Running On E!

I am just not feeling it.  My lack of fitness from my knee bruising has really pushed me to the edge.  I've gone so far downhill I have fallen off the bus and I can't catch back up.  I really want to try an elliptical tomorrow at the gym, but I am petrified!  I honestly LOVE running and it makes me so sad that I can't do that!

My plan is to go to my Dad's group karate class.  I want to try and get back into it.  I use a lot of my own body weight with push ups and crunches.  I just hope my knee holds up!  Heck after the crazy week we have had at home I hope I remember to go!  But I really want to!

Thursday starts the Holiday Streak and I HAVE to stick with it whether I can or not.  If I can't run, I will walk.  If I can't walk, I do weights.  I have a game plan! 

My game plan now is to sleep ;)  Nighty Night my friends!

~ <3 ~
Me

Same Sweater....New Me....Bad Knee!?

So, I have posted this beauty before in a past blog.  I am mortified I ever let myself get to that point, but what are ya gonna do!?

I was going through drawers trying to find SOMETHING to wear in this cold Ohio weather.  I dove into my sweater drawer.  I need something warm that will fit.  Even if it hangs off me a little bit, I just need it to look somewhat nicely.

As I was going through my drawers I came across this same red sweater.  When I see it, this is the picture I see in my mind.  I almost put it in my donate pile when I thought "The lines on that seem slimming enough....I wonder if it would fit?"

So, I put it on and BAM!  This is how it fit!  I still feel like my face shows my weight, but I realize I have a strong jaw line and chin like my father, so I shouldn't complain.  He is a handsome person :)  I couldn't believe how different I made this sweater look now compared to just a few years ago.

Why did I save it after seeing this picture of me!?  Maybe for a day like this!  I felt amazing in the sweater and it was comfortable.  It was a LITTLE loose, but I felt it still looked somewhat cute! Please no need to tell me any compliments.  I am not fishing for them.  It is just taking time to enjoy this new me!

Now, onto the bad news!  I was doing SO amazing running last week!  I ran Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  By Thursday I noticed my right shin and my knee were feeling a little pressure.  Friday morning I could barely make it up or down our small flight of 6 steps.

As anyone would do.....instead of contacting my physician I turned to the trusted internet!  The only common explanation I could find was that I bruised my knee or knee cap and that was why it felt like I had a huge air bubble behind my knee cap.  The solution/treatment you ask?  Elevation, ice compress, and Advil.  NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!  Did I do something wrong?  I was averaging 13-15,000 steps a day and I was feeling AMAZING!  Was it just too much at one time, or was it my shoes?  I invested in an amazingly supportive pair of running shoes.

I don't know what happened but I am sad.  This has now made me realize to stick with my 3x weekly running with some strength training.  I have GOT to do he strength training!!!  I just need a buddy because doing that by myself at the gym makes me pretty panicky :(

So, to lighten the mood....my old new sweater was a pleasant surprise but my knee is still throbbing *sniffle*.  What is a girl to do!?

~ <3 ~
Me

Holy Motivation

I passed go and ran my ass off today!  Holy shmoly did I run!  I ran an 11:30 mile and I ran four of them!  I walked the last mile with inclines.  It felt amazing!

I really want to try to run every day.  I want to start the Holiday Streak early!  That AAAAND I started a friendly competition with my fitness buddy at work.  I did the Jack Burns finger eyes and told her that the challenge is on and I was determined to  beat her in steps this week.

I hope I can do it!  She is a steps fiend!  I have high hopes.  I am actually really tired tonight!  I didn't have a lot of steps at work today but I sure had a lot after my run tonight.  I did feel bad because I told my husband I'd be home within the hour and I was gone an hour and a half LoL.  I love him so much for letting me do this.  It keeps me around longer for him and the kids.  Keeps me energetic....if you know what I mean ;)

Ok, I just had to share some success today.  Trying to keep motivated!  I really do need to start doing weights!  Someone help me!  Or train with me!  The buddy system works swimmingly and I would love a fitness buddy!  Who is coming with me!?

