Pre-Cowtown Jitters

It's finally here...race week!!!

Of course it can't come without some impending problems....like Winter Storm Q (yeah, apparently weather guys up here were getting upset that our big storms don't get names..) that's supposed to drop a foot of snow the day I am supposed to leave for Texas.  While writing this we decided to leave a day early to just not play with fate or Mother Nature (she's a real testy lady). Also, if I haven't mentioned my training for this half marathon has been (put on your ear muffs) a total shit storm.  I've been teaching cycling classes 4x a week, take college classes 4x a week, and do crossfit 4-6x a week.  Plus last week I got the 'end of the world, I hate my life, put me down now' stomach flu.  I was pretty much on a Gatorade diet from Tuesday-Sunday.

I'm hoping some serious adrenaline will kick in and my new strong muscles will carry me through the 5K on Saturday and 13.1 miles on Sunday (did I mentioned I signed up for the Cowtown Challenge..yeah it comes with a sick medal)!

I have no plans or estimated finishing time for this race, just because of how poorly this training has gone.  I just want to go out there, maybe without my watch (?!), and hopefully fall in love with running again.  I want to enjoy the company of my family and the scenery of Fort Worth (yes, I'm serious..I LOVE Fort Worth). I'm kind of excited just to have fun and no pressure on this race!!

I plan on using ENERGYBits about halfway through to help me finish this race!  I'll let you know how it goes!

Do you have any big races or events coming up? How do you deal with obstacles that come up? 

CROSSFIT COMPETITION!!!!!!

Okay, seriously I need to figure out how to add sound effects (I feel like the title should have an awesome voice).  If you've ever talked to me you know how much I LOVE using sound effects.  My boyfriend laughs at me all the time when as I make turning and breaking noises when I drive.

ANYWAYS, let's get to business!  This past weekend I participated in my second crossfit competition! Instead, this time we went to one of the other gyms, CrossFit402.  I'll quickly list the three WODs we had to complete, but I'm not going to go into great detail (I could write a novel, if I did).  PS- I used ENERGYBits in between WODs to keep me strong and energized!

WOD #1:
25 Toes 2 Bar (I scaled to Knees to Elbow)
9-7-5 Deadlift and Hang Clean (full squat; 75#)
25 Toes 2 Bar (Knees to Elbow)
Completed in: 8:49min

WOD #2:
3 RDS: Lateral Burpees (over bar) and OH Walking Lunges (10x, 10#)
Use remainder of 8min to find 3RM OH Squat (have to snatch bar into place)

Got 65#

WOD #3:
8min AMRAP
Before you can begin AMRAP: 550m Run and 200 Single Unders
2 Snatch- 2 Wall Walks
4 Snatches- 4 Wall Walks, etc
I got to round 4 and 2 snatches.

I got to peek at the WODs on Wednesday when the hosting box posted them on their blog.  I knew right away that I wasn't going to be placing or even in the running to place.  The WODs contained A LOT of strength and shoulder work..my weaknesses!  Now if there would have been pull-ups, running, burpees, or anything like that; it would have been a different story, but it wasn't.  At first I was little bummed that I would be no where near competitive that Saturday, but then I remembered the whole reason why I started crossfit: TO GET STRONGER.  If I went lower scaled weights and could go faster, would I place?  Maybe, but would I really be improving..probably not.  That's when I decided I would use this competition as a way to push myself; with all these people cheering you on...why not try for higher weights.  What's the worst that could happen?  I don't get it, but at least I tried.

I didn't place, but it felt AMAZING to get those higher weights and to work on my form (my snatch form is awful!).  It was a great competition and I really enjoyed the atmosphere.  I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE!!!

Does your box compete with other boxes?  Or do you compete within your box?

The athletes from the different gyms

Some of the athletes from my box

MINI UPDATE ON NUTRITION CHALLENGE:
This past weekend I had a football/halloween party and kinda hiccuped on the nutrition challenge.  It wasn't terrible; it just wasn't zone and paleo.  I didn't get all bent out of shape and then I felt even better about it when I talked to some of the other people participating, on Monday.  They also talked about how they had fallen off the wagon.  I got back on the next day and didn't think too much about it.

