You guys, I am beyond thrilled that some of you want to join me in the 30 Day Challenge! I almost didn't even ask if anyone was interested because I was afraid no one would want to. I'm so glad I told my wimpy self to take a hike and asked because right now there are 30 people signed up for the challenge! Accountability is a HUGE help when tackling a goal, so I know this will help all of us make it through the 30 days.
I created a Facebook group, so if you commented on my last post that you wanted to do the challenge, you should have received an invitation from me. The group is closed, so I'll need to add you. If you are not friends with me on Facebook but would like to be, add me by going here. If you did not get an invite from me, please let me know!
The challenge officially begins on May 1, but of course you can start whenever you want. It's not too late to join the Facebook group. Leave a comment on this post, and I'll add you as soon as I can.
Let's get moving!!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
Get Moving: A 30 Day Challenge
I've decided I need a challenge to get me revved up for weight loss,
and I came up with one I've wanted to try before but never really
followed through on (how many times has THAT happened, I wonder?). I'm
launching a 30 day challenge, to begin on Tuesday, May 1. During those 30 days, I am going to exercise every single day.
The only rule is that I have to exercise for at least 10 minutes each
day. I can certainly do more than 10 minutes, but not less. And here's
the real kicker: if I miss a day, I have to start the whole challenge over again. So if I'm on day 8 and decide to be lazy and not exercise, the next day becomes day 1. That's all there is to it!
I'm really excited about this challenge. I know it will be difficult to get in some form of exercise every day, but I know I can make time for at least 10 minutes a day. Just think: if I only do the minimum for the whole challenge, I will still have exercised for 300 minutes! That's not too shabby.
I'm hopeful this will help me realize that fitting in exercise is not so hard and is definitely worth the investment. There have been times in the past where I've slept in and not had time for a longer workout, and so I wouldn't do one at all because it seemed silly to only do 10 or 15 minutes. I'm no math genius (I did major in English for a reason), but the last time I checked, 10 and 15 are still greater than zero! Every little bit of exercise helps, and for every minute I'm exercising, that's one minute I'm not sitting around being a lazy bum!
On Tuesday I will post my starting weight along with a picture and will also take measurements so I can track any inches that I might lose during the challenge. I will post updates at least once a week on how the challenge is going.
Now, here's a question for you: who wants to join me? I'd love to have others join in on the challenge so we can support each other. If there's enough interest, I'll even form a group on Facebook where we can all check in with our progress and encourage one another. You don't even have to focus on exercise for your 30 day challenge. Maybe you want to challenge yourself to write every day or spend time in God's Word every day or drink 8 glasses of water a day. The choice is up to you! If you're interested, leave a comment on this post!
There are only a few days until May 1. Let's get moving!
I'm really excited about this challenge. I know it will be difficult to get in some form of exercise every day, but I know I can make time for at least 10 minutes a day. Just think: if I only do the minimum for the whole challenge, I will still have exercised for 300 minutes! That's not too shabby.
I'm hopeful this will help me realize that fitting in exercise is not so hard and is definitely worth the investment. There have been times in the past where I've slept in and not had time for a longer workout, and so I wouldn't do one at all because it seemed silly to only do 10 or 15 minutes. I'm no math genius (I did major in English for a reason), but the last time I checked, 10 and 15 are still greater than zero! Every little bit of exercise helps, and for every minute I'm exercising, that's one minute I'm not sitting around being a lazy bum!
On Tuesday I will post my starting weight along with a picture and will also take measurements so I can track any inches that I might lose during the challenge. I will post updates at least once a week on how the challenge is going.
Now, here's a question for you: who wants to join me? I'd love to have others join in on the challenge so we can support each other. If there's enough interest, I'll even form a group on Facebook where we can all check in with our progress and encourage one another. You don't even have to focus on exercise for your 30 day challenge. Maybe you want to challenge yourself to write every day or spend time in God's Word every day or drink 8 glasses of water a day. The choice is up to you! If you're interested, leave a comment on this post!
