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

5K Training: Weeks 3 and 4

Hi, all! Forgot to post my training from last week (=P), so I decided to combine last week's and this week's training on to one post.

Last Week (Week 3):

Training runs on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. I found Saturday's to be tough for whatever reason, but I did finish what I started! I also did three days of strength training in the gym (Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday).

This Week (Week 4):

Monday ended up being an active rest day (just a 20 minute walk). Yesterday, I repeated week 3, day 1 of the C25K. Tough run both mentally and physically! However, I finished what I started once again, and in the end, that's all I wanted to do. The rest of the week is a toss-up. I definitely plan on doing two more training runs this week, but the rest is up in the air between how much time I spend in the gym, and how much I workout at home. I'll figure it out and update this post later.

That's all for now! Have a great day!

Tracy

5K Training: Week 2

Hi, all! Happy First Day of Spring! =)

I forgot to post over the weekend with last week's training, so here was how it went:

• Monday-Week 2, Day 1 of C25K. Tough, but I finished.
• Tuesday-Biggest Loser Last Chance. Another 25 minute workout that makes me feel like I spent an hour in the gym.
• Wednesday-Morning run (C25K Week 2, Day 2) that felt great! Also did an afternoon lifting session at the gym with 15 minutes of light running on the elliptical.
• Thursday-Active rest day. Yeah, my plan for one day of total rest didn't work too well. Ended up walking for 45 minutes (broken up into 15 minute intervals).
• Friday-31 minute run (C25K week 2, day 3) on the treadmill due to icky weather plus a 30 minute lifting session.
• Saturday-35 minutes of cardio. After 15 minutes on the elliptical, I felt good and strong. Ended up for another 5 minutes on there, then went for 15 on the summit trainer.
• Sunday-Normal 30 minutes of cardio, plus 30 minutes of lifting.

Today, I'm moving on to week 3 of 5K training. Hope this week isn't as bad as the app makes it look.

Have a great day, everyone!

Tracy

5K Training: Week 1

Hi, all! I started my 5K training this week (10 weeks before the race). It started off a little slow, but by my third training day, I felt great!

I'm incorporating strength training as normal (3 times a week), and my regular cardio (elliptical/summit trainer) as much as possible, since I don't want to be burned out before the race starts. I'm also forcing myself to take one full rest day a week. For those who know me, I usually take one active rest day. That will not be the case while I'm training for the race.

Here's how the week went:

• Monday-First 5K training run. It was rough, but I finished it. My only thought was "Glad I started training now. It's going to be a long 10 weeks." 
• Tuesday-Level 1 of Biggest Loser Boot Camp. I ended the 20 minute workout feeling like I spent an hour in the gym.
• Wednesday-30 minute training run. This one went better than Monday's. Much better.
• Thursday-Regular gym workout. 30 minutes of upper body strength and 30 minutes of cardio.
• Friday-Rest day
• Saturday-Training run on the treadmill. This actually went well, considering that I hate treadmills. I got an idea of my time (about 14 minutes/mile, not terrible, considering I've never really run before). I probably won't do this too often, since I want to keep the running to the outdoors. I also did a regular strength training workout. 
• Sunday-Regular 30 minutes of cardio. 

I'll be starting week 2 of the C25K tomorrow. I find that my body is adapting to regular running pretty fast. I could totally become addicted to this. Actually, I already am.

That's all for now! Have a great day, everyone!

Tracy

5K Training: Pre-Training

Hi, all! As I posted a week or two ago, I decided to run my first ever 5K on May 19. I didn't want to start training too early, but decided that I (mentally) can't wait anymore! I'm starting this week! I'm actually excited about this. I can say that I haven't had this excited feeling about anything in a long time.

I will be using the Zen Labs C25K Trainer Free app on my iPod touch. Everything is programmed within the app, it lets the user play music of his or her choice, and is the only app that works accurately when my iPod is locked (which I do often to save battery). However, it does not integrate distance into it, so I'm looking into buying a heart rate monitor that does. If I do, that's awesome. If not, I can always use the Nike + iPod app on my iPod.


My program is only an 8 week program. I'm just under 11 weeks to the race, but I did this intentionally. With starting this early, I can allow myself time to stay on a level for additional time if I need it (which I have a feeling I will, especially the first week or two).


