October 30, 2015

My allergies have been horrible today!  My eyes and nose have been running all day even with benedryl.  It still felt good to run.  I was trying to really enjoy my run knowing that tomorrow I have 11-12 to run.  I am already looking forward to it being over!  I am not sure where to run it at either.  I have to be done and back at Heritage High School by 12:30.

Weight 143.4
Run: 2 miles 11:23 pace

 

October 29, 2015

I did not get my workout in today.  Work was busy and I felt horrible.  Then I had a dinner date last night and just did not have time.

Weight: 144.4

October 28, 2015

It has been raining for the last few days.  I don't mind it in general but I don't enjoy running in fall/winter rain.  In the springtime it feels amazing.  But now the rain is so cold that it bugs me to run in it.  I hit 143 today and I was super excited.  I am sure that the weight will bounce all around for awhile as it always does.  But it is nice to see it going in the correct general direction.

I am constantly tired.  I think I am just more aware of it though then when I am not working out.  Because when I truly think about it I took a ton of naps from April to September (when I wasn't doing much physical activities).  Now I am not taking many naps at all and working out a ton.  So perhaps I am having more energy and I am just more acutely aware of being tired.  I do wish that I had more discipline to go to bed prior to 11 p.m.  I am such a creature of habit. 

Weight: 143.6

Run:  35 minutes total.  5 min run/2 min jump rope.  2.19 miles

Long crazy workout

October 27, 2015

I was hopeful to get back to normal today, but that was a bit over zealous.  I have been very sleepy all day.  I had also taken off 2.5 days of work and was swamped with that.  I did not have time or will to do my run and workout today.  I had one hour this evening when I felt like I could do something and I asked Ty which he would prefer me to do.  He said workout, so that is what I did.  It felt good to get something done and not be a total sloth.  I had to remind myself that I walked more this weekend than I usually run and to not be harsh on myself.

I lost weight while I was gone and that made me super happy!  I am now one pound away from being the lowest weight I have been in the last 12 months.  I can't wait to burst through that.  I tell ya, being pushed and encouraged and having a workout sent to me each day is what I need.  I had worked for a year to stay where I was at the time of my divorce and I couldn't hold on.  I hire my trainer back and bam...it falls off.  Thanks Ty!

Weight: 144.4

October 22- October 26 2015

I just got back from a wonderful trip to Washington DC with my children.  I had been wanting to go there as long as I can remember.  I am not great at history but I have always been interested in looking at historical things and being around history.  I also love grand expressions of things.  It makes me realize what a fantastic world we live in.   We were all lucky to have my brother there with us to give us the information and history on everything.  DC is vibrant and pretty.  There are people everywhere walking and running.  The kids had a blast with their cousins!  We walked miles and miles and saw everything.  I am sure that it was our fault that my brother didn't meet his PR in the marathon.  How could he when he walked a marathon in just 24 hours. On Friday we walked around 15,000 steps and on Saturday we walked 20,000 steps.  We walked another 15,000 on Sunday.  I was exhausted!  The food was also very expensive so it was easy for me to stay on my meal plans and diet.  I very much appreciate my brother's family for helping me so much with the vacation.  It would have been much more stressful if it weren't for his support and help.

I wish that we could go back there and do it all again.  It was deflating to return home to my mundane life in the country.  I felt a drastic contrast to life in DC versus here.  I know that city life would not be the same to me if I lived it.  But it is exhilarating to experience. It was also striking to me to recognize how much I enjoyed just having family in my presence.  It is sad when I think about how I walk through life alone of peers, family, love.  I am so thankful for my children and I worry about life in the future when they have their own stuff going on.  But I have to keep my chin up and pray that God will place people in my life.

Anyways!  It was great and I loved the trip.  I am thankful for it.  For the memories, lessons, experiences, sites.

October 21, 2015

It was a very busy day getting ready to go to Washington!  I got in a two mile run and it felt good.  I did not get a daily photo.

