good news/bad news

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

I just have to say how much I love sparkpeople. I type one little status update about getting sick and the support and genuine care comes pouring in. Thank you sparkfriends. I am overwhelmed and touched by how much a website can mean to me. So here is my generic "Thank you" to the many friends that are important in my life .

And here's the history & update:
I had recurrent mastitis with my daughter and it was a huge factor that held me back from getting back into prepregnancy shape. My son was born Nov. 5 and I hit the gym immediately after my 6 week check-up. I was determined not to let the same thing happen again. Plus, breastfeeding was going soooooo much better. It took me about 4 months to get back to pre-pregnancy weight and it was NOT easy. I worked my booty. (Don't you dare say that breastfeeding melted the pounds off. That is a big fat ugly myth!!!)

I kept working and was at pre-1st-pregnancy weight at 6 months. Since then I've lost 7-8 more pounds. Aww, man, that means I have lost 7 or 8 pounds in the last 5.5 months. boo. But, ya know what? I will not let that get me down today. I am going to reread the first line of this paragraph and be proud of that. booya! how's that for glass half full?

As for the mastitis today... I have NO idea where this came from. We are in a very gradual weaning process and he has only been nursing once a day for a short time for the past few weeks. I'm annoyed and frustrated and I burst into tears at Urgent Care and I'm pretty sure the doctor thought I was cuckoo.

Not now. Not today. The half-marathon is on Saturday. That's less that 3 days from now. I know how the antibiotics work. I know how long it takes to feel normal again. I barely even attempted to kick this infection with natural remedies. (I usually do and have been successful) But today my main concern was that I need to feel OK by Sat at 8:30am.

The bad news: I'm in bed in a fair amount of pain and there is no way that I will get my last easy run in today or tomorrow.

The good news: I wasn't ashamed to step on the scale at the doctor today. I didn't worry about what she thought of my tummy. I've got some ab definition under those stretch marks and I'm damn proud!I also have a little flab and that's OK too.

The better news: I'm running that beast on Saturday. I don't care if I have to jog super slow or walk. I will high five every spectator and have a blast being part of a running community. This is my life. And I like it.

The best news: My sparkers will cheer me on no matter what. Thank you for being here for me.

And the bestest news of all! I am resisting the urge to tell DH to go get me a pint of Ben & Jerrys. Now that I wrote that I can't go do it.

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

believe in the run

Thursday, October 20, 2011

I started running last Spring as a way to workout with my kids. I couldn't spend endless hours at the gym like I did pre-babies. I *could* push them in a double jogger and burn some major calories. I had no idea that such a love affair was growing.


I love that anyone can run. Sure, it can be a really expensive sport. But it doesn't have to be. I don't have a lot of gear. None of my running clothes match because I buy them on clearance. I have no idea what gus or gels or belts or compression socks work. I've never bought any. That doesn't mean I won't at some point...

Anyway, I love reading all the C25K blogs and status updates in the Spark universe. It's motivating and impressive. Anyone can run.



I love running with my husband. Our bodies don't look like this, but our smiles do. Our dates used to be about wine and food and bars. I would never have guessed that this is how we would spend our time together. If someone would have told me 5 years ago, (hell, ONE year ago!) that I'd be a runner, I would've rolled my eyes. phstttt.



I ran my first 5K in June. Next June I'll run my first marathon. I was in pretty good shape before I started running. It's not like I jumped off the couch and did all this. It's been a process and I know my process is faster than some. Some people have told me I'm taking on too much too fast. Disagree. I'll leave it at that.


The 10 mile race was so much fun. I immediately went home and looked up the Monster Dash half marathon at the end of the month. It's $80 times 2 for DH's entry fee and arranging for someone to take care of the kids and it was too much. I was bummed but decided to keep training like I had been. 3 runs a week: 1 long run of 8 -11 miles, 1 easy 5 mile, 1 hills 4-7 miles. My plan is to repeat through the winter (akkkkk!) and up training 4 months before the marathon.

I know that anyone can run a a marathon with the proper training.
Want proof?

This is Fauja Singh. He's 100 years old! He ran Toronto and it was his 8th marathon. Ah-maz-ing. He makes me happy to be healthy and alive. He reminds me:



and:



Today I am going a run with a friend that is recently divorced. She's had a tough year. We will run together because we can. She may have lost a lot, but she has two strong legs and we will celebrate that today.



And now for the happy ending, I WILL be running that half marathon next Saturday. A gym friend gave me her bib because she is hardcore and is flying to DC to run the marathon. Good thing I kept up with my training, huh?

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

some girl power on a Sunday

Sunday, October 16, 2011

I don't have much to say so I'll just dazzle you with pinterest.com pics



Isn't that the truth?



I used to say that my will power wasn't strong enough. We've all heard it a million times, "I don't have any will power." Yes, we do. We just choose to use it or not. Last night I exercised my will power. I ate one chocolate covered caramel that guests brought over and threw away the rest when they left. It was a conscious decision. That's will power. I could've done that a year ago, but I made the choice not to.


YES! I used to silently dream about being a runner. I listed lots of reasons why I couldn't. My silliest excuse was because I have a large chest. I know, that's ridiculous. But that's what I told myself. After years of quiet thoughts, I spent the money on a good sports bra and now I run 20 miles a week. OK, fine, sometimes only 12. But the point is I CAN RUN. and so can you.
I have 9 miles planned for today. I'll pretend I'm here:

That's Prague in case you're curious.


