tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19488714629410637202023-11-16T09:26:15.729-08:00Rebuilding RebeccaA blog about my weight loss journey, motivational stories, and thoughts on races in which I've competed. Join me on my journey toward a healthier and more active lifestyle.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726158226473135277noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948871462941063720.post-62642944655892599462011-12-28T07:35:00.000-08:002011-12-28T07:35:39.647-08:00My Academic GoalsSo, I know that the bulk of this blog is about "rebuilding" me, but I think that my academic life is part of that building process. Besides, I'm finally feeling as if my burn out from 6 straight years of full time school and often times, full time work is over and can now really focus on my research with a clearer head. I'm also a firm believer that if I write it down then I'm obligated to do it. So here are my goals for my academic life:<br />
-Defend my dissertation proposal by the end of February<br />
-Complete and defend my IRB application by the end of April<br />
-Submit an abstract to RSA, ISSS, ISTSS, CSWE, ASC, ISSTD<br />
-Get at least two manuscripts published<br />
-Complete and submit my grant application for my dissertation<br />
-Complete my data collection by the end of the year<br />
<br />
My end goal is to have a CV that is Research I University-worthy so that means I need to amp things up a notch and start to learn and embrace more difficult types of data analysis and methods. I know that I can do it and I know that I can get my dream job at a Tier I school. Like I said in my athletic post, 2012 will be my year of big accomplishments!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726158226473135277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948871462941063720.post-10642190007457525332011-12-28T06:10:00.000-08:002011-12-28T06:10:53.787-08:00Running ResolutionsI have been horrible about keeping up with my blog posts and I will work hard over the next few weeks to catch up on those. I have three races to post a reflection and other updates on my life events.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I recently received an email from Runner's World about running resolutions and if I have set my resolutions for 2012. It really got me thinking about my goals and resolutions for 2012. Should I just continue with what I am doing with my running for the new year (i.e. one 5K race a month, shaving one minute off my time at each race, training for the one half marathon)? I've PR'd in almost every race I've done this year and I'm pretty pleased with myself. But now that I know that I can run and that I can run for longer and longer distances, I'm wondering if I should strive for more. I've already made 'more' and 'better' my goal words for my academic life so why not do the same for my athletic life? So, 'more' and 'better' it is for my running goals for 2012. So, I'm going big! I'm gonna exceed even my expectations in 2012. I'm not saying that I'm going to push myself into an injury, I know to listen to my body when it's telling me it needs rest but I am going to amp things up a notch. I am not going to rest on my laurels for 2012. This is going to be my year of major achievements. So, with that in mind here are my athletic goals for 2012 (academic goals will be in a different post):<br />
<br />
-Run 2 5K races each month, attempting to PR at each<br />
-Master hill work to really increase my speed<br />
-Run at least 2 10K's<br />
-Complete the Buffalo Half Marathon<br />
-complete one more half<br />
-train and complete my first Full Marathon (most likely the Niagara Falls International Full Marathon in October)<br />
-get my Zumba Toning license<br />
-Hit and maintain my goal weight!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726158226473135277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948871462941063720.post-66919502185428720322011-11-20T18:44:00.000-08:002011-11-20T18:44:33.935-08:00Things I am thankful for...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal">As Thanksgiving approaches I can’t help but reflect on the many things in my life that I am thankful for and while I would like to take a cue from my cousin and post daily on Facebook the things that I am thankful for, I am concerned that there are not enough days or space to write everything (and I got a pretty late start). Given that, I felt a blog post containing everything that I am thankful for would be more appropriate. So here we go!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Things I thankful for (they are in no particular order):<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My amazing husband-he is my rock and has always been the most supportive person in my life consistently believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself. His unwavering support has aided in my quest to be the best I can be. He is my forever life partner and our journey is looking brighter every day! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My family-the ones who will always comfort me and guide me through every twist and turn of life. My dad constantly reminds me to strive for the top and to never give up. My mom is my cheerleader, always at the finish line encouraging me to push just a little harder toward that prize. My sister, my first best friend in life and although we’ve had our normal sisterly ups and downs, we will always be there for each other. My nephew, Dylan, always makes me laugh and although he’s only 3 and a half, reminds me about the important things in life. My grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins...always willing to lend a helping hand or send an encouraging thought.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My wonderful friends-There are way too many to list individually (and yes, I am thankful for that as well) but one person will always get an honorable mention, my bestest friend, Jenn. Since 8<sup>th</sup> grade, she has stood by my side and has always listened to me when I needed her. She is like an older sister to me and I would do anything and give anything for her. Like the rest of my family, she has been my cheerleader and eternal supporter reminding me of my strengths when I need to hear them.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My health-even though I will always live with IgA Nephropathy and it will never go away, I am thankful that at this point it is in a nonaggressive state and I have full kidney functioning. Some are not so lucky.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->That I can RUN!!! I am so excited about this and even more excited that I’m getting faster and increasing my mileage every week. Despite the fact that I have two previous knee injuries (one in high school cross country in which I tore my medial meniscus and ended my season early and I wasn’t able to run track that spring and the other due to a car accident where I suffered nerve damage and was told I would never be able to run) I am getting stronger each and every day. I am also appreciative that I have a life long running partner, my amazing husband, who is so supportive and encouraging. Running with him is a true blessing because it’s something we can always share together.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->That I’m losing weight and kicking ass at it!! To date, I have lost 59.5 pounds! Better yet, I feel amazing and like I could conquer the world. I have so much more energy during the day that I am much more productive at school, which leads into my next point...<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->That I have 2 degrees and am nearing the end of a third. How many people can say that? I am very lucky to be where I am and this third degree is going to open so many doors for me and my family.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->That I have the determination and intelligence to be working on a PhD. I have always said that I feel like I was blessed with those two things and even though at times I feel completely stupid (which is apparently normal in a PhD program), I know that in the end I will prevail and Mark and I will have everything we’ve dreamed about and worked hard to achieve. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My sense of humor-I always appreciate that I can laugh at myself and make others laugh. Laughter is truly the best medicine!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Beautiful November Buffalo weather-makes for amazing fall runs. We have had some gorgeous 60+ degree days lately and running in the warm sunshine, admiring the beautiful fall foliage, while you crunch the leaves under your feet is just perfect. I wish it could be this way year round!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Facebook, yes, I’m going to put it on here because it has allowed me to reconnect with dear friends from high school that I thought I would never speak to again. Also, I am able to chat with family members who don’t live close by. I just hope FB will be around in a few years (I’m pretty sure it will since it’s a billion dollar company now) for when we move out of state so I can keep in touch with all my Buffalo friends and family.