Dec 7, 2009

Well, I'm no longer 44 having had a birthday in October. Should I rename the blog? "Alive at 45?" "I've arrived at 45?" "Diving into 45?" "45 is Jive!"

None of those title are grabbing me. I need a new title I think. I also need a new vision. When I started this blog, my goal was to learn how to blog (not hard, I know, but I knew nothing about it at the time) and to complete a half marathon on April 26, 2009 (loved it!)

So, what's the next step? I am making plans for New Year's Eve and it occurred to me that this blog really motivated me this year. I don't know if the "magic" will happen again, but I would like to try.

So, goals for 2010: another walk, but this time not for distance, but for charity. I would like to do the MS Walk in the name of my brother-in-law who passed away from it (he was my age) about 18 months ago. I may travel to Cincinnati where my family is and where they have had a family team do the walk for years. I've never joined them before and would like to. If the trip doesn't work out, I'll do the MS walk in Milwaukee, and get my own team together here.

Another goal: finish or almost finish my masters degree. I have 4 classes remaining on my Masters of Leadership Studies at Marquette. More on this one after I meet with my advisor on Wednesday.

I think this is good for a start. I'll blog again (promise!) within 2 days.

The (mini) Race

Ok...it was a reasonable compromise...instead of running a 5K, I ran the walking part, so I ran somewhere just over 2 miles. I had my 9 year old daughter riding a scooter and "pacing" me, so I kept running. She never let me catch her. I finished at about 22:30 minutes. That's a pretty decent time. I'm happy with it.

More than that though, is that I feel encouraged to try a 5K now. I just need to find one....

One day at a time....

You know...I might be able to do this. Yesterday, I was at my daughter's Girl Scout bridging ceremony and you know what happens when women get together.....sweet treats! There were two eight foot tables of them! I just kept busy and let the young girls eat a lot, then went in to get one (just one!) oatmeal and raisin cookie. I'm feeling pretty good about that.

Today, I have been out visiting rummage sales all morning, so I had my shredded wheat cereal for breakfast, then a Diet Pepsi. Now it's 1:30 or so and I'm having a big bowl of watermelon....yummy! My pedometer already has 3200 steps on it, and I'm planning a walk for this afternoon. Then, I'm off to coach my daughter's soccer team in a game at 5:00....that's a lot of pacing on the side lines! I'll keep you up to date, but thanks for your support!

I've already had someone ask why I didn't pose in the swimsuit....yes ladies....a (clueless) guy asked that question.

A Picture is worth a thousand .....

....words? screams? Whoa....that's a small suit. Can I really be like Valeri Bertinelli and fit into a bikini? She's 48, and I'm 44....I think I can, I think I can....

A New Goal

Yes, I know it's been a while since I've posted...I was reveling in my success! (just kidding....well, sort of) I was actually thinking about setting my next goal. I do want to run the 5K at the parish festival in 2 weeks, but since I've been sick for about 2 1/2 weeks recovering from the flu, I'm not sure if that's still a smart goal.

In lieu of that, I'm setting up a new goal. I've been carrying around these 10 pounds of extra weight for years (too many to admit to) and I have tried numerous times to lose it. Well, since I've been successful with this method of posting and finding accountability on this blog, I'm going to try again.

I know from experience that you can't know when you get there if you don't know where you started. I weighed myself this morning at 158 pounds, so that makes my goal weight 148 pounds. I was feeling wildly optimistic last night and grabbed a swim suit off the clearance rack at Target while shopping with my daughter. As soon as I find my camera (it's somewhere in this house!) I'll take a picture of it (not with me in it....I'm just not that brave) and post it.

I'm setting a goal of 2 pounds per week. I'm going to try this first week without help, but if I can't get it going, I'll sign up for Weight Watchers.

Anyone want to do this with me?

This is the actual picture of my sister and me in Central Park after walking the 14.2 miles. Don't we look attractive?! (read: sweaty!)

You can't believe how exciting it was to be a part of the 10,000 women in the Marathon. It was such a powerful feeling....and I know that I'm not the only person who feels this way. There were lots of women who walked/ran for the first time in this Marathon. (these first time walkers are probably the reason the marathon was turned into a "fun run.") There were lots of teams of women who came to NYC together. I saw a set of t-shirts which read, "It took me 60 years to look this good!" I loved that one! I don't know what our shirt will look like next year, but I do know that we will have one. Anyone interested in joining us?

April 29, 2009 Post Race

It's true! I spent 5 days in New York City, and power/walked the half marathon on Sunday! Here's the entire truth....it was so hot (90 degrees!) on race day, that the race organizers cancelled the full marathon, and decided not to time the race. This meant that anyone scheduled to run the full marathon (not me!) was told that she would run the half marathon. I heard that there were about 200 out of the 10,000 attendees who had sign up to run the full marathon. Everyone else was stopped after one and a half laps around Central Park (who knew it was THAT big??) Essentially, we did 7.5 miles, but my sister and I decided that we had trained and wanted to finish the half marathon, so we collected our medals, grabbed some water and kept walking. After it was all said and done, we walked 14.2 miles!!! The important note is that we were NOT sore that day, or the next. We continued to walk at least 10,000 steps each day in New York, so the total steps in 5 days exceeded 80,000 steps!
I have met my goal of the half marathon even though it was not exactly as we had planned. I'm proud of myself, and pleased with how my body handled the challenge. Next step: running the 5K at our parish festival the first Saturday in June. (no walking!)

Week 11, Wednesday

I'm still here, and I'm still blogging. Tonight, I met with the women I'll go with to NYC in about a month. There are 5 of us in the hotel room (2 queen beds and a pullout couch). We're hoping to see a show, do a bus tour and maybe even see New York's new Archbishop in his new parish for mass Saturday night. I want to get on tv for the Today Show but I don't know anything about that yet. I need to find out. We're staying at the Doubletree Suites in Times Square!!! I'm so excited! Please post your ideas for my trip. I haven't been there in 20 years.

Week 10, Sunday

I'm sorry that I have to bore you again, but I'm going to make one more boring post. I walked outside again, and it was glorious....the neighbors were out, and everyone was talking. I was out supposedly walking for about 90 minutes and I only clocked about 6000 steps, but the great thing was that I got to catch up with my neighbors. I love my neighborhood.

Week 10, Saturday

Socks! Yes, I treated myself to new socks....the really cushy, thick, white ankle socks. It's amazing what a difference it makes in my running. Maybe if I had these thick socks a few weeks ago during the "rock" post, I wouldn't have even felt the dumb rock and could have saved myself some frustration.

Anyway, I walked outside today with my husband...twice. I clocked over 12,000 steps...I just couldn't resist being outside today. It was beautiful...maybe 50 degress!

Week 10, Friday

Just a quick post here....I got a little behind in my posting. Today, I got on the elliptical for a mile and a half, then hopped on the treadmill for two more miles. Not very exciting...but I got it done.

Week 10, Tuesday

Felt ambitious, so I worked out again today. Funny thing is, I didn't get a theme song again today. How boring! Anyway, I jumped on the elliptical today for 2.75 miles (after my usual sit ups). I'm hoping to work out again tomorrow, but only if my house isn't blown away. It's crazy windy out there tonight!

Week 10, Monday

Good workout today...but I didn't come up with a theme song. I jumped on the elliptical for my warm up for 10 minutes, lifted weights for about 40 minutes, then on the treadmill for about 20 minutes. It's semi-warm out today, so maybe I'll get a walk outside this evening.

Sorry for such a boring post...I'm just not feeling creative today...I spent a lot of time in the past couple of days grading papers and I think I cooked my brain...(hate when that happens)

Week 9, Thursday

"Ain't no mountain high enough...ain't no valley low enough....ain't no river wide enough...." (Who wrote this song? Who sang it? Help!) I was feeling motivated to work out today. I did my couple hundred situps, then did a 10 minute warm up, then walked for 45 minutes...a power walk, with a good incline...up and down, faster, slower...and then a 5 minute cool down. It was a full hour of hard walking....I did it. Then I grabbed some more water and pedalled a recumbent bike for 15 minutes.

I'm a little sore now. But I made a decision to now follow the "walking" training for this race. I'm really happy that my body has responded so well to this workout plan (still wish that I have dropped a few more pounds, but that's another issue) but I don't want to put in the time, strain and psychic energy to run the 13 miles. I'd rather walk.

