Plantar-Fasciitis??

OK, so I've been having heel pain since the Jingle Bell run back in November. Literally STOPPED exercising in Feb and March cuz it hurt too darn much.

Running guru Amanda listened to me whine then found me this site: www.plantar-fasciitis.org.

Sounds pretty much like what I've got going on. When I stop and stretch out my calves while walking and really get warmed up, it doesn't hurt quite so much. Thinking maybe I should take the ibuprofen before I walk so maybe by the end of the walk it will have kicked in! :)

So, I'm trying to walk at least 2x per week with a group from work - we're up about to 2.5 to 3 miles in our lunch break on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This is a far cry from where I was hoping to be before the marathon in October, BUT I can still make it there if I can just figure out a long-term solution for this heel pain.

I'm still here!

Ok ok. I'm still here, I promise. Just not doing so well with my plans and I didn't want to post negative thoughts or get yelled at. Some much for wanting to be held accountable, huh?

I'm actually too tired to write alot right now. But, know that I'm still trying for the half marathon in about 12 weeks. But, also know my body is rebelling lately and I can't complete more than 1.5 miles before I breakdown. Possibly due to lack of sleep, but also diet and mental frustrations in other areas.

Why exactly did I decide to do this??

Jingle Bell Run Update

Today was the Jingle Bell Run and I had high hopes that were soon squashed.

I got there early enough to get a walk in to warm up, so I could start off the race runing instead of walking. Which was cool - and it worked. For about 1k.

(start of race - I'm at the far left of pic, in purple jacket)

After that first 1k, my left ankle really started hurting and I slowed to a walk. A slow walk. Even that hurt. I thought - "I can't make it up this hill - not at all!" (from JCCC entrance on College to the corner of Quivira for those who know the area). Yanked my headphones from my ears, hoping the sound of the cards whizzing past would stir up my adrenaline a little. I literally had tears falling down my cheeks as I got mad at myself for being this "fragile" and easily broken. I honestly thought it would be better to just stop, sit down and have myself a good cry.

But, I didn't. I kept walking. I adjusted my expectations and decided that to WALK (even really slowly) and finish would be better than to feel sorry for myself and stop.

Eventully a nice woman named Bridget stepped up beside me and struck up a conversation. I matched her pace and she got me through the race. Literally. Without her, I don't think I would have finished. We talked about being atheletes in high school and husbands and kids and God and who knows what else. Anything to keep from focusing on how the race wasn't turning out to be what we expected and to keep us moving. I also reazlied at some point my ankle stopped hurting and I probably could have run again (and run the whole rest of the way!)- but I thought that talking to her was more important than trying to get a lower time.

As we got close to the end, I said "you wanna sprint it out?" (We had both been sprinters in high school - but it sounds like she was much better than I was!) She agreed and off we went. That last 100 meters felt GREAT (and they got pics of it...)!

(me in purple, Bridget in red)

The sprint didn't make a lot of difference to my time (kept me under 51 minutes but that's about it) but it made a world of difference to my attitude. To know that I finished the race and that I could overcome my internal issues was really cool. So - thank you Bridget wherever you might be now. I owe this race to you!

================
Official results
50:46.8
(same as my iPod and watch)

Women 30-34
24th

Overall
269

sprinting to the finish line -->

Running Update

After the Pumpkin Run I hit a small snag and didn't do anything for THREE weeks. Yeah - bad - I know. I was really hurting after the run, as it was really the first time I'd been on the road instead of a treadmill and it is much different on the legs! Then, everyone in the family got sick off and on and it wasn't worth it to me to try to run at that point.

But, since I said I'd be doing the Jingle Bell 5k on Sunday, 16 November, I figured I better get my booty moving!

Since last Sunday was such a pretty day and I woke up early even with the time change, I went for a 3-miler outside. Amazing to me was that my time was pretty close to what I did the Pumpkin Run in, so maybe the break wasn't a bad thing.

Last night I had a meeting that I was pretty pumped after, so I decided to run after the kids went to bed. I wasn't able to do the full three miles but I was able to run at about an 11-minute pace for a solid 15-minutes. That's another first for me!

