Fitbloggin 2012: Friday

Hello, again! It took me a few days, since I'm getting back to a normal routine, but here is Friday's FitBloggin recap (well, part of it anyway)!

Despite not going to bed until late on Thursday, Friday started bright and early at 7:00 a.m.! My roommates were going to the Workout of the Day (WOD), which was CrossFit. However, I couldn't do it, since I was still in the recovery phase of my injury. So I had breakfast at the time they were in the workout. I tried quinoa for the first time, and surprisingly, I liked it! There were also turkey sausage meatballs, which weren't bad, probably would have been better if I had them first thing in the morning.

After I ate, I went up to the hotel gym to get my WOD in. I was still recovering, but this was a fitness convention, and I had to do something physical! So I hopped on a treadmill and walked for a half hour. The treadmills, along with all the cardio machines there, are beautiful! Touch screens and iPod chargers! I wish they had these babies at my gym here!

Despite my known hatred of treadmills, the half hour went fast. I wasn't exactly a speed demon, but for my first post-injury workout, I'll take it:

After the workout, I went back to the room, changed, and got coffee from the Starbucks across the street before the day's presentations started.

Before the first presentation, I checked out the expo and got even MORE swag! This time, I got a cookbook, a Pilates DVD, measuring spoons, and quite a bit of chocolate milk. It was at the expo where I ran into Margo (@BrooklynFitChik) 

and she talked me into trying the trampolines, since I was still a little hesitant to doing them. After a few minutes, I realized I would be okay for the  Saturday BounceCamp, as long as I didn't attempt anything too crazy.

The first presentation I went to was the self-acceptance discussion with Karen, Mara, and Shauna. This was one I really wanted to go to and it hit home for me big time. Even though I lost so much weight, I was still struggling with loving myself. I hit a big turn around recently, but since I got hurt, I was struggling a little bit, but not enough to give up. I walked away from the discussion realizing that if I didn't love myself, then I would have let my injury get the best of me, and start spiraling downward again.

Between sessions was lunch. I just had chicken and salad, with a piece of bread from a sandwich. Simple and healthy, but delicious!

After lunch was more presentations. The second of the day for me was a driving blog traffic one with the awesome Emmie (of Skinny Emmie)! The room was packed, and the presentation was awesome! I got a lot out of it, especially how to share. I try to share other people's content as much as possible, and have "share buttons" on my blog (which I apparently had the whole time and had no idea--Good thing I went to Emmie's presentation!).

Right after Emmie's presentation ended, Carla (@MizFitOnline) had one on attracting media and freelance writing. In a nutshell, her presentation had the message of being yourself and be prepared for a whole lot of no's before a yes. She was great too!

After a short break, I went to Amy's (@FatGirlsCanRun) presentation on building your brand. One of the key points of her presentation was figuring out your target audience. Honestly, I'm still working on this one. I'm not exactly targeting a specific demographic, just want to get my story out there. Another good point was "personifying" your brand. My "brand" apparently is "cutesy healthy living lover" (what I came up with based on the presentation). Amy also pointed out that you are not your brand. For example, I am a crazy fangirl who makes fan art and videos based on some of my fandoms. By the end of the presentation, I realized that "One Step at a Time" will be my brand forever, since my healthy living journey will continue for the rest of my life, and that I live one step at a time.

The last presentation of the day (before the keynote) was Kara (@fatwmnonthemtn), who spoke about reaching out and connecting. Part of Kara's own journey (120 pounds lost!) was working for a cause bigger than herself. Back in 2009, she did one charity event a month, ranging from 5K's to a dunk in a freezing lake. She also said that sharing your story was important, because it can inspire others to make a change as well as it just making a difference, no matter what you take on. This was a presentation that I wasn't originally planning on going to, but I was glad I did!

Whew! There was A LOT going on Friday! And I'm not even up to the keynote yet! That will be in my next post! =)

Fitbloggin 2012: Thursday

It's been three days since Fitbloggin ended, which has given me a good amount of time to soak in the weekend's events and write a recap (or at least attempt to).

I'm actually writing a post for each day, since there was SO MUCH going on!

Since I got hurt, I was a little less excited to go because I was afraid I would miss out on half the fun. Boy, was I wrong!

From the moment I arrived in Baltimore on Thursday afternoon, I was PUMPED!! I met up with Patty (@PattyAizaga), who was on the same train as me (total coincidence). We dropped our bags off at the hotel and spent the afternoon at the Ripley's Odditorium across the street from our hotel. That was a lot of fun, and both of us can say we went to a Ripley's!

Once we were done over there, we went back to the hotel and waited for her room to get ready so she could check in (I couldn't because my roommates weren't there yet). Once that was done, I chilled with her until my roomies came a little while later. 