I can't believe it's week 9...that race is coming up quick! I need to start making specific plans for NYC. Five days is a long time...there's lots of things to do!

Week 9, Tuesday

Song for the day, (who knows it?) "movin' right along wackadoo wackadoo, footloose and fancy free...." Yes it's true, I was channeling the Muppet Movie while I was running today. I can't even tell you why. I was running and felt pretty good (no rocks today) and even did a couple hundred situps to start the work out. Not only that, but the temperature in Milwaukee is supposed to get above freezing for a couple of days in a row this week. Maybe I'll be able to convince CT to run with me again outside....CT? CT? Talk to me.....

caption for photo, "A bear in its natural habitat....a Studebaker!"

Week 8, Friday

Rocks!

You know, after playing volleyball on Thursday night, I had every intention of doing an ambitious run to get back on track. I was on the treadmill, shoes tied, ready to go and....I started...and felt something in my shoe. I wiggled, I jiggled (my shoe) and thought that I could walk it off....I couldn't. So I sat down on the treadmill at Bally's, took off my shoe and sock, shook them out....put them back on and tried again. It was still there. Arghhh!!!! Frustrated, I went to the other side of the gym and started lifting weights instead...until I blew off some frustration. Then I took off my shoe and sock again, and walked my two miles on the treadmill.

Yes indeedy...took an extra bit of motivation to get some exercise today....

(yes, I know I am a dork....)

Week 8, Thursday

OK, I'm almost halfway through my training. Halfway. The race is coming up. Fast. But I can do it.

I played an energetic game of volleyball tonight...worked up a sweat and everything. It kept my heart rate up, but not as good as a run or a mall walk. I need to get out Friday morning and get in at least one more work out for this week. I refuse to kill myself on Sunday at the race and not be able to do some fun things on Monday and Tuesday in New York! (can't come up with a theme song for today's posting....how about I go with "New York, New York a hell of a town. The Bronx is up and the Battery's down, the people ride in a hole in the ground....")

Week 8, Monday

I went mall-walking this morning with my friend, AK, and we easily did over three miles in a hurry. Here's the thing though--I know that I've made progress because I was not breathing heavy at all, and I felt like running (I wanted to run!) part way through the walk because I was already warmed up. I won't say that taking a week off of running was a good thing for my training. It wasn't. But taking that week off was a good thing because I realize that I have made progress, and it's not measured in weight loss or lack thereof. I'm feeling strong and motivated and I'm back on track! (singing "I am woman hear me roar in voices too loud to ignore....." channeling Helen Reddy)

Week 7, Saturday

Oh my....it's been a while. I didn't run for a week! Maybe it's time for that blog on motivation that I didn't write a few weeks ago. I did run on Thursday for my traditional 5K. It wasn't any record, but I proved to myself again all that I already knew: getting started is hard, and getting started again is harder. However, the important thing (so they say) is that I did re-start. It's funny...while I was on the treadmill, I forced myself to consider why I kept running, and decided it's because I have this blog for accountability. In fact, I went to a neighborhood gathering on Friday evening and was gently chastised for not posting (and thus not exercising) for a week.

Please continue to encourage me, and I'll continue to exercise. I'm still committed to my goal.

Oh,...and I finally was able to donate blood today. Yeah!

Week 6, Thursday

Do the Shuffle! (OK, those of you from my generation will hear "Do the Hustle..." when you read this...) When I walked with C.T. last Saturday, she told me she had talked to an ultra marathoner where she works (what's with that anyway? running 100 miles for fun?!)....anyway, he gave her the advice that you don't always have to run or even jog...sometimes it's fine to just shuffle. We concluded that "shuffling" to him is probably a fast jog to us, but we got the message, and that knowledge is what kept me going on the treadmill today. I did the 2 mile run (after my 7 minute warm up) in 24.5 minutes. I feel pretty good about that. I thought about running outside again, but it's 34 degrees, and I'm a wuss. Besides (I reasoned) I could do my jillion sit-ups before running when I go to Bally's to run....and I did.

