2014 in review

Another year has come and gone.  It seems to me that the older I get the faster time goes.  I don't know where it goes but before we know it the year is gone.  

A year ago I sat down and set some goals for the year.  I planned to run 400k and one half marathon.  I met both of those goals.  I then amended my 400k goal to 600 or 700k.  I think I hit 600k but cannot be sure.  I stopped tracking distance a couple of months ago in an effort to find the love of running again.  It worked and I am ready to start tracking again.

I planned to take my lunch to work more and that seemed to sort of happen.  I think I took it more and when I did buy it I often made much healthier choices.  

I wanted to go away for my 10th anniversary.  That didn't happen.  There were a few reasons for that.  We didn't really have anyone who was able to watch the girls for the whole weekend and we were saving for a trip to Florida.  In a week we will leave for Florida so that worked out.  We did get several camping trips in this summer just not anything alone.  I'm okay with that.

I have decided that 2015 is my year.  I love my family but I don't always love myself. It's time to love me again.  They will adjust and we will all be happier.  I am reluctant to set any specific goals because the ones floating in my head might be a bit lofty.  So for now I am going to set monthly mini goals.  For January it is going to be a move everyday challenge.  I'm going take advantage of the beautiful weather in Florida and run everyday while there.  I'm going to run 3.7 miles on my birthday.  For the rest of the the movement can be fun or hard but it has to be movement.  We bought a dancing game for Christina and she loves it so on the days I can't get to the gym we can bust that out.  As long as I move I've met the goal.

I'm probably the healthiest I have ever been and am going to make 2015 my healthiest year ever.

December is here!!

I can't believe it is the last month of the year!  This year has gone by way too fast.  November was a good month all around. I was able to get to the gym a lot.  I started to go to a new class which is so fun.  It's called Group Power and it is a full body strength training class.  It's tough and feels awesome at the end.  I'm back to going to Gravity and CycleFit too.  Running was good in November.  I did mostly treadmill runs and didn't track my mileage.  I would estimate that I ran 10 times for about 50k total.  Not bad when you add it to the other classes.  

Eating wasn't spectacular.  I do really well lol day the in the evenings things get a little out of hand.  

My goal for this month is to keep things going as is and to keep my whits about me when it comes to all the holiday eating.

Reverse Resolution

A few weeks ago I joined a group on Facebook.  The goal?? Lose 20lbs before the New Year.  It was a sort of way to keep on track over the holidays and to have a support group to go to when things get tough.  The first few weeks have sucked for me.  I am moving more than I was but my eating is off the hook bad.  I am so aware of this but honestly just haven't cared.  Today I decided to start caring again.  I am absolutely addicted to junk food.  There isn't much I won't eat and I can be very impulsive about it.  Today I have decided to get myself back in control of that.  The next few weeks will be riddled with food, get togethers and drinks.  I will make the best possible choices.  In January I always go for my yearly physical and I want to see continued downward results in the numbers.  I want to see and feel the results.  

Last week I went to gravity class again for the first time in ages.  I went a lot when the class first started then the timing was off but now there is a class right after the girls swim.  Last week I hurt for days after that class.  I had to skip a run because just walking hurt too much.  I walked the same length I would have run but there was no way a run was happening.  Yesterday I did the class again.  The moves were similar but not quite the same.  Every move was done on both sides, then one side and the other.  She called it a unilateral workout.  I expected immense pain this morning.  I had a very slight ache!!  Nothing really hurt.  I was disappointed!!!  So tonight I pulled out a ladder workout I had been given.  I should have run but by the time we got home time was limited so this was more bang for my buck so to speak.  I am hoping I can manage a run after work tomorrow but if I don't Satuday it will be!!!  

On the weekend I am going to be super brave and take real before pictures.  Although they aren't true before since I have already lost about 40lbs over the last 4 years. They will be what I judge all my results in though.  If I'm really brave I may post those so that I have a real out there before!  I will update my pictures every 12 weeks.  It's on now!!!

Pondering

Four years ago today my father passed away.  I never really knew him.  My parents divorced when I was 5 and he remarried shortly after.  He didn't visit much.  His family did and I am fairly close to my aunt, his sister.  She called one night just after I had started running to tell us that he had been diagnosed with cancer and didn't have long.  I was very conflicted on what I should do.  I felt like I needed to see him but at the same time I guess I held some anger towards him for never making an effort to know his kids.  In the end I decided that I was now an adult and could make the effort myself. My aunt and uncle were going to see him so I tagged along. The day we went I was supposed to run 16 minutes.  That seemed like forever at that time.  I decided to get up early to get that run done and to think before we saw him.  I wasn't worried about how he would look or the illness.  I just wanted him to see that after all those years I was around.  I wanted to show him pictures of his granddaughters.  I did those things and he seemed pleased.  My aunt later told me that our visit made his day.  That was the last time I saw him and I felt like it was a good visit.  Closure maybe.

My aunt made a point to tell him that I had run that morning.  At that point I had no clue where this journey was heading. I had no idea that I would finish that running clinic and go on to run 10k and half marathons.  Often during tough runs I will think of people who are no longer with me and hope they are there pushing me a little.  I live about 5 minutes away from my grandfathers house and often run by there.  I was very close with my grandpa.  On those really tough runs when I am almost home and need that extra push I will ask grandpa for that extra push to get me to the end.  I have no idea if they are there or if I'm being silly but I'll keep doing it because I like to think they are there.  I hope that I am making them all proud with this new life and that they are there at all the finish lines.  

Uh October?

Well October didn't go at all as planned.  I was sick, sick, sick! Started out okay but got hit by the cold from hell just before Thanksgiving and it lasted a good two weeks.  Just got better and had a good run then BAM!  Stomach bug!  Seriously?!?!?  Can I catch a break please?? 

Honestly I don't even know my run total for the month but it probably isn't more than 10k.  

Of course after the cold I struggled just to get my groove back.  It's way too easy for me to just quit exercising and way to hard to get myself back out there.  I am doing it though.  Tonight was a wicked awesome run.  It was forty minutes on the treadmill and it felt awesome!  

I am part of a group on Facebook that's members are all people who have lost or are losing large amounts of weight. Just what I needed.  I've looked to them a lot lately for inspiration and motivation when mine is waning. It's odd to feel so connected to people I have never met but this group has been awesome.    I have several people in my real life that are super supportive and that have helped me along the way to where I am now.  They have always supported what I am doing and listened or offered advice when I struggle.  I wouldn't be where I am without them but none of them have lost 100lbs or more and there is something about someone who has been through the struggles and come out on the other side.  

November is looking to be a great one. 

September In Review.

September was a good month.  I ran, got back into the gym and ate fairly well.  

Running was a total of 47km which is not too bad.  I would have liked a little more but I skipped a couple of my longer runs for family fun.  I also hiked close to 9k and walked a bunch but don't really track that.  

I went to the gym a total of 7 times which is pretty good.  Monday is quickly becoming my favourite day to go because of CycleFit.  It is so much fun and gets easier each week.   I am going to continue to go to the beginner class a few more times then I think I will brave one of the regular classes.  They are an hour long so that part will be tough. I think I can do it though.

Eating?  I rediscovered my love of loaded salads this month.  I have spent way too much money going to the salad bar place but it has been so tasty that I can't resist. I'm going to buy all of the things I usually put in and start making them at home to save some money. 

In October I have a couple of goals.  Limit buyng my lunch.  I bought today and plan to tomorrow but after that I'm going to go shopping and start taking things. The other goal goes right along with that.  I'm going to go buy the ingredients to make two kinds of soup that I love so that I can make a batch of each and freeze them for quick lunches.  

Fall is in full swing now and I am loving it!!

Fall Fun!

Fall is my absolute favourite season!  The colours, the smells, the crisp autum air!!  I love everything about it.  

Fall is also filled with fun family activities.  There is the Niagara Wine Festival, Thanksgiving and the Balls Falls Craft Show, Halloween and so much to explore.  It's also Apple season.  Apples are my favourite fruit.  I've been told the story multiple times of how apple was my first word as I would follow my grandpa around saying it over and over until he gave me some of his.  He used to eat an apple every night after dinner.  

This weekend was the Wine Festival.  When I was a kid it was called the Grape and Wine Festival.  It changed a few years ago.  I remember as a kid watching the parade. I also remember that before the parade hundreds of runners would go by.  The race is called The Run For the Grapes. I have always wanted to run it and once I became a runner I thought of it pretty quickly.  There is a 5k and a Half.  I want to run the half but I cannot make it in under the time limit.  This next 12 months I am going to work hard to get faster and hope that I can, just maybe, make it.  I have lots of time and with the proper dedication I think I can do it.  

For now I leave you with a picture of the girls enjoying sno-cones at the park after the parade:)

CycleFit Round 2

After Saturday's hiking adventures I had a very sore ankle yesterday.   I knew it was going to hurt.  It's the one I rolled a couple of weeks ago when I was running and by the time we got home from the hike it was pretty sore.  Today it was feeling much better.

Tonight was my second time doing CycleFit.  It was not much easier than the first time but it was more fun because I knew what was coming.  I was able to adjust things quicker and was able to push a little harder.  Tonight was just myself and one other lady.  She was super nice and I hope she is there again next week.

Last week I was not really happy with the fact that there is a full wall mirror in front of the class.  No one looks awesome when they workout and I definitely didn't love watching all the wiggles and jiggles.  Today I decided to use that mirror to my advantage and watch what my legs were doing.  What I didn't expect was that I would be watching muscle move.  I could see the definition of my upper legs as I pedaled and I could see some definition in my lower legs.  I was so excited when I noticed and it gave a bit of drive to keep pushing.  I can't wait to watch that image in the mirror change!!!

Adventures

I've always liked hiking but rarely do it.  Fall is my favourite season and the most beautiful one in our area so earlier this week I decided we were going to take the girls hiking today.  Of course today has to be the warmest day of the week, maybe month.  It was still beautiful and while it was quite warm, once we got on the trail is was nice.  We went way longer than expected due to a wrong turn that took us on the longer path and caused us to have to turn around and go back the way we had come.  All in all it was a great time though.  Poor Christina was getting very tired by the end though.  Adryanna was in glory because she caught a toad:)  Next time we will go to a different place with a shorter trail. I think we will do the one we did today in a few weeks though and make sure we take the shorter route:). Here are some pictures of our time.

By the next time we go much of that green will be starting to turn colour and the fall colours will be so beautiful!

Twenty Pound Challenge!

I like to have specific goals but have found I need to put them out there and generally do better if it's a short goal.  Yesterday I was driving back to the office and thinking about what I want to work towards in the journey.  I figured out how many weeks to Christmas and decided that the goal will be to get to (or under) 200lbs.  That is about 20lbs (depending on the day it is a couple lbs more).  I haven't been gaining but I haven't lost in a few weeks either.  January is when I go for my physical every year and I would love to show that I have worked over the year.  So all those things helped make the decision that 20lbs would be the goal.  

Last night I opened my Facebook page to find out that someone in a group I am part of has created a 20lb weightloss challenge.  The time frame?  Between now and January 1st:). I immediately joined the challenge and have created my game plan.  With the support of that group and knowing there will be weekly checkin days will help so much.

Today has been a good day.  I ate fairly well and ran so I'm happy with my start. This weekend I plan to run 10k and we have told the girls we will go hiking.  I'm excited that they want to do these things.  We also have to teach Christina to ride her bike with out training wheels. It's going to be a good weekend!!  

CycleFit Fun!

Last night I arrived at the gym planning to do my usual routine.  I went upstairs and wandered around for a minute.  I just didn't feel like the usual.  I looked at the board and saw that there was a 30 minute beginner CycleFit class starting in 15 minutes.  I decided to do a couple of my weight machines and then head in.  I got there a few minutes early to talk to the instructor and get the bike set up. 

The class was lots if fun.  We went fast, we went slow.  We stood up, we sat down. My legs were on fire!  I much preferred the standing cycling to the sitting.  I found it easier no matter what gear we were in. By the end I was dripping sweat and saying "see you next week".  

Then I finished my weights and did a 20 min power walk on the treadmill until it was time to pick up the girls.

I felt great last night and today my legs don't hurt at all!  I guess I have to try harder next week.  Before that I think I better put in a request for a standing desk at work though.  My legs may not hurt today but my tushie isn't as lucky.  Maybe I better look into some padded shorts if I'm going to keep going to this class.  Ouch!

Heart Update

Today we switch gears a little.   I haven't posted an update about Adryanna's heart in a while and she had a cardiology appointment last week so I thought I would capture it here too:)

As always she was seen by not only her regular cardiologist and an Echo Technician, she was seen by a student, a Cardiac Nurse and a couple more Echo Techs.  McMaster is one of the top hospitals in our province and it is also a teaching hospital.  Adryanna has a rare defect with a rare repair done to it.  She is the perfect teacher:) 

I knew something was different when the Echo was being done because she spent a lot more time than usual and I didn't think it was simply because the student was there.  This wasn't a first and they never take long.  Then the Tech went and got another and there was low talking and pointing.  They couldn't be totally sure where the device that was used to close her defect was.  It was hard to see and as it turns out isn't totally blocking the blood flow through the tunnel like it should.  

Once we got to talk to her cardiologist we found out that they can see and hear some pretty significant flow through the device.  They could see a little last time but it was more this time.  They are not too concerned about it.  She did a 24hr Holter Monitor three weeks ago and that was totally normal.  The only real change to her treatment plan is instead of waiting a year to see her again they will see her in six months instead.  Until then she will continue to live life, taking aspirin daily and antibiotics before any trips to the dentist.  She still has no restrictions and no worries.  That is what we always want to hear!  

A Tough Decision = A Great Run

I will not be running a fall half marathon.

There it's out.

I will not be running for a variety of reasons but the biggest one is my family and out plans.  See in January we are going to Florida for a week and we want to go to Universal Studios and a few other fun places.  We will probably need to rent a car for the time we are there.  There will be many expenses.  We have told the kids that there will be no extra, unnecessary spending. So why do I get to justify spending over $100 for one race?  

Reason number two?  When I started running it was for my health and so I could play with my kids without getting super tired and having to sit or watch.  It was not to spend hours and hours training each week for races.  Does this mean I won't run any races?  Of course not.  I still fully intend to run the Niagara Falls Women's Half next June.  It was my first half and has a spot in my heart.  This training I have not had my heart in it.  My head has not totally been in it either which has made training suck.  I wasn't looking forward to my runs anymore.  I was tired and the rest of the day after my long runs I felt like crap and didn't want to do anything.  Doesn't exactly fit with my original reason for running does it?

I spent a lot of time this past week thinking about it and looking at the consequences of not doing a race.  I know that I run more if I am training because I have to, thay was the biggest thing to consider.  I know I might struggle to keep going but I feel like I am motivated this time more than in the past.  I know I want to be able to run a good race next spring and I know to do that I have to keep going now. 

Today was my first run that was just for me and my health.  No training goal, no pressure to be fast or to be better than last time.  Just a run for me.  I ran 10k and it was awesome.  I felt great through most of the run despite the nagging feeling that I am getting a cold.  It was just me and my run.  

What's my plan now? I really like the 10,12 and 14k distances so I will keep my long runs fluctuating between those distances.  I may throw in the odd 16k when I am feeling good.  Come the new year I will make a schedule and train for the Half in June.  Hopefully by then I will be down some weight and feeling good about the training.  Until then I'll just enjoy the run!

Four!!

Nope didn't take up golf:). Today marks four years since I started to run.  Funny that today was also my best run in a few weeks.  I didn't think if the runiversary when I left this morning but remembered when I came home.  What a crazy thing this running routine is.  I've never in my life stuck with any sort of exercise as long as I have stuck with running.  I may have slacked off and gone a few weeks at a time without running but I have never quit entirely.  I wish I had a total of how far I have run in that time. 

This morning when I got back from my run and had stretched and was looking at Facebook this picture came up.  

It is as if it was written specifically for me. The first night of the learn to run clinic I couldn't run 1 minute.  Today I am still a back of the pack runner but I ran 15k!  I can run half marathons!!  Definitely stronger with each run.  So to all those who have supported me along the way I say "thank you". I could not, would not be where I am today without the support.

August!!

August was a much better month than July.  I reached my running goal for the year and updated it.  I went back to the gym a few times and I had lots of vacation time.

I started the month in Florida becoming an aunt.  I didn't run much there because of the stupid heat and humidity.  I got back on track when I cam back and ran a total of 54km which isn't what I should have run training for a half but things have been really tough and I am starting to question even running that half.  I am scheduled to run 16k this weekend so we will see how that goes and move forward from there.  I am hoping as the weather cools down and fall starts to arrive my running will improve.

