Quick check-in

Look at that - it's not even 10:00 here, and I've already done something to make me feel better. :)  Aren't you proud of me? I even did something last night.

A few days ago, I decided to start the 100 Push-up Challenge again, but this time I am going to do them the "girly" way.  I am a girl, so I might as well embrace it, huh?  Seriously, I decided to do it because last time we got to a point on the challenge where it was moving up in repetitions faster than my muscles were building or weight was coming off (or a combination of the 2), and it was discouraging.  So this time I am going to go with the girly way up to 100, and then start again.  I did the exhaustion test that day, and surprised myself with 12!  Last night at about 10:00 I figured there was no time like the present to start, so I did my pushups in my jammies.

Today I figured I would run again, since I know how awesome the runner's high is, and I could use that kind of feeling now especially.  I've run a few times in the last couple weeks, and went back to the C25k intervals. I know the program works, so it's a good thing for me.  I did Week 2 Day 2 this morning, and I feel great.  I am trying hard to not focus on the negative, and just go with the positive.

So, it's a start. :)

♥

Back in the Swing of Things

I've been trying to get back into the swing of things.  The day after we got home from Salt Lake City, I woke up with a horrible chest cold.  I had to say a prayer of thanks that I hadn't gotten it any sooner than I did - that would have seriously derailed me.  But it's still lingering.... ugh.

I am also heavily involved in two projects/events that are taking up a lot of my time.  Both of these things are very near and dear to my heart, so I am okay with them consuming me for the time being.  One of them is this Saturday morning... the other is the end of May.  That one is a fun run/walk, which I am excited about... I've walked it the last 2 years... this year I plan on running it.

So I am basically saying that I am getting back to the running, slowly, but surely.  So don't think that I've forgotten about it... it's ingrained in me now! :)

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.  :)

12 days and Counting....

And I am FUH-reaked out.  It's just a 5k.  I've got 4 of them under my belt so far.  But this "real" one scares the heebee-jeebees out of me.  Seriously.  Like I think about it, and I feel like I am going to puke.

I've been trying to keep my head out of my running.  All it's doing right now is making the running feel way more difficult. I KNOW I can do this.  I am going to do it.  But damned if the whole stupid thing doesn't make me shake in my running shoes.

Brian's been kind of "eh" in the support department about this, too.  I've told him I am a LOT little scared, and his reply is "So then why are you doing it?"  Makes me want to smack him.  But then the fear subsides a teeny bit.  Because I know why I am doing it.  I've WORKED for this.  I've worked hard. I've been running for 5 months, 1 week and 2 days.  I'm not going to be the fastest runner out there, but I AM going to be the fastest me out there.  And that's the most important thing.  I just need to keep repeating it to myself over and over and over and over for the next 12 days.

I Amazed Myself Today!

After my first 10 mile week, I decided 10 miles every week would be my goal.  Last week's long run was a tad thwarted by 3 spills on the ice in less than 24 hours.  Gotta love living in the frozen tundra.  Anyway, last week I only managed to run 3 times, but still got in a solid 6.13 miles, thanks largely in part to the virtual 5k.

This week, I am on track for an 11-mile, yes, ELEVEN, as in 10 + 1, week.  I ran another 5k on Monday, 2 days after the Running Mate 5k.  This one was another virtual 5k for ♥Valentine's Day♥ on dailymile.  I figured I would just get it done, no matter how long it took.  2 days after the first 5k, I had no real hope of any kind of PR, but lo and behold, I finished in 49:21, a full :50 faster!

My long run this week was another 4 miles.  My first 4 mile run, I managed to keep a 17:34mm pace.  Today, I totally blew that out of the water.  4 miles at an average 15:20mm pace.  I've been doing a lot of walk/run intervals on the treadmill.  I have such a hard time running for long periods of time on that stupid thing.  I really have started to think of it as the DREADmill.  I love the running, but I just can't seem to keep running, even though I KNOW I can.  I hope this is still moving me forward, getting me closer to my goals.  I do have to say though, running at 5.0 - 6.5mph is a lot easier now than it was.  I can run that fast for a solid minute at least now, and before, 15 seconds made me feel like I was going to puke or die or both.  So that is progress!

