Salt Lake City Adoption 5k Recap

*giggle*  Do you know how cool it is for me that I get to write a RACE recap???  For a race that I ran?!?!?

Okay, let's start at the beginning shall we?

It was a cold and stormy morning.... really.  It was awful.  Our drive from the Frozen Tundra to the Big City was ho.rr.ib.le.  But we made it safe and sound. Just before we headed out for some supper Friday night, I got an email from the race director that the race would NOT be canceled, no matter what the weather was like, but he was trying to modify the course to keep us out of the 3 - 4" deep mud on the original course.  Saturday morning we got up bright and early to get the Rowdy Bunch fed and bundled up before we headed over to Wheeler Farm for the race.  I was pretty nervous when we got there, but I went over and picked up my race bib (can I just say that 125 is my new favorite number???)

We unloaded the Rowdy Bunch, and tried to kill a bit of time before the race started.  I am guessing the temperature was in the low 30s.  And the snow was pretty heavy.

The Rowdy Bunch and I

The new race route had us running a block race rather than the 3 loops originally planned.  I was a bit bummed because it meant I wasn't going to see Brian and the boys a few times like I thought.  It was me on my own until the finish line.  As everyone was getting ready behind the starting line,  I made my way towards the back. I zeroed my ipod stopwatch, and started the tunes.  Raise Your Glass by P!nk came on just as the gun sounded, pretty perfectly.  I had my Broncos hoodie on, with the hood up, that's how cold I was.  I tried to stay near the back because I knew I wasn't going to be the fastest.

The snow made things slick, but not as bad as I'd feared.  About 15 minutes into the race, I started feeling odd.  It took me a few minutes to realize I was HOT! lol  I had been cold so long that morning, I didn't recognize what the feeling was.  I lost probably a minute or so stopping to take my hoodie off and get everything situated again. I was feeling great, enjoying myself and just running.  As I rounded the last corner and could see Wheeler Farm, the tears just came.  I had to walk for a bit because I couldn't breathe.  I knew finishing was going to be emotional for me, but I didn't expect it to hit me that hard.  I started running again, and was so happy (as evidence by my official race photo, which is rather cheesy in my not so humble opinion).  

And then I saw Brian and the boys, and they were cheering (along with all the other spectators at the finish line) and I lost it again.  I ran across the Finish Line, tears streaming down my face, so overwhelmed. 

 The boys ran over and gave me kisses and hugs... it was awesome. So much better than I ever could have imagined.  Matthew kept telling me "I'm so proud of you, Mommy."  And Christopher said "Good job racing, Mommy." ♥  I forgot to stop my ipod as soon as I crossed the finish line, but when I did remember, I didn't think it had been too long.  My ipod said 44:35 - best time yet.  I figured my official time would be close to that, but when the results were finally posted tonight, I was BLOWN away - 41:20.  That's a 13:20 minute mile.  So much for my goal of 50:00 or less, huh?  41:20 is a PR for me.  And such an amazing accomplishment.    I am absolutely going to do this again.  The difference between going out for a run and running in a race is night and day.  

I am so proud of myself, and the fact that I met a MAJOR goal that I set for myself is amazing.  Less than 6 months ago, I made a goal of running a 5k.  To say that I accomplished that is still just amazing to me.  

♥  

P.S.  I am so letting myself feel like a BAMF for running my first 5k in all that damn snow! lol  At least for a little while.  It's okay to be hard core now and then.  :)

This is it...

Tomorrow is the big day.  My first 5k.  MY FIRST 5k!!!  

Okay, whew. Sorry, I had to yell it for my head.  I still don't think it's quite sunk in.  I am still nervous, but it's getting better.  Except for one itty-bitty, teensey-weensy little thing.  I like to call that thing Mother Nature.  Apparently Mother Nature is under the impression that if you live in the frozen tundra, and you travel anywhere before, say April 15th, you should take normal frozen tundra weather with you.  Yes, you read that right.  The forecast for the rest of today (our travel day) and tomorrow from the Frozen Tundra to SLC is SN*W!

Snow.... not quite what I bargained for, but I think it will be okay.  I haven't run in over a week.  Stupid legs think I enjoy being in pain.  And I'm prepared for that again for tomorrow, but I WILL push through it.  My goal is 50:00 or less.  I don't know what kind of a monkey wrench the weather will throw into that plan, but it's going to do something! :)

All I care about though is seeing Brian and the Rowdy Bunch at the finish line.  I've come a long long way since October, and after 3.1 miles tomorrow, I will have met a goal that I didn't know was possible!

♥

I did it!

I did it! I stayed on my diet the entire week! When I recommitted to my weight loss journey I told myself I wanted to get back into the 250's by the end of the week. I met my goal! I am back down to 74lbs lost! Very very good feeling! I KNOW I can do this! I know what to do, what to eat. I just have to push myself, and give myself NO excuses! I have to forgive myself and move on when I slip up. I might not be where I want to be, but I'm sure not where I was. I won't go back there. I refuse! So onward, and upward I go!

My next goal 255 by next week.

a new me?

I did it. I have reached a goal. I lost 75 pounds! I was exhausted at work when I weighed myself, and I didn't realize it until the next day. I was chatting with Erin when I made the connection. I cried. And I cried some more. It was an odd feeling. I was so emotional, yet disconnected. It was a relief, yet I'm still battling with this damn boulder in my way. I took a shower, and cried. I hurried up and got dressed, and had my son take some pictures. I wanted to compare pictures. I wanted to see if I could see a difference in myself. I needed evidence of this moment. I would have preferred to have had my hair dried and straightened, make up on my face and a clean living room, but I had just gotten out of the shower, my hair was wet, my face was blotchy from crying, and my living room was far from clean. That was MY moment though! I will never forget it!

Here is who I was:

and this was me at 277:
And this is the newest me. 257 pounds and 75 pounds lost!


I am finally able to see some difference in myself. Between the last two pictures I can see how my t-shirt is fitting me much better and not so tight in the gut area. The jeans I'm wearing in my new picture are the same jeans I wore in the first picture. They were very tight on me and uncomfortable. Now they are so baggy I cannot wear them!


Can you see how baggy they are in the leg and butt area? That feels like accomplishment to me. That is concrete evidence that I am changing my body and I am losing weight. I will NEVER get rid of these jeans. They will always be there as a reminder.

So, where did all that weight go? Right to my nose!!


I rewarded myself with finally getting my nose pierced. It was something I've wanted to do for 10 years and I am so happy I got it done. Its a physical representation of how far I've come. Maybe my tongue for 100lbs lost? Nah, no need to turn into a human pincushion. But I do have to come up with a reward for when I reach my goal in April.

I ordered a new workout program, and I am so excited to start it! ChaLEAN EXTREME. Its a strength/resistance training program that goes for 90 days. You can lose up to 60% body fat! Its going to help me remain accountable, since it will only work if you actually do the workouts LOL I love Turbo Jam, and I will always do it I think, but I have become bored with it because its not a challenge for me anymore. I know the moves and I know whats coming next. I needed something new to keep me engaged and keep my interest. My cousin has Turbo FIRE and we are going to trade our Turbo's for a little bit. I will be doing cardio along with the strength. I'm hoping for dramatic results! I'm going to try to follow Erin's system, or a version of it, for reward points for working out, and working towards a goal. That will help me stay accountable as well. I really do not know what I want, but I have to figure it out soon so I can get it going when my ChaLEAN EXTREME gets here. Should I work towards new workout clothes? New workout shoes? Maybe a new workout program? I'll figure it out, and as soon as I do I'll share it with you!

Monday Weigh Day - 1/24 and New Running Plan

Ugh.  Up a pound today.  I thought I'd have a pound or two down today.  I was yesterday... stupid scale.  Oh well, there's always next Monday, right?

