Finding Cathy

A good quote

2009-04-14T09:14:00.001-07:00

Start by doing what's necessary;
then do what's possible;
and suddenly you are doing the impossible. --St. Francis of Assisi

Done with this Blog!

2009-02-18T13:30:00.000-08:00

I have decided to stop posting to this blog, as I want to start fresh. I just want to work on refining myself over the next 10 weeks.

Stay tuned...

Jazz Hands, well Jazzercise...

2009-02-16T19:34:00.000-08:00

I have signed up for Jazzercise again. It has been too long, so I will be doing a one hour class 2-4 x's per week. It is fun, and it makes me use muscles that I haven't used in a long time. Like in my core, and my arms.

This will help my running too...and besides cardio is good! So is strength training. It all makes me feel happy! And, it is nice to connect with friends that I met way back when my third was only a year old.

Long Sunday Run

2009-02-15T11:45:00.000-08:00

Let me start off with the hills I did on Wednesday night. It felt more like a mountain that I had to run up 4x's. Hill training has officially started. We run up a hill that is approximately 500 m long. And when I say long, I mean LONG LONG LONG. I had to question my ability to run, and question WHY I was running and what for. The first hill was hard, and I have to say they got harder with each one. I know hills make me stronger, and I really had to push myself to keep going.

Wednesday Hill Training:

1:02:25 total time

9.52 km total distance

Warm up run 2.76 km 18:31:92

Hill 1: 3:23:05

Hill 2: 3:03:87

Hill 3: 3:18:45

Hill 4:2:55:80

Cool down run 2.86 km 17:26:72

Today, marked the longest distance I have ever run in my life. It felt great, the sun was out and my body felt great! I really enjoyed the run!

24:11 km Sunday Long Slow Distance:

2:33:32 time

Average pace 6:22 km

Max pace 4:11 km

Next week we run 26 km.

19.19 km

2009-02-08T11:16:00.000-08:00

Today we headed out for a 19 km run. I felt fabulous for the first time in quite some time. I didn't get much sleep, I have a bit of a cold, my stitches are out. I have new runners. I didn't take my pill. And voila. A great run. I really needed that today!

Details:

19.19 km (Long slow distance)

1:57

Avg pace 6:06 km

Best pace 4:27 km

I am not sure if I am going to run the Historic Half next weekend, or just run the scheduled 23 km?! I will see. We also begin hill training this Wednesday. I cannot wait to get started as I know how important hills are for training!

PS I am going to try 1 more month of the pills to see how I do. He said my stomach could be reacting to less acid. So, I will keep trying. I have another appointment booked in 1 month to follow up. My symptoms feel great though! So, hopefully my stomach will figure itself out! My doc seems to think it will, but if not he said stop taking them.

Upset

2009-02-04T21:06:00.000-08:00

My last weeks of running haven't been going very well. I think it is the medication I am on. The troubles began when I started the meds. Today, we were supposed to run a 10 km, the map was wrong and so we ran closer to 12 km. I was fine for the first 6 km, and then after that I felt like I was going to lose my bowels on the road. It was a terrible feeling. I have never felt like this running before. So, anyways.

Tuesday night was a clinic run:

5.56 km

30.02

avg pace 5:24

max pace 3:47

Tonight (Wednesday) was another clinic run:

Was to be a 10 km run

11.73 km

1:13

avg pace 6:13

max pace 4:31

This Sunday we run 19 km (and I will decide if I want to run the Historic Half on the 15th of February. I will wait to see what my doctor says, and how good I feel after my stitches come out etc. See if there is another alternative to this medicine. Yuck.

Sunday Long Run

2009-02-01T12:01:00.000-08:00

I finally got out for a 16 km run with my running group. I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to stick with my group, but I think today I am back at it again. I am already looking forward to running on Tuesday and Wednesday. And on next Sunday we jump up another 3 km to 19 km, and then hill training begins (and hill training like I have never experienced - marathon hill training eeepps! Can you say LOOOOONNNGGGG uphill)

Anyways, back to this morning:

16.05 km

1:39:08

6:11 average km pace

4:35 max pace

My tummy troubles are due to a virus, and it is feeling much better, however some of the kids are feeling the same pain and I feel bad for them. Hopefully it passes, and we are very thankful we didn't get the 'other strain' which is 100 times worse.

