Do not eat mexican food the day of a 5K race!
Personal best today and a beautiful day for it! Got 3rd in my age group at the Heart Choices Walk/Run/Ride for Life with a time of 26:31. The temperature was perfect at a little less than 70 degrees. The course was just right a few small inclines, but mainly a flat stretch. My running buddies helped me to stay on pace! (Thanks Kate and Brandi).
The only thing I didn't like about this race was my encounter with a very distant friend, Ralph, that I encountered immediately after the race was over. Apparently, the salsa I had for lunch decided that it didn't like all that running and made it known....if you know what I mean. I felt fine the entire run, but when my body stopped moving, my stomach didn't. I remember as I crouched between two vehicles and let the liquid screaming begin, that there were two women who were watching the race, saying "Holy cow, what did she eat?" As I finished my conversation with "Ralph", I looked up and said, "Don't eat mexican food before a race." :)
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Whoa...A LONG TIME COMING!!
Where do I start? This blog has been way overdue. I still have yet to blog about my experience of my triathlon and I promise that is coming, soon. Currently, I have been focusing on training for a half marathon over the past few months. Within the last week, I entered a fitathlon at our wellness center and completed it within 5 days which felt amazing, but was very physically and mentally draining. Not only did I run 26.2 miles, but I also biked 112 miles and swam 84 laps....losing 6 pounds in the process. WOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!
Over the past month, I have separated from my husband. This experience was very emotionally and mentally draining, but most definintely necessary. Since the separation, I have noticed a shift in my motivation for running. While I always ran for emotional release, I am now doing so more than ever. Processing emotions, especially negative ones, during my runs has helped me to feel more satisfied with myself and what has occured in my life over the past few months. Music has also aided in this process and my playlist is always loaded with songs that keep me wanting to keep going. I am one of those who always wonders what the other member of the gym is listening to. It is a weird fascination, but it is there. Why? I am not sure. So, if any of you out there are wondering what I am listening to on my 3-5 mile daily runs, here is what is forefront on my playlist:
Someone Like You-Adele
I Need- Maverick Sabre
Super Bass-Nicki Manji
Cheers-Rhianna
Don’t Hold your Breath- Nikki Scherzinger
You Make Me Feel- Cobra Starship
Without You-David Guetta ft Usher
Written in the Stars-Tinie Tempah
Pretty Girls-Izay
Easy-Rascal Flatts Natasha Bedingfield
Undo It-Carrie Underwood
Definitely eclectic, but they keep me going, so that is all that matters!
Vegas in less than a week for a much needed adult vacation! My training for upcoming events will likely halt while I am away, but will surely resume upon return.
Tri-talk coming soon!!
Over the past month, I have separated from my husband. This experience was very emotionally and mentally draining, but most definintely necessary. Since the separation, I have noticed a shift in my motivation for running. While I always ran for emotional release, I am now doing so more than ever. Processing emotions, especially negative ones, during my runs has helped me to feel more satisfied with myself and what has occured in my life over the past few months. Music has also aided in this process and my playlist is always loaded with songs that keep me wanting to keep going. I am one of those who always wonders what the other member of the gym is listening to. It is a weird fascination, but it is there. Why? I am not sure. So, if any of you out there are wondering what I am listening to on my 3-5 mile daily runs, here is what is forefront on my playlist:
Someone Like You-Adele
I Need- Maverick Sabre
Super Bass-Nicki Manji
Cheers-Rhianna
Don’t Hold your Breath- Nikki Scherzinger
You Make Me Feel- Cobra Starship
Without You-David Guetta ft Usher
Written in the Stars-Tinie Tempah
Pretty Girls-Izay
Easy-Rascal Flatts Natasha Bedingfield
Undo It-Carrie Underwood
Definitely eclectic, but they keep me going, so that is all that matters!
Vegas in less than a week for a much needed adult vacation! My training for upcoming events will likely halt while I am away, but will surely resume upon return.
Tri-talk coming soon!!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
The Months Leading Up to The. Big. Day.
As I sit here and try to think of a good place to start, I think back over the week leading up to the event I had been training for over the course of the past 9 months. I remember the day I decided to set my sights high and acheive a goal that I never imagined that I would accomplish in my lifetime. I had entered the swim challenge at our wellness center shortly after giving birth to our beautiful baby girl, Harper. I initially set the goal in my mind that I would take this challenge and see where I ended up.
A few weeks later, I decided to extend my goal to accomplishing a triathlon in the following summer. I remember thinking to myself, "Is this attainable? Will I really be able to do this?" I decided to set my mind to it and see where it took me. I started researching where I should be, training programs and times that I needed to reach before I could enter a competition of this size. I started with the swim and focused on getting my ability to endure extensive workouts in one setting. When I first started swimming 9 months ago, I remember that I could barely swim 10 laps without feeling exhausted. I kept pushing myself and soon I was swimming half a mile at a time. By the end of a few months, I was able to swim a mile in 45 minutes or less and this is when I knew I could accomplish my goals. I was swimming a mile or more every day or every other day and lost over 50 pounds in the process. With the weight loss I saw an overall easier ability to run, bike or swim longer and harder than I had ever been able to in my life. More importantly, I felt like I could accomplish anything and it was at this point that I knew that not only had my body changed for the better, but my mind had too.
