It's been a long time. Since my last post, the running has eased (unfortunately...I'm constantly battling the clock), the gluten free diet has continued, and I got pregnant! I'm almost 12 weeks along now and am really excited for number 3!
As far as cravings go, I've been craving everything that I can't have, pizza steak subs, barbeque chicken pizza, chicken parm subs, and the like. Everytime I drive past an Italian pizza and sub place, my heart skips a beat. Alas, it is not meant to be...my intestines won't allow it, and ultimately, that's fine by me.
I've had a lot of time over the last year and a half to reevaluate my diet and while it's still not perfect, I have made changes, above and beyond being gluten free. I still have a long way to go, but never in my life have I realized just how important it is to eat good, wholesome foods. Most of my changes have been directed toward my children, I'm still a work in progress.
One of my long term goals is to start buying exclusively grass fed beef and chicken. I am fortunate to live close to drop off points for the Polyface Farm, featured on Food Inc. and in the book The Omnivore's Dilemma. Hopefully soon we will be able to start buying their meat. In the meantime, I buy 95% of my meat from a local meat market that uses local beef.
I go out of my way to cut out high fructose corn syrup. I give the boys organic ketchup (Heinz is not GF), buy non-HFCS whole wheat bread, buy organic jelly when I can find it (I tried natural peanut butter but that was an epic FAIL), I give them only organic milk or water to drink, and very rarely juice. I try to keep their snacks on the healthy spectrum, Annie's bunny grahams/crackers and macaroni and cheese are constantly stocked in my house. Do you know how hard it is to find products that do not have HFCS?
Today I read an article that made me so grateful that I have already made those changes for my children. Here's the link: http://www.news-medical.net/news/20100319/Study-reveals-higher-than-normal-blood-levels-of-fructose-in-pancreatic-cancer-patients.aspx This is so important to me because my dear grandfather passed away last year from pancreatic cancer. It was beyond horrific to watch him waste away to skin and bones after being so robust his entire life.
Every day I am so grateful that I learned of my celiac disease, not just for my health, but the health of my family. Had I not gone gluten free, I probably would not scrutinize labels, and I probably would not have made the changes I've made so far. I recently read The Unhealthy Truth by Robyn O'Brien, she says that the box of macaroni and cheese we ate as children is not the same macaroni and cheese that our children eat today. The additives! The GMOs! The rBGH! Frightening is an understatement...I think of that quote every day.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Monday, May 4, 2009
Size Four
I had an exciting shopping experience last week. I needed an outfit for my brother in law's rehersal dinner and true to form, I went shopping about 6 hours before it started.
I found an adorable black and white matte jersey shirt that had yellow and lime green flowers throughout it. I wanted to wear it with black capri pants, but I couldn't find any in "my size."
I'm still not sure what my size is. Six? Eight? Actually looking for those numbers is weird. In my mind I am still a size 12.
I decided to focus my attention on white pants because I thought that the shirt would look nice with those as well. I found a pair that I loved, but they didn't have a size six, so, I half heartedly pulled a four off the rack, fully expecting that they wouldn't fit.
Thanks to the miracles of modern medicine and Spanx, they fit! Holy cow, I got into size four pants. I bought size four pants. I wore size four pants. I rocked the size four pants. I held my breath and was careful not to make any sudden moves in size four pants.
The dress I wore to the wedding the next day was a six petite, for those keeping score.
I love my re-emerging body!
I found an adorable black and white matte jersey shirt that had yellow and lime green flowers throughout it. I wanted to wear it with black capri pants, but I couldn't find any in "my size."
I'm still not sure what my size is. Six? Eight? Actually looking for those numbers is weird. In my mind I am still a size 12.
I decided to focus my attention on white pants because I thought that the shirt would look nice with those as well. I found a pair that I loved, but they didn't have a size six, so, I half heartedly pulled a four off the rack, fully expecting that they wouldn't fit.
Thanks to the miracles of modern medicine and Spanx, they fit! Holy cow, I got into size four pants. I bought size four pants. I wore size four pants. I rocked the size four pants. I held my breath and was careful not to make any sudden moves in size four pants.
The dress I wore to the wedding the next day was a six petite, for those keeping score.
I love my re-emerging body!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Brrr...
