Back in the saddle again/ Boulder

SO! It's been a while. I've been pretty busy with school and kind of slacking off...

I went to Boulder CO this summer with the Mom and had TONS of fun! I got to run in some pretty cool places and really enjoyed it. Running there was great, The altitude wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be and everyone seems to work out so people were much less annoyed by working out than they are here. The only problem with the trip was, when I got back I didn't want to run here because there really isn't any pretty scenery or anything. It's boring. I ended up not running for about 1week. I'm back at it again! I gained 3-5lbs in two weeks and have lost 6 again, so I'm about on target for where I'd like to be. My new goal is to be down to 130-140 by my bday. I think that's doable.

Also I was wondering, if anyone out there actually reads this, if anyone has any recommendations or questions? I'm obviously not a professional and I'm not the worlds best runner, but I can share advice and things that have worked for me as a newbie runner. Lemme know!

5k run!

            So it took a couple of days but, here it is! The race I did was called Harmageddon located in New Harmony IN. I guess there was also a mountain bike race but since I cannot ride a bike I obviously skipped out on that one and just did the 5k. A 5k is about 3.1 miles, however it can vary a little with different races. My race happened to be a trail race, which I have no experience in. There were hills… HILLS! I have NO hill training whatsoever.

            Since I’m normally so scatter brained I decided to make an outline just for this blog! First I will tell you some good things and then some bad things pertaining to the race. First off, like previously mentioned, it was a trail race and I have had no trail training. I run on a paved path through town that has absolutely no hills. This made the run pretty hellish. I actually had to walk up a few; a lot of people were walking up them though so I don’t feel too bad about it. I think I could have done a lot better time-wise though if I hadn’t walked… obviously. I did like it though! Even though it was hard it was nice, hotter than blue blazes though. I think it got up and over 100º! We were running in the shade though so even though it sucked, it could have been much worse. Even though I was complaining about the hills earlier, let me just say; I LOVED them too. I like a running challenge and this was challenging! I’m still sore enough that I don’t know if I’ll be able to run today. I need to do more hill challenges.

            My time!!!! So I think I wrote that I would have loved to do it in 33min but would settle for under 40 and in my journal I wrote that I was shooting for 36. Well, let me tell you, I did it iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin… 35min and just under a second!!!! I was so stoked! Here is a picture of me running!

I look pretty stoked eh? Over all I’d say this was one of the hardest runs I’ve ever done in my entire life, but I LOVED it. I had so much fun running with my dad and co. The first mile for me was the best and the second two were beasts. I averaged about 11.3-12min miles, ran it in 35.03ish min and did 3.1 miles! I can’t wait to continue doing more and more races! I will be shooting for a 10k in the fall and possibly a half marathon in the spring!  

5k run and current running update

Hope everyone is having a wonderful day! I'm supposed to be cleaning today, got one room done and am taking a slightly longer than necessary break. I figured I'd do a current running update, since all you guys read about it if stuff I've already done and also just whatever else is going on in my life that I feel like blogging about today.
Topic 1- Fleas
We have them because of a cat we had for like a week...

Topic 2- 5K this weekend and a treadmill run
I'm running a 5K this weekend with my dad and some close family friends. I'm pretty stoked! I ran on the treadmill the other day so I could see how quick I could run a mile. This is was a mistake! One hour on the treadmill is like hell. It's boring. Really really really REALLY boring. Like crazy boring. I was at the YMCA in my home town, which means all you can do is watch people play basketball in the gym and obsessively watch your time. That's all I did! I stared at the timer and calculated how long until each minute walk. I averaged 11min miles in the end, which is decent, but I wanted to do 10min miles. I guess I can't complain too much, I just started running two months ago, but still, it was disappointing. What sucks is 2min into my warmup walk I knew the run was going to be boring and crappy. The only fun thing was that my grandpa was at the Y too. He was walking on the track and took a picture of me while I was on the treadmill.
Now, on a more positive note! The 5k! Like I said earlier: running with the ol pap and co. I'm so excited I could shit myself! I haven't actually done a race since I was like 13 and my mom had me run a 5k and then a triathlon. I am shooting for under 40min. I would have liked to do 33 or under, but I need to be realistic here, I am the pokey puppy! This sucks because if I'm running with my dad and co he will want to run faster (he gets competitive) and I will probably die of exhaustion. I threw up after the last 5K... Apple Jacks! Yummy!