There are only a few days until May 1. Let's get moving!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
I'm Not Stopping Just Before the Finish Line
I checked my blog archives, and it's been roughly two months since I decided to take a break from blogging about weight loss. I was kind of surprised because it felt like longer to me, although I'm not sure why. I can't say I've actually missed writing about weight loss, but I have felt a little bit that not writing about it has caused me to become rather lackadaisical in my approach to weight loss. Basically, I'm not losing any weight. Well, let me correct that. I've lost about 4 pounds, but 4 pounds in 2 months? That's hardly a weight loss success story.
Admittedly, I was primarily focused on training for my half marathon during those 2 months, and as my runs increased in distance, so did my hunger. I don't think I went nuts with my eating, but I let more things slide than I should have because hey, I had just burned 1,000 calories running! What's a little pizza compared to that? However, I am no longer training for a half marathon, nor am I running. In fact, I've run a total of THREE TIMES since my race on March 31. I've only exercised five times this whole month. That's pathetic.
In summary, I've lost very little weight and done very little exercise.
So what's going on here? Laziness. Lack of discipline. Apathy.
All of that stops. NOW.
I weighed 174.4 this morning. That means that I only have 19 pounds to lose to get to my goal of 155. Nineteen pounds is NOTHING. I am so close! There is no reason I can't be at my goal weight by the end of July. To do that, I need to lose a little over 6 pounds a month. 6 pounds is not a lot. It's a very doable goal, and I'm going to reach it.
No more excuses. Only results!
P.S. This is my 1000th post! Woohoo!
Admittedly, I was primarily focused on training for my half marathon during those 2 months, and as my runs increased in distance, so did my hunger. I don't think I went nuts with my eating, but I let more things slide than I should have because hey, I had just burned 1,000 calories running! What's a little pizza compared to that? However, I am no longer training for a half marathon, nor am I running. In fact, I've run a total of THREE TIMES since my race on March 31. I've only exercised five times this whole month. That's pathetic.
In summary, I've lost very little weight and done very little exercise.
So what's going on here? Laziness. Lack of discipline. Apathy.
All of that stops. NOW.
I weighed 174.4 this morning. That means that I only have 19 pounds to lose to get to my goal of 155. Nineteen pounds is NOTHING. I am so close! There is no reason I can't be at my goal weight by the end of July. To do that, I need to lose a little over 6 pounds a month. 6 pounds is not a lot. It's a very doable goal, and I'm going to reach it.
No more excuses. Only results!
P.S. This is my 1000th post! Woohoo!
Friday, April 20, 2012
Sometimes It's Just Hard
Because of Stephen's work schedule during the fall and spring semesters (he works 9:30-6:00), I have the happy job of picking Charlotte up from daycare, whereas he has the not-so-fun job of dropping her off (except for Fridays, when I handle both). Dropping off has always been hard, but now that Charlotte has developed some separation anxiety, it's become even harder. Some days aren't so bad: she'll start to cry but then go to one of her teachers with open arms and be fine before we're even out of the room. Other days, like today, are torture: she started to cry before I even put her down, and the crying only got louder once I did put her down. She stood there, looking up at me with huge tears leaving a trail down her face, mouth wide open in distress. I wanted to cry just looking at her. I assured her that I loved her and that I was coming back, and one of her little friends even came over and put her hand on Charlotte's shoulder (cutest thing EVER), but Charlotte howled through all of it. I'm sure she thought I was abandoning her. Reluctantly, guiltily, I tore myself away, shutting the door behind me as her little cries continued.
I'll be honest: being a working mom breaks my heart sometimes. It's a financial necessity for our family right now, and I am thankful that we are able to place her in a safe environment while we are away, but it's hard every day. I know that Charlotte benefits from being around the other babies, and her teachers are good to her, and I know that she's not being scarred for life. After all, I myself grew up going to daycare, and I loved it. My mom would tell me how she would come to pick up my brother and me and we wouldn't want to leave because we were having fun (I'm sure that day is coming for me, too). I never questioned my parents' love for me or felt abandoned; my mom and dad showed their love for me every day, and I know that Stephen and I will do the same with Charlotte.
