Because We Can ~ My first Half Marathon!

Monday, April 29, 2013

I crossed the finish line at my very first half marathon at the young age of 50. Two years ago if someone had told me I would become a runner, I would have laughed and said "I will only run if being chased by a bear (a big bear)".

At the beginning of the week I wasn't sure if I was going to do it. I had a very difficult month with losing a family member and the Boston Marathon tragedy just knocked the wind out of me.

I decided the day before the race that I needed to be strong and just do it.



On my lonely drive to the event I was nervous. I was uncomfortable with doing my first race all by myself. I kept thinking in the car "Why am I doing this?" Well, the answer came to me on a sign. I looked up and saw a billboard advertising a concert which I will be seeing. It's the Bon Jovi "Because We Can" tour. "BECAUSE WE CAN" was in bright hot pink. That was my sign! At that moment I felt energized.



"Because We Can" is my new motto.

It was cold at the starting line. When I left home it was in the upper 30s so I dressed warm (four layers). Other racers where wearing shorts and tanks. I'm sure everyone could tell I was a newbie.

I spotted the pacers, the last one was the 2:45 pacer. I kept looking for the 3:00 and 3:15 pacers. Hmmm…now I was a little more uncomfortable since the last time I walked 13 miles (in November on a treadmill) it took me close to 3 hours and 40 minutes

Starting Line:
The starting gun sounded and everyone started running except for me and a couple of others. It was my plan to start off with my fast-paced walk. Right off the gate, both of my shins were cramping which I've never experienced before. Yikes!

Mile 2:
At mile 2 my shin pain went away. Whew! I noticed at this time that I was walking faster than some of the runners, which was a great feeling. I decided just to keep the pace going.

Mile 3:
At mile 3 the 2:45 pacer was in sight. I made a decision to try and keep up with her to the half way point so I picked up my pace and started to run. The cat and mouse game began.

Mile 5:
I passed my pacer and told her that I just wanted to pass her just once. She laughed and said I would be passing her multiple times. At this time I was getting really warm. The stripping began and my race lessons started (dress lighter next time).

Mile 6.5:
I hit my goal by keeping up with my pacer. At this moment I realized that if continued to keep up with her to the finish line I could beat my daughter's time from last year. I had a new goal. I’m such a mean mom.

Mile 9:
At mile nine I passed my pacer at least 4 times. I was now doing a run/walk interval. The one thing I noticed is that I felt better running. When I stopped to walk my legs started cramping.

Mile 10:
I was feeling really good at mile 10 and thought I would attempt to run the rest of the way.

Mile 11.5:
still ahead of my pacer but I started to get worried since my heart was racing. I took a break to walk a little and she passed me up again. Grrrr! She told me I could do this and started cheering me on.

Mile 12.5:
I hit the wall close to the finish line. It felt like I was going to pass out and vomit which had me really scared. I looked behind me and there she was breathing down my neck. It was mind over body at this point.

Mile 13.1:
I crossed the finish line just before my pacer. We high-fived at the finish line.



Let’s Move Race Results:

Time 2:44:20 (beat my daughter’s time)
Placed 17th out of 25 in my age group (not bad for a newbie)
Placed 647 out of 717

Detroit Free Press International Half is next unless I find another one before it.

And once again thank you my spark friends for all your support.

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BLC21 Results

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Today is the final weigh in for the BLC 12-week challenge (Round 21). I'm so happy that there is another BLC around the corner.

Starting Weight: 155.5
Ending Weight: 145

Total Inches Lost: 6.5”
Total Weight Lost: 10.5 lbs

BMI: Dropped from 23.54 to 22.04
Waist to Hip Ratio: Avocado (.85) to Avocado (.81)

Goals Met:

Hit my target of 10.5 lbs this round

I exceeding my target of total 50 pounds by 6 pounds. Total of 56 pounds gone forever

Strength train 3 times week

Shaved off 1 minute from 1 Mile walking test

Size 6 pairs of jeans!!!!

Had fun and made some new friends

What’s Next:

I would like to lose 5 more pounds during the BLC break.

Make a decision on maintenance (I’m close)

Thank you Spies for helping me achieve this.

Anyone looking for a great challenge, join the "Biggest Loser Challenge (The BLC mailing list)". I have the team link on my spark page. Round 22 starts in June.

Silver Spies Rock!!!

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What's on my mind?

Sunday, March 10, 2013

SPRINGTIME is on my mind!!!!



I want the snow to melt.

I want the ground to thaw.

I want to get down and dirty.

