St.Patricks Virtual Race 5K

Waking up yesterday morning was painful! After Crossfit class and an extra Elliptical work out on Saturday I couldn't believe what I was attempting to talk myself into... my next Virtual Race.
Number 5 of my goal of 13 in 2013.



 

So at around 4:30pm I finally got the 'strength' to push forward and Gett'r done! Oh boy I will say this was one of the toughest I've experienced yet.

 

Mile 1: 12'35" pace

   and WHAM!

Mile 2: 14'13" pace

   I was overdressed two layers (thought it was cooler temps when i took off)

   Overheated!

   Wind flow was against me

   My body was screaming from Crossfit soreness

Mile 3.1: 14'09" pace

   Pushing myself was just not in me unfortunately and my body was begging for the finish line - (home)

Ended up finishing in one of my slowest attempts but I completed it in 42:59 with an average pace of 13'51' /mi pace. Look at my face - ugly pain - ha ha.

 

 

Now that I've finished 4 Virtual' s... my thoughts are spinning. 

The good and bad side of Virtual Races for me, these are great when I have such a huge undertaking of 13 races this year. Helps with cost and I can adjust my running dates if something comes up. I've done these alone so the pieces that make it hard for me is there are No competition; No one running beside you or around you semi pushing you (whether I know them or not). I have several Virtual still on my list maybe i'll get some friends to tag along with me on the next one...

 

With my Races its such a different feeling running the Hotcake Hustle or Turkey Trot in Nov '12. I love having friends and even family around me - knowing that they are at the end waiting for me to finish and the pre/post festivities for the event. Its just an unbelievable experience.

 

Next 5K on my radar is actually this coming Saturday! - Firefly Run



I am looking forward to this; with a huge number of friends joining my running bestie and its going to be a blast!

Now if only my muscles will corporate - soon. :)

Week in Review

Happy Weekend -

Week in Review time...

Cardio*-
Please note; which I have been notorious for not doing in the past, these distances are either on an elliptical machine or walking intervals.

Planks -

Ended up only 4/7 days this week

















Crossfit Saturday -


Needless to say my legs are on fire!!











For the remainder of March its looks as though signed up (accidently) for  two three 5k's  - whoa whoops! Since I have been really only working on Elliptical for training look like my body better be prepared for pavement!

Mar - Firefly Run 5K, Dallas TX*** (Mar 23)
Mar- St. Patrick's Day Virtual Race*** (Mar 15-22)
Mar - the jellybean Virtual Race*** (Mar20-31)

Maybe i'll tackle my Virtual Race tomorrow on St. Patricks Day...maybe if my legs are not sore from Crossfit today.

In a rut....

The traveling has completely impacted my mo-jo here....... ha what am I kidding I think I'm in a rut...

What I've been accountable for so far lets start off with my past cardio progress....

February ended with a total of just shy of 82 miles for the month, and March is starting strong with almost 31 miles to date..

 

The last week of February I just could not get in those planks - I was in a rut no doubt so March 3rd I had to start all over. I am still proud of myself since this is most definitely better then just giving up!



It has been 3 weeks since my last Cross Fit class; lets just say this morning, 2 days later, my muscles are paying for it!! I need a massage badly! :)















So this morning I have come to the painful reality; the past 4-6 months have just been terrible with food and no matter when I make good selections one day the next may be disastrous. Cardio/gym/cross fit time are easier for me to stick to then food choices. Being on this journey for so long I know food and gym time must go hand and hand. I have been in a rut  and its most frustrating, because I see the pounds creeping up again, body style visually changing in a negative direction.





Now I've done the Diet Bet thing which helped me but then once it was over I wasn't motivated to stick with it or start another month of the activity. I am a Lifetime member of WW's and though I may go 2-3 times a month its very hard for me to admit at this time in my life, I am not 100% following the program its personally getting difficult to really 'listen' and focus as I have so diligently in the past. I love going when I can to the meetings though as I have four  fabulous ladies that I have connected with. I enjoy spending time with them and hearing what's going on with their lives after our meetings.