October 20, 2015

I had a bit more energy today.  I think I finally got enough sleep last night.  I did a 30 minute hard run.  Then many sets of calisthenics.  I am trying to get us ready to go to Washington DC on Thursday.  Both of my sons are missing big games and one would think it is the end of the world.  I am taking my kids to DC and a little fall ball recreation team championship is more important?  I don't think so.  Not when he has played baseball for his entire life so far and has been in many such games, but has never been on vacation anywhere other than family destinations.  So everyone can just poo poo off.  

I called my doctor's office to inquire about another set of steroids.  I am also washing most of my clothes again since a bottle of detergent I had never used before could be a culprit.  I also went and bought soap that I know I am not allergic to and I am not going to use cocoa butter on my skin anymore . I believe that my skin breaking out in hives is most likely from one of those three things.  Unless it is purely stress related.  I did not hear back from his office by the end of the day.  So I will continue to take large amounts of benedryl until I hear something from him.

 

Weight: 151.5 (my weight has continued to raise I believe due to starting my monthly cycle.  My clothing is fitting the same though, not tighter.  I am not too concerned about this temporary spike.

Run: 30 minutes, 3.02 miles, 9:58 pace

October 19, 2015

I did not want to work out today.  My legs felt heavy while running.  I am very bloated today and felt unmotivated.  I did not get my workout in, only my run.  I had to take my car to the shop in the morning and thankfully my ex husband let me borrow his car for the day since I had cases to work.  I didn't like driving his new car.  It has a different smell to it and it bugged me all day.  The mechanic shop quoted me the wrong amount for breaks and that attempted to stress me out.  I called her back and she corrected it.  Then when I am going to get the car, someone almost side swipes me in my exes vehicle.  And to top things off with a big ol cherry on top the shop wrecked my car.  The mechanic ran in to something backing out.  I felt like I just wanted the day to be over.  All of this on top of my body being broken out in one huge hive.  Two weeks ago this happened and I had a round of steroids.  And now it is happening again.  

Weight 150.5

Run:  30 minutes, 2.39 miles, 12:33 pace

October 18, 2015

Today I was supposed to have a 45 minute power walk.  I spent the day at six flags and I feel the entire day was a power walk.  I pushed Karis around and walked up hills all day long.

October 17, 2015

Today was a long run!  I am thankful my dad was here to watch my children while I completed it.  I got to bed at my normal time last night which is around 11:30 p.m.  I was up at 7:00 a.m.  I ate an english muffin with honey and had a blueberry/banana protein shake before my run.  It sat well on my stomach but I preferred last weeks breakfast more.  I also had one cup of coffee.  I had to stop to go pee one time and that isn't bad.  I had mexican food Thursday and Friday night and felt very heavy.

I really enjoyed the route I ran.  There was pretty things to look at.  My music was good and my thoughts were good during it.  I am not nearly as worn out as I was after last weeks run.

I am excited to take the kids to the Haunted Depot tonight.  But first I am going to lay on my couch and relax and watch an episode of Lost.  I am exhausted.

Weight:  146.8
Run:  11 miles 2:02, Average pace 11:06

 

October 16, 2015

I had a short run today in preparation for tomorrow's long run.  Today was an emotional day for me and I think part of that is because I am still not caught up on my sleep from Wednesday night.  I hope to be caught up soon.

Weight:  146.4
Run:  2 miles

October 15, 2015

I was working off of four hours of sleep last night.  For some reason I didn't get to sleep until 2:40 a.m. and had to be up at 7.  I still had a lovely workout.  It was fit for the day.  I got to run 30 minute casual pace on grass which was so nice.  I then did a lot of sets of various exercises and my middle son did them with me.  That is always such a joy!!

I am going to work on catching up on some sleep tonight!  My step dad came in to town and I am looking forward to having him here with us tomorrow.  He has a big job interview and I pray that it goes well for him.  Today started 7 straight days of single parenting.  My ex is out of the state so everything is truly on me.  I am tired just thinking of it.  Then he gets them for one evening and then I have them for 7 straight days again.   It will go by fast I am sure.  We always stay so busy.

