Tonight's Clinic 8/1's

Tonight was a great run with the group. There were 10 of us out which was nice!!

6.13k

41:33

524 calories burned

Next run could be on New Years Day (Resolution Run) or my regular run on Sunday.

I have been doing a lot of researching, and making plans for the 4th of January. My fresh start.

Starting over, but so excited! I cannot wait to start the half clinic next Thursday!

Good run tonight, last set of 6/1's!

Tonight, we ran the resolution run. It is 5 km. A long and slow 5 km.

39 minutes

4.87 km

394 calories

Tomorrow, we are up to 8/1's already. The next week, back at 10/1's! I couldn't be more excited! I am feeling like I am getting 'back to normal' but over 30 pounds heavier. The athlete in me is in hiding, but she will return! I figure by March 2010.

I have done it before, and I will do it again. I also expressed interest in taking up biking again in the spring for cross training! I want to ride my bicycle! I want to ride my bike. (Quick, name the song and the artist!!)

On Friday, I could run the real resolution run. I might just go and run it. Never have done this one, and might be fun to do.

And then, I run Sunday, I run Wednesday, THURSDAY half clinic starts, and run FRIDAY! 10/1's!!

On the 4th of January, I get back into healthy eating. Bye bye crap foods. Hello healthy living!

2010 DO IT AGAIN!

SICK for Christmas

I didn't get to eat Christmas dinner this year. I had a lovely Christmas breakfast, and after that I started feeling sick. So, I layed down. Felt really pukey, and then I got ready for our company. Sat at the table whilst everybody ate, and then I layed back down on the sofa. By evening my son threw up two times, and then one of my girls threw up in the morning. Thankfully that is it!

Yesterday (boxing day I started feeling better again, and able to enjoy a few treats!)

This morning went for a run with my group. I led the front of the pack, and we ran 5.1 km.

Cold, bright and beautiful. And, a bit slippery in places. For Christmas I received my new Garmin (the 305) and I just love it. Tried it out today!

We ran for 36:23 minutes

5.17 km

I burned 446 calories (the joys of being heavier)

And, I am excited to join the half marathon clinic which starts first week of January. We have a few weeks left of this clinic, today was 6/1's. On Wednesday we bump up to 8/1's. Following week 10/1's! I am so excited to get back there.

Jan, I am back on track, I am feeling good. Time to blast this weight off!

Happy holidays!

Saturday Update

Whoa, all of this Christmas stuff has left me neglecting my personal blogs. All worth it!

We are up to 5 minute run, one minute walk. Last night we did 6 ish sets. My 205 Garmin died last Sunday. Thankfully I didn't lose a lot of data. I must say it is weird to run without time/distance/calories burned etc. How quickly a girl can get used to a Garmin. When it broke it was awful :D

So, Santa aka Cliff picked up a Garmin 305 at our local Costco. Really good deal.

IF you need one, go there!! NOW.

I also went in to see Dr. Leif. I have the 'all clear' to try for a half marathon. I am so excited to begin that training in January. The LTR clinic, although fun is not challenging enough for me. I like a challenge, and a good goal.

Dr. Leif said my hips are firmly in place, I am OK! Those words mean EVERYTHING to me. Running just makes me feel good from the inside out.

Running, oh how I love you. Looking forward to running with my friend L tomorrow!

Tonight's Clinic - Friday

Tonight, a talk on nutrition. It is always good to hear information like this, even if I have heard it all before.

Always good to try to work towards eating like an athlete again. In January I will transform back to who I really want to be! I cannot wait to get started!

Run tonight:

5.47 km

39:02

462 calories burned

Average pace 7:09

Fastest sprint 4:27

I am so happy to run over 5 km tonight with absolutely no pain! That is something I am so thankful for!!

So excited to run on Sunday morning! Should be dry and cold!

Little runs here and there...everywhere

I haven't blogged my runs! I have been doing my three times a week! Feeling great!

Totally enjoying the relaxing clinic. Nice peeps. Nice to connect with others who share the same love of running.

Tonight, we start 3/1's. I am excited to get to 10/1's. I am excited to run more than 4 km/5 km/10 km. With time!

I am glad the year is winding down! Fresh start 2010~

Going to lose the weight AGAIN! And keep it off.

Yay!

Wednesday Update

Well, it has been some time since I have updated this blog. One week to be exact. I ran on Sunday, and now this evening again.

Still running 1/1's. Truthfully I feel ready for a lot more, but I am pacing myself.

Tonight, we ran in the rain.

4.66 km

367 calories burned

33:52

Awesome. Cannot wait until Friday night! Going to 2/1's!! Yes!

4 km

So, clinic night tonight.

Ran 4 km

31:10

302 calories

About 10 sets of run 1 and walk 2

On Friday, we will be running 1/1! I cannot wait.

I have missed you running! You make me feel amazing!

Sunday Run/Walk

Just got back from a 3.7 km walk run with my learn to run group.

28:47 time

3.7 km

279 burned calories

Ran 10 sets of run 1/walk 2

Felt amazing. I could care less what the weather was! Today was lots of rain. I am thankful I was dressed correctly for the run. I was wishing I could run longer and farther with my old friends. It was nice to hug and talk to my old running friends this morning! I am so excited to see everybody again on Wednesday night!

The morning after...

I feel a bit sore, but I think this sore feeling is that good sore feeling! Like I actually did something good for my body. I cannot wait to run tomorrow morning!

I also wanted to say that even though I just ran 7 sets of run 1 and walk 2 minutes. It is amazing the effect it has on my mental feelings! I know I am not any more thin, or that I weigh less than I did yesterday. I just find the way I look and feel about my body is HUGE improvement! I actually feel better when I look in the mirror. And, as I walk around. That is the power of running, and the mind. Amazing!

I feel like I am walking taller, and stronger. That is exciting! I haven't felt like that for MONTHS, and MONTHS!

P.S. I ate healthy all day yesterday, but I ate chocolate and cookies with coffee last night. I shouldn't have had that stuff, but I did. I will up my calories to 1500 daily.

Ist Run since July 31st!

Well, tonight was the very first night of my clinic, we did our intros and I realized I have been in and out of the RR since January 2005! I must love running to do that for so long!

So, tonight we ran:

2.87 km

24:03 time

208 calories burned

Feel GREAT! I feel motivated, and look forward to running Sunday morning again! Yay! My instructor is awesome, and her and I were in the Marathon clinic together, except she got into a serious accident at the beginning and didn't run for quite some time. So, it was nice to catch up with her!

And, an old friend/preschool Mom joined too because I inspired her. So yay!

Tonight is the NIGHT!

Wow, I was charging up my Garmin, and taking a look at previous runs!

My last run was July 31st!

I tried to run about 15 times between April 4th and now.

Changing my weight in my Garmin to read 187 pounds. Also, finding all of my gear. So I can be ready to run tonight.

Wish me luck! It is going to take a lot of effort to get back to where I was, and then some. I feel it in me that I will achieve that goal this time around.

I had lots of water today, ate healthy and plan on eating about 1300 calories a day for now. See how that goes.

I am tempted to take my measurements, but I don't know if I want to depress myself with my reality of what size I am.

I am in the 'obese' category (a fraction about overweight) still enough to make me work my tail off! LITERALLY!

Tomorrow

Well, I went out on Monday evening and signed myself up for the learn to run clinic which starts tomorrow. It is a ten week program three times a week.

I am excited nervous. Hoping that my hip will be awesome! Thankfully it is a nice gradual program which has worked for me many times in the past.

