The 4 letter word.....FOOD!

It is really becoming obvious that working out is not the issue I have with staying in shape. I have an issue with food!! Not all foods, just the bad foods that taste good!! Lemon Bars, Red Velvet Cake, Monkey Bread, French Fries, Hot wings, and the list goes on!! Many people see me and think just because I am small, I only eat salad. Yeah right!! I always tell them you see me with my clothes on, you don't see me when I get out the shower!

Eating healthy is something that I have to work at everyday. Some days it is easy to eat the right foods and I actually enjoy eating foods that are nutritious and healthy. Some days I just want to eat a big bowl of ice cream with a Krispy Kreme donut! Not one donut, but the whole box!!! So in 2010, nutrition is at the top of my list. One thing that I have done in the past that has kept me on track is to eat the same foods Monday - Friday. It sounds boring but I don't have to think about what I eat and if I plan my meals in advance, there is not an opportunity for me to eat something that I shouldn't eat. The eat clean plan has helped me in the past and I will continue to attempt to eat clean 90% of the time (hey, 90% is still an A).

Well today I was able to run a mile in 9:30. My husband was in the room and told me to try and finish under 9 minutes (having someone who is a Marine in the room while you train is an experience). Initially I was trying to finish at 10minutes, but decided to try and finish as close to 9 mins as possible and I was able to do it!! This is a big accomplishment for me because my lowest time for a mile was 9:48 in my last 5K. So I will continue to work on increasing my speed, but also focus on distance (the 1/2 marathon is less than 3 months away and I have to be ready to stay on my feet for at least 2 hours). I have a feeling that as long as my husband continues to monitor my training, I will be ready for a marathon before the first day of spring!! I have also been doing the Jackie Warner total body workout and she kicks butt!! I had stop after 25 minutes because my abs were done!!! I plan on doing her workout (it is 40 mins of upper body, lower body, and abs) until it becomes easy.

I have also started reading books about running and they are really helpful. I am almost finished with Dane's book and still find it amazing that he completed 52 marathons in 2006. To work and run a marathon every weekend takes dedication. I sometimes have issues working and going to the gym (and gym is in the same building). It is books like Dane's that give me the motivation to continue to chase my dreams. I ordered a book by Galloway that is for new runners and I can't wait until it arrives!! Besides running, I love to read and I love books!! So I have a feeling I am about to start a new running section in my current library.

The Race Route

Yes, I did it! Although I am on vacation, I went ahead and ran my 3 miles today according to the 1/2 marathon training plan. I initially intended to run an easy 3 miles until my husband decided that I need to add some intensity to my run. He got me a new treadmill for Christmas (my other treadmill was so old, he got it for me back in 1996...the electronic panel no longer worked, but I could still run on it, just didn't know how long or how many miles) and he used some of the customize programs last week. So today, he thought that I should also use one of the programs. I knew I was in trouble when he kept on insisting to do performance level 2...he had this weird look in is eye :o) Anyway, it started off slow but after 5 minutes, the incline and speed kicked in for the next 25 minutes. I did my best to conquer the incline (6%) while running 6.5, but after 5 minutes, I had to turn down the speed. The funny thing is that my husband told me not to touch anything and let the program run until the end. He then left the room and closed the door behind him. Well, he came back in the room and I didn't know he was there and he caught me adjusting the speed. He then told me how I needed to tough it out and stood next to me for the reminder of the run (talk about a personal trainer, man I felt like I was on the biggest loser and if I touched the buttons again he might snap on me like Jillian does on TV). So I toughed it out and was so glad when 3 miles arrived and then I thanked him (during the run I think I was cussing him). I don't like surprises when I run and that is why I always print out the race course before the race. This helps me mentally prepare for hills. He told me that this type of routine prepares me for the tough routes even if I see them or not! Yes..he is right, but hey, a run with lots of hills and speed is hard!! Next time he is going to have to give me a the race route!!!

OK, I promised the workout plan and I do have the first two weeks for the 1/2 marathon training program that I am following. This was considered to be pre-conditioning training before we get into the actual training plan.

Beginner's 1/2 Marathon Training Program - Week 1 and Week 2
Sunday - jog 1.5
Monday - run 1.5
Tuesday - Cross Training (weights,spin, etc.)
Wednesday - rest
Thursday run 2 miles
Friday - jog 1 mile
Saturday - Long run (3 miles)

I did add cross training to Thursday and also if I couldn't work out on a certain day, I just made sure I did it before the week was over.

So I hope this helps. Remember, this is a beginner's program and it may be too slow if you are already running every week. In my next blog, I will include upcoming races and information about the Eat Clean diet.

Running Tights...Why are they so tight???