Today was my first time running since I got sick. It was good to get out there. I looked forward to it this morning when I packed up my bag with my shoes, my jogbra, my long spandex pants, my UA turtleneck and a tee shirt to wear over the turtleneck because it's so tight.
It rained. ALL DAY. And it was cold. REALLY COLD. I watched the rain from my window. I didn't want to go. But I did. Then I didn't. But then I did again. I figured that since it had been two weeks or so since I went, I was slipping further and further into that sweet wonderland of not exercising ever. And that's not good. So, I put on my big girl panties and resolved to go.
I was so glad I packed my long spandex pants.
Finally, 5:30 came, and I got my bag out and started to change into my running clothes. My long spandex pants? Yeah, not. I mistakenly packed my capri length pants.
Crap. It's raining harder. Gulp. I pulled my clothes on anyway. Oh look! I have mittens! I drove over to the track. Hmm...where is everyone? I sit. I wait. I watch the rain. I think about leaving. Then I see the orange Honda Element pull up. I can't leave now.
So I wait until 5:59:59 and we get out of our cars. My running group normally has 40 or so people. There were 3 of us. In fairness, the Main Street Mile was tonight and a lot of the group was running that, but a lot of us weren't.
I am glad I went because I desperately needed to run. But here it is 5 hours later and I am still fuh-reezing.
There should be a law against running in the cold.
It rained. ALL DAY. And it was cold. REALLY COLD. I watched the rain from my window. I didn't want to go. But I did. Then I didn't. But then I did again. I figured that since it had been two weeks or so since I went, I was slipping further and further into that sweet wonderland of not exercising ever. And that's not good. So, I put on my big girl panties and resolved to go.
I was so glad I packed my long spandex pants.
Finally, 5:30 came, and I got my bag out and started to change into my running clothes. My long spandex pants? Yeah, not. I mistakenly packed my capri length pants.
Crap. It's raining harder. Gulp. I pulled my clothes on anyway. Oh look! I have mittens! I drove over to the track. Hmm...where is everyone? I sit. I wait. I watch the rain. I think about leaving. Then I see the orange Honda Element pull up. I can't leave now.
So I wait until 5:59:59 and we get out of our cars. My running group normally has 40 or so people. There were 3 of us. In fairness, the Main Street Mile was tonight and a lot of the group was running that, but a lot of us weren't.
I am glad I went because I desperately needed to run. But here it is 5 hours later and I am still fuh-reezing.
There should be a law against running in the cold.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Interesting observation
I haven't been running since Sunday. I got whatever cold virus my son had, and I've been pretty miserable since Wednesday. I had laryngitis yesterday, which made me nervous because I had court today, but my voice came back enough that it was ok. So, I'll probably be back to running next week, once it gets out of my system.
I always hated my upper arms because I had keratosis pilaris, which is the chicken bump like nastiness. It never bothered me, except that I knew those bumps were there and I'd pick pick pick.
Now that the weather is warming, I've worn short sleeves a few times. My hands naturally gravitated toward the back of my upper arms. I was shocked at what I felt. I felt nothing. I felt smooth, albeit dry, skin.
Last summer, I spent over $60 on a moisturizer from Sephora that was supposed to help with KP, and it didn't do anything for me. I am completely convinced that it resolved because I am no longer eating gluten. I had those bumps on my arms for as long as I could remember, and for them to be gone, now, it cannot be a coincidence.
This is just one more amazing and wonderful side effect to being gluten free. Since going gluten free, I've lost 25 lbs that I couldn't lose no matter what I tried, I am no longer gassy, I'm rarely if ever bloated anymore, I'm regular, I rarely get canker sores (although if I accidentally ingest gluten, this is how I know), I am no longer ravenously hungry all the time, and the list continues.
Every day I am amazed how being gluten free has positively changed my life!
I always hated my upper arms because I had keratosis pilaris, which is the chicken bump like nastiness. It never bothered me, except that I knew those bumps were there and I'd pick pick pick.
Now that the weather is warming, I've worn short sleeves a few times. My hands naturally gravitated toward the back of my upper arms. I was shocked at what I felt. I felt nothing. I felt smooth, albeit dry, skin.
Last summer, I spent over $60 on a moisturizer from Sephora that was supposed to help with KP, and it didn't do anything for me. I am completely convinced that it resolved because I am no longer eating gluten. I had those bumps on my arms for as long as I could remember, and for them to be gone, now, it cannot be a coincidence.
