boot camp booty kicking

174.9
55:00 boot camp class at gym

September 2010, I attended a boot camp class at the OU gym.  I had a mental and physical fail and walked out defeated after just 20 minutes.  I promised myself that I would work out harder and go back in 1 month to complete a class.  I didn't.

I'm much stronger now, not just physically, but more importantly I am stronger mentally.

Tonight's boot camp class was a great workout.  I don't think I have ever done that many squats in my entire life!  I was capable of doing it all, but not able to perform at the level I would like to be at.  I will have to do this again.  But not right away, cause I'm gonna hurt in the morning.

Slow victory!

178.1
50:16, 3.51 mile run
6:56, .33 mile cool down walk

Tonight's run was a victory.  Just fantastic.  It's not exactly a blazing pace, but it was a breakthrough because I won a mental battle. 

I have been using the walk run method since November, which is great... when you are doing a marathon or just starting a couch to 5k type program.  But I was going nowhere and felt like I was becoming less and less of a runner as I "needed" to walk every 3 minutes.  Tonight I showed myself that I don't need those breaks!  I  was able to keep up a slow, but steady pace for a mile and a half before I ever walked, and only (intentionally) took 3 walk breaks in the whole 3.5 miles! 

It was a very positive run.  My bad toe (victim of the infamous Mother's Day mud pit accident) was sore from Zumba the other night, but I tuned it out and went on to enjoy the feel of running.

Healthy choices

176.4
9:46, 1.22 miles bicycling
55 minutes Zumba

I'm so cool and fit that I rode my bicycle to the library for a free Zumba class.  What could be more green and hip than that?!  Ok, so really I'm not cool or hip, I just wanted to have fun.

The relentless heat wave that has kept us under its' thumb for weeks didn't show up today.  It was a really beautiful evening for a ride, and no one even honked at me!

I think this was only my 4th attempt at Zumba in all of recorded history (my fitness journal starts in September 2010), but it was my best by far.  To say that I am not naturally graced with dance would be an understatement.  But tonight I was able to keep up more and felt like I was getting a good workout.  It is fun to dance, even when you can't.

After I got home I finished reading Eat & Run : My unlikely journey to ultramarathon greatness by Scott Jurek.  I love reading about ultramarathoners, and I dream impossibly big dreams of one day doing what they do (Impossible dreams are the best kinds to have).  The book was interesting and focused a lot on food.  Jurek is a vegan which is exceptional because of the distances he runs.  It would take precision to get the right food balance for an omnivore to achieve what he does, and even more so for a vegan.  At the end of each chapter is a recipe, and some of them sounded amazing.  Will have to try some of them out, especially the ones for Xocolatl Energy Balls and 8-Grain Strawberry Pancakes!

Actually this book just reinforced my instincts lately that I need to change what I eat.  I spent some time on the Daniel diet in 2009 and felt amazing.  It is based off of what Daniel ate in the Bible, and is vegan but with more restrictions such as nothing artificial or "corrupted" (fermented) by man and no leavened bread.  I don't think I will go all the way Daniel again, but I am leaning towards an almost vegan diet for a while.  Not sure about giving up my post workout chocolate milk....

As a part of a family that includes a very picky 5 year old and an even more picky 29 year old, it is likely impossible that I could maintain a vegan diet without civil war, but I would like to see our menu stop being arranged around meat and cheese so often.

The habit I don't want to break

174.4 (Seriously, this is the longest the scale has stayed in one place!)
30 minutes elliptical
26 minutes: 3 sets leg machines, 30 situps on stability ball w/medicine ball, ab and back extension machines

A friend lost her father this morning and a cloud seemed to hang over the day.  I was exhausted by the time I got home, and so glad just to hug my family.  After we sat down for dinner together, I felt like curling up and falling asleep, even though it was only 6:30.

If I only worked out when it felt good or on days when I "feel like it,"  I would still weigh 200 pounds and be miserable with my life. 

My friend Blake once asked me how I find the motivation to get off the couch and run or workout.  I told him it takes a certain amount of self-loathing!  And at times it has.  Other times it was because of the commitment I made to Team in Training and those fighting for their lives.  Some days you just have to say "I want this (whatever your goal may be) more than I want sleep (or a latte, or a warm couch on a rainy night, or whatever is calling your name at the moment)!"  But tonight, I found the motivation to put my shoes on because this has become my habit.  What a good place to have reached in my life.

I was tired and soul weary, but I worked out and tried to give it my best.  And I did pretty well.  I did have to cut out the leg press machine because when I tried it tonight it just didn't feel quite right, so in deference to Monday's bum bum I did the sensible thing and walked away.

