Race for the Cure 10k!

So the day has come and gone! I complete the 10k I've been training for over the past 12 weeks!

The 10k started at 7:30 a.m. We set the alarm for 5:30 a.m. and I was tired! We left the house around 6 and it's good we did because it turned out we were in a rush for me to get to the start line.

For breakfast before the race I had a bagel thin with some almond butter and half a banana with some water.

We got to downtown St. Petersburg and parked. There was already some traffic but not too bad since the 5k started later. We ran into a Starbucks to use the bathroom. We had to walk a bit to get to the race start and I wanted to pee one more time and the lines for the port-o-potties were crazy. Luckily we made it and I got in line for the race. The 10k wasn't that packed so the pace markers were sort of irrelevant and I hung in the middle.

I made sure to use Body Glide to avoid chaffing from my ipod band, watch, knee sleeves and shorts! (Works like a charm! I was fine!)

The race started a little late (around 7:40 a.m.) so my nerves started to get to me as I waited in the crowd alone. I kept thinking how I might now be able to do it, how far it was, etc. Then I told my negative thoughts to STOP and I agreed to enjoy the view and enjoy the run for myself as much as I could.

Let's re-cap mile by mile!

Start to Mile 1: I was feeling good and wanted to keep a good pace but nothing too fast because I didn't want to burn out. The first mile went down a street and up and around the St. Pete pier. It was a nice part of the course right on the water. As I was coming up the stretch to the pier I saw my friend Mary coming down the other side on the way back (she is a long-time runner and speedy! She finished in 45 min.) We waved and I kept going. I got to mile one pretty quickly (around 11:45 min) and was feeling good. I took a cup of water and kept going!

Mile 1 to Mile 2: As I came off the pier loop I looked up and I saw John! He was doing the 5k and 8:15 a.m. and happened to see the 10k group and waited to see me!

Mile 1 to 2 seemed a lot longer. I tried not think much about it and seemed to be maintaining a 12 min/mile. I got some more water and went going on!


Mile 2 to 3: This mile went pretty fast for me. Nothing stands out about it really. Other than the fact I turned onto the second extra round abount for the 10k. Based on the map I knew it was going to be long. I reached mile 3 shortly after I turned onto that road and thought, "5k!" half-way there! At this point it started getting pretty warm. Earlier it was cool but this is when I started to notice the heat. Yuck!

Mile 3 to 4: I never thought I'd get to mile 4. I was going up a side street for what seemed forever waiting to get to the turn around point. I was hot and really wanted some more water. At this point I was hanging around the same women. Some were faster but would stop to walk and fall back to where I was. I decided to keep up with one lady who was consistently ahead of me even with her walking breaks.

Mile 4 to 5: This mile seemed a lot shorter and I got two cups of water at mile 4. I needed it! At one point I debated walking for a minute the second I slowed down my knees felt like hell. They felt okay running but the walking made them feel tight as anything! So I kept running. Shortly after the mile 4 mark the 10k course merged in with the 5k. It kind of sucked because the crowd got big and that meant some weaving around people. Luckily that point of the 5k group were still runners so I didn't have to weave in and out that much. When I hit mile 5 I felt really emotional. I realized I had one mile to go (and change)! My accomplishment was hitting me at this point and I felt like crying but I didn't. Right around that time my Glee version of I'm A Slave 4 U came on and I said to myself "Let's do this!" and I picked my pace! I wish I had my split times because I know mile 5 was a fast one for me. It had to be though because mile 4 was my slowest (I think).

Mile 5 to 6: A little past the mile 5 marker I checked my watch and I had 15 minutes to meet my goal time of 1:20. I thought I CAN DO THIS but I knew I couldn't slow down. I started getting some pretty annoying side stitches (I'm assuming because of my picked up pace) but I kept telling myself that I was almost done and to push through it! I kept checking my watch and thinking "Where is the finish line?!" I started to worry I'd just miss my goal time and It'd annoy me but I tried to tell myself no matter what happened it was okay and I was doing my best. I finally rounded a corner and saw the mile 6 sign! I picked it up and despite my side stich kept trucking!

Mile 6 to 6.2: I kept running and finally saw the finish line in view! The clock read just over 1:19 and I booked it! It was tough because the area was more crowded with all the 5k finishers so I had to do a bit of weaving but I crossed the mat at the clock time of 1:19:48!!!! That means my chip time was even less! *JUST IN* My official chip time is 1:19:20.

I AM SO HAPPY! When I crossed I felt like I was in a daze. I finished my first 10k and beat my goal time! I maintained around a 12:30 min/mile overall.