I then moved my focus to running. Soon after my feelings of being invincable, I succombed to the fact that starting a running program was going to be hard. I remember getting on the treadmill and feeling defeated. "Wow, this is hard," I would think. "Running is going to be my weakness in this race," I would tell myself. But, I kept on and stayed more determined than ever. I eventually could run a mile on the treadmill without feeling exhausted and knew that I was making steps, small steps, but steps none the less. There were times during the training process that I wanted to give up and felt like there was no way that I could accomplish the running portion. However, I continued with the program and I slowly increased the distance I was able to accomplish in a workout and made it to a few miles a workout. Springtime came around I knew it was time to make the transition to running outdoors...yikes, that was so different than what I had initially expected. I precisely remember the day that I decided to give it a try. I walked into our pharmacy to pick up a prescription and my friend (and pharmacist), Dana, asked me if I wanted to join her and her running buddy on one of their runs. I was very hesitant at first, knowing that they had recently completed a half marathon, but decided that it was time to "Go big or go home." It was hard. They started their route going up a slight incline and continued on a five mile stretch. I had to take a break in the middle and didn't finish their five mile planned route early, but I made it 3 miles that day outdoors and this instantly movitated me to push myself past my current known limit to run further on the treadmill than I had been training. I was up to 3 miles indoors at this point and was getting motivated to keep the training going. I started training outdoors in combination with my treadmill run. Outdoor running got easier with time and what most runners will tell you is true. It's hard to run outside at first, but as time goes on, it will become preferable to run outside. Today, I am already dreading the days where it is not nice enough to run outside. I am in love with it....some might even call it an addiction. :)
Now...onto the bike training. I asked for a bike and bike trailer (to carry my kids with me during my rides) for my birthday and was a lucky woman when I received my wish. I immediately started riding 4-5 miles 2-3 times a week. Pretty easy and not a lot of hills during training (Later I found that this was my main downfall in training). I moved my training mileage on my bike to reach 10 mile rides....again without too many hills (oops!). I also didn't focus much on my biking and continued to focus on my running time and distance. I ended up running a 5K at least 6 times a week and integrated hills and worked on lowering my time on a weekly basis. I fell in love with running and interspersed this training with swimming.
A few months before the race, I started doing my "brick workouts" where I would do 2 or 3 legs of the race at a time to adequately prepare my muscles for the transition. I remember reading about getting the times you want in a triathlon. Swim with your arms, bike pulling up with your legs and run pushing back with your legs. Use different muscles for each leg. So...that became my focus. The brick workouts were hard, but became easier over time. I remember trying to bike 10 miles and then run afterward. My legs felt like jello after dismounting from the bike. But, your body adjusts and you soon find your grove and pace in your run. It gave me confidence to know that I could transition from event to event, but I remained nervous about being able to finish the entire race.
Now onto the final stretch of my training...Well, first off, I decided to move my event date back two weeks because of harvest last minute. As a result, the new course was 3.5 miles longer on the bike, which I had not accounted for in my goal time or trained for with distance. Regardless, I was at the point where I was able to complete each leg of the race (- the full bike portion) with ease and started to convince my mind that I had done it. I had accomplished the level of fitness that I had sought months ago and I was excited to be at the point where I felt ready for the big event!
The week before the race, I tapered off my training and started to let my muscles rest. The day prior to the race, I went to the course and drove out each leg of it. I am not quite sure this was a good idea as it increased the already looming anxiety present in my head. The swim and running portions looked fine...meaning, I thought I could do them without a lot of stress on my body. It was the bike leg that really cranked up my nerves. I had trained on a few hills each ride, but this was an up and down course. Once you get down a hill, you work your way back up one. Yikes..this made me nervous as I am not good on hills with my bike. I remember going home and telling my mother-in-law that I wasn't sure I would be able to finish and I was nervous that if I did finish the bike course, I would be too wiped out to run the last leg. However, I decided at that point that the worry was not doing me any good and I put the anxiety aside and spent a nice evening with my family. Loaded up on carbs at Olive Garden and went to bed early. The. BIG. Day had finally arrived!!!
