Back at it

Today, I ran! Not because my training schedule said I had to, but because I really wanted to. It was awesome! Pace was decent (10:14 for 4 miles). Weather was perfect (58 degrees).

I did have one purpose for the run; I wanted to reach "blue" level with my Nike+ so I set out to run the four miles it said I need to get there. For those not familiar with Nike+, here is the breakdown for the different levels:

• Yellow:  0 - 30 miles
• Orange:  31 - 154 miles
• Green:  155 - 620 miles
• Blue:  621 - 1,552 miles
• Purple:  1,553 - 3,106 miles
• Black:  over 3,107 miles

Just uploaded my run data....and I'm .67 miles short. Seriously? So, because I'm goal-obsessed and can't stand the thought of being that close, I'll be getting up at 6 a.m. tomorrow to do a quick 3-mile run before work. When I think about the fact that I've run over 621 miles in less than 9 months (started using Nike+ to track mileage last May), it's a little overwhelming. But that's for another post...

Does having goals keep you motivated? I don't know that I could/would stay on track without having a goal or something to work toward. I think that's why I do races. They give me a deadline to be physically and mentally prepared to run a given distance. Trust me, it's not because I think I'll win! ;-)

If you struggle with persistence and sticking to your work-out plan, sign up for a race! Maybe the deadline will be what you need to help keep you moving!

Have a great weekend and happy running!

Recovery days...maybe.

After Saturday's race, I really expected not to be able to walk. The recovery from St. Jude's was "a little" rough, and I expected this recovery to be much worse as the hills at the end of the course were brutal (have I mentioned that?) and I pushed harder on pace. Oddly, I am not sore at all. Maybe my body has conceded? 

Regardless, I'm taking a few days off from running to rest my hips and knees (and whatever else might need it!). It's actually been a struggle to rest. Sunday was beautiful and if there had been any way I could have gotten a run in (Jeff was gone most of the day!), I'm pretty sure I would have. Crazy, right?

I may try the kettlebell "Cardio Shred" again tomorrow, but I will run again Thursday...and probably Friday.

Slideshow: 2011 Frostbite Half Marathon

Thank you to my sweet husband for taking such great pics of the day! The pictures of Riley High Five-ing everyone are around mile 6. The others are at the finish line. Here are a few of my favorites!

Photo slideshow generated with Smilebox

13 Thoughts from 2011 Frostbite Half Marathon

I like lists. I can't help it; I'm an organization freak that way. Here's my list of 13 things - one for each mile I ran today - about the 2011 Frostbite Half Marathon. Some are cool things that happened. Some are plans for the future. And some are just random thoughts about the race experience. Enjoy!

1) My husband and oldest son surprised me at mile 6! Jeff was snapping pictures (post those later!) and Riley was doling out high five's to the runners. It was a much-needed boost headed into the second half of the race. I have the sweetest (and most supportive) husband ever!

2) My husband, both sons and the greatest in-laws EVER were at the finish line cheering me on. Riley even "finished” the race with me; I passed them on the corner and then he chased me to the finish line. Sorry, to the race organizers...but it was pretty darn cute.

3) I met three really awesome people that I connected with via Twitter. Terry and Meredith Sullivan (@LivngRIGHTnow and (@thaREALmeredith) and Rod Simmons (@RodsRacers). If you're on Twitter (and you should be!), follow them all three! They are cooler in person than they are on Twitter…if that’s even possible.

4) It's confirmed - I love my job! I had several students with a great sign (pic to follow) cheering me on at the top of the most brutal hill on the course and received countless "good luck" and "how did it go?" messages before and after! Thanks, gang!

5) I have a new PR (personal record) for the half marathon. I finished in 2:14 (will add the seconds when they post official times). That's four minutes faster than my St. Jude's time seven weeks ago! I had to walk the last little bit of a couple of hills, but I am still very pleased.

6) Even in 40 degree temps, you can get a tan. I have tan lines on my legs where my capris ended and socks began.

7) I am going to have to find something other than the sport beans for during-the-race energy. They do not seem to do the trick and actually seem to have a reverse effect. Open to suggestions!

8) Bright orange (as in hunter legal!) is not really what I would consider a “good” color for me. But I guarantee you, I will wear my race shirt out, so get ready. You’ll see me coming in it…from far away.