The first to come in was Emily (@FitandFreeEmily), who booked the room in the first place. Once she checked us in and got the keys, it was time to unpack, settle in, and of course tweet ;-). Emily (@runningknitwit) and Vicky (@crazedmom) came in later, and I actually didn't meet them until after the "official" welcome party.

Registration and the welcome party were a few hours later. After checking in, we got our swag bags. Let me just say: HOLY COW! A full duffel bag with snacks, stickers, and even an apron! Oh, and who can forget the official FitBloggin shirt? (BTW, mine ended up being too big and I couldn't exchange it. New PJ shirt!)

After we got our swag, we went over to the Reebok table to get some more stuff: crossfit sneakers and a workout tank! My sneakers were pink, and the one thing I've been wanting for a long time was pink workout shoes! I think once I get them more broken in, I'll use them for my spin classes.

Then came the welcome party and badge decorating. I was a first time FitBloggin attendee, so I had a star on my badge. I still went crazy decorating it though. If it's one thing anyone who's worked at Panera knows, it's how to decorate a nametag. ;-)

The mixer itself was relaxed and fun. I got to meet several bloggers who I've follwed since I started my crazy journey, as well as some new ones. I didn't feel shy or nervous, like I usually do in new situations. I felt right at home, kind of like I was with family.

After the mixer, there was a presentation by Susan Ito (@foodiemcbody). Her one woman show was just amazing. It was pretty much a show about someone who went from being overweight to a triathlete. A lot of us were in tears by the end.

Since the presentation didn't end until almost 9, most of us were starving after Susan's show! A group of us went to a restaurant called The Greene Turtle, which was an experience in itself (I'll save that for a future post). Anyway, my dinner was just grilled BBQ chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans.

I got back to the hotel around 11:00, and all of my roomies were sleeping. After a quick phone call home, and some tweeting, I was too. 

Friday recap to follow... =)

I am stronger than I think!!

It took me until Saturday at Fitbloggin to realize this (and I will have a full recap soon, I promise!), but I think this sums up the weekend as well as my journey as a whole:

I am stronger than I think!

During the convention, Reebok had a booth with all sorts of signs that you could write on, and I chose the "I love fitness because..." one. While thinking about what to write on it, I realized that everything I went through to get to this point, both mentally and physically, has made me much more stronger, more than I thought was possible.

So that's what went on the sign.

After I wrote on it, I got my picture with it:

I also made this my profile pic because I'm basically declaring that I am stronger than I ever thought was possible. 

Now that I look back on this weekend, even with my injury, I still got to try two new workouts: Zumba and trampoline camp. I thought I wouldn't be ready to do either of them physically (still sort of healing from my sprained knee), but with a little modification (and some people telling me I could), I got through both and had a blast! 

Tonight, I made my way back into the gym for the first time since I got hurt, and rocked a tough core class! Did I have to modify? Yes, since I still can't quite handle high impact. Did I let that stop me from getting a good workout? No way! 

Mental toughness and strength is as important in this journey as the physical, and these last few weeks especially, as I work to come back from injury, I proved to myself that I am stronger than I think!

Injured...and miserable as anything

Hi, everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend. Well, at least better than mine.

On Thursday, during my cardio dance class, I must have moved the wrong way, and twisted my left knee. I thought it was just something I could walk off, and finished the class before limping out of the gym.

Well, I was wrong. I ended up calling out of work on Friday, since my knee still didn't feel right. After a whole day of no change, I ended up going to the hospital, which made me scared as anything, since I was fearing the worst for over a day: a ligament tear.

After two hours, and a few X-rays, I was diagnosed with a sprained knee. Not as bad as I thought, but still not fun. I spent so much time crying because for the first time in, well, a long time, I was forced to stop going. No gym, no work, nothing. I spent a good chunk of the weekend in bed watching Glee, eating, and icing my knee.

Slowly, but surely, I'm on the mend. Of course, it'll be some time before I can get back to the gym 100%, and I think even then, it'll be modified more so than in the past.

Then there's the Fitbloggin trip I have coming up in two and a half weeks. I still plan on going, but modifications will be a must. I can't do any of the scheduled workouts, but they do have a gym at the hotel, so I can at least go on a treadmill or do some upper body strength moves. The 5K is looking like a no-go, so I'll probably end up doing the one mile walk instead.

Oh, the rest of my running plans for the year are shot to hell. I was orginally planning a 5K yesterday, but I never signed up for it. Kind of a good thing, actually. The Fitbloggin 5K was planned for months, but it's not happening either. I had two more races on the fence for the end of the month, but by the time I'm healed, I won't have time to properly train. So, no more racing for the rest of the year.

