between that, and the beers and the chips yesterday, I woke up today feeling icky poo poo, as Perez would say. I was dreading my group run tonight, but it actually went fairly well. We did our warm ups, and then 3 sets of 15 minutes each, with 6 sets of 15 second strides. The last 15 minute set was a little rough and I had to walk a tiny bit up one of the hills, but I made it. A girl in my group said we did about 5 miles total, including the warm up, so I'm pretty excited about that.
I've now done 5 mile runs twice in the past week! Wow, I have got to say that I really rock. I also did a 16 mile bike ride yesterday, so hopefully that helped offset the crazy amount of food I ate at my friend's BBQ yesterday. Still need to work on that part, but I got back on track today so that's all good.
The boy and I had a big talk last night about how I approach food when it comes to social events. It's like when I get to a party, or a social gathering, or even just dinner with friends, all of the sudden my knowledge of nutrition and my ability to make good choices just flies out the window. I think I use food to compensate for some level of social unease. It's like if I just hover by the chips and dip, I won't have to mingle and wonder if anyone wants to talk to me. I never consciously think that when I'm at a party, but for some reason it always tends to happen.
So I'm going to try to work on that, and I'm going to try to work on the guilt thing that takes control of me if I do end up straying from my plan a bit. Negative self-talk is killing me, and I just can't do it anymore. I need to love myself. And it starts now!
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Under Pressure
Hello! Sorry I've been MIA all week. I have no excuse, work is just really busy and yadda yadda yadda. I did start my weekly half marathon training though, and I lost 2 lbs this week! So that's a good start. The training is going really well, and although I'm one of the slowest people in the group, it's okay because I'm doing it, and that's what matters.
This morning we ran five miles. Actually, I think that's the longest I've ever run in my entire life. All this working out, and I've never run that far. Wow. So it was tough, and I was definitely struggling by the end up the last hill, but compared to last Saturday, I was a super star. So that feels good.
I've been reading a lot about nutrition and what not for longer distance running and I've decided that this may not be conducive to my desire to lose weight. I know a lot of runners have a tendency to over compensate for the calories they burn during their runs, and I have a feeling I might be one of those people. Just because I burned almost 1000 calories today doesn't mean I have license to go eat anything I want.
So I'm going to have to work on that. I'm going to have to increase quantity slightly to keep up with training, but it needs to be good stuff. No ice cream! Okay maybe sometimes.
It's weird how my insecurities really come pouring out when I'm running, but then suddenly, whether it's halfway through or when I'm finished, I feel so incredible and confident. I swear on the drive home this morning, I was crazy. Maybe my brain didn't have enough glucose or something, but I was trying to do the math and figure out how fast I was running (I didn't stop my watch right after we finished, but I think about 12 minute miles, maybe 12:30). Anyway, so I was trying to figure out the math, and before I knew it, I had driven probably 6 miles. It's like my mind goes to this far away place after a run, and all of my cares just fly away. And I can focus on silly math instead of worrying about my job or my weight or my house or all of those other things.
I learned I should probably pay more attention when I'm driving home, but I also learned that running is really great therapy for me. Life seems okay after a run. Like all is good and right with the world.
Don't ya just love exercise. I think this commercial explains it nicely.
I'm off to H0me Dep0t, lunch, then a nice nap. Hope you all have a great weekend!
This morning we ran five miles. Actually, I think that's the longest I've ever run in my entire life. All this working out, and I've never run that far. Wow. So it was tough, and I was definitely struggling by the end up the last hill, but compared to last Saturday, I was a super star. So that feels good.
I've been reading a lot about nutrition and what not for longer distance running and I've decided that this may not be conducive to my desire to lose weight. I know a lot of runners have a tendency to over compensate for the calories they burn during their runs, and I have a feeling I might be one of those people. Just because I burned almost 1000 calories today doesn't mean I have license to go eat anything I want.
So I'm going to have to work on that. I'm going to have to increase quantity slightly to keep up with training, but it needs to be good stuff. No ice cream! Okay maybe sometimes.
It's weird how my insecurities really come pouring out when I'm running, but then suddenly, whether it's halfway through or when I'm finished, I feel so incredible and confident. I swear on the drive home this morning, I was crazy. Maybe my brain didn't have enough glucose or something, but I was trying to do the math and figure out how fast I was running (I didn't stop my watch right after we finished, but I think about 12 minute miles, maybe 12:30). Anyway, so I was trying to figure out the math, and before I knew it, I had driven probably 6 miles. It's like my mind goes to this far away place after a run, and all of my cares just fly away. And I can focus on silly math instead of worrying about my job or my weight or my house or all of those other things.
I learned I should probably pay more attention when I'm driving home, but I also learned that running is really great therapy for me. Life seems okay after a run. Like all is good and right with the world.
Don't ya just love exercise. I think this commercial explains it nicely.