Oh yes, one other thing.  I have *gulp* decided I am going to do the Pinedale Half Marathon in town in September.  I am a tad scared, but since it is walker friendly, I am going to give it my best shot.  I have 7 months to train for it from now, so I am hoping I can walk less than half of it, and run the rest of it. Still working on finding my first 5k - Brian's schedule conflicts with almost every one I have found that is somewhat close to the frozen tundra.

The giveaway closes tonight at 10pm.  I am getting a night out with some girlfriends, so I am not sure when I will get the winner drawn and posted on here.  I fully intend to NOT be home by 10, but stranger things have happened.  If nothing else, early tomorrow morning I will have it up.  The 10pm closing still applies - any comments left after 10pm will be deleted! :)

Making strides!

So the pun is sort of intended.  :)  Yesterday I ran my second Virtual 5k hosted by Running Mate.  This was the Running Mate Sweetheart Virtual 5k.  You were supposed to try to get your sweetheart to run with you.  I don't know that I am ever going to be able to get Brian to run with me, so I am okay going it alone.

However, the big news... I knocked 1 minute and 36 seconds of off my January Virtual 5k.  I got my 5k done in 50:11.  Still turtle pace for most, but I was very happy to see I have gotten a little faster in a month!

My running week wasn't as good as I had hoped.  On Wednesday/Thursday, I managed to fall on the ice 3 times, each time hurting/landing on my right leg.  I have a nasty bruise, some scrapes and a really sore knee.  I managed to get in 6 miles last week, so I am still pretty happy about that.  I can come back strong tomorrow and get another 10 miles this week.

I will leave you with a quote my buddy Jess shared last week that resonates with me so much.  I need to try to remember it all the time when I am running.  ♥

"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far, it doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run." - John Bingham

Running Down a Dream

Yeah running down a dream
That never would come to me
Working on a mystery
Going wherever it leads
Running down a dream


I felt so good like anything was possible
I hit cruise control and rubbed my eyes
The last 3 days the rain was unstoppable
It was always cold, no sunshine

- Running Down a Dream by (the great) Tom Petty

Okay, so it wasn't a dream I was running down this week, but it was a goal.  One I needed to meet after the last weigh day.  One of my dailymile buddies challenged me to set a goal I knew I could reach this week, for the confidence boost.  I decided to set out to run more in 7 days than I've ever run before.  Last week I had my personal best week at 9.22 miles.  I figured even if I got to 9.23 that would be an accomplishment, and more than I've ever run.  Well, before Friday's run, I was sitting at 4 miles.  I knew I'd be getting in 3.1 at least, but I figured I could push it a little more.  I ran 4.01 miles Friday.  I started by following the Week 1 Day 2 of the Bridge to 10k, and when I got done with that, I just continued with the run/walk intervals until it was time for the cool down.  4 miles!  In one go, I double my weekly mileage.  That was an amazing accomplishment for me.  My legs felt like jell-o when I was done, but the amount of pride I had was worth it.

Yesterday, I added a nice round 2.0 to that for a grand total of
10 miles!
In one week!  For me!  The fat chick that runs.  Ahhh, the sweet sweet taste of success! I needed the boost in confidence.

Today is Super Bowl Sunday, and I've decided it's a free day for me.  I got on the scale this morning, and it was 235 again (*sigh*) so I am going to use today's weight for this week, and skip Monday weigh day tomorrow.  Maybe I can figure something out this next week that will switch things up a tad.

Have a fabulous weekend!
♥

Sweat Managed.... and a giveaway (closed)

Okay, so remember how I posted here about how I was sweating so much during my runs that I lost focus around the 25 minute mark?  And I kept forgetting to grab a towel so I was basically SOL (your hand is only so absorbent, you know).  


Houston, we no longer have a problem.  I have discovered the secret to absolutely ZERO sweat in my eyes while I am running.  

Enter      .

A few people mentioned them to me after I posted that I needed to work on sweat management.  After spending entirely too much a little bit of time on their site, I knew I was hooked!  They have some really cute light sweat wicking headbands that are cute and patterned.  But for those of us who look like drowned rats sweat a little more while working out, they have heavy sweat wicking headbands, too.  And let me warn you before you go over there... they have a TON of them.  Literally page after page of fun sayings, and fun ways of displaying your accomplishments (I will have either the 10k or half-marathon one come September). There are neat wicking hats; regular style, pony tail style and also pig tail style! They also have fun things for your kiddos or furry friends, too!

