tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20305827883426267752024-02-06T21:58:18.031-05:00Bigger Girls Can Run TooCupCake@ Bigger Girls Can Run Toohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17660640302611690348noreply@blogger.comBlogger180125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030582788342626775.post-42530283211571842102014-04-06T19:47:00.000-04:002014-04-06T19:47:42.757-04:00Can I get Some Fries with that Shake?<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Has anyone ever tried shakeology before?</span></b></div>
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A friend of mine has been using it for awhile and really loves it. She is also gluten-free and has a lot of other food allergies (like this kid) and finds it a great, nutritious option for her breakfasts each day.<br />
I'm the kind of person who does not usually like to eat a big breakfast because I'm<strike> lazy</strike> not a morning person and snooze my alarm too much to have time to make a good breakfast.Today I did the chocolate shake with a banana, a gluten free graham cracker, and unsweetened almond milk. It was super yummy! (Even my fiance kept trying to steal sips!)<br />
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I'm not looking to lose weight with shakeology, I'm looking for a healthy alternative (gluten-free) that will make me feel better. I got the sampler pack this past Friday and have had a shake each day for breakfast. I have noticed a difference in my energy level, as well as noticed that I am not as hungry throughout the rest of the day. Shakeology offers a 30 day trial policy where if you try shakeology for 30 days and end up not liking it or not thinking the product is working for you, you can return it for your money back. So, I'm going to take the 30 day challenge and see how it goes.<br />
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On top of that, my back is still pretty messed up. I'm still in physical therapy twice a week, but nothing seems to be loosening. My therapist recommended that I start doing gentle yoga to add in more core strengthening and flexibility to help my back heal and get stronger. I took my first class at <a href="http://www.bloomyogafitness.com/" target="_blank">Bloom Yoga</a> studio last Thursday and I loved it! I was very uneasy at first because I'm not a flexible person and when I think of yoga, I think of crazy poses with people wrapping their feet around their necks. But the instructor was wonderful and provided us with foam blocks, blankets, pillows, and straps that we could use to modify our poses so that we did not hurt ourselves. I actually only had difficulty with one or two poses, so I was happy. But, after not having had a good adrenaline and endorphin release in a very long time (due to not being able to run or do HiiT or strength train) the gentle yoga class moved slowly enough that I could keep up, but was intense enough that I worked up a small sweat. I felt so relaxed and fluid afterwards, it was a great feeling!<br />
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I plan on continuing my yoga classes once a week for the next few months. I do not want to do two times a week because I'm not sure how my back will handle that just yet. Once I get the okay from the doctor (and my work schedule) though, I will definitely be up for doing gentle yoga twice a week.<br />
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Anywho, I refer back to my original question- has anyone ever tried shakeology, or anything similar? If so, what was your experience?CupCake@ Bigger Girls Can Run Toohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17660640302611690348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030582788342626775.post-32246151924578336352014-02-03T22:15:00.004-05:002014-02-03T22:15:53.393-05:00Why Did I Stop?<br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>So, it has been awhile. A good long while. Almost a year or so?</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://silverstairs.wordpress.com/2010/12/07/queries-how-long-to-wait-and-why/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source</span></a> </div>
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I bet you're wondering <i>(if any readers are still out there)</i> where I have been? </div>
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Or why I stopped blogging and interacting with the running community here in the blogosphere?</div>
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Those are valid questions, my friends. </div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><b>The long answer is this:</b></span> I got engaged at Disney in February of last year and have been devoting a lot of time to wedding planning. I also got accepted into graduate school and so most of my free time is spent reading and doing homework assignments. I also was promoted at work to a position where I work a lot of crazy hours. On top of that, I was in a car accident in November and then ended up having emergency gallbladder surgery right before the holidays in December. </div>
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<a href="http://www.diabetesmine.com/2011/12/procrastination-a-diabetes-confession.html/juggling-life" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>The short answer to your questions:</b></span> I stopped running. After the Disney Princess Half, I did a few 5k fun runs, but I didn't have anything serious lined up and so I stopped running. Looking back on it, it makes me sad because running made me so happy.<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><u> I don't know why I stopped, but I did and it stinks.</u></span> </div>
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<a href="http://www.lifesupernatural.com/stop-running-to-the-wrong-cave-part-4/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">I want to get back into running, but I know it is going to be tough - almost like starting over from the beginning again.</span> My body is still in the recovery/healing stages from my surgery. The doctor said I can only do some light jogging and weight lifting for now. Maybe in a few weeks I will be able to do more, but I have to go slow. I don't generally like to share this fact about myself, but I can be a rather impatient person (shocker, I know) and going slow is going to be incredibly difficult for me. I expect major results right away and get discouraged when they don't happen.</div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Does anyone have any advice for a "re-beginner" runner?</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">What are some exercises or routines you did after a major injury/recovery period?</span></b></span></div>
CupCake@ Bigger Girls Can Run Toohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17660640302611690348noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030582788342626775.post-1023916190325944842013-06-10T23:01:00.001-04:002013-06-10T23:01:54.497-04:00Strength Training<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;">Today started my new 2 week training plan from Coach Kurt.</span> </span></b></div>
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(Maybe one day I will have big arm muscles too!)</div>
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Previously, I had been doing 5 exercises: <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">chest press, shoulder press, row, bicep curl, and tricep extension. I did 2 sets of 20 reps each on a 1-1-4 count (push/pull for 1, hold 1, bring back for 4)</span></b>. The first week I spent most of my time messing with different weights to see what was too easy and what was painful. The second week I worked more on making sure my breathing matched my motions. I never realized how quiet and focused one could get while doing strength machines. It's like the whole gym turned into a giant white noise and I was left with only myself and my thoughts. The same thing happens when I run. I love it!<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><b>For the next two weeks, I will be doing all of the same machines, but I will be doing 3 sets of 15 repetitions (still on the 1-1-4 count). I also have to add in 3 planks, each a minute long (or however close I can get to a minute)</b></span>. After work today, I hit the gym and did all of my required strength machines and then decided to do 45 minutes on the ARC trainer. That machine kicks my butt! The last time I sweat that much, I was running the Princess Half in glorious Florida humidity! Sometimes, however, nothing feels better than a good sweat fest! It definitely helped me relieve some of my built up stress over the past few days. <br />
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Not too much else has been going on lately. I work, I go to the gym- in between those I find time to eat, sleep, plan a wedding, apply for graduate school, and spend time with friends and family.<span style="color: #674ea7;"><b> I wish they offered a master's degree in multi-tasking because I am a pro at that already. Woot!</b></span><br />
<br />CupCake@ Bigger Girls Can Run Toohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17660640302611690348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030582788342626775.post-76885800250527710502013-06-06T13:39:00.001-04:002013-06-06T13:39:46.513-04:00Starting Over...Reinvention<br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><strong>Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.</strong></span></div>
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~ Maria Robinson</div>
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Lately, I've been doing a lot of thinking about starting over. <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Planning for an upcoming wedding, and trying to work out my future, has my mind locked in on long-term goals</span>. Where do I want to be working 5 years from now? Where do I want to be living? If we want to travel, we are going to need flexible schedules and money and time, or at least a job where I can go from place to place. All of these thoughts have just been circling and circling in my head (especially late at night, when I'm trying to fall asleep!). <span style="color: #3d85c6;">My late night revelations have me considering a few things: Starting over my blog, starting over my career, starting over with school, and starting over with working out</span>. <br />
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I miss blogging. I really do. I often find myself composing posts in my head while driving around for work, it's just that by the time I am able to sit down at my computer and type, I've either forgotten what I was going to say or fall asleep. I miss keeping up on what everyone else is doing! I miss the support- both giving and receiving. <span style="color: #38761d;">My friend advised me to start scheduling blogging time into my life- to make it an actual appointment in my phone so I stay on top of it</span>. I'm going to try this and see how it goes. (<span style="color: #6aa84f;">I've been doing the same thing with my workouts and it's been working, soI'm fairly confident I can do this!</span>) Sometimes, as I'm sure we all can attest to, it is difficult to keep on top of social life happenings when work is so demanding.<br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">Speaking of work, I love my job</span>. It's hectic and chaotic and time-consuming, but oh, so worth it! When I'm out running programs with the girls and they are laughing and smiling and telling me how much fun they're having; or when I see them randomnly out and about and they run upto give me a hug, it just makes me feel like I'm on top of the world! The only down side to my job is that it is non-profit and we don't always have it in the budget to get raises. This is such a year (and I know a lot of people are in similar place, especially in today's economy). I love my job,but the pay is not a livable wage. For the most part, I end up living paycheck to paycheck every month, with only a few dollars I can tuck away into savings. <span style="color: #e69138;">It's hard to think about leaving my job, but knowing that I have a wedding to plan ($$$$$), which means that we have to find our own place to live (and pay rent and utlities, etc), makes me realize that I have to do something to bring in more money</span>. <br />
