Are You Ready?

"I'm working my way into it."

"Starting small...that's how I'm going to do it."

"I'm too busy."

"I don't have time."

"I'll start when life gets less hectic."

"I couldn't do that.  There's too much work."

I have heard these reasons (excuses) from various people (including myself) throughout the years as to why they haven't yet made exercise or nutrition a priority in their lives.  Most of them (myself again included) believed in what they were saying.  What I've learned is that all of those items really mean one thing: "I'm not yet ready to make that change in my life."

It doesn't matter if their doctor has said that they have to change their ways.  It doesn't matter the prevalence of cancer or diabetes or heart disease in their family history.  It doesn't matter if they are unhappy with what they see in the mirror.  What they are really saying is that right now, in their lives, they aren't ready to make that change.  And NOTHING external will force that change to happen until they are willing and ready to accept that change in their lives.

I have unfortunately had the occasion to need to lose more than 50 pounds during more than one time in my life.  I would like to claim that both of these were related to pregnancy but they weren't.  I'd like to say that I saw a need for change and was "too busy" or "nothing worked."  But, my reality is that I wasn't ready to change.  Life was always "too something" for exercise, eating right, and prioritizing my health.  But, when that something clicked in my brain, weight loss was effortless.  I'm not claiming it just melted off and I didn't work hard for it.  But, when my brain was engaged in the activity and I was ready for the change, there was nothing that could stop me.  Logging and weighing every food I ate didn't seem like a chore.  Drinking water instead of soda was easy.  Going to the gym five times a week became fun.  And when both my body and my brain were engaged together, change happened.  It didn't happen overnight.  But, that day when I looked at the scale and my brain registered 50 pounds lost, I didn't remember it being difficult.  (I'm sure my husband and coaches would disagree that it wasn't difficult or stressful at times.)  But, my memory is that the scale just moved consistently.

So, when are you READY to make a change?  That varies by person.  I can't tell you when you are ready to make that change.  But, I can tell you that trying to change when you AREN'T ready will only lead to cheating, disappointment, and frustration.  Find your own spark.  Find what makes you tick and what makes it FUN.  And make those goals short term.  Don't focus on the 20 year reunion in 2 years or the anniversary trip in 1 year.  Focus on the athletic goals -- best a PR, log your food for seven days, lift a little more than you did last time.  Or heck...just make it a point to walk around the block every day.  Every little success will help you become ready for an even greater one.  Until...one day, you will have found a lifestyle change without even planning it.

Decline of Physical Activity

It has been proven time and time again that physical exercise has both physical and mental health benefits.  Given that, why do people continue to resist the idea of exercise?

It would be super easy to blame laziness and lack of education.  But, the truth is that I don't believe these are to blame.  People are more aware of health and the importance of being at a healthy weight than ever before.  There are thousands of exercise and diet books published in the world today along with shows like Biggest Loser.  Most Americans are aware that poor health can lead to catastrophic health effects.  So, why do people continue to put off exercising?  I believe the reasons have their roots in youth activity and grow into the problems of adults.

Childhood obesity is such an epidemic in the United States that it is Michelle Obama's pet project.  The National Football League has their Play 60 program.  And there are sports camps for children at almost every recreation center or YMCA.  So, why does obesity continue to be a problem?  First, these programs are all well and great for the children who can afford them or for the families who have the ability to have someone home in the early afternoon to take their kids to them.  But, for the vast majority of two income households, physical activity such as these are difficult to make happen.  And, in the wake of No Child Left Behind, our children's physical well being has been left in the wake of decreasing test scores.  With the increased importance on "the test," physical education has been dropped from many school curricula.  The emphasis on reading and writing seems to have forgotten the fact that without physical health, emotional and mental health are hard to come by.  Even Maslow's hierarchy of needs puts physical health at the bottom of the hierarchy.  You can't even begin to think about learning at school until those needs are met.  I'm sure that Maslow didn't intend for his hierarchy to be used that way but it's true.  A student who is obese and hungry throughout the day because of a glucose intolerance and a lack of a way to burn off the excess energy is going to have difficulty focusing in class.

As for youth sports, I'm almost afraid to touch the subject!  Youth sports are an amazing way to get kids active.  But, children are starting them earlier and earlier as a way to prepare for both middle school (if it's offered) and varsity level sports.  And sports are a great way not only to build up physical activity, but to learn teamwork and social skills.  But, the percentage of students that successfully make the leap from a varsity high school sport to college is very slim.  Only 4.95% according to the NCAA.  And from there to a professional sport?  Even slimmer.  So, what then, should be the focus of youth sports?  Instilling a love of sport, physical activity, and teamwork.  So what happens to the other 95% of youth who play high school sports?  Some will play sports for fun in college or in recreational leagues as adults.  But most will go on to a sedentary lifestyle of spectatorship.  As these young adults graduate from high school to adulthood, there ensues a new problem.

For adults, I see the main contributor of physical inactivity as lack of priority.  Many adults do not see activity as an essential activity such as a job or picking the kids up from school.  It is a to-do item to be checked off on their list.  They may maintain a gym membership (if cost allows) but actually going is a matter of "finding the time."  And, for many of them, the habit of activity broke down after they finished school.  And, once that habit is lost, it is incredibly difficult to wrestle yourself back into it.  Even time for a rec sports league must be weighed against the time needed to prepare dinner, get the kids bathed, and have quality time for your significant other.  Unfortunately, this physical activity is not seen as a necessity, but as a luxury.  And, as such, it is the first item that is dropped when time or money rears it's ugly head.

For those adults who are motivated to continue their activity, going back can be overwhelming enough to stave off even the best intentions.  A quick internet search of "what should I do at the gym to get started," yields so many varying results that lots of people just go with what they see others doing -- namely cardio and weight machines.  These are easily learned and easily accomplished.  Most gyms even provide a television for you to watch while you wile away your time on the hamster wheel.  But, this can get boring and lead to a lack of results if you don't know how to program a routine to achieve the results you want.  So, when they see a lack of results (because your body doesn't care if you spend an hour on the elliptical if you eat half a cheese pizza for dinner), they give up and go back to their unhealthy ways.

