Ok so I'm FINALLY finishing this thing! I know, I know...anti-climactic! I'VE BEEN BUSY!!!

I finished the Half-Marathon. It was amazing!

I joined a running team and am now training for my first FULL Marathon! I've created another blog designed specifically for this race. The address is:

iwillcrossanotherfinishline@blogspot.com

I make no promises on just how much I will post because let's face it, I dropped the ball on this one...but I do promise to try!

Thank you to everyone for your support! This blog got me very far in this process and I couldn't have done it without everyone's words of encouragement. I am blessed.









THE. END.

Transformation...

I know I haven't blogged in awhile, I'm sorry! I said I would do better and I guess I failed. Oops! BUT....that is the ONLY thing I've been failing at. I just have to take a moment and say that I am starting to see serious results from my training. I can fit into ALL of my old clothes and I've had to get rid of most of my wardrobe because they are too big. I am starting to feel beautiful and strong. I believe that I will be able to finish this half-marathon with no problem and I've developed an inner strength that I've never had.

I found an old food journal of mine and was pretty much horrified of its contents. Here's an example of what I used to eat:

Breakfast-Sausage Burrito from Sonic

Lunch-Hamburger and fries

Snack-Chips

Dinner-Pizza

Dessert-Ice Cream or Candy

NO WONDER I WAS FAT!!!!! I can honestly say the thought of eating all of that in one day...makes me sick to my stomach now. I am still tempted by some of those foods, but I cannot imagine how bad eating all of that feels. Never again!

This is an example of what I eat today:

Breakfast-Fiber muffin and a banana

Snack-Apple and 60 calorie pudding

Lunch-Veggie soup and cheese

Snack-Special K crackers

Dinner-Lean protein and 2 vegetables

*never white carbs-always brown.

I've come such a long way. I was so sick and unhappy before I started training. I am not done, but I am amazed at how different I feel. It took a long time for me to feel different, but I finally do and am so happy with my determination and dedication to this process. I'm almost at 30 lbs lost since I began running in December and I'm going to run 11 miles tomorrow.

2 weeks till my half-marathon!!! It's now time to become a machine!

8 miles and a snake!

I ran 8 miles yesterday. I didn't stop and it took me 2 hours and 27 minutes. That time is really slow but it's because of the amount of pain I was experiencing. I started the run at 10am. It was beautiful outside, about 58 degrees. The first mile always starts off stiff, but mile 2 and 3 always feels great! It felt good being outside and being active. Come mile four, I started noticing pain in my left leg. It's weird how it shifts, it used to come in my right leg. I pushed through it and come mile 6, the pain was signficant. Right about that time, I came upon a steep hill that I had to push through and I met a friend, a snake! I freaked out and bolted it and didn't look back! Mile 7 was awful...sooo much pain! Then mile 8, although I was hurting, I was almost done so I got a little more energy. I never hit an emotional wall, but the physical pain slowed me down a lot.

Recovery from this run has been the worst I've had to date. Last night, I could barely walk. Today, it's a little better but I'm still really sore. I have a pretty bad sunburn from being outside, which really surprises me because it was 10am and early March. It's slowly going down but yeah, I'm pretty much a mess right now. I'm not looking forward to the next 5 weeks of recovery. It SUCKS!

The good news...I've gone back to my original nutrition plan to go ahead and get a jump start on the weightloss. I'm no longer eating any white flower or unnatural sugar. I've already started and feel great! The best part... my scale is saying I'm down another 2.5 lbs! WOO HOO!!!

On a roll...

Another great day! Awesome nutrition and 2 miles at the gym.... running/walking. I had to walk for some because my legs were hurting. I need to spend more time stretching. Tomorrow I plan on going to the gym after dance practice. Can't wait to weigh-in on Monday!

Excited...

I had another great day today! My nutrition was fabulous and I got 2 hours of dance in tonight. I count that as my workout so that makes today a success!

I am officially registered for the half-marathon! I am getting REALLY excited!! I talked to my friend Denise at dance and she's helping me learn what I need to prepare for it-belts, gel etc. I'm kind of lost but she's going to help me and it's making me even more excited.

I did some reading on the "wall" that we're expected to hit during the race. Here's what I learned...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"The Wall is the term used when runners reach a point where they have depleted their glycogen (which is converted from carbohydrates). It is kind of like running “on empty”. When glycogen is depleted, your body begins to depend on fat as the source for energy. This creates a transition within your body that initially causes you to have very little energy.
How to avoid the wall is the common question. Proper training and nutrition (carb loading) can help to minimize your chances of reaching this point. The amount of time you are running is another factor.