I also had to buy new running gear. ALL new because, nothing fits. I went from a size small, to a size medium/large. I bought cheaper gear because it is all going to be too big come Spring. I feel rather disappointed in myself for having bad eating habits, and not sticking to any sort of plan. But hey, I forgive myself and allow myself to move on and learn from this past year. I realized maybe I don't need to run marathons or do a huge triathlon (but I can still dream about it for now!) But just realize to run even 5 km is important. If I do that three times a week, I am running 15 kms a week. That is fine (For now)

Big goals both personally and professionally coming up in 2010. Yes, I am already thinking that far ahead! I like to set attainable goals, and I am hoping that this will be my reality again. Back into my size sixes.

Oh, how I miss you size six.

Oh how I will wear you in the early new year! Oh how running is going to feel amazing! Just to be able to MOVE, and breathe and get away from it all. SO amazing.

So, today I need to prepare for tomorrow night. Find my garmin, and set it for 1 min run, 2 minute walk. I cannot even remember for how long. It doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is that I give it my best.

I can do that.

Halloween Treats - Take 2

Yesterday, well last night. I took the two huge bags of candy and put them into the van and locked them in there.

I figure out of sight, out of mind. So far we are all OK with this.

I am getting excited to register for the "Learn to Run" clinic that starts next Friday. I have been missing my old friend 'running!' SO glad to be able to try again. I am not so happy that none of my running gear fits me. That sucks. So, I will be buying some 'larger' gear, and move my way back down into my happy sizes again.

If the running doesn't work out this time, I won't waste any more time thinking about running or future running goals. I feel that I will be OK though. I find it hard to believe I haven't run regularly since April 4th. That is already seven months.

So easy to get out of the regular routine, and fill that exercise time with other stuff. Exercise has to be a priority that is for sure.

Plan B? That will be Jazzercise.

P.S. Did you know last night I woke up off the couch at 3:30 and there was an infomercial on for a fitness program. I didn't buy it. But, I saw the inspiration. So, this morning I got up. Had my water, took all of my vitamins and I also had breakfast.

P.P.S. I actually did by a program off of the TV late one night after eating nachos. I bought Slim in Six. It is still in the box. That might be plan C. Or combine the program with one of the others to get in daily exercise.

Regardless, the wheels are turning. I have goals, I have to get back on track.

Halloween Treats

OK, these treats need to go away.

Too many treats in the house.

Whoa, I suck. Bad.

This photo above, is what is going to change me. Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels.

I hate the way I look. I see a fat face, fat arms, fat body.

I see a woman who is not happy with herself.

Well, let me begin with, I have failed. I am a failure. I cannot stick to a program. I have put on LOTS of weight. I have made many mistakes and I actually do not like how I look or feel. I have gone from a size 5/6 to a size 12/14. Yes. I have gone from 150 pounds to over 180 pounds. Since my last long training run back on April 4th, 2009.

I ALMOST ran a marathon. I ran 32 kms, and finished hill training. I was at my peak! I was so close...and still an important goal has not been completed. I was under 1 month away from my goal.

This year has been so good, and so bad. That is how I sum up my year. Professionally all is going wonderful, personally. Not so much. Something had to give and that was me. I dropped my healthy eating habits. And brought back the old ones. Very easily in fact. This post is hard to write, but it is necessary in order for me to move ahead.

I will keep this post short. I am still not eating right, I am not exercising...but I am going to try to run again.

I still have hip pain, but now I am not sure if it is 'getting older' pain or 'out of shape' pain. All I know is that I cannot keep on this path. I don't like myself very much right now.

I am going to join the "Learn to Run" clinic and start from the bottom. And with hopes of getting back to the top again.

I will be blogging my way through the mess I have got myself into. I will also get myself out of this mess, I call my body. My mind.

This October on the Thanksgiving weekend, I WAS SUPPOSED to be running a second marathon. I just stuffed my face with goodies and felt sorry for myself. Wishing I could be there. Well, next year...I will be there. Maybe not the marathon but hopefully a half marathon! I am going to work this body like I never have before. I am angry with my self. I have let myself down. Yuck.

Not so pretty. I feel fat and ugly. That is the tape that has been playing through my head very often. So, I have to make changes. Time to stop this self hatred. And start loving myself again. Practice what I preach. What I encourage other women to do.

There is no quick fix, there is no magic pill. I just know it takes hard work and dedication. I need to start, before I end up where I was last time. I have to stop myself. I need to get my control back over my body! I am the one stuffing myself, stuffing emotions. Not sleeping right. Sleeping on the couch most nights. This too will change!

So, there you go. There I go. I will check back soon.

The running clinic starts November 13th. A Friday even! Perfect.

Back on track Tuesday

I tried my best to be on track. Of course with Playland, a birthday etc. Life gets in the way. So, I indulged, but not over the top indulged. I also got my period almost one week early. And no warning. Of course it decided to show up while on our way to Vancouver. So, around we went. I HAD to go home. I hate having my period. Anyways. So, my cycle was at 27/28 days instead of the 'usual' 32 days like has been since January. Who knows why. I hate feeling all bloated.

Well so I am back. Tonight no exercise. Just counting my calories. I am heading out to an exciting meeting tonight. 

Tomorrow! I am running and walking. Same with the following days. I will almost count on no weightloss and even a gain with my cycle etc. So, I am not going to dwell on that. Just move forward and keep working towards my reunion date!

Saturday - Weigh In Day - Week 1

I stepped on the scale, and I weighed in at 168.6!

Starting weight: 174.6

Current weight: 168.6

Goal weight: 139.0

Pounds lost this week: 6

Next weigh in: Saturday, August 8th

Woo!

Day 5 - July 31th

Well, another good day. Another good run 2/walk 1 and brisk walk. 10 girlie push ups. Exercises. All my water. 

Tomorrow is my first weigh in (early to make weigh ins on Saturdays) so yay!

WORKOUT

46:22

Best Pace: 5:13

Average Pace: 7:55

Distance 5.86 km

Calories burned: 416

Still have a wee bit of cought, and stuffed up on one side only. Ears are feeling a bit better.

The weekend will be of course more challenging with friends coming for dinner, wine. Dessert etc. Birthday party/Playland treats. That kind of thing. I know I can do it. Is is do I want to? Or, will I revert back to bad old habits? I am thinking of my reunion and walking through that door and seeing old friends from 20 years ago. How do I want to appear? I know  I do not want to look like this! 

A new bar

I was walking through the isles and found a bar that I wanted to try out. I always like to try new bars out. It is the Goji Moji bar by Dr. Andrew Weil. (Natures Path) a goji is actually a berry! Who knew!  I actually really like it! It kind of reminds me of Christmas fruitcake or something. It is organic, vegan. Nothing artificial and really tasty! 

I am going to try another flavour tomorrow. These will be on my  'to buy' list this week for sure!

Thumbs up! 

I will be back later after to talk more about my day!

Day 4 - July 30th

Well, day 4 is here. And I am really not having any trouble with sticking to my plan. I have so many great options to choose from. All this summer fruit etc. And I am feeling so much more energetic. Maybe it is all the water, maybe it is the healthy eating? Maybe just a better frame of mind? Whatever it is? I will enjoy this ride. I am trying to remember what if feels like to run effortlessly. And smoothly. I don't look like that anymore running. I think also this heatwave has a lot to do with it. I think it was over 4o degrees today. I waited until almost sun down to go out for my run.

I drank many, many ounces of water today. Lots of fruit. I even had a bowl of salad greens with a whole tomato and low fat italian dressing for an afternoon snack. I had that with a hard boiled egg. I actually LOVED it! Weird for me to love a salad like that. I tasted awesome in this heat. 