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My only concern is that, while I do have a Bachelor's degree, it is in music and theatre, and without a teaching certificate that degree won't get me very far. <span style="color: #cc0000;">I started researching areas of work that I am interested in learning more about and could see myself doing as a career</span>. The one that interested me the most - Communications and Social Media Management. So, <span style="color: #cc0000;">I've been researching a few online graduate programs to apply to and hopefully, will get accepted to one where I can start in the fall</span>. It's going to be interesting trying to balance course work and a full time job and wedding planning, but if I'm determined enough, I know I can do it. <br />
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All of this retrospection has been euphoric. I'm very excited to go back to school and possibly expand my marketability and steer my life in a more solid and confirmed direction. <span style="color: #a64d79;">To keep with my theme of bettering myself, I contacted my friend, Coach Kurt from Becomming an Ironman, and hired him to be my personal trainer.</span> We had a 3 hour meeting where we discussed what I wanted to do (tone and strengthen and continue with fat burning), as well as completed some assessments to see where I am physically with upper body strength (<strong>FAIL</strong>) and cardio (<strong>WIN</strong>). Kurt came up with a very do-able workout routine for me to follow for the next 6 weeks. <span style="color: #a64d79;">In the mornings, I do my Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred DVD, and in the afternoons I do strength training at the gym (chest press, shoulder press, bicep curl, tricep extension, and row machine).</span> We are starting off slow so I can build up muscle and not hurt myself. Plus, I gave him a time-frame of about a year and a half where I would like to get to the point where I solely have to maintain from there on out. It's been going very well- I haven't missed a workout yet! I'm pretty proud of myself. For example, yesterday I was incredibly tired after work but knew I had to do my strength training. I made myself go to the gym and felt SO much better for it. <span style="color: #a64d79;">It's only been a week and a half, but I'm well on my way to making this a routine- afterall, don't they say it takes 21 days to make something a habit?</span> <br />
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CupCake@ Bigger Girls Can Run Toohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17660640302611690348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030582788342626775.post-59488964831038833652013-03-21T12:26:00.005-04:002013-03-21T12:26:37.746-04:00Wake Up CallI was persuing facebook earlier today and a friend of mine posted a link to this article <a href="http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/losing-180-pounds-really-does-body-8212-160-163900419.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">She also posted a quote from the story with the link that caught my eye</span>:<br />
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"<span style="color: black;"><em>But also that so many people deal with this, this exact and pervasive struggle at whatever size they are, whatever shape, whatever they do. That we're not good enough, with the implication that the best we have to offer to the world is an appropriately sized pair of jeans</em>."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;">I thought, "Whoa. I kind of want to read this!" So I opened the article and was blown away but what this woman had to say! </span>To summarize; the writer once weighed 300lbs and was going in for weight loss surgery. She lost 180lbs but still was not happy with her appearance because although she treated, what she thought was, the problem, she hadn't really addressed the main issue of soceital pressure to be perfect. <br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7;">I don't know how many of you fellow readers are considered overweight, fat, fluffy, obese, chubby, stuffed, curvy, plus-sized, Athena, etc. (and you don't have to share) but I am</span>. I am a size 16 and all my life I have been called all those names and more. I've struggled for years to get my weight down and become an acceptable body image- that's part of why I started this blog, it's part of why I started running to begin with. <br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">Over the past few months with working tons of hours, training for my half marathon, and getting engaged, I've done a lot of thinking.</span> Yes, I would LOVE to be skinny for my wedding. I would LOVE to walk down the aisle in a size 6 dress and have everyone oooh and aaah at me, but I've come to realize that that is not who I am. I am a bigger girl, it says so right in my blog name, and I'm a runner. And after reading this article, I've come to realize that I am a healthy person- I eat well, I drink mostly water, and I exercise on a regular basis. I've run 3 half marathons and countless 5k races- and I'm still a size 16. <br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">There's another quote from this article that I love because it's the revolutionary idea that no matter what dress size you wear, you can still be a happy and healthy person.</span> The writer says, <span style="color: black;">"<em>I want this: I want to say, don't love yourself even though you're not perfect - love yourself because you have a body and it's worth loving and it is perfect. Be healthy, which is perfect at whatever size healthy is and at whatever size happy is</em>."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;">So many of us continue to struggle to lose weight- some people do it to be healthy and to save their own lives, but most of us just do it because if we become skinny, then everything gets better.</span> Skinny is magical. Skinny is acceptable. But why? I'm not going to stop eating healthy or exercising, but I am going to transfer my (sometimes obsessive) focus from losing weight to being happy. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Because, let's face it folks, we only get one life to live- might as well make it the happiest we can.</span></strong></div>
CupCake@ Bigger Girls Can Run Toohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17660640302611690348noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030582788342626775.post-12135916951173512362013-03-10T22:43:00.000-04:002013-03-10T22:43:22.726-04:00Disney PrincessWell, my friends.... it has certainly been awhile, hasn't it?<br />
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So much has happened in the past few months- I did a lot of training and feel I am becoming a MUCH stronger runner. Multiple times I managed to run 3 miles without having to stop and walk- that's a major achievement!<br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>As you may or may not have known- a few weeks ago, I took an 11 day vacation to Orlando</b></span>. My boyfriend and I spent two days at Disney's All Star Music resort, then hopped on the Disney Dream cruise ship for 5 days! It was amazing! I was still in training for the Disny Princess Half marathon so the first thing I did was check out the spa area where the fitness center was. I was super excited to do a run on the treadmills overlooking the ocean. But, when I went the next day all the treadmills were taken! So, I went to my back up plan which was the out door running deck on level 4 of the ship. It's 2.5 laps for one mile- so I did 5 quick laps and called it a day. I enjoyed the rest of the cruise- the relaxation, the Aqua duck water coaster, Castaway Cay island, Pirate night and fireworks! If you ever get the chance, I definitely recommend a Disney cruise- they're phenomenal (even if you don't have kids)!<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><b>After we returned from the cruise, we headed to Disney's Caribbean Beach resort.</b></span> Absolutely stunning resort (plus a pirate themed pool)! I did my last run before the race at the resort. The humidity knocked me for a loop and slowed me down, but I powered through it. I have to say, that was my only issue with my training for this race. I did my runs in the New England winter, mostly cold days and lots of trips to the gym to go on the treadmill because of the 3.5 feet of snow and ice outside. My body wasn't truly ready for the Florida humidity. Live and learn though, right?<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>On race day, we got up at 2:30am to catch the shuttle to the race area.</b></span> I made my boyfriend go with me even though he wasn't running- he did cheer me on throughout the course though. The race officially started at 5:30am and my corral took off at 6:27am. By mile 1, I was already a disgusting sweaty mess, but I kept up with my 3 minutes of running, 1 minute of walking ratios. Soon, the miles were flying by and I was having fun looking at everyone's costumes (some pieces of which littered the race course).<br />
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<b><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">I have to say, Disney definitely is the best race I have ever done.</span></b> They had water and Powerade at every mile marker. And every few miles they had medic tents with gallon pump bottles of BioFreeze. My legs held up pretty well, I only stopped around mile 10 to slather some BioFreeze onto my calves. I managed to keep trotting along, all the way across the finish line! <span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b>My official time was 3:34:45</b></span>. Not as good as I had hoped, but I finished and that was my main goal. If I do do another Disney race, I will try and start one corral up from where I was. I was having difficulty doing my jogging portions every now and again because I had to continuously weave in and out of all the walkers. Don't get me wrong, I definitely had many times when I walked, but I made sure I went to one edge or the other of the course. I was slightly disappointed about being able to run through the castle. I was really looking forward to doing that but once I hit the back of the castle, I came to a dead stop because there were SO many people going through the castle at the same time (a total of 26,000 runners!). We kind of herded our way through and then once we got past the castle a bit I was able to run again. <br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>All in all, it was the BEST race ever!</b></span> The 13.1 miles went by pretty fast compared to my last half marathon. Perhaps I was in a better mindset because I stuck with my training and felt stronger overall? <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Maybe it was just being swept up in the Disney magic?</span></b> I don't know but I loved it!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>My boyfriend and I after the race with some pretty sweet Disney bling!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>There is another part to this story though!</b></span> It turns out that my Princess medal is not the only shiny and sparkly thing I came home with! <span style="color: magenta;"><b>While on the cruise, my boyfriend proposed to me (on the grand staircase, in front of tons of people!) and I, happily, said yes!</b></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> February 18, 2013</span></b></div>
