Where to start? This definitely was not one of my stellar weeks but it ended on a good note so I can't complain. Monday was my rest day from running but I went to the gym and did the ellipitcal instead, felt awesome!
Tuesday I watched my fav tv show that helps to keep me motivated, Biggest Loser, and I bawled through the entire thing. WOW just wow- amazing things these people do when they set their minds to it. Just seeing their family and friends reaction was touching. I give them credit, my butt hurts after riding the bike and they did it for 26.2 miles. It was enough to know that I may not lose 14 lbs in a week, but I will lose 14 lbs eventually.
I had another great weigh in on Friday- down 2.2 for a total of 5.6 in 3 weeks. Not bad, yes it could be more but I lost and that's what is important. I need to buy a new pair of jeans as they are so big I can pull them off without unbuttoning them but I am not a spender and with a house buying- I'll hopefully put it off and then I can fit into my jeans that are in my drawer.
Friday was truly a test of patience. We got some horrible news about a dear family member which left us upset and then we saw a house that we were hoping would work out and didn't. It was just one thing after another- I won't bore you to death. But I did get to talk to my cousin that I haven't seen in a good 10 years. She reached out to me on Friday needing some advice for her son and it felt great to talk to her, I hope to meet up with her soon.
Saturday's run proved to be brutal. Well I take that back- it was a great run, 4 miles but when I got done, I felt pain in my right knee that I have never felt before. Man I was practically in tears. I tried to stretch it out but I could barely get off the ground once I was done.
Sunday- run was marvelous. All 6 miles of it. I took a different route to mix it up and I felt great. I went Sunday morning to the gym and did 45 min on the elliptical and then did some weight training. Good day overall.
I believe it is helping to do strength and weight training in the mix of my training regimen because it helps to build my core more and keep me excited to keep going. So I pose this question- what is your favorite exercise and why? least favorite?
It's been a rough week for me. We are having no luck on the house front and I am so afraid of what our options are going to be at the end of April when the lease is up. I have to believe that it will work out. I have to quit wallowing in self pity and just exercise my way out. That's what happened Sat, I knew I needed to get it done despite the long day in the car and how I was feeling about everything else. I can control how I feel in some ways by feeling good about myself. Which for me equals running and sweating out some calories.
I planned out some meals for the week with the kids help so that makes me feel good. There is a roast cooking in the crockpot right now as I work from home and it smells so good. It will be nice to have that prepared and ready when I get home from my quick run and workout at the gym. It's all about planning for me- the better I plan, the more successful I am.
Just lace up those tennis shoes and go.... it doesn't have to be running but something. Take your beautiful children for a walk, walk the treadmill or lift hand weights while watching tv, do some push ups before bed... something that let's you know you took care of you today. I challenge you to this and please let me know, I'd love to cheer you on as you cheer me on.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
2 down, 13 more to go
It's hard to believe I am only starting week 3 of training. Last week posed a lot of challenges and struggles but I made it through, just as I will the next 13. I am the all or nothing kind of girl- a mindset I need to learn to resolve and move forward.
Man, oh man- where to begin? How about with my NSV? The best one I have received lately. People have been telling me my face looks thinner and I look great. I don't see it except my clothes are feeling much looser (which of course happens with running right?). Well last night I put on my running capris, was standing there talking to Chuck and the kids, and he says "wow babe, you really are losing your butt and have you really lost a lot of weight doing this." I said no, just 4 lbs but I know my clothes fit looser. He said just remember I love you the way that you are- not who you want to become. Awww yes he may be kissing butt a little bit about the puppy but I think he sincerely meant it.
Let's rewind to Saturday night.. Chuck got home early from fishing since they weren't having luck so my whole schedule got thrown off. My mom was on her way to watch the kids and he called- so I told her she didn't have to come. Well by the time I got everyone settled, dinner done- I wasn't running until 8:00. By this time, I ran on the treadmill at the gym because it was pitch dark out and wasn't comfortable running on the rural trail by myself. I barely made it through my workout. I was SO upset with myself. No I was mad at myself. Furious was a better way but more worried on how I was going to run 13.1 miles when 4 was such a difficult task.