So, if Americans know about healthy exercising habits and have a variety of reasons to not follow them, how do we fix that as a country?  First, bring back physical education for youth.  Make physical activity FUN!  Get rid of anything but recreational sports at a youth level.  The expectation of a middle schooler should not be excellence, but focused on the other wonderful things you can learn from sport.  As adults?  Hire a qualified trainer.  Join Fitocracy.  Do all sorts of things that will get you back into activity.  Can't afford a trainer?  Don't know where to start?  Start with a walk.  If that's easy, increase the pace or the distance.  Once you start, it gets easier to make physical activity a priority -- not just something to do when it's convenient.  After all, health is the basis of life.

Cog in the Wheel

Any athlete from amateur to professional can share a story of injury and rehabilitation.   Whether it is as simple as a pulled muscle or something more severe like a torn ACL, every athlete experiences setbacks in their journey.  My first major setback came this summer with strains in my pecs, traps, paraspinals, intercostals, and clavicle along with tendonitis in my bicep.  (All on the left…)  By the time I got to the doctor, he declared my entire shoulder area a “mess” and asked if I had ever thought about taking up competitive chess.  This visit to the doctor culminated in three weeks of physical therapy and (so far) twelve weeks of no activity.  How did this get so bad?  Well….that’s where the lessons come in. 

Pay attention to your body…ALWAYS and HONESTLY

This was probably the hardest lesson for me to learn.  These muscles didn’t strain themselves in one shot.  The very first time I set up for a barbell squat in January, I had discomfort in my shoulder area.  It was diagnosed as a shoulder flexibility issue and I worked through shoulder flexibility exercises to try and work through it.  Eventually though, I decided it was a mental issue and just pushed myself to ignore the discomfort.  I consistently told myself that it always felt better after the first couple of sets and it was just the muscles needing to warm up.  And, although it continued to bother me throughout the months, not once did I mention it to anyone, including my coach.  STUPID!  (There’s not really another word for that…)  Eventually, yes…I mentioned that I thought my squat form was having issues but I never thought that the squat could injure my shoulder area.  STUPID!  I spent months ignoring discomfort because it went away.  So, I assumed that meant it wasn’t really hurt and that it was all mental.  Had I paid attention to my body and been honest with myself that there was actual pain setting up and during the lift (and then been honest with my coach), probably I could have fixed this before required daily ice, a month of hopped up NSAIDs, and at least three months of no activity.  But, as imperative as it is to listen to yourself, it’s also vitally important to....

 Listen to Your Coach Too

My coach has accused me multiple multiple times of having what he calls Exercise ADD.  Basically, this comes from a desire to do anything and everything that sounds fun.  I like to push myself to try new things and to constantly be better at everything I do.  I know that I won’t excel at everything (lifting, running, cycling, swimming, you name it…) but I like to try everything and I want to train for everything all at the same time!  More than once, he has told me to stick to the training plan and stop going “off book.”  BUT….I have an attention span on training plans that lasts about four weeks.  So, after two months of the same training plan, I got bored….and looked for something fun to try.  I have chased after Fitocracy quests (hello tri quests and widowmakers) as well as achievements (I wanted those stupid first level lifting achievements even if I wasn’t really ready to hit them yet).  And, the dumbest thing?  I knew that he wouldn’t approve so I used the “easier to ask forgiveness” policy and didn’t ask.  The result of throwing myself into everything and not listening about overtraining?  Hello physical therapy.  Listening now.

All that said, I completely understand that injury is a part of life as an athlete.  But, for me, this is an injury that could have been easily avoided with some honesty and listening on my part.  In my enforced inactivity, I’ve had some time to think about my goals going forward.  I’m still aiming for that half in May 2013 and I shall be listening carefully from now on.  That’s a promise.

Whatcha Lookin' At?

There is a mantra out there for nervous gym-goers that they shouldn’t worry because every person at the gym is too busy with their own workout to watch what they are doing.  Personally, I find this a load of crap.  I may be busy at the gym with my own workout, but that doesn’t mean I’m not watching what’s going on around me.  An hour at the gym (whether running on the indoor track or between lifting sessions) means lots of downtime.  Yes, I am going through routines and thinking about form, but I still pay attention to the people around me.  What do I look for/at?

Eye Candy

I’m just gonna start with this one and get it out of the way.  Yes, I look at cute/hot/muscular people at the gym.  If you work out at my gym and are doing something active (ie: not machines), I’ve probably checked you out.  And, from the upstairs track to the lifting area and basketball court downstairs, there’s eye candy.  I look.  Get over it.  J

What are You Wearing

From cute clothes to race shirts to funny shirts to my continued obsession with what anyone wears on their feet, I’m looking.  I like the superhero shirts the best with race shirts coming in a close second.  And, if you’re in barefoot shoes, I’m instantly smitten.  <3

Good Form Lifts

My gym is notorious for lifters with terrible form – ie: half squats and curling in the squat rack.  So, when I see someone breaking the rules to lift barefoot or see someone doing a squat past parallel at the gym, I stop to watch so I can learn something.  If I see one of these people doing something I don’t know how to do, I might ask about proper procedure.  (Note: that’s still a might…I don’t like to interrupt others’ workouts.)  

           Inspiration

This is my favorite.  Especially people who transform themselves.  I see someone working their tail off and not just chit  chatting and I love it.  Whether it’s speed training or lifting or boxing, you can tell the people at the gym who are serious about their training.  And, if I see something WOW, I compliment.  Most inspirational are the a-typical gym rats that I see all the time -- anyone who doesn't fit the gym type.  This includes the senior citizen I saw walking around the track with a cane (good for him!) and the larger men and women at the gym plugging away to create their own personal transformations.  These people pull at my heartstrings and remind me that everyone starts somewhere.

So, final word?  If you think nobody is looking when you are working out, you're naive.  People watch...all the time.  But, that doesn't mean that they are judging you.  Don't put your insecurities into other people's heads.  Maybe that girl is looking at you because she likes your shirt...maybe YOU are HER inspiration.  Because everybody starts somewhere...

An A for Effort

My kids start school in just over a week.  My youngest is going to be in first grade -- her first full days in elementary school.  My oldest starts sixth grade -- her first year in middle school.  As we reminisced this morning over breakfast about our favorite parts of schools, I made the comment that I hated PE as a kid and how, looking back, I wish that I had put more effort into it.  And I had a realization of how my opinion has come to change on this subject since I left school.