I got my Bondi Band last week, and I've used it on all of my runs, and other work outs too.  Let me just say, I  am SOLD!  I freaking love this thing.  Not once have I had sweat in my eyes.  Not once.  Granted, when I am done with a run, I can wring sweat out of it like you wouldn't believe (ew, yes, I know), but I don't ever have to worry about going sweat-blind again!  I got this snazzy little number right here - 

It says I run like a girl.  Also on my list to get are Suck it up, Cupcake, breathe., and about 10 others. :)  You know, just because.

I am absolutely in love!  They stay put, even on my big head, and keep fly away hairs out of my face too, which I find a tad bit distracting.  

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

THE GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED! CONGRATS TO OUR WINNER!

Soooo, I bet you're wondering about the giveaway part, aren't you?

Well, Bondi Band was cool enough to send me another band for one of you!  Staying with the whole "journey" theme that Heidi and I have here at 2 Fat Chicks, one lucky reader is going to get a  The JOURNEY is the reward headband.  It looks just like this - 

Wanna win it?  This is what you've gotta do: (mandatory entry)   Head over to Bondi Band and check it out.  Then come back here and tell me what your favorite item is on THIS post.

Additional entry methods (leave a comment for each):

1. publicly follow 2 Fat Chicks with a Mission on google friend connect (1 entry)
2. tweet about this contest, be sure to include your time stamp in your comment (1 entry per day)
3. blog about this giveaway, be sure to include a link in your comment (1 entry)
4. like 2 Fat Chicks With a Mission on Facebook (1 entry)

Contest Deadline:

Friday, February 18, 2011 at 10pm MST

The fine print:  Open to residents of the United States.  The winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond, so make sure I have a valid email address. Email addresses will not be sold or used in any other way than to notify the winner.

Disclaimer:  I was provided one Bondi Band free of charge for my honest review, and also one for the giveaway.  I received no other monetary compensation.

Because I Can't Just Leave Well Enough Alone...

I am straying from my new running plan already.  Yeah, I know.  It hasn't even been a week.

But let me explain.  I am not going to change the frequency of my runs. I'm not even going to change how many miles I am planning on running -  for now.  I am just going to change my long run on Fridays a bit.  I started the Bridge to 10k running program today.  It's very very similar to the C25k program.  Even down to the I-look-ahead-and-freak-out part.  It just increases endurance and hopefully my speed a little at a time.  I love the set-up of the C25k, so I am thinking that the B210k will be just as awesome for me.  As the distance/time increases on the B210k plan, I will slowly up the ante on my other runs throughout the week, too.

I am on Day 3 of 4 this week, and am pretty happy with what I've gotten done.  I have my first 7+ mile week, and I ran 3.15 miles this morning on Day 1. It was a slower pace than my other 5k from 2 weeks ago, but that's okay.  I walked less than I did during that one, and I was sore sore sore from my day yesterday.

Monday, a friend gave me The Wave.  It really challenges your core, and I need all the help in that area that I can get.  I didn't have a chance to try it out until yesterday morning.  Let me just say this - doing lunges and squats while trying to keep you balance on a rocking platform is interesting.  And one hell of a workout.  I enjoyed it though.  Then, after I picked the Munchkin up from preschool, we headed to a friend's house for a play date.  About a mile before her house, I got S.T.U.C.K. in a huge snow drift.  In my defense, the road looked okay.  I could tell it had snow on it, but I never ever would have expected it to be like that.  I managed to call her before the cell phone died (oops!  guess I need to make sure I always have the car charger, huh?)  and tell her what was going on.  She sent 2 of her kids over to us with sleds and I pulled 90 lbs. of kid through 3 and 4 foot snow drifts to her house.  Talk about a workout!  I woke up this morning just aching.  Quite the adventures we have out here in the frozen tundra!

I am excited that this is our 46th blog post.  Heidi and I have been blogging away for almost 4 months.  Our 50th post is just around the corner!  And in case you've missed our NOT SO subtle hints, we have a give away coming up.  Something fun that I love!  Like maybe a fun piece of running (or any kind of workout, really) gear.  And maybe that post around the corner would be a good one to give it away in! :)  Keep your eyes peeled!

♥

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!

♥

Just New Shoes

Out with the old -

In with the new -

Told ya they were pretty.