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We haven't set a date yet. In fact, we are planning on at least a 2 year engagement in order to save up money. In lieu of all of this amazingness, I have decided to step up my healthy eating and living. I have come SO far in my weight loss, but I still have a ways to go in order to be where I want to be. <span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b>I am challenging myself to lose another 50 pounds in the next two years so I am ready for my wedding and honeymoon (I would really like to be able to wear a bikini and not feel self conscious on my honeymoon).</b></span> My goal is to get back into blogging. I am starting off slow, because it is the most hectic time of the year at work, and aiming to post twice a week. I still plan on running 2 times a week, and am going to add in 3 times a week of 30 Day Shred. <span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b>I am begging you to please keep me honest with this.</b></span> I often get overwhelmed by work and life in general, but this is a totally do-able weekly goal! I may just need a kick in the pants every now and again!<br />
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<b><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;">What do you say? Who has their kicking boots on?</span></span></b><br />
CupCake@ Bigger Girls Can Run Toohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17660640302611690348noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030582788342626775.post-32490521743792541992012-12-10T15:54:00.003-05:002012-12-10T15:54:44.133-05:00For the First Time...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>I felt like a real runner today.</u></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexwcwCiJdLsczOLCnwN4JXsUsH1N5JBn-rrJEcLBaZeBKIK5afUxnAm3Iqf1JxBmuld2QU5YD6i2Ulc_oFH_6DuRqxTnayEopZcFrXonMUBrZJU8kc7LucRSvpbec0GxDtmZTgIP4FN0/s1600/believe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexwcwCiJdLsczOLCnwN4JXsUsH1N5JBn-rrJEcLBaZeBKIK5afUxnAm3Iqf1JxBmuld2QU5YD6i2Ulc_oFH_6DuRqxTnayEopZcFrXonMUBrZJU8kc7LucRSvpbec0GxDtmZTgIP4FN0/s200/believe.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://hungryhealthymj.com/tag/running-inspiration/" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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I was at the gym doing a 10k run for my current training. I ran the first 1.3 miles straight through, then walked for 3 minutes/ran 7 minutes for 90 minutes. I was pouring sweat, settling into a nice pace, pumping my arms when I needed an extra boost, and running through every excuse I had to stop or cut my run periods short. <strong><span style="color: magenta;">This chick managed to do 6.22 miles in those 90 minutes</span></strong>! Woohoo!!<br />
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I <strong><span style="color: #38761d;">NEVER</span></strong> would have thought I could do that. <strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">EVER</span></strong>. And for the granted it's only about half of what I need to run for my half marathon, but the pacing felt good and I felt strong. It's the first time I've done a run and not been panicked about the possiblity of being swept off of the Disney Princess course.<br />
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I was, at one point, a week behind on my training, but now I am only 2 days behind. Thursday I am doing a short run of 3.1 miles and then over the weekend I am doing an 8 mile run. Once those are done, I will be back on track.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #e69138;">How is everyone else's training going?</span></strong> I stop by and read blogs when I have a free moment, I just don't always have enough time to actually sit down and write out a blog post of my own. Maybe once the holidays are done? Who knows, right?<br />
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Anyway, in other awesome news, I bought a pair of size 16 jeans at Marshall's the other day and I didn't muffin top over them! Plus, the size 16 jeans I bought at Old Navy on Black Friday are too big on me. I'm excited because while the number on the scale isn't going down, it is staying steady but my clothes are getting a little bit bigger on me. It makes me feel good. It makes me want to stick with my training because if I do, I might be able to squeeze into a 14 by the time I go down to Disney in February.<br />
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Here's a comparison just for fun, so you can see what I sometimes have a hard time seeing:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Z_ZxZujracEYT6-Xw1wVoumSRZGcm8R1Kbp3iSHyb-Y-HBxXspWsn1MvSetMv2Y59aTuJhww6a5hdc1XziUXkMP7a00D_iitLr4fhRg1qRKmDOlAcaXsCrnlMrf2zp_oSNPE5sR7bcs/s1600/me2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Z_ZxZujracEYT6-Xw1wVoumSRZGcm8R1Kbp3iSHyb-Y-HBxXspWsn1MvSetMv2Y59aTuJhww6a5hdc1XziUXkMP7a00D_iitLr4fhRg1qRKmDOlAcaXsCrnlMrf2zp_oSNPE5sR7bcs/s320/me2012.jpg" width="240" /></a>Myself and my friend Joe in fall of 2010 before I started running. Size 22</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLmPKJ-fw0OUiZLE5fC7_9RW4BkNFIkXA7MKJ6hZ1BzmDgB2Bekx3xyUamTBK5mz7ElnMwnfbff4hN6XstLYhC4C7Hhq4bhZiGODfg3eYNPBnGoEH0wjHUYBYZZ-Z7YRj69dZd8Ye21I/s1600/me2012-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLmPKJ-fw0OUiZLE5fC7_9RW4BkNFIkXA7MKJ6hZ1BzmDgB2Bekx3xyUamTBK5mz7ElnMwnfbff4hN6XstLYhC4C7Hhq4bhZiGODfg3eYNPBnGoEH0wjHUYBYZZ-Z7YRj69dZd8Ye21I/s320/me2012-2.jpg" width="320" /></a>My boyfriend and I this past fall- after 2 years of running for me. Size 16</div>
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Here's hoping I can keep whittling myself away!CupCake@ Bigger Girls Can Run Toohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17660640302611690348noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030582788342626775.post-52822944258571802302012-10-22T12:53:00.000-04:002012-10-22T12:53:07.999-04:00It Begins Again<div style="text-align: center;">
This week marks the start of my new training program for the <span style="color: magenta;">Disney Princess Half</span> in February.</div>
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I took the training program straight from the runDisney site, so it is designed by Jeff Galloway and has my goal set as "<strong><span style="color: magenta;">finishing in the upright position</span></strong>". That's a pretty good goal, right? I'm aiming to do 13min/miles for the race, but I know I need to work up to that. I'm going to do my first run tomorrow of 30-45minutes. I plan on running the first 5 minutes straight through, then alternating walking and running every 1 minute thereafter. Considering I am meeting my friend at the gym in the morning for this run, it's going to be interesting to do on the treadmill. We will see how it goes, I suppose.<br />
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I feel so out of sorts after taking the week off from the race. <span style="color: magenta;">Maybe it's the excitement of starting a new training plan, but I felt anxious to run all week long last week</span>. Which is kind of funny considering during my last training there were times you couldn't have paid me to go out and do my runs because I was so exhausted. But, this IS a brand new start for a brand new race and I intend to do my very best, if not for myself, then at least so I don't get swept off the track! <span style="color: magenta;">Seriously, I'm terrified of being swept</span>! I think if I did, it would break my heart!<br />
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But, I'm not going to focus on that- I'm going to focus on my training plan and taking it one day at a time.<br />
Here is a snap shot of the first few weeks:<br />
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Doesn't seem too bad, does it? I don't think so!</div>
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Well, that is it for now- I hope everyone has a great week!</div>
CupCake@ Bigger Girls Can Run Toohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17660640302611690348noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030582788342626775.post-77150054285411555692012-10-16T13:38:00.006-04:002012-10-16T13:38:55.849-04:00I Survived<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">I ran my second ever half marathon on Saturday- and I'm proud to say I survived.</span></div>
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As you all know, I've been disgustingly absent from the blog world due to work, family issues, etc. Well, my training was significantly absent for this race as well. I managed to get in a 10 mile run/walk before the race, so I at least knew I wasn't going to die (<span style="color: #6aa84f;">always a plus</span>). I managed to finish in<span style="color: #6aa84f;"> 3:29:34, 16min/miles exactly</span>. I felt good up until mile 10 and then charlie hrses started to threaten me every time I did more than walk- so i slowed WAY down for the last 3.1 miles.<br />
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The weather was freezing in the morning for the start of the race- a chipper 34 degrees at gun shot.<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> I have never run by SO many clothes as I did those first 3 miles.</span> People were stripping like crazy! Anyway, I had gloves on to protect my hands and a light, wicking jacket over my tech shirt. I also had on capri pants so I was comfortable the entire run- temperature wise. <br />
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I tried very hard to jsut relax into a rhythym and enjoy the course- I made some new friends with a few people as we chatted while we jogged. The only time I really felt down on myself was when my legs began to hurt- but as I jogged across the finish line, <span style="color: #e69138;">I reminded myself that if you finish a race and you're not worn out- then you didn't push yourself hard enough.</span> So, at least I know I gave it my all.<br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7;">Yesterday, I downloaded my new training plan for the Disney Princess Half</span>. I'm using Jeff Galloway's plan from the rundisney site- <span style="color: #674ea7;">with a goal of "finishing in the upright position</span>". It paces out the run/walk breaks I would need to strive for for different min/mile sets. I'm shooting for a 13min/mile, but will definitely settle for 14min/miles. I just don't want to get swept!! I'm actually now terrified of being swept off of the Disney course. In any case, my new training starts next week and runs for 19weeks. <span style="color: #674ea7;">I have already gotten my family and my boyfriend copies of the training schedule so they can stay on top of me and make sure I do what I need to do</span>.<br />
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I can't promise I will be blogging much but I'm going to try and get on here every once in awhile to give an update. <span style="color: magenta;">If you really want to keep in contact with me, like my page on Facebook</span>- it's easier to do a status update there when I'm on the go.<strong><u><span style="color: magenta;"> I miss all of my fellow bloggers</span></u></strong>! I hope everyone is doing well in their own training- if anyone is headed to Disney in February, give me a shout out and maybe we can meet up!CupCake@ Bigger Girls Can Run Toohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17660640302611690348noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030582788342626775.post-5431350402845236162012-09-11T10:07:00.000-04:002012-09-11T10:07:14.384-04:00Getting In My Own Way<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I had a revelation while running this morning.</strong></span></div>
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I've heard that happens sometimes, but I usualy have such a hard time focusing on just one thought in my head as I run, that I've never experienced it before today. I was struggling through a short 3 mile run- pounding headache, upset stomach, tired legs and back- <strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">it was awful</span></strong>. And all I kept thinking to myself was, <em><span style="color: #6aa84f;">"I suck at this.", "I can't keep a pace and I can't run more than a mile before I have to stop.", "Why am I trying to run a half marathon? I'm never going to be ready."</span></em> It was like this the <strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">ENTIRE</span></strong> run. Just one negative, berating thought after the other. I finished my run and moped back up the hill to my house, kicking myself all the way for not having done better. <br />