On that note, week 1's training is three 30 minute workouts alternating walking and running. I plan on doing Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I'll see how it goes, and if I feel comfortable, I'll move on next week. If not, I'll stay on this level for another week.


Gotta run (literally and figuratively)! =)


Tracy

Taking The Plunge

Hi, all! It's been some time since I posted, but I felt the need to put something up tonight.

Within the past two weeks, I signed up for two different events, both of which I'll be doing for the first time.

The first is a local 5K on May 19. I never ran any sort of race, and decided that I would do a 5K this year. I was on the fence about it for a few weeks, but finally printed and filled out the entry form today. It's going in the mail tomorrow. I'm excited and can't wait to start training! (Also, this might help me to blog more, with training progress and such ;-) )

The second is the annual Fitbloggin conference in Baltimore this September. Again, it's something I've never done. I've never been to Fitbloggin, and I've never taken an overnight trip by myself. I can't wait to go to that either, meet several of my Twitter friends, and have a good time! =)

On another note, I made it to 85 pounds lost! Only 15 more to go before I hit my weight loss goal! I made it this far, I got this to the end and then some! 

That's all from me tonight! Peace!

Kisses and hugs,

Tracy

Just...amazed, and a warrior queen to boot

Hi, all! Ten days into 2012 and I hope it's treating you all well!

I know I haven't posted lately, and it's partly from time, but mostly from a lack of words.

Tonight, while tweeting about not knowing what to blog about, my friend Jennifer (@flowermom3 on Twitter), was telling me that I've come a long way, and that I should be amazed at what I've done.

So, thanks to her, that's tonight's post.

When I started this journey almost two and a half years ago, I was a weak (both physically and emotionally) 24 year old whose life was more out of control than I thought it was.

I realized I had to turn my life from "I can't" and "I'm not" to one of "I can" and "I am." Throughout this journey, I for the most part have. However, I have still had those moments of breakdowns and still seeing myself as that weak person still unhappy with myself.

Just recently, as in the last two or three months, I've had a breakthrough. I'm truly seeing myself as that strong, skinny person that I am! I've realized that I have changed throughout this journey, and that I can do just about anything.

That includes not beating myself up over the small stuff. For example, I had a sluggish elliptical run (2.15 miles in 15 minutes) today. I was so upset with that today because I know I can go so much faster. However, looking back on it tonight, I remember a time when I couldn't even go that fast. I also told myself that what really matters is that I went in there and gave it my all today, sore body and all. I also realized that I can always try again the next day.


One of my favorite cardio songs, which has turned into one of my favorite songs ever, is Lady Gaga's "Marry the Night." It can blast me through a bad run or put me in a good mood when I'm feeling a bit down. Yeah, I know it's pretty much a song about partying and such, but I think the opening verse just describes my journey, especially more recently, even more than the Jordin Sparks song that serves as my blog title does. Anyway, here's the verse:

"I'm gonna marry the night
I won't give up on my life
I'm a warrior queen
live passionately tonight."

In two and a half years, it's safe to say I've become a warrior queen on this journey.


Kisses and hugs,


Tracy

Quick Update

Hey, all! I know it's been awhile since I last blogged, and I do apologize, and will probably make a New Year's resolution to blog more...lol.

Since I last blogged, I hit 3 milestones:

1) I hit my 80 pound loss. FINALLY! 20 pounds to goal now. =)

2) I bought my first ever pair of Abercrombie and Fitch jeans. Size 12. They are a little tight, but THEY FIT!! =D Here's that pic:

 3) Last Friday, I made it through a 10k (6.22 miles) on the elliptical. Well, actually, I didn't want to get off the machine, so I ended up doing a little bit more...

Well, there were some slow stretches on this workout, and I did walk a few times, but I didn't give up!

Actually, I realized there is a fourth one as well. I went into the mall on Tuesday and went into Hollister. Just for kicks, I tried on a pair of size 11 jeans. No surprise, they didn't fit. I'm not even sure you can call it close to fitting. However, I was okay with it. A year ago, hell, even six months ago, I would have pulled a fit and burst into tears in the dressing room. This time, I held my head high and realized that there is more to life than wearing Hollister jeans.

I'm taking a mental health day, so it's back to watching Cars 2 for me! Good night to you all!

Kisses and hugs,

Tracy