I am in desperate need of a food head jump start or as Calvin over here lovely puts it a swift kick in the....















I have other great friends with suggestions that I've inquired into for 'help' maybe a different point of views or direction... again I don't ever wish to disassociate myself with the WW program it is what guided me in the right direction starting at 208lbs to getting me to my goal of 139lbs. I think I'm just at another cross road in my life and in need of more or added changes to boost my mind.

So far I've looked at the following~

Shakeology
I've seen so many wonderful ladies in the blogging world using or coaching others though their journey using the beach body products. I am currently researching still and have a few scoops to 'test' the product.

Slimming World
I have another friend who has transformed herself with this program, I see this as another point of view on eating foods - there is no - you CANT have this - in the program but its pointing you in the right directions. At a first listen of the program it may be similar to what I've done in the past however I haven't gone to a meeting yet so its not the most appropriate opinion just ideas..

Personal Training -
This would be possibly the most expensive route I foresee; but possible if I am focused on certain arrears of cardio I've heard the trainers will also influence you to eat better and suggestion options.




Reaching out to you friends, do you have any other suggestions or programs that you may have tired in the past to get you out of a rut (if you've been in one), or what has worked for you in whole??

Would love to hear from you....

Traveling again...

This week another travel adventure for business...

It never seems to feel like this ... maybe one day it will? right?

So tonight I am packing my essentials for my week long trip -

Pre-workout drink - BSN NO-Xplode, Blue Raspberry
Protein Powder - Syntrax Nectar Sweets Vanilla Bean Torte

My Favorite Nike apparel; Halo Headband, Pro Compression socks, last but not least my favorite Newton Running Shoes.

I'll be gone for about a week and I am hoping to get in at least 5 work outs in. The last business trip I was able to got to a local gym with out issues. I will be trying to post my daily accomplishments here - Time zones changes sometimes gets the best of me but I've just got to be accountable and shake things up while I'm not in my normal routine.







Now the other fun aspect; I'll be struggling on controlled food options; already I have numerous business breakfast, lunch, and dinner meetings set. I don't usually take photo's of my food but I think on this trip It will be good snap shot what I've ordered to track on Weight Watchers and even isolate if this will help with my food  selections, subconsciously. (never hurts to try something new right?)

What keeps you motivated while traveling on business? Any other suggestions would be fabulous.

Happy Monday!

Week's in Review

These past couple of weeks have gone by in a blur!

Here's my two weeks in review..

Cardio has been what it steady with my daily route ~

My lovely tiff was so fabulous on Saturday the 16th - what fun is the mind when it plays tricks on you and you can not recall for the life of you what your iphone password is  (sigh). So no Nike+ tracking - making the most of it I ended up working on a cycle machine instead. something is always bettering then nothing.





I even tried to have Siri unlock my phone -- she 'should' recognize my voice no?


eh no - cause of course I got frustrated and asked 'What are you good at?" She brought this up - seriously?!?


Finally at around the afternoon hours - the light bulb in my lovely noggin' finally went off and huzzah - an unlocked phone - and i quickly changed my password to something simpler...geeze.





So what else has kept my time at bay...

My boy has bridge from Cub Scout to a Boy Scout -

....hmmm maybe we should all be wary?


Completed my 4th Race in my #13in2013 path - on the treadmill - felt good; had to pause the app though a couple times with issues with the machine it self but i kept a very slow steady pace.

Finally I was able to partake in one Crossfit class; again adoozie!

Wanna try it? Tere is a sample of what we did.

 

 

Week in Review _ Tackle the Miles Virtual Race

This week I got the opportunity to join my son's 5th grade class for their Outdoor School Program. This meant two days of ''survial'' LOL - actually really it was great learning about nature, science, and even included small hikes through out the retreat center. We were blessed with a slight drizzle in the morning which turned into a most beautiful days - couldn't have been better weather. Gotta love Texas for that..



