The Ballerina Project

2011-11-08T10:06:00.000-08:00

It's the final countdown.
I'm excited and nervous all at the same time.
I'm not going to worry so much about my speed, because that doesn't seem to be going anywhere.
I just want to finish. Finish without pain.
Yesterday, my running partner, let's just call her "Willis", said to me,
"I'm getting burned out on running."

"Wha?"
I do not comprehend that feeling.
I cannot relate to you, Willis.
I am obsessed.
Suddenly I recall those crazies that, back in the day, told me they were addicted to exercise.
I could not comprehend that either.
But now I do.
Willis has been prepping me for a while.
Telling me that after this race she's going to hit the weights real hard.
Take a couple weeks off from running.
This only stirs my motivation to get myself stronger and faster in those weeks.
I will amp up my i-pod and own the street.
I will improve my mile time by a minute, Willis!
I just hope Willis comes back to her senses and returns from the dark side.

2011-10-28T16:10:00.000-07:00

It's official.
I signed up for the half at Shun the Sun.
Now you can hold me to it.
(I have commitment-phobia, so this is HUGE.)

2011-10-03T10:08:00.000-07:00

I had a great week last week.
I logged about 25 miles running and about 72 on bike.
And to top it all off, we ran 11 miles on Saturday. Without a potty stop!
During this run, it was decided that we would enter a 1/2 marathon that's coming up in November.
If I tell you which one, then that will really commit me to it. So maybe I'll share details in another week or two when I'm FOR SURE going to do it.
Into mile 7, we were suddenly surprised by a runner coming from behind.
He came from out of nowhere, I tell ya.
He kindly shared with us, "15 down, 5 to go! What about you guys?"
I replied, "Only 7!"
He passed us and gave us the treat of the day.
He was wearing THE shortest shorts.
Yes, his butt cheeks, in all their glory, were there, staring us down as they left us in their dust.
Do you know how hard it is to silently laugh as you are breathlessly running!
Hard!
My friend tried to grab her camera, but she dropped it.
We completely missed the photo op.

(Think Magnum, only ten times shorter!)

But the imagery will forever be etched in our minds.

2011-09-13T09:30:00.000-07:00

We all know I am a huge supporter/user/pusher/obsessor of Newtons.
I love them.
But there are days that I just want to switch off. Try something a little different so my feet get a little variety and don't get bored.
Up until now I've had this "if it isn't broken, don't fix it" attitude. I was afraid to try a new shoe because Newtons have been so good for me.
This scruffy (but cute) guy I know recommended the Brooks Launch.
"They feel like running on pillows."

So I tried them.
They ARE pretty cool. Like "running on pillows". He was right.
They were a comfortable run. After about mile six, I did miss the little metatarsal ridge on my Newtons. So for shorter runs these are great.
If anything, they are great to change into after a run. Or wear to bed, or whatever...

2011-09-08T10:02:00.000-07:00

I always love the sound the nicer bikes make as they're coasting.
It's this loud ticking.
What is that?
Must be nice hubs?
I could go and spend $350 on some Chris King hubs...
but then I thought of the perfect solution:

Some playing cards

(I used skipbo cards because, well, I like the game.)

Everyone has some of these laying around...

Voila. Now I'll be kickin' it with the best of them.

Don't forget extras.

Finally, I feel like I fit in.

2011-09-06T16:05:00.000-07:00

Where you at?

One of the exciting things for me (and probably ONLY me) with running is mapping out my routes.
Sometimes I'll add a stretch here or a detour there...
I'm pretty easy to please, I know.
Typically, after I'd get the kids off to school, I would drive a new route in my car and watch the odometer reading.
(Ever heard of a Garmin? I'm so old-school.)
But then some friends turned me on to a website that figures out the mileage for you!
Genius.
geodistance.com
I bookmark all of my routes and their distances.
Exciting, huh?

2011-09-05T08:14:00.000-07:00

Hit the big 1-0 today.

It's been a while.

I need ice...

2011-08-30T08:36:00.000-07:00

I got a lightning bug for my bike.
It's the most obnoxious flash of LED lights.
All the street signs ahead of me flash and flicker.
I feel like I'm driving down the strip in Vegas.
It's going to take some getting used to, but I definately feel safer using it.

This weekend I experienced something new...
After getting in 9 miles of running, a friend invited me to go to hot yoga.
My sister teaches and I've been meaning to go...
to support her...
but it's been so hot...and...
I didn't really feel like going to a steamy, hot room full of drippy, sweaty bodies...
I went.
I hated every minute (second) of it.
I wanted to run out the door.
I had to psych myself out and do it. For. My. Sister...
I cried the last 30 minutes.
Tears streamed down my face. My lower lip was quivering.
What the heck. What is going on with me!
I am told it works from the inside out.
Maybe I was cleansing? Emotions that needed an escape?
I have to admit, I have been quite sore ever since.
I know I'll have to go back and give it another try.
I think it's like having a baby.
SO stinkin' miserable. But before you know it, you forget about the pain and do it all over again.
I'm not writing it off yet...
I like to give things a fair chance.
Because that's just how I am. Fair. Fair and balanced.

2011-08-26T08:41:00.000-07:00

I got 23 miles in this morning.
Alone.
Normally, all my life, I've been O.K. with being alone.
Doing things by myself.
I don't need a ton of people around me.
But once you ride with a group or even just one other person...
it's hard to go back to just you.
I feel more vulnerable on the road and just plain...lonely.
Just give me a t-shirt with a BIG L.
L for Loner.

2011-08-25T09:15:00.000-07:00

I've been neglecting my running journal.
Big time.
Poor you. You have become my journal.
You can turn back now. I won't hold it against you.
This week I have had great runs. You know the days you feel so good, you even consider running again that day?
Don't do it.
You may be disappointed.
So far, Monday I logged 5 miles, Tuesday rode 23 (at 10 AM. So stinkin' hot. It put me in a bad mood for the rest of the day!), and Wednesday ran the Las Sendas loop. I'm told it's 5 miles all the way around. I have found I like starting and ending at Walgreens. I get about a mile of flat to warm up and then all the uphill over with.
I end it running downhill to my car. It's a great run. Really.
It felt great yesterday. Was it muscle guy that inspired me?
Maybe.
I was excited to run it again today. I wanted to push my bestie to finish it herself and feel the elation and euphoric high that I do.
I don't know if she did.
She may start avoiding my calls now.
I can tell I'm getting stronger.
These 5 milers don't really affect me like they used to.
No necessary afternoon naps!
Nice.

FLYBYE Running Club update:
School has started and has put a serious crimp in our running schedule! This week has been so hot that we haven't met in the evenings. Just Saturday mornings. (I sure wouldn't want any of these kids getting dehydrated! Running should be fun, not miserable.)
The older kids are able to run a mile and a half now. I think we are well on our way to our 5K in November!

2011-08-24T20:18:00.000-07:00

Today, as we were huffing and puffing (LITERALLY) up the hill,
we were passed by a very SHAPELY man and his friend in clothes.

No, this wasn't actually him. But you get the picture. This is EXACTLY what he looked like.
When they passed us, I looked and I thought, "Yeah, he looks fit enough to be passing us, UPHILL."
Fast forward 45 minutes.
They pass us AGAIN.
Now it's light enough to see his glistening abs. (At least that's what my running partner observed. Not me. Eyes on the road. My eyes are always on the road!)
I had to acknowledge how well they were running today. Especially passing us twice.
The first thing out of my mouth is, "You guys are awesome!"
Really? I claim I hardly use that word, but it seems to be coming out of my mouth quite frequently as of late.
You know what he replied? Yes, the glisteny guy.
"YOU guys are awesome."
Why thank you, well-chiseled muscle guy. I hope you really meant that.
Because now I am feeling pretty awesome.
It was an awesome day.

2011-08-09T16:22:00.000-07:00

You smell!