This is just one more amazing and wonderful side effect to being gluten free. Since going gluten free, I've lost 25 lbs that I couldn't lose no matter what I tried, I am no longer gassy, I'm rarely if ever bloated anymore, I'm regular, I rarely get canker sores (although if I accidentally ingest gluten, this is how I know), I am no longer ravenously hungry all the time, and the list continues.
Every day I am amazed how being gluten free has positively changed my life!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Plugging along
This morning I ran most of the outing! I was very pleased with myself. I would have been able to run all of it, but I was having shoe issues and it was causing my foot to hurt, so I had to stop and fix it a couple of times. I walked a little towards the end because it was bothering me so much.
But!
When I ran, I was running at at least a 10:30 min/mile pace! It felt so good. The other night we had another quality workout, this time our fartleks were 10X1:00, and our coach wanted us running slightly faster than our 5K pace. Well, I figured I would just go faster than what felt right, and I was hitting the 28:00 5K cone consistently throughout the exercise. I can't wait to run my first 5K of the year, I am so anxious to see where I'll be.
On the gluten free front, my dad's birthday is coming up next week and we are thinking about celebrating tomorrow. I might try my hand at baking a cake. I found a great gluten free recipe using Jules' Nearly Normal Cooking Flour, which I have, so I might bake! I'll upload pictures if it turns out as good as I hope!
I feel like I am in a side dish rut when it comes to meals. I usually wind up making mashed potatoes and a veggie, which is fine, but I could use some variety. I love rice, but I am not imaginative when it comes to cooking it. I had a dream the other night that there was a gluten free Pasta Roni...that used to be my favorite side dish...that would be a dream come true!
But!
When I ran, I was running at at least a 10:30 min/mile pace! It felt so good. The other night we had another quality workout, this time our fartleks were 10X1:00, and our coach wanted us running slightly faster than our 5K pace. Well, I figured I would just go faster than what felt right, and I was hitting the 28:00 5K cone consistently throughout the exercise. I can't wait to run my first 5K of the year, I am so anxious to see where I'll be.
On the gluten free front, my dad's birthday is coming up next week and we are thinking about celebrating tomorrow. I might try my hand at baking a cake. I found a great gluten free recipe using Jules' Nearly Normal Cooking Flour, which I have, so I might bake! I'll upload pictures if it turns out as good as I hope!
I feel like I am in a side dish rut when it comes to meals. I usually wind up making mashed potatoes and a veggie, which is fine, but I could use some variety. I love rice, but I am not imaginative when it comes to cooking it. I had a dream the other night that there was a gluten free Pasta Roni...that used to be my favorite side dish...that would be a dream come true!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Wow...I wasn't expecting THAT...
So, I'm not back to running full time yet. I am definitely running in spurts. I think this is going to be a great running season.
We ran fartleks on Thursday night. I did 6X2:00. To say I surprised myself was an understatement. Dave (my running coach) set up cones along the track that represented 5K pace. The last cone represented a 34:00 5K. Last year I ran just under a 39:00 5K. I was consistently running between the 32:00 and 34:00, even after the sixth time. I was exhausted, but very encouraged. I have been amazed at how much faster I am.
Yesterday morning, I ran 4 minutes with a two minute break for about 40 minutes. I did really well with that. Today I went to a track and ran 200m fast and then walked 200m. Again, I surprised myself because according to my iPod, I was running between a 9:30-10:00 minute mile. My average pace today was 12:45 min/mile! That was my average pace last summer, and I was running!
Being gluten free has improved my health in more ways than I could have imagined. Looking back at last summer, I was so unhealthy. I was eating gluten, my asthma was poorly controlled, and my body hurt. I still have a long way to go to get the distance of last summer back, but I can't wait!
We ran fartleks on Thursday night. I did 6X2:00. To say I surprised myself was an understatement. Dave (my running coach) set up cones along the track that represented 5K pace. The last cone represented a 34:00 5K. Last year I ran just under a 39:00 5K. I was consistently running between the 32:00 and 34:00, even after the sixth time. I was exhausted, but very encouraged. I have been amazed at how much faster I am.
