Giddy like a school girl!

Okay, I just have to share this...

I ran FOUR miles yesterday.... ready for it? 

With NO pain.  None.  Zip.

Happiness.

Sorry, I just had to share!!  It felt liberating and like I was back.  I know I can't get ahead of myself, but it still felt great!

I'm pretty sure some of you follow Tricia over at Endurance Isn't Always Physical  she put out a post not too long ago talking about getting back on track (the 21 days post).  I will admit, I have been slacking in the eating department and I just wasn't feeling the greatest.  I felt sluggish and grody.  So, she inspired me to get back up to snuff and take control again.  I whipped out my little calorie counter/food journal and it feels so good to feel accountable again. 

"Biggest Loser" update with my family:  We now have a total of 11 people involved!! How exciting!  Everyone is doing fantastic!  It has been great in other ways though- we have all been communicating more.  I am the only one who lives far away.  So, for me, it has been a great way to communicate with all of them. It's nice to hear tips from everyone and see what's working (or what's not working) for them- even if it's something we may already know.  Keep up the great work everyone!!  Our top "loser" so far has lost a little over 5% of their body weight!  Incredible!

One last thing- I am turning 26 on Monday!! I always had it in my head that I would run 26 miles for my 26th birthday.  However, due to my awesome injury and stuff- it just isn't going to happen.  So, I challenged my family to help me get in 26miles.  I said that I would do at least 4 of those miles and then I asked if they'd be willing to at least do 2 miles in some way- whether it's walking, crawling, skipping, running... whatever.   Best birthday gift ever :-)

I signed up!!!

Okay, first things first.  I went to a knee doctor this last Friday so I could make sure that I was good to go for running.  I found a USAFit running group here in my area and I really really really wanted to join, however, I wasn't sure if me joining right now would be such a good idea.  The gal who heads the group suggested Dr. Rand.  He was in the same building as my last knee doc... you know... the one who told me I was addicted and that I would never have babies and that I needed to gain 40lbs? So, I was a little skeptical at first- but I figured, the best doctors are the word-o-mouth doctors.  Let me tell you....

Best.Doc.Ever.

He had me do some squats and lunges, he stretched me out and did other stuff.  He said I'm on the road to recovery and it  is in fact my ITband (which other doc said "no, it can't be that").  I just felt validated!   Anyways, he told me the basics (stuff I know... but just needed to hear it) strengthen core, back and hamstrings.  I'm just a little weak-sauce :)  Thank goodness Jon didn't think to take a picture of me doing a one-legged squat- we both busted up laughing because I looked so ridiculous because of how weak I am.  Anyways, I got the GREEN LIGHT that I can sign up for CYFit (usafit) and that my training plan that I've lined up for myself is right on the money :-)

So I signed up for CyFit and this last Saturday was our first day meeting with CyFit.  The Doc said that I could do a half marathon this fall NO problem.  So, for now, I am in the half marathon group and then in a few months I will swap over to the marathon group so I can get my mileage up for a winter marathon :)  Boom!! 

I R AWESOME!

I have now signed up for the Huntsville Half in October and if all goes well a marathon in January! 

One last thing.. all this talk about Yogurtland in the blog-o-sphere had me craving it!  I miss living close to one.   Sadly, the closest one is like an hour away.  It's worth it... but not that worth it :(  However, Jon and I found a place called  Yogurt Cup (sadly, they don't have a website) just like it on the way to the doc office!!  It was a-mazing...  Now if I could only get the pizza factory out here and have an awesome salad bar... then I'd be set!

 

PS: It's my birthday in 12 days... and I found my dream item.  AKA: only a birthday miracle could ever pull this one off.... a WOODWAY treadmill... I was looking at the curve and also the proseries.  WANT!  Too bad they are much-o expensive-o.  Want to hear the kicker?? I showed Jon  before I told him the prices... and he was like "wow! these are the first treadmills you've shown me that I would be happy getting!"  heh.... fat chance.  We're talking like $5K here... and sadly... some go as high as $10k.   yeah... like I said.. fat chance.  Anyone want to donate to the cause?? I'll make you cookies!!  Oh well, for now... I will settle for Yogurtcup for my birthday present :-) 

The "Sansoucie Biggest Loser" has begun!

Here we all are!!  The start date was 4/25/11 and it will go until June 12th :-)  Not everyone is doing it so we are missing a few people- but exciting anyways!

First day back!