A few weeks later, I decided to extend my goal to accomplishing a triathlon in the following summer. I remember thinking to myself, "Is this attainable? Will I really be able to do this?" I decided to set my mind to it and see where it took me. I started researching where I should be, training programs and times that I needed to reach before I could enter a competition of this size. I started with the swim and focused on getting my ability to endure extensive workouts in one setting. When I first started swimming 9 months ago, I remember that I could barely swim 10 laps without feeling exhausted. I kept pushing myself and soon I was swimming half a mile at a time. By the end of a few months, I was able to swim a mile in 45 minutes or less and this is when I knew I could accomplish my goals. I was swimming a mile or more every day or every other day and lost over 50 pounds in the process. With the weight loss I saw an overall easier ability to run, bike or swim longer and harder than I had ever been able to in my life. More importantly, I felt like I could accomplish anything and it was at this point that I knew that not only had my body changed for the better, but my mind had too.
I then moved my focus to running. Soon after my feelings of being invincable, I succombed to the fact that starting a running program was going to be hard. I remember getting on the treadmill and feeling defeated. "Wow, this is hard," I would think. "Running is going to be my weakness in this race," I would tell myself. But, I kept on and stayed more determined than ever. I eventually could run a mile on the treadmill without feeling exhausted and knew that I was making steps, small steps, but steps none the less. There were times during the training process that I wanted to give up and felt like there was no way that I could accomplish the running portion. However, I continued with the program and I slowly increased the distance I was able to accomplish in a workout and made it to a few miles a workout. Springtime came around I knew it was time to make the transition to running outdoors...yikes, that was so different than what I had initially expected. I precisely remember the day that I decided to give it a try. I walked into our pharmacy to pick up a prescription and my friend (and pharmacist), Dana, asked me if I wanted to join her and her running buddy on one of their runs. I was very hesitant at first, knowing that they had recently completed a half marathon, but decided that it was time to "Go big or go home." It was hard. They started their route going up a slight incline and continued on a five mile stretch. I had to take a break in the middle and didn't finish their five mile planned route early, but I made it 3 miles that day outdoors and this instantly movitated me to push myself past my current known limit to run further on the treadmill than I had been training. I was up to 3 miles indoors at this point and was getting motivated to keep the training going. I started training outdoors in combination with my treadmill run. Outdoor running got easier with time and what most runners will tell you is true. It's hard to run outside at first, but as time goes on, it will become preferable to run outside. Today, I am already dreading the days where it is not nice enough to run outside. I am in love with it....some might even call it an addiction. :)
Now...onto the bike training. I asked for a bike and bike trailer (to carry my kids with me during my rides) for my birthday and was a lucky woman when I received my wish. I immediately started riding 4-5 miles 2-3 times a week. Pretty easy and not a lot of hills during training (Later I found that this was my main downfall in training). I moved my training mileage on my bike to reach 10 mile rides....again without too many hills (oops!). I also didn't focus much on my biking and continued to focus on my running time and distance. I ended up running a 5K at least 6 times a week and integrated hills and worked on lowering my time on a weekly basis. I fell in love with running and interspersed this training with swimming.
A few months before the race, I started doing my "brick workouts" where I would do 2 or 3 legs of the race at a time to adequately prepare my muscles for the transition. I remember reading about getting the times you want in a triathlon. Swim with your arms, bike pulling up with your legs and run pushing back with your legs. Use different muscles for each leg. So...that became my focus. The brick workouts were hard, but became easier over time. I remember trying to bike 10 miles and then run afterward. My legs felt like jello after dismounting from the bike. But, your body adjusts and you soon find your grove and pace in your run. It gave me confidence to know that I could transition from event to event, but I remained nervous about being able to finish the entire race.
Now onto the final stretch of my training...Well, first off, I decided to move my event date back two weeks because of harvest last minute. As a result, the new course was 3.5 miles longer on the bike, which I had not accounted for in my goal time or trained for with distance. Regardless, I was at the point where I was able to complete each leg of the race (- the full bike portion) with ease and started to convince my mind that I had done it. I had accomplished the level of fitness that I had sought months ago and I was excited to be at the point where I felt ready for the big event!
The week before the race, I tapered off my training and started to let my muscles rest. The day prior to the race, I went to the course and drove out each leg of it. I am not quite sure this was a good idea as it increased the already looming anxiety present in my head. The swim and running portions looked fine...meaning, I thought I could do them without a lot of stress on my body. It was the bike leg that really cranked up my nerves. I had trained on a few hills each ride, but this was an up and down course. Once you get down a hill, you work your way back up one. Yikes..this made me nervous as I am not good on hills with my bike. I remember going home and telling my mother-in-law that I wasn't sure I would be able to finish and I was nervous that if I did finish the bike course, I would be too wiped out to run the last leg. However, I decided at that point that the worry was not doing me any good and I put the anxiety aside and spent a nice evening with my family. Loaded up on carbs at Olive Garden and went to bed early. The. BIG. Day had finally arrived!!!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Training Schedule
I have had numerous people approach me to inquire about my training schedule for my triathlon. While I don't follow any one specific training program, I do try to do brick workouts 2-3 times a week at least. These workouts combine two of the legs of the triathlon in one workout. Here is this past week's training workouts:
Monday: 1/2 mile pool, 2.5 mile run
Tuesday: 8 mile bike, 2.5 mile run
Wednesday: 1/2 mile pool, 1 mile run, strength training, jump rope
Thursday: 10K run
Friday: 5K run, 4 mile bike
Next week I will likely add to these workouts and push myself harder. The next 3 weeks are going to be intense training and then the week before the triathlon I will be taking it easy to let my muscles rest for the big race.
