Raise your Hands High!

Raise your hands high but I managed to track everything I ate this week. One night I slipped up and didn't get it into my tracker until the following morning...and there was that one day that I ate at a buffet and kinda struggled with my flagging memory.   Lots of days were OVER.  Yeah, way over.

So, I made it a week.  Yup.  And it didn't kill me.   It didn't kill me at all.  It was pretty easy actually.  I didn't like what I saw some days but you know what?  It's life.

So, next up is calories........I will continue to track my food.   The addition this week?  Calorie count....stay within it!

This will be a really difficult thing...maybe.  You see, I'm going away next weekend for a quick get-a-way to the ocean.  Yup...so eating out and good food.  MMMMMM   There may be a dessert or two involved.

Now....don't think it hasn't escaped me that just like there was a loophole last week that there is a loophole this week.      You see, I didn't say I was going to keep my calories at a certain number.  I'm not saying that I will eat between 1200 to 1300 calories.   I am simply going to keep it within my calorie count.  So therefore, if I go out for pizza one night.....I better run the heck off of my legs to 'pay the price'.  And there my friends is the loophole.......I may have to run every morning, walk every lunch break and hit up zumba each night, but if that's what it takes to keep my calories 'in line...then so be it.    Now the nice part?  I SHOULD be more active at the beach......so it should help with the calories....and I was already planning on taking my running clothes to maybe slip in one or two runs.

I've got this...

Loopholes and Queso

Monday I started this tracking stuff hard core.  I was all over that tracker, like white on rice.  I had this down!  No food was getting past my lips that wasn't going to be tracked.  After all, it's just a week......who can't do something for a week.  And then as I stood waiting for my zumba class to start it hit me.  I vowed to track every bite of my food......I did NOT vow to keep my food under a certain calorie count.  LOOPHOLE!!   Hot dog!  (pun intended!) I laughed to myself but I was fully confident that my calories would be spot on.  I knew what I was having for dinner and I also knew that zumba would net me a nice amount of calories that I could 'eat' if I needed.   I'm telling you.  I was all over this, nothing was going to derail me!

Class started......of rather the instructor greeted us....and then her music wouldn't play.  Luckily for her, it was a VERY light class (only three of us had showed up) and it was all regulars and friends that understand these things.  So we sent her home with a "no not worry" we are all good.    BUT the problem?  As soon as class was declared cancelled, Paula (my trusty side kick) threw up her hands and yelled "Margarita Monday!!!!"  

Now seriously?   What kind of friend would I be if I didn't offer to go with her to the local Mexican Restaurant to avail ourselves of the $1.99 margarita special?    We departed and change our clothes (yeah yeah, in the parking lot...what of it?) and headed off to El Ranchero.  Now let me make it clear.....I still had a small bit of control and I ordered a diet Pepsi and said no to the $1.99 margaritas to save my calories.  Yeah, ok so I don't drink much at all and it wasn't because of the caloric content for this one night...but STILL....I didn't drink, that had to count for something right?   Ok, now that I have bragged upon my alcohol-less night, let me say that when the waiter came over and the first words from our lips was "cheese/queso please"   I knew that it was going to go downhill from that moment.  ha ha ha.  I was WAAAAAAY over my calorie goal for Monday.  But you know what???  The goal wasn't to stay within my calories....the goal was to COUNT my calories, right????.  So a victory???  Maybe????

Tuesday!  I have this.  I can do it!   I woke up determined to beat the numbers game...I was going to stay within my calories while tracking everything.   And then my friend let me know that he was playing hookey from work....and well if he was doing it.....who was I to not join him.   So we went to the movies (once again, don't be a hater...Tuesday movies are only $5!!!)  And we went to lunch. Not bad right?   Uhhhh, a buffet style lunch?   I realized what I had done later in the afternoon/evening when I picked up my phone to actually track my food.  Uhhhhhhhh  yeah, I had a small spoon o corn.  And two hushpuppies....yeah, I had a small brownie, and a chicken wing....some mac and cheese......mashed potatoes.....a piece of pizza.....one nibble of the rice (which I didn't like)....and what else?   Hmmmm I've wracked my brain and I think I have everything.    I put it all in there.   Nope, no need to remind me of the salad that I SURELY ate...I didn't eat one!!!!  When all was said and done   I was 200 calories over for the day...and no exercise but I tracked.   A victory again?   Why yes, I'm going to say it is!