Are you ever concerned about this?
That your running efforts exude a not-so-nice smell?
I worry about that.
I was reading my Runner's magazine and someone asked about dealing with smelly runners in your group.
If you don't have the nerve to say something (which I think would be MUCH too difficult) then you have a couple choices: 1. Don't run behind them, or, 2. Dab some mentholatum under your nose.

I thought that was GENIUS!
I should give some to my running partner as a thoughtful gesture.
But I will FOR SURE feel lame if I smell it on her.

2011-08-04T19:27:00.000-07:00

Passing.

I am TOTALLY unclear on what to do.
It seems lately I have been in situations that I have to pass someone going slower than me.
I know, that seems SO unlikely. But it really has been happening.
I have a couple dilemas.

What do I say as I approach and pass? I feel like whatever I say might trans "Good Morning" = "Yeah, for me it's a great morning, as you can tell, because I'm leaving you in my dust!" or

"You're doing great!" = "But obviously not as great as ME."
Are they going to think I'm showing off? Or that I'm trying to race them?
Do you feel my frustration?
I feel bad passing someone. Like it's going to make them feel like less of a rider.
(Hence the reason I feel like I should give them a compliment as I pass.)
I just chalk it up to being a Mom...
Just want to spread the fuzzy feelings.
It's definately not going to help my winning streak.

2011-08-03T18:57:00.000-07:00

The Door Prize

Better known as "getting doored".

It almost happened to me this morning as I was seconds away from home.

I was cruising, happy to be almost done with my bike ride, when a lady swung open her door just inches from where I was riding. (OK, maybe it was a foot or two away.)

Scarey.

And it totally taught me a lesson of awareness. I'm always looking out for moving cars. I neglected to think as much about the parked ones.

Just something to think about the next time you're out riding...

2011-08-02T11:17:00.000-07:00

I find when I'm exercising, I get HUNGRIER.
Mostly around 4pm.
That's when I start grazing. A little here, a little there.
It seems harmless.
But it totally adds up!
I started reporting to myfitnesspal.com

You enter some info about yourself, including revealing your actual weight (ew). They suggest how many calories you should consume per day and the rest is easy. You log what you ate that day (and they seem to know the caloric count of EVERYTHING.), the exercise you did (it will tell you the calories you burned), and then you're well on your way to losing either 1 or 2 pounds per week, depending on how fast you want to lose. Of course, they suggest 1 pound per week, but being the impatient person I typically am, I signed up for two a week.

I have tried keeping a food journal before...hated it.
But this seems easier. Plus, they have all the nutrient information of everything you consume. It's nice to track fat grams, protein grams, even fiber.

Then there's always that little nagging feeling in the back of the brain that realizes whatever you stick in your mouth is going to have to be accounted for and entered in to your permanant record!

It's good to be held accountable once in a while.

2011-07-25T07:21:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I caught a glimpse of Fatty.
Can you see him? The one with the glasses on his head?
I was too shy to approach him.
Wish I would've.

The race was tons of fun. I could only eat 2 donuts. I'm not so much the donut champ we all thought. I just couldn't waste the calories!
Did I beat my dad?
Let's just say my time was around 1:07 and his was somewhere around 1:11!!!!!!!!
(Sorry, Dad, but I've never beat you at anything in my life!)

2011-07-14T11:31:00.000-07:00

It's my first bike race.
Ever.

I'm hoping to catch a glimpse of Fatty.
And I'd like to give my 64'ish-year-old Dad a ride for his money.
Or not. You should see that man's THIGHS!

2011-07-06T11:46:00.000-07:00

Freedom Running Club update:

Lucky us...Freedom Boardshop designed some t-shirts for us.
(Thanks, Freedom, for being our first sponsor!)
They look awesome and definately helped unite us as a team.

We are at the Mountain View track on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. 6:30 am.
(We're the ones in grey!)
My goal is to get everyone registered and ready to run the Shun the Sun 5K in November.
Come out and join us... even if you're not a kid.
(This means you, Cory. Although, you probably don't read this...)

2011-06-19T16:58:00.000-07:00

I had a message on my machine last week.
My gym called.
Actually, it was the health advisor from my gym.
He said he had seen that I hadn't been to the gym since May and wanted to help me get back on track.
I laughed out loud. Really?
I didn't know gyms filed missing person reports.
I'm glad they care and all.
He wants me to call him back.
Do I call him and tell him I get up every morning at 4:30 to either run 7 miles or ride 20?
That I'm just a little too tired in the evenings to get myself to the gym?
Maybe I should just go this week so my attendance will register as active again.
At least it will get him off my back for another month.

This weekend I went to a Newton running clinic at Iron Gear Sports.
(Have I told you how much I LOVE my Newtons!!!!)
It was really informative and we all had a GREAT time running in front of each other. (Not really.)
We Learned so much about proper running form and I got out of there without having to buy a new pair of shoes.
Schwew!

2011-06-14T10:35:00.000-07:00

SPREADING THE RUNNING LOVE.
Running has done A LOT for me.
I'd even go as far as to say it saved me.
It's time for me to give back and share.
I started a running club for some kids in my neighborhood.
Some of them lack self esteem, some are overweight, some just need to get active.
I am on a mission to get them healthy and happy with themselves.
I am really excited to embark on this project and hope I can make it work.
The details are in the works...exciting ones. I'm in the beginning stages of this!
I'll keep you updated for sure.
In the meantime, we are running three times a week and building our stamina.
My goal is to get these kids active, to love to run, to want to be healthy, and to build their self esteem.
(And it doesn't cost a dime!)
Shoot me an e-mail if you want more info.
Keep running!
Angela

2011-06-12T09:28:00.000-07:00

No, no. I have not fallen off the exercise wagon.
You may have feared that because you have not heard from me in a while.
Actually, I have been quite involved with my NEW BIKE!
Yes, it's like the lengthy, miserable pregnancy is over and I finally have the new baby in my arms.
I am smitten.
It feels like I have a new appendage. Really.
Is that weird?
Maybe so.
But I am truly content.
I run three days a week. I bike three days a week.
My husband is barely affording me now.
If it's not pedals or riding shorts I need, then it's new running shoes or a watch.
Poor guy.
I will have to make this a really great Father's Day for him.

2011-03-24T16:54:00.000-07:00

I've been running for nearly a year now.
The most I have ever brought with me is a small water bottle tucked into my bra.
Yes, I have the belt, but I'm too vain and reluctant to enhance my waistline at this time in the game.
So comes the subject of gels.
I never knew WHEN, WHERE, HOW...
So I just drank.
I can eat when I get home.
But now that I am running some days over an hour, I start to get fatigued.
And when I read about Honey Stinger gels, I was curious.
I never thought I'd touch a gel. I knew they would make me gag curbside.
(Who wants to see me dry heaving by the road!)
But this honey!

It was delish!

I can TOTALLY do this!

I got them from the nice guys at Iron Gear Sports in Mesa. Thanks, Lorie, for the tip!

2011-03-23T11:11:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to report that my body is back in synch with my mind!
I am now able to run the miles I have missed so much while letting my body heal.
Last week I got my mileage up to 20 for the week and started to feel that I am back on my way.
On my way to what, I am not sure.
I don't know what my next goal will be...
I am not sure if I like the whole "race" thing.
Hmmmmm...
Maybe I will stage my own half.
Who knows.
I'm just glad to be on the road, blasting my i-pod and running like a motha.

2011-02-07T12:50:00.000-08:00

Saturday, I ran. I ran 'til I couldn't.
Which wasn't that far.
But that's OK.
Because I AM BACK!
On the road AGAIN!
I have a 5K this weekend that I should be able to finish just fine.
I'm just a little slow. But what's new.

http://skirtsports.com

2011-01-27T07:58:00.000-08:00

Today, I swore of sugar.
That means cake too.
Sheesh, that felt good.