I plan on being back to work tomorrow, but I'll have to wear the brace on my knee, and probably be forced to be the dishwasher, but small steps at a time. Eventually, I will be physically back to where I was.

If I got anything out of this, it was that I am not invincible. Oh, and that I can't keep going non-stop anymore. I was sometimes doing two classes a day, four or five days a week. Now, it's looking like one class (two if one of them is core), and three rest days a week, at least for a little bit.

Kisses and hugs,

Tracy

Foodie Pen Pals: August 2012

Hi, all! Happy Foodie Pen Pals Reveal Day! =D

My box this month comes from Shannon at Edible Obsessions. She said in the note that she got me a lot of stuff that can travel easily, since I was running a lot. Let's take a look at what came in the box:

• Coconut water. I honestly have yet to try it, but can't wait to!
• Dried fruit bars (2 strawberry, 2 boysenberry). One word: Yum!
• Chocolate Cherry Kind bar. Also yummy.
• Balsamic glaze. Good for chicken or steak, but a little goes a long way. ;-)
• Peppermint gum. Gum is always a good thing.
• Zucchini relish. Never tried zucchini, so this will be interesting to say the least.

Another month I'm happy with my box. All stuff I would not have thought to get myself, and that's the beauty of this program! For more info, and to sign up, check out Lindsay's page over at The Lean Green Bean! =)

Unwritten

Tonight's post is inspired by the Natasha Bedingfield song "Unwritten." The song came on my iPod while I was on my way to the gym for my cardio dance class, and I thought to myself "This could make for a good post."

So, four hours later, I put the song on, and let myself soak it in as I wrote this post.

For those who don't know the song, here's a link to listen to it on YouTube, and one for the lyrics.

I won't break down every lyric of the song, since the post would take forever to write, not to mention ages to read, so I'm just going to pull my three favorite verses and work with that.

1) The opening verse:

"I am unwritten,
Can't read my mind, I'm undefined
I'm just beginning
The pen's in my hand, ending unplanned."

This is one of my favorite song openings, and think that it fits my life right now. Sure, I may be 27 and three years into a weight loss journey, but my life is just truly beginning. I've done so much, especially in the last year, and so many changes have happened, that it feels like a new start that was years in the making, and may not have happened if I didn't lose all this weight.

2) First verse of the pre-chorus:

"Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you can not find." 

Now that I think about it, my life before the weight loss was me being voiceless (figuratively), and seeing the world through a dirty window. It took a long time, but I was able to open it, let brightness in, and live a happier life as a result (in more ways than one).

3) Third verse of the chorus:

"Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten."

In the last three years, I truly have started to embrace life, and step outside my comfort zone. This is especially true over the last five months, as I made a major change in my life by changing jobs, while at the same time starting my journey as a runner and planning a solo overnight trip. While I may not know what the future holds, I know that my story is far from over.

Anyway, just thought that I would give you this untraditional look into my life, while showing just how much a song can relate to life, no matter how big or small.

Goodbye, 26. Hello, 27!

Hello, everyone! In case you couldn't tell from the post title, it's my birthday today! I'm now 27, and in a better spot than I was when I turned 26 (and that was still a pretty good spot).

Anyway, my two big celebrations were Sunday with my family (dinner at Houlihan's) and Monday (shopping and Cheesecake Factory with my friend). So I was prepared for a low-key day today. 

My birthday started off like most other days off work do: at the gym. Apparently something on the computer came up after I got scanned in, because the girl at the desk wished me a happy birthday. I ended up taking two classes (core and kick), followed by 20 minutes of free weights. I also ran into Meredith, one of my favorite class instructors, who also wished me a happy birthday (after I told her it was...lol). I honestly could not think of a better way to start my day and my 27th year.

I got home from the gym to find season 2 of Downton Abbey on DVD! Season 1 is coming, but I still couldn't be happier! The afternoon was kind of quiet. Just relaxing, tweeting, and watching American Dad reruns. 

I did have a work thing to go to, but it went by kind of fast, and I got to wear my tiara through the whole thing (after I told the woman running it that it was my birthday). ;-)

Now I end my day in bed watching the Yankees game and taking part in the weekly Fitblog chat on Twitter. Overall, a really nice day. It would have been perfect if I didn't have the work thing to go to, but I still can't say I had a bad birthday. =)

Foodie Pen Pals: July 2012

First off, I know this is a day late, as I meant to write it last night, but got called into work.


Anyway, this is my fourth month doing Foodie Pen Pals, and I'm loving the program more and more each month! For more info on the program, you can check out Lindsay and her blog at The Lean Green Bean!