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->A roof over my head and food in my cupboards-while we are certainly not the richest people in the world and my checking account often leaves much to be desired, I am thankful that I have money, food, clothing, and shelter. See my previous post about the garbage dumps in Mozambique.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My car-while it may not be the flashiest thing in the world and I often complain about how I wish I could have the brand new Jeep Grand Cherokee and then I wouldn’t have to deal with a radio that works when it wants to, I am lucky to have a reliable vehicle with fairly low mileage for being 6 years old. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->That I have 3 jobs! Yes, they are all part time (well, one is full time right now but will be going back down to part time in December) but I have 3 jobs. There are millions of Americans that don’t even have one part time job. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->That I am a Zumba Instructor!!! How awesome is that?! I love helping the amazing people in my class achieve their goals and inspiring them to reach for the top all while partying! Zumba is amazing and has truly changed my life. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->That I can afford to eat healthy food. With how expensive it is in this country to eat wholesome and nutritious foods, I am thankful that I have the option to do so. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->That I am outgoing and can make friends easily. I have always been thankful for this and love that I can talk to people so easily. This makes it much easier to speak in front of a group of people, which I am also thankful for. Yes, I get nervous but I have always felt comfortable on stage or at a podium. Maybe that’s why I am aspiring to be a professor and why I am such a kick ass Zumba instructor (wink).<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->That I am finally confident with my body and myself. This has been such a long and challenging process. My biggest issue with self-confidence, other than the fact that I didn’t have any, was that I was so concerned with others perceiving me as being conceded if I accepted compliments or said positive things about myself. In the process, I hated myself and thought I was fat and stupid each and every day. Through my weight loss journey and progression through the PhD program, I have worked incredibly hard to lose the weight and complete certain academic requirements. The result of that hard work is still perplexing to me sometimes and I often do a double take in the mirror. I am learning to accept compliments without adding a “but” (see my previous blog post about this topic) and learning that it’s okay to say and believe positive things about yourself. I’m pretty sure I won’t develop an ego either.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The coricopia of gluten free restaurants and grocery options...wasn’t always this way and I am so grateful that Buffalo has so many. It’s always fun to discover a new place to eat or try a new snack. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My cat, Dini-he’s the best lap cat and snuggler around! He has his days when he can be super grumpy and that usually is due to a food restriction (we are trying to put him on a diet). But when he wants to cuddle he is persistent! I love it when he gives me kitty hugs!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My ferret, Tia-she always makes me laugh at her little ferret antics. We love you so much our beautiful silver mitt Princess!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->That I can live in a free country and I’m just going to leave it at that so as to not get into personal views on topics.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The running community-Other than my Zumba family, I never have a met a group of strangers who are so welcoming and warm. I love that other runners say hi to me on my runs. I love that I can chat with a stranger on her blog or Facebook page about running. Somehow, they don’t seem like strangers anymore.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->That I can read and write-how many times have I taken that for granted?!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Finally, that I’m surrounded by love each and every day. For that reason, I am truly thankful!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726158226473135277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948871462941063720.post-69841577897825387472011-11-04T03:42:00.000-07:002011-11-04T03:42:31.781-07:00Forgiving myselfI am taking a page out of a friend's blog that discusses her weight loss journey. She talks about making amends for gaining the weight. After reading her post, I realized that I needed to forgive myself too. From the beginning of my journey I would constantly beat myself up about taking so long to make the decision to lose the weight or for regaining the 30 pounds I had lost for my wedding and putting on 25 additional pounds or for gaining weight at all after high school. I would also beat myself up about not staying active after high school when I loved to work out. More importantly, I felt that I deserved to get diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy because I had "let myself go" even though I know that the research points to no definitive cause.<br />
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My friend's blog post really hit home with me and I noticed that I constantly beat myself up about gaining the weight and add in a side order of guilt. This only makes me feel worse about myself and distracts me from my goal. Today, I am forgiving myself for gaining the weight. I am forgetting about all those times when I verbally and emotionally beat myself up for letting my butt widen. Continuing to stay stuck in that maladaptive mindset only shields my view of the new and exciting journey I am on and distracts me from seeing all the amazing progress I am making on a daily basis. No more looking at past mistakes. I am going to enjoy the new path that has been laid out in front of me. Thank you, Melissa, for making me realize that I needed to forgive myself!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726158226473135277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948871462941063720.post-18104703608177128322011-11-03T06:30:00.000-07:002011-11-04T03:48:53.561-07:00My 5th 5K-Niagara Falls International Marathon 5K<div class="MsoNormal">My 5<sup>th</sup> 5K. Let me say that again, my 5<sup>th</sup> 5K! I never thought during my days in cross country in high school when I would consistently come in last that I would one day be running 5K’s for fun and LOVING IT!! I never thought I would beat those demons and bad memories of my family watching their loved one always coming in last, feeling that I have constantly disappointed them. Well no more. Not today. On my 5<sup>th</sup> 5K, the Niagara Falls International, I beat those demons and I came in with a strong 39:32 time, running an average 12:45 minute mile. I did not come in last by any means. I PR’d and I was exhilarated!! Now, that time may not seem like something to brag about for some people but for me it’s a huge accomplishment. I began running in February using a Couch to 5K program and have gone from near a 17 minute mile down to below a 13 minute mile. I think that speaks volumes in terms of my progress. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">It was a magical day, disregarding my usual pre-race anxiety that was only intensified by the added stress of crossing the border. We got to the race early, which gave me time to stretch and take my energy gel. The route was fairly scenic and was an out and back course so I got to run along the mighty Niagara twice while listening to the roaring of the water crashing over the brink of the falls. As is typical of any race, the first few hundred meters or so are spent slowly jogging or walking as the crowd disperses. However, this time a group of walkers chose to start at the beginning of the start line only to block off and bottleneck the runners out of the gate. Once I got free from the group it was clear sailing until I noticed a hill. Ugh! That was the only thought that crossed my mind at first until I remembered that this was an out and back course and that hill would help me at the finish line. So, I remembered what I had read in Tom Holland’s book “The Marathon Method”. He says to use hills to your advantage. On the uphill, use more of your upper body, pumping your arms to get you up the hill. On the downhill, let gravity take you and don’t use too much steam. Remembering that tip really helped and I made up the hill with no problem. Up until the turn around, I noticed many of the 10K racers coming in (they started an hour ahead of us). At the first hydration station, I gratefully took a cup of the Canadian version of Gatorade. It wasn’t too bad and gave me something else to focus on. I did have my watch on and finally remembered to hit the start button as I crossed the start line, however, it wasn’t giving me my heart rate. I usually rely on this to let me know if I’m going too fast. Oh well, I was feeling great and wasn’t going to stop. Typically, I repeat a word or phrase in my mind to keep me going. On this day, my words were “determination” and “push”. I knew I was doing well because my target person had not passed me yet. As I got closer to the turn around I noticed my husband passing me. I was so excited for him and I cheered, clapped, and yelled “Go honey, go. I’m so proud of you”. He says to me “You’re almost at the turn around. You’re halfway there”. That gave me the push I needed. I made the turn around and the next hydration station. I grabbed a cup of water took a sip and started choking on it! What the hell?! How many races have I done and I can’t drink a cup of water? I slowed down to a walk to regain my composure. Thankfully, I only needed 20 second or so and I was back in the game. One thing I loved was that this race was marked with both kilometers and mile markers. The kilometer markers were much more helpful because they counted down much faster than the miles. This gave me a boost of confidence. After the 3K mark I noticed this man who was also sporting KT tape. As soon as I caught up to him, he started running again. He would repeat this pattern until the 4K mark. At first I was upset that someone was pacing themselves against me but then I realized that I was helping him. So feel free to use me as your pacer!!! At the 4K mark I looked at my watch…32:01! What?! I have less than a mile to go and I’m only at 32 minutes? How is this possible?? That gave me the motivation to push forward and that downhill really helped. I could see the large monitor that showed the crowd the runners coming in and there I was. I ran faster, turned the corner and there was the finish line…39:45. Holy crap! I was going to break 40 minutes! I’ve never done that before! I pushed ahead and crossed the finish line at 39:49 clock time. I was elated and I raised my arms in triumph! I had done it. I was <u>not</u> last and I shaved 4 minutes off my race time from the Linda Yalem Run, only one month earlier. As I crossed all three timing mats I felt like I was treated as if I had won the race. Each person is given a bottle of water, a mylar blanket, a bag of goodies which consisted of an apple (yummy), a banana (double yummy), a small bag of chips (the salt really helped), and a granola bar (it was chocolate covered but contained gluten, boo!), and the best part was that EVERY person that crossed the finish line received a finisher’s medal!!! That’s the one thing that I loved about this event. Everyone is treated like a winner. The finisher’s medal is so nice. Here’s a quick pic of it:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSyBFI-ga_S5Quwt_GcK79QTeXj9gk4ztcxjPNNJ8Mdmqapypg_JaV7mB5Ddjr5M20s_TpOgl_MIVGf-qQqFJh2AdlCguSLLtY0qnNQ4KFxO24ISeYhF_lYt7bmYUQowczsI9JfO8MrJ7/s1600/331247_2584487777837_1423789887_33023525_1894587753_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSyBFI-ga_S5Quwt_GcK79QTeXj9gk4ztcxjPNNJ8Mdmqapypg_JaV7mB5Ddjr5M20s_TpOgl_MIVGf-qQqFJh2AdlCguSLLtY0qnNQ4KFxO24ISeYhF_lYt7bmYUQowczsI9JfO8MrJ7/s320/331247_2584487777837_1423789887_33023525_1894587753_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br />
</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Cool, huh?! I wore that medal proudly. I found Mark after I crossed and told him that I couldn’t believe my time. He gave me a hug and told me what his time was. We both did great!! We walked back to our car and switched out our sweaty clothing and I snacked on the apple and banana. I needed that! Once we were slightly refreshed we headed back over to near the finish line as we were hearing that the announcer was saying that some of the half marathon people were starting to cross the finish line. My good friend who encouraged me to get m Zumba license was running in her first half and had been training so hard for this day. I wanted to see her cross that finish line and cheer her on at the end. We found a spot near the curve toward the finish line and saw so many amazing people coming in from the half. Some looked beat, one girl threw up in front of us, and others made it look easy. I started cheering for everyone. These people earned it and everyone deserved someone cheering and clapping for them. It was also exciting to watch the pacers go by cheering on their group behind them. I saw my friend in the distance and I held up my sign I quickly made for her at the Brooks booth, and I cheered and yelled. “Go Kathy go! I am so proud of you. Go, go, go”! At first she just looked at me not realizing who I was and then once it registered she cheered too and yelled “Woo hoo”!! She was doing great. Mark and I quickly went to the finish line to find her and it took some time to find her amongst the sea of people. Once I caught up to her we gave each other a big hug, both crying at our accomplishments. She is an amazing person and always inspires me. She has always believed in me and celebrates all of my weight loss wins! I am so honored to call her a friend. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">After a few photos and some impromptu dancing with my girls, Mark and I headed out. We wanted to do some touristy things since we had spent $18 to park and we don’t spend too much time on the opposite side of the Falls. We headed to the Journey Behind The Falls and the Visitor’s Center, snapping some pictures of the Horseshoe and American Falls from the Canadian side. What an amazing vantage point. The Journey was so amazing and it was a gorgeous sunny day so we headed out to the lower level viewing area giving us an amazing view of the Horseshoe Falls, which were cascading right above our heads. Although we were wearing a cheap throw away raincoat that they hand you as you pay your fee, we still were soaked. However, I didn’t care. I was awestruck by the beauty of the Falls in front of me. I’ve lived near Niagara Falls my entire life and every time I visit I am in awe of its beauty. I love waterfalls and could spend hours just staring at them. The sun and the mist coming off the Falls were producing beautiful rainbows…what a perfect end to a perfect day. Mark and I ended our day by treating ourselves to dinner. This was an amazing event and will certainly be on our list for next year. Who knows, maybe we will do the half marathon next year?!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Here's some more pics from the day:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzgtIjcTVIiRq9cVh_qlBazejtJjeYiSBw7fsSjbi-wFbvbg8u9Ve1PDvTuDBfK_K2689D67t2Y1Vi5A7sNH1PxjW1ehmw6Sd_gnm-wCt_XHFnCg8XF84s9D3bX7UszQV1qJG3NyyaOZ2/s1600/329778_2595079922342_1415029687_33047596_1968665393_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzgtIjcTVIiRq9cVh_qlBazejtJjeYiSBw7fsSjbi-wFbvbg8u9Ve1PDvTuDBfK_K2689D67t2Y1Vi5A7sNH1PxjW1ehmw6Sd_gnm-wCt_XHFnCg8XF84s9D3bX7UszQV1qJG3NyyaOZ2/s320/329778_2595079922342_1415029687_33047596_1968665393_o.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726158226473135277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948871462941063720.post-74441886373881999742011-10-19T18:22:00.000-07:002011-10-25T19:29:13.570-07:00I'm taking the plunge...the Buffalo Half MarathonSo, I've committed to do the Buffalo Half Marathon on Sunday, May 27th. I have never in my life thought that I could even run a 5K let alone 13.1 miles. But here I am, beginning my training for a half. I have already begun working on increasing my mileage. I also have to worry about my training for the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. That race is an 8K and I'm one mile away from reaching that race mileage. My goal for the first part of my training is to just get the mileage in, I will worry about speed later.<br />
<br />
So, this post will contain my runs and training for the Half. Run Happy!!<br />
<br />
Thursday, Oct. 6th - 2 mile run on the treadmill...did a few fartleks and worked on GFR a little<br />
Saturday, Oct. 8th - 5K, felt groggy and didn't have too much fun. This was most likely due to poor eating.<br />
Monday, Oct. 10th- 4.51 mile run!! Woo hoo!! I felt awesome and wanted to keep going.<br />
Friday, Oct. 14th - attempted a 5K but had to turn back - I've been dealing with a horrible pain in my right calf muscle that doesn't let up when I run. Also, my right knee has been acting up a lot lately and I'm hoping it's because of the weather and not the increased mileage.<br />
Sunday, Oct. 16th - got in a 5K run in the wind and rain although I didn't mind the rain too much!!<br />
Monday, Oct. 17th - attempted a 5K but had to turn back due to the pain in my right calf<br />