Moving on -

My new shoes have been just as wonderful as I thought they would be!  I've got 4 miles on them so far, and I am not disappointed.  I am sweating so much though that I lose focus about 25 minutes in, and then I want to stop.  I keep forgetting to grab a towel, so I am just wiping it all away with my hand or the bottom of my t-shirt, but it's just not cutting it.  I've been looking into some sweat management options though.

I have a new goal to add to my list -

I want to run 365 miles in 2011.  Yep, one mile for every day of the year.  I am at 16.23 miles for the year so far.  My week + off hasn't helped me stay on track, but I am going to make it, I know I am! Over on the right side bar, there's a little widget that is so very kindly keeping track of my miles, both for 2011 and total.  You can follow along if you like.
 I have a new running plan, too.  I am going to start running Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.  Fridays I am going to try to lengthen my runs, and try to get to 3.1 miles (or a 5k :) ) each week, and then on Saturdays I will do a shorter recovery run.  I am excited to start pushing my running again.  I still haven't settled on the 5k I want to run... seems like every time I find one that I am excited about, it turns out that Brian has to work that weekend. :(  But I am determined to get one under my belt SOON!

As we only have a week left in January (how is this possible!?!?), I have been spending a little time reflecting on the month, and everything that I have accomplished.  I am so proud to not only have finished the C25k, but also kept running.  Running is a part of who I am now, and I don't think I would have it any other way.  What have you done this month to make YOU proud?  Please share with us, either here on the blog or on the 2 Fat Chicks Facebook page.  Looking forward to hearing from you!

♥

Happy New Year!!!

I can't believe it's 2011!  This is the year my boys will turn 6, 3, and 2!  Scary!  But it's also the year I WILL reach my goal weight.  And I WILL run my first 5k and 10k (or half).  It's going to be an awesome year.  I am down to 235... I didn't lose or gain over Christmas, but that is a HUGE feat for me, too.

We just got home a few days ago, and I am trying to get back in the our normal routine.  It's not easy, but it is nice to be home.

Can you believe that tomorrow I will FINISH the Couch to 5k?  I know I can't.  I am still not running a full 5k, but I AM running for 30 minutes, and that's amazing!  I need to figure out what 5k I am going to run, and also how I want to proceed with the Bridge to 10k program.  I need to work on speed and longer distances... I just wish I knew what was the best route for me to go.

I also got the Zumba fitness for Wii game for Christmas from Brian.  I LOVE it!  I can't make it to Zumba classes at the PAC that often, but this is JUST like having them at home.  They even use the same music, which I really like.  I need to work on the tutorials a little more because the moves are a tad different, but it's still a killer workout and a lot of fun!

Wishing you a 2011 that you can be happy and proud of what you will accomplish!
♥, Erin

Monday Weigh Day - 11/29 - FIFTEEN POUNDS GONE!

Well, 16 really.  But who's counting?  Oh yeah - ME!!!
And that's 3 down from last week.  I made it through Thanksgiving and I LOST weight!  Dr. Phil (whom I casually follow - sometimes he makes me want to poke myself and then him in the eye irks me) said that it's not uncommon for people to GAIN 12 pounds between now and Jan. 1!  OMG.  I am hoping to be down another 8 or so by then, not up!

I am feeling so good and positive about my life changes.  I have been trying to find things that Brian will do with me.  He says he has something against running, so he won't do that with me (though it really is too cold for us to run outside, and I think CPS would frown upon us leaving the boys alone at this point).  But I did find a Hundred Push-ups Challenge that we are doing together (and so is Heidi!!!) and we're enjoying.  It takes you from being able to do X amount of push-ups to around 100 in 6 weeks or so.  Very similar to the C25k program in that it's progressive.  I can already see that it's working - Monday I did a 4 push-up max, and yesterday on Day 3, I did 7!  Brian has increased his max from 14 to 18 too.  I am very proud of him.