2011-01-20T15:43:00.000-08:00

And for your entertainment pleasure, during this LONG running intermission,
I thought I'd share my own HISTORY OF RUNNING by Angela Henrie.
Sophomore year, 1986.
I decided to take a break from tennis and do something wild and crazy.
Something I'd never done before.
Ah, yes. Track.
But what was my specialty? What event should I do?
I knew I wasn't a "dasher". And the long distance was too, well, LONG.
So I opted to do the 300 hurdles.
Not many people were doing it. And since I liked to do less popular things, I went with it.
(It soon became clear to me why so many opted NOT to run this event.)
My mom let me use her old running shoes and I was set.
(Except nobody informed me of a necessary running bra. I'm sure that was quite a sight. Glad I couldn't see it!)
I got into great shape.

In retrospect.

But at the time I wore full length spandex under my flow-y nylon track shorts. I never felt "thin" like the other girls. I knew FOR SURE my thighs were flapping in the wind as I heaved around the track.

I think I must have jumped 20 times to the side of the hurdle with someone watching to see if I'd safely CLEAR it if I were to actually jump over it. Yes, I was a paranoid hurdle virgin.

Meets were the worst!
I'd have to trek across the football field to get to my starting line, praying I'd hit a pot hole and sprain my ankle.
Getting last place meet after meet got old pretty fast.
I'd get teased about my last place finishes by the boy I thought was cute.
It was humiliating. But, I didn't want to give up.
I wasn't going to State by any means, but I would finish this crazy thing up and never look back.
It was my last race and the only other girl that ran this event with me was going to run against me.
She always got out of practice, limping on a taped foot, or coughing under her protective hoodie.
"I've diligently ran every practice, I never skip out on my mile cool down, and I do the stretches. I can AT LEAST beat her!"
So the race begins.
And there she goes. She's gone with the wind.
Obviously, track is not my thing.
I never did look back. Until about 10 months ago.
I'm so glad I have given running a second chance.
But don't expect any record times from me.
I'm just happy to be out there in a good running bra and my own shoes this time!

2011-01-05T19:29:00.000-08:00

Ah...the good old days.
I just watched this movie again. I think the last time I saw it, I was 12.

It makes me appreciate simplicity...

2010-12-29T10:11:00.000-08:00

What does one do who is injured and has pent up energy?

Make t shirts!

2010-12-28T09:47:00.000-08:00

It's not that I haven't been working out.
It's just -
I'm still nursing an injury.
I sympathize with all those who are injured and can't run.
I just haven't wanted to get on here and complain.
Nobody likes a complainer. But...
I came up with an analogy:
It's like you're an airplane.
Taxiing around the airport, unable to take off.
The problem is, you've taken off before.
Many times.
So you know how it feels. To fly.
Now you can't.
And you just want to scream.

2010-12-13T13:18:00.000-08:00

This weekend I attended a kick-off meeting for the Kick Start Program by Skirt Sports.
These ladies are awesome.
We are running a 5K in February...the Skirt Chaser.
Many of these women had heart warming stories about their challenges with being fit.

Nicole DeBoom is great.
She has such a positive vibe and attitude.
It was so nice to be around such a positive group of women!
Go team!

2010-12-09T08:35:00.000-08:00

Today, I tried a massage...
I survived a half hour of Enya music!
It was painful, but it hurt so good.
Then, I actually tried...

ACCUPUNCTURE!
Yes, I am getting desperate.
Supposedly, I should feel results in the next day or so...

2010-12-07T10:22:00.000-08:00

I have been going to the Chiropractor.
Sprinkling a bit of running into walking...
If you are a runner, you know what it's like to be told NOT to run.
"Just walk."
Two words that make me cringe.
How will I get my heart rate going? How will I even break a sweat? I want my lungs to sting, my breathing to struggle! I have anxiety and stress I have to release!
How will I lose any weight?
Yes, my mind is frazzled.
I thought I would focus my energy on getting Hubby up and running. I could do Couch to 5k with him and by the time I'm ready to really run again, he'll be able to go with me!

It would be a little slice of wedded bliss for me...

I've gotten him out a couple of times. The thought of tying a rope to him and pulling him along DID cross my mind.
There were plenty of complaints about pain and side effects of his medication, blah, blah, blah.
"I don't want to hear complaining. I want you to want this as much as I want it for you!"
"I want you to FEEL the freedom and euphoria I feel when I run!"
It's not really happening.
I snuck off by my lonesome this morning because I felt I could get more positive feedback from my I-pod.

It reminds me of a time way back when I convinced him to join the gym with me.
(I can tell you this story because, A. It's funny, and B. He doesn't read this blog!)
It lasted one day.
I got on the elliptical, him beside me.
"This is great," I thought. "Working out together..."
After a 1/2 hour, he got off and disappeared to "get a drink".
He returned with a Walgreens bag with a Snickers, a Diet Coke, and a magazine.
Nice.
Oh, and he had found time to wolf down a slice of pizza next door.

I have learned my lesson for the second time now;
You can't MAKE someone want to be physically fit. Every person has to find that quest for themselves.
I just have to keep on "keeping on" and be a good example of health to my family.
Maybe, just maybe someday you'll see me running down the street with my hubby in tow, SANS the leash! And MAYBE he'll even be smiling about it. I know I will!

2010-11-30T14:51:00.000-08:00

Having an injury really puts a damper on things.
I tried to run Monday. Everything was going great the first mile.
Then there it was. My groin muscle shouting at me that it Was. Not. Ready.
It is such a challenge to just stop and let things heal.
You realize what an impatient person you may be.
("Watching paint dry" comes to mind.)
Hubs recommended I just walk.
Seriously, that makes me more frustrated, and chances are I'd try at least 10 times to run, just to see how it feels!

WAH, WAH!

2010-11-19T16:47:00.000-08:00

Anna's been doing kind acts of service for the month of November.
I was a recipient of one of those very kind acts.
Thanks, Anna, for the running mix cd.
It is on the ipod. Ready to run to.
As soon as my latest injury has recovered.
Yes, injured AGAIN.
I pulled a not-so-glamorous muscle.
It's so NOT glamorous that I don't want to mention which muscle it is.
Hope to be up and at 'em soon!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

2010-11-13T13:30:00.000-08:00

10K Race Day
We "Shunned the Sun" and raced our bootays off!

It was chilly!

Strike a running pose for the kids.

Yay! We did it! (Although Crazy Runner Girl came in at least 10 minutes before me!)

Hubs even came. He's the best!

Amanda's always there, willing to photograph with such enthusiasm. Love that girl!

The results, you ask?

Let's just say I am improving. I did it in 1:06.

2010-11-11T14:35:00.000-08:00

Seriously, my kids are out of school for the day, ONE day, and I am completely off balance.
I thought, no need to run in the cold, dark morning in order to get home to make lunches and send them all out the door.
I can go anytime today.
It's 3:30 PM, and I still have not had my hour and a half block to spare.
Will I get out by tonight?
I must.
Schedules are good to stick to. I learned that today.

2010-11-08T09:42:00.000-08:00

GETTING OUT THE DOOR!

That is the hard part for me.

I get nervous.

Will I be able to make it today?

But once I'm out, i-pod on,

I transcend.

I am Runner Girl.

Ready to get those miles behind me!

Today: 8 Miles (Felt absolutely great!)

2010-10-31T18:52:00.000-07:00

ten [tɛn]

1. (Mathematics) the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one. It is the base of the decimal number system and the base of the common logarithm See also number [1]

2. (Mathematics) a numeral, 10, X, etc., representing this number

3. something representing, represented by, or consisting of ten units, such as a playing card with ten symbols on it

4. Also called ten o'clock ten hours after noon or midnight

determiner

a. amounting to ten ten tigers

b. (as pronoun) to sell only ten Related adjective decimal Related prefixes deca-, deci-

[Old English tēn; related to Old Saxon tehan, Old High German zehan, Gothic taihun, Latin decem, Greek deka, Sanskrit dasa]

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003

Oh yes, indeed, I did!