Lunch yesterday..had to use TWO plates!

BY THE WAY: If you're friends or anyone say that eating healthy leaves them hungry..they're doing it wrong!!  Do you see that picture^^^  That was my lunch yesterday; I had to use TWO plates for all my food!!  I can't believe how much I WASN'T eating vegetables.  The amount of vegetables I have consumed in the last week is RIDICULOUS, but it's what I needed to do!  I'll keep you updated on more meals and recipes because raw veggies are getting boring.  

AND here's some more pictures from the competition that I couldn't leave out!

Some of the girls that competed from my box

Me before the last WOD- my mom's an aspiring photographer ;)

GOTTA LOVE PICSTITCH

Pre-Snatch

 HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!!!! 

What are you going as?  Or did you already have a party, like me??

I was "The Walk of Shame" and my boyfriend (top right corner) was a Rabbi

Primal Blueprint

In my previous post I talked about my trip.  Well, it was a LONG plane ride and I decided to read my free ebook, Primal Blueprint.  It is Mark Wolff’s take on Paleo as a lifestyle, rather than a quick fix diet.  If you want to know the basics of Paleo and the Primal lifestyle, I highly recommend it.  He breaks down the acceptable foods, improvements you’ll see, and what you won’t see.  

I read his take on physical activity first.  I REALLY REALLY liked it.  It wasn’t “spend hours and hours lifting and running each day.”  It was completely opposite actually.  He says to revert back to childhood and play.  Do what you love to do and make it your regular activity.  Mark states his is Ultimate Frisbee, for me it is running and CrossFit.  He doesn’t want you to dread working out, but rather wants you to wake up every day thinking about what game you are going to play before or after work.  I started thinking like that this week and let me tell you it helped!  

On Sunday and Monday, I really had to itch to run, so I did.  Instead of my usual, “well how far should I go?  how fast?” I JUST RAN.  On Sunday, I was feeling a casual run with rolling hills, so before my flight I ran 4.5 miles, not too fast, not too slow.  Then Monday, I was dying to sprint (I know, weird).  I decided I would do sprints 30 seconds on, 30 seconds off; increasing my incline as well.  After I went from 8.0 speed and 2.0 incline to 9.5 and 4.5 (my planned end).  Turned out I wanted more.  I decided to “cool down,”  where I then went back down my speed and incline, until I was back to my starting point.  

Mark also wrote about how people don’t need to lift for hours on end to get the results they want, so I took that into account.  Technically, I have already been doing this with CrossFit, but I still did it while on vacation.  I did lots of Tabata circuits.  I would pick a movement, like the squat, and perform it for 8 rounds of 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off.  Trust me, it burns by the 3rd round.

Next, is his view on the Paleo Diet.  Mark does not mess around with this one!  He does not let anything slide by, like you know how most diets and even a lot of Paleo follower will make their old favorite meals to fit inside the diet rule dimensions?  Well, Mark says that that is a no-no.  He doesn’t want people to think of this as a “diet” that is going to hinder you from enjoying life.  He wants his readers to make their mind think of food differently.  Now he’s not against every once in a while having a paleo cookie or pizza, but for the most part he wants people to follow the basic plate: half meat, half veggies, some fats, and a little fruit (every once in a while and mostly berries).  I like this approach, especially for me.  I’ve always tried to make pizza, cookies, etc. “healthy.”  What did that end up doing to me?  I just kept craving that food and eventually all I wanted was the real deal, not some low-carb or low-fat version.  

After Whole30 and not allowing myself to make any “Paleo *Insert Cheat Food*”  I no longer crave those foods.  I actually see myself craving meats and veggies A LOT more!  Maybe it’s not that I’m craving them more over sweets, but my body is recognizing that I don’t crave the sweet or salty treat.  I’m just HUNGRY.  Whatever it is I like it!

Overall, he pretty much wants to get across that the majority of the population are not professional athletes or models sporting a front cover or a fashion show.  That because of this we should stop worrying about our physique so much and worry more about our health and figuring out what will really make you happy.  Will having that six pack or a football game every Saturday morning with your friends happier?