Oh, by the way, this was my Fitbit dashboard today!  I haven't seen this screen consistently in awhile :)

~ <3 ~
Me

Don't Piss In The Wind

Or spit for that matter!  So one icky thing with running is that I get REALLY flemmy.  Like mucus is suffocating me.  So, I read online to make sure you spit.  For me, if I don't, I will physically be sick at the end of my run.  SO, I have learned to spit quite well.

HOWEVER!  I went for a run this morning.  The weather here in Northeastern Ohio is AMAZING right now.  A bit off topic, but I have been running outside a lot.  ANYWHO!  I get to a point where I am having a hard time breathing and swallowing, so I hocker one up and spit into the street.  I was MORTIFIED when this woman runs up right behind me.  I probably almost spit on her if she didn't get at least a misting.

I was SO embarrassed and apologized.  She just smiled and said "Good Morning" after her horrified look that she almost got nailed in the face.  I seriously couldn't believe I had done that.  Why didn't I look?  OH WELL!  She passed my slow ass right up and kept on going.

Other than that awful event, my run was so nice!  I ran 4.5 miles and walked the remaining to hit just over 5 miles.  Felt great!  I am super sore, but I burned like 800 some calories!  So, I use My Fitness Pal to track my food and my fitness.  I have a Garmin Forerunner GPS (purchased it with a company called Hear Rate Monitors USA) watch which I use with a heart rate monitor.  I love it because it takes into consideration my weight, distance, and my heart rate to figure out calories burned.  I knew I had to have burned quite a few because the course I took was pretty steep with some inclines, so it gave me a good work out.  I wasn't going for speed.  I just wanted to do 4 miles and I passed that! 

This honestly has been the best thing I purchased when I started running.  Yes, the clothes are nice, and my Fitbit One is amazing with tracking steps.  BUT, I like exact measurements and this item makes me so happy!  I recommend one to everyone!  I sync it with a website I joined (for free) called Map My Run.  Amazing website and if you don't have the Garmin, or another device to sync with it, you can figure out your course on their website and it will tell you everything you need or want to know! 

The combination of the two of them has helped me immensly.  I like graphs and maps.  Most of all I like knowing exactly how far I have gone and how many calories I have burned.  I like numbers.  Numbers show progress.

It's amazing looking back when I started in the beginning of May 2013 and could barely do that mile.  PLUS that was a combination of running and walking with my Couch to 5k App.  Looking back it seems silly that I couldn't do it.  HOWEVER!  I was a 203 lb almost 31 year old woman of two children that hadn't stuck with a damn thing dealing with my health and exercise.  Now I am down 26 lbs and am feeling amazing.  I have my moments of back tracking, but I find my way back because I miss it!

I honestly can say that I REALLY enjoy running.  I wouldn't say love....quite yet....but I am getting there!  When I don't run I feel run down and tired.  When I run I feel energized and so much better ab out myself!  One of the ladies I worked with made me chuckle!  I brought my running clothes to work Wednesday last week for a VERY cold run around the office.  She looked at me and said "Look at you!  You really are a runner now!". 

She was right!  I don't dread running.  I don't hate it.  I don't say "Oh I hate running.", "I'll only run if something is chasing me.".  NOPE!  I am a runner.  It feels amazing and I enjoy running.  It is a part of my life now and it makes me happy.  Thank you May of 2013 and what you changed in me and for me.  I couldn't imagine my life any other way.  Well, other than maybe winning the lottery or something :)

AMEN!

~ <3 ~
Me

You Can't Streak In The Cold

Well, you can, but I can't imagine THAT being comfortable!

I have had a pretty good week this week.  Eating has been decent, and I have (as of today) ran two days in a row.  OUTSIDE! 

I went to our local Target and purchased one pair of winter warming pants, one winter warming shirt, one winter pull over jacket, one pair of gloves, and one ear covering head band!

After running two days outside, I want MORE!  I need more outfits so I don't have to wash them everyday!  It is unbelieveable how much easier it is to run in this colder weather!  I never have to catch my breath.  I just breathe.  I can't even explain it.  When it is hot out I struggle to breathe!  It's like my lungs can't even expand enough to get that hot muggy air into my body.  This cold weather does WONDERS!