And you know what?  I walked out of that gym smiling.  Sure, I was sweaty, and I may hurt in the morning, but I felt much better after my workout than I had all day.  And that is why this has become my habit.

Running for joy

174.4
16:06, 1.2 miles

My day was rough- lots of sitting, wading through emails, trying to make my staff's availability congeal into a workable schedule, and basically all the not fun parts of being a supervisor.  All I wanted when I got out of work was to MOVE!!! 

Tonight was magical. It felt great to move, just enjoying the freedom, not even looking at my watch until I had run a mile.  I took a walk break then, but quickly decided that walking was boring and sprinted home.

Tonight's run was not training.  Tonight was about me, not calories.  I heard the sounds of the evening, looked at the stars, and focused on my breathing.  It is easy to become so focused on the goal and scales that you lose your joy.  Tonight was about reclaiming the joy of my run.  It is amazing the difference a good run can make for a girl's state of mind.

Et tu Glute?

174.4
15:00, rowing
22:09, lifting/upper body

My glutes have betrayed me.  I treated them pretty darn well over the last several days.  Friday I gently swam, Saturday I gave my body the day off and chilled.  Sunday, all I asked was a very slow run (more of a jog really) of only 3 miles.  And then I made sure to replenish my protein with chocolate milk, and later took a nice ice bath while drinking more chocolate milk.  Really, what more can a girl's rear end ask for?!  But how did my body repay me?  By a royal pain in my butt!  I woke up this morning with the feeling that my glutes had been shredded.  Well that kind of throws a wrench in things, not sure how this will effect my week. Had been planning a pleasant trail run in the morning, and I am saddened that I will have to miss out on something that is such a joy for me.

I didn't want to surrender a whole day, so I thought rowing and lifting should be fine.  After all, what does my butt have to do with my arms?!  Actually, they seem to all be connected.  You never think much about it, but apparently butt muscles are part of your stabilizing force when you are lifting barbells over your head.  And they are also tied to your lower back- huh!  All this to say, tonight was not my best workout. 

LS(S)D

174.4
48:00, 3 miles

Runners, especially marathoners, regularly incorporate LSD (long slow days) into their training schedules.  Basically the idea is that you are going to run further than usual, but at a slower speed than the pace you hope to run whatever event you are training for.  LSD are a different kind of beast all together than a regular weekday run.  For some reason the start of LSD runs is easier than a regular work out, and I can usually go longer before I start getting tired. 

Yesterday was supposed to be my LSD, but I woke up too late to fit it in before a class I wanted to attend.  So today I was going to get up and run at least 4 miles (was feeling like 5 might happen when I first woke up).  Now what a minute!  That's a goal of 4, but the start of this post shows 3!  Yep, I fell short of my goal, but still went longer than my body wanted to. 

By the time I arrived at the park this morning at 9:30, it was already 88 degrees, and it reached 95 by the time I finished running.  When I trained for the OKC Marathon, it was almost always cold night runs, sometimes down to 30 degrees.  Since the marathon, I have not done very much running, and most of it has been inside at the gym lately. By the time I was a mile and a half into my run, my head was killing me from the heat.  My body said to quit, but stubborn Jessica said NO!, so we struck a compromise.  I would run until I ran out of water. 

Last month I bought a 1.5l Camelbak, thinking that would take the edge off of summer running.  Since my trail running backpack holds 2.5l and I have never drained it dry on even a 4+ mile trail run, I thought surely a 1.5l would be more than enough for any street running I would do.  Nope, I underestimated my summertime thirst.  I ran out just before 3 miles today, and I honored the deal I had made with myself and stopped when I made it back to the car.

Today I was extra good at the slow, and less good at the long.  I also threw an extra S in there: Silent.  Today and tomorrow, I am not speaking.  A few years ago I read Listening Below the Noise: the Transformative Power of Silence by Anne D. LeClaire, and I have wanted to try quiet ever since then.  It has taken that long to reach a point in my life where I have the luxury of taking the time for myself.  So far it is going pretty well, I have only slipped up once, and that was when I impulsively said hi to a mom on the trail at the park.

Earned sweat is sweeter

174.7
15:00 rowing machine
24:28, 2 sets lifting/upper body
26:06, 2 miles

The whole family went to the gym after a delicious dinner of ribs.  Ironically, the main reason Seth wanted to go to the gym was because he was tired of sweating in our warm house all day! (Our  A/C is 46 years old, and since we went to the time of use plan he is watching it like a hawk!)  Seth tried the rowing machine for about 5 minutes tonight, which made me happy because its becoming one of my favorite exercises.