Anyways. It is Thursday night. Weigh ins will now be on Saturday morning. (This week I weigh in a few early)  That is to keep my weekend in check. And, one of my final-ish weigh ins will be week of my reunion which also falls on a Saturday. How convenient for me :D

WORKOUT

5.99 km

50:36 minutes

Best pace: 4:54 km

Average with walking: 8:26 km

414 calories burned.

Did my stretches, bridging stuff from physio. Also, I did about 100 crunches, and about 10 girlie push ups. Still sore from the other days. I will get back up there. I know I am not able to make a come back over night. But I am taking all of the right steps to get back there. Sooner, rather than later. My goal is to get back to 5/1's hopefully all next week. Then go for the 10/1's again. Then hopefully back to the RR to run with my running family again. I have missed them so very much.

I am really enjoying keeping my eating/fitness on livestrong.com this time around. So easy, and quick. Just what I need to stay in line. And I get a good idea of where I am at. I learned from the first go around, to keep it simple. Eat similar things for breakfast and lunch. That way portion and calories are no brainers. For dinner keep it light. And have a couple of healthy snacks. That is exactly what I have been doing. So far I am loving this change of pace from all the crap I was taking in. Food was filling a void. Too bad it took me this many pounds to get out of it. Always learning.

Day 3 - July 29

Well, after such a good physio appointment, I had to celebrate and go for another walk run. Cliff joined me tonight. It was so hot, but it felt so GOOD! We did 30 mins of 1 min walk/1 min run and then walked and talked. I would have liked to have walked more briskly, but that is OK. We got out there, and we were able to chat a bit. Thanks MIL for coming over tonight. xo

I have been eating well. My energy level (even with a cold) has been way higher when eating well. And eating the right things. I find I am not having that afternoon slump anymore. And I have increased my water back to where I used to love! So, I am going pee a whole lot more, but today it was not as bad as the first day. 

WORKOUT 

1:06 

Best run pace 4:50 km

Average walk pace 9:20 km

Distance: 7:17 km 

Calories burned 464 +

I have decided to make my weigh ins on Saturday morning...that way I will stay on the 80/20 rule a little bit better over the weekend. Sunday night we will have our splurge night.  I have momentum going and I don't want to lose this feeling again! I forgot how good I feel. I remember this always...nothing tastes as good as being thin feels. I believe this to be true. I know I am not near down where I was when I was hardcore training, but I just feel less bloated. I am enjoying all of the WONDERFUL fruits of the season. Like plums, nectarines and blues. 

I did my stretches tonight, and my crunches and some push ups (arms are really sore!!) I will ease back up to 50! 

My first weigh in will be this Saturday, a couple of days early, but that is OK! 

Finally a GREAT Physio appointment!

I just got back from my physio appointment! He is happy! I am happy. I have booked for next Thursday, but if no pain! Cancel! That is the best news ever! 

I am to keep on running...starting slowly like I have been, but add in some 2/1 with my 1/1's and gradually build back up to my 10/1's. Whoo HOOOOO!

The best part of the appointment, being able to rest in the dark air conditioned treatment room for about 20 minutes. LOVE that. 

I am back at the bottom, but I know I will get back to the top shape I was in, and even better. I have learned so much along this journey so far.

*fingers crossed* that the hip pain goes away, and my hip stays in place, if it goes out (I can tell!) I am to call right away and he will fit me in! Got to love him!

My Current "Before Photos" 174.6 pounds

(Ignore the sweat, I just got back from my workout on the hottest day ever! We are going through a heat wave and extra proud that I went out and exercised in it!)

Day 2 - July 28

Well. I am still sick. My ears feel a bit better. I could taste my food more today. I still feel clogged up. A bit of a cough.

Eating was great! Water intake was great. A really good day!

EXERCISE

1:06

Distance: 7.41 km 

Best pace of the run was 4:59 kmh

Average pace (walking) was 8:57 kmh

Calories burned: 466

My goal is to burn 400 ish calories 6 days per week. 1 splurge meal a week like I did the first time. I am FINALLY feeling OK with this not running a lot business. Just the fact that I could run tonight for about 32 minutes of 1 minute run/1 minute walk felt amazing. I know I do not LOOK amazing, but I feel amazing right now. Cold and all.

I took my before photos, and let me tell you...I am not PLEASED. I will do those in a separate post. Uggh. I have to get real. I do not want to go to my 20 year reunion looking like this. The most weight gain is in my breasts, hips, waist, and but. 

Cathy's Favourite Protein Shake

I am drinking this right now and I LOVE it! Especially on these hot days! And, it beats eating a shwack of cookies or something that makes my blood sugar slump. I find I am full, and energized.

Protein Shake

1 cup skim milk

2 scoops chocolate protein powder

1/2 cup of mixed frozen berries

1/2 of a small banana

a few ice cubes

Blend and enjoy! You will get almost two large glasses worth.

Calories: Approx 340

Enjoy!

P.S. The kids love it too!

Come on? Blisters on my feet?

Well, I got out there this evening (with my cold, stuffed up ears-not in my chest kind of cold) and I ran for 1 minute, walk for 1 minute. For 18 minutes. Then I power walked (thus the blisters-not used to fast walking anymore) and ended up going for a total of 61 minutes (and a 5 min warm up) I burned my calories. I drank water, I ate well. I am feeling the way I should be feeling! Minus this cold business going on.

My hip feels good so far. I did my stretching after I got back. Did 100 crunches, and 50 push ups (thinking that this is the way to go with my sore hip and leave the squats for another time)

Tonight:

6.89 km

Average pace with the walk run included: 8:51

Best pace (running) 4:58

Calories burned: 408+

Feel: Sore feet (blisters) I feel lighter, and I feel more mellow and happier. Walk or run! Gonna get it done!

Day 1 is done! 

A sense of Renewal...

July 27th, 2009

This is my first post in a very long time. It started out as my get to my marathon goal, and it got ugly in places. I gave up. Yes, I gave up. Not for good, but for about 3-4 months since my last run when my knee pain started on my taper run on April 4th. Four weeks from when I was supposed to run my very first marathon. I was in too much pain to get to my race day. In fact I felt so bad about not running I couldn't even go and cheer on my friends. I think I would have cried. So I didn't go. I spent time with my family instead.

 I may never run a marathon, but I figure it is just good to be healthy, and to run. My physio guy believes I will be able to do a half again. I am happy with that. I am happy just to MOVE my body!

I have decided (well a week or two ago) that today is the day to get back on to track. You see, without my running everything falls apart. It is not because I don't want to run. I DO want to run. I have run about 5 or 6 mini walk runs since that one bad run back in April. It feels like a lifetime ago that I ran fluidly, strong. Energized. Fit. smaller. 

Today, I stood on the scale and I weigh in at 174.6 -- I am not too proud of that number. Or the fact that absolutely nothing in my closet fits. That my bras are too tight. My smaller clothes stare back at me from the closet. Seeing them I feel like a big failure. 

So, instead of going WAY off the deep end. I am nipping this back in the bud. Before I put on all of the weight I have lost. 

Time to start recording my eating, counting calories. Eating smaller portions. And get out there and walk. I can WALK!  I am allowed to walk. My awesome physio guy says so. So...tonight I start walking. Even though I have plugged up ears,  I cannot taste and I have a cold. I can still walk! So, I am going to be excited about walking.

