ING... B-I-N-G-O!

It's Official- I am registered for my 2nd Half Marathon in October.

HOORAY!!

I just sent in my payment and have 66 days 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.

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 (in case I hit snooze sleep through my alarm clock again). 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.

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! (It works, I swear!)

On another note, I'm not sure how many of you read my last blog post, but I am doing a "Mystery Loot Give Away". 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. For every $10 you donate, you will get an entry into the give away!

Now, you may be asking yourself, "But, Cupcake, why would I donate if I don't know what I might win?"
And to that I would kindly answer, "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." Then, knowing you would probably want a little bit more information, I would continue, "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!"

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 DONATE to a GREAT cause!

I promise, it will be worth your while! 



Plateau Busted!

It's time to CELEBRATE!!

                                                                                 Source

I have FINALLY broken through my weight-loss plateau! 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! 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. Crazy!!! 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, THANK YOU!

On another celebratory note, I decide to follow some of Kara's advice the other day and went out for a run. 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. 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. Not too bad for "just going for a run"! I went inside and logged into my DailyMile account to put in my route. Turns out I did 6miles! 6 miles in 1:20:07?! 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. Anyone else ever feel like this?

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! Did anyone else have any amazing achievements this past week?!

11 Miles Later

Ok, so remember that 10 mile run from hell I had? 

I just blew it out of the water!

KABOOM!!

I, literally, just got home from the gym where I did my 11 mile run. So many amazing things to report!!

Let's start at the beginning, shall we? (After all, it's a very good place to start. And extra points if you get the musical reference!) When I woke up, I was having a hard time motivating myself to get to the gym for my run. My body is just exhausted from everything I have going on and it didn't want to do 11 miles. With some helpful motivation from my friends, I finally got my butt out of bed and headed to the gym.

I hopped on the treadmill, started my Pandora radio station and went to town. Before I knew it, I had 2.1 miles under my belt... in less than 30 minutes... and I hadn't stopped to walk yet!! WHAT!? That's insane for me- but also a banging achievement. Woot!  

But, wait, it gets better! 

I continued on with my miles, trucking along with some awesome music being played. Seriously, I was super impressed with my Pandora today, it was like reading my mind and knew exactly what songs would keep me moving. The treadmill stopped at 60minutes, as I was at about 4.1 miles. Over 4 miles in an hour?! Another super achievement!

I restarted the treadmill and continued trekking along. Around mile 7 my legs started feeling tired (I had forgotten my compression sleeves at home- damnit!) but I pushed through and managed to do 8.1 miles in 2 hours and 2 minutes. That's the longest I've EVER held a decent pace for..Holy crap crackers Batman! I ended up getting off the treadmill at 8.1 miles to refill my waterbottle and get a Powerade as I was sweating monster buckets (seriously, you should have seen the treadmill floor.... gross!!). I hopped back on and finished up my last 2.9 miles. Those last miles were a killer- my legs were cramping, my body was tired of holding itself upright, but I pushed through and managed to hit 11 miles at 2:48:50!! That's faster than my 10mile run by like 15-20minutes! Granted, I know it is easier to wrack up miles on a treadmill, but I'm still rather impressed with myself. I just hope I can get my legs to recover in time for rehearsal tonight.

Oh! And don't forget to donate to my fundraiser for the upcoming Half Marathon and get an entry into my give away HERE!!! Thanks in advance y'all!

Is it Possible For Things to Be Even MORE Awesome?!

Yesterday was an AWESOME day!

I mean, most of my days are awesome, but yesterday just was a little bit better than some previous days. First off, I woke myself up at 6am to go for a run. That's right. You read correctly. I WILLINGLY woke myself up at the butt-crack of dawn to go run. (Does this make me a real runner now? haha) I was hoping for a 5mile loop, but I miscalculated and only ended up getting in 4.64 miles. Bwah bwah. Close enough, right? haha.

 

A tired me after my run- but I still look kind of badass, right?

Anyway, I managed to run/walk the 4.64 miles in 1:07:10. That's a 14:29 pace! Holy crap crackers Batman! That's about a minute less than I normally run! I don't know if it was because I felt rested (because I had taken 4 days off because of my hurt ankle) or because all of the cross training at the gym and at dance rehearsal is helping, or because I decided to wear compression socks so my legs didn't tire out as quickly.... I don't know. Maybe it was a healthy combo of all of the above (plus some of my own awesomeness added in as well). Whatever the case, it was a fantastic run and it put me in a marvelous mood for the rest of the day.