Moving on to today, Wednesday.  Here it is in the morning.  My breakfast is logged into myfitnesspal and here I sit at work.  I have grand plans to mow this afternoon (about an hour of push mowing...so activity) and then I plan to go to zumba tonight.  (more activity).   Maybe today I will conquer this tracking AND caloric goal thing. (even though the caloric goal wasn't part of the challenge....ha ha ha)

One week

I weighed myself this morning.  I was back up toward where I was the other week...not that wonderfully low number on the scales. That's ok.  No worries.  I don't know what happened then or now on the scales.  I'm just going to roll with whatever happens and do my best.  

I'm still struggling with tracking.  I am hitting it about 50% and I know that this deficit is a huge part of my weight issues at this time.  Yes, I accept full responsibility!!!  

So, my goal for this upcoming week.  Track EVERY BITE of food that enters my mouth!   Even as I type that, I'm groaning about this task.  It seems insurmountable.  I know it's not...but it sure does feel like it from where I'm sitting right now.  So that is what I am going to try to achieve. One week of tracking EVERYTHING...every meal.   And why it's going to work?    ANYONE can do something for a week.  A measly 7 days, that's nothing!  Piece of cake.  I'm not vowing to do anything past one week....because that's when things get difficult.....longevity is hard.  I'm only saying one week.  Easy Peasy!!!!!!

But in the meantime...my new mantra.....

Mixed bag of emotions race

I ran in the fourth annual Paws on the Pavement run in Hagerstown today.   It is a 5k and this run holds the distinction of being the race where I have managed to run a PR and that record still holds two years later.   So this run holds a special place in my heart.  It is my third time running this. (yeah, I wish I would have run the first one too...so I could say that I've run each and every one...but alas, I'll have to settle for saying I've run three of the four).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Running has proven to be very difficult for me late.  VERY difficult.  My legs just ache....my body just doesn't want to cooperate.  It's brutal.  So I went into the run today KNOWING that I would be lucky to complete it while running a snails pace and that instead I would probably be walking a good portion of it.  Oh well.....such is life.  

I ran a good bit.  Ok, so it was more of a shuffling walk.....but hey, I was moving.    I know what my pace has been of late (lots of walking breaks) and I wasn't expecting much.  I actually was expecting it to be about the same as my slowest 5K.   I just went to do it.    I also told Paula to run like the wind and not worry about me....to set her PR today!  

We met up with our running buddy Kristen and we were ready to roll.  (As a side note....Kristen and I almost always seem to run consistently the same pace.   Before I even met her in person..I would pace and leapfrog with her in local events.  It wasn't until after we met last year at a race that we started looking at the stats of previous runs and saw that we were almost always only a few people apart crossing the finish line.  She laughs and remembers a run where Paula ran by me and whacked my butt and I chuckle about how I ran behind the girl with pink headphones on a previous race.....turns out it was her...ha ha ha)

We gathered at the start line.  I was shocked.....the race had TOTALLY diminished in size over the three years I'd been running it.  Wow....SPARSE attendance....that doesn't bode well for year 5.  Hmmm    We listened to the normal pre-race chatter and then we were off.

Drat...I forgot to turn on my music.  I spent the first half mile trying to get my music working.  I spent the next mile running in silence before I realized the issue and FINALLY got music pumping through my headphones.  

I'd like to say that I sprouted wings and ran like the wind. I would like to say that I flew over that course and finished with a magical mystical time.   I didn't. I ran.  I am happy with my performance.  I ran quite a bit of it. (ok, my shuffle walk/jog combination...but I'm calling it a run).   I did have to stop and walk a few times..but I kept moving.   I am happy that I got out there and did it.  I am happy that I chose to not back out simpy because I knew I wasn't going to post great numbers.  I did it...and I am happy with myself for that.

You see. I finished it in 45:29. This now takes the place as my very worst ever time in any 5k I have run.  Why yes....the worst ever!   I'm ok with it though.   I have not been running consistently (two or three weeks of runs doesn't really count as consistent does it???). I have allowed myself to gain weight.  Finishing this run in any place other than last place is a victory!  (ok, so last place would still be a victory!!)

What I'm NOT ok with is the fact that I let myself fall backwards in weight loss......in running accomplishments......in my healthy lifestyle.  I'm disgusted with myself for allowing it.  

Next up Donut Alley Rally in early August.......I'm gonna smash my time ...or die trying!