When hitting it, some runners find it difficult to run and sometimes even walk. If you reach this point, it is okay. Just know what is going on when it happens. It can be a traumatic experience at first because you literally feel empty as if you have nothing left. What do you do? Keep going! Your body will make the transition and you will push through “the wall” to the finish line.

Once you push through, you may experience the “runner’s high” which some runners claim to be better than sex. If this happens, keep going! Remind yourself that you are a marathon runner and feel the feeling you will have when you cross the finish line. In a perfect world, you will deplete the last of your glycogen as you cross the finish line. However, chances are that you will hit the wall. Just remember your preparation, know what is happening, and know you will push through. You can do it! And you will."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I hope this isn't too awful. I haven't hit one yet in my long distance runs, and they don't sound pleasant. Oh well, just gotta push through them!

Tomorrow night I'm hitting the gym for a hard workout. I'm excited!! :0)

And I leave you with a quote...

"He who fears being conquered is sure of defeat."
- Napoleon Bonaparte, legendary military leader

Woo Hoo!

Alright, so I did AWESOME today! I had a ton of fruits/veggies, plenty of protein and complex carbs. And after work and class tonight, I hit the gym and ran 2 miles. It wasn't as easy as it used to be-I sweated a lot. That just showed me that it's time to re-condition the body but I feel great about my ability to regain my focus. It's so precious and I'm holding on to it for as long as I can!

5 weeks and 6 days left! :0)

The PLAN!

I've come up with a plan to keep me on track until the marathon. Here goes...

The next 2 weeks:

I will not cheat and I will up my workouts. I will hold strong and NOT cheat under ANY circumstanceS. I will workout 6 times a week and will have NO EXCUSES!!! I will blog more often to keep myself accountable. I can and WILL do this! I expect it to be difficult but I will succeed and prove that I have what it takes to continue. I will forgive myself for becoming unfocused this month and I will acknowledge that it is time to move forward.

Spring Break:

I get one day to eat what I want. I will have earned it and will take only one day. That day will be when I'm in Austin having a blast! :0)

Last 4 weeks before the Half-Marathon:

I will go back to the diet that I originally started with. This consists of eliminating all white flour and eating only natural sugars. No processed food and high protein and complex carbs. I will also be upping my mileage on a daily basis while maintaining my long distance runs on Sundays.

Final week-The week of the Half-Marathon:

I will taper off my runs and carbo load for the final week. The night before, I will get a good nights sleep to emotionally and physically prepare for the day ahead! :0)

YAY, I'M BACK ON TRACK.......FEELS GOOD!!!!!

I'm a slacker, I admit it!

I know it's been forever since I've posted. My apologies! Things have been so busy lately that I haven't even opened my computer for a long time now. So here's the skinny on the whole training....

Since I've posted, I've lost another 3-4 pounds but starting mid February, I got tired of everything. I ate a bunch of crap and didn't lose weight. My one blessing is that I've been so active that I haven't gained any, but I haven't been losing either. I've been really struggling. Then today, I got past it! FINALLY!!! I ate great food and went to the gym. I'm feeling more in control and am ready to get the next chunk of weight OFF!

As far as my running, it's going well. My last long run was 7 miles-no stopping. It took me an hour and 44 minutes. It was excrutiatingly long because it was on a treadmill. My head was drenched in sweat and I looked like I'd just gotten out of the shower. It felt good though and I'm proud of myself for doing it. I missed last week's long run because I wasn't feeling well so this Sunday I plan to complete 9 miles. I haven't had to stop yet so I'm curious to see if this is the run that makes me walk some of it. We shall see!

I have 6 weeks till the marathon and it's all becoming very real. I know it's going to be a strenous next few weeks, but I really feel that I will be able to complete the course. I have to stay strong and realize that after Aprill 11th, I can relax and feel a huge sense of accomplishment!

Oh and this is the first time I've admitted my size...but I tried on a size 14 dress today and it was TOO BIG!! Size 12, here I come!!

:) :) :) :) :)

My 6 mile experience...

I just completed 6 miles and I can honestly say that this is the worst pain I've had thus far. EVERYTHING hurts. My arms are killing me from my strength training yesterday. My shoulder is flared up and feels like it's on fire. My back is killing me. My abs are extremely sore. My legs are really hurting and I have blisters on both feet. It hurts to even move at this point, and I am so very glad that I do not run for the next 2 days.
The run itself was strenuous. I did fine up until the start of mile 5, then I started getting really tired. I did not stop or walk though, I ran the entire thing. I finished in 1 hour and 41 minutes.
It's all getting more real now. I am physically exhausted from today's run, and I just completed HALF of what the actual half-marathon will be. This is a little scary to me, but I still have 7 more weeks to train. I'm technically right on track, but it's going to be a grueling last few weeks.

