Eating...Sleeping...Drinking...

...RUNNING!

That's how I am feeling at the moment. I feel like that is all my life revolves around right now besides my boys. That's all I think about, that's the main topic of conversation with anyone I talk to, and most of my dreams are even about running. I would say I dream about the race at least 2-3 times a week. Honestly...I am looking forward to my life revolving around something else. Don't get me wrong, I am loving this journey. Sure it is very difficult and requires a lot of motivation and dedication, but I can't wait until I can run on my own time, how far I want to run, and I won't feel completely guilty if I miss a day. I can't believe the race is in a month!!! I am getting so excited. This last Friday, Jess and I hit 9 miles. It was such a great run! We ended up running around my neighborhood and we ended up doing a 3 mile loop 3 times. I thought it was going to be miserable...but I was wrong. After we finished, we couldn't believe we had been running for almost 2 hours straight! It is insane to think.

For the past couple of weeks I have been having major stomach issues while running. It started worrying me if I would be able to run in the race. My stomach was causing serious issues and I wasn't able to continue running when an episode hit. I finally decided to take medicine for my 9 miler, and it was a miracle worker! I didn't have any issues and it helped me feel more confident in being able to finish the dreaded 13 miles. My confindence is growing as our mileage increases. Having such a great run for 9, really boosted my self esteem. If I can run 9 miles, I'm pretty positive that I can run 13. I can't believe I only have 5 weeks left of training! Woo hoo!

Last week's runs:

Monday: 3 miles
Tuesday: 4.5 miles
Friday: 9 miles
Saturday: 3 miles

Weekly Total: 19.5 miles

This week:

Today: 4 miles

Feeling a little EXHAUSTED!

This past week has left me feeling extremely exhausted! My training schedule keeps increasing in mileage and I keep decreasing in energy. It is making it very hard to stay positive and motivated. I think I know the solution...more protein and I need to remember to take my multivitamin. I'm also contemplating buying a performance vitamin because I am burning so many calories. I think those two things will definitely help with my energy levels. My weightloss this week was great! I lost another 2 lbs. Last week I maintained which bummed me out a little because it was my first week with my new bodybugg. My bodybugg coach did point out that it was the week before my menstruael cycle and that could have been the reason for no loss. I have hit my first weightloss goal of 27 lbs! I've actually lost 37 lbs since August, but since rejoining WW, I've lost the other 27. I have made a new goal and hope to lose 20 more lbs by the fall. I am motivated and hope that I will accomplish it!
My running this week was awesome! My early morning runs during the week went great! I was energized and motivated and felt great after coming home. The boys usually wake up a few minutes after I get home and I love that I am up and already awake to get going for the day. I hit 7 miles for my long run on Saturday. I was only supposed to do 6, but I wanted to push a little harder so I didn't have to jump from 6 to 8 miles for next Saturday. My friend Jess and I actually met up for our long run at the Legacy Parkway bike trail. It was a really pretty nature trail. It runs along Legacy Parkway and you would have never noticed you were running next to a freeway. It was so quiet...I was SHOCKED! The run went pretty well. Considering the fact I had to wake up at 5 am to make it there by 6am! I felt like dying near the end, but we finished and it felt great to finish. It was also nice to have the company while running. I'm grateful for Jess and her willingness to put up with my snail pace. I know she will be pushing me along every step of the 13.1 miles. I can't believe 3 weeks are done and only 7 more to go! WOO HOO!!!

Weekly Mileage:

Monday: 3 miles
Wednesday: 4 miles
Thursday: 3 miles
Saturday: 7 miles

Total mileage: 17 miles

It has begun...