9) The smell of cow/horse manure is not cool when you’re breathing deeply. Definitely a “con” for a race that begins in Pheba, Mississippi.

10) I'm convinced that the Twitter running community is second-to-none! The messages and encouragement from my tweeps leading up to and after the race were also amazing!

11) I broke my “caffeine curfew” today since the race started at noon. I’m pretty sure I earned it with over 1,600 calories burned during the race.

12) I need to do more strength and speed work before my next distance race…and will.

13) My name is Laura...and I’m addicted to running. As I was nearing the finish line, I was already thinking about my next race.

And big congrats to my friend, Jonathan Miller (blogs at http://jonathandoeslife.com/) on totally rocking the Frostbite Half with a 1:53 finish. Folks, that is 30 MINUTES FASTER than his time last year! AAHHMAZING!

 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me...

Philippians 4:13

'Twas the Night Before Frostbite...

It's 9 p.m. the night before the Frostbite Half Marathon.

I'm carb-bloated, over-hydrated and ready for bed. I have my clothes laid out. My breakfast plans are made. My playlist is updated. I can visualize the course in my head. I have tomorrow's weather forecast memorized.

I'm ready. Let's do this...

Oh, and is it bad that I'm already planning my post-race meal? :-D

Frostbite 1/2 Marathon Saturday

I ran my first 1/2 marathon in Memphis to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital December 4, 2010. Going into the race, I really felt it would be a "bucket list" type experience that I would check off my list and then move on to the next item. Or at best, a once-a-year charity run I did because that race rocks so hard! And then I crossed the finish line...

Now, seven weeks later, I will participate in the Frostbite 1/2 marathon in Starkville. The 13.1-mile course is described as having "rolling hills" in all the promotional materials, but I'm not sure that's how I'd describe it. And the last three miles are just brutal; not just because you've already run 10 miles, but there are three back-to-back very large hills. I am confident I will be battling LuLu and her incessant nagging much of the race, but she'll kick into overdrive at mile 10.

I am praying that I will be able to find the strength to keep going and finish. While my first goal is simply to finish upright and before the finish line is closed (2 hours 45 minutes), I'd like to run the entire distance and close to my first 1/2 marathon time (2:18). I'm hoping I will be able to pace a little better than my first one as most of the runners will be much faster in this race.

While I feel ready physically (except for the soreness I'm still trying to work out of my quads from my kettlebell experience!), I'm very anxious and to be honest, not feeling confident. LuLu has been working her magic - "You're not ready." "The course is too hard." "You're not a fast runner and this race is for "real" runners." "You could relay it - you could do just 6 miles." And my favorite - "What if you don't finish before they close the finish line?" Ugh. Sometimes I really dislike that girl and wish she'd find another head to live in, but then I wouldn't wish her on anyone else.

My husband, the boys and my in-laws are all planning to be at the finish line; that will be good motivation. The weather is going to be just about perfect; 44 degrees and sunny. The first 10 miles are very similar to my typical routes. I know several people running the race, so there will be lots of familiar faces along the way. I'm well-hydrated and will get the right nutrition to fuel my body tomorrow. I will update my playlist tomorrow and, most importantly, I have a new shirt to wear.  Everything is falling into place for a great race...

But will I ever be able to go into a long run or a race without LuLu trying to beat me down?

Kettlebell Disaster?

I blogged earlier this week about my "run in" with the kettlebell and Bob Harper's "Cardio Shred" DVD. While the workout was great - it was a really bad decision four days before a 1/2 marathon. I can barely walk. WHAT WAS I THINKING?

I am hoping tomorrow will bring relief but I have a back-up plan; if I am still hurting tomorrow, I'm going to relay the 1/2 with one of my students. I mean, really. Who tries something new (involving weights, of all things!) four days before a race? My sweet husband is trying to convince me to do it again tonight to "relieve" the pain. No go on that one, my friends. I am certainly going to return to the kettlebell as it obviously worked some new muscles (or muscles in new ways?) but I'd like to cross the finish line upright Saturday and not see it from my hospital window next door to the HealthPlex. Ugh.

Praying tomorrow will bring relief...for many reasons!