Monday: 1/2 mile pool, 2.5 mile run
Tuesday: 8 mile bike, 2.5 mile run
Wednesday: 1/2 mile pool, 1 mile run, strength training, jump rope
Thursday: 10K run
Friday: 5K run, 4 mile bike
Next week I will likely add to these workouts and push myself harder. The next 3 weeks are going to be intense training and then the week before the triathlon I will be taking it easy to let my muscles rest for the big race.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Stall........
Well, I have decided to move the triathlon to July 10 in Goddard. My dad is going to need help with harvest this year and Mikey is a good candidate for it. I really want my #1 fan to be there when I run and since harvest will likely occur while the original race was planned, I have opted to push it back a few weeks. I am ready and excited and it couldn't be here soon enough, but knowing that my hubby will be there excites me even more!
On another note, I have lost the six pounds I gained while in Cabo San Lucas! Big smiles. Now, onto my final weight loss goal of 23 more pounds. I know that this is an acheivable goal, but that this last 23 pounds are going to take much longer than the original 75.
Thanks again for all of the positive encouragement. I was telling Mikey that I don't think I would have accomplished this much if I didn't live in Beloit. I was running on the treadmill a few days ago and had a woman and her daughter stop by and say, "I am just amazed at your weight loss and dedication. You look fantastic." At that point in my run, I was getting ready to wind down, but the positive words and reinforcement that what I am doing is working inspired me to keep going and I logged 4.5 miles that day. Positivity can take you further than you expect!
On another note, I have lost the six pounds I gained while in Cabo San Lucas! Big smiles. Now, onto my final weight loss goal of 23 more pounds. I know that this is an acheivable goal, but that this last 23 pounds are going to take much longer than the original 75.
Thanks again for all of the positive encouragement. I was telling Mikey that I don't think I would have accomplished this much if I didn't live in Beloit. I was running on the treadmill a few days ago and had a woman and her daughter stop by and say, "I am just amazed at your weight loss and dedication. You look fantastic." At that point in my run, I was getting ready to wind down, but the positive words and reinforcement that what I am doing is working inspired me to keep going and I logged 4.5 miles that day. Positivity can take you further than you expect!
Friday, June 3, 2011
I only have 23 days until the big day?!?!!
WHAT??!!! 23 days does not seem like enough time to recover from my 5 days of partying with the girls in Cabo San Lucas. Not only did I gain 6 pounds, but I did not train as much as I had hoped while there. I did paddleboard, water aerobics and went on a short run on the beach/resort. However, I am afraid that I have backtracked some over this past week and have a lot of catching up to do. I feel like I am going to blink my eyes and wake up to the big day!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Day 38
Day off. These muscles having been working overtime lately and need a day of rest! I plan to use them chasing around my two babies all day! Couldn't be more excited!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Day 39
39 days of training remain. Today, I conquered the first two legs of my race. 18 laps in the pool (a little over 1/2 mile) and 12.6 miles on the bike. 1 hour, 8 minutes and 16 seconds. I decided to run 1/4 of a mile when I was finished with the bike to see what all the other bloggers were referring to when they talked about running with "jello" legs after getting off the bike. Wow, you hardly feel your legs for the first few minutes of running. Glad I tried it!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
My First Go at a Mini Sprint!
This morning I decided that it was time to attempt a brick workout where I combined all events of my upcoming race. To my surprise, it went very well and I ended up finishing a 1.5 mile run, 5 mile bike ride and 1/2 mile swim in 50 minutes. It felt great to be able to get a taste of what is approaching and being able to accomplish this with ease was extremely motivational.
Speaking of motivation, I recently glanced at my calendar and realized that I have only 10 days to get my body ready for swimsuit season. My motivation to lose an extra 5-10 pounds in the next 10 days is higher than ever. I had a goal weight set when my girlfriends and I booked this trip 8 months ago and I am only 8 pounds away from it. Realistically, back then, I never thought I would make it. However, since I am so close, I want it BAD! So, lots of water, lots of workouts and lots of calorie counting for the next 10 days and maybe, just maybe, I will post a picture of me with a swimsuit on from my trip to Mexico!
Hasta luego, amigos!
Speaking of motivation, I recently glanced at my calendar and realized that I have only 10 days to get my body ready for swimsuit season. My motivation to lose an extra 5-10 pounds in the next 10 days is higher than ever. I had a goal weight set when my girlfriends and I booked this trip 8 months ago and I am only 8 pounds away from it. Realistically, back then, I never thought I would make it. However, since I am so close, I want it BAD! So, lots of water, lots of workouts and lots of calorie counting for the next 10 days and maybe, just maybe, I will post a picture of me with a swimsuit on from my trip to Mexico!
