I am happy to write that this is day 2 of running for me! You read that right, I said, "running"!
I had such a greatThanksgiving day with my hubby and enjoyed really yummy non-traditional food of venison, brussels sprouts, pumpkin and sweet potato soup and a butter lettuce salad. The next day, we headed off to cut down our Christmas tree at our usual place, Butler Christmas Tree Farm. Every year we go, we head to the back of the farm and have fun wandering around looking for that perfect tree and every year, we find it! I love this time of year, and always have. It's this time of year that makes me appreciate all of the things great and small in my life and I thank God for blessing me with all of them!
Sunday we decided to head out for a run and I was a bit nervous because of my leg, however, I had a conversation with my lower leg. The conversation that took place went something like this, "leg, I don't care if you hurt and break in half I am not stopping. So, if you feel like acting up, think again because I'm not going to stop". While on my run I had a brief moment of pain and it went away. I immediately thought to myself, "hmm...maybe that whole mind/body conversation thing works". Thinking I scared the crap out of my lower leg, I continued on for a total of 4 miles! This was the furthest I've run in 2 months and it felt tough but great! I didn't worry about pace or what I looked like. I was running at what is for me, a really slow pace, but that's alright. I kept repeating the mantra, "one day at a time".
Today Martin and I headed out for our runs again. I had the same talk with my leg and off I went. I didn't know how far I was going to run, I just knew I was going to take it nice and easy and slow. The weather the last two days has been pretty chilly (real feel of 33 degrees), but I was dressed appropriately. I knew I'd be running slower, so my last two runs were done in Mizuno pants, long-sleeved tech shirt and a vest with gloves and ear warming band. I had a little bit of pain in my leg that quickly went away and I ended up running a total of 5 miles! I arrived back home and proudly proclaimed to Martin, "I just ran 5 miles! That's the longest I've run in 2 months!" He was pretty excited for me! Tomorrow's run will be a slow 3 miles, as I don't want to do too much too soon. I'm already looking forward to it!
Tonight I went to the gym with a friend, Leslie, in our building. She saw me in the laundry room last week and we got to talking about weight loss and working out. She and her fiancé belong to the same gym we do, so she threw out the idea of working out together sometime. I figured it would be cool to do because it would hold me accountable in actually getting to the gym.
I met Leslie in the lobby of our building and off we went! She worked legs while I was on the Elliptical and then when she was on the Elliptical, I was working upper body. It was a nice hour workout and then we headed home.
I ended up doing 15 minutes at levels 6 and 9 on the Elliptical. I then did the following:
Tricep Pull-Down: 3 sets of 12 with 30 lbs
Chest Press: 3 sets of 12 with 15 pounds
Lat Pulldowns: 3 sets of 12 with 40 pounds, 55 pounds and then back to 40 pounds, respectively
Low Rows: 3 sets of 12 with 40 pounds
Alternating Bicep Curls: 3 sets of 12 with 10 pounds
Needless to say, I am really excited about my effort the last two days. I am looking forward to my run tomorrow and spending some quality time with Martin! Ok, off to read my Oxygen magazine. Good night!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
The Whispers of the Appalachian Trail......
Who would have thought that a race called the JFK 50 Miler would touch my soul and my husband's soul so deeply?
Back in July, my husband decided to run his first Ultra Marathon and signed up for the JFK 50 Miler. He was pretty excited about it and I was excited for him. As stated in my earlier post, towards the end of the training cycle leading up to the race, life stresses happened. He didn't train as much as he would have liked to and our spirits in general were just down. When I started this blog, I was on my way to mentally healing and moving forward. The race this past weekend capped it off and closed that chapter for good.
Here's a little recap: I spent Wednesday night shopping for healthy road snacks, doing laundry and cleaning. I packed cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes in baggies for snacks and made turkey sandwiches for lunch. I also bought some pretzels and Baked chips for a snack and a case of bottled water. We departed Thursday afternoon and headed off to the east. There was still a black cloud hovering over due to my having to discuss a few issues with my former employer about a few things and that kind of tainted the good mood we were in as we drove off. We spent the night in Youngstown and then headed to Hagerstown Friday morning. Upon arrival, there was such a great vibe that came over the both of us. The old historic town was just too cool for words and it was a nice treat to be out of the big city and all of the stresses that go with it. We arrived to our hotel and it was the hotel that hosted race packet pick up. May I just state for the record that Ultra runners are some of the most down to earth people I've met? Their presence and the aura of the surrounding mountains, fresh air and calm atmosphere was just what our souls needed.
