Weekend Running Report...

Sunday, June 12, 2011

At the risk of jinxing myself, I have to say I feel glorious! What a great weekend it has been.

Yesterday dawned early and overcast. The Galloway Tribe had 13 miles on the schedule, and for the first time in a long time, I felt nervous. Could I go all the way? I'd walked the last part of our last long run - 1.5-2 miles of the 10.5 mile run. Of course that was mostly big hills, so maybe it wouldn't be so bad this time. Maybe.

I parked at work, then walked down the waterfront and over the Hawthorne bridge to meet up with everyone at the Vera Katz statue. It's about a mile, so it was a good warm-up before the big show began.

Once the whole group had arrived, we split up into our pace groups (I'm in the :30/:30 group) and started off. We crossed back over the Hawthorne bridge and ran up toward the Steele Bridge. The waterfront was nice and quiet, not many people out and about. We retraced our steps and went back over the Hawthorne (are you sensing a theme here? LOL) for a total of 3 miles and then headed out the Springwater Trail.

Now, this was the trail that we ran for our 7 miles, and upon which I had my meltdown. I reassured Carol, our pace group leader, that there'd be no hysterics this time LOL She was glad to hear it!

We started out around 14:30 mm, but eventually picked up to around 13:30. The sky stayed mostly overcast, although we would get peaks at the sun now and again. It was warmish, but comfortable. It was like a perfect day for running!

Out and back, we completed another 7 miles, bringing us up to 10. Can you guess where we were going to go to get our next 3 miles? Yep,that's right! Back over the Hawthorne! This time, the bridge was lifting, and we got an unplanned break while we waited for the bridge to come back down.

Then it was up the waterfront to the Steel Bridge and back again. This time though, the walkway was PACKED with folks in town for the Rose Festival and to see the Fleet.
www.rosefestival.org/events/fleet/

We did lots of dodging and weaving and dancing around people. It was crazy, but fun! I know, it sounds like I've lost my mind, doesn't it? LOL Truly it was good though, and I didn't feel nearly as depleted as I thought I would. My legs did get lead-like during the bridge lift, but once we got moving again it was alright.

We finished the total 13.06 miles in 3:06. My buddy Holly ended up with a PR, and she was the one who kept reminding us to keep our pace slower and easier, not to wear ourselves out. We all felt pretty good and pleased with our efforts.

Pleased. Yea.. more like WOO-FREAKIN'-HOO-I-DID-IT-OMG-RAAAAAAWWWWW
RRRRRR!

Ahem.


Here's my Garmin info from the run.
connect.garmin.com/activity/9
1941147

I was tired. I mean, I felt like if I had to, I could keep going, which turned out to be a good thing because I had to go back across the Hawthorne yet again to walk the mile back to my car! It took me a little longer this time, but I'm ok with that. Covering a total of 15 miles altogether yesterday was worth it.

I managed to drive home without incident (stick shift!) and made myself a chocolate milk. Ooooh it was so very good and cool and delish. While I was having that, I was rattling on and on at Bill, covering the range of emotions - happy, weepy, snippy, grumpy, thrilled, etc. Finally he corralled me enough to get me into my cold water bath to relieve the ache of my legs. I knew what to expect this time so while it was cold and shocking, I was able to get down into the water and let it wash away the owies without too much of a struggle.

To live up to the point of running Galloway, I got cleaned up after that and got myself together, and we went to my friend's son's graduation party. I would not have thought after running 13 miles that I'd be up for going out and socializing, but I was! We had a brief but nice visit, and then head out for dinner.

Mmmmmm Chinese buffet! I stuck to mostly healthy things, but did splurge some. I was hungry, and I was slowly coming to the dawning realization that I just ran 13 miles on purpose! The funny thing is I came home after, and logged everything, and ended up with over 2800 calories for the day. Y'know what though? I STILL ended up with a deficit over 700 LOL Wow!

A good night's sleep, no real pain, and we were up early again this morning for the Run for the Love of Dove 5K. What a great event.

First of all, this event had the best schwag bag of any I've gotten so far! Awesome goodies, a great tshirt (it IS all about the tshirt after all) and sample snacks. Fabulous!

We got to the Lucky Lab, near Dove Lewis, and watched the area fill up with runners, walkers, and their four-legged buddies. So many dogs, big and little, were all so very VERY well behaved. I don't think there was one squabble. Of course, our girls did not go run with us LOL They are not well socialized and do not get along with other dogs unfortunately. We need to work on that.