So, this morning I got to RUN!  Excitement!  I  told myself that I could only do 1 mile.  I knew that if I did more than that that I would get carried away and overdo it.  I took it nice and easy and didn't try to push the pace.

It was amazing!

1 mile in 8:44

There wasn't pain during the run, however, afterwards I went on a walk with a friend and my knee was in pain.  Not horribly awful... but enough that I was glad that I only did 1 mile.  It's frustrating that that's where I am right now.  I know that if I wasn't in pain I could go so much further... that has to count for something, right?

Then I came home and had my favorite bucket-o-salad :-)  Spinach, bell peppers, onion, cucumber, tomato, mushroom and turkey. 

Today I got an amazing phone call from my dad informing me that my family was starting a "biggest-loser" weight loss challenge!  I couldn't contain my excitement!  Haha.... So the husband and I got on skype tonight and watched the "weigh-in".  My family lives in NH and we are in TX and I am SO thankful for skype!  Anyways, we also weighed in here too.  It is going to be for 12 weeks!  I'm so glad that my family is on board to do this.  It really makes my heart happy.

One last thing I guess... I am looking into becoming a personal trainer.  I'm just a little nervous about it.  I'm nervous about shelling out the bucks to do it and then not get a job doing it.  Any advice??  I just think that it would be so rewarding to help others reach their goals.  It's right up my ally too!  Like I'm seriously busting at the seams with excitement to help motivate my family to get healthy!  I am currently looking at doing AFAA for my certification.   There is a training certification like 2 miles miles down the street at the YMCA the weekend of May 6th.  I'm just not sure what to do.  Humph!  I just keep going back in forth with myself about it.  

today is the day

it's the 25th!!!! it has been a long time since I put on these shoes!! wish me luck!!

Dear running shoes,

Guess what!??  Unless my doctor says any differently- One week from today I get to lace up and go for my first run in like 2 months!  I am itching to get out there!!  I am going to go out there this time and do it right.  It's time to learn from my mistakes and have confidence.

love, C

(yes... that is my abs ball... I store it in my bathtub.. haha... and for whatever reason... my running shoes have found a home there too...)

I know I haven't been updating you with anything going on around here.  The husband  has been traveling a ton for work.  Life has just been crazy busy.  I have been meeting with  a doctor about some things (non injury related) and last Monday I went into the doc's office expecting to just have blood work and I ended up having lots of blood work, an ultrasound and instructions for surgery on Friday.  So, like I said.. craziness.  Everything is just fine here- no worries.  I didn't have any incisions or anything- so nothing to REALLY recover from.  I'm just left feeling bloated and a little belly pain.  Sorry, no pictures of me waking up from surgery.  Those would've been bad. 

Also- Just wanted to say... CONGRATS to all the Boston runners today!!  I won't lie.... I might've had a dreamed about running Boston during surgery.   I just didn't tell anyone because I didn't want anyone to think I was nuts-o haha... so cat's out of the bag... what did C dream about in surgery?  Running Boston.  The anesthesiologist told me to imagine myself going on a cruise.  I didn't even have time to think about that.  They gave me a sedative and that put me out before I even got into the OR.  I remember them telling me I had to move over to another table or something but I remember thinking "yeah right... I don't even know my name right now" haha.. Then as soon as that happened I was at the starting line in Boston getting ready to run.. and then I was all speedy and stuff... best.dream.ever. 

Then I woke up and the nurse commented that they were surprised at how little medicine they needed to put me out.   Then again.. they also commented on how they don't get many patients who can wrap the whole gown around themselves either... haha... sad. 

Okay, last thing. My running hero is: Kara Goucher. Seriously, the woman is amazing.  She ran Boston today... like 7 months after giving birth to a baby boy.  Can you believe that????  She is a rockstar in my book.   She has also come back strong after tons of adversities and injuries.  Her story gives me hope.  I totally want her book!  Eh, hem... my birthday is next month... :-)

Monday April 25th

What's happening on April 25th you ask?  With all this injury funk I have been going through I figured I needed something to get me excited and a goal to focus on.  So, I pulled out my calendar yesterday and I picked a date that I am going to try out the good ol' knees and run.

Here is the plan:

-I will go out slowly and be OK with that.
-I will go for 1 mile and at that point I will assess how I am feeling and go from there. I would love to do 3... but realistically, I know that I might not be able to and I am going to be OK with that
-No matter what- I will enjoy it and I will be happy about it.
-If I need more recovery time I will just go with it.