I am proud of myself tonight because I completed the entire workout that I intended to do, even though it was challenging.  While I was lifting I had a moment of self-doubt when I compared myself to the girl next to me who was lifting heavier weights (she was 10 years younger, and looked like a lifelong athlete so not a fair comparison).  But I was able to shake that monkey off my shoulders and remember that this was about me and my best.  My goals and my story are different from the people sharing the weight room, so my success will look different too.  And tonight I did my best and worked out my plan even when it was hard.  That is my measure of success for the day, and really you have to look at it on a day by day basis.

After all that arms and back type torture exercise, I walked over to my husband on the treadmills, shook pinkies, and informed him that I was heading to the indoor track and I was going to do 2 miles-come hell or high water!  A few laps into my run, about 8:10, he shows up with the kids, and then I had the terrible realization that the child care class ended at 8!  Oops, glad he remembered!  I was tempted to stop earlier so they didn't have to wait on me, and so we wouldn't miss bedtime so terribly, but then I decided I had to finish what I started.  I would have regretted that, and they need to see me run.  Some of the time they ran with me, other times they waited by the door and high-fived me as I completed each lap.  My girls are so good for my morale!  Of course, when I finished my last lap, my oldest hands me my water bottle, and I take a single drink- because they had drank the rest of my electrolyte water!

I want to share a special moment that was sharp for me, although it may seem odd.  We rowed when we first got to the gym, but then Seth got up about 5 minutes in, and I was left contentedly rowing, engrossed in my own rhythm, singing silently along with my music.  A little past halfway through my goal of 15 minutes, I felt the perfect bead of sweat run right down my back.  For some reason, it made me smile.  That drop of earned sweat was nice, it was mine.  All day I got all sticky sweaty when I even took 2 steps outside of the A/C, but this was the sweat of hard work, the sweat of determination in action.  And I relished it.

When I was done rowing, lifting and running, I visited the ladies room.  Looking in the mirror, I smiled.  I was covered in a nice glow of over an hour's worth of earned sweat.  And it was a beautiful thing.

A whole different world

I came across a really cool New York Times story that made me so jealous of the Danish!  They have built a bike super highway connecting the communities that are up to 14 miles from the capital of Copenhagen.  These are wide, smooth, scenic, maintained, protected and well lit bike paths encouraging more people to ride to the capital instead of drive.  Interestingly was that many ride their bikes because they see driving as a nuisance that takes more time than riding! 

"Danish statistics show that every 6 miles biked instead of driven saves 3 1/2 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions and 9 cents in health care costs. But many cite happiness among the chief benefits of bicycle commuting."  9 cents in health care savings may not seem like much, but what if every person in your company saved those 9 cents (my bike commute would be closer 12 cents round trip) for a month?    For our library with a staff of 33 employees, assuming we all worked 22 days in July and rode each day, that would be a health care savings of $65.34 for this month alone.  When you look at a library system that might have 300 staff, how about $7,128 in a year! 

OK, so those numbers actually mean nothing because: 1. those are based on health care cost in Denmark, 2. not all staff would ride, and not everyday, 3. some staff work more or less than 22 days in a month, 4. some staff live a lot farther or closer than 3 miles from work, and 5. my dear friend and coworker (who shall remain nameless) does not know how to ride a bike.  Really its her lack of bike riding that throws the whole thing out the window! ;)

"Superhighway users can also look forward to some variation on the “karma campaign,” now under way in Copenhagen, in which city employees take to the streets with boxes of chocolate to reward cyclists who adhere to the five rules of cycling: be nice, signal, stay to the right, overtake carefully and, rather than let bicycle bells irritate you, do your best to appreciate them. "

Chocolate in the street for riding your bike!  Yes please!  To show how different this attitude is from Oklahoma or the USA, the only feedback I get for riding my bike to work is jerks in large trucks honking or yelling obscenities at me.  They take offense (I assume) that I am riding on the road, where I am legally entitled to ride, yet don't stop and consider that their are no bike lanes or sidewalks available to me.  I would love to see a shift in our culture that valued and encouraged walking and riding bikes instead of driving.

Squeezing every last drop out of the day

173.7
18:00 elliptical
20:00 leg machines, 3 sets

Today was one of those days where I try to save the world, rushing around at super speeds.  My body is  reminding me I am a mere mortal.

