Who Knew

Running on the Treadmill Could be so Hard?

Fred was feeling sore this morning and didn't think it was a good idea to go for a run (or either didn't want to get out of bed). He recently fixed the belt on our treadmill, but  I hadn't bothered with it. This morning he suggested I get on the treadmill.

I prepared a movie on the iPad so I didn't have to stare at the wall or the clock. The movie was a good idea, but I had to push myself to complete two miles and took two walk breaks during the second mile.  I watched a bit of V for Vendetta because I couldn't resist after finishing up The Fault in Our Stars, which came highly recommended by one of my students. During my run which was done at 4.0 mph and an incline of 2, I seemed to be moving faster than I do outside, but my time was slower. My heart rate was up, I was not able to sing, and I couldn't go faster. I simply don't understand! I thought for sure I'd be faster on the treadmill, but it's like starting over.

Running Out the Pain

This morning we ran a short three miles because we only have about a week left to train for our first half marathon. Getting up was a little easier than I expected, but running today was tough after running seven and quarter mile a couple of days ago: my quads are burning with soreness.

The first mile was the toughest as we both ran like we were on stilts; but as our muscles warmed up, it did become easier. We also finished with a quicker time because I made sure our splits were better each mile. I hope as the day goes by the soreness gets better, which will give me more confidence to run more often, even when I'm sore.

How the Table Has Turned

Hello friends,

Yes it's me and I know it's been years since you all have heard from me and I promise not to go AWOL on y'all again. It has been tough on this journey of healthy living, but it is something I want and something I truly need. So please continue to encourage me with your comments and realities you have incurred during your journeys.

Okay let me tell you all how the past 5 to 6 months have gone for me. When Bridgette and I first started this journey and blog, I had to be the leader and encourager for us both. What I mean is I had to be the one to get us out of the bed each morning and out of the house because I know without my leadership then we would not be where we are today, to say the least. But oh how the tables can turn. My baby has now become my encourager as I some how lost steam some where down the road. The winter that we've endured this year is mostly to blame, but the most recent reason was the 10k we ran in February in Little Rock. I pushed myself too hard because afterward I had a soreness like never before. I did complete the race and earned my first ever medal but I surely overdid it.

This morning I got a wake up call from my lovely wife saying, "Get up Fred let's go running," and boy did I want to say some hurtful words because I was sleeping sooooo good. Instead of following through I thought for a second and told her I didn't feel like it but I needed to. So I found some energy to get up and hit the road. That is the best feeling ever to know I have someone who is willing to go through the tough times with me.

With all of that being said she is really the reason I'm writing right now and the reason I will continue share our journey with you all.

P.S. pleeeease pray for me. Lol

You Go Girl!

At yesterday's weigh-in I was down two pounds. To get where I was before the scale started going in the wrong direction, I have to lose three more.

Last week I tracked, went WAY over my points (I probably needed to run at least ten miles each day to redeem myself), and lost. This means I was eating toooooo much. Freedom from tracking is not freedom at all to me; it's a license to balloon into the three hundreds.

This morning we ran 7.25 miles. We were shooting for ten, but every step counts! A warm soak is in order.

Have a blessed week!

Picking Myself Up

I likely won't lose any weight this week due to my eating. However, I have been tracking every bite, lick, and taste. I've already used my weeklies up, and it's just my fourth day of the week. 

Oh,  XXL nachos from Taco Bell, why did I have to be introduced to you? Oh, well . . .

I'm just glad to be back tracking. I'll work on staying within my points next week. Then I'll work on eating more Simply Filling Foods. Simply Filling led me to this problem, but it's my fault. I stopped tracking with paper and pencil because I was eating only SF. But then I'd have something not SF and not account for it. What a slippery slope. Eventually I was eating whatever and not tracking at all. 

This time I'm tracking no matter what. (At least I hope so!)

Help, I Have Fallen . . .

. . .and I desperately want to get up!

I don't know what happened - I lost it. 

Not running.

Not eating healthy choices the majority of the time.

Not counting my points.

Not tracking my food intake.

I didn't stop reading my Bible though. I love that daily Bible reading is a part of my life.

I found this encouragement online this week. This morning I took that first step. We ran three miles. After the 2.5 mark, it started feeling great. We couldn't go longer though because Fred has work. I'm going to weigh in later, and I may be up (or down), but I haven't quit!

Little Rock 10k

The photo we are ordering!