Anyways... wish me luck!  I feel like I should make a paper chain count down and put gold stars all over it or something!

This weekend was a great one.  I got so excited and involved that there are no pictures to document it.  I did however "bake" a few things.  I tried out a new no-bake cookie recipe found here.  BTW- side note... that blog is a friend of mine back in UT who is pretty much amazing and you should all go to her blog and tell her how awesome she is.  :)  Back to the cookies... they were so yummy!  Check out my friend's blog for pictures... like I said.. no pictures.   Sad face.

The other thing I made and I DO have pictures of... are the famous protein bars by Jess (who is also fantastic).

Recipe found here.  I did change two things... first- I only had chocolate protein powder and no vanilla.. 2nd thing: I didn't  have any honey- only Agave.  So I substituted that and they come out fantastic.  Chocolatey-peanut buttery-goodness!  So.Delicious. 

Go.Make.Some.NOW!

Today's planned workout:

-An hour on the elliptical
-upper body weights
-stretching
-and of course... a date with the foam roller. 

I may sit on the bike for a while and read.  I am reading "I Am Number Four" by Pittacus Lore.  It is addicting!  I am pacing myself through the book though so I don't finish it too fast.  It is KILLING me!  Haha...

Thursdays are my favorite :-)

First things first- thanks everyone for their awesome comments on the 2 years later post!  I have been meaning to do that post for a long time- just never did it.  Anyways, seriously though, yal are rock stars and I really appreciate the support!

Okay, I know it's Friday and Friday is another favorite day of mine... but I am talking about Thursday today :-)  Jon has been traveling a lot for work recently.  His schedule goes like this... gets up early Monday morning and goes to the airport and doesn't get home until late Thursday night.  So, Thursdays I wake up totally excited!  Sounds a little school-girl-ish but whatever.  I don't care.  

The fact that he is coming home makes everything better.  Even my workouts.  I  know... weird.  I spent about 50 minutes on the elliptical yesterday.  I did an IFitLive workout by Jillian Michaels.  Holy crud... talk about a sweat fest!  Thank goodness that I do this in my own home... I don't want anyone to have to witness the ridiculousness!  Haha... I thought about taking my picture, but I decided against it.  You already got an elliptical picture from me earlier this week :-).

Then came dinner.  Since I am home alone most nights, dinner has become my time to try new things or branch out and learning on how to cook a dinner in smaller portions.  So today, I am sharing with you one of my absolute favorites.  It's a recipe I took out of a book and I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!

I give unto you....

SKINNY-DOWN ENCHILADAS!  (okay... so that's not what the book calls it... but I figured by adding the word 'skinny' to it... you might trust me? haha.. or you'd run away going "ew! it must be gross!)

I also added my favorite staple.  Broccoli.  I could eat broccoli all.day.long.  Seriously.  I probably eat like 2lbs of it per day!  Or more.... haha... ;-) My other fav: tomatoes!! Yum!!

 Recipe (single serving):

1 lg whole-grain tortilla (I use La Tortilla Factory Whole wheat low carb- only 80cal! Or you can use 2 small whole grain tortillas)

2oz grilled chicken

2 TB light cream cheese

2 TB green chilies

4 TB green enchilada sauce

2 TB mozzarella cheese  

my addition: 2C steamed broccoli and 1/2 tomato hehe

Dice chicken.  In a bowl, mix cream cheese and green chilies together.  Spread cream cheese mixture onto tortilla and add 2TB green enchilada sauce, diced chicken and 1TB mozzarella cheese; roll tortilla up tightly.  In small pan cover with tin foil sprayed with cooking spray, place tortilla in pan and top with remaining 2 TB enchilada sauce and remaining 1TB cheese.  Cover with tinfoil to keep moist.  Bake in oven at 375 for 20 mins or until edges are crispy.  *mine usually only takes 15 mins*

I can't tell you how delicious this is- and healthy!!  Oh- and for steaming broccoli.  I will share with you a tip I learned.  See, when I am cooking for a bunch of people I will get my steamer out and steam the veggies.  However, when it's just me... that's a lot of cleaning up to do for just one person.  So, cut up your broccoli and put them in ziplock bags!  Seal them except for like 3/4" and put it in the microwave for 2mins and voila.  Steamed veggies for cheap.  You don't need to add water or anything.  I sometimes add seasonings.. but I usually wait to add those when they're done.  Then *gasp* I throw out the ziplock.  Easy peasy.  I was washing out my ziplocks until it got ridiculous.  You don't need name brands for this... even the cheap stuff works  great!  So, save yourself some dishes and save some $ if you buy the frozen veggie steamer bags.

