Bring it 2012!

New Year = New Goals

Took time to re-evaluate what I want out of my running and realized while losing 23lbs last year was amazing, I really just want to keep going and not focus strictly on the weight loss.  People who do an activity just to lose weight typically don't stick with it long term and usually quit and gain the weight back... pretty much the same as people who are "dieters" always on a diet and restricting their foods tend to go off of it and go overboard.  So, basically I want this to be a lifetime change... better eating and more exercise.

So there is my resolution:
1. Eat Cleanly
2. Exercise regularly...RUN RUN RUN & the weights :)
3. Allow myself to enjoy a splurge here and there.

This new year-week started my training for my first 1/2 marathon ever!!!  I am stoked and can't wait for it.  I am officially registered and everything and March 10th will get here before I know it.  I am completely excited and totally nervous all at once.  I am going to have to start increasing my weekly long run mileage from about 6-7 miles to around 9-10.  I also need to work on having stronger tempo runs, fartleks & add more speedwork.  So, here we go, getting off to a fast, fit & fabulous 2012.

The biggest thank you to the most supporting, encouraging and understanding man ever.... Damien Sykes, you keep me inspired to go farther and dream bigger.  :)

Also want to give a big thank you to my running friends that totally inspire me to reach farther, push my limits and believe in my own strength...  Thank you Sarah Wells, Jamie Sandefer, Aaron Goldin, Mandy Knight-Goldin, Teri Bayless-Hawthorne, Amber Kay Landry, Rachael Daniels, Becca Butler & Jeremy Hunt!  Hope you all have a very strong running year.

For any non-runner or beginner who hasn't worked out in awhile or ever, it is never too late and running is a natural thing you were born to do. You can do it and the running community is so supportive.  If you need any info or help getting started, don't hesitate to contact me!

Happy New Year & Happy Running everybody!!  Lets all reach our goals together.

New 1/2 Marathon Training Program.

Ok, so I forgot to blog about my run on Monday.... woops.  I didn't follow the B210K training program.  I am wanting to run the Gusher 1/2 marathon, so I am switching to a different training program soon that is more focused on endurance and training for longer races.  Monday's run was fabulous, and felt amazing....especially since I took off Friday, Saturday & Sunday after the Turkey Trot and all of the Thanksgiving holiday hoopla!  My run was 3 miles on the treadmill at home since it was sooo feakin' cold! BRRRR  I am also thinking about trying out the Nike + GPS app on my iPhone...  I just don't want it to put me over my 2GB a month data limit...anyone had that problem or is it good??  Thanks for any help!

Happy Running Ya'll!

B210K Week 1 Day 3

Today I finished week 1 day 3 of B210K and I feel so energized!!  I did my run inside on the treadmill because we went to pick up my mom in law to stay the night and visit so I didn't want to be outside and miss out on time with the family.  So I ran on the treadmill and visited with my family instead.  Anyway, it was a good run but I missed being outside.  I would much rather workout outside any day of the week.  I am running a little behind on my 10K training because I got sidetracked with my sister's bridal shower this past weekend.  So, tomorrow I will run week 2 day 1 of the program and then do days 2 & 3 sometime through the weekend so I can be back on track Monday for week 3.  I must stick with the schedule!  Well, I hope everyone has a great rest of the week.... Happy Hump Day people.

Happy Running Ya'll!! :)

C25K: Week 9 Day 1

Day 1 of week 9 (the last week) of C25K was today and it's bittersweet...  I'm excited that I have almost reached my goal of completing this running program, but sad that it's almost over.  After this week, I will be moving on to half marathon training and am pretty nervous!  Today was a 5 minute warm up, 30 minutes consecutive running followed by a 5 minute cool down.  At the end of the run, I felt amazing and like I could keep going.  So, I left the treadmill and headed to the park with my sister (who started C25K today!) to run some more.  Tomorrow is a weight training day for me at the gym...  I am convinced that this is helping to strengthen my body and prevent running injuries.

As far as new food ideas, I finally put my Magic Bullet to good use and made the most delicious green smoothie ever!  I have noticed after longer runs, I am not in the mood to eat big meals, so this helps me get more fruits and veggies in my diet because even if i'm not hungry I can gulp it down real fast lol.  Here's the recipe:

1/2 C. 100% Carrot Juice
1 Kiwi, sliced
1/2 Banana (I like it frozen because the smoothie is colder)
1/2 Granny Smith Apple, Sliced
1 C. Fresh Spinach

Blend until smooth!!  I love how much fruit and veggies are in 1 glass of a "made at home" smoothie... so much better than the ones you buy somewhere that are just full of sugars and fruit juices which are basically just sugars.  You can also add a little vanilla yogurt or a teaspoon of raw honey to sweeten this up a little more if you need it.

The best and most natural Carrot Juice I have found.... tastes really fresh too: