See Jane Run Race Series (Seattle) Review

The See Jane Run series is one like no other.  I had not heard of this series until I went to the Bloomsday expo and they were handing out fliers for the upcoming Seattle event.  At the time I was still waffling over the idea of a half marathon, but I visited their website that same night and signed up for my first half marathon within 24 hours.

What drew me to this event was that it was organized by women for women.  Chocolate and champagne at the finish?  That sounded like so much fun.  I thought it would be a great run for my first half.  A smaller event was more inviting to me than one of the big ones like the Rock and Roll series, although the RnR sounds fun, too.  But just read Jane's manifesto and tell me this doesn't sound like a great event series.

I really loved this event and am so glad that I chose this for my first half marathon.  The organizers really know how to cater to women and have a great time.  If you're considering the SJR series in the future, I would not hesitate to recommend it to you! The high points are worth mentioning for sure:

• We received a gorgeous tech T-shirt by Born Fit.
• We received an adorable champagne glass along with champagne at the finish.
• We received chocolate!
• The registration price was very reasonable.
• The race location included free parking.
• Bag checking was available.
• Packet pickup was at the race location on the morning of the race, and the expo booths were there as well which was nice for us out-of-towners.
• The pre-race and post-race activites were great and created such a fun atmosphere.
• You could refill your water bottles at the water stations.
• Brightroom was a great choice for the event photographer.

This was the first year of the Seattle event so there were a couple bumps in the road.  Here's what I hope they do differently next year.

• More bathrooms at the start line and at least 2 at each water station!
• Have a race official managing the bathroom lines so the half marathoners can go first if their event starts first.
• Do not run out of race shirts in any size!  This might mean people have to take the size they actually ordered.
• Do not run out of race medals!  A rain check for a medal would be so disappointing on race day.
• Larger medals--these things are tiny!
• It would be nice to have the shirts, glasses, and medals include the date and location of the event.
• The paths for the out and backs were too narrow for the number of runners in two directions.
• DO NOT RUN OUT OF WATER AT THE FINISH LINE!!!

This year, SJR only had four event locations on their schedule, but I foresee the popularity of this series growing by leaps and bounds.  More popularity can only mean more events, right?  The next and final event on the schedule this year is in Austin, TX on October 9th.  If you're in the area, you should definitely sign up for Jane! And if you sign up by August 9th, the cost is only $75!

Happy running!

Half marathon last weekend, fat pants today.

Starting weight: 236.8
Last week's weight: 157.0 (actually 2 weeks go)
Current weight: 161.0
Gain/loss: +4.0
Total gain/loss: -75.8
Pounds to goal (136.8): 24.2
Pounds to mini goal (149): 12.0

What's wrong with this picture?  I just completed a half marathon 8 days ago.  I ran an 8K race this past Saturday (recap to come as soon as I have my official finish time), and yet here I sit in my fat pants.

I have managed to re-enter the 160s over the course of the past couple of weeks and it sucks.  Granted, I have not been eating that great.  I have been watching it and I have not indulged in crap, but I have gone over my calories or points, whatever it is that I am counting on a particular day.  I think I gave myself permission because I was "training".  I wanted to train well, and be strong, so I needed to eat, right?  Well, apparently I didn't need to eat that much!

So it has come to this day when all must change.  I have conquered the half marathon and am no longer officially "in training".  It is time to get back to business and refocus on my weight goals.  My ultimate weight goal is still listed as 136.8, but my short term goal is 149.  Today I weigh in at 161.

I am recommitting to Weight Watchers today.  I have been ready to throw in the towel and break up with WW, however, after our long history together, I feel I must make one last ditch effort to become one with the PointsPlus plan.  I must remember that "free fruit" doesn't mean I should consume 5 pounds of cherries in two days.  It doesn't mean I can eat at least 2 bananas each day.  It doesn't even mean that I should eat 2 nectarines for dinner.  I know how to eat and "free fruit" doesn't mean it's a "fruit free for all".  Do you hear that, Lori, it's not a fruit free for all!  One of my very first Weight Watcher's leaders said to me so many years ago, it's not the fruit that brings people to Weight Watchers, it's the fruit pie.  Well, I can say that fruit has been a serious problem for me in the basic calories in < calories out equation lately.  I must cut back.