Then last night was the BYU vs. Florida game. I had to record it so we could watch it together when Jon got home (it was over by the time he got home and I had to stay away from FB so I wouldn't see scores!!) We are die hard BYU fans (it is our alma mater after all!)  So I decided to make some festive treats!  S'mores on a stick :-)  Took marshmallows and dipped them into melted dark chocolate and rolled them into crushed graham crackers.  Divine.  Oh, and I of course had to get blue and white jelly beans!!  

Then after eating this... I hoped on the bike and cycled about 10miles while watching the game :-)  Great game.  Sad we lost... but it was fun to watch it with the husband and be able to have an excuse to make some fun treats!!

2 years later...

So, during my pity party earlier I started to realize how far I have really come in the past few years.  It is quite amazing to be honest.

March 2009 was a HUGE turning point for me.  I was the heaviest I had EVER been.  No really.  It was awful.  I couldn't take it anymore and I decided that I really was going to DO something about it instead of just TALK about it.  My motto became "There is no can't - just will or won't".

I just wanted to share some before and after photos.  I started at just under 150lbs.  For me being only 4'11"... that was a big deal.  I had a ton of self confidence issues and I wasn't happy.  It was a really hard time in my life- but I couldn't have done it with out my hubby.  Oh... and don't mind his funny looking cast in the pic below... he was going through therapy after cutting a couple tendons in his hand... ouch!

me and the hubby at his bday party (80's themed) March 2009

December 2008- 2 yr wedding anniversary

I started out small.  I joined a gym and I only went for time (worked up to 30 mins on the elliptical and went up from there).  I wasn't sure if I would ever return to running.  I hadn't run since I had foot surgery that happened in 2006 during marathon training.  I just gave up.  Plain and simple.  Life got busy and with that came a whole ton of pathetic excuses.  

Let's be honest, we all know it's a lie when we say "Oh, when ____ happens- then life will get less busy and I will find the time to do it"  Seriously, if you find yourself in that rut... ya better just suck it up and find a free 30 mins in your day.  I don't care what time it is!  I worked out as early as 4am and as late as midnight. (okay, i'm not saying lose sleep... but I think you understand what I'm trying to get at)  I understand how busy life can be and it's only going to get busier!!  Something is always going on and something new always happens to pop up right when you think it won't.  Anyways... moving on.

At that time we were still in Utah while Jon was finishing up his masters and doing the internship and job search thing.  Anyways, I had some friends who were signing up to run a 10k for July 4th in 2009.  My husband took an internship that was in Houston and he would be gone for the entire summer while I stayed in Utah.  I  knew I had to keep myself motivated while he was gone.  To do that- I needed to set goals.  My friends asked me to do the 10k.  I was scared.  I didn't know if I could do it.   I was always signing up for 5ks and I figured I would stick to those.  However, I knew if I wanted to challenge myself and lose the weight- I had to jump in and do the 10k and get out of my comfort zone.  So, that first 10k turned into three 10ks, 3 half marathons, a few 5ks, 6k and a full marathon going from July 4th 2009 to April 17th 2010.  With that came a loss of 40 lbs!  Since April 2010- I have run a few more half marathons, 5ks and another marathon and I am still wanting more! 

Here is my after :-)

First night in our new  home August 2010 with our awesome sparking cider :-)

Harry Potter world - Feb 2011

Hollywood studios - feb 2011

Epcot - feb 2011

Okay, so I don't have "proper" after shots... but seriously, I cannot express to you how much happier I am.  If you are struggling with weight and wanting to start your journey- I know how overwhelming it can be.  You have to take that first step and just start.  Even if it's only for 10 mins at a time!!  Don't give up either.  You will hit walls, but the harder you work, the better you will get.  If I can do it- anyone can!   Need advice or motivation- feel free to contact me!  I love love love talking about this sort of thing!

45mins w/ Jillian = hot mess

Taken on elliptical after finishing a serious workout with the ifit live with Jillian Michaels... woah baby!
HOTT MESS!

Facing the facts

Okay, I'm seriously a horrible blogger.  I guess I have just been a little down about the whole not really being able to run thing and I didn't want to bring every one else down with me.