Little bit of nothing

I am kinda sorta staying away from the scales.  I don't know what happened the other day and quite honestly I don't think I want to know.  I don't want to let the scales rule me. I don't want to ruin the good feeling.  I don't want to..... oh well....I'll weigh again in a few days.  Maybe I need to stay away from the scales.

So Tuesday night I skipped zumba.  My legs felt like DEAD WEIGHT....before zumba.   Monday night my legs were horrible....they ached the whole previous night. Just laying in bed they hurt.  So I took off on Tuesday night.  Today I felt much better so I hit up zumba.  So far so good....my legs feel like they worked out but not that terrible heavy painy feel.

Not much to say today......just trucking on.

What in the world???

The last seven to ten days haven't been easy.  I lost my cat and I lost a promotion at work. (one I desperately needed to survive and not have to rely on the generosity of my family).  It was rough.  I tried to maintain my eating and tracking.  I tried to maintain the no soda thing.  I failed...miserably.

Tracking?  Well, I think there was only one or two day that I tracked EVERYTHING.  I also did end up eating out a LOT.  One night we went to the Waffle House after zumba and noticed that they had added the calories to the menu.  Paula and I both cringed to see the actual calorie count of our meals.  But we still indulged in our 1300 calorie meals (ok, wait, we split a waffle so 1100 calories).  We called it a funeral wake for Lucy.  Yeah, I know that's wrong to use my newly departed fur-baby as an excuse to eat....but we did it.  (and honestly, my emotions were whacked out...it was just what it is.)  I went out with a friend on Wednesday....large pepperoni pizza, an appetizer and a shared dessert at Uno's.   Yeah, that couldn't have been healthy. (ok, let me calculate it....heaven help us....2920 calories...one meal.  Yup!)   Lets see, I went out on Saturday night to TGIF and had a salad...along with ..... oh wait lets just talk about the calories.  that meal was 1430 calories.    Sunday night I had pizza and crazy bread from Little Caesars.   It wasn't a stellar eating week. 

Soda?   Uhhhh   Yeah, some meals I managed to drink water.....not with my Little Caesars....nor with TGIF.....or waffle house......but definitely friday night dinner out with my parents...I definitely drank water then!!!!  

The last time I weighed myself I was 253.8.  That weight makes me heartsick.  My clothes are all tight.  If I don't do something soon I'm going to have to leave the 16/18's and move into size 20's.  Something I do NOT want to do....at all.    16's and 18's (ok, mostly 18's right now) is bad enough.    I have been very lax about weighing myself.  It's no fun to see my weight sitting the same.  I will vow to do good and I don't see my weight budge.  It makes no sense....and it kills my motivation.  Something possessed me this morning to step on the scales.  So early early early when I woke up I went to the bathroom and stepped onto the scales.  I looked down.  Really?   Hmmm  245.6   That's interesting.  I did a double take because i've been in the 250's recently...so I'm not quite sure about that.  But I went back to bed.  A while later my friend texted kinda out of the blue and asked what I weighed.   I wrote back. "It has to be wrong...because there is no way I lost 8 pounds in a week."  Seriously, I must have been half whacked when I weighed myself in the wee early hours of the morning.   Sooooo  when I finally got up and got moving I went back to the scales.  I stepped on and waited.  I looked down.  243.6   LOWER (hey, had an extra two or three hours and a bathroom trip).   REALLY??   There is no way!   Something has to be off.  People just don't lose 10 pounds in a week.

The only thing I'll say is when i was in Florida back in October I was stress free and I lost 5 in 5 days.....and I was eating out and eating bad foods the whole time.....maybe I was having a rough week but maybe somehow the underlying stress that has overtaken me in the last few months has seeped away...to wherever it is hiding.   I don't know.   

Either way...I'm MOTIVATED NOW!

Grrrr

Running this trip around is not proving to be easy.  I don't know what's up.   Back in March I did the fast track training plan to be prepared to run that 10k and I was actually prepared...ok maybe not prepared but I could run 6 miles!   My body accepted the added miles and all was good.

So fast forward to now.   My body is just not accepting the miles.  I'm struggling to get two measly miles done.   I can't even run those two measly miles.  Seriously!    My legs ache and it's just not pretty!  

Weight...this is probably the absolute highest weight that I have been while attempting to run.

Food....my food is still not under control, while I may be eating at least closer to my caloric goal, it's not healthy nutritious food much of the time. (smarties are nutritious right???)

Ankle.....my ankle still aches a bit....nuff said.

So somehow, someway I will power/struggle through the 5k next weekend. (Walk it??). And I have got to fix these known issues.