Still, while I have come to accept my status as a working mom most days, on days like today the guilt and sadness lingers when I am at work and my baby is with someone else. At least I have the comfort of knowing that even when I can't watch over Charlotte, my Lord is always watching over her. He is the Creator of her heart and Seeker of her soul. I need to rest in His provision and protection and sovereignty and model this so that one day Charlotte will be able to do the same.
I'll be honest: being a working mom breaks my heart sometimes. It's a financial necessity for our family right now, and I am thankful that we are able to place her in a safe environment while we are away, but it's hard every day. I know that Charlotte benefits from being around the other babies, and her teachers are good to her, and I know that she's not being scarred for life. After all, I myself grew up going to daycare, and I loved it. My mom would tell me how she would come to pick up my brother and me and we wouldn't want to leave because we were having fun (I'm sure that day is coming for me, too). I never questioned my parents' love for me or felt abandoned; my mom and dad showed their love for me every day, and I know that Stephen and I will do the same with Charlotte.
Still, while I have come to accept my status as a working mom most days, on days like today the guilt and sadness lingers when I am at work and my baby is with someone else. At least I have the comfort of knowing that even when I can't watch over Charlotte, my Lord is always watching over her. He is the Creator of her heart and Seeker of her soul. I need to rest in His provision and protection and sovereignty and model this so that one day Charlotte will be able to do the same.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
All This Time We Thought She Was Actually Eating Her Food...
...but she was just storing it for later.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
What Next?
It is has been my experience that without a specific fitness-related goal, I flounder. Hence the reason I haven't really worked out at all since my half marathon until this morning (and even then I only ran 2 miles). Having the half marathon to train for gave me motivation and focus and helped get me out of bed on days when I would have preferred to sleep a little later. Now that the race is over, I am left trying to figure out what my next goal should be. Obviously, I have a goal to get to my goal weight, but I need some sort of fitness goal to accompany that so I stay on track. I have a few things in mind but would love my readers' input as well. Here is what I've come up with:
1. Sign up for another race. I could do the West TN Strawberry Festival 10k on May 12. I wouldn't have to do much training for this, just keep up a consistent running schedule until then. I'm defnitely not going to run any long distance races over the summer because I'm a wuss when it comes to heat, so a 10k is the farthest I'd be comfortable running at this point.
2. Complete 30 days of 30 Day Shred. I've done the workout itself many times, but I have never tried to do it every day for 30 consecutive days, mainly because I've always thought that you shouldn't work the same muscles two days in a row. Am I completely wrong on this? I have never managed to get past level 1 on the DVD, so I think a focused, concentrated approach like aiming for 30 days straight would be really challenging. My main concern is injuring myself because of overuse. I suppose I could always do the Shred every other day for 60 days, too.
3. Find a weight lifting plan and stick with it for 30 days. I have little to no motivation to strength train, but my body desperately needs it (hello, flabby stomach and thighs and arms!). If I could find a good plan to follow, that might help. I have a 2-month YMCA membership that I need to use before it expires in June, so perhaps I should see if I can find any workouts that incorporate gym equipment that I otherwise wouldn't have access to.
That's all I've got. I'd love to hear any suggestions from you all about what my next fitness goal should be! If you know of any great, inexpensive workouts, please share!
1. Sign up for another race. I could do the West TN Strawberry Festival 10k on May 12. I wouldn't have to do much training for this, just keep up a consistent running schedule until then. I'm defnitely not going to run any long distance races over the summer because I'm a wuss when it comes to heat, so a 10k is the farthest I'd be comfortable running at this point.
2. Complete 30 days of 30 Day Shred. I've done the workout itself many times, but I have never tried to do it every day for 30 consecutive days, mainly because I've always thought that you shouldn't work the same muscles two days in a row. Am I completely wrong on this? I have never managed to get past level 1 on the DVD, so I think a focused, concentrated approach like aiming for 30 days straight would be really challenging. My main concern is injuring myself because of overuse. I suppose I could always do the Shred every other day for 60 days, too.
