Will I be Fit by Forty?

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Weigh In Report

The last couple of weeks since my last confession still hasn't been great.  I've been up and down.

I was really good this past week.  I tracked everything and tried really hard to make good choices and decisions.

It showed on the scale this week as I was down 6.4 pounds this week alone.  I'm still a little over 9 pounds off of my lowest weigh in but I think I'm on the right track.

Headed into the hard part of the year with the holidays, but hoping I can continue on the right path.

I also completed the hardest workout on Tuesday at my kettlebell class.  We've had hard workouts before, but I always knew I could do what Dave asked me to do.  Tuesday I wasn't so sure.  After practicing the Turkish Get-Ups that I learned on Saturday, we were to do the following:

50 Two-Handed Swings (not a big deal)
10 Squat Thrusts (YUCK - I hate these and can't do them)
40 Two-Handed Swings
20 Squat Thrusts
30 Two-Handed Swings
30 Squat Thrusts
20 Two-Handed  Swings
40 Squat Thrusts
10 Two-Handed Swings
50 Squat Thrusts

If you can do math, that's a total of 150 Two-Handed Swings and 150 Squat Thrusts.  When we started - and I realized I was going to have to do 150 squat thrusts I wanted to cry....right there.

But, I did it.  It was hard...practically impossible.....and I'll admit to you guys that I cried when it was over.  I'm still not sure if I cried because I hurt or if I cried because I couldn't believe that I actually did it.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Fort4Fitness Half Marathon Race Report

Here's the Race Report I wrote after my last half marathon.

What a difference my second half marathon is!

The Fort4Fitness is an event in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. They had a 4 mile run/walk, 10K, Half Marathon and a Kids and Senior Marathon. (for that one, kids and seniors would run/walk all summer working up to 23.2 total miles. They finished the last 1.2 miles on Friday night.) This is a race that my brother does every year (he lives in Ft. Wayne) so I decided to go do it with him.

I didn't train at all this summer for the race. Every week I'd think, "I really need to get serious about this half," and every week something would come up. My longest run since the end of May was 6.5 miles. I knew I was not in the place I wanted to be, so the big joke was that I was going to walk 13.1 miles.

The nerves I had for my first half were non-existent. I really wasn't worried - or stressed - or anything. I'm not sure what that means, but I'm a little freaked out that the thought of finishing 13.1 miles didn't phase me. (guess that could be another definition of being a runner)

The weather was perfect - mid-40's in the morning - and it wasn't supposed to get over 65 degrees that day. My brother checked out the weather channel when we woke up and he told me that if I could finish in 4 hours I should avoid the rain.

My parents also came over to watch us. This is a really flat course that goes through downtown Ft. Wayne, around a park/golf course and then back into downtown and finishes at their very, very, very minor league baseball stadium. My parents brought their bikes so they could meet us at different parts of the course.

The gun sounded and we were off. I was hoping to make it at least 6 miles before I would start walking. People obviously actually paid attention to the corrals they were supposed to start in as I didn't have to weave in and out of too many people at the start. There were quite a few walkers, but I think they actually started at the back of the pack.

Of course I started out faster then I really wanted to. I tried really hard to just slow down and take my time. Things were going really well until about mile 2 - I hate between mile 2 and 3 - it's always my hardest part to run. I made myself keep going as I knew it would get better after mile 3 - which of course it did.

The water/Gatorade stops were plentiful which was nice. I did walk through the water stops which I never really did before. This was also the first race I did where our names were printed on our bibs. It took me some time to get used to the water stop people calling me by name. :shock: 

About mile 5 my left butt cheek and my left hamstring started cramping up. I know this is because I didn't train, nor did I do any proper nutrition the week before. (traveling to two cities in two days for work makes it very hard to eat right) I made it to mile 8 before I knew I needed to walk. Up to this point, I was averaging about 13:30 minute miles which is actually really good for me.

I then walked for 1/4 mile and ran for a 1/2 mile. I did that until mile 11 when I then had to go to walking 1/2 mile and running 1/4 mile. My legs/butt were killing me. 

At the 11.5 mile mark the rain started (my brother was WRONG!). At first it was just a light mist - and then it got harder and harder - and then I was freezing. I really wanted to run to warm back up, but my legs just wouldn't let me. I started running again at mile 12.5 and ran the rest of the way.

I finished in 3:08:15 which was 6 minutes faster then May. After my first half, I had really wanted to finish this one in less then 3 hours. After not training, I had no expectations. I was very happy with the results.

I really liked this race. It was FLAT!!!! Everything was really well done and organized. I can see myself doing this one every year.




Sunday, November 6, 2011

Hi, my name is Kim.  (Hi Kim!)  It's been 81 days since my last post.