"Now if you are going to win any battle you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give up. It is always tired in the morning, noon, and night. But the body is never tired if the mind is not tired."
- George S. Patton, U.S. Army General, 1912 Olympian

I have been on hiatus from this blog. I stopped blogging my runs because I have been extremely busy keeping up our family blog, and I honestly think that no one reads this blog. Well, my sister made the comment the other day that she misses reading my posts about running. So...here is another post! I'm hoping to blog about my runs every Sunday. That way I can update how my week went.
Well...it has begun! The official training for my half marathon started a couple of weeks ago. I am now on week three and things are going pretty good. I have to admit that the first week and a half of training were horrible! I think my body and mind decided to play tricks on me. Pre-training for me had been going really well. I even hit 8.5 miles on one of my long runs. When my first 3 miler came the first week of training, my body was fighting to finish. I couldn't believe it. I had been running 3 mile runs, 3 times a week for multiple weeks. Why was it so difficult? My two other 3 milers that first week were just as difficult. I was starting to feel discouraged but I wasn't going to give up. I know I CAN do this. It is going to take a lot of motivation and dedication to finish, but I can do it. Last week went a little better, and it seems my long runs are usually my best runs. I was hoping that running would start getting easier, but it hasn't. That's ok though. I feel so good after each run that I don't want to give up. I'm going to keep pushing forward.
I found this great quote {at the top of the post} a couple of weeks ago and it completely motivated me! It is SO true. My body always wants to give up! There are multiple times during my runs that I have to tell myself to keep going...you can do this...don't stop...and my mind takes over and keeps pushing. Yesterday I hit my fastest time for a 3 mile run. I was so excited! I'm still an extremely slow runner, but that's ok with me. I don't really have a time in mind that I want to finish the race in. I just want to finish.
Many of my friends this past week ran in the Salt lake Half and Full Marathon. I wasn't able to be there to cheer any of them on, but hearing their stories and seeing their pictures really helped motivate me. I am getting really anxious for June to come. I just hope and pray that I can finish and not kill over and die! Because a lot of times that's how I feel! I only have 7 1/2 weeks to go until the big day. I am really nervous about the difference in elevation. A couple of weeks ago I ran up in East Canyon, and I had a really hard time breathing. Bear Lake is 200 ft above East Canyon, so it really makes me nervous. We are planning on going up to Bear Lake for Memorial weekend, so I am going to do a practice run up there. It will almost be like running the race because I'm supposed to run 12 miles that Saturday. Hopefully it will go better than expected!
If any of you have any advice on training, nutrition while training, or race day, I would really appreciate it! Here's to 7 1/2 more weeks of great running!

Last weeks runs:

Monday: 3 miles
Wednesday: 4 miles
Thursday: 3 miles
Saturday: 6.5 miles

Weekly milage: 16.5 miles

Still going strong!

I've been a complete slacker when it comes to this blog. I guess it doesn't really matter because I don't think very many people read this blog. I've been really busy the past couple of weeks, but I haven't given up on running. Things are still going strong! A couple of weekends ago I hit 5 miles. I was so proud of my accomplishment! I decided to keep my long runs at 5 miles for a couple of weeks and try to work on my endurance. Last week started out a little rough. We had some family in from out of town and we were out playing and I decided to skip out on my run on Monday. Boy did that throw me off! Tuesday I tried running on the treadmill and I barely made it to 2.5 miles. I was dying! Then I ran a mile the next day and it still killed me. By Thursday I was able to get back into the groove and I decided I would NEVER miss a run again.
I've definitely come to the conclusion that I love running outside verses running on the treadmill. For awhile I was thinking that I liked the treadmill better, but the past couple of times I've ran on the treadmill my runs had dragged on and on. It was miserable! I decided that as long as it's not snowing, I will try and run outside. Rob started a new job last week and doesn't leave for work until 7:30. I decided that I will make a huge sacrifice (my sleep) and get up at six and run before he leaves. Today was the first morning and I feel great! I thought I would want to come home and crash, but I didn't. I have tons of energy and I'm hoping Thursday will be good enough weather to run again.
I also came to the conclusion that I have a love/hate relationship with the wind. This morning the wind was blowing extremely hard. Luckily the way I planned out my route, it only blew against me during my first mile and the last leg. It was rough! I hate running against the wind, but then when I run in a different direction and I can't feel it at all, I curse it because I am dying of heat. I guess the ideal running condition for me is to have a light breeze blowing sideways. I'll probably never get that, so I guess I better just deal with it! For my long run this week, I'm hoping to hit 5.5 or possibly six. I can't believe that I am halfway to my training goal of 10 miles! But then again I can't even imagine doubling my distance to run the dread 13.1! Bear Lake...here I come!