Other interesting things that happened in August?  We went to the Canadian National Exhibition for the first time.  It was a long day full of fun.  The girls went on lots of rides and enjoyed exploring all of the different areas.  We took the train to and from the CNE as well and the girls had a great time with that.

Now that September is here and school has started we are getting back to the usual school year routine.  The girls love their teachers so far and should do well overall.  I just love the routine of it all.

400

At the beginning of the year I set a goal to run at least 400k this year.  With today's run in the books I can happily say I have met that goal.  Actually I can say that I have exactly met that goal.  I have logged exactly 400k of running since January 1st!!  I am super proud of that since I am not the greatest when it comes to follow through on those kinds of goals.

What shall I do now that I have reached that goal and have 4.5 months left in the year?  Well increase it of course!  I will now be aiming for a total of 700k for the year.  I figure with Half Marathon training I will likely log another 200k leaving me with 100k for November and December.  I know that I slack of majorly after a race so this will be the motivation to keep going.  Who knows maybe I'll sign up for another race after the Half just for a little extra motivation!

Today's run was one of those sucky ones where you push hard yet can't seem to go any faster.  I was far slower than usual but my lungs were exploding, my legs felt like lead and my brain wanted to stop.  Luckily I am stubborn and kept moving.  I had to stop a couple of times for lights but I made sure to start running again right away.  I also passed a friend on her way to work which was a bit of motivation to keep going.  I don't want to have to explain why I was walking!!  So all in all it was a great day.  I feel good now and have everything packed for the gym tomorrow.

We are heading back to Florida to visit my brother and his family in January and I would love to be down a size or two and have just a touch more space on the plane.  It was a little crowded when a heavier person was sitting beside me and I wanted to have the window which doesn't allow a lot of moving room.  Next time I want to be able to move a little more than I could this time.  I figure if I keep up the mileage running and the trips to the gym I should have no issues with that one.

Sometimes

Sometimes you have to step back and see the little things

Sometimes you have to remember that this whole thing is a journey and not a sprint.  

Sometimes I am amazed at what my body can do now that it couldn't do a few years ago.

I am coming up on my 4 year runiversary.  Looking back I can't even remember what it was like when I couldn't run.  This morning I started the day with a 5k run.  I didn't want to get up but I knew that Saturday would be terrible trying to run 12k if I didn't get up today.  I did it despite the cold that knocked me out for the last few days.  I had to walk a bit because my sinuses filled and I needed to clear them:). Don't worry I had tissues!

Tonight was the last Thursday soccer night of the season.  It was cold and damp.  Not what you expect in August.  I was freezing so I decided to stand for a bit.  Four years ago that wouldn't have happened.  

During Adryanna's game she had to use the washroom.  Her team was very short handed so she needed to be quick.  The washroom isn't far but by the time you walk over, go and walk back it takes a few minutes.  So we ran!  A few years ago I would not have kept up and tonight I felt like I was flying.  It felt great to run the 200m or so each way and not be totally out of breath.  We raced back and I even beat Christina back to the chairs.  She wasn't happy but I was:)

Saturday we have to be on the soccer fields all day.  Two games each for the girls.  I need to run 12k before 9am.  I have no concerns with this.  I will get it done.

Sometimes I look back and think the old Selena would be pretty proud of the new one.

July Update

Well July wasn't my best month for running this year but I am okay with it.  No point in beating myself up over slacking.  I'll pick myself up and get back at it.  I have to if I want to run another half this year.  July's run total is 20k.  Yep that's it!  That doesn't mean I didn't move though.  I was in vacation the first week and everyday had over 10 000 steps.  I went camping twice and walked a lot both of those trips.  Overall I am happy with how the last month has gone.  The last run of July was even in the nasty heat and humidity of Florida!  

August is well underway and training must start for an October race.  My plan has me running 10k tomorrow, I feel a cold starting but hopefully it will be mild enough in the morning that a good run will help it.  From here the mileage just gets longer!

I mentioned Florida and you may be wondering what would possess me to go there at this time of year.  Here is why:

Meet Thomas!!! He is the newest member of my family and he is my nephew:). My brother and his wife live in Florida and he was being born August 1st so my mom and I headed down for a short visit:)

I have even more reason to get and stay in shape now!

Complete Randomness

It's been a neat few weeks.  I have been busy and happy doing some fun things.  I did one morning of interval training which was interesting.  I overestimated my abilities a little and was humbled by the fact that I couldn't quite do what I wanted.  I haven't tried again since but more because I haven't been super strict about running lately.  I've been tired and as a result it has been nice to just stay in bed instead of getting up.

Last week I had one of my best runs ever though so that's a bit of motivation.  It was raining and beautiful out there.  I wasn't sure that it was going to be a good one when I started out but quickly came to remember how much I love to run in the rain and ended it feeling refreshed and alive.

We went camping a couple of weeks ago and I planned to run but refused to set an alarm.  I always wake up super early when we are camping.  Usually because someone has to go to the washroom and won't go alone.  Well this time the girls decided they would learn how to sleep in.  Imagine my excitement when we woke up to find that many of our fellow campers were awake and getting breakfast ready.  The smell of bacon and eggs cooking over a fire ended my desire to run.  I did manage to get loads of walking and hiking in though.  We were in a group site that was on the edge of the provincial park and the showers and playground are in the middle.  It is about 2km each way.  I happily walked that at least twice each day we were there.  I logged at least 13000 steps on my Fitbit and was super happy.  The absolute best part though was when Christina started to whine on the way back and I was able to give her a piggy back the last 500m or so.  I even skipped and ran a little to make it fun and to make her stop the whining!

This week is super hot.  I was lazy yesterday morning and didn't get up to run.  I felt mad as soon as I did get up so decided no matter how hot it was I was going to run after work.  It was 38c with the humidex and I planned a 5k route ending at the soccer field.  It was nasty but I made it there.  I walked a lot but the important part was that I was moving.  Tomorrow I won't sleep in!

