Change IS Good...

I got a new trainer at my gym for my boot camp classes. I don't much like change, but I'm trying to embrace it!

Our classes are more challenging, which after a year, we all needed! More faced paced, no fringe, non-stop, awesomeness! She even throws in some tabata classes here and there!

The best part, is that she is also a nutritionist. She gave us the option to submit food journals, for a "prize". She looks them over, and gives us suggestions on what to change. Of course, I jumped on board! I have been stagnant despite 2 a day work outs (runs and boot camp) because I wasn't tracking my food! (I workout all the time, I can eat what I want!!)

After 3 weeks of being back to journaling I'm down 5 pounds!

I'm most excited about the introduction of protein shakes after my workouts. After only one week I can already see my muscle definition!

One week until my 13.1 that I only took 4 weeks to train for. I'll be OK, but I won't be breaking any personal records!

Weight Loss Can Make You Feel Insane....

I am not quite sure when it happened....but somewhere between being overweight, and achieving my first set of weight loss and fitness goals...I've become kind of predictable. And probably, by definition, insane. I mean I wonder why I am still single, yet I have a real problem with changing my routine.

How is it working for me? Not that great. I mean, I'm comfortable..but nothing exciting has happened to me in a very long time. I haven't met new people, or done anything different since I can't remember.

The me of today, doesn't want to be spontaneous! My insides just won't let me! I'm on autopilot. Deviating from the plan stirs something in my core that I do not like to feel.

I get up in the morning, knowing exactly what the day has to offer. Work of course, can be unpredictable, but for some reason that is OK. I have made peace with it.

After work, I have a workout planned.

Once home from my workout, after tending my pets... I know what TV shows I'm going to watch every day. I even know what days I will or will not have wine. (it depends on what shows I am watching, and what meal I had for the day, to allow for the calories!)

You can't call me after the gym and ask me to do something. Even if it is just to stop by your house and hang out for a while, or meet at Starbucks. No, I have "plans".

My plans are to be at home.

Yes, I still leave the house, and I have a mostly active social life that actually doesn't involve the gym, or walking dogs at the animal rescue. I just have to have plans ahead of time to do so. I enjoy knowing by Wednesday, what I will be doing for the weekend. Otherwise, I plan to do my own thing, and I can't be swayed from that.

While I am perfectly comfortable with my life, I have remember what I accomplished the last time I stepped outside of my comfortable life...and then it kind of stirs some excitement inside of me.

If I'd never have stepped out of my comfort zone way back then, I wouldn't be where I am today.

I wouldn't have lost over 100 lbs! Or run 3 half marathons, and countless shorter races. I wouldn't be doing real push ups, and winning the best client in my boot camp classes. I wouldn't be focused on bettering myself.

I have to focus on the next set of amazing things that await me, and stop being comfortable where I am today.

I think a lot of people who lose a lot of weight reach this point. You get scared. You assume once you reach a goal, you are done. So you settle into a routine. The work stops.

I don't want to be one of the stereotypes..I think it only brings up more obstacles to conquer!

It never gets easy, just because you are a certain weight. You always have more to work on. I think I assumed it would be cake once I fit into single digit clothing.

I need to set my sights on the next big thing, and every little step outside of what I am use to, is in the right direction!

Team Leader, Means Business...

I have enlisted four of my coworkers to do the Akron Marathon this year, as a relay team.  

I'm team leader.

Last year, I did the first leg, at 3.9 miles, and was so afraid of the whole experience. I wasn't a "runner", I ran only for an extra calorie burn before my bootcamp class to lose weight. I only agreed to the relay because the team needed to replace a dropout.

But when I passed on my relay bracelet, I had wished I picked a longer leg....the excitement of a big race, does so much for you!

And I can't wait for my team to experience the excitement of race day! I know they are going to love it! Plus, I am selling it as a "team building experience" at work....so far, so good!!

One member runs casually, one works out alot, but does not run, one hasn't ran in years, one can do a 7 minute mile (our finisher) and then there is me. A mediocre runner, with not much speed, but a whole lotta spirit!!