Another motivation is that my 20 year high school reunion is in about 60 days. I won't be able to take off ALL of the weight, but I believe with hard work, dedication and determination I can do it. I can lose a BIG chunk of what is put on. Shifting my mental power switch back on.

I updated my weight ticker, I updated my measurements. I recorded my eating so far. I have decided to record my eating at livestrong.com this time. Try something new!  I am back taking my vitamins. I feel good for the first time in months. I couldn't do this even a week ago. I just had to say ENOUGH is ENOUGH. Don't put yourself last, don't use that ugly 'fat' talk tape that goes through my head on most days. Flip the switch. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. And go! Go do what you can do! So that is what I am doing.

Time to take it off, and reach that end goal. No more! Time to take back my life and my health.

I have just over eight weeks to kick it! And then I will remove the rest by Christmas. Then, I will go on the wait list for my vein surgery. That is the plan!

stuffed

Well, nothing fits. I haven't been on the scale in weeks. 

I started some physio therapy yesterday, and I left there with both of my hips in alignment, both of my legs the same length. I have daily stretching to do. I go back in one week. I also have ice packs to use. 

I asked that *question* when can I run again? And of course he said give me two weeks. Two weeks. I can do two more weeks. If it is a matter of not running or running. I chose running. So I do whatever it takes to get back! 

It looks like I will be starting back at the beginning. The very beginning of running. When the running begins, getting back on the scale to see the damage and my healthy life begins again.

Lately I have felt a lot of anxiety, stress and sadness.

Hot Yoga - Starting Over

I went to my first hot yoga class this morning. 90 minutes in a 41 degree room. 26 poses. So much sweat from my body I couldn't believe I could sweat that much. It was very challenging and I now want to go daily. 

Tomorrow I am back on track with my healthy eating for a week. See if I can take off the extra 5 pounds, and get back down to 150 pounds. I am so off track. I am such an emotional eater. 

I have to stop that eating! It is not healthy. So, I am going to do hot yoga every day (evening if I can) and then go to bed without eating late at night.

Great Quote

Start by doing what's necessary;
then do what's possible;
and suddenly you are doing the impossible. --St. Francis of Assisi 

This is hard...

I cannot stand not running. I feel overwhelmed, tired. Cross. Short. Fat. Chubby. Lame. Not like me.

I wish this I T band would heal. I don't think I will be running the full marathon on the 3rd of May. I am experiencing pain when running. It is horrible.

On Sunday, I ran for 3 km, and I had to walk back. I watched everybody in front of me running fluidly, and not having any pain. It was truthfully very upsetting. I came back to the store and bawled my eyes out for quite some time. That goes to show you how very difficult this time has been.

I have resorted to eating to keep me feeling OK. I feel anxious, and worked up. Angry. I am yelling more. Not good.

I need to eat right and exercise. What do I do?

Not my time I guess.

Well, funny my blog title is See Cathy Run, when today I couldn't even run 3 km without pain. I think I will not be running the marathon this go. I am going to stick to walking until I feel I can run again.

As for weight, I am back at 150 and feeling very frustrated. In fact, after my run today I walked into the RR and just bawled my eyes out. I have worked so hard, I am so close to my goal. SO frustrating, sad. Makes me mad.

So, I won't even record my time etc. for today. I will just try to enjoy the beautiful day. And think about my running friends that are out running right now. 

As for the 'Biggest Loser' the date has been extended to the 22nd of May. I need to win this to atleast feel I have done something good! 

Anyways, time for a shower.

Oh hold

My knee is hurting today still. So, I have booked in for an ART session tomorrow, and then a sports physio on Monday (and I am on the cancellation list)

I have booked in my yearly physical in May, and I have booked my daughters shots. 

I am going to take the week off of exercise, which I am not happy about. But, I will be happier to RUN the marathon in about a month. So...I will just take it easy.

I have taken the advice of marathoners. They rule so, I will listen. Anything to get to May 3rd in one piece! I do not want to WALK the marathon. I want to run and feel great!

Sunday Long Run

Today, my weight was OF COURSE up to 148.6 pounds. Uggh.

I had my 'shorter LSD' run today. And it was just awful. 

23.47 km

2:54 minutes running (THAT IS SOOOOO LONG and stupid and lots of walking too)

And I took Advil (thanks Wil!) about 6 ish km into the run. The first 5 km AWESOME! Then bam. IT troubles. Right side. YUCK!

Avg pace: 7:27 km (slow slow slow)

Best pace: 5:08

1594 calories burned

One of the most difficult and painful runs every. I just want to be ready for the marathon. I may skip this weeks runs and just do Jazzercise and weights this week until Sunday. 29 km.

Very bad run. Made me think what next!? I cannot NOT handle not running. I am addicted to running. 

So, that is my story.

This week I am back to eating correct portions, and calorie counting. And adding in weights!

I borrowed a foam roller, 

Friday Night 7 km

I went for a run tonight. It was slow, and my RIGHT knee was hurting a bit. So I stretched a lot after. I am sure I will be good for my 23 on Sunday though.

7:05 km

47:37 km

Avg 6:45

Best:4:48

Calories 528 

Going out for dinner and some drinks with some friends tonight. It has been A LONG time.

Given up this week

I have about 5 weigh ins, including the weigh in on Sunday. I am not going to weigh in. I way more than the 147.2 I weighed on last Sunday. I have been enjoying myself. And, I will get back onto my plan on Monday. Some weeks are like that. I am like 149/148 so FRUSTRATING. I sometimes it is my loose skin, and that this is where I may be stuck.

I REALLY want to win this contest, but I am low in energy and often think this is not good timing to try to lose this much weight, although I know it would help in race time finishing etc.

I just don't like cycling between the same 5 pounds. I am hoping that my once an evening nursing session with my 16 MONTH old will be ending. This is day three. So, it could be a hormonal shift as well. As well as being the PMS part of my cycle. Nasty. Nasty LOL.

Anyways, I am going to enjoy not counting calories for the rest of this weekend. And, start fresh again Monday. For 4 weeks until that final weigh in on Sunday, April 26th. Wish me luck!

I  plan on upping my cardio (extra Jazzercise, my longer, then shorter runs, portion control, curb night eating, and drink lots of water)  ( I am also going to try to up my weight workouts!! I need to use weights I think! PUSH past this darn phase! The weight HAS to come off.

The Difference...

OK, last nights run was not so good. It was 5 km, and I had stomach troubles. Tonight, we finished the last of our hill training. 1o hills tonight and they felt AWESOME. I actually ran one extra to support our other runners who were finishing up their runs.

So, all in all I feel very proud of myself, and of my group. What a HUGE accomplishment for us all. My right knee was hurting a bit, but nothing too too serious. I just need to stretch more. My left leg totally FINE!

In tally of all of our hills we have run over 50 km of hills (25 km being up hill!) So amazing when we think about it. This week we have run WAY over the marathon distance. I have no doubt I will find the strength to finish the marathon. 

Yesterdays 5 km:

4.93 km 

26:43 (with stomach distress)

Avg 5:26

Max 4:29

Tonights 10 hill run:

16.14 km

Avg 6:29

Max 4:10

( I don't feel like recording all of the hills tonight)

All in all, I feel very happy! 

Tuesday - Run Night

Yesterday I think I ate too much. Well about 2000 calories. I didn't go to Jazzercise. I was tired, and sore. I listened to my body. 

Today, I don't feel like running, and I totally don't want to be on 'plan' so I am eating to full (a comfortable full) and I am choosing not to record my eating. I get bored of recording everything.

I had my kashi and milk w/banana.

