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.  :)