Topic 3- C210K-5K review
I'm actually almost done with my C210K program, which is part of the reason I'm doing a current blog instead of a journal entry from two months ago. I'm running week 10 day 1 later today. I would have done it this morning, but I got a late start so I'm running when it cools down, assuming it doesn't storm a bunch. SO running running running! Anyone that does the program or does C25K knows what's up. You run a certain time and then the nice voice comes on and tells you to walk and then run again. It's very convenient and a great way to get you going. I will say however, the last run of the program is only 40min and then you're read to run 6.2 miles... That's like 6.5 min miles!!! I cannot do one mile that fast! 10min miles are hard for me! So while the program is a great introduction to running, it doesn't really properly train you for a 10k.The C25K actually does prepare you a little better. Their final run is a more realistic 30min run, but still You may run for 30min, but do a 11-12 minute mile, which means you still aren't doing a full 3.1 miles. With all of this said, I still highly recommend it, especially if you hate running. I used to. I LOVE running now though! It's so fun and I look forward to my runs! It also melts fat off of you! The programs seriously do help get you into running. The first exercise of 10k is something like run 30 sec walk for 4 min 30 sec and repeat! Easy easy! I can't remember how much this app costs, but it's worth it!
I would rate the C210K a B+ and the reason it's a B+ and not higher is because I think it's a little misleading and not really a good training program but rather a great introduction to get you running. The other reason is that towards the end of the run it seems like the creators realized they were running out of time and the run times got higher quicker. There is a jump from a 10min run to 20 in a day. Then you have three weeks to work up to a 40min run; doable but not easy. But again a fun and easy way to get you started running. I would suggest once you finish to then spend some time working on distance before you try and run 6 miles. I'm shooting for a 10k in August, I'll let you guys know how that goes.
Now a C25K review. I would give this program an A. It's only 9 weeks long and then end distance is more realistic than the 10K's version. There still is a 10min jump towards the end, however for the most part it doesn't feel too rushed at the end. It's another great introduction to running and, as mentioned earlier, it prepares you for a 5k better than the 10K app does (as long as you get do 10min miles).

The biggest problem with both of these programs is, if you are a relatively slow runner (like me), you are running the time, but not the distance. Unless you are running on a treadmill or you have something to track your mileage, you can't really be sure you're running the right speed. If you run on a treadmill or have a good way to track your mileage, I'd suggest just using an online C25k version that has you train by miles and not time. However I do like this program and intend to keep running for as long as I can and work on my distance!

Have a lovely day! I'm off to finish my domestic rampage!

5/18
Accidentally did the wrong run and my pedometer is broke. Yesterday I tried to run but couldn't because I had on too many sports bras on so I couldn't breath... Because I couldn't breath I got stomach cramps from HELL!!!! Then I had to pee. Haha pretty shitty. So I ran this morning and it was MUCH better! Tomorrow I'm skipping  week 3 day 2 and doing 3.3 since I don't htink 30 seconds makes a difference. (This is based on how easy my run was and hopefully by 4 I won't die).
The RUN!
I ran at 10-10:15. It was pretty easy. I added some music, which made the run easier. I figured out if I do get cramps that if I breath in for three and out for three it goes away after a bit. Also the boy ordered me an armband so I don't have to carry around my phone anymore! On a random note, I found an old picture of myself and I was soooooo much bigger! Yikes!
END

Short entry today. Sorry its been a while, I've been reading a bunch (The Shining by Stephen King, if you haven't read it you should!). I took a little three day break from running because it's been so hot here and it hadn't rained in forever, but I finally cowgirled up and ran.
Instead of a running tip today I decided to talk about a running "problem": Chaffing. Gross? Yes. Sucks? YES! I have thunder thighs of doom! They have gotten smaller since I started running, but they still rub like it's no one's business. Nothing is worse than getting half way through your run and your legs start chaffing so bad they bleed a little... It's soooooooo gross! Obvious solution is to wear longer shorts... But nothing feels better than wearing the shortest pair of running shorts I can get a hold of! This presents two problems: chaffing, as mentioned earlier, and me looking pretty unflattering. So far I've not really figured out any solutions, however I think once I get a chance I'm going to pick up some body glide and until then try petroleum jelly. We shall see!