Yes, here is my Boy being goofy with his fruit..

All seriousness now - time for some learning!



 

So with this aspect yes indeed not as many gym days and not as many miles, but thats OK.

 

You can see LOL little 'hikes' though out Thursday....

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last night I wanted to get something IN! So with friends we started out with Crossfit on the horizon. Unfortunately the class ended up being full - so  instead made the best of it and hit the next best option the gym! So huzzah! I tackled those miles virtual race instead! 3rd RACE for 13in2013 checked off, it felt great!

 

 

This week of challenges I was able to get in for plankadays

 



 Here's to hoping your week was fabulous!

 

 

 

 

 

 



Busy Busy Bee again...

Busy Busy Bee again - that's me!!










The month of January I finished with
32 runs with an average distance of 2.3 Miles
75.19 Miles Total Distance

Yep - best month so far!!





I am also happy to say that I did beat my 4% weight loss in the month of January; and even ended up winning double my contribution!!

It is soo funny how all of a sudden I was at the wire and going oh NO i am going to lose $10 if i don't kick myself in gear this last week!! Thank you to my hubby for letting my hit the gym - twice in one day!

Hey and if you want to check out the next round; there will be a total of four! Click Here! I am personally taking a break to adjust my routine slightly; and may be hitting this one up on the third round!


So what else happened in my workout world this past week -



















Weight Training Routine consisted of -

Monday  - Arms

Tuesday - Legs (Quads/Hammies)

Wednesday - Core

Thursday - Shoulders

Friday - Tri's/Biceps

Saturday - Cross Fit & Pilates (two new aspects in one day!! Yikes!)


My PlankaDays for the week 

From a Tough Time... to.... Making it Work!

Prior to starting this blog I was having a tough time with my food control, and staying accountable to my actions - eating and fitness routines. I had gotten on a slump and figured oh I don't have to track my food anymore; I don't have to hit the elliptical or treadmill 'that' hard, I am maintaining and its OK!

Slowly but surely over those 6 months of not in full 'control' of myself I ended up gaining at the highest 20lbs! It was unbelievably stressful; what had I done how could I have let myself go so far? My actual goal weight was 16lbs below the top of the BMI chart so I was thankful that my Weight Watchers does allow you to change your 'goal' weight. They knew I was in a slump and I would be back on my two feet again soon enough.

So now lets fast forward January I am feeling more in control and stay on track of my weight...
Why?

• I joined Run Your A$$ Off game to get back on track
• Signed up for numerous 5K's - and still train-in-progress!
• Started tracking my WW Points Plus
• Started tracking my WW Activity Points, and using Nike+ with my running bestie!
• This Blog! Being accountable as best as I can.

What finally been working for me??

Workouts
5-6 Days a Week I am in the Gym --
20-30 minutes of weight training
30-45 minutes of cardio

Easy of Food selections for Breakfast and Lunch









Breakfast/Post Workout Smoothie - Based on Protein Powder 4-6 Points Plus
(My favorite!)











Lunch - easy, quick to prepare and filling!

• Veggie Burger with light Swiss Cheese
• Handful of grape tomatoes
• 1 Serving Popped Edamame Chips _ found them at Costco!

Points Plus for this meal - 8

Midday snack for me is Freshly made vegetable juice - 0 Points Plus!


This then allows me a crazy amount of - 17 Points Plus for dinner and possible light dessert. I can not tell you how this makes Family dinners less stressful and keeps me sane to decide 'what' can I or should I not have. I try to make sure to have 4 ounces of protein, vegetable and whole wheat carb, as a balanced meal.

Not everyone could handle eating the same Breakfast or Lunch but its what helps me greatly in my success in my past weight loss journey and again continues towards success so far in these last few weeks.