I keep making strength training goals/plans/little thoughts in my head about how I need to do more because you need ST and everyone on Sparkpeople is STing and it's the right thing to do and and and... but I just don't do it. I don't like weight lifting. I don't like the machines at the gym, I don't like free weights in my basement, I don't really enjoy Bodypump class. here's my thoughts on fitness: Find something you love and you'll stick with it. If you don't like it, it will not become part of your lifestyle. I need to admit to myself that weight lifting is not something I enjoy and THAT'S OK. There are other ways to tone and strengthen your body.





Yoga is my ST. I'm starting to really get into it. It reminds me of how I felt when I started to fall in love with running last Spring. And they seem to compliment each other.

Well, I guess I had a lot to say. Thanks for listening.


What works for YOU?

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

Poof! Begone excuses!

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

See ya September. So glad that month is over. I love my job, but the first month is hard in the classroom and this year was more stressful than others.

My husband is still not working because of his hand injury and that has been a big source of stress and sadness and lower intensity workouts for all of us.

I was focused on training for my race, not weight loss.

OK, there are my excuses. Pieces to each that are valid, but I took advantage of each one. I kept reading about how hard it is to lose pounds while training. That may be true. But you know what else makes it hard to lose pounds?? Snacking on high calorie trail mix every night while watching TV. And yes, you need proper fuel on the long run days. Not proud to admit how often I ate whatever I wanted and told myself, "I just ran 9 miles. It's fine."

My husband, the chef, the wonderous food miracle worker, cannot use one hand. His boss has been bringing us dinner once a week. This guy is also an amazing chef, but does not slash the calories of a fabulous meal like DH does. I did not enjoy the meals with portion control. At least once a week I have been indulging. BIG time. And last week he brought homemade pound cake. That devil. It's gone and I'm moving on.

I know that it's all about the food for me. I have always liked working out and now I am completely head over heels in love with running. When I finally got the nutrition part in order, the pounds dropped. surprise, surprise. Well, I have let the nutrition slide. And I keep saying that it's time to get serious, but I don't change any behaviors. Writing a Spark blog or status doesn't magically make you lose 5 pounds. Spark points? yes. Real pounds? nope. Too bad, huh?

Yesterday I changed my behavior. I went back to smaller snacks, one portion at dinner. No seconds! And no evening snacking. Tea after 7. That's it. And that's what works for me.

And because I love pics from pinterest.com

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

TC 10 miler and jump in marathon

Sunday, October 02, 2011

I did it!!!!! Apparently training programs work. I followed Hal Higgdon (who I saw, BTW, at the Expo on Saturday and I was a little star struck) Anyway, followed one of his HM plans. We missed a few runs because of weather, injury and children. I justified all that because the race wasn't a full half. *only* 10 miles. It was a good idea to overshoot for training. Then it isn't such a big deal when life happens and running can't be number one.

I worried and planned and cleaned and double and tripled checked everything all week long. We went to the Expo to pick up our packets and it was SO MUCH FUN. You can reach out and grab the energy.


The race started early and it was cold. Good to know that the reflector stripe on my coat works!


The race itself was good, not amazing, but good. I stared too fast and felt tired at mile 4. Right when the hills started. Fabulous. And it was crowded. But then we rounded a corner and tons of spectators/supporters were there with their funny signs (Worst Parade Ever!) and crazy bells and that carried me up the first big hill. The 2nd half of the race was better because I finally let myself slow down. My husband got a bit ahead of me, but came back so we could cross the finish line together. awwww. He is a sweet guy. It was a great moment for us.

The post race atmosphere is just as much fun. We got a 10 minute massage, danced a little, ate bananas and soup broth and raisin rolls and more yummy stuff. We found all the family and friends and hung out for a bit. Then everyone took off and I decided to put another 8 miles on my legs. I know, I know...

The marathon started an hour after the 1o miler and I told a friend that I would wait at mile 22 and jump in for a mile. They usually pull people off the course that don't have the right bib. So I head back up the race path and got to see all the jackrabbit elite runners heading into the last mile. This may have been my favorite part of the day. The winner finished in 2:13. I saw the next 4 guys fighting for 2nd. And they were fighting! So close to each other and all sprinting. I felt like I was at the Olympics or something. Being that close to uber athletes was breathtaking, These guys ran 5:05-5:30 miles the whole time. FOR A MARATHON. how crazy impressive is that? Next up was the first female finisher. She was stunning. Talk about muscle motivation.

I walked at least 4.2, but more like 4.5 miles to get back to 22. I got to see lots of runners for different places in the race. I wish I could explain how beautiful and powerful it was. I finally got to 22 and it seems that is a tough place for people. There were lots of tearful runners, more walkers than I expected and those laughing and looking gorgeous.I saw runners of all sizes, runners with loads of gear, runners with none. Young, old. All marathon runners.

My friend was having a tough time and asked me to stay with her. So I ran the last 4.2 miles with her. For the second time that day! It was fun. The cheering crowds and breathless runners was all the motivation I needed. She finished strong and looking better than she did at 22. I was happy to be there for her and happy that I got to experience that. It certainly gives me some insight into the feelings involved with the end of a marathon.

After my race. I felt great. My goal was 80-90 minutes. I knew 80 would be very fast for me. Chip time says 87:13! I am super proud of the run. 8:44 pace for 10 miles. And then I ran some more! And now my legs are sore and tired.

It was an incredible day. Thanks for all the Spark love and support. It has meant a lot to me.

more pics coming soon from my dad's camera...

  Member Comments About This Blog Post: