Fitness Friday

I'm not going to lie. I don't want to write today's post.

At all.

Last week I was so close to breaking out of the dreaded 200's and then I blew it.

And I can promise you, none of the food tasted good enough to make up for how I'm feeling today. None of the food filled the void I was looking for.

Here's the damage.

(That sound was my fist punching the wall in anger...)

This was a hard week for me. But I need to pat myself on the back a little bit as I head into the weekend. It could have been worse. This was my weight as of Wednesday. :( 

So now that I've showed the blogging world my weekly failure, here's hoping I can get my head straight with my 10 mile run tomorrow...

Update:  I've created a google doc where I am tracking my Fitness Friday weight.  Each week I'll post the link in my Friday post.  You are welcome to join me in tracking your weight week-to-week.  You can even put initials for your name if you'd like to keep it private.  (Or even put an alias.)  I left the "start date" un-dated, hoping that people will want to join in and start tracking even if they didn't start back when I did.  Join my Fitness Friday HERE

Eating My Feelings

Yep, this has been me for the last 3 or 4 days.

I'm not even going to pretend.

It hasn't been pretty.

I think the only thing I haven't eaten is the dog food...

My emotions have been whack-a-doodle for this week.

Some because of stuff happening.

Some because of frustrations about things not happening.

Rather than face things, I've jumped head first into all things delicious bad.

I finally stepped on the scale to face the music. 

It was bad.

Like SUUUUUUUUUPER bad.

Like I can't even post it today because I'm too embarrassed.

But.  I've promised to stay accountable.

So tomorrow, come good or bad, Fitness Friday will be happening.

But I'm going to be drinking an entire lake of water today 

and drinking green smoothies in hopes of doing some damage control.

What should this tell you?

I'm more human than I wish I were. 

Because once again, my knees hurt from falling down.

Taking 4 steps forward is frustrating when the next moment 

you are taking 302942039482039 steps backward.

Please excuse me, I've got to force myself out the door for a run.

Monday Marathon Training

Monday has come again, how did you do last week with your steps?  Remember, we are Springing for Steps this month...have you tracked all of yours yet?

This last week was pretty good for me.  And by pretty good, I mean I FINALLY made it back to the top of the FitBit leaderboard!!!

I've been competing against some tough, tough competitors!  And truth be told, I had to snap this picture early Sunday morning to catch myself in first place.  

As far as my training went...

Monday:  I opted to walk Monday with Jason.  We got in a good 2 mile walk.

Tuesday:  I knew I needed to run Tuesday since I skipped it on Monday.  I set out (with the DOUBLE JOGGER....ICK!) and went just over 2.5 miles.  It wasn't the easiest or best 30 min run, but I got it done.  (And have I mentioned, Connor LOVES our runs.  He gets so excited anytime he sees me in my running clothes, lacing up my shoes.)

Tuesday night:  Jason and I also went out for a walk with the kids.  We went 2.85 miles and I really enjoyed it.  

Wednesday:  This was another walk day, got 3.31 miles in.  

Thursday:  Because I bumped my run to Tuesday, it meant I was set to run again Thursday.  I went 2.7 miles (again with the stroller) and loved the weather!

Friday:  nada.  I opted to rest my legs for my long run.

Saturday:  9 miles!  I wanted to start this run early, I had a lot to do Saturday.  I got out a little later than I hoped, but was on the trail running by 9am.  The weather was perfect when I started.  Overcast, almost looking like it was going to rain.  (But it didn't.)  I knew I'd be out there for a while, so I opted to wear a tank.  This was my first tank top run of the season here in Utah...HOORAY!  

As I started, I knew I needed to pace myself.  I have a tendency to start my long runs off too fast.  I'm really trying to get the whole negative split thing down.  I want to be able to pace myself on long runs (and race runs) to start off slow so I can finish stronger.  But, that didn't happen.  I still started off too fast because when I came home each mile split got slower and slower after the 3rd mile.  

That being said, the run itself wasn't bad.  In fact, there was a race being held along the river trail I was running.  It was fun to see and cheer along all the runners.  It made me really appreciate this sport.  Runners are so friendly with each other.  When I'm running and pass another runner going in the opposite direction I always receive encouragement.  It's amazing!  Even when I get passed by a runner going in my same direction, they always seem to have some kind of uplifting words to share with me.  While running might be an individual thing, you are never alone in running.  It's like a club, once you've joined you get lifted up by all those around you.

Can you tell I love running?

Which is weird.  Really weird.  Because I never used to like it!

(rant over.)

So last week I was able to total my miles and felt really good about it.  

I ended up with 24.4 miles for the week!

It's crazy to think how far I've come just in the last month with my body...but even more with my mind!  This journey is SO mental.  And for a long time I dreaded every step I had to take along it.  Sometimes I still do.  But I can say it's gotten easier with each day that passes that I stay focused.  I am making this happen.  I don't know when I'll get to where I want to be, but it will happen...

Fitness Friday

Update:  I've created a google doc where I am tracking my Fitness Friday weight.  Each week I'll post the link in my Friday post.  You are welcome to join me in tracking your weight week-to-week.  You can even put initials for your name if you'd like to keep it private.  (Or even put an alias.)  I left the "start date" un-dated, hoping that people will want to join in and start tracking even if they didn't start back when I did.  Join my Fitness Friday HERE

It's Friday.  

That means it is weigh in day.  

Last week I was at 205.5.

This week, the scale showed this:

That gives me a total loss for the week of 2.2 pounds.

Would I love for that number to be higher?

Um, yeah.  Of course.

But I really need to wrap my head around the fact that a 2 pound loss is a great week!

Sometimes I just have unrealistic expectations and need to tell myself to simmer down.

So, if you are following along since I started my accountability 'Fitness Friday's' (2 weeks ago) I have now lost 3.3 pounds.  I would have loved for that number to be higher...

but Alisha, SIMMER DOWN.  

The positive is that I am lower than I've been since Valentines Day.  

This last week, I tried real hard to not indulge on sweets.  

Was I successful 100% of the time?

No.

I would say about 87.8%.

(Yes, the 0.8% TOTALLY counts!)

How did your week shape up?

Are you were you hoped you'd be?  

Are you playing along with 'Springing for Steps' this month?  And have you tracked?

What are your plans to get through the weekend and make it to the 1/2 point of this month?

Roll Call!

How is this months challenge shaping up for you??

Springing for Steps is in full gear and I'm excited to watch all of you track your miles.
I just updated mine for the month so far...have you?

UPDATE THEM HERE


It's not too late to join us if you haven't already, sign up and commit to making April great!

Monday Marathon Training

How did your last week go?

Mine went according to schedule.

Monday, March 31st I was scheduled for a 30 min run.  I was worried about this run because of Saturday's crummy run.  But I actually felt really good come Monday.  I went 2.98 miles, and averaged a 10:30 mile which I haven't done in a REALLY long time.  

I bumped my second run of the week to Friday.  We were super busy trying to paint our living room and I just didn't make time for it.  Come friday, I hit the pavement for another 2.90 miles.

Saturday, according to my Jeff Galloway schedule, was a low mileage run.  I only had to go 4.5 miles.  It felt quick.  I ended up finishing with 4.65 miles by the time I looped around home.  I got out a little later than I hoped to on Saturday, but was able to finish before the rain kicked in.  This was the first run I've ever done on my own without my music.  It was strange, but nice to change it up.

For the week, with my scheduled walk day and my runs, I ended up with just shy of 13 miles.

This week I have my longest run to date scheduled.  Yikes.

Oh.  And did I mention...I decided to do something completely crazy.  I'm scheduled to do my training run on the 26th of April as a half marathon, NOW I'm also doing a half the next week too!  Groupon was having a killer deal, and Jason told me I should just jump in and do it.  So, I am.  And I hope I don't die.  Or get injured.  

I love that this 14 in 2014 is keeping me going!

Here's to another week of staying focused.....

Fitness Friday Fail?