Ten miles on Saturday with my sis by my side.

Complete elation when I finished.

And I peed just a little...

2010-10-22T16:10:00.000-07:00

I did it.
I registered for my first race!
It's a 10k here in Mesa in a couple weeks.

Saturday, November 13th.
Go HERE if you want to help in the fight against skin cancer.
(There's also a 5K and a Half.)
Happy Running, friends! See ya on the roads!

2010-10-16T17:53:00.000-07:00

Every Saturday, in the wee hours of the morning, I look forward to my run with my sis.
Amanda!!!!
She's one of the fittest people I know.
She could run laps around me.
But she doesn't.
She lets Saturdays be her easy run.
For me.
We get in trouble together in spin class.
We have our ritual conversations in the steam room.
(Where I watch her stretch on the grody tile floor.)

She has had a big part in helping me get back in the fitness game.
Like the group Chicago so eloquently put it, back in the 80's, "You're the Inspiration"!
Thanks, Mando, for always giving me that support and extra push!
(And thanks for giving me your expensive running shoes. )

2010-10-14T09:11:00.000-07:00

When you are trying to run, chi style, there is A LOT to think about.
But I have to tell you, since I have started implementing chi into my runs, I have felt NO shin pain.
NONE WHATSOEVER.
And my hip...much better.
The more I am aware of my form, the less impact my hip takes on.
I also got me some new kicks:

Meet my NEW Newtons.
I LOVE them. They keep me off my heels and light on my feet.
And, considering I wear all black when I run (for fashion reasons), it's probably a smart thing that my shoes are so bright.
My everyday runs (NOT EVERY DAY) seem to be logging in at 5 miles now. I'm thinking next week I'll push one of those up to six.

I was thinking this morning that I really need some new tunes to run to.
Any suggestions?

2010-10-10T17:36:00.000-07:00

This week, bless my soul, I was running.!
Running with a smile on my face.
Because I was happy.
Happy to be running!
I'm holding back a bit, trying not to over do it.
Running just three days so as not to run two days in a row. (I got 16 miles in for the week.)
My bike, my future bike, will take up those other three days. But for now, it's spin class.
Which reminds me...
I'm in love...

You WILL be mine, Bianchi. Oh yes, you WILL...

2010-10-06T10:07:00.000-07:00

When you are trying to eat better, it helps to have snacks that are easy to grab and go.
OK, I am speaking for myself here. The candy corn jar is WAY too accessible.
I make these "Energy Bars" for me, but my kids grab them too. If you want no flour, I have tried coconut flour and they turned out. This is just the recipe I have liked the best so far.

ENERGY BARS
2 c. rolled oats
1 c. whole wheat flour
2-3 T Chia seeds
1 t. baking powder
1 t. cinnamon
1 pinch salt
1c. agave
3 T coconut oil
1 egg
1/2 cup sliced or chopped almonds
1/2 c. unsweetened coconut
3 T Dark chocolate chips

Mix this all up and press into a cookie sheet lined with tin foil and sprayed with Pam. (Technically, they are called jellyroll pans, but you know what I mean.) Bake at 325 for 30 minutes. I always check mine at 20 minutes so I don't burn them and waste all of that expensive agave!
Cut into squares and store in an airtight container in the fridge.

2010-10-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

OK, on to the next read...

2010-10-01T07:20:00.000-07:00

I have been reading this book...in between loads of laundry, cooking, cleaning, and putting incessant miles on my car toting kids around town. It's a peek into the ways of the Raramuri tribe in Mexico and other ULTRA athletes that have skills BEYOND my belief. When I read about people like this, I have to think that many of our "injuries" are completely avoidable. (Makes me want a coach real bad! Someone to instruct me on how I should be moving my body in the best form possible.)

I don't believe running is bad for your body.

We ran all the time when we were younger.
People run all day in certain cultures (the Raramuri). And without fancy running shoes!

While my hip mends, I am really on a quest to find beneficial information on good running form. It's got to be pretty simple...

2010-09-26T08:41:00.000-07:00

This weekend I managed to drag my husband to 3 bike shops.
He's fully aware that I am shopping around for a shop as well as a bike. (He's used to my crazy brain.)
I am narrowing it down. Soon I will have a winner.
This has been a year in the making. Pathetically true.
It has taken me since last June to get up the nerve to actually ride a bike.
(Oh, and I have weird street fears too. )
It will be a joyous day, I tell ya.

2010-09-23T09:11:00.000-07:00

It is no big secret that I have been shopping around for a bike.
Sheesh, you're probably getting pretty sick of hearing about it by now.
(I know my friends are, my family is, my husband, poor soul...)
But not only is it difficult finding the right bike at the right price,
it's also equally difficult shopping for the right bike shop.
A friend of mine and I agree, you have to find the right kind of store that you want to deal with day-to-day and when you walk in, everybody knows your name!

So not only am I asking these sales people questions about bikes, it's also an undercover interview.
Do I like these guys?
Will they be willing to answer all of my dumb, ignorant, novice questions?
Will they like ME?
You know, all the important stuff...

2010-09-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

I went to spin class this morning.
It was so nice to not feel any pain.
I miss running so much. I am at war in my brain about tomorrow's workout...
The evil voice says, "Run, just run!". But then the reasonable voice says, "Walk, Ange, Walk."
Maybe I will play it safe and do my elliptical at home. I find that so boring now.
Almost unbearable.

2010-09-21T13:48:00.000-07:00

Patience.
It's a hard one for me.
I have had to learn to have it.
I could never lose weight before because I didn't possess patience.
As long as I focus some attention on patience, I can stick with this.
In the words of Dr. Leo Marvin,
"Baby steps, Bob. Baby steps."

2010-09-20T06:19:00.000-07:00

Last week's RUN DOWN:
Day 1 - 6 miles
Day 2 - rest
Day 3 - spin class followed by a long steam room visit. Ahhhhh.
Day 4 - 5 miles
Day 5 - spin class and a good steam
Day 6 - 5 mile run/walk.

My hip is frustrating me. I should find out today about my x-ray and then I'll know what direction I can go. I am learning quickly that injury, to a runner, is devastating! I have been an emotional wreck. (Sorry, Cam.)

2010-09-15T16:05:00.000-07:00

I got some disappointing news from my physical therapist.
First of all, I have to decrease my days of running. Down to 3. Waaaaa.
AND, I have to decrease my distance. No more than 5 miles. Waaaa.
Not sure about the final diagnosis of my hip issue, but that should be cleared up soon by an x-ray.
I have to admit, when he told me to ease up, I cried.
Yes, tears fell. OK, they flowed. I felt idiotic. Crazy runner girl gone nuts.
"What is it about you crazy runners?" he asked.
That's when I lost it.
I told him,
"I started out running one minute at a time. One minute! The day I tried for three, I thought I was going to die. Now I can run eight. Eight! It's addicting. I feel like I can do anything now. Running has saved me." (Was that dramatic enough?)
Since I have become a runner, I have survived life without anti-depressants.
I go do things in public that I haven't done in a very long time.
I am a much happier person. Much happier in my skin.
I have lost 40 pounds.

"Looks like biking would be better for you than you thought." he told me.
I begged him to write me a prescription for a bike. (Yeah, right!)
Positive thoughts. Positive thoughts.

2010-09-12T07:41:00.000-07:00

This Weeks RUN DOWN:

Day 1 - Ran 5 1/2 miles
Day 2 - Ran/Walked 4 miles
Day 3 - Slept in (oops). Missed spin class. (Wah-wah)
Day 4 - Ran 6 1/2 miles
Day 5 - Swam laps
Day 6 - Ran 8 1/2 miles

I realize a pattern with me this week: All of the "1/2's". It seems I'd set a goal at the beginning of my run to run 5, 6, and 8 miles. When I hit my mileage, something in me wanted to push a little more.