What am I trying to get across with this post?  That if you’re really serious about Paleo as a lifestyle, not just something that you think will make you look like a bikini model (which Mark states will NOT happen.  You’ll get a better body, but you’ll get the body your biology wants).  CHECK THIS BOOK OUT!  

PS:  Ladies, if you look at ACTUAL pictures of our primal female ancestors they are NOT extremely cut with six packs.  Were they fat?  NO!  They did however have some meat on their bones because back then what was more important than showing off their six packs?  Making sure their species SURVIVED!  Guess what?  Most women can't conceive at 9% body fat!

If you’re wondering, do I have a six pack?  Nope! I’m about 19% body fat at 5’0”, but I can still lift any day I want, run however far I want, and just be a plain bad ass when I please.  Guess what?  I don’t hear any complaints from my boyfriend and I like filling out my jeans!

Whole 30 and Moving Forward

PREFACE:  I’m writing this on my plane ride back from New York, so I’m sorry if I start ramble, but sitting still drives me nuts, so I just keep thinking of things to talk about!  Give me a break, I had 7 hours to kill!

Alright, so I didn’t make it 30 days of the Whole30 Challenge, but I made it further than 21 days.  Which is apparently the magic number; if you can make it at least 21 days you are usually good to go.  Let me tell you, it is SO true!  I honestly have not felt better since taking out the gluten, grains, and cutting way back on fruit.  I went against everything I thought eating a lot more fats and meat, but man do I feel AMAZING!  I feel like I work harder during my workouts because I’m not worrying about stomach pains or bloating I used to get from eating all those supposed “necessary pre- and post-workout carbs.”  Am I saying that carbs are bad? Am I saying that you shouldn’t eat bread or pasta?  Not necessarily, it all depends on what works for YOU!  Personally, I noticed when I started running long distance my stomach became more sensitive and it seemed like NOTHING I did could fix that.  I tried eating “all natural”, “low fat”, “sugar free.”  It wasn’t until this Whole30 that I truly understood what all those cute little categories meant:

All Natural: “everything we put in our food is natural.”  Does NOT mean it is good for you.  If you check some “all natural” foods it will still have hydrogenated oil or those nasty -lose ending ingredients, which are usually fake sugars that make you bloat.

Low Fat: “low-no fat.”  Did you know skittles are technically “low fat,” but would you eat them? 

Sugar Free: MY FAVORITE haha.  They don’t contain sugar, BUT they contain those pesky fake sugars that can reek more havoc on your body then the real deal.  Sometimes your body has a harder time digesting them and that’s why you end up feeling bloated and gassy. 

So why did I cut the 30 short if I am so pro-Whole30?  Well, in case you don’t follow me on Facebook or Twitter, I went to visit my boyfriend this week in New York for his last home series (yes, he’s a baseball player..love my boy of summer).  Monday-Wednesday  he took me out for really nice dinners after his games.  He wanted me to get some really good hearty meals in since he knows I try really hard to eat “clean.”  Now, before you say anything about “he should be supportive of your healthy eating.” BLAH BLAH BLAH.  He is, but every once in a while he likes me to let loose and just enjoy myself.  I did!  I didn’t go hog wild the whole time I was out there.  I would eat really good during the day, workout (workouts below post), go watch him play, and then indulge at night.  

What I learned the most from indulging?  I no longer have an emotional attachment to food, like I used to.  Don’t get me wrong, the food was DELICIOUS, but I wasn’t all giddy or excited when I ate the food and I didn’t kick myself afterwards.  Instead, I ate until I was no longer hungry and then pushed the rest to the side.  Those 21 days really allowed me to just focus and re-teach myself to use food as my fuel.  I learned how to eat around my workouts, so that I was properly fueled and I wasn’t eating things just because I had a craving for it.  

I know you’re next question: where do you go from here?  What do I do now that I’m finished with my Whole30?  Do I go back to eating like I did before?  NO WAY!!  I plan on staying paleo and just adding some things back in, like the occasional piece of gum, almond milk, and coconut flour to bake with (when I get the initiative haha).  I honestly do not miss bread or pasta anymore.  I don’t crave sugary drinks or my energy drinks.  I actually had one of my favorite energy drinks this week to give me a boost one of my boyfriend’s games and for the first time I realized how AWFUL energy drinks taste.  It tasted like metal against my tongue and I was no longer a fan.  I actually was craving my dark roast, black coffee!  The front desk got so used to me coming down for extra coffee that they had it out before I even asked (gotta love good customer service).  