Hasta luego, amigos!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Goodbye Dysfunctional Gallbladder! Hello Relief!
I have bittersweet feelings of letting go of my gallbladder. I recently found out that I have gallstones and need to have my gallbladder removed. While I have not had an official "gallbladder attack," I have had many symptoms that suggest removal will be beneficial. Although I hate surgery (my bitter feelings), I know that it's removal will relieve many of my sypmtoms (my sweet feelings) I have been experiencing for probably years now and my diabetes will also likely benefit...So, tomorrow, I say goodbye to an unnecessary organ in my body and hope that recovery is short and pain-free. Dr. Klenda assures me that I will not be down long and that I can soon begin training again for my upcoming triathlon. 55 short days until the big event!
I have started my brick workouts-two events a day (i.e. run 5K and bike 6 miles or run 2 miles and swim 1/2 mile). I am getting through them, but need to kick it up a notch to push myself. I am starting to get nervous about the swim portion. Thinking I need a swim coach to get me on the right track here. My freestyle needs some major improving before I race. Anyone know of a good one?!
Next time I write, I will be down an organ, but hopefully feeling much better than I currently do! Say a little prayer that all goes well tomorrow!
I have started my brick workouts-two events a day (i.e. run 5K and bike 6 miles or run 2 miles and swim 1/2 mile). I am getting through them, but need to kick it up a notch to push myself. I am starting to get nervous about the swim portion. Thinking I need a swim coach to get me on the right track here. My freestyle needs some major improving before I race. Anyone know of a good one?!
Next time I write, I will be down an organ, but hopefully feeling much better than I currently do! Say a little prayer that all goes well tomorrow!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Fell Off the Wagon
I have not been doing as well as I would like lately and it is time to own up to it. I have slacked at the gym and have eaten things I vowed not to. I have 63 days until my trip to Cabo San Lucas with my girlfriends, so I have made a promise to myself to reduce calories and increase exercise. This week's goal is to swim 5 miles and walk/run 10 miles. Small weekly goals are how I hope to shed the last of my unwanted weight. I am hoping that by doing this I can get rid of the remaining 25pounds that I would like to lose before my trip.
The encouraging words for my fellow community members are what have kept me going and I hope that if you are reading this and have given me positive words or encouragement over the past few months, that you have made my day and gave me the push that I have needed to hop back on the wagon when I fall off. Hats off to all of you for making a difference in someone's life...that life happens to be mine.
XOXO
The encouraging words for my fellow community members are what have kept me going and I hope that if you are reading this and have given me positive words or encouragement over the past few months, that you have made my day and gave me the push that I have needed to hop back on the wagon when I fall off. Hats off to all of you for making a difference in someone's life...that life happens to be mine.
XOXO
Monday, March 14, 2011
Triathlon Goals
Today I accomplished, yet, another goal of mine. I have been working on times/distances over the past few weeks. I have set a goal of finishing the triathlon in June in under 2 hours, which I have always thought was doable, but if I can finish faster than this, I would be elated. Today, I ran 2 miles and biked 10 miles in under 54 minutes. So, I have been thinking...If I can run my miles in 9 minutes and bike a mile in 3, swim half a mile in 20 minutes, that would put my overall triathlon time at 93 minutes plus transition times. I am eager to attempt to do a test run with all three and see what a realistic time is. Anyway, it was great to accomplish the 2 mile run/10 mile bike ride in under an hour, let alone more than 6 minutes under an hour. Wooohooo!!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
A Long Time Coming...
This week I reached my pre-pregnancy (pre-Owen that is) weight! When I first started this journey I told myself I would be happy with reaching this weight by Harper's 1st birthday, so making it to this point close to her half birthday was not only empowering, but it also helped me develop a sense of desire. This desire fuels me to continue my journey and become healthy and fit! With that said, weight loss will not be my primary focus any longer (I have to admit it won't hurt my feelings to lose another 20 or so). Finishing a triathlon, toning my muscles, and running a 10K with ease are ways that I plan to stay motivated and make my health a priority.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Weight loss is just one of the accomplishments I am proud of over the past few months. Today I ran a mile with ease in under 9 minutes. When I started running 4months ago, I could barely make it to a mile and today I am running a mile as a warm-up to strength training and a mile to end my workout. Accomplishing the mile in under 9 minutes has been a goal I have been wanting to reach for the past few months. It's exciting and encouraging to be able to do this and is what is pushing me onward with my fitness.
Today: Warm-up: 1 mile at 9:13
End to workout: 1 mile at 8:57
Excited to start Walk Kansas in a few weeks and am hoping to reach my goal of losing another few pounds before the Lose to Win Challenge at the Wellness center is over.