Swimming was a nice change. And as I have had problems with my hip flexor, it didn't cause me any pain. The up and down motion of the flutter kick hurt, so I opted for Breast Stroke the entire time. I did have a five year old riding on my back, but I figured it was adding a little resistance. She was also cheering me on with words of encouragement right in my ear. Who couldn't use a little of that once in a while! (But this is also the child that just told me she liked me better in my wedding picture when my tummy was flat!)

Swimming is so great. My pool is getting cool, so I don't know how much longer I'll be able to cross-train with that. When I was little, I had an aunt (by marriage) who was an actual opera singer.

What TOTALLY amazed me about this woman was that, for exercise, EVERY SINGLE DAY, she would swim in the ocean. Yes, I remember her diving over waves, past buoys, to swim and swim and swim. "Out there with the sharks", I would fear. She, to me, was ONE BRAVE WOMAN!

Conclusion: You never know who you may be making an impression on in life. Little eyes watch and learn from your habits. Don't you want them to be good ones? I know I do.

2010-09-09T10:40:00.000-07:00

Have I told you lately how much I love running?

I really do.

It's amazing how quickly the body becomes stronger and more able.

And what's really amazing is how my brain shuts off during a run.

I love it.

I really don't think about anything.

I just basque in the sounds of my i-pod.

I escape to my own little world.

After I work through a few aches and pains, that world is bliss.

I really think now that it IS possible to run a half marathon.

If I could get rid of my hip problem, I may just take off like a giselle or something!

For my first race, I would like to get one of these:

I have been eyeing them for quite some time.

I haven't had the nerve to buy one.

I've had an entire outfit put together in my "shopping cart".

But never press the "BUY" button.
Love these compression socks too!

(These and other cute things can be found at runningskirts.com)

This morning I ran 6 miles.
When it was over, I found myself looking forward to my long run on Saturday.
After dropping kids off at school,
I drove the route that I have planned to make sure it measures 8 miles.
Obsessive? No, just in love.

2010-09-04T10:55:00.000-07:00

This week's RUN DOWN:

Day 1 - 4 1/2 miles
Day 2 - 4 miles
Day 3 - Spin Class
Day 4 - 5 miles
Day 5 - Spin Class
Day 6 - 7 miles

Total mileage: 20 1/2 miles

I'd like to thank my I-pod and my Brooks for getting me through this week of running.
Oh, and my sister who is always willing to workout with me. (And tell me how my legs look from the front and the back!)

2010-09-03T09:16:00.000-07:00

What is giving me anxiety lately?
This race.
Only 2 months away.
I don't know if I can get up to those kind of miles.
But then the beast in me says, "Yes you can!"
Do I listen to the beast? Or do I listen to reason?
I'm in a quandry. A tizzy.
What to do...

2010-09-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

Nobody could get me to a spin class but my sister.
I know she loves it.
Me, I don't feel like being yelled at by an instructor into an already-loud microphone.
The thumping techno music.
The lights dimmed and numerous sweaty bodies in one small room.
It doesn't ever sound appealing.
But this morning was different.
What a kick-A workout!
And not one body part ached or hurt.
I loved it. But it made me want my bike even more.
I want to be out on the open road.
Weaving through traffic at high speeds...

2010-08-30T07:07:00.000-07:00

After loading up on ibuprofen, I hit the pavement for a "longer" run this morning.
The weather was beautiful, cloudy, and cooler than the typical 90 degrees.
It seems to be taking me about 3 miles into the run to start feeling good.
I ache here, and I ache there, and I breathe like someone's chasing me.
But I just can't describe the feeling of finishing a hard run. Suddenly, answers to life's questions become perfectly clear. I feel clear headed and positive.
I LOVE it!
And I will go back for more tomorrow.

2010-08-26T09:56:00.000-07:00

If I were a character in the story of The Tortoise and the Hare, I would definately, undoubtedly be the Tortoise.
I'm OK with that.
Most days.
Slow and steady wins the race, I tell myself. Everyday.
A couple times a week I run with a group. OK, I run behind the group.
There are two people in this group that always start out fast, keeping up with the pace. But on the last leg, they stop and walk a couple times.
Today, I used their walking time as speed training for myself.
I thought, "When they walk, I am going to push it. And I am going to catch them. Yes, today I am catching them!"
So they walked. And I booked it.
I caught them! And then I passed them! (I think a little smile graced my lips. How old am I?)
I felt a feeling of triumph. But now, I didn't want to lose the lead. I had worked too hard to get here.
So I just kept it up, pushing forward with all my effort.
Suddenly, my legs were almost floating, I felt no pain. Just smooth sailing.
"Please, little heart, keep up with me here." (Yes, this was my EXACT thought.)
I kept listening for footsteps behind me, but heard none. I pushed forward and I was going to win!
(I feel bad, they weren't even aware they were in a race. Angela's race.)
All I can say is, victory was mine. I had to celebrate in my own head, because I wasn't about to jump around or anything obnoxious like that. (Although, I TOTALLY wanted to!)

2010-08-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I decided to show my body who's boss.
Five miles on Saturday really did me in. I was determined to run 4 1/2 and have it feel like no big deal.
It felt great.
The high school cross country team ran past me, but it didn't bother me too much that I was being out-run by 17-year olds.
(Pretty much ANYONE can outrun me and my speedy pace!)
My I-pod is driving me nuts...I can't get the volume loud enough to drown out my breathing.
And loud enough to drown out my pain.
I guess you know where I'll be going today. We can't have this low decibal nonsense...

2010-08-22T06:54:00.000-07:00

5 miles.
I did 5. Not 6, yet.
Just 5.
It literally knocked me out for the day.

2010-08-20T12:35:00.000-07:00

This morning I walked. I walked to loosen my aching muscles and to rest before tomorrow's big run.
I am going for six miles in the morning.
My awesome sister is going with me.
I have to eat decent today and get to bed early. (NO CAKE!)
No exciting Friday night for me.
Unless that means going to the bookstore to buy Running Magazine...
Or buying a new pair of running socks for tomorrow's run.
Run, Ange, run!

2010-08-19T07:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Mr. Stranger, Runner Man,
Today on the canal, as we ran past each other, you said, "You're doing great. Keep it up!"
I've never seen you before and you've never seen me.
What a nice guy.
You helped me "keep it up"!
Thanks.
Angela

2010-08-17T19:59:00.000-07:00

Today, I went on a bike quest with my new friend Lori.
(Check out her blog! She will inspire you.)
We went to a couple hot spot bike shops and my little brain was fed with MUCH information.

Bicycle Haus, in Scottsdale, was a really cool shop. They had a great selection and VERY friendly people to explain anything and everything I needed to know.

If you are a woman, ask for Shasta. She was UBER helpful in the female department.
I know I'm looking for a bike, but I couldn't help but notice their HUGE selection of very cool messenger bags. I want one. Bad.

Bicycle Haus
7027 E 5th Ave
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Next, we hit Adventureland Bike in Mesa.
Once again, very helpful staff and I felt they didn't mind spending the time with me to give me all the information I so desperately need.
So I'm narrowing down my choices and can't wait to actually make my purchase.
I think I might cry the day I do so.
Thanks, again and again, to Lori Tucker for being so enthusiastic and willing to help me out.
I hope I can ride in your wind tunnel some day!

2010-08-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

I've said it before, and I'll say it again and again...
If I can do it, YOU can do it.
I've had people tell me they're now trying the Couch to 5 K.
That makes me so excited.
I guess seeing someone as out of shape and overweight as I was, now becoming a runner, can really prove a program true.
I am so thankful for that program for getting me started without overwhelming or injuring me.

It's only a matter of tying up your running shoes and blocking out a fraction of your day.
But only you can want it for yourself!
Go for it!