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And, that's when I realized why my training has been SO horrible this year.<strong><span style="color: #e69138;"> I've lost the joy of running</span></strong>. I am the reason I haven't been running- not work, or family, or weather- just me. I've been so critical and harsh on myself that I just can't enjoy my runs anymore. <strong><span style="color: #e69138;">I mean, Wowsers! Talk about a negative rainstorm on my running parade!</span></strong> <br />
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If we look back at my runs this year; the ones where I went out with no mile or time goal were my best runs. Why? Because I just let myself run and enjoy it. I wasn't focusing on time, or pace, or ratios, or anything else. I just popped in my Yurbuds and ran for the sole purpose of running. On my shorter runs, where I was trying to make myself go faster or farther, I self-sabotaged.<strong><span style="color: #674ea7;"> I became so focused on making myself run and run and run, all while being negative about it, that I got in my own way and created a self-fulfilling prophecy</span></strong>. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: magenta;">I have to try and break myself of this habit</span></strong>. (Especially before my half marathon in 30+ days.) I need to relax and find my joy factor again, otherwise I'm going to self-sabotage myself during the big race and I definitely don't want that! How can I do this though? <strong><span style="color: magenta;">How can I go out and just enjoy my runs again when all I can think about is how unprepared I feel for the upcoming race?</span></strong> It sucks. On one hand, I know that my finishing time doesn't matter, just the fact that I finish. But, on the other hand, <strong><span style="color: magenta;">I'm so competitive with myself that I'm going to be so distraught if I don't meet or beat my finish time from last year</span></strong>. <br />
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If I can just get myself to stop obsessing and stressing, I might be able to meet my finish time from last year. But, honestly, I just want to be able to go out there and run and have fun and enjoy the race. I don't want to have to worry about time and pace and all that stuff. <strong><span style="color: #3d85c6;">So, the big question is- how do I make all the noise in my head stop? (Besides turning my music up louder.)</span></strong> I wasn't planning on running tomorrow morning, but I think I may go out for a short run, with no watch on, and just run. It's finally started to get cool out in the morning, I even had to run with a jacket on this morning, and I love this kind of weather, so why not go out and enjoy it, right? However, <strong><span style="color: #3d85c6;">I'm still open to suggestions on how to combat that big-mouthed, negative voice in my head.</span></strong><br />
CupCake@ Bigger Girls Can Run Toohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17660640302611690348noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030582788342626775.post-10812651164363393502012-09-07T14:35:00.002-04:002012-09-07T14:35:29.144-04:00How to FAIL EpicallyI saw this posted in one of the forums on MyFitnessPal.com and loved it so much, I just had to share it.<br />
The real credit goes to<a href="http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/" target="_blank"> this guy</a> though. I hope y'all enjoy it as much as I did. (I'm a stickler for sarcasm!)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>From Steve at Nerd Fitness</strong> - </span><br />
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"I spend all day, every day trying to help people get healthy. <br />
(Well, sometimes I play video games all day too. Damn you, Assassins Creed!) <br />
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I feel like I’ve found what I’m meant to do with my life: Inspire and work with folks who are interested in losing some weight, building some muscle, and feeling better about themselves. I can usually tell within a few sentences of an email, or a few minutes of conversation who’s going to succeed and who’s going to continue to fail to get healthy. <br />
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So let’s run through the best ways to fail at getting healthy. Think of this as the worst instructional email ever. <br />
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How to fail at getting healthy <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #3d85c6;">1)</span></strong> Compare yourself to others. Pick out people who are different sizes, shapes, builds, and genetics. It doesn’t matter that their body functions completely differently than yours, or that they eat differently and exercise differently than you. Find those people and say, “you won the genetic lottery, and I can’t lose weight, not my fault.” Then make yourself feel better by finding people that are REALLY overweigh, unhealthy, and unhappy. Pat yourself on the back and say “meh good enough!” Non-applicable comparisons FTW! <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">2)</span></strong> Make yourself miserable. We all know exercise only counts if you are suffering and hating life, so only do exercises that make you want to dropkick a puppy. Pick the least enjoyable form of exercise you can think of (for me, that would be running on a treadmill like a hamster), and then force yourself to do it for hours. Every day. Combine this with some sort of diet where you starve yourself, so that you have no energy and hate life. Even better, combine this with a SUPER unhealthy diet (telling yourself, “I earned this!”) and then wonder why you’re not losing weight. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #e69138;">3)</span></strong> Blindly follow conventional wisdom. Don’t eat fat. Avoid foods with cholesterol. Eat as many heart healthy whole grains as possible, all day long. Ignore advice to consume all natural foods from “fad” diets like the Paleo Diet. Buy “healthy” microwaveable dinners that taste like feet – those are the best. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">4)</span></strong> Change workout plans as often as possible. Don’t stick with a good plan for 6-12 weeks (or even longer if it’s working). Be sure to freak out after two weeks when you don’t see drastic changes, and then pick another plan that promises even better results. The faster the freak out, the more quickly you can move on to the next routine! <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #351c75;">5)</span></strong> Treat the symptoms rather than the cause. Screw wasting precious time and energy on figuring out why you are unhealthy – that requires things like “effort.” Gross, I know. Just take high blood pressure medication to counteract the cholesterol medication, which balances your weight loss medication. Find a way to combine it with your sleeping pills and caffeine addiction. Get that stomach staple surgery or gastric bypass surgery instead of building better habits and learning how to eat right. Why do any of that when you can just throw thousands of dollars at the problem and wreck your insides in the process! Everybody wins! Except you. And your insides. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: magenta;">6)</span></strong> Chase the quick fix. Nobody wants to WORK to get in shape. That could take months or even years, and who has that kind of time? Instead, just take that pill, or use that next fancy piece of workout equipment. The faster it says it’ll work, the more likely you’ll be to succeed. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">7)</span></strong> Complain! As loudly as possible. Try: “I don’t have good genes!” or “I don’t have time!” If that doesn’t work, there’s always: “I just can’t lose weight!” or “sorry, I’m not as lucky as you!” Complain to anybody that will listen, and even those that don’t. The more disdain and self-loathing, the better. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #3d85c6;">8)</span></strong> Make big changes quickly. When you’re ready to get in shape, wake up two hours earlier than normal, DRASTICALLY alter your diet overnight, and go from a sedentary lifestyle to exercising for 90 minutes a day. Run yourself absolutely ragged for a week or two, confuse the hell out of your body, which is going to fight you every step of the way, and then after one day goes poorly, COMPLETELY fall off the wagon. Bonus points if you get really angry with yourself for “sucking at getting healthy” even though you tried to change 50,000 things at once. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #e69138;">9)</span></strong> Be nonspecific. Be as nebulous and generic as possible : “I should get healthy” is a good start. “I need to work out more” or “I should lose weight” is even better! Don’t be specific, and CERTAINLY don’t measure your progress. Don’t bother saying things like “I will work out four times this week at this specific time” or “I will lose 10% of my body fat by December 31st.” Those goals are WAY too specific, and you might actually accomplish them! Can’t have that, now, can we? <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">10)</span></strong> Give up. When things don’t go your way, rather than analyzing, adjusting, and trying again…just give up! When you step on a scale this week and it’s half a pound heavier than last week, rather than making changes to your diet and cutting out one extra soda this week, flip the **** out and give up. Giving up is so much easier than working hard, struggling, and perservering. Get over it and move on? Pssh. Give up! Guys like Joe are AWFUL at failing – he just kept going for MONTHS. We can’t have that! <br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><u>How to actually get healthy </u></span></strong><br />
Ready? <br />
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<em><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Set tiny goals. Build TINY habits. Eat less crap, and move more. Find an activity that makes you happy and do it as often as possible. Then, find ways to eat a little healthier. Cut out liquid calories. Add in strength training. Sleep more. Repeat these small daily changes and improvements until these things become habit. Repeat until your desired results are achieved, generally for months or years. Then push yourself to be even better. </span></em><br />
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I just made every past, present, and future Nerd Fitness article obsolete. <br />
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Crap. This is not the post you’re looking for! <br />
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Well anyways, I still plan on cranking out epicly nerdy posts twice a week, so thanks for humoring me. Lord knows what would happen if I was left to take care of myself. Scary thought. <br />
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Thanks for letting me stick around! <br />
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-Steve "CupCake@ Bigger Girls Can Run Toohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17660640302611690348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030582788342626775.post-9801543407330394442012-08-28T15:37:00.000-04:002012-08-28T15:37:40.889-04:00I'm Going to be a Princess and Give Away Winner<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>As of last Friday night, I am officially registered for the </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="color: magenta;">2013 Disney Princess Half Marathon</span>.</strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://pages.teamintraining.org/EtoolsBaseDir/2010/10/15/12/members/1755198/Disney-Princess-Half-Marathon-Weekend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="212" src="http://pages.teamintraining.org/EtoolsBaseDir/2010/10/15/12/members/1755198/Disney-Princess-Half-Marathon-Weekend.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My boyfriend and I are making it a huge birthday/vacation/running extravaganza! I will be in Florida from February 16th through February 26th (the race itself is on the 24th). <span style="color: magenta;">I'm so excited I can hardly see straight</span>!<br />