Sunday's run was a piece of cake. I literally felt like I was running out the stress and trying to focus on my posture and my breathing. I don't run with music right now so I just listen to the birds or people talking and it's so calm and relaxing. I guess the lesson is learned that some days will be a struggle but I just need to keep pushing through- if everything was easy, there would be no need for improvement and training schedules. Then life would be boring, even though I admit that it would be nice to do every so often :)
My goal is to be proud of myself as I run through this training schedule. I am planning to modify it to fit in between the novice and intermediate schedule because I do believe I am fair in between kind of gal. Sheila reminded me to REST on rest days so I do promise I will not run today but I will take a walk with the kids and I may do some strength training/weight lifting.
Schedule for the week:
M- rest, T- 4 miles, W-5 miles, Th-4 miles, Fr-5 miles, Sat-4 miles, Sun-6-7
Thank you for your overwhelming support- the more, the merrier! Together we can achieve anything we set our minds to. As my signature says on the boards, 1step_at_a_time and I just know I can reach my goals. I tend to look to far ahead, I just need to take it one day/one race at a time.
*hugs*
Man, oh man- where to begin? How about with my NSV? The best one I have received lately. People have been telling me my face looks thinner and I look great. I don't see it except my clothes are feeling much looser (which of course happens with running right?). Well last night I put on my running capris, was standing there talking to Chuck and the kids, and he says "wow babe, you really are losing your butt and have you really lost a lot of weight doing this." I said no, just 4 lbs but I know my clothes fit looser. He said just remember I love you the way that you are- not who you want to become. Awww yes he may be kissing butt a little bit about the puppy but I think he sincerely meant it.
Let's rewind to Saturday night.. Chuck got home early from fishing since they weren't having luck so my whole schedule got thrown off. My mom was on her way to watch the kids and he called- so I told her she didn't have to come. Well by the time I got everyone settled, dinner done- I wasn't running until 8:00. By this time, I ran on the treadmill at the gym because it was pitch dark out and wasn't comfortable running on the rural trail by myself. I barely made it through my workout. I was SO upset with myself. No I was mad at myself. Furious was a better way but more worried on how I was going to run 13.1 miles when 4 was such a difficult task.
Sunday's run was a piece of cake. I literally felt like I was running out the stress and trying to focus on my posture and my breathing. I don't run with music right now so I just listen to the birds or people talking and it's so calm and relaxing. I guess the lesson is learned that some days will be a struggle but I just need to keep pushing through- if everything was easy, there would be no need for improvement and training schedules. Then life would be boring, even though I admit that it would be nice to do every so often :)
My goal is to be proud of myself as I run through this training schedule. I am planning to modify it to fit in between the novice and intermediate schedule because I do believe I am fair in between kind of gal. Sheila reminded me to REST on rest days so I do promise I will not run today but I will take a walk with the kids and I may do some strength training/weight lifting.
Schedule for the week:
M- rest, T- 4 miles, W-5 miles, Th-4 miles, Fr-5 miles, Sat-4 miles, Sun-6-7
Thank you for your overwhelming support- the more, the merrier! Together we can achieve anything we set our minds to. As my signature says on the boards, 1step_at_a_time and I just know I can reach my goals. I tend to look to far ahead, I just need to take it one day/one race at a time.
*hugs*
Friday, March 19, 2010
Welcome! Please read along and stay throughout my journey
I promised people I would blog about my half marathon experience and quite frankly, I have slacked but I have so many thoughts and ideas in my head so hopefully I'll be able to blog about them now.
I have decided to run Grandma's Half Marathon up in Duluth on June 19, 2010. I am absolutely ecastic but even more so because my best friend, Stef, is coming all the way from Pittsburgh to enjoy this special weekend with me. I have not seen her in a few years but we talk daily via email but there will be nothing better than seeing her and for both of us to meet one another's boyfriend.
Speaking of my boyfriend, he is my biggest supporter. He makes sure to ask me everytime I am finished with my run for the day how it was and just listen to me babble. I appreciate this more than he knows because I know running does not interest him in the least bit but because it matters to me, he listens.
The training schedule is quite demanding but I feel such a sense of calmness in my life right now. Life is real hectic around me (at home, work and then not to mention the biggest of them all- house buying) but this gives me the ability to enjoy a little time to myself each and every day.
I hear often- "wow you are crazy, I am not running unless something is chasing me!" While I respect that, I can guarantee that I find the calmness in running as everyone else does in something else. Chuck always tells me, you love to run like I love to fish- it keeps our sanity. I challenge each and every one of you to find what makes you happy, whole and sane.
