Friday, May 15, 2009

Committed!

So this high I was on after the Lincoln Half? Well...now it's got me committed to the Omaha Half! I mentioned making a weekend of it with my folks and son since my parents haven't made it to any of my runs since I started "racing" last year! So my mom booked a hotel in Council Bluffs for that weekend. We're gonna have our own little "Stay-cation" in Omaha! WOW!!! Next week I'll officially register for the race and order a couple extra plates at the Pasta-Thon. Anyone else feel like "road tripping" in Sept? Now that my son has running shoes (from Payless, no worries), I need to treat myself to a pair. Next month I'm heading to the Lincoln Running Co and getting some expert advice! I think taking that step may actually help make me an official runner! I think I'm ready to take that step! I look at it as an investment in my "hobby" and health. If I'm gonna be 29 for the next 10 years, I'm gonna have to put some work into it!
I admit I took almost a week off after the half. I've only run 3 times since then. But I think after this morning's run I'm back on track. I have runs planned for Sat (on my own) and Sunday with Karrie...yeah!!! Since I'll miss Goodyear next Wednesday for church, I'll probably run in the morning to make up for it. Sorry girls, you'll have to kick extra hard for me! Depending on when I have to head for Hastings NEXT Sat, I may try to take Anne's Body Power class to make up for it. Somewhere amidst all the crazy workouts I put myself through, I need to take a leisurely walk with my son and just take in some nature and relaxation. And that means NOT going to the gym that day...doctor's orders!!

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Running High!!

Well, I successfully completed the Half Marathon this past Sunday and am proud to say I came in under my goal time!! I was seriously flying high the rest of the day! The last stretch seems to be the toughest, but luckily that's where all my "fans" were waiting. There's not better motivation! Thank you to everyone who may not be a runner, but can at least be a runner supporter! We need you!!! I'm so motivated that I am considering the Omaha Half in September! (Or maybe I'm just that crazy...the running bug has hit!) Plus if I have another goal waiting for me down the road, it's motivate me to stay "in training". Right now I need to focus on the Havelock 10k before I get too ahead of myself. I will be throwing in more interval training these next few weeks. I've also told myself once I complete the Havelock Run I will invest in some actual running shoes. (No more lectures from my brother about improper shoes!)
I also plan on attending the Y in the next few weeks and getting E signed up for swim lessons. Plus we will be working on bike riding lessons. I have us signed up for the annual Trail Trek at the end of June so we need to get busy!
My big plans for July is the Cornhusker State Games Triathlon with my sis and Wes. Nessa will take on the swimming portion, as I have not conditioned for that at all. Wes will take on the 12 mile bike ride, and I'll run the 5k portion. If I have something to "train" for each month, I'll get some good use of out my shoes and gym membership(s)...hee hee!
Here's to Spring and the quickly approaching Summer days!!

Sunday, April 26, 2009

What a weekend!

I did not make it to the gym or the running group on Sat morning. I went with my mom and E to clean the church at 7am instead. Then I had MAJOR running around to do to get ready for the big birthday bash! Despite the weather, all the kids had a great time. Elijah kept thanking me for the wonderful surprise (bounce house)! He had so much fun! I didn't even mind (too much) paying the fee for bringing it back wet! It was VERY worth it!!! After all the kids left, Elijah and I went crazy in the bounce for another hour or so before we had to take it down. What a blast!!! I consider that better than any workout I could've gotten at the gym or otherwise!

I really want to get one last long run in either today or tomorrow. Then, as Karrie pointed out, I will be tapering off this week in prep for the half next Sun. Just one week away!!!....AHHHH!!! I know I am more prepared for it this year than last, but I'm still a little freaked out! It will be great though and I'm glad to be doing it again. (Ask me how I feel about mile 7 or so!) At least I have motivation to stay in training afterwards as I am planning on joining Karrie's team for the Havelock 10k in June. Then after that, I can slow down a bit....but not too much. I'll try to stay consistent...

Now I have a late afternoon at work and won't be done till after 7pm. Not sure I'll be up for a run when I'm done. Guess it'll wait till tomorrow morning.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Distance blogger...I mean runner...

Ok...so maybe I'm both. I've got the distant blogger part down, still working on becoming a distance runner!

I am proud of my races so far this year and have been sticking with my training for the Half this time around. As opposed to last year when I stopped running regularly after the State Farm run! This year I did the State Farm 10mile with a 9min average. I shaved off 6 1/2 mins from last year's Novartis 10k with an 8 1/2 min average. This makes me both excited and nervous for the Half next Sunday! I ran last year in 2:23 and am confident I can beat that, I'm just wondering what is an acceptable goal to set for myself....

Been sticking with the classes at Goodyear also. Mary's Tues morning Body Power is going to end next week as we don't have enough participants to keep it going. Think I'll email Goodyear and advocate for that Sat morning class they've mentioned. Tried Intensity Step followed by Butts & Guts last night. (Followed by a 5.5 mile run at 5am this morning!) I don't think I'll be able to move tomorrow. I won't have much chose though, because Elijah and I are registered for the Extra Mile Walk to support/raise funds for the Backpack program for LPS. After that E's off to spend time with Grandma as I get his "surprise" bday party ready. I have a feeling that may be a workout in itself!! Which means I can grant myself a small piece of the awesome cake I ordered!