Rough week

Yes, I had to put my Lucy to sleep. 

I also got passed over for a job....again.

I did however go to Zumba 2 times and get three runs in.   My runs are brutal right now...the lack of consistent running and this extra weight is really doing a number on me!!!!!!

Ok....I can change this!!!  Consistency in running and lose the weight.

And surprise surprise. I find myself one week away from a 5k race and I am sooo not ready.  I'll be lucky at this point if I can do this run in less time than my longest 5k.   Why do I do this to myself? The plan right now is to get into 5k running shape. Because on the week of August 9 I have to start my 12 week training for my half marathon (which I need to register for....the Philadelphia rock and roll half!).   I have to be consistently doing 3-4 miles at the beginning of my training.    (And yes I may start slowly upping my mileage before hand if I can get there!!!!

Day two

I'm working on day two.  Day two of munching on Advil to try to alleviate the caffeine withdrawal headache.  Yes, I have been talking about cutting down on my Diet Soda habit for a while.  Notice I said 'cutting down'.  I did not say that I was quitting it totally.   I kept trying to 'cut down' but you know what?    That concept is so much more difficult to perfect.  I would 'cut down' until someone offered to go pick up fountain drinks for everyone at work.  I would 'cut down' until I sat down in a restaurant and the waiter would ask me what I wanted to drink.  I would 'cut down' until I was home and thirsty.   Ohhh, and I wouldn't really drink my water before hand...because I knew a Diet Soda was just around the corner of my life.

Years ago on one of my previous attempts (successful too...for quite some time) to give up soda, I didn't give it up totally.  I gave it up totally for a while to get past the slump of learning to live without. (aka withdrawal symptoms), but then I would treat myself in the evening by drinking a can of soda if and only if I had already drank more than the 100 ounces of water that I was drinking.   Normally eating out would have me ordering water.  But admittedly, there are some meals that I feel just NEEDS a diet pepsi. I'm sorry....pizza needs a soda. So my plan?   Make it a week or two and then be ok with a diet soda every once in a blue moon.  Not everyday.  Not even every week.  Every once in a blue moon.

I am proud of myself though.  Even with a headache from hell....or rather a headache from caffeine I still made it out the door and got in a 2.5 mile run.  It was slow and brutal.  It's gonna be slow and brutal because I have totally lacked any kind of discipline in running.  That HAS to change.  I have plans.....I have dreams...I have.  Oh heavens, I have a 5K coming up in 2.5 weeks.   Uhhhh yeah!  I did say 2.5 weeks.   I think this last minute training is NOT cool.  AT ALL.  Why do I do this to myself?  Really?   Oh well, no use trying to figure out why I have now done this for TWO races/runs.  It is what it is and I just have to get myself into running shape.....as much as possible.  At least this time I only have to prepare for a 3.1 mile run and not a 6.2 mile run.  ha ha ha    It won't be a fast run, but I will do it.   This same run in 2013 still stands as my PR that I strive to beat.  I had been running consistently....and my time showed it.   It's not a PR that is spectacular, but it is my number and I own it! (ironically, I think if my first 10K would have only been 3 miles I would have PR'd...ha ha ha.....why?  Because I had run utterly consistent and regimented for the months before that run.    Yes, I'm getting the idea....RUN.  Run regularly.  Run consistently.  Run diligently.  Just run!

So I don't know if I should be disgusted or somewhat proud. (Maybe the pride is from hanging around with my young nephew so much.....he would definitely be proud!).    So let me say that I never run with a tissue tucked in my pocket or anything like that.  A month or two ago I had a slight bloody nose while running (in the cold)  I thought about starting to run with a tissue tucked somewhere safe.  That never materialized.  And then I was out running today.  (And I apologize in advance for the next few sentences but hey...it was a bit traumatic and I must talk about it!  Therapy you know....)   I was running, and I could feel that I needed to blow my nose.  It kept getting worse.  LOTS worse.  I became fearful that if I breathed too heavily that a booger would dangle from my nostril. My left nostril if you are interested in really visualizing the complete picture.  I had no choice.  Really, none at all.  Don't be a hater......but I shot my first snot rocket.  Or maybe I should call it a booger bomb.  Yeah, that's disgusting....but I'm weirdly proud.  Yeah, I'm a loser.