Snack: 2 slices ww bread w/2 tbsp natural pbutter and a tablespoon of strawberry jam.

I am experimenting, as I need to be able to keep this up long term. And I am mad that this morning I saw 149 again. And then I feel mad I didn't exercise, and that I ate Subway, and  baked lays. And...you know how it goes.

So, I refuse to give up. I need to feel happy, but I also need to eat so that I have energy and strength to run my marathon. So, maybe weightloss is not the right thing right now?!

I need to eat less at night, but hard with evening fitness activities. Hard. 

So, I will take this out on a fast run tonight.

Weigh In - Long Run Sunday OMG 32 km

Today, was a fabulous day. I am exhausted, I ran 32 km. It felt hard, and I am like wow, I have to run 10 more KM after this?! I can do this. No doubt is is going to hurt, but I will do it. I just love my marathon group! They rock!

Weigh In:

Was 149

Current 147.4

Goal 130

(to go: 17.4 pounds to lose)

FIVE more weigh ins to final weigh in, and SIX weeks to the marathon! Woo!

32 km (Long slow distance run)

32.40 km

3:18

Avg pace 6:07 km

Best pace 4:38

Calories 2329

(oh yah, and 8 banana peels on the road today!)

Recovery drink: 1 cup of chocolate milk, and a Starbucks Vivanno!

Saturday - Day before weigh in

Well, I ate a bit more over the last few days. To about 1800 calories. It felt better to eat a bit more, considering I have been really active lately. Last night I registered for the marathon! I am READY! It is official!

This morning I went for a 7 km run around the hood. Felt good. It was really cold, and it took about 3 km before I could feel my fingers again. 

The details:

7.13 km +

45:18

Avg pace 6:21

Best pace 5:05 

Calories 533

I have had a Vivanno so far. I had the leftovers in a venti cup so about 400 ish calories. And I went for my waxing. Tomorrow is of course another weigh in, and we run our longest run ever of 32 km. It is called 32 km - Oh My God...I think because we run all over the town and back! Crazy. Apparently however long this run takes tomorrow should be a good indicator of how the 42.2 km will be on race day.

When I tell people I am running a marathon they ask if I am running the "Sun Run" and I say nope. I am running 42.2 km, not 10 km. It is like running four and a bit Sun Run's in a row. Their jaws drop! Funny I think.

Anyways, I should be in good shape for tomorrow. The sun is out, and looks like it will be a beautiful day for a run tomorrow. And a weigh in. WOOT!

Friday! Finally.

Catching up. Last night I had a high energy class at Jazzercise. I love jazzercise as a secondary compliment to the rest of my running. We use weights, do push ups, crunches etc. It is getting me into great shape.

I ate over in calories yesterday, by about 1oo ish. Why, I ate half a portion of Cadbury mini eggs. 9 of them actually. And they were SOOO worth it. I know I will do well this week in my weight loss. So, I took a chance, and loved every bite. Sometimes moderation is better as you tend to savour every bite a bit more. Instead of mindlessly popping the whole family sized bag down your throat. This way, I can enjoy this every night for some time if I wanted to.

Anyways, I may take today off from exercise and just go for a run tomorrow morning instead. I need a break sometimes. I am exercising pretty much daily at this point. Mentally this might feel good. 

Hill Training - 9 Hills/ 15 km

Well, I survived tonight. I was strong for many of the hills. Until my stomach started to get very upset. I thought I was going to have troubles. So, I ran the last 2.5 hills a lot slower. Guess who we saw on the hills! My Mom and Dad. And my Granny. That was fun. My dad came back  and cheered us on - that was hill number six. Woo!

I came home and had some probs in the bathroom. So I went, and I felt a bit better. Not fun. 

I weighed myself after the hills and I was 146.4 pounds. I haven't seen that weight for MANY MANY MANY years. It is very exciting. One of my running friends said she could SEE the difference on my body over the last two weeks. I felt happy hearing that. I also put a size xs hoodie on hold for Sunday. I have been working hard, so reward time for me.

I forgot my Garmin again. Grrhhhhh. 

It was 15 km approx. About 1.5 + hours of running. 9 km of hills. 

Calories, I would venture to say 1400 + (like last week, but more I'd bet)

Today's weight: 148.4

It must have been that crazy run I did last night. It was the quickest, most fast paced run I have done in a long time. 7 km, 35 minutes. Best pace was under 3:45 or something crazy like that. Avg pace was 5:00 km which was extreme for me. But you know what, I did it! It felt GREAT to be pushed. And I did better maybe because I forgot my Garmin last night. 

I love my marathon group. They are like family to me. We are all crazy, we talked about setting our goals etc. last night at the Starbucks. I had to pass up treats like crazy as there was a St. Patricks day table full of goodies brought in by the runners. That kills me, so I just walk away. I had a non fat vanilla roobious sp tea @ Starbucks instead. And then ate my Subway. Good recovery meal/dinner for me. 

Tonight we are running 9 hills. Next week, 10 hills. Then we start our speed work. I am going to register for the marathon on Friday night before the entrance fee goes up again.

I cannot believe it is that CLOSE. When I fill in my form, and pay I am going to say a secret prayer in hopes that I will see under a 4 hour marathon. Even if it is by seconds. With each pound drop, I can feel myself getting stronger, leaner and more ready to reach my goal! 

Such an exciting time right now.

Monday

I finally broke my 150 pound plateau. I ate my splurge of nachos last night, a bit of frozen yogurt, with angel food cake and a tbsp. of dark choco. chips. I think it helped. I stood on the scale this morning and wham bam thank you ma'am. 148.4 came up! Too bad it wasn't yesterday. The long run helped, as did that splurge. It was so good. 

It just makes me see that I can do this! I am excited to see how far I can get in this contest. I am sitting at about 10% of weight loss right now. I don't know where the others are at right now. All I know is that I feel really fit right now! It feels great. I just want to get my job done now! I have under 20 pounds to lose! Woo hoo. Six more weigh ins, I don't think that will happen, but 139...very possible!  I wanted to get to 130, not sure if that is possible as the past two weeks with diligent work, staying on track didn't help. So, I just have to plug away at it! After the contest is over, I will continue to get down to 130. I figure by June/July I will be there! PERFECT! 

Today, I had my protein (from the health food store) shake. Banana, apple. A Safeway turkey lasagna (healthy one that was portioned controlled) and two hard boiled eggs. A handful of almonds, and 5 dates. Yummy, they taste like candy! (Natures candy!!)

Tonight, taco salad...of the healthy kind of course. Yummy!

Weigh In Three - Down a little

Just got back from a 29 km run, to our local favourite park, and back. The weather was iffy, it got nice, and then it it started to rain/snow. Now it is snowing. My run felt AMAZING! I love running with my group!

Down to business.

Weigh In

Was: 150.2

Current: 149.0 (-1.2 pounds)

Left to goal weight: 20 pounds

(6 more weigh ins left, and personally the way this weightloss is going, I will be satisfied with 140 ish!! Even 145 at this point!!)

29 km Run

28.95 km

3:01:45 

Best pace: 4:58

Avg pace: 6:20

Saturday - Day before weigh in

Today, I weighed 150.2/then 149.8. And it wouldn't budge. Looks like I will not  be losing anything this week. Frustrating because I have worked so darn hard. Water, weights. cardio, eating right. Everything thing right.

So, anyways...I went out for a run today. In the rain and winds.  Made me feel better anyways. I exercised every day this week. I will keep my head up proud. 

7.36 km

44:35

Avg pace 6:03

Best pace 5:09

Calories burned 582

Big run tomorrow again...29 km...got to go get my nutritionals today.