Running log:

Sat. February 14th
Distance: 5 miles
Time: 1 hr 17 mins

Tuesday Feb. 17th
Distance: 2.5
Time: 29 mins

Wednesday
Distance: 1 mile
Time: 12 mins

Thursday
Distance: 4 miles
Time: 55 mins

Saturday
Distance: 5 miles
Time: 1 hr 10 mins

Monday
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 40 mins

Today
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 36 mins

No turning back now!

I finally registered for the half marathon. There is no turning back now! Well, I guess I could always not show up, but then I would be out 40 bucks. I've also invested in a new pair of running shoes and some new running atire. So I guess I would be out a little more than 40 dollars, but I'm not giving up or backing down. I am committed 100%! My runs this week have been a little easier. My friend Jess is running the race with me, and we are going to run our long run together this Saturday. I think we are going to shoot for 4 1/2 maybe 5 miles. We'll see how it goes. Here is my running log for the week:

Monday's Run
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 38 mins

Wednesday's run
Distance: 3.2 miles
Time: 37 mins

Tonight's run
Distance: 2 miles
Time: 24 min

The Big 4!

It almost killed me, but I made it! I survived a 4 mile run yesterday. It was such a nice day and not too hazy, so I decided to run outside. My sweet husband joined me and I was so grateful he came along! I really needed his motivation at times when I wanted to stop. Running is starting to get a little easier, but I still wouldn't say that I love it or even like it. I had a great week of running and a great week of weight loss! At my weigh in this week I lost 6 lbs from the previous week. I was so stoked!!! It made up for the 2 lb gain I had the week before. I wish I could say that the weight loss was all me, but I think that the "magic water" maybe had something to do with it. I will save the "magic water" for another post. But I honestly think that it helped with my weight loss this week. Since August, I have lost 20lbs! It was a battle, but I am finally back to my pre-pregnancy size! Woo-hoo! I am finally starting to see my clothes fit better and some of them practically fall off. I am still hoping to lose another 15-20 lbs before the race. We'll see how it goes!

Monday's run
Distance: 2.3 miles
Time: 27 mins

Tuesday's run
Distance:1 mile
Time: 10 mins

Wednesday's run
Distance: 1 mile
Time: 11 mins

Thursday's run
Distance: 3.4 miles
Time: 40

Saturday's run
Distance: 4 miles
Time: 50 mins

3 miles

I did it! I ran 3 miles this past Saturday. It was really hard and I hated almost every second of it. But I guess I'll just keep pushing through. My run on Saturday didn't start out too great. I don't think I stretched my calves enough, because shortly after I began running my legs started cramping. I kept running and it wasn't until I hit the last half mile that I had to stop and walk for a few yards. During the last mile, my legs started aching and my lower back was sore. But I expected that. There was an upside to the run, my knee didn't bother me at all. Not even after I ran. I was really relieved about that. So overall, last week was a good week. I hit two milestones, a 2 mile run and a 3 mile run. That for me is huge! I never thought I would ever be capable of running 3 miles straight. Now I'm aiming for 4. We'll see how it goes. Wish me luck!

Saturday's run:
Olympic Oval
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 43 mins

Woo-hoo!!!