My day started with stiff shoulders, compliments of yesterday's fine workout, and a 7:50 AM appointment to donate platelets.  After donating I came home and showered then ate an amazing lunch of lamb kabobs, prepared by my marvelous husband!  I am so spoiled, I know.

Then off to work for 8 hours of fun, including an almost 3 hour meeting.  I honestly enjoy my job and my coworkers, and I enjoy these meetings except for the sitting still part.  I feel so self conscious trying to make my body stay still for that long, especially on days when I have DOMS (delayed onset muscles soreness).  Maybe I could ask my boss if I could bring in a stability ball to sit on.... but then I would probably do an even worse job of sitting still!

When we closed up and got out of work just after 9, I rushed to the gym as fast as I could!  My throat is itchy tonight (which usually means I have been overdoing it and need to rest or risk getting sick) and I was short on time so I did just 18 minutes on the elliptical.  It wasn't too bad, and I watched some stupid reality TV to distract myself, so it flew by.

Then off to the leg machines!  Usually I try to do these slowish, holding at full extension for most effectiveness, but tonight I was pushing it to get done in time.  In fact, they started flashing the lights and announced that the gym was closed right as I finish the last rep of my last set of my last machine.  I felt bad for being the last one out, but at least I did what I set out to accomplish.

I am thinking that I may listen to my body tomorrow, and if this itchy throat is still there in the morning I will declare a rest day from exercise, call in sick to work, and of course call and let the blood bank know that my donation may not be safe because I am sick.  I really hate being sick though, so I'm hoping a good night's sleep is all I need to rest my super power delusions.

chasing my own tail

171.7
24:23, 2 miles
24:30, 2 sets upper body

Working a late shift again today so I used the morning to work out, so me and the kids went to the Y.

I'm starting on a half marathon training plan so I used the indoor track to run 2 miles.  I had to take more walk breaks (4) than I had intended because I was just out of gas.  And oddly, my shoulders felt tight and weak which messed with me.

But I put in my laps dutifully.  At one point I wanted to stop, but then I remembered how miserable I was at the end of my marathon, and I knew that miles skipped now come back in a painful way later.  I missed 2 miles on a long run when I was training, and then to prevent too big of a weekly increase, continued to be 2 miles shy on the rest of the long runs.  The wheels fell off 2 miles from the finish line on marathon day.  I won't do making that kind of a mistake again.

I was super sweaty and a little wobbly after running, but I went to the weight room.  I had exercise brain bad and couldn't remember which locker I had put my bag in.  I must have looked in 15 before I found it!

My lifting routine was thrown off a little, first by a man that kept sitting on the back extension machine that I intended to use next.  When I finally gave up and went over to the free weights there was a lady who was using the size dumbells I needed, so I went up a little bit.  When I got done using the barbells, the lady had gone up in weights, again to the size I needed!  So I did those exercises heavier than usual too!  The point of all that complaining is to say that I got in a good and challenging workout where I even tried a few new machines and increased my load.

Sorry if I sound grumpy, just not sure what has me wound up today. 

A right colorful mess, a rant

171.7 (today)
Color Me Rad 5k, 47:45 (yesterday)


Color Me Rad was logistically the worst race I have ever seen, but I had a great time.

The bad:
Traffic was a nightmare, with the location and number of gates insufficient.  Adding to that was the fact the waves for the race were just 5 minutes apart, so basically everyone was arriving at the same time. We got to the exit an hour before my scheduled 9:00 start time, and didn't get from the highway to a parking spot until 8:50. 

Turned out that their wave times were just words as the starting area was such a disorganized sea of people that they let those at the front shuffle onto the course, then arbitrarily said that was enough and made the crowd wait 5 minutes, then sent some more, rinse and repeat.  I didn't get to start until 9:25. All that standing shoulder to shoulder in the sunshine was a bit exhausting, as it didn't allow much range of motion, I started stiffening back up. I had already decided this was just for fun and chosen to be zen about everything, or I would have been miserable.

The "course" wove through the State Fairgrounds.  If you have ever been to the OK Fair you will know that the roads are, um, often lacking in repair.  I had to watch my step as much as I would on a trail run, but without any scenery.  The course was a mass of people the whole time, most of them walking.  Now I walked a lot too, but when I tried to run I felt like I spent all my energy trying to weave in between the crowd.  The course's path was marked, but distance was not which can add to the mental challenge, especially for the less experienced runners.   As an added bonus, around mile 2, you get to run past the livestock barn in all its fragrant and scenic glory.

The water stop was, well, unimpressive.   Refreshment was small, overly warm, bottle water.  I shudder remembering how many plastic bottle lined the last half of the race.