2010-08-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

Exciting news!
I got asked to be on a running team!
They need a s l o w e r runner...
But still. I'm so excited!
I don't know the name of the team or who exactly is on it...
But still. I am part of a team!

2010-08-14T10:48:00.000-07:00

BROWNIES!!!

350 degree oven

Grease 9 x 13 pan

16 oz toasted almond butter

3 T chia seeds

9 T almond milk

1 1/2 c. agave

1 T vanilla

1 t. sea salt

1 t. baking soda

1/2 c cocoa powder

1 c. dark chocolate chips

In a high speed blender, combine the chia seeds, almond milk, agave, and vanilla. Blend until smooth. About 3 minutes. You want the chia seeds blended up.

Place the almond butter in a mixer and mix until creamy. Add the chia seed mixture and mix well.

Add the salt, baking soda and cocoa powder and blend well.

Stir in the chocolate chips.

Spread into pan and bake for 30 minutes.

Do NOT overbake!

The brownies will be soft and gooey in the center.

This recipe was given to me by my sister, Anna Macfarlane, who tweeked it to perfection.

2010-08-13T09:03:00.000-07:00

Pardon the cliche, but...
I am WOMAN. Hear me ROAR!
I am resisting the urge to pound my chest with my fists right now...
Really.
This morning, on this beautiful 13th of August,
I ran 5 miles!
Yes, ladies, that same, sad, sack of "I don't think I can do this" has run 5 big ones.
Remember when 3 minutes of running put me in a tizzy and I cried!
I do.
The body is an amazing thing, I tell ya.
Just push it a little each day and it will pleasantly surprise you.
Amen.

2010-08-11T11:09:00.000-07:00

You've probably never known anyone as perplexed as me trying to find a bike.
I have never heard anyone else talking about it, yet I see a million people out there riding together.
And everyone seems to have their "go-to bike shop".
I guess I haven't met the "one for me" yet. Or maybe I have.
I don't know.
Do you sense my frustration?

Maybe the right one will come along at the right time.
Until then, I will be saving my pennies...

2010-08-10T21:00:00.000-07:00

A really cool thing about going on trips now is the adventure of running in new territory.

I got to run down a mountain in Alpine, Utah with this view.
(Although the high altitude was a shock to my system!)
And then,

running here in Duck Creek was cool and beautiful. It felt like winter in AZ.
(And I love winter in AZ.)
Keep on truckin'.

2010-08-01T07:59:00.000-07:00

When I was in Utah, at the mall with my girls, I stumbled upon this bike.

It is exactly like the one I brought to college.

EXACTLY! (Sans the sticker.)

So I had to take a picture of it because I knew my husband wouldn't believe it!

(Turns out, it wasn't as exciting to him as it was to me.)

I have been so engrossed in trying to find myself a bike.

Size, style, brand, price-range.

Totally daunting.

The Old Ball and Chain keeps trying to steer me towards more of an urban, strolling- around- town- bike.

"Grandma bikes", I call them.

And as far as pedals goes, he keeps pointing out straps instead of clip-ins.

Does he want me to be laughed at on the playground!

I think the thought of me on a road bike scares him a little.

I'm sure he envisions me barely balancing a bike, swerving down the street, dodging traffic, and getting stuck in clips, skidding down the asphalt, skinning my legs.

(Or is that me having those visions...)

I assure him I am completely capable and then I show him the bikes I really want!

Now he's helping me research them. I'd rather have his brain working on this one.

Now mine can rest a little.

2010-07-20T08:10:00.000-07:00

I'm all about ambiance.
I run where others run.
Mostly because I love the comradery.
We smile and say, "Good Morning!" (OK, I'm panting and barely push out a " 'morning!", but I smile!)
I totally get off on this part of the running experience.
I have these instant friends. I don't know names, but I know faces and smiles.
When I was in Salt Lake, I was thrown off by the consistent unfriendliness of my fellow runners.
Nobody liked to acknowledge they weren't the only ones running the streets.
It was so odd to me.
It put a damper on my runs.
Here, in AZ, I think I've only experienced ONE SINGLE time that a runner I was passing looked straight ahead without a nod or a glance.
It made me chuckle.
Are you serious? You can't be THAT lost in your workout to not notice another human being in your realm.

I feel it's my responsibility as a runner to spread friendliness and smiles along my path.
Did you smile and say hello to a stranger today?

2010-07-13T06:49:00.000-07:00

One goal of mine, it's a major one, is to wear jeans again.
It's been 10 years since I put a pair on. Yes, only 10 years!
I think they were a pair of gap jeans.
But after my stomach being stretched out and in, out and in, 8 times,
well, there's not much of a pretty sight left.
Hubby calls it my trophy of motherhood.
I say, if I can grab it with my hands and hold on for dear life, it doesn't belong there.
I'm just praying that my skin has enough elasticity left to miraculously bounce back to beautiful flatness.
One can hope.
So I missed the whole expensive jean craze.
Never bought a pair of sevens or the jeans with the huge white stitching and jewel encrusted derrieres.
(I'm thinking I was better off.)
Me, I'm pretty simple. ALMOST hippie-like.
I want me a pair of those Levi's 501's.
The ones with the tag on back that announces to the whole entire world, "I'm a 30" waist!"
(And this time I won't "scratch" it out.)
The ones you wash and wash to get them to that "boyfriend fit" stage.

Classic, I tell ya.
Then my only worry every day will be what shirt to wear with my classic jeans.
Oh, to have such difficult decisions in life!

2010-07-12T11:17:00.001-07:00

On my vacation to Utah, I was SO able to keep on track with my workouts.
There were so many opportunities to run, hike, walk...

The tree-lined streets in Salt Lake are unbelieveable! Hilly, but beautiful, nonetheless.

We hiked up to Timpanogas Cave one morning,

and this was the view!

My nieces and nephews were troopers! (My lazy kids were still asleep in bed.) I, however, was sucking wind the whole way up! Can I blame this on the high altitude I'm not used to? Yes, I believe I can.

Utah was such a fabulous place. Always a hill to climb, a trail to run, a new pretty street route to take.
(I'm sure the trail could have been a better workout had I not found cool wild flowers to pick and lug home.)

2010-06-29T16:25:00.000-07:00

One thing I don't like about Summer:

People go out of town.
So I didn't have my usual Tuesday running partner to run the hill with: My sis.
Miss you, Amanda! I don't like the canal on Tuesdays!

2010-06-25T10:32:00.000-07:00

Tica got me on a bike today.
She was smart. She didn't tell me about her plan 'til yesterday.
It gave me less time to think of ways to get out of it.
I have WANTED to ride a bike.
But there's something about "clipping in" that sends shocks of fear through my system.
I was awake at 4 am, fretting.
I was supposed to ride over to her house at 5:30, but I couldn't shake the thought of,
"What if my shoes accidentally clip in and I can't get out!"
I could not, for anything, force myself to just take off and ride.
I spent 15 minutes messing with the clips, trying to get in and out of them to get a good feel.

"I just don't want to fall!"
Tica showed up and coached me through it.
I just used my labor breathing techniques and got through it.
Can I tell you how GLAD I am to have the first time over!
We rode 11.5 mile.
I loved it.
OK, so now how do I afford a bike and gear...

2010-06-22T09:30:00.000-07:00

It's funny.
In my quest to become a ballerina
I found in myself a runner.

2010-06-21T07:34:00.000-07:00

I ordered my pink Road ID bracelet. You know, in case something tragic happens to me while I'm out running.

I'm sounding pretty adventurous these days.
( Let me know if you want to order one and I'll e-mail you a $1 off coupon.)

I finished Couch to 5K.
So now what?
I'm on my own.
I read every running magazine I can get my hands on.
I know I should be doing some cross training in between running.
But I am addicted to running.
Nothing has been so hard for me, yet so rewarding.
I love it and I hate it.
Today I did intervals to work on my speed.
Tomorrow I will run "the hill" with my sister. Running uphill helps my shins.
I'm thinking Friday I would like to do another trail run. It gives me a stomach ache just thinking about it.
I'm a spaz, I know.