My box this month comes from Katie, who doesn't blog at this time. After a few exchanges of e-mails, and finding out she also likes chocolate and peanut butter, I was a very happy girl when I opened my box:

She bought everything from Trader Joe's, which is a fav of mine, but I can't get there as often as I would like. The box was really all treat food, which is fine by me! I mean, isn't there that one time every month when a girl can use chocolate? ;-)


I've tried everything but the bars. I love everything I've tried, and know that I'll crack into the bars soon enough. =)


I'm looking forward to seeing what next month brings! =)

Friend Makin' Mondays

Hi, all! I found out about Friend Makin' Monday after checking out this week's post on All The Weigh. The questions this week look fun, and I decided to take part!  

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please add your links there too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

Summertime

1. What is your favorite thing about Summer? Longer days, which mean I can run as late as 8:00 in the evening if I want!

2. What is your favorite outdoor activity? Running! I'm training for my fourth 5K on Labor Day!

3. If you had to choose, would you prefer to be too hot or too cold? I would rather be too cold. It's easier to warm up than to cool down.

4. Does your appetite increase or decrease during warmer months? I really don't see much change, honestly. 

5. What is your favorite seasonal Summer fruit? Watermelon!

6. Would you prefer to spend a hot summer day at the mall or at a swimming pool? Mall. I can shop, go to the movies, and eat all in one spot. ;-)

7. Are you more likely to tan or sunburn? Usually tan. I do burn occasionally. 

8. How does your routine change when Summer begins? I have to time my outdoor activities around how hot it gets, which means earlier runs and more indoor activities.

9. What is the temperature outside where you are today? In the 80's, which is a HUGE improvement from last week, when it cracked the 100's!

10.  What is your favorite Summer holiday? My birthday, if that counts. ;-) But really, I like them all. =)

Foodie Pen Pals: June 2012

Hi, all! The end of June is here, and that means another Foodie Pen Pals post! This is my third month participating, I've gotten all sorts of yummy treats every month, and this month was no exception! Again, I give a huge thanks to Lindsay at The Lean Green Bean for starting this! (More details about the program are on her blog)


My box this month comes from Laura (site and link to be posted). Here's what came in the box:

• A bag of Chupa Chups chocolate and strawberry lollipops. One word: YUM! =D
• A jar of Peanut Butter and Co. Dark Chocolate Dreams Peanut Butter. This has been a flavor I have been dying to try since I found out about it, and I can't wait to dig in!
• S'Mores Cupcake Kit. I love s'mores and cupcakes, so I can't wait to bake these! (Too hot to do so now =P)
• Torani Sugar Free Chocolate Flavoring Syrup. I can make my own chocolate coffee now! =D
• Two LaraBars, one in the Jocalat variety and one in the Uber variety (apple turnover). I haven't heard of these, and they look good, so I can't wait to try them either!
• Two Halo Bars, one S'Mores and one Honey Graham. Something else I never heard of, but loved them the moment I ate them. =)
• A Chocolate Strawberry ThinkThin bar. No sugar and 15 grams of protein? Sounds like I'll be eating this for breakfast one day with some yogurt! =)
• Apple Crumble granola. I've been into granola lately, so once my current one is gone, I'll be digging into this!

Overall, I'm very happy with this box and can't wait to get to eat everything!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Tracy

App Review: Nike Training Club

Disclaimer: I am NOT a certified trainer or fitness or medical professional. I am just a blogger sharing my opinion on an app which I use as a tool on my own fitness journey. I am also not affiliated with Nike nor was I asked/obligated to use this product. 

App: Nike Training Club

Cost: Free

Requirements: iPod touch, iPhone or iPad with iOS4 or above.

Through a recommendation on Twitter, I downloaded this app. I just recently started to use it, and it is awesome! Best part is it's a free app, but I think it would be worth paying a few dollars for.

The app itself has about 85 workouts, with different drills in each workout. There are four kinds of workouts: cardio drills, toning with light weights and intervals, strength training with heavier weights, and 15 minute workouts targeting specific areas of the body. The first three types have three levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced) and range in time from 30-45 minutes. The app suggests combining the 15 minutes workouts with 30 minutes of cardio "to maximize your workout."

I opened up the app, and decided to do the 15 minute Ab Buster workout. When I was in the workout, I love how it told me exactly how much time I had on each move, as well as left on the workout as a whole. It also gives you audio cues with tips on form as well as a few seconds warning when it was almost time to move on to the next move.

I also loved how I was able to get step-by step instructions (either through pictures and text or video) on how to do moves if I was unsure on how to do them. I did have to do this quite a bit, but it does help improve form during the workout.

The program also tracks how much time you spend working out, and you can unlock bonus content as you spend more time using the app.

You also don't need to be in the gym at all to use this. As long as you have weights, a medicine ball, and your device, you can workout just about anywhere. I found a mat to be helpful as well, since some of the moves (especially those in the ab workouts) are on the floor.