I am taking more time off of running.  However, this time... it'll be legit.  I am not running until the middle of April.  At that time, I will test out the ITB situation and see how I am doing.  Here is the thing though, I have to get it through my head that I am going to have to start out like I am a beginner.  I am doing everything I can (weights, elliptical and bike) to keep up the cardio, however, that doesn't mean that I can automatically go out and start at 30 mile weeks initially.  I am going to have to see my first long run being like 4miles.  Just that thought alone is dreadful.  I am just facing the hard truth.  

I can't sign up for any races.  I keep getting e-mails informing me of races and I get all excited... until I remember that I'm injured.  Humph.


It's hard. 

The weather here has been gorgeous and I am sorely tempted to go outside and run.  This injury has been going on far too long.  All it needs is time and a lot of foam rolling.  I have been really diligent on doing that. 


Question:  when you foam roll your ITB... are you sore the next day??  Because I always am!  It's always up and down the side of my upper legs.  Woah nelly!

Welp, that's all for now.  Here is to another month of wishing I could be pounding the pavement and wishing I could be running a half marathon that's like literally down the street from me on the Saturday before Easter!!  Some day :-) 

Princess Half

Alrighty, I cannot tell you how tricky formatting is today on the blog.  Oh well.  I just wanted to show off just a very few of the pictures we took during the race.  There are WAY more pictures and it was so hard to pick them... so I apologize if these don't completely tell the whole story.  

So, 3am came way too early for us on Feb. 27th!!  Thankfully, I felt like I had slept enough and I jumped right out of bed and started getting my gear together.  We were both a little out of it- but we were excited!!  We headed out of the hotel at 3:45am to catch the bus.  From there we went to Epcot.  We finished pinning on our numbers and checked our gear bags.  Then came the 20min walk to the starting line.  

It was super dark and I had no idea where we were.  We were just following the crowds until we got to the start and all the corrals.  We were in the very last one: F.  When the race started up "Fairy-god-mother" started each corral off and there were fireworks too!  Heh, our pictures of that were not pretty.  So, sorry. 

It took us 40 minutes to finally start after the first corral went.  It was amazing!  We kept it low key and slow.  We didn't care about time- just finishing.  However, mother nature decided to come around by mile 4 and we ended up waiting in some serious porta john lines.  Seriously, mile 1-5 went by fast and were a blur.  Then my knees decided to play a fun trick on me.  Usually it's my left knee that hurts... however, this time... it was my right knee.  Weirdly enough- skipping helped it feel better.  So there I was... skipping through Magic Kingdom- haha!  I figured- it's probably the only race in the world where it wouldn't be weird to be seen skipping... it is the most magical place on earth, right? ;-)

Magic kingdom was fantastic!  We ran through Cinderella's castle!  Shannon was giddy like a school girl and we were just having a ton of fun.  By mile 9 I was hurting bad.  I was shuffling and skipping at this point.  I felt so bad.  We were walking a ton too.  There was no way that I wasn't going to finish with Shannon.  She was nice enough to be slow with me :-)   *note the ice strapped to my legs in the pic below..

This race was amazing- minus the knees of course.  I would do this again in a heart beat.  Maybe next time I do it- I won't be injured and I can go for a PR maybe.  Wishful thinking!  I was so happy that I did this with my sister.  It gave us a chance to bond and share something.  I would totally love to get our other sister involved along with sis-in-laws.  Girls weekend??? Maybe??

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BAM!  Check out that bling!!

Being Princess Crystal for a day: Check!

Okay, so the Princess half marathon recap will be coming in the next day or so- I just wanted to say that we did it!  My sister, Shannon, was a complete rock-star! She was all worried that she'd be holding me back when in actuality- I held her back because of my awesome knees.  We didn't care though.  I think our only concern that we had was not getting "picked up" by the cart- which I knew wasn't going to be a problem :-)  That meant pitstops, pictures galore, laughing, walking, skipping and shuffling :-)  Like stated in the last post: I didn't care whatsoever about my time.  This was the best race I've ever had- despite all my knee issues (which will be explained in more detail soon) this was just so much fun.  Thank you, Shannon for sharing this experience with me- it was such a blast!  A memory I'll never forget!

On the go...