Feelings...

I'm still continuing to train and have made some real progress as of late. I have dropped a significant amount of weight in the past 2 weeks to which I am very proud! It's nice to know that all those hours in the gym are finally paying off. I have a pair of jeans that I have in my closet that are the "someday I'll fit in these again" jeans. I tried them on yesterday, and I am happy to say that they officially FIT! Not only do they fit...THEY ARE COMFORTABLE!! It is the first time in 7 years that I have been able to wear those jeans. No words can describe that moment...

I am excited to report that from the first day of training until now, I have lost 15.6 pounds!! And since August, I have lost 29 lbs.

I'm almost half way through training. (From Day 1 that is)... My schedule has me running 3,4 and 5 miles this week and then 6 on Sunday. I'm right on track with my distance and my weight-loss. It's hard to believe that as long as I stick with this, in about a month I will be the lowest I can ever remember being.

I'm having some interesting emotions during this process. Usually after about 10 lbs or so lost, I begin to feel confident and attractive. I haven't really had any of these moments. Part of it probably has to do with the fact that I spend the majority of my time sweaty and gross at the gym. Not really a time to feel sexy. The other part is that I'm so busy, I don't really have time for many hot dates. That's certainly different, but I really think I need to continue to focus on myself so I will be ready when a decent man comes along! It's so important to love yourself first.

I'm ready to be able to look in the mirror and feel beautiful. And yes I know I'm beautiful on the inside and all that crap, but to feel physically beautiful...as a result of my hard work. It will be a special day...

And so it goes....

I'm starting to realize why everyone doesn't train for half-marathons. It's taking so much time to train properly and I don't get home until 9 or 10 at night. By then I'm so exhausted that I go straight to bed. 81 more days, 81 more days!!

This is what I did tonight:

1 hr of dance
100 crunches
Tricep, bicep, chest weights
3 mile run-48:40

Buddy Workout!

Tonight Christina and I worked out at the gym in Addison, technically Carrolton....which was my old gym. I was a dumbass and forgot my music, but she was patient enough to talk with me the whole time. That's friendship! :0) We both did a little over an hour on the treadmill and I was able to complete my 4 miles of running required for today. I can barely walk, but I did it! It's more fun with a partner!!

I'm feeling like I'm gaining more control over my situation now. I've done awesome on the eating and I'm implementing longer running distances. Since I've started the half marathon training schedule, I'm really pushing myself to new levels and that's helping my motivation. I'm still really slow though...I was laughing tonight because after about 30 min, my running speed was slower than my normal walking speed. I have GOT to get that up, it's just hard when I'm so exhausted. I know once the weight comes off it will be easier. Speaking of weight, have I mentioned that I hate my scale? I'm working my ass off and it's holding on to every ounce of weight! GRR!! I know, I know....there are so many factors that go into that!

So yeah, feeling better...and C is doing AWESOME so we're feelin' good! Hopefully after 11 more weeks of this, we can complete that marathon and can feel accomplished and can go back to normal 30 min workouts. That will be a happy time!

Honesty...

Lately I have felt unfocused. It all started with the move. I had to pack and move and do everything that comes along with a move in a short period of time. I did fine at first and fit in a few workouts. Once I moved, I worked out less because I couldn't stand living in boxes. I took about a week off to unpack and get my apartment liveable. What I found was...the less I worked out, the more I ate. I didn't eat anything bad per say, I just ate too much. That started the cycle. The self-esteem lowers which creates self-destruction. Yesterday I ran 5.6 miles and was very proud of myself, and then because I couldn't move afterwards...I sat my happy ass on the couch for 8 hours straight and ate an entire bag of sunchips! No more chips for Lindsey, I can't have them. I had a REAL hotdog w/no bun at Taryn's birthday party...and then I went out to a club on Saturday night and had 2 sugary drinks. I am so pissed at myself...my scale says I'm up 1 pound. GRRR!!!

At the work weigh-in, all my friends kicked my ass and that was a huge wake-up call! It's time to get serious. I took two weeks of semi-slacking..and it has to stop! So today to prove that I'm ready for my new intense schedule, I fit in a run and some weights before dance. Tonight I did:

30 minute run
100 crunches
Chest/Tricep/Bicep weights
2 hours of dance

I'm EXHAUSTED!! I feel great about today. We worked hard at dance and I know that the quick run helped. My eating was awesome and I just have to continue tomorrow. I'm still feeling emotionally fragile but that should fade as long as I keep up the good choices. And I have to remember...my bad isn't as bad as it once was. I haven't eaten anything fried or filled with sugar in over 42 days. I ran 5.6 miles straight without stopping. I can do this. I have to....