I am still wondering if I want to run the Historic Half, or if I am even ready for it in two weekends from now. Knowing myself I will want to see 'where I am at' and register at last minute. I will see how the 19 km goes next Sunday and decide then.

The less I do

2009-01-28T12:48:00.000-08:00

The less I want to do. I think it is because the weather is not the best, my husband is home for a week. Blah blah blah. I am suddenly full of excuses of why I don't feel like doing ANYTHING healthy.

Tomorrow morning I go to the doctors to have a weird little mole removed. Nothing crazy. And, I am tired after the big wedding that happened on Saturday. I just feel winter lazy. Just really lazy.

Two runs in two days

2009-01-22T10:23:00.000-08:00

Last night I was running with my marathon clinic, and we ran:

10.20 km

56 minutes

Avg pace: 5:30 km

Max pace: 3:43 km

This morning I ran:

8:57 km

51.17 minutes

Avg pace: 5:59 km

Max pace: 4:05 km

I am hoping to get one more 8 km run in tomorrow morning as I will be missing my long run (16 km) on Sunday morning. I NEVER hardly EVER miss a run. Well, this Sunday I have a great excuse. My sister is getting married on Saturday, and I am her Matron of Honour. I have my duties to do, and I cannot wait. Sunday I will be enjoying a Sunday brunch with the newly married couple, family and friends.

I am hoping I will run a bit extra during the week next week. Maybe Monday, for sure Tuesday, Wed and maybe Friday. And of course my long run on NEXT Sunday.

Ya, I am still here

2009-01-20T15:47:00.000-08:00

I decided to run that 15 km Chilly Chase on Sunday morning. It was a beautiful morning for a run. Cold, icy and sunny. In fact the first sunny day since like last year I think.

Anyways. I met some running friends down there (they didn't know I would be there because I registered that morning) but hey! It was GREAT.

I ran the 15 km in 1 hour 21 minutes and 44 seconds. Not bad. I wished I could have shaved off another 5-7 minutes or so, but what the heck. I did it! I got out and raced. I love the thrill of a road race. I just race against myself.

Anyways. I have my clinic night tonight (6 km) and tomorrow a 10 km. Weekend long run I will not be running as my little sister is getting married on Saturday and I will not be in any 'shape' to run LOL. I plan on ENJOYING myself! Not pregnant, hardly breastfeeding! LIFE IS GREAT!

Saturday

2009-01-17T21:20:00.000-08:00

Well, I am on a medication for acid reflux, and it is wreaking havoc on my system. I am bloated, I am feeling under the weather. So, I didn't lose enough weight to really weigh in. So, I will wait to see what happens there. But my throat is feeling better. I am also going to have a weird mole removed from my leg. So, lots going on. In one week my sister is getting married! I am so excited, and also happy that my dress fits.

I actually had to walk back to the store on Wednesday because I so sore, and felt terrible. One of the worst runs I have had in a long time I would have to say.

I feel so so today, and now I want to run the Chilly Chase tomorrow morning (15 km) but I think I may be too late. I am hoping one of my running buds will let me know if I am still able to register and just go do it! LOL. Why didn't I register way earlier?! Silly, silly me. I have that urge to race!! Bahhh.

Friday Weigh In - First Week

2009-01-09T08:20:00.001-08:00

Starting Weight: 160 pounds

Today's Weight: 153.2 pounds

Lost: 6.8 pounds

Next Weigh In: Friday, January 16th

I stood on the scale today, and I was down 6.8 pounds! That is awesome! Woo hoo!
I am still over the 150 mark (but I am on my cycle, and so I couldn't get my extra work out in.)