Let me start by saying I was doing SO GOOD all week long.  I hadn't eaten out.  I avoided treats.  I made sure to get my veggies in!  By Monday I was down to 203.3.  That was the lowest I have seen Since Valentines Day.  I was proud.  And excited.

And then.  I got busy.

We are finishing up a room remodel and I've been focused almost completely on it.  My house is torn apart.  I'm just trying to get it finished so I can restore some order.  However, I had done good all week.  I cooked dinner every single night.  And then yesterday happened.  It was bad.  How bad?  Well, I'm all about honesty...so here it goes.  Kneaders French Toast for breakfast, 2 deep dish slices of pizza for lunch, a cookie from Slurp, a jacked diet coke from Slurp, 1/2 Key Lime shake from JCW's.  Oh, and then there was a donut.  And if that wasn't enough....after the kids went to bed, I had to run to Walmart and pick up cereal and milk and saw this:

When I say I am addicted to this flavor of ice cream, I'm not even exaggerating.  My local Smith's used to carry it, then they stopped.  I hated them.  (But also, I secretly loved them because the temptation was gone.)  Now, all of the sudden, Walmart is carrying it.  I was weak and I didn't say no.

I got home late.  I finished my steps for the day.  And yes, then I pulled out the spoon and dove in head first and never looked back.

Let's just say I'm embarrassed.  And sick.  After a week of almost perfect eating....my tummy HATES me today!  But I tracked every last bite of every disgustingly delicious thing I ate.  

Today, I didn't want to run.  AT ALL.  I was afraid to step on the scale.  (I mean, wouldn't you be after all that!?)  I knew if I didn't run BEFORE stepping on the scale, today would spiral out of control like yesterday.  So, I ran.  And actually felt pretty strong.  Then, I came home to face the ugly music.

Not as bad as it could have been.  Frustrating...because that number should be lower today.  But I am still down from a week ago, so my fail from yesterday was still a win.  But I'm not patting myself on the back too much.  

I need to stay focused.  No running will ever compensate for a bad diet.  

How did this week go for you?  Did you fall down like I did?  If so, stand back up TODAY...RIGHT NOW.  Turn the other direction and lets see where we can be by next Friday!  It's hard, it can be ugly, it's frustrating.  But what worthwhile goal isn't?  If it was easy, everyone would do it...

St. Paddys Race

Back on St. Patricks Day, I ran my very first virtual race.  I wasn't sure what to expect.  But I knew I needed to add some virtual races to get all my 14 races in this year.  This race was done by Fib, Fab, and Lean.  Basically, I signed up then printed my bib for race day.  

With the virtual races, typically you have a range of dates that you can complete your race in.  I had a 3 mile run scheduled for the 17th, so I opted to make that my race day and do a little more to hit the 5k.  

The route I ran was one I had run before.  It started with a long incline of a hill.  But the second half was mostly all downhill.  I wasn't pushing myself, just wanted a comfortable run.  The weather was a bit overcast (as you can see from the picture above).  But I loved the route I ran, because as I turn and come down the hill toward the end of the run I get to see a view that is incredible!  There, in the distance is Mt. Timp and Utah Lake.  Each time I run and see this view, it makes me so grateful for where I live...for what my body can do!

I finished the race in 36:57 (11:48 min/mile pace).  Definitely not my fastest 5k, but I was pleased.  You see, I'm doing this to better myself.  And by getting out there and getting it done, I'm making the progress.

After the race I was mailed this awesome bling.  Normally, they send the bling out to arrive the week you are racing.  However, they had some quality issues with the original race medals and had to have them remade.  I just received my bling last week.

All in all, I was very impressed with Fit, Fab, and Lean's race.  I will be doing another race with them the end of May (only this time it will be a 1/2 marathon).  If you are looking for a virtual race, I suggest giving them a try!  They have a virtual race every single month.  The medals are GREAT quality, the race fees all go toward a charity.  It's a great cause if you're like me and like to run for bling!

(I was in no way sponsored by Fit, Fab, and Lean for this post.  Actually, they have no idea I'm even writing it.  I paid for my race entry, and all opinions are my own.)

Springing for Steps!