Although we're heading into cold weather now, I have realized that I like running outside more than inside. Here's a few reason why:

1. Quitting on a treadmill is way too easy - outside you have to make it all the way back home, whether you want to stop moving or not!
   
2. There are more "good distractions" outside - like bumps in the road, cars, other people. There are more "bad distractions" inside - kids, spouse, TV, telephone, computer
   
3. There are more "next points" outside - "I can make it to the next....pole, sign, crack in the sidewalk, tree, the next car passes, the next runner passes, etc. Inside, the only "next points" are songs and commercials - or ticks of the clock!
   
4. FRESH AIR! Plus the occasional cold breeze is much better than depending on the ceiling fan in a heated house!
   
5. If I talk to myself while running - words of encouragement, of course - no one is around to give me funny looks. My husband, on the other hand, comes and makes fun of me talking to myself. :-)

Pumpkin Run/Walk Results

The Pumpkin Run was last Saturday and the results are in...

My official race time was 51:17 with a shot gun start. For those of you who are non-runners or newbies like me, this means that everyone's time is based off the shotgun (start) but not unnecessarily a specific indicator of how fast each individual actually ran, since it takes some time for each runner to actually cross the finish line!

Since I had my iPod and handy Nike+attached, I was able to get my "actual" time as well. For me, this was 41:04. My goal was to finish in less than 45 minutes and I DID IT! Yea me!

I didn't get an "official" race photo, so you don't get to see me in my pretty BRIGHT orange t-shirt. But, I was there and it was fun.

Next race...Jingle Bell 5k on November 16 (other than cold...it's supposed to be very cold...we'll see how THAT works!)

Thanks Amanda!

So - I took Amanda's advice on my last post and tried two things - going FASTER when I was down and grabbing a focus point (next pole, next, X, next Y, etc) and both helped.

I found that once I lengthened my stride and "sped up", I wasn't hurting quite as much and bouncing much less. That was good. My calves are still very tight no matter what but I think part of that is from the lack of physical exercise for years and part might be my shoes. I really need to get those figured out.

On the second item, it's hard to get a "focus point" since I'm on a treadmill. But, I did push myself through "this slow part" or sometimes "to the next chorus" based on the song that was on. Also, since I have the TV on ("Clean House" with closed captioning tonight) I could push myself to the next part of the show - the end of the yard sale, through this commercial, etc. That seemed to help too, as I wasn't as focused on the exact passage of time but I still had a general sense of long had passed since the show has a definite timeline.

Last, but certainly not least, when I got really mad at myself at the end, I said "Dammit Girl, you can DO this! You gave NATURAL BIRTH to TWO munchkins. This shit is NOTHING!" And, my body knew that! I just had to remind myself that if I survived giving birth and raising two boys to the age of almost 7 then running for 35 minutes is NOTHING in the big scheme of things. And if I can do childbirth I can do damn near anything! :-)

OH - and for those who care, I went for 36 minutes tonight at a 13:53 pace for 2.57 miles! LONGEST DISTANCE EVER. Which is good since I have a 5k on Saturday and I was debating whether I'd be able to finish at all. I think I can now! :-)

Running Advice Needed!

Help! I just completed another 20+ minute walk/run and although I recorded my best mile to date (13:36 according to my Nike+ and Tiger Woods...) I can't seem to get past this 20-minute marker consistently - I was supposed to do 30 minutes run/walk tonight and couldn't go longer than 21 minutes.

I know I should probably slow my pace down, but that hurts so much more than running faster! I could walk the whole time, but I think that's defeating the purpose as well. Switching between walking and running is what's hurting me physically.

So - any hints on how to master this beginning part of my training? I can't seem to find a consistent pace/pattern to make it work well. I'll take any thoughts from novices and pros alike. Just HELP ME!

MY FIRST RACE

I just signed up to do my first "race" - The Jared Coones Pumpkin Run/Walk 5k here in Olathe, KS. It's a 3-mile course that I'm somewhat familiar with as it's in my BF Tina's old neighbordhood, more or less (I think...)