3. Find a weight lifting plan and stick with it for 30 days. I have little to no motivation to strength train, but my body desperately needs it (hello, flabby stomach and thighs and arms!). If I could find a good plan to follow, that might help. I have a 2-month YMCA membership that I need to use before it expires in June, so perhaps I should see if I can find any workouts that incorporate gym equipment that I otherwise wouldn't have access to.
That's all I've got. I'd love to hear any suggestions from you all about what my next fitness goal should be! If you know of any great, inexpensive workouts, please share!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Easter 2012
We began Easter by attending worship at our fabulous church. I can't say enough good things about our church and our pastor and the people we have come to know and love there. I wouldn't have wanted to celebrate Easter anywhere else.
Charlotte in her Easter dress:
After the service we promptly left and headed for my parents' house in Memphis for lunch. My brother and sister-in-law came, along with my niece Erika (who's just 6 months younger than Charlotte) and nephew Brayden, and my mom's parents also were there. It was great to see everyone and spend time together as a family. We took a family portrait which turned out surprisingly well, given how difficult it is to get Char to be still and smile for a picture.
Lunch was yummy, and then it was time for the Easter egg hunt! Charlotte didn't really hunt for eggs, but she loved carrying around her basket. My parents know how to have an egg hunt; cash and coins were in the eggs instead of candy! :)
And of course the day couldn't end without my mom bringing out some silly head gear:
Charlotte loved taking those ears on and off.
We headed back to Jackson not long after that and spent a quiet evening at home. Charlotte discovered the fake grass inside her basket and was thoroughly fascinated by it.
All in all, it was a wonderful day. I am reminded daily of how blessed I am. I pray I never take my life for granted.
Charlotte in her Easter dress:
After the service we promptly left and headed for my parents' house in Memphis for lunch. My brother and sister-in-law came, along with my niece Erika (who's just 6 months younger than Charlotte) and nephew Brayden, and my mom's parents also were there. It was great to see everyone and spend time together as a family. We took a family portrait which turned out surprisingly well, given how difficult it is to get Char to be still and smile for a picture.
And of course the day couldn't end without my mom bringing out some silly head gear:
Charlotte loved taking those ears on and off.
We headed back to Jackson not long after that and spent a quiet evening at home. Charlotte discovered the fake grass inside her basket and was thoroughly fascinated by it.
All in all, it was a wonderful day. I am reminded daily of how blessed I am. I pray I never take my life for granted.
Monday, April 9, 2012
I Get Sick, You Get a Blog Post
Am I really blogging after 11 p.m. on a weeknight? Yes, yes I am. I am also currently coughing up a lung. I've been plagued with a nagging cold/allergies/sinus thingy for a week now, and I'm ready for it to be gone! Sore throat and cough and runny/stuffy nose do not a happy Erin make. (But apparently they do make me type sentences that Yoda could utter.)
A few confessions:
1. I have not run at all since my half marathon on March 31, unless you count the 5 minutes I ran last Monday with Charlotte in the stroller (after which I realized my calves were on fire and promptly slowed to a walk). The first 2 days were intentional rest days, but after that I just plain didn't feel good. I am going to have to run soon, though, or before I know it I'll be forced to go through Couch to 5k a 3rd time.
2. Even though I'm not blogging about weight loss, I still weigh myself almost every day. It keeps me in check.
3. I've had way more ice cream than is good for me the past few days. (Did I mention I've had a sore throat for a week? Ice cream is about the only thing that feels good on a sore throat. Well, that and milk shakes, which are also super healthy.)
4. I have cried during almost every single episode of Parenthood. I bought the first 2 seasons with Christmas money and just finished up season 2 tonight. I love the stories and characters on that show! One of my friends claims she loves it more than she loved Gilmore Girls, but I cannot commit tothat blasphemy such a statement. Parenthood doesn't come close to touching my love of Gilmore Girls. Still, it's a good show.
5. Easter is my favorite holiday. I am not sure why, but it has held special meaning for me this year, and I truly loved being able to celebrate with our church on Easter, as well as going to the Holy Week services on Thursday and Friday. Without Easter, Christmas would be meaningless. I am unspeakably grateful that because He died and rose from the dead, we can have life forever with Him!