Tuesday, Oct. 18th - 2.25 mile run on the treadmill...testing out the KT tape on my knee, felt good and calf wasn't bothering me too much. My massage therapist thinks it may be due to changing my runners recently.<br />
Sunday, Oct. 23rd-Niagara Falls International 5K, I PR'd!!! Stay tuned for a specific post about this event.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726158226473135277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948871462941063720.post-13771787040522441162011-09-30T07:06:00.000-07:002011-09-30T07:06:40.059-07:00Why the blog name change?I felt that I was at a point where my blog needed some sprucing up and I was concerned that "Rebecca's Blog" wasn't going to get the traffic I desired. So I posted on Facebook that I needed help with coming up with a new name for my blog. The two options that I liked the best out of the suggestions were "Rebecca Rebuilt" and "Becky Brings It". I was most drawn to "Rebecca Rebuilt" but I commented that I am not done with my weight loss journey so I am not completely "rebuilt". The final suggestion was "Rebuilding Rebecca" and there was the new name of my blog.<br />
<br />
I felt that this name was absolutely perfect not just because of my weight loss journey. I began my journey because of medical conditions. I wouldn't say that I was necessarily "broken" but I was in need of "fixing". In November 2008, I was diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy (IgAN), a rare autoimmune-like disease in which immunoglobin A is deposited in the kidneys and eventually damages the glomeruli or the filters in the kidneys. I had no symptoms for years up until that previous March when I was racked with horrible flank pain on my right side and constant and persistent nausea (we later discovered that this last symptom was due to a gluten sensitivity and have been gluten free now for 16 months). It took my doctors 8 months to figure it out after seeing numerous specialists and enduring multiple tests including CAT scans, urological tests, and finally a renal biopsy. Some individuals with IgAN have a more aggressive form of the disease and progress through the stages of chronic kidney disease to end stage renal disease requiring dialysis and/or transplant. Others, like me, have a nonaggressive form that may never progress to chronic kidney disease. However, my nephrologist (a kidney specialist that I now see on a regular basis) has warned me that my disease could turn aggressive at any point and often times without warning. I am determined to keep it nonaggressive.<br />
<br />
I remember being very angry when I was first diagnosed. How could this be happening to me and more importantly why was it happening now. I had just begun my first semester of my first year in the PhD program. I was on the road to becoming the future academic at a Tier I university and I was scared about how this new "development" was going to interfere with our plans.<br />
<br />
My nephrologist began my treatment with ACE inhibitors, medication that lowers blood pressure and has been shown to slow the progression of damage to the kidneys. However, I wasn't reacting to this medication very well and even on the lowest dose possible I was constantly dizzy and couldn't think clearly which didn't help with school or work. She subsequently took me off this medication. The pain, however, never subsided and with the constant stress of the PhD program, it only made things worse.<br />
<br />
For two years while I was busy completing my coursework I endured the constant pain, nausea, muscle weakness, exhaustion, confusion, and inability to concentrate. This was not like me, I was not one to let something control me or my future path. The final straw came after the second round of prednisone treatment I was prescribed to deal with the pain. The first time I was prescribed prednisone, I didn't have many bad reactions. My appetite was increased but that was about it. The second time, however, was dramatically different. Instead of gradually stepping up the doses as in the first time, the second time I was given the pack where you start out with the highest dose on the first day and gradually decrease the doses. This time the side effects were ridiculous. I was constantly hungry, restless, and angry. I was a bitch on this medication!! I also couldn't sleep at all. Normally, I would have been excited about insomnia so that I could get some work done, especially at the end of my coursework. This insomnia was unproductive. I couldn't concentrate at all and my mind was racing. I had enough. I made the decision at this point that I was done with letting this disease control me. I was going to control it. I was in charge of my destiny and my future and I wasn't going to let this disease take away all that I had worked so hard to accomplish.<br />
<br />
So, that following month after my courses were complete and I had time to decompress from the semester, I went on a gluten free diet and joined the BAC with a friend. It took time, but the weight started coming off and gradually I felt better. The pain subsided as did the nausea and I was beginning to transform before my very eyes.<br />
<br />
Now, I am 53 pounds lighter, running again (Yay!), completed 4 5K races, and am a Zumba instructor at the Eastern Hills BAC. I never thought when I joined the gym that I would be employee of the gym. I am so much healthier now and I eat better than I ever have before. I concentrate on getting at least 8 glasses of water in a day and 6 servings of fruits and vegetables. I rarely eat fried foods since I need to be concerned about cross contamination and also because fried foods contain acrylamide, something I do not want in my body. I work out 5-6 days a week doing various activities such as strength training, TRX, boxing, running, spinning, and Zumba. Sometimes I'm at the gym for hours or make multiple trips. I have found a new passion with health and fitness and I want to learn everything I can about living a healthy lifestyle and am working to incorporate more of that into my future plans. I am constantly thinking about and searching for our next 5K and considering additional fitness certifications. Three years ago, when I was extremely overweight and unhealthy I never thought I would be thinking about training for a 10K or half marathon.<br />
<br />
So I am on my way to being "rebuilt". I may never be whole again because of my disease but I can at least make myself 99% rebuilt. The point is that I feel like I am in control and I know the warning signs of a flare up. And even if that 1% is missing, I still feel stronger than I ever have before.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726158226473135277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948871462941063720.post-38358187259897378072011-09-29T15:56:00.000-07:002011-10-19T18:31:45.291-07:00Daily Exercise LogThis will be the post where I will update my daily exercise activities so that you can see what I am doing and maybe get some ideas to add to your own routine.<br />
<br />
Sunday, September 25th<br />
Ran the Linda Yalem 5K Safety Run (See my post on this run for my reflections on the event)<br />
<br />
Monday, September 26th<br />
90 minutes of strength training with my hubby<br />
<br />
Tuesday, September 27th<br />
Taught my Zumba class (60 minutes)<br />
Taught 1/2 hour and participated in the other 1/2 of a fellow instructor's Zumba class<br />
<br />
Wednesday, September 28th<br />
Rest Day<br />
<br />
Thursday, September 29th<br />
Taught my Zumba class (60 minutes)<br />
<br />
Friday, September 30th<br />
60 minutes of Zumba<br />
Taught a fellow instructor's Zumba class (60 minutes)<br />
<br />
Saturday, October 1st<br />
Rest Day- cold, rainy weather is wreaking havoc on my injured shoulder and knee<br />
<br />
Sunday, October 2nd<br />
Attended the New Balance Good Form Running Clinic, minimal running but didn't do much else due to extreme shoulder and knee pain<br />
<br />
Monday, October 3rd<br />
Attempted a run in my new runners but could only do a half mile...new sneakers seem to be forcing me to land differently and I became frustrated.<br />
<br />
Tuesday, October 4th<br />
Taught my Zumba class (60 minutes)<br />
Co-taught a fellow instructors class (60 minutes)<br />
<br />
Wednesday, October 5th<br />
Rest day- between meetings and work, no time for a workout<br />
<br />
Thursday, October 6th<br />
Taught my Zumba class (60 minutes)<br />
Ran for 2.5 miles, practiced GFR and a few fartleks, great run in new runners<br />
<br />
Friday, October 7th<br />
Zumba class (60 minutes)<br />
<br />
Saturday, October 8th<br />
Boxing/TRX (60 minutes)<br />
Ran 5K<br />
<br />
Sunday, October 9th<br />
Rest day<br />
<br />
Monday, October 10th<br />
Ran 4.51 miles!!!! It felt amazing and I'm less than a half a mile away from having the mileage down for the Turkey Trot<br />
<br />
Tuesday, October 11th<br />
Taught my Zumba Class (60 minutes)<br />
<br />
Wednesday, October 12th<br />