Anyway, here's the pros and cons (in my opinion) of this app:

Pros:

1. Workouts for any level, whether you're just starting or have been working out forever.
2. There's not only a workout for any level, but also for any amount of time you have.
3. Music control within the app. If you workout to music (like me), this is a must!
4. Bonuses unlocked after every sixty minutes of working out.
5. Audio cues throughout, with both form tips and when it was time to move on to the next move.
6. No need for a gym! As long as you have your iPhone/iPad/iTouch and the appropriate equipment, you can workout!
7. Easy to get step by step instructions on a move, either by video or picture/text.
8. The app tells you how much time you have left on both the move and the workout overall.

Cons:

1. If you pause the workout, the music stops. This annoyed me because I would pause the app, and have to reset my music when I got started again.
2. Separate download for bonus content. This actually makes sense, but I found it to be annoying, especially when I got seven bonus workouts when I first used the app.
3. While it does give you a time cue when there's a few seconds left in a move, it's inconsistent. Sometimes it would be a thirty second warning, others it's only ten seconds.
4. Only available if you have an iPod Touch/iPhone/iPad.

While this app has some things that are a bit of a pain, it is overall excellent. I have just started using it and have found it to be very useful. I can have a different workout every time I workout, plus it's user friendly. If you're looking for an app to get started or even to keep you from getting bored, and have an iPod touch/iPhone/iPad, then I would recommend this one.

George Sheehan Classic (Red Bank, NJ)

Looking back on this race, even though it just ended two hours ago, I think George Sheehan's words say it all. (BTW, this was the back of the race shirt I got.)

I found out about this race four weeks ago, when I ran the Spring Into Summer 5K. I took a card with the website, and gave myself a few days to think about it.

Three days later, I had signed up for what would be my third race in a seven week span.

This race turned out to be a different experience than the first two. For one, I wasn't going crazy picking up my bib/timing chip and shirt on race day (Bib was sent about two weeks ago, and I got my shirt yesterday.)

It was also huge! My first race had a few hundred, the second was slightly more, and this one was anticipated to have close to 2500 runners! (I'll have more on that part later in the post.)

Everything this morning was in routine. I woke up at my usual race day time (6:30), ate my Cherrios and skim milk, checked Twitter and Facebook, and I left an hour later. 

I got into Red Bank about a half hour before the start. It was a lot of mingling in the general area of the start until race time (8:30). Everyone was kind of scattered until we lined up for the start, which was PACKED. This was how close I was to the start line (indicated by the checkered flag, which I circled in yellow)...

...and this is how far back it goes. 

Well, I can't say exactly how far back, but you get the idea.

Among the usual pre-race speeches, they announced that we would be running over Tower Hill. I just thought to myself, "Okay..." (More on that later).

Next thing I knew it, the national anthem was sung, and we were off! My third 5K was under way!

Well, after about 20 seconds. There were so many people that I had to walk to the timing mat. That's right, walk. A lot of people had the same idea, and very few started running until after crossing that mat.

Mile 1 was fast, and even with a walk break or two, I felt strong. I clocked in at 10:30, according to my watch (I think the clock time was 11:15-11:20, but I was going with my watch). I walked through a water station (part of my cup went on me =/), then kept running.

Mile 2 was a little slower, but I still felt strong, clocking in at 22:00 (clock time of 23 something; this mile was a bit of a blur, honestly). Just after that water stop, here came Tower Hill.

I was not anticipating the hill at all, and ended up walking up the hill. Although, I wasn't the only one who did this. It was steep, but it felt shorter than I thought.

After I went up, I pretty much came sprinting down, almost rolling. I ended up slowing down after a bit, since I knew flat road was coming up again.

It was at this point where I knew a PR wasn't possible. The hill slowed me down considerably, and took a lot out of me. 

Anyway, after a few more minutes, the race came back on to Broad Street, and the finish line was in sight. I ended up sprinting into the finish (with Chris Brown's "Yeah 3x" playing before I had to take off my headphones). Clock time was 36:44, but my official time was 35:51.04, just less than a minute slower than my PR. 

I kind of have mixed emotions about it, since I was going for a PR, but I didn't anticipate running the hill, which I might have known about if I checked out the course beforehand (which I didn't get the chance to do), so I'll take it and be proud of it. 

Looking back, I think I'm more upset over not getting a medal (which the registration form said all finishers would get), since they ran out just before I finished. At first, I was upset because I ran too slow to get one, but I got over that kind of quickly. I did have a good, strong race and enjoyed the experience.

Of course, there was the usual post-race spread of food. Foccacia sandwiches, chips, bagels, and probably more. I did get a cup of mango yogurt, but that was still a struggle to eat. I found out I'm one of those runners who can't eat for a few hours after a race.