I hope you all have a great week!
A few confessions:
1. I have not run at all since my half marathon on March 31, unless you count the 5 minutes I ran last Monday with Charlotte in the stroller (after which I realized my calves were on fire and promptly slowed to a walk). The first 2 days were intentional rest days, but after that I just plain didn't feel good. I am going to have to run soon, though, or before I know it I'll be forced to go through Couch to 5k a 3rd time.
2. Even though I'm not blogging about weight loss, I still weigh myself almost every day. It keeps me in check.
3. I've had way more ice cream than is good for me the past few days. (Did I mention I've had a sore throat for a week? Ice cream is about the only thing that feels good on a sore throat. Well, that and milk shakes, which are also super healthy.)
4. I have cried during almost every single episode of Parenthood. I bought the first 2 seasons with Christmas money and just finished up season 2 tonight. I love the stories and characters on that show! One of my friends claims she loves it more than she loved Gilmore Girls, but I cannot commit to
5. Easter is my favorite holiday. I am not sure why, but it has held special meaning for me this year, and I truly loved being able to celebrate with our church on Easter, as well as going to the Holy Week services on Thursday and Friday. Without Easter, Christmas would be meaningless. I am unspeakably grateful that because He died and rose from the dead, we can have life forever with Him!
I hope you all have a great week!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Charlotte at 13 Months
Charlotte is at such a fun age and loves to go go GO during the day. Gone are the days of holding her in our arms for long periods of time; the only occasions she tolerates that are when she's sleepy or not feeling well. She's toddling around and getting faster. Soon we'll have to start chasing her instead of slowly ambling along behind her as she explores every nook and cranny of the house. Her hair is getting longer and longer, and I think we're going to have to get it cut soon, but the thought of cutting her beautiful locks makes me want to cry. Still, girl has some crazy hair first thing in the morning. She's also figured out how to remove ponytail holders and bows and clips from her hair, so all my attempts to tame the mane are in vain.
Charlotte's had an eventful week. She came home from daycare on Friday with pinkeye, so we got antibiotic drops to put in her eyes 3 times a day for 7 days. Naturally, she screamed like a banshee when we tried to put the drops in, and it took both Stephen and I to administer the drops for the first few days. Now she doesn't fuss hardly at all when we do it, and we'll finish up the drops tomorrow. Her eyes cleared up after the first day, thank goodness, and it didn't seem to faze her much.
However, the pinkeye wasn't the allow event of the weekend. On Sunday while I was doing nursery duty at church, Stephen was at home watching Charlotte, and she fell and hit her head on a little tin cannister she liked to play with. She ended up with a rather large gash above her left eye, which necessitated a trip to the doctor. Fortunately, the doctor determined she didn't need stitches, so he glued the wound shut, but all of this was not without many tears and screams of protest from our poor baby, who was scared and had no idea what was going on. The whole experience was incredibly traumatic for all of us, but Charlotte is on the mend, and her injury didn't slow her down too much after spending the day with me at home on Monday.
Now Charlotte is back to her usual activities, which involve roaming about the house in search of items to play with that are NOT her toys. She enjoys typing out her thoughts on the keyboard with Daddy.
She loves going outside and walking around in the backyard, and she likes swinging in her swing and attempting to climb her slide.
She's also decided that she needs a bigger sippy cup. Ha.
Charlotte's had an eventful week. She came home from daycare on Friday with pinkeye, so we got antibiotic drops to put in her eyes 3 times a day for 7 days. Naturally, she screamed like a banshee when we tried to put the drops in, and it took both Stephen and I to administer the drops for the first few days. Now she doesn't fuss hardly at all when we do it, and we'll finish up the drops tomorrow. Her eyes cleared up after the first day, thank goodness, and it didn't seem to faze her much.