I can't believe it! I actually passed the two mile mark on Monday night! I have really been feeling discouraged because I couldn't run over 1.5 miles. I would always have to stop and walk part of the way. On Monday night I decided that no matter what, I wasn't stopping until I ran 2 miles. I went into Cardio Cinema, covered up the distance and time, and just kept running. It wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be. Only the last quarter mile was hard. I was so happy! I couldn't believe it. I know to some of you that 2 miles isn't a big accomplishment...but to me it was HUGE!!! I was hoping that it wasn't just a fluke, and that I would be able to run that far the next time. And I'm happy to report that last night I ran 2.4 miles. I really wanted to make it to 2.5, but I've been battling a cold/sore throat, and I started having a huge coughing fit and had to stop. I was so pumped! I know I've said this a lot but now I am truly starting to believe that I will be able to do this. I'm hoping to hit 3 miles on Saturday. This is only my third week running and I have gone from barely being able to run one mile to almost running three. I'm starting to feel really good. My right knee is still a little sore, but I have been really good about icing it every night. I'm getting really excited about the race. I know it's still forever away, but I'm really looking forward to it!

Monday's run:
Distance: 2.1
Time: 25 mins

Wednesday's run
Distance: 2.4 miles
Time: 28 mins

I'm already addicted...

Although I still hate it...I'm already addicted to running. It is the strangest thing to me! I really dislike running, but it seems like if I go more than a day without...I need it. For example, last week I was at the gym and it wasn't a running day for me (I have been alternating days for running). I was planning on doing my cardio on the elliptical, but instead found myself on the treadmill running. And on Saturday, it was a super busy day, but I managed to squeeze in a run before dinner. It was a particularly a hard run for me that day. I only had twenty minutes, so I went for a short run. It was almost dark and extremely cold that night. And to top it off, the air quality was extremely unhealthy that day. But I continued to run. I felt great after, but paid for it the rest of the night by coughing my lungs out. I'm finally starting to believe that maybe I can really do this. I'm still in the very beginning stages, but I am really starting to feel a desire to really push myself. Last week was also a good weight loss week. I lost another 2.3 lbs. I was really disciplined last week and it paid off. I just have to try and keep it up. Here's to another good week!!!

Saturday's run:
Distance: 1.5 miles
Time: 15 mins

I still hate running...

Well...running outside wasn't any easier. It did make the time go by a lot faster, and I created a new playlist on my ipod with some fun upbeat songs. But the cold air made it hard for me to breathe. And on top of that, my foot has been a little sore the past couple of days. It hasn't been too painful, just a little sore. I keep icing it every night so hopefully it will continue to heal. I really appreciate everyone's encouragement and motivation. Running is hard. After every run I feel old and out of shape. Why didn't I pick up running in Jr. High or High School when I was a lot younger? I bet it would have been easier back then. But I didn't and there's nothing I can do about it now. I still hate running...but I will continue to press on!

Today's run:
Distance: 2.2 miles (I walked part of the time)
Time: 28 mins

Rough Start

This was my first week back to running after my foot injury. There were days when I was really motivated and other days when I wasn't. I'm thinking that will be the constant cycle for a little while. This week I didn't accomplish what I set to do, but I made some baby steps. I set a goal to try and run 2 miles on Saturday, but I only made it to 1.45 miles. I am really struggling when I run in the mornings. I don't seem to have as much energy than when I run in the evenings. I thought it would be the other way around but it's isn't. I was also having a hard time being distracted when I ran on Saturday.
Currently I am training inside on a treadmill, and maybe that's why I'm struggling. I think that maybe running outside might work out better for me, but it's too dang cold right now to do so. When I run at the gym I try to go in the Cardio Cinema room so I can watch a movie while I run. That usually does the trick if I cover up the distance and time with a towel. But the gym has been really busy lately with it being "National Diet Month" and so all of the treadmills were taken in the Cinema. I had to resort to a treadmill in the regular cardio area and I forgot my ear phones, so I had absolutely NOTHING to distract me. It was hard. I left feeling tired and doubtful. But Rob quickly reminded me that it was only my 6th or 7th time running and so it's going to be a slow road in the beginning. I am an EXTREMELY impatient person and so if I had it my way I would be running 5 or 6 miles by now. But my body isn't cut out for that, so I have to be patient and wait until I work myself up to that.
So this week I am going to take it slow and easy. I'm not exactly sure on how and when to boost up my distance. I have tried to google training programs, but most of them are 6 or 8 week programs and that doesn't really work for me right now. If any of you have experience in training for races, I would love some advice!
This week also hasn't been that great for weight loss. I had gained .8 lbs during the holidays, which I wasn't too upset over, but only lost .2 this week. I know I need to be more disciplined with my treats. And also stay away from my "red light" foods. One of them being chips and salsa. This weekend we had friends over and we sat at the table and chatted and I sat and stuffed my face full of chips. Once I start, I can't stop. Especially when it's super spicy salsa. I know that there are some major things I need to work on with my nutrition and that is another goal I am trying to achieve. Here's to another week of trying to stay optimistic!