I think I'm taking a few weeks of of running, since there's no races around here until September, and I kind of want a break. I guarantee this is not the end of my racing journey by a long shot!

Thank you for the love and support again! It means a lot to me!

Foodie Pen Pals: May 2012

Another month has passed, which means another Foodie Pen Pals post. This is the second month I have done the program, and I can't thank Lindsay at The Lean Green Bean for starting this! I love exchanging food with other bloggers and making a box to send to someone else (More specific details about the program are on her blog).

Okay, on to what I got this month! ;-) My box was from Beth at In Search Of... The box came on a day when it was crazy at work. So, when I got home and saw it, I was super excited! Here's what came:

• Cinnamon Pita Chips. I never had pita chips before. I finally opened the bag on Monday, and it was love at first bite. I had to put the bag away to keep from mindlessly eating them (I was watching Glee at the time...lol)
• Sea Salt Caramels. Beth mentioned in the note she sent that they were made a few miles from her house. Love these too!
• Cinnamon Raisin Peanut Butter. I never heard of it, and I can't wait to dig into it (especially on my waffles in the mornings)!
• A Justin's peanut butter bar. I love Justin's peanut butter, so this is another treat I can't wait to try!
• A Two Degrees chocolate peanut bar. I never heard of this brand, and may try this one morning with some yogurt as a light breakfast.  

This was the second month I've done this, and the second month I love what I got. I can't wait to see what June brings!

Tracy

Spring Into Summer 5K (Middletown, NJ)

Today was THE race. As in, the one I signed up for over three months ago, and have spent the last 10 weeks training for.

Last week blew my expectations out of the water with a 35:11 finish. I was hoping to get below 35:00 today. How did I do? Well, keep reading, and you'll find out! ;-)

Anyway, I needed to pick up my bib, shirt, and (so-called) goody bag (turned out to be nothing but flyers =P) since I couldn't get there last night. I got to the school that was hosting the race around 7:30, picked up my stuff, and sent it home with my sister after she pinned my bib on me. Like it or not, there was no turning back now!

I knew this race was big, but compared to the one I ran last weekend, it was HUGE! There were at least three times the participants, plus they had a one miler before the 5K and kids' races after. 

This race implemented B-chip timing, which meant the timing chip was attached to the bib. Awesome. I would know my official time and didn't have to worry about a tag as well as a bib. =)
After I was all set, I just tried to stay loose since excited nerves hit me about two days ago. The national anthem was sung around 8:05, just before the one miler started. The one miler was fun to watch. It was a lot of kids, and it was so ADORABLE!

Once the one-milers ended their race, it was time for the 5K racers to line up. Since our time didn't start until we crossed the mat, it really didn't matter where we were positioned. I kind of ended up in the middle of the pack. It was so packed at the start it was crazy! After we got started, it took me about 20-30 seconds to hit the start mat, due to the crowding. I didn't start my watch until I crossed the start mat, so I don't remember exactly how long it took me to get up there.


I hit the first mile in 10:43, which I have to admit was a little below what I was aiming for. I really thought I could get a sub 10:00 mile, but then I realized that this was only my second race, and my second in two weeks.


Right after the first mile marker, there was a water station (Nice!) and I had to walk through it. I'll eventually figure out how to "drink and run" while running on the road! ;-)


After that, my pace seemed to dip a little, but I kept going. I did have to take a few walk breaks, but I knew I could still finish under 35:00. Mile 2 was a blur, but I do remember the second water station. Mile 3 wasn't as much of a blur, but I do remember seeing the turn into the track where the race ended. However, I did not anticipate having to complete the race on 300 yards worth of track. =P


Best part: All the little kids who were holding out their hands to high-five the runners as we came in. Such an adorable moment. =)


I slowed down a little, but was able to sprint out the last few yards. My second 5K was in the books!


When I crossed the finish line, my clock time was 35:26. I then stopped my watch and it said 35:01. However, I knew that neither was my official time, since I didn't officially start until I crossed the mat.


About five minutes later, I got my official time: 34:56.11! BOOYAH!

Okay, I know that I only beat my goal by a few seconds, but considering I was doing this a week after running a 5K, and that it was only my second race ever, I was very happy with that time.


After the race, there was a ton of food. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and all sorts of other stuff. I knew I couldn't stomach any of it that early (I finished just after 9:00), so I got a sampler cup of Rita's cantaloupe ice (which was really good) and a cup of mango yogurt. I tried to eat a piece of a bagel, but I knew I couldn't after the first two bites.


This was another race that I would love to do again next year. Organization was top-notch for a local race, they had chip timing, and the atmosphere was amazing! I could do without the barbeque food at 9:00 in the morning, but that's just me.