Moving forward my diet is going to look like this because there are somethings I still want to tweak.  I want to try and keep my fruit intake to once a day, maybe two when I have a heavy cardio AND weight day.  I also want to keep my fruit intake mostly from berries and melons.  I also want to start making my plates half protein, half non-starchy veggies.  Have a cheat meal once a week or every other week.  

I have still a little ways until I reach my physique goal, but for once in my life that is no longer my main goal.  It no longer fills my every waking moment.  It finally hit me, “why am I worrying so much about my physique,” this vacation.  My boyfriend never has anything to say about my physique turning him off or wishing I looked different.  Why shouldn’t I give myself the same respect as he does?  

What I gained from all this?  A challenge for September (and I challenge you all to do the same)!!  

1. Love myself every day!  Whether it is replacing every bad comment to myself with a positive or giving myself a break on a stressful day.

2. Eat paleo 90-95% Why only 90-95%?  Well, we’re not all perfect and damnit I want a cheat meal every once in a while ;)  

1. Plan my meals for the week and cook (as much as I can) on Sundays.

3. Drink more water!  At least half a gallon a day.

Well, I think that’s about enough writing for today and I’m sure you’re trying to figure out when my rambling ends, so here you go....THE END.

PS: here’s my hotel workouts!  Also, you may notice that they’re a little easier than usual and you’re exactly right!  I wanted to back off a little from my intensity, focus on my form, and let my body recover a little so I can (hopefully) ROCK my 5K on Friday night!  Don’t think for a second though that if you do these RIGHT you won’t be sore.  I was definitely still sore, but not the sore that makes it hard to roll out of bed.  Rather the sore that keeps me coming back for more!

SUNDAY: Ran 4.5 miles before getting on my plane

MONDAY: 4 rounds:
20 backward lunges Overhead (2 10# dumbbells)
10 pushups
20 Kettlebell Swings (25#)
15 chair dips
TIME- 9min

Sprints: 30secs on, 30secs off increase incline every minute
TIME- 14min

Tabata: 8 rounds (20 sec on, 10sec off)
Squats

TUESDAY: 4 Rounds:
15 burpees
25 squats
35 situps
TIME- 11:45

Tabata: 8 rounds (20sec on, 10sec off) 3x

Burpees
Situps
Pushups

WEDNESDAY: 5 rounds:
30 Kettle bell swings (25#)
25 squats (2 12.5# dumbbells)
20 overhead lunges (2 7.5#)
15 push presses (2 12.5#)
10 burpees

Arc Trainer: 30min

Left a Woman Came Back a Ragnarian!

I did it!! I was a part of a 12-person, 2-day, 200 mile relay race through Minnesota.  There was definitely SOO many emotions involved- nervous, excitement, scared, happy, proud, exhaustion...my list could go on and on.

What does it mean to be a Ragnarian??  Well, get ready to get PERSONAL with your van members!!  You start out with 2 vans per team, 6 people in each van, and hopefully a designated driver as well.  Each person has a leg that they chose (or were given) months (or in my case, days) beforehand.  Each leg contains 3 runs.  One team member runs while their van leap frogs them every few miles (or whatever they decide on) until they finish their run and pass the bracelet onto the next team member.  You do this until you finish 200 miles!! The catch is: there's no hotel stays, no showers, and no stopping when the sun sets.  Yep, that's right NO showers and you run through the night.  The night run was actually my favorite and by the end of it all everyone smells so bad (including myself) that you don't even notice (or maybe I was so exhausted to care anymore).

I was pulled in last minute (literally 4 days before leaving) by my sister-in-law and I am SO glad I decided to go.  I met some AMAZING people and made some great friendships.  It's so much fun because everyone lets loose (quickly) and you get to know your van members QUICKLY!  I have memories and nicknames from this one race that will last a lifetime, like "the hobbit" "the little engine that could" and "sleepy mcsleepster."  Clearly, that last one was made sometime in the wee hours of the morning.

