Oh Yeah We Got This!!!

Are you with me?? We can do this!!

Push through!!

JUST DO IT ANYWAY!!!

Keep focused!

Just do it anyway!!!!

Today, are any of you not interested in your health and fitness plan? Are you tired of exercise? Tired of eating plans? Tired of recording food? Tired of drinking your water? Tired of the focus on all of this?

Is that you today? It's kind of me today. OK it is me today.

Well even though you and I are tired of it all.....JUST DO IT ANYWAY!!!

Each day we put our focus on our health and fitness....it's one more day we are closer to our goals!!!!

Don't give up!!! Stay the course!!! And DO IT ANYWAY!!!




You won't be sorry!!!

I'm off to my treadmill!!!

Keep focused!!

OK ~ Enough is Enough!

So.....it's been over a week since my last 1/2 Marathon...Have to say, I've spent this entire week....healing and....feeling sorry for myself!

Doing two 1/2 Marathons....in a week was, should I say...a little hard on my body! OK a lot hard on my body!  I think most things on my body hurt and if hair could hurt, then mine did!

My knee was the most troublesome part. It was just achy and sometimes even had some pretty good pain. Then my feet and calves just hummed with pain....if that's ever happened to you, you know what I mean. Just a constant reminder all week of the punishment I caused myself.

The feeling sorry for me part was.....I am just disappointed once again, that I'm dealing with injuries. I know most athletes experience injuries, but I'm feeling that I've had more than my fair share! I'm tired of it!

Even though my legs were definitely hurting and sore last week, I still went to the gym and did what I could do. Monday it was rowing and upper body weights. (Don't know why rowing did not hurt my knee, just glad I could do something) I did a couple of days of walking....2.4 speed on my treadmill, slow...but at least I did it. Water aerobics one night and and another day of upper body weights. All week long I did my stretches and iced my pains.

Finally today, I feel back to normal and I will start my training again tomorrow. The other thing is I've readjusted my attitude and I'm not feeling sorry for myself. I'm feeling strong and ready to go!!

How to you handle injuries?

Keep focused!!

Stretching Myself (Part 2)

Really really REALLY did not think I could do this....First of all, I just finish a 1/2 Marathon last weekend and since then, I was nursing a sore knee. Besides the pain of that, I had an extremely busy week. So I did not feel prepared, physically or mentally, for my next adventure. So doing this event and the other things that came into play really stretched me to my limit!!! I would be doing this all by myself....NO SUPPORT from family or friends.....going on the train to Portland (which is scary)....not prepared....it was raining....to push my body to new limits!!!!

Even though I did not feel prepared, I was alone and I was scared...

I DID IT ANYWAY!!!

So with my trusty running gear, I set out for another 1/2 Marathon!!!

Always have Margene in my pocket!! Because if she can do hard things...so can I!!

Getting on the train is not that big of deal. It's getting off and finding your destination that's hard. But not to worry, I just had to follow all of the other crazies out there to find the race. Unfortunately, I got there about 10 minutes (poor planning) before the race started and I needed to go to the bathroom. But the lines were too long, I could not chance it. Then I got my I-Phone set up for my tunes and it would not connect. I started to panic because I could not do this without my music! Fortunately there was a lady there who assured me that it was most likely that everyone was doing the same thing and it should connect soon. Which it did ~ Whew!!!!!

Because there were thousands of people there, they sent us off in packs. The race started at 8:00am, but my pack did not take off until 8:15 or so.

Then to make things really fun, it started to rain.

Fortunately I did wear the proper clothing and I was perfectly warm the whole way.

My plan was....because I was not really supposed to be in this race, was to run my scheduled 4 miles (for my training) and then walk the rest of the way.

My knee did pretty well, only had trouble on mile 11 (what's up with that mile...I really struggle there) and I only walked a couple of minutes the whole time. I can't for some reason, run and drink the water or sports drink, I can only walk while doing that. Oh and then I had to stop for some lights....but the rest of the time, I ran. THE WHOLE WAY!!!!

Came in at 3 hrs and 32 minutes!!!!

So EXCITED!!!

Now I'm focused on my final 1/2 Marathon of the year and that is on June 9th.

