It's Almost Time.....

 

 

                Ok!!  So this year so far has been a crazy year!!  I have maintained my weight between 180-185.  I am happy with that for now but I still want to get lower.  Back in May I had the opportunity to run the Flying Pig Marathon with some great friends!!  Even though my longest run was only 12 miles before the race I am so glad I went out there and did it!!  I ended up getting my second fastest time 5:17.  It would have been faster but I started cramping so bad I could only walk the last few miles.  If it wasn't for Karen, Tammie Peach, and Michelle I would have never made it!!  I am so thankful for them!! 

 

                Now let me bring you up to date, I have completed my first Half Ironman 70.3 Muncie back in July.  It was awesome!!  I used it as a training day for my big race in August.  I completed my race in 7:36.  I was not even tired when I finished.  I was not even sore the next day!!  Now to me that's amazing!!  I didn't want to over do it and scare myself away from doing a Full Ironman.  My plan was to take it easy and just finish.  I did it!!  Next year I want to do it again and race it!!

 

 

      In 4 days I will be stepping up to the starting line of Louisville Ironman 140.6 miles.  Yes!!  I decided back in January I wanted to train for it.  It was my little secret that only a handful of people knew.  Once it started getting closer I started talking more about it to others.  Everybody has been so supportive and excited for me.  It's hard to believe this year I have completed my 6th marathon, a half ironman, 2 century bike rides, 2.4 mile open water swim, and now I am going for a FULL IRONMAN!!  This year has flown by. 

 

         If you want to follow me, download this App MyAthlete Live Tracker or you can go to ironmanlive.com to track me.   Hopefully in a few days I will be able to call myself an IRONMAN!!

 

This Just Happened!!!

 

 

I got this in the mail last night!!

 

 

    I did the fit test last night and today I will start Day 1!!  I am very nervous about doing this because the fit test alone was HARD!!  I will let you know how it goes!!  This is my before pic for insanity!!

 

 

    Right now I am down 11.5lbs!  I have lost 6inches from all over.  It has been about 38 days since I started eating clean.  At first I did really well and then I had my birthday and Super Bowl.  It's weird how 2 days of eating unhealthy can lead to 2 weeks!!  I got a little down and frustrated but now I'm back on track.  I am so excited to try Insanity!  Better go get my workout on!!

 

 

Baby It's Cold Outside

My last 2 days of running have been cold!!  I really didn't think I would last too long outside but I knew I would run further outside then on the dreadmill!!  I like running in the cooler weather but wasn't for sure if I could run in 19 degrees (feels like 9!!).

 

A friend said to me, "You don't run in this cold of weather do you?"

 

I replied, "Oh no!!  It's too cold!"

 

When I left I asked myself why not?  A couple of hours later I bundled up and went for a run.  I really enjoyed the run and it felt good being out there.   I ran 4.25 miles, I was trying to get 4 miles but I ran out a little further then I was suppose too.  Plus it was too cold to walk back.  So I got an extra .25 mile in.  (Bonus!)     

 

 

So, the next day I did it again!! 

 

 

 

The next day it was a little warmer and the sun was shining bright.  I did the same route as the day before and a little faster.  It felt so good to be out there! 

 

Another new adventure I have been trying is weight lifting!  I forgot how much I missed it.  It feels so good to get in the gym.  Here are a few pics of my full body workout.   

 

 

 

 

 These are pics from the third time doing this workout and I was still working on my base weights. Since then I have added a lot more weight to each exercise. I have been changing it up every few times.  

 

Do you run out in the cold or do you choose the dreadmill?

 

Do you like weight lifting?

 

First 2 Days of Clean Eating!!

This is something I have never tried.  Eating clean is a very healthy way of eating.  The good thing is you don't have to count your calories as long as you are eating clean.  Plus I get to eat 6 meals everyday!!  It does take some planning but it is worth it!!  I have been following this food plan for 2 whole days and I have already lost 6.1lbs!!  In 2 days!!  The meals have been very filling and I like what I'm eating!!  I am still a newbie at this but I'm learning. 

Meal 1: 1/2 cup oats
              2 tbsp flax seed
             1/4 cup mixed berries
             3 hard boiled egg whites and 1 whole egg
             coffee
              1 liter of water

Meal 2: 1 apple w/ 2 tbsp almond butter

Meal 3: 5 oz tuna over
             2 cups spinach leaves
             1 grated carrot
             2 tbsp flax seed
             500 ml water

Meal 4: 5 oz chicken breast
              1 cup steamed veggies
              500 ml water

Meal 5: 5 oz grilled salmon
             1/2 baked sweet potato
             1 1/2 cup steamed veggies
             500 ml water
             1 cup plain green tea

Meal 6: 1/2 cup mixed berries
              500 ml water  

     When eating this you are not limited to just these options.  There are tons of options out there to replace some of these meals so you don't get bored with it.  I am just a beginner at eating clean and I'm just doing the basics right now.  I'm hoping to try some new things.  Next time I will take pictures of my food. 

One thing I forgot to post was my weekly mileage I am TRYING to get to:

210 minutes of running
165 minutes of cycling
90 minutes of swimming
2 days strength training

Usually I can get 1 or 2 of those completed in a week but I can't seem to get them all completed in 1 week.  This my goal to work up to.  This will be a good base in my training for a half ironman.   I'm loving strength training!!  It makes you feel so strong!  Plus it helps you burn more calories!! 


 I was going to put a picture of my workout but for some reason it is not letting me.  I am not very good with computers!!  This is my first post without pics.  Hopefully next time I will have it figured out!!  


Do you eat clean?  If you do, do you have any new recipes you would like to share?

Do you ever have trouble with your computer?

  












   

2013 Has Started Off Right

 

Going to lift some weights!!

 
      When a new year starts I don't usually hit the gym on January 1 but this year I did.  I met up with a personal trainer to get a good 30 minute full body workout.  I was very sweaty when I got done.  After the sweat session I meet up with my girls for a 3 mile run. This is the first time we have all gotten together for a run since the Marshall Marathon.  We had a great run and we chit chatted the whole time.   

                                                   The Herd
 
    When I got home Jim and I took our measurements.  We measured our:
                        Left Bicep 13in.
                        Chest 42in.
                        Waist 41in.
                        Hips 49in.
                        Left Thigh 28in. 
                                   Weight 200.6lbs.

      I'm hoping to see some major changes in the next few months!!  Honestly I am really scared of putting my weight on here because It has gone up.  But I have to be honest with myself and you to stay accountable.   It's been at least a year since it has gone up to the 2's.  I'm thankful it's only .6 over.  I'm glad I didn't wait any longer to get back on the wagon!!  My plan is to eat clean and workout 5-7 days a week.  I'm going to really focus on lifting weights this year.  I'm at a point where I need to change a lot of things.  Running cannot be my only exercise.  I'm going to add spin classes, kettle bell class, circuit class, and a lot of weight lifting.  Plus I will be getting back in the pool. 
     Another major change will be my eating.  I think that is what is really holding me back.  I love sweets!!   I eat sweets when I'm happy, sad, angry, mad, bored, which means I eat them all the time!  It's going to be tough but I need to be strong to get this weight off!!  I use the app myfitnesspal, I love it!!  My plan is to track everything with it.  All I have to do is scan the bar code of the item and it tracks it for me. It is very easy!  I just have to be honest with it and enter everything I eat.  It can really work! I am really looking forward to all the changes. 


What changes are you planning on making?

Do you love or like sweets?

What is your main focus for exercise this year?