I know that was a really quick explanation, but I think you get the gist.  If you want one amazing, unforgettable weekend with friends or complete strangers, to test your fitness, and push your mind and body past your limits...GO DO RAGNAR!! They're all over- Minnesota, Key West, California, Colorado, and Cape Cod (to name a few).  Here's some more pictures of the awesomeness!!

I ran up that hill!

What we found the first night..awkward

Our van decorated..and we got tagged by another team

After my first run

The sweet medals (doubles as a beer opener)

Awaiting our final leg!

Right before my 2nd run in the middle of the night..note the glow sticks

Uncle Rico's van from Napolean Dynamite was at Ragnar GR!

Put your excuses away and BE SMART!

This is for all my runners, walkers, and bikers out there.  I was pondering while running, which rarely happens, that people don't think when they are exercising outside.  We trust other's WAY too much.  When I see people by themselves they're at night or with headphones stuck in their ears.  Here's my tips I've learned (the hard way) to be safe while running.

1. TURN OFF THE MUSIC!  Yes, I know people say their only motivation to get out the door is turning on their MP3 player or other music device.  Well guess what...get used to being bored or find another way to get you motivated (the fresh air, the endorphins, or fitting into your skinny jeans).  If you're on a trail did you know that some bikers can get up to 50mph??  If your headphones are in how can you get out of their way in time??  There's been DEATHS in my town and in others because runners fail to hear the cyclists warning, "ON YOUR LEFT."  You need to be aware of your surroundings!  No, it's not okay to wear one headphone...get rid of the music PERIOD!  It's not hard to run or bike with no music.  Like I said in my previous post..fighting cancer is hard, losing a child is hard...no music IS.NOT.HARD!

2. BRING YOUR PHONE.  If anything happens and you're not near somewhere you can borrow a phone..you're screwed (sorry, no other way to put it).  I've learned this the VERY HARD way.  There has been SOO many times that I have gone out when it is too hot and run.  I've gotten too far away from home or my car and I've been stuck.  I'm dehydrated with no access to water or a car.  There's been a couple times I've had people pull over their cars and ask if I need a ride home..that's how bad I looked.  I've also been running when it's too icy.  Most normal people avoid the icy trails and sidewalks, but not me.  I've fallen, luckily on my backside, too many times to count, but what would you do if you fell on your elbow and didn't have a phone to call someone?  I know it's annoying to carry around a phone, but you'll regret it the day you don't and you need it..I've been there and IT BLOWS.

3. LISTEN!  Like I said be aware of your surroundings.  Not only your physical, but also to what you can hear.  After 4 years of training for endurance events, I've gotten pretty decent at listening to everything that's around me.  People call me jumpy, but at least I can hear the bunny or leaf jump behind me.  I specifically listen for cars that are moving extra slow, bike tires, and footsteps.

4. LET SOMEONE KNOW.  Tell someone you live with or text/call someone that you're heading out by yourself and about how long you think you'll be.  That way when you haven't told them you're back within that time limit; they can get help sooner.  Even better, find a running partner.  Running with people is the best thing you can do for yourself.  They'll push you harder, they'll motivate you, and you'll probably have A LOT more fun.  Oh..and you'll be safer!!  But I know that not everyone likes to do this (me included), so at least tell people you're leaving!!!

5. CARRY MACE.  Don't be stupid, protect yourself!  I have no preconceptions...I am a female, 5'0", 120#..I'm a worm in a fish tank!  Yes, when instincts kick-in and I'm in danger, I'll do things I never thought possible, but I'm still going to protect myself.  I always carry mace with me when I run, no matter the time I run at.  You can get fairly cheap and discreet looking spray from any running or athletic store.

6. DAYLIGHT AND TRAFFIC.  Run during daylight as much as possible..it's just safer to run when people can see you.  Also, once you find a route or trail figure out when the busy times are.  Do your exercise during those times.  Yes, it may be annoying and get congested, but personally I'd rather be safe than have all the space I want.

7. ROUTES.  Last, but not least find multiple routes you can use and use a different one each time you run.  Circulate your routes.  Not only will you not get as bored as quickly, but then other drivers or people won't get to know your routine..which yes is a bad thing!