I am excited to say I am 10lbs away from my original goal weight and I feel awesome.

This week I have my final weigh in, now as of last Thursday I hit my 4% goal for the Run Your A$$ Off  challenge, I just need to maintain it OR beat it! :)


What challenges you or makes your challenges 'easier' to accomplish??

Quick post about this weeks workout...

Seriously I don't think I have had any moments to breathe and sit down to write on this blog so apologies to my followers for the lack of communications this week.

For this very moment I have time to share with you my week workout view, later this evening I plan on connecting with ya'll again :)

Monday I was in the gym  got in a leg work out, however ended up chatting with a friend a little longer then I should have so whoops I ran out of time to hit the treadmills
(oh well it happens to the best of us right; and I made up for it this weekend)

Plankaday I am soo excited to be hitting 1 minute durations!!

Alrighty I have to head off to weekly grocery shopping adventures, Costco and Vitamin Shoppe are in my very near future... once my day finally allows me to sit down and get all my thoughts out straight I hope to be posting again tonight some thing new as promised..

Just Do it- Virtual Race!

 

I just up for the first in a series of 6 races -Tackle the Miles Virtual Race - which is hosted by Marathon Mom & Jill Conyers, and hello you had me at potential PRIZES! Who wants to join in with me!


http://runnershoe.blogspot.com/2013/01/13-in-2013-virtual-race-series.html

 

Week Workout Review; Crossfit?

So this week after my 5K, I took it a little easier on my treadmill and elliptical mileage...
 

I also have been working on toning for 20-30 minutes prior to my cardio work-

• Monday  - Arms
• Tuesday - Legs (Quads/Hammies)
• Wednesday - Core
• Thursday - Shoulders
• Friday - Tri's - Biceps
• Saturday - Extra Core day (sampling for you!)

....and then of course daily  Plankaday; I am working hard towards 1 minute planks.
(consistently, mind you)

 



Last but not least question of the day -

One of my friends is now taking Crossfit classes, she is 'hook', personally it sounds NUTs! (but intriguing as well, could I actually do something like that, push myself to such extremes? Would my body handled it or put me out of normal work out routine for weeks?)  

Have any of you done a Crossfit class? Whats your take if so....

How do I push to my next personal level?

So now that I have a several official 5K races behind me today I've been looking over what will help me to 'my' personal next level. On my last race I completed 1.40 miles before switching to walking intervals.

"My" Next Level -
Run and entire 5K without walking

Water Resources-
I've isolated that even though its a little over 3 miles, when I am at the gym or go for an outdoor run I have water accessible. During these races I've had either water handed at the half way point or no water at all until the end of the race. Honestly this isn't enough water for me during a race. This past weekend the entire time I was wishing I had a water bottle along the way.

I started looking over quick fixes I wonder what would be a water option  -

OR something more like this around my waist?


What style helps you during your run?

Reading Material -
I've been looking over different books to inquire upon -
Natural Running: The Simple Path to Stronger, Healthier Running

Runner's World Complete Book of Women's Running: The Best Advice to Get Started, Stay Motivated, Lose Weight, Run Injury-Free, Be Safe, and Train for Any Distance (Runner's World Complete Books)

The Ultimate Beginners Running Guide: The Key To Running Inspired

Needing help here Friends; would you have any preference or even other reading materials you would recommend for me?

Technology -
I have been using Nike+ Running App with my iPhones, ever since I started my weight loss journey. This app has helped whether I am walking, using the elliptical or running, to keep me accountable in miles per week.  For more motivation I've recently started syncing with dailymile.  Adding more running friends along the way. If you use this program feel free to add me to your friend list! :)

Inspiring Bloggers Friends- Check out my sidebar for my favorites so far...

My own Blogging, it inspires me to keep pushing myself and reflect on "electronic paper." I hope you will continue with me along my journey.

What type of technology helps you along your path?

Looking forward reading your feedback!