The color was OK, but there was such a mass trying to be colored at once that you had to choose if you wanted to run through, or patiently shuffle through the lines at each of the color stations along the course.  The finish line was similarly congested as all the people shuffled through to get their warm water and have their pictures taken.    The cloud of color was so thick it was choking (kind of ironic for a CF fundraiser), making it hard for some people to breathe and making my eyes burn.

The good:
Color Me Rad did have a few things going for it. 

For one they had great swag, with each running receiving a nice fitted shirt and fun 80s sunglasses (mine are hot pink!). 

That mass of people that choked the course?  Well hey, if nothing else, this "race" got all of those people out in the sunshine for some exercise.

It was for charity, benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

And I did have fun, albeit mostly by sheer determination to do so.  I skipped across the starting line with a coworker and her friend.  The ridiculousness of myself and those around me inspired some really lame jokes (the best kind!).  I needed to run yesterday anyways, it was nice to get to do it with other grinning idiots.

And as an added bonus, my arms look like a rainbow trout, one kid has purple arms and scalp, while my other kid's blond hair is stained green!

The tee from Dirty 30 seemed

like an appropriate choice

to run in

Dancing my booty off

175.3
50:00 dancing

I almost feel like this shouldn't count because it was so much fun.  Our library hosted a Kid's Dance Party exercise program tonight and I took my daughter.  It was a blast to dance with her.  We didn't dance the whole 50 minutes, and it wasn't nearly the intensity of a Zumba class, but it was fantastic.

One of my goals I set when I had that quarterlife crisis back in 2009 was this: that my kids wouldn't need to lose 75 pounds when they were 25.  Or ever for that matter!  I am trying hard to set a good example for my daughters, and to establish habits and a culture so that  they can have healthy body images and a love of play.

Really, exercise should be fun.  When we are kids its hard to keep us from running, jumping, climbing, spinning around in circles and generally exploding with kinetic energy in every direction.  What kind of sad thing happens to us that we become so still and slow? 

So I try to play: kayaking, mud/obstacle races, color runs, and trail running.  My kids see this and want to play too.  When they grow up I hope they are sitting at the dinner table after a date and beg their boyfriend to take them rollerblading next.  Or bicycling. Or even just for a walk in the park! When they think of recreation and leisure, I want it to be active.  So far it looks like its working.

Love the skin (or peel) you're in!

www.blisstree.com

I came across this pic on a friend's Facebook feed and had to share.  Just about everyone wishes their bodies were a little different.  I have wished I was taller, that my hair was curly or red, that my calves were more lady like (or at least less like a tree trunk!).  

I still have a few changes I am working towards, but those are because I want to be stronger and healthier.  And I have to say that recently I have noticed changes that I really like!  When I stood in front of the mirrors in the weight room at the gym this week, I noticed that my arms look great!  I'm proud of who I am becoming: all short, freckly, tree trunky parts of me.

Running in place and exercise brain

175.3
30:00, 2.1 miles treadmill
24:00, 3 sets leg machines

I had planned on joining a fun, outside group run tonight, had been looking forward to it all week. Then I got to work and looked at my department's schedule and realized that I had scheduled myself for a split shift. So change of plans.

I knew that work was going to wipe me out today, and frankly I am a little tired of 9-10pm workouts, so my only viable option was to exercise this afternoon on my break between shifts. I also had to drive up to the city to pick up my race packet, and because the line was out the door everything took longer. I really wanted a nap when I got back to the house, but I changed into my workout clothes, packed my work clothes in my gym bag and went anyways. (Hooray for small victories over nappiness!)

Because I was stressed and I don't want to run on wiped out legs Saturday, I tried to maintain a reasonable pace on the treadmill. I generally hate treadmills and feel that they steal a little peace of your soul, but on a hot July afternoon, it was the lesser of two tortures.

I did the leg machines after I ran, and for having just run it wasn't too bad. Normally I just do 2 sets, but today I decided to do 3! Gasp! I can tell that I am getting stronger now and these work outs are getting a little easier, even though I was working with glutes that were still sore from 2 days ago. Depending on how my next work out goes, it may be time to up the weights a little.

Took a quick shower at the gym and then headed straight to work, munching on a Cliff bar as I drove.  I ended up with a small case of exercise brain and caught myself making a mistake at work, so I walked away, drank a little water and ate a little snack.  All better!


Here is what I am doing this weekend! Being a grown up can be a drag, so it's time to celebrate playtime!