I know I can do 3 miles within an hour easily and hopefully I can push myself to do better than that. But, this adventure will be a good thing for me, no matter how I do. At the very least, I'll get a sense of what participating in a run will be like and what are some of the "To Do / NOT To Do" tips I've read might work for me (or not).

I'm also trying to raise additional funds for this worthy cause along with running in it. If you could contribute to my tiny little goal of $100, I would really appreciate it. Please follow this link to make a pledge now. Any amount will help me meet this goal!! THANKS!

Recent Workout

Sorry for the lack of updates - busy busy girl.

Tonight, best ever in lots of areas!

Time: 30 minutes - longest ever!
Mileage: 2 miles - farthest ever!
Pace: 14:45 - not my best ever, but still pretty good for me!
Calories Burned: 265 - probably the most ever, except maybe on the day I gave birth to the twins! :)

Days till Marathon - 185 and counting...

:-)

My Adventure Revealed

Well, if you know me, you know I'm really bad at keeping secrets. Especially ones about myself. And even more so about things I'm excited to share (Christmas is a mighty tough time for me to live through!)

So - since I've told my family AND gotten the go-ahead from the hubby AND my kids are pushing me out the door pretty much every day to do this AND I've already "let it slip" to a lot of people at my job, I guess there's not a lot of reason to keep it a secret anymore. Besides, you all can encourage me in my journey as is the point of this blog. :-)

I'm training to run a marathon!

There's several reasons why I've decided to do this (some more personal and abstract then others) but regardless it's a huge thing for me to say I'm going to do. I was a sprinter in high school track (not a GOOD sprinter, but definitely not a long-distance runner) and I played tennis and soccer. So - lots of up-on-the-toes running and not really long stamina needed. Basically the COMPLETE OPPOSITE of a marathon runner.

I have a 31-week training grid that started tonight. Just a 20-minute walk to start with, but it was surprising how tight my legs were and how hard it was for me to breath. All those years as a smoker are doing me in a little I think. But, the grid is very gradual and I don't even get to tracking distance versus time until week 12 or so - until then it's just building up walk/run time until I can get to 30-minutes of solid running only. (I've modified the 26-week grid from http://www.marathonrookie.com/)

I've probably also gone a little over the top in getting "ready" for this. Like new running clothes. And a sports watch (cheap and pink, but still, did I really need one?). An armband for my iPod. And of course the Nike+ sensor for my iPod (I don't have Nike+ shoes, but the sensor behaves just fine in my free New Balance shoes).

The Nike+ is probably my favorite little gadget EVER. I don't have to look at my new sports watch to track my time or calculate my speed - it does it for me! During my 20-minute walk today, the guy told me when I had gone 5, 10, 15,16,17,18,19 and 20 minutes. At any time I could push my button and find out how far I'd gone (and OK - it took me the full 20 minutes to go 1 mile. Realizing it takes me longer to do a mile outside than on my treadmill. For the record though, I went up a REALLY STEEP hill beside my house - like the first 10 minutes were uphill and the second half was back DOWN the hill).

Anyway...

The marathon I'm aiming for right now is the Olathe Marathon on March 29, 2009. Yes, exciting I know. But, if I survive that then I'll probably do the Kansas City Marathon in October 2009. Before the marathon I'm hoping to get in a few 5k and 10k, but because of when I'm starting training there won't be a lot of races to pick in the winter. If you know of any in the greater KC area between October and February, please pass them on.

But, let's just do this one step at a time... :-)

New Adventure

I'm embarking on a new healthy venture but I'm electing NOT to talk about it just yet. Just know that I've got a very INTENSE goal in mind that should culminate at the end of March next year. Yeah - about 32 weeks from now. And no, I'm not pregnant before anyone gets THAT bright idea in their head! :P

Don't worry - I WILL be sharing and soon - probably sometime within the next two weeks. I just need to do a little more research and be sure I'm truly up for the task - mentally more than physically. Physically I know I can make myself do darn near anything - mentally I have to make sure I'm not taking on too much and going to drive myself a little crazy in the process. But, I think it will be good.