I told Bill that I wasn't sure how well I was going to be able to run after yesterday. Because of that, the 5K was all about him. He said he wanted to break 50 minutes, and agreed to let me push him to meet that goal. We started out at the back of the pack and took a slow and easy pace. Oddly enough, it felt very familiar to yesterday's pace LOL I guess my legs are just programmed at that speed.

We did great, and the race was fast and flat. The only hitch was waiting for a train to pass, but it didn't hurt to have a little extra rest. I kept encouraging Bill to run, to keep going, to keep consistent in his pace. I'm pretty sure he cursed me under his breath a few times when he wanted to walk a little longer and I'd encourage him to pick it up LOL I pushed, but I never pushed beyond his ability. I just kept encouraging him, and we did take double walk breaks, and triples when we went by the water station.

All in all, the sun shone, the dogs trotted, people ran and walked, and we had a great run! At the end, we finished out the run at a time of 46:41. That's under Bill's goal, and he was very happy in the end. I was proud of him for pushing past what he thought he was capable of - with the finish line in sight he gasped out "I can't make it" and I said "oh yes you can" and he dug down deep and we ran to the finish! He did great, and I loved running the race with him.

All in all, I wracked up 18 miles this weekend. I'm so pleased with that, and proud of Bill, and proud of myself. I still get a goofy little grin when ever I think about running the equivalent of a half marathon and living to tell the tale! I know now that I will be successful at the Foot Traffic Flat Half on July 4. I'll be running to finish, but I will hopefully run at a better time. We'll see.

I hope your weekends have been as fun filled and successful. This is starting out as a great summer, and I'm discovering that I really do love being more active and out there in the world!
Spark On!

C~

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

NANJET 6/14/2011 8:43PM

Congrats! You are doing awesome! Report Inappropriate Comment

IMIN2GENES 6/13/2011 9:14PM

Way to go girl! You're amazing! Chris Report Inappropriate Comment

KASHMIR 6/13/2011 2:33PM

LOVE IT!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 6/13/2011 1:59PM

Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKAWAY 6/13/2011 1:55PM

You are . Report Inappropriate Comment

GAYEMC 6/13/2011 12:15PM

You are going to rock that half on 7/4! Report Inappropriate Comment

TURTLERASKIN 6/13/2011 11:08AM

That's so awesome! You make me want to become a runner! Report Inappropriate Comment

COLUMBINE2 6/13/2011 8:59AM

I am sitting in silent amazement of your achievements this weekend It is beyond my comprehension. It must be a very thrilling feeling for you. Wow. wow....wow...wow...wow. Congrats ! Report Inappropriate Comment

NEWHORIZONSR4ME 6/13/2011 2:55AM

There is no end to your determination and perseverance. I'm excited with you! Report Inappropriate Comment

BEANCOUNTER2 6/13/2011 12:54AM

YOU are a ROCKSTAR!!! I am so excited for you! Polly Report Inappropriate Comment

DITZYCHICK 6/12/2011 5:15PM

Wow Girl...all I can say is YOU AMAZE!!! You are a runner!!! Keep running!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

ERLYWA 6/12/2011 4:32PM

Way to go, YOU!! I was smiling the entire time I was reading this. You give me hope that I, too, will some day run a half marathon. Keep up the great work, you are an inspiration! :) Report Inappropriate Comment

Mud Run MS Portland, June 18...

Thursday, June 09, 2011

As some of you may be aware, I've lost my mind.
www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/o
rc/fundraising-events/mud-run-ms/index
.aspx

That, m'dears, is a link to the Mud Run MS Portland page. I don't even recall how I heard about the event.. I could blame.. erm.. credit Oregon Live Run blogs, or Race Center emails, or even Active.com emails. However it happened, it happened, and I became enamoured with the idea of playing the mud. So much so that I posted on my city Spark team page trying to recruit other feeble-minded.. uuhhhh.. eager participants.

Chazeray is most awesome and up for the challenge! I was lucky enough to meet Chas at the Fanconi Valentine 5K race.
www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_pu
blic_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=40
14467

We've posted a few things on the Portland Spark Team discussion boards and do get some return posts, but everyone's schedules always seem full.

Anyway, I took the plunge and signed up for the event, creating the Sparkin' Mudders team LOL Here's my official fundraising page:
main.nationalmssociety.org/si
te/TR?px=9893205&pg=personal&fr_id=17022

I've shamelessly hit up friends and family via email about helping to raise funds, and now I'm here asking as well. If you can donate, that is wonderful and will be truly appreciated and I'll get extra muddy for you! If you can't, that's good as well, just keep us in your thoughts as we slog through 6.2 miles of mud and obstacles and adventure!

Coach Nicole recently posted a DailySpark blog about her adventure at a Warrior Dash, similar to the mud run. If you haven't read it yet, you should!

I'll do the best I can to get before and after pictures of our Sparktacular team. There's still time to sign up, so for you local Sparkers feeling the need to get down and dirty, don't delay! Join the Sparkin' Mudders today!


C~

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GAYEMC 6/10/2011 9:14PM

Now, I'd be up to joining you in a number of events but not this one. The mud doesn't bother me, loved it when I was a kid. It's the hurdles and other stuff. Any way, I can't wait to hear about it and hopefully some great pics. Have fun! Report Inappropriate Comment

BARBGEO 6/10/2011 2:44PM

Hey there! I just saw your note about the Mud Run... I am across the river from you! But I am MOVING North... but would love to hear about your experience!!! Good Luck!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

NEWHORIZONSR4ME 6/10/2011 10:55AM

Sounds like a awesome time. I look forward to hearing about it. Kudos to you for your fearlessness! Report Inappropriate Comment

DITZYCHICK 6/10/2011 1:00AM

Love your curiosity and can't wait to hear all about your adventure!!! Have Fun!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

RJFERRARO315 6/10/2011 12:48AM

What a crazy event. Don't think I can commit, but WOW sure looks like fun. Report Inappropriate Comment

ANNESYLVIA 6/9/2011 7:52PM

Is this anything like mud wrestling? Will you be wearing a tiny bathing suit? TEE HEE Just kidding! LOL Enjoy and good luck! I sure you will recruit more people real soon. Take care. Anne Report Inappropriate Comment

WINNIETHAX 6/9/2011 12:41PM

I WILL BE THERE ON THE 18TH!!!! My stepdad and stepbrother are on a team with a few other people, and my fiance and I are coming to cheer them on and take pictures (Stephen's a photographer and he's got a nice big fancy camera). if you want, send me a sparkmail to let me know when your heat/start time is, and we can get some pics of you crossing the finish line. Report Inappropriate Comment

Geez-o-pete!...

Wednesday, June 08, 2011

It feels like I've been trying to blog for-ev-ah but just haven't had the time. I exagerate, of course. It's only been a few days, but still!

Let's see.. Saturday. I ran with the Tribe. We met at REI and ran up to Lincoln High School track, where we did acceleration gliders and our Magic Mile. I ran my mile in 12:24, which is my best time! I've improved by a minute from my first MM, so I'm quite chuffed about that.

While we'd planned on taking the bikes down to the Springwater trail for a ride over the weekend, we opted to stick to the neighborhood just to see how our legs felt after a long winter off! Good thing, too. Bill was pretty uncomfy, knee-wise, on our little jaunt. I felt pretty good, but stuck with him and only zoomed off once by myself.

We did see Pirates 4, and while it was enjoyable, it felt a little too long-drawn-out to me. Maybe a smidge too slow moving. Of course, the ending is left wide open for the next installment!

Sunday was relatively quiet - we stayed in for the most part. We did head over to the step-ex-wife's to spend a bit of time with lil Riley. That was a very nice break from chores.

Monday was relatively normal as well. I got a quick walk in at lunch, and made it through the day no worse for wear. By the time I got home, Bill was just getting back from taking the puppy-girls for a walk. There was much rejoicing and jumping and yipping and barking to be reunited!

Then, Maggie seemed a bit off. And then, she had a seizure.

She had a seizure, her first, last Superbowl Sunday. She didn't have another one until sometime last month. She basically looks like she has a leg cramp. At least, that's how it starts out. One lil back leg stiffens up, then slowly the whole of her stiffens up and she not quite there anymore. She pants and struggles, and doesn't understand what's happening. Just writing about it is making me tear up. She's a very good little lhasa-girl, high spirited and a silly clown.


She had a seizure Sunday evening, but because it had been a while since the others, we held her, petted and soothed her and let her come out of it. Having another one less than 24-hours later is panic-inducing. We snagged her up, leaving poor Millie behind, wondering what was going on, and headed to the vet.

Within an hour, Maggie had had another 4-5 seizures, even though the vet was giving her medicine to control them. We were advised that someone would need to monitor her all night long ot administer more meds if need be, and we were prepared to do that at home. At least, we were until they said she was continuing to seize, and they recommended a 24-hour emergency vet on the other side of town.

After-work traffic was never so maddening as it was on that drive. Why were people in MY WAY when I had to get my baby to the vet??