Well, I might as well start of with what I did for training today...nothing. No, I take that back, I actually walked for 3 hours at the outdoor outlet mall so I walked today. I didn't do my 3 miles today, but I will do it tomorrow. My family wanted to go out and catch some of the deals at the mall and I had to go with them, I didn't want to disappoint them by staying home and exercising...OK I wanted to go too!! I did get a new pair of training shoes (Asics Gel 1140..white, silver and baby blue..I love them)and they were 60% off so I was extremely happy! I did wear New Balance when I started running, but once I put my foot in a pair of Asics, my foot feel in love with the shoe. That brings me to one of the points I want to make today. Many people say that once you start your running program, don't buy anything. Just put on a pair of running shoes and run. I do agree with the running part, but I don't agree with the shoe part. You have to make sure you put on the "right" running shoes or you will end your running career earlier than planned. When I initially started running, I just put on a pair of cute shoes (my pink New Balance gym shoes) and started running. My feet hurt so bad after a couple of runs and I thought I just needed another pair of shoes so I got another pair of New Balance with lots of cushion (and they were purple). My feet continued to hurt until I was advised by another runner to go to the Big Peach. After going through the fit process, I found out that I was buying the wrong size shoes. I wear a 7 in dress and casual shoes, but I needed a size 8 in running shoes. The guy explained that when you run, your feet expand and swell. I initially wanted another pair of New Balance (they had a pair of purple and white that were so cute), but when he made me try the Asics Gels Cumulus 11, I no longer was a New Balance fan. So, if I can give you any advice, please go to one of the stores that will give you the "fit process" and find out what size and type of shoe you need before you start running. The person who helped me at the Big Peach was really good and funny. I kept saying that I wanted a purple shoe and he told me he could help me with 2 of the 3 "F's"...he could help me with Fit and Function, but not fashion!

Below are my running shoes (pink and black Asics Gel cumulus 11) and training shoes (Asics Gel 1140)


My first pair of running shoes that fit!!


My first pair of training shoes that fit!!

I also purchased a pair of fitted long pants to wear while I run outside and they were also on sale! I was going to purchase a pair of running tights, but when I tried them on they were sooooo tight! Why are running pants so tight??? They hug and grip every part of your lower body. All I could thing of when I tried them on was "doing the butt". So needless to say, I took them off and put them back on the hanger. I decided to just purchase some long fitted pants instead of the tights (there will be no picture of me in the tights below).

So tomorrow is a new day and I will be back on schedule. I will do the 3 mile run and will follow the schedule next week. Right now I am focusing on the Polar Bear 5K on 1/23 and the 10K on 2/6. Also, if you have an iPhone or iPod, I suggest using Run Keeper during your runs. It is an application that tracks your miles using a GPS and it also allows you to listen to your own music while you run. It is available on the iTunes site (they have a version that is free and another that is not free...I have the free one). I will write again tomorrow with my progress and I encourage you to continue chasing your dreams (yes..Dane told me this and I will continue to tell others)! There will be days that you will not workout, but count it as a rest day and continue on with your training plan the next day (just remember that on your rest day you have to workout!)

Why Do I Run?

" I run so that I can help those who can only walk"


Merry Christmas!!!! I love Christmas and today I am resting and playing with the kids and husband. NO running or exercising....just time with the family...talking about running (just kidding). Without the birth of Christ, I would not be able to run or do anything, so I am thankful for this day and look forward to it every year!! Since it is Christmas, this blog will be short (sort of...the kids are watching tv and my husband is watching the winter olympics so I have a little time to blog).


Many people ask me why do I run (so many people think I am crazy and have become obsessed with running and exercising..hey it could be worse...I could be addicted to something illegal or immoral :o). When asked why do I run, at first I didn't know what to say, but then I came up with the statement at the top of this post. This is what I now tell people. When I ran in the gobble jog, I asked people to donate money to help those who are less fortunate (MUST ministries...Faith based organization receives funds raised from the Gobbble jog and I wanted to raise money to help MUST ministries since they help so many people) and I really enjoyed raising money and running for a purpose besides trying to beat my last time. As a matter of fact, I plan on raising funds for an organization next year for some of the races I run (haven't talked to the Organization's CEO, so I will not mention it until the deal is sealed). So I run to help those who can't run right now because of circumstances that have left them unable to run physicall or mentally. Knowing that running can help someone else motivates me to continue to run and set new goals. I never had the motivation or even a slight interest in running a 5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon, or Marathon until September. I never even liked exercising outside or doing anything outside that required me to sweat (sweating in the gym is different than outside because you can cool off with a fan, plus the air is on). I only liked doing aerobic classes or weight training, and as far as running was concerned, I only liked running on the treadmill or running in the gym for short periods of time. The two trainers that I workout with (Dennis and Asia) can vouch that I don't like to sweat or miss up my hair (well, the hair thing is no longer an issue, after getting it cut and buying a hat to work out in, I should be OK...for now). Below is a picture of me with Grace...the one who tricked me into running (well, I guess I should thank her).

After finishing this race without even training or preparing myself to run a 5K ( had on walking shoes), I decided that running was not that bad, as a matter of fact, it was fun! I signed up for my next race (Race to See), went to Big Peach and got a pair of running shoes and the rest is history! I signed up for the ING 5K, Race to See 5K, Strong Legs 5K, Gobble Jog 5K, and Jingle Jog 5K. I wanted to do two more races before the end of the year, but have decided to actually plan to run a 5K , 10K, 1/2 marathon, and eventually a marathon. I think if I train and prepare myself before the race (not just mentally), I probably could run faster and longer. So I am participating the ING 1/2 marathon training program and I am really excited. I have read articles by Galloway and ordered one of his books, but I hope the training program will provide me with the knowledge and training to run faster and longer, but also the motivation not to give up. Right now I am highly motivated (I created a spreadsheet with all the races I have completed and want to run in 2010 and it was fun!!!), but I am sure as time goes on, there will be days that I don't want to do anything but eat chicken scampi and garlic bread!!