Right now, the only person who knows is the hubby. And he actually said he'd support me in this endeavor. I don't know if he realizes that means there are days he's going to have to watch the kids for a few hours or that some days I may be more crabby than normal.

Anyway - know that there's stuff going on over here but I'm just not ready to share (or be held accountable for it!) Love to you all!

Good Husband

OK - so I haven't written in a LONG time again - that's just adhering to the old "No News is Good News" - right? Well, it's not all good of course, but there's nothing overly WRONG right now and nothing for which I need accounting. I'm doing the right things (more water, less soda, 1 coffee per day, working out - especially the karate) and very few of the bad (very little sweets or high carb foods) and the results are (s...l...o...w...l...y...) appearing.

Case in point...

This morning before I got completely dressed, my hubby looked me over and said "Are you losing weight?"

I thought 'Really? Cool!'

I told him "No, not losing per se, but I'm definitely toning up more and looking slimmer in my waist."

And he said - "Definitely. IT SHOWS."

Whoo hoo!

Good husband!

I feel fantastic!!

Ok, so maybe not the title you're glad to hear if you're having a bad month, but I really do feel fantastic and I have to share! I don't know if it's just because I know I'm in the home stretch of my surgery, but I've been working out 2 - 3 times per week and really enjoying it. If you know me. . .I've NEVER enjoyed working out. It was always too much like work. I'm seeing it trickle over into other things also. I have more energy and I'm not as hungry as I usually am - plus, I'm craving better foods. (Not the normal double cheeseburger and fries -- although I'm not turning away pizza.)

I think I just finally know I'm going to get the help I've needed for so long. After all the years of trying, failing and gaining more weight, I know I can't do this on my own and this tool is going to help me so much.

I hope your month is going well. I'll keep you gals in my prayers and hope your succeeding in all your goals! Love ya!

Exercise Games

It's been over two months since my last post... Wow - did that sound like the start of a Catholic confession or what??

Anyway, I really don't have much to say about the goal tending. I'm sucking on it big time! But, I am doing the karate every week, which is why I'm finally writing. I feel so much better every Wednesday morning than I do any other morning (except Sundays when I actually drag my butt to church and get my infusion of God!)

Anyway, with the Karate, I'm not only learning the self-defense moves and having fun with my kids, but I've also learned two cool "warm-up" routines (they call them GAMES at the dojo - HA!) that I wanted to share with you all!

===========================================
RUNNING THROUGH THE WOODS
Essentially, you are simply running in place. Mostly. With some twists. Every once in awhile, the leader will yell out "bird", "rock", "river", "hill", "bear", etc. and you have to do the required action to avoid the obstacle. Here's the list of actions:

1. Bird: squat down, then get up and start jogging again
2. Rock: jump up, then resume jogging
3. Bear: run in place fast, like you're being chased by a bear! When leader says you're safe, resume jogging
4. Hill: "surf" (one arm in front and one arm over your head, one foot in front, and the other back) down the hill. Once you're 'at the bottom' resume regular jogging again
5. River: Swim across the river then resume jogging "on the other side"
6. Tree: Side steps to get around tree. Resume jogging "on the other side"
7. Fallen Tree: hold arms out like you're on a balance beam and walk slowly "across" the log. Resume jogging "on the other side"
8. Mountain: "Climb" using arms and legs. For the "down part of the mountain", sit on your butt and bounce like you're sliding down. Resume jogging "at the bottom"

You can do these with your kids, with you acting as the part of the leader, calling out the obstacles and showing them what to do. Once they get the hang of it, let THEM be the leader (then it becomes a serious workout, cuz you never know what kids will do!). It's even more fun to combine them - say bird AND a rock at the same time or in quick sequence. Or, run into birds, rocks and trees while running from the bear. Or have a river on the mountain. You can just have all sorts of fun with this one!

===========================================
BALANCING ACT

This is more of a cool down, but it definitely strengthens your legs AND FEET!

Simply stand on one leg for as long as possible, then hop-switch to the other one (only one foot can ever be touching!) and stand on that as long as possible.

As a competition, you sit down when you stand with both feet until the last person is standing. If no one seems to be falling, make it harder!