I also need to come to terms with my workout schedule and either make peace with the fact that I am not going to be a morning exerciser, or get over myself and just get the fudge out of bed in the morning!  Seriously!  Every week it's the same ol' thing.  I mentally prepare for getting to bed early, getting up early, and getting my workout done first thing.  Some days it happens and I feel great, most days it doesn't and I feel like crap.  Even if I get the workout done in the evening, I'm so irritated with myself over the missed morning workout that it overshadows the evening workout.  Isn't that stupid?!  For some reason I have it in my head that I need to workout in the morning to be successful, and I want to workout in the morning so bad.  But I hate getting out of bed!  I am not a morning person, I'm a night person.  Morning workouts cramp my style, yet I can't let go of the idea.  Help me!  Can anyone recommend some blogs of moms who workout at night?  I want to see this plan in action because I can't seem to grasp its worthiness.

One other idea I had was this: run in the mornings, strength train at night.  I do not love strength training.  I do not even like it, yet I know it's necessary.  I have been enjoying Jillian's No More Trouble Zones DVD, well as much as you can enjoy something you don't like, that is, but the thought of getting out of bed and bonding with Jillian before my coffee makes me turn off the alarm and pretend I never heard it.  So maybe I should just starting running every morning.  Running takes little thought.  You get up, put on the gear, leave the house (or get on the treadmill).  Not difficult.  Then a couple nights a week, as time permits, I can have my sweat sesh with Jillian.  How many of you run 5 days a week?  Do you cross train?

Anyway, regardless of when I workout, the most important thing is to stop eating so much.  So here we are on day 1 of the recommitment plan.  So far things are going along well.  (Except that I didn't workout this morning.)

What is your typical workout routine?

Lovely Quote

Roni shared a quote* over the weekend that I loved and just had to share:

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine** in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, “WOO HOO what a ride!”

*I Googled this quote to see who said it, but I couldn't find it.  Found lots of variations of the quote, however.

**My version would say coffee instead of wine.

See Jane Run Half Marathon Race Recap

I left for Seattle on Saturday afternoon.  I was staying the night with my mom who happens to rent a studio apartment in West Seattle which is just 20 minutes from Gas Works Park where the race would take place.  When I got to town it was dinner time so we headed for dinner at The Spaghetti Factory on the waterfront.  I ate my favorite pasta dish: spaghetti with browned butter and myzithra cheese, along with lots of bread and butter.  Yum!!  We took a short walk after dinner and by the time we got back to her apartment it was after 8:30.  We visited for awhile but headed to bed early, around 10:30.  My alarm was set for 5:30.

I fell asleep fairly quickly, but long about 2:30 a.m. I was wide awake.  I could not fall back to sleep.  It was a strange place, a strange bed, and my mom's breathing was strange (not strange for her, but strange for me since I usually sleep with my husband!)  No matter what I tried, I could not sleep!  Finally abot 4:45 I gave up, resigned to the fact that I would be running a half marathon on very little sleep!

I can't say that I was nervous when I got up, but I did feel a bit of trepidation.  Would I be able to do it, would I finish in under three hours, how many times would I have to pee, and so on and so forth!  Luckily I had my race outfit, my pre-race breakfast, and all the details of the day worked out.  I felt at ease with all that would take place knowing that I had done everything I could to get prepared, even if that didn't include long runs!

We were supposed to check-in for the race at 6:30 and we arrived at the park at 6:25!  Woohoo!  There was no line for packet pickup although I was dismayed to hear they were out of size large shirts.  I didn't order a large, but I was thinking of all those women that did and how frustrating that would be!  I already knew the shirts were super cute and purple--it was meant to be, I tell ya!

We walked around the park a little bit.  There was a great view of the Seattle skyline which I had to photograph, but before I did that I had to take a picture of the hideous garbage left behind by some hooligans the night before. 

Seriously, can you believe that?  I was amazed to see that after several runners came over to take pictures of the view, they started cleaning it all up.  There are terrific people in the world.  I'm not one of them, but I'm so glad to see they exist!

Anyway, the view was amazing even though it was completely overcast.  The weather forecast called for rain, but it wasn't happening just yet.  I had my sunglasses just in case.

Gas Works Park has these large steel structures that I guess used to do something with gas.  I don't know.  But I took some pictures.  And then I used the restroom.

By now it was about 7:00 and we wandered over to check out the "expo".  I didn't really need anything, but wants are so strong at these things.  I found a purple See Jane Run sweatshirt that I just had to buy.  It was $55 for a Champion sweatshirt!  Say what?!  Well, I had to have it, of course.

Long about 7:30, I decided to hit the restroom again.  I'm sure it was nerves and my bladder, but I had to go again.  This time the line was so long!  And they did not have enough restrooms, not by a lot shot.  They kept announcing to let the half marathon runners go first because the 5K started a half hour later, but it didn't seem to make a difference.  At 7:40 when the Jane Fonda style warm-up started I was still in the bathroom line.  At 7:50, I was still in the bathroom line.  My mom and I started up a conversation with the girl behind us (here name was Brandy) who was very experienced in running these events and by 7:59 we were still in line.  The race started promptly at 8:00 and we were still in line!  I was asking her if she thought we should head out and hit the first porta-potty, or if we should continue to wait, it was chip timing after all.  After much debate we headed out about 2 minutes after the start.  We didn't use the restroom!  So I was starting my first half marathon having to pee.  Good times.

But we were off and running.  I was running my first half marathon!  Woohoo!  And an amazing thing was happening.  Brandy and I were chatting!  Running and chatting!  I never thought I could run and talk before, but here I was.  And it was glorious!  I felt awesome and the time was passing so quickly.  The first three miles was an out and back which was a little annoying when the lead runners were coming back and the path was still thick with runners.  You couldn't pass people or you'd get run over so you just had to shuffle along.  But we hit 3 miles around 35 minutes which wasn't too bad.

It was right after the three mile mark that we finally stopped to pee.  Oh, thank goodness!  I had been so stressed because I hate running while having to pee! 

At 4 miles, I ate two Gu Chomps (blueberry-pomegranite) and had some water.  Brandy and I were still chatting and I was still feeling great!  My right heel started hurting a little bit around mile 6 which worried me a bit.  I hoped it would not continue to get worse and worse.  Luckily it didn't.

I started this race with a solid plan.  I broke it into three parts.  Miles 1 through 8 were basically Bloomsday so I could run those no problem!  Then I would run and/or walk as needed to mile 10.  And then it was just a 5K to the end--I do 5Ks all the time.  This plan and Brandy helped the first 8 miles fly by!  I felt great!  At one point we kind of got separated and I just turned up my iPod and kept going.  I was really amazed at how good I felt!  I had a couple Gu Chomps and water every two miles and the pace was easy and steady.  When we got to a place where there was a fairly steep, but short hill, I actually loved it.  I didn't realize that my legs did feel a little sore but the change to running up hill felt great and was a nice break

I did walk a little bit between mile 9 and 10.  Brandy and I had gotten separated so I was a bit sad, and I had to pee again.  Eww!  So after the 10 mile mark I stopped into the first porto-potty available.  Let me tell you how not fun it is to try and go to the bathroom in one of those things when your clothes are soaked with sweat.  Everything was sticking to me and it was difficult to maneauver all my clothes and race belt while staying upright.  Oh yeah, and that one was on a hill, did I mention that?  I almost fell over while I was trying to pull my pants up!  That would have been fun!  I kept envisioning the whole thing going over with me. 

It was about 10.5 miles when I started to feel a little fatigued.  I kept telling myself it was just a 5K to finish, and I could run it.  But I actually ended up walking a bit between mile 10 and the finish.  I was okay with it, though, I wanted to keep going.  The last 3 miles was another out and back so eventually I saw Brandy coming back and she cheered for me and gave me a mental boost!  I will admit that at one point I was thinking about how I wouldn't be doing any more half marathons after that one!  But I kept going.  My biggest problem was the thirst.  My water bottles were empty and I had to get to mile 12 or so before there was more water.  I felt like I could drink a gallon.  When I reached that last water station I couldn't force myself to eat any more Chomps and I sucked down a cup of water while they refilled my water bottle.  That was only 6oz, though, and soon it was gone, but I still had a half mile to go.  I just wanted water!  It had started to sprinkle just a bit, but that wasn't the water I needed!

At 13 miles Icould hear the announcer at the finish line and shortly I could see the end.  I picked up the pace and finished strong.

I kept scanning the crowd for my mom, but turns out she was standing on the other side of the finish line!  Once I crossed it I started to head towards her and a race official started coming after me which startled me a bit!  Turns out she just wanted to give me my medal!  Oh, thank you!  Now I need water.  But then I kept walking and someone else was coming after me; this person wanted my race chip.  Sheesh, let me get some water!  I walked a bit further and a photographer was right there telling me he could take my finish line photo.  Yes, please, but I still need water.

Finally, I could head towards the water.  Water!  All I wanted was water.  But they had no water!!!!!!!!  NO WATER!  I was disappointed and trying not to panic.  I knew my mom had water in the car, but that wasn't right there at the finish and I wanted water now.  So what else can a person do but head towards the champagne.  At least it's liquid right?  On my way I met up with Brandy again and she hugged me and congratulated me.  I felt awesome!  Thirsty, but awesome.

And my mom headed to her car to get the water!  It was still raining.  It wasn't pouring, but it was a steady rainfall which chilled me a bit.  I guzzled the water, sipped the champagne, and ate the chocolate.  I also tried to choke down a bagel, but that wasn't happening.  Brandy and I chatted a bit more, I thanked her for her help in passing the miles and then finally we decided to be on our way.  It was around 11:00 by this time.  My legs felt really good; I finally did a little stretching on the way to the car.  When I had made my way to the water table only to find it empty, I also started hearing about how they had run out of 5K medals.  After knowing they'd also run out of large shirts I was worried they would run out of champagne glasses and champagne. Instead of taking the time to stretch a bit, I was more intent on getting my glass and filling it with liquid than stretching my legs.  So a good stretch at the car was definitely in order.  I snapped a picture of myself with my phone to text to all my friends and we left the park.

My mom and I went back to her place where I showered and slept for 2 hours!  At first I felt guilty about napping, but then I remembered I was up at 2:30 and had run 13.1 miles so I deserved a nap.  And it felt great.  I thought I would be sore when I got up, but only my knees felt a tad bit tight.  Later that evening I drove about 50 minutes to see my friend and I though my legs would hurt after being stuck in the car, but they weren't.  She and I even walked a few blocks to dinner, and I felt great!

I even felt great the next day and the next.  No soreness!  I am amazed.  I was sore after Bloomsday for a couple days so I was fully expecting to be sore after this race, but I really wasn't.  This has only added to the greatness of this whole experience.  It makes me realize that I have been training well and running hard.  I may not have run the long runs, but I ran a lot.  And all of that hard work paid off!  My chip time on this race was 2:44:01.  I have posted my splits below and you'll notice the extra time on mile 4 and mile 10--these were the bathroom stops.  At first I was dismayed to see that I basically spent 8 minutes going to the bathroom.  I was thinking without those stops I could have finished in 2:36, just 6 minutes off my goal...or maybe not. I then started realizing that those bathroom breaks were also running breaks and maybe making those stops actually helped me.  Maybe without a rest I would not have been able to finish as strong as I did.  So I'm not lamenting the 8 minutes at all.  In the end, time doesn't really matter.  The fact is I completed a half marathon, and I felt great doing it.  I set a goal and achieved it.  That is a fabulous feeling!  I could not be more proud of myself.

Now, am I still planning to chase down the 2:30 half marathon?  Well, we shall see.  More on this in the coming weeks.  I also plan to share my thoughts about this race series as well as recommend some fabulous running gear. 

Thank you for following my journey and supporting me!

I am a half marathoner!!

I am a half marathoner!!

I promise to post a complete recap very soon!  This experience has been one of the best of my life, and I feel amazing!  I can't wait to share the whole story with you all!  Until then, here is my official photo from the finish line. 

See Jane Run Half Marathon - Seattle

July 17, 2011

Chip Time: 2:44:01

Weigh In - 07/12/2011

Starting weight: 236.8
Last week's weight: 159.4
Current weight: 157.0
Gain/loss: -2.4
Total gain/loss: -79.8
Pounds to goal (136.8): 20.6
Pounds to mini goal (149): 8

I had a fairly decent week this week.  Aside from my latest frozen yogurt addiction, I stayed pretty much on plan except for a small chip fiasco on Sunday!  I only ran on three days (Wednesday, Friday & Saturday), but I completed the No More Trouble Zones workout DVD twice (Tuesday & Friday).  That makes two weeks (2x/week) of that work out and I have to say it is awesome!  I can already tell a difference in my strength level and how my body feels.  I didn't take measurements or anything, but I know my abs feel tighter!  Gotta love that!  I plan to keep doing it twice a week for awhile.

Finally summer!

I'm coming off another great weekend filled with sun.  My tan is in full swing!  I love summer!


Wearing the white shirt again!

 This week is my "taper week" as I head into my half marathon this weekend.  Tapering would mean less mileage, but since I haven't run the long runs (over 6 miles), this week will feel fairly the same.  And even though I haven't done those long runs, and even though I am still nervous about my half marathon, I am completely excited about it at the same time.  No matter what my finish time is, I'll have a PR!  Finishing=winning.

I leave for Seattle on Saturday and will be staying until Wednesday with my BFF or BFFL, however you want to look at it.  We plan to shop, laugh, and have a great time together no matter what happens with my race on Sunday.  I really wish she was doing the half with me!  And I will say it again, I don't think I will tackle another half marathon unless I have a buddy.  My mom will be dropping me off at the race and she'll be there at the end, but having someone along side me, earning the same medal as me would be so much more special.  A half marathon still feels like a huge accomplishment to me and I'll love having achieved this goal, but I would love having someone there with me, too.  Oh well, I have been a solo runner all these months so running the half solo will be fine.  I am still hoping for the 2:30 finish, but without the proper training on the books, I'm leaving it up to God and my legs and lungs to determine my finish time.  I'm okay with whatever time I get as long as I finish on my own two feet!

What is enough?

It's a variation of this is a question that I keep asking myself. 

• How much should I run so that I'm running enough? 
• How many days should I exercise so I'm exercising enough? 
• How many pounds should I lose until I've lost enough? 

I think the answers must come from within, of course, but how do I arrive at them?  I don't know. 

How do you decide what is enough?

Weigh In - 07/05/2011

Starting weight: 236.8
Last week's weight: 159.4
Current weight: 159.8
Gain/loss: +.4
Total gain/loss: -77.0
Pounds to goal: 23.0

I am okay with this small gain.  I had a really good week last week.  I ran, I made it through Jillian's No More Trouble Zones DVD one and a half times, and I ate pretty much what I wanted over the holiday weekend.  I ate an Oreo ice cream dessert and lots of chips and that was fabulous and tasty!

My awesome holiday weekend included me in a swimsuit!  I have not worn a suit comfortably for years!  Years, I tell you!  This year I indulged and bought a Miraclesuit.  While I don't think it automatically makes me look 10 pounds slimmer, I do feel pretty darn good in the suit so it was worth every penny!  I actually wore it all day yesterday without any cover-up!  I guess it's an NSV of sorts!  I also wore it in the lake when I went tubing with my son!  Me, on the tube!  It was truly fabulous and my son loved that I got out there with him.  I am so glad I changed my life while he's still young!

Here's my Miraclesuit (available at Eddie Bauer or Amazon):

This is the style of the front of the top (mine isn't this print):

This is the back of the top in the print I purchased (paisley):

This is the style of the skirt:

What were your NSVs over the holiday weekend?

Some more ABCs of Me

A) Apples: I pretty much eat at least one apple per day; add peanut butter it's dessert!

B) Books: I love reading books, it's one of my passions.

C) Cheese: I could eat block after block of cheese.

D) Dolphins: I love dolphins and have dolphin tattoos.  I have a dream of swimming with dolphins, although now that the plight of dolphins in captivity is becoming more well known, I'm not sure I could do it.  I'd have to research a lot first.

E) Eggs: I love eggs in all varieties of ways.  Especially with cheese!

F) Flowers: my favorite is the daisy.

G) Greek yogurt: as in Chobani.  I am a convert and this is the only yogurt I eat; I eat at least 1 per day, sometimes more.

H) Heath: my favorite kind of candy bar.

I) iPhone: I absolutely love my iPod!

J) J and J: my husband and son both have names that start with this letter!!

K) Kitties: I love kittes, I have three, I wish I had more.  I would if they didn't poop and pee.

L) Lasik eye surgery: I had lasik in January 2006 and it was on of the best decisions of my life!

M) Music: I love music and it heals my soul.  I like everything from classical to comtemporary, jazz to heavy metal--okay very little heavy metal.  But I like all genres of music depending on my mood.

N) Nike: I am a Nike runner!  Unfortunately I have ugly Adidas shoes, but I love Nike gear!  Swoosh! 
O) Octopus: something that freaks me out, I do not want to look at them, touch them, and for sure I am not going to eat one!

P) Purple: I love purple, that is a fact!

Q) Quotes: I love inspiring quotes and running quotes and parenting quotes.  Quotes, quotes, quotes.

R) Running: I want to make this my passion; I want to run for life!

S) Scrapbooking: I really enjoy this craft, although I don't make as much time for it as I used to.
T) Traveling: I do not love traveling, but I like it once in awhile.  I love going on cruises, and visiting Disney is my favorite.

U) Umbrella: always in my car when I need it elsewhere.

V) V is the first letter of my last name.

W) Writing: I have always loved writing and have journaled since 1990.  I love using pen & paper, although typing is so much faster and backspace/delete are my friends.

X) Xavier Roberts: the person whose signature was on the Cabbage Patch Kids birth certificate when I was a kid.  I always wondered who this was and I wanted to thank him for my beloved "kids" Mildred Almira and Jessy Lucille.

Y) Yo yo: sometimes I can do this.

Z)  Zzzzz: I love sleeping!!

In other shoe news

My perfect and ugly running shoes have been updated and are now available with purple.  Check these out.

Introducing the Adidas Supernova Sequence 4

I love the laces on these, but the orange is kinda bright.  Also love the purple on the heel!

 

I like the lighter gray of these, but they are kinda plain looking.




And these are my current ugly blue running shoes, the Supernova Sequence 3.

These are my current shoes.

I also have this pair which is kinda better except my feet sweat more in this pair for some reason.

The blue shoes still have a good 100 miles left and the pink have probably 300 so, therefore, it would be just plain crazy to buy new shoes right now.  But they now have purple!!! 

Must. Have. Purple. Shoes.

Entering week 8 of the ol' training schedule.

Long runs are boring for me, they just are.  And don't get me started on the pain of them.  I'm pretty sure that I will never if I ever decide to do this half marathon business again, I'm finding a running group or at least another glutton for punishment running partner. 

This week's scheduled long run is 12 miles.  I have been adding one mile per week to the long run over the past 7 weeks.  I mean, my training schedule has been adding a mile.  I, on the other hand, have been staying fairly steady at 5 to 6.5 or even zero miles on the long run.  Say wha?  Yes, you read that right.

I told you my training has been craptastic.  Oh well, I shall still do the half and I know I will finish.  I may not make my goal of 2:30, but I'll cross the finish line with a smile and know that I've accomplished something great!  I cannot wait to get it over with until it's here!

Don't think, just do!

I'm back.  You didn't know I was gone, did you?  Well, I've kind of been laying low and now I'm going to get back online.  But what does that mean?  Hmmm, I'm here with my stats, first.

Starting weight: 236.8
Last week's weight: 157.4 (actually May 24, last check in)
Current weight: 159.4
Gain/loss: +2.0
Total gain/loss: -77.4
Pounds to goal: 22.6

You may notice that I've gotten even farther (further?) from my goal.  Argh!  I'm not too concerned only because I've been weighing anywhere from 156 to 159 for the past month.  It's just that nothing is clicking with me right now.

As for my training, well I posted about that here, and it hasn't really gotten any better.  I'm now wishing I could just get this event over and done with.  I'm looking forward to it, but I'm ready for it to be done.  July 17th can't get here fast enough, although I hate wishing that because it's like wishing the summer to go faster. 

I'm ready to get back to my regularly scheduled running.  My best friend visited over the weekend.  She has also been running for about a year and she is doing awesome.  She really got me to thinking about how much I just miss my fitness runs.  An easy 5K a few times per week sounds excellent right now.  I have always thought that I want to become a "5 mile runner", but now I think I'm a 5K runner. I like that distance.  You have time to warm up, run, cool down, and then still do some good stretching afterwards, and still complete all of it in well under an hour.  It feels easier to add in some other activities with that distance as well.  For some reason I've had it in my head that if I'm not doing 15-20 miles a week, I'm not doing enough.  I don't know where that idea came from, but that's what I've been stuck on.  But what if I did some biking or swimming, some strength training, and some running?  Maybe only 12 miles a week, or even less?  That should be okay, shouldn't it?  I'm trying to get to a place where that feels okay.

I really need to add in some other activities.  I wouldn't say I'm getting bored with running, but I do need some additional exercises to start shaping this body.  Running is not enough.  I never thought it was, but I wasn't really ready to add anything else.  Now I feel more ready.  My friend is doing Zumba and yoga which she loves and I would like to add in something like that too.  Whether it's a class or in my basement, I just need to do it!  Do it!  Do it!  Don't think, just do!  Right?

As for my weight, I still have my goal weight set at 136.8, but right now, my mini-goal is 149.  Once I reach that number, I'm going to evaluate how I feel about where I am at.  I have been down to 152 and now I'm back up to 159 and quite possibly the 130s are too low for me.  I try not to get too fixated on a number (say 15-20 miles a week, for instance), but in my heart I know I am not happy being in the 150s so I'm not ready to change my goal yet.  But I might settle for a 90 pound loss instead of 100.  Of even an 86 pound loss.  I just want to get out of the 150s, a place I have been since November!  It's kind of freeing to think about actually, that I might find a weight that I am happy with that's not just about a number, but also about how I feel.  I have never taken the time to think about that part of it, I've always been fixated on a number.  I do believe my original goal weight was 145, but then I decided it would be fun to lose 100 pounds and changed it to 136.8.  I gotta tell you, though, 145 sounds good right now.

Size is becoming a huge thing to me, as in clothes sizes.  I wanted to wear a size 8, but I think I am okay with a size 10.  What I'm not okay with is the muffin top midsection!!  I bought some capris at American Eagle the other night, size 10.  They fit, but they are very snug in the waist!  I know some bloggers who outweigh me by 30+ pounds who are still smaller than me!  But they are very active in all around fitness activities (running, cross training, strength training) when all I do is run.  That is why I feel really ready to add in some other activities.  I might firm up and lose inches even if I don't lose 100 pounds.  145 or 149 might feel terrific if I were several inches smaller.  The only thing that can make that happen is me, and I need to take the steps and get it done.

I've learned that I can be a solitary runner (except for long runs and that's another post), but I think I need group fitness classes.  Whenever I try and start something in my basement, I quickly lose interest because it gets mundane and boring, even after 2 sessions.  Currently I don't know anyone I can work out with, but perhaps if I rejoin a gym, or find some community fitness activities, I can meet some people. I just cancelled my gym membership in February because I didn't think it was for me, but I've really been digging deep lately into just what my ultimate goals are and how I can achieve them.  Is a gym the way to do it?  I'm deciding.

I'm also still working on my workout schedule.  Morning?  Evening?  Both?  This morning was my first day back at work after a week of being on pseudo-vacation (i.e., not having to come to the office but keeping up with email and a couple projects).  We were out to dinner with friends last night and I had a few things to take care of when I got home so I didn't get to bed until after 11:30.  This means a morning run is doomed.  This late night stuff happens way too often.  That means after work I'll have to run.  And of course I'll HAVE to because of this training thing, and having to really makes me cranky.  I don't want to HAVE to!  Oh, I can't wait until this half marathon is over.

So there you have it.  Still here, still trying, still thinking more than doing.

Here's me today

After spending the day at the pool, my husband and I had dinner plans with friends.  We asked our son to snap a quick photo so here is what I look like today (with the sun in my eyes).  Be back tomorrow with a weigh in and update.

Hitting a Wall

I am 6 weeks into my half marathon training, my race is 1 month from yesterday!  To say that the training isn't going as planned is probably an understatement.  The truth of the matter is that neither the physical or mental part of the training is going well.  I have not been able to complete the mileage on any long run, and this week I missed it altogether.  This lack of success is really playing with with my mental state.  I am doubting myself so much and all my runs lately, long and short, have been sub par.  It's awful really.  I keep trying to shake myself free of these feelings, but it's not working.  And do you want to hear something dumb?  I have a big owie inside my cheek which is totally making me feel terrible all over.  My glands are swollen and I'm so achy.  And that's the reason I missed my long run this week.  Lame, I know.

I'm not sure if it's the fueling or hydrating before running.  Or if it's overall nutrition.  And believe me, I've spent a lot of time stressing thinking about it.  It's craziness.

The other issue I'm having is that I'm not loving running out of what feels like necessity.  I stress that I have this event coming up and I HAVE to train, sand then I get out there and run and it's not enjoyable.  I was so looking forward to this training plan and to have it turning out like this is a real disappointment.  I'm really trying for the attitude adjustment, but so far, it's for naught.  I'm sitting here with the negative self talk going on all the time.