Journal entry something or another... 5/16

5/16- P90 sculpt 1-2 and ab ripper 200

Did P90 today and 200 crunches. It was so hard! I didn't get too winded, but my muscles hurt so bad. I did a lot of work with the resistance bands. I think I'm going to alternate running with the sculpt vid since I don't really need the other cardio vid. I foresee plenty of sweat in the future! The crunches killed me! Leg lifts and bicycles are the worse. Omg so much burn!!!!! The resistance bands really did a number on my lazy ass! Hopefully I can get some definition in my arms. Hopefull they aren't so fat they get all loose and flabby.. God I'd be so pissed.

It feels weird not to run. I really like it and can't wait to go tomorrow. I want to get out of bed by 9 or so and run at 10ish. If that doesn't work I'll just run after work. Then I can fry some rice and use the left over chicken. The noodles have a lot more calories than I though. Oh wait... never mind they aren't that bad. A serving is only 162 calories. (I made homemade noodles the night before this entry and spent a ridiculous amount of time trying to figure out the calories in them). Earlier today I couldn't even eat a whole bagel! I think I'm just going to stick with half a bagel, that way they'll last longer. I've got some leftover eggs so I'm going to try and rock some scrambled eggs for breakfast. Maybe a cheese omelet for Trent or something.

I'm feeling lazy today. I think I'm going to take a nap....

I haven't been eating much lately. I'm just not super hungry and I feel guilty whenever I eat. Ugh! I only had 540 calories today. I didn't realize how little I ate until I was done for the day. I need to eat more. FOOOOOOD!

END

 So I was reading though the ol journal and I discovered something about myself; I am so scatterbrained it's not even funny. Like if my blog posts seem a little disorganized you should see my actual journal! It's crazy hard to follow sometimes and everything is spelled wrong. If I didn't have a spell check I'd be so screwed. I didn't stick with the P90 shit. I still do like a video occasionally, but I generally just stick to running, which I need to do today...

Running tip: Listen to good music. I don't know if I've posted this tip before, but good music is the key to a good run, at least in my very unprofessional opinion. Also running with people helps! I run alone, but when I do run with someone it's awesome!

Journal Entry #6 5/15

I'm still trying to learn as much as I can about this whole blogging deal. So far all I can do is post things and what not. Apparently people can't follow me though. I have no idea how this works! I'm still trying to get to a point where my journal entries are more current. It's hard to get caught up though because I write like almost everyday. The other difficult thing is the content of my journal... obviously I want to be as honest as possible and let everyone experience what I am, but there are just somethings that do not need to be in the posts! So I have to figure out ways to edit those out, which can take a minute. I will hopefully be posting two blogs today!


Week 3 Day 2
Embrace the PAIN! At least that's what I'm trying to tell myself. My quads are killing me! I ate donuts yesterday so I decided to run today instead of tomorrow. I might try to do like a really short ru/walk tomorrow. Being sore and hungry make me feel good. I need to ear more so I don't binge on tasty donuts. No more food after 7pm! My shins are kind of sore, hopefully I'm not getting shinsplints. I used to get them all the time when I ran cross country in middle school.

Anywho! I was really tired during this run and initially I was like Mmm I'll just stop after the half way point but then that came and I was like weeeeeell I'll just do one more lap and kept telling myself that! It helped get me though the run really well. The last lap was awesome! I was so tired and sore but I just kept telling myself not to look at the timer and keep going. Haha I was pretty determined. This running thing is fun! I'm so sore I can hardly write anymore!

Later that day...
I ate really well today (Minus the doughnut). Ate a bagel with half a serving of cream cheese and strawberries! Then I had some cereal/ I haven't decided to or not tomorrow. Maybe I'll do a P90 video. I will probably just do that and maybe the abb ripper. That's about 30min total. Later I might walk to the bank and back. That should be around an hour or so.

Tomorrow I'm making chicken tenderloins, noodles and mashed potatoes! I need to marinade the chicken tonight. Fun fun! I reeeeeaaaally want to run tomorrow! Ugh! Maybe I'll run C25k and P90... so many options!!!

END

Let's discuss something serious kids. Depression. It's a bitch. It really sucks and it can be hard to handle. I'm not going to go into all of my personal drama, but I've had many a nasty run in with depression and lemme tell ya, no fun! One of the reasons I was getting depressed was my weight. Losing it has helped (not cured though). Something I've found that helps me cope is running! Not only does it help lose weight, but it also keeps your mind off of the shitty things that make you unhappy. I mean who can be depressed when you're so exhausted your main focus is not passing out or falling over! Try it sometime! You don't even have to run, you can just throw on some headphones and go for a walk. It's very meditative.

Now for a runner's tip: Invest in some running shoes and socks. I had to wear normal socks the other day and my god it was terrible! Nice socks are where it's at! Also, you can usually run longer and harder than you think you can. Don't be afraid to push yourself sometimes. It's hard but I'd rather feel like shit because I tried than feel like shit because I didn't! You guys can do it!

And in other news... I'm running a 5k in July with my uncle and my dad! WOoo! It will be my third ever 5k! I did a 5k when I was 13 in preparation for a triathlon, which also included a 5k, so I'm pretty stoked.

Journal entry #4

Sometimes I write huge monstrous entries that take up pages and pages... I will shorten these since no one probably wants to read about every minute detail of my life, which I tend to write about.

5/14  2.3 C210K
Skipped breakfast but remembered to take meds! I slept in until 11 and ran at 12. Run was pleasant. I drove down to the track this time, I will probably do more driving than walking down there, especially at night. Too sketchy. The run was warm and sunny which was nice. I got a good tan, unfortunately almost all of my running gear was in the clothes basket Trent's mom took! I had to wear two regular bras and one very thin sports bra. That sucked, especially since one bra had an underwire poking out and scratching my boob to death. Then the sweats I had on had holes in the upper thigh area and since I have thunder thighs they rub. I now have a quart sized sore spot on my upper leg. Sexy. It hurts like a bitch. I hate my legs right now!

Adding to my growing list of goals; I want my thighs not to touch. That's going to take forever, if it ever happens. I think it kind of looks weird but it would beat having my legs rub together! Most of my pants are too big everywhere but in the thighs and then they're too small... My thighs are one of my most self conscious parts of my body.

On a brighter note; yesterday was mother's day and normally when I'm around my mom and sister I feel like a fat cow. This time though I didn't feel quite so bad!

Measurements!
Thighs: 26"  Upper arms: 12.5  Calves: 16"  Waist: 36.5  Neck: 15"  That space under your boobs: 35"
I would do my hips but I can never figure out how to properly measure them!
END

I'm going to include my measurements from last week as well...
Thighs: 25"  Upper arms: 12.5"  Calves: 15.5"  Waist: 34.5" Neck: 14.5"  That space under the boobs: 34"
According to what I wrote I did lose two inches off my hips, but I have to idea if that's even remotely accurate.

Also here's a pic of my from a couple of years ago. I tried to do the P90 program, but didn't stick with it past two weeks.

As soon as I can I'll get a current pic of me up!


Running tip! If you're feeling depressed try and go run. At least you'll be distracted for a little bit! Also, if your legs run you can either tough it out or wear longer pants. Investing in a decent pair of running bottoms is a good idea!

Journal entry #2-3 5/10-12/12

One short and one not quite as short journal entry. Note: Initially, while I was reading over my journal entries, I had every intention of doing some serious editing, there are some semi personal things that I talk about in the journal and some things that are just silly to share... as you will probably read. I have decided to be perfectly honest about things and not censor though. I know I have some family on here, which is why I was initially hesitant, but whatever, they're good understanding people. Also I feel like if I skimp out on things it would not be an accurate portrait of my "life changing" quest since there is more to just running and eating that's involved in losing weight. 