So...the lesson for today is that "shuffle" doesn't refer to that button on your 5 disc cd changer (or if you're younger, an iPod)...it's the way to keep moving even when you feel you can't/don't want to so that you can finish your training.

Week 6, Tuesday

(singing) "they say you don't tug on Superman's cape, you don't spit into the wind, you don't pull the mask off the old Lone Ranger..." OK, that was the song going in my head today (even though I had Dixie Chicks on the iPod) because it was so windy as I was running. And let's face it, you have to spit when you run outside....you just get the mouth full of gunk and since you're breathing so hard (I was) it's just easier to spit. (sorry Mom! I know it's not ladylike!)

I thought I was going to chat a moment about motivation, but I'm not motivated enough to do it. Maybe next post.

The "running" training for this week is a 3 mile run today (did it), a 2 mile run on Thursday and another 3 mile run on the weekend. Maybe I need to get a watch with a timer, but right now, I can only estimate that the 3 mile run took maybe 40 minutes. The first 2 miles were 12 minute miles, I'm pretty sure.

Let's hear it for beautiful blue skies and temperature in the high 50's...in February in Wisconsin!

Week 5, Sunday

Hey, it wasn't on the training list, but let me just list it here. I went roller skating for two hours today! Totally fun! What a flashback to my childhood. I got out there, and didn't even embarrass myself (much.) It took a while to get my skate "legs" back, but then I was skating forward, backward, crossing over...fun, fun, FUN! I skated with my daughter, my friend's daughter, her friend, and never sat down! Great training....and the best part is....(unlike some other moms who also skated)...since I've been in training, I'm not sore. I feel great and smiled bigger than any kid there.

Next time, I want pom poms on my skates!

Week 5, Saturday

YES, I did! I ran outside for 3 miles in the beautiful, sunny, 50 degree weather! I finished 3 miles...it wasn't pretty, but C.T. said that I need to cut myself a break since I haven't really run since college which was (how many?!) years ago.

For the record, running on a treadmill (which is what I have done for the previous 5 weeks) and running outside is TOTALLY different. For those of you reading my blog and saying, "duh!" just realize that it's something I needed to experience, you couldn't really tell me, even though some of you tried. On the plus side, my brain clicked in and I remembered how my body felt when I ran in high school. (it's always good to listen to your brain...refer to Thursday's post) On the negative side, I may be a little behind in my training since I have only been on the treadmill up until now. At least I have eleven more weeks to make it up.

So....chalk this up to another learning experience, and a good friend hauling my butt outside to run. (next time, I'll bet I even remember the Tylenol.)

Week 5, Thursday

I did much better on the two mile run with a longer warm up (7 minutes of walking). I did 2 (11.5) minute miles, for 23 minutes total! (so proud of myself) I didn't do the 5K. Strange, my hips didn't even hurt which is good because I didn't take any acetaminophen.

As I was running, it occurred to me that the last time I ran for any length of time was high school (1983 for those of you who are counting) and I ran a 10 mile race. I was in good shape from playing soccer. I'm remembering that a lot of running is mental. Maybe being on the treadmill and inside with a water bottle to sip from encourages stopping....after all, if I were outside and a mile from home, I couldn't really stop until I got back home. (unless I stuck my thumb out to hitch a ride) My legs are not really hurting, nor am I breathing like I'm about to pass out when I stop. I just stop when it feels hard to keep going. Maybe I just need to push through the mental block. Maybe running with a friend will make a difference. It's still fore casted to be above freezing, and possibly even in the 40's. (heat wave!) I'm told that's good running weather. My running friend S.W. gave me advice on what to wear on the run. I'll have to let you know how it goes. (...singing..."if I only had a brain......") P.S. pedometer already reads over 9500 steps for today

Week 5, Tuesday

Let's see, the training for this week is three times running, at 2 miles, 2 miles, and 3 miles. If I'm walking, it's 3 times at 36 minutes with alternating levels of intensity. Well, yesterday, I did the mall walking thing with my friend L.R., and we did 2.5 miles in three laps around, and each lap was 11 minutes. I know we passed everyone, but there was not a lot of competition at 8:00 in the morning. Heck, there was even a woman gamely working around the stores with a walker! (we were very impressed by her)