I feel like I've hit the wall with my training.  And I'm hating this feeling.

So I pose these questions: do you eat before running in the morning?  Does it depend on your planned mileage.  Do you take water on every run, no matter the distance?  Do you think it's better to train yourself to run with less water?

My Thoughts on Running a Half Marathon

5K is my favorite distance.

5 miles is a challenge.

10K is very far.

12K is even farther.

13.1 miles...I'm skeered!

My Thoughts on Running Today

It's hard.

I hate it.

Please don't make me do it.

I'd like to comment on your blog

I am having issues commenting on Blogger blogs.  I have tried for days and days on several different blogs and I keep getting the message that I need to login.  I login, leave comment, post, then get the message to login.  It's positively maddening!  So I'm sorry I'm neglecting your blogs.  It's not my fault!!  And it's both my work and home computer.  What gives?!

Anyway, just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you!!

Thanks for all the nice comments on my race photos.  I really hope there is a photographer on site at my half!  And that I remember to smile.

CDA 5K Race Photos

Yes, I'm one of those people who spends lots of money to purchase my race photos.  I love official race photos.  Here are the ones from last Sunday's 5K. 


Cheesy smile and wave!  I love this one, I wish my head wasn't cut off.



Rounding the corner to the finish.



Right before the finish, I wish I would have smiled!!




And for comparison's sake, here's last year's finish photo.



Fun Friday

Rather than bore you with the details of my ridiculously terrible run this morning, I give you the ABCDEFood survey instead.  I stole this idea from Syl.

ABCDEFood!

A: is for Apple, what’s your favorite variety?
Pink Lady or Empire

B: is for Bread, regardless of nutrition, calories, or whole grains what is your favorite type to have a nice big piece of?
Sourdough

C: is for Cereal what is your favorite kind currently (just one!)
Granola, but I don't keep it in the house or I eat it all in one day.

D: is for Doughnuts, you might not currently be eating them but what kind do you fancy?
Maple bars!!!

E: is for Eggs, how would you like yours prepared?
White cooked, yolk runny, or scrambled.

F: is for Fat Free, what is your favorite fat free product?
Greek yogurt, Chobani 0% to be exact!

G: is for Groceries, where do you purchase yours at?
Costco and Fred Meyer (Kroger)

H: is for Hot Beverages, what is your favorite hot drink?
Coffee!!!

I: is for Ice Cream, pick a favorite flavor and add a fun topping.
No topping needed for Ben & Jerry's Toffee Heath Bar Crunch.  If I had to pick a topping for it, it would be caramel!

J: is for Jams or Jellies, do you eat them, and if so what kind and flavor?
Not a huge fan, but I do like grape jelly on PB&J sandwiches.

K: is for Kashi, name your favorite Kashi product?
Autumn Wheat cereal

L: is for Lunch, what was yours today?
2 eggs with a sandwich thin and carrots

M: is for microwave, what is your favorite microwave meal/snack?
Definitely popcorn.

N: is for nutrients, do you like carbs, fats, or proteins best?
Carbs!

O: is for oil, what kind do you like to use?
Olive oil

P: is for protein, how do you get yours?
Usually from Dairy and some chicken or ground turkey.  I'm not a huge meat eater.  Oh, and eggs!  And beans and whole grains.

Q: is for Quaker, how do you like your oats?
Well, I love granola, but I like oatmeal with canned pumpkin, a little milk, water, and lots of cinnamon.

R: is for roasting, what is your favorite thing to roast?
Probably turkey or potatoes.

S: is for sandwich, what’s your favorite kind?
If I'm being good, turkey.  If I'm eating whatever I want, grilled cheese.

T: is for travel, how do you handle eating while traveling?
If I'm traveling it's vacation and I usually splurge a bit.  Vacation only comes once in while.

U: is for unique, what is one of your weirdest food combos?
Pasta and cottage cheese.

V: is for vitamins, what kind do you take?
Multi-vitamin, B12 and Vitamin D

W: is for wasabi, yay or nay?
Not for me.

X: is for X-RAY. if we x-rayed your belly right now, what food would we see?
My lunch (see above)

Y: is for youth, what food reminds you of your childhood?
Top Ramen

Z: is for zucchini, how do you prepare it?
Sauteed