Rest day-knee is not cooperating at all!!!<br />
<br />
Thursday, October 13th<br />
Taught my Zumba Class (60 minutes)<br />
<br />
Friday, October 14th<br />
Zumba (60 minutes)<br />
Attempted a 5K run, had to turn back, both knee and right calf were killing me<br />
<br />
Saturday, October 15th<br />
TRX/Boxing<br />
<br />
Sunday, October 16th<br />
Ran 3.25 miles-felt much better<br />
<br />
Monday, October 17th<br />
Attempted to run a 5K, again the right calf was bothering me<br />
<br />
Tuesday, October 18th<br />
Ran 2.25 miles on the treadmill at the gym, felt good<br />
Taught my Zumba class (60 minutes)<br />
<br />
Wednesday, October 19th<br />
Rest day, had a massage the previous day so my body needed some recuperation timeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726158226473135277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948871462941063720.post-25021373271087451462011-09-28T06:29:00.000-07:002011-09-28T06:33:14.524-07:00My 4th 5K!!!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:enableopentypekerning/> 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mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Georgia;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Never before did I think I would be saying that I finished my 4th 5K. I still have to re-read that to make sure it's accurate. I completed the Linda Yalem 5K Safety Run at the University at Buffalo yesterday morning. This race, now in it's 22nd year, is commemorate the memory of Linda Yalem, a UB student who was raped and murdered while she ran along the bike path near UB. The focus of this race is also to stress the importance of safety when running and to never run alone. I ran it with my husband who has been the best running buddy and coach ever!! He stuck with me all the way to the end sacrificing his PR. It was a beautiful Sunday morning with blue skies and comfortable temps for a race. I was so tired that morning since I have not been sleeping well the previous 5 nights. I ate what is now becoming my normal breakfast: coffee and plain Greek yogurt with honey. I'm always a bundle full of nerves before any race, so to distract myself I focused on eating my entire energy gel pack (I think this really helped me). The line up always increases my anxiety and then once we are off I get so excited. I'm always saying in the back of my mind "I'm really doing this". I felt good the whole race which I was really excited about especially since I have not run on pavement in over 2 months (Dirty Girl was mostly trails so I'm not counting that). I hit the first mile marker with my best pace time ever! I was determined not to let myself slack and I felt confident that I could finish it at that pace. There were some small hills that I knew about but this time the hills didn't bother me like they did at Dirty Girl or Girls on the Run. I attacked them confidently. The entire route was lined with volunteers and members of various student groups and Greek organizations. They held signs, yelled, clapped, and cheered us on. I gave a thumbs up as I passed most of them and told one group that was the biggest and the loudest that they were the best group on the route! They truly were awesome and encouraging and placed just at the right spot at the 2.5 mile point. Finally, I rounded the last curve and I could see the finish line. I sprinted ahead motivated by some runners who had finished the race and were saying, "push it, you're almost there". I saw the clock and was completely amazed that it said 43:45. I have NEVER finished a 5K, even in practice, in under 45 minutes. I raced ahead determined to not let that clock reach 44 minutes and I crossed the finish line at 43:59. My chip timing was 43:30 with a 14:02 pace! A new PR for me!!! I felt on top of the world!!! I couldn't believe it especially since I had not completed a 5K race in so long. I now know that all of the work I continued to do despite my inconsistent running due to back pain was really helping me. My husband snapped a pic with me all smiles. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Georgia;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Georgia;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">I realize that a 14 minute mile is really slow, but for me this was the best feeling ever since I have shaved over a minute off of my miles and nearly 4 minutes off from my previous timed race (Dirty Girl was not timed but I am still counting it in my chart of completed 5K's). My goal for the next few weeks is to work up to 5 miles so that I will be ready for the Turkey Trot in November. Next race on our list is the Niagara Falls International 5K in October. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Georgia;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Georgia;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">At the end of the race was the post party complete with a free buffet. I couldn't believe how much food they had for us. There was chicken and penne pasta (which I could not eat), green beans (they were yummy), veggie soup, pb & j sandwiches, oranges, bananas, yogurt, and rolls with butter. All FREE!!! The beans, yogurt, and banana were exactly what I needed. As we were eating we got to watch the Kid's Dash, which was absolutely adorable. I think this would be a perfect family event next year and I know my nephew would LOVE to do the Kid's Dash. Overall, this was one of the best races that I've completed and I couldn't have done it without my amazing husband/running buddy/coach. He has really encouraged me to push and challenge myself. You're the best honey!!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726158226473135277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948871462941063720.post-57050437139894869272011-09-14T04:25:00.000-07:002011-09-28T06:26:26.866-07:00Dirty Girl!!!<img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJe77jv7dyCNVP8gL8hlXk2444Kfo0J3MdtRzuuax_fyOHphv-t3bXRpLuuWGPphXRiRBk7asvjEpuepPWgv2Fha6CkVzHd7Zg2-WqeQfYurZo4ytzRrwX2q5JAcGjR4wulrlfw46xFNxL/s320/324057_2429637906395_1415029687_32905608_199924306_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657398125328940338" /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Starting Line!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheOsab6WRTgGz4ZgTm3xX4DW1BolBmnJ9kPRGA1VgI91b9swPMoQdlQPjwlHtHCFXdd2kuFWcpztPLr_zhuR6tgsplX11axxH_-1dNfwVjJsvPrjkA0tKNtO022RE-X48wxingF8vKibnU/s320/289499_2424944629066_1415029687_32900454_1313521641_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657398128855203986" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I can get dirt in my nails and not freak out!</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnJ9RCpJvTB7wVghPh58eMVAniiL2GWvYYmfjsHxMhztj8UJoDL7guApNWHVTO3_ukghGBDlkwi9Yj2eZYGfgZrsAVO7_jFIniwNdlhgGKZ_qjWZn2X-UvcaSKZVVHg5-36ghVMlVlqt1/s320/336450_2425300117953_1415029687_32900963_2030033044_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657398139554215506" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>See, I can get dirty!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeIzZ5Tct72x2LtEFRVAJQ-pJE_T_peYbazpFAu5QfRe-f1VITPdRJ3cVHHrEmVPrriYaWYBWFU5UhoiYyFBxAmyGQF6R6n9YUFzf7u0LQh9o0tKHktTlT1TyhefEeZvWF-PFChDS2Sm8/s320/322178_2425675527338_1415029687_32901727_1734198670_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657398143937397682" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My bruised knees from the tunnels!! Ouch! These bruises lasted 2 weeks!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I had a BLAST at the Dirty Girl Mud Run, my 3rd 5K. This wasn't a timed or competitive event but I'm still counting it on my list of completed 5K's. The event took place at Emery Park in South Wales and was full of hills and the course was a combination of trails and pavement. I was very nervous about the climbing obstacles but was pretty confident that I could complete the other ones (10 obstacles in all). One of the girls in my Zumba class convinced me to join her team which consisted of some of her coworkers and family members. They were an amazing group of women, so incredibly nice and supportive throughout the race. In fact, every single woman I encountered on the run was incredibly supportive; the camaraderie was simply amazing. Everyone encouraged everyone else throughout the race and through the obstacles and it was contagious!! I found myself encouraging perfect strangers but somehow we weren't strangers since we all had the same goal and were all in this together! <div><br /></div><div>I always get pre-race jitters and this race was no exception. I think the jitters this time were more about being able to do all the obstacles rather than finishing the race. I knew I could finish, I've done 5K's before. But 3 specific obstacles frightened me because I though I couldn't climb. Waves up to 150 women went out every 15 minutes. I was with my team at the start line anxiously awaiting our start. We joked about random things, chatted about the Turkey Trot, and