I stretched and roamed around a little before I met John at our meeting place.

At first I thought my knees were okay but they became super tight and achy fast. I do think the knee sleeves helped though.

John and I came home, showered and felt beat! We rested for a bit and then had a nice lunch at Seasons 52. We were so sleepy and had time to kill so we napped in the car for 20 min. after lunch. Heh.

At 2 John got his hair cut and I got a pedicure! It was a nice treat after a long run. I got a pretty bronze-orange color for October/Halloween!

After that we came home and napped until 6! Then we ordered Domino's Pizza to be delivered. I got a thin crust with light cheese (and I've learned this means a tiny sprinkle) which is fine with me! I ate half of my medium pizza. I was famished!

I ate all of my 7 activity points I earned today but the race made me hungry!

Tonight we are just relaxing! My legs are so tired!

Okay, time to go relax more! Thanks to everyone who wished me luck and for the support.

Pre-10k post!

The 10k is tomorrow morning! I can't believe it's here. I started my training plan three months ago! Time sure does fly and once again teaches me that if I want to do something I might as well do it now because time won't wait on me!

On that notion, it's time to kick it into gear with my weight-loss and getting to my goal. Speaking of getting into the fit groove, John has his 10 year H.S. reunion in two weeks and we wants to try and lose a little weight. So for the next two weeks we are going to work hard and continue it on! I told him he can lose 5lbs in a week if he tries really hard, damn you men! He only has maybe 10-15 to lose max.

Back to the 10k...

Here is the little print out of my training plan at my desk at work. I highlight all my completed days. You'll notice there aren't too many skipped days (white). I'm really proud of how well I did!

My furthest distance to date is 5.75 miles. I know I have it in me to hit that 6.2 mile mark. :)

My gear for tomorrow is the following: new tank top, shorts (wearing body glide!), my standard socks and shoes, knee sleeves, my iPod nano on my armband and visor!

There are five water stops on the 10k course which is awesome. I think I will walk though the water stops to drink the water if I start to feel tired.

The temperature tomorrow is going to be between 71 and 75 degrees. YAY! Florida just got a little cool front and the timing is perfect!

The 10k starts at 7:30 a.m. My goal is to finish in 1:20. I don't know if that's realistic but it's what I'm going for!

John is running the 5k and it starts at 8:15 a.m. I figure if it takes him an hour to finish we'll finish around the same time.

John, Jen and I have to get to Vinoy Park early (I'm thinking 6:45 a.m.) to park, figure out a meeting place since we'll all lose each other during the race, and use the restrooms.

I am excited but also nervous I won't do good or I'll burn out!

My thoughts are that I'll try my best to cruise and enjoy the first 3 miles. I know I can handle that. Then I'll focus on getting to the mile 4 sign. I know I can get to mile 4. From there I know I'll be starting to feel it but I will do my best to truck though to mile 5. If I can get to mile 5 I know I'll be able to get to mile 6 and then the finish line will be minutes away!

I have to make a new play list tonight!

I leave you with the cookies I made for a bake sale at work today to raise money for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer! Pumpkin Oatmeal Cranberry cookies! I decided to participate since the race tomorrow is Race for the Cure and it's a great cause.

Wish me luck!

Lots to talk about...

So this last week went well as far as my 10k training was concerned. At this point I'm deviating from the plan to accommodate my knees but I'm still getting the proper amount of activity in.

I had my long run on Thursday and wanted to go 5.75 miles but I stopped at 5.25 because my knees were feeling really tight. I know I had it in me to go the full distance but I didn't want to risk injury so I cut it short.

Friday I went to the doctor. He thinks what I have is patella femoral syndrome and suggested that I get knee sleeves to wear while running, do ice massage after running and go to about three physical therapy sessions to learn some stretches/strengthening moves. Tomorrow I'm going to Sports Authority and see if I can find some knee sleeves.

Today we got up early and head to Orlando to go to Universal with our friends Sean and Claire. I missed my WW meeting but weighed myself at home. It appears I was only down .4.

I felt really sad because last week I was determined to have a good loss. I did okay this week but yesterday we had a team building and I ate some bad things, albeit not a lot, but honestly they probably added up to a lot of points.

Today I ended up using 10 of my 35 WAP from being out which isn't that bad.

My challenge for this week is to myself is to stay in my daily points the rest of the week. I have no long runs this week. I'm doing 3 miles max to rest my knees. I'd like to not use any activity but we'll see how it goes.