I wish I could say it's been that long because I've been so busy being healthy.

The truth is - I fell off the wagon.

And down a hill.

Through a grove of trees.

Got bit by a squirrel.

And landed in a river.

In other words - it's been bad.

I basically didn't go to Weight Watchers for about 2 months.  And boy did it show!  I'm now up about 12 pounds from my lowest weight.  And I just want to cry.

But the weird thing is that I can't get myself back focused.  I've fallen back into some of the habits I had before Weight Watchers.

For example, I was shopping at our newly opened Trader Joe's on Friday.  As I was checking out I threw a bag of Kettle Corn in my cart.  (my family LOVES kettle corn)  I was hungry so I opened it up.  I then continued to run errands, picked Alex up from school, took him to lunch, drove to a paint your pottery place, etc.  I got home and went to take the bag into the house......and it was empty.  Yes, I ate a whole bag of Kettle Corn in one afternoon.

The good news is that I have still be running (sort of) - including finishing my second half marathon at the end of September.  I have still be going to my kettlebell class, and in fact, have just started the advanced training.

So, I'm here, confessing to all of you.  I'm not sure what I need to do to get back on track, but I'm going to keep trying.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Warrior Dash Race Report

Here's my race report from the Warrior Dash this past weekend.  I haven't posted much lately because....well....things haven't been great.  My exercise has been wonderful.  I'm still doing my kettlebell class, and I've started running again.  The food - not such a good thing.   I'll get more into that later.


Warrior Dash Indiana - 2011

When the young, fit people that I work with started talking about doing the Warrior Dash, I thought it sounded like lots of fun.  So, on a whim, I signed up to run it with them.

I mean, how hard can it be?  It’s only a 5K!!

There was a total of 10 of us from my work that were going to be leaving with the 1:30 group.  We had matching t-shirts made and we were pretty excited.

Day of the Race

Because most of the people that I work with are young and single (or without kids), 6 of them (plus a pregnant co-worker) were going up together and spending the night on Saturday.  One person and his wife was going up Saturday morning with their young son, and one co-worker and her partner were also driving up on Saturday but they had been on vacation the whole week before.  So, that meant that I was traveling by myself.  I wasn’t exactly happy about it as it was a good 3 - 3 ½ hour drive from my house one way.

I left the house at 8:15 and started the drive.  I made sure that everything I had on I was willing to throw away.  I also had towels, a sheet, a couple of large garbage bags, a change of clothes and baby wipes!

I had a very uneventful drive to Crawfordsville (which is in the middle of nowhere, by the way).  It actually was kind of nice to listen to the music I wanted to and not the Disney or Hannah Montanna channel on Pandora.  

I talked to my co-workers just as I was coming into the town and found out they were about 30 minutes behind me.  I told them I’d check everything out and then give them a call.

Followed the traffic and signs back to the marina.  I was seriously waiting for the banjos to start playing!  Pulled into the parking lot and realized I wasn’t in Kansas anymore.  There were TONS of cars, tents, a big inflatable warrior helmet, beer tents, food tents, port-a-potties and the start and finish line for the race.  

It did cost $10 to park which I thought was kind of a crock (but something I was aware of beforehand).  I thought the volunteers did a good job of moving the cars into the parking lot and getting everyone parked pretty quickly.

I grabbed my ID and waiver form (did you know that I had to initial that I understood that I would be running through water that hadn’t been tested for chemicals or diseases as well as that there may be wild animals and insects on the course!) and headed to the packet pick up.  There was no line and I got my race bib, timing chip, t-shirt and warrior helmet.  I headed back to the car to drop everything off and went back to wait for my co-workers.

There was absolutely NO cell service so I had no way to contact anyone and let them know where I was or to find out where they were.  I stood out, in the sun, for about an hour.  You know it’s bad when you are sweating even before starting the race.

Eventually everyone showed up, got registered, hit the potties and had our pictures taken.

It was then time to line up for the run.  Our strategy was to just get to the obstacle and then everyone would wait for the whole group and do the obstacle together.  This turned out to be a very good strategy for me.

Race Time

The count down started and we were off (underneath a bunch of fire).  Although I totally understood that this was going to be a trail race with obstacles, I don’t think I truly understood what that meant.

The “trail” (and I use that term VERY lightly) was insane.  I’ve never even hiked on trails like this before, let alone trying to run!  I took off way too fast as I was just trying not to get run over.  I was so afraid that I was going to fall, or sprain something.