mentioned how we were looking forward to the free sangria at the finish line. Finally, the horn sounds and we're off!! We all cheered as we passed the start line, ran down a small hill, around a bend, and approached our first obstacle, The Barn Burner, a pyramid of hail bales. I remember thinking, "oh great! A climbing obstacle just has to be first." I was with one of my teammates, Ryann, and we both climbed up that first bale. I noticed that if I grabbed onto the twine that secured the bales it made climbing up much easier. I mentioned that to Ryann and we both got to the top at the same time and got down one bale at a time. I got to the bottom and ran up the hill with Ryann. A sudden wave of emotions began to surface as I realized that I just climbed that obstacle and I didn't even bat an eye. "I'm really doing this", I thought. The next obstacle, "H2OMG" was so much fun. As a team we climbed into the water pit and at first it was only knee deep and then there was a big drop off and suddenly we were in waist deep water and boy was it COLD!!!! The assent out of the pit was incredibly muddy and one of my teammates got stuck. We got her out and we were off again. At this time I realized how difficult it was to run...my water logged shorts kept falling down. Some of the members of my team stopped running at this point and because of my shorts, I decided to walk it too. Next up was 'Just Get Over It', a wall that had different height options. I took the smallest of the options since after all, I wasn't going to break a nail over a wall! One of my teammates took a higher option so we got to the other side to help her over and encourage her. She did it! I think at this point is were we walked/ran a bit since this was the start of the hills as we enter the woods. The next obstacle we faced was "One Ugly Mudder". Now, I thought this obstacle was just going to be a muddy hill but boy was I wrong. We were deep into the woods at this point and this obstacle involved us getting down into a muddy ravine and climb up a steep muddy hill to the other side. We had a thick rope to help us out but that didn't help me...I slide down into the ravine on my butt!! Okay, so now I'm muddy and wet but laughing hysterically!! One of the girls lost a shoe and we found it and up the hill we go! We are heavily in the woods now and come out to a road. At this point we are all walking, a little pooped from the obstacles, most likely. We go down the hill and pick up momentum as we go down. We round the corner into more woods. Up ahead we see a water station and boy was I excited for a cup of water. At this point, I lost some of my team members but met up with some others. We chatted as we walked along the route. We came into a clearing and up ahead of us was the "Tire Pump" a group of tires that we needed to hop through. I was too worried about falling or twisting an ankle so I stepped lightly and carefully through them. Nearly immediately after, we encounter "The Hangover", a combination of the "Tire Pump" along with hanging tires that we had to maneuver through. Whew! I was happy to be done with those. More trail and road sections along with another hill bigger than the previous ones. Prior to the hill, I told my two teammates that I wanted to run more of it and I sped ahead. Into the woods I go and I trek up the hill. At this point, I'm pretty tired and so I slow down to a walk. As I reach the top of the hill, I see the signs for the next obstacle, "Utopian Tubes" and I notice my husband at the other end of the tubes video taping me. To the side of him is a group of spectators who were yelling at us to "run". A women next to me snickered and I said to her, "Run? Did they just see all the hills we had to climb?". We get into a brief conversation about the tubes to which she said she was unsure of this obstacle. I said to her that I'm doing it and going in the big one. "Okay", she said, "I'm going behind you." Off we go into the tubes. The tubes looked as if they were those large plastic tubes that are used in drainages with ribs on the outside. As I'm crawling on my hands and knees, I could feel every rib from the outside of the tube. Boy is that going to leave a bruise! We get out of the tubes, I wave to Mark, and start jogging down the path. I look back to see if Mark's still there and he's moved on to the next obstacle, so I knew I was in the clear. Whew! I slow down to a walk again. I'm keeping pace with the women from the tubes (I wish I would have got her name) alternating between walking and running but mostly running. Up next was an obstacle (I forgot it's name) in which cargo nets were placed level with the ground with a small mud pit underneath. So with my tunnel friend beside me we both get down on our hands and knees and get under the nets. The mud was very smelly and cold! I could also feel branches and small rocks in the mud, which I knew was going to make my sore knees from the tunnels hurt even more. We emerge from the first one to encounter another net. Yikes! This one smelled even worse. I could feel more twigs and so I yelled out to the people behind me, "Watch out for the branches and rocks!". Finally I get out of that obstacle covered in mud, my hands were caked in it. I run down the hill with my tunnel friend closely behind me. I round another curve and noticed a group of spectators cheering on those that passed by. Included in that group was my husband with the camera. I waved to him with both hands, hoping that he caught my muddy hands on camera, proof that I can get mud under my nails and not freak out. At this point I knew I was near the end. Up next was the "Slip and Slide". At the top of the hill we were splashed with a bucket of water and then had to slide down the hill on the plastic tarp. A few ladies ahead of me walked down the tarp, not for me. I was going to slide down that hill and have a blast doing it. I get drenched and I get down on my stomach and I slid down the hill, only making it halfway down. Later on, I found out from friends in later waves that they removed the plastic tarp and they were able to slide down a muddy hill and as a result were much muddier than I was. I get up and walk down the rest of the tarp. I ran a little more with my tunnel friend through some more trees. We approached a grassy clearing in the woods and I knew there were only two obstacles left, including one that I feared the most. My tunnel friend and I cross through a small tree line, round another curve and there it was...the cargo net. The obstacle I knew I would have the most trouble with and the one that I had been considering going around. I approach it, skipping the turn off if I wanted to go around. My tunnel friend got up to it at the same time as me. She says to me, "are you going up it?". "I think I'm going to attempt it. I've made it this far and I can see the finish line. C'mon we can do it", I said to her. So up we both go. I carefully put one foot into each of the rungs in the rope. I get halfway up and I notice my friend struggling. She says, "I can't do it. I'm going back down". I told her that she could do and she made it this far up, she can make it all the way. Unfortunately, she was determined to get back down and proceeded to climb down backwards. I never saw her again and wish that while we were running that we would have exchanged names at least. She really helped get me through the toughest obstacles. Thank you. I was determined to not let this obstacle get the best of me. I had made it this far and I was going to finish this race!! I carefully maneuver myself up to the top and I get one leg and one hand over to the other side. I struggled to figure out how to get my other leg or arm over to the other side. The rung I needed to do so was too close to the metal support beam and was not an option. Then....I looked down and realized how high up I was. BIG mistake!! I instantly became paralyzed. Thoughts about falling off or falling through the net were swimming through my mind. I could feel other women coming up the net and it shook the net and made me more scared. There I was, straddling the top of the A-frame and I couldn't move. Two women who were coming up the net had reached the top. I told them to please go around me, I was too scared to move I told them. One of those women yelled at me and said, "Get that other leg over. C'mon, you can do it! You've made it this far. Put that leg right here!". Slowly, I got that leg over and put it right where she said. I climbed down the net next to her. Whoever she was, she got me over that net and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you!!! I noticed as I was going down the net that the rest of my team had caught up to me and were also descending from the net. Somewhere along the way I had passed them and I didn't realize it. I waited at the bottom for my teammates and encouraged them as well. They all get down and all four of us ran up to the last obstacle, "PMS (Pretty Muddy Stuff)"...our mud pit. We all climb in together after I twisted my right ankle. But