Here's my stretch goal for this week: I called my friend (C.T.) and asked her if she would run outside with me this weekend. (she said sure! crazy chick...) It's supposed to be close to 40 degrees! Whoohoo! (We're havin' a heatwave (sing with me now...) a tropical heatwave (come on, you know the tune....) the temperature risin' there'll be no denyin'..... (what do you mean you don't know the words?!) Sorry, sometimes I just break into song. So, we're going to give it a try. I'm not sure what to wear, but I think I'll just grab my husband's outdoor running clothes. (don't tell him--what he doesn't know won't hurt him)

Week 4, One Month Summary

Hmmm....let's see. I've been doing this training for one month....and where am I?

• a few pounds lighter (but not as much as I imagined, or hoped I would be)
• more toned legs and back side (more than I expected)
• closer to my goal of the half marathon, and still excited about it
• still excited enough to talk another woman into joining me (Hi Wendy!)
• surprised at the number of women supporting me (thank you!)
• enjoying authoring a blog

Can't think of anything else right now. If you think of anything else, add it in the comments. Having a goal with a set date and measurable time really makes a difference in my motivation. I suppose that the SMART Goal Theory is true (must be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time Bound)

Week 4, Thursday

I did remember both the Tylenol and the headband today. No problems with the hair, but my hips were still stiff. Gotta think more about that challenge. (fyi, I ran inside today, but I'm trying to motivate to get outside to run!)

I tried something else new today. I thought that since the training required two miles run at about a 12 minute pace, I would just do my best on the two mile run and skip the 5k today. I expected to really kick butt, but here's what happened: I did my jillion situps (as I start up every workout), then warmed up by stretching before running. I walked for 5 minutes at a fifteen minute mile pace, then reset the treadmill. I set it for a 12 minute mile pace, and started running. I made .7 miles and my body started to feel too heavy. Maybe it's because of the workout on Tuesday (can that be an excuse?), or .....not sure. Be that as it may, I gutted it out....I'm a competitor! I walked a little, ramped up to an 11 minute mile and ran, and back and forth. I finished my 2 miles in 24 minutes, so the average running rate fit the goal for the day. Yeah! It wasn't pretty, but it was functional. I did it. I still have one more run to do this week, so my goal is to compete against myself and try to run straight through on the 2 miles on either Saturday or Sunday.

Just to add: my pedometer for Tuesday read 12,004, and today's is already at just under 7,000.

I'm still going to play volleyball tonight, so that will add steps and more cardio training. And bonus! I just talked someone else into training with me, so hopefully we'll keep each other motivated. SHE lives in Dallas though, so she can train outside! I'm jealous! I'm just making excuses...I could train outside as well. I just haven't tried it yet. Welcome to the training team Wendy!

Week 4, Tuesday

Two words: headband, and Tylenol. Let me explain. I discovered that I really need to use a headband when I run because those fashionably long bangs that I "sweep" to the side are really annoying when they fall in my face for several miles. Second word: Tylenol. Those same annoying bangs will be ignored if the aching in my hips from running starts early and stays around for the whole run...unless I take Tylenol before I run. Henceforth, both items will be in or on my body before running.

The plan for this week is running three times for two miles at a 12 min mile pace. I did one of the two mile runs today (within my 5K run) AND cut another minute off my 5K time so I finished in 42 minutes. Moving along like a herd of turtles here,....slow and steady.

This run is a stretch, but hey, if it gets my butt out of the house to move around...it will be worth it. Besides.....NYC! Now that's what I call motivation! A trip to NYC (without kids!)

My pedometer is already over 9500 steps at 3:00 pm. I'm sure I'll make 10,000 steps today!

Week 3, Sunday

This has not been as impressive a week as I had imagined on Monday. I started with a great workout and big excitement. Two blog entries later and it's the end of the week. As you read, I did do other physical activities that got me tired enough to produce naps (you know that moms never usually get to nap!). Yesterday, I worked with my kids to clean their rooms which unfortunately hadn't been done in a while. They are now really clean and I'm thrilled. I logged over 7000 steps "helping" with the cleaning, and have four bags of stuff to donate to Goodwill. Yeah!

