Crossfit

Literally, within a week of this post I started Crossfit and have not missed a week yet.  I love it.  I love working out with Julie and Miranda every week.  I am stronger and that feels good.

Down a Different Path

I think of the time that has passed...over a year!  And I am left wondering and still wandering a bit.  I never saw this path that I am currently on, through the thicket of weigh loss.  I never thought I would be done this way...again.  Again is not really a fair statement, it is not where I was before....these are the same pounds but put on for different mental reasons.  That makes me sound mental!  It is all a head game I guess. 

So, this journey is anew.  This path is going to be different.  Tougher?  Easier?  I guess I am going to find out. 

Two Steps Forward...Three Steps Back

Excuses 1, 2 and 3...Injured toe in January, cyst removed off my wrist in February and bruised left leg from Vegas in April. 

Or is that reality? 

How did I deal with that reality? 

Well, I had some downtime.  I reflected a lot about what I should be doing.  I got on and then fell off the proverbial wagon about 20 times and felt myself jump right back onto the roller coaster of weight loss and gain.

Not fun, but a time to realize how far I have come and how far I still have to go and most importantly...I need a goal and support. 

I have the support of my friends and family, but Carlos has been needing me in other ways of our life and running was the first thing to go to support him.  (Another excuse, reality issue)  Since having talked this all out with my husband he by no means wants me to quit running or training and certainly not at because of him, so here I am to claim once again (and take another step forward) and start training and running. 

Who is with me?

Fancomi Anemia

We ran an 8K today for Fancomi Anemia.  It is a genetic blood disorder and I knew nothing about when we ran.  We just wanted to run a 5 mile race; Miranda, Lynn and I. 

What a great day!  It rained the day before and later that day and poured the day after...but the few hours of the race?  Wonderful, slightly-overcast and just perfect running weather.

It was a slow race for me this time.  The gun went off for the 12K people, then 5 minutes later we 8K people were off and before I could even reach the turn-around the fast-paced 5K runners zoomed on past me!  It was wonderful...no really.  I really enjoyed watching all the runners (I could tell because of the different bib colors) running. 

I finished the 8K in 1:05.  Yes, just over an hour. I was fairly happy about that to tell ya' the truth!  Pictures will be posted soon!

I know I will be running 5 miles for a while.  It will be to quicken my pace and get it as close to 55 minutes as possible. 

Huge goal.

I know I can do it, it will be hard, but ohhhh, it will be so worth it! 

Side note:
Having a cyst removed from my wrist in a few days.  Will not be out running for a week (I think).  So, I was unable to run because of my toe a few weeks ago, now the cyst...these things come in threes...what next?  Dare I even ask?

5 Miles

Almost a year ago (to the day) I ran for 2 miles without stopping...this week... 5 miles! 

Wow! 

I am slow. 
It hurts for the first mile.
I like the different smells in the air.
I get faster, then slow down...I am scared of losing too much steam to finish.
I feel like a faillure if I have to walk at all.
I notice the temperature changes around bridges.
Vehicles pass too close to me sometimes.
I like running with traffic (makes me feel fast).
I enjoy running in the afternoon.
Hayley always runs out in front of me...I don't mind one bit.
The rain does not bother me (too much).
I like listening to the same music...over and over.
I like how it takes me a few miles to warm up...well, I like saying that!
I enjoy running behind or in front of people...not so much side-by-side.
I really like running with my sister..she kicks my butt!
Miranda is my soul sister in running.
I will be running 5 miles for a while.

Wow.

What a journey!

First Time

So, this past week was the first time I have been "injured" or laid-up I should say.  Hee-hee!  It makes me laugh because the issue is my right-big toe!  I had a wart removed on a Friday and not until 9 days later was I able to run again!  The Thursday after I did a light workout (arms, walking and squats) but no running.  But after a very crazy, fun-filled Girls' weekend, well I needed to get my bootie out the door and I am very thankful my toe was up for the job. 

I made it though 4 miles!  Yeah!

Tonight I did a very hard workout with my sister and loved it! 

I am so happy to have my body back...so I can kick its butt! 

A Year Ago

A year ago I posted my first week done with Couch to 5K and how it was hard...really, really  hard.  I can't believe a year has gone by!  It really has been a wild ride.  I think of the friends that have helped me a long the way and I am forever grateful.  I think of how my boys have encouraged me and supported me...never once complaning that my running was taking too much time.  CJ has been exceptional, from the beginning...even showing me some sit ups he learned in soccer!  Awesome.  Carlos is always there for me; helping around the house even more and patting me on the back the whole way.  It has been such an amazing ride.  I am not sure it will ever end.  I look forward to this lifestyle of running. 

Thanks everyone!