Yesterday morning, I ran 4 minutes with a two minute break for about 40 minutes. I did really well with that. Today I went to a track and ran 200m fast and then walked 200m. Again, I surprised myself because according to my iPod, I was running between a 9:30-10:00 minute mile. My average pace today was 12:45 min/mile! That was my average pace last summer, and I was running!
Being gluten free has improved my health in more ways than I could have imagined. Looking back at last summer, I was so unhealthy. I was eating gluten, my asthma was poorly controlled, and my body hurt. I still have a long way to go to get the distance of last summer back, but I can't wait!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Ouch
So, I learned what happens when you stop running in November and start back up in March. Your legs HURT. A lot.
Today was day two of the Spring Program...and we already missed it. Hubby and I went to an open house for a school we're interested in for our kids, and we didn't make it home in time to make it to running group. Mom was at the house with the napping kids, so once I got home, I changed and we went to a local park instead and walked briskly for 35 minutes. I am going to incorporate some running in this week. But not tomorrow...Mondays are a rest day.
Here's the plan for the rest of the week:
Tuesday: 25 minutes easy
Wednesday: 30 minutes easy
Thursday: FARTLEK time! 5X2:00s (if I haven't started running by then, I will that night)
Friday: REST! woo
Saturday: 30 minutes easy
One of my frustrations toward the end of last year was that my new orthotics gave me horrible blisters in my arches. The otrhotics felt great for my knees and back, but not so much for that tender skin. Last week when I was at Charm City Run with my mom, I asked for some suggestions on how to manage that problem. The lady suggested I use some Body Glide. Holy cow! What a difference!
Today was day two of the Spring Program...and we already missed it. Hubby and I went to an open house for a school we're interested in for our kids, and we didn't make it home in time to make it to running group. Mom was at the house with the napping kids, so once I got home, I changed and we went to a local park instead and walked briskly for 35 minutes. I am going to incorporate some running in this week. But not tomorrow...Mondays are a rest day.
Here's the plan for the rest of the week:
Tuesday: 25 minutes easy
Wednesday: 30 minutes easy
Thursday: FARTLEK time! 5X2:00s (if I haven't started running by then, I will that night)
Friday: REST! woo
Saturday: 30 minutes easy
One of my frustrations toward the end of last year was that my new orthotics gave me horrible blisters in my arches. The otrhotics felt great for my knees and back, but not so much for that tender skin. Last week when I was at Charm City Run with my mom, I asked for some suggestions on how to manage that problem. The lady suggested I use some Body Glide. Holy cow! What a difference!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Back at it! And some thoughts on the blog...
Well, today marks the start of a new year of running. Of course, there was only a 1/4 mile of running today, but I walked 2.25 miles at a brisk pace for 2.5 total. My coach was happy to see me back and it was great to see some familiar faces from the program.
This time around, I have my mom with me. She did great today and as we continue, she'll be running in no time!
My short term goal is to run this race in May: http://www.celiacwalk.org/ Mom, my sister and I were all diagnosed with celiac disease in October and it's a great way to combine running with raising awareness for a cause that has become near and dear to our hearts. Plus, it looks like there are great sponsors that are going to be there!
I figured out that we probably had celiac disease in the end of September (thanks to the wonderousness of Google and a random message board posting about celiac in a South Beach Diet forum I read), My mom spoke to a gastroenterologist about us who agreed that we needed to be tested. We had that done, and mom and I were diagnosed on October 2. I met this diagnosis with a mix of devastation and excitement. I had been overweight and despite my running over the summer, I couldn't lose the weight no matter what I did. I went gluten free starting with lunch that day and I haven't looked back. I spent most of October crying in the grocery store as I struggled with learning the diet and reading labels and looking longingly at the things I used to eat but couldn't anymore. Almost immediately, I started to feel better and my GI tract was normalizing. Amazingly, the pounds started to melt away. I read in Gluten Free for Dummies that overweight celiacs tend to drop weight as they go gluten free. To date, I've lost almost 25 lbs. I eat a lot too! And thank God that M&Ms are gluten free!
As devastated as I was, I was excited because I finally figured out why I always felt so gross. I truly have never felt better in the months since going GF. I still struggle occasionally, but it's much easier. I have figured out the best way to eat when I eat out, and I even found a great Chinese restaruant who will cook gluten free for us. They even keep gluten free soy sauce on hand!