We made it to the second vet's office and they whisked her away, again. Epilepsy is the diagnosis, which is a catch-all term for 'something's misfiring in her brain'. Poor nugget. They were able to stop the seizures, but we still had to leave her overnight.

In all, we spent three hours getting her treated, and then finally settled. Monday evening's plan for Zumba and ST at the gym was blown out of the water, as were my plans for a relatively healthy dinner. Oh, dinner wans't bad, really. But the ensuing string cheeses and popcorn and chocolates and.. other stress eating items weren't good at all.

I called off work for Tuesday so we could go collect Maggie in the morning and get her home to see how she was doing. I barely slept Monday night, up early Tuesday, and fitful with nervous energy until we could get her. She was up and at 'em, and eating well, and just a bit 'off' due to the medicine. She'll be on phenobarbital twice a day for the rest of her life. It'll slow her down a little bit, and will increase her appetite. Otherwise, she should be relatively normal - or whatever normal is for the bouncy lil bean.

Once we got her home and settled, I did go into work, albeit late. I was still tired, so blew off my lunch walk, and once I got home, I didn't do my scheduled run. Day two of slug-dom. I did manage to restrict myself to only two Skinny Cow ice cream sammiches last night, so I suppose that's an improvement, right?

My sodium has been high. My calorie intake has been high. My activity since Saturday has been low. I have 13 miles on the schedule for Saturday. I have no excuse other than letting stress get the best of me. No more though.

Today, I had a good breakfast - yogurt and blueberries, and an english muffin with peanut butter.
For lunch, I had a 35 minute walk, followed by a fresh salad (with home-grown greens thanks to Farmer Bill) with a grilled chicken breast and a banana.
For an afternoon snack, I'll have a big healthy orange.
For after work, I'll be running to the Gym and back (3.1 miles conveniently!), and will be doing Zumba, and then ST.
For dinner, I'll have a salmon burger, brown rice with broccoli and a smidge of butter, and cottage cheese.
For dessert, because I'm a spoiled girl, I'll have ONE single Skinny cow ice cream sammich.
All that will fit nicely into my calorie scheme - 1458 calories. My protein will be a bit higher than it should be, and my fat a bit low. I can live with that.

Maggie is fine. The meds should work into her system and stabilize her over the next month. She'll be fine, and she doesn't seem to mind getting her half a pill twice a day, pressed between a tiny smidgen of cheese.

She's my baby, one of two children for us at home, that we can pamper and love on and get licky kisses from and spoil absolutely rotten. We love her and Millie as much as we could any two-legged children (and sometimes MORE) and taking care of her means taking care of myself and NOT giving in to stress or using it as an excuse to eat poorly.

Maggie on the left, Millie on the right.


I'm back in control, and I'm back on track.
RAWWR!
C~

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

RJFERRARO315 6/10/2011 12:53AM

Wow! What a few days...I'm glad that the vets were able to stabilize & treat Maggie. What a relie for you. And great job and recognizing the emotional eating and controlling. Hugs,Rebecca Report Inappropriate Comment

MRE1956 6/9/2011 11:07AM

I am so sorry about Maggie's issues - I know about the condition only too well with "two-legged" folk in my clan..... Your girls are SOOOO sweet......I wish you all the best! Report Inappropriate Comment

MUSTANG_SALLY2 6/9/2011 9:39AM

Geez-o-pete is one of my favorite sayings so I had to read your blog. I'm glad Maggie is home and doing better. I didn't know until I got my Toby how quickly they could become my heart. Ugh! I'm sending loads of puppy hugs and kisses to her and you. What is it about Skinny cow ice cream sammiches that just makes them so easy to eat multiples?! I love those things. Good job taking care of yourself. Keep up the good work! Report Inappropriate Comment

IMIN2GENES 6/9/2011 9:22AM

Glad to hear that Maggie is going to be just fine! I would have been completely panicked! What a scare. Your pups are adorable by the way! Love the pic of them. It sounds like you've got a great plan underway. Way to bounce back! I think I heard your rawwr... Chris Report Inappropriate Comment

DITZYCHICK 6/9/2011 9:21AM

So sorry to hear that you sweet doggie was having a hard time. That's hard and I'm sure it was an extremely upsetting and exhausting time for you. It's great that the meds were able to do their thing and your Maggie is feeling better! Your doggies are adorable!!! I so admire how you and your husband plan and do so many "active" things together...this is wonderful, really wonderful!!! WOW, you've been BUSY!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