I'm in!

I've moved in to my new apartment and am pleased to say that I now have internet!! It's sad how 2 days without it is a tragedy. (Fios rules)

Tonight I've opted to be a bum. I'm going to unpack and watch the Bachelor. I have been staying active and have kept up a couple workouts so I don't feel like too much of a slacker. I've created an intense schedule that I will specifically stick to starting next week. The rest of THIS week I'll focus on cardio and strength training.
I also need to do some serious stretching to get me closer to those splits for dance (ow)...

I've been hungrier than normal but I know that's due to PMS. It sucks being a woman sometimes. Ok who am I kidding, it's awesome. We have all the power :p I am ready to stop wanting to eat everything in sight though.

We started Biggest Loser at my school today. Everyone who participates pays $5.00 and weighs in every Monday. The person that loses the most weight wins the money and the title of the Biggest Loser. Now, I'm not arrogant enough to know that I will win this thing, but I do think it will be a great tool to keep me motivated. Plus with me running 24 miles each week, I should consistently lose. It goes until June 1st. I was very pleased with my weigh-in today. It has me down even more than I thought, and it was exciting seeing my number much lower, even though I feel 500 lbs. Must be working!

I have more friends wanting to get healthy and starting blogs! It feels so good to be around it. I can feel it...2010 is the year for hotness!! :0)

Well, I'm off to watch the Bachelor....this episode is the one where a contestant sleeps with a camera man! What can I say, I'm addicted to trash :p

Getting back in the game...

So I've taken some time off because I've been sick. I started back tonight and this is what I did:

1 hour advanced dance class
100 crunches
Chest, arms, and shoulder weights
3 mile run-42 min and 11 seconds without stopping

I'm getting nervous about starting up my full schedule. I'm taking 2 nights of dance, 1 night of a college class, all while doing the half marathon training schedule. I need to sit down and make a schedule that works best for me. Finding the time for everything will prove to be difficult, but once I see it on paper I will feel better.

Tonight was the first night of my advanced dance class. We saw our costumes that we'll wear in May...and it's serious motivation to keep going. I've lost about 10 lbs so far and one size. My target areas include: arms, butt and hips! For some reason I'm losing the most in my legs, face and waist. Ready for the rest to catch up!!

Something happy: I'm getting my keys to my apartment tomorrow!!!!

:D

YES!

What a perfect way to start out the new year....I ran 3 miles straight without stopping! I am officially ready for a 5k!!!

I'm going to maintain the 3 mile runs for about 2 weeks or so and then I am going to start the half marathon training schedule. This is the schedule I will be following...

http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/inter.htm

Lord help me!!

An end to 2009....

I've decided to take another rest day today. I feel good about it and will resume training tomorrow...

Here is my first picture! This is what I look like at the start of week 4 in training...



I feel GREAT and am ready to start a new year! 2009 was not a bad year for me. I lost 20 pounds, made awesome new friends, and had a little bit of fun along the way! My New Year's resolutions are as follows:

1) Make more time for my friends.
My schedule has been so crazy lately that even being home for one night was bliss. I need to start making more of an effort to spend time with the people I love the most. I have been blessed with so many wonderful people, and I need to start experiencing more things with them!

2) Complete a 5k, 10k, and Half Marathon!
Last year I would have laughed at that...now, I know I will do it!

3) Stop running away from things. I am a pretty put together person, but I have found myself comfortable running away from love and I need to stop. I need to just let all the damage go and move foward. This year...I will.

Alright friends, thank you so much for being so supportive and reading this blog! The support is what gets me through...I love you all!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Week 3 Weigh-In

I lost 2 lbs this week for a total of 9 lbs in 3 weeks! I'll take it! :0)

Let it be known...I AM TAKING THE DAY OFF FROM THE GYM! I will be spending the evening getting my dance on!

Hasta!

Woah!

Why the surpising title? I don't know...couldn't think of anything :p

Tonight I did the exact same workout as the last 2 nights ....30.5 running time!

I'm starting to notice a change in my body. My shape is changing...face is getting thinner and my waist is really going in! I'm starting to recognize my old self a little bit; it's kind of exciting! I went shopping yesterday and bought one size smaller in pants and shirts....HOLLA!

I'm doing well but my body is really starting to feel it so I'm thinking a rest day is in order. Tomorrow I have my week 3 weigh-in. I'm expecting a lower number. Apparently that's normal for week 3 so I'm going to TRY to not get upset if it's low.

I've officially run out of things to talk about so I'm going to go pack. What's that? You want to know why I'm packing?? Ohhh well let me tell you! I got a new apt!!! I'm so stinkin' excited!!! I move in Jan. 9th...WOO HOO!

:0)

Not in the mood...

So tonight I was NOT in the mood to sweat and hurt! I almost talked myself into taking the night off just because I didn't feel like going. I thought about it for a long time and finally decided that I would allow myself to bitch and moan all I wanted. I could also have a really bad attitude...but I'm going!!! So I went...and waited in the parking lot for about 10 minutes trying to delay it as much as possible. Once I realized how stupid that was, I went in. :0)

Tonight and last night this is what I did:

2 min warm-up walk
11.5 min running no stopping
1.5 min walking
10 min running no stopping
1.0 min walking
9 min running no stopping
1 min cool-down walk

36 min total

30.5 total running time!

3 Mile Outside Run...

No, I didn't cheat over Christmas! :0)

Today I completed my first outside run! I decided to pick out a 3 mile route to complete and just do it. The farthest I've ever gone was 2.6 miles and I thought it was time for a little push. It was...AWESOME!

It was a beautiful 48 degrees outside with very little wind. It was nice not looking at a clock and it made the time go by much faster. I did 3 minute running segments mixed with 2 minutes of walking. It wasn't too hard at all except for a 3 minute push up a hill..THAT was hell, but everything else was great. The 3 minute segments weren't bad and it's all just getting easier.

Now, to be fair, I think it's important to be incredibly honest about what you do and don't do during this process. I probably wasn't going as fast outside because the treadmill wasn't keeping me there. Also, my walking could have been slower, but I held up really well and I'm very proud of myself. I finished in just over 48 minutes. I'm totally aware that the time probably sucks but hey, it's a start!

And the best part...the part I am so incredibly excited about...There was a time at the end where I was pretty far out but was definitely towards the end of the route. I made myself run the whole thing without stopping. I held up so strong and felt like I could keep going forever. I believe I just experienced my first runner's high!! I made it to my house with 8:22 of running non-stop! It felt so amazing! 18 days ago I attempted 60 seconds and I could BARELY make that! Now I'm doing over 8 minutes and feel as though I can go longer? WOW! The human body is an amazing conditioning tool.

My total running time today is..... 29 minutes!

Here is my progress so far:

Workout 1: 7 minutes running time
Workout 2: 8 minutes running time
Workout 3: 9 minutes running time
Workout 4: 10 minutes running time
Workout 5: 10.5 minutes running time
Workout 6: 16.0 minutes running time
Workout 7: 17.0 minutes running time
Workout 8: 18.0 minutes running time
Workout 9: 18.0 minutes running time
Workout 10: 18.5 minutes running time
Workout 11: 29.2 minutes running time

WOOOO HOOO!!!!

Second Week Weigh-In...

Isn't this new blog design cute? :0)

Today I started day 15 in the training process. Since I set my weigh-ins on Wednesday mornings, today was the day to face the scale. I lost 3.5 lbs this week for a total of 7.0 lbs in 2 weeks! I'm VERY happy with that!

During last night's workout I pushed 18 minutes total running time and tonight I pushed 18.5. It has been especially hard because it's humid as hell in the gym and there's very little air circulation. The good news is that I'm starting to be able to do 3 minute segments of running. Woo Hoo! Tomorrow morning, I'm going to attempt my first outside run, assuming it's not raining.

My next challenge will be Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The good news is that resisting temptation has almost become a habit and much less difficult. The first week and a half it killed me, but now I'm just used to it. We went and got me some turkey and veggies that I'm going to have just for me. I'm prepared...I should do fine.

I'm finding myself fighting the holiday blues that I get every year. It's really interesting, I feel that it's the best time of year, yet every Christmas I find myself feeling a little bit sad...hopefully it will pass soon.

Here is my progress so far:

Workout 1: 7 minutes running time
Workout 2: 8 minutes running time
Workout 3: 9 minutes running time
Workout 4: 10 minutes running time
Workout 5: 10.5 minutes running time
Workout 6: 16.0 minutes running time
Workout 7: 17.0 minutes running time
Workout 8: 18.0 minutes running time
Workout 9: 18.0 minutes running time
Workout 10: 18.5 minutes running time

I hope everyone has a fabulous Christmas! :0)

~L

Spirit of the Marathon...