Friday

Today, my weight was up again. I hate that. I ate well yesterday, but I think I ate too late. 

Today I took another "Jazz to the Max" class. It was good. On Sunday, I am running another 29 km.

Life is good. Tomorrow, I hope to run for 6 km or so. Sunday, is also my third weigh in. And oh yes, I need to register for my race!!

Almost Friday

Today is Thursday. It has been a good day. This morning I saw 149.8 which felt great. I have been working out hard, eating right. Drinking my water. Doing it all. IT seems I will barely lose a pound this weigh in.

Oh well. I feel great. 

Today was good eating, and I went to Jazzercise tonight for one hour. Tomorrow night I take a Jazz to the Max class again.  I loved the class that I took on Saturday.

Wednesday - 8.75 hills

Today, I am STILL hanging at 151 pounds. GGRRRHHH. I have put every effort into my weightloss. It sucks. I just hope I see a loss on Sunday! 

Tonight was 8 hills (officially) and I did .75  extra to support some members of our clinic finishing up their 8th. I just love our group of marathoners. So supportive.

15.05 km

1:30

Avg pace 6:28

Best pace 4:20

Calories 1067

Good day! Tomorrow is Jazzercise.

Tuesday - A run in the evening sun! Yay!

I am still bloated, and I am on day three of my cycle. I guess I am retaining water, even by eating a lot of fruit, and drinking water etc. What can  I do?! Just work my hardest to get the balance of the weight off.

I just want to see the scale dip below the 150 this week! That is all I really want.

Today I ate extra calories (all good cals) but around 1800 calories. I also ran tonight. So, I tried to eat more, so that I could run better!

I think it worked for me:

6.88 km run

37:29

Avg pace 5:26 

Best pace 3:46

Calories burned: 534

My legs felt great, and I felt strong. It was great! 

Tomorrow we run 8 hills! Two more weeks of hill training after this one! 10 is our max!!

Day after...

Splurge night last night. It was nachos. As many as I wanted. Some oreos...4 and decaf coffee.

Today, back on track. I want to be under 150 on Sunday. I WILL be under 150 on Sunday.

Food was good. Too boring to type. Recording in sparkpeople.com daily still.

I took a 1 hour cardio core class tonight. It was lame, and I missed my Jazzercise class tonight...Thursday!

Day of cycle, and WAY lighter. This is my third cycle now.

Have you seen this?

This site grosses me out!

This is why you are fat!! No kidding!

Weigh In Two - Forgot to 'Spring Ahead'

It hasn't been the best morning. I woke up, got down to the Running Room. Mentally prepared, and physically prepared to run my 29 kms with my marathon group. And my worst fear came true, we forgot to Spring Forward! So, my group was most likely at the 10 km marker already. I didn't want to just 'join in' at that point. So, I walked out, cried, got angry. Cried some more. Locked myself in the bathroom. I also have my period today, and the first day is EXTREMELY heavy. So that didn't help. So, what did I do. I ate my sport beans, grabbed the ipod and went. I ran out the door and ran 15 km one way, and 15 km back. And a bit more.

I ran 31.01 km
Time: 3:17
Avg pace: 6:21
Best pace: 4:41
Calories burned: 2408

I ran up and down, up and down. A really good training run. And I learned something about myself. When push comes to shove, I can go the distance and beyond. I know when May 3rd comes around, and marathon day is here I will make my goal.

I am tired, I am sore but I did it on my own. I can push myself and I guess I don't NEED to rely on a group to get me through, but it is WAY nicer to have my group. I love my group.

I came home, showered. I got dressed. I ate some craisins, walnuts and almonds. I then went through the Timmy drive through and had an everything bagel with herb and garlic cream cheese, and a decaf half coffee/half hot chocolate to warm my soul.

Lately I have been contemplating the ultra marathons which are I believe 50 or 100 kms. I think that I could do something like this. I really like to push myself to the max!

Today, is my spurge day, and it was also a weigh in morning:

Weight: 150.2
Lost: 1.8 pounds
Goal weight: 129 pounds (21.2 to go)
I think my period is making me retain water, so better weight loss to me next Sunday!

My 29 km Run

Another Saturday, next day weigh in 2.

Here it is, almost another week passed. I cannot get below the 'magic' 150 mark. I have been hovering around 150 ish. 150.0 150.2 and so on. Mentally I just want to see 149! Then seeing 144 or 143 will be the lowest I have been in about 20 years. I mentally need to get there. That is my goal this week.

This morning I am trying a new class. Jazz 'To the Max' it is 45 minutes of cardio then strength and repeat for 45 minutes. Hoping this, and tomorrow my run will be 29 km. So, about three hours of running. Making progress. I know I am losing, that is all that matters. I REALLY want to run my marathon at 129 pounds so I can make my time goal of under 4 hours. Even if it is ONE minute under four. That is my secret wish. I know I can do it!

I am starting to live life without fear. Fear of what my family and friends think. Living the life I was meant to live. This week has been life changing for me.

Yesterday, Dr. Leif worked his magic on my left knee, hamstring and VERY tight IT band. He said I am doing awesome. 

Anyways, I am going to be late for class! Got to go!

Got back from class and wow! What a great work out!!

LOVED that!

45 minutes or more of intense weight/cardio over and over and over! Cannot wait until Friday's class.

It's Friday!

Yesterday was so busy, that I didn't eat enough. And I exercised. My body strikes back, and holds onto weight. So, today I have been putting the food in, and I am not going to exercise tonight. I am taking a day of rest.

This morning, my pill, my vitamins and then I had my Kashi Go Lean, skim milk and half a banana in there. Yummy breakfast, no morning snack, and then a yummy Lean Cuisine panini. I love those things! Yummy and portion controlled.

I have had six glasses of water. And, a walk back and forth to school. 

Tonight, I am off to see Dr. Leif FINALLY! I need him to work on my legs, and talk about my ALMOST non issue leg! I am so thankful for that because on Sunday we run 29 km. My longest run EVER! 

Almost time for a spurge, not.

Today is Wedesday, and hill training is tonight.

7 hills tonight, last night my knee was feeling pretty good, same with today! That means my hill training should feel pretty awesome tonight. Especially because I feel a whole lot lighter. Scale weight was lower...almost under the 150's. I could fit my size 5 jeans today which was great. 

I am not bloated today. Just tired. My cycle is going to start up soon, and that exhausts me.

Well I met Cliff with the little gals for lunch in the van @Starbucks. I had Thai tuna wrap, 1 grande non fat no whip mocha, and half a biscotti.

Then I did my hill training tonight which were my 7 hills:

12.85 km

1:23:41

Avg 6:31

Best 4:13

Calories 972

My knee felt pretty darn good, and I felt mentally on top of my game! The hills were not the biggest trouble, but the last hill I was really feeling it. Next week 8 hills!

After run meal: The Jared diet LOL.

6 inch whole wheat turkey with honey mustard lots of veg, and half a bag of baked lays. And of course, half a cup of frozen vanilla yogurt and 1 tablespoon of dark chips.

A great day! I think I will see the scale dip under 150 if all goes well! Woot! 

Most exciting day!

I had the opportunity to go onto Urban Rush and chat all about my boudoir photography! It was very exciting.

As for eats...well...

Morning: Kashi, skim milk, half banana, my pills and vitamins

Snack: Grande non fat, no whip mocha with a low fat chocochip banana reduced fat loaf from Starbucks

Water, and more water. I was bloated from last nights turkey burger (salty and ate late) and those reduced fat crisps. So satisfying, but salty...

