an update

As Kent alluded to, my goal of losing weight has not been going the greatest. This challenge has actually brought up a lot of issues for me that I thought I laid to rest a long time ago. I've found that having a goal that is focused on weight loss has caused some body image issues to resurface for me and honestly, it's been a really tough struggle both mentally and spiritually. It has caused me to question my self worth and value (which I know don't come from physical appearance, but sometimes that's easier said than internalized). I've made huge strides as far as the consistency of my workouts and increasing my strength and endurance and yet I felt like I was accomplishing nothing because the number on the scale wasn't budging. I've found that the times I've been able to lose weight were the times I've "given up" and quit caring about the scale. So for better or worse, I'm giving up the weight loss goal for my mental and spiritual health. My ultimate goal is to run a half marathon in November but my short term goal for June is to be able to run a 10K (not the actual race but that distance), which is farther than I've run in over 6 months. Hope everyone is doing better than I have been! Any updates (good or bad) from anyone else out there??

1 more month!

Hey all,
Only a month and a day until the current McFatties challenge ends! I, personally, am very unsure if I'm going to reach my goal. The trip to France was horrible for the diet and for the training. My half marathon is in 16 days and unprepared is an understatement.
I have been running alot since I got back, but it might be too little too late. We will see!! I'm still going to race and give it my all!
As some of you know, I've been trying hard to monitor my diet as well. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life to turn down the awesome dessert that Tiffany made the other day. That was all my favorite desserts wrapped into one incredible package!

How are all you non-blogging people doing??? I was talking to Tara the other day, and if it seems like your goal is unreachable - start a new one! What kind of changes would you like to see in one month?? maybe just to work out consistently, or to run a race of some sort?

Monday Runday!

Hey everyone!
Just a reminder about Monday Runday today.... (ps - it doesn't have to be "Run" day - it can be walkday, or crawlday, or playwiththedogday)
We are going to meet up at Cooper's rock (the first parking lot) at 5:15 ish.

BTW - how is everyone doing? Jeff, Noah, and I did a duathlon last Saturday and I realized that I have a LONG way to go before being in race shape. I don't think it helped having only biked once in the last 6 months either. Oh well, live and learn :-)

Hope to see you all tonight!

A PR indeed!

Just wanted to update everyone! I completed my first race of the year, a 5k in Pittsburgh. The course was great and the event was very well organized! I love good events!

I finished the race in 29:27, officially, and was 16 out of 54 in my age group. This is a PR for me. My last 5k was 13 weeks after having the babe and I finished in 34 minutes. It's really awesome to see how far I've come since then. This was my friend's first race and we finished at the same time. I'm so proud of her! You can see pictures and read more on my personal blog!

I would like to run another 5k this year and aim for a 26 minute race. I've been doing a lot of speed training and I would love to see the fruits of my labor :) After this race, I decided I much prefer races with a little distance. A 5k is what I run on easy days, so it's just not as much of a challenge. Good to learn!

I'm running a 10k this weekend. One last running party before we hit the road and move to Edmond. Oh, I'm now just two (2!!!) pounds away from my pre-baby weight. So far, so good.

How is everyone else?! Anyone still in this?!

BACK IN IT!!

So I had a little 10 day hiatus from working out and eating right and I'm BACK! It sounds like many of you went through a tough spot as well. That's OK, we just need to get on the right track again! On Sunday I started phase 2. Phase one included more weight training (4 days/week), and more limited running. The diet during phase 1 was better than before, but not super strict. Phase 2 will be much more strict with the diet and my half marathon training schedule has begun. I did my first tempo (almost race pace) workout yesterday and it was incredible. It didn't hurt that the weather was amazing (Sadly I suffer from SAD) ...

On that note, I had an idea the other day. I think we can all agree that it's easier to work out with other people, so I decided to implement something I like to call "Monday Runday" Every Monday at a certain time (I'm thinking 5:30), we will all meet at a designated location (I'm thinking Coopers Rock). We don't all have to be doing the same workout because obviously people have different goals, but it'll be nice just to have the encouragement of others! Even if it's just coming out for a brisk walk...

Would anyone be up for that? Sorry to the non-Morgantowners!

So I was inservice this week and ate pretty badly plus the only workout was a 1.5 mile run which I did in 10:50... plus 30 pushups and 30 sit ups....so I am gonna hit it hard starting monday....how's everyone else doing?

One week to go...

Well, here I am one week away from my goal date. Right smack in the middle of a huge life change and transition. Physically, I'm in Oklahoma looking for houses. Mentally, I'm all over the place. Spiritually, I live for and trust a very faithful, sovereign God. And I feel good because I just ate a bagel from Panera and a banana (although, I'm exhausted!).

I digress. My goal was to be down to 135 by B's first birthday and it doesn't seem that I'm going to get there. However! I am at 138 and just bought a pair of size 6 (holla!) jeans at GAP. Plus, I'm way more toned than before B came along.

I'm happy with where I am right now. I have increased my running time significantly and can run a 9:31 mile easily. Just for measure, I finished my 1/2 marathon at a 10:54 pace. I am lifting a lot better and have grown in my weight. I can do overhead presses and bicep curls with at least 20 pound weights. Plus, I can leg press 155 well. I'm really proud of the progress I've made over the last three months! All my pushing and sweating and knowing I can do more has been paying off!

One thing I'm LOVING about maturing and growing up is that I'm constantly more confident in myself and I'm always learning how to be flexible. I love that I don't worry so much about the numbers, but more about how my jeans fit. I love that my hair may be fussy and out of control, but I can make it work. I think I am decreasing in maintenance - in a good way...in a growing up way :) Patrick is pleased with this, I'm sure! (not that I was ever too high maintenance before!)

So, there is a much needed update from me! My first race is March 27th. I'm running this race with a friend, so I won't be aiming for a PR here. And from there, all my races will be in OK!