I promise that this is not a weakening of my resolve to do the half marathon. I know that there are many of you reading this blog regularly and cheering me on, so that really motivates me. Thanks.

Forgot to mention....I couldn't give blood again. My iron count was still too low. Rats!

Week 3, Thursday

What happened to this week? I've been busy and I know that I started the week off well with a great workout. Then on Wednesday, I had a workout cleaning out an old house....and that counts as work! 16 garbage bags hauled to the curb from the kitchen! I'm working there again tomorrow for another three hours or so. This evening, I played a good sweaty game of volleyball and picked up about 7000 steps on the pedometer.

Tomorrow morning, I'm going to try (again!) to donate blood. If it doesn't work this time, I'll give it a month off.

I'm still motivated and active, but I need to get to the gym again. It's a bummer training for race in the dead of winter. On a positive note, the days are getting longer, so more sunshine keeps me in a more optimistic frame of mind. I can feel myself getting stronger!

Week 3, Monday

"(singing)...And I'm walkin' on sunshine....oh oh! I'm walkin' on sunshine....yea-eh!... And it's startin' to feel good!" (apologies to KC and the Sunshine Band) (that is who wrote it,...isn't it?)

Two minutes....I knocked two minutes off my 5K time! That's not even the part I'm proud about, even though I'm pretty excited about that. I went to Bally's, stretched, warmed up walking for 2 minutes, then ran 2.25 miles without stopping!!! (the treadmill said that it was a 12 min. mile pace) I finished up with walking a 15 min. mile, finishing the 5K at 43 minutes! Time was short, so I concluded the workout with a bunch of sit ups and got home to the kiddies hopping off the bus.


Lastly, my pedometer reads 9,420 steps at 5:00.

Week 2, Saturday

Ok, killer workout today. It's amazing the motivation you get from negative emotions. No, they weren't negative emotions about the training....they were about something else, and I knew that I had to get them out of my system before I could deal with them rationally. I think you've all been there. However, now I did a long workout and am sitting here at the dinner table snatching pieces of sushi and enjoying a little white wine while I write this blog. That's a "feel good" moment.

Details quick and dirty: 30 minutes on the elliptical for 2.25 miles, 25 minutes hard lifting, and 3o minutes on the treadmill for another 2 miles. Do ya' think I might be sore tomorrow?! That's ok. It's Sunday. I'm supposed to have a 4th workout in this week according to the schedule, but I may just make it an easy stretch of the legs around the block if it's warm enough.

So physically, I'm doing well....and emotionally, I'm calmed down a little. I won't bore you with the details. Maybe I'll just watch a chick flick tonight to finish clearing my head....or as the picture shows, some yoga.

Lastly, my pedometer is currently reading 11,000. Score!

Week 2, Friday

It all about the changes........

"Muffin top?" It happens when the waistband is too tight and the belly spills over the waistband creating a.....you get the picture.

The point being, after working hard and making a serious effort to make some changes in my eating, I am starting to see some changes. My favorite jeans are suddenly fitting differently....not a lot mind you, but enough to wear them all day without a muffin top. That's progress.

I don't want to give you too much of a visual, but my thighs are definitely more toned, as is my backside (or butt if you want to call it that, but my Mom would never let me use that word--too unladylike.) I like that! Gotta say, however, that it will take a few more pounds lost and several more work outs until those jeans are actually sitting on my hips the way that they are supposed to.

Changes with food.....my downfall is the kids' leftover Halloween candy! Is that not pathetic?! It's those little "fun size" (who really believes that's fun?!) that I can pop in my mouth. Rats! They need to be dumped! (can I do that without admitting it to my kids?)

There are some good changes with food. I had a salad almost every day this week topped with this yummy concoction of salsa (1 can each of: black beans drained and rinsed, Mexican corn, and Mexican spiced petit diced tomatoes) Darn yummy! (oh wait,...can I say "darn?")

I am still hoping to get a work out later today when all the play dates are out of the house from the cancelled school day. I'll write about that tomorrow....the work out, not the play dates.

Week 2, Wednesday

I was supposed to give blood this morning, but came up short in the iron department. Rats! I'll try again next week. That usually doesn't happen. If you feel inclined, this bad weather has a lot of people cancelling their appointments, so please consider donating blood.