Mixing It Up

So, for the last (almost) year, running has been my only flavor of exercise. I still love it, don't get me wrong, but I decided to introduce something a little different into my routine. I've been hearing rave reviews about the kettlebell and decided to give it a go. I bought a 10-pound kettlebell yesterday and a 54-minute workout DVD that several people recommended. I was ready to go.

Tonight was my first workout with The Biggest Loser's trainer Bob Harper and "Kettleball Cardio Shred" and, well...he kicked my rear! I couldn't even do several of the exercises which is a little disappointing - I felt like I was in pretty good shape. Burpees? Wow!

So now, I enter Phase II of my fitness efforts - core strengthening. I'm not giving up running (don't worry, LuLu didn't win that one!); I'm going to add this a couple of times a week to (hopefully) make me a stronger, faster runner.

I'm going to hold off on a complete review of "Cardio Shred" until I give it a few more times, but the learning curve is pretty quick thus far. Bob explains the exercises well and allows plenty of reps to practice before moving on to the next exercise. I was sweating within the first 10 minutes so I'm pretty sure my heart rate was getting up there. I do think my kettlebell is a tad too heavy for some of the exercises and I'm going to try to get a 5- or 7-pound bell for those exercises.

MORE WATER UPDATE: Today is Day 10 in the More Water - Less Dr. Pepper challenge. I'm down to two Dr. Peppers per day and so far, have managed to get down at least 64 ounces each day. I'm hoping that in 13 more days, I'll be ready to move to just one Dr. Pepper per day and maybe even increase my water intake. Not going to get crazy just yet; that's still two weeks away.

Oh, and I'm planning to run my second 1/2 marathon Saturday. Who would've thought?

Non-Scale Victory

Promised a picture of the non-scale victory of fitting into the boys' rocking chair and here it is! The best part of this one was the look on Riley's face the first time I sat in it. I told him I was going to take his chair and he said, "Oh, no you're not! You're too big." When I sat it and fit he said, "MAMA! You're smaller!" It was an amazing feeling to have him - at 3 years old - recognize it!

For perspective, that seat is 14 inches wide! :-)

Would love for readers to share some of their non-scale victories!

If it's just a number, why do I obsess?

When I began this weight loss journey nearly a year ago, I swore I would NOT obsess about the number on the scale. I would be more concerned with how my clothes fit, my fitness accomplishments and in general, how I felt. But I have obsessed...and I still do. I try not to, but I can't help it. Sometimes to the point that I weigh multiple times a day. Ugh. I weighed this morning, and I am 2 pounds from seeing a number I haven't seen in at least 10 years. Now, I'm obsessed with THAT number on my scale...

But, why am I obsessing? Two pounds is not going to make me a size smaller (another number I tend to obsess about!). No one is going to even notice a 2-pound loss (oh, and it WILL happen, by the way!).

I really wish we could come up with another way to track weight loss that didn't involve the number on the scale (I know - that doesn't even make sense!). When I see people I haven't seen in a while, the first thing they typically ask is, "How much weight have you lost?" The more intrusive will ask, "What size are you now?" What if I offered, "I'm much healthier now. I can play with my boys without becoming exhausted, and I run about 20 miles a week." Would that suffice? I doubt it.

I have recently learned a new "measurement" that I really like - a "non-scale victory" (or NSV if you're on Twitter!). It's something you couldn't do at a larger size that you can do now that you've shed a few pounds. For example, the boys have one of those really cute children's rocking chairs (like the ones that sit out in front of Cracker Barrel). I can now comfortably sit in it (will post picture asap). Or the fact that I will now wear my yoga pants in public without hiding under an oversized t-shirt.

Ok. So, if anyone has ideas on how to overcome the obsession with the number - please post and share with us all! Until then, I have to go scheme about how to get these 2 pounds off my scale...

We all have a story...

One of the reasons I started this blog was because so many of the blogs I've been following make a complete lifestyle change sound...well, easy. And from my own experience, I disagree. There's nothing "easy" about losing weight or becoming a runner/swimmer/cyclist. There's nothing "easy" about overhauling the way you thought about food all your life and changing the way you eat. I've had (and still have!) plenty of struggles along the way, and I wanted to share them to (hopefully) help others with theirs.