1. Start with the 'up' foot parked on the down leg (resting against it)
2. Change it up so the up foot isn't parked.
3. Change again so the up leg has to be high-bent - thigh parallel to the ground.
4. If you need one still harder, have the up leg be STRAIGHT out (entire leg parallel to the ground).

===========================================
Hope you all enjoy these. Let me know if you try them out with or without your kids - would love to know what they think too!

Held Accountable

So - I haven't personally written a post since my little poem on April 2. Yep, OVER A MONTH. And, finally, Miss Teri made me feel bad and held me accountable with her little "where did everybody go..." post. *sigh* Guess I asked for it by starting this thing and I should play along now that we're in our 5th month! ;-)

Unfortunately, not a lot to post about out here in Kansas. It's finally getting to be nice weather outside, but I rarely have the time to truly enjoy it. But, I have found the time to start tanning ("fake bake" as a girl at work called it) and I realized how much I need that heavy-duty light! I miss windows - the cubicle world is getting a bit stuffy and old. But, the 12 total minutes I've spent in there so far have made me feel emotionally better, and a little more relaxed, so I think the 1-month membership was worth it (even if hubby does think it's a "waste of money").

Anyway, I'm hoping this month I can drop at least 10 lbs (or 2 inches) before Jazzoo. Yeah - big gala events for work are always my milestones. Or would they be my millstones? Anyway, I'm fairly certain it's not doable, BUT, I will be TAN, which makes me FEEL better and look healthier (Jazzoo was the reason I started fake baking again - not going as a ghost to an event until maybe Hilloween!)

The plan - walking. Lots of it. On days when I don't go to keep up the tan this month during lunch, I shall try to walk at least 30 minutes (although, it is the 8th and I have yet to do it this month!). If not at lunch, I'll try to get it in at home. Which is harded, cuz the house is a freaking mess and I have to get it clean before the 22nd when the sitter starts showing up for the end of May. Does housecleaning burn calories??

Plan continued - food. Gotta figure this part out. We keep some candy and snackies in the house for the boys (just cuz the grown-ups shouldn't eat it, doesn't mean the kids can't have some specials) but I keep eating them. Especially late at night. When I'm up alone. And really.really.really.really.bored. But, can't sleep - hit an insomnia kick again.

So - here I am, being accountable. Hope you enjoyed this step into my world. Later!

Scaled Back - A Weight-Loss Poem

I walked to the bathroom and what did I see?
The number on the scale winking at me!
The bright green numbers made me smile;
And if I could, I'd have walked a mile!
Since I haven't really been up to the task
Really, what more could this girl ask?
The numbers had shown a respectful dive
and stood out gleaming...

165!

Bring on April!

In about 30 mintues it will be April - can I get a Hallelujah?!?!

Although March officially 'broke' me, I know there were some high points:

• Turned 34 and survived.
• Won 2 movie tickets in a raffle.
• Found a new snack/meal thing that I just CRAVE (details below).
• Watched my first karate tourney where both sons did well and 1 even brought home a 1st place trophy! (yes, my kids' successes I claim as a high point!)
• Both boys brought home fairly decent grade cards (although Emily didn't...*sigh*).

Well, that's ony 5 things, but that's better than not being able to find ANY!

So - snack/meal thingy. I crave this so much that I'll probay go make myself another bowl when I'm done writing!

• 1/2 c. Dannon Light & Fit Vanilla Yogurt
• 1/2 c. Trail Mix Crunch cereal (Maple Nut & Brown Sugar flavor)
• handful of blueberries and/or sliced strawberries
• Layer as listed and eat - YUMMY!

Yeah - basically it's the yogurt parfait you can get at McDonald's, but the granola is more than just granola with the brown sugar and nuts. I think that's what I like it so much! Anyway, it makes a great quick snack or a great breakfast. And it's pretty darn healthy!

Now that's I've been relagated to sitting on a funky cushion or lying around all the time, I have SO much energy and I want to work out. Isn't that just the way it is with life?? Any suggestions people have for lying down exercises that don't involved my booty (which of course NEEDS the workout!) please share. Anything upper body related would be great (although nothing with weights or that requires repetitive arm movements - I don't know how, but I've got both tennis elbow AND golf elbow in my left arm and I'm supposed to rest it).