Today was Week 5 Day 2 of the C25k (can you believe I am still doing this 6 weeks later?!?!?!) and I felt awesome after my run.  I ran for 8 minutes 2 times!  I ran more than I walked, including the warm up and cool down!  Wednesday I am on schedule to run for 20 minutes with NO walks.  I must admit, this makes me a little nervous.  20 minutes!?!?  That's a LONG time.  Like really long.  But I can do it.  I will make it work for me.  This is a shout out to all you music lovers.... I need help!!!  Right now I have 3 songs I listen to when I am doing the running portion of my workout -
"Raise Your Glass" by P!nk
"Hot n Cold" by Katy Perry  and
"Jump" by Van Halen

I need more songs ASAP that are fast paced like that.  It's getting easier and easier for me to lose myself in the music while I am running, but I can't mess with my iPod every 3 minutes if I expect to make it through the 20 minute run.  Part of my "strategy" is to not look at how much time I have left.  It psychs me out to see that I still have 4 minutes, or whatever.


Speaking of "Jump" though, I've been thinking about a new reward.  Please try to follow my convoluted ramblings here.

I had a cousin named Tony who was a bit older than I was (15 or so years, I think).  He was so much fun, played with my sister and I, was funny, and just a neat guy (a lot like his siblings).  When I was in jr. high, Tony was diagnosed with Leukemia.  He was newly married, had a baby girl, and in an instant his life changed.  I don't know the circumstances of how it came about, but I believe after he was diagnosed, he went tandem sky diving.  Our grandparents were living in Colorado near us, and Tony was in California.  Somehow a copy of his sky diving video wound up in Colorado.... the song playing during that jump was "Jump."  Every time I hear that song, I think of Tony and miss him.  But it's also lit a new fire under me.  I want to jump, too.  Every run, every time I hear that, I get a little closer to my goal.  Heidi and I have talked about meeting and sky diving together when we are both at our goals.  I don't know what I want mine to be.  199 is just my first goal.  But I do know I want to do it, even though it scares the you-know-what out of me.

I hope you all had a wonderful, blessed Thanksgiving.  I know mine was, for many, many reasons!

♥
Erin

The One With the First 5 Pounds!

Yep, that's right!  I am 5 pounds down from my starting weight!  WOOHOOO!!!!

Okay, got that out of my system.  Well, not really, but I can control it for the rest of the blog post.  I've decided for me that Mondays will be my weigh days.  I have a feeling it will help to keep me more on track on the weekends if I know that Monday morning will be my official weigh-in.  I am getting on the scale periodically throughout the week, just to keep me on track too.  But those weights won't count for my goal or reward.

Now would be a good time for me to explain the reward system I have put in place for myself.  I have 2 systems in place - 1 for exercising and 1 for losing the weight.  They will work together hand in hand.  This is how it works for me...

• For every day that I exercise for at least 1/2 hour, I get a star on my chart.  When I have accumulated 7 days, I get one reward day.
• For every 5lbs. I lose on my "official" weigh-in days I get a week of reward days.

What's a reward day you ask?  It's a day to drive our new to us Suburban or Yukon XL.  We haven't actually purchased one yet, so for the time being I am just accumulating time.  My husband and I have vastly different ideas of how often we should drive this, so this is a good compromise for us, and something that I really want!!! 

As of right now, I am sitting at 8 days of driving it!  I can't wait.  

For my other goals, this is what I would like to do:

• Get down to 199lbs. (reward for this is a Cricut - man I can't wait) - 61lbs. lost from SW
• Run at least one 5k in the next 6 months (need to check into availability on these)
• Possibly run the 1/2 marathon in our town in Sept. 2011.
• BE a runner.  I want to have the ability to run.  I want stamina and lung capacity for this.

I didn't really have a date in mind for this.  I'd like to use Heidi's date though, so we are both working with the same goal in mind, and the same time frame.  I know that puts me a little over 2 lbs. a week, so I might need to adjust the date to slightly further in April.  However, I am not changing it yet.  If I start adjusting goals before I even start, then what's the point?  Gotta keep myself honest.

Along the way, I will be rewarding myself with things like new clothes as I need them.  I can't have that as a main goal right now because of how much I hate to shop.  Woo, a reward I loathe.  No thanks.  I am expecting this to change though.

What are some goals YOU are working towards?  How are you keeping on track?