Last week, I received this message (via Facebook) from a friend. It erased every doubt I've ever had about starting this blog. We all have a story to tell and telling it just might be what someone else needs to get started or keeping going (Note: I've changed the names).

*****************

Laura,
I read your blog the other day and have to tell you how much you've inspired me! First, I would have never imagined that you had ever dealt with some of the same issues I've dealt with. I think of you as beautiful, thin Laura, and had no idea that weight has been a strugle for you.

Since you've known me for a long time, you probably know that it has been a constant struggle in my life...I've been overweight for most of it and "normal" a little bit of it. The normal times were only after losing it the wrong way--like starving myself. I really hit bottom after my second child was born. I hated looking at myself in the mirror. It made me so sad to feel like I was the fattest person in the room everywhere I went (which may not have been the case, but I felt that way). I felt terrible physically and I was really mean to "Tom" --probably because I was so unhappy with my life. 

So, in September I finally decided to do something about it--more than just starving myself. I adopted a healthy lifestyle, and have lost 43 lbs. since then. I've still got 27 to go to get to my goal of 160, but I feel great. I've started doing Couch to 5K and my goal is to run a 5K...I've never been a runner, so that makes me really nervous, but I'm confident I can do it. I should be at my goal weight by then. I'm super excited and feel the best I've ever felt. And, I'm pretty sure "Tom" loves that I'm not mean anymore! And, seeing you do it just makes me all the more motivated. So...thanks Laura! You're amazing! :)

******************

One of the most important parts of a weight loss journey is to take as many people with you that you can. Our nation is hurting and dying from obesity - just a quick look around you will confirm that. So if you're running, cycling, walking, swimming and/or losing weight in your own little world, let me encourage you now to be open to opportunities to help others. We ALL need a little encouragement and accountability to keep moving. Plus, helping others will keep YOU motivated, too!

And don't try to use the "I don't have time" excuse with me, people! We can all make time to help others!

UPDATE: More Water - Less Dr. Pepper

It's day five of my "More-Water-Less-Dr.-Pepper" challenge and I'm still alive...and so are all those around me. I'm not going to lie - it's been rough, but I've gotten all 64 ounces down every day and have not had even a drink of Dr. Pepper after 2 p.m. I'm a little embarrassed at the level of my caffeine addiction as I really had no idea how much I was drinking until now or really how dependent I am on it to...well, function. I'm battling a pretty intense headache, but that just makes for a good "excuse" to go to bed earlier. I'm finding other substitutions (Crystal Light) when I get to the point I just can't drink another class of water.

I have two tweeps (@Ginny26_2 who blogs at Happy Feet26-2 and @JennRunsChi) who've joined me in the challenge and the accountability has been great! I really appreciate them checking on me and posting their progress reports. Jenn even found a great app to help track water consumption from Florida Hospital.

So, if you've taken part in the challenge and haven't let me know, keep going! There's just 19 more days left until February 1. If you haven't committed, jump on board! The more the merrier!

Oh, Lulu! Why can't you learn?

I ran 10 miles Saturday. That's a lot of time to think and A LOT of time for LuLu to do her thing in my head. At about 9.5 miles, I started thinking back to when I started the run and decided to do this post. It's the chronology of the battle in my head during most of my long runs...

8:30 a.m. Husband tells me that he's taking the boys to Wal-Mart with him, and I can "do whatever." He says the fumes from my "attempt" to clean the oven are more than he can handle (Possibly another post later, but some advice: Read the manual before engaging the "self-cleaning" oven).

9:15 a.m. Boys dressed and out the door. 

9:16 a.m. Process of getting dressed for 35 degree weather begins. Pieces scattered throughout the house and a few out in the car. Enter LuLu. "It's really cold out there. You've already done 12 miles this week. Why don't you just go back to bed and enjoy the quiet time." Hmmph. I keep searching. 

9:20 a.m. Most of my gear is on. I sit down in the floor to stretch a bit. Enter LuLu. "You could just curl up on the couch now and go later. Maybe when it's a little warmer." Knowing my husband is leaving for a trip with the youth group in the afternoon, this is NOT an option. I continue to stretch and think about my route.

9:30 a.m. I'm out the door and in the driveway stretching when the wind picks up. Enter LuLu. "Wow! It's cold AND windy. This is going to be a rough run. Maybe you should take some time off from running altogether. You may burn out if you keep going at this pace." Did she seriously just suggest I quit running? Silly girl.

