I FINISHED my FIRST 5K!!!!

Yesterday was the big day! I woke up feeling fine and was ready for whatever the day had in store for me...

We got to the race area a little before 7am to walk around, and see what we might be getting ourselves into. I was quite excited at this point so we got our chip and did a warm up walk around.

Our friends joined us, and before we knew it it was 8am and we were all lined up at the start gate! And we're off...but holy crap! No one mentioned how many hills there were in the course! Those hills KICKED my BUTT!

I jogged pretty much all of the first mile (despite those damned hills!) and the ended up briskly walking the rest of the course. I was happy to have finished in under an hour AND I did NOT finish last! My first two goals have been met!

We're already signed up for two more this summer so I'm very excited. I plan to keep writing about our experiences, and to hopefully start updating this blog a little more then I have been! My next and only goal is that I can beat my time at the next race.

Here are a few pics! Enjoy!

This is me before the Race...looking optimistic!



This is my Husband about to finish...he came in just a hair above 45 minutes!



This is me just about to cross the finish line - my husband and our young friend Cody circled back to cheer me across the rest of the way!

Ain't no Stopping me now!

So I haven't updated for a while because I've been a little depressed and discouraged about my health keeping me from running. Heck...I wasn't even able to walk there for a while!

I've been very good about taking it easy, but it really sucks! Last night I was finally able to finish 3 miles of walking with a little bit of running mixed in.

Our first 5K is TOMORROW...while I wish I was farther along in the program and could run the whole thing, I will end up mostly walking this one! That's ok though...right?

I'm gonna cross that finish line even if my fat butt has to crawl over it!!!

Another Bump in the Road...

After working my way back up to week four training, losing some weight, and starting to feel confident...I am once again plagued by the ever annoying, and always unexpected "girly" issue. I shall not go into detail for the sake of the men reading, but all I will say is that THIS SUCKS!!!

Week four was kind of awesome, so I can't wait to get back to it! I felt amazing after getting through that first five minute run! Our 5K is only about a week and a half away, and by then I should hopefully (PLEASE cross your fingers and toes for me) be somewhere between weeks five and six in my training.

My plan is to just walk it tonight...bummer...I think I may go and load some tunes on my MP3 Player in preparation for the race so I can cheer myself up!

Until next time...ugh.

Feeling Good and Prepping for the week ahead!

This big girl ran last night and it felt GOOD! I didn't hurt afterward, I was only mildly winded, and recovery time was shorter then it has been for any other trainging session to date! There is something to be said for hydrating well beforehand, and cooking a light and healthy dinner with time to digest before running!

Let me say though, that I am NOT getting arrogant! I am hearing lots of different things about the week four training, and I'm kind of scared! The thought of running for five minutes straight terrifies me and gives me flashbacks of some not so fun moments in High School Gym Class! Yikes!

I am upping my water intake, and am trying to eat more fruits and veggies this week because I hear it can only help when you face a hard week of training! Keep your fingers crossed for me...my first 5K is two weeks from thsi Saturday!

Week Three Yipee!

I am so excited to report that I was able to start the week three training schedule!!! I ran it on Sunday and will be doing it again this evening. I think I'm starting to REALLY like this! I've found a good pace, I've learned about hydrating and fueling, and I'm starting to feel good about all of this!

It is definitely starting to make a difference in my weight! Last week, I lost 6lbs! Can you believe it?!?!?!?! While we are trying not to concentrate on the numbers, and are just focusing on being healthy, I've got to say it was nice to see such a drop!

When it comes to weight, any loss is a good loss...right?

I hope I still feel this good after tonight's training!!!

Getting Back Out There!

Well my friends...the "girly" issues have resolved themselves and I was able to run again last night. I didn't realize how much I missed it until I was out there!

I started on Week Two training to ease myself back into it, but I think I will definitely be able to move on to Week Three...I'm starting to move past being terrified of all this, and am kind of getting a little bit excited! Our 5K is in FOUR weeks!!!

With the help of my husband, I have learned that it really is VERY important to stretch. We now start each session with a small walk, we stop to stretch, and THEN we move onto the full five minute "brisk" walk before running. I felt very good after our training last night, and I am not sore at all today. How AWESOME!

We're both still working on what to eat as "fuel" before we train. Last night's Chicken Caesar Salad just didn't cut it, so I plan to do some reading. It's a tad-bit challenging to balance weight watchers, and make sure you are getting the proper amount of nutrients pre and post training. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them!

Thanks again for all of your support and encouragement, this is QUITE a journey!

Setbacks are a Bummer!

Hi All! This past week has been a bit of a bummer for me! I was just at the point where I was going to start week three, when BAM! Out of nowhere I've had a few medical type setbacks. I hope that the "issue" resolves itself soon so that I can do a day or so of Week 2 Training and move up to week three!