I can't weigh-in Saturday next weekend because of the 10k but I am going to go to the 1 p.m. meeting on Sunday. I am hoping to be down 3lbs this week.

Another thing is that for almost three months I've been on a new birth control which I think may be a small part of the problem. I have felt hungrier but I don't think I'm retaining water so who knows? I think I'll finish out this third month and stop it since the reason I started was to help with an issue and I don't think it's working.

So in about 2 months and 1 week we go to NYC and I can't wait. I wanted to be as close to goal as I can.

Right now my goal is to get back to 165 for the trip. That means losing 15lbs in a little over 2 months. I can do it.

John and I's 3-year-anniversary is October 29th and we are going to keep it low-key and get dinner at Seasons 52. Since that is about one month away I am hoping to be down about 7-10lbs.

My plan for reaching actual goal weight is going to be before my 26th birthday in April 2011. I don't want to rush myself too much and make unrealistic expectations.

I've also decided my goal weight is going to be 145.

When I first started WW my goal weight was 135. Once I got to my lowest of 150 and struggled a lot at that point I decided 135 was too low and would be too hard to maintain and I wouldn't be happy. So I upped it to 140.

I am going to make it 145 for now and after maintaining to achieve lifetime at WW I'll address if I'd like to get closer to 140.

OMG this is long and hardly anyone reads. Oh well.

Workout plan for my FINAL week before the 10k!

Saturday(today): got some activity walking at theme park :)
Sunday: 30 Day Shred Level 2
Monday: 3-4 mile run
Tuesday: kickboxing
Wednesday: 3 mile run
Thursday: rest
Friday: rest
Saturday: 10k!!!!!! I can't wait! :)

Finally, here is a picture of Claire and I today. :)

weekend update: good and bad

So let's see...where to start?

Saturday I had my WW meeting. I think we have a new leader. I'm not sure because I was 15 min late (they changed the time again) and the new lady was leading and my old leader was still there watching. Hmm. I hope we have this new lady because I could tell right away I liked her a lot more. I just looked on WW online and she is indeed the new leader for Saturdays. :)

I was up .8 which sucks. I didn't have a good week points wise though so I couldn't get that upset. Our location is a "pilot" where the center is open retail hours. The set-up is totally new and it's really nice. I left the meeting and headed home.

The weekend was relaxing. We saw that new movie The Town and it was really good! I highly recommend it!

We went to Michael's and I got a cute glass jar/bowl and pretty blue glass beads. So not only is it motivational but it looks nice. I stayed in points Saturday and Sunday and didn't snack at night so I have four stones so far! :)

So far it's working great.

Yesterday I did a 4 mile run outside. Not much to say as far as that goes. It was hot. Ugh.

Now with bad news...

I took Dakota to the cardiologist this morning. Turns out he does have heart disease. I have to wait to find out more details from the vet tomorrow. From what I know now, it's not that bad/advanced. He is most likely going to go on medication to slow his heart rate. I'm guessing his heart beats faster than it needs to right now? Like I said, I'll find out more tomorrow.

I just pray to whatever there is that he leads a happy and long life with us.

5.5 miles, my knees and Dakota

So yesterday after work I completed a 5.5 mile run. That is my longest distance to date. I ran the entire time at a 12 minute mile pace. For the most part I felt good but the second I slowed down to walk when I finished my knees felt swollen and tight. It was bad. I walked a bit and then did stretches which immediately helped.

When I got home I iced on and off two times and took Advil. Today my knees actually feel okay. Resting up today and I'm going to do a light run tomorrow. Possibly cross train if I feel sore.

I have an appt. with a sports medicine/orthopedic doctor next Friday.

In the mean time I have order knee sleeves which will arrive Wednesday and should help offer my knees support.

Last night I was famished from what the run took out of me and ended up going over points. I know it was necessary to refuel my body but I hate feeling like I'm overeating!

- - - -

In other news I am having a bad day. We took my cat Dakota to the vet today for is annual exam/shots and a teeth cleaning.

Turns out he needs two teeth extracted because they have resorptive lesions (apparently pretty common) and the vet called me to tell me she doesn't feel comfortable having him sedated given the higher grade of his heart murmur. It's a 4 out of 6. You'd never know he had an issue unless you listened to his heart.

Long story short John and I are going to be putting out a lot of money in the next month.

Monday I have to miss half a day of work to take him to the vet cardiologist. I might ask about working from home that day as I have VDI access.

I'm just super upset that something might be wrong with Dakota's heart and that he will have to have teeth extracted. I cried hysterically to John after the vet called me. Not to mention the financial burden this puts on us. However, we are blessed that we have the means to take care of all this stuff for our little guy and help him have a long, happy and healthy life.