We came to the first water crossing.  I was walking through the water, hit a tree stump and down I went!  My sunglasses (prescription) went flying off of my head.  My first instinct was to grab for my glasses (which I did - and caught).  A guy behind me took my hesitation to get back up to mean that I was hurt.  He stopped his running and helped me up.  I have no idea who that guy was - but I want to thank him!  I wasn’t hurt at all - just soaked from head to foot and I wasn’t even ¼ of a mile into the race.

I kept running until I came to big hills.  At this point, everything is kind of blur.  I was having a really hard time catching my breath.  I think it was a combination of going out way too fast, the rough terrain, and the hills.....oh dear my the hills!!!!

The first major obstacle was a wall that went straight up.  There was a “ladder” type thing to get up the wall, then a pretty tall top part to get yourself over, then a couple of slats on the other side then large pieces of plywood to slide down.



Our team decided to go boy-girl-boy-girl so that we could help each other.  Climbing up the wall wasn’t too bad.  But this is when my fear reflex took over.  I have a HUGE fear of heights and I also have a horrible sense of balance - I’m always afraid I’m going to fall.  I got one leg over the top part, but I wasn’t tall enough to have one foot on either side.  So, I had one leg over the top of the wall just hanging there and my other foot on the other side on one of the slats.  I needed to just push myself over and put my dangling foot on the slat on the other side.





Instead....I froze.  Seriously - shaking and so scared!!!  Luckily one of my co-workers as hanging at the top with me and another one was right behind me.  One held my arm and the other gave my rear a push and over I went.  I crawled down the two slats hung on with my arms and let go!!!  I did it!!!!  My first big obstacle!!!!!

On we went - but I didn’t run for any of the rest of the race.  I realized pretty quickly that I was not prepared to run in that type of terrain.  Plus, I knew that I needed to save ALL of my strength and stamina for the obstacles.

I won’t bore you with tales of all of the obstacles - let’s just say they were insane!!!!!!!

(Rappelling up and down hills, crawling over cargo nets, crawling under a tarp, running though a river, crawling over wrecked boats, climbing up and down a cargo net, etc.)

I will talk about a couple more.

We came to another wooden wall.  If I had to guess, I would say that this one was at least 14 feet tall.  (I may be exaggerating, but I don’t think so)  Again, this one went straight up.  There were slats on the plywood but they were only wide enough to brace your foot - not wide enough to get a hand grip or use it like a ladder.  There were ropes hanging for you to use to pull yourself up.

Most of my co-workers had already finished this obstacle.  Again, one of my co-workers was waiting for me at the top.  I put my foot up, grabbed the rope and immediately realized that this was not going to work.

I didn’t have enough upper body strength to keep me up against the wall, so my body fell back and my arms were completely straight.  This also meant that I couldn’t pull myself up the wall.  I tried about 10 times and just couldn’t do it.  I told my co-workers that it wasn’t going to happen and I was just going to skip it.

They weren’t going to let me.  :)  So, a couple of them came back over to me and decided how to help.  I had one person on each side of me and as I got myself in position, they held me against the wall.  That gave me just what I needed to move up to the next foot hold.  They keep climbing with me helping me stay close to the wall.  The guy that was waiting for me at the top was still there talking me through the whole thing.  Luckily it was just a ladder coming down the other side.

I did it - and I can’t even begin to tell you how that felt.  In fact, just typing this up I have tears in my eyes!  I’ve never felt so bad-ass as I did right then and there.  And I’ve never felt so grateful for my co-workers.  

We continued on - a few more obstacles including jumping over fire!!!

Then I got to the last one - the mud pit.  This was about 3 feet of sticky nasty mud that I had to crawl through.  And I had to crawl because there was barbed wire over the top of the pit.  The best way to get through it was to lay on my stomach keep my feet up off the bottom and propel myself with my hands.  It was NASTY.

As I crossed the finish line I got my medal and some water.  We then posed for after pictures and then headed to the “Warrior Wash” to get cleaned off.  Think about the nastiest, muddiest pond you have ever seen and that’s what we got to go into.  It smelled like pig mud - but it was better then what we were covered with.

I then headed back the car, changed my clothes in the middle of the field (oh yes I did!) and then we went back for food/drink.

I headed for home at about 4:30 - and because of a DQ detour, a stop at Wal-Mart because my driver’s side windshield wiper decided to fall apart, and dealing with a shut down 64 because of the storm that blew through, I didn’t make it home until about 8:30.

I have bruises, scrapes, puncture wounds, contusions and other gross medical stuff I don’t understand.  I’ve counted at least 10 places where my body is beaten up.  I’m sure more will be making themselves known over the next few days.

My Thoughts

If I would have know then what I know now, I don’t know if I would have ever done this race.  It was 10X harder then I thought it would be.  