I was so excited for the UPS guy to show up today. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning.  When I finally got my box and opened it, something hit me.  These are more than just new shoes for me.  They are proof that I have worked at this, and worked HARD at it.  Proof that I am a runner. In a matter of 3 months, I have achieved a goal that seemed so far beyond me.  Being "a runner" to me seemed like something that I would probably be able to do, though not this quickly.  And it sure as heck didn't seem like something I would come to love as much as I do.   The decision I made on October 19th to start becoming a runner was the best thing I have ever done for myself.  It has given me the ability to believe in me.  I have more pride and confidence in myself than I ever thought possible.  And the best thing about it - I want more. So I when I looked at those shoes on my feet for the first time, I cried.  I cried because they are just new shoes, but also because they are so much more than just new shoes.

♥

All is Quiet on the Home Front...

Ha!  If that was the case, I would be able to blog like I wanted!  So I guess it's only this home front that it's been quiet on.

Here's a recap of what's been going on here:

• Trip home for Christmas.  It was great.  Except for coming home and almost rolling the van. Then not being able to see the road.  Yeah, that part we could have skipped.  Gotta love Wyoming winters.
• STILL searching for the perfect Suburban for our family.  I was so sure we were going to find one in Colorado.
• Finding (and buying) the PERFECT Suburban in Idaho a whole week after we got home. (Pictures to come - maybe).
• Injuring my foot.  I am pretty sure I was on the verge of a stress fracture.  It was bad.  I took a week off from running, and in turn was kinda crabby.  Amazing that the fat chick was suffering from running withdrawls.
• Realizing that my shoes are s.h.o.t.  
• Sick kiddos
• and on and on and on.

Basically, it's life.  It's nothing new, but it's never the same, ever.

Anyhow, we did finally buy a new-to-us Suburban, and so I finally get to cash in on some of my reward days.  I've only managed to rack up 47, but who's counting. *insert big cheesy grin here*  I love it!  I love driving it. It's awesome.  And when I drive it, it's so cool to know that all my hard work has paid off.  

After I took a week off from running, I ran my first 5k.  Well, it was a virtual 5k.  Running Mate is hosting a virtual 5k every month throughout 2011.  A virtual 5k is where you run on your treadmill, at your local track, in your neighborhood, wherever.  No race entry fees, just go out, do your best, and then report back with your time.  I ran my first 5k in 51:46.  I don't think I will ever forget that time.  I am so proud of it, it's ridiculous.  I had to walk a little more than I liked, but the biggest thing for me was that I finished it!  But in running that 5k, I came to the absolute understanding that my running shoes are shot.  I need new ones badly. My foot isn't going to forgive me if I don't, and I don't want to take the chance of missing precious weeks because of an injury.  So I started looking heavily into what kind of shoes I needed.  Living in the middle of nowhere doesn't give me the option to run down to my local running store and have the people there tell me what shoe I need.  I kinda have to figure it out on my own.  And if you thought I did a lot of research on a new vehicle - hahahaha - you should have seen me over the past week trying to figure out what kind of shoe I need.  I finally ordered them today from Amazon.  

Aren't they pretty?  Amazon was so nice and told me that they'd be here on Friday.  I can't wait to wear these puppies out!

I've been slacking on exercise lately, which is why my weigh day on Monday was another maintain.  I can't complain (omg, I am rhyming, someone stop me).  I haven't put in the work I need to lately.  I haven't wanted to stress my foot with my crappy shoes any more than I needed to.  But I am not going to have that excuse anymore!  234 will be gone soon. :)

Oh, and another fun NSV for me today.  When I started this journey in October, my resting heart rate was dangerously high - about 90.  I took it today after sitting on the couch for awhile, and it's down to 64!  Even though I have a ways to go in the scale and tape measurement department still, my body is getting much healthier little by little.

And finally, here is my official "before" photo.

I finally feel like I've come far enough to not be embarrassed by this picture any more. This was taken in late Sept. 2010, and I know the scale said 260 here.  But this isn't who I am now.  It's who I was.  It is the me that decided to start getting healthy and making me a priority though.  So now I embrace it, and I love it.  Without it, there would be no now.  Remember that foundation I talked about here?  It's starting to look a whole lot prettier from where I am standing.  I do want that foundation.  It kicks some serious bum-bum as my boys would say.  I will try to get a picture of me in the same shirt and pants (and snuggling that handsome dude) again soon.  But we know how life keeps getting in my way.  But you know what, I sure enjoy everyday of this life more than I did that life. 

♥