We booked our hotel, dining reservations, airfare, and race registration. This is <span style="color: magenta;">REALLY</span> happening! AHHHHHHH!!!! <span style="color: magenta;">Any other bloggers out there going to do the same race</span>? It would be awesome to get to meet up with some of you amazing people! Looking at our dining reservations, I just have to be very careful that I don't overeat the days leading up into the race (which is going to be so hard to do while we are on the Disney cruise!). I'm going to need all the strength I can muster... or I'm just going to have to utilize the fitness center and pools as much as possible- that sounds like a better plan.<br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">I've decided (as was my previous plan) that I'm going to try and dress like Ariel for the run (it is a tie between her and rapunzel, but I would look horrible as a blonde!).</span> Purple top, green sparkle skirt, green compression socks, and green shoes. I may or may not also dye my hair bright red the week before the trip (so it doesn't bleed everywhere when I'm actually running). <br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">This means I really need to be serious about my training</span>. I keep saying it over and over again, but life continues to get in the way. <span style="color: #6aa84f;">What happened to the discipline I had last year</span>?! I miss it. Tonight I'm going to do some cross-training to get myself back into the swing of things. Then, Thursday morning I'm doing a 3 mile run. Saturday or Sunday (depending upon weather) I'm going to do an 8mile run. I should be doing a 10 mile, but since I haven't run at all this past week and a half, I don't want to jump back in too soon and hurt myself. I'm going to listen to my body and take it slow. That's really all I can do! <span style="color: #e69138;">I need y'all to help keep me on track- if you don't see me updating, please shoot me an email and make me feel guilty</span>!<br />
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I think part of the reason I keep slacking on my training is because I'm scared of hitting double digit runs.<span style="color: #e69138;"> I shouldn't be, considering I did them last year, but I think I'm psyching myself out because sometimes I have really great long runs and sometimes my body is so tired that my long run is horrible and it depresses me</span>.. Any advice on how to stop that? I could use it.<br />
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In other news, the MDA Lock-Up fundraiser was a great success! A <span style="color: #3d85c6;">HUGE</span> thanks to everyone who donated as $600 was raised. The page is still up for another month or so if anyone else would like to contribute. <span style="color: #3d85c6;">However, the winner of the Mystery Loot Give Away is Jessica Hill</span>! She wins a gift certificate to Lululemon and an array of goodies that will pamper and delight! <br />
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Again, a huge thank you to everyone who particpated! </div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><strong>Happy last week of summer!!</strong></span></div>
CupCake@ Bigger Girls Can Run Toohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17660640302611690348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030582788342626775.post-14388226662435360012012-08-21T11:27:00.000-04:002012-08-21T11:27:15.773-04:00It's Almost Time<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Thursday is FAST approaching and that means it's almost time for me to get locked up!</span></strong></div>
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That means time is running out for all of you lovely people out there to participate in my</div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;"><strong><u> "Mystery Loot Giveaway"! </u></strong></span></div>
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If you remember, my boyfriend and I are being "locked up" for the Muscular Dystrophy Association's fundraiser, and we need <strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">YOUR</span></strong> help to get bailed out. </div>
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Click<a href="http://mda.convio.net/site/TR/Lock-Up/11-A1-359-NewHavenDistrict?px=1407278&pg=personal&fr_id=3020" target="_blank"> HERE</a> and Donate today!</div>
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Originally, I said every $10 would get you one entry, now <strong><span style="color: #e69138;">every $5 donated will equal one entry </span></strong></div>
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(for those who already donated, don't fear, I'm keeping track and your donations will be divided the same). </div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;">All I ask is that you please leave a comment on my blog so I know that you donated</span>. </div>
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Winner will be randomnly picked on August 25th.</div>
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I know times are tough for a lot of us, but please dig deep and consider donating. </div>
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If you think about it, you're really only sacrificing maybe one or two Starbuck's beverages, so not only are you doing something super amazing for others, but I'm helping you save some calories too! ;-)</div>
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Thanks everyone!!</div>
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CupCake@ Bigger Girls Can Run Toohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17660640302611690348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030582788342626775.post-67599188624891066582012-08-07T14:37:00.000-04:002012-08-07T14:37:07.689-04:00ING... B-I-N-G-O!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">It's Official- I am registered for my 2nd Half Marathon in October.</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;"><strong>HOORAY!!</strong></span></div>
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I just sent in my payment and have <strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">66 days</span></strong> to finish my training before I tackle the ING Hartford Half again. I'm actually very excited! I had a blast running the course last year and am very much looking forward to doing so again. I only hope the day will be as gorgeous out as last year. <br />
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Today is another long day at work. However, I intend on going to bed as soon as I get home so I can get up and put in some miles tomorrow. My back up plan is to run after work (<em><span style="color: #6aa84f;">in case I <strike>hit snooze</strike> sleep through my alarm clock again</span></em>). I'm currently about 2 weeks behind on my training, which is okay because I had originally added in 3 extra weeks, just in case. However, I've decided I'm going to increase my short runs to be 3 miles, instead of 2 for twice a week, on top of my long runs. The only thing I'm worried about, with this upcoming race, is that I won't be ready. And, I know, I need to push those thoughts right out of my head otherwise I'm going to self-sabotage. <br />
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To keep myself sane, I'm carrying Kara Goucher's book around with me. That way, when I feel the negative thoughts creeping in, I can crack the book open and get some motivation! (<em><span style="color: #e69138;">It works, I swear</span></em>!) <br />
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On another note, I'm not sure how many of you read my last blog post, but <strong><em><span style="color: #3d85c6;">I am doing a "Mystery Loot Give Away".</span></em></strong> My boyfriend and I are raising money for the Muscular Distrophy Association, and I'm turning to all you lovely people to help us out. <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><strong>For every $10 you donate, you will get an entry into the give away! </strong></span><br />
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Now, you may be asking yourself, "<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><em>But, Cupcake, why would I donate if I don't know what I might win</em></span>?"<br />
And to that I would kindly answer, "<em><span style="color: magenta;">Because you're such a wonderful, amazing person that it doesn't matter what you might win. You just know that your donation is going on to help millions of people who suffer because of MD</span></em>." Then, knowing you would probably want a little bit more information, I would continue, "<em><span style="color: magenta;">I can't tell you exactly what your prize is- just know it's going to be pretty awesome! There's some pampering stuff, something worth money, and maybe even something for your feet</span></em>!"<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">So, once again, I get down on my knees and humbly ask all of you lovely blog followers to please reach down into your pocket/purse/wallet/manbag/backpack/fannypack/Spibelt/piggy bank and please <a href="http://mda.convio.net/site/TR/Lock-Up/11-A1-359-NewHavenDistrict?px=1407278&pg=personal&fr_id=3020" target="_blank">DONATE</a> to a <u>GREAT</u> cause! </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">I promise, it will be worth your while! </span></strong></div>
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CupCake@ Bigger Girls Can Run Toohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17660640302611690348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030582788342626775.post-27255683142164559662012-08-05T10:28:00.000-04:002012-08-05T10:28:32.318-04:00I'm Going to Jail and Mystery Loot Give Away<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, you read that title correctly- I'm going to jail.</span> </strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://joeturnerblogs.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/l_womenbehindbars-ritachanel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://joeturnerblogs.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/l_womenbehindbars-ritachanel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://joeturnerblogs.wordpress.com/2011/04/13/prisoners-free-to-vote/" target="_blank">Source</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><strong>I'm so angry! I look horrid in orange!</strong></span> </div>
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Really, it's all my boyfriend's fault. If he hadn't flipped on me, he would've been the only one in prison, and I could've helped bail him out. But, no, he broke. <strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">And now we are both going to jail</span></strong>. It's a shame too, because all that awesome loot is hidden away, and only I know where to find it. <br />
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In all seriousness. we will only be in jail for about an hour on August 23rd. My boyfriend got chosen by the MDA (Muscular Distrophy Association) to participate in their annual Lock-Up fundraiser.<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><strong> He has to raise as much money as possible for his "bail"</strong></span>. Best part, he gets to have a partner in crime (yours truly), and we will be locked up in front of Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant in New Haven (best prison food EVER!). He's managed to raise $100 so far, but I know we can do more! So, I figured I would share the information with all of you wonderful bloggers out there and see if anyone would be charitable enough to help us out. <em><strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">In case you weren't aware, all funds raised by the MDA Lock-Up assist the Association in providing lifesaving research, a nationwide network of medical clinics, and accessible summer camp experiences to individuals and families affected by neuromuscular diseases</span></strong></em>. It really is a wonderful cause, so I hope all of my readers will consider giving at least $10 to help out.<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;"><strong>To sweeten the deal a little bit, </strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;"><strong>decided I will share my hidden loot with you.</strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://nazigold.greyfalcon.us/pictures/gold_bullion_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://nazigold.greyfalcon.us/pictures/gold_bullion_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://nazigold.greyfalcon.us/loot.html" target="_blank">Source</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><strong><u>Therefore, for every $10 donated, you will get an entry into the</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><strong><u> <span style="font-size: large;">"Mystery Loot Give Away".</span></u></strong></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