Martin and I headed off to a really cool, local italian restaurant for dinner. It was a neat little place located right inside a small strip mall and it was run by 3 people - literally. As Martin and I sat there waiting for our dinner I grew impatient, as all I ordered was a soup and a salad. He ordered spaghetti and meatballs and soup. We noticed a lot of locals eating and a few fellow racers as well. About 1 hour after our arrival, we still had nothing. I started getting antsy and irritable because I was tired and hungry and I'm impatient by nature. Martin told me to relax because there were only 3 people working there (including the chef) and that we're just used to everything being so fast because of the big city. He was right! At that moment, I realized I was being taught a valuable lesson...right there in that moment of time. It was subtle, but God was reminding me that I had talked to Him and sought His guidance and He was letting me learn. I stated that I'm impatient by nature and this is a downfall; something that needs to be changed. Impatience has caused me stress, running the gamut from road rage to running/training/losing weight. Part of becoming who I desire to be and how I want to reach the goals I set will require patience. My lesson began on Friday night.........
Saturday morning we get up at 5am, get dressed and head out the door with our dog, Hana. We drove to Boonsboro and met our friend, Kevin Fitzgerald in the high school gym. Martin was a bit nervous because this was a new experience for him. I was nervous, because I've never crewed for anyone before. After the race director's speech in the gym regarding trail conditions (yes, 15.5 miles of the race is run through the Appalachian Trail), we headed off to the start.
Begin next lesson: work on determination. I have seen runners at many race distances, however, there was something really different about the faces of these ultra runners. You could just look at there expression and into their eyes and it was as if a switch went off in their minds and they were now in "race" mode. I cannot explain it, but it was something really intriguing to me. My initial thought? "wow, so this is what determination and wanting something really bad looks like". My second thought? "wow, I actually, really do want that feeling". Martin and Kevin started jogging to the start line and I was in tow about a block behind for 2 reasons: 1) I couldn't keep up because I'm out of shape and 2) I had a backpack full of supplies for the day on my back, a bag full of food on my shoulder, my purse, a coffee in one hand and my dog on her leash in the other hand, all while running in UGG boots (not advised unless you want blisters). I made it just in time to give Martin a kiss and he took off and began his incredible journey; one that would stick him for a lifetime.
Our friend Kevin and I headed off to a pancake breakfast put on by the local Boyscouts. We met some really, really cool people inside the church gym. We spoke with locals and they kept stating how impressed they were that people were running the Appalachian Trail, as the Trail was never meant to be run on. The crowd was a mix of other support crew members and local residents. After a great meal, Kevin and I headed off to the first meeting place and handed Martin his banana, Stinger Waffle and bottle of Hammer infused water. It was at the second location that Kevin said he wanted to run with Martin because he knew it would be a tough stretch for him. After all, it would be mile 27 that he met up with him and he committed to running to mile 38 with him. I departed Kevin and Hana and I drove off to the third meeting location, Taylor's Landing. While driving there, Hana was sleeping in the passenger seat and I was privileged to drive the winding roads through the hills with unbelievable views with windows rolled down. Kid Rock's song, "Born Free", was playing in the CD player as I absorbed the views and smells of my drive. I saw tree tops meeting top to top above me on the road, creating a tunnel as if to say, "welcome to the mountains, may you take a piece of them with you". I passed Civil War markers and farm houses with horses. The skyline wasn't full of buildings and planes, rather, mountain ridges and pine trees.
Upon my arrival at Taylor's Landing, Hana and I mixed Martin's Hammer drink, peeled his banana and unwrapped his Stinger Waffle. I was blessed to have a little over an hour to take in the most amazing views. I stood in front of a wide river that flowed with a lot of force. I remember closing my eyes, hearing the sound of the wind blowing and the river rushing past. I bottled those sounds and feelings connected to them in my mind. It was like nature opened up her home to me for that moment in time. Martin and Kevin approached and Martin continued on. Kevin and I drove off to the final meeting place, which would be mile 46. Kevin said, "Lisa, why don't you go up the road a little bit and get ready to run with him. This will be the last location where you'll get to do so". I changed out of my UGGs and into my running shoes and headed up the road. I saw Martin cresting the hill and began to run with him telling him he could do it and that he only had 4 more miles to go. I told him to keep up the great job and keep going, 1 mile at a time. On the drive to the finish line, I realized that I need to say stuff like that to myself, too.
At the finish, Martin ran strong and proud. I cheered strong and proud because I was so excited for him and so proud of his effort and impressive finish. I was also consumed with a lot of happiness and peacefulness; something happened at Taylor's Landing. I can't describe exactly what, but God spoke to me through nature and healed my soul. God healed Martin's soul throughout the race and being in nature.
I met him at the finish line right after he crossed and we hugged and he cried. He was so overwhelmed with pride that his soul celebrated by letting tears flow. We kissed and we knew that the black cloud was gone and that the stresses of the prior month(s) were long gone. Our souls had been cleansed and our minds put to ease.
November 19, 2011 at 7am.....it's amazing what can happen 7 hours and 45 minutes later....
Back in July, my husband decided to run his first Ultra Marathon and signed up for the JFK 50 Miler. He was pretty excited about it and I was excited for him. As stated in my earlier post, towards the end of the training cycle leading up to the race, life stresses happened. He didn't train as much as he would have liked to and our spirits in general were just down. When I started this blog, I was on my way to mentally healing and moving forward. The race this past weekend capped it off and closed that chapter for good.
Here's a little recap: I spent Wednesday night shopping for healthy road snacks, doing laundry and cleaning. I packed cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes in baggies for snacks and made turkey sandwiches for lunch. I also bought some pretzels and Baked chips for a snack and a case of bottled water. We departed Thursday afternoon and headed off to the east. There was still a black cloud hovering over due to my having to discuss a few issues with my former employer about a few things and that kind of tainted the good mood we were in as we drove off. We spent the night in Youngstown and then headed to Hagerstown Friday morning. Upon arrival, there was such a great vibe that came over the both of us. The old historic town was just too cool for words and it was a nice treat to be out of the big city and all of the stresses that go with it. We arrived to our hotel and it was the hotel that hosted race packet pick up. May I just state for the record that Ultra runners are some of the most down to earth people I've met? Their presence and the aura of the surrounding mountains, fresh air and calm atmosphere was just what our souls needed.
Martin and I headed off to a really cool, local italian restaurant for dinner. It was a neat little place located right inside a small strip mall and it was run by 3 people - literally. As Martin and I sat there waiting for our dinner I grew impatient, as all I ordered was a soup and a salad. He ordered spaghetti and meatballs and soup. We noticed a lot of locals eating and a few fellow racers as well. About 1 hour after our arrival, we still had nothing. I started getting antsy and irritable because I was tired and hungry and I'm impatient by nature. Martin told me to relax because there were only 3 people working there (including the chef) and that we're just used to everything being so fast because of the big city. He was right! At that moment, I realized I was being taught a valuable lesson...right there in that moment of time. It was subtle, but God was reminding me that I had talked to Him and sought His guidance and He was letting me learn. I stated that I'm impatient by nature and this is a downfall; something that needs to be changed. Impatience has caused me stress, running the gamut from road rage to running/training/losing weight. Part of becoming who I desire to be and how I want to reach the goals I set will require patience. My lesson began on Friday night.........
Saturday morning we get up at 5am, get dressed and head out the door with our dog, Hana. We drove to Boonsboro and met our friend, Kevin Fitzgerald in the high school gym. Martin was a bit nervous because this was a new experience for him. I was nervous, because I've never crewed for anyone before. After the race director's speech in the gym regarding trail conditions (yes, 15.5 miles of the race is run through the Appalachian Trail), we headed off to the start.
Begin next lesson: work on determination. I have seen runners at many race distances, however, there was something really different about the faces of these ultra runners. You could just look at there expression and into their eyes and it was as if a switch went off in their minds and they were now in "race" mode. I cannot explain it, but it was something really intriguing to me. My initial thought? "wow, so this is what determination and wanting something really bad looks like". My second thought? "wow, I actually, really do want that feeling". Martin and Kevin started jogging to the start line and I was in tow about a block behind for 2 reasons: 1) I couldn't keep up because I'm out of shape and 2) I had a backpack full of supplies for the day on my back, a bag full of food on my shoulder, my purse, a coffee in one hand and my dog on her leash in the other hand, all while running in UGG boots (not advised unless you want blisters). I made it just in time to give Martin a kiss and he took off and began his incredible journey; one that would stick him for a lifetime.
Our friend Kevin and I headed off to a pancake breakfast put on by the local Boyscouts. We met some really, really cool people inside the church gym. We spoke with locals and they kept stating how impressed they were that people were running the Appalachian Trail, as the Trail was never meant to be run on. The crowd was a mix of other support crew members and local residents. After a great meal, Kevin and I headed off to the first meeting place and handed Martin his banana, Stinger Waffle and bottle of Hammer infused water. It was at the second location that Kevin said he wanted to run with Martin because he knew it would be a tough stretch for him. After all, it would be mile 27 that he met up with him and he committed to running to mile 38 with him. I departed Kevin and Hana and I drove off to the third meeting location, Taylor's Landing. While driving there, Hana was sleeping in the passenger seat and I was privileged to drive the winding roads through the hills with unbelievable views with windows rolled down. Kid Rock's song, "Born Free", was playing in the CD player as I absorbed the views and smells of my drive. I saw tree tops meeting top to top above me on the road, creating a tunnel as if to say, "welcome to the mountains, may you take a piece of them with you". I passed Civil War markers and farm houses with horses. The skyline wasn't full of buildings and planes, rather, mountain ridges and pine trees.
Upon my arrival at Taylor's Landing, Hana and I mixed Martin's Hammer drink, peeled his banana and unwrapped his Stinger Waffle. I was blessed to have a little over an hour to take in the most amazing views. I stood in front of a wide river that flowed with a lot of force. I remember closing my eyes, hearing the sound of the wind blowing and the river rushing past. I bottled those sounds and feelings connected to them in my mind. It was like nature opened up her home to me for that moment in time. Martin and Kevin approached and Martin continued on. Kevin and I drove off to the final meeting place, which would be mile 46. Kevin said, "Lisa, why don't you go up the road a little bit and get ready to run with him. This will be the last location where you'll get to do so". I changed out of my UGGs and into my running shoes and headed up the road. I saw Martin cresting the hill and began to run with him telling him he could do it and that he only had 4 more miles to go. I told him to keep up the great job and keep going, 1 mile at a time. On the drive to the finish line, I realized that I need to say stuff like that to myself, too.
At the finish, Martin ran strong and proud. I cheered strong and proud because I was so excited for him and so proud of his effort and impressive finish. I was also consumed with a lot of happiness and peacefulness; something happened at Taylor's Landing. I can't describe exactly what, but God spoke to me through nature and healed my soul. God healed Martin's soul throughout the race and being in nature.
I met him at the finish line right after he crossed and we hugged and he cried. He was so overwhelmed with pride that his soul celebrated by letting tears flow. We kissed and we knew that the black cloud was gone and that the stresses of the prior month(s) were long gone. Our souls had been cleansed and our minds put to ease.
November 19, 2011 at 7am.....it's amazing what can happen 7 hours and 45 minutes later....
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Enjoying The Start Of A New Beginning Toward Health
To those that know me, I'm the picture of health because I'm always talking about running, my races and my diet. Little do they know that I have slacked quite a bit in my approach to a healthy lifestyle. Sure, some of it is due to a lot that has happened recently, however, if I'm honest with myself, a lot of it has to do with simply being lazy.
I didn't want to start a blog until I felt that I was ready; ready to document my thoughts outside of my mind. I sat and thought one day that I may just be able to help not only myself through my blog, but others as well. I had this thought because I read a blog on SparkPeople that was created by a woman looking to lose weight. She had posted about how she started running and she didn't care if she was over 200 pounds and what she looked like. Each day, she got dressed and headed out the door and put one foot in front of the other. That whole blog post resonated with me, and I really respected her thought process as she had way more confidence than I.
Recently, I checked out Tosca Reno's, "Your Best Body Now" book from our local library. I soon found myself hooked on the chapters of the book. She is a really amazing woman that has overcome obesity and she does an excellent job explaining her approach to weight loss. I ended up purchasing her book, "The Eat-Clean Diet Workout" book and it breaks down weight training and even has a log to keep track of the workouts. Surely, I could do this, right?
The problem I face is consistency with training and diet. I have the most grandiose visions of where I want to be health wise, inside and out. I'll start something (like a running training plan) and I'm full steam ahead for 2 weeks. Unfortunately, the steam dissipates and I'm off the wagon. This needs to change.
You may be wondering how I ended up here and why now. Well, I used to blog all the time about my running and my races. I found that I was losing myself in always challenging myself; that the running was becoming not so fun to me. I was getting burned out and injured and the injuries, in turn, got me depressed. When I got depressed, I ate and drank a couple of glasses of wine. Sometimes it was beer instead of the wine.
To give a summary on my last month: October 9th: I DNF'd (did not finish) the Chicago Marathon due to a sprained ankle and stress reaction in my tibia. I got to mile 16 and had to ride the bus to the finish. October 11th: we received a call that my husband Martin's uncle died suddenly. We spent the day with family and over the course of the week, my mother and father in law arrived into Chicago to attend the funeral. Uncle Dennis was so great and it was such a shock for everyone. Martin had started working nights, so our routines got turned upside down. This was a really big adjustment for us. Then on November 2 I was laid off of work. Needless to say, we were so emotionally drained and physically drained due to stress that it was easier to just not do anything. I mean, I have literally not worked out and/or ran in over a month. This is in part to my injuries, however, the one type of working out I did do was eat...and eat...and eat. For the first time in my life, I found comfort in food and my wine. I would get home from work and sit on the couch and start watching television. The house was quiet and I didn't like it; I still don't, however, I'm adjusting with the fact that it's short term. What I should have been doing was going to the gym and getting in cross training, but I chose to have a pity party instead.