That said, I did finish it - and I did every single obstacle.  I do feel like a warrior.  I do feel empowered - and strong - and for the first time in my life - I feel like an athlete.  (I still had a hard time typing that sentence)

I did something on Saturday that couldn’t have dreamed about doing a year ago - 6 months ago - and really - 2 months ago.  The kettlebell class I’ve taken for the past 2 months is the only reason why I was able to do this.

I finished in 1:05:36 - 5,951 out of 6.726.  (Yeah!  I wasn’t last!!!)

Just for reference - the guy who won finished the course in 21:51:35 - Seriously - I don’t know how that was humanly possible


Thursday, July 28, 2011

Week ?? Weigh In

It's been a few weeks since I weighed in and reported so I'm not sure what week this really is.

Change this week:  -1.0
Total Loss:  84 pounds
Weight Loss Percentage :  28.49%

It's official - I won't hit my mini-goal of under 200 by Labor Day.  That's ok - it's been a rough summer but I'm slowly going in the right direction.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Who Are You Walking With?

The other day I was on my way to my kettlebell class.  On the radio they were talking about this new personality test that is just one question and is supposed to tell you what kind of person you are.

You are supposed to answer this question with the very first thing that pops into your head.

Are you ready?

You are walking through the woods.  Who is with you?

Most people answered with things like a boyfriend/girlfriend, spouse, child, parents, dog, etc.  One person said they were walking with Bear Grylls.  And although I think he's yummy, I'm not sure what kind of woods they thought they were walking through.

Are you ready for my answer?

Myself

At first I thought I must be some sort of self-centered socio-path.

But then it hit me.  It makes perfect sense.  For the first time in a long time (if not ever) I am being selfish - selfish of my food choices, of the time I'm putting aside for exercise.  I'm putting me first.

And I'm ok with that.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Yeah, I Know!

I haven't blogged in forever.  I'm super busy right now with a musical that opens this weekend.

I haven't been running - but I have still been going to my kettlebell class.  (and right now I can't lift my arms!)

I didn't weigh in last week, and I wasn't going to be able to do it this week either.  So, I decided to go tonight to a different center and weigh in.

I'm not posting it because I'm not happy.  According to my weigh in at home this morning, I should have been down between 2-3 pounds.  When I weighed in, I was up 0.2.  Something wasn't right with that, so I'm going to ignore it until next week!

I'll be back to regular posting when Cinderella is done!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Week 61 Weigh In

Change this week: -1.8
Total lost:  83.2
Weight Loss Percentage:  28.22%




WOW!!!!  I was at my parent's house for 6 days.  During those 6 days I didn't track....not one thing.  Now, I did have good healthy meals where I weighed and measured my food, but I also snacked.  Sunday was the worst as I went to a 4th of July party at my aunt's house.  I grazed ALL day and not on the most healthy food.  Plus I had a cupcake (icing and all) and a piece of ice cream pie!!!


Then, on the drive home yesterday, I just about finished a 10 ounce bad of Moose Munch from Harry and David!  


I did run twice while at my parent's house, but only for a total of 4 miles in the two runs.


I don't know why I had such a big loss this week and it's possible that next week will be a gain, but I'm going to enjoy this while I can!

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Week 60 Weigh In

Change this week: -0.8
Total lost:  81.4
Weight Loss Percentage:  27.61%


Had a really good week this week.  Got a good number of activity points in and ate pretty good.  My mini-goal is still to get under 200 pounds - but I don't think it's realistic to think it's going to happen by Labor Day.  

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Saturday Update

Ran 3.4 miles this morning.  I really should have gotten up earlier to run as it would have been a very nice, cool morning to run.  I just couldn't bring myself to get out of bed.

I am very proud of myself that I did go.  It would have been really easy to just stay at home on the couch - but I did get up and go.

I ran a different route today.  I ran the Fitness/Wilderness trail around the FAC in Shelbyville.  It's a little over a mile loop and I ran it three times.  I did walk some - but I feel so much better when I run/walk.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Friday Update

Did my Kettlebell class today.  I'm still LOVING it.

I think I've realized why I like the class so much.  It's such a challenge for me.  It's all new stuff that I've never, ever, ever, done before in my life.  Dave will tell us what we are going to do and my first thought is - there is no way that I can do that!  I can't do squats with other things for 2 minutes straight!!

And then, you know what, I do!  My body can do these workouts.  I'm pouring sweat, my muscles are shaking and I can hardly get my breath, but I do it.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Week 59 Weigh In

Change this week: -0.2
Total lost:  80.6
Weight Loss Percentage:  27.34%


Not a huge loss this week, but I'm still pleased.  I had a rough weekend with my eating.  Hope I can make more changes this week to keep the numbers going down.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Tuesday Update

Went to my Kettlebell class today.  It was a hard one!