As a student, PE was the only subject that you could realistically get an A for effort.  We were graded on attendance and participation.  If you showed up and participated even half-heartedly, you earned an A.  If that had been the grading scale in English or Math, I'm pretty sure I would have been pretty mediocre at those subjects too.  As I became an educator, I continued to feel that this was fair.  Not everyone is naturally talented at athletics, of course.  If I come into school as an overweight kid, why should I be held to the same standard as a kid who is fit?  I can blame my bad genetics and bad upbringing as to why I should only have to participate to receive an A grade.

Almost twenty years out of high school now, I can't even believe that I used to believe that crap.  I found that paragraph above even difficult to write because it now sounds so ridiculous to me.  How many kids come in to elementary school behind their peers?  Every kid enters school with different genetics and different upbringings.  We still hold them to the same standards in the "academic" subjects.  Why would PE be any different?  Perhaps if I had been held to an actual standard in PE anytime from elementary school to high school to receive a grade, I would have seen the importance of exercise and athletics from a younger age.  Maybe it wouldn't have taken until my twenties to run a mile...and my thirties until I ran a second.

I have a recollection of my mom calling my junior high and complaining that I was required to complete a mile in a certain time to receive an A in the class.  The teacher backed off on the requirement but, looking back, she shouldn't have.  We require that students complete certain requirements to earn grades in every class.  PE should not be an exception.  If you can't complete a mile in 15 minutes, maybe you should fail.  There should be benchmarks for PE just like there are for every other subject.  Can you imagine passing math class without learning how to add?  Or passing history without knowing when the Civil War took place?  Why should PE be any different?

Remember the Presidential Fitness Award?  They still have that thing AND it has standards for students to meet in a number of different categories.  According to their scale, an average 11 year old girl should be able to run/walk a mile in 11:17.  Do I think that's reasonable to receive a average grade in a class?  As hard as it is to write, I do.  And the students should work toward that throughout the year.  It shouldn't be a surprise on the final exam.  There should be both physical and academic benchmarks to achieve in this class regarding your physical body.

Our children work hard in their academic subjects to learn both facts and critical thinking skills to help them through life.  By eliminating actual standards from PE, the children are robbed of the ability to learn both facts and critical activity skills that will help keep them healthy and productive for years to come.

Going for Gold

We watch sporting events in the USA like there is no tomorrow.  We revere our athletes and our coaches and firmly believe that they have an abundance of natural talent.  We see their success on the court or field and think how lucky they are to be at the top of their gene pool.  We see athletic endorsements and fame and fortune.  We see attractive athleticism and six pack abs.  And, all the while, think that they are so lucky to have natural talent.  I am no exception.

I am an avid fan of the Olympics.  It doesn't really matter whether it's the summer or winter games.  I start with the opening ceremonies and watch almost religiously every day and as much coverage as I can get.  You see, my goal as a child was to be in the Olympics.  I was going to be an Olympic gymnast (or figure skater...my exercise ADD started early).  As a child, teen, and young adult, I always felt that what stopped me from realizing that dream was natural talent. 

While it's extremely probable that lack of natural talent prevented an Olympic run, I know now that professional and Olympic athletes are not just about natural talent.  I've watched Subway commercials that outline Michael Phelps' training schedule.  I watched features where Ryan Lochte explains how tire flipping helped his swimming.  I know that even sprinters like Usain Bolt hit the gym for weight work.  And heck...have you seen the muscles on the gymnasts??  These athletes who grace our television and computer screens for two weeks every four years work their tails off hours and hours every day.  We may watch every race, match or game, but what we don't see is the incredible dedication and focus that these athletes have had for their entire lives.

None of these athletes just jumped in the pool, laced up a pair of hockey skates, or pulled on a uniform and became stellar.  They started as kids and made a choice somewhere along the line to work their tails off.  They gave up nights and weekends and proms and a normal childhood to chase a nearly impossible dream.  And, whether they win gold, silver, bronze, or just a fabulous opportunity to compete for their countries, these athletes deserve some absolute recognition for their countless hours of dedication to their sport.  Because natural talent can only get you so far...hard work, focus, and relentless determination are the defining factors that make the difference between competing for gold and just watching from the sidelines.

I'm Sexy and I Know It!

It's all about perception.

A few tidbits over the past few months have gotten me thinking about how important perception is to exercise and losing weight.  My progress and my body image are relative to how I think about them.  Consider the following:

Back on Easter, my mom asked if I was skinny.  Now, to me, skinny is not something I aspire to be.  Trim?  Yes.  Fit?  Yes.  Look good in a bikini lounging on the beach?  Absolutely.  But skinny?  Never.  Skinny to me implies ribs sticking out and an unhealthy sort of look.  Think MaryKate and Ashley Olsen if you get the picture.  But, when I tried to answer the question, I realized that it was a question of perception.  To a person who struggles with their weight, I am probably fit and skinny!  To a person who has been an athlete her whole life, I'm probably still a bit on the pudgy side.  And they are both right.


Because body image isn't a matter of a number on a scale or a number on a clothing label.  And it certainly isn't reflected in BMI or my body fat percentage.  It isn't even about how much weight I can squat or how fast I can run a mile.  Body image is very personal and completely about perception.  On a good day, I can perceive myself to be smoking hot and awesome looking in that string bikini.  And, on others, I can look in the mirror and see nothing but cellulite.  Which is the real, true, objective image?  Neither...because it's all based in perception.


Body image and "sexiness" isn't what you see in the mirror.  It's very intangible and results more from your own personal confidence and mental image than anything else.  Having a great day?  Everyone knows it and your attitude shifts and changes as a result.  You automatically seem more attractive because it is your positivity that is attracting others.  Having a crappy day?  That negativity rubs off too.  


No matter where you are in your body's journey, keep it up.  Whatever your goal is -- focus on the process and stay positive.  That positive attitude and self confidence will enable you to reach your goals -- no matter what your personal daily perception happens to be.

Fitness Defined

"Fitocracy's mission is to make fitness a more fun, more addictive experience.  Play Fitocracy to beat challenges, push your boundaries, and show your friends who's boss.  Get addicted to your fitness." (taken from the Fitocracy.com website mission statement)  I have spent over six months getting completely addicted to my fitness -- running, lifting, cycling, swimming...heck, I've even hiked and playing raquetball by choice.  The more time I've spent on the site meeting new people, the more ideas I've gotten about how to improve my own level of fitness.  I learned this week that fitness is a relative term, but it shouldn't be.