I didn't care, I was at the finish line and I was having a blast! I had seen some other women tip-toeing through the pit and decided that I wasn't going to do that. I came here to get muddy and I was going to get muddy. We all get down on our hands and knees and crawl through the cold, muddy water. One of my teammates slipped and was immersed in the mud and water, however, she didn't seem to mind and was laughing hysterically!! We were all laughing! We all got out of the pit and ran to the finish line together. I noticed Mark at the finish line videotaping me and so I ran up to him all smiles!!! I did it! I finished it and completed every obstacle! I have to say that I was very proud of myself for doing things I never thought I could do. Looking back, I'm pretty sure that all of my previous training prepared me for this event. I know now that I can get dirty, I can climb, and I can face my fears head on! </div><div><br /></div><div>This was an amazing event. Not only was it fun but the camaraderie of complete strangers during each and every obstacle was incredibly moving. This race will be on my schedule next year and I will be forming my own team. Now that I know what to expect, I know how to alter my training so that I can run the entire event. I also proved that I can get dirty every once in a while and I wore my mud like a badge of honor. After all, I am a Dirty Girl!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726158226473135277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948871462941063720.post-47794525140494599482011-09-05T18:34:00.001-07:002011-09-05T18:35:46.382-07:00I'm gonna be a "Dirty Girl"!!!Stay tuned for pics this weekend. I am participating in the Dirty Girl Mud Run. For those of you who know me, know that I am dainty, LOVE anything sparkly, and do NOT like to get dirty. This is going to be an experience for me. Hopefully I don't get too much mud in my hair!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726158226473135277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948871462941063720.post-16903757118565597962011-09-01T17:39:00.000-07:002011-09-01T18:18:42.869-07:00Exercise always makes me feel better!It's true. No matter what mood I'm in or how I'm feeling, exercise always makes me feel better. If I'm feeling tired or a little down, an hour of Zumba will instantly perk me up! If I am having trouble concentrating or just need to clear my head, a good run is the cure for that. If I am running low on self-confidence, an hour long strength training session will do the trick! I never thought that a little exercise would become such an integral part of my life to the point where if I'm feeling blue, angry, or frustrated exercise completely transforms my mood. Once I get into my groove, I forget about everything that upset me before and I truly love how I feel afterwards. I'm so ecstatic that I have discovered all the amazing benefits of exercise. Prior to beginning my journey, if I was in a foul mood or feeling sad I would continue to let it fester and would do nothing to alleviate those feelings. My life has truly changed for the better and I hope that others will come to experience the many benefits of exercise that I have experienced. Don't believe me, just try it for a week and see how much better you feel. I dare you :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726158226473135277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948871462941063720.post-9933489863793926622011-09-01T17:38:00.000-07:002011-09-05T18:29:40.556-07:00"You're an inspiration..."I hear that at least twice a week from various individuals. Every time I hear it now it makes me smile, but I didn't always react that way at first. Accepting compliments has not been easy for me. I would always respond with a "thank you, but...". What follows the 'but' was always something negative, my way of ignoring the positive. What I lacked was self-confidence and a belief that I could accomplish great things. I am happy to say that I my self-confidence has dramatically improved, but it is still a work in progress. Now I respond with a "thank you!" and no 'but' on the end. <div><br /></div><div>When I began my weight loss journey, being an inspiration to others was the furthest thing from my mind. I never imagined that would happen. Heck, I was just trying to do one more rep or walk for 5 more minutes. Somewhere along the way I did become an inspiration to others, let's call that a happy little accident. I have noticed that through my posts on Facebook, pictures, and "appearances" in the gym I have inspired more people to either begin their own journey, whatever that may look like, or put the pedal to the medal on their current journey. Knowing that I am helping others just by doing what I need to do to help myself, is inspiring to me. I always tell my Zumba class that we have a symbiotic relationship; I motivate them every class to give it their all and provide them with a great workout and in turn they keep me accountable. Slacking is not an option. Those individuals who tell me that I am inspiring to them make me want to do more, they make me want to train harder, add more push ups or planks, run for just one more mile, or sign up for one more 5K. So "thank you" again to all of those who have said I am inspiration to them because you inspire me as well!! Love you all!!<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726158226473135277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948871462941063720.post-3088764249273205252011-08-28T19:20:00.001-07:002011-08-28T19:42:26.832-07:00Reflecting on the wonderful people and things in my life.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; ">"The life we waste everyday because we want a better one or because we are never satisfied with it, is the life that many wish and yearn to have and would give everything to have it." I read those words in an article on CNN about living on the trash dumps in Mozambique. The author Jose Ferreira was photographing life at the trash dumps (you can read the article here: <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/08/27/Mozambique.trash.city/index.html?&hpt=hp_c2">http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/08/27/Mozambique.trash.city/index.html?&hpt=hp_c2</a>). </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; ">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; ">Those words really moved me and made me think about how fortunate I am. Actually, I've been thinking a lot about that topic lately and how blessed I am in many aspects of my life. I can't tell you how often I've bitched about certain things in my life on Facebook and complained when things don't go my way. FML has often appeared at the end of such posts. Why do we complain? Why do we constantly bitch about not getting what we want. Why can't I look at all the wonderful things in my life when I feel the urge to complain? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; ">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; ">Truth is, I am truly blessed. I have an amazing and supportive family that loves me no matter what and parents who would do anything for me. I have a wonderful sister that looks to me for guidance and is my first best friend. I have an adorable nephew that is incredibly bright and the cutest and sweetest little boy in the world. I have the greatest husband in the world who supports me in every decision I make and who is truly my soulmate. I am blessed to have my bestest friend in the world and although she is thousands of miles away, I can always text her when I'm feeling down and she always cheers me up. She, along with my husband and family, always remind me of my talents and accomplishments. I have a wonderful group of friends that are always there for me. I am blessed with intelligence and determination that have enabled me to obtain my bachelors and masters degrees and am now able to work toward my PhD. I have 3 jobs...and I am so grateful in this economy to have multiple jobs. I am respected at school and I have faculty and colleagues who truly want to see me succeed. I am so excited that I can work out at the gym on a nearly daily basis and have been able to accomplish many of my fitness goals...the remainder I will accomplish shortly :)</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; ">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; ">Most importantly, I have many clothes, a fully stocked fridge, and a roof over my head. I don't have to sleep on the street or in my car and I don't have to search for food in the trash. I mention all of the things that I am thankful for in my life as a reminder to myself that I am truly blessed and fortunate. So, the next time I feel like posting FML or bitching about stupid things I am going to remember that quote above and the many wonderful things and people in my life. </span></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726158226473135277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948871462941063720.post-70541340863710273912011-08-26T18:01:00.000-07:002011-08-27T06:24:31.062-07:00Winning and beating those exercises that previously beat me!!!We all have that one exercise or one machine that taunts us, that laughs at us, that tells us that we can't do it. For me it's the Roman Chair. Last summer, I tried to do even one and I had to literally jump to get my knees to remotely approach my abs. I used every ounce of strength in my arms and chest in order to accomplish that one rep. I have not attempted it since that day. <div>