5/10- Ate Denny's pancakes and managed to only eat one! Letting food digest and then gong running at 10:30pm. I'm going to drive to the track though. Walking down there at night is really sketchy. Trying to cut back on smoking cigs, so far it's not really working... :( Ugh! I think I'll just go running now, or after I poop away my Denny's.
Decided not to go running. I don't think running everyday is a good idea, I feel like I'd probably get burnt out pretty quickly. So I'll stick to every other day.
END

5/12- Did W2D2 of C210K-> (I generally just refer to my runs as something like 2.2).
I didn't eat beforehand so I ended up getting really tired. I still haven't eaten yet. I'm too depressed. I don't really know why, I guess because school isn't keeping me occupied. I really don't even feel like getting off my couch. I also need to finish my painting for my mom. Anywho, the run... Ran on track again; the temp was really nice. The running wasn't too bad. I did one minute of running and then four min of walking. I know I'm not ready to run more but the walking gets really old. Overall though I felt pretty shitty. However I think the next run will be better... so long as I eat first. As it is I'm negative 500 calories right now. That probably isn't good, but it makes me feel skinny. It also doesn't help that at 5:30pm I weighed 176.4! That's ten lbs lighter than I thought I would weight!!!!! I get bummed about my weight but I peaked at nearly 210 so really I've lost over 20lbs. 20 more and I'll have reached one of my weight goals!!!!! Hopefully 150ish by the end of July. My belly is still really fat. My face and limbs are losing more fat than anything. My hands are also getting more veins.
END

My mentality here is obviously not a good one. If you start losing weight don't get too into it. Obviously care about it and try, but just don't develop some eating disorder or become food phobic. This has been one of my biggest problems. I'm so afraid of gaining weight back that I feel guilty about eating sometimes. This is incredibly unhealthy and using programs like Myfitnesspal.com are great for making sure you're eating enough and getting the right amount of exercise.

Running tip: EAT before you run. Not right before, but do eat. You will feel sooooooo much better and have more energy before your run! Don't consume a lot of dairy though... I ate a huge bowl of cereal once before a 5k when I was younger and threw up after my race. EAT EAT EAT!!! NOM NOM NOM! Do it kids! 

Journal entry #1 5/9/12

C25k Week 1 day 1   Weight 180 something...
Ran on track by steak n shake and got a really bad side stitch. It hurt like a bitch, but I ran through it. Nice run otherwise. Shooting for a 5-10k by August and have lost 10-20lbs by then. Hopefully I can get down to a comfy size 11 (currently around 14, though I could probably go down a size). I ate really bad during finals this week, hopping off the pop wagon again! They make me feel guilty. Hopefully I can stick to this!
My goals in list form...
Lost 5-8lbs per month
Lost 15-20lbs by 8/10 (I have no idea why I chose that date)!
Lost 2-3 pants sizes
Run a 10k
Try and run 5-6 times a week
Stay off the pop wagon
Get outside more
Eat 1200-1500 calories a day.

At this point I believe I was in the low 180s, maybe high 170s. I had just started summer break and was recovering from finals. That was just a little over a month ago and since then I've lost about 10lbs. Which means I only have 17lbs to go until I reach 150! My initial weight loss was very quick. I think that's because I cut out pop and a lot of sugar, however I'm slowing down on the weight loss as I go along. This is frustrating, but I make mountains out of mole hills all the time, so I'm trying not to let it bug me. I haven't completely stayed off the pop wagon, every now and then I give in and have one. Back in the day I drank a TON of pop! So much that I'm not even going to post it. Too embarrassing! I spend a ton of time outdoors now too! I shall end this with two running tips: DRINK WATER!!!!!!!! You will get leg cramps from hell. BREATH!!!!!! You will get side cramps from hell! These two things will make your running so much better!

In the beginning

I have been trying to lose weight since I was in high school, but failed pretty bad at it every time! In January 2012 I even moved out of my apartment for a month to stay with my mom so she could help me lose weight! I lost a little bit doing the couch to 5k app, however I only made it to about half way through week 5 and then got off track for a bit. Finally I got sick of being overweight and decided to get back on track.
At my heaviest I peaked at about 210 give or take. I weight more than my boyfriend, who is over 6ft tall!!! One of my biggest motivators was my drivers license pic... 

So I started running again, this time I downloaded the couch to 10k app, which increased my running time to 40-70min as opposed to the 30ish minutes I was getting from the 5k app. Running has done miracles for me! I've lost nearly 40lbs since January! I'm currently sitting at 167lbs! My first goal is to get to 150. After that I would like to lose another 20ish lbs, but I'd be more than happy at 150! :D This is me currently!

I'm already feeling so much better and energetic. I will be dedication most of my blog to my journal. I will start posting my entries (edited a bit...) from the journal starting in early May and continue as I write more.