Next week I am heading to Florida for 6 days.  I get to meet my new nephew and spend some time with my brother and his family.  I'm looking forward to the time away and running in a different place.  When I get back it's training time for that Fall Half Marathon that I am going to run!

June Update (or maybe confession?)

Let's start with the confession part shall we?   I have only run 40k in the month of June.  Yep that's less than half of what I ran last month.  I started off strong (remember that half marathon?).  Sadly the wheels fell of a bit after that.  I'm not sure exactly why and maybe it has something to do with my body rebelling from all the training but I was just plain tired.  The last thing I wanted to do was get up at 5am to run.  I managed to get up once or twice a week though.  The fun part is those runs that I had to drag myself out of bed for were actually really good ones.  Well except for the last one, it was terrible but I'm not thinking about that.  The rest were fabulous.  I was able to run my fastest ever 5k a couple of weeks ago and I managed to run a most perfect run another day where all of my splits got faster.  So moving forward I will use those runs as my motivation to keep going.

My goal for the next few weeks before Fall Half training starts?  I am going to get fast!!! Okay maybe not lightening fast but fast for me.  I know I have it in me to get faster so I am going to focus on that.  I will do some speed training once a week and maybe throw in a trip to the hill down the street.  It is nothing like the hill that we used when I trained with Runners' Edge but it's nice little hill.

August will be the start of training for the Niagara Falls International Half which is the last weekend of October.  I know now that I need to have a goal race to keep me going so that's what I'll do.  After the fall Half I will have to figure out a winter plan.  If this winter is anything like last I will definitely need something to keep me going.

Niagara Falls Women's Half Marathon 2014

Last Sunday I ran my second Half Marathon!! The Niagara Falls Women's Half was the one I ran in 2012 also and loved it just as much this time as last.  I love it so much that I am going to do it again next year.

Over the last few months I have trained and prepared and it was so exciting when it finally arrived.  I trained through the cold of winter and the warmer temperatures of spring but not the heat.  Race day dawned at about 14c which isn't too hot.  By the time the race was done the temperature according to my dashboard was 27c  which is about 20 degrees hotter than most of my training runs.  It sucked but I had to keep moving so I did.  My pace slowed a lot and I walked  a lot more in the last few kilometers than I would have liked but sometimes you have to do what it takes to get finish.

One of my favourite things about this race is the crazy energy of the whole thing.  The organizers and voluncheers (that's what their shirts say) are super supportive.  The organization is amazing and the fun is all around.  From drum lines to harpists, flowers in port-a-potties to fancy hand soap this race has it all.  I am so happy to have run it two out of the three years it has been run.  I look forward to next year and the fun it will have then.

Next on deck for me will be the Niagara Falls International Half in October.  Last time I ran a half, two years ago, I was just done at the end.  I took the recommended two weeks off, which turned into 3, then 4 then a half hearted attempt at getting back at it, then a break then a year of off and on running.  Last fall I decided I was getting back out there and not quiting this time.  I started this adventure to get healthier and won't quit now.  So this weekend, after just a week off, I decided to go for a short run.  It was tough but felt great by the end.  I'll take it easy this week but then it's go time.  I'm going to push myself over the next few weeks and work on increased speed, I'm going to stick to my long runs and come August I will be building my distance again and training for October.

May Update?  Nothing too exciting to share.  It was taper time so my mileage was a bit less.  I ran 84k in the month of May.  My weight stayed about the same and I went to the gym a few times.  I slacked a bit because I was tired and wanted to focus on the race.  Now that it's behind me I'll get back to the gym more and work a bit better on my eating.

Another for the books!!

Saturday morning I got up and ran my longest training run to date. I ran 20k, most of which was into a headwind too.  It was a terrible and fantastic run all at the same time.  I was happily tired when I returned home.   I've been having some IT Band issues and was pretty sore but the stretching worked wonders and within an hour of getting home I was showered, fed and ready for an afternoon at Frogfest with the kids.  Frogfest is a celebration of Frog season at a local nature park.

As the day went on I could feel a cold coming on.  It seemed like my body knew that the hardest run was done and it let the virus in.  Sunday morning I went shopping and bought all the ingredients for a soup from my Oh She Glows cookbook called "on the mend red lentil-kale soup".  It is spicy and tasty and filling.  I made a pot of that and also bought stuff to make honey, lemon, ginger tea.  I ate the soup for a couple of days and drank the tea like crazy.  I am happy to report that I made it through that cold quickly and with no medications.  My mom was never shy about taking or giving us medications when we were sick but now I prefer to keep things to a minimum.  I take the things I have to but cold pills only seem to prolong the inevitable.  This time I managed to kick the cold in less than a week.  

This morning was my first run since Saturday.  I skipped my workouts for the first half of the week so that I could get a little extra rest.  I was nervous going out but quickly felt great.  It was the perfect run.  The weather was perfect, I watched the sun come up and the world wake up.  I felt great from step one to step 8905 (or at least that's how many steps my pretty pink fitbit says). 

Before today I was a little nervous for race day but after today's run I feel like I will be just fine!!  Three weeks to go!!

April Update

April has come and gone!  The year is now a third over already.  It's been a good month.

Running has been going quite well.  In April I ran 99km!!!  I wish I had added things up sooner and added a kilometer to my run on Tuesday but not much I can do about it now.  Don't get me wrong I am very happy with that distance, it's just so close to 100 that I would have loved to make it a round number.  I love my new shoes but suddenly I am having some IT band issues and am worried it's in part the shoes.  I have seen the chiropractor and have the bruises to prove it.  I'm supposed to run 20k this weekend so we'll see how it goes.  If I have to I'll switch back to my old shoes but from what I have read it's likely not the new shoes but more the increase of distance and the increased effort.  I have gotten a little faster of the last while too so it's probably just all of those things added together.  I'll ice and stretch and hope for some good old fashioned luck.