 

 

After we signed up for the half-marathon in Pensacola and selected a training plan, I was on the lookout for some races that would fit with our training. Little Rock isn't too far of a drive for us; thusly, proving to be an inexpensive option.

 

We drove in to Little Rock Saturday morning so we could pick up our packets from the expo. This was only our second official race, and we'd never been to a race expo before. However, we have been to several educational expos that were similar in nature with booths of wonderful vendors and tantalizing goods.

 

Packet pick-up couldn't have been simpler. Actually, there wasn't even a line. The expo, however, was congested; we really didn't get to enjoy it to the fullest because we had our kids with us. I enjoyed being able to see the Beecause charms up close. I had seen them somewhere and had just checked them out online. I'm pretty sure I'll end up getting a couple though I didn't at the expo. We ended up getting SPI belts. I had been wanting to try one. (And it stayed put during the race!) What I liked most about the expo was being able to see and touch items I'd previously heard such great things about. It was so wonderful. If I would have had the money, I would have taken one of each item there.

 

We didn't stay long at the expo because we had plans to visit the local Fleet Feet. We (or at least I) have wanted to visit a Fleet Feet since we started the C25k to get fitted for ideal running shoes. The closest ones are both two hours away. We purchased some good things there, but it'll have to wait for another post.

 



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While Fred was getting us checked in at the hotel, our oldest son and I noticed a Japanese restaurant and Starbucks across the street. We have neither of those in our hometown. We decided we wouldn't tell Fred, and would see how soon it would be before he discovered it on his own. 

 

After we had gotten to the room, Fred asked if I thought we had a good view or not. On the way in I hadn't seen much of interest so I thought he was referring to the restaurant or Starbucks. No! He could tell I was excited when I looked out of the window. There was a Barnes and Noble and a Life Way Christian store. He hadn't even spotted the Christian store but knew I'd love to go in Barnes and Noble. We ended up spending so much time in Life Way that we didn't have time for Barnes and Noble. (I picked up some items for our VBS this June!)

 





We don't watch much tv and I recently closed my facebook account, so we had no idea that a storm was headed for Little Rock. Oops! Well, at least we had brought clothes for just about any kind of weather! Before going to bed we had some yummy sushi, checked out the weather and tried to pick out suitable clothes. 

 

The next morning getting ready was pretty simple. I NEVER eat in the mornings before a run. Typically I get up, drink some water so I can have a BM, dress, and head out. With races, you get up and WAIT. I definitely didn't want to be hungry while running. I've never had the feeling and never want to. I ate half of a mandarin and a vanilla Honey Stinger waffle. Even though I don't drink water on my training runs (so far), I took a bit with me because I didn't want to experience dry mouth either.

 

As soon as got downtown we realized it was congested and finding a park would be time consuming. We opted to park in a garage near where we saw people assembling. This was the best decision ever (especially since we were wet and tired afterwards - I would not have liked to walk a mile to the car!)

 

I had to go find a restroom as soon as we arrived. I knew this was the best my choice. We ended up  finding port-a-potties before a regular restroom so we got in what appeared to be a short line. It took a while though! I HATE port-a-potties. They were absolutely disgusting! I had to hold my breath.

 

As we were making our way to our corral it started to sprinkle. It didn't last too long, but we decided to take cover under the awning of one of the local shops. It seemed like it was taking forever for eight o'clock. We entered our corrals with  about ten minutes to go til eight. It was really cold and windy, and it was raining. My poor husband didn't even have a jacket. He was dressed warmly though. Some people had on shorts and were without shirts.  

 

As we waited over forty minutes to get to the start line, I realized I wasn't nervous at all. I knew I would t be winning anything. But I was to the point where I just wanted it to be over with already. I was so thankful that I'd remember to go back into the hotel room to get the rain jacket I loathe. The best thing about it is its large hood. The material is a thin plastic that makes me sweat something awful. When we finally started, I was relieved. Fred did exactly what I knew he would do and started too fast for ME. I was annoyed, but he had already let me know he was going to give it his all. The start of a run is always most difficult for me. This race was no different. I had anxiety about running alone. I wished Fred wasn't faster than me. 

 

The first mile was rainy - just a constant drizzle. I was encouraged by the many people who came out, but I was mostly battling thoughts of wanting to give up and quit. I was throwing myself a pity party. I started feeling better in the second mile, but the bridge nearly wiped me out. We run  in the flat Delta and hills are foreign to us. We don't even train on treadmills. I felt every single incline. My adrenaline helped push me over the bridge the first time. I don't recall it being that bad. During the second mile we were passed by runners heading back across the bridge. I recall some of them shouting that we were doing a good job.