Today: Warm-up: 1 mile at 9:13
End to workout: 1 mile at 8:57
Excited to start Walk Kansas in a few weeks and am hoping to reach my goal of losing another few pounds before the Lose to Win Challenge at the Wellness center is over.
Monday, February 21, 2011
72 and Counting.....
6.5 months ago I weighed a whopping 72 pounds more than I do today. That is
15 bricks
OR
14 Chihuahuas
OR
2 Midsize Microwaves
OR
3.5 Tires
I just can't imagine carrying that weight around all day. No wonder I was so tired all the time! :)
15 bricks
OR
14 Chihuahuas
OR
2 Midsize Microwaves
OR
3.5 Tires
I just can't imagine carrying that weight around all day. No wonder I was so tired all the time! :)
Friday, February 18, 2011
Weight
Lifting weights to lose weight? Hmmm...doesn't seem to make much sense, but from what I have read lately, it will be essential to continue with the progress I have been making. This has lead me to my next goal over the next 3 weeks-Strength Training. My goal is to lift weights 5 out of 7 days a week, doing 12 different exercises at 10 reps per exercise. While I may see an increase in weight due to more muscle mass, I am hoping that by building muscle, my weight loss and metabolism will eventually see a positive effect from this!
The gym recently got new exercise equipment and I am loving this as it gives me new machines to use and the change in pace is exactly what I am needing to up my motivation!
Until next time.......
The gym recently got new exercise equipment and I am loving this as it gives me new machines to use and the change in pace is exactly what I am needing to up my motivation!
Until next time.......
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Optimism
Optimism: state of having positive beliefs
Synonyms: anticipation, assurance, brightness, buoyancy, calmness, certainty, cheer, cheerfulness, confidence, easiness, elation, encouragement, enthusiasm, exhilaration, expectation, good cheer, happiness, hopefulness, idealism, looking on bright side, positivism, rose-colored glasses, sanguineness, sureness, trust
This is the change that was necessary for the weight loss journey to begin. I used to run on a treadmill or participate in another endurance activity and talk down to myself the entire time thinking that I was motivating myself to go further. In all actuality, I was creating more self-defeat and began associating exercise with feelings of shame and negativity. When I changed this around, talked to myself throughout my workout in positive terms and really accepted others compliments throughout the day is when I really started noticing a difference in my weight loss journey. So, to all of you out there beating yourself up when you workout, try a little positive encouragement! Also, if someone pays you a compliment, say "Thank you" and take it to heart rather than discounting what they are saying. It will take you further than you can imagine.
XOXO
Synonyms: anticipation, assurance, brightness, buoyancy, calmness, certainty, cheer, cheerfulness, confidence, easiness, elation, encouragement, enthusiasm, exhilaration, expectation, good cheer, happiness, hopefulness, idealism, looking on bright side, positivism, rose-colored glasses, sanguineness, sureness, trust
This is the change that was necessary for the weight loss journey to begin. I used to run on a treadmill or participate in another endurance activity and talk down to myself the entire time thinking that I was motivating myself to go further. In all actuality, I was creating more self-defeat and began associating exercise with feelings of shame and negativity. When I changed this around, talked to myself throughout my workout in positive terms and really accepted others compliments throughout the day is when I really started noticing a difference in my weight loss journey. So, to all of you out there beating yourself up when you workout, try a little positive encouragement! Also, if someone pays you a compliment, say "Thank you" and take it to heart rather than discounting what they are saying. It will take you further than you can imagine.
XOXO
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
From the Beginning.....
I am going to follow suit of naming my blog and start by talking about the positive accomplishments throughout the past months as remaining positive throughout this journey is my biggest priority. On January 15, I set out to accomplish 120 miles on the treadmill and bike prior to my husband's 30th birthday, which is tomorrow! I am elated to announce that not only did I accomplish this feat, but I have exceeded it and am excited to start thinking of my next goal for the months to come.
A little bit about where I started and where I have come: I have always enjoyed working out as it gives me a sense of, not only, accomplishment, but also an enhanced self-esteem and comfort with my physical body. I have never been a "small" woman and I gave up that dream long, long, ago. Something I had always dreamed about, though, was feeling comfortable in my own skin and not worrying putting on a swimsuit or a pair of shorts without shame. These feelings of embarrassment over my body began when I was in college when the weight gain really started when I entered college....
While in high school, I participated in sports year round and spent most of my childhood days outdoors playing with neighborhood friends so my metabolism was constantly being challenged. However, when I entered into my college days, the activities that required physical activity diminished and the weight piled on. My freshman year at KSU, I remember being in complete denial that I was gaining weight so rapidly and often put it off as "the normal freshman 15." The weight continued to rise as I finished out my undergraduate work and physical activity was no longer a priority for me. I eventually gained a job working for The Cheesecake Factory in Kansas City and was "rewarded" for training new staff and being shift leader with free food and desserts. By the time, I moved to Chicago for graduate school, I was thirty pounds above my high school weight just 5 short years later. I was ashamed and embarrased, but put on a happy face as to hide the misery of self-defeat. While in Chicago, I was diagnosed with diabetes and hypothyroidism and started managing these diseases with medication, but was also urged to increase exercise and diet control. The results of this lifestyle change was fantastic and I was eventually back down to an ideal weight range. Life was good!