Weight 146.00
Run: 30 minutes, 2:42 miles, 11:56 min pace.

I also tested my ability to hold my weight up and I was sorely disappointed.  I can't wait to do a chin up again.  I could not get it done tonight.

 

October 14, 2015

No matter how tired I was yesterday, I felt great today!  Ty wanted me to push my entire run and 30-45 minutes.  I feel I did a great job at this!  It was a great run.  I had dinner plans last night with a friend so I didn't get my other workout in.  We had a staff meeting yesterday for lunch and I was proud of myself there.  I ate only one little buscuit.  I usually inhale those.  I also had a plain chicken breast and a small baked potato plain.  It was still delicious!  For dinner I went to a nice little place and had a delicious piece of salmon.

It was a very late night and I am super tired today.  I need to get some sleep this evening!  I am excited because my step-dad is coming to town.  I enjoy getting to visit with him.

Weight 146.8

Run:  See garmin photo below

**Two week side by side comparison.  

October 13, 2015

I really put a lot in to my run yesterday.  I am not running at a 10 min mile pace right now and yesterday I did three at that pace.  My trainer wanted me to do the exact same thing today and my body was like "oh hell no".  I was able to fartlek run for about half the time but then I just had to run.  I felt tired and worn down.  I was out of energy.  So I was thinking on my run and tried to recognize what exactly was making me feel rundown today and I will look in to some of the possibilities.  It could be a lack of iron.  I just felt like that was it.  Or it could be PMS time.  For some odd reason I woke up three pounds heavier than yesterday.  That is not normal so I know I am holding water.  I shouldn't be because I have been hydrating well so my only answer there is hormonal.  It wasn't my diet yesterday but I wasn't even thinking it was.  I would have had to eat a horse yesterday for me to put on 3 pounds in one night.  So I am thinking I am lacking some electrolytes or supplements.  I will get more.

It was still a good run and a good workout though!  Just couldn't muster the motivation to go fast for four minutes today.

Weight 148

Run:  40 minutes. Pace 11:13

Workout:  Lost of ground work.

I have included a photo of amazing veggies I made today.  I added them to 15 bean soup.  I had kale salad and quinua for lunch and then beans and veggies for dinner.  Let's just say that it may have been a bit much for my stomach.  But it was delicious!  Veggies in this are butternut squash, leek, onion, garlic, basil, carrot, kale, mushroom.

October 12, 2015

I was happy to have my children back after their second weekend in a row with their dad.  They have a two day break from school for a mini fall break and we packed it full of things!  I did my workout in the park while the kids played.  Then we took our dog to the vet and got his shots up to date to prepare him to be kenneled for our trip.  We had a lovely time hanging out at Starbucks around the outdoor fireplace.  We then went to the park.  We did a lot of other things too and to be sure I am exhausted!

Weight: 145.8
Run:  30 minute fartlek training.  3 miles, 30;09 min, 10:03 pace
Workout:  Crazy insane long mess of stuff!

 

October 11, 2015

There was absolutely nothing exciting about today.  It was just a normal ho hum day here!

I went to church and then went on a walk with a friend.  That was lovely and I enjoyed the company and talk.

Weight 146

Time to hit it hard again tomorrow and hopefully a great week!

October 10, 2015

I had 10 miles on the agenda today.  It was raining hard when I woke up so I thought I was going to just go to the gym and pay for a day pass.  I had two cups of coffee, a bowl of oatmeal with raisins in it and a salmon patty.  The meal ended up suiting me just fine with no digestion problems during the run.  I at around 10 and was running at 12:30.  It should have been 11:30 but then the rain stopped literally as I was parking my car in the gym lot.  So I reversed out and headed to the battlefield.  There is no way I am running on a treadmill when I can run outside.  So it took me a full hour to get there and get situated to run outside when I thought I was going to run inside.  I had to drive my course and drop off my water and gatorade.  I put them at 2.5, 5, 7.5 miles.