So glad today is a rest day and an acupuncture day so tonight will be relaxing in bed with Dakota which is favorite thing (see below)! <3

A win and a loss plus peas on the knees.

So I went on the treadmill at work and knocked out the 5.25 miles. It wasn't easy and my inner whiner was being really loud from miles 2 to 3. It was nice being able to watch shows on my iPhone. I ended up watching the LOST Pilot part 1 and some of part 2. I love that show so much. I started to get emotional during the first five minutes. True LOST fans will understand.

So anyway, big win! I drove home and was famished. So hungry! I thought I had a game plan for dinner but I thought wrong.

I got in the kitchen and tried to think what would be fast. I had spelt pretzels and hummus. I took a pre-portioned container of hummus that we get for John to bring to work. Turns out it was 4 points and if you add the pretzels there was 6. All my points...

I felt ravenous and thought "I can't just eat that!" So I had 1oz of sliced turkey (1) and then made an Amys veggie burger on a sandwich thin (1).

In addition to this I had some carrots with mustard (0) but the next grab is what killed me.

The evil dark chocolate. Generally I am okay with dark chocolate in the house. Well tonight I took a 1/4th of the bar I picked this weekend. Okay, fine, wanted something sweet...then I went back for more. I ate half the bar which clocked in at 5 points. Fuck. My. Life.

I am typing this now to vent because I feel sad, ashamed and like I've failed.

I did a run for nothing? No, I know that isn't true. I built my endurance and my body is burning fat more efficiently (thank god). I just feel disappointed.

Week after week I say "This week I am going to stay in my daily points!" and I've yet to do that.

Sure, I have 5 WAP left for the week and have 13 activity points untouched but it still sucks.

I think this next week I'm going to post my daily points in here. Maybe if I feel accountable to you guys it will help me.

Does anyone have advice for what to do when you're feeling exhausted and famished after a long run and need to eat? I guess planning is key and I was sort of winging it.

Back when I was doing my best on WW and losing mostly every week I was too far on the other side. I remember eating chocolate one night and trying to make myself throw up. I couldn't and was so upset. So I went to the gym for the second time that day to burn off more points. That isn't healthy. I never made that behavior a habit but even though I was losing I wasn't in a good place either.

I need to find a good in between place.

Oh, I almost forgot, I'm about to put a bag of peas on my knees and ice them. They hurt. :(

Running pains...

So yesterday I set off for my 5.25 mile run. The whole thing turned into one big problem.

Let's start off with the fact that I went to use the gym in my office building and there are only two treadmills. There is the one I like and the one that for some reason I decided I don't like. No reason really, both are in good condition and work fine. I think it's because at some point I decided the one I now don't like has a smidge of an incline to it even when it's at a 0. So naturally that was the only one open.

I sucked it up and got going. At around my first mile I was really uncomfortable and had to pee. I sighed and paused it and ran to the bathroom. I got back on and I still felt like I had to pee. Ugh! I kept going...

The first two miles I was also experiencing gastrointestinal distress. It was really uncomfortable and getting annoying fast.

Mind you, this whole time my "inner whiner" was out in full force. I kept ignoring it and kept trying to focus on my running.

Then out of no where my facial pain (I have a mystery facial neuralgia I get acupuncture for) started going wild. It generally is very mild since I started acupuncture. That turned into a headache which minutes later turned into sharp pains in my shoulders. What, the, frack?

That was it. I hit stop just short of 3 miles and then walked for 5 minutes.

I felt a bit defeated and headed home.

Some days you're on and some days you're off. I know my body is conditioned and fully capable of going 5.25 miles but today I just had to listen to all it's complains and let it rest.

When I got home John informed me I can get a Netflix app for my iPhone and watch movies on it! I wish I knew this earlier!

Today I am going to kill the 5.25 mile run while I watch the pilot episode of LOST. I've seem the entire series but I love it. <3

Tomorrow I rest and the 5k is Saturday!

Ugh, the sick/flu season is upon us!

So Friday I was feeling crappy with a sore throat and yesterday it was feeling worse. John and I decided to skip our run/bike ride since I wasn't feeling well and the idea of breathing heavy while running on a sore throat was not appealing.

Last night we relaxed but by the time Mad Men was over my throat was killing me. I looked down it with a flash light and saw a few little white spots on my tonsils. No! Tonsilitis! Luckily the doctor I saw Saturday gave me an Rx for antibiotic to take if things got worse. So we got the Rx filled (yay 24-hour CVS) and I took one as well as an Advil PM. We read some before bed and then I went to sleep around midnight.