For me, fitness isn't about looking "swole" or "hot" or the admiration of others.  (Ok...maybe a little for that last one if I'm honest!)  But, fundamentally, fitness is about being able to run around with my kids, carry two baskets of laundry up the stairs, and live to a ripe old age with my husband.  It took me a long time to be able to say the words "I am a runner" with any conviction.  Less time with the label of "lifter."  As for "swole,"   I think I'm too old to really understand what that word means and I'm ok with that.

I watched a new friend be castigated on the site for her views that cardio (running specifically) needed more points.  Now, yes...it's an internet website with fake points for real workouts so the argument goes "who cares..."  But, as a user of the site, I have been consistently frustrated that my all out PR runs do not gain nearly the points as my warmup sets in any of my lifts.  In fact, ten minutes of lifting will get me roughly the same points as a four mile run.  Ridiculous?  Yes.  But, it finally brings me to my point.  What is fitness and how does a person get to be "fit?"

I learned this week, that for some, the only way to get fit and be healthy is to lift heavy weights.  That sounds as ridiculous to me as saying the only way to get fit is to run.  Personally, I believe a good mix of the two works well.  But, heck...I'm the one who is trying to lift heavy and train for a half marathon.  And, as I've been told, the training methods for those are not complementary.  I enjoy lifting.  So, I lift.  I enjoy running.  So, I run.  It is not my place, or anyone else's, for that matter to tell someone that what they are doing to enjoy their fitness is useless and a waste of time.

So...if you like to run..GO RUN!!!  If you like to life...GO LIFT!!!  If you like to mix it up and do what you feel....GO GET TO IT!!!  It doesn't matter what you do as long as you challenge yourself to get up and do it just a little bit better/faster/harder every time you do it!!  

As for getting "swole," that's just a happy bonus.

This is the Part of Me...

It's been eight months since I started running.  It's been four months since I started lifting.  And in that time, I've lost over forty pounds and dropped from a size 16 to a size 8.  I've set more PRs than I care to count at this moment in both sports.  I've taken on new challenges and continuously set new goals for myself each and every month.  Sometimes I've hit those goals and sometimes, honestly, they've kicked my ass.  But, I realized tonight that fitness has brought me much further than I originally thought.

It isn't just about the PR that I've set on my mile or the fact that I hit that overhead press achievement that I was striving towards.  It's about knowing that I can always be better than that.  It's about constantly pushing to be more than I think I can be.  It's about knowing what my limit is and breaking through both the physical and mental barrier to go further than that limit.  In fitness, I always thought that this translated to running faster or further and lifting more weight.  And, yes...I won't deny that that's true.  But, it's also about accepting that in other parts of my life.

I was recently laid off from my job. Very long story short is that my position was eliminated to save money.  I was offered a demotion with a pay cut or a severance package.  A year ago, I would have been desperate enough to take the demotion because I thought so little of myself.  Today, I happily took the uncertainty of no job in order to do some soul searching to figure out what I want to do with my life.  Because, quite honestly again, I know that I am better than the position that was offered.  I have enough self confidence at this point to not grab at the opportunity to work for a company that was clearly headed in a different direction.  For me, it's about learning to accept the uncertainty that is the job market right now and push through that to discover the opportunities that await.

Another recent happy event in my life centers around Fitocracy.  Fitocracy, as many of you know, is the social fitness website that has become a part of my life.  Recently, I was selected for a member spotlight.  This is a member nominated recognition and was a huge WOW moment for me.  While I am honored and awed to have been both nominated and selected, with this came a huge realization.  I *am* an inspiration to others.  And there is great responsibility in that.  It means that I know that there are others that are looking to me to keep them going just as I look to my inspirations to keep me going.  It means accepting that fitness, both the exercise and the nutrition, is just another part of who I am.  It isn't something that is short term for the next few months.  It's become a part of me.  And, as I look to Kelly Clarkson for my inspiration...this is the part of me that no one can ever take away from me.  

Cap City 2012

In the days and weeks leading up to the Cap City Half Marathon, I felt everything from excitement to dread to nerves.  But, overwhelmingly, I felt that I had not trained nearly hard enough to hit my goal of finishing in three hours.  I worried that adding lifting to my training schedule and completely changing my diet had compromised my running.  I still hadn't completed a run longer than 10 miles in the last month and even that was a run/walk combo.  I had a race plan: 9:00 running/1:00 walking for the race.  Mike made me a great spreadsheet that even helped figure out what pace I needed to run and walk to be able to hit my goal with that combo.  But, that didn't stop the nerves.

Race weekend officially started Thursday afternoon when Cecilia and I headed over to the expo to pick up our race packets.  I was excited about all the shopping opportunities and definitely wanted to pick up a new tank to run in and maybe a new Half Marathoner shirt.  I was fortunate to have gotten there early while one of my favorite vendors still had some stuff on clearance!  I picked up two fun tanks to wear, a Cap City Half shirt, and a new tank for the race.  Combined with my free technical shirt and a free t-shirt from one of the other vendors, I felt I made out well!  My only disappointment was that my favorite running store didn't have a booth.  Goal for Thursday night: get a good night's rest so that I would be fresh the next day.  (That would be Friday night's goal as well.)

Friday dawned well.  I had the fabulous opportunity to speak at Mike's school for career day and then headed to work.  My co-worker, Sam, was also running on Saturday and we spent most of the day being nervous together.  A weird confluence of events had me leaving work almost an hour late and frustrated.  I walked outside and saw that it was pouring down rain.  I grinned, hoping that the rain would cool the weather off for the next morning.  Better yet, I slipped off my sandals and ran to my car in the rain.  THAT was fun!!  :)

I spent Friday evening getting all of my stuff ready: a pace band, a playlist, race gear ready to go.  Pace band was found online: covered in tape to be worn on my wrist.  Race gear (pack for my phone and Gatorade chews) and my bib on the counter.  Post-race bag ready for Mike to take with him.  And the playlist...originally, it was 7 1/2 hours long.  I cut it down to four hours and was happy.  I finally got to bed.  My last thought before I went to sleep: this is just like a long run with lots more people!  And, with that thought, I had absolute confidence that I could complete this race.

Race day itself dawned early and cloudy.  I opted for my normal breakfast and added a banana to it for good measure.  We left the house at 6:30, hoping to park in my favorite downtown parking garage.  After meandering through the street closures, we were able to get into that garage and have a great spot for after the race and a beautiful view of the finish line and post-race area.

We used the portapotties before heading out to our corrals.  I looked around, made sure I was at the front of my corral and smiled.  Finally excited by all the people and the great weather, I was ready to go!  I saw Amy in her curly pigtails -- she was the one I walked the half with in October and was super happy to see her again!  But, I headed out for the beginning of the race with Sarah -- someone new who had the same goal time that I did.  I figured that we could pace together for the race.

Once we took off, Sarah and I stayed together for the first three miles.  The first three miles were easy.  We spent the time talking about training.  I was surprised by how easy it was.  I was under pace by about 2:30 through the first half of the race.  I was using a run/walk combo and doing really well.  I made sure to stop and get water at every water stop after the first one.  I could feel myself starting to dehydrate at one point and really didn't want that to happen again.  By about the halfway point, I was also dipping into my supply of Gatorade chews.  (Those things are like candy!)  More than anything, I wanted to make sure my nutrition supply stayed up throughout the race.  And it did.

I stopped just before the six mile mark because I just couldn't hold it anymore.  I know I am supposed to use the restroom before the race and I did....but I definitely need a better strategy for that next time!  That took about 2:30 off my time and put me almost dead on pace to hit three hours.  I passed my fabulous family on High Street, waving signs and giving everybody high fives!!!  It was awesome to have such support to come to see me!

I kept myself just on pace through Mile 9.  Somewhere in the tenth mile, I started having pain in my hip.  The interesting thing was that it only hurt when I walked, so I tried to run more than I walked.  My Mile 10 time wasn't great but Mile 11 was faster because I was focusing on running more.  But, somewhere in Mile 12...the hip pain got enough that I couldn't run.  I stopped a couple of times to stretch that and my tightening calves out.  I promised myself I wouldn't cry but couldn't quite manage it.  At one point, the guy next to me asked if I was ok.  I responded that I was in a lot of pain but I was NOT stopping that close to the finish.  He helped to keep me distracted from the pain through the end of Mile 12 and part of Mile 13.  Once we crested High Street (the other direction) and could see the finish line, I decided to try running again.  And while it hurt slightly, it was definitely doable.  A great song came on and I took off for the finish line smiling!  I ran across the finish line BY MYSELF (which coolly enough, meant that they announced my name over the loudspeaker as I crossed...but I didn't hear it)!  Two minutes later, my mp3 battery promptly died.  So...great timing on my part!

I finished in 3:10:18.  I did not hit my goal of 3:00:00.  But, I did set PRs at 11 miles, 12 miles, and for the Half itself, taking 36 minutes off my previous time.  Had I not stopped to go to the bathroom, I was also on pace for PRs at 6 miles, 7 miles, and 8 miles.  In my book, a good race and I'm happy with it.

I learned about perseverance and fun during my last race.  This race was about goals and community. I set a goal...I didn't hit it.  Life goes on.  And, somewhere during that race, I realized that the only thing that mattered was having fun and enjoying myself.  As for fun, definitely a good time!  I love the camaraderie that is the running community.  Having the A corral people cheer me on as I ran towards the finish lines says so much about how supportive the community can be.

I ran this race, but there were tons of people that supported me throughout both the race and the training leading up to the race.  I couldn't have done it without their support: my husband Mike, my daughters Cecilia, Samantha, and Alexa, and my friends Josh, Maurice, Eric, and Rich (that's you SS). Aside from them, the community at fitocracy became a wellspring of support throughout my training.  The number of people that rallied around frustration over bad runs and chimed in with messages of good luck before the race are amazing.  So, thanks to them too (Maurice, Eric, Rich...you are above): Argyle, Debz, Ebilwabbit, MearCat, lokkju, ShortyStylee, Cadenza, and Roryn.  You are all amazing.

Do I think I would have completed my goal had I trained "harder" and focused more on running?  I have no idea...I know that the strength I gained from lifting helped me get through this run as much as running intervals and steady states.  Perhaps sticking solely with running would have gotten me to that three hour goal.  But, I never did have just one goal.  That said, in the six months between races, I am definitely a new me!

More Race Pics: http://imgur.com/a/jjZ6r#0

That's Not Going to Happen Part 2

Remember that race I posted about a few months ago?  The one that I was going to kick my husband's butt at?  Well, after all that, it turned out I wasn't even able to race in it due to some staffing problems at work.  I was able to attend the race and I learned something from watching him race.

My husband is amazing.

He spent months training for this 5k, aiming to run it in under 30:00 while I was aiming for sub-35:00.  We woke up this morning to rain and clouds and wind.  Did he achieve his goal of 30:00?  Nope...30:40 and he was happy with it.  Given the BIG HILL and the wind and the cold day, he crossed the finish line smiling and happy and to the cheers from his wife, daughters, friends, and coworkers.

I'm so proud of him for training for this race.  He took over 3:00 off his 5k time in 2 months and that's just a WOW in my book.  More than that though, he has been such an inspiration to help me to run faster.  He's been able to train for this around my already crazy training schedule and still manages to find time to be an amazing husband.

So...congrats to my incredible husband.  I may not have beaten him in this race, but I know that we will continue to enjoy running together in the future.  Someday, I might even be able to keep up with him!!  Wanna know more?  Follow him on fitocracy: nyrangerfan.  

<3s to my inspirational, wonderful man!

The Gift

Six months ago, I was given the beautiful gift of running by a friend.  This person wasn't the first person who tried to bequeath this fun upon me, but it was the first time in my life that I was ready to receive it.  With help, hard work, and a crapload of perseverance, I was able to take that gift and make it my own.

A few weeks ago, I was questioned as to how I was treating that gift and whether or not I was truly focused on it.  After much much much (probably too much) consideration, why do I run?  My answers:

1.  Satisfaction of having completed a goal.
2.  To get away from it all.
3.  To push myself further than I thought possible.
4.  To inspire greatness in others.
5.  Because I expect greatness out of myself.
6.  Because it's fun!
7.  Calf muscles.
8.  Cute running clothes.
9.  Camaraderie with other runners.
10.  To show those lifters on fitocracy that you can do both!!!
11.  35 pounds in 6 months...nuff said.
12.  "What is that orange tag on your shoe for??"
13. Cause I'm a badass.
14. To set a beautiful and wonderful example for my children.
15.  Because I am a strong, beautiful woman.

And really??  Do I need a reason or a focus?  The point is...I love to run.  Anyone who questions that can kiss my butt.  :)

Six Months and Counting

Has it really been six months since I started running?

It all started with the words "you can go further than you think you can...just slow down and breathe."  And, with some great coaching and great support systems, I have surpassed anything that even I thought possible six months ago.  I remember posting back in October that I finally ran seven minutes without stopping with a goal of running a mile.  Can it be that I set a new PR for my 5k time at 34:43 last night and that 5k is now an easy distance for me?  I eyed the people in October lifting the weights as strange and foreign.  Today, I'm one of them and improving my lifts every session.

Those six months have been some of the best in my life and definitely in terms of making some radical changes.  Changes to running routines (October), a new lifting routine (February), and diet (April) have led to an amazing 35 pounds lost, a size drop from 16 to 10 (and counting!), and an incredible wellspring of optimism and self confidence.

It would be completely unreasonable at this point not to send kudos and thanks to the people that have helped make this happen over the past six months: first and foremost my husband Mike.  Without his support and encouragement, I would in no way be where I am today.   Josh, my running not-coach (*grin*), who very first told me that I could run further than I thought.  His confidence in me and constant challenging me to go further has helped me more on the road to running than I can put into words.  Joey, my trainer (see...you aren't a guru anymore), who taught me that conventional wisdom might not be the most effective way to meet your goal.  Taking the time to teach and to support and encourage helped me drop 10 pounds in March and definitely push past a dietary plateau.  My friends and supporters at fitocracy (nyrangerfan, Maurice, Blister, Talm, Fr3sh, SilverSwift, SK, Reminisce, lokkju, Saai, YT, bondmonster, argyle, DuzAwe, MearCat, das_pscho, RunnerChick...the list could go on for ages on this one) have taught me about the necessity of community spirit.

I read somewhere on fitocracy that getting started starts with a foot out the door.  But, for me, it started with someone else's belief in me...paying that forward is the best way to say thank you.  Have crazy goals.  You never know what you can accomplish.

I'm Not Intimidated by You...Part Two

The last few weeks have seen a major addition to my training: a barbell.

I know what some of you just did...a double take.  A barbell?  Really....but you're a girl...but you don't want to get bulky...but you don't want to look like a guy...but that will hurt your running.  Of those reasons, really only one of them even comes close to a valid reason of why NOT to lift.  But, the truth is that lifting is not only really good for strength training but has helped to build muscle, boost metabolism, decrease body fat, and increase my self confidence both in the gym and out.  I have seen pictures of some amazing women who lift super heavy weights and I promise they don't look bulky or heavy. 

So, this past month has seen a massive change in my training...more lifting and the same amount of running.  I hit some amazing running PRs at the end of February/beginning of March (updated to the right...) and have felt stronger and more confident.  That said, the running since then has taken a hit as the lifting and change in diet have had an effect.  I know that the strength training will do wonders for the strength in my legs and my ability to push off stronger and make the running that much easier once my body adjusts.  In the meantime, I'm still a bit frustrated.

But, the best new NSV to share....I was stopped at the gym by two people on the same day...in the LIFTING area.  Now, I am one of those people that have my headphones in at all times at the gym because I don't really like my workouts interrupted.  I tend to get very focused on what I'm doing and interruptions take me out of my focus.  But, on this particular day, I was ecstatic.  One guy stopped me because he saw my little notecard that had "Starting Strength" listed on it and asked for a form check on his deadlift.  We got to talking and sent him an invite for Fitocracy.  While he and I were chatting, another gentleman came over and said that he saw me there all the time and what hard work I was doing.  He said that I was an inspiration and definitely setting a good example for the ladies.  WOW!  I finished my workout on an incredible high and realized that I definitely have accomplishments that I can be proud of.  Oh...and those guys at the gym who used to intimidate me?  I can't be intimidated by half squats and curlbros anymore...I'm over that. 

I've come a very long way in five months...and still have a long way to go.  But, with fabulous support from family, friends, and even strangers, I'm definitely going to get there smiling.  :)

Bonk

Bonk: "a word used to describe excercise induced low blood sugar levels; being a feeling of light-headedness and weakness in all limbs." -- urbandictionary.com

I can now say from personal experience that this is not a fun or good feeling and should be avoided at all costs.  That said, I can also personally attest to the fact that I have learned a number of very very important lessons from that not so fun day a few weeks ago.

Lesson #1: Mental vs. Physical
There is a difference between mentally giving up on a run and my body saying it can't do it.  And, now, I know what that feels like.  Knowing that there is a physical line has really taught me that the mental line comes so much sooner than the physical.  Not that I would like to reach that physical line again, but I know where it is now....and I know that the mental wall is one that I can and will continue to push through.

Lesson #2: Prepare...Prepare...Prepare
When I woke up and got ready for the run that morning, I was thinking about a million other things.  As a result, I headed out with no mid-run snacks and at least 2 hours between breakfast and the run.  Result: not enough calories to finish.  A good, healthy breakfast of slow burning carbs and faster burning protein with a carby mid-run snack is the way to go...and don't be stupid and wait before going.  Most of all, be mentally with the run from the moment I wake up.  Stay with the visuals and know the purpose of the run before heading out to do it.  The run isn't always about the actual run....

Lesson #3: A Little Stupidity Can Go a Long Way
As a result of my bad run, I had to take Friday off, using a sick day that I could have used elsewhere.  I weakened my immune system and got a cold in the next couple of days.  The next runs were much harder and the week following was by far my worst mileage week of the year, clocking in at only 12 miles (including an 8 mile run) and a fall on one of them.  I never had realized that one poor decision and one poor day can have repurcussions far into my running schedule.  This one not only put me out of commission for the day, but out of my normal activities for the entire week.

Lesson #4: It Doesn't Stop Me
I had a terrible run.  I got sick.  I had a terrible week.  And I have still run 10 more miles so far in February than I did in January.  I have lifted more weight than I ever thought I could and run further than I ever thought possible.  And, do you know why?  Because I'm a runner...and that's what we do.

Epiphany

I've been running for four months...and in that time, I've gone from barely being able to run five minutes without being winded to an 8 mile outdoor run with light hills.  And I've taken four minutes off my PR for my mile.  (I'm actually really really sure I've taken more off but I wasn't calculating data earlier than that one...)  And, I'm officially signed up to run the Cap City Half on May 6.

But, over the past week or so, I've been very frustrated with my (perceived) lack of progress.  The first run I did at Sharon Woods kicked my butt so hard I couldn't finish it and my interval runs have been very very inconsistent.  And I still couldn't tell that I was getting any faster....and I started to doubt myself that I could even run a half in the time I wanted or beat Mike in that 5k.  And somewhere this week, I had an epiphany about all that.

I needed to stop whining about how I couldn't do it and focus on why I could.  I realized that I wasn't going to get faster if I didn't PRACTICE being faster.  I realized that part of the reason for intervals is so that my body builds up to learning how to go that speed.  And the reason for the long runs isn't just to go faster each time...it's to build up my body's tolerance to that distance for a run.  So, this week, I stopped focusing on the races and started focusing where I should have been focusing in the first place -- on being a better runner.  I concentrated on my breathing, focused really hard on keeping the attitude in a positive direction, and was able to go out and kick that trail's butt and complete consistent runs with what I had planned. 

Most of all, I learned that my motivation and drive have to come from within.  To get better, I have to believe that I am already better.  I have to have confidence in myself and know ultimately that nobody else can achieve my goals for me.  To continue to inspire others, I have to continue to inspire myself.

NSV

In the lingo, that's a Non-Scale Victory.  Over the past few months, I've had so many NSVs that I've stopped counting them all.  But, I've had so many in the past week that I just had to write about them!

1.  I'm an Inspiration, Part 2
After crazy birthday fitness weekend, I was a bit sore.  Nursing two very aching quads and a huge blister on my left foot, I decided to take Tuesday as a slow it down and just get the distance in day.  Advice from the coach and the husband: slow slow slow!  Now, that's hard advice for me to follow because slow distance just isn't always fun on the hamster wheel.  As I was nearing my third running lap, one of Alexa's teachers came up behind me.  We've said hi at the gym and talked a little about our working out plans but this was really the first time that she had come up to me and really talked.  As it turns out, she's tired of spinning her wheels at the gym and has decided that she wants to give running a try....because she has seen all of my success.  So, I paid it forward and convinced her that she could run just a lap or two.  I slowed way down and was able to talk her through jogging an entire mile on the hamster wheel.  We spent the time talking about how to start running, why anyone can get started, and the myths of "toning" and "bulking" for women.  It felt amazingly awesome to be able to pay forward the advice and knowledge that I've learned over the past few months.  So, another incredible thanks to my mentors.... :)

2.  Steelers Fan?
No...I'm not a Steelers fan.  But, this Sunday?  I became a fan of Steelers jerseys.  We were given permission to wear NFL jerseys on Sunday because of the Super Bowl.  Being that I haven't really followed the NFL prior to this year, I don't own one of those.  (NY Rangers? yes.  Ohio State hockey?  yes.  NFL?  hahahaha)  Anyway, one of my coworkers had one that I could borrow.  When she brought it in, I looked at it and was a little skeptical cause it looked REALLY small.  But, I brought it home and tried it on anyway.  And, know what?  It fit perfectly.  In fact, I looked super darn cute in it.  Best part of the story?  When I wore it Sunday, she told me it was a boys large.  Wow.....never thought I'd fit into something that small again.  (And for the record in case you were curious....I was cheering the Niners all the way this year!!)

3.  I'm NOT Intimidated by You
Okay...so, maybe I am a little.  A week and a half ago, I was uber lucky to have one of the fitocracy gurus come out and teach me how to do some actual real lifting of weights.  So, aside from learning how to complete the lifts without injury, one of my goals for this week was to enter that "bodybuilder" section of the gym that is full of the heavy lifters without feeling intimidated.  Know what I learned this morning?  It's all about the attitude.  I entered by myself and decided I didn't care what the other people at the gym thought.  I did my lifting workout, was able to squat a barbell for the first time (WOO HOO!), and felt entirely comfortable.  But asking for a spotter on the bench presses....I'm building up to that.

A Happy Healthy New Me

I'm unusual for my age.  I turn 35 today and I find that I look forward to my birthday even more as an adult than I did as a kid.  Maybe it's because Christmas centers around my kids now, but I love my birthday.  In fact, as far as I'm concerned, I don't have one day to celebrate my birthday...I celebrate the whole weekend.  And this weekend turned into one of the best birthday weekends ever.

I kicked off "birthday weekend" with my free venti skinny 4 splenda extra shot of espresso hazelnut latte and, after work, headed to the gym for short intervals.  HA!  I have no idea why I bother planning these things sometimes.  My knee was still bothering me from the sub 11:00 mile (PR!) and 8 mile (PR!) runs earlier in the week and I accidentally packed the "pants on the ground" pants which are definitely NOT appropriate for intervals.  I made the best of it, went out WAY too fast on the first interval, but proceeded to modify my intervals for every other lap instead of 2 lap intervals.  I set a lap PR (that's 4 this week if you are counting!) and had a blast speeding around the track.  Imagine if I hadn't had to slow a little to pull my pants up at every turn.....I got home from the gym and got to open an awesome birthday present from one of my very good friends.  It was an OSU Mr. Potato Head.  Really?!?  How many people can say that they got a Mr. Potato Head for their 35th birthday??  :)  I was jazzed....

Saturday dawned with coffee and an outside run in the snow with the husband!!  Came home and immediately went out shopping for my BIRTHDAY PRESENT!!  What made me so excited about these shoes?  Well....they have toe pockets!!!  Yes, I am the proud new owner of Vibram Five Fingers.  The guy at the store was awesome and the second pair that I was planning on getting in the spring were 40% off so I ended up going home with two pair!!  See...birthday magic!  Saturday night, we went to the Big Bang Bar for drinks and all around great fun.  I was pleasantly surprised that the walk from the parking lot to the bar was easy peasy and could definitely tell that my running has had an impact on what I do in my daily life.