Next Friday, I really hope to be under that 150 because I feel really bloated (even with all of the water I am intaking) and I want to walk down that aisle feeling FINE!! (All eyes will be on my beautiful sister anyways :D)

PS. This will be the first aisle walk ever weighing this little! I was preggo for my other sisters wedding in 2004 with Catie (who is turning 5 this year!) Even for my OWN wedding I was never this light and that is why my rings do not fit. (They went from just right, to-too-tight, to-too- loose. We are hoping to get some new bands this year, and possibly renew our vows this spring.

Wed and Thursday combined

2009-01-08T10:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was too busy to blog! I had intentions, but life got in the way ;D

I went running on the streets, not around the parking lot last night! It was very exciting to be able to open up my pace a bit again. We did the "Super Fun Run" two times last night. So lots of hill running which felt FABULOUS! I love hills! So challenging and so good for training. We ran about 9.7 kms. I ran for about 55 minutes. Average pace was around 5:42 , and fastest pace was 4.0.

My cycle decided to show up yesterday too, so SURPRISE...after almost 45 days or something like that. It is the breastfeeding etc. I am down to one feed in the evening, almost done I would say. I am still producing, and she is still happy.

I couldn't sleep last night, so I did my push ups and stretching before bed.

As for today, I will see how I 'feel' and if I am actually able to get out for a run. *fingers* crossed. If not, I will try on Saturday. If not then, well I have a long run scheduled for Sunday. Should be a nice weekend.

Tomorrow is my first weigh in, and I am on track. All is good. I will be glad to get back under the 150 mark, but most likely not this week. I am also looking forward to my splurge tomorrow night.

PS. Christine, you had asked me about Vitamins. I take daily: a multi, vitamin c, vitamin d, fish oils and magnesium.

Tuesday

2009-01-06T21:05:00.000-08:00

I went for a very slushy, rainy, slipperly, splooshy puddly run this evening. About 5 km, I think about 30 mins. I slipped a bit, but I survived.

A big truck drove by us and splashed us so bad.

Eating was good! I am on track for a good loss on Friday. I have my dress fitting on Saturday.

Tomorrow a 10 km run.

Monday, the 5th of Jan

2009-01-05T18:49:00.000-08:00

Today, I was on track with my eating, and my water intake. Easier just to record at sparkpeople.com so that is what I am committing to.

This evening when Cliff got home, I was already in my running attire. I got out for a 10.62 km straight run. (no walk breaks or water breaks too cold) ...in the slush. My feet feel like prunes. But it felt good to run. I ran 1 hour 13 27 seconds. Not very fast, long slow run at average pace of 6:55 kph.

Tomorrow is my marathon clinic night, and I am not sure what distance. I would think 10 km again.

Until tomorrow.

PS. I did my 100 crunches, 25 push ups, and 50 squats. Catie, Caroline and Courtney did them with me. So cute to see my girls following my activties!

Sunday, the 4th of Jan.

2009-01-04T17:27:00.001-08:00

Today we ran almost 10 km (according to my new Garmin I ran 9.58 km) and that took us about 1:02 to run. It was slow at time. Average pace was 6:28 kmh. Not bad, but I am truly wishing for rain!! I want this snow to go away.

I had the opportunity to join a 'biggest loser' challenge with a weigh in starting tonight, and going for about 8 weeks. But, I decided to save the 100 dollars and I bought myself a pink Running Room hoodie in xs (that would be an extra small) it is tight in the upper arms, but it does up just fine. I should actually take a photo or two in it. I hope that it will fit much better at the end of my own personal challenge. I don't think I actually need the extra pressure to lose the weight. I am in good control, so I said let us just do this on our own. I also bought two magazines for extra motivation. The People Half Their Size issue, and US...Diets that Work is on the cover. And, of course my free motivation starts on Tuesday. The Biggest Loser!! I LOVE watching that! Keeps me motivated that is for sure.

Good to go. I am feeling good. My jeans are still tight, and I still have a muffin top. But, mentally I feel better. So that is all that matters. I picked up some more vitamins--my fish oils and my vitamin c. I am rocking now!!

I would have to say the hardest part of trying to lose more weight, are the comments from family and friends that say to me, you don't need to lose any more weight. And, when my MIL decides to buy McDonald's for the kids. And I eat a turkey wrap. That doesn't seem fair. Does it LOL. But really I made a healthy choice, the kids don't get that kind of food very often. I choose not to buy it.