I am currently typing this while in line for toy story mania @ disney hollywood studios!!! The princess half is in a few days and I am so excited!!!  I am glad that I am doing this for fun and throwing all time goals out the window. This is the first time I have done that and it feels great!

Ps... Still in line... But so worth it! My sis and bro inlaw ger in in four hours!!! Also.. Sorry if pic is sideways. I am in line- cut me some slack! :D

I am in trouble

Okay... how did it get to Friday so fast???  Disney half is next weekend.  Holy crap!

Can we say- nervous?

I normally wouldn't be... but let's recap the last 3 months or so... took 2 months of that off from legit running.. kept to spinning, elliptical and weights.  Had an awesome running week last week.

This week:  FAIL

Heh... I have just felt really crappy this week.  Monday was just awful and since then it has gotten a little better- but not by much.  I will save you from the details.  Because my syptoms point to other things and I just don't want to plant any ideas in your head.  :)  Anyays... running?  Not so much.  I tried on Tuesday but I only lasted 5 minutes before I was booking it to the restroom.  Seriously??  This is what I get after working my butt off to recovery from my injury?? Haha... I just can't help from just laughing at it now.  Just my luck!

Anyways, I am trying to overlook the fact that my mileage is just pathetic and that I probably shouldn't be running the half.  I am running this for fun.  My sister, Shannon is running it with me.  This is her first half ever!  I just hope that I don't ruin the experience for her! 

I'm going to try and run again today and see what happens.  Crossing my fingers!

Just had to keep yal updated- didn't want you to think I fell off the face of the earth or anything.

Happy valentines day!!

***post edit... exercising has gone out the window for today.  I have some serious GI issues and I can't stay away from the bathroom for more than a half hour :-( ugh... not.happy.  Okay, sorry for TMI.... but seriously, you guys hold me accountable whenever I write down my workouts on here!  I have to explain why it's not happening.  Heh, having a blowout on the mill at the gym would be very, very bad.  haha.... gross.  Now that I've painted an amazing picture for you- read on... the post gets better***

As some of you know, the husband has been traveling a ton for work. So this morning he got up very early and got ready to head to the airport. He is gone each week from Mon-Thurs. So, it could be worse.

Anyways, we had a fun weekend. We were able to cook a nice dinner together on Sat night. He gets so sick of eating out while he travels, so this was really special to do for him. We made lasagna rolls. Here is the link for the recipe: lasagna rolls

I just wanted to say how thankful I am for Jon. He works so hard and I am very proud of him. He is my number one fan and supports all my crazy running... And food habits... Haha! He was so sweet to leave me this note on the table this morning. Love.

So this is our 5th v-day together. So awesome. However, today I will spend it going to work, weights, running and snuggling with this furry monster... Aka: Sookie :)  we will prob watch an obligatory chick flick and eat ice cream :)

Any recommendations for a movie?

How are you spending v-day?

If your loved one is traveling today, how did yoy make them feel special?

Planned workout: weights and a hopeful 6-7 miles on the mill.

Victory!!!

This week was VICTORIOUS!!  For Houston, it has been a little chilly.  Nothing like what all of you New Englanders have been experiencing.  Seriously- my family in NH has seen TONS of snow (but, what's new??).  We had some deep freeze warnings and snow warnings too.  Thankfully, no snow.  However, there was a lot of ice.  Check out my side-view mirror!  No,  I wasn't driving when I took this.  Promise.

Anyways, because it was cold I kept everything inside.  On Monday I decided that I would hit up the treadmill and see what I could do.  Last time I  did this- I only made it like 3 miles before pain set in.  So, I had a small goal in mind that I was loosely holding on to.  I said I wanted to see if I could pull 5 miles without pain.  I  put in the tunes and I started at a conservative pace and started.  I had my awesome "Shut up and run" bondi band on (SUAR).  I just kept repeating that over and over to myself.  I  had the TM on 1% incline.  I was so nervous.  How ridiculous does that sound??

I knew I had put in the work to stay up with my cardio- but my fear of pain was just freaking me out.  I decided to  just get lost in my tunes.  Before I knew it- I was at 4 miles.  Really???  No pain?? I must've looked so ridiculous with my goofy smile and sweat pouring everywhere (it was warm in the gym!).  I knew 5 miles would be no prob.  Then I got to 5... felt amazing... so I decided to do one more... and before I knew it- I had run 7 miles.  I called it good at that.  Didn't want to get too carried away.