LMLOPEZ 6/9/2011 12:33AM

Candy, what are we, twins??? Our furry babies need to shape up! Glad she is better. I get you're inability to take care of yourself during the stressful time. Glad to see you back on track!!! Hope your puppy does well-is she good with taking meds or do you have to fight her like I do with my 70 lb. pit bull lab mix??? Report Inappropriate Comment

KAREN42BOYS 6/8/2011 11:07PM

oh, that is awful, candy. so scary, you must have been distraught! i'm glad they've got a diagnosis and that the medication is working for her. and good for you to get your exercise back in place so fast! Report Inappropriate Comment

GAYEMC 6/8/2011 9:34PM

Candy, you start out with this great achievement, an under 13 mm and I am so excited for you . Then I read about your poor baby Maggie (our 2nd dal's name-short for magnolia). That brought tears to my eyes. Savannah, our 1st married go out and get a dog had epilepsy. We lost her after 4 years. Our last dog was a rescue Dal. We had to put her down last fall due to old age and I never thought we'd get another dog. Low and behold, we adopted a tiny poodle on April Fools. Didn't mean to ramble on about me, but your story hit so close to home. So, I'm still thrilled about your last pace, way to go girl! Report Inappropriate Comment

NEWHORIZONSR4ME 6/8/2011 7:51PM

I'm glad your doggie outcome was good, and I'm sorry you had such a scary experience. As for the food, well life happens, and sometimes we mess up. You've moved on so way to go! I can hear your Rawwwrrr.... Report Inappropriate Comment

ANNESYLVIA 6/8/2011 7:19PM

OMG! I would have been a complete wreck if that happen to our poochie momma! Actually that is her nickname our Bichon Frise is named Zhanne. She was our first little love our oldest. She turned 9 in January. I am sooo glad she is feeling better. Of course I am also glad you are taking care of yourself as well. {{HUGS}} Report Inappropriate Comment

3 years...

Saturday, June 04, 2011

Bill and I have been married for 3 years, as of June 2. We've had a few bumps in the road lately (queen of the understatement indeed) but we are together and just like getting fit and healthy takes commitment and determination and work, so does a marriage. We're in it for the long haul.

To celebrate, I took advantage of a couple of LivingSocial.com deals - $30 to spend at Yen Ha, a local Vietnamese restaurant, and two tickets through Fandango for half price. The restaurant is close enough that we took a leisurely stroll up there. Only a couple of times did Bill have to remind me that we weren't in a race and to slow down. I walk fast now. Faster than him at least, without even realizing it. Hee!

Dinner was great, and we'll for-sure be going back. The movie tickets will be used today. We're going to see Pirates 4 this afternoon. The last Pirates movie we saw in the theater, we both dozed off part-way through - not because the movie wasn't great, but because we'd gorged ourselves at meal out prior and just had no oomph or energy for life at the time. WAY different now!

As a joint gift, we decided to purchase a Wii system. We've ordered it online, and it should be here next week. I must confess, I was hooked by the Zumba for Wii commercials I've seen on TV and it was just a matter of time before I talked myself into getting the system. I'm so easy!

So, while we're waiting for the system to arrive, we might as well go and buy the Zumba game, right? Of course. Off we go to one of the local big-box stores.

I guess I should mention that lately, since March actually, the scale hasn't been moving in a satisfactory fashion. Ok, fine. I'll continue on without your support, evil scale. And I have. And it's working. See, my jeans (I had 4 pair I was rotating through) were getting bigger. Like to the point where I needed to retire first one.. then another.. and then ANOTHER pair. I've adopted two old pair of jeans from Bill - men's jeans, size 38. That's pretty awesome. I NEVER thought I'd be fitting into his pants. Really.

While at the big-box store, I thought I'd try on some jeans, just to see where I was, size-wise. On a whim, I picked up a pair of 16s and headed to the fitting rooms.

DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDE!
They fit. They freakin' FIT! And not like they were painted on, fit. Fit-fit, like I can wear them to work, fit. Like I haven't worn a size 16 since High School fit!

I couldn't decided if I wanted to cry or fist-pump with a 'take THAT b*tches!' so I did both.

Kashmir is right - the scale LIES.

For perspective.. I've always loved these kinds of shots on other people's pages, so here are my own.




Those are new size 16 jeans, laid overtop an old pair of 24s. I went a little nuts and bought three pair - two straight-leg, and one bootcut. They all look nice, they all fit comfortably, and they all prove to me that my efforts are NOT in vain.