We decided not to set the alarm for a workout this morning due to my sickness. We woke up around 11 today and I am feeling better but still not great. I always feel worse later in the day.

I am adjusting my training this week due to this sneaky sickness and the 5k I'm doing Saturday. My plan is as follows:

Monday (if I feel okay): 30 Day Shred or No More Trouble Zones
Tuesday: 5.25 mile run (indoors)
Wednesday: short run and strength
Thursday: 5.25 mile run (indoors)
Friday: rest
Saturday: 5k
Sunday: rest (or light run/bike ride)

We just made a yummy quick lunch which included a chick pea and feta salad. I didn't get a picture but it was easy. Just threw a can of chick peas, about 1/3 cup of reduced-fat feta, tomato, and cucumber together. Tossed it with salt, pepper, white balsamic vinegar, greek seasoning and finally a touch of olive oil. It was 3 points for half a cup. Yum!

Tonight we are making burger (Amy's veggie burger for me!), baked sweet potato fries and these yummy organic baked beans John found at the grocery store.

Oh, last thing! I got a haircut on Saturday and decided to do something different and I got bangs!

Me and my manatees! My third favorite animal! :)













Hi!
















Okay, the end!

Week 8 of 10k training/weigh-in

So I couldn't stay for a meeting today due to a conflict of appointments but I went to at least weigh-in.

I was up .2 lbs which I know is no big deal and not that bad considering it's that time of month and using all my WAP.

This week I am going to try my hardest and do my best.

Take things one day at a time. Focus on being positive and eating whole and good foods.

Tonight we are getting sushi and I have a plan! I'm getting one roll, the ginger salad and a miso soup. I can eat an apple before we go to make sure I'm not starving.

Week 8 of training went well except for my run yesterday which was just TOO HOT. Yuck!

Doing two out door runs this weekend. Got a 5 mile and a 5.25 mile. Yay for the long weekend!

My throat still hurts, ick! I stopped at a clinic and they said I looked okay but gave me an antibiotic to fill if I get worse.

Well, off I go to relax. Hope everyone has a good weekend.

Short run to improve speed/worries for weigh-in!

So yesterday I had a short run and strength training. I ran two miles between a 6.0 and 6.5 on the treadmill. I've been running outside more but I wanted to be able to get a good feel for the faster pace. I normally run between a 5.0 and a 5.5 I know I can run two miles at a 6.0 and feel like I need to push myself to improve my speed.

It wasn't easy but I did it. I'm not sure of the time because it included a warm-up walk and I didn't really care to know. I know it was under a 10 minute mile.

I am nervous for my weigh-in Saturday. I have been doing my training plan for almost 8 weeks now and seen minimal weight loss, as in less than two pounds. Sure my eating hasn't always been in line and I'm waiting on some blood test results but I really want to see under 180 come Saturday.

I've had good workouts all week and have a 5 mile run tomorrow. I'm hoping to see good results! Eep!

Reminds self:

Credit: Oh She Glows

Week 7 of 10k training/weigh-in (or lack there of) + 5 miles!

I have to be quick but I wanted to post!

First off, week 7 of training was my first week I missed more than one day and I ended up missing TWO long runs. I missed both my 4.75 mi runs. By Sunday my feet hurt from walking around theme parks and standing at the concert I was done! My 4.5 mile run I had posted about which I did last Monday outside went great at least.

I ended up missing my meeting and it was hard for me to say my weight based on my home scale and to be honest I can't even remember! I was too excited to get to Orlando!

Points went okay over the weekend/trip. The only bad meal I had was Friday night when we were rushing to eat at House of Blues. I had a bad veggie burger (bad as in on a kaiser bun and cheddar cheese) and sweet potato fries! I was famished by the time we ate and literally had 30 min. until doors! Luckily that was Friday so it didn't fall into my new week. :x

Other than that I ate well over the weekend.

So yesterday I looked at my training plan and low and behold it was a 5 mile run! CRAP!

I decided to do the run indoors on the treadmill to help me ease into it and I said I'd take it one mile at a time and had to at least complete 4 miles. I knew the 5 miles would take about an hour. I just kept pushing and although my speed wasn't great I finished all 5 miles in just under 60 minutes! :)

Only 1.2 miles to add onto my time!

I've decided that once I run my 10k on October 2nd I'm going to stop working on distance and focus in increasing my pace to 10 min. miles.