Tomorrow I am going to break out of my comfort zone and join a group run. The Northeast Y has a group that gets together Mon-Sat at 5:35am for a group run. I love being out and about at that time doing my workout, but don't feel safe running alone outside. Here's my chance! Wonder how long they run for? I'd like to get in 7 or 9miles in prep for the half. Guess we'll see...

Thursday, February 26, 2009

I feel good!!! nah nuh nah nuh nah nuh!!!

It's been awesome getting back on the workout track! We had a few days of GREAT weather to add to my motivation! Also I've been eating much better and I feel good. I don't feel the urge to continue bad habits that may be dangerous. I allow myself the occassional treat and don't beat myself up over it, and I'm able to do it in moderation. I even threw away my weight loss supplements the other day tha I had at home. (Huge step for me!!) I still have a different type hiding out in my desk drawer at work, which I haven't even opened. Someday I'll bring myself to toss those as well.
I have signed up for the YMCA. I just need to schedule an orientation at each, so I'll feel comfortable with everything. I still need to take the plunge and give Gold's the official boot! Once I get in the groove of the Y, I don't think I'll feel so scared to let go of Golds. Making it to Goodyear the last two Wednesdays in a row has been great! I am looking forward to the Saturday morning class that Karrie advocated for...thanks K! I'll definitely keep with the punch card system with Goodyear-it's nice to be back in the class scene.
Otherwise things continue to be hectic, but in good ways. I am looking at closing on my first house next Friday and can hardly wait! It'll be so great to have our own space again!! Most of my life, I mean stuff, is in boxes now. Just a few more things to pack and I'll be set! Anyone up for a moving party? (hee hee!!) It'll make for a great workout.......

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Well Deserved!

I took a day off from working out yesterday. At first I had planned to go over lunch and had all my gear with me. But then I figured I've been doing really well the past week, and had some different activity over the weekend, that I had earned a day off. I quickly got over my guilt! I evn had a healthy dinner of leftover "turkey tacos" with fresh fruit. I really need to be drinking more milk at meal time if I can. I usually have yogurt at lunch time, but I want to work on having more dairy daily.
Today I got back on it and was able to do another 4 miles straight. I allowed myself a little more time this round and completed it in 40 minutes. Who am I trying to impress anyway? Tomorrow night will be class time at Goodyear, which means a break from running. I am going to try and make it 4.5 miles on Thursday. Slowly building up those long runs to see what I am truly capable of. It seems we forget to give ourselves enough credit sometimes. I feel really good today and I'm okay with that! I sit up a little straighter and find myself smiling for no other reason than that it feels good! Anyone else need this kind of pick-me-up, let me know and I'll be there for you!

Monday, February 16, 2009

What a weekend!!!

Talk about a crazy busy weekend! But amazingly enough, I feel pretty great! Friday was my day off and I was going to get SOOOO much accomplished. Then it turned out to be a snow day and I had my best buddy, Elijah, with me all day. I have to admit he was a trooper. We got to the grocery store by 8:30 and were done within the hour. Then it was off to the gym to meet Karrie for a good workout. It was a tough 3 miles, followed by some weight work. (I can't wait to get to Goodyear this week to have some true weight training again!) After that, we went home and Elijah played very nicely while I packed up his room. Slowly getting ready for our big move! When my brother got home I went out and helped shovel. For dinner I made soft tacos (with turkey meat) for the "family" as we watched our shows. (Psych and Monk.)
Saturday my brother Daniel came to town, so Elijah and I took him sledding for a couple of hours. Talk about a workout!! I made it to the gym that afternoon for another 3 mile run and 20minutes on the bikes. I knew I'd be going out with the girls that night and it ended up included quesidillas and margaritas. Yikes! There went THAT run!
Sunday I was able to run 4 miles straight in 38 minutes. My goal was 3.5 miles in 40 minutes, but I just kept going and made good time! If I can get a couple of 5 mile runs in and maybe one a little over 6 miles, I may just do the State Farm 10 mile after all! More to come on that goal ;-)

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Where my people at???

Why everybody gotta ditch me? Karrie's lucky she called to say she got my message after she was already IN the gym. But I want everyone to know I showed up and was ready to go at Goodyear...just not ready to walk in by myself. I know I'm a geek, but I'm ok with that. But I AM proud of myself because instead of going to Brewsky's last I did last week when everyone was sick, I went to my OTHER gym and did some cardio. Karrie and I are now on the same page for NEXT week and she will wait to walk in with me :-)
Also on Tuesday I did go for another great walk with my co-worker. It was nice to take advantage of such great weather!! I have tomorrow off, so after I get E to school, I am heading straight to the gym! Then I am going to start packing, which should also help burn some calories and get my heart pumping!! The big move day can't get here soon enough!!!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Two Week Vacation....