The run was lovely.  It ended up drizzling a little but nothing substantial and the temperature was great.  I got to pass many other runners and cyclists along the way.

I decided to record my playlist.  Typically I just listen to whatever pops up on my pandora.  I have been modifying my station for so long that it is rare I do not like a song.  I will put the songlist at the bottom of this post.

Weight: 147.4
Run: 10 miles; Pace 11:33 min/mile
Splits:
1- 12:19
2- 11:17
3- 10:59
4- 11:12
5- 12:07
6- 11:03
7- 12:00
8- 11:37
9- 11:38
10- 10:52

 

Howie Day - Collide
Blackmill - Sacred River
Rickie Valens - La Bamba
David Crowder Bank - How He Loves
Jennifer Thomas - Requiem For a Dream
Blackmill - Sarajevo
Matt Maher - Lord, I Need You
Tim Tim - Rum'n'cocacola
Parachute - She is Love
Antiserum and Mayhem - Trippy
Parov Stelar - Hotel Axos
Ed Sheeran - Kiss Me
Goo Goo Dolls - Iris
Pain White T's - Rhythm of Love
Hunter Hayes - In a Son
Brad Paisley - Then
Kenny Chesney - Don't Blink
Lindsey Stirling - Crystallize
Shawn Mendes - Aftertaste
Blackmill - Spirit of Life
Stevie Wonder - Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Bonnie Tyler - Total Eclipse of the Heart
Flume - Holdin On
Silento - Watch Me
The Four Tops - I can't Help Myself
Ben Rector - 30,000 Feet
Odesza - Say My Name

October 9, 2015

I didn't have a chance to write yesterday because I was busy!

I had a blast going out with a friend.  We ate a restaurant called Tupelo Honey that I had been wanting to try and then went to Track 29 to see Mat Kearney and Parachute in concert.  I loved both of the performances.  I would have worn different shoes had I known it was standing only though!

Weight 147.0
Ran 30 min.
I did not get my workout in because I simply did not have time.

October 8, 2015

About half way through the day I was thinking that I may not get my workout in.  It was a struggle.  It was the first day that I didn't feel like it fully.  It was a battle.  I did it though!  I am happy that I got it done.  It may not have been as rockstar as it could have been, but I completed it and tried to make it rockstar.

I also wasn't feeling like eating good either and I got overly hungry and made a poor choice to zip through sonic and get a jr. burger, tater tots and small cherry limeade.  Hey!  At least I documented it in myfitnesspal and didn't just leave today blank and pretend it didn't happen.  That tiny meal was 750 calories.  That is plain ridiculous.  My goodness gracious!  I modified my dinner though and had a huge salad with a 3 oz salmon.  2 tbs of dressing only.  It was still delicious and satisfied my evening hunger.

8 days and today was the first struggle.  There will be many more.  There will be days when I get mexican food and indulge in way too many chips and cheese dip.  There will be days when I lay on the couch and not move at all.  There will also be more days today that may not be total rockstar days.  But I am determined to make it to marathon!!

Weight: 147.0
Workout:  27 minutes of 3 minute interval workouts.
Multiple calisthenics

On to tomorrow!!

October 7, 2015

When I am snap my daily photo and when I post it I often cringe.  I have always envied girls with pretty bellies.  I have never had a smooth flat stomach that looks good in a two piece.  I have been overweight most of my life and had three pregnancies where I put on more than average weight.  Then I suddenly lose weight which just deflated me.  In addition to all of this certain people that have been in my life that should have uplifted and encouraged me and complimented my body put it down instead. Verbally insulted my looks and build to my face when they were supposed to express love.  I say all of to say that if you are reading this blog, I am not putting my daily pictures out there to gross you out.  I am putting them out there so I can see my own progress and so that I can hopefully learn to embrace all that I am.  I most likely will never have the money or put the money towards a tummy tuck, so it is a part of me.  One that I feel very low about.  I know that I can't be the only girl out there with this problem though.  I know that there has to be others that are humiliated and it just isn't fair.  