It hasn't been a total loss...Instead of giving up completely, I've been forcing myself to walk. I've gotten to the point where I can walk almost 2 miles and not think anything of it. If anyone had suggested that a year ago, I would have laughed at them and sat my fat butt down on the nearest bench with a soda in my hand!

I'll keep you posted on my "issues" and write again when I ease back into the running! We are less then Six weeks away from this event and I'm getting a little nervous! Keep me in your thoughts and as always, keep your fingers crossed for me!

It's been a while!

Howdy everyone! Sorry it's been a while since my last post! I've been a little busy...but now I'm back and I'm excited to tell you what I've been up to!

I've been VERY faithful to my running schedule. Even with another weekend away, I still trained. I've decided to start giving myself an extra day of each session before moving up to the next weeks training. This is working out well for me. Besides the fact that I'm starting to feel awesome, it feels like I've had better recovery time since I started doing this.

Tomorrow will be my last day of Week 2 training and I'm kind of nervous to move on to week 3. My very supportive friends all said it went well, but we all know I'm a wuss! Although...I have found myself looking forward to finding out what songs will be in the next podcast because I'm really starting to like them.

Here's a funny story for all the readers who already know me personally...I was in Philly this past weekend and thought I would have a hard time finding a track to run on. My brother told me there was one behind his house and I got so excited that I forgot to stretch or eat breakfast before my run! Can you say "major Charlie Horse!" Even I had to laugh at myself for that one!

I did discover something interesting after this weekend's adventures...I was due for a run on Easter morning, but I had been out drinking the night before (heavily I might add,) so I was a little worried. I forced myself to wake up, had some fruit, and got out to the track...when I started running, I found that it was one of the BEST runs I've ever had! I wasn't sore, I didn't really run out of breath, and the only thing I noticed was that I had perspired more then usual. Could this have been because of the alcohol? I did end up drinking a lot of gatoraide that day, but it was amazing how good I felt! I probably won't ever do it again, but I'd love to hear your thoughts about this?

Well...until next time...Keep your fingers crossed for my next phase of training!

Weekend Away and Staying on Schedule!

Hello again! Thanks to everyone for their support! It's feels great to know that there are people out there cheering me on!

My husband and I got away for the weekend, but prior to our leaving, we ran on Friday morning. Since I got a Charlie Horse during my last session, I decided to cut back to week one training. I woke up early, had a good breakfast, sat around a couple hours, then hit the track. It was apparently the perfect amount of fuel for the run, because I actually felt good after we were done! There was a minute amount of soreness in my knees over the weekend, but it wasn't enough to slow me down.

I also ran today (So I'd like to give myself kudos for sticking to our schedule even though we were away!) It was raining a little too hard for my taste, so I went to the gym to spend some time on the treadmill...let me tell you that running outside on a track, and running on a treadmill feel COMPLETELY different. I pushed myself back up to the week two training, but hated the way I could feel every little step on the treadmill. I felt it WAY too much in my knees so I'm not sure I'll ever do that again! If the weather's bad, I'll either just suck it up and go out anyway, or I'll re-adjust my training days. I REALLY didn't like running on the treadmill!!!

My next training day is Wednesday...keep your fingers crossed for good weather!

Week Two - Day One - Charlie Horse - NO FUN!

I am my own worst critic...I've been told this for years. Tonight's run made this very evident. I should be proud of myself for even trying to accomplish this, but instead I get mad at myself for a minor setback.

I started week two training tonight. There are a total of six running cycles in this workout. I was doing great, feeling fine, pushing through the burn and POW! A monster Charlie Horse hit me in my right leg just as I was starting my fifth cycle! Talk about Ouch! I walked another lap around the track hoping it would let up, but it didn't so I had to stop.

The only thing I can think that may have caused it, is maybe I didn't hydrate well enough today? I ate well within my weight watcher points and even remembered to eat breakfast! Who knows? Grrrr. If anyone out there reading this has any ideas about what may have happened, I'd love to hear them!

I'm scheduled to run again on Friday...I'm going to give the Week two cycle another shot, and if it feels too rough I'll bump it back to week one for a little while longer.

Until next time, Ugh. Thanks for reading.

Random Monday Post

Today's random post is to let everyone know that although I had a small gain at Weight Watchers this week, I am down another shirt size! When I started Weight Watchers last summer (this has been a slow learning process) I was over a size 30! YIKES!

I had some money leftover from a Christmas gift certificate, so I decided I wanted to get a new comfy t-shirt. I tried a few things on in the size I used to be,and they were too big. I started trying on smaller sizes and couldn't believe it when I fit into a size.... (drum roll please)... 22-24!!!

YAY! Go ME!

Happy Monday!

Week One Complete!