Weight loss has hit a bit of a plateau.  I have not lost as much this month as I would have liked but I also know that I have had some days where I can't stop eating.  I think my body is just getting used to my new morning workout routine and having a hard time adjusting to the earlier calorie burning.  I will pay a bit more attention to the things going into my mouth this month.  I would love to get 20lbs off by the end of summer which would get me under 200lbs for the first time in years!  I am going to work hard for this.

I have managed to get up most mornings at 5am and get my run or workout done before work. The couple of times that I didn't were the week I had some strange tummy troubles happening and the couple of times when I just didn't sleep well and that extra hour seemed so much better than the feeling of the workout.  I haven't missed a run all month though.

May is off to a good start.  It's only one month until my half marathon so it will be taper month.  I can not miss any runs this month.  June 1st is the day and then I can take a day or two off before planning what's next.  I have some ideas but I think I'll get through this one before I make any real commitments.

Well Hello There!

Things have been moving along well so I haven't had much to tell about.  I have been sticking with my training plan and ran 18k this morning.  It was tough but it was fun.  I have been going to the gym regularly and have been pretty good at eating well.  Nothing too exciting happening.

I have made a couple of fun purchases recently.  I got new running shoes.  I went into the store looking to get something a bit different than the shoes I normally wear.  I busted through the toe of my last pair in just a few months and I just wasn't totally happy with them.  They are the same Brooks Ariel's that I have always worn and I think they were my forth pair but they just didn't hold up the same.  So when I got to the store I told them my concerns and they got me a pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 14's.  They have a little less support but the girl at the store checked things out and said they were supportive enough for me and well they are prettier.  They are considerably lighter and they seem like the fabric over the top is sturdier. So far I am quite happy with them.

I also bought a pedometer this week.  It's fun and hopefully it will get me moving just a little bit more.  It smiles when I am moving lots and sticks it's tongue out at me when I sit still too long.  I've only had it a couple of days but so far I am happy with my purchase.  It also tracks calories burnt including what I burn just being alive and I can track what I eat as well.  I enjoy that everything is in one place.

My race is only a few weeks away so it's time to really get things in gear.  I have officially signed up so I am committed now!  I will be running on June 1st whether I am ready or not so I better be ready!

Scenes from my Sunday Run!

I am so happy I made the decision to postpone my Saturday 14k.  The weather today is so much more enjoyable.  I headed out the door around 8:30am and just over two hours later I returned, sweaty, sore and happy.  It was a tough run but a good one.  I passed many other runners, cyclists, walkers and animals while I was out there and a few of the encounters were interesting to say the least so I thought I would share:)

Encounter 1: Passing a church and the parking attendant says "Good Morning, May God lift you up and carry you home".  A nice comment except that I have a twisted sense of humor and instantly thought "Oh what?  You think I'm going to die out here and need God to intervene".  I know that isn't at all what he meant but I giggled anyway.

Encounter 2:  Running happily along the sidewalk because there were no bike lanes and the road was quite busy I approach a heavier young man.  Probably in his 20's (not that age matters but it gives you a picture).  He has big backpack on, headphones and sunglasses.  As I'm getting closer I think he is going to scooch over to make space for me to pass by but instead he shifts right to the centre of the sidewalk and grunts as I go past.  My response?  "I hope you have a fabulous day!!"

Encounter 3:  Same street just a little farther up there is a nursing home.  As I get closer a little old lady (picture tiny frame, white hair) with her walker get to the edge of the sidewalk and she stops to wait for me to pass.  As I approach she says "They tell me running is the best exercise you can get"  I say "I'm certainly hoping they are right (with a grin)"  She comes back with "Keep going and hopefully you won't need to use one of these pieces of shit"  I nearly fell off the sidewalk when that came out.  I giggled and assured her I would keep trying:)

Encounter 4: Older gentleman sees me running in the bike lane and asks if I'm trying to get hit by a car as he steps off the sidewalk to cross the sidestreet, in front of a car. He didn't get hit but my response (inside my head) was "No are you?"  Instead of saying that I just said no.

I had a couple of other minor encounters that I think are funny.  I had a Gu gel about half way through which tastes good but at that point in the run it is harder to stomach.  As I'm gagging that down and thinking don't barf someone came along and I had to say Hi to be polite.  Then closer to the end when I decided to try to gag down a date (again because I have a hard time eating while I run) a person comes along.  This time all I could do was nod and smile.

Lastly about 1k from home I was thinking about the distance and thought "Hey I just ran 2/3 of a 1/2 and the math geek in me thought that was hilarious!!!

That folks made for an entertaining and very enjoyable 14k run on a Sunday morning.

They Fit!!!

A few months ago I set a new goal.  I have been married almost 10 years but since I got pregnant with my daughter 8 years ago I haven't been able to wear my wedding rings.  I have priced out getting them sized but never actually done it because I was determined to lose all this weight and then they would have to be resized again.  I didn't want to spend all that money twice!  So back in the fall I set one of my goals to be able to wear them again.  Over the last couple of weeks I have been able to wear them most of the day!  My hands swell a lot when I'm sleeping so I have to take them off before bed and they go on after I have been up about an hour or so.  I can't keep them on when I run because my fingers swell like crazy and I'm sure they would have to be cut off.  I don't think I will ever be able to wear them while I run even when they get too big.