Here's to April and the JOY of putting March behind me!!

Marching Along

So, 10 days into the month and I really haven't been very good. I had LOTS of soda this weekend, movie theatre popcorn, cheesecake, doughnuts, very little water and almost no exercise.

I'm slowly coming out of my mood. slowly slowly slowly. At least now I'm starting to feel guilty for letting all my good works drop away. But, I can't find the care to DO anything about it yet.

I did ask Amanda to go for a walk with me this week - when the weather should be in the 70s again by mid-week. you know Amanda - the positive outlook commenter who seems to ALWAYS be on the right track? [I love you girl!] Hopefully, she'll get my butt moving in the right direction with her good vibes and positive outlook. :)

Otherwise, don't look for updates on my grid or daily plate. There aren't too many. There probably will be this week, just nothing major for this month yet.

I still have 3 weeks this month, so don't give up hope on me just yet!

Update, schmupdate

Read this post in my other blog so you know why I'm not updating anything or responding to anything:

http://reasonlight.blogspot.com/2008/03/ditto-heidi-ditto.html

Hopefully, I'll be back to my old self sometime in the next month...

February Wrap-Up | March Start-Up

Well, not much changed over the last two weeks. Even I got bored with myself and what I was doing, so I won't bore you with too many details. All-in-all there wasn't much change overall, except what I was drinking was definitely healthier!

The scale only dropped 4 lbs - and that was really wishful thinking more than anything. It fluctuated up and down a lot and it was back to 170 today (technically not Feb anymore, but you get the point.)

It was kinda of a bummer not to loose more than that, but i do notice that clothes fit better right now. I'm not talkin dropped dress sizes or anything, but all my 14 pants are definitely looser and I was actually able to wear my skinny 14s - with a belt required - when I went to church on Sunday. So - inches are dropped, just not the scale.

With that in mind, I hereby state my March goals.

1 thr 3) Repeat February goals with beverages: no soda, 1 coffee, 64 oz water. These are going pretty good and I think I can do better.

4) EXERCISE - moving up in priority! Rather than say I'm going to get in 30 minutes per day, I'm going to go 1hr for 3 days per week solid. I got too easily frustrated when I would miss this on Monday and Tuesday and figure "why bother" for the rest of the week. If I miss a day or two here or there, I can still meet my goal and I know that I, personally, will work better with a goal like this.

5) Shake, shake, shake. Yep, back on the Herbalife Shakes. Last time I tried these I lost 20, thought I had plataued, got cocky and stopped using it and put back on 10. Joe said I should try it again since it worked last time and no my own limits this time. So, for March at least, I'm back on for 2 shakes per day. No slacking, no soy milk substitutions, just mix and water. Yuck! But, it DOES work for me as a "jump start".

6) Measure. Yeah, I learned the first time on the shakes that the scale doesn't tell the whole story. Sometimes, that little tape measure gives you a better picture of success. So, the grid will now have 4 measurements - bust, waist, hips and thigh. I won't post these everyday, but there will be at least weekly listings. Grid is here: http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=p-mJfOClu-kA7ktPEOswNPQ. Will still have columns for sleep and weight as well.

7) Record on The Daily Plate. I started recording my food on this site and what an eye-opener that was! By inputting what I weigh and my height as well as my loss goal, I was given an calorie in-take goal. Then, recording my actual intake I was able to see what I was really eating! Starbucks coffee is OUT but Chipotle actually isn't too bad if I can take it easy on the sour cream and cheese. Amazing! And most days I actually eat about 200 calories LESS than my allotment, which I think is good... You can see that journal here: http://www.thedailyplate.com/diary/who/tntmomma.

Since the shakes are taking over most of my food intake now, I'm not going to make too many goals based on sweets, etc. I know I have to take it easy or the shakes don't work and they cost too much to not work 'em right! I might have to resort to caramel rice cakes or my 100 calorie GRasshopper cookies for in-betweens now and then, but I think they'll be ok.

Thanks for continuing on this journey with me.