As I restart this blog, I think I am going to shape it as a blog that addresses both my running and my gluten free-ness...what do you think?
This time around, I have my mom with me. She did great today and as we continue, she'll be running in no time!
My short term goal is to run this race in May: http://www.celiacwalk.org/ Mom, my sister and I were all diagnosed with celiac disease in October and it's a great way to combine running with raising awareness for a cause that has become near and dear to our hearts. Plus, it looks like there are great sponsors that are going to be there!
I figured out that we probably had celiac disease in the end of September (thanks to the wonderousness of Google and a random message board posting about celiac in a South Beach Diet forum I read), My mom spoke to a gastroenterologist about us who agreed that we needed to be tested. We had that done, and mom and I were diagnosed on October 2. I met this diagnosis with a mix of devastation and excitement. I had been overweight and despite my running over the summer, I couldn't lose the weight no matter what I did. I went gluten free starting with lunch that day and I haven't looked back. I spent most of October crying in the grocery store as I struggled with learning the diet and reading labels and looking longingly at the things I used to eat but couldn't anymore. Almost immediately, I started to feel better and my GI tract was normalizing. Amazingly, the pounds started to melt away. I read in Gluten Free for Dummies that overweight celiacs tend to drop weight as they go gluten free. To date, I've lost almost 25 lbs. I eat a lot too! And thank God that M&Ms are gluten free!
As devastated as I was, I was excited because I finally figured out why I always felt so gross. I truly have never felt better in the months since going GF. I still struggle occasionally, but it's much easier. I have figured out the best way to eat when I eat out, and I even found a great Chinese restaruant who will cook gluten free for us. They even keep gluten free soy sauce on hand!
As I restart this blog, I think I am going to shape it as a blog that addresses both my running and my gluten free-ness...what do you think?
Sunday, August 3, 2008
My List
Last time I posted I wrote that I would make a list of some of the positive changes I've seen in myself over the last three months. So, here goes...
1. I can run almost 7 miles at a time.
2. My energy level has gone through the roof.
3. I am starting to eat healthier.
4. My house has been noticably cleaner.
5. My moods have been better.
6. I am more efficient at work.
7. I can chase after my kids when they try to run away and actually catch them.
8. I am seeing muscles I haven't seen since high school. Hello, my lovelies.
9. My double chin is more like a chin-and-a-half instead of a double chin.
10. My waist is starting to narrow.
11. My legs are becoming more shapely, at least around my knees...my upper thighs still need help.
12. I actually look forward to running.
13. I am tolerating the heat better than I ever have.
14. I love to sweat. But only when I am running. And only when it doesn't sting my eyes.
15. I don't feel complete if I didn't run on a planned run day.
16. My husband wants to run.
17. My children get excited when they see someone running or if they see me dressed for a run.
There are more, but this is a good start. I am pretty amazed that I've been doing this for over 3 months and I am still going strong.
1. I can run almost 7 miles at a time.
2. My energy level has gone through the roof.
3. I am starting to eat healthier.
4. My house has been noticably cleaner.
5. My moods have been better.
6. I am more efficient at work.
7. I can chase after my kids when they try to run away and actually catch them.
8. I am seeing muscles I haven't seen since high school. Hello, my lovelies.
9. My double chin is more like a chin-and-a-half instead of a double chin.
10. My waist is starting to narrow.
11. My legs are becoming more shapely, at least around my knees...my upper thighs still need help.
12. I actually look forward to running.
13. I am tolerating the heat better than I ever have.
14. I love to sweat. But only when I am running. And only when it doesn't sting my eyes.
15. I don't feel complete if I didn't run on a planned run day.
16. My husband wants to run.
17. My children get excited when they see someone running or if they see me dressed for a run.
There are more, but this is a good start. I am pretty amazed that I've been doing this for over 3 months and I am still going strong.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Busy
It's funny how routine running has become for me. I used to look forward to just going home and vegging all night. Now, I look forward to my evening runs.
The last two weeks have been unusually busy for us. Last week was my mom's birthday, we've had after work doctor's appointments, there have been viewings to go to and deadlines to meet. All of these things have interfered with my runs. Twice I intended to run and at the last minute my plans were changed and I couldn't do it. One of those nights was tonight. I planned on running a 4 mile race (slowly) with my running group, but my husband has a deadline he has to meet for work tomorrow and things blew up a bit today. So he needed to stay late. And I missed my run...I did manage to get in 20 minutes, but not the 4 miles I was looking forward to. And it was quite possibly the most beautiful evening of the summer. Extremely mild, nice breeze, no humidity... Last week I missed a run because of my mom's birthday dinner. I intended to go beforehand, but time escaped me.
I noticed that on both evenings, I felt like something was missing...sure I ran tonight, but I knew I didn't get to do what I wanted. And it messed up my mood! I was in a really foul mood last week.
One of these days I'll post a list of all the positive changes in my life that running has brought. But not tonight. I'm too sleepy.
The last two weeks have been unusually busy for us. Last week was my mom's birthday, we've had after work doctor's appointments, there have been viewings to go to and deadlines to meet. All of these things have interfered with my runs. Twice I intended to run and at the last minute my plans were changed and I couldn't do it. One of those nights was tonight. I planned on running a 4 mile race (slowly) with my running group, but my husband has a deadline he has to meet for work tomorrow and things blew up a bit today. So he needed to stay late. And I missed my run...I did manage to get in 20 minutes, but not the 4 miles I was looking forward to. And it was quite possibly the most beautiful evening of the summer. Extremely mild, nice breeze, no humidity... Last week I missed a run because of my mom's birthday dinner. I intended to go beforehand, but time escaped me.
I noticed that on both evenings, I felt like something was missing...sure I ran tonight, but I knew I didn't get to do what I wanted. And it messed up my mood! I was in a really foul mood last week.
One of these days I'll post a list of all the positive changes in my life that running has brought. But not tonight. I'm too sleepy.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Still running
I'm still running, getting stronger (but not faster) every day. I notice that running is becoming a habit. Every morning that I plan a run, I automatically pack a bag. On days I plan to run but don't for some reason, I am annoyed.
I found another way to track my runs on here:
I have another run planned for tonight. I am looking forward to it.
I found another way to track my runs on here:
I have another run planned for tonight. I am looking forward to it.
Monday, June 30, 2008
24 Hours Later
Yesterday I went from being so down after my run to feeling amazing after today's run. I love my Nike+ program because I can see my progress. Today I ran my fastest mile to date (a staggering 11:40) and my average pace was the best it has been since I started.
I was only supposed to run 25 minutes tonight according to my program, but I ran 30. I am a rebel.
Hey, look!
I was only supposed to run 25 minutes tonight according to my program, but I ran 30. I am a rebel.
Hey, look!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
The Mind Game
One thing I've learned over the last two months is that running is mostly mental. Yeah, the lungs have to get more efficient and the heart has to do it's beating thing, and the legs have to cooperate, but nothing can affect a run more than my mental state.
Take for example yesterday's run. It was my first LONG RUN, and I was pumped. I got up at the ungodly-for-a-Saturday 7:00, scarfed down a bowl of cereal, and went to running group. I ran just under 4 miles, which for me was pretty amazing, and I felt great. There were hills and hills, each one a little longer than the next, yet, I ran the whole thing pretty easily. I felt great, energized, and convinced that running would be a part of my life forever.
Then today came. I looked forward to running group all day. It finally came, and we went for a quick half hour run, and I felt like my legs were a ton of bricks. I don't know why. I don't know if I didn't eat right for dinner (chicken and mashed potatoes), if it was the tightness I felt in my calves (it loosened up nicely yesterday), or if it was something else. I don't know what it was, but I had probably the worst run of my short running career.
I spent half the time doubting myself that I could really do this for the long haul. I chastized myself for allowing myself (I feel like Austin Powers) to get into the shape that I am in now. I was just really frustrated. Afterwards, we all congregated for ice cream (Hoffman's, yum) and talked about goals. I thought about what my goals are for my little adventure.
I don't aim to ever run a marathon, but if I do, that's the icing on the cake.
I don't aim to be fast, although I would like to run a sub 10:00 mile.
I don't want to raise my children to be sedentary. I want them to develop a lifelong love of exercise. And what better way to do that than to teach by example? I guess that is my main long term goal.
I do want to lose 25 lbs or so. That would be nice. And if I could fit back into a size 4, that would be even better.