2010-06-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

I'm still at it - just haven't documented much.
It's week 9 of my new adventures in running, and I'm happy to say I have reached the 3-mile mark.
It was NOT EASY. In fact, I have wondered the entire time, if I am not crazy for doing this.
I think now that the hard work is starting to pay off. My clothes are fitting better and I've thrown half of them out.
Tomorrow I am taking a trip to Road Runner to get a new pair of shoes.
They put you on a treadmill, assess your running, and recommend the right shoe.
I have to say, I found some great running socks.

They are made by Experia. I don't like thick socks, and these have cushioning right where you need it.
The rest of the sock is thin and keeps my feet cool.
(So for those of you that think I am hard to buy birthday gifts for, these would be PERFECT!)

2010-06-06T14:02:00.000-07:00

Tica took us on a trail run.
She told us we would run 15 minutes out and then come back.
After running over hundreds of snake holes, through sand washes, up and down hills, over rocks,
she said "5 more minutes out!"
I cried a little bit as I ran.
But I was in back, so no one knew.
We turned back around.
I made it. 4o minutes later.
It was absolutely miserable.
But I think I want to do it again...

2010-06-04T07:39:00.000-07:00

Twice this week I made the hike up to the Wind Caves. I had no idea this was right outside my back door!
I feel ashamed.

Look at the view on the way up...

Ah...the actual "caves". We were too afraid to go up underneath because of all the bees. We're girls. We're afraid of bees.

I am so amazed by nature... I mean, how in the world do you think this saguaro grew a hat!

It took us about 40 minutes to get up to the top and a little less time coming down. We were in shade the entire time because the sun hadn't made it up over the mountain. It was perfect! What amazed me was the several people running up and down the trail. This is NOT smooth terrain! I was just happy to make it out of there without having to use any of my bandaids.

I had a picture of my friend and myself at the top, but a little voice in my head keeps telling me if I want to keep her as my friend, I shouldn't post the picture... I would like to keep her as my friend.

2010-06-03T09:26:00.000-07:00

When you are on the weight-loss, get fit journey, it really helps to hear encouraging words. You know, like "You're doing great! Keep it up!" For me, I want to feel like something NOTICEABE is happening. That my body is metamorphisizing into my 18 year-old- figure or something miraculous like that. But, then reality sets in and I am perfectly happy with a slow and steady weightloss, with an occasional "You look great!" from someone I know. It makes me feel like I'm on the right path and that I can stick with this.

I don't know why , but I've always cared SO MUCH about what people think. Why does that even matter? Why do we look to others' opinions to build our own confidence?

I have read, somewhere, that confidence in a person makes them attractive. I believe that.
I am going to dig deep and get that confidence.
Hold my head high and be happy with what I have to work with.

I'm DONE with caring about what other people think. I'm DONE with looking for compliments in order to feel good about myself.

Hallelujah! Amen!

Thanks to my sis for taking me on a run in Las Sendas. The uphill hurt, but the view and the company were thoroughly enjoyable! (And I really liked the run DOWNHILL!)

2010-05-24T05:32:00.000-07:00

I thought in ODE to finishing week 5, I'd watch this movie this week...

You know...to help inspire me to get through week 6!
help.

Jessica's "Daily Affirmation"

2010-05-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

Have you said you daily affirmations in the mirror today? I love this.

2010-05-18T06:53:00.000-07:00

I just got back from my run.
I have a bag of frozen french fries on each knee. (I'm not getting any younger.)
Week five training is walk 5 minutes, jog 5 minutes, walk 3 minutes, jog 5 minutes, walk 3, and then run 5.
The last five was HARD. "When is this going to get any easier!" I thought. But then I realized a couple weeks ago, 3 minutes seemed impossible.
So I guess it IS getting better.
(But it doesn't mean the stomach aches before the run have gone away. I still get anxious.)
Something happened today:
I was running my last "impossible" five and then my walk home.

Then Erasure started playing on my Ipod.
I could not simply WALK to Erasure!
I did one more 5 minute jog!
Thanks, guys!

2010-05-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

Week 4 is DONE! I'm ready to move on to week 5 of C25K.
I get the butterflies every night before I'm going to run.
I get anxious, nervous, a little reluctant.
I think that's normal.
When you're challenging yourself.
I think the Hubster wants to start going in the mornings with me.
I told him he too could be a member of running club.
He wants an official t-shirt.
Great. Now I have to come up with a clever, creative t-shirt design.
That's right down my alley...
I'll keep you posted.
Maybe it will entice YOU to join!

2010-05-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

Week 4 of Running Club. (I am the only member at this time)
I have to admit, I was nervous this morning to do the new regime. Total butterflies.
But it wasn't bad.
I even ran a little more.
I am going to become a runner!

2010-05-09T06:21:00.001-07:00

I did it!
I signed up for my Summer ballet class.
I'm locked in.
No turning back...

2010-05-04T21:55:00.000-07:00

Running club was last night.
My best friend came to run the canal with me. I don't think she normally runs much.
As we ran, she talked and talked and talked while I huffed and puffed and panted.
"Why isn't this hard for you!"
My mouth was so dry I could barely get those words out. I was annoyed. Seriously annoyed.
She just laughed.
It reminded me of a little experience back in the high school days...
Track Team 1987.
I wasn't a distance runner and I wasn't a sprinter.
I had to pick an event, so I went with the 300 yard hurdles.
Call me crazy, but I didn't think many other people would even want to run that one.
I trained and I trained, while "Allison" got out of practice every day. Her ankle was either wrapped or she was sick.
My main goal was to just beat "Allison".
I worked out every day compared to her no days working out.
I would get so nervous every race that I'd pray I would sprain my ankle on the way to the starting point.
(Not to mention I'd wear full length spandex under my track shorts to hide my flailing legs. Yes, I realize now: Distorted view of myself once again...)
But sure enough, during the race, "Allison", without fail, would fly right by me.
I know, I know; Life's not fair.
I finished out the season never to return to the track team. I don't think they really needed me and my last place standing..
And still now, I may not be fast, but I want to at least look good doing it!
I will conquer this.
One day you may just see me bouncing down the canal with ease. And I'll even have enough air to say "hello"!

2010-05-02T06:57:00.000-07:00

Week 2 of C25K is now officially under my belt!
Tomorrow I start week 3 training. It's exciting to see if I can do it.
I ran the canal yesterday and I have to say the asphalt was much better on my shins than the track.
I got hubby to go with me. Who knows...maybe this will become a Saturday thing for us.
If I could only figure out how to get him to come to running club the other days...

2010-04-27T05:55:00.000-07:00

Now I'm not one to get philosophical...or deep...
But when an epiphany strikes, well, I've just gotta share.
My topic today?
Body image.
I have had almost 30 years experience.
The first time I remember feeling "fat" was in the 5th grade. I was 10.
That feeling, unfortunately has never left me.
When I was a freshman, I was on the tennis team.
We had to wear these short little tennis skirts to the matches.
When picture day rolled around, I was terrified.
I didn't want my legs to be photographed right next to my skinny-legged team!
Mine would look absolutely HUGE in contrast to theirs.

(That's me on the bottom row, second from left.)

Being in a bathing suit around other people? Torture. (Don't even think I would voluntarily let you see my backside. I'd go out of my way to walk away from people while facing them. I know, it's silly. I must have looked SO ridiculous.)
Water skiing with onlookers on the boat? Torture. I knew my thighs must be all spastic and jiggly.
But now? Let's just say I would love to have those "huge" thighs back.
Which brings me to the point: We never appreciate what we have until it's gone!