I am taking the longest leg of the relay, at 7.5 miles. I'm not afraid of it at all. Even if it is one week before my second-ever half marathon!


I developed a spreadsheet for the team to track our weekly mileage, as a "healthy competition" to get them use to running, and hopefully make them inclined to get out and do some miles because I am sharing it with the team every Monday.

I have no expectations...your first race goal should be to finish without injury. Otherwise you will hate the entire experience. I am hoping to get a new (or more) race mate out of the whole experience!


I never in a billion years expected to enjoy running....or racing.. let alone, lead a team of newbies down my same path! But if you never push yourself, you will never know how strong you are, or what you are capable of.

Accomplishing what you thought was impossible, is the best gift you can ever give yourself!!

This is the message I want to share with everyone!

I think when all is said and done, seeing my team gather at the finish and retrieve our medals.... will be my most rewarding accomplishment to date!!

Natures Bounties....

On a quest to be more creative with with being active, in extreme heat (90 degree's is not commonplace for Ohio residents) I decided to finally check out a park that I pass by every day on my way to the gym, on my lunch hour. The Nature Realm. So close to work and home....what was I waiting for??

I couldn't think of a more enjoyable way to spend a lunch hour.  I spent several minutes trying to find the frogs in this pond, that were croaking, and jumping into the water.

After a quick, leisurely 1.4 mile walk on a trail (so I can still say I was active on my lunch hour..), I found this spot on a big, covered deck.. overlooking this beautiful pond where I sat and listened to the birds, and frogs singing....and got re-acquainted with my 50 shades of grey trilogy. Sheer bliss in the middle of the work day!!!

It also has an indoor area (built into the ground!) with naturalists on duty. Plus, several of these tanks full of frogs, and snakes, and turtles -oh my!


My tax dollars at work! I have really begun to realize how lucky I am to live in the city with all its conveniences, yet be so closely surrounded by these amazingly beautiful, and state protected places where I can not only get some miles in, but relax in the presence of nature.

I saw such colorful birds here,  that I didn't know even existed!!

I am lucky to live and work so close to such amazingly beautiful places. 

Scenic Running...

I am very lucky to not only live close to an amazing metropark, where I like to run..but  I also live close to the Buckeye Trail. People travel for miles to experience what is in my own backyard. Sometimes when you just "don't wanna run", this is exactly what you need!

I've been running on trails before, but this was my first one that was so daunting. It was more of a hike given the extreme hills, and water crossings, but we did run the flats. (probably only 2.5-3 miles of actual running) and I got some amazing pictures along the way.

I did 6 miles here with my girlfriend, who is training for an ultra this fall. She is doing 30 miles. I think she is insane, as she has not even done a full marathon yet, but I admire her tenacity!

Sometimes you have to stop and drink in the beauty! I tripped over about 5 tree roots, one time so badly I came inches from face-planting into my girlfriends ass....

We saw several deer scaling the huge hills with such ease. I decided then, that running up and down those hills is surely easy when you have four legs!

We talked about me pacing her on her 30 miles for maybe 5 miles. They allow someone to run with you for portions of it. I think it will be great fun to go in all energetic, and do a measely 5 miles and tell her to kick it into gear!!

Yet another water crossing. Luckily it hadn't rained in a while so we were able to get across these all on rocks, and not get wet. I had on my new Adidas running shoes, I'd have protested!

I just thought this was beautiful...

Our destination, and treat after 5.5 miles, was stopping after a short detour to enjoy Blue Hen Falls before the end. I scaled my way to the top of the waterfall for this picture and my girlfriend said "don't fall, I'd feel really bad if you did"...uhhh....thanks...for that!

Another waterfall shot from the top!

More up close Blue Hen Falls..

The view from a "set up" vantage point behind a fence....fence, schmence...

Last, but not least, 87 steps that were so easy to go down, but after 5.5 miles, going up these was quite the undertaking on our way to 6 miles! They go well into the top of the hill...on and on...And the hills we scaled were even steeper than this.

It was nice to get out of the gym for a run, and off the towpath running trail, and see some nature! Plus there was a group of hot male bikers doing the same trail (how they scaled the hills is beyond me!!!) We passed them on our way out, and again on our way back. One guy said "you girls on your way back already? you are strong!!"

Yea. A stranger said we were strong. It was a pretty awesome moment for us!

Who Doesn't Love Inspiring Words...

I got this image via text from one of my oldest  friends, and only running partner, titled "this reminds me of you".

It filled me with such pride. Sometimes you need that reminder of how others view you.

When you are so immersed in your own routine, you forget that maybe you are kinda bad-ass for running 4 miles at lunch, then another 4 miles at the gym before taking a cardio or weight class right after. You forget that most people can't even walk a mile, let alone work out for close to 3 hours a day, 5 days a week. There was a time that I couldn't even run for a minute's time on the treadmill....and I have accomplished an honest-to God half marathon. In record setting heat!

So, since I have gotten so much inspiration, I wanted to give some as well..

If you are trying to change your body, pat yourself on the back!! Celebrate your milestones! Don't ever give up, and believe in yourself, even if no one else will! We are our own best cheerleaders, take advantage of that! Fill your home with quotes that inspire you, pictures of bodies you admire, things you wish to accomplish, and every day, look at them and allow yourself to believe that it can all be yours!! Because it can!!

Take pictures of yourself whenever you feel great about your body, and look at them all the time! You did that. No one did it for you. It was all your hard work, and determination that got you to that point! No one else is doing the work to change your body. YOU ARE! And let it inspire you to keep moving forward!!


It's taken me years, collectively, to lose over 100lbs...I hope for everyone that struggles with weight loss, that it finally "clicks" with you, and you know it is all up to you. And once you get honest with yourself, and do the work, you will see how empowering it is, and there will be no stopping you!!

No one wants to eat a salad vs. pizza but we do it because that's what you have to do to reach your goals. 

And, for as long as I have been working out, and/or running, I still don't WANT to do it. I have the same thoughts every day. "I could just do it later, or tomorrow.  I'm tired. One day off won't matter. I don't feel like it."

I really don't know many people that "feel like it" you just do it!

Be strong of mind, and determined to achieve whatever it is you set out for yourself, and YOU WILL! Once you get your mind right, your body will fall in line too, that's just the way it works!

See it, and achieve it!!

If you want it, go get it! Nothing is standing in your way, but you!!


So, what are you waiting for??

OH! Losing Weight? Yea...I Still Do That...

I have been so wrapped up in my reading, and imaginary whirlwind single life, that I havn't had much time to talk about weight loss. Sure, I'm still trekking along on this trail! It's a lifestyle change, always and forever!

Still trying to drop that 15lbs I gained back, and have 10lbs to go. It's a lot slower not being on the extreme restrictions I was on to drop the weight, but this whole "maintenance" thing is sure hard! I'm learning to eat healthy in a way I can sustain forever, vs. eating from a list of "approved" foods. I still try to keep it clean, but I do enjoy my progressive light soup now and then, and rotisserie chickens!! (and turkey sandwhiches...mmm...) Oh, and let's not forget I've added back the wine and martini's which I'm sure is the biggest culprit of my slower weight loss. But, that's me. I have to find a way to make it work.

I can give up the ice cream, and pizza, and 95% of bad carbs...but I cannot forgoe a life with no wine or martini's. It is just not in the cards for me people!

If I'd gone back full swing, I could've dropped 15 lbs in 2 weeks. But, that isn't the real me, and I'm determined to find the balance I need to last me a lifetime. Trial and error.

Down only 5lbs.. but I have still seen so many changes in my body due to adding strength and core work. I'm not just an empty shell anymore, I am getting toned, and I love to see my arm muscles visible at rest. I touch my own guns a lot.

"These are mine?", I ask myself. And  myself answers, "oh yes, watch out Kelly Rippa!"

Hi Kelly Rippa's arms! You will be mine, oh yes....

What I am in mourning about, is saying goodbye to my favorite jeans. I am past the point where I can wash them in hot water, and dry them forever to wear them a few hours before they stretch back out again, and hang lifeless at my waist. (don't we all use this trick, ladies??)

They are so old, that I have been unsuccessful in locating them in smaller size.

I'm determined though, to find my levi, low, flare, 542's, with the button pockets, that make my ass look "just right", in my new size. 

There have been zero times before these jeans, that I thought my ass looked good in anything. And...we all know how important it is to think your ass looks good in your jeans...right, ladies??? I mean, it changes your entire outlook!


I bet if I had a Christian Grey, he would find me these jeans with all his worldly connections...

Oh, I'm sorry, did I just go "50 Shades of Grey" for a second? I am still kinda hung up on that. So much so, that after finishing the trilogy so quickly, I am now reading it again...at a normal human person with a life's pace...I'm determined to soak in every word now that I know the ending.

Spinsterhood...

A couple weekends ago when it was 90 degrees, I tried to run outside and made it 1 mile and had to turn back due to almost dying of heat exhaustion. So I decided to take the dog out to the water.

My Mr. Magoo has a short nose, and he overheats very easily. But he also gives me the stink-eye from the front door when he doesn't go out on a walk, or trip to the dog park.

So, I took him to the beautiful park metro park I am lucky enough to live near by, where I do my running, to see if he liked water...here was our destination.

Magoo decided that he did like the water after our mile hike to the water, and made himself at home. He loved it!

And he wanted to venture out further. It felt good for me to wade in the water also, but I kept losing my sandals in the sand, and having to chase them down the "river" while screaming "my saaaandals!"

Mr. Magoo has a majestic curly Q tail that he mostly drags on the ground when we are in public. It's like a broom. After swimming, and dragging that tail along the sandy trail back to the car, you can imagine I had the biggest mess to clean out of my tub after his bath. He gathered every stick, leaf, and sandy bit along the way!

I have not yet decided if it's 100% lame that the majority of my free time is spent at the gym (which I do have a gym buddy...), running, or going places with my dog.

I'm hoping that at least leaving my house on a regular basis will keep me from spinsterhood.

Running "Cross Country" and "Barking for Life"...

So, I ran a 5k this weekend for the animals. When I arrived 45m early to register, I was kind of unimpressed that I didn't get a bib, and was informed that the race would not be timed. Ok. At least I'm still running a 5k, and the animals get my money.

Then, at the start line, it was explained that the course was "cross country" and then when the "director" told us the route, I went completely blank. Was I suppose to remember what he just said? Yes, I was, because the course wasn't marked! "It was self explanatory". Uhh. what?

It was just around some grassy terrain, (running in the grass??) , and then run up the "giiiinormoussssss sled riding hill" and down. (run, I did not, I barely walked this massive hill!!)

It was literally a wide open field of tall grass, with some paths mowed out, and you were suppose to remember where to go along the course, which included some looping, and doubling back.

There was a point when I thought I have to be done because while I couldn't find my way to the finish I heard the times being called out to the finishers, and it was around the 30 minute mark so I decided I would quit, and used the port-o-let.

When I emerged from the toilet I saw people I had passed a while back still running past the toilets.I thought, maybe I'm not done, so I fell in line and started running again. Then after a few minutes I realized I had already gone on this leg of the course.


All in all I probably ran 4 miles vs a 5k and I have no idea what my real 5k time was. But at the end of the day I got a workout, and I helped homeless animals, so I'm OK with it.

After my run I went home to gather up Mr. Magoo, so we could do the "Bark for Life" walk for cancer. It was two long miles for stumpy shih-poo legs, but he looked so cute doing it with his adorable purple bandana like the other doggies. As usual he was a hit, and everyone loved him. Especially the rescue that I got him from, that was one of the vendors at the event. They just love seeing their dogs happy!!!

He would not pose with his cute purple relay bandana on, so I tricked him into this picture by asking him if he wanted to go "buh-bye". I might go to hell for that. 

Our favorite part of the day (by our, I mean me and my dog, I'm totally lame) was watching the police dog demonstration at the park. Police dogs are pretty bad-ass, and so smart!

Then, after his walk and day with the doggies, he was more than happy to let me take a million pictures of him crashed out on the rug. Two miles, and hours of butt sniffing, is a lot for a shih-poo.

The Race Bug...

I am officially signed up for the Akron Marathon again this year. Of course, I know the terrain, as it is in my home town, so I am not up to doing a half on my own just yet. It is very, hilly.

Instead, I enlisted 4 coworkers, 3 of which are not runners at all, but want to be, to do the relay with me. We get a significant discount thru work, so it was sort of easy to get them to sign up! I am the team captain and I am organizing our practice runs on each of our legs of the race!

I got stuck with the longest leg, 7.5 miles, but it will be easy by September. I have a few 5k's in between there, and I plan to start more "street" running so I will hopefully do my 7.5 in about 70 minutes. 

It is so exciting to get caught up in the excitement of someone else's first race,  I know how awesome it feels, no matter how small the distance, to run in such a big race!


I can't wait until we have all finished, and are sharing our stories at Canal Park, while enjoying our post-race beers!! And, I'm certain that after this,  I will have more people to run races with!

If you are in the area, and you love animals, this coming weekend is the run for the paws to benefit the Stark County Humane Society. Hopefully I don't leave with a new dog! Actually, someone should probably come and be my chaperone, so this does not happen.

Our Cleveland 2012 Marathon Finish Photo...

A lot of people probably accomplish their first 13.1 miles, but I got to do mine with my BFF since my pre-teens. I can't express what an amazing feeling this was. We've been through everything together, and this is just another stepping stone!! It meant so much to me!

We got a ton of decent pictures crossing the finish, but this most depicts how happy I was that it was over!

Obligatory Half Marathon Recap...

I did it! I ran a half marathon! Not very fast, but I did it!! It was super hot, the heat index hit 100, and there was very little shade. I'm suprised I didn't die.

Allllll these names on the wall also did it with me. It was a record number of participants, over 20,000 people.

I didn't sleep the night before. Unless you count the hours from 11-2am. I layed in bed until about 4 am and decided to get up, and eat my whole wheat skinny bread, and too-ripe-for-me banana, and get in some extra hydration. It was going to be a scorcher. 85 degrees and sunny. I don't run outdoors in the heat. I was scared.

Who knew there were pretty views in cleveland? This was on a steep hill when we were going s-l-o-w!

Upon arrival at the race site...the toilet situation left much to be desired.  The wait was so long, we finally had to squat behind a not-so-private pine tree at the start line! It's a good thing we have no shame! When you gotta go, you gotta go!

I did not run this alone, I ran with one of my oldest friends, and only running partner, who has run plenty of halfs, but agreed to stick with me thru the race so I could get my first one under my belt. She was a good coach along the way! Telling me when to drink, and making me take inventory of how I felt, and asking if I needed to slow down.

Mile 1-3, I kept telling my girlfriend..."we're doing this!!!!!!" I was so excited!!

The first 8 miles was pretty easy. FLEW by! It was hot and miserable, but my body felt good. The sun was blazing, and it was kind of miserable.

After passing the 8 mile marker, my bff told me we only had 1 hand's worth of miles to go. (5) and that made me smile. "I run that every day" I said.
Some time along the course, we had about a half mile of street that was slanted, and that threw off my gaite, and started to make my foot hurt. But I soldiered on!

Mile 9 I was so excited to see the APL there with the doggies! It was downhill, but what goes down, must come up. By this point, my ass muscles hurt so bad we walked up the hill and stopped mid way to stretch. This is about when everyone started to walk the hill.
I started to feel pretty awful about this time.

At first, I was not a fan of getting wet to stay cool. But there were so many supportive people along the way with hoses, buckets and pitchers of water to throw on you if you wanted, and kids with squirt guns who probably had the time of their lives dousing us with water. The water stations hooked up to the hydrants and had those going for you to run through too. I did partake in the water after a while. It gave you that childlike spurt of energy, "weeeeeeeeee"!!!

Mile 10, everything hurt. My feet, my ankles, my shoulders, my butt, my calves. This is about the time some of the spectators were blaring "eye of the tiger" so we tried out our best "boxer moves" and laughed thru the pain for a bit.

Ohio City bridge was hard. All I kept hearing was after this bridge we are home free. But the bridge was long, and hot, and mostly uphill, with no crowd support. It was brutal! I had to walk the whole thing. This threw off our time, but my ultimate goal was to finish, uninjured, so I had to. The good thing about walking is meeting people on the course!

Only 3 more miles. I think I was dilerious. But being goofy was all I had. I kept repeating....only three more miles!! Even after the 11 mile marker, and my bff told me "NO! ONLY TWO MORE!!" Yessss!!! "Anyone can run 2 miles!!"


Being so close, yet so far was the hardest thing to deal with. It hurt so bad to run, but hurt even more to walk, and by that point I was singing Dories song "just keep swimming". Every step hurt. I think I said "fuck" with every strike of my foot, or "sweet jesus" I don't remember. Honestly, if it weren't for my girlfriend, I'd have walked the entire last 3 miles. I had never been in that much pain. She's a good friend, and she kept my eye on the prize!

Some time past mile 12, almost to the finish, I had a wave of emotion when I heard the finish line crowd cheering from a distance. I held back tears. Then we saw my girlfriends running team on the sideline, cheering us the loudest we had heard the whole time. It was awesome!

"We're almost there, just around the corner, we only have a little bit to go, you got this, you can do it, look at that guy he's running the full marathon barefoot, if he can do that we can finish this!!". All words from my friend that kept my feet moving. 

We decided when we started that we would cross the finish holding hands.

We rounded the last curve, my girlfriend said "there it is, the finish line, let's do this!" So I mustered up the last tenth of an ounce of energy I had and pushed forward. We grabbed hands, and crossed that finish the same way we started....together!

I immediately started to dry heave from my last bit of over-exertion but not until after collecting my prized medal!

Yea, the guitar spins, it's pretty awesome!! 

 

We finished at 2:55, at a 13:25 minute mile pace. I wanted to just finish, but secretly, I wanted to finish under 3 hours. Walking some parts threw off our normal 10m pace, but I'll take it. I still met a goal!  Plus, I've never even run 13 miles!

I had to sit in the shade and not move right after. My feet were pissed at me. There was no way I could walk another step. My friend left to find her husband, and I hydrated, and ate pretzels. And played with my spinny guitar medal. And smiled, because I was able to finish the half!

 Isn't Brown's Stadium pretty? I don't love foosball, and I'll never be here again but we got to use their toilets so I took a picture. 

I don't get out much, so I took this "rainman" picture from the ride home of our brand new, and first Cleveland casino!  

And..there she is. My beautiful pink 13.1 magnet proudly displayed on the fusion! I love it!

 

 

Rest, and Relaxation....

I'm typing this days before my attempt at the Cleveland Half Marathon.

Just know that I bought the right gear to wear.

I'm wearing the right socks.

I have semi-new running shoes. 

I downloaded the perfect songs.

I have really good anti-persperant but, we know that doesn't matter. 

I finally found the energy kick that is needed since I hate energy drinks, and gels, and blocks and anything else most people use. ( I took Jelly Bellies Sports Beans, for racing, who knew??!!)


Yes...By the time this posts, I will be well on my way to my 13.1 miles.

I can't wait to sport my 13.1 magnet on my car. 

Half is Better Than None...

It's finally here. All that I have been working towards.
Could I sleep these past few nights? No.
Am I excited/nervous/giddy/anxious/happy/sad/scared shitless? Yes.

Good luck to everyone running in the Cleveland Marathon tomorrow!! I am pretty sure I might cry at the finish, but I'm trying to keep my mind on my race finish photo...no one wants to remember their first half marathon by a photo of herself ugly crying.