Oh yea. We ran to the gym yesterday morning, and got our ST on. While there, I did my calf raises on the prescribed machine. I had a thought, and adjusted the weight, then called Bill over. I asked him to get on, and lift the weight (the pads rest of your shoulders, and you're supposed to stand under the pads, lifting them as you do calf raises). He did so, with an 'ugh' and 'ooof'. I explained to him that I'd set the weight to 60 lbs, and THAT was what I used to lug around.

Now yes, I know, the 60lbs of weight I used to carry was distributed all over my body, not just resting on my shoulders. I made my point, though, and he looked at me not a little bit stunned. Heck, even I was a bit stunned when I'd done it as well.

That's pretty much my Friday. I've got a Tribe run this morning (we're doing our Magic Mile today and I'm excited to see if I've improved my time, yay!) and then we should go tooling around the neighborhood on our bikes - it's been too long! Then the movie this afternoon, and back for something delish and healthy for dinner.

If you're local here in Portland, soak up that wonderful sunshine and warmth. We've earned it with waiting so patiently (LOLOLOLOLOLOL) for spring/summer to get here!
If you're elsewhere in the country, I wish you the same - sunshine and warmth.

C~

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GAYEMC 6/6/2011 12:10PM

When I first started reading this I was going to congratulate you on your wedding anniversary. Well, But after reading further I realized how awesome it is that you are down 3 sizes in jeans. Now that is just Report Inappropriate Comment

DITZYCHICK 6/6/2011 9:59AM

Aw...HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!! Sounds like the two of you had a wonderful day, and YES the weather was indeed beautiful...finally!!! CONGRATULATIONS on the new jeans as well...love the pic of your new ones on top of the older ones. WOW...talk about MOTIVATION!!! You're doing great girl!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

GAYLEP67 6/5/2011 1:28PM

Happy Anniversary Sunshine! Sounds like you and Bill had a great evening out (I LOVE Vietnamese cuisine - took my parents for lunch yesterday!). Way to go on the size 16's! I know exactly how you felt and the "high school" comparison experience because I felt the exact same way. G Report Inappropriate Comment

NEWHORIZONSR4ME 6/4/2011 10:35PM

You rock! Love'd the pic, and I'm glad you treated yourself to some new jeans. Congrats on being good to yourself! Report Inappropriate Comment

KAREN42BOYS 6/4/2011 4:43PM

candy, candy, candy, i'm proud of you! you really are changing yourself in radical ways. love how nice and trim those 16's look! happy anniversary, and i'm glad you two are finding new ways to celebrate your life together. he's got a pretty amazing woman in his life. :) Report Inappropriate Comment

KIMBANN 6/4/2011 1:23PM

Happy anniversary and a big fist pump on the jeans!! Report Inappropriate Comment

ANNESYLVIA 6/4/2011 1:06PM

Terrific job on downsizing!! On your + + I must check out those deals too. It is just that when I was more into reading the deal it was always either one or two counties away from where we lived. Report Inappropriate Comment

BAILEE_GRAVES 6/4/2011 12:41PM

Happy Anniversary You're doing an incredible job Candy. And I'm so glad you're not letting the scale dictate how you feel. The picture of the jeans tells the story. Not to mention the fact that you can get into Bill's pants I hope you enjoy a wonderful weekend with your equally wonderful husband. You both deserve it!! Report Inappropriate Comment

IRISHBEANERGAL 6/4/2011 12:34PM

Happy Anniversary... I wish many, many more! Extra Extra cool on the jeans... I should have taken pictures before I gave my "BIG" jeans away The scale TRULY does lie my friend! Keep up the great work! ~Irish (aka The Incredible Shrinking Mom) Report Inappropriate Comment

LMLOPEZ 6/4/2011 11:44AM

YEAAAAHHHHHH!!!! Love the jeans!! Now you gotta send pix of you in them!! You are doing so great. Happy Anniversay to you and your DH. The road is the road is the road-just make sure you're headed down the same one LOL!!! Great job with the ST and the runs. And you're right, the scale DOES lie. Report Inappropriate Comment

Bloomin'...

Wednesday, June 01, 2011

Somehow it seems fitting that, being June 1, we talk about how things are blooming. Not just flowers, of course. Here in Portland, the weather's been less than stellar, so some of our usual bloomers are slow to bud and produce, but like me, they are slow and steady. They WILL get there eventually, it's just going to take time.

Yesterday, I went for my Tuesday run, and got about a block and a half before my Garmin died due to low battery. Old me would have bagged the run and gone home, because how was I supposed to run without something to tell me when to run and when to walk for my intervals???