Tired but determined

30:00 elliptical
25 minutes upper body lifting

I lay on the couch with the kids this evening after their bath, just worn out from a tiring day at work, wanting nothing more than to go to bed when they did.  But I do want something more, so instead I put on my gear and headed to the gym while they went to bed.

I had a great work out.  I can't even remember the last time I did the elliptical, but I really pushed and just grooved out to Pink's Funhouse like I used to when I first started working out years ago.  Legs sure where wobbly when I got off the elliptical, but went straight to lifting.  I may have been wobbly legged but my arms were strong and I just attacked the weights.  It was such a good work out and I left feeling awesome.  And sweaty.  Now I am tired again.

Late night rowing

173.7 (this morning)
13:00 rowing (last night)
17:00 leg machines (last night)

I stuck to my plans and good intentions and went to the other YMCA after work yesterday!  Because I got off work at 9 and the gym closes at 10 it was a rather quick workout, but a good one. 

I felt really strong last night!  I rowed harder than I normally do, and felt great doing it.  Then when I moved to the leg machines the normal reps seemed too easy so I upped the weights a little bit.

I really enjoy the way I feel after a workout like that.  I feel strong and confident.  I want to puff out my chest and laugh deeply.  Or pick a friendly brawl.  I just feel like I am on top of the world.  Exercise high is not a myth, and it is habit forming!

Treading water and real life

172.2!!!
14:47, 500 yard swim
7:29 treading water

Battle plans rarely survive the first contact with the enemy.  Or in this case, fitness plans rarely survive a skirmish with real life, especially for parents.

I took Sunday off as a rest day, especially since my back, calf and arms were sore from moving a ridiculously large book shelf on Saturday.  I had reached my goals last week, and intended to enjoy one day of rest.

Monday my plan was to get up at 6 AM and go for an early morning run before work.  6 AM came earlier than I thought, so I decided an evening run made more sense.

But then I had so much fun and got so busy when my kids came home from their almost 3 weeks at Grammy's house, that I just wanted to sit and read a bit once they went to bed.  Of course a little bit quickly turned into 2 AM...  So once you cut through the excuses, the moral of the story is: I did not work out yesterday.

So today's grand plan: go to the gym around 8 in the morning (since I'm working a late shift at work), let the kids play in nursery while I got in a good running and lifting workout, then all of us go swimming for some more exercise time.

What actually happened: Me and kid #2 slept in later than I thought (my 2 AM reading binge is to blame), so we only had time to swim. So I did my 500 yards worth of laps and was going to do 30 minutes of treading, but there were so many swimming lessons and water aerobics going on that there was not much room for the kids to play so I called it quits early.  Hopefully I can hit the gym or go for a run after work to help make up for it.

While it can be frustrating not being able to completely control when and how you workout, its important to just keep moving when life tries to get in the way.

1:18:28, 4 miles

173.7
1:18:28, 4 mile walk to work

Our department was down a man today so I was going to come in to cover my coworkers lunch breaks.  I woke up too late to dedicate to a good run (with all the gathering of gear, driving some place, exercising, driving home, showering, getting ready for work, etc.), so I decided to get my exercise and save some gas at the same time.  While the temperature of 83 degrees with cloud cover made it seem like a good idea, I forgot to factor in the 50% humidity, so I ended up a little soggy.

This morning I read about a study on people who have lost a lot of weight.  The ones who successfully kept it off did the obvious stuff like continuing their diet and exercise routines.  But they "also engaged in more positive self-talk" while those who regained "identified decreased accountability and decreased motivation as barriers to keeping the weight off."  Hmmm, makes me think that keeping a blog about my fitness struggles and successes is a very good idea!

Oh, and by the way, this morning's walk means I exceeded my goal of 5 hours of exercise this week.  Celebrate every victory, no matter how small.

Relative speed

175.5
19:28, 1.43 miles
13:27, 2 sets lifting weights and 30 sit ups

I did some "speed" work this morning by throwing in a couple faster than usual intervals (8:22/mile)  in the middle of my normal pace (11:30/mile).  I was surprised that it wasn't as hard as I had expected it to be, and I did not suffer as I had always imagined I would.  In fact, I kind of enjoyed it (but don't tell anyone).  It was pleasant morning, about 80 degrees and sunny.  I got chased by 4 dogs, but as none of them were more than 15 pounds, it was really just humorous! 

When I got home I turned on some music and lifted weights in my living room.  My husband just laughed and shook his head when he found me dancing to Imma Be by the Black Eyed Peas, wearing my running kilt, covered in sweat and holding weights!  Arms fatigued faster today, but still made it through both sets and then did 30 sit ups.