Now I'm not trying to scare you into exercising indoors (hell, I HATE treadmills).  I just want you to be safe.  I don't want you to be naive, but don't get paranoid.  Just because someone honk or yells obscene comments to you; does NOT mean they're going to do anything to you.  Be honest with yourself..if something looks sketchy, avoid it!  I hope you learn something about being safe or it pressures you to do the safety tips you've known you need to do.

Workouts On Vacation

Here on the workouts I did while on vacation!  I didn't have access to a gym, so I had to incorporate cardio and bodyweight training.

Saturday: 200 single under jump ropes warm-up

3 rounds: 15 pushups, 20 burpees, 100 jump rope, 1.25 mile run (on the 3rd round I did 30 pushups, 40 burpees, and 200 jump ropes)

Sunday: AM- warm-up: 200 single under jump rope

3 rounds: 25 pushups, 25 squats

Finished with a 5 mile run in less than 40min! with my uncle on the golf course (hilly!!)

PM- swam 21 laps in that beautiful pool pictured above.

Monday- Rest Day

Tuesday- AM warm-up: 500 jump ropes (got creative- single unders, one foot, back and forth, side to side)

6 rounds: 10 burpees, 20 lunges (each leg), 10 pushups, .5 mile (hard!)

PM- 7 laps at the pool

Wednesday- 1 hour on bike

100 body weight squats, 50 pushups, 4min plank, 50 burpees, 100 crunches, 30min on bike

Thursday- 1 hour on bike, 2 mile run

AMRAP (as many rounds as possible) 15 min: 10 lunges (both legs),10 pushups with toe touches, 10 jump squats, 10 full burpees

Friday- 4 rounds: 15min on bike, 25 pushups, 25 squats (ass to grass)

Saturday- AM: 7ish mile run

                PM: 7 laps in the pool

Sunday- OFF (walked around an outdoor mall for a few hours)

Monday- Warm-up: 300 single under jump ropes (creative)

10 rounds: 

10 burpees (full)

20 jumping jacks

20 squats (ass to grass)

10 squat jumps (ass to grass)

10 pushups 

Chitown and more..

It's finally here!! Only 3 more days and I will be just a few miles from the finish line of the Chicago Marathon.  Like I've said before, those itching days before my races I find that burning passion for running I had the first time I laced up for endurance racing my freshman year of college.  It's the butterflies and knots in my stomach and knowing that 45,000 people this Sunday have the same feelings, dedication, and love I do that gets me pumped.

During my last marathon in Minnesota, the pacer I was running made the most amazing statement that I will always remember, "Only 1 in 100,000 people will ever run a marathon."  Sometimes I forgot how truly amazing we, marathoners are because we tend to surround ourselves with other marathoners, so it seems normal.  In reality though we are a rare class of crazy people who will train for 16-20 weeks piling on mile after mile, running on ice and 10 degrees to heat exhaustion and 100% humidity because that's what was on our training schedule.  We will run 26.2 miles through tears, pain, joy, and accomplishment all for a little medal on a lanyard.  If that's not true love, I don't know what is?

So, if it wasn't clear enough yet- I pretty much can only think about the Chicago Marathon and only have motivation for things involving this.  But, I had some other fun news:  after I finish Chicago I am going to take a little time off of marathons, so that my body can heal and mentally marathons and I need a break.  I have been training since my freshman year of college for endurance races (and that doesn't include cross country and soccer all through high school and freshman year of college).  Now I'm in my senior year- and have yet to take any time off of training for some sort of full-marathon or half-marathon.  So, this upcoming June I'm going to switch it up a bit and participate in a TRIATHLON!!

I'm excited to push my body in a new way (and I think my body will enjoy a little change from just running ;) ).  After Chicago, I am going to try almost only no impact cardio like, cycling, swimming, elliptical, and anything else I can try.  Also, I'll be intensifying my workouts since I do not have to worry about wearing myself out before a long run.  I'm also going to switch up my nutrition entirely (with the help of my trainer, of course) so that I can tone up a little bit and I won't need so many carbs since I won't have to worry about getting up on a Saturday morning and having to run 15 miles.