I was beside myself!!   I was so excited!  Heh, I wanted to go run up to a perfect stranger and give them a high 5- a hug would be sweaty nasty... decided that I would spare someone of that disaster.  I wanted to take a picture to post... but alas... I forgot my phone in the car and when I got home- I had forgotten... Oops.  Sorry.

Tuesday I did my normal weights and elliptical.  I wanted to give my legs a chance to rest.  Then Wednesday: weights and treadmill.  Guess how many miles?? 8.  Pain?  Zero.

This week:

Knee pain: 0   Me: bajillion :-)

Then yesterday it was so nice outside.  So, I decided to hit the road.  Again, I had a loose goal.  I made it to 6 miles and then started to feel tightness.  Then it hit me.  I think I have a plausible contributing factor of what has been causing my pain (besides over-training).  The route I had been doing a lot before I got injured has a zillion left turns.... and I did the same route nearly every day.  Apparently, I don't believe in turning right :-) Anyways, what knee has been in pain?  My left knee.  I never thought about it before.  So, lesson learned: switch it up!   I know I have done that route backwards before- it just felt weird.  I felt lost haha... I have issues I guess.  Anyways, I decided to call it quits at 6.  My body felt like it could keep going- but I don't want to get ahead of myself.

So, what do you think?  Do you think that turning the same way over and over could cause an injury?  What way do you turn the most when you are hitting the roads?

Overall week: Fan-freaking-tastic!!  Princess Half is coming up... Check out that tiara!! 

Excitement :)

Real quick

For those with qualifying times for the boston marathon that didn't get in.... Jetblue is giving away an entry go to this site for more info!!

http://www.jetbluecontest.com/

Hungry Runner Girl Giveaway!

Have you been following Hungry Runner Girl???  If you haven't- you really need to.  I am wishing that we still lived in Provo so we could be running buddies.  Anyways, she is having a sweet giveaway (pun intended... there is candy involved!).  Go check it out HERE!

Happy February!!!

So, I apologize for lack of photos... I need to work on that.  Yesterday and today I had some killer workouts.  I am getting over a sinus infection.  My personal opinion for myself is that I can still workout as long as it is above the neck! If it goes below that... it's a big "no-no".  So, I am being careful! 

I am in the 5th week of my Life the Life program.  I didn't do this to lose weight- just to get stronger.  So far I have lost 6lbs.  I am really impressed.  I can feel myself getting stronger and I can start to see it too.  It is very exciting.  I was so caught up in marathon training for so long that I completely set aside resistance training.  I am so glad to be back at it. 

Yesterday's work out consisted of 3x15's for each:  bench press, flies, lat pulldown (with resistance band), bent over row, bicep curl, incline curl, tricep dips, skull crushers, split abs and lying supermans.   Two words: HOLY CRAP!!   I was dying!!  For my warm up I ran outside for a mile (just testing the waters with the knee) and then after weights I cycled for 30 mins and did 9 miles.

Today: same 3x15's...  wall sits (3x60 sec), walking lunges, step ups, hamstring curls (with stability ball) and one legged bridge (okay.. seriously- I cannot do these!  I have no coordination. I was laughing the whole time).  Again, 10 min warm up on elliptical and then I went to the gym and RAN on the treadmill for 3 miles!  There was some pain- but I stopped before it got to be a problem.

So first run?  I'd say mostly a success :-)  Woot!!  Just wishing there was no pain. 

So, I will leave you with this.  I am like all you other ladies out there.  I am my own worst enemy sometimes when it comes to self-worth.  I am working on it every day.  Janae posted this cute poem on her blog (she is awesome-sauce go check her out here) that I also wanted to share on my blog.  It was a nice pick me up today.

Beauty Tips
For attractive lips,
Speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes,
Seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure,
Share your food with the hungry.

For beatiful hair,
Let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.

For poise
Walk with the knowledge that you'll never walk alone.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears,
The figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes
Because that is the doorway to her heart, the place were love resides.
-Sam Levenson


What was the hardest workout you've ever done?

-i'd have to say that for me that speed work always always kicks my butt!  However, with the lack of running... I would have to say that yesterday's work out really REALLY kicked my butt!!  It was the hardest workout I've had in a long time. 

What do you do when you are feeling down in the dumps?

-I always make sure to talk with the husband about it.  He is my biggest fan and my complete other half.  Prayer and exercise.  They all go hand-in-hand together for me. 

It's tomorrow!!