"Sometimes the moments that challenge us the most...define us." ~Spirit of the Marathon

I decided to go ahead and make today a rest day because I'm still having significant lower back and hip pain. After some research, this apparently is normal... I guess one of the many perks of running :p

Tonight was awesome...I don't have to go to work tomorrow and I can stay up as late as I want, doing whatever I want! After contemplating options, I decided to watch a movie! It's been so long since I've sat and watched a movie! It was bliss, even though my back is REALLY killing me now. I watched:

SPIRIT OF THE MARATHON on hulu-

http://www.hulu.com/watch/85354/spirit-of-the-marathon

MOVIE REVIEW BY LINDSEY:
This film follows 7 runners as they train and prepare for a full marathon in Chicago. The stories are inspiring and each individual has a different level of physical and emotional strength. The beginning and end are very powerful and I would recommend this film to anyone who is training for a marathon. The middle parts were kind of slow but worth watching. The one thing I found somewhat disturbing was watching the training of one of the runners. I respect the amount of effort it entails to properly train for such a race, but I found that one in particular seemed to engage it through obsession. She looked frail, and although she seemed completely focused, I often wondered if she was really healthy. Once it becomes a true obsession, it's probably time to stop. She killed some badass time though. Wow. Overall, it was incredibly inspiring and reminded me of just how far I have to go!

I'm starting to notice a change in my body...FINALLY! I know it's only been a week and a half but man it feels like forever. My face is getting thinner and my clothes are fitting looser. I'm developing a little more confidence and trying to push through the pain. I think I'm ready for some partner running soon, that's exciting!

I will resume training tomorrow...maybe working out the muscles will loosen up some of the stiffness.

And now for some Simpsons...man it's great being a bum!

OUCH!!

All day I was still having some pain. It's my right lower hip bone..and it hurts! I decided to go ahead and push through it and attempt a workout. I tried up-ing my time to 2:30 segments of running instead of just 2:00. It was fine at first, but after about 20 minutes the pain just got worse. I had to continue at 2 minute segments towards the end but I ended up still improving with 18 minutes total running time. Towards the end, I felt like I was going to throw up; I think part of that was from the pain.

I reviewed my food journal today and realized that I haven't had any sugar today. Usually I intake it from fruits, but today I just had veggies, protein, and non-fruit complex carbs. That could have been part of my fatigue tonight, but I'm not really sure. I'm still in a lot of pain and I'm thinking that if it doesn't improve by tomorrow, I might take an extra rest day. I do not like the idea of doing that, but if I'm hurting like this, it might be my body telling me it's time to rest.

One thing that is so nice: having the temptations go away for a little while! I had a full week of children and friends bringing me cookies, candy, and everything else I can't have. It was so nice to just be at home today and eat what I have. I'm finding more and more foods that I love so I think I'm going to end up being just fine. I'm really proud of myself for not intaking even an ounce of those awesome goodies! Woo Hoo!!

Ok, I'm going to go soak in a hot tub for about an hour! I'm excited!! :0)

Some pain...

Yesterday was my rest day so there wasn't much to report...

Tonight was kind of a joke at first. I got home from work...slept for two hours and was a complete zombie for about 2 more hours. I finally peeled myself out of bed about 10pm and made myself go to the gym. I can honestly say I had to FORCE myself to go, I would have preferred to sleep all night.

During my workout tonight, I noticed some pain in my right hip. I get weird minor pain about every 3 days or so but this was slightly more. I spent some extra time stretching so hopefully that will alleviate some of it.
I pushed a little more but not much. I'm trying not to strain myself too much so I'll have somewhere to go. Tonight I did:

5 min warm-up walk
35 minutes of 2:00 running and 2:00 walking
pushed another 1:00 running at the end
2 minute cool-down walk

Tonight I clocked 17 minutes running time total.

I'm still really out of it tonight. I feel like I could sleep forever. I know I'll feel better tomorrow after sleeping in....and I'll be ready to enjoy times with my favorite peeps in the next 2 weeks!

I tried a hot dog with a whole wheat bun....GROSS! However, I did find a new food that I LOVE: Kashi pizza-Margherita flavor. It kills the pizza craving and it's actually really good. Yay!

Ok I'm off to go sleep for a really long time! Night...

Breakthrough....

I'm going to be honest. Today sucked. It was my first real emotional day in awhile. I got on the scale this morning, and I lost 3.5 lbs my first week. Yes, that is a solid number. Yes, I should be happy with it...but I was actually the same weight on Saturday morning, which was 4 workouts before that. How could I not lose between those 4 killer hard trainings? I haven't put an ounce of bad food in my mouth, and I was really disappointed. It sucked...it made me feel like I'm not improving.