I sorta blew off yesterday, but I suppose I could say that Tuesday was a "day of rest." Yeah....that's the ticket....it was a day of rest. That's OK, I made up for it today. I ran on the treadmill at Bally's for 45 minutes and did my 3.3 miles (aka 5K because it sounds more important)

I tell ya....I am just not understanding this running thing. I went in with determination to beat my 45 minute total, so I walked a quarter mile to warm up (after stretching of course), then ran a mile without stopping. First time I've done that. So far so good. Then I walked for another quarter, then ran another whole mile! (so proud of myself and figured that I would blow my time record out of the water.) Apparently, my walking was slower than previous days, because after walking another quarter (give or take), I ran the final half mile and barely finished in 45 minutes! I am so bummed at not beating the time, and proud of myself for running the two miles. I can't figure it out. Hey! I did work out a breathing rhythm today...through the mouth... (hope it didn't look like I was gasping) .... in for three steps, out for three steps.

Now that I'm actually a "real" runner, I suppose that the next step is to start a notebook in which I record the mundane details of my workout (like how fast I was walking/running and for how long.) I don't want to bore you, so I'll just comment on it if it's significant.

P.S. Pedometer 8100 steps so far at 6:00.

Week 2, Monday Addendum

It's real....I spent money on this...I bought an airline ticket to New York, so now I have to do it. I have to run/walk a half marathon....13 miles....I'm committed. (small intake of breath here....now a deep breath, and determined look appears on my face.) I can do it! (I still need your encouragement!)

Week 2, Monday

Training details: I did 35 minutes of lifting on the machines, and I was pretty aggressive. I set the weights high and rested very little between exercises. I have a feeling I'm going to be sore tomorrow. Then I grabbed 25 minutes on the elliptical. (had to get my steps in although I finished the day with a disappointing 7021 steps.)

OK, who has ideas? It's freakin' cold here in Wisconsin (below O wind chills) and I know that running on a tread mill is going to get old. I need some ideas here.....I'm still pretty motivated (those new work out clothes are still working their magic) but I'm only 1 week in. I want to have some ideas in my back pocket for about week 6 when Girl Scout cookies are delivered and the idea of sitting on the couch watching a chick flick and gorging myself on a whole box is overwhelming....(oh please....we've all been there...)

Questions about the photo today? No, it's not me....just a fantasy....especially here in the frozen tundra. I think I'll use this image for motivation today....for where I want to be (beach! anywhere!) and what I want to look like when this training is done. (OK, maybe not a white bikini, but a bikini nonetheless)

Week 1, Sunday

OK, I'm back. And I did it. I exercised. I ran at Bally's for my 5K again, in about the same amount of time (45 min.) Again, not impressive, but I did finish. I'm waiting to see what the training will be for this week. More Magazine e-mails it to me on Monday morning.

I talked to the man I live with who IS a runner (unlike me), and asked about this whole breathing while running thing. (no, I'm not having trouble remembering to breath, just trying to figure out how to do it correctly so I don't run out of it) I have to give him credit, he didn't laugh, but he did tell me that I just haven't run enough to be in condition to run for a while. In other words, I'm out of shape. Thanks for the message Captain Obvious. OK, so I finished bright pink-faced, but I still finished. I think I deserve credit for that. I ran half a mile, walked a quarter, and so on. (you get the picture)

Oh yeah,...I finished the day with almost 10,000 steps.

Week 1, Friday

I think I'll just chalk Thursday up to "a day off." The kids had a half day today, so (being the leader) we schedule a Brownie meeting to launch this year's cookie sale. (hence the picture) I ran errands like a crazy person in the morning getting everything ready for the meeting. I even baked (you guessed it!) brownies for the meeting. I won't bore you with details, but here's how it went: crazy morning, afternoon Brownie meeting, home for a quick dinner, throw son and husband into Cub Scout uniforms and head back to school for the evening scout meeting. All this with the remnants of a cold, and it meant crawling into bed at 9:15 after tucking in the kids. I was just tired. Friday is another day.

