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 :-)