I can't tell you what you will win just yet because I don't want the 5-0 sniffing around more than they already will be. However, suffice it to say, it's pretty awesome. I promise. I mean, if it wasn't, why would anyone care if I had taken it, right? ;)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anywho, here's the link to </span><a href="http://mda.convio.net/site/TR/Lock-Up/11-A1-359-NewHavenDistrict?px=1407278&pg=personal&fr_id=3020" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">DONATE</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">.</span> </div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><strong>Make sure that once you have donated, you come back and comment on my blog how much you gave.</strong></span> This way, I know how many entries to give each person. <span style="color: #e69138;"><strong>Also, if you share this blog post on your own blog/facebook/twitter/social media, leave me a comment with a link and I will give you an extra entry.</strong><span style="color: black;"> I am going to send out a<strong><u><span style="color: magenta;"> super huge thanks in advance to everyone who helps</span></u></strong> us out.</span> <span style="color: black;">I know people are strapped for money nowadays, myself included, but every little bit helps and it truly does wonders for those who suffer, or a family members of someone suffering from, muscular distrophy. </span></span>CupCake@ Bigger Girls Can Run Toohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17660640302611690348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030582788342626775.post-82102144763279860942012-07-30T09:05:00.000-04:002012-07-30T09:05:52.166-04:00Plateau Busted!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">It's time to CELEBRATE!!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.hjertemod.dk/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/celebrate.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eda="true" height="221" src="http://www.hjertemod.dk/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/celebrate.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://xflora.tumblr.com/post/7969647003/congratulations-daniel-jacob-radcliffe-22-today" target="_blank"> Source</a></span><br />
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I have <strong><u><span style="color: magenta;">FINALLY</span></u></strong> broken through my weight-loss plateau! <span style="color: magenta;">That's right ladies and gents, I'm officially back to 205. This is the weight I was when I ran my half marathon last year</span>! Woohoo! I still have 2 months until my next half marathon, so I'm hoping that as I continue with my training, I will drop those last remaining 5lbs (plus one or two more). That will put me under 200lbs for the first time in about 10 years. <span style="color: magenta;">Crazy</span>!!! I'm so excited and proud! As you all know, I had just about given up because I had been stuck at 210 for so long- but thanks to everyone's support and motivation, I managed to keep muddling through and it paid off. So, <span style="color: magenta;"><strong>THANK YOU</strong></span>!<br />
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On another celebratory note, I decide to follow some of Kara's advice the other day and went out for a run. <span style="color: #6aa84f;">There was no mileage goal in mind, no set time limit- I just went out to run and see how far I managed to go</span>. I did set my watch timer, but only so I could log my run. I started the stop watch and then put it in my SpiBelt so I wouldn't be tempted to check it. I maintained a steady pace for most of my run, extending or shortening my route as I felt. When I finally hit my street again (I did and out and back loop), I stopped my watch to see that I had been going for 1:20:07. <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Not too bad for "just going for a run"</span>! I went inside and logged into my DailyMile account to put in my route. Turns out I did 6miles! <span style="color: #6aa84f;">6 miles in 1:20:07</span>?! Holy crap crackers, Batman!! Apparently, I need to run without my watch more often. I think I get so stuck in trying to beat my time and speed up my pace that I actually slow myself down by psyching myself out. <strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Anyone else ever feel like this?</span></strong><br />
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Anyway, it's a great feeling knowing that I'm back on track with losing weight and that I had such an awesome long run. Gives me motivation to keep going! <span style="color: #e69138;"><strong>Did anyone else have any amazing achievements this past week?!</strong></span>CupCake@ Bigger Girls Can Run Toohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17660640302611690348noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030582788342626775.post-32020985422328427662012-07-25T12:57:00.000-04:002012-07-25T12:57:35.282-04:00Thank You, Kara GoucherI ran yesterday. <span style="color: magenta;">And, boy, did it feel nice</span>. I went out and did a nice, easy run of 2 miles. Took a slow pace for most of it. The only exceptions were when I pushed my pace up the two hills on my route, and then when I sprinted the ends of each mile.<span style="color: magenta;"> I was pouring sweat when I was done, but it felt great</span>! And, I finished under 30minutes. Woohoo! <br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">I've been lacking motivation again lately (surprised? I didn't think so.)</span> It's so hard for me to get back into a routine when work is killing all of my energy. I work with kids all day, every day. I love it, but it is <span style="color: #6aa84f;">EXHAUSTING</span>. Being high-energy all the time is great- it's almost like a workout in itself, but by the time I get home, I want to curl up in bed and just sleep. It's also hard to wake myself up early to try and run, but this is nothing new. I'm just not a morning person and I'm okay with that. <br />
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I was talking with my boyfriend the other night about how I feel I have been slacking WAY too much for my upcoming race in October and how I'm considering not doing it and just using the extra time to prep for the Disney Princess race in February.<span style="color: #e69138;"> I hate that I even thought that- it makes me feel like such a quitter</span>. Ugh! Anyway, my boyfriend told me not to give up just yet. <span style="color: #e69138;">He said to wipe the slate clean, get back on the wagon, and see how I do over the next few weeks</span>. If, by the time I hit September, I'm not feeling ready, then to wait till February. But, if I work through my road blocks and get back in the game, he would be there to cheer me on (for both races).<br />
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So, I pulled out a book I had almost forgotten I'd bought- <strong><span style="color: #e06666;">Kara Goucher's Book: Running for Women</span></strong>.<br />
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<a href="http://0.tqn.com/d/running/1/0/K/5/-/-/karagoucherrunningforwomen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sda="true" src="http://0.tqn.com/d/running/1/0/K/5/-/-/karagoucherrunningforwomen.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://running.about.com/od/motivation/tp/booksforrunners.htm" target="_blank">source</a></div>
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I cracked it open and started reading. <span style="color: #e06666;">I eventually got to the pages where she talks about her set backs and how she sometimes has periods where she has a hard time doing her trainings</span>. Then, she put in a great list of suggestions to help make training a little less cumbersome. <span style="color: #e06666;">One thing she suggested was to change wording</span>- instead of saying "I'm going to do 4 run days this week,", change it to "I'm giving myself 3 rest days this week,". She said it's almost like reverse psychology. I'm going to start trying that possibly. If not aloud, then at least in my own head.<br />
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Another thing she suggested was mixing up your training a bit (especially when you find it hard to stick to a particular schedule).</span> For instance, I know I have to do 3 runs and a cross training/walking day. However, instead of making it every Tuesday is a short run, every Thursday is a tempo, etc, to try and mix it up as it fits into my week. That way you don't stress as much or get so down on yourself if something unexpected happens on Tuesday and you can't make a run.<br />
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<span style="color: #93c47d;">One last thing she advises is to give yourself a break! (Seriously!)</span> If you are scheduled to do an 8 mile run, but you feel you can't do it- just go out for a one mile run. First off, one mile is better than no miles, and , secondly, once you are out and running the chances are you will start to feel better and extend your run a bit on your own.<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;">I've only read like 5 chapters in the book, but it made me feel so much better about my training road blocks</span>. Just knowing that Kara Goucher hits some hurdles herself makes me feel that what I'm going through is perfectly normal. And that's comforting.<strong><span style="color: magenta;"> It makes me think that maybe I can get back on the bandwagon and do ING Hartford in October afterall. </span></strong>CupCake@ Bigger Girls Can Run Toohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17660640302611690348noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030582788342626775.post-74992083123084229922012-07-16T22:06:00.003-04:002012-07-16T22:06:29.832-04:00Pride and Running<div style="color: magenta; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I am kind of proud of me, if I do say so myself. </span></b></div>
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<a href="http://voiceinrecovery.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/proud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://voiceinrecovery.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/proud.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://voiceinrecovery.wordpress.com/2010/07/19/what-are-you-proud-of/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-size: xx-small;">Source</span></a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">And I do.</span></b></div>
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I had a very long day running programs with all ages of kids today and it was gross outside. I mean, sticky, hot, walking through a wet blanket, gross. I got home and sat down on the couch, knowing that that was the wrong thing to do because I had to get in a run today. I sat there for an hour, talking with my mom while my brother made dinner, then I got off my butt and went to the gym. (Considering how hot it was, I decided a treadmill run would be best for my sanity.) <span style="color: #6aa84f;">I didn't want to go, but I made myself do it anyway</span>. Hooray for NOT giving into temptation and getting my butt in gear. <br />