So all day I was pissed off. I'm tired of saying no to everything that's remotely good tasting. I'm tired of work and all this responsibility and I just need a BREAK! I feel like I've been going and going for so long...it seems like every free moment I get I'm doing homework, having performances, doing projects, going somewhere or taking finals. School is finally over, and work is about to be over and it's going to be HEAVEN. I cannot imagine how great it's going to be to have a weekend of time to do what I want instead of what I have to do. I think it's just all hitting me...

I projected all of my anger into the workout tonight. Last night I clocked 10.5 minutes total of running time. I alternated between 90 seconds running and 2 minutes walking for 20 minutes. Tonight, I let the rage drive me. I put on my favorite 'I hate the world' music and added an extra 10 minutes to my routine. I also was going to see if I could make it past 90 seconds of running. I was going to shoot for 2 minute running, 2 minutes walking. Wasn't sure if I'd be able to, but I was going to try. So I start...and I hit past 90 seconds and I realize...not only can I go further, but it wasn't that hard! I was SHOCKED!! I could not believe that I was running for 2 minutes straight and not that out of breath!! That was freakin' EXCITING!!! And I was able to do that the entire time without stopping. I didn't cramp, I didn't overheat, and I was less out of breath this time than I ever have been...even though it was by far the most distance I've run. Sooo..the good news....

This is what I completed tonight:

5 min brisk warmup walk
30 min of 2 min running, 2 min walking
5 min cooldown walk

Yesterday...10.5 min running time

Tonight.....16 MIN RUNNING TIME!!!

DAMN THAT FELT GOOD!!

My progress so far....

Workout 1: 7 minutes running time
Workout 2: 8 minutes running time
Workout 3: 9 minutes running time
Workout 4: 10 minutes running time
Workout 5: 10.5 minutes running time
Workout 6: 16.0 minutes running time

And now I feel better :0)

Tomorrow's the big day!

I'm trying to come up with a spiffy new background for this blog, and I followed the directions from Christina and the "cutestblogontheblock.com" but it never worked so I'm gonna have to try again later. For now, pink works. :0D

Today one of my students came to me with a bucket of homemade sugar cookies...with icing...and sprinkles! She was so sweet and excited...ooooh man it was hard! But I gave them away. And yes, I know that makes me shitty for giving away a child's present. I accept it.

Tonight in my workout I alternated between 90 seconds of running and 2 minutes of walking. It was the same workout as yesterday, except I pushed an extra 30 seconds at the end. This clocked me at 10 minutes and 30 seconds total running time. I was curious so I clocked all my time from day one. Here are the results:

Workout 1: 7 minutes running time
Workout 2: 8 minutes running time
Workout 3: 9 minutes running time
Workout 4: 10 minutes running time
Workout 5: 10.5 minutes running time

I'm seeing improvement and my body seems to be responding really well to the program. Tonight was great because I wasn't dying. Yes it was hard, but I wasn't completely out of breath. That was an awesome feeling.

I'm learning as I go along with this program. I've found it's a lot easier when you push through the strides as opposed to letting your heels lead you. Sorry if that's confusing, it all makes sense in my head! :0D
I would say I'm struggling the most in the area of breath control. I have a hard time taking deep breaths. Any time I do, I feel like I'm losing control of the breathing and it creates a panic mode. I always take shallow breaths to control this, but it still makes me a little uneasy. Probably should do some reading on it.

I feel a cold coming on, I'm hoping it isn't anything too serious...I want to maintain this focus. I'm feeling really good about my first week. Tomorrow is my first weigh-in for week 1. I'm nervous! I hope I do well!!

Off to sleep...

Pedometer Tales...

I bought a pedometer and they say we're supposed to walk 10,000 steps a day. I was thinking this wouldn't be a problem with me being a teacher and walking around all day. Plus if you add in the workouts, I figured I would get there. NOPE! I just did a killer workout, plus walked all day at work and I'm just now at 9,775 steps. I didn't sit down that much at all today, so I'm a little surprised. And seriously, am I really going to have to go walk in the backyard tonight to get up to 10,000 steps? That might really weird out the neighbors. I'm on it!! :0)

Last night's workout was great! I didn't cramp AT ALL, and I held my stamina pretty much the entire way through. I even added an extra minute of running. I clocked 9 minutes of running total. Not too bad for the first week.