How about you...How was your weekend?

Keep focused!

Stretching Myself!!!

I'm off to do something kind of crazy and daring for me.....

I'll let you know what it is......when I get back.

Please pray...

YES it's legal. Geez!!!

Keep focused!

What are you thinking?

All week long my mind has been other places. I'm thinking about things that are on the dark side. Bad things....things I should not be thinking about Like......

• Candy
• Bread
• Being lazy
• Fast food
• Yes stay up late
• Sleep in
• Waste your day

It's like I have a very large mouth screaming at me in one ear about all of the bad things I want to do and in the other ear, I have this faint little voice saying......

• You should be stretching
• You should be eating more veggies and fruit
• You should drink your water
• You should push yourself
• You should get to the gym
• You should run an extra mile
• You should.......you should.......you should!!!!

Where should my mind be?

Well I'm training for another 1/2 Marathon ~ it's June 9th....My mind should be focused on that. I should be preparing my mind and body for this event. Not straying off and wandering around the dark side.

WHAT AM I THINKING!!!!

Obviously I'm off track.

So today...I am focused on my goal...Because I AM AN ATHLETE!!!

How about you...What are you thinking?

Keep focused!!

Workin' it!

Are you working hard? Are you doing everything you know to do for your health? Are you putting you first? Are you seeing results on the scale?

For me....Yes! Yes! Yes! ~ Ah.......NO!!!

Many of you are probably in the same boat as me. I working my plan hard, I'm eating right, exercising, keeping my head in the game. But that ole scale is not moving. In fact, I'm up a couple of pounds.

Great extra pounds for all my efforts.....

But you know what? I'm not discouraged. Even though...that scale does not reflect my efforts...my efforts are showing on my body. Every day someone asks me if I've lost more weight. My clothes feel different. I feel great!!

So even though the scale does not say it....

Keep up the great work!!

Stay focused!!!

I DID IT!!!!!!

It was the most beautiful day you could ever ask for!! Cool, bright, crisp, sun shiny Oregon day. I was rested, fueled and excited!! It was amazing, I did not have jitters. I was simply on a mission to get this done. At first, I tried to make friends with someone and try to pace with them....but I finally came to my senses and decided that I needed to make this journey on my own.

The gun went off and thousands of us ladies hit the pavement.

It was so fun, even with the large crowd I was able to spot my Hubby and he gave me the biggest smile and thumbs up as I passed by. So encouraging!!

I did not have the first mile aches and pains, which I was so grateful. You see, I struggled with foot pain since my last 10 miles run, the Sunday before the race. My plan of action, was to take it easy the week before the 1/2 Marathon. Ice and Ibuprofen. stretching, and rest was what I did. This plan worked, because my feet did not hurt me at all during the race!!

Around the 5th mile, my Hubby caught up with me and was waiting on his bike. It was so fun to see him and I loved his encouragement to keep going. Tears were flowing for sure!!

I ran for 11 miles before I had to walk. I really, really, really wanted to run the whole thing without stopping, but I was experiencing some leg pain and frankly I was fatigued! I walk~ran for about a mile and when we got to the Luna Bar station I got a little fuel and that help me so I could run into the finish.

I have to tell you. on that 11th mile, it took a lot of praying and thinking about Margene at Believing It's Possible, to get this race done. I was praying to the Lord, but also saying to myself. If Margene can do hard things.....SO CAN I!! 

That's what got this done!!!

Anyway as I ran into the finish I saw my sweet Daughter, her Hubby and my two grand baby girls, and then I spotted my Hubby and my son. What a wonderful sweet sight to see!!!

So I did it! I don't have the official time yet, but I did it in 3 1/2 hrs. It's a slow pace.....But I got it done!!!! It was just an amazing thing to do. I am proud of myself for setting a goal and really reaching for it!! So much fun!!

Thanks for all of your well wishes and prayers. Believe me, I could feel the power!!

How about you...Have you pushed yourself lately?

Keep focused!!

Race Day

Race Day is here and this athlete is ready......Wish me luck!!!

Keep focused!!

Getting Closer.....