So, uuber fast post here...

Tomorrow is February 1st.  You know what that means?? I will be doing an official run tomorrow to see how the knee is.  I know... Disney Princess Half is a blink away- but I feel like I will be okay.  I am not looking for a PR- just a fun experience :)

Here is to hoping that tomorrow is successful!!  I took an entire month off of running!  That knee better give me a green light :-)

PS: giveaway over at bessbefit Love it!!

Geez, I am SO behind in the blogging world!

I think after my "almost" epic fail from the San Antonio Marathon, I have completely neglected this blog.  For reals.  I think I just got so down and out about my knee injury.  Which still hurts BTW...  Sorry, I know this post is long and without pictures.  I'm not that sorry.  I at least wrote something!

Anyways, I decided that I wasn't going to give up and that I was going to take a different approach too my exercise regimen.  As I mentioned in my last post about the 12 week program called "Live The Life" I am in my 3rd week! This "program" isn't meant to be a diet.  It's meant to be a lifestyle change.  I don't eat weird food or anything like that.  It's meant to simplify life.  It was also like paying for a trainer with a nutrition plan.  Except, a whole lot cheaper!

Each week I have different meals and workouts.  I get to eat 6x a day!  For me- this is absolutely PERFECT!  I love love love to snack- just ask Jon. This "program" helps me to not snack at all because I always feel satisfied.  My goals going into this was to become a stronger runner.  This means a lot of resistance training.  I haven't done this much resistance training since high school! I don't have much weight to lose, but my goal was to lose no more than 10lbs.   I have already lost 4lbs :-).

People have asked me how I can stick to this- eating at specific times, eating my prepared meals in public places... I just tell them it's will power and also it's the fact that I paid for this- of course I'm going to get my moneys worth!!  My dad came out to visit last week and he wanted to go to IHop.  Heh, I felt so embarrassed that I wasn't there to order- but I pulled out my food and ate it anyways.  No regrets here... just a little awkward.  Oh and Studio Movie Grille... yes, I stuffed my dinner in my purse and ate it in the theater while my dad and his friend ordered their dinner haha... At least I didn't get "caught".  After my dad was done with his meal- he had an extra plate so I dumped my food on that and made it look like I was eating food from the theater.  I bet they wondered where the rice and salsa came from. So, I apologize if we are ever invited over to your house for dinner... I will probably bring my own food or I might eat before or after you.  Don't take it personally... I'm just trying to reach a goal.  :-)

Okay.. so this is probably going to be TMI... oh well.  The only downside that I have found with this is that... I have to go to the restroom  A LOT.  No really. No I'm not pregnant (for those with suspicions).  I just drink tons of water.  This has made work a little hard.  I work in a back room with no bathroom and because I'm with kids- I can't leave them.  So, if I have to go, I have to call the front desk to ask if they can sit in with them while I made a pit stop.  How embarrassing!  Want to know what happened the other day?  They said "be right there!" and they NEVER came.  Seriously, people!  I drink 4 liters of water a day!!! It was almost a disaster.  Any suggestions??  It's not that I have an overactive bladder (I don't think?) but I think anyone who were to drink as much water as I do - they'd have the same problem.

Alright, to end on a non bathroom topic... I just wanted to say that I received an amazing house warming gift.  An elliptical!!!  While my dad was out here he told me his treadmill broke.  He was asking for my help on picking out a new one or an elliptical because of his knee pain.  To save you from a very long story- I will just say that he completely tricked me!  He made me go to a sports store because he wanted to see them up close and in person so he'd know what to look for when he got home.  There I was blabbing on and on about different features of treadmills and ellipticals and he looked at the sales guy and said "we'll take this one!"  I was in so much shock.  I'm sure the look on my face was priceless.  I almost started balling my eyes out.

Anyways, I have officially canceled my gym membership and I have been working out from home.  I work at a gym so I still have access to that one for free if I need it.  There just isn't a pool or any exercise classes. I absolutely LOVE the elliptical.  No waiting in lines and all the Gilmore Girls I can handle ;)  Win win!  I'm struggling to find a name for it.  My stationary bike is "Wanda" and my garmin watch is "GPSy" get it? like "gypsy"? Anyways, any ideas for the elliptical?  I thought about it at work the other day and the only thing I could come up with was "Stella"... because the only word coming to mind was "stellar"  okay, I'm a dork.  Deal with it.  I'm taking names for the elliptical!