My senior year, I was at the lake with friends and there was a terrible accident resulting in my friend's brother losing his leg.
I vowed to NEVER complain about my legs again. I was lucky to have both my legs.
If we go through life unhappy and complaining about what we do have, we'll never fully benefit from the positive effects of appreciation and gratitude.
Aren't we just lucky to be alive?
Taking care of our health is important. And when you've done all that you can do to be healthy, you just have to accept your beautiful self and walk with your head held high.
Confidence is a VERY attractive thing.
Amen!

2010-04-26T07:28:00.000-07:00

Running update:
Starting Week 2 of Running Club and I am really excited. (Guess who's NOT excited? Brock! I think he thought I'd have quit by now.)
My compression socks really helped as well as the calf exercises I got off of the website
Also, I've been trying to run more "forward" as to not let all my weight hit on my heels.
My shins are feeling a TON better and are ready for another week!
This weekend, I did something I have not bothered doing for a VERY, LONG time...

Yep. I shaved ABOVE the knee.
Silly, I know. But it's been WAY too long!

2010-04-23T06:58:00.000-07:00

I'm looking forward to my third day of running club tomorrow.
I bought some new compression socks to hopefully alleviate the shin pain.

I think I'll be feeling pretty CUTE running around the track in these babies!
(That was sarcasm.)

2010-04-20T13:03:00.000-07:00

This is my 16 year old, Brock.

Every day, he goes into GREAT detail about his weight lifting class and what he accomplished that day.

I listen. Even though I understand maybe HALF of what he's talking about, I listen.

Do you know why?

Because this boy is such a great supporter of me and my weightloss goals.

He started Running Club with me.

Even though I know deep down, he doesn't really want to do it.

He's doing it for me.

We're doing the Couch to 5K.

It's not that I necessarily want to run a 5K. I just want to run.

We'll see how my calves do.

Brock keeps asking me how they are doing because he doesn't think I should run if they hurt.

"They're fine!" I tell him.

"Let's just run!"

And he runs. Because he such a good son to me.

2010-04-17T07:23:00.000-07:00

So I was thinking.
I don't want you to be under the impression that I'm some sort of Super Woman Health Girl.
I know I talk about treats.
Enough to make you suspect that I am a bit obsessed...
Well, I am.
And I don't know how many stinkin' times I have tried to swear off the sweet granulated devil.
For me, it doesn't have a very positive affect.
Maybe some of you feel powerful, energized, and ready to conquer the world when you go off the stuff.
Not me. I feel deprived, like something's missing in my life.
The little light at the end of the tunnel...gone.
As long as she's around,

there's no saying an eternal goodbye to the stuff. (Yeah, she looks sweet, but she is NOT my friend.)
(In all seriousness, though, I CAN now resist Little Debbie and her friend, Twinkie Man. If I'm going to have a treat, I want it to be REALLY good and worth it. And despite what some people try to tell you, there are, indeed, some treats that are worth the little splurge.)
My conclusion? (Am I rambling about treats again?)
Everything in moderation.
Because I cannot imagine birthdays without a little piece of cake,
Christmas without a sugar cookie,
or baking Sunday treats for my family and neighbors.
During the week I am being good and healthy. But a sweet tooth like me has got to have a scrumptious, moderately proportioned treat now and then. Otherwise, the little devil in me will set me on an anything-that's-sweet binge! (NOT good. Not good at all.)
So all that nonsense about me going off sugar?
Just erase it from your memory.
Extremeness makes me uncomfortable.
I am finding the happy medium in life and learning to live in moderation.
I think it's healthy. And that just works for me.

2010-04-15T09:53:00.000-07:00

SPANDEX

Not quite THIS spandex.

(Could you imagine pouring yourself into these!)

You know, the kind of spandex you wear UNDERNEATH your shorts for more coverage?

But they don't provide a whole lot of coverage if they ride up.

Do you know what I mean?

(If you've ever been overweight, then you know exactly what I mean.)

I am elated to say that, today, NO SPANDEX RIDE-UP!

Yes, it IS that momentous for me to mention.

2010-04-13T14:39:00.000-07:00

Boot camp in the park? Yes. I did it.
Tica made me do it.
I fought her on it. I mean, I really tried to get out of it!
It's the park down the street from my house!
I could just picture my neighbors, people I know, driving by and seeing my booty up in the air.
Every time we had to get on the ball or on my stomach, I'd position myself so that my tush faced the inside of the park, not the street.
I have spent so many years hiding under dresses, thinking I was camouflaging my imperfections.
In work out clothes, it's hard to "hide".
Your flaws are out there for the general public to see.
I'm sure people were on to me and my chubbiness, but I felt like I was making it hard to tell I had gained weight.
My pair of Spanx is my best friend.
I don't want Spanx to be my best friend.
I don't want to have to see and depend on Spanx every day.
I'd like to kick Spanx out of my life, but let's be realistic...

Guess who's going back to the park tomorrow?
Moi. (Now don't go driving by or anything!)

2010-04-08T07:18:00.000-07:00

3 days without treats.

No pain.

I can remember when and where my love affair with treats began.

Skateland.

THE place to skate in my town.

A LOT of kids had their birthday parties there.

At each place setting was one of these pretty little cakes.

I LOVED them.

And if anyone didn't want theirs, I was there to take it off their hands.

I think I was more excited about the zebra cakes than the actual skating.

Sad.

I hope if I can pass anything on to my kids, it would be to teach them moderation and self control.

Self control makes a happy and successful person.

Everything in moderation...

2010-04-05T09:05:00.000-07:00

It's over.

Easter and your dang candy.

If I never see another peep or chocolate bunny...

Sugar is the devil to me.

I have come to the conclusion that it's just better to cut it out completely.

I always hear people say that they have not eaten sugar for so long that they "forgot" what sweets taste like. And they don't crave them anymore.

I want that to happen for me.

I will conduct an experiment and see if it CAN happen for me.

Today is a new day.

A new day to a start of a new week.

Another week to get closer to my goal.

And I am going to do it SUGARFREE.

2010-04-01T20:40:00.000-07:00

You see one of these balls and you think, "Fun! What a big, FUN ball!"

No it is not fun.

Not fun at all.

This ball is responsible for much pain and agony in my life.

I am so glad I don't personally own one.

Have you ever done a ball exchange?

(It's an exercise. Not a ball trade of some kind with your friends.)

Can I just say "The hardest exercise I have EVER done!"

And yet, I am sure it is completely benefitting me in some way.

Some GREAT way.

So I will take the ball...and all the pain that comes with it.

By the WEIGH, I weighed tonight.

I wanted the scale to SING with massive poundage lost.

But it didn't. Just four pounds down.

But, I have told you I don't want to obsess with the numbers on the scale.

So I got measured.

Inches are gone and I'm down 3% body fat.

It's progress!

At least I know I am eating the way I can continue to the rest of my life.

That's comforting for someone like me.

It may come off slow, but it will be easier to keep off in the long run.

2010-03-31T06:56:00.000-07:00

I do believe this is the longest I've ever stayed on a health kick.
I have found a couple of helpful crutches that get me through the tough times.

It is no big secret that I have a SEVERE sweet tooth.

After a meal, I crave sweet.

I keep these babies in my purse and by my bed at all times. One mint seems to miraculously hit the spot and kill the evil craving.

Chocolate milk? Not quite. Protein drink. Sometimes what the fam is eating for dinner is not quite on my plan. Instead of having to cook a seperate meal for myself, I just plan on having a "shake" instead. It's also a sure way to avoid MORE carbs in the evening.

I keep clif bars in my purse just in case I need a meal on the run. (Yes, I have a big purse.)

There is nothing worse than being so hungry and my little girls are in the back of the car crying for Sonic.

Sonic! I can't eat at Sonic!

But I don't get cranky. I pull into the drive-thru and pull one of these out for myself.

I also love these Mojo bars when it's midafternoon and the jar of jellybeans is calling my name. (They are salty and just slightly sweet. )

So there you have it.

And I'm always open to other helpful vices.

What are some of your tricks?