Well,  that's about all I can get out for now since I can only seem to focus on Chicago!  I'll make sure to post some updates and pictures from Chicago.

So, I will leave you with a quote from one of the running coaches for Team in Training- Nebraska.  He and his wife are truly the most giving, unselfish people I know and they helped get me through my first marathon and find my true passion in running:
    It's an interesting passion we've chosen to pursue: it scares us, it thrills us, it introduces us to feelings us accomplishment we may have never thought possible. Cherish those knots in your stomach -- they're a sign you're on the verge of doing something remarkable." -Dan McCann

One step closer to a hardbody,
Mo

It's been a while....

It's been a while since I've been on here.  I guess that's what happens when you are going to school, training for a marathon, and working two part-time jobs!  Trying to stay sane...

A lot has gone on since I was last on here, so I'll try not to go on too many tangents!

First, wanted to update my marathon training:  I'm in tapering time YAY- less than two weeks till my fourth 26.2 (yikes) in Chicago.  This past Sunday I ran in The Omaha Half Marathon with several family members and friends from Team in Training.  I had a few hiccups during the race (hint hint Omaha Race director: get some MORE porta-johns!), but still managed a PR (personal record) at 2:03!  I'm hoping for a 4:15 marathon in Chicago since it's much flatter than this past race and it wasn't too taxing to run at that pace, so definitely doable.  I love races because they may just be a training run that I have to pay for, but it always reminds me why I started running: for the pure love and simplicity of it.  I love hearing people's stories during the race- there's a lot of time to talk and meet new people.  But it also gives me a lot of time to reflect and let all my stresses go.

Now that I've talked enough about running I want to bring up the next thing that has been on my mind the past week.  So, my personal trainer had recommended I watch Food, INC. (a documentary about our food industry) because it would change everything I had previously thought about how I eat.  So I watched it going into it with no preconceived notions (mostly because I had never heard of it before).  WOW, did it ever change what I feel about our food industry and how I want to eat in the future.  If you haven't watched the documentary yet I would recommend it, but get ready for some serious revelations!  So, from now on I am going to try and eat as natural as possible after seeing what I saw in that movie (won't give anything away for the people that would like to watch it).  I want to know what is exactly going into my body when ever I bite into a food and how it will effect me.  I know it will not be easy, but I want to give it my best shot.

This brings me to my last subject- Body by Vi.  After reading more into Body by Vi and reading the ingredients (in depth) I do NOT believe it is the way to go for weight loss.  I'm not saying it doesn't work, I know people lose weight using it, but I don't think it's the RIGHT way to do it.  I feel the only way (properly) to lose weight is through a good, healthy (mostly natural) diet and regular exercise.  I just don't like the idea that Body by Vi gives you a shake powder and says, "Here you go- eat this and you'll lose weight."  I think the only company that is really teaching a proper way to lose weight is WeightWatchers- they show you how to eat correct portions (with REAL food) and regular exercise.  Plus, with Body by Vi and all those other shake weight loss programs out there, do we really know how they're going to effect our bodies 10 years down the road??  BUT if you choose to go the route of eating natural foods, in smaller portions, with regular exercise you will lose the weight AND keep it off.  Plus, you will have forever changed your life and live longer, healthier.  Who doesn't want that??  Unfortunately, Americans have been conditioned to want the "quick fix", but I will tell you that it DOES NOT exist-  if it took you 5 or 10 years to put on that extra weight- why would you EVER think taking it off in 90 days could be healthy??  We're not contestants on Biggest Loser- they're working out at least 8 hours a DAY.  That's why they see those large numbers each week, but most gain a few pounds after they leave the show because they're not working out that much anymore, but they're all over healthier because the trainers show them how to eat properly and naturally and incorporate exercise into their daily routine.

Okay, sorry for the rant, but I feel very strong about people eating naturally as a means to lose weight because it's the only way we know will work (long-term) for weight loss- that does not have any ramifications in 10 years.  The only ramifications from eating naturally and exercising regularly is being 60-yrs-old and people wondering if you're 50, I don't see any problems with that- do you??

Till next time and one step closer to a Hardbody,
Mo