And make that ten!!!

Miles that is....I ran 10 miles yesterday!!! I still can't believe it myself.  It went much better than the 8 miles the prior week.  I guess all this training is really paying off. 

After finishing my run, I decided for sure......the More/fitness half marathon is for me.  I CAN DO THIS! 

And I'm up to eight......!!!

MILES that is.  I almost can't believe this myself.  Yesterday was my long run day and I was lookin at 8 miles.  The first one is always a struggle for me but I kept going.  The next couple, not so bad and then it started getting pretty tough around mile 5.  But I was over half way there and that kept me going along with great music and the SUN. 

My last 2 1/2 were up/down Peachtree Street.  I think I was a pitiful site.  Running in "slo mo" for sure and at times, I think I was more likely doing a shuffle vs. running.  The drivers must have been wondering, - what the what?!  (as my favorite Mr. Brown would say).

After the groaning, grunting (all to myself I hope) and sweating, I RAN 8 MILES!  What an accomplishment.  I am pretty psyched. 

I'm still working on the mantra, confidence in myself thing.  I'm going to have to reach down deeper next Sunday when I'm looking at 10 miles.  I am self motivated but I have to say, the atta boys and support from my run coach, Mike, is awesome!  Can we ever get enough of it?! 

SIMPLE and great!

Oh my, what a spectacular weekend in so many ways and now I get to relive it in this post.  The weather in Atlanta on both Saturday and Sunday was over the top fabulous.  Bright, bright blue sky.  NO humidity.  Prob in the mid 60's.  Perfect weather in every way.  Everyone in the city certainly thought so because the parks were PACKED; kids, strollers, dogs.....everywhere.  It was a very cool site. 

My Saturday was so very great; simple stuff but I loved it.  I started it off with my 9am BodyBlitz class @ Body Solutions and after had coffee w/my cuz.  Can't remember the last time I sat and had a leisurely cup of coffee w/a friend?!  Next up was boxing with Dan!  I'm not a fighter but love the boxing.  Then my fav lunch (chicken salad @ http://cafeatpharr.com/ - if you live in Atlanta and haven't tried it; run there quickly.  You will love it).  More visiting with my friends @ Dora Rae - these sisters are adorable and the jewelry....addicting.  Surprise visit to my neice @ her work followed by a mani and then new dinner favorite.....smoothie!  Now how @ that for a wonderful day!  Simple stuff and so much fun!

I woke Sunday to a beautiful, sunny morning but mucho on the tired side.  I had worked out for @ 2+ weeks straight and was gettin a little tired.  I decided to indulge in a lazy morning and was anxiously awaiting my noon massage!!!!  Every good massage for me is followed by a restful nap so that's how it went.  When I woke up I was so excited to see the beautiful weather remained so on went the running shoes and out the door I went for.............my SIX MILE RUN!!!!  Longest distance ever!  I did it and that's just the beginning!  My official half marathon training has started. 

What a great weekend.  Spent quality time with friends & relatives; had great workouts; new accomplishment - good times!  Really all quite simple. 

Half marathon here I come!!!!!!!!!

I've now said it publicly.  I'm running a half marathon!  There I said it twice now!  Prior to today, I've mostly shared this with my co-workers and my coach.  I'm going to do this! 

A couple months ago while reading More magazine, I read @ their half marathon.  It's in April, in NYC, course is CENTRAL PARK.  Hmmmmm, I was actually on an airplane when I read it and immediately decided, THIS IS MY NEXT GOAL.  I registered, booked my flight, got myself a run coach and I started lite training 3-4 weeks ago ("just keep running" he said).  I trained yesterday with my coach (more on him to come) and my official training begins tomorrow.  I got my 10 week training plan yesterday and now it's real!!!!

I'm excited, nervous, amazed and speechless to some degree.  This is a big goal for me, fitness wise.  I guess in some ways bigger than losing weight because I never set out to lose 50 lbs.  I started at 25, then went to 40 then 50.  Now, I'm chunking off the entire goal at once.  WooHoo!