Sunday I ran 10 miles......Yeah me....10 miles!!! Probably the slowest 10 miles ever, but I got it done. After it was over, I was thinking about how sane or insane I am to be doing this 1/2 Marathon this weekend. 13.1 miles is a long, long way. I know that I'm prepared, my endurance is good, very good. It's just the ole body parts that don't like it so much. Like me feet and calves really hurt after my run. Still sore today!! I did my regular workout with my trainer (weights & cardio) and did 6 miles on the bike last night. Today, I'm taking it easy. Really want these feet to calm down. (I tied my shoes too tight and they ache right where the laces were). Augh!

Right after my run on Sunday, so much doubt entered my mind. Doubt that I could finish this race, doubt that my body will let me, doubts that I could ever even consider trying a 1/2 Triathlon or even any other race for that matter. Doubts, doubt, doubts.....

But that was Sunday.

Today, I know I can do this race. I know....if I want I can do a 1/2 Tri. I have so much confidence in myself that I told my niece that I would be willing to run a Marathon with her next year. How about that?

SO I still got it. I'm still in the race. I can do it!!

How about you. Do you have doubts?

Keep focused!

7 Days and Counting.....

In one week, at this very moment I will be a half hour into my very first 1/2 Marathon!!! Can I say that I'M EXCITED!!!! The course has been reviewed...I've had months of  training...I'm working on my nutrition, the weather looks like it's going to cooperate, I'm plotting out my week for rest time and my head is in the game...I'm READY!!

This will be a really fun race! Me and thousands of other ladies will be setting out to push our bodies. Some of us will be newbie's....other veteran's of this race. All of us with our eye's focused on the goal...TO FINISH THE RACE!!!

Have a successful day today. Do what you know you NEED to do and DO IT!! 

Keep focused!!

Thinking like an athlete!

In the middle of my training for my first 1/2 Marathon, I decided I would do a practice 1/2 Marathon (Hippie Chicks) that is scheduled for May 12th. I can't believe that I've been training for over 8 weeks now. That is a amazing! Last Sunday I hit my all time high of running 8 miles. Never done that before and if I would have had more time that day, I could have kept going!! I felt great!!

I researched the course for the Hippie Chicks 1/2 Marathon and found out that it's flat, which is good. So for that weeks training (5/12), I should be running about 9.5 miles. So 13.1 miles, for this race, will be a stretch. I am going to try to run the whole thing, that will be my focus, but if I can't make it, it will be OK to walk. As I don't want to injure myself or push myself too hard, as my main focus will be on my big race which will be on June 9th, (Helvetia 1/2 Marathon). By June 9th, I should be fully prepared to really run this one! Can't wait!!!

I find that I'm thinking more and more like an athlete! Not only am I training my body, but I'm trying to figure out this nutrition thing. Right now I'm working with my Nutritionist and she's helping me learn how to fuel my body for workouts and for the 1/2 Marathons. 

Also learning to rest my body and listen to it if I have pain. I have grown to really love ice! When something is hurting I ice it, rest and take ibuprofen. This is a big step for me, because in the old days if I had pain, I would just push through it. Now I take care of it. Oh and sleep....so important for me, I really need my rest!

I guess that's it for now. I am enjoying the journey and looking forward to new things coming my way!!

How are you doing?

Keep focused!!!!

Recap #HAWMC

Well the 30 day Health Activist Writers Challenge is over. I made it!! I think I missed one day. But could not tell you which one.

I have really enjoyed the challenge. Some of the stuff I struggled with...like the Wordle and some of the other websites they directed to us. I struggled mostly because I'm not familiar with these sites and I'm not crazy about signing up for all of this stuff.

I think my favorite day was April 25th where I had to write a Third Person Post. I did not think I could do it. But after some time I found I really enjoyed it. So this one really stretched me! I really liked it!

I did not like the Miracle Cure. I think that's the one I did not do. I just found it really hard writing about something like that....Especially when HAWMC wanted me to include a disclaimer. That one scared me. (I know I'm a chicken!)

All in all it was fun!! At least it got me writing for 30 days in a row. Minus one day.

I hope you enjoyed some of the posts.

Tomorrow...it's back to normal!

Keep focused!