Shortly after this time period, I returned to Kansas with my soon-to-be husband and I began planning our wedding. I was escatic to be planning one of the most proud and exciting days of my life, but this did not come with additional stress and worry! As most women know, planning a wedding ranks amongst the highest of stressors that one can endure. This stress and the change in environment (i.e driving 2 blocks to grab a bottled water rather than walking in Chicago) promptly added the weight back on. Sigh....
Before I knew it, I was expecting my first child. YEAH!! Being diabetic, weight management and a careful eye on diet is essential for a healthy baby, so I was sure to make this a priority during the next nine months. The watchful eye and lowered sugar didn't make a lot of difference with my weight during my pregnancy as I still gained 50+ lbs when I was pregnant with Owen. Like all pregnancies, my body took a hard hit and I really struggled getting back to my pre-pregnancy weight. About 7 months after having Owen, we decided to move back to my hometown of Beloit and stress and I became great friends, once again. Once we got settled in our new community, I began refocusing on the weight loss and where I wanted to be before getting pregnant with my second. It took my husband and I about 9 months to conceive our little firecracker, Owen, so we assumed that getting pregnant the second time would take equally as long. We were wrong and I ended up finding out I was pregnant shortly after Owen's first birthday! We were excited, but deep down, I was worried about the weight gain to come and the fact that I hadn't lost all of the weight from the first pregnancy. I decided to dedicate my time and efforts this pregnancy to prevent weight gain like I encountered during my pregnancy with Owen. The first months were easy to manage this as I had morning sickness and was too tired to do anything, including eating. :) 9 months later, however, I was up a whopping 65 pounds! YIKES!! Now, the difference with this pregnancy was that when I delivered Owen, I returned home from the hospital weighing 25lbs less I had gone in weighing. With Harper, I had a c-section due to a few complications and left the hospital weighing 5 pounds less than when I had gone in. I'm not even sure how this is possible as I had a 7+pound baby! Anyway, this was the highest weight I had been at to date and I felt it!! I felt tired, grumpy, lazy, and had an overall HEAVY feeling. I was pretty fun to be around...wink, wink!
I knew it was time to change, but I had to wait to workout until I healed from the c-section. Timing was great and I decided to participate in a Survivor Challenge that started right when my 6 week restriction period was up. This challenge included 6 weeks of workout challenges, dietary challenges and an overall commitment to fitness. I lost an amazing 40 pounds during this challenge and really gave my metabolism a kick in the rear! Right after this challenge, the NCK Wellness Center conducted a swim challenge where members were required to swim 30 miles in 10 weeks. I have to admit, I was extremely hesitant to not only try to swim laps in a lap pool as I had never done this, but my biggest fear was putting on the dreaded swimsuit to do the laps. Stretch marks, cellulite, loose skin, and fat in places I didn't know were possible were what I saw when I looked in the mirror and getting the courage to look past all that and see the body that I really wanted to have was what helped me put that itsy bitsy, teeny tiny, swimsuit on that first day. The pounds nearly fell off and I made it through the challenge with ease finishing up a week prior the challenge deadline. I was now at 54 pounds lost in just 3 months and I couldn't wait to start looking for my next "challenge." So, I grabbed a few friends and we are currently participating in the Lose to Win Challenge at the gym. The goals is to lose as much weight in an 8 week period as possible. So far, I have lost 13 pounds and decreased my body fat percentage by 3%. My goal was to lose 30 pounds so I have to work extra hard over these next 3 weeks! Setting small, acheivable goals (i.e. 120 miles as mentioned above)for myself have really helped me to lose the extra weight that I have been carrying around for all of these years!!
In the months to come, I hope that this blog not only helps to keep me focused, but also assists with reminding me about how much I love the new positive and healthy me. I used to get on a treadmill and huff and puff, barely making it a mile without collapsing. Today, I am running 5Ks on a daily basis, swimming over a mile at a time and biking up to 15 miles in a workout session. It feels great to be in better health and my family is reaping the benefits as I have never been happier!
A little bit about where I started and where I have come: I have always enjoyed working out as it gives me a sense of, not only, accomplishment, but also an enhanced self-esteem and comfort with my physical body. I have never been a "small" woman and I gave up that dream long, long, ago. Something I had always dreamed about, though, was feeling comfortable in my own skin and not worrying putting on a swimsuit or a pair of shorts without shame. These feelings of embarrassment over my body began when I was in college when the weight gain really started when I entered college....