However, the pinkeye wasn't the allow event of the weekend. On Sunday while I was doing nursery duty at church, Stephen was at home watching Charlotte, and she fell and hit her head on a little tin cannister she liked to play with. She ended up with a rather large gash above her left eye, which necessitated a trip to the doctor. Fortunately, the doctor determined she didn't need stitches, so he glued the wound shut, but all of this was not without many tears and screams of protest from our poor baby, who was scared and had no idea what was going on. The whole experience was incredibly traumatic for all of us, but Charlotte is on the mend, and her injury didn't slow her down too much after spending the day with me at home on Monday.
Now Charlotte is back to her usual activities, which involve roaming about the house in search of items to play with that are NOT her toys. She enjoys typing out her thoughts on the keyboard with Daddy.
She also loves examining the local flora and fauna:
She's also decided that she needs a bigger sippy cup. Ha.
She eats pretty well, although one day she'll decide she doesn't like a food and then the next day she's changed her mind. She still sleeps like a champ at night, but naps are hit or miss. She's wearing 12-18 month clothes right now and loves carrying around her shoes more than she likes wearing them. She chases after Bailey a lot and tries to give Bailey her toy, but Bailey is still not sure what to make of Charlotte.
Simply put, Charlotte is a delight and the treasure of our hearts.
Simply put, Charlotte is a delight and the treasure of our hearts.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Race Report: Andrew Jackson Half Marathon
Saturday was an awesome day. Stephen and I woke up around 5:45 that morning because I planned to leave the house around 6:40 so I could get to Union University, the race site, around 6:50 (start time was 7:30). I had been bummed the night before that Stephen and Charlotte wouldn't be going with me because I didn't want to wake up Charlotte to go to the race (she usually sleeps until 7 or 7:15). However, Saturday morning she woke up at 6 a.m., so the whole family was off to the race site after much scrambling. I checked in, got my free shirt, attached my bib to my shirt, and got all my gear. I was ready!
I was super nervous before the race, but fortunately I timed my arrival to the race site well because I didn't have much time to stand around and over-think everything. Before I knew it, someone was calling for all the half marathoners to assemble at the start line. I gave Stephen and Charlotte a kiss and headed toward the back of the pack, since I knew I wasn't going to be among the fastest runners. I let out an audible sigh of anxiety, and the woman next to me smiled and asked me if this was my first. I told her it was, and she said, "It's not that bad. You can do it!" Even though I didn't know this woman, I really took comfort in her words. I could do it! I made sure to get the playlist cued up on my mp3 player and got my Garmin ready to push start the minute my feet crossed the starting line. The siren went off, and we were off!
I waited for the first surge of runners to take off before I started running. There were some people around me, but not too many, and I focused on finding my pace and enjoying myself. The first mile flew by, but I was a little dismayed to see that I finished it in 11:27, which was way too fast for me to maintain. I tried to go much slower my second mile and succeeded. It didn't take long for the faster runners to disappear from my sight, and soon I found myself running alone, with 2-3 runners about 100 feet in front of me and several behind me. I picked two runners in front of me to act as my own personal pacers since they seemed to be running a fairly consistent pace. I ended up following one of those runners the entire race, and it was really helpful to have someone to keep in my sights and help me stay focused on a steady pace. When I hit mile 3 I said loudly to a woman who happened to be right behind me, "Only 10 miles to go!" She wasn't amused and didn't even respond. I didn't care though because I was having a blast and was practically giddy about the fact that I was out there running in a race I once thought was impossible to complete.
The first 6 miles went by in a very pleasant fashion. My times were still a bit all over the place, but weren't nearly as fast as that first mile, and I felt good and strong. The course was through neighborhoods and rural areas, and the first half was mainly flat, with lots of shade. Given the fact that it was already 62 degrees when I had left my house at 6:40 that morning, I knew it was going to be warm by the time I finished, so I was glad for any shade and any hint of a breeze. I took my first Gu at mile 4 and planned to take the others at miles 7 and 10. I ended up running miles 3-7 right next to another woman, which was nice. She wasn't terribly chatty, but we exchanged a few words of encouragement, and I liked having someone else near me to break up the feeling of isolation.