Other than the snotsicles dripping from my nose by the end I feel amazing!  I have to say that I am VERY sore and uncomfortable tonight!  I have to get better with my stretching before and after running.  I just am usually in such a hurry to get out and go and get back home I forget.  I know....how do I forget right!?  Who knows, but I do.

I think for once my life is really coming together!  I am enjoying my running.  I am losing weight (which i lost the pound I gained AS WELL as one additional pound)  YAY!, I am getting into my beauty routine more, and trying to enjoy this new body of mine!

Slowly but surely the transformation progresses!!  Thanks for reading!

~ <3 ~
Me

The Holiday Streak!!

Come Join Us!

This is a personal challenge for YOURSELF!

The Challenge: Starting on Thanksgiving, you start running/walking every day until New Years Day.

Requirements: NONE! You can run/walk one mile or 26 miles! You can be outside or in a treadmill. All that matters is that you keep moving!

The Goal: The goal is to keep your body moving through, what normally would be a pretty sedentary holiday season!

I read an article in Runners World Magazine about this and thought it would be great to do. It helps people who don't exercise get moving and it also helps runners stay fit and trained!

Please feel free to invite your friends!

Will you join me???

In no way is my event photo condoning actual streaking. I just thought it was a funny add on :)

Click below to join!!!

The Holiday Streak (A Running/Walking Challenge) 

 

Yes, I Ran

And yes it felt amazing!  I ran 3 miles and then walked a mile at almost 4mph at alvl 5 incline. Holy crap!!  I alternated the incline. Up down up down. I was beat!  I can't wait to do it again!  Change things up for my body!

I can tell it's getting close to that time of the month for me. My tummy is so huge and all I want to do is stay home and lay on the couch. Last weekend I ate everything it seemed. So it all comes together!

Can't wait until THAT'S all over with!

Busy weekend coming up. My husband planned a date night for us Saturday night. He is so sweet!  Dinner and maybe a movie!  I can't wait!

Well I had better get to work!  Busy afternoon ahead!  Thanks for reading!

~ <3 ~

Me 

Ohio Winters

So, as the leaves begin to change, we Ohioans have a look of pure horror on our faces. WINTER!  Winter in Northeastern ohio lasts anywhere from October through April depending on how lucky we are here. We enjoy a good few months of rain outside of that time followed by MAYBE 2 good months of summer. You think I am exaggerating but I am not.  Well maybe a little.

I started running May of this year. I LOVED it!  I still do!  I was sitting down today wishing it was nicer. It's raining. Big surprise. I miss that outdoor running. The fresh air and the warm breeze and the heat of the sun on my back and face. It really was and is its own anti-depressant. I enjoy the treadmill but I miss my outside. 

My plan for this spring and summer is to find new places to run. I get bored easily in our development. I want to just run and enjoy it. Not worry about time or how far I've gone. I do, however need to be able to make it back, so I guess I can't go too far HaHaHa. I plan on runnig with friends and enjoying it even more than I have before. 

I plan on hitting the gym treadmill tomorrow morning. I still wish I had my own, bit until my husband caves in....this is my option unless I want to get cold weather runnig clothes and run outside this winter. (I don't by the way)

Sorry this is so short. I just miss my summer running. Yes, even those awful days!!  Tomorrow is my running day and I am psyched!  I love it so!

~ <3 ~

Me

Starting Over....

I am starting fresh tomorrow!  I plan on running during my lunch.  All i wanna do is 2 miles.  If I can do 3 that'd be awesome.  I may go tonight.  I may just do a Sunday night!  That way I won't feel like I am driving to and from work so many times a day to go to the gym.

That has been the hardest thing for me.  It was so easy to just change up after the kids were in bed and go out running.  I REALLY need a treadmill.  I could run every night and it would be amazing.  I just want a nice used one.  That's all I ask!  Even if someone has one they don't use.  Maybe I could BORROW it until I can save up for my own :)  I really enjoy the treadmill and then I would be in my own home running whenever I want.  After bed time or even during naptime for my kids! 

Well, tomorrow is a new day and I am starting over.  I haven't been eating well and I haven't been working out.  I am so angry with myself.  I have to get back to it!

~ <3 ~
Me