I spent my first week running on the treadmill as weather conditions were not great here in MN, that was a breeze. My 6 mile run on Sunday was a bit rough as I felt pressured for time but I made it through. This week has been a little different. I am now running outside and that is a totally different ball game. I have realized I am done running on the treadmill- it bores me to tears. The pavement is so much harder and pacing yourself becomes challenging, but it is a great way to de-stress and just listen to the world around you and say hi to everyone passing by as they are walking/exercising. This weekend will be a challenge as Chuck is not home and I have 2 longer runs I need to get through but I am blessed with a great support system to help me out for a few hours.
Yesterday I had a 3 mile run ahead of me but my shins were killing me, but I went anyway. A great inspiration and friend, Nancy, had posted about her workout on facebook and I knew I had to leave right then. Sometimes the people who don't think they are making a difference, make the biggest one yet- thanks Nancy. I got done with my run and felt fabulous. I was hurting but it was a good hurt.
I've been struggling with eating. I eat a good, quick snack before I exercise but I am NEVER hungry afterwards. Yes I know I will get flammed by my running friends and those who exercise but I have no appetite but I will drink water until the end of time. I have been reading and researching ways to continue. Any input is greatly appreciated!
As of this morning, I am down 3.4 lbs in 2 weeks. I looked in the mirror this morning and really enjoyed what I saw- I am wearing a shirt that 3 months ago was too snug. Great NSV huh? The weight loss is slower than I'd like but I am getting there and I know without a doubt, I am losing inches.
Thank you so much for all your support. I am dedicating my race on June 19, 2010 to my grandma. I always promised her I would run Grandma's Marathon someday and while I am not running the whole 26.2 miles, I know she will be proud of me just the same for running 13.1 miles. I hope you will read this blog, leave your comments/advice and talk about your own experiences.
I have decided to run Grandma's Half Marathon up in Duluth on June 19, 2010. I am absolutely ecastic but even more so because my best friend, Stef, is coming all the way from Pittsburgh to enjoy this special weekend with me. I have not seen her in a few years but we talk daily via email but there will be nothing better than seeing her and for both of us to meet one another's boyfriend.
Speaking of my boyfriend, he is my biggest supporter. He makes sure to ask me everytime I am finished with my run for the day how it was and just listen to me babble. I appreciate this more than he knows because I know running does not interest him in the least bit but because it matters to me, he listens.
The training schedule is quite demanding but I feel such a sense of calmness in my life right now. Life is real hectic around me (at home, work and then not to mention the biggest of them all- house buying) but this gives me the ability to enjoy a little time to myself each and every day.
I hear often- "wow you are crazy, I am not running unless something is chasing me!" While I respect that, I can guarantee that I find the calmness in running as everyone else does in something else. Chuck always tells me, you love to run like I love to fish- it keeps our sanity. I challenge each and every one of you to find what makes you happy, whole and sane.
I spent my first week running on the treadmill as weather conditions were not great here in MN, that was a breeze. My 6 mile run on Sunday was a bit rough as I felt pressured for time but I made it through. This week has been a little different. I am now running outside and that is a totally different ball game. I have realized I am done running on the treadmill- it bores me to tears. The pavement is so much harder and pacing yourself becomes challenging, but it is a great way to de-stress and just listen to the world around you and say hi to everyone passing by as they are walking/exercising. This weekend will be a challenge as Chuck is not home and I have 2 longer runs I need to get through but I am blessed with a great support system to help me out for a few hours.
Yesterday I had a 3 mile run ahead of me but my shins were killing me, but I went anyway. A great inspiration and friend, Nancy, had posted about her workout on facebook and I knew I had to leave right then. Sometimes the people who don't think they are making a difference, make the biggest one yet- thanks Nancy. I got done with my run and felt fabulous. I was hurting but it was a good hurt.
I've been struggling with eating. I eat a good, quick snack before I exercise but I am NEVER hungry afterwards. Yes I know I will get flammed by my running friends and those who exercise but I have no appetite but I will drink water until the end of time. I have been reading and researching ways to continue. Any input is greatly appreciated!
As of this morning, I am down 3.4 lbs in 2 weeks. I looked in the mirror this morning and really enjoyed what I saw- I am wearing a shirt that 3 months ago was too snug. Great NSV huh? The weight loss is slower than I'd like but I am getting there and I know without a doubt, I am losing inches.
Thank you so much for all your support. I am dedicating my race on June 19, 2010 to my grandma. I always promised her I would run Grandma's Marathon someday and while I am not running the whole 26.2 miles, I know she will be proud of me just the same for running 13.1 miles. I hope you will read this blog, leave your comments/advice and talk about your own experiences.
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