At mile 7 I started to struggle. The sun was out in full force, and I was starting to get hot. I also felt like the road we were running on at that point was far too long, and there started to be more rolling hills. Mile 7 ended up being the slowest mile yet, but I told myself to just keep running. I rejoiced in the fact that I was over halfway there. The woman who had been keeping up with me must have been struggling as well because she soon fell behind, and I didn't see her the rest of the race.
Miles 8 and 9 were hot and brutal. I struggled mentally through them but got a boost right when I hit mile 9. My boss and his family came out to cheer for me! The course ran right by the front of his subdivision, so he and his wife and 2 daughters were all there cheering for me when I ran by, and it gave me such a shot of motivation! It was around that point that I thought to myself, "Okay, I've got this. I can do this."
Mile 10, however, was even longer than mile 7, and mile 11 wasn't much better. I struggled to keep running and ended up taking a walking break somewhere in mile 11. Even though my legs felt fine, I was SO HOT. I filled my handheld bottle at each water stop the last 4 miles. I was grateful for the fact that I had worn a sleeveless tech shirt and pitied the people I saw who had worn long sleeves (what were they thinking?!). Still, when I passed the mile 11 marker, I tried to put the thoughts of how hot I was out of my head and focused on the fact that only TWO MILES were left! When I saw that I finished mile 11 in 12:10, I knew I had to finish stronger than that. I tried to push myself and was aided by the course, which had a nice downhill towards the end of the race. I smiled the entire time I ran down that hill, knowing I was so close to the finish and so close to achieving my dream. I never saw the mile 12 marker, but my Garmin said 11:57 for that mile, which was better, but I knew I could do more.
Just in time, the song "God Is Enough" came on, and I focused on nothing but those words and the feel of my feet hitting the pavement. By the time the song was over, I had the mental boost I needed to give it my all at the end. When I rounded the final corner and saw the finish up ahead and saw my parents and Stephen and Charlotte, I kicked it up a notch. I sped across that finish, giving a yell of victory and throwing up my arms in triumph. I finished my first half marathon in 2:36!
Crossing that finish line was amazing. I couldn't believe I had done it! My legs were fatigued, I was dripping sweat, and I smelled rotten, but I had finished, and I had the medal to prove it (though I'm showing everyone the back of it and not the front--oops):
I ended up running that last mile in 11:27, the same exact pace as mile 1! I placed 18/22 in my age group, which is obviously not great, but I didn't run the race to place first.
Running the half marathon was a wonderful experience. I actually had fun, and it wound up not being as hard as I thought it would be. Yes, it was challenging, but it wasn't impossible. I reached my goal.
If I can run 13.1 miles, I can reach my goal weight!
My splits, for those interested:
Mile 1: 11:27
Mile 2: 11:55
Mile 3: 11:41
Mile 4: 11:53
Mile 5: 11:54
Mile 6: 11:43
Mile 7: 12:07
Mile 8: 12:01
Mile 9: 12:02
Mile 10: 12:09
Mile 11: 12:11
Mile 12: 11:57
Mile 13: 11:27
I was super nervous before the race, but fortunately I timed my arrival to the race site well because I didn't have much time to stand around and over-think everything. Before I knew it, someone was calling for all the half marathoners to assemble at the start line. I gave Stephen and Charlotte a kiss and headed toward the back of the pack, since I knew I wasn't going to be among the fastest runners. I let out an audible sigh of anxiety, and the woman next to me smiled and asked me if this was my first. I told her it was, and she said, "It's not that bad. You can do it!" Even though I didn't know this woman, I really took comfort in her words. I could do it! I made sure to get the playlist cued up on my mp3 player and got my Garmin ready to push start the minute my feet crossed the starting line. The siren went off, and we were off!
I waited for the first surge of runners to take off before I started running. There were some people around me, but not too many, and I focused on finding my pace and enjoying myself. The first mile flew by, but I was a little dismayed to see that I finished it in 11:27, which was way too fast for me to maintain. I tried to go much slower my second mile and succeeded. It didn't take long for the faster runners to disappear from my sight, and soon I found myself running alone, with 2-3 runners about 100 feet in front of me and several behind me. I picked two runners in front of me to act as my own personal pacers since they seemed to be running a fairly consistent pace. I ended up following one of those runners the entire race, and it was really helpful to have someone to keep in my sights and help me stay focused on a steady pace. When I hit mile 3 I said loudly to a woman who happened to be right behind me, "Only 10 miles to go!" She wasn't amused and didn't even respond. I didn't care though because I was having a blast and was practically giddy about the fact that I was out there running in a race I once thought was impossible to complete.