9:35 a.m. I start out walking up a hill to continue my stretching and warm-up. Enter LuLu. "You know, you could just walk today. Even though it's a scheduled long-run day...maybe just consider it cross-training? You'd be finished in 30 minutes and maybe still have time for a quick nap." Walk? You've got to be kidding me. Please go away, LuLu. I have miles to run.

9:40 a.m. I start my run. It's cold and windy, but the sun is shining and I have nothing but time and miles. Enter LuLu at about .5 miles. "Ok. Seriously? You're really going to do this today? I really think you need to consider some time off. Maybe knock off this long run stuff for a while. Just try to do 12-15 miles per week and then start training for another race later. Maybe when it's a little warmer? But, seriously, let's take some time off from this really long stuff. What do you say?" I say nothing. Zip my jacket up a little higher and keep running. 

9:50 a.m. Nike+ tells me "One mile completed." I'm finding a comfortable pace as I head out of our neighborhood and out onto the road. Hills ahead. Enter LuLu. "You're really slow on the hills. Maybe you should stick to flatter routes. Hilly routes are for 'real' runners." I run hard up the hill and focus on my breathing. I really dislike her sometimes.

10:00 a.m. Two miles down. Found my pace. Sun is shining and I'm planning out the rest of my route in my head. Knowing the Frostbite 1/2 marathon in Starkville is in two weeks, I'm trying to get in as many hills as possible to prepare. Enter LuLu. "Don't go that way. It's REALLY hilly. You could actually just turn right back into the neighborhood up here at 3 miles and call it good." I turn left and see the hills coming.

10:20 a.m. Two major hills behind me. Breathing is good. I feel great. Where's LuLu now? Probably back on the couch eating chips and taking that nap.

10:20-11:00 a.m. Run is amazing! Perfect layering to stay warm but not get hot. Running a route I haven't done in a while and loving it.

11:00 a.m. I'm about 8 miles down and approaching the two major hills again. Enter LuLu. "Seriously. You should turn left, do the little hill and then call it good."I turn right and maintain a 9-minute mile pace up them both. Take that, LuLu!

11:10 a.m. Nike+ tells me I've reached my goal of 9 miles. What? It's over? But I just started! I'll do 1 more mile...because I can.

I don't know what other runners go through mentally when they run, but this is pretty typically of every long run that I've ever done. LuLu doesn't seem to mind the shorter stuff, but man, does she object to the long runs.

My body doesn't hurt when I run (anymore)...but my mind can be brutal.

It's just water...What's the big deal?

Water. It's essential for most things to function, including my body. So, why can't I make myself drink it? There is no "taste" to speak of; I can't use that excuse. There is no "texture" so I can't really fall back on that one. I just can't seem to make myself drink the necessary 64 ounces a day...or more than about 8-10 ounces for that matter. When I express my frustrations to my husband, he says, "Well...that seems like it would be the easy part of running." Yeah, it does.

I know I need to: I feel better. My skin's clearer. I run better. I weigh less. Those are all good things, right? According to an article from WebMD.com, drinking water before a meal can actually help you lose weight. Uh. Hello? This is a win-win; there are no cons in this pro-con analysis (For a more scientific approach to the benefits of water, see this Mayo Clinic article).

Ok. There's one. Anyone who's been around me for any amount of time can attest to the fact that I have a serious caffeine addiction in the form of Dr. Pepper. Its 23 flavors are simply magical for me. I need it to start my day and as my students would probably tell you, my thoughts are incoherent until I've had it. My husband and children would probably tell you I need it to get through and finish the day, too. It's one of the last few "bad habits" I need to kick, but I can't seem to take that step. I start the process and then battle the withdrawal headache until I give in and drink one...or two...or three. But, hey! At that point, who's counting? **Note: Before you suggest I try Diet Dr. Pepper, please know that I have and I can't make that switch. The aftertaste is horrendous.

Here's the deal. I've been reading a lot of different fitness/health challenges to help everyone kick off the new year. So, here's mine and I'm putting it out there for all to read (and hold me accountable):

1. I'm going to drink at least 64 ounces of water per day until February 1.
2. I'm not going to drink any Dr. Pepper (yes, you read that correctly!) after 2 p.m. each day.