Sunday was one of the best days EVER.  One of the admins from fitocracy (seriously more addicting than FB) was coming to Columbus for his lifting tour.  So, Mike and I joined him and three other fitocrats for a day of lifting at OSU's RPAC.  I even got to lift in my new Vibrams!!!  We had a great time meeting new people and I got to learn how to squat, deadlift, row, press, and bench all in one day.  (Note: I'm very sore....)  We were definitely the newbies in the group but had a ball.  I'm definitely going to be working some lifting into my weekly routine to get me stronger.

Monday followed with my actual birthday.  What's on the fitness menu today?  HIKING!  Luckily, the weather held for us with no rain and no snow and 40 degree weather so Mike and I headed to Battelle Darby Metro Park for a nice moderate 5 mile hike.  Know what we found when we got there?  MUD!  In my new Vibram Treks (the trail shoe), I gleefully traisped through mud puddles, ice puddles, slippery mud, and off trail.  I had an enormous blast!  We are finishing the day with dinner at my favorite restaurant.

More than anything in my wonderful birthday weekend was that each and every day, the highlight was focused around something active.  I don't think I've ever had a birthday that was as much fun and filled with exercise as I did this year.  If this is what 35 looks like...I happily embrace it!!!  :)

"That's not going to happen..."

April 28, 2012. 

What's that date, you ask?  The next half marathon that I've signed up for?  Nope...that's May 5.  The anniversary of when I started running?  Nope...that's not until October.  So, what's the date?

That is the date of The Charles School 5k.  My husband used to teach at this school and still teaches within their family of schools.  About a month ago, I jokingly mentioned that I was going to beat him in a 5k.  (In my head, I wasn't really joking but that's how I said it....)  New Year's Eve, I wrote down as a goal for 2012 that I was going to beat him in a 5k.  I mentioned it again last night and he said to me, "that's not going to happen..."  Interestingly, he didn't say it in a challenging way...just sort of matter of fact.  And, as we all know, I can't resist that type of challenge. 

So, that date up there??  That's the date that I am going to beat Mike in his own 5k.  Will simultaneously training for a 5k and a half marathon be difficult?  Probably....but I'm definitely up for the challenge!!

BRING IT ON!!!!

Level UP!

Did you just see a little green mushroom go by?  Me too....

A couple of months ago, I read an article about a new website created by some self-proclaimed geek gamers.  Evidently, the gamers had both had switched their obsessions from online gaming to bodybuilding.  They realized that trying to improve by leveling and continuing to best yourself worked as well with exercise as it did with online gaming.  It seemed really cool and I tried to join.  Unfortunately, I had to sign up for an invite since the site is still in beta testing.

Well, two days ago, I got to totally GEEK out at work because I FINALLY got my invite!!!  I waited about thirty seconds before signing on to the computer (yes...at work) to join.  While the site doesn't work well at work (it's not super compatible with IE), I was able to play a little with it.  I waited until I got home and checked it out in it's full glory on my netbook.  And, what I found?  A super amazing website that mixes exercise, gaming, and a social FB like atmosphere.

The site features challenges, ways to "level up", achievement badges, quests, and groups to join to meet others.  I immediately joined the running and long distance running groups.  I was amazed at how friendly everyone was.  I am following and am being followed by a few different people.  One of my awesome friends who is training for an Olympic distance tri in April with Team in Training joined too!  She promptly challenged me to a point total race for next week!  2000 points in one week!!!  :)  I'm so going to kick your butt, Tracy!

My favorite part of the site is the social aspect...there is a FB like wall where you can post to your groups and get a newsfeed from them as well.  You can see others' workouts and provide moral support to others.  It's pretty darn cool.

I am currently Level 5.  Only 663 points to LEVEL UP!!  :)  Wanna join?  Email me....you still need an invite!

Things Bree Hates about Running that Will Make Her a Better Runner

This blog post is dedicated to Josh, who threatened me with it if I didn't stop whining.  :)

1.  Running Outside
I like my hamster wheel.  I like the regularity of the track.  I like that I can run at sunrise, sunset, after dark, in the rain, in the snow, in the heat...and it all feels about the same.  Just the scenery changes (kind of).  I like that there is eye candy.  I like that I can tell myself that I am doing more laps than I can count.  I like playing math games with my lap times.  Heck, I like that I can pace myself with those lap times.  Outside I lose all of those things...but, I gain a harder workout, crunchy leaves, and a change of scenery every few minutes.  I get to think about Pop-Up talking to squirrels (since I don't do those things) and wave at people.  I get to have dogs bark at me and cars roar past.  I get to wonder why my town doesn't feel the need for sidewalks.  So...do I prefer my hamster wheel?  Yes.  Will I get to be a better racer by going outside and dealing with the elements?  Absolutely.  I'm not whining about this one (much) anymore...

2.  Pacing my Laps
For the first month or so of running on the hamster wheel, I had my heart rate monitor set to display total time instead of lap time while I ran.  Every time I would hit the lap time button, it would stop briefly to display the total time at the end of the lap before the total time came back to the display.  Since I was having difficulty with pacing my laps consistently, suggestions were made that I should view the lap time so that I could monitor at the half lap spot to see where I was at with my pacing.  I resisted this suggestion for awhile, but gave it a shot one day and haven't moved back since.  Has it made me a more consistent runner?  Yes.  Does it make it difficult for me to know my total time yes?  Has it made me a faster runner already?  Absolutely.  I'm not whining about this one (at all) anymore either....

3.  Jogging my Recovery Laps during Intervals
This is the one that inspired this blog post.  I have been walking the recovery laps during my interval sessions whether they are short, medium, or long.  It is easier to walk these laps because typically by the time I'm done running the interval distance, I'm tired and out of breath.  This week, for the first time, I aimed to jog the interval laps.  Was it fun?  No.  Was I more tired and out of breath?  Yes.  Did I whine about it when I got home?  Yes.  And threats were made by my friend Josh that inspired this blog post.  (*grin*)  Will doing this make me a better runner?  That's what I'm told...the jury is still out on this one.  (But, probably, I shouldn't be whining about this one anymore either......)