So all throughout March, I've been tracking my miles.  I wanted to focus on putting in the activity.  Yesterday was the last day of March, and I tracked my last #MarchingForMiles.

Can I just say, I was kind of impressed with myself, 57 miles in March.  If you look at the picture above, you'll notice my activity has double each and every month since January.  Not too shabby!

I have decided to continue tracking, and have made a little spreadsheet on Google Docs in case anyone wants to push themselves this month.  I will be referencing the sheet weekly, reminding people to track their activity.

You might be asking, what activity is acceptable to track?  ANY.  I did this last month, and some people tracked every step they took all month long and logged that.  Others tracked swimming and biking miles.  Some tracked only running or walking.

It is 100% up to you.  The key:  decide how many miles you'll go....then get to work!

While I think it would be awesome to double my mileage again this month...alas, my training does not have me doing that.  So based on what I'm scheduled to stick with for my training, I'm committing to 75 miles.

I would love for you to join with me!  Click HERE and it will take you to the spreadsheet.  You can put your initials...or your real name...or just your first name.

I promise, it will put a spring in your step.  Don't forget to use the hashtag #SpringingForSteps so I can cheer you all along!!!

Monday Marathon Training

I'm not going to lie.  This last week was difficult.  I was dealing with some plantar faciitis on Monday.  So I opted to make my shorter runs this week walks.  I felt confident that I was still getting in distance without pounding on my feet to aggravate the PF even more.

By Wednesday, I had a nasty head cold and all I wanted to do is lay in bed, doped up on Sudafed or Tylenol Cold.

So my training over the last week went like this:

• Monday I had a 2.56 mile walk.  No pain, just a simple and easy walk.
• Tuesday I also got in a quick walk, 2.09 miles.  
• Thursday, I opted to do another walk (1.67 miles) so that I didn't over do it with my PF and sickness for Saturday.
• Saturday was my long run day.  7 miles.

Total weekly mileage:  13.32 miles.

Now for the good, bad, and ugly.

By Saturday, I was excited for my run.  I was excited to feel my legs moving.  Only, I let my head get in the way.  The day was BEAUTIFUL!  I couldn't have asked for better weather.  The course was equally pretty...although the end had some up and down hills that I wasn't very fond of.  But the scenery was great.  But I just couldn't get into it.  At all!




You see, I made a huge mistake.  I started feeling sorry for myself.  This journey is hard.  Like extremely hard.  And if I'm being completely honest (which I always am on here...) Saturday, it SUCKED.  I spent the last 2.5 miles of my run crying.  At one point I even stopped running and called Jason in tears.  I wanted him to come pick me up and bring me to the car so I could just be done.  (He didn't.)  I cried to him about how hard this all is.  It's stupid.  I am frustrated.  I already lost all this weight once, and I was feeling very bitter about having to start basically at square one again.  He gave me a mini-pep talk and told me to finish strong.  I did not finish strong.  But I finished, and there is strength in that!

On my run, I started comparing myself and my current place to others.  I started wishing I was faster.  Wishing I could finish races in my "goal" times.  Wishing I hadn't spent the last ump-teen months eating cookies and ice cream.

Then I remembered a thought I read.
"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.  The second next best time is now."
 --Chinese Proverb

How powerful.  How insightful.  Sure, it's always easy to say...'oh I wish I would have just started before....how much easier it would be now!'

But I can't dwell on that.  And neither can you!  This journey is constantly in progress.  There is no finish line.  But the best time to start working on yourself is now.  Because what you do today, determines what your tomorrow will look like.

Do not fall into the trap of comparison.  When I got home from my run Saturday, I had to have a few friends and my husband shake some sense in to me.  What I accomplished this week was fantastic, and what I accomplished this month has been double what I did last month.  (And February was double what I did in January.)  It is only myself that I should compare me to.

That is the only FAIR comparison.  That is the only comparison that matters.  So while I am not going to be joining the olympics anytime soon, or breaking any records with my pace...just know this.  I'm out there doing it.  And I hope you are too!  Because together, each day we do right puts us closer to the person we want to be!