While in high school, I participated in sports year round and spent most of my childhood days outdoors playing with neighborhood friends so my metabolism was constantly being challenged. However, when I entered into my college days, the activities that required physical activity diminished and the weight piled on. My freshman year at KSU, I remember being in complete denial that I was gaining weight so rapidly and often put it off as "the normal freshman 15." The weight continued to rise as I finished out my undergraduate work and physical activity was no longer a priority for me. I eventually gained a job working for The Cheesecake Factory in Kansas City and was "rewarded" for training new staff and being shift leader with free food and desserts. By the time, I moved to Chicago for graduate school, I was thirty pounds above my high school weight just 5 short years later. I was ashamed and embarrased, but put on a happy face as to hide the misery of self-defeat. While in Chicago, I was diagnosed with diabetes and hypothyroidism and started managing these diseases with medication, but was also urged to increase exercise and diet control. The results of this lifestyle change was fantastic and I was eventually back down to an ideal weight range. Life was good!
Shortly after this time period, I returned to Kansas with my soon-to-be husband and I began planning our wedding. I was escatic to be planning one of the most proud and exciting days of my life, but this did not come with additional stress and worry! As most women know, planning a wedding ranks amongst the highest of stressors that one can endure. This stress and the change in environment (i.e driving 2 blocks to grab a bottled water rather than walking in Chicago) promptly added the weight back on. Sigh....
Before I knew it, I was expecting my first child. YEAH!! Being diabetic, weight management and a careful eye on diet is essential for a healthy baby, so I was sure to make this a priority during the next nine months. The watchful eye and lowered sugar didn't make a lot of difference with my weight during my pregnancy as I still gained 50+ lbs when I was pregnant with Owen. Like all pregnancies, my body took a hard hit and I really struggled getting back to my pre-pregnancy weight. About 7 months after having Owen, we decided to move back to my hometown of Beloit and stress and I became great friends, once again. Once we got settled in our new community, I began refocusing on the weight loss and where I wanted to be before getting pregnant with my second. It took my husband and I about 9 months to conceive our little firecracker, Owen, so we assumed that getting pregnant the second time would take equally as long. We were wrong and I ended up finding out I was pregnant shortly after Owen's first birthday! We were excited, but deep down, I was worried about the weight gain to come and the fact that I hadn't lost all of the weight from the first pregnancy. I decided to dedicate my time and efforts this pregnancy to prevent weight gain like I encountered during my pregnancy with Owen. The first months were easy to manage this as I had morning sickness and was too tired to do anything, including eating. :) 9 months later, however, I was up a whopping 65 pounds! YIKES!! Now, the difference with this pregnancy was that when I delivered Owen, I returned home from the hospital weighing 25lbs less I had gone in weighing. With Harper, I had a c-section due to a few complications and left the hospital weighing 5 pounds less than when I had gone in. I'm not even sure how this is possible as I had a 7+pound baby! Anyway, this was the highest weight I had been at to date and I felt it!! I felt tired, grumpy, lazy, and had an overall HEAVY feeling. I was pretty fun to be around...wink, wink!
I knew it was time to change, but I had to wait to workout until I healed from the c-section. Timing was great and I decided to participate in a Survivor Challenge that started right when my 6 week restriction period was up. This challenge included 6 weeks of workout challenges, dietary challenges and an overall commitment to fitness. I lost an amazing 40 pounds during this challenge and really gave my metabolism a kick in the rear! Right after this challenge, the NCK Wellness Center conducted a swim challenge where members were required to swim 30 miles in 10 weeks. I have to admit, I was extremely hesitant to not only try to swim laps in a lap pool as I had never done this, but my biggest fear was putting on the dreaded swimsuit to do the laps. Stretch marks, cellulite, loose skin, and fat in places I didn't know were possible were what I saw when I looked in the mirror and getting the courage to look past all that and see the body that I really wanted to have was what helped me put that itsy bitsy, teeny tiny, swimsuit on that first day. The pounds nearly fell off and I made it through the challenge with ease finishing up a week prior the challenge deadline. I was now at 54 pounds lost in just 3 months and I couldn't wait to start looking for my next "challenge." So, I grabbed a few friends and we are currently participating in the Lose to Win Challenge at the gym. The goals is to lose as much weight in an 8 week period as possible. So far, I have lost 13 pounds and decreased my body fat percentage by 3%. My goal was to lose 30 pounds so I have to work extra hard over these next 3 weeks! Setting small, acheivable goals (i.e. 120 miles as mentioned above)for myself have really helped me to lose the extra weight that I have been carrying around for all of these years!!
In the months to come, I hope that this blog not only helps to keep me focused, but also assists with reminding me about how much I love the new positive and healthy me. I used to get on a treadmill and huff and puff, barely making it a mile without collapsing. Today, I am running 5Ks on a daily basis, swimming over a mile at a time and biking up to 15 miles in a workout session. It feels great to be in better health and my family is reaping the benefits as I have never been happier!
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