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The gym was pretty packed, but I managed to snag a treadmill and started my 3.1 mile run. Instead of doing just 30min. like I have scheduled on my training plan, <span style="color: #6aa84f;">I decided to sneak in the Firecracker Virtual 5k I had to do. Needless to say, I finished in 46:03.</span> Not too bad. I was hoping to stay with a 15min/mile, but considering how tired I was, anything under 47min was okay by me. <br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">My plan of action for this week is a 30min run on Wednesday and then doing my 8miles on Friday before work or Saturday early morning (depending upon weather and such)</span>. That will put me at about 13.1 miles total for this week. <span style="color: #3d85c6;">I gave myself a goal of 50 miles and then I would treat myself to a massage</span>. As of right now, I am 19miles away from that. By the end of this week, I will be 9miles away! <br />
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Also, I haven't officially registered yet (I will when I get my next paycheck), however- <span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.justaonegirlrevolution.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/disney_princess_half.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://www.justaonegirlrevolution.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/disney_princess_half.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.justaonegirlrevolution.com/race-bucket-list/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source</span></a> </span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">I will be doing the Princess Half in Feb 2013!!</span><span style="color: magenta;">.</span> </div>
My boyfriend and I put deposits down on a Disney cruise for Feb. 17-21st and the race is on Feb. 24th, so we are going to stay at the Disney Caribbean resort after we get off the ship until it's time for me to race. I'm SUPER excited! I can't wait! <span style="color: magenta;">Only about 214 days until I get to sail away</span>! WOOHOO!! <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <u style="color: #f6b26b;"><b>Anyone have any fun runs coming up?</b></u></span></div>CupCake@ Bigger Girls Can Run Toohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17660640302611690348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030582788342626775.post-82779626437663120782012-07-06T11:03:00.000-04:002012-07-06T11:03:18.013-04:006 Miles and a Happy 4th!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>First off- <span style="color: red;">Happy belated</span> <span style="color: #f3f3f3;">4th of July</span> <span style="color: blue;">everyone!</span></strong></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvkEFOQb6pabOYPbJGayVNBDN4gdl7NZXheELNfzBSeFA8QXLbGvMGhoDuDNAth5TpNF4WMwpLnYwl5lusbK8otkkK0S5ROJ7Nd11hWvrkPenjLgDnLxDYbuH2MVKLC6HHAZqQKPPyTj9/s1600/fireworks-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" sca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvkEFOQb6pabOYPbJGayVNBDN4gdl7NZXheELNfzBSeFA8QXLbGvMGhoDuDNAth5TpNF4WMwpLnYwl5lusbK8otkkK0S5ROJ7Nd11hWvrkPenjLgDnLxDYbuH2MVKLC6HHAZqQKPPyTj9/s320/fireworks-14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://cucinadivina.blogspot.com/2011/06/got-fireworks.html">Source</a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I hope y'all had a safe and fantastic Independence day</span>- I know I did! I got to spend my day at Mohegan Sun Casino. <span style="color: blue;">They have an amazing fireworks show at the end of the night, and wouldn't you know it but my boyfriend was on the pyro team</span>! Woot! Anywho, we got to the casino around 1:30 and the fireworks didn't go off until a little after 9pm, so while he was working away and playing with explosives, I did laps around the casino, gambled a little, did some shopping, and then headed to the garage roof party to wait for the show. <span style="color: blue;">I walked around for about 6 hours</span>! Holy crap crackers!<br />
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In other news, I've been keeping up with my training as much as humanly possible with my new summer hours. Today I was hoping to do a 6.5mile run, but I only managed 6 miles before I had to shower and head out for work. <span style="color: red;">On the up side, I did those 6 miles in 1:29:50</span>! Just under one and a half hours! <span style="color: red;">HOORAY</span>!! I'm kind of proud of myself, if I'm going to be honest. I was really feeling tired during mile three, but I managed to continue to push myself.<span style="color: red;"> I played around alot with my intervals</span>. I mostly stuck to run 3, walk 1.5. But sometimes I would switch to sprint 2, walk 3 just to give it a little extra oompf. <br />
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My legs and back are already starting to feel a little sore, but<span style="color: red;"> I'm planning on going in my pool today after I get out of work at 12:30</span>. Hopefully, the weightlessness and the refreshing coolness of the water will help relax my muscles while keeping them active. My next run I'm moving to Monday morning because Tuesday I will be very busy with work. It's only a 2 mile run so it shouldn't be too bad at all. <br />
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<span style="color: red;">One thing I'm trying to do for myself this summer is to make sure that I have at least 5 out of the 7 days where I have done some sort of exercise</span>- Whether it's a short swim, a run, a walk, Just Dance on the Wii, or even cleaning- I'm trying to fit something in. I've been stuck at 209-210lbs for the past 3 weeks and it is killing me! <span style="color: blue;">So, not only am I trying to increase my calorie burns, I've decreased my daily caloric intake</span>. normally I stick around the 1770 range, I've dropped myself down to 1600 calories a day (this is not taking exercise into considerationg- with more calories burned, I can add on more calories to replenish my system). I'm also trying to more diligent about increasing my daily water intake. <span style="color: blue;">I keep a water bottle with me wherever I go, I just have to remember to keep drinking it throughout the day</span>. Ugh! <br />
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I would like to be under 200lbs by the time October hits. <span style="color: blue;">Not only because that is when I have my half marathon, but also because I will be going on vacation to Las Vegas</span>! I feel that this is a very do-able goal- I just need to stay motivated. <span style="color: blue;">Sometimes I get into these funks where I practically convince myself that I will never get through this plateau and under 200. Any advice on how to break that habit</span>?<br />
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<a href="http://pumpkintoprincess.blogspot.com/2012/07/firecracker-5k-to-benefit-leukemia-and.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PumpkinToPrincess+%28Pumpkin+to+Princess%29" rel="" target="_blank">http://pumpkintoprincess.blogspot.com/2012/07/firecracker-5k-to-benefit-leukemia-and.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PumpkinToPrincess+%28Pumpkin+to+Princess%29</a> posted an awesome motivational status on facebook the other day and it really applied to me: "<span style="color: #6aa84f;">The BEST muscle to work for weight loss?? Your brain. Change the way you think about food and exercise and it's affect on your health & you WILL change your body</span>." I love that! Also, while I'm talking about Amy- <span style="color: #6aa84f;">check out her blog and register for her Firecracker 5k Virtual Race to benefit the LLS</span>. You get an awesome engraved finisher medal too! Great stuff!<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">Anyone have any fun and exciting plans coming up for the summer?</span></div>CupCake@ Bigger Girls Can Run Toohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17660640302611690348noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030582788342626775.post-28589904055824153722012-06-21T17:41:00.002-04:002012-06-21T17:41:47.313-04:00Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;">Remember that one time I wrote a silly little post about my Summer Goals</span>?</div>
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No? Well, you can find it <a href="http://kmaconfessions.blogspot.com/2012/05/back-in-saddle.html">HERE</a>.</div>
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I posted a list of things i would like to accomplish during the summer, as far as fitness and healthy living are concerned. <span style="color: magenta;"><strong><u>One of those goals was to try Zip lining. AND I DID</u></strong></span>!<br />
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I have been running around like crazy lately. So, since I didn't have anything too pressing to do at work, i took the day off yesterday. My boyfriend happened to have it off as well, and we decided we wanted an adventure day. He called up a local zip lining place, booked us for a 3pm tour and voila! There was a total of 4 people in our group, plus two guides. The course was 5 different zip lines with an obstacle course in the middle. The guides were great and a lot of fun and the zip lining experience was amazing! I can't wait to go back and do it again. Here's some of the photos the guides took:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWvwMCNrPS1QNMny0OVx8SJYds7sXC_7K1RYPrltw1_HaxTKuQQ7wjX1c4rq76CHubsKZMXGehp5KB_Af3aI5NDEbd_i-SYxaEcF9z383j1v8UZVx-C6OSw8dCpD08YVgxwb93yQvScA/s1600/zipline1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWvwMCNrPS1QNMny0OVx8SJYds7sXC_7K1RYPrltw1_HaxTKuQQ7wjX1c4rq76CHubsKZMXGehp5KB_Af3aI5NDEbd_i-SYxaEcF9z383j1v8UZVx-C6OSw8dCpD08YVgxwb93yQvScA/s320/zipline1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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At this point, we were 3/4 of the way done and we were 75 feet in the air. We had just finished a 650ft line.</div>
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This is me riding the 650ft line. I FINALLY figured out how to keep myself from twisting around backwards. It's not as easy as you think.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiac5DR-RZ-P8aGzvcQ6jZBBLN8uh4I58tKlgPB4bwU9G9zFviKinMOY7KPde2e8FGeZcyNVi-nzrKkle2i_mVhaNlrSuJAZHNOojCilUIRzdol12NUr-MFEAQVRJJY6PveOhM5NykLm_I/s1600/zipline3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiac5DR-RZ-P8aGzvcQ6jZBBLN8uh4I58tKlgPB4bwU9G9zFviKinMOY7KPde2e8FGeZcyNVi-nzrKkle2i_mVhaNlrSuJAZHNOojCilUIRzdol12NUr-MFEAQVRJJY6PveOhM5NykLm_I/s320/zipline3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In the middle of the tour, there is an obstacle course with a cargo net, an aerial bridge, an aerial step path, and a multi vine tight rope walk. I'm on the aerial step path.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6aB5nnOek3r-hN-CX1BZvViXU-vAqbeXUncglHv9K6LuveEt75iaSgDSfQQlDSy4egDEIc-wqQRFnoQA5vhQ5hyalLArsGRnX3q7AZ-VobfOYy7VYyDXRGFa8rv7qdq8lAbdA5W4wcs/s1600/zipline4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6aB5nnOek3r-hN-CX1BZvViXU-vAqbeXUncglHv9K6LuveEt75iaSgDSfQQlDSy4egDEIc-wqQRFnoQA5vhQ5hyalLArsGRnX3q7AZ-VobfOYy7VYyDXRGFa8rv7qdq8lAbdA5W4wcs/s320/zipline4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is our tour group (minus guides) after we landed back on the ground. We were hot and sweaty but all smiles!!</div>
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<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Have you ever done something fun and crazy like zip lining?</span></strong></div>CupCake@ Bigger Girls Can Run Toohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17660640302611690348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030582788342626775.post-40657392408256846102012-06-13T11:20:00.001-04:002012-06-13T11:20:29.534-04:00The HeadDesk Dance<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">I am so tired I can hardly see straight.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.bodylovewellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/normal_headdesk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" pca="true" src="http://www.bodylovewellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/normal_headdesk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.bodylovewellness.com/2010/09/06/fat-igue/">Source</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Yesterday I worked from 11am until 3am this morning. Oy</span>.</div>