<br /></div><div>Since last summer I have progressively become stronger in every area of my body. Running and spinning have made my lower body stronger. Push ups and planks have made me focus more on my core. I can now do regular push ups and every type of plank. TRX has increased my strength in places and in exercises I never thought I could do. For instance, there was one TRX exercise that was torturous for me at the beginning. It involves placing your toes in the TRX handles and lifting your body into a plank position. From there, you crunch your knees in while keeping your upper body in the plank. For the first 3 weeks of TRX training, I couldn't do these. My trainer had me do regular crunches on the floor. This pissed me off because I knew that with a little hard work and determination I could do this exercise. So every other day I worked on my planks and got better and better at them. At week four I shocked my trainer and other TRX members when I cranked out 16 of these TRX plank crunches!!! She was so proud of me and I was so happy with myself that I didn't let this exercise beat me. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>That's exactly how I felt about the Roman Chair. When I couldn't do it last summer I was pissed that at that moment the chair beat me. I vowed to not let that happen again. Today was my vindication day over the Roman Chair!!!! Yahoo!!! Me: 1; Chair: 0!!!</div><div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726158226473135277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948871462941063720.post-24648567118247747262011-08-24T10:52:00.001-07:002011-08-24T11:55:44.110-07:00Learning to love rest daysI never thought that I would loathe the days that I can't exercise. I absolutely despise them now. Prior to the start of my journey, much of my day was spent on the couch or in a chair...sitting, always sitting. Exercise was the furthest thing from my mind. I guess that's what happens when you lead a sedentary life for so long. In the summer (and winter) I would profusely sweat whenever I would walk short distances and the elevator was my best friend...stairs were my enemy. In all fairness, I was recovering from a knee injury resulting from a car accident so mobility was an issue. <div>
<br /></div><div>Exercise days and rest days have a completely different feel to me now. I LOVE exercise days regardless of what I am doing. Some days I find myself spending hours at the gym only to come home and go out for a run with my husband. Yes, I sweat, but now I embrace sweating because I know that I worked hard. I no longer sweat walking short distances or taking the four flights of stairs to get to my office. I rarely take the elevator unless my hands are full or I'm in heels. Even activities with my husband have changed. We used to spend our evenings on the couch or out eating fatty and unhealthy meals at restaurants. Now, we spend our evenings and weekends at the gym, running, or doing some other outdoor activity. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Rest days are very difficult for me now. I HATE them with a passion. I need to be active at some point in the day and I have to force myself to take a day off. I know that my body needs rest days and recovery is important for future activity days. But I find that I am more tired on rest days and sometimes bored. Today is a rest day. Yesterday, I did some strength training and taught my Zumba class. I have been having massages every two weeks for the last month and a half to help with my running. My runs have been inconsistent for the last two months due to back pain when running on pavement. I read that massages really help runners, so I've combined massages with some focuses strength training back exercises recommended by my trainer and working on improving my posture in order to get me back on track with my training. So far, the massages seem to be helping and I have been able to run on the treadmill and completed a 5K run on the treadmill. The real test is if I am able to do a 5K on the pavement. I had another massage last night so today became a rest day. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Part of my problem with rest days is that I feel guilty and lazy...wow, never thought I would say that. I feel like I'm not being productive if I am not working out. I am slowly realizing that I am being productive and I'm not being lazy because my body needs the break in order perform the next time out. While I am resting, my body is busy repairing itself from all the "torture" I did to it the previous day. So while my brain thinks I'm being lazy, my body is doing lots of work...maybe I need to tell my brain to "shut up"! So I guess while I may not love rest days, I think I am learning to appreciate them.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726158226473135277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948871462941063720.post-61606501761201937052011-08-22T14:39:00.000-07:002011-08-22T14:51:50.350-07:00My Weight Loss Progress So far...
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<br />This picture was taken a year prior to the beginning of my journey. At this point I was about 230 pounds...my heaviest weight ever.<div>
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<br /></div><div>This picture was taken in April 2011, notice how much smaller my face looks. I am about 198 in this photo.</div><div>
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<br /></div><div>Taken yesterday, 8/21/11, at 175 pounds. Since I joined the gym in May 2010, I have lost 52 pounds, numerous inches over every inch of my body, and have completed 2 5K's!!!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726158226473135277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948871462941063720.post-17085885544582434282011-08-22T13:13:00.001-07:002011-09-01T18:32:21.128-07:00I LOVE my Zumba Family!!!Since I became a Zumba instructor at the Eastern Hills BAC, an entire new world of opportunities and friends have opened up for me. I love going to other instructors classes. I love watching them and seeing how they inspire their classes. This activity truly is life changing. It was for me too. When I joined the BAC 14 months ago, the first thing I wanted to do was try out a Zumba class. I had heard so many great things about it and I always loved dancing. With my dancing and cheerleading background I knew it was for me. That first class was overwhelming at first, but I kept going. I slowly started getting the hang of the routines and noticed the patterns. As my confidence in my abilities and myself overall increased, I noticed that over time I moved from the last row, hiding in the back, to the front row in every class. Being an instructor allows me to share my story with many people and some need to hear that I was in their shoes just months before. Also, I now have a new group of friends, fellow instructors with the same mission that I share. We work hard to keep our classes motivated and upbeat but we also support each other. Being the newest instructor, I love the support that my fellow instructors provide whether its bringing me up to the front in their class to do a song with them or coming to my classes to root me on!! They are truly a wonderful group of women and I am so honored to call them my friends and to be a part of this Zumba family!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726158226473135277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948871462941063720.post-81041908882050578312011-08-22T12:18:00.000-07:002011-08-22T13:06:06.929-07:00The Purpose of this BlogI have decided to start a blog as a way to tell others about my journey. I am intending to write a book for all to read, but with work and school there are just so many hours in the day. My backstory is posted in the "About Me" section and subsequent entries will capture my daily experiences both positive and negative. I will share my great days, achievements, and moments and the days when I'm not feeling so good about myself. I want people to see that I have good days, bad days, and horrible days. They are all part of the journey and each are important. The lessons learned from each of these days benefit future days and steps along the journey. My goal is to share my daily experiences, exercises, nutrition, and thoughts. I hope you find this blog helpful and motivational. I wish you good luck on your journey as well!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726158226473135277noreply@blogger.com0