My co-workers are running the GA half marathon the week before mine so it's kinda fun around the office.  Linda (my co-worker) is running her first half and she trains with the same run coach.  She got her training plan yesterday too.  Last night we talked and I think we were both a little dazed by it all.  She's awesome; fast, strong and an inspiration to me.  She's always right there telling me "YOU CAN DO THIS."  I'm excited that I'll be in town for her half and will be along the course cheering her on.  I learned from weight loss, gotta have the cheerleaders!!

So the half marathon training begins.  WOW! 

Workin out today - old school

As I type this, I'm pretty much laughing as what do I know @ old school workouts?!  I've only been working out for almost two years.  Oh well, I guess you can consider any "yesterday" as old school....that's it for me.

My boxing gloves arrived, yippee!  After sitting @ home and on my tush for almost a week, this is workin out weekend (WOW).  Saturday am started with Body Blitz class.  Great total body workout - circuits...my favorite Body Solutions class.  Dan really worked us hard and the tush I'd been sittin on for a week is now pretty sore!!!!  Following BB, I trained with Dan and we boxed using my new gloves!  Dan first wrapped my hands w/the tape (I felt like such an athlete, haha) and then the new gloves.  I LOVE IT.  I'm addicted.

And now it's Sunday.....ready for a good old school workout.........a long run.  Only shoes required along with some layering cause I think it's pretty cold.  But no other gear - just me, my shoes & the road.  Think @ it.  There are lots of classes out there, all kinds of fancy equipment, etc - all designed to keep us movin, active, interested & varied and then there's just walkin and runnin - the cardio that's been done for years.  That'll be me today....followed by a relaxing mani/pedi!!! (now this is really ME!!!)

So today I'm putting down my gloves and picking up my feet.  Awwww!!!

Happy New Year!

2011!  Wow that sounds so futuristic but it's here!!! 

Now how to spend the first day of the NEW year?  Coffee, paper, internet stuff and........it's a cloudy, rainy but warm sort of day here so I think I'll go for a run. 

My family always says how you spend the first day is how you'll spend your year!  I'm going to make this a GREAT DAY.  Have a great one too and ALL year long.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

MY STORY - journey of weight loss & good health!

Whatz the Skinny?......my story, 2010: Wow, How Things Have Changed is posted on the Atlanta Track Club's (ATC) blog today.  Check it out.

2010 has been another fabo year and we still have 2 days left!   I'm going to do what I can to make it the VERY best 2 days!!!!  I'm starting with another looooong run along the Pacific Ocean.  My last day on the West Coast before heading back East. 

Snow, sleet, sun, rain??

Where are you?!  Man o man, the winter storms & weather are outrageous. 

Blizzard in the NE, even snow in Atlanta and North FL per my mom.  Freezing temps - poor FL oranges may not make it.  Rains in Cali have destroyed so many homes and more rain on the way tonight.  Thank goodness I have no airline travel plans today!!!  Do you?  If you are reading this, I hope you are safe & sound, w/heat or a/c - whatever your climate brings. 

I have the great fortune to still be in sunny Southern Cali!!!  I must have had ESP when I chose this as my holiday destination.  The weather here is spectacular.  Yesterday it was in the mid 60's with more clear, blue skies.  I walked for hours........

Even after my 5 mile morning run - If you don't run the entire time, can you still call it a run?!  My second day of 5 milers!!!  Yesterday I tried something new - 1/4 mile run, 1/4 walk.  It was awesome and I'm not sore today.  Hmmmm, shall I try this again today or go for 1/2 mile? 

Here's my view.   Can you feel the sand?  Breeze?  Sun?!!

California here I am...

I beat the Atlanta snow and flew out just as it was arriving.  I'm so happy for those that were hoping for a white Christmas.  I guess it was Atlanta's first in like 100 years.  I think it may even be continuing today?! 

Off I go to sunny and dry (I hope) California.  I arrived safely and then waited for over 3 hours for my room to be ready.   Oh well, that gave me a chance to get to know the bartenders and some of the locals.  Finally my room was ready so I crawled, not really 2 drinks is my limit, to my room, ordered up a movie (Sex in the City2) and crashed early.  Only to wake up @ 6am on my first day of vacation. I guess that's OK since technically it was 9am to my body clock. 

It's a magnificent, sunny, bright morning.  How fortunate I am!!!  Picture this - bright sun, clear blue sky, Pacific Ocean w/the mountains in the background.  Now that sounds like a setting for a good run.  I'm finishing up my morning java and off I'll go.  To where?  I have no idea! 

Enjoy your day after, first day of vacation, last day of vacation or whatever today is for you.  Have a great one!!!!

Just out of jail.......

At least that is how I ate yesterday...... like I was just out of jail.  It was wonderful but I am paying for it this morning.  So uncomfortable. 

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Mine was so much fun; spent with family & friends, nice & sunny (and not too hot) Florida weather overlooking the river.  My brother slaved over the outdoor grill for his traditional BBQ beef ribs.  They were outstanding.  We had the traditional turkey stuff too but the ribs!!!!!!!!!!!  I had ribs for dessert so does that tell you something.  My bro is always pouring some wonderful wines so add that all up.........

Yesterday's fare had no calories so I indulged completely and fully. I forgot how out of practice I am on overeating so this a.m., I'm a little on the "stuffed feeling" side.  Funny how that happens.  I'm watching the clouds go away and the blue sky take over.  So this is a wrap and out I go for a post-Thanksgiving run.   One year ago today I ran my first mile!  How far will I go today?

Why Weight?

It's been approximately 2 months since my last post.  I stopped the blogging because I sort of felt, what do I have to say that anyone really cares @ hearing, that will change the world or impact someone?   Then I realized that everyone has something that others want to hear, that will potentially impact another person and who knows @ changing the world...baby steps.  I was also reading a bunch of blogs and it was alot of complaining.  Frankly I got sick of it and backed off.  But to heck with that/them....

So I decided to get back to it.  Why Weight?  Well I just stole that from Body Solutions.  That's one of their lines and a fitting line for me now.  I love the writing so here it is.

So much and so little has happened in the past two months. On the weight front, I'm a yo yo.  This maintenance is something else.  The great news is the upward YO only goes up 4-5 lbs before I aggressively pursue the downside YO.  It's a lifetime and constant battle; I'm in.  I have learned and figured out over the past few months, that cardio is KING for me.  Without it 4-5 times/week, the weight goes on fast and stays on. 

I'm still running (that's a whole post in itself) and in addition, I started classes @ Body Solutions.  I've never done classes before and I love them.  I like the switch up on the cardio and these classes are a great workout, a great sweat and alot of fun.  My personal trainer, Dan McGrath leads a couple of the classes (Urban Ninja & Body Blitz) and Kerrey leads a couple different classes too.  Both are awesome instructors.  Very different but I like each of their styles.  I did yoga for the first time last week.  Robert was awesome for us beginners.  I didn't think I would like the yoga at first (so slow, no music hahaha) but I really liked it and will definitely do again.  Mostly I really like the variety between personal training with Dan, running and now classes. 

So Why Weight?  I'm not...jumping back into the blogging world with lots of exciting things to learn and share. 

An apple a day keeps me healthy............

The folks @ Apple marketing got it goin on.........frustrating but genius.  When they launch a new product, they saturate the marketplace - TV, internet, print, everywhere.  You see it, you love it and you want it but wait..........YOU CAN'T HAVE IT.  Not yet anyway. 

Yesterday I got the emails @ the new iPods and just in time as I'm ready to trade up my Shuffle cause it's full  and I want more songs.  I'm lovin the new Nano and decide I gotta have it.  Race (during rush hour traffic) to the local Apple store.  Yep, you know how this is going.  Not available in stores until next week.  UGH!  I'm so not happy.  OK, I'll order online when I get home.  NOPE, not shipping for one week.  UGH!

No more excitement to run this weekend with lots of songs on my new Nano.  I guess I'm going to have to settle for excited to run this weekend AT THE BEACH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everyone have a great Labor Day weekend. 

Meet ups

This past Saturday, for the first time I joined the Body Solutions Saturday "meetup" run / walk group.  It was a great workout and alot of fun! 

I have been so intimidated by the thought of joining a group to do any sort of fitness activity.  I guess, although I want to be a runner for example, in my mind I'm a beginner.  The thought of doing a kick boxing class sounds cool but what if I can't keep up.  So I joined the group among friends who I felt would support me no matter what.....and I'm so glad I did this cause here's what I learned...........