I grabbed a biscotti on the way out of the studio (best choice that was in the green room) and then we went to Starbucks and I had a Vivanno. Yummy (to prepare for my run tonight!)

Run: 

6.82 km run

37:34 time

Avg pace 5:30 

Best pace: 4:33

Calories: 530 - felt great, even my knee for so little water and nutrition today.

Dinner @ 9 pm: 6" chicken sandwhich on wheat with half bag of baked lays, half cup of frozen yogurt and half tbsp of choco chips.

Tracking Banana Peels

Every run (the long slow distance runs) I have been counting banana peels on the road. Today, I counted FIVE!

Weigh In - Day Seven

Starting Weight: 164.4

Current Weight: 152 pounds (down 12.4 pounds)

Goal Weight: 129 pounds (23 pounds to go)

Nine more weigh ins to go.

20 km run today:

20.23 km

2:03 

Avg 6:05 

Best 4:29

Calories 1551

Good run, knee felt pretty good. Until the end, but it wasn't as bad as the hills. 

Day Six - Saturday (1st weigh in tomorrow!)

I changed my hair today! I think I really like it!  It is way dark hey!

Well, I ran this morning (I couldn't rest...I have this burning drive to lose the balance of the weight. It makes me feel better when I am smaller.)  Tomorrow morning  is my first weigh in. I know I have lost, and I hope to keep losing for the next 9 ish weeks!

I ran 7.05 km

45:38

Avg. pace 6:28

Best pace 4:40

Knee felt pretty good. Tomorrow we run 20 km. I am looking forward to running a bit lighter than last! I cannot wait to feel what the marathon feels like at a way lighter weight.

Today, I ate a garden burger (on a white bun) scraped off the triple O sauce, had water. It was delicious! Mmmm. Love those.

I said no to ice cream cake. I had a grande decaf non fat latte (during my 2 hour hair appointment ahhhhh)  and a package of Craisins. 'Somebody' ate my protein/energy bar and I found it in the van all yuck. So, I didn't eat as much as I had wanted. There are always days like that.

I have had lots of water though. I feel great! Tomorrow is a big calorie burner. Calories in vs. Calories out. That is how it works! It WORKS!

Day Five

I had my same cereal, I love it. It fills me up and I feel great for a couple of hours. I received this information in my inbox from the Bob Greene newsletter. It makes sense to me. I like his stuff, and it feels quite normal.

Taken from the Newsletter:
"Quells appetite. Having a light meal (like plain toast and coffee or a green salad with low-fat dressing), or skipping it altogether may seem virtuous. But later, your hunger will come roaring to life and suddenly you'll devour everything in sight. Eating a complete breakfast (about 400 calories), an adequate lunch (at least 450 calories) and complete dinner (500 calories or more) about four hours apart prevents that dangerous hunger attack. And when between-meal cravings mount, a healthy snack does the trick. "

I often get hunger attacks, especially after long runs, or preparing for a run. I have stomach troubles if I eat too close to my runs. So, I stop eating HOURS (usually 4 hours feels good) so you can imagine running a minimum of 6 km and how hungry I would feel. I would fill myself up with whatever I could shove in. Now I have been trying to have protein with every meal. I also need to up my fats (according to sparkpeople.com) I am always low. So, I try to eat more nuts etc.

Two more days until my first weight in! I cannot wait. I just feel so like I am going to reach my goal this time. Funny how a little money motivation works for me! LOL. Cliff too! It is nice to have both of us eating so healthy. Kids are eating healthy too. Love that! Some of our girls have been requesting Daddy's salads!

Tonight, I plan on finding some sort of cardio for one hour. I plan on doing something every day! Atleast get out and move. The more I do, the better I feel. The easier eating healthy becomes. I skipped my cardio as my knee is just needing rest to handle the 20 km run this weekend. Thankfully kilometres jump down by six, and then they bump way up! I am still looking for a physio, but there is nothing available ANYWHERE until middle of next week or later. That is a bummer.

Tonight I found an outfit for my spot on Urban Rush this Tuesday, March 3rd. We walked around forever. I finally found an outfit I love, and will be happy to wear on camera.

We ate turkey lites @ Quiznos, and shared a bag of baked lays. Walked some more. Picked up a grande decaf non fat no whip mocha. And we split a biscotti. I am too full now. I feel all bloated. Thankfully that means my stomach is shrinking!

I am so tired. I need rest! Need to mentally prepare for my run this weekend. And of course for Tuesday afternoon. Wow. 

Day Four

Today is Thursday, and my plan is going so smoothly. I just wish my knee/leg issue wasn't here right now. I have decided to go to physio to see if I can get my full range of motion back in my left knee. I cannot afford to have troubling symptoms right now. So, I need to seek help as Advil, rest and ice is not cutting it.  Darn knee. I am just thankful I can move around and be healthy! I just need to stay on my healthy eating/calorie counting/keep moving EVERY day for the next 10 weeks kind of plan! It works! I am so happy my willpower and dedication has returned! Such a great feeling to move forward and reach my goals!

Today I had the same breakfast as yesterday, and I had a lasagna Lean Cuisine for lunch. Some apple. My vitamins and of course drinking lots of water.

Had a meal replacement bar (yummy) then after the hills I at a Brendan Braiser treat. It was nice, one of the running ladies made them and brought them in.

I am hoping to get my six hills in tonight (Kevin our clinic instructor has offered to do the hills tonight to make up the cancelled hill training yesterday--thank goodness for dedicated instructors that make you WANT to be there!)

So, hopefully the ice and snow will be gone for running, if not I have Plan B. Jazzercise. 

So, I did my hills. I had to do a lot of stretching! Was it ever cold outside! I couldn't feel my fingers or hands! Numb with cold.

We did six hills.

10.05 km

1: 12 

Avg. pace 7:13

Best pace 5:08

Calories: 730 

I still need to eat dinner! Most likely the Jared diet LOL.

Day Three

Ate the same foods basically today as yesterday. I stick with what works.

Kashi, with skim milk and half a banana.

I ate a protein bar, and I added a yogurt, some grapes and a handful of walnuts as my snacks today.

Hill training was cancelled due to SNOW!  So, I made it to Jazzercise instead. 

So, 1 hour cardio/strength today.

Hopefully hill training (six) tomorrow night. If not, I will go to Jazzercise again.

My favourite snack right now is half a cup of frozen yogurt, with half a tablespoon of mini dark chips. Yum.

PS. I think I love Subway sandwiches too much. They are soooo good.

Day Two

I am having a fat day today. I am wearing my new jeans (size eights--yuck) and a medium shirt. Yuck. I feel really fat and yuck today. I look forward to getting back into my smaller sizes. Seriously that saying of nothing tastes as good as thin feels is right on for me. I feel really gross right now. I can feel every extra pound. Thankfully I am on track, and it was hard yesterday. But today is another day, and I can feel my stomach shrinking which is good.


Breakfast:

Kashi, skim milk and handful of raspberries


Snack:
No fat, no whip grande decaf mocha from Starbucks
half a biscotti (shared with Cliff)


Lunch:
1 whole wheat roll up (small 90 cals) w/deli turkey (2 slices) salsa, and organic lettuce
2 hard boiled eggs.


Water: 5


Dinner: Subway (same as yesterday) and half bag baked Lays. Half cup frozen yogurt, with half a tablespoon of dark mini chips. Tea.