We did a circuit - starting with those big ropes that you move back and forth, then two handed kettlebell swings, then the bungee cord type ropes to work the arms, then squat thrusts (I HATE those!!!) and then these rings from the ceiling that we help onto, leaned back and had to pull ourselves up.

We did the circuit four times - took a two minute break and then did it all again.

Wow - it really worked my arms - and it was HARD!

But, I noticed that I was able to keep up.  And I also noticed that as much as I hate the squat thrusts, I'm getting better at them.

I'm still surprised at how much I love this class.

Monday Update

I had musical rehearsal Monday night that got done about an hour earlier then I expected.  Because of this, I was able to get in 3.5 miles on the treadmill.  I ran some and walked some.

I did notice that I had the TM set at 4.5 for my runs and it wasn't all that difficult.  I think I'm getting stronger.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Saturday Update

Got out and did 3 miles on the track tonight.

I did some running and some walking.  I really pushed myself on the runs - I tried to run as fast I could for the distance I was going to be doing.  I did think I was going to throw up on more then one occasion.

The really amazing thing was that I averaged 13 minute miles.  This is very fast for me.  (it's very slow for most people)  I'm pretty sure that is the fastest I've ever run 3 miles.

I'm going to continue working on this run/walk thing to see where this takes me.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Friday Update

Went to my Kettlebell class again this morning.

I'm really loving this class.  It's challenging - but in a good way.  I moved up a bell size again today on a couple of the exercises.

I sweat more in that class then when I run which is amazing since I sweat profusely on my runs.

I really want to figure out a way to afford this class after my month LivingSocial deal runs out.  I may have to look at finances again this weekend and see if I can work it out.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Wednesday Report

Did my kettlebell class again tonight.  I actually moved up in bell size on a couple of the exercises.  This class was VERY full - at least 20 people.  I think I like going better in the morning when there isn't as many people.

Week 58 Weigh In

Change this week: -1.0
Total lost:  80.4
Weight Loss Percentage:  27.27%


I'm pleased with the pound - I'm continuing to go in the right direction.  The only bad thing is I've now lost another point which means that's 7 points worth of food I can't eat this week.  It's not that bad of a problem to have.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Tuesday Report

Finally did something today.  I had dance rehearsal for Cinderella on Sunday and then rehearsal last night and ran out of time to do any exercise.

Tonight I did a 60 minute tempo run on the treadmill.  I really like tempo runs as they make the time go really fast.

When I run on the treadmill I watch TV on Hulu.  I've mostly been watching The Biggest Loser and I finally fished the last season tonight.  I cried more watching this season then I ever have.  Maybe it's because I'm going through the same journey those contestants were or maybe it's because I'm just really hormonal.

Now I have to figure out what I'm going to watch for the rest of the summer.

Perfectionism

I knew that becoming a mom would require me to confront parts of me that I don't like very much or don't want to think about.

One of those things for me is my tendency for perfectionism.

I've been watching my son, Alex, deal with being a perfectionist for almost five years now.

(Ok - side note - it's amazing to me how much Alex and I are exactly the same even though he is not my biological child.  Nature vs. nurture?  If I still had some brain cells to smoosh together I'd have a whole discussion about that topic.  But for now, I'll just say that my son is almost exactly like me.)

I've watched him not be willing to try something new because he was afraid that he wouldn't do it perfectly.  Things that I know he would love to do - go down a big slide - play a sport - dance with a group - he just gets paralyzed with fear.  When he is coloring a picture he will get frustrated and throw it away if he slightly goes outside of the lines.  It's so hard as a parent to watch your child struggle with this.  I try to model not coloring perfectly - and talk with him about how he doesn't have to be perfect - and that you can't be perfect and win at everything.  He still doesn't get it.

And I now realize I really don't either.

My house is an absolute mess - I'm a packrat and I have a hard time throwing things away.  I have these pictures in my mind of how my house would look if it was all organized.  I picture baskets with purposes - bins with cute labels - perfection.  My house doesn't look that way because I never start doing it.  I don't have time to make it perfect so I just don't do anything.

And I've come to realize that I haven't tried certain activities in the past because I was pretty sure I wouldn't be perfect - or the best - at it.

I've been so embarrassed at my running speed.  People talk about how they had a slow horrible run - but they are still running 10 minute miles.  10 minute miles would have me passed out on the side of the road after 1/2 mile.  I'm having a great run at 13 minute miles.  My slow runs are at 14 - 15 minute miles.  There are times when I've felt like stopping because I'm not perfect at it.  It's been a constant battle with my brain to just keep going.

It's one of the reasons why I'm so proud of myself for doing this kettlebell class.  This was something I knew nothing about. (let's face it - we all know how to run - and the first four months of my running was in my house on my treadmill - no one was watching me)  I was going to have to be in a room with other people who would be able to watch me - and possibly realize that I was doing something not perfect.  It's been hard for me - but I thought I had a big breakthrough.

Then this weekend happened and I realized that I still have a lot of work to do in this area.

I just looked up the results from the Barnyard Dash.  I came in fourth to last.  I was almost last.  And it really has bothered me.  Why?  I'm not sure - what does it matter if I came in 10th, 100th or 218th out of 221.  I know it shouldn't.....but it does.

Guess I still have some work to do.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

NSV

NSV = Non Scale Victory

On this journey you can't just look at the scale.  The scale is just a hunk of metal that can be really mean sometimes.

There are other things that need to be noticed especially when the scale isn't being very nice.

I had a NSV today.

I'm currently in rehearsals for the latest musical I'm involved in.  (Cinderella - I play one of the stepsisters!!)  I thought I had my costumes all taken care of until we decided that it probably made sense for the two stepsisters to wear matching dresses for the wedding scene.  (we are the bridesmaids for Cinderella)

Tonight we went up to the costume room to see if a group of matching dresses were made for a show last year would work.  I was a little nervous - I've never been able to go into a costume room and find something to fit me.

And tonight I did!  I actually pulled a dress off of the rack and it fit.  I was in shock!

Race Report - Barnyard Dash (10K)

On Saturday, June 11, 2011 I ran the 9th Annual Barnyard Dash 10K at Huber's in Starlight, Indiana.

When I signed up for this race I was a little worried about doing a 10K only three weeks after my half marathon.  My recovery from that race went much better then I ever expected.  I didn't expect to be recovering from kettlebell!

I went to this race with my friend Tami.  We had a nice drive up to Huber's that morning.  I ate my banana (which has become my tradition before a race now) and we picked up our race numbers and shirts.  (they are BRIGHT pink!! Jay asked me if it came with its own battery!)

This was a much smaller race then the ones I had done up to now (300 or so runners compared to the 1,000s in the other races).  It was kind of nice to not have as many people to deal with.

The race started and I immediately realized that I was already pretty much at the very back of the pack.  All of a sudden I got scared that I was going to come in last.  I don't know why that would bother me so much - but it's one of the things I'm the most scared of.

I started out way too fast.  I could just tell - but I couldn't get myself to slow down.

It was a hot day when we started (8:00 am start was a little late for my liking) and I knew I was going to have a tough time right from the start.  By mile 2 1/2 I started walking.  I've come to realize that I just can't handle the heat.  When I get overheated I have a hard time getting my breath and I just tire out.  It might be that I'm not hydrating correctly - or I it just might be that I have a lot of weight I still need to lose so I don't get so hot.

I decided to just suck it up - walk when I need to - and just walk fast.

For the first time, I decided to really try to pass certain people.  I would pick out someone far ahead of me that was walking/running slowly and work to pass them.  I have to admit that it felt really good when I was able to pass them.

I also realized about half way through the race that even though I was walking for quite a bit, I was still maintaining a really good average pace.  Around mile 4 1/2 I realized that I could possible PR (personal record) this race.

I just kept at it - walking some - running some - and trying to maintain as fast of a pace as I could.

I finally crossed the finish line and knew that I was close.  I couldn't remember my official 10K time from the spring so I had to wait until I got home to know for sure.

I found my friends (both Tami and my friends from Runtheville ), got some water, a banana and some strawberries and sat down to wait for the door prizes.  This race was started by a running store in Southern Indiana and they give out cash!  This year they were giving 10 $50 bills.  Unfortunately, none of us won any money, but it was kind of fun to see people winning the money.

Results - Time - 1:24:44 (21 seconds slower then my last 10K) Average Pace - 13:25

Observations:

1.  I used to think that run/walkers were annoying.  I'm now beginning to realize that I might be able to go "faster" if I started running and walking my races.  I may need to start looking into this more.

2.  I think I've finally realized that I'm a runner.  Me....I'm a runner!  I did a 10K without even really thinking about it.  6.2 miles - no problem!

3.  Strawberries after a race are really good!!!!

4.  I think I need to get a hydration belt or one of those hand held water bottles.  There were not enough water stops in this race (only two!) and I think if I would have had water with me it would have helped.

(I don't have any pictures from this race because I'm stupid and didn't take any!)