......my fitness ability is better than some and not as good as others.  I'm OK.  I can keep up respectably.  I didn't embarrass myself (I don't think).  Runners don't always run the entire race; its OK to walk a few minutes.  This is an important lesson for me, a beginner, with big goals.  Now I'm ready.  So can I join a meetup of people I don't know - hmmmm, that will be a big leap.  I'm learning (repetition is good) that the biggest leap I have in front of me is in my head....my mental leap.  I really thought I had that one but now, not so sure.  I'll work on that one now! 

Frustration creeping......

After I completed the 10 mile breast cancer walk in October 2009, I set my sites on becoming a "runner."    I first wanted to run 1 mile and I accomplished this on Thanksgiving day 2009.  Next I wanted to run a 5K; run the entire 5K.  I read every article I saw, consulted Dan, signed up for the ATC Women on the Move, got my co-workers running with me, etc.

I was doing good (I thought) and at the end of winter 2010, I was up to 2 miles w/o stopping.  Wow, I was psyched.  However........since then I not only feel like I haven't progressed, I think I've regressed.  I'm back to my 1 mile, maybe 1.5 on a great day.  I've kept up my running but not like I did in the fall/winter.  They say a rest day is good for recovery but I feel like it sets me back.  Is that normal?  Between vacations and the HEAT + HUMIDITY, I'm not going the distance I was earlier in the year.  I'm still going out many days but I don't feel like I'm moving forward - frustratingly (is that a word?) stagnant. 

So what's a girl, wanna be runner to do?!  Get a plan for sure.  I think that's my weekend project.  No more reading articles cause I think I've read them all.  I feel a spreadsheet comin on.......!!!!

Time...

It's funny how the meaning or impact of things changes...over TIME!  Didn't really mean that as a pun but.....it's early!

27:56 - The men's winner from Ethiopia's TIME in the Peachtree Road Race 10K.  That's less than a 5 minute/mile - WOW!  I ran down to the street just to get a glimpse of the elite runners pass.  What a treat.  Literally sprinting for 6.1 miles.  To just watch them was thrilling. 

1:13:24 - My niece, a 1st time Peachtree Road Racer, finished in I think record TIME.  I'm so proud of her for running the race (w/her dad) and she had a blast.  Motivation for me next year?

11:01 - My fastest TIME on Saturday for running one mile.  I've been working hard on bringing down my TIME.  Run farther, faster!

26:24 - I completed my first 2 mile run w/o stopping.  Didn't run it to beat any TIME, just to finish.  As I ran, I heard Dan saying to me, it's 85% in your head.  I turned that 85% into 100% and finished the 2 miles.  Yahoo!

July 4th, 9:30pm - This TIME couldn't come fast enough for my niece last night as we waited for the fireworks to begin.  It was an outstanding show.  From my balcony, we saw 6 fireworks shows. 

In the past, TIME has been more @ where do I need to be by a certain TIME.  What watch will I wear today (I have a bunch) so I know the TIME at every moment.  I don't want to be late; I like to be on TIME.  Some of this still holds true  (I like to be on TIME but no longer wear a watch) but now this means so much more to me than just getting there. 

It's now TIME to start a new day!  I'm excited for day 3 of the long, holiday weekend.  I'll wear no watch, no place to be at any specific TIME, just enjoying another day with family & friends.  Happy post 4th!

We did it!

Wounded Warrior 5K!  Man there are some hills in Marietta!!!

"THE GREATEST CASUALTY IS BEING FORGOTTEN"

Tomorrow, I'm doing the Run for Wounded Warriors with my two co-workers.  You've seen them pictured on my blog.  The run options are 10K, 5K and 1 mile.  We are going for the 5K. 

This is an important run for so many reasons. 

• A great cause - Run for Wounded Warriors, Inc. is a non-profit organization established to host a 10K and 5K race to raise funds for the Wounded Warrior Project.
• The 2nd time I've run a 5K and not since the blogging conference.  Really the 2nd time I've run in a group. 
• The 1st time our office team will run an organized run together. 