Exercise: Training run approx 6 km: 5:61 km
Time: 33:11
Avg. pace: 5:54
Best pace: 4:42
Calories burned: 439

Talk was great, we talked about goal setting, I shared that I want to run the marathon in 4 hours, or less. My knee felt OK, but not 100% yet. I will see how hill training goes tomorrow.

Day One

I updated my Sparkpeople.com  pages (there is where I am portion controlling and watching my calories, fibre intake, protein, carbs etc.

Morning:

Pills and vitamins

1 cup Kashi cereal

1/2 cup of skim milk (non fat)

handful of raspberries

Lunch:

Lean Cuisine Chicken Fettuccine

Snack: 1 medium red apple, 2 hard boiled eggs

Dinner: Late dinner (Subway 6" turkey with honey mustard) veggies etc. and shared a bag of baked Lays with Cliff. Red tea for before bed. 

Water: So far, 10 cups (one with lemons in it served warm)

Exercise:

A lot of lower body stretching with the kids (about 15 minutes or more)

6o minute Jazzercise class (including strength with weights)

My left knee is tight, reminds me of a sensation I had when I was a kid, but worse. A couple of days ago I felt a pop/crack sound just walking through my house. The run yesterday was fine. I think it is a very tight IT band down my left leg. It is very tight even with stretching. I go see Dr. Leif in two weeks. Maybe I should go this week instead. Tonight I wish to do Jazzercise. That will be the test! I have been using Advil, and ice. 

164.4

Yes, my first weigh in (initial weigh in) and I weigh 164.4...so I have 34.4 pounds to lose by Sunday, April 26th. 

Initial weigh in: 164.4

Current weight: 164.4

Goal weight: 130 pounds

Initial measurements:

Chest: 39"

Waist: 32"

Hips: 39.5"

R Thigh: 23"

Tomorrow I start fresh! Go Team E!

Size Eight Bottoms

Today, I broke down and bought myself a pair of 24 dollar pants in a size eight. I know I shouldn't focus on sizes, but this afternoon when I looked in the dressing room mirror at the size of my rear I thought...how come I let myself go. I wish these were size six. Now I have to lose those 10 ish pounds AGAIN. Whoa is me. I was the one stuffing the extra treats down my throat.  I was the one eating the larger portions. Eating for pleasure. Eating to just eat. Eating to celebrate. This weight loss stuff is tough. Eating is tough. You HAVE to eat, but it is hard to stop once I get going. So, tomorrow I start to go back to the way it was, with healthful eating, good exercise and a positive attitude.

Anyways...these jeans are going to be loose by the time my weight is off at the end of this challenge. I will take my photos in them. I will also take a photo in my size small pink hoodie. That is tight across the arms and chest. I know that will be just right once race day is here. I can feel its warm and cozy factor after I run 42.2 km. 

Tomorrow is a new beginning, a chance to start fresh, get back to the 150 I was in June. And, now is the time to get down to my ultimate goal. There is no time like the present time.

Tonight I weigh in, take my measurements and have a couple of 'before' photos taken.

Marathon Clinic

Training for the marathon is a bit surreal to me. I show up, they call our group out, and our distance. And we cheer! The whole store cheers. Most people think we are a bit nuts.That happens for all of the groups. 

The thing is that I remember being in my very first running clinic back in 2005. I was in the For Women Only - Learn to Run clinic. And, I would watch those half marathoners and marathoners go out for these incredibly long runs. They would say 32 km's and cheer, and then our group would head out for 2 sets of 10's and ones. (A 22 minute run) And that at the time was all I could muster. 

So, flash forward to today. I am part of that 'group' where we run these amazing long runs every Sunday. I couldn't feel more proud of where I came from, and that I have kept up my running since my fourth daughter was 3 months old. I got pregnant a couple more times, and today I am back stronger than I have EVER been. I am a Mom to six kids, and now that daughter is heading into Kindergarten in September, and I will have a first marathon under my belt, and will be training for my second marathon this October. 

I just love how running can do that! When you think you cannot, you cannot. You say you can, and you will! And I know I will.

26 km run - Longest Run EVER!

See Cathy Run 

(it is funny that my Mom titled her Facebook album of this run the same thing as my blog, and she doesn't even know my blog exists yet!) These photos were taken by my Mom and Dad. I was running with Taryn, and Kevin. They have a great pace, and the km's just fly by when we all chat. Love that. I just love my running family!

My parents came out and cheered on our group this morning as we headed out on our 26 km run. They cheered us on in two different places and it was so awesome. Thank you Mom and Dad! That was fabulous. I think we were about 11 km into our run. Then, Team E cheered us on in a couple of places with the 'Team Van' aka our big van. The support makes all of the difference! 

The run went really well, and I felt so great! I was a little (well make that  A LOT nervous) this this morning. But I got it done! 

Today's Run:

Distance: 26.03 km

Time: 2:39 

Avg Pace: 6:07 km 

Best Pace: 4:39

Calories burned: 2000

The Plan

Well, Cliff and I have entered another weight loss competition (this time with many running friends and their spouses etc.) We will put in 100 dollars (50 per couple) and first prize takes 500, second, 100 and third prize takes 50 dollars. Our plan is to take first and second...that will pay for our yearly trip to Victoria and a little bit more. 

The group has already started, and we are late joiners. We joined because they extended their contest, and not a lot of them were losing weight so, we thought now is our time to get lean again. I am sad that my size five/sixes are a distant memory. And the button popped off my lucky 7's. And my eights...muffin top. Time to strike back! Take control back. I had my fun, and now I am DONE. I am ready to be the best Cathy I can be!

I/we will weigh in and measure tomorrow night (Sunday), and my 'plan' starts on Monday morning. Although my plan and formulations have already been turning in my head for a week or two already. 

I plan on documenting this whole experience here on this blog. Hopefully on a daily basis.

We have TEN weeks. Ten weeks to lose as much as we can! I cannot WAIT to get started!

{The Plan}

*Run: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and long run Sundays.

*Jazzercise: Monday, Tuesday morning, Thursday morning and Thursday night 

(that gives me good cardio and weigh/strength training that I really need!)

*Extra cardio:  Friday and Saturday (at least half hour of something...)

(My cardio will be daily--perfect for fat burning!)

Eat:

*Whole grains, veggies, fruits, lean protein (based on the YOU Diet)

*healthy eating, stopping eating at 9 pm

*drink at least 8 glasses of water a day

*Starbucks: Non fat latte's and half a biscotti

*I will record my food online at Sparkpeople.  (EVERYTHING I take in!)

*No take out (except for Subway or Quiznos)

*Splurge once a week on Sunday nights on whatever we want (probably nachos!)

Calories: I will around 1200 - 1500 daily. 

Cliff will eat between 1500 - 1800 daily.

Vitamins:

Women's multi, vitamin C, D, fish oils, calcium, magnesium.

Sleep: I am going to try to get into bed by 11 pm each night for 10 weeks

Weigh In:

Every Sunday morning for 10 weeks (final weigh in bring scale and weigh in with the group)

Before Photos: To be taken and posted

After Photos: To be taken and posted

Measurements: Before and After for sure!

Rewards:

Fitting back into my size sixes, and maybe size fours?

Feeling good about myself

Every 10 pounds: A pedicure

When I hit 145 pounds: I will go for my very first facial (I never went when I hit 199 pounds first time around) maybe a deluxe facial.

Goal Weight: Zoom teeth whitening (Zoom)

This contest, and marathon will take us almost until our 11th wedding anniversary. I hope to reward each other with a pair of new wedding bands. Maybe even a vow renewal. September, well that is the month of my 20 year high school reunion.