When I got home from my run, I washed up and then went with my mother to her Weight Watchers meeting. They had a group discussion on how to break through a plateau. Talk about coincidence- I've been struggling through a plateau myself. I learned some interesting tips like, changing up your diet and exercise plan, going back to daily tracking, making sure to actually measure out portions, etc etc. All pretty common sense stuff that I used to do (minus the measuring out of food. I rarely do that unless I'm cooking.)

After the meeting, we went grocery shopping. It was nice to see our cart filled with fruits and vegetables and chobani (they were on sale 10 for $10!!!). Makes my heart happy. I also got another waterbottle, which I'm excited about. It's nothing special, just a 32oz. water bottle, but now I can keep one at work, one in my bedroom and one with me at all times. Nice. I'm going to be the most hydrated person in the state of CT.

Another exciting piece of news is that I won Kristin @ Hollywood Runs' Zensah compression sleeves give away! Yay! I had been wanting a pair of compression sleeves to try- I was curious if they would help me during my runs and recovery, but I didn't have the money to buy them. Now I get some for free- best price ever! And this comes at the perfect time because one day at Walmart, I came across a pair of diabetic compression socks. Same concept, different market, right? I snagged a pair (at a whopping $7) and decided to try them out on a run just for laughs. I wore them yesterday, and as I said, my legs didn't tire out nearly as quick as they used to. Now, I've never worn a pair of compression sleeves/socks made specifically for runners, so I've nothing to compare with yet, but once I get my Zensahs in, I will do a comparison review. :)

Alright, I'm going to go shower and then relax a bit. I just got home from the gym (crosstraining, abs and shoulders today) so my body is sore and needs some TLC. Hope everyone has a great day!!

How I Know I'm Awesome... Or Changes I've Noticed

Not to brag or anything, but lately I've been feeling pretty awesome about myself. 

"But this doesn't seem to really be a new development for her," you might be saying to yourself. Believe me. It kinda is. I've always had, what is clinically called, shitty self-image. I can be the most positive person on the planet, unless I'm talking about myself and/or my abilities. Then I become an evil green-faced, fanged monster.

Source

 

 It's not pretty, to say the least.

Anyway, lately, even though I was in a sort of rut with my training, I've been feeling pretty darn swell about myself. And I decided to list the reasons why I feel so amazing. (In no particular order) I present:

Reasons You May Be Awesome-ness Personified

• People leave flattering comments on your blog/facebook/dailymile/via email and text telling you how you have inspired them to become more physically active.
• You're mom and dad/other relatives or friends are constantly bragging about all the exercising you are doing.
• People compliment that you look like you have lost "half a person or so".
• You had to buy another container to hold all of your workout clothes.
• You have to hold up your old workout pants and underwear while doing a short run on the treadmill because they are falling off from all the weight you have lost (that was me this morning.... not fun).
• Even though you possess only a fair amount of rhythm, you are still made dance captain in a show (ok, so maybe this one is just directed at me, whatev).
• The new shorts you JUST bought at Old Navy are now too big and fall down when you attempt to put anything in your pockets.
• You have the sweat glands of a 13 year old boy (and a soaked white t-shirt to prove it) and they kick in about 5 minutes into any form of physical activity.
• You no longer feel tired or sore after a 3 mile run (though you realize you are going to have to push yourself more).
• You put on a pair of leggings for dance rehearsal and they're now too big so you have to strategically roll them (true story!).
• You are no longer scared or self-conscious when perusing the fitness section of a bookstore.
• You willingly decide to do a 30 day ab challenge.
• You feel pretty ALL the time... even with no makeup while in your pjs and with your hair in some sort of crazy bun.

Ok, so maybe most of these solely apply to me, but still, aren't those exciting factors?! Those are some of the changes I've been noticing lately and they make me feel so happy. I may not be the fastest runner in the world, I may not have the best endurance, but damn if I'm not making some progress with myself anyway. Guess I will keep doing this running thing a bit longer ;)

In other news, this morning I got up at 5:15 AM and met my friend T at the gym. (Can you believe it?! I was up before the sun!!) We each did about 40 minutes of cardio- I did a 2.5 mile run in 38:54 on the treadmill. Then, we did the 12 minute ab circuit room and some arm machines. It was a great workout and I'm pretty sure I will be feeling it throughout the rest of the day. I'm now getting ready to go to work and then tonight we celebrate my mommy's birthday! YAY!!