I think I'm taking a week off of outdoor running, then who knows what the summer has in store! Once again, thank you all for the love and support!


Tracy

Titan 5K (Keansburg, NJ)

It's official! I'm a 5K finisher! Blew my goal time out of the water too (by nearly 5 minutes)!


As I wrote on Thursday, I signed up for this race on a whim. I thought that this was one of the craziest things I've ever done, but at the same time, I'm glad I did it!


My wake up wasn't super early (7:00), since the race wasn't until 9. Excited nerves hit me this morning, but I still managed to eat a bowl of Multi-Grain Peanut Butter Cherrios with skim milk (my usual pre-run fuel).


They didn't have packet pick-up yesterday, so I knew I would need time to get my stuff before the race. It turns out I was considered a pre-registered runner (despite registering a day and a half before), so I did get my shirt (see pic above) and a bag full of all sorts of stuff, most of it Army related, since this race was benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project.


After I got my stuff, I ended up going back to my house to drop it off, since there was no gear check or anything (didn't think there would be), so that was my warm-up walk.


Once I got back, I was just mingling until about 8:50, when we lined up. There was no specific order for faster/slower runners, but they did tell those who were walking the whole thing to go toward the back. Still ended up kind of close to the start though, since it was kind of a small race:

(Sorry for the bad quality. This one was on my cell phone and its crappy camera =P)


Next thing I knew, the national anthem was sung and we were off!


I crossed the start line after about 15 seconds, and was off. The course was flat and fast through residential areas. There were a few locals around to cheer us on, which was awesome! =)


There were no mile markers, but there were volunteers from the Keansburg High School baseball and softball teams there holding up signs where we needed to turn. The turnaround was down by the boardwalk and surprisingly, there was a water station (Awesome!). I hit that point just short of 18:00, and it was then I knew I would finish under 40:00.

I did have to take a few walk breaks, but I ran most of the race, and next thing I knew, the high school was back in sight, and it was less than a half mile to the finish line. I finished as strong as I started, and crossed the finish line at 35:11, just less than 5:00 less than my goal time!


After the race, they had water right at the finish (Score!) and all sorts of food in the school cafeteria. All I had was a cinnamon raisin bagel with some cream cheese. I wasn't about to go for pasta or subs at 9:45 in the morning (and didn't think my stomach would enjoy it either).

I have to say that this was an awesome race. It was well organized, lots of support, and it was for a good cause! There were even some soldiers there, which made it even more awesome. I can already say I will be running this again next year!

Thank you to everyone for your love, support, and encouragement over the last two months! It meant a lot! I can't wait to do my second 5K next Saturday (This one being the one I originally signed up for)!


Tracy

Last Minute Race!

Hi, all! Writing to you tonight with huge news:

I entered the Keansburg Titan 5K for this Saturday, kind of last minute entry. This Saturday will be my first ever 5K.

Note: I probably wouldn't have entered this if I wasn't already training for a 5K, which I was (The Spring Into Summer 5K which I entered is the 19th).

I only found out about this a few days ago, during one of my training runs in Keansburg. I went past the high school and saw a sign for it. It was in the back of my head all week.

Tonight, I took the plunge and signed up. Last minute I know, but I figure I'm familiar with the area, since I've done at least half of my Spring Into Summer 5K training in that area. Plus this way, I can get some race adrenaline out. It is crazy, but at the same time, I'm so excited!

Now, to put together my playlist and figure out what I'm going to wear...

Peace out!

Tracy

Life Falling Into Harmony

I'm writing this almost out of nowhere, and honestly, I think that's where the best posts come about.

For those who don't know, I was in a bad place in more ways than one for months. I was struggling with my self-esteem, despite the weight loss. I was also in a job I couldn't stand, trying to find a new one for months with no luck.

Then, a month ago, everything seemed to fall into place. Almost in perfect harmony.

I signed up for a 5K. The beginning runs were hard, but my mental confidence boosted each week along with my physical endurance (well, except for one mental setback).

I love myself for the first time in, well, ever. I look at myself not as a shape or a pant size, but as a strong person who can do practically anything I set my mind too.

Finally, I got a new job. I went from Chuck E. Cheese to Panera, and I think that was the best move I could have made. I've been there a month, and I've been happier than I was in nine years at Chuck E.

While I may not have a picture perfect life for someone my age, I've realized that everything that has happened was because it was supposed to. Months ago, I was thinking that the best years of my life were gone, just because I wasn't in the same boat as everyone else. Now, I've realized that they've just begun. I'll have years to settle down. For now, I'm happy with continuing on my own path in life.