A victory none the less

Ok, so today hasn’t been a stellar day of eating.  I had a piece of cake for breakfast.  Yeah yeah yeah…. You read that right.  A piece of cake!  It was my fault.  I got up early and did a few things and hadn’t eaten breakfast…so it’s 10AM and I was hungry!  So then the food fest just continued in high fashion as I left for work and was running late and hadn’t eaten lunch yet.  I stopped at Burger King.  Seriously?  I don’t even like fast food!  Can I say Burger King chicken sandwich….and onion rings.  And ohhhhh I don’t want to say it…….but I will.   I indulged in a chocolate milkshake.  Seriously?  I don’t even like fast food!

 

Ok, can’t look back.  Only forward.  The damage is done.   The food is however tracked.  (Holy cow…that large milkshake was 980 calories…ON IT’S OWN!....that doesn’t include the sandwich and onion rings! All 1900 calories for that ONE meal…and that is with a diet coke…..if I would have had a regular it would have been well over 2000 calories for one meal.  HOLY COY!)  But I’m tracked and accounted for.

 

I have been doing good with exercise.  I have been staying active and have kept moving.  I am however taking today off.   I weeded and mulched my parents flower beds for about 4 hours yesterday and then followed it up with a session of step zumba.  Today my back is tender and extremely sensitive.  I have learned the hard way to stop and rest the back when I can because pushing myself and letting it get worse is not a valid option. (Been there done that…..not being able to pull up your own pants is NOT fun!)

 

So while my eating hasn’t been spot on this week; I HAVE tracked and I will consider that a victory. I have also curbed some of the indiscriminate snacking whilst at work. (That is a  real killer!) Baby steps….

And just for fun........Cheryl (coworker) and I being goofy during a mandatory (boring) training at work.  

Moving Right Along

I saw this saying on Facebook today and I fell in love with it.

I think I made it perfectly clear the other day that I've been having emotional melt downs over the fates that I have been handed....the cards I've been dealt.  I am being forced to communicate with my ex....which is ok.  I don't want an enemy and if we can eventually end up friends, that's fine.  But right now I don't want to have to deal with it.  For goodness sake dude, let me heal some before you talk to me about your new girlfriend.  Let me move on a bit and recover.   But that is not the case.  He is a customer where I work....so I am confronted with him frequently and whether he is doing it on purpose or is just obtuse and doesn't realize it....it stings.    Last week the sting got to much.  I melted down and I didn't pick myself back up.  I ate away my troubles.  Of course the troubles didn't go away.    

So this week I am allowing my meltdowns....but I'm staying focused on where I am going......to THIN-VILLE!

I didn't eat perfectly today.  I did however track it all!   Yes, I had leftover pizza for breakfast!  Don't be a hater!  It was tasty!!! Hey, at least it was after I was out and completed a run!   And why yes, I did have a Reece's Cup at work....but it was at least shortly before I went to Step/Toning Zumba! 

Yes, calories tracked and I ran this morning (just shy of two miles) and I did zumba this evening.  Shazaam!  

I may also have forgotten my lunch at home and had to resort to eating at the local eating establishment (I work in a small town...the options are limited.....convenience store food!) 

Not a perfect day (needed more fruits and veggies) but all in all a pretty good day.  Because while I didn't eat perfectly.....I am in control and cognizant!

Got a bit emotional this afternoon.....but tamped it down.  Ok ok ok, I was emotional until I got to zumba and then I kinda forgot to be emotional as I stomped out the feelings.  So I didn't feed my emotions today!    I zumba'd my emotions!  YAY  Another victory!

And just because people keep telling me to just 'get over it' and to 'forget about it all' and 'he is showing his true colors"  this statement is for them.   And yes, I know it's because people don't know what to say to me as I deal with my heartbreak, loneliness and pain at having all of my dreams, hopes and love shattered. And I am glad for their support......TOTALLY glad.  But still...this is perfect and fits my mood during my meltdowns!

Sunburn City

Last Monday I took the day off from work.....yes, I stayed 'home' sick.  It was a mental health day.  My friend Paula and I went into DC for the day.   The Cherry Blossoms were in full bloom and they were absolutely gorgeous!!!!!!!!!   We walked well over 10 miles and it felt great!

UP close and personal with the Cherry Blossoms

  I did end up with a bit of a sunburn.....so I had to tell my co-workers that I was just feverish!  ha ha ha.  They laughed because they knew it was a day for me to get away and decompress.....or rather try to decompress.