This is NOT going to be easy for me, people. I'm a working mom of two small children; caffeine at night = survival. But, I'm committing to it. I may be shooting Dr. Pepper at 1:45 p.m. each day and staying up late to drink all the water, but I'm doing it. I hope that by February 1, the new challenge will be one Dr. Pepper per day and then March will be...well, you get the picture. It's a process, folks. A process.

If you want in on the challenge, let me know and we'll be accountability partners. It's just water, right? What's the big deal?

So...are you in?

What's the plan for 2011?

Last year, I made one New Year's resolution for 2010: TO BE HEALTHIER BY 2011. And, for the first time in my life, I followed through with a resolution!

There were two things I did to make this happen:

1. Started exercising consistently
2. Ate healthier and smaller portions

Although 2010 was definitely a year of change, I'm not finished. I still have 5-10 pounds I'd like to shed, and I want to be a faster runner (not like Kenyan-fast, just consistently below a 10-minute mile pace!). I think the two might be related, so I'm hoping it's a "kill two birds with one stone" kind of thing.

So what's on my agenda for 2011?

1. To complete (at least) three half-marathons and get my time down to 2:10
2. To try three new vegetables (I am still learning to eat like an adult)
3. To drink more water (and less Dr. Pepper)

I'm still working on the plan of attack for the first (which I'm pretty sure you'll read about in the months to come!) and the second and third should be pretty easy to tackle. I'm battling caffeine withdrawals now from the Dr. Pepper reduction, but I know the benefit(s) will outweigh the temporary discomfort.

What are YOUR resolutions for the new year? Do you have a plan to achieve them? Nothing like posting them on the Internet for a little accountability...hmmm?

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2011!

"Perfect" running weather?

The weather has been on my mind a lot these last few days. We had some pretty rough storms move through my home state of Arkansas and then across Mississippi on New Year's Eve leaving lots of destruction. It has me thinking, which of course, has me blogging.

So, I've been running for almost a year now and have faced all kinds of weather. I loathe the "dreadmill" so almost all of my running has been outside on the road (I did a few runs around the track inside the Family Life Center at our church this summer when the temps were just unbearable!).

Each season has its advantages and disadvantages...

I loved spring because its warmer temperatures and sunshine are so welcome after the colder winter months. I didn't mind the rain, but the humidity before the rain was smothering at times. Spring also seems to encourage change and growth because I can see the world around me changing. Summer in the Deep South is pretty miserable - no way around it. I tried to get up early to run before the heat and humidity were just unbearable but had many short, slow runs in 90 degree heat. Fall weather is Mississippi is probably my favorite. The cool mornings and mild afternoons make running at any time of the day possible...a lot like spring but with less humidity? Long runs are enjoyable rather than exhausting, and there's nothing like the sound of leaves crunching under your feet as you run through the miles. Winter in Mississippi is probably my second favorite time to run. Our winters are relatively mild so running outdoors through the winter months is pretty enjoyable most of the time. I've even had a few runs recently wearing shorts - something my Northern neighbors may envy! I'm sure the next month or so may change my mind about winter running as the worst of our winter is likely yet to come. 

So, in the middle of winter - wherever you are - I ask:

What is YOUR "perfect" running weather?

And Her Name Is...

Thanks to everyone who submitted a name for my "name-my-fat-girl" contest. There were some really good ones and I loved the explanations that accompanied them. You guys are creative; I knew I could count on you!

Here are the entries:

Bertha (Big Butt Bertha or Bertha Big Butt)

Lurlene

Lulu

(Fatty) Mattie

Gertrude

Bertha Bell

Fatty Boombalatty (shortened to "Phatty")

Mardi

(See comments from "Shadow Boxing" post if you'd like the explanations!)

This was a very tough decision. All were viable options. So, I had to fall back on one of the tests that we used for naming both of our boys...the ability to yell it without hesitation or stumbling over it when angry or frustrated.
And the winner is...

LULU

I love that it's similar-sounding to my name and that her strength for change came from God (more on that in a later post, I'm sure!). So, congrats to Courtney for her winning submission! (Send me your new mailing address, and I'll be dropping you a "happy" in the mail Monday!).

Thanks for playing, friends! Happy New Year!