Well folks, my first hurtle has been jumped and week one training is complete! The more we run, the more people join us, and it is really helping. Today we had seven people with us, and even had our own little cheering section. It really was a nice morning!

Here are a few things I've learned so far:

* Good gear is essential - this includes shoes, socks, clothing, and especially bras for the women!

* Music helps the workout go by faster...I recommend the various podcasts out there that tell you when to start and stop your running. My personal favorites are on the "Fat to Fit to Fierce" website. Here's her website:

http://runningintoshape.com/

* Stretching before your workout is VERY important. It's makes for a huge difference in your recovery time after each training session.

* Do NOT try to do this on an empty stomach, but also do not overeat before you train. I found this article today and it was very helpful:

http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/sportsnutrition/a/EatForExercise.htm

* If you are doing this training and Weight Watchers at the same time, do not be surprised if you have a gain during your first week of training. Apparently this is normal and is part of your body getting used to this type of a workout.

Stay tuned for Week Two!
(I'm terrified, but excited! Woo Hoo! Here we go!)

Week One: Day Two - Am I running an obstacle course?

So today was Week One, Day Two!

I woke up feeling quite optimistic. I had a fairly healthy breakfast (Sausage Burrito and Fruit) and set out for work. This is where my first obstacle came in...Today was my co-workers birthday, so this meant I was eating out for lunch. I expected her to pick someplace local where I could order a salad. Nope. She picks a Japanese Buffet. Of all places! My husband and I had just treated ourselves to sushi last night, and I knew I was weighing in tomorrow, so I REALLY had to behave. It actually wasn't too bad. I ate a LOT of fruit and had a little bit of rice with some chicken. I also drank water! Yay me!

Dinner was obstacle two! Our friend is a teacher and she worked very hard with her kids to create an opera and tonight was the show. They were also having an Italian Dinner beforehand. I LOVE Italian Food!!! I am proud of myself because I actually didn't get any pasta...I stole a bite of my husband's, and filled my plate with salad. I drank water and allowed myself two rolls. All in all, not too bad for someone that could previously eat an entire box of spaghetti herself! Double Yay for Me!

After dinner and the show were over, we were off to run. I gotta say, there's something peaceful and calming about running at night. I don't know what it was, but I just really enjoyed tonight's training. I can already feel a difference. Tonight's run was still hard, but felt a lot better then the last! I even threw in a little sprint at the end just because it felt good. My ankles and knees will definitely be sore tomorrow so I think I may look into more support...maybe some type of light brace? We'll see how the next couple of days are before I make that decision.

I also need a sports bra (but I'll save that little detail for another day...and I promise to warn the male readers before posting so they know not to read!)

Tomorrow is my Weight Watchers weigh in day, so I can't wait to see what this is doing to my body. I've been told to expect a gain, but I'm secretly hoping for a loss. We'll see! I'll keep ya posted!

Fingers Crossed until next time!

Craving Carbs?

So I was a little sore this morning, but it is wearing off as the day goes on. It was mainly my calves and lower back. Maybe I'll take some Ibuprophen on Friday night after we run so I'm not sore the next day.

I'm noticing today that I'm craving carbs. It's a very weird feeling since I don't eat carbs as much as I used to. I had a small bowl of whole wheat pasta and allowed myself to have a garlic knot. I hope this satisfies it...I'm gonna go refill my water bottle and see if that helps. (I'm trying to teach my stomach the difference between being thirsty or really being hungry)

Tonight, we treat ourselves to sushi and then I'm going to hit the gym for a quick workout. I think light cardio and weights are the way to go!

Week One, Day two training tomorrow...YAY!

The "Real" Day One!

Well folks...I just got back from what we're considering the "real" day one. It definitely felt better then Sunday's run! I was still winded, but not quite as bad. I did have some cramping in my calves, but I think that was because I had a busy day and probably didn't eat as much as I should have. I will definitely have to find a better balance.

We had a few friends join us tonight, which really helped with the motivation. We started off thinking we would go to a local middle school and use their track. Turns out this would have been a good choice, but there was a soccer game happening! We all know I'm self conscious, so my friends were supportive enough to take me to a local park that had a nice little running area. This park was much closer then the one we ran at on Sunday. It was also less crowded and had a small incline in a few places. I think we will definitely be going back there!

I am definitely loving my shoes and have to say that for anyone wanting to do this...Good shoes are definitely worth buying! I can't imagine trying to run in the $10 WalMart shoes that I usually buy! Bo-Bo's definitely do NOT make your feet feel fine!

I have also figured out that these few days a week of training are not the only thing I need to be doing...I need to get back into the gym and do a few mild work-outs in between running days. Maybe do some weight training and light cardio in between. I'll keep ya posted!

We are set to run again on Friday...we also have a small obstacle to overcome. We have tickets to a dinner theater show that our friend has been working on. We'll have to watch what we eat, not over-do it on the pasta, and run after the show. Should be interesting!