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Geist Half Marathon - Race Report

(This is the race report I wrote just after running my first half marathon on May 21, 2011)


This whole week I’ve been a nervous wreck. I think part of it was the uncertainty. A lot of it was that my whole family was going to be there. My brother (who runs 2-3 halfs a year) was going to run the race with me, my sis-in-law and mom and dad (as well as my husband and son) were also going to be there.  I just wanted to finish - and not get picked up by the slow bus. L:( 

We got to Nobelsville, IN by 1:30 Friday afternoon. We couldn’t get into our room which stressed me out (traveling with a five year old will do that to you). We finally got into our room and immediately went to into the pool. After about 30 minutes I realized my iPhone started randomly playing J. Lo’s On the Floor. I soon realized that my iPhone wasn’t working right. I freaked out - how was I going to play my music and have my Runmeter work???? I got changed, (where I realized that I had still had my underwear on underneath my bathing suit - seriously? who does that????) and went to the Verizon store that was close. They couldn’t figure it out so they sent me back into Indy to the Apple Store. I cried the whole way. (can you say stressed?) W:() 

They figured out that I had way too many apps open in the background and I had hosed the memory. They got me fixed and I calmed down just a bit.

Packet pickup was very smooth Friday night. It was pretty cool to walk over to the half marathon section instead of the 5K section. 

My brother and I decided to meet at 6:30 to get down to the parking lot before walking down to the start. It was a nice morning - clear and not too hot. We made our way to the start line. My brother wanted to start with me and he said he was going to run with me. I knew that wouldn’t work as he runs much faster then I do. I didn’t want him to pull back and I was afraid that I would try to run too fast. I was pretty emotional at this point. I still couldn’t believe I was doing this and doing it with my brother.




Chris and I before the race

Just before the race started we noticed a couple ahead of us - you know - one of those that just makes you want to tell them to get a room. They were all over each other and then I noticed that they had a scarf tied around their wrists connecting them together.  Are you kidding me?   

The race started - at about the .25 mile mark I convinced my brother to just go on. He was gone and I was on my own. The first three miles were nice and easy. My pace was pretty good (a little fast - but not too much). I saw my mom, dad, sis-in-law and her parents at the 3 mile mark. My mom was crying - which made me very emotional and it took me about a half a mile to recover.

The course was mostly through residential areas - and really nice residential areas. I found myself looking at the houses and not paying attention to my running. At this point it was getting warmer and warmer and warmer - and there was NO breeze. Luckily it was mostly in the shade at this point. At about mile 4.5 I finally passed scarf couple. Which was good because they were really annoying me at this point. :wink: 

I was still doing well. Taking water and Gatorade whenever it was offered. I was also taking my sports beans every couple of miles. There were people along the course - but not a ton. At this point all I could think about was how you guys would all have to come run this course as it seemed so flat to me!

Then mile 7 - 8 came. This was where the BIG hill on the course was supposed to happen. The hill started going up - and I thought it didn’t seem too bad. Then the second part of the hill came and I walked for the first time. I walked for about a quarter of a mile. 

I started running again. At about mile 9 I started hitting my wall (2 miles later then the Papa Johns!). I was SO hot - and my butt was really starting to tighten up. Around mile 9 there were water misters every few miles. That was a really nice touch. One homeowner made his own mister out of his garden hose and it was the best yet. In fact, one of the guys running near me at that point said, “There is a special place in heaven for that guy!”

From miles 10 - 12 I walked more then ran. I was a little disappointed in myself and my body was just tired. And hot - have I mentioned that yet? At mile 11 I realized that I was getting a blister on the back of my right foot. I have never experienced any foot issues before and I kind of freaked out. I stopped and pulled my sock up a little bit and it felt better so I calmed down. About this time I was getting passed by old people walking when I was trying to run. I can’t tell you how discouraging that is! It was during this time that my GPS/Runmeter started going crazy. Previous to this, I was running around 13:30 miles. When I started walking it thought I was doing 10 minute miles. Um....I don’t think so.

Runmeter thought I was done with the race already. My brother met me at about ¼ of a mile left. My mom and dad and sis-in-law were there as well. I sprinted the last bit and was so happy to cross the finish line!!!! I also had to bite my lip pretty hard for the last ½ mile or so to try not to cry. I’m such an emotional basket case.:crybaby: 

I got my medal, some water, a banana and some pretzels. My whole body hurt but I have to admit I felt slightly better then I did when I finished the 10 miler.



Chris and I after the race

The really funny part was my brother was going on and on about how horrible the hills were. How this was the hardest half he had ever run (although he just did the Indy 500 half two weeks ago - so I’m sure he was still in recovery from that). I thought just the opposite! Except for the horrible hill at mile 7 ½ I thought it was pretty flat!

We had to rush back to the hotel so I could get a shower before checkout so I didn’t get to enjoy the food/beer/massages that were available. 