How indeed. I opted to run a block, walk a block. It took a little longer than my usual :30/:30 interval, and that's fine. It worked for me, and I got my run in - 3 mi in 45 min. A nice slow run, no stressing my knees that were still a bit achy from Saturday. A good way to get back into the rhythm of running.

By the time I'd circled the blocks/neighborhood twice, it was time to head home. I ran back to the house, then walked on past for my cooldown. We live on a dead end, so I just walked up to the end and back. My pulse was going, my heart pounding, my breathing was quick - I felt wonderful. I felt clarity.

I felt like .. dare I say it? I felt like an athlete doing my cooldown. Not so much while I was running - although I ran without a hat or ponytail, so my hair was all bouncy and blowy and just felt good while I was trotting along - but while I was walking that cooldown, I felt good, really really good.

I've become an A-number 1 sweat-er with all my upped fitness and efforts. I was one who didn't use to sweat - I glistened, and not in a Twilight-y way, either. I was a delicate lil flower of womanhood.


Yea, whatever.

Anyway, I'm great at sweating now. I love a good sweat. When I get done running, or with Zumba, or whatever, I'm checking for a mirror to see just how evident my effort is on my shirt. And it's not even consistently 70 degrees here yet! I can only imagine what a sweathog I'm going to be when we hit the 80s.

I had 2,224 fitness minutes in May. That's less than some of you, more than others. That's a record for me, one that I plan on breaking this lovely month of June!

If you recall (and for those of you who don't, here's a link - www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_jo
urnal_individual.asp?blog_id=3757425 ) I declared November my month, and it could not have been ANYTHING further from the truth. Big ole hairy lesson learned on that one!

So, I am NOT saying June is going to be my month. June is going to be A month, one of twelve in this year. I do think I can increase my fitness minutes, but I'm not sure by how much. Just.. more. I do think in the process of increasing my fitness minutes, I can make the number on the scale decrease somewhat. Again, I don't know by how much, just.. some.

One good thing about June already is the fact that I've been able to move locations at work. I work in the same building, on the same floor, but.. I've gone from this:

and this:


To THIS!

W00T!


My old location fronted an elevator lobby - that was my view, people coming and going all day, or nothing at all. My new location has WINDOWS! LIGHT! AIR! So, much like my plants that have happily moved with me to the new location, I will be soaking up the light and the air and the view of green things growing outside. Granted, the direct view is actually the 5th floor of the Marriott Suites Hotel, but if you look to the right, there are hills and trees and life! It's wonderful!

I just found out that another gal in my building is also a Galloway runner! Neat-o. Our training group (the Tribe) has started it's second session of Half training, so I passed the word to her to see if she'd be interested in coming along. She's considering it!

How did I find out? Well, I spent a nice chunk of time this afternoon talking with one of the office runner guys. I always admired him and the other runners getting out there at lunchtime for their runs. I still do, in a way - I don't run at lunch. I walk, now, usually. I can't be bothered to sweat that much at work, only to have to shower and fix my hair All Over Again. Not even the Aquanet helmet can save my hair from run-damage and sweat, so we won't be going there.

So, we talked and he actually invited me.. Me.. ME!? to run Pints to Pasta with him in September. Here's one of my sorta role models, and he's inviting me to run with him for this thing.

Internally, I'm all.. "Duuuuude, really?"


Of course externally I'm gracious and glad "That would be great, it sounds like a lot of fun!"


And then internally I'm back to "No freakin' way!" and "You've got to improve your speed, NOW"


Heh. I'm better now, much more calm and less spastic, but that's only because it's a long time until September.

I've turned the Spark menu plan back on, on my Nutrition tracker. Yea, I turned it off, thinking I could manage well enough without it. The current plateau since March says otherwise. I'm back on plan, back in range (mostly.. d*mn those almonds and pineapple angelfood cake last night!) and feeling a little less frantic. I'm still not focusing on releasing weight (says the woman who signed up for yet another weight loss challenge, this time with the Galloway SP team!) but expect my weight will decrease as my fitness increases, as long as I can balance out my nutrition a bit better.

I'm learning.. over and over again.. that you cannot control everything. You cannot control people's actions, the world at large, nature - so why fight it? Give up the fight and control what you can - your own emotions, your own reactions, your own destiny, your own path. Find that calm serene place, behind your eyes, within your soul, on the pavement, in your rushed breath.. find it, center in on it, and let the storm around you surge while you gather your bearings and ride it out.

The storm will pass, and you'll find yourself where you need to be. I am where I need to be. I'm finding my path, and while it's bumpy, it is not without its rewards.