Still a little snug but not too bad

Today was supposed to be a 14k run but the wind is howling and there was yucky white stuff falling from the sky.  Tomorrow is not supposed to be nearly as ugly so I have postponed.  I am running on little sleep today too so this is just a much better plan.

March Update

I can't believe it's the end of March already!!!  The weather seems to finally be clearing into spring (except the little snowfall we had last night).  Spring and Fall are my favourite seasons for running.  Not to hot, not to cold and the scenery is constantly changing.  I noticed a bud or two on the trees yesterday as I ran, what a welcome sight!!

Goal update?  I have to confess that I haven't run nearly as much this month as I would like to but I'm still on my way to meeting my goal because I am still moving.  I ran 25km this month which brings my total to 121km.  Not to shabby but will need to be much better if I am going to finish a half marathon in just two months!!  I ran 12k yesterday which was my best run in a while.  Last week was supposed to be 12k but my legs were super tight for some reason so I cut it short at 9k.  Next weekend I will do 14k, if it goes as planned I will sign up for the Niagara Falls Women's Half when I come home.  This weekend I was far overdressed for my run so next weekend I'll have to plan that aspect better.

As for my weight it has held fairly steady this month.  I am down only about 1lb which is perfectly fine with me because it isn't up.  I haven't been as active as I would like and know that it is key for me when it comes to weight loss.  I have a plan of action which is going to require some early mornings but it's going to get me through!

As of tomorrow I will be back to early morning workouts because that is all that seems to work with everything else going on in my world.   I will have to get up at 5am and out the door to make sure I get things done and make it home in time to help get the girls ready for school but in the end this will all be worth it.  Once summer gets here and there are no kids to get ready for school I'll be able to stay in bed a little later:)  For now I will do what I need to do!  

During

Sometimes on a long journey we lose track of where we were and where we are going.  Sometimes we need to look back to see what we can do.  We are two and a half months into 2014 and I have not lost my drive and determination.  The last few weeks have been tough though.  It started when I got a terrible stomach bug.  I didn't run that week and then the next week things at home were nuts with my stepson being quite ill.  This week was March Break and a snowstorm.  I have run twice in the last two weeks so I'm not totally off the wagon but it's teetering.  This weekend however has been much more the way I like things.  It was relaxing, fun and full of all the things I love.  We spent last night together as a family.  We went bowling and played games on the Wii at home.  I really enjoy days like that.

I also spent this weekend trying out new recipes from my new cookbook.  It's called "The Oh She Glows Cookbook by Angela Liddon".  It is full of healthy, vegan recipes that are full of flavour and good for you stuff.  I am not vegan by any means.  I am not even vegetarian but I have yet to try a recipe of hers that I don't like.  I made four out of the book this weekend and loved each one.

It was also a time to look back at where I have come from.  A few years ago this cookbook would have put me over the edge.  I would not have even looked at many of the things in it.  Now I am excited to make all of the things in it.

While looking back I thought of the pictures that we had done at Christmas.  We have had them done two years in a row and it's fun to see how the kids grow and change.  What was pointed out to me this year though was that I had also changed.  I have never taken an official before picture but do have a couple from right around the time I started running which I also see as the beginning of my new, healthier life.  While my weight has come off slowly and still has a long way to go I can see some definite changes.  It's the little things that remind me to keep on going.

Here is December 2012

And here is December 2013

And just for fun here is the whole beautiful family:) 

February Update

Our computer is broken so this will have to be short and sweet.  Things are trucking along as planned.  I haven't run in almost two weeks because I got terribly sick last week and this week has been terribly nuts.  Tomorrow morning I have a goal of 6-8k depending on how much I get done tonight and how much time I have in the morning.  We are heading out at 8:30am to my brother in laws for the day so I need to be ready.

As for my running goals this month I am up to 96K which is 22k this month.  Not enough but nothing I could have done differently.  I'm still on schedule for the races I want to run.  My weight is also down some.  Not as much as I would like but 3lbs is 3lbs.

I have a post planned as soon as we get our computer up and running.  I have some pictures that fascinate me and that I want to share.  A couple of weeks ago I ran into a friend who remarked on my weight loss and it really made me think.  I'll have to save those for another day!  Tomorrow is March 1st and I sure hope that someone tells the weather gods that spring is supposed to be around the corner because it has certainly been cold long enough.  I'm done!

January Update

Time is flying by!!  It's hard to believe that it is February 1st already.  Only 47 days until spring (maybe 46?).  It's been a good month with lots of work towards this years goals.  It's amazing to me how quickly I was able to bring my running distance back up.  When you slack off and let your distance slide you lose a lot of the endurance that you had built up and I started the year with the goal of running a half marathon on June 1st with the little voice in my head laughing at me.  I hadn't run more than 5k in months and months.  I was scared.  I still am a little but this morning I managed to slog out 10k and feel much better about my goal.

Another of my goals this year was to run 400k by the end of the year.  As of today I have run a total of 74k!!!  Holy Hannah!!!  I think I will have to reevaluate that goal soon but for now let's leave it alone.  I have run more than a quarter of what I ran all year last year!!  Crazy!!

As for weight I didn't actually put a goal in writing because I have decided I won't set a weight loss goal.  I know what an ideal weight is for me so I know how much I need to lose total.  I refuse to put a time limit on it.  That being said with all my running I managed to lose 7lbs in January.  My "tight pants" are a little less tight and my loose pants are a little more loose.  Overall I am really happy with how things are going so far this year.

Happy Birthday to...ME!

Today was my 36th birthday and what a great day it was.  I started it out with a strong 5k bringing my total so far this year to 31k!!  I'm very proud of this and am also very happy to have run on my birthday!  It's the first birthday that I have actually run on and I'm considering making it a tradition. 

