A Little Rain Didn't Hurt Anyone

Had a little PT today with Tommy at YDM (Your Daily Motivation) Fitness today.  After that I went for a run.  It rained a bit on and off but it felt amazing.

I decided to start using my Couch to 5k App again! Click Here  I decided to use it for interval training and working on improving my time.  Today was alternating 1 minute of running with 1:30 of walking.  When I did the one minute I was RACING!  It felt great!

I went back saw that when I first started I did 1.99 miles and today I did 2.31 miles!!  I can't complain about that!  It felt good and I was really huffing and puffing!

I was kind of excited because during training today my trainer said "Now that your stomach is small enough we can start really toning and tightening things up".  WHAAAAAAAT?!?!  WOOOOO!  I will post an updated photo soon but this made my day!  I noticed that just within the past week I have really thinned out in my stomach area.  I just have my "Mom pouch" right now.

The eating has been going....it hasn't been easy, but it has been making quite the difference.  I am only on week two but I do notice my body slimming up.  A woman I work with says its acting as an anti inflammatory and reducing the swelling in my body.  HEY....I'll take it!

The countdown until my surgery is quickly approaching!  Still nervous yet calm about it at the same time.  I just want to get it over with!

Ok everyone...thanks for reading!  I'll make it back here soon!

~ <3 ~
Me

Bi Polar Weather

So, It has been a month since my last post.  I just haven't been motivated to type.  I have been so busy worrying about trying to maintain weight and trying to lose more.  The holidays came and I hurt my knee and it just threw me right off the train!

I did hire a different trainer and I can see the inches coming off but the weight is maintaining....I can't look at the numbers as I am building all the new muscle!  Slow but steady right?  Other issue is my eating....why can't I stop eating!?  UGGGHHHHHH!

Ok, so the point of the title was the weather!  So it has been winter here....an awful and long winter.  FINALLY we have had a break the last few weeks.  Temperatures ranged from 40-80 degrees within a two week time period.  I have been running outside and LOVING it!

Proud to say that I did run my first 6.1 miles and it was tough!  I ran/walked in 1:27 which I didn't feel was too bad myself!  I did 5 miles the next week in 1:12 i believe.  I really was pretty happy with those results.  I try to alternate a long run with a shorter run the next day.

I did have an MRI on my knee and all came back negative.  With some rest and a $16 brace from target I have been pretty happy with that!  If I have a day where I know I am busy and on my feet alot, I will wear the brace and it has made such a difference!

Ok, that is all I can type for today....Almost 1 month until my 10k and I am still petrified.  Thanks for reading and sorry for not being so dedicated!

~ <3 ~
Me

Enjoying the Break

It got up into the 50's today!  AAAAAAAND in two days another snow storm.  This weather here in Northeastern Ohio is out of control!  I got out a little early at work today, brought home some Chipotle for dinner, then took the kids and the dog for a walk around the block.  The kids practically ran the whole way around as I walked quickly behind with the dog.

We got home and I couldn't wait to get changed.  We got the kids in bed and I changed into my running gear and out I went!  I had a hard time, but it felt great to get out and enjoy the fresh air.  I ran 2.25 miles with a brief walk in there somewhere.

So this graph on the right here shows my time and elevation during my run and the bottom half is where my heart rate was during my run.  I was glad to stay in zone 4.

I am just so nervous about this upcoming 10k!!!  I hope I can do it!  I may see my Orthopedic specialist that helped me with my ankle when I broke it.  My knee just feels off and I think I want him to check it out.

It just feels sore and like there is something lose back there and like an air pocket.  When I was running today I could definitely feel like something was twisting wrong.  I may need a brace or something to keep it still?  Who knows, but hopefully my doctor will tell me!

I have a friend on my fitness website.  His name is Kevin.  I try to keep up with all of my friends but lately he has been such an inspiration to me.  He recently lost more weight and got past the 200lbs lost mark.  He wrote up this amazing blog comparing his journey to a job he held when he was younger.  It really resonated with me because I am at the "I'll just quit" phase in my journey even thought if I did, I know I would not only let myself down but others around me would know it!  So thank you BeingKevin .  I really needed that kick in the ass today!!  You can read his blogs HERE!

Well, tomorrow is supposed to be another gorgeous day.  I may just run a mile at lunch just to get out and enjoy it.  At least enjoy it before snow storm #2 hits!  Hope you all go out today and enjoyed the weather!  Thanks for reading!

~ <3 ~
Me

Feeling Great!

So two weeks ago I got SLAMMED with a knee injury.  I ran Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and BAM that was it.  I could barely make it up the stairs Friday morning.  I took of extra activity for a full week.  I DID however attend a Karate group class Wednesday of last week.  I felt decent, but the knee still felt kind of funny.

This week I went to the same group class last night.  The difference is I wore my HRM (Heart Rate Monitor).  I burned 351 calories!  I couldn't believe it but the Garmin doesn't lie!  I thanked my Dad for kicking my ass :)  He was the instructor for the class.

I had quite the work out.  I did karate with him over 10 years ago and I got really in shape and was used to the physical movements and abuse the body takes.  Yesterday not so much and here is the proof.

I bruised my right knuckles and then I rubbed skin off my left knuckles.  It seems worse than it is and it was an AMAZING work out.  I really enjoy it and I missed it a lot.

SUPER psyched with the weather here in Northeastern  Ohio!  Today it was 62 degrees this morning and I took advantage of it.  I ran 4.5 miles and walked .72 miles.  Puts me at 5.26 I think :)  I missed it so much and at times I did feel that air bubble behind my knee cap.

I didn't push myself too hard for fear I would have the same issues and not be able to run!  It is frustrating because I miss it so much and if I can't keep up with it I may cry. :)  Thanksgiving came and went and I really didn't over eat!  I couldn't believe it!  Almost like my body can't handle as much food.  That makes sense because I am sure my stomach has shrunk at least a little bit over the last 6 months.

Tomorrow is 6 months since I started my new lifestyle and yes, I plan on taking photos.  Probably Saturday morning.  I can't believe it but I also don't feel like that much time has gone by because I feel like I am still learning and growing.  I am sure that will be a constant thing in my life.

I want to write a reflection post this weekend looking back over the last 6 months.  So much has changed.  It's been an amazing ride and I am so thankful to be able to share it with you all!

~ <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