To many these stats from today's work out may seem laughable.  But I'm proud of where I am, because its a lot better than where I was, and I know I'm not done yet.  I collect quotes, and the other day Runner's World daily email was especially good:

"The essential thing in life is not so much conquering as fighting well."
- Baron De Coubertin, founder of the IOC

And that's what I am going for, fighting well.  I may never ever win 1st place in a race (even my kids tend to beat me), but I strive to fight well and to continue to improve myself.

Rest days, not my forte

175.3

I blame the buttered popcorn, Dr Pepper, and roasted pecans at the movie theater yesterday.  Or it could be the 2 slices of my mom's delicious key lime pie.  Yes folks, this is the real reason why I still need to lose 30 pounds.

While I might take back the second slice of pie, or the refills on the popcorn and soda, I wouldn't skip them forever.  I enjoy food.  I have been making (mostly) healthier meal choices, the food journal is helping a little with that.  But food is fuel, and a part of many social rituals (like popcorn when your dad takes you to watch a super hero movie), and I refuse to give it up in the extreme manner some do.  This is okay, because I want to get stronger, not just skinnier, and that requires lots of exercise which in turn needs calories.   Of course I could use some improvement in the quality of those calories...

So today my assigned exercise is: nothing.  I'm actual ahead on my goal for the week (Sunday's run and weights didn't get listed on here) with 249 of 300 minutes of exercise already completed.  So I am doing the hardest part of my training- rest!  Sounds silly, I am really really bad at resting.  Already I have tried to go running since I got home from work, and Seth has had to tell me no.  Its easy to ignore rest, but it is very important because your body needs a chance to heal and catch up with the training.

Tomorrow I work a later shift, so hopefully I will be able to run in the cool of the morning.  I think I will work on some speed work, although speed is relative and I am most definitely a slow runner.  Oh well, back to resting with the only thing that I will sit still for: a good book!

Crosstraining 1:42- kayaking and biking

Kayaking 50 minutes, from Lincoln to Robinson and back
Biking 8 miles, 52:01

I had a great morning.  Last night I had decided that I REALLY wanted to go kayaking today, so that's just what I did.  I drove up to OKC and rented a kayak for an hour ($12).  It was warm and a little windy, and while that area is calm and scenically boring, it was just perfect!  I enjoy the motion of kayaking, and while it is demanding, I find that it is more sustainable than using the rowing machine, or even running.  And it was peaceful.  I will definitely have to take advantage of OKC Riversport again,  because exercise is so much easier when you are enjoying the activity and when you have scenery to keep your mind active.

Seth and I had a nice lunch on the patio at Chelino's, and then headed back home.  I needed to go check on some equipment at work, and I was feeling so enthusiastic from kayaking, that I decided I should ride my bike to work!  On the 4th of July!  At noon!! Thankfully it was only 95 degrees and there was a breeze, but my body did let me know that this was not the best decision.  I feel that I should also explain what my biking experience is like.  I ride a "cruiser" style bike.  You know, the kind with a basket, bell, and only one gear.  And streamers on the handlebars of course.  I always wear a helmet, and I recently acquired a Camelbak (primarily use it for running), but that is the end of my specialized biking gear.  And while motorist may not have realized it, there are several impressive hills between my house and work.  It was a good ride in that it was challenging, but of course I hated it, just like I do every time I think riding to work would be a good idea.  But I saved a few drops of gas and burned an extra 330 calories!

Oh, and I weighed 173.3 this morning!!! So nice to see it go the other direction again.

47:11, 3 miles

After a rather yummy dinner, we went to the Little River park so I could work out.  Walked the first 5 minutes to give my still tight hamstring a chance to loosen up.  Ran and then took short walk breaks with Seth.  Some pain in my hamstring and big toe, but not unmanageable.  Walked last 6 minutes to cool down. Sure missing the cool fall runs.

Its frustrating coming back from an injury or break.  But I know that the only way back up to my previous level is to work through the sluggishness and aches.  Just not real good at patience.

On the upside, I wasn't sore this morning like I expected to be.  Must be the chocolate milk and cherries.

Started reading Running Doc's Guide to Healthy Running by Dr. Lewis Maharam.  Hoping to learn more and hopefully avoid future injury.

Jessica's not done yet

This morning I weighed 175.4 pounds.  I am 5 foot 4 inches.  This is not a horrible ratio, and I am proud of how far I have come.  But its not good enough yet.  Jessica's not done yet.