Aside from the obvious...the sheer sense of pride for finishing a half, and receiving my medal, (which I will wear all day) and getting back in "shape" after this taper (which has somehow turned into a "free for all pack on the pounds, eat, eat, eat, while cutting waaaay back on my running and strength training instead of a healthy way of consuming carbs and extra calories because I am working out way less")...ahem.......there are three other things I am SO looking forward to:

1. Putting my 13.1 magnet on my car!!!!! (this will be displayed over my "will run for wine" magnet)

2.  Enjoying mine, and my bff's beer at the finish party (see why she is my bff?) plus a bottle of wine at home. I've been neglecting the wine these past few weeks in preparation of the race. Hydration blows when you like your drink.

3. Mile 9!!!! Where the Animal Protective League will have their dogs there to "woof" us on"!! Seeing their cute furry faces will make me smile. 

Here's to kicking ass!!!!

Being a Pillar of Good Health...

This week I had my second ever biometric screening. I was so super excited, as I was only 2 months into my transformation when I had it done last year, so I could not WAIT to see what improvements were made!

I walked away with the nurse telling me that I have made such a vast improvement over last year that I should shout it down the hallway (at work) that diet and exercise DO work, and that I am a shining example of how you can turn your health around, and I should encourage others to do the same!

My dad died from hardening of the arteries, and my mom has horrid cholesterol. I want to prove as much as I can that genetics don't have to make you feel "doomed". Sometimes you really are in control of your own health, all you have to do is try!

I still have some improvement in the body composition, and BMI, but that will be my improvement for next year!!

But, what made me squeal on the inside, is I went from being in an obese class II last year (very close to class III which is the highest) to simply being "overweight" a mere 4 points away from being in the NORMAL BMI range! I'll take that, I moved two whole categories in a year!

My body composition, which measures your fat, to muscle, to bone density ratio?  I was in the RECOMMENDED range. Just barely made it but I'm there!

I still want to lose 25-30 lbs, but I am so proud of my progress, and I can't wait to see where my numbers are when I am re-tested next year!!


My blood pressure was higher than it was last year, but still "ok" they said. This is something I am going to be changing by quitting smoking!  The only thing I have changed for the worst over the last year, was an increase in smoking.

I know when and why it started, and I am past that point in my life and I need to let it go. If I can fight an addiction to food, I can fight the nicotine! I have to eat to live, and struggle constantly not overeat. I don't have to smoke to live, and struggle not to over-smoke, as much as my brain says I do.....

Mind over matter.

So, if you think you can't do something, try! I never gave myself a chance, I always gave up. I started my journey by joining a bootcamp that forced me to be accountable (paying if you don't lose weight). I told myself for once in my life, I am giving it 30 days, no exceptions, to eat clean. After the 30 days of course I cheated.

The difference that time was, I could tell the difference in my mental, and physical abilities by eating bad foods.

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? 

Stuff You Only Admit on your Blog....

While I am a very open person, there are some things I only admit to under the "guise" of anonimity.

I have mentioned once or twice (ha!) how I have dropped a considerable amount of weight. And how I also, have wanted to get a tummy tuck due to the floppy stomach I have inherited by "becoming more healthy". But having researched this surgery extensively, it scares the shit out of me. I have visions of my guts falling out if the staples don't hold.

It isn't as bad since I gained 15lbs (and lost 5 of that, yesss) but it's still floppy. It's nothing doing crunches could ever fix. And I already work out three times a day, cardio, and strength. And I eat "clean" 85% of the time. (nothing processed, well besides wine!)

In clothes, I feel amazing. But when I put my pants on, it scrunches up my belly into an accordian-like fold, because, it's just "there". In the way. Probably impeding me from going down another size!

Honestly, I was way more confident overweight and naked, than being "thin" and naked. Because at least when I was overweight, my body didn't "flap" around when I jump, or do....anything else physical. wink, wink...ahem.. I also didn't have cellulite. Or an akward wrinkle where my butt meets my hamstrings that use to be filled with fat, and now just looks weird, and  the thought of a bathing suit with a wrinkled ass at 36 horrifies me! (that I am trying desperately to squat and lunge away!)