I returned home, got ready and headed out for the day.  I am very fortunate to work for a company that decided several years ago to make out birthday an extra holiday.  Adrian didn't work until 5:30pm so we had the whole day together.  We ran a couple of errands, went out for lunch and coffee then got the girls from school.  Christina had to go for a follow up from when she broke her leg so I took her for that while he made me a delicious dinner.  I've spent the evening hanging out with the kids, Meag came over and brought me a bottle of wine which is yummy!!

All in all it has been a great day!  I'm looking forward to a great year of fun, family and fitness!!!  Thirty-six will be my year!!

Always Room to Learn!

This week we have been in a bit of a deep freeze in Southern Ontario along with many other places.  Tuesday it was so cold that many things got cancelled including my run.  Thursday was much less cold so I went out with a friend and ran 5k.  It was a great run and I felt good at the end.  After that run and last Sunday's run I decided that I was going to up my distance today.  I ran just under 8.5k and it was tough but felt great at the end.  The funny part today was that I wore carpris, a tshirt and thin jacket and was much to warm for a good part of the run.  I even took the jacket off for a bit.  That was annoying though because then it was tied around my waist.  Overall it was a good run though.

I discovered something this week.  I don't really think it was a new thought but a much clearer thought.  I would much rather run in cold winter temperatures that the dead heat of summer.  Part of that thought came during Thursday's run when I was talking about a friend that is away this week enjoying a much deserved vacation in the sun and sand.  She borrowed my Garmin so that she could track her runs while she is away. I was without a tracking device during my run which made me think of her in the heat.  In that moment when my bottom lip and chin were frozen I thought to myself that I would rather that than sweltering sun.  I love the sun and heat but only if I am sitting in a chair not moving.  Running is a much better sport for winter, spring and fall.

I've been running for over 3 years now and every run teaches me something new.  Today I learned that despite the fact that I let my distance slide, I can still go for 8k and be standing at the end.  Perhaps that Half Marathon will be a much better one than I think!!!

By George I Think She's Got It!!!!

So who came out of the holidays weighing less than they went in?  This girl did that's who!!!  

The holidays are a season (or few weeks) where so many people think they are supposed to gain weight. "It's no problem I'll just work really hard in January and it will be gone."  We have all heard it.  All the socializing with family and friends.  Lots of food to eat and so busy that it's hard to get workouts in.  It's like we have been conditioned since childhood.  We are inundated by the media with the advertising for weight loss resolutions and the discounts at gyms for January, the kick start your year messages.  I am certainly guilty of this thought process over the years.  However this year I made a very conscious decision that I would not gain a bunch of weight.  I wasn't concerned about losing and I definitely had some treats.  The interesting part is that I made a very big effort to enjoy the treats without over indulging.  Not once through the holidays did I sit down at the end of the day feeling sick from too much junk, too much candy, too much food.  I often left meals feeling pleasantly full but never sick full.  I also worked out fairly regularly.  I was signed up for the Resolution Run and needed to be able to run that 5k on New Years Eve so I had to keep moving before then.  Boxing Day I went out and ran, a couple days later I went to the gym and then I ran the race plus two more runs.  Sunday I even ran 6.32k!!  I had set out to run just 5k but it was so nice out and I just felt great so I kept going.  It was awesome!  

One of my goals for this year was to keep closer track of my running and keep a closer eye on my weight.  I started with a weighin on January 1st and was pleasently surprised to find that I was actually one pound less than I was before Christmas!!!  Then I got on the scale today for my regular weigh in day and found that I am down another pound!!!  This year is certainly starting out on a good note:)  Today the scale said 227 which is the lowest I have seen in a long time!

I think I have finally got this lifestyle figured out!!  Will I never eat junk again?  Of course I will!!  Will I overindulge at times?  Probably!  Can I make it through a special event or holiday season without gaining weight?  Sure can!!!  

Happy New Year!

Another year has come and gone!!  What a year it was.  Although it didn't end as well as we would have liked it was mostly a great year.  I'm looking forward to this year and the great things that are going to happen.

I like to look at January 1st as a new and fresh start.  Everyday is a new day but given the fact that today starts a new year it's a great time for reflection.  I'm happy with where my journey is right now.  I'm back to running regularly, continue to eat healthy and am happy with most things in my life.  I have a few goals for this year that are not that different than last year.

I would like to continue to work on my running.  This year I am going to actively track my mileage though.  I have never actually kept track of my total kilometers for the year so this year my goal will be to reach 400k.  That might seem like a lofty goal but really it isn't.  In the last 4 months I have run just around 120k so to reach 400k won't be too big of a stretch.  Given the fact that I will be training for a half marathon over the first half of the year I should be able to reach that goal without much work.

I would like to maintain my healthy eating.  I have let things slide over the last couple of months and haven't been making my lunch as often as I should. This often results in unhealthy choices and money spent that doesn't need to be spent.  My job makes it hard for me to eat the things I would like to for lunch at times.  This time of year I would love to be able to have a hot lunch everyday but I am out of the office and don't have the ability to heat things up.  I need to take things that I can eat in the car and perhaps even eat while I drive.  This often means sandwiches which I do not love.  I will take cut up veggies and fruit or cheese and crackers.  That gets boring though.  I could buy a good thermos to take soup in but I like my soup really hot and after it sits in the car all morning it isn't very hot anymore.  Clearly what I really need to do is plan better and find things that are portable and yummy.

My other goal is to save up enough money to go on a mini vacation for our 10th anniversary this year.  If I can work things out right we will leave the girls with friends for a weekend and go away, just the two of us.  We have never done that before!!  Simply by not buying my lunch so often I should be able to save enough in time for a nice weekend away.

Stay tuned for some updates as the year goes on!