Until next time...thanks for reading!

Thoughts for the Day

Tonight I will be running day one of the training program...I've downloaded the podcast, and I'm ready to go! I'm trying to eat right and hydrate today so I don't get sick after the run. Notice that I said trying...today is St. Patrick's Day and the office is celebrating. There are cookies, cakes, and sweets everywhere I turn! I'm trying to be nice and explain to people that I'm trying to eat right, but they don't seem to understand. They're all very nice, but I'm getting tired of hearing "One won't kill you...have some fun!" I'm just going to sit in my own little corner, eat my oatmeal, apples, and peanut butter, and give myself my own little pep talk! What a day!

Couch-to-5K: Our attempt at Day One (HA!)

We decided to train using the Couch-to-5K training program. It's very easy to understand, and has come highly recommended by a few people in our circle of friends. After buying our shoes, and getting my husband Todd some running shorts, this past Sunday was going to be our "Day One" of training.

We woke up that morning, had a light breakfast, and set out to find a track. I really didn't want to run in our neighborhood because I'm a bit self-conscious and I am terribly afraid of people staring at me. (Yeah, Yeah...I know I'm crazy, and it's all in my head, but I have to be comfortable or this just won't work!)

We drove from Mint Hill to the YMCA in Matthews. They have a nice gravel track, but it had rained the night before so the track was too muddy. Ugh! We then moved on to Butler High School, and Independence High School. Both of these schools have beautiful tracks, but they were locked! What's up with that? My husband and myself are both Northerners...I'm a Philly Girl, and he's from Baltimore. Up North, when you want to go running, you find the closest school and head for the track. Well, that's not the case down here! Double Ugh! Thank God for my husband's Blackberry! We looked up a few places, and finally decided to head to Freedom Park.

For Day One, this program has you walking for the first five minutes and then alternating jogging and brisk walking for a total of 20 minutes...sounds easy, right? Ha! Not! At one point Todd circled back to walk with me and I asked him how we were doing...he said "we're only halfway there." Yikes! Seriously? I had to force myself to keep going, and I kept repeating "I think I can, I think I can" over and over in my head! Then something wonderful happened...I saw my husband stop. He was my pacer, so lo and Behold I knew that we had made it! We were wore out, sweaty, and out of breath, but we both did it!

We've been a little sore the past couple days, but it's a good sore! We agreed that it was definitely harder then we had expected, but that it felt great to say we finished! We also agreed that we were putting ourselves on a schedule and restarting day one. Our new schedule will start tomorrow, and have us running on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. A few friends have decided to join us, so I look forward to sharing our experience with you!

Stay Tuned to hear about the "Real" Day one!

(PS - I promise that all of my posts won't be this long! I apparently write like I talk when I get excited...which is a lot! lol)

Surprisingly New Beginnings

So...my husband surprised me this week and asked me if I wanted to train and do a 5K with him this coming May. I was shocked for a moment, but immediately said yes! Soon after I decided to do this, a light popped on in my head...why not blog about it?

What, do you ask, is so interesting about me running a 5k? Well, for starters, I currently weigh just a little under 300 lbs. This isn't something you hear of too often. Typically, when you hear about someone training to run in any type of endurance race, a big girl is not the first thing that pops into your mind. Believe me, I understand!

My husband and I just recently started our weight loss and fitness journey with the goal of leading a healthier lifestyle, so this is a huge step for us! I am excited, and terrified all at the same time! Right now, I can't even imagine what it's going to feel like when I cross that finish line and complete my first race! I have complete faith that we can do this, so I wanted to share this journey in hopes that it will inspire more people like me to get out there and (pardon the Nike pun) Just Do It!

So....Let's start at the very beginning!

I haven't done any type of running since my sophomore year in high school! I'm in my early thirties now, so that should tell you it's been a while! In fact, it's been a while since I've done any type of real physical activity. I joined a gym in January, and occasionally attempt to make it through a Zumba class, but to train for this will require me to be much more dedicated. Yikes!

The first thing we needed to do was to go out and buy some running shoes. This in itself kinda scared me. What would people think when I walked into a store and said "I'd like to buy some running shoes...I'm thinking of running a 5K." I thought someone would laugh at me! Turns out, they didn't! My husband heard about this place in Charlotte called "Run For Your Life" where apparently they actually fit you for a proper pair of shoes. Well, not only do they fit you for size, but they also make a video of your feet running on a treadmill to make sure the shoes have the right kind of support for the way you run! It was an awesome experience and my feet have never felt so good in a pair of shoes! They also got me to buy running socks...who knew? I am going to include their link because they were such awesome people!

http://www.runforyourlife.com


Stay tuned...next up, exploring the "Couch-to-5K" running plan, and our first day on the track!