Ok so not really, but I did unfortunately take two weeks off from the gym. I could go on and on with excuses, but that's all they are; lame excuses. The important thing I made it back to the gym yesterday over my lunch hour. I will also be there tonight and tomorrow. Finally going to make it to Goodyear with the girls! (They were sick last week and I've only been there once, so therefore not ready to go on my own.) Also on a positive note, with the great weather last week and this past weekend I took advantage of it! I went for a great 2 mile walk with a co-worker on Friday and played outside with my son all day Saturday. He and I even got plenty of walking in working on our Safari! So I guess I wasn't a TOTAL slacker after all. Plus I've been tracking my activity levels for N-Lighten Nebraska and I want to see those go up! Nothing but motivation on my side now!!!

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Injury

So I had silly, but painful, mishap between my knee and the bathroom stall door yesterday at work. Don't ask, I will just have to reveal what an extraordinary klutz I am! All that is important here is that I wasn't able to go to the gym yesterday. BUMMER!!! Luckily I am walking much better today and will still head to Goodyear tonight. I am looking forward to taking group classes that I haven't been able to take at Golds since they cancelled them. This weekend I will also be making my membership at the YMCA official and will consider taking group classes there. I need something to push me in the weight training dept once agian. I am not getting the same results by doing the weights in the tiny women's weight room on my own at Golds. Bring on the squats and lunges!! I want gorgeous legs by spring time!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Rest Day

So my training schedule only really allows me one rest day from the gym. But I don't always think that's enough, so I gave myself an additional rest day yesterday. My day off is set for Friday at this time, but I really like working out on Friday, so I am changing to Monday. I may just end up with the one rest day this week after all.I will do my 3miles of cross training over lunch today. And that will keep me on track! Plus I am thinking about making the committment soon and signing up for the State Farm Run (1o mile this year, as opposed to the 5k last year).
Also I am getting together a team for N-Lighten Nebraska. I thought about doing it last year, but it put it off for too long. So far I think I have a couple of takers to join my team. (Two co-workers at this time.) If anyone else would like to join let me know. I would even venture to be the team captain. Sooo any of you out there (Karrie, Jen, Jennifer....anyone!?) Let me know and I'll get us registered soon! I am also going to see about getting a team together from Elijah's cub scout den. Trying to stay motivated in 2009! I will be signing up at the YMCA for Elijah and myself. Gotta say goodbye to Gold's once again. But Goodyear, on Wednesday nights, here I come!!!

Sunday, January 25, 2009

2009 is here and so am I!!

It's 2009 now and I need to get back into this full swing! I am once again training for the half marathon and am actually sticking to a training schedule. Last year I really did myself a disservice by not taking my training more seriously. I want to feel a truer sense of accomplishment this year. I want to set healthy goals for myself!

I have to admit in the latter part of 2008 and the start of 2009, my goals were a little jaded. I was focused too much on food, calorie intake, workout overload, and feeling guilty no matter what. I developed a very destructive relationship with food. I've never really struggled with my weight, so most people might be shocked with the way I beat myself up over my food choices. My relationship with food and self image has been a 10 year struggle! Maybe someday I'll get help...ha!
This year my goal is to focus on healthy food options and not so much on calorie intake. So far I've been eating more fresh produce and actually eating. I am still struggling with limiting my calorie intake far below where it should be. I don't beat myself up quite as much when I take an off day from the gym though. I am taking baby steps and celebrate the small accomplishments. But every time I feel I have this thing beat is usually when I slip again.
I am breaking up my goals in small increments. Right now I am working out regularly with my training schedule and making that commitment to myself. I am also making sure I eat something for breakfast, lunch, 1-2 small snacks, and a healthy well rounded dinner. My biggest struggle will be over coming my calorie intake. I stupidly have the mindset of keeping myself under 900 calories and am a little obsessed with it. My other goal will be not to feel guilty if I go over or if I choose to indulge in something decadent and "evil". When I indulge, I need to chalk it up as it not being the end of the world rather than "punishing" myself and getting rid of the indulgence in an unhealthy fashion. (I won't go into the details.)
In the summer of 2007 I kept my weight between110-113 lbs. Deep down I still want to be there again. There's no reason for it and it's probably not a healthy choice. I need to tell myself how that is a stupid, unhealthy, and dangerous expectation! My focus needs to be on having energy, being a little more toned, and healthy. I need to not make it be about the weight, but about feeling good about myself. So in 2009 I am going to be selfish and put myself first a little more. I get distracted by the stresses of work and parenting and all of that. But I have to keep telling myself if I dont' feel good about myself and don't make good choices, I won't be able to do anything esle effectively.
Here's to a great, healthy 2009! I can't believe I've shared as much as I have here, but I am on the road to recovery. The more I can admit out loud, the more I'll have to address my problems. I am on the road to healing! I want my choices to help me live a long, happy, healthy life. I am not one to ask for help, but I also know I won't be able to do this all on my own. So if you know me, don't be afraid to help me even if I dont' verbalize the request. Ineed a boost sometimes too and I'll be there to do the same for you!