CT Breast Cancer Race in the Park 5k

Once again, I FINISHED!

For me, that's always a plus.

I woke up at 5:45am, got dressed, checked the weather (NO RAIN!), put my hair up in pigtails, strapped on my sneakers and headed to my friend Chris' for the Breast Cancer Awareness 5k race. He happens to live right across the street from the park where the 5k was being held, so it worked out wonderfully. I managed to enjoy half of a banana and kept my water bottle handy to hydrate before my run at 9:15 (See? I remembered this time!). We got to the park around 7:30 and I got my bib (yea 618!) and my t-shirt. Then we hung around until the men's race started at 8. Chris did fantastic and finished in under 30 minutes (I wish I could do that!). I was at the finish line cheering him on! It was fun to watch all of the guys coming across the line, and the crowd was amazing with their support. A lot of people had some strong finishes, pulling out a fast sprint right at the end. Awesome!

After the men's race they had a children's fun run and a 1 mile race. All of the kids were so cute! Some ran on their own and some ran with their parents, but they all crossed the finish line. Adorable! After the kids were done, the women lined up for our turn to race. Right before I went to line up, Kurt rode up on his bike! He had come to watch me run and cheer me on (plus get in some biking time for himself). It was a nice surprise! 

I put myself about 3/4 of the way back in the line. I didn't want to be at the very end, but I didn't want to be too far up front because I knew I was going to be kind of slow. I managed to run a little over 1 mile before I had to slow down to a walk. I only allowed myself to walk for 90 seconds before jogging again and I kept that rhythm going up past mile 2. At mile 2 I ran into a woman who was sort of having a panic attack. It was her first 5k and she wasn't sure why her fingers seemed to be a little swollen. I assured her it was a normal thing because of the warm weather (Did I mention, NO RAIN!!!) and because of all of the running. We kept pace together and she told me how her daughters had talked her into doing he race as a warm up for the Warrior's Dash coming up and they had pretty much left her in the dust. I felt bad because I have totally been there. Not to the point where friends and family have left me in the dust (though they definitely could) but where it's my first race and I'm nervous, not sure of how much longer I can keep going, etc. So, I took it upon myself to be her cheerleader for the remaining mile or so. 

I gave us goal markers to jog towards before we would walk again and advised her that the race course finished uphill (which has never made me more grateful to live on the steep hill of a street that I do) and she would want to take the bottom half of the hill in small, slower steps so she would have energy to get over the top. She told me that she had wanted to quit within the first mile and she could barely believe she had made it this far. I know that feeling all too well myself. As we got to the hill, I kept cheering her on and we made it all the way up. I shouted (because there was so much cheering going on near the finish line) that we could sprint to the finish line now and she told me to just go ahead. So, off I went- and man did I fly! I didn't realize I had that much energy left in my poor body, but I passed about 3 people on my way to the finish line! (I didn't look at the clock as I crossed, but apparently my time was 45:34, which isn't too bad considering I did go a little slower than intended. Still, a great time!) It took me a moment to be able to slow my legs down and once I did I realized that I was not really getting as much oxygen to my lungs as I would have liked (oxygen is overrated anyway, right?). The volunteers handed me a water and I weeble wobbled my way over to my dad, Chris and Kurt. I ended up doubled over for a few moments, trying to catch my breath and not pass out, but then the feeling passed and I was fine. To make my amazing finish even better, not only did my father take this action photo

 (Please ignore the fact that the shirt is uber long on me and notice how fast I look! haha)

but, my friend Chris captured it all on video as well!

(He apologizes in advance for his finger being in the way and the cheering he was doing. I love it!)

I'm like lightening, right? Be impressed lol

All in all, it was one of my favorite races that I have ever had the chance to participate in. The crowd was amazing, people lined the course and cheered from their porches, etc. I made a new friend, got to be a cheerleader, had a positive attitude while running, and dug deep to finish fast. How could I NOT be proud of today?!