The other day, I went to put on my dress pants and they were too tight. These are the same pants that were baggy on me. Martin's cousin got married over the weekend and I put on my used to be baggy khakis and WOW, did they look tight on me. This was the moment in time when I said to myself, "enough is enough". No more wasting time. This time I'm doing it and I don't care how long it takes me. I want the new, healthier me so bad that I can just taste it!
So, here I sit with 30 pounds to lose. I have completed my second run since my DNF at Chicago and injury. Yesterday I ran 2 miles and today I ran 3. I will have a separate blog post for that. I am continuing to read Tosca's books and incorporate her eating habits and techniques into my diet. I'm going to be going to the gym and running consistently. I am going to be tracking my food intake. I am happy to state that I have substituted tea in place of the wine/beer. Oh, and I am starting a new job with a great group of people. Yep, things are looking up! :)
I didn't want to start a blog until I felt that I was ready; ready to document my thoughts outside of my mind. I sat and thought one day that I may just be able to help not only myself through my blog, but others as well. I had this thought because I read a blog on SparkPeople that was created by a woman looking to lose weight. She had posted about how she started running and she didn't care if she was over 200 pounds and what she looked like. Each day, she got dressed and headed out the door and put one foot in front of the other. That whole blog post resonated with me, and I really respected her thought process as she had way more confidence than I.
Recently, I checked out Tosca Reno's, "Your Best Body Now" book from our local library. I soon found myself hooked on the chapters of the book. She is a really amazing woman that has overcome obesity and she does an excellent job explaining her approach to weight loss. I ended up purchasing her book, "The Eat-Clean Diet Workout" book and it breaks down weight training and even has a log to keep track of the workouts. Surely, I could do this, right?
The problem I face is consistency with training and diet. I have the most grandiose visions of where I want to be health wise, inside and out. I'll start something (like a running training plan) and I'm full steam ahead for 2 weeks. Unfortunately, the steam dissipates and I'm off the wagon. This needs to change.
You may be wondering how I ended up here and why now. Well, I used to blog all the time about my running and my races. I found that I was losing myself in always challenging myself; that the running was becoming not so fun to me. I was getting burned out and injured and the injuries, in turn, got me depressed. When I got depressed, I ate and drank a couple of glasses of wine. Sometimes it was beer instead of the wine.
To give a summary on my last month: October 9th: I DNF'd (did not finish) the Chicago Marathon due to a sprained ankle and stress reaction in my tibia. I got to mile 16 and had to ride the bus to the finish. October 11th: we received a call that my husband Martin's uncle died suddenly. We spent the day with family and over the course of the week, my mother and father in law arrived into Chicago to attend the funeral. Uncle Dennis was so great and it was such a shock for everyone. Martin had started working nights, so our routines got turned upside down. This was a really big adjustment for us. Then on November 2 I was laid off of work. Needless to say, we were so emotionally drained and physically drained due to stress that it was easier to just not do anything. I mean, I have literally not worked out and/or ran in over a month. This is in part to my injuries, however, the one type of working out I did do was eat...and eat...and eat. For the first time in my life, I found comfort in food and my wine. I would get home from work and sit on the couch and start watching television. The house was quiet and I didn't like it; I still don't, however, I'm adjusting with the fact that it's short term. What I should have been doing was going to the gym and getting in cross training, but I chose to have a pity party instead.
The other day, I went to put on my dress pants and they were too tight. These are the same pants that were baggy on me. Martin's cousin got married over the weekend and I put on my used to be baggy khakis and WOW, did they look tight on me. This was the moment in time when I said to myself, "enough is enough". No more wasting time. This time I'm doing it and I don't care how long it takes me. I want the new, healthier me so bad that I can just taste it!
So, here I sit with 30 pounds to lose. I have completed my second run since my DNF at Chicago and injury. Yesterday I ran 2 miles and today I ran 3. I will have a separate blog post for that. I am continuing to read Tosca's books and incorporate her eating habits and techniques into my diet. I'm going to be going to the gym and running consistently. I am going to be tracking my food intake. I am happy to state that I have substituted tea in place of the wine/beer. Oh, and I am starting a new job with a great group of people. Yep, things are looking up! :)
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