 

I had only run six miles once prior to this race. At the end of that run I felt drained. I was thinking I could benefit from some kind of nutrition during the last mile or two. I didn't get a chance to test this theory before the race, so the race was my trial. After I passed the mile three marker, I started munching on the pack of Honey Stinger chews I had in my SPIbelt. They tasted okay and went down fine. I ran about another mile before I reached the bridge. I remember the mile five marker being on the bridge. It seemed like that bridge would NEVER end. It took forever to get to the downhill portion. Nearly everyone around me was walking up the hill. I didn't want to walk because I knew I didn't have to. I feared if I would have started walking, I wouldn't have the drive to start up again.  Almost immediately after coming down off the bridge, there was another small hill. Uugghhhh! My legs were so tired by the time I reached marker 6. I knew the finish was so close, but it seemed harder than ever to push myself. Nevertheless, I did it. Fred was right there at the finish line waiting for me. 

 

Fred showed me where to get my medal and then where to get my shoe tag cut off.  We got some post race snacks and had our picture taken together. Then we were out of there. I didn't want to stick around because of the weather. We were really glad we had parked in the nearby garage. It was just a short walk and so worth the five dollar fee.

 

• chip time:   His - 1:19:15;   Hers - 1:30:14
• avg pace:   His - 12:47;   Hers - 14:34
• gender place:   His - 282/403;   Hers - 585/889
• division place:   His - 30/41;   Hers - 104/129
• overall place:   His - 683/1292;   Hers -  912/1292

 

 

I brought up our upcoming half-marathon, and Fred quickly put an end to that. He said he didn't even want to think about that race on such tired legs. That was too funny to me. I had a pretty good race experience, but I really have nothing to compare it with.  I've seen a lot of negative feedback online and on the race's facebook page concerning the race.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our First Official 10k

We're still at it here; we simply haven't had time to blog as we'd like.

Marathon Winner

This morning we finished the 10k that's part of the Annual Little Rock Marathon. I must say, it feels good to be finished.

I'll try to give a detailed account of the race tomorrow. Right now  we just want to get out of town as a winter storm advisory has been issued for the area. Pray for our safe travel home.

Weight Watchers Weekly Weigh-In No. 35

Yesterday I was up one and six tenths pounds from weigh-in number thirty-three. I skipped the weigh-in in between these two. I ate a lot of junk prior to the weigh-in I skipped and was up a bit. I didn't necessarily over eat, I just overindulged in not so healthy treats. And boy did I feel awful behind it. Yuck!

I'm back on track now though. This journey is definitely a learning experience. I don't want to focus solely on weight loss. If I do, I won't know how to maintain the loss in the end.

I've learned that I love fruits and vegetables and can generally do without grains and grain products.  I love grits and oatmeal but don't care for rice and pasta as much. Because I don't LOVE rice or pasta, I seldom cook them and generally don't order them when out. I LOVE ice cream and pound cake. Because these two are far from healthy, I generally don't keep either in the house. Here's why: I can eat three servings of broccoli or greens (and will) and not feel bloated, not see the scale go up, or not feel bad (stomach ache) afterwards. I can eat three servings of ice cream or pound cake (and will because of the taste alone) and feel stuffed, see the scale go up, AND feel awful afterwards. I love broccoli, especially roasted, but it will go bad in the fridge if I don't see it. Sometimes ice cream can last a couple of months weeks in the freezer; sometimes it only lasts a couple of days. I don't avoid ice cream or pound cake, but I've learned I benefit by limiting my intake of such - once a week or month. If I go a quarter without such - so be it - as long as I'm not purposefully suppressing my desire for such, because I don't always crave it.

I have also learned to indulge only in treats that taste GREAT. I'm not eating cold fries. I'm not eating a dry cafeteria brownie. I'm not eating a cake mix cake. I don't drink pops or beer because they make me feel bad - instantaneous bloat and feelings of fullness.

I'm learning and losing! I expect to be down next week.

Ten Degrees

This cold weather is really messing with our training. We've drawn the line at twenty five degrees. Right now we just don't have the right gear to bear this weather (or the money to get any!).  So we've missed a few runs but are still hanging in there.

This morning the alarm went off and Fred let me know that the temperature was ten degrees. I couldn't even fathom that. There was definitely no need to get up. Had he said seventeen degrees, I might have gotten up. Isn't ten terribly close to zero? 