I currently have no desire to train for a half-marathon so I want to focus my energy on increasing speed.

That's all for now!

Week 6 of 10k training/weigh-in/outdoor run/pizza

So week 6 of training went well. I'm up to 4.5 miles. My knees have started bothering me a little again so I need to watch that closely. It's also taking me upwards of an hour to complete the run so it's getting long. Overall things are going well.

We had a busy Saturday so I didn't have time to get to my Weight Watchers meeting. I weighed in at home and it appeared I was down .8 lbs. Not too bad since I didn't have a perfect week.

Starting Sunday my meeting location changed and they are doing a test market thing in Tampa where the WW location is open all day and you can stop in pretty much any time to weigh-in or buy products. Pretty cool if you ask me!

Saturday we had a dinner at John's parents and my parents came over too. It was nice. My mom brought these mini-cupcakes for dessert which set me back some WAP but overall I was 15 over. Not too tragic.

Today we woke up early (7:30 a.m.) and headed out to the causeway for a run. We took a while to get going and get out there so by the time we were out it was 82 degrees (feels like 92) and the humdity was 90 percent, ouch.

Here are some photos:

Me showing my "it's hot and I'm dying!" face at mile two when we stopped to look around the boat docks.

John riding his bike down the path, the sun was brutally hot!

















We went 4.04 miles in just under an hour. I probably took between .25 and .50 (probably closer to .50) to walk because it just got SO hot. It's good for me to get used to this since October will still be steamy for the 10k.

After we got home and showered we went out for brunch and I had an egg white omelet (hold the cheese) and then we went to DSW (shoe store) and found nice water shoes on sale! Score! You'll see why this is good later...

Did our grocery shopping and took a nap for an hour and a half. We were beat!

Tonight we made homemade pizza with organic whole wheat dough. It came out good! We wish it was a little crispier but overall it was yummy!

It had zucchini, eggplant, red pepper, onion, garlic, kalamata olives, artichoke hearts and some chicken. Yum!











Now we are just relaxing and waiting for True Blood and Mad Men!

So I am off this Friday and we are heading to Orlando to see the Deftones! I have a special ticket so I am going to a meet and greet with the band. I've loved them since I was 15 so I'm super excited! :) We are staying in Orlando Friday and Saturday night  and on Saturday we are going to Aquatica because my friend got us free passes. :) We've been to some water parks this summer and it's so hot the ground burns your feet BADLY. Hence the water shoes!

Since we're gone Saturday I'm going to weigh-in on Friday morning.

Hope everyone has a good week!

Outdoor run aka reality check!

So John got a bike today and we were really excited so I could start some outdoor runs while he bikes!

We got a bike rack that holds two bikes (for when I eventually get one!) and headed home.

John got a Schwinn Tourist hybrid bike that was decently priced in the mid-range and had good reviews!

We had dinner around 6:30 and I had some salmon and baked parsnip fries. They turned out meh so I won't mention recipes.  I got wild caught (no more farm raised!) salmon from Whole Foods and it wasn't completely de-boned. :(

Anyway around 7:30 p.m. we decided to head out before it got too late which turned out to be a bad idea. We didn't leave enough time between dinner and the run so my stomach was not happy and I felt quite nauseated burping up fish. Ugh.

I got a GPS app for my phone so we could track our run/ride. In order to carry the damn iPhone I had to wear a fanny pack! It wasn't that bad but I felt silly.

When we left the temperature was 91 feels like 102. AHHHH!!! Even that late!

I ran about 3.75 miles in an hour at a pretty slow pace. It was HARD in that heat.

I wore my heart rate monitor and by the time we got home at burned 512 calories. Fhew!

Next weekend we are going to wake up early on Sunday and go for another run/ride when it's earlier and a bit cooler.

Man oh man...

Week 5 of 10k training/weigh-in

Short post since I'm tired but I had to update!

I went to my WW meeting today and was down .4 lbs. This made me happy since I had dinner at Berns last weekend and use most WAP.

I'm making some changes this week and am working for a 2lb loss next week. See my previous post for info!

Week 5 of training went well. No missed days and I ran 12.25 miles total! I replaced the short run day with cross training to change things up and I think it was good. :)

Well, that is all for now! :)

Week 4 of 10k training/weigh-in/sad

Hi everyone,

I skipped my meeting today. I got on the scale at home and after what I thought was a decent week I saw I was either going to stay the same or be up/down .2 in either direction.

This week I ran 12 miles. Three days of four mile rules and one day or strength. I missed my strength/short run day Thursday because things got hectic Wednesday night but overall I had a great activity week.