Anyways, I was just thinking about it tonight when I snapped my picture and almost cried.  But God loves me and finds me beautiful.  

Weight: 147.2

Workout was insane!  Ty had me doing a lot of three minute sets of things.  I was able to complete all but the last two sets of three minute exercises before I literally ran out of time.  

Run:  40 min. relaxed run.  2.57 distance 11:40 pace

I am so sleepy tonight.  A lot on this mind!

October 6, 2015

I was so tired today!  I was falling asleep at my computer.  At lunch I laid down and fell deeply asleep.  That wasn't in the agenda so I had to make up my workout tonight.  I always prefer to do as much as I can over my lunch hour since I get worn down as the day goes.  But it was still a good workout this evening.  I did my run and most of my workout during my daughter's cheer practice.  I felt like I ate a lot today because I wanted to snack. After filling out my journal though I find that I did just fine!

I am thankful that we had a slower night because I was really needing to spend some time doing homework with my middle.  He has four assignments in math he needs to do corrections on.  But before we could do that he needed to teach me that incredibly hard way they do multiplication.  I then taught him how I did it.  Overall we spent an hour correcting 10 problems.

I wanted to spit at the scale this morning.  But I know all about the scale.  I know that it will fluctuate like mad.  I lost 85 some off pounds recently, so I remember the ups and downs and especially when building muscle.  I am logging it in My Fitness Pal, which I did before too and it really helps to see the gradual graph over time.

Weight:  148.0
Hard workout
Run:  41 minutes.  2 regular pace, 30 second pace repeat throughout.  3.37 miles, 12:11 pace.

 

October 5, 2015

I am sitting at the ballfield watching my middle son play his first of two games this evening.  The weather feels so good.  I love 60 degree weather in the spring and fall.  I enjoy having my children home.  I rushed in the door with them at 5:10 tonight and we were all out of the door in appropriate sport gear and with dinner in hand by 5:40 p.m.  It is nice when we can do that peacefully.

I woke up one pound light today!  I am 147.  That is what I weighed when I ran my last marathon.  I am excited to be lighter this coming one and especially more lean.

Weight: 147
Workout:  Fitness test
2 min crunches:  134
2 minute mountain climbers: 188
2 minute pushups: 34
2 minute burpees: 38
35 min. LSD run: 2.76 miles.  12:41 pace

Playing with Addiction

Breaking a marriage covenant is toying with the temptation for sexual perversion, obsession or even addiction.  Just like someone that tries heroin is toying with the possibility of drug addiction.  Especially if one already knows they are predisposed to addictive behavior.  There is truth in God's guidance and direction to what a marriage covenant is meant to be.  All direct that comes from God is meant for a purpose.  Because He is God and knows what the result of sin is.  He knows how it kills and destroys and opens the gate to Satan taking a hold of our lives.  He loves us and gives us direction to protect us and grow us in to strong powerful stable people.  

October 4, 2015

I love days like today when I can keep my mind focused and not fall down the rabbit hole.  I was able to wake up peacefully.  I even had time to drink a nice cup of coffee and watch an episode of Heartland.  I got my 2 mile run in before heading off to church.  Church was lovely.  I then went and got some food I needed from Earthfare and enjoy the smell there.  I just love the smell of an organic grocery store!  I came home and cooked a fabulous lunch!

I am trying to learn more about diet and nutrition.  There is always the conflict with carbs.  I need quite a bit of carbs for my running but everyone has a different opinion on where to get those from.  If you are reading this, what is your opinion and why?  Please share in a comment.  I am also reading a lot about what to eat and when to eat it.  My lunch today was fantastic.  