Anyways, I need to drink some water, take my evening vitamins, and do my push ups etc. Try to get into bed earlier!

School is back in session tomorrow.

PS if anybody has a good healthy recipe with moderate calories/high fibre/easy to make and freeze please leave it for me. I would like to make some to throw into the school lunch bags. THANK YOU!

Until tomorrow,

Cathy xo

Saturday, the 3rd of Jan.

2009-01-03T18:56:00.000-08:00

Today, was a good day. I didn't get to exercise today as the snow and road conditions here are just not safe. So I chose safe over sorry today. My legs are still adjusting to the snowy run last night. So, maybe a good thing anyways.

My eating was good! I had my Kashi and skim milk for breakfast (and I added one serving of All Bran Buds for extra fibre), I had a no fat no whip mocha as a 'snack.' Mmm.

For lunch we had turkey roll ups in whole wheat wraps. Tomato, pickled asparagus spears for crunch, and organic salad mix. Mmmm.

For dinner I made a mexican inspired salad. It was extremely satisfying and tasty.

Mexican Salad (under 500 cals for the whole meal)
2-3 cups of organic salad in a large bowl (made separate for both of us--individual servings)
1 whole tomato
1/2 an avocado
1/2 cup of black beans
1/4 cup of salsa
a sprinkling of grated cheddar cheese on top
a bit of jalepeno pepper rounds on top for excitement LOL
1 serving of Triscuit crackers for crunch on the side

I am going to try to get out for a walk in the snow tonight, and I did my 100 crunches, my 25 girl push ups and my 50 squats.

Tomorrow (weather depending) I will run about 10 km if I can get there, and the roads look safe. OR, I will run down to Jazzercise with my weights in my backpack.

Friday - Starting Weight/First Weigh In

2009-01-02T08:26:00.000-08:00

Starting Weight: 160 pounds

(Goal is to lose 20 pounds by February 28th - 8 weeks)

Next Weigh In: Friday, January 9th, 2009

Exercise today: Ran 8.84 km in 58.04 (average pace was 6:34 km--slow due to ice and snow everywhere) with marathon clinic (I am officially signed up!!)

100 crunches, 25 girly push ups, and 25 squats.

Starting Measurements:

Chest: 38

Waist: 29

Hips: 39

Exercise Plan:

Run on Tuesday, Wed, Friday and Sunday

*Daily Cardio - Class, run, treadmill, power walk - whatever I can do!!

Weights on Monday,Thursday and Saturday

(*Trying to get daily cardio in 7x's a week for 1 hour minimum!!)

Water:

IIIIIIIIII

Vitamins:

multi, vitamin c, vitamin d, calcium

*******

I woke up this morning, and it felt like Christmas morning. I was excited to get going on my plan! I feel so motivated, and I know the motivation will carry me through these last 20 pounds. It is just too bad that I gained approximately 10 pounds since June 2008. Most of them accumulating due to lack of motivation, busy life, death in the family, excuses, more excuses. And of course the holiday season which is full of goodies and drinks etc. All my fault, I put everything in my mouth. Nobody to blame but myself. BYE GONES. I am not going to get down on myself, I am going to get the weight off is what I am going to do!

We couldn't get our healthy groceries done last night because all of the shopping chains closed at 6 pm. So, today I make do with what is in the house. There are healthy choices all around me, I have to choose them. I have my shopping list, and tonight the groceries will be bought by Cliff (as I do my 10 km run) who is eating healthy with me. He weighs about 206, and so he has some pounds to lose again. He did it just before his Dad died in June 2008, and he will do it again! It is nice to have that kind of support.

Cliff and I are going to actually join a gym this year! I think tomorrow is the day. I cannot wait to incorporate some weights etc. along with my cardio plan! It is going to be the x factor to take me all the way to my weightloss goal of 140 pounds!

I liked having my Garmin tonight for my first run of the year. I burned almost 800 calories tonight which is super!!