I think something might be going on with my body. I have an appointment for a physical in a week and I'm going to get blood work and my thyroid checked out to check all areas.

John and I are going out to this fancy/yummy steakhouse tonight to celebrate his recent promotion. When I saw the scale this morning I didn't want to go. Now that I know I have to have an amazing week to see what the scale says if I am SUPER strict.

So I sat down and mapped out dinner...

•  French Onion Soup - 7
• salad (no egg or cheese) - 1
• salad dressing on side - 1
• 7 oz of lobster (steamed with no butter) - 4
• melted butter on side (estimate 1tbsp worth) - 3
• 4oz tart frozen yogurt - 2
• fruit topping - 1

I feel in control of the situation before getting into it.

Now I'm off to get ready for the day and try and stay positive.

Week 3 of 10k training/weigh-in/negative thinking

Let's start with discussing week 3 of training. Overall it went good. As mentioned earlier I missed my short run/strength day because I wasn't feeling great but I picked up yesterday and faced my 3.8 mile run. Yesterday was an annoying day for me so I was excited to run because it helps clear my mind.

I started my run at a 5.2. I've noticed the past week or so while my legs get tired from running I wasn't dying out of breath. I think it's because my fitness is improving. I had been starting at 5.0 so I wanted to kick it up.

I ended up passing the 3.8 and went for the 4. I felt good and said, "Oh, why the hell not?" Some days I'm off and some days I'm on and today I felt good enough to do it.

I increased my speed as I went.

Mile 1: 5.2 pace
Mile 2: 5.3 pace
Mile 3: 5.4-5.5
Mile 4: 5.5-6.0

I only pushed to 6.0 the last .3 or so but wanted to finish strong like I would in a race.

One thing I do when I run is try to envision myself at my goal weight. You could envision yourself in your wedding dress looking thin and great (Did I do this? Maybe. Am I getting married? No. Don't judge me.) It really helps me focus on the goal of finishing a run.

When I finished I felt great. I honestly can say I feel in the best shape of my life. Am I at my lowest weight, no. When I was could I run 4 miles, hell no.

So today I headed to Weight Watchers feeling good but also wary because I knew I use all my WAP which is a bad idea for me. I do not have a fast metabolism and over the last five years have learned if I want to lose I can't use them all.

I got on the scale and the woman goes to me, "Up a little, .2."

I just laughed. "Seriously life? Funny joke! I just did something last night that made me feel great and now you have me GAIN?!"

I went to sit in my chair before the meeting began and tried to clear my negative thoughts.

Normally in these situations I turn into the most negative person ever. Honestly, it's quite sad. I think things like, "I'm a fat piece of shit who will never get to my goal." Often times I've come home crying and hysterical.

Today when I was driving home those negative thoughts crept in and I thought NO. I read on a blog about a concept from some book about replacing every negative thought with a positive one and soon you will push them all way.

"You are beautiful and strong and accomplishing a lot. It might take a while but you will get there."

I said it to myself three times. I felt better.

Did it cure me of my negative thoughts? No. It helped though. I think it's a great strategy for me to start using.

What I said to myself is true! Go away negative thoughts, you're not welcome!

So I leave you with that for today.

Tonight I have a challenge. We are going to see the Rays play the Yankees (go Yanks!) and meeting my parents for dinner before. Mexican food...no!!!

My friend Jen helped me make a game plan for dinner and I know what I'm ordering and eating.

I will have three points left after dinner and I am going to bring a snack to the game to tide me over.

Tomorrrow I have another 3.8 (or 4) mile run so today I rest.

I'll leave you with a picture. John and I at the new Yankee Stadium last July. :) Go Yankees!

training update

So I have been doing great with my training plan the last two and a half weeks.

Today was a short run/strength day for me. I was going to go before work but I've been super tired lately. I think it's because I started taking BC. Anyway...this morning my stomach was also feeling really upset and nauseated. I slept in and when I got up for work I even debated calling in but I sucked it up and got ready.

My stomach still isn't 100 percent but it's better. After work I had my bi-weekly acupuncture appointment and I can't work out afterwards so it was my first missed training day.

At first I was really upset and debating all the options to make today up or go anyway after acupuncture but I read this article online about missed training days. Basically I need to listen to my body and rest if I'm not feeling week. One missed day isn't going to make or break me. It said to just skip that day and move forward so that is what I'm going to do.

Tomorrow is a 3.8 mile run (longest distance so far) which I plan to do after work.