I'm ready for my long outdoor walks.

I'm ready to dust off my bike.

I'm ready to build up my vitamin D level naturally.

I'm ready for the farmer's market to open

I'm ready for my first half marathon.

I have SPRING FEVER!!!!!!

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50 lbs gone FOREVER!!

Monday, February 11, 2013

When I look down at the scale and instead of thinking "it's never going to happen"; I’m thinking "holy cow, it’s right there in front of me". And truth be told, I never in a million years expected to be looking down at the scale and be seeing a 50 pound loss.

I hit my 50 pounds and still can’t believe it. I was happy when I hit 20, elated when I hit 30, shocked when I hit 40 and thrilled when I hit 45. Now I’m just doing the happy dance ~ gangnam style.

I didn't lose 50 pounds over night; it has taken me 19 months of hard work. During this time I've hit some major setbacks but I never gave up. I have to admit there were days I didn't want to weigh in, didn't want to exercise, didn't want to weigh and measure, didn't want to participate in challenges, but I just kept going. If I gave up I would never be where I’m at today.

So here are 15 reasons why I love my Spark Journey:

BEFORE SP: High cholesterol
TODAY: Cholesterol is at a normal level (without medication)

BEFORE SP: Blood pressure was elevated
TODAY: Blood pressure is normal

BEFORE SP: Visited chiropractor at least twice a month
TODAY: Visit once a quarter for a routine tune-up

BEFORE SP: Could not walk a mile without feet or hip pain
TODAY: I’m training to walk my first half-marathon in April

BEFORE SP: I would just say NO to lunges, squats, military push-ups and chair dips
TODAY: I say bring them on…the more the better

BEFORE SP: Was only comfortable doing gentle yoga
TODAY: Loving my power yoga!!

BEFORE SP: Would only run if being chased by a bear
TODAY: Working on interval running

BEFORE SP: Lost my inner athlete
TODAY: My inner athlete is back and stronger than ever

BEFORE SP: Size 14 pair of jeans
TODAY: Comfortably wearing size 8 and I’m gunning for size 6

BEFORE SP: Would avoid all mirrors
TODAY: I stop and check out my booty and legs in the mirror (just like my daughters do)

BEFORE SP: Didn't know what kale looked like
TODAY: Kale is a staple in my refrigerator

BEFORE SP: Low energy
TODAY: There are days I feel like the energizer bunny

BEFORE SP: Liked staying in my comfort zone
TODAY: Doing whatever I can to step out of it

BEFORE SP: 3 person support system (husband and 2 daughters)
TODAY: Over 300+ spark buddies! I could not ask for a better support system

BEFORE SP: Dreaded turning 50
TODAY: I embrace being 50!!!!!

So was 19 months of hard work worth it….ABSOLUTELY. Sure there are things I still need to work on and challenges ahead, however I have the tools and support I need to continue on my wonderful Spark Journey.

If I can do this. You can too!

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BLC21 ~ To the Athlete of the Week

Sunday, January 27, 2013

This week's Biggest Loser Challenge theme is "Back to the Future". One of the challenge components is to blog about what you would tell your 16 year old self, if you were to go back in time.

What timing for this challenge since I had a flashback last week. I was cleaning my basement and found my high school memorabilia box. I opened it and the thing that caught my eye was a newspaper clipping that my dad had laminated. The headline read "Lori…Prep Athlete of the Week".

I read the newspaper clipping and here are a couple of things that were quoted by me:

"There is a lot to learn and it isn't as easy as it looks".

"I didn’t realize it was going to be so much work when I first started"

I chuckled when I read that because that's how I feel today about my spark journey; there's a lot to learn and it takes hard work.

I was really fit back in high school, however life happens. So if I could go back in time, I would tell the "Athlete of the Week" these things:

Your HEALTH is so important don't take it for granted.

Physical and mental health should always be a PRIORITY.

Learn how to COPE with stressful situations now. Food is not the answer, yoga is.

I know you love eating salads at Wendy's. The salad is not as healthy as you think when you add a ½ cup of the french dressing and bacon bits. Ditch the bacon and try balsamic vinegar. You need to make better food CHOICES.

You will not know what I'm saying but you will understand it when something called the INTERNET takes off. Purchase the domain name 'Sparkpeople.com' right away before some guy grabs it. Build a health and fitness community website that will change so many lives. You could be referred to as the SPARK CHICK.

Finally Lori, LOVE LIFE and keep that inner athlete shining.

I’m so happy that my inner athlete has made a comeback and the determination I had back in high school is still with me.

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