Today, I'm bloomin'. Today, I'm happy to be me.

C~

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GAYLEP67 6/5/2011 1:22PM

Great solution to your Garmin crapping out on you Candy! And ummm...psst...in case you haven't figured it out yet, you're a "runner girl". You may not be at the same level as some of the runners that you admire but you are a runner nonetheless and I know that as you keep going, you will be (if you already aren't) a runner that others look up to. You are inspiring and motivational so why not? Love the new "airy" workspace and I'm totally envious of the amount of space AND your window! G Report Inappropriate Comment

BAILEE_GRAVES 6/4/2011 4:29AM

You are SO bloomin my friend! Isn't it incredible to look back and see how far we've come? I am SO stuck in a plateau right now and can't seem to dig deep enough to find the desire to push through it but this blog has helped me see that it is indeed worth it! And btw....LOVE the new digs! It looks so much brighter and happier. Keep up the awesome work Candy. You are such an inspiration to me! Report Inappropriate Comment

GAYEMC 6/2/2011 5:49PM

What a great blog Candy! And thanx for reminding me it is up to me. Congrats on the new window, I do wish I worked on the riverfront! Pints to Pasta was one of my favorite races last year, you should do it. Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKAWAY 6/2/2011 5:27PM

office. Love all the windows and a spot for your plants. Congrats on the invitation to the Pints to Pasta run. I love the last three paragrahs of your blog. Those truly struck a cord with me. Some days I wonder how to get it all done and still take care of me. I just need to remember control what I can, not what I can't. Need to take care of body and soul. Addie Report Inappropriate Comment

AFMARVIN 6/2/2011 12:30AM

Oh! I'm jealous of your windows in your office! But seriously, thanks for the inspiration. More minutes indeeed. Report Inappropriate Comment

ANNESYLVIA 6/1/2011 10:29PM

Well, June is starting off in the right direction for you. Maybe it will be just another month "a month" but then again it may be a "A+ month. Sun shining in through those windows would help me dramatically. I am sure they will do the same for you. Good luck running with your idol this September and on your nutrition tracking. Anne Report Inappropriate Comment

COLUMBINE2 6/1/2011 10:29PM

What a great blog! And I admire your courage to take on a bigger challlenge with a role model who invited you to run with him. Wow.....I usually crawl away into a corner muttering indecipherable excuses about why I can't. You said, "Sounds like fun!" WOW!!!! Great office...there's nothing like sunshine (or at least LIGHT!)! I also like the way you're just getting "more" minutes --- not a big bull's eye target of "x" number of minutes...but a determination to improve, increase effort and grow.. You'll make it...there's no doubt....you'll succeed. Report Inappropriate Comment

NEWHORIZONSR4ME 6/1/2011 10:12PM

Great office. Congrats! Loved your determination to run regardless of Garmin. Keep on sweatin' and writing about it. You are so very encouraging and honest! Report Inappropriate Comment

IMIN2GENES 6/1/2011 9:13PM

Love your new office! How awesome! Windows... I love the stability ball you've got tucked away under your desk there... LOL! I keep thinking I might try it at work. It's got to be more comfortable than my chair! Great blog too! You've got a lot of insight and I just love your approach to life. I'm happy you are you and I'm really happy to call you my friend! You rock girl! Congratulations on your MANY successes! Chris Report Inappropriate Comment

LMLOPEZ 6/1/2011 9:00PM

Your office is beautiful. Way to go with the run-you will do great because you are a runner!! Report Inappropriate Comment

CLARABRUNNING 6/1/2011 8:16PM

You rock it sister! I'm trying to focus on every month being just a little better than the last one. We can and will do this! Proud of you!!! ~Clara Report Inappropriate Comment

HOLLYL7 6/1/2011 8:02PM

Your blog inspired me today =) After a few stormy months of trying to control everything and everyone around me, I really appreciate your words of wisdom to "find it, center in on it, and let the storm around you surge while you gather your bearings and ride it out." I think I just might take June and make it mine! Report Inappropriate Comment

KAREN42BOYS 6/1/2011 7:22PM

Candy, you make me GRIN! Very exciting esp when we look back a few months ago when you were wishing for people to run with! You've come a long way, baby! Report Inappropriate Comment

MRSBENNETT2 6/1/2011 6:21PM

Inspirational words! You are doing so well! Report Inappropriate Comment

3LITTLEBUNNIES 6/1/2011 6:15PM

Loved your blog!! :) I am also a professional sweater now and loving it!! lol Report Inappropriate Comment