I am excited and nervous at the same time.  I'm not accustomed to running with a group so this will be great practice for me.  I'm used to running by myself or with 1-2 others.  I'll work on my mental strength between now and tomorrow morning.  I'm really excited to run with my co-workers.  We run just about every morning and this will be a highlight for us for sure.  We're all goal oriented so FINISHING alone will be great. 

Here we come..........

Getting started.....

My holiday weekend is off to an awesome start.  The Atlanta Track Club (ATC) asked me to talk to their Peachtree in Training group @ nutrition.  Who loves this topic more than me?!  The group ran a 5 miler and as they enjoyed their coffee & bagels we talked about nutrition & running.  Preparing, race day and recovery.  Of course I added in hydration & my personal favorite....sunscreen!  GREAT group of guys & gals.  They energized me, inspired me to keep at my running and maybe next year....the Peachtree. Who knows.  I'm up to 1.75 miles!!  Go me!

I''m now sitting in the airport (Concourse E - whew!) waiting to board my flight for FL.  A few days in the hot, humid days of long ago.  I grew up there and hot & humid is why I left.  Not that we don't have hot & humid in Atlanta but at least we have some hills!  And seasons!    Florida will be fun and I'm looking forward to getting to the beach.  It will give me a chance to try out my new sunscreen that got a great rating on EWG.  I'll spend some time with my bro and his family and my dear mom.  She's so cute....she's so excited for my arrival. 

A long weekend is great for recovery.  Rest, relax and recharge and then get going again.  At the same time this weekend, it's important to take a few minutes to remember the victims of wars.  We thank them for their honor & service!  Have a wonderful Memorial Day all........

I missed them........

Lately, I've missed a number of things:

• Blogging for one - this is my first post in several days.  I've been crazy busy and that's a good thing so I'll save that for later.
• Richard Gere AND the Dalai Lama - both were staying at my hotel this past weekend and I missed seeing them both!  That would have been a cool sighting. 
• Pay phones - not sure if I've really missed them or not.  Memories of standing out in the rain or driving around looking for one.  I didn't know they were still around until running in NY last weekend and I saw a guy talking on one.  Stopped me dead in my tracks! 
• Fruit - man o man, never thought I'd say this (former fast food, junk food eater).  Came home late Sunday night to little to no food in the house and no time to get to Whole Foods this week.  I miss my apples and bananas!!
• Running - I missed the office run both Monday and Tuesday due to meetings.  I'm so happy and proud of the team who went w/o me.  Go Team!
• Dan workouts - never thought I'd say this either.  Missed sessions due to travel.  Ready to get back to it.  I miss Body Solutions. 
• Reading a good, fast, mindless book - The last one I read was Mary Higgins Clark's newest.  Got any recommendations?  Sitting on a plane again this weekend (and hopefully the beach) and really need a good read. 
• My mornings - time to myself to lollygag around! 

And now.....off to work.............

What's for breakfast?

At the end of the month, I'm talking to a group of runners @ running and nutrition.  In thinking about what I want to share, it got me researching - running & eating, hydration, nutrients, etc.  Ask 10 people and get 10 answers.  No surprise, that's pretty much what I found on the internet. 

I'm always reading about what you should eat before and after a run; carbs prior and carb + protein after say many.  Definitely need fuel and recovery for your body.  I read this stuff but do I always follow what I read?  Do others? 

I did a little informal survey of my a.m. running team.  Four of us ran today and here's our BEFORE and AFTER eating. 

Runner 1 - BEFORE-whole wheat toast w/PB, banana.  AFTER-hard boiled egg
Runner 2 - BEFORE-nothing.  AFTER-hard boiled egg
Runner 3 - BEFORE-hard boiled egg.  AFTER-hard boiled egg, skinny bagel w/PB, 2oz turkey sausage and water, water, water
Runner 4 - BEFORE-hard boiled egg.  AFTER-organic oatmeal

How did we do?  We have the hard boiled egg thing down for sure but we need to get some carbs into us BEFORE and AFTER.  So often we are afraid of carbs due to weight gain but when running, we need to let that go.  Big shout out to Runner 3 for the water, water, water!!! Water is crucial.  Off to share the survey results with the team.  Interesting.........I wonder how the running group next week will answer the BEFORE and AFTER. 

Love to hear what you eat BEFORE and AFTER  a run?