The journey has begun...

Welcome to my running blog! This is a new adventure to me, but I am excited and motivated to begin on this journey. With motivation and encouragement from my good friend Maren, I have decided to become a runner. For those of you that know me well, know that this is not going to be easy for me. I have never been a runner, and I have always been somewhat overweight for the majority of my life. I have always struggled with losing weight, and having had two babies, I think it is much more difficult now to get off the extra "baby" weight.
When my oldest was 6 months old, I realized that I was the heaviest I have ever been and I wasn't doing anything about it. I hated looking at pictures of me. I thought I looked huge and disgusting. My husband and I decided to take action and we started a very pricey weight loss program. I don't want to brag...but that program was just what I needed. And by my son's first birthday, I had lost 55 lbs! I couldn't believe it! I was in no way skinny, but I was in a lot better shape and I felt great! Two weeks later...I found out I was pregnant with baby #2. I was scared and terrified that I would gain those 55 lbs back. But I was determined and worked out my entire pregnancy. I not only saw a lower weight gain than my first pregnancy, but I saw a huge difference in my labor and delivery.
Fast forward to today. Baby #2 is almost 10 months old and I am 5 lbs away from my pre-pregnancy weight with him. I have been constantly working out since he was 6 weeks old, but my eating and nutrition have not been what they should be. But I am a lot better now than I was 6 months ago. When I made this running goal about a month ago, I was completely motivated and pumped! I went to the gym that night, lifted weights, and told myself I was going to run a mile nonstop. I thought and knew it was going to be rough, but to my surprise it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I did it! I was so optimistic that I would be able to do this. Then came the next day. My foot was killing me! I knew that I had to of pulled something. I tried icing it and took anti-inflammatories, but nothing helped. It continued to get worse and worse. I was completely bummed. I was so excited to set off on a journey I had never taken before, and then my dreams were suddenly crushed by a throbbing foot. I finally went in to a foot doctor to make sure that it wasn't anything too serious. The diagnosis was "spur-heel syndrome." I had pulled the main tissue that connects your heel to your foot. But I soon realized that it was something that would heal by being taped and possibly getting orthotics, but I was told I would and could run again. Hallelujah!
This is my first week back at running and I have ran over a mile 3 times this week and my foot hasn't hurt a bit! My motivation is coming back slowly, but surely! To go along with my running goal, I have set a pretty high goal that I hope I can reach. I am planning on running in the Bear Lake Half Marathon this June. That gives me just over 5 months to train myself to run 13.1 miles halfway around Bear Lake. There are many times when I think that I can't do this...but my husband has been right by my side encouraging me that I CAN and WILL do this. I know that this is going to be hard. Probably one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life, (besides giving birth to two handsome boys) but I am determined that I can do this. I am starting off slow, but as long as I push myself a little harder every week, I know I will be able to run those dreaded 13.1 miles. If anyone wants to embark on this journey with me, I would love to have the company!