Kisses and hugs,

Tracy

Foodie Pen Pal: April 2012

Hi, all! Taking a break from the 5K updates to post about a program I took part in called Foodie Pen Pals. For those unfamiliar with the program, it was started by Lindsay over at The Lean Green Bean and it's pretty much exchanging food with fellow bloggers/readers. (More details on her blog). This was the first month I did it and I enjoyed putting together the box for my pen pal as well as getting my own!

I received a box from Lindsay over at Running with Tongs. I told her my favs were chocolate, peanuts/peanut butter, and cinnamon and that I was open to trying new things. I got my box today and I got all sorts of treats. =)

This was what I got in the box:
 

 

• Two Luna bars, one Peanut Butter Cookie and one Caramel Nut Brownie. Both sound delicious. I will be digging in very soon. =)
• Chocolate flavored Amazing Meal. This will come in handy as an after-workout snack.
• A mini Dan's Chocolates Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter bar. Ate it. Loved it.
• A jar of Justin's All-Natural Peanut Butter (Creamy). This came in handy as I was just running out of peanut butter. Love it on my whole wheat waffles. 
• Chocolate Chia Goodness. I have yet to break into this. Maybe over the weekend, when I have time to make something other than Cherrios for breakfast.
• Coupons for Chia Goodness

In the note that she wrote (part of the package has to include a handwritten note of some sort), she said that she went with a chocolate/peanut butter theme and included some of her favs. I saw everything, and I never tried any of the stuff in the box (except for the peanut butter), so I was excited to try it!

I will definitely be doing this program again, and I can't wait to see what I get in the future! =D

Tracy

5K Training: Week 6

Hi, all! It's hard to believe I'm just 20 days away from my first 5K! Two months ago, I decided, kind of impulsively, to do this. Little did I know that this journey would be a test, both mentally and physically. And it's not over yet. I still have two more weeks of training to go before the race.

I know whatever I run will automatically be a personal best, but I'm aiming to finish in about 40 minutes. If I run the whole thing, that's awesome. However, I've also come to peace with taking walk breaks if need be. This is my race, and I need to complete it with how I feel comfortable doing so. It's my first race, and while I have a specific time goal, my main goal is to cross that finish line, which I WILL do!

That's all from me. Have a good week!

Tracy

5K Training: Week 5

Hi, all! I decided to stop with the training logs when writing about my race training. It's boring and somewhat repetitive. Not what I want this blog to be.

First off, I'm in better spirits both mentally and physically than I was last week. I hit a rough spot, but realized that it's not about being the best but that I cross the finish line. Hard to believe that it's just over five weeks away! Also, I got the confirmation e-mail yesterday, so there really is no turning back now!

I'm repeating week 4 of the C25K this week, since I didn't feel so strong at the end of last week. I'm seeing improvement mentally as well as physically this week.I managed to do 2.3 miles without stopping on the treadmill on Monday. I went out on the road today, and realized that my endurance outdoors on the road may not be where I want it to be, but I have come a long way in just 5 weeks. I may still have to do a run/walk combo on race day, but I WILL be a 5K finisher!


Have a good weekend!


Tracy

Mental Block in the Training...

I want to apologize in advance if this post sounds a little...snappy at times. I know it is long-winded, but I just have a lot of thoughts going through my head this week and need to get them out somewhere in some sort of coherent fashion.


Anyway, my 5K is six weeks from tomorrow. Two things I would love to do right about now:

1) Cry my eyes out. I'm mentally worn out.
2) Crawl into fetal position while screaming "What the hell was I thinking?!"


Yes, I was all excited for signing up for my first ever race back when I signed up almost two months ago. I thought that since I started my weight loss journey over two and a half years ago, it would be cool to do something I never did before. I was all excited and couldn't wait to start training.


Until this week. I have seem to hit a mental block.


I repeated week 3 of the C25K last week, but decided to move up to week 4 this week (which is week 5 of my training). The program for all three days is a 5 minute warm-up walk, followed by a 3 minute jog, 90 second walk, 5 minute jog, 2 and a half minute walk, then repeat the whole cycle once.


Anyway, I was fine for the first stretch of the workout. Then came that first 5 minute run. I don't know what came over me, but I had to stop for at least one walk break of about 10-15 seconds. That was the case during the second run too. I ended the run fine physically, but so disappointed in myself at the same time. I know that speed will come, but I thought that I would be flying by now. Just...at a loss.


I know one thing will be true: I will take part in and finish this race.


Part of my mantra throughout this journey has been to finish what I start. Well, I sent in the form and money, and am five weeks into training for this thing. So, if I don't actually participate, then I won't finish what I started. In the end, I think that will be the more disappointing to live with.


Three years ago, I wouldn't have even THOUGHT about doing a 5K. In six weeks, I will cross that finish line no matter what. It's all about finishing what I started!


Have a good weekend, everyone!


Tracy