The Weather was GORGEOUS!  Perfect day to hit up all sorts of the outdoor monuments.  We hit up The Vietnam Memorial, The Korean War Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Haines Point, Washington Monument, The DC War Memorial, The Signers of the Declaration of Independence Memorial, And I am sure some more!

Paula and I

Cherry Blossoms and Moi

 I went back to work on Tuesday and it was just a rough week.  I'm not sure why my emotions were all over the place...but they were.  Just brutal.   And yes, I ate.  I ate like a pig.  GAH!  Why do I do it to myself??????

Friday I came to a conclusion.  I have to do something.  I'm miserable with my weight and I'm just not happy.  My inclination is to go back to Weight Watchers.  Seriously, the accountability, the meetings, the support worked for me before.  But I am tight on money (singlehood is rough on my paycheck).  I hate to spend the money.   SO I decided that I need to track my food.  I also need to actually work at it. If I am tracking and or lose (either/or) each week I will put money into my 'play fund account.....vacation money!)  This way the money is still staying with ME....and I have motivation.  If it doesn' work,  I start weight watchers!

Saturday came and I was feeling a bit sorry for myself and my friend Paula got me up and moving.   This time we hiked up to Maryland Heights.  It's a gorgeous overlook.  Yes, overlook....which means walking up hill for an hour and twenty minutes!  I'm a big girl.  The last time I went up to Maryland Heights I was at my lowest weight and it was still a hard climb but not brutal.  My current weight.....BRUTAL!  But I did it!    I also tracked my food all day! (even though the hike up and back down the mountain netted me just under 2000 earned calories!)

Harpers Ferry down below!

We felt so awesome after our hike on Saturday that we decided to repeat it (with something a little less strenuous though!)   So we headed down to Great Falls, on the Potomac, Maryland side.  We hiked on the canal....and we went out to the falls.  The lack of mountains didn't net us as many calories, but it did earn me 1000 calories. 

Potomac River behind and below me (probably 50 feet below where I was standing)

A gorge where the water was rushing through

I may or may not have a another sunburn upon my return to work.  

I am in the process of rebuilding my life.  It hit me today.  I need to make it an active lifestyle.  I don't want my new lifestyle sitting on a couch.  I want to be up and moving!!!!!

I want it to be a THIN lifestyle!

I don' know how the emotions will play out this upcoming week...but I can hope that they are more calm!!!

So day two of my eating has been tracked.   I haven't eaten the 'best'   I did have Sweet Frog Yogurt after the Mountain yesterday.  (Hey, it was hot!...and I got lowfat and piled on the fresh strawberries!).   I also went out last night and had pizza.  HA HA HA  Today I did have a piece of cheesecake for our late lunch.....so late that dinner didn't happen. (I called the cheesecake the dinner).   Even with those things I didn't eat even half of my exercise calories.  And I feel satisfied!

So here I go!

Excuses

Today would have been my 13th wedding anniversary.  

My ex made sure I knew he was going away for a few days with his new girlfriend.  (All dressed up in clothes he wouldn't wear for me because they were uncomfortable....)

I've eaten a crapload of food today.   

Think there is a correlation?  

You know, I don't want the loser (I have more colorful names for him too) back.  But I mourn the loss of dreams.  I mourn the loss of what was supposed to be.  I mourn the sadness.   

So I'm allowing myself the candy. (And cookie, and the banana split flurry....)  Today.  But this has to end.  He is not worth eating myself back up to an astronomical weight!!!!!!

Not what I wanted

Last weekend was the Cooper River Bridge 10K in Charleston, SC.  I registered for this race back in December (it had been planned through since summer).   I just didn't train for it....so a few weeks back I started a mad dash to be ready to run this 10k.  I actually did it.  Two weeks before the run I was able to complete a 5.5 mile run.  It was slow but I did it.  Two days later, I twisted my ankle in a step zumba class and thus began the pain in my ankle.

I was determined to still do this 10k.....as I had already paid for the run and the hotel.   I rested the foot and hoped for the best.

Pre-race

On the Bridge

The bridge that I crossed is on the backdrop

It was cold...being the northern girl that I am I braved it.....my friend Sue cut holes in socks o use as gloves.

When the day came I made an executive decision.  I dropped back into a walkers corral with my friend and decided to walk it.   Totally not what I wanted.  Absolutely disappointing.  100% the best decision for me.      Watch out Cooper River Bridge Run....I WILL run you sooner or later!

It was still fun to walk this race.

Sooooooo.......this was my first 'huge' race experience.  The cap the registration at 40,000 participants.    I knew it was big but I really didn't think about the scope of soooo many people.