I can't imagine living in the north. 

Weight Watchers Weekly Weigh-In No. 34

This past Saturday was my weigh-in day. I was down four-tenths of a pound. I'm a few tenths of a pound away from a significant milestone - weighing what my drivers license says! I think the last time I got my license renewed I was five pounds over that weight. And to think I've lost a little over forty pounds. When in the world did I gain forty pounds? Weight just gradually slips up on you, and BAM you've gained a whole other person!

Treats!

So, as soon I heard from Weight Watchers that I had officially lost forty pounds, I couldn't wait to reward myself. After the meeting I told Fred that I needed a TREAT.  His response was, "Why, so you can gain the wright back?" Sorry darling, I didn't want a two dollar treat (think ice cream), I had something else in mind.

I've been wanting some Levi's for a while, but didn't want to spend money knowing, I wouldn't be in the size long. I'm glad I didn't. I got the jeans below in a darker indigo wash size 16, medium length. These are a 16 misses not 16 women's.

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I also got the printed tee below. My favorite was the coral colored one under this, but the grey was Fred's favorite. Sometimes,you have to go with the hubby though hopefully I might get the other too. I got this shirt in a large. I'll probably wear it with my black skinny leg jeans if they aren't too big.



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Fred picked this black Michael Kors purse out for me, but I do NOT like purses like this. I care for style and not brand. Too me this purse screams, "look I'm wearing Michael Kors!" Maybe that's the point for some, but not me. I'd rather have a purse that draws attention long after the designer has ceased being "in." Had he bought the purse without me being present, I would not have requested he return it though.

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I like the style of the two bags below better. The first is an Anne Klein bag that I like in black. The second is a Michael Kors bag that I like in luggage. I wasn't positive that I wanted the Michael Kors purse so we decided I'd get the first bag in black. When I reach the 50lb lost milestone, I will get the brown Michael Kors purse if I still want it. That fifty pound weight loss will land me at a weight I haven't been since before I had my third born. Let's go 50!


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When the time comes, I might opt for some gorgeous shoes instead. My size is soooo hard to find.

Before we headed home, I did end up getting that two dollar treat too. I love Sweet CeCe's. I hadn't had any of their frozen yogurt in three to four months or more because I switched to Saturday morning weight-ins from Thursday evening weigh-ins. I used to get some after each weigh-in. It will be mid-March or later before I treat myself to some again.

Weight Watchers Weekly Weigh-In No. 33

This week I'm down two and four tenths pounds. This means I have lost just over forty pounds!!!  

I did weigh last week, but I didn't get around to blogging about it. Last week I was down two and two tenths pounds. I'm still following Simply Filling.

Now I'm off to reward myself!

2014 Winter Miles Challenge

Today is the start of the  Run with Jess 2014 Winter Miles Challenge. I signed up as a beginner. New participants are accepted though January 12.

Tomorrow is a run day for me!

Up and Running Again!

We've signed up to run a half-marathon! We're running the one in Pensacola.

The race date gives us 14 weeks to train. We've already gotten in our first run of 2014! After our first 5k, we ran sporadically then stopped altogether (except for our Thanksgiving day run) to do INSANITY. (Boy was that a mistake. We ran what seemed to be the hardest two miles ever on December 31, our anniversary.) We completed the first month of INSANITY as written and started month two. Now, however, we are going to use INSANITY as cross training on non-run days. We might end up fitting in more, but I doubt it.

So, Fred and I are running a half-marathon. I pray we have an injury free training and a fun race. God has blessed us thus far, and we give all glory and praise to Him for our success and accomplishments.

We chose this race because we have adequate time to train. The race is close to family though it's a six hour drive for us. My sister and her husband intend to run with us, and we hope they are able to.

I know I have some difficult runs ahead of me; however, I'm not scared, and I don't think it's impossible. Note to self - 

       

All throughout my C25k training I would recite a verse that comforted me: "For God has not given me a spirit of fearf, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV) I think I'll need it again!

                                    

Weight Watchers Weekly Weigh-In No. 32

       

I'm bringing in 2014 with a two and six tenths pound lost. So long holiday gains. 

Recently, I DECIDED to follow Simply Filling. I am CHOOSING to stick with it at least through the end of January. I will hopefully be successful at planning and prepping meals in advance.

I've been receiving lots of comments lately concerning my weight loss. MOTIVATION. No reason to turn back now!

Fred has fallen off; I don't know what I'm going to do with him.