I'm off to H0me Dep0t, lunch, then a nice nap. Hope you all have a great weekend!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
16 Weeks...
So this morning I woke up at 6:30 or so, after tossing and turning most of the night and generally getting a horrible night's sleep. I don't know if I was just anxious about running this morning, or if my body was revolting from all the cheese I had on my pizza for dinner last night, or what it was, but I just did not sleep.
So as you can imagine, by about 9:00, I was feeling pretty tired. Let me back up though. I arrived at the meeting location by about 7:45, because we were told registration was between 7:30 and 9:00 and to get! there! early!
Well I got there early. Way too early it seems, because things weren't quite as busy as they made it seem. I picked up my fun team Denver marathon training outfits (baby blue, not super cute) and changed in the locker room. After waiting around for an hour or so, the coaches finally started talking and we separated into teams.
My team is made up of people who are doing the marathon or half marathon and plan to run 10, 11 or higher minute miles. After doing some fun warm ups and calisthenics, we finally set out to run at about 10:15 or so. And by this point, it was HOT. So hot. Ridiculously hot.
But I was okay. I was going to do this. My coach, C. had decided in advance she wanted our team to turn around at the 3.5 mile marker just because of the heat and our late start, so I didn't really have the option to do the 5 miler. Which it turns out, was just fine by me.
I started out pretty good I thought, but on what I now realize was a slight downhill, thus the easiness of the pace. I met a girl who lives in my neighborhood who was about my pace (she ended up finishing a little before I did, but we're close). We ran together until the turnaround, and that's when things started getting rough.
Just before the turnaround was a HUGE hill, and with the sun beating down, I started struggling. A lot of people did though. I think I let my heart rate get a little too high at this point, and I started dying for some water. There was Gatorade at the turnaround, but it just tasted too sweet and sugary for me.
The way home down the hill was okay, but by the end when we started going uphill again, I had to stop and walk quite a bit. Of course I forgot my heart rate monitor/watch, so I have no idea how long it ended up taking me. I would guess at least 45 minutes, if not more.
I met my mom and little sis for lunch, came home and showered and crashed into a nap for 2+ hours. I just took the dogger on a walk and I'm contemplating dinner since the boy is headed to a Bachelor Party (yikes). I'm kind of tempted to just do a Lean Cuisine or something since it's easy, but that seems kind of lame for a Saturday night. I should probably at least have something that requires an oven or a stovetop, right?
Overall I'm not super happy with how the first day of training went, but honestly, I'm just glad I got it done. I think next week will be better; I won't be nervous about meeting people so hopefully I'll sleep better, and we start at 7, not 10, so it should be quite a bit cooler.
The one thing I did realize today is that I have NOT been pushing myself on hills. In fact, I don't think I've even really attempted any hills. So if we continue to do hilly routes, that will be a big change for me. But I think it's a change I'm willing to embrace. I'm excited to have a team to train with, and I've already met a few women who I think will be great running partners. Now to get through the next 16 weeks!
So as you can imagine, by about 9:00, I was feeling pretty tired. Let me back up though. I arrived at the meeting location by about 7:45, because we were told registration was between 7:30 and 9:00 and to get! there! early!
Well I got there early. Way too early it seems, because things weren't quite as busy as they made it seem. I picked up my fun team Denver marathon training outfits (baby blue, not super cute) and changed in the locker room. After waiting around for an hour or so, the coaches finally started talking and we separated into teams.
My team is made up of people who are doing the marathon or half marathon and plan to run 10, 11 or higher minute miles. After doing some fun warm ups and calisthenics, we finally set out to run at about 10:15 or so. And by this point, it was HOT. So hot. Ridiculously hot.
But I was okay. I was going to do this. My coach, C. had decided in advance she wanted our team to turn around at the 3.5 mile marker just because of the heat and our late start, so I didn't really have the option to do the 5 miler. Which it turns out, was just fine by me.
I started out pretty good I thought, but on what I now realize was a slight downhill, thus the easiness of the pace. I met a girl who lives in my neighborhood who was about my pace (she ended up finishing a little before I did, but we're close). We ran together until the turnaround, and that's when things started getting rough.
Just before the turnaround was a HUGE hill, and with the sun beating down, I started struggling. A lot of people did though. I think I let my heart rate get a little too high at this point, and I started dying for some water. There was Gatorade at the turnaround, but it just tasted too sweet and sugary for me.
The way home down the hill was okay, but by the end when we started going uphill again, I had to stop and walk quite a bit. Of course I forgot my heart rate monitor/watch, so I have no idea how long it ended up taking me. I would guess at least 45 minutes, if not more.