The first 6 miles went by in a very pleasant fashion. My times were still a bit all over the place, but weren't nearly as fast as that first mile, and I felt good and strong. The course was through neighborhoods and rural areas, and the first half was mainly flat, with lots of shade. Given the fact that it was already 62 degrees when I had left my house at 6:40 that morning, I knew it was going to be warm by the time I finished, so I was glad for any shade and any hint of a breeze. I took my first Gu at mile 4 and planned to take the others at miles 7 and 10. I ended up running miles 3-7 right next to another woman, which was nice. She wasn't terribly chatty, but we exchanged a few words of encouragement, and I liked having someone else near me to break up the feeling of isolation.
At mile 7 I started to struggle. The sun was out in full force, and I was starting to get hot. I also felt like the road we were running on at that point was far too long, and there started to be more rolling hills. Mile 7 ended up being the slowest mile yet, but I told myself to just keep running. I rejoiced in the fact that I was over halfway there. The woman who had been keeping up with me must have been struggling as well because she soon fell behind, and I didn't see her the rest of the race.
Miles 8 and 9 were hot and brutal. I struggled mentally through them but got a boost right when I hit mile 9. My boss and his family came out to cheer for me! The course ran right by the front of his subdivision, so he and his wife and 2 daughters were all there cheering for me when I ran by, and it gave me such a shot of motivation! It was around that point that I thought to myself, "Okay, I've got this. I can do this."
Mile 10, however, was even longer than mile 7, and mile 11 wasn't much better. I struggled to keep running and ended up taking a walking break somewhere in mile 11. Even though my legs felt fine, I was SO HOT. I filled my handheld bottle at each water stop the last 4 miles. I was grateful for the fact that I had worn a sleeveless tech shirt and pitied the people I saw who had worn long sleeves (what were they thinking?!). Still, when I passed the mile 11 marker, I tried to put the thoughts of how hot I was out of my head and focused on the fact that only TWO MILES were left! When I saw that I finished mile 11 in 12:10, I knew I had to finish stronger than that. I tried to push myself and was aided by the course, which had a nice downhill towards the end of the race. I smiled the entire time I ran down that hill, knowing I was so close to the finish and so close to achieving my dream. I never saw the mile 12 marker, but my Garmin said 11:57 for that mile, which was better, but I knew I could do more.
Just in time, the song "God Is Enough" came on, and I focused on nothing but those words and the feel of my feet hitting the pavement. By the time the song was over, I had the mental boost I needed to give it my all at the end. When I rounded the final corner and saw the finish up ahead and saw my parents and Stephen and Charlotte, I kicked it up a notch. I sped across that finish, giving a yell of victory and throwing up my arms in triumph. I finished my first half marathon in 2:36!
Crossing that finish line was amazing. I couldn't believe I had done it! My legs were fatigued, I was dripping sweat, and I smelled rotten, but I had finished, and I had the medal to prove it (though I'm showing everyone the back of it and not the front--oops):
I ended up running that last mile in 11:27, the same exact pace as mile 1! I placed 18/22 in my age group, which is obviously not great, but I didn't run the race to place first.
Running the half marathon was a wonderful experience. I actually had fun, and it wound up not being as hard as I thought it would be. Yes, it was challenging, but it wasn't impossible. I reached my goal.
If I can run 13.1 miles, I can reach my goal weight!
My splits, for those interested:
Mile 1: 11:27
Mile 2: 11:55
Mile 3: 11:41
Mile 4: 11:53
Mile 5: 11:54
Mile 6: 11:43
Mile 7: 12:07
Mile 8: 12:01
Mile 9: 12:02
Mile 10: 12:09
Mile 11: 12:11
Mile 12: 11:57
Mile 13: 11:27
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