Hoping for a good weigh-in on Saturday. I want to be down at least one. I've had an eh week but stil on program.

I got a new 3-month journal in the mail from my mom (my location has been out for weeks) and plan to start using that Saturday.

We are going to the Rays vs. Yankees game Saturday (go Yankees!) and are getting dinner with my parents beforehand. I don't want to use WAP if I can manage so I have to eat a light breakfast and lunch. Luckily it's an early dinner. :)

I'll come back to post Saturday!

Week 2 of 10k training/weigh-in

So this was week two of the 10k training. So far (since Sunday) I've run 11.5 miles this week.

I swapped a few days this week to fit my schedule better but I completed every day.

I had my first 3.5 mile run yesterday which marked a new longest distance. It wasn't that bad of a transition from 3 to 3.5 Over the next week I work up to 3.8.

Yesterday my company had their picnic for employees and families. I ended up going over daily points by a handful and eating more sodium than I would have liked. I tried to drink lots of water to make up for it. We got home around 4:30 and I took a nap. I woke up at 7 and still had my run. I made myself get to the gym and ran the whole time!

So today I woke up to go to WW and weigh-in. Based on my home scale I thought I'd be down one pound. I was worried though because (TMI coming...) I haven't gone to the bathroom in two days. I still thought I'd be down...

I got to the meeting and had to weigh-in on a different ladies scale which I have noticed always makes me weigh more. Turns out I was up 1 lb. I was really upset. I worked hard this week.

Sure it could be the scale and the lack of bathroom visits but if I really evaluate my eating I used all 35 WAP which was prob. a big contributor.

So this week I am only allowing myself to dip into 10 WAP and my goal is to earn as close to 20 activity as I can! I can use 5 of those.

Anyway, time to go...going to see Despicable Me tonight!

Week 1 of 10k training/weigh-in!

Hello, hello...


I'll start off with my weigh-in. I went to my WW meeting yesterday morning and was nervous. I checked my weight twice this past week and wasn't seeing any big change despite the fact I did good with points and worked out five days! I went in thinking I'd have a 1lb loss which is good but I wanted more.

I got on the scale and the receptionist told me I was down 2.4!!! I was so happy!

A few hours later yesterday I had a monthly visitor arrive which leads me to believe I may have even lost more so I hope that shows up next week! My goal for next week is to lose 2 more.

John and I went to Ikea yesterday. John wanted to get lunch there. I was worried because I didn't know what healthy options their food court would have. Obviously no Swedish Meatballs for me!

I got some smoked salmon slices over some spring mix lettuce. I love lox so it was pretty good. Hard to say how many ounces so I used the set points value for lox of 5 points. I had one and a half of Johns meatballs. I had also gotten a bowl of vegetable soup but it wasn't good and I was hot so I didn't eat it.

We were at Ikea a long time and when we got done we did our grocery shopping for the week.

Last night we got sushi for dinner and I used 7 of my WAP by the end of the night. Not bad for a weekend. I don't feel guilty.

We saw Inception in IMAX last night and it was awesome! Go see it!

Today is my last day of week 1 of the 10k training. I have a 3 mile run today and should earn 4 activity points which I am banking and not using.

John and I got stuff to make for dinner all week. Here are two photos from this past week.

So overall week one of training is down and went great!

I leave you with a photo of Dakota with the rat you we got him at Ikea on his back. He is indifferent. :)

Time to go run! :)

p.s. Photo of my breakfast this morning! Only four points!

10k training plan

So I have made the decision to do the Race for the Cure 10k on October 2nd. I have three months to train for it. I'd say I could run up to four miles right now if I pushed myself. A 10k is 6.2 miles.

I've made a 12-week training plan for myself. I am going to try and stick to it as close as possible. I've already realized my Wednesdays and Thursdays may switch week to week depending on things like acupuncture or doctor appointments.

I wanted to post my plan but the image isn't working. Oh well!

I started yesterday with a 2.5 mile run to ease myself into it. I ran it at 5.2. As I add distance I am going to give myself slack on speed. I don't want to drop below a 5.0 pace but only time will tell.

My plan includes four days of running and two days that incorporate strength training for a total of five days a week working out.

I feel really motivated. I am doing this for myself. I know crossing that finish line on October 2nd will feel incredible.

I plan on running a 5k on September 12th by myself to gague my progress. It's only $17 so I'm down.

I am signing up for the 10k on Friday after I get paid and there will be no turning back! :)

Not to mention if I stick to this plan I will easily get to my goal weight by New Years. :)

I'll post again Sunday with an update on week 1!