Where I'm coming from:
I was between 130 and 150 in high school.  I could eat anything I wanted, and really the only reason I ever worked out back then was  when I wanted to tone my arms so I would look great in my dress for my senior prom.

Well then I went to college and put on the freshmen 15+, got married and put on "happy weight," had two babies and put on, well you get the idea.  I was in the 250s at age 23.  My weight went up and down a bit, until I in January 2009 I had my quarter life crisis.  It was one of the best things that ever happened to me.

 May 2009

January 2009, approaching my 25th birthday, I had an awakening:  none of our friends knew who I really was (inside at least).  They saw me as a pleasant, plump, mild mannered mother of two.  Even more shocking was realizing that the reason they saw me that way was because that was who I had become!  Something had to change.  I had to change.  So I did.  I weighed 216 pounds, and I set a rather ambitious goal of losing 61 pounds for a new me of 155.  I started counting calories, trying to work out a little, and then had some success with the Daniel Diet.

I also decided to go to grad school and in July 2009 uprooted my family from our comfortable small town life.  I was down to 198 at this point.  Moving on campus I was able to take advantage of the university's gym and I met a fantastic trainer who gave me the tools I needed to start making the changes I wanted to see in myself.  I started keeping a fitness journal (a tool that I have valued ever since) and my trainer made me start the Couch to 5k plan.  A funny thing happened, I who hated running, discovered one day that I was a runner! 

I worked out, I ate better and very slowly pounds began to slowly come off.  I reached my goal of 155 pounds in June 2011, and it was such an amazing feeling to look down at the scale and see that number. 




Me at 155 and smiling






But then new path opened before me and I got a fantastic job as a circulation manager at a brand new library.  The change in my schedule effected my workouts and my coworkers are actually diabolical cooking genius on a mission to make and keep me fat.  I was back up to 165 by Thanksgiving, and as I started training for my 1st marathon, the scale just kept climbing and I was back in the 170s by springtime.

So that brings us to where I am today.  41 pounds lighter, and a lot stronger than I was in January  2009.  I'm not "fat" but I'm not skinny.  And most importantly, I'm not as fast or as strong as I would like to be.  My goals have changed too. 

My goals:
I want to get down to a very strong 145 (so another 30 more pounds to go).  
Run a sub 3 hour half marathon
Run more marathons, but better prepared this time around
Complete an ultra marathon by age 35
Run the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc by age 45
How I am going to get there:
I decided last week that I needed some new behaviours if I am going to get new (and better) results, so I made a list of rules to help me change my behaviors in sustainable ways.  So here is what I am trying right now:

• No TV except on Fridays and Saturdays.  TV keeps me up later, keeps me from working out, and has no benefits.
• Keep a food diary every day.  One week a month I will count calories (but not limit them, this is an audit only)
• Attempt to work out 5 hours a week.  Its too easy to say work out 5 times a week and then cut corners by counting 15-30 minute runs.  I need to increase my actual time to increase my results.
• Train for the Route 66 half marathon in November.  Getting back on a training plan will also help give me direction.
• Keep this fitness blog. Making my actual weight and workout stats public makes me more likely to stick to it and succeed.

Crosstraining- 58 minutes

Seth and I went to the gym tonight and I put in a really good workout.
Rowing 15 minutes
Leg machines 18 minutes
Lap swim 15:28
Treading water 10 minutes

I am totally worn out, but proud of what I did.  Time to crash cause tomorrow is always another day.

So I decided to start a blog...

I’m starting this fitness blog because I’m tired of battling myself alone.  I don’t know who will want to read this, but by making it public, maybe I will feel more accountable and stick with my own plans and good intentions.

I did a training log when I was getting ready for the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon (my 1^st full!), but that site was devoted to fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through Team in Training, so I kept it brief, positive and only dealt with running.

This blog is different.  This blog is about kicking my own butt back into shape.  About becoming who I already am on the inside.  It is not about dieting, but I might include some of my horrid eating habits from time to time in order to shame myself into better choices.  I will discuss my weight, size, aches and pains honestly, which means it often will be TMI.  But this is about me and for me.  And maybe this will provide me with an outlet so I don’t alienate all my Facebook friends with my endless posts about my fitness life!

So dear reading, what do you get out of this?  Well, you gain insight into my brilliant mind and understanding of my personal torment.  Aside from the entertainment value, you may learn something from my mistakes and my victories.

What do I want in return? Well, don’t feel like you have to pat me on the head every time I break a sweat, but please feel free to call me on my bull or lame excuses.  Offer advice if you would like, I may even listen!  And push me, please.  Don’t let me take the easy road.