Which takes me back to the mind game. My biggest enemy is myself. I have to learn to ignore that voice who starts doubting that I can do it. That doubts that I can go longer, faster, stronger than yesterday. My lifelong goal would be to hit the mute button on that voice. When it starts, ignore it and keep going.
I told my husband tonight that a bad run is still better than no run at all. I guess my saying that is a good start. Take that, voice.
Take for example yesterday's run. It was my first LONG RUN, and I was pumped. I got up at the ungodly-for-a-Saturday 7:00, scarfed down a bowl of cereal, and went to running group. I ran just under 4 miles, which for me was pretty amazing, and I felt great. There were hills and hills, each one a little longer than the next, yet, I ran the whole thing pretty easily. I felt great, energized, and convinced that running would be a part of my life forever.
Then today came. I looked forward to running group all day. It finally came, and we went for a quick half hour run, and I felt like my legs were a ton of bricks. I don't know why. I don't know if I didn't eat right for dinner (chicken and mashed potatoes), if it was the tightness I felt in my calves (it loosened up nicely yesterday), or if it was something else. I don't know what it was, but I had probably the worst run of my short running career.
I spent half the time doubting myself that I could really do this for the long haul. I chastized myself for allowing myself (I feel like Austin Powers) to get into the shape that I am in now. I was just really frustrated. Afterwards, we all congregated for ice cream (Hoffman's, yum) and talked about goals. I thought about what my goals are for my little adventure.
I don't aim to ever run a marathon, but if I do, that's the icing on the cake.
I don't aim to be fast, although I would like to run a sub 10:00 mile.
I don't want to raise my children to be sedentary. I want them to develop a lifelong love of exercise. And what better way to do that than to teach by example? I guess that is my main long term goal.
I do want to lose 25 lbs or so. That would be nice. And if I could fit back into a size 4, that would be even better.
Which takes me back to the mind game. My biggest enemy is myself. I have to learn to ignore that voice who starts doubting that I can do it. That doubts that I can go longer, faster, stronger than yesterday. My lifelong goal would be to hit the mute button on that voice. When it starts, ignore it and keep going.
I told my husband tonight that a bad run is still better than no run at all. I guess my saying that is a good start. Take that, voice.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Too effing hot
I really want to go out for a good long run. Problem is, the heat index is 105. I stood outside today with friends chatting and was as wet from sweat as I was last week after my 30 minute run. And we were in the shade.
When I was in preschool, I had a heatstroke. As a result, I don't like the heat. I don't tolerate it very well. I whine, I complain, I bitch.
I will run in the rain (I did last month when it was 45 out!) but I just can't do the heat. I wish I had access to a treadmill because I would actually do that, even though I hate them so much. Fortunately, the heat is supposed to subside around Tuesday or so, so hopefully my few days out won't be too much of a setback.
When I was in preschool, I had a heatstroke. As a result, I don't like the heat. I don't tolerate it very well. I whine, I complain, I bitch.
I will run in the rain (I did last month when it was 45 out!) but I just can't do the heat. I wish I had access to a treadmill because I would actually do that, even though I hate them so much. Fortunately, the heat is supposed to subside around Tuesday or so, so hopefully my few days out won't be too much of a setback.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Contagious!
So, I've been talking about my new running program, and today someone came into my office and told me that she was inspired by me to go out for a jog this morning! And her sister went out yesterday afternoon after work to go running!
In other news, I ran 2.5 miles in 30 minutes yesterday! It's getting easier. My only problem is that my foot keeps falling asleep. I don't know if it's because my shoes are tied too tightly or if it's my sock or what. I bought a larger and wider shoe to try to combat the problem. But it's still happening. I just hope it doesn't happen during the 5K.
In other news, I ran 2.5 miles in 30 minutes yesterday! It's getting easier. My only problem is that my foot keeps falling asleep. I don't know if it's because my shoes are tied too tightly or if it's my sock or what. I bought a larger and wider shoe to try to combat the problem. But it's still happening. I just hope it doesn't happen during the 5K.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Shoes
I went to ladies night at Charm City Run tonight and spent a small fortune.
I wanted to know why my foot falls asleep toward the end of my run. Turns out my shoes are too small. That surprised me because I was already wearing a half size bigger than normal. She suggested I get wide shoes, because my current shoes were too tight around the toebox.
Now I can't wait to take my new shoes out for a test run. I would have gone out for a bit when I got home tonight, but there was quite a storm brewing outside. So I have to wait until tomorrow.