Tonight I decided to up my running time. I added an extra 30 seconds to each running segment. This mixed with the crunches and arm weights...I was crawling out the gym. I am in a lot of pain from tonight. I feel like I got some good work done, but man...OW! Tonight I clocked 10 minutes of running total. Getting better!

Last but not least....

I GOT A 100 ON MY FINAL! HOLLA!!!

Getting used to wheat...

So yesterday was a good day. I got through the day without any obstacles, but buying groceries was an interesting experience. I discovered that everything I like is made of white flour. I was craving something semi-normal so I decided to buy a wheat pizza crust to make a fake pizza. I made it, it was ok...ok it was gross, but I ate it and I'm hoping I'll get used to it.

I went to my first party with this controlled nutrition plan. I was the only loser in the room not taking a shot, and I had to say no to all the awesome desserts. It was really hard, but I did it! Go me!!

Two wheat things I actually like: grape nuts cereal and wheat pasta! Tonight I tried out my homemade spaghetti recipe with the wheat pasta...was AWESOME!

Last night's training workout was pretty groovy. I got through it without having to stop. I didn't overheat, and I didn't feel like I had to barf. I would say.....progress! It was still hard, but I can already tell it's getting easier. Tonight I'm going to try and push myself a little more than I have the last 3 days.

In other news, I had my dance recital on Friday night. Man I love performing! I always seem to come alive on stage, and I wish I could do it more often. I've decided to add the advanced dance class on Thursday nights, and although I had reservations about the financial addition and time being lost, I really think it will be worth it to do two performances in May. Plus the extra exercise has to be a good thing! I just have to promise myself that I'll get my running in before the class starts. I can't slack on the training schedule or else I'll never build up my distance.

Oh and the most exciting news...I'M DONE WITH SCHOOL UNTIL JANUARY 25TH!!! I'm so freakin' excited! I finished both finals this weekend and am pretty sure I aced them both. Hopefully I'll get A's in both classes to maintain my 4.0. I should find out soon.

Ok that's all I have...off to hit the gym!

Getting started...

On December 9th, 2009, I was watching the Biggest Loser finale and stuffing my face with buttery popcorn and my oh-so-favorite candy, Mike and Ike (green box). I was starting to feel sick to my stomach as I was watching the transformation of so many lives on TV. I was feeling pretty lethargic as I got up, and that's when it hit me. I am sick. I have this wonderful person inside of me that has yet to be unleashed because I have chosen to protect myself with self-destruction. It has to change.

Before I go on, I'd like to state that I do not hate myself. I feel that I am a very good person, and not unattractive. But I DON'T feel that I am living up to what I am capable of being. The human body is capable of so much more than I understand, and I think it's time that I figure out what it's all about.

From there, I decided to push myself with an extreme goal. My reason for this is because my general goals of "losing weight" and "feeling better" are all fine and good, but not specific enough. I need something bigger, and scarier...something that I will have to work my ass off to achieve. Something that people don't think I can do. Something that will allow me to use everything in my power to prove them wrong. About that time, I signed up for the Big D Half Marathon on April 11th, 2010. I am also completing the MS 5K in March before the 13 miles in April. I researched some running training programs, and made the decision that I would stick to them. I can honestly say that I have never felt better about a decision in my life.

The next day, I detoxed all the sugar and fatty foods out of my body. I created a nutrition system that is recommended for marathon training. No more white flour, more natural sugars and complex carbs. I'm still learning, but I know I'm off to a great start.

The first day of the new nutrition...was ROUGH! I got a huge headache, felt shaky and was seriously craving sugar. I ignored all the misery and kept going. After the first day, it was okay. Shows just how unhealthy I was. I'm so glad I have made this choice.

The first 5k training workout...scary! The workout was a brisk 5-minute walk, followed by the alternating of 90 seconds of walking and 60 seconds of running for 20 minutes. I don't run. Ever. So...I was freakishly proud of myself when I completed it. I was dying, but I did it!!! I got overheated and had to sit down, and then felt like I was going to barf. It was super-embarrasing. And of course there had to be a super-hot guy next to me running for 30 min straight without even breaking a sweat. Nice. But once again, it showed me just how bad off I am, and that it's time to make a change. Hopefully that will have been my rock bottom.

I weighed my first day, and although I have lost 13 lbs recently, it's time to lose a lot more! I'm going to make my weigh-in days on Wednesday mornings. This should help me get through the weeks.

And before I go, I want to say the best part! I talked to my friend Christina about all of this, and she has agreed to do it with me!!! I have found such an amazing friend in her, and I think she will help get me through this. Support is everything, and I'm so happy that I have someone to share this experience with!

Until next time...