4 oz. Wild Salmon

1/2 cup carrot soup

1/4 cup lentils

a handful of greens with 1 teaspoon dressing

1/4 grilled plantain

approx: 500 calories.

After lunch I had the best walk with a dear friend that I hadn't seen in about 5 months.  I loved our conversation and am so thankful for her!  I am anxious to get my children home here shortly.  I am anxious for a full week and what it may bring for me.  I pray for healing and restoration.  For peace and clarity of mind.  To let go of expectations and embrace possibility.  

Weight: 148.2

Workout - Ty's workout.  They are always great, but it wouldn't be fair to him to share with you.  You want to know his workouts?  Ask me and I will connect you.  Then you can hire him!  :)

Run - 2 miles

Walk - 4.69

October 3rd, 2015

I am super excited today because I signed back on to work with my coach, Ty Hanson!  I am thankful that we are able to work together again and I have my first workout already delivered to me and ready to do tomorrow.  Yay!!

I had an 8 mile run on my agenda today.  I didn't know if I would get it in or not because I had my precious children with me most of the day.  It is daddy's weekend, but he had a funeral to attend and it went a bit longer than anticipated.  But I was able to drop the kids off at his neighbor's house and still get in my run.  I went to the local gym and paid for a day pass since it was raining so bad.  The run was wonderful.  It is the furthest I have gone since April 25th, the date of my last marathon.  I then got to sit in the sauna and that is always a treat.

Weight today:  148.0

 

October 2, 2015

Today was rainy outside and according to my running plan it was meant to be a rest day.  I rested Monday through Wednesday this week and didn't want to rest.  I decided to do some cross training.  I reached out to my old running coach and asked him to consider taking me back on.  I haven't heard from him and I don't know if I will.  But I do know that it would assist me to have some structure and guidance from him.  Here are the workouts I did today.  I plan on doing 5 minutes of leg lefts and 5 minutes of plank everyday, no matter what else I do.

 22 Minute Dumbbell at-Home Circuit Workout - Great Strength Training for Runners

Carrie's 5 Minute Plank Workout

Marathon Nutrition - What to eat when training for a Marathon

Weight: 148.8

I don't have my children today and this evening I rested, read The House of Riverton and watched Heartland.  During my workday I met with a lovely lady who gave me a lovely gift.  Her name is Fancy Nancy and she rocks.  

October 1st - The New Start to my 40's!

After my first marathon I was burned out and let down.  I had done horrible the last six miles of the race and missed my mark by almost 30 minutes.  I came home and stopped running for weeks and when I did pick up running it was for short distances and at a very casual pace just because my soul needed it.   The day of my Nashville marathon was the start of the end of my relationship with my boyfriend as well and I spiraled in to an anxiety tornado.  I then decided it was time to get on an anti anxiety medication.  I started Buspar.  I was amazed at how well it worked for me and how full of anxiety I had been even above what I had known.  But with the buspar came more lethargy and over all I gained 28 pounds from my lowest weight.  In September 2013 I got to 129 pounds and at the middle of last month I hit 157.  I have no clothes in my closet anymore that fit me.  I am pushing out of my size sixes and I just don't want to move back up.

I started to pray about this all a lot.  My feelings about my self esteem and weight and fitness.  I am turning 40 at the end of January and would love to treat myself well entering my 4th decade of life.  I would like to meet my initial goal of less then 5 hour marathon.  I would like to get definition back and get back down in to the 130's.  I would like to completely stop smoking for good. During the training for my last marathon I got burned out.  I never lost the weight during training.  I never gained the momentum.  I am praying diligently for the momentum to get going and for me to find passion in myself and my health and my goals again.  I am praying that God will use this experience to build me back to a strong energized woman.  So please join forces with me and pray and send encouragement and build me up.

Already before this date I started to get prepared.  I have gone from 157 to 150 as of October 1st.

Start weight: 150
Measurements:
Breast - 36
Above belly button - 31.5
Belly button - 36
Below belly button - 35.75
Waist - 37.5
Upper thigh - 24