 I've always been a cocoa butter slatherer, baby oil luber, and oatmeal bath soaker, and at least a half gallon of water if not more a day-er. I work hard to have soft skin, so what is left?


And I'm here to tell the blogosphere, that I actually went to my local Walgreens, and purchased a tube of preparation H (I can't wait until the next time I go there, like, tomorrow) because I read that weight lifters use this to tighten their skin to show more muscle.(thanks, internets!)

You slather it on, and wrap the area in saran wrap overnight. I have not yet tried this because I am mostly afraid to ruin my new bed with the stench of butt lube. Plus, it occurred to me that even if it does work, it has got to be a temporary fix. Maybe for use before hitting the beach?


I've done a lot of stupid things in my life, but this sounds the silliest!

What kind of "tricks" have you tried?

So I'm Not an Ironman...

One of my friends from school is on leave from the army where he is a Ranger. He told me he runs my pace and wanted to go on a 4 mile with me while he was here.

He made me bleed. And btw, he does not run my pace. He had a full on catch up conversation about the last 7 years since we've seen each other while I provided one or two word answers or questions in return.

He left me at the last mile to "get his heart rate up" and I found him at the end like 10 minutes later, doing freaking push ups.

I kinda wish my job was to be in tip top shape. But then, I couldn't sit on my ass all day at the office, and I'd have to put my life on the line, so, nevermind.

Weight Of The World..

I've done weight training here and there.

But it's always been an after-thought at the end of a workout class. Or something I did half-assed at home until it got too hard, and I gave up.

Since taking up two weight training classes, and one plyometrics class I can really see a difference in my arms (and legs!) (Not to mention my appetite, muscles are pigs!)

 Watch out, Kelly Ripa, I'm coming for you!

 One arm, one leg planks=the devil

On a not-so-funny note, after taking an hour weight training class (where we use barbells just like boys do) our instructor had us do one armed, one legged planks for 30 seconds. We started out on our knees, and she decided it was "too easy" and I responded with a "for who??"

My muscles were shaking. And, after successfully doing this on one side....I biffed it. Muscle failure!! 

I fell.

Luckily I was granted in this universe with boobs, which saved me from busting my face, or losing any teeth on the gym floor.

 Skull crushers!

And my pride was saved by someone totally losing their barbell while doing skull crushers. So, I think I can go back tomorrow! 


Getting fit is hard. 

But it's also so rewarding!!

Race Season Begins..

Our race shirts and bibs were pretty cute! But unlike my first race last year, I did not wear my shirt to the race, according to my running friends, this is a faux pas.

It was a horrible day to run, freezing cold and raining.Some pavement, but mostly trail, which I was not conditioned for.

But I finished! Almost at goal. My official 5k time was 31:59. Two stinking minutes over my goal! Considering the rain and cold, and that parts of it was run on a trail where you were stuck single file behind the person in front of you, unable to pass... I'll take it. I have something to work towards for the next time! .

What really did me in was not having breakfast and running too fast up the last hill, and then dry heaving. I had to walk for almost a minute, until my friend caught up to me and yelled at me. I'm glad she found me and gave me the kick in the ass I needed! She was doing the half, and SHE kept ME going!

As usual, post race I feel fabulous! I can't wait for the next one! At the end of this season, I want to do a 25min 5k, which would be an amazing improvement for me. (This means if not completely stopping, cutting down smoking significantly....gulp....) I'll also be finishing two half marathons. First time out, I have no other goal than to finish them. (and sport the 13.1 magnet on my fusion!)

I had plenty of energy to clean my spare room out and set up my guest bed! Now, I just need some guests!

Friday was spent at a local hot spot for happy hour martini's and fancy food with the ladies. Followed by the viewing of Think Like a Man. I haven't laughed that much at a movie in some time!

How did you spend your weekend?