"Choosing trust over doubt gets me burned once in a while, but I'd rather be singed than hardened." -Victoria Monfort










Monday, May 07, 2012

Progress...or...Not..



I run my first half marathon in 12 days. I havn't gotten more than 8 miles consecutive, even though this week I was to hit a 12, according to my training schedule.

Yesterday I was going to do my 12, and ran with a group my friend belongs to for their 6 mile goal, and at the end of the scheduled 6 miles I had to quit. As usual, when I run up a hill, I get nauseus. We did the entire 6 miles at an almost 12 minute mile (slow for me) in anticipation of doing a full 12, but I still had to stop.

I have tried to get the food and drink down for the last 8 weeks, but it doesn't matter when I eat, what I eat, how much I do or don't drink, if I hit a hill, I'm down for the count.My bff (that has done like 4 halfs, and is set to do a 50k this fall....)assures me, that she stick with me for the half, since my goal is just to finish without injury!

I don't like sports drinks, or anything gummy, or gel-y and this seems a hinderance to my stamina according to fellow runners. The coach on the run said that I need salt, and carbs to sustain my body for long runs.

Well, hello, salt and carbs are a girl that is on a weight loss diet's enemy.

For the next 12 days I am opening myself up to salt and carbs, for my own benefit. I'll get back on to weight loss after I kick that 13.1 miles' ass!

I got really down on myself after the 6 miles, because on a regular day, I run 4 miles at a 10mm pace, then before my hour of strength training, or kickboxing I jog slow (about 12mm for 30 minutes, and then I take a class. 5-6 days a week. I feel pretty bad-ass doing all of this stuff, until I can't run distances.

So, in honor of progress, I had to revisit how far I have come fitness-wise. Not knock myself for not being a top performer, and try to remember that this old girl, could not have even WALKED a mile, let alone, run for 13.1.

 Before, before...welllllll over 200lbs!!! (oh yes!)


After losing 45, and then after another 65, in the comfortable 100's.

So, yes, these pictures hang on my refrigerator, and inspire me in terms of how far I have come on my journey to being healthy, and to keep working out, and eating right, but I need inspiration to go the distance for this half!! I have almost hit my weight loss goal, now I want to hit a personal fitness goal!

So I have been googling tips, and tricks, and things to do for your first half, like crazy!

What are your best suggestions? 


8 comments:

Debbie @ Live from La Quinta said...

So much of this is the head game. It's like Albert Pujols and his first damned home run. (I'm an Angels fan, sorry). If you start to think you can't, well you know the rest.

But..you can. Think of all you have accomplished! Even if you have to walk up the stupid hills, you can get there. It won't be easy, but you can do it.

There is a product out there, Nuun, that just provides electrolytes, no carbs or calories to speak of. It has a mild flavor and you add a tablet to water. Combined with a good breakfast (and dinner the night before), you should be okay. If you hate gels, can you eat part of a bar (or even a banana)?

Thank you for posting your pictures. That is very brave. Your story is very motivating for anyone who has a lot of weight to lose and doesn't know where to begin.

Carolyn G said...

WOW! You inspire me. I so need to lose weight and everytime I see your pictures and hear about your journey, I know I can do it!

Good luck!!!

Fizzgig said...

debbie:
i'd hoped you would have some sort of tip to lend, I'm going to look into it! I do love bars, and bananas! and I think walking hills is key, because I am not going to give up, and that is probably the only compromise! I love to inspire people to lose weight, I am a shining example! but in the heart of losing weight, and continuously challenging yourself, I am on to my next milestone! your blog definatley gives me that added "oomphf"!!!

carolyn:
i know everyone says this, but if i can do it anyone can. my biggest claim to fame is to give your diet and workout a good 30 days without fail. that is key. i've tried everything twice, but that is the key. stick, to something for a mere 30 days, and it becomes habit. then when you stray you know that the "straying" makes a difference, because you can feel it if you don't work out or eat bad...

Hil said...

How exciting! I totally feel you on the not going to the full planned practice distance. When I did my first half last November, I had actually injured my back about a month and a half before the race. I couldn't run for a month and I was so mad that I didn't get to train like I planned. The farthest I ran prior to the race was 7 consecutive miles! I got through it though and I finished faster than I had planned :) You are going to do great!

Wow way to go! I had no idea you've lost over 100lbs. That's so inspiring! Keep up the great work.

My tips are:
1. Wear cool clothing for your race. Before the start of my race it was really cold and I wanted my warm sweats but I'm glad that I did not wear them because once I started running, I totally warmed up . One thing people do is they get a sweat shirt they don't care for from like a thrift store so they they can wear it at the beginning if it's cold and then toss it once it warms up.

2. You said you don't like gels, so I don't know if this will apply, but I say get some GU or other packaged gel. GU has a lot of flavors to choose from. They can give you a nice boost of energy when you're tired.

Good luck Monica! Can't wait to hear about it.

alexa @clevelandsaplum said...

i've said it before and i'll say ti again you really are my inspiration!!

Carmen said...

You will do awesome! Don't worry about the carbs for now... you're just altering your goals for the next bit - it doesn't mean that you'll eat carbs forever!!

If your body is a temple, mine must be a mansion! said...

You did it! (posted the before and after!). Good for you - it is a great motivation for you, and all of us.

I just ordered some of the Nuun yesterday. I probably don't need it running the 10k, but want to have it just in case I start to slag. You are going to be great!

Teena in Toronto said...

You've done soooo well and have come soooo far!