I met my mom and little sis for lunch, came home and showered and crashed into a nap for 2+ hours. I just took the dogger on a walk and I'm contemplating dinner since the boy is headed to a Bachelor Party (yikes). I'm kind of tempted to just do a Lean Cuisine or something since it's easy, but that seems kind of lame for a Saturday night. I should probably at least have something that requires an oven or a stovetop, right?
Overall I'm not super happy with how the first day of training went, but honestly, I'm just glad I got it done. I think next week will be better; I won't be nervous about meeting people so hopefully I'll sleep better, and we start at 7, not 10, so it should be quite a bit cooler.
The one thing I did realize today is that I have NOT been pushing myself on hills. In fact, I don't think I've even really attempted any hills. So if we continue to do hilly routes, that will be a big change for me. But I think it's a change I'm willing to embrace. I'm excited to have a team to train with, and I've already met a few women who I think will be great running partners. Now to get through the next 16 weeks!
Friday, June 22, 2007
Chillin
Had a great week this week until today, and then I think the stress of work and about a million other things caught up with me and I caved at lunch and ordered a grilled cheese. And then the boy and I had pizza for dinner. But I counted up the calories and I'm actually stil only at about 1900, so not as bad as it could have been. Especially considering I start the half marathon training tomorrow. I think I'm burning calories right now just freaking out about it.
Weird how one great week can do so much for your self-esteem. I look exactly like I did last Friday, but I just feel better. A couple of good runs, some spinach and grilled chicken and suddenly I'm all confident and fabulous. Yeah, I overdid the cheese a little bit today, but eh. It's cool.
So tonight the plan is go to bed early, then I'm heading down south for my first training run in the morning. There's a 5 mile option, with a 3.5 mile turnaround for those who want to take it. I think I'm going to plan to do the 5 miles and use the turnaround if I really need it. I figure I should start out optimistic though, right?
Watching School of Rock right now - love that movie. One great rock show can change the world...
Weird how one great week can do so much for your self-esteem. I look exactly like I did last Friday, but I just feel better. A couple of good runs, some spinach and grilled chicken and suddenly I'm all confident and fabulous. Yeah, I overdid the cheese a little bit today, but eh. It's cool.
So tonight the plan is go to bed early, then I'm heading down south for my first training run in the morning. There's a 5 mile option, with a 3.5 mile turnaround for those who want to take it. I think I'm going to plan to do the 5 miles and use the turnaround if I really need it. I figure I should start out optimistic though, right?
Watching School of Rock right now - love that movie. One great rock show can change the world...
Monday, June 18, 2007
Monday
Hello! Guess what?
I'm writing from my brand new Macbook! I'm so excited about it I could just throw up. And also, it has a camera, so there may be a video post from yours truly sometime soon if I can get up the nerve. Not yet though.
So I'm feeling much better after my little procedure on Friday. I was sort of crampy all day Saturday and basically felt icky, so I didn't go on my planned run. And then I didn't on Sunday either. No real reason, I just didn't. But eh, such is life, and I got back out there tonight and ran for 50 minutes. Well, I walked some of it too but I basically ran the whole thing and feel pretty damn good about it.
I'm starting to freak out though, because this Saturday begins my half-marathon training. I've been getting the emails about which pace group I'd like to join, and I really want to say I'll be running sub-11's, but I don't think that's really realistic. But then I'm thinking, hell yeah it's realistic, that's why we train. So I don't know yet, but I'll see.
Food is off and on, but I'm hanging in. Tonight I tried some Barilla Plus pasta, it's made with extra protein and Omega Fatty Acids and to tell you the truth, it wasn't that bad. Coupled with some organic spaghetti sauce, a zucchini and some leftover turkey, all in all it was a healthy, satisfying meal. Now to avoid the ice cream...
Hope everyone is feeling well!
I'm writing from my brand new Macbook! I'm so excited about it I could just throw up. And also, it has a camera, so there may be a video post from yours truly sometime soon if I can get up the nerve. Not yet though.
So I'm feeling much better after my little procedure on Friday. I was sort of crampy all day Saturday and basically felt icky, so I didn't go on my planned run. And then I didn't on Sunday either. No real reason, I just didn't. But eh, such is life, and I got back out there tonight and ran for 50 minutes. Well, I walked some of it too but I basically ran the whole thing and feel pretty damn good about it.
I'm starting to freak out though, because this Saturday begins my half-marathon training. I've been getting the emails about which pace group I'd like to join, and I really want to say I'll be running sub-11's, but I don't think that's really realistic. But then I'm thinking, hell yeah it's realistic, that's why we train. So I don't know yet, but I'll see.
Food is off and on, but I'm hanging in. Tonight I tried some Barilla Plus pasta, it's made with extra protein and Omega Fatty Acids and to tell you the truth, it wasn't that bad. Coupled with some organic spaghetti sauce, a zucchini and some leftover turkey, all in all it was a healthy, satisfying meal. Now to avoid the ice cream...
Hope everyone is feeling well!
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