People as far as the eye could see

So here is my Charleston, SC weekend in pictures.

Food:   SOOO Delicious....

Sight Seeing:

Old Churches

Historic Roads (and me)

Old Graveyards

Old theaters 

City Market

Old Houses

Fort Sumter

A busy Day

So I have been trying to accept and move on.........

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Today was busy.  I woke up and why yes....I did get my run in!  5 miles of running and if I include my warm up walk and my cool down walk I knocked out 5.5 miles.  Not bad.   I know when I was running higher miles before that about mile 4 or 5 my knee would start to bother me.  It did again today.  And as for this evening?  OUCH, the arthritis is kicking!  (wow look at those chapped lips!)

After my run I relaxed a bit at the house and then went to my nieces gymnastic meet.  

Afterward I stayed hom and watched  movie and then went out for a bite to eat with my parents.  Now I'm home....finishing laundry and getting ready to watch the walking dead!

A smidge of this and a smidge of that

Whoopie Pies.... I got home from work and there were four red velvet whoopie pies laying on the dining room table.   I knew that they were leftover from the market where my mother sells baked goods (yes, is it any wonder I've gained weight since living here with my parents???).  I knew it was something I could eat...yet I held off.  I ignored that whoopie pie for 3 hours!   Yes, I did!    And then....well......  It was DELICIOUS!    GRRRRR

Thursday and Friday were good running paraphernalia days for me.   Earlier this week I ordered a Running Buddy from Amazon.  I've been seeing the advertisements and I checked out the reviews and they look to be pretty good.  I HATE running with an arm band.  In the winter I just tuck my phone in my pocket of my sweatshirt...but what do you do in the summer?  Tuck your phone in your bra?   Carry it?   Wear a dreaded armband?   So I saw these little pocket thingies.  They have a flap and the flap goes on the inside of your pants and the pocket goes on the outside  It is kept in place by two strong magnets.  Hmmmm.  I bite and bought one.  (Ohhh and did I mention that it's big enough for my iphone 6plus??? Well it is!)  It came in the mail on Thursday.  Then last night I ended up running into Walmart with a friend.   I couldn't resist the bright pink pants!   From there it was an easy leap to buy the 'no slip headband'  (ha no slip...we shall see about that..headbands ALWAYS slip on me...I must have a misshapen head or something!).   So I will be decked out in new gear tomorrow when I attempt a 5 mile run. 

I am starting to think about what I will wear for my 10 mile run.  Maybe my new pants.  hmmm    Hot pink sounds fun anytime right???  Hat or non slip headband is a big question...probably hat.....hmmmm pink hats...I have my Chicago (the band) breast cancer awareness hat...or my pink hershey kiss hat......decisions decisions.  Oh goodie...maybe I should buy a Charleston, SC hat while I'm down there.   But ohhh heavens...I'm planning on going to the expo.....who knows what I'll be buying!

Yes, I am 2 weeks exactly from my 10k.  Actually, two weeks from right now I will be either sitting saying "wow....I did it.....or drat I failed miserably!"   I have run three times in the last week.  Tomorrow is a 5 mile run...then through the next week I plan on running at least 3-4  two to three mile runs.   THen next Saturday or Sunday hit up another 4-5 mile run and then hit one or two 2 mile runs that week before the 10k.  Yes, I think I should really have run a 6 mile training run...but you know what.....If I can do 5 miles I can do 6......chump change!

skin of my teeth

I'm still holding steady in my efforts.  I've been regular with my exercise this week and I've kept my eating under control. (Ok, yesterday lunch was a bit much....but then I wasn't hungry the rest of the day so I kinda just snacked...)

On Tuesday I was so excited because the scales were showing me down.  Then life happened and even though my eating wasn't out of control and my exercise is spot on.....the scales are not being friendly to me right now.  Hopefully they will right themselves within a few days.  It's frustrating to say the least.  

I went running today and well......I started out aiming for a 4 miles run.  I made it a bit shy of 3 miles..  Better than no miles!   I struggled from the get go to regulate my breathing.  It was just all over the place.  Regardless I did it.

Emotionally....I'm struggling...but hanging on, by the skin of my teeth.

Can this be it???