Week 1, Thursday

No Oprah yesterday, and no running. However, as you can guess from the picture (yes, those are my new workout pants), I did my weight lifting. (I need to protect my delicate hands after all!) I'm a little sore today, but not debilitated. I did 30 minutes of 3 sets of each exercise on "machines" (not free weights), then did the elliptical for 30 minutes just because I couldn't bear to record just a couple of hundred steps on my pedometer. I did 6432 by wearing it all day, including at Bally's. I really like using a pedometer. It shows me in black and white (OK, lcd) at the end of the day if I was a shlub or if I actually moved all my pounds around during the day. It motivates me.

I ate pretty well yesterday, but am still undecided on the WW dilemma. Any helpful comments in this area?

Not sure if I will watch Oprah today(I probably should...it's Suze Orman), but tomorrow's special, (on sex!) could provide helpful advice on horizontal cardiovascular exercise (wink, wink). Hey! I'm married! Aaaaand, it burns calories.......besides, they promise to tell me 5 things that I can do right now.....! (if the kids aren't watching)

Week 1, Wednesday

Thoughts are one thing, doing is another. I didn't watch Oprah again, but I did work out just as the training program suggested. I went to Bally's yesterday afternoon and ran/walked (mostly ran, I'd estimate at least 75%) 3.3 miles in 45 minutes. Now I know that it's not a land speed record, but I did finish, and didn't fall over. Most importantly, I'm not feeling like an old lady the day after, so I can do the training program's 30 minutes of weight training today. I also wear a pedometer every day....a habit my mom got me into last August (thanks Mom!)....to encourage me to move more. It read 8772 steps at the end of the day. You'd think that with running 5K (sounds more impressive than 3.3 miles, doesn't it?) it would be more, but it's not. I should be aiming for 10,000 steps a day apparently, but I'm pretty happy with it for yesterday.

I have a cold,....at least the remnants of one, and have blown my nose into being one sore, chapped, unhappy appendage. Ouch! I'm hoping that today is better. It took a lot of motivation to get me to the gym yesterday.

I'm hoping to lose a few pounds of my holiday weight (doesn't everyone....except my naturally skinny husband...gain weight over the holidays) in the next few weeks. I won't publish my weight, but I will record any losses or gains. I think that the picture on Monday makes me look attractive, but I could definitely lose a few pounds. (My favorite jeanns are tight.) I checked into Weight Watchers today and am trying to get past the $40/month price tag. Can I do it by myself? Do you really want to read about it? I think I'll ponder over it today, do the weight training this afternoon, and decide tomorrow. (I know,...it's not a cliff hanger that should bring you back tomorrow to read this blog, but come back anyway please.)

Week 1, Tuesday

OK, the excitement of actually learning how to create a blog is wearing off and the business of recording the journey of walking/running a half marathon needs to start.
Would you believe I actually watched Oprah yesterday? I did! She spent a good part of the show talking about her weight struggles and how she believed that her weight challenge actually starts with "balance." She maintained that she continually put herself last, and so she was not taking care of herself. I can relate to that. As a mom, I spend a lot of time "doing" for my kids although before any of you comment, I will say that I have very competent, able children who do a lot for themselves. However, there are many times that I feel more fulfilled at the end of the day because of how many items I have checked off my to-do list, than if I had done something for myself. It's a guilt thing, I think.
Today I am painting my kitchen (w/Kilz since I have already stripped the wallpaper), but I will go to Bally's today and get in a good workout. The training schedule that More provides says that I need to do 25 minutes of fast walking twice this week, or run 1.5 miles twice this week. I'm feeling very motivated right now, so I'll say that I will run the 1.5 mile commitment at least once this week, and fast walk the 25 minutes for the other. I did buy new running shoes for myself, and because I know that motivation can wane after a while, a new running outfit. (oh stop! you'd do the same thing! Besides, it was big-time on sale!) I'll see if I have the guts to have someone take a picture of me in it to post here later.
I think I'll watch Oprah again today.....

Week 1, Monday

Hi! This is me, the real me, on New Year's Eve, so it's about as current a picture as I have. This body (and mind) will be running/walking a half marathon in a scant 16 weeks. Whoa! Never done that before, so I'm blogging about it.