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First, I worked until 8 with my Girl Scouts, then I went into the store where I keep a part time job and did floor set from 9pm until almost 3am (today starts our big sale).<br />
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I count the floorset as my crosstraining for this week. <span style="color: #e69138;">5 hours of lifting, unpacking, repacking, restocking heavy boxes of lotions/sprays/soaps/shower gels/candles/etc, definitely counts as weight-lifting and cardio</span>. At least I feel just as sore as I would had I done 5 hours of cross training at the gym.<br />
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Speaking of the gym- I was supposed to go this morning at 5:45am, but for some odd reason, I slept through my alarm. I feel horrible because I was supposed to meet a friend there, but she forgave me for not showing up.<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> So, instead of only getting 2 and a half hours of sleep, I managed to get about 5- yay</span>! Needless to say, I'm running on empty today. I have another crazy long and busy day tomorrow, so I'm going to make my way through work and then probably head to bed early. We will see how this day plays out.<br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7;">Before I *head-desk* myself, let me also toss in that I did my 4 mile run on sunday</span>. It was the hottest day of the week (of course), but I still managed to do 4 miles in a little over 55 minutes. I'm still incredibly shocked by that and I don't know how accurate it is, but according to DailyMile and my watch, that's what I did. So, <span style="color: #674ea7;">WOOHOO</span>!CupCake@ Bigger Girls Can Run Toohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17660640302611690348noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030582788342626775.post-71569655850013226432012-06-07T15:18:00.001-04:002012-06-07T15:18:18.999-04:00If The Running Shoe Fits....<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><strong>I did it again!</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">It was a struggle this morning, but I made it out to run.</span></strong></div>
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<a href="http://www.stevestenzel.com/photos2012/running_motivational_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="214" src="http://www.stevestenzel.com/photos2012/running_motivational_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://iwannagetphysical.blogspot.com/2012/02/friday-funny-288-motivational-running.html">Source</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-small;"><strong>(So maybe I didn't run 22 miles, but this is still about the same train of thought I had going on- except I focused more on wanting banana peanut butter frozen greek yogurt tonight)</strong></span></div>
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Today was another fantastic run for me.<span style="color: #e69138;"> 2 miles in 28:06</span>. Not too shabby.</div>
I'm beginning to see that my short runs are getting a little faster, as I'm able to maintain around a 14:00-14:30min/mile pace more often than not. I'm hoping this means my endurance for longer runs will get better also. I will find out on Sunday when I do my 4 mile run. Wish me luck!<br />
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Alas, there were no horn honks or random strangers cheering me on this time out, but it's okay. I still feel it was a very good run. I always feel so accomplished after I run- love it!<br />
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Oh!<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> I have a fun story for you and want to know y'alls thoughts on this</span></strong>-<br />
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I was talking with one of my cast mates last night and he asked if I would ever run a full marathon. I chuckled and said, "Most likely not." When he questioned why, I replied, "I have difficulty with 13.1, I can't even begin to imagine doing 26.2." He gave me a small smile, mulling over my answer, before responding with, "Yea, but I bet you thought you could never do 13.1 either, and here you are planning to do at least 2 other half marathons." I was silent. I, honestly, had never thought about that. 26.2 miles just seems like such an intimidating number to me. But, then again, when I started training for my first 5k, so did 13.1miles. I swore up and down I would never run a half marathon- and now, not only have I already done 1, I'm planning to do 2 others. The more I thought about it, the more the idea of running a full marathon intrigued me.<strong><span style="color: #e69138;"> I think I may do it (which if anyone knows me, you know this is a HUGE thing for me to say)</span></strong>. If I do decide to train and run a full marathon, it will not be this year as I'm already commited to my Hartford half training again, but I may do it next year. Perhaps in February 2013 I will run the Princess Half and then start training for the ING Full Marathon in October 2013. <br />
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I'm not fully committed to the idea yet, but it is something I'm keeping in the back of my mind.<br />
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</div>CupCake@ Bigger Girls Can Run Toohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17660640302611690348noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030582788342626775.post-12430763252594556532012-06-05T14:11:00.003-04:002012-06-05T14:11:56.060-04:00Honk If You're a Runner!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;">Alright folks, today marks the start of Week 2 in my Half Marathon training.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.wizardofdraws.com/images/girlrun.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" src="http://www.wizardofdraws.com/images/girlrun.gif" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wizardofdraws.com/pages/girlrun.html">Source</a></div>
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I was scheduled to do a 30minute run, and I did. I actually ran a little further than 30 minutes- mostly because when I started out on my run, I decide I was going to do a different route. Instead of just shooting for a 2 mile/30 minute run, I opted to do 2.3 miles. The whole run actually took 33:10, which is pretty awesome if you ask me. I hit the 2 mile mark exactly at 30minutes. Woot woot!<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">As I was running today, I had numerous vehicles honk and wave as they drove by</span>. It was kind of flattering and super supportive! My favorite was the truck that drove past, just as I hit the end of my run and started to walk. The man slowed down a bit, stuck his head out the window and yelled, "Don't give up honey! You can do it!" I waved and smiled, and debated if I should respond, but I was too busy catching my breath. <br />
If I do run into that guy another day, I will be sure to let him know that I didn't give up and I definitely don't intend on doing so.<span style="color: magenta;"> EVER</span>. <br />
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My run was pretty nice- cool weather, new path, kept a faster pace for a longer amount of time, felt good for the first 20 minutes before I started to feel myself slowing down. The only concern I had was as I was around 25minutes, my abs on my left side started to feel like they were pinching. Maybe it was from trying to make sure I continued to hold myself upright? I don't know. It didn't hurt or anything, just felt weird.<br />
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Anyway, sorry it's such a short update! I've got a very busy week ahead of me- lots of work and rehearsals till late because I open a new show this weekend. YAY!!CupCake@ Bigger Girls Can Run Toohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17660640302611690348noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030582788342626775.post-32233383736397629682012-05-31T11:21:00.001-04:002012-05-31T11:21:08.394-04:00Give It A Try<div style="color: #6aa84f; text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">I ran today.</span></b></u></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Running.Quotes"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source</span></a></div>
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I feel a sense of pride when I hear myself say that. Does anyone else?</div>
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I may not have gone fast- <i style="color: #e69138;">I definitely wouldn't stand a chance against Kara Goucher</i>- but I still ran.<br />
I woke up this morning and was starting to debate with myself if I was in the mood to run. Before that tiny, little, nay-saying voice could really start convincing me not to run, I threw on my clothes and sneakers and headed outside. I <u style="color: #e69138;"><b>PUT</b></u> myself in the mood to run- and it feels good.<br />
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That's the one thing that has me addicted to running- <span style="color: magenta;">I battle and struggle and have to keep myself constantly motivated while running, but when I'm done, there's this huge sense of accomplishment that washes over me</span>. I love that feeling.<br />
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Anyway, <b style="color: #3d85c6;">today was Day 2 of Week 1 of Half Marathon Training 2012</b>. According to my plan (which you can find <a href="http://kmaconfessions.blogspot.com/p/half-marathon-training-2012.html">HERE</a>), it was supposed to be a 30 minute run, but I finished it in 29:16. I ran the first 3 minutes, then started my run/walk alternation (<i style="color: #3d85c6;">I am keeping with my 2:1 run/walk ratio for the first 3 weeks of my training, then, depending upon how I am progressing, I may bump it to 3:1</i>). It felt good. I really pushed myself for the first mile, finished it in 12:34, but I know I should slow my first mile down and start pushing myself more during mile 2 so I can get my body used to doing negative splits.<br />
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<b style="color: #674ea7;">I am a little worried that, since I haven't done that much running in the past few months, I'm basically starting from scratch again</b>. Last year, I was hoping that by the time I got to this point I would be able to run about 3 miles non-stop. Oh well. Life happens, right? I've just got to buckle down and really stay disciplined this year. <b style="color: #8e7cc3;">I'm hoping that after a few weeks my <strike>currently non-existent</strike> muscle memory will kick in and my runs will improve</b>. Here's to wishful thinking, right?! <br />
<br />CupCake@ Bigger Girls Can Run Toohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17660640302611690348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030582788342626775.post-17938335043791857022012-05-30T10:58:00.000-04:002012-05-30T10:58:24.131-04:00Wordless Wednesday Motivation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: magenta;">Take that Inner Doubter!</span> </div>
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<strong><u><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Half Marathon Training 2012 has Officially BEGUN!</span></u></strong></div>
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Started off on Sunday with a nice 25 minute run (since I knew beforehand that I wouldn't be able to do it today). Up next, a 30minute run tomorrow. </div>
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<strong><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">BRING IT ON!</span></strong></div>CupCake@ Bigger Girls Can Run Toohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17660640302611690348noreply@blogger.com5