Did lunch and stuff with the whole family before making the 2 ½ hour ride home. I was doing pretty good except for the horrible butt cramps. :bootyshake: 

Before heading home - I put my new 13.1 sticker on the back of my car. I was so proud - I almost started crying again.







Results - Time: 3:14:27 - Average Pace: 14:51 (much slower then I wanted) - Finished 2,490 out of 2,699. I wasn’t last!!!

Observations:

1. The whole time I was running I was writing this race report in my head. I thought of all kinds of things to say - and a lot of them were really funny. You will just have to trust me on this one as I now can’t remember anything I wanted to say.

2. I need to Body Glide my WHOLE body - even if it’s not a place that normally bothers me. I don’t think I’d have the blister on my foot if I would have taken care of that.

3. Runners are some of the nicest people. (at least the ones I’ve been lucky to come across) There were two ladies that were in my hotel that talked to me this morning. The one lady has done over 100 half marathons and the other has done about 30. They gave me some good advice and when I saw them back at the hotel after the race they were so excited for me. There is also the dad of two of the kids that I’ve done musicals with that also ran the race. He has been so supportive - and even called me when it was done to congratulate me.

4. I never realized how special it would be to do this with my brother. We aren’t especially close - mostly because of the age difference. I’m so glad I decided to do this race with him. It was pretty special (and guess what - I’m crying typing this!) :crybaby: 

5. M&Ms help butt cramps (ok - maybe not really - but they certainly don’t hurt)

6. So does Cold Stone Creamery (is this the reason why I haven’t lost any weight in the past couple of weeks?)

7. My favorite sign that I saw was - “Great job Alex! Walk the dog when you get home.” Followed closely by - “Make the race your bitch.”

8. And although I’m sitting on the couch in pain - I’m ready to do another one. :D 


This was me during the last 1/4 of a mile.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Friday Report

Did my Kettlebell class again this morning.

I don't know if the trainer went easy on us on Tuesday because he didn't want to scare the newbies off, but today's workout was much harder then Tuesdays.

This class had four veterans and one other newbie.  The veterans were also huffing and puffing (yes, they were using bigger bells then me!) so I didn't feel nearly as bad.

The trainer did tell me that he thought I was using too light of a bell on one of the exercises.  I certainly didn't feel that way, but I promised him to use a heavier bell the next time.

I was also able to do the push ups and mountain climbers easier today then Tuesday.  Can't wait to start seeing the arm muscles start to pop out!

Thursday, June 9, 2011

New Exercise Class

Two weeks ago I was sitting on the couch in a funky mood.  I had gained four pounds in the past 3 1/2 weeks and just felt like I needed to shake things up.

The next day, a Living Social deal hit my inbox for a month of Kettlebell Classes.  I decided that it was the sign that I needed.  I signed up that day and had my three hour orientation class on Saturday.

Three hours......doing things I have never done before.

It was hard.

It was harder then hard.

It was painful.

And I loved it!

I couldn't walk, sit down, stand up, or go up or down stairs for the next three days.  I really thought that I would never walk normally again, let alone run.

But, my body slowly repaired itself.  I went to my first actual class on Tuesday and I couldn't believe how quickly it went.

I have another class tomorrow morning and I'm actually looking forward to it.

I'm really hoping this will be a good addition to my running.  This will really work my core and my arms which are two areas I really need to work on.

Thursday Report

Finished 2.9 miles on the treadmill.  I ran 2 miles of it.  First I've run since starting Kettlebell class and I felt great.  Looking forward to the Barnyard Dash on Friday.

Week 57 Weigh In

Change this week: -3.6
Total lost:  79.4
Weight Loss Percentage:  26.93%


This was the week I've been waiting on for about a month.  It's amazing how your body gets used to certain foods and exercise and then wants to hold onto the weight.


My mini goal for the week is to break the 80 pounds lost mark.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

About Me

My name is Kim.  


In May of 2010, I looked something like this.



Family Picture - Sanibel Island November 2009


I weighed in at 294.8 pounds - the heaviest I had ever been in my life.  


On a whim - I joined Weight Watchers at Work on May 4, 2010 and my life changed.


By August 2010 I had lost about 30 pounds and started walking on my treadmill.


In October 2010 I started the Couch to 5K program and started running.


I ran the Triple Crown of Running in the spring of 2011 - 5K, 10K, and 10 mile race.


I ran my first half marathon on May 21, 2011.

Me and my brother after finishing the Geist Half Marathon - May 21, 2011


I've been married for 16 years to my best friend and greatest supporter.  I'm also mom to the cutest five year old little guy on the planet.



Gratuitous kid photo

My journey is just beginning - come join me!