Time to Shine in 2009!

2009-01-01T16:28:00.000-08:00

Thank you Santa!

Well, that is going to be my new motto/mantra for the new year. For the whole year of 2008 over my toilet on a chalkboard I had lose weight in 2008. I am going to erase that once I lose the last of my 20 pounds! Then I will write out the new saying.

Today, is the first of January! Greeted this morning by a fresh dump of white snow. It was a beautiful day! I started organizing, cleaning up. And in a couple of hours we are going to go grocery shopping to get our healthy stuff for the cupboards and fridge etc. I will purge all of the crap out of the house tomorrow morning when Cliff is at work. I cannot WAIT!

I am going to register for the full marathon clinic tomorrow night. We are doing a 10 km run tomorrow night. So, nothing like JUMPING right IN! I am a bit nervous (well ALOT nervous) but I know I will do it.

I am going to get my Garmin set up, and I can already feel how great the next week is going to feel. First weigh in is tomorrow (starting weight) and the next weigh ins will be every Friday. I will document probably daily to stay on top of my plan etc.

So! That is the plan! I finally feel excited, and I have flipped the 'mental' switch! Hopefully I can stay motivated without a 'contest' to try to win.

Happy New Year! I will check in tomorrow!

2009 Goals

2008-12-27T11:38:00.000-08:00

I have important weight related goals for 2009.

Sign up for my first marathon training that begins December 30th.
January 2nd, no late night eating (nothing past 9 pm will go in my mouth except tea or water)
January 2nd - 23rd! HIGH INTENSITY eating plan/workout plan for wedding!! I want to look (and feel) fabulous on Amy's wedding day January 24th!
Run 3-4 x's per week: Tues, Wed, Sunday (and one additional day--Friday nights)
Lose the balance of the weight by February 28th, 2009 - Including the Christmas bloat I would estimate just under 20 pounds.
Goal Weight 140 pounds
Run my first of two marathons this year. One in May and one in October
After my marathon training/races get on the surgery list for my veins for the late fall/early winter (hopefully done before Christmas or new year 2010 injections and everything complete)
Start doing sit ups (100)/push ups (25)/squats (25) daily again.
Incorporate strength training 2x per week (go to a gym early am before the family is up)
Get my kids out more often and active on a daily basis, and MAKE IT FUN!

Bloated

2008-12-26T11:50:00.000-08:00

Oh...uggghh. I am ready for the new year that is for sure! I have put on the pounds, I can feel them everywhere. I haven't been able to run. I haven't been motivated, and realize it is SOOOO easy to get out of a healthy plan. Just so very easily. Back into the old habits. The habits I have worked so hard to change. BUT...the new year will be here, I have a new clinic starting. I have my GARMIN. I have the determination and I will change my though process again!

I look forward to 2009!! It is going to be super!

I miss running

2008-12-25T13:37:00.000-08:00

I feel bloated, full and just yuck. Eating too many sweets and servings this Christmas season. I think I have had enough carbs to last a year today. And this is only mid afternoon. Tonight is our full on Christmas dinner being brought in by 4 x 4! LOL. We are pretty snowed in here. What a white Christmas!

I wish I could run but the road is way too snowy. I could get on the treadmill, but I feel too full. All I know is that January 1st is a new start. And I plan on removing this 'spare' tire just in time for my sisters wedding on January 24th, 2009.

I have a dress fitting on January 10th and I know the dress will fit. But still. I just want it to feel good and comfy.

I will be recording my current weight on January 1st, and doing so every Monday until 'Wedding Week' and I hope to show you all a photo of me in the most beautiful dress! Woot!

So, come January 1st this blog will be very active. I will once again be recording daily my exercise, my eating plan etc. I am totally looking forward to it.

I will be back under the 150 mark that is for sure. I am WAY more comfortable there.

PS. Santa brought me a 205 Forerunner Garmin. I love my Santa. He rocks!

PPS. My marathon training begins December 30th! I cannot wait!

Run in the snow

2008-12-21T11:03:00.000-08:00

I just got back from a 14 km (almost 9 mile