OK, that is enough for today. Tomorrow is my endurance run (3 miles). I want to run longer, but I am going to follow the plan. I will also post my spreadsheet of upcoming races in the Cobb County area (Marietta, Smyrna) in 2010, as well as my training programs and other interesting sites I have found during my 3 month running journey.

The Holidays...this is not the time to be concerned about calories!!

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I love the Christmas songs (Josh Groban - O'Holy Night is one of my favorites), shopping for others, and relaxing. This is also the time where there so much food to eat that it is crazy!!!! I have allowed myself to eat a couple of things, but I am trying to eat healthy so that I can be prepard for the next race (1/23/10 - Polar Bear 5K). I must finish in under 30 minutes!

I ran this morning (2 miles was today's goal on the 1/2 marathon training program) and it was easy. I could have finished faster but this crazy looking dude was at the park running and I didn't trust him and no one else was around. So I had to alter my run so that I was visible at all times by the people going to Publix to get their last minute items for Christmas dinner. It was really nice outside (had to be a little over 40 degrees) and I felt really good. After my run, I also went to Publix to get some Mix1 (love making my own protein drinks, but Mix1 is so good). I just have to remember to warm up before my runs and cool down after the run.


After my run, I came home and my husband gave me a new challenge. Six pack abs in 3 months. I laughed because I am so motivated and believe I can do anything at this point in my life (I can do all things throught Christ who Stregthens me!). So I am not only preparing for my first 1/2 marathon, but I am also working on getting my body toned. I love it when he challenges me!!! He then says he is hungry and I suggest we go to Olive Garden...hey I have 3 months to get the abs, and right now I want some bread sticks with Chicken Scampi!!! I decided to wear my runner girl hoodie because I just love it!!! I run like a girl.....but try and catch me!! A lady stopped me at the restaurant so that she could read my shirt and then yelled "Chick Power". It was too funny!!! I told my husband to watch out because girls rule!!!

So with the 1/2 marathon training program and my husbands challenge, I have some work to do and I just have to get it done!!!

Believe the Impossible

"Chase your dreams and you will catch them!"

That is what Dane Rauschenberg signed in the book he gave me at the 2009 Atlanta Marathon Expo (I forgot to bring my checkbook and I didn't have any cash, so how I got the book is another story that I will also never forget, but I did send him a check in the mail). Meeting Dane was an example of what I call a meeting ordained by God. In less than 5 minutes, I had made a commitment to never give up and to not only chase, but catch my dreams. I was also reminded that there are still good people in the world who actually enjoy helping others achieve their goals in life. The best part was that my daughter was with me and he also made a postive impact on her!

Who is Dane? Dane is an american long distance runner who ran 52 marathons, one every weekend, throughout 2006. He raised over $43,000 for charity (L'Arche was the charity), as part of an effort he called "Fiddy2". Dane was in Atlanta because he was running the ATL Marathon.

At the expo, Dane listened to me as I told him that I had just started running 2 months ago (well, I think I am still jogging more than running) and was running a 5K in the morning (MUST Ministries Gobble Jog). I am sure he was wondering what I was doing at the ATL Marathon expo and not even running in the race the next day, but he just smiled and told me that I would do an awesome job in the morning. He then told me that 5k was just the beginning and that I could run a marathon. I told him that I had wanted to run a marathon, but wasn't sure if I was ready or if I would ever be ready. He told me that I could do it and should do it. He said that I must continue to chase my dreams because I would catch them! Words are so powerful because after he told me that, I felt like I had just given birth to a new dream (OK, I can't think of anything else to describe the moment). At that moment it was a done deal. I was going to run the ING 1/2 marathon in March and do the marathon in November. God tells us in his word that all things are possile to those who believe and I had become a believer....I believed that I could run and finish a marathon, as well as accomplish any goal.

The next morning during I was so excited about my future and ran a good race (finished in 30:02 - this is without training and doing what I call a fast jog). I also sent Dennis an email (one of the ING Trainers) and told him that I was ready for the ING 1/2 Marathon training program. Dennis is an awesome trainer and his bootcamp classes have really helped me to lose and maintain my weight, as well as become stronger (I can actually do push ups). I was ready to do whatever he or Asia (the other trainer) wanted me to do!!! 2 minute sprints, suicides, as well as run 7 flights of stairs 5 times (well, the stair exercises can be modified).

So as I prepare for the 1/2 marathon and marathon races in 2010, I wanted to create a blog to share my thoughts and accomplishments. I have met many people who enjoy running over the last couple of months and I also want to document what they have told me so that others can read it and get inspired to chase their dreams. My goal is to document all of my races for 2009 and 2010.