While I was waiting to pay for my goodies, I drooled over the 13.1 and 26.2 stickers. I almost bought a 13.1 but decided to wait. I need to finish 3.1 first!!
I wanted to know why my foot falls asleep toward the end of my run. Turns out my shoes are too small. That surprised me because I was already wearing a half size bigger than normal. She suggested I get wide shoes, because my current shoes were too tight around the toebox.
Now I can't wait to take my new shoes out for a test run. I would have gone out for a bit when I got home tonight, but there was quite a storm brewing outside. So I have to wait until tomorrow.
While I was waiting to pay for my goodies, I drooled over the 13.1 and 26.2 stickers. I almost bought a 13.1 but decided to wait. I need to finish 3.1 first!!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Me? A runner?
I've always been fascinated by those who run.
Back in high school, during field hockey practice, I hated running laps around the field, the suicide drills to increase speed, the cool down jog at the end of practice. I still remember one practice, my senior year, somehow I made it ahead of the pack. In front of all the girls who were faster than me. And I finished the warm up laps first. I was exhilarated. After the season ended, so did my running, for a time.
In college, I decided to go out for the track team. I considered myself to be fairly fast and thought I'd make a good sprinter. I wound up on crutches my first semester due to patellar-femoral syndrome, and after the first week of practice in the spring, it flared up. I decided that maybe track wasn't my thing. In the remaining years, I watched all the lacrosse players taking long runs before the season, the track teammates looking long and lean. Finally, senior year arrived. I had a burst of motivation one beautiful September day and went to the gym. On my way, I ran into Coach Medina. I felt a wave of embarassment flood over me as he walked over.
"Hello, Stacy!" He said, in his unmistakeable and endearing Dominican accent. "Come run with us again!"
I don't know what made me do it, but I did. I ran the 55M and the 200M indoor track and the 100M and 200M in outdoor track. Very slowly. But for the first time in my life, I felt like a runner.
And then I graduated.
And put on 15 pounds.
I made feeble attempts here and there to start running again. But I started too quickly...got too discouraged. And quickly quit.
So, here I am, 10 years, two kids, and 30 lbs later. So, am I a runner? Time will tell, but I sure hope so.
What have I done so far? I joined a training program to get ready for the Baltimore Women's Classic on June 22. I've been loosely following that program for a month. When I started, I was gasping for air after 2 minutes. Now I can run a mile without stopping. It is a very slow mile (average pace is approxmately 13 minutes per mile) but running a mile is running a mile whether you are fast or slow.
Back in high school, during field hockey practice, I hated running laps around the field, the suicide drills to increase speed, the cool down jog at the end of practice. I still remember one practice, my senior year, somehow I made it ahead of the pack. In front of all the girls who were faster than me. And I finished the warm up laps first. I was exhilarated. After the season ended, so did my running, for a time.
In college, I decided to go out for the track team. I considered myself to be fairly fast and thought I'd make a good sprinter. I wound up on crutches my first semester due to patellar-femoral syndrome, and after the first week of practice in the spring, it flared up. I decided that maybe track wasn't my thing. In the remaining years, I watched all the lacrosse players taking long runs before the season, the track teammates looking long and lean. Finally, senior year arrived. I had a burst of motivation one beautiful September day and went to the gym. On my way, I ran into Coach Medina. I felt a wave of embarassment flood over me as he walked over.
"Hello, Stacy!" He said, in his unmistakeable and endearing Dominican accent. "Come run with us again!"
I don't know what made me do it, but I did. I ran the 55M and the 200M indoor track and the 100M and 200M in outdoor track. Very slowly. But for the first time in my life, I felt like a runner.
And then I graduated.
And put on 15 pounds.
I made feeble attempts here and there to start running again. But I started too quickly...got too discouraged. And quickly quit.
So, here I am, 10 years, two kids, and 30 lbs later. So, am I a runner? Time will tell, but I sure hope so.
What have I done so far? I joined a training program to get ready for the Baltimore Women's Classic on June 22. I've been loosely following that program for a month. When I started, I was gasping for air after 2 minutes. Now I can run a mile without stopping. It is a very slow mile (average pace is approxmately 13 minutes per mile) but running a mile is running a mile whether you are fast or slow.
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