Saturday was the end of the road for me.  I decided I was tired of feeling this way.   As Paula and I made our plans I was committed.  I was going to do this.   The Cooper River Bridge (Yes, in Charleston, SC) run was looming and honestly I was petrified about being prepared to run it.  (Call me crazy but my brutal two mile runs that I had been putting in once a month...ok maybe twice a month wasn't going to suffice and I knew it!).   Spending the day with Paula was just what I needed.   We made our tentative plans for this half marathon (October 31 in Philly) and we made a challenge for each other.    I just had to start carrying out these plans and working toward my goals.  We were confronted all day be health and fitness....even as far as seeing a small health expo.  Where I decided to listen to the chiropractic spiel.  (Was not impressed with her....AT ALL...but it made a fun picture.

Sunday dawned and it was warm.  I got ready to head out to run.   4 miles later and I was done.  It took me an hour to run those four miles and there were moments where I (may or may not have) rolled my eyes a few times during the run.  But I ran 4 miles.  I feel a bit better about the prospect of completing a 10k at the end of this month.  I was slow.  Really slow.  As in if I run at that speed I'll finish it 10-15 minutes slower than the 10k in October. 

I also kept my eating under control on Sunday.   Yes, really!!!!!   Not just under control....I tracked!  Was I over a bit?  Yes, I was over my budget of 1200 calories.  But oh wait, I ran for an hour.   (Yes, you burn a fair amount of calories as a fat girl running....ha ha ha....see there are perks to being fat!)   So in reality, I was spot on (and I didn't eat all my earned calories so it's a good thing!)

So how is Monday going?    Well, my eating has been spot on thus far. (and tracked).  I ran 2 miles this morning. (Admittedly, it was a more rough run this morning than yesterday...but that's ok...some runs will be difficult some will be awesome). 

 I have my gym bag packed and in my possession so that I can get myself to Zumba after work tonight. Why yes, I plan on going to zumba tonight.   My legs are achy today but I know that I will push through at zumba and that I'll feel wonderful after we stretch and call it a night.  :-)

Water consumption.  Check.  I'm doing well with the water intake too!

I thought I would take a few minutes to respond to the inquiry/comments about my cats.  My cats are not in any pain or unhappy and miserable with their 'old age' conditions.  Ethel gets stiff from her arthritis as do most older 'folks'.  But she still trucks around and enjoys life (and yes, I do have some things set up to make it easier for her to navigate). Yes, Lucy has an inoperable cancerous tumor, but if you spent time with her it's obvious that she is not in pain from it. (In fact the vet said she probably wouldn't be even up to the end....and they gave me the signs to look for to know when I need to bring her in for an intervention)  That said, that old girl gets around better than my 5 year old cat.  Lucy is also a happy cat, always purring and wanting loved. My cats are under a veterinarians care.  Regardless of any heroic measures a veterinarian may suggest (mine is pretty grounded and I don't expect heroic measures for my old girls)  I would not allow my cats to live in misery.  I know that the day will come when I have to make that decision.  But that day is not today.  My cats are living a happy life.  (well, they are unhappy when they want to go upstairs and their grandma and grandpa aren't home to let them upstairs....meaning they have to stay downstairs in my personal area.....and yes, they let their grandma and grandpa know what they want and they get what they want!!!!!)

Plans

Maybe this will be a post in pictures......  hmmm

I am doing well with the water and I'm trying to incorporate more fruist and veggies into my diet.  

My swag for the Cooper River Bridge Run arrived.   I am woefully prepared but it is 3 weeks away come hell or high water. (possibly both).

Still enjoying my niece and nephews.  :-) 

I will stop to say that I have a challenge that I'm starting tomorrow.  I should be eligible to actually file for the divorce in October of this year (stupid waiting period).  My friend Paula and I also plan on running a half marathon in October.  We are tentatively looking at running a Rock and Roll half in Philadelphia on October 31.  So this is a multi part challenge.  I want to be 50 pounds lighter.  I'm not going to beat around the bush.  I've gained 15-20 pounds since the separation commenced. I'm at the HIGHEST weight I've been in a LONG time.  So 50 pounds will put me back in onederland.  I want that.  That is my goal...so when I go to that divorce hearing that I'm sitting at a nice low weight!   I also want to run this half marathon at a much lower weight.     My friend has a weight goal also.  She is closer to her goal weight (and shorter).   So we are aiming for 1 pound a week for her and 2 pounds a week for me.   There are a few 'mess up' weeks for us in there...but we have a goal and a fun idea of where we can flaunt our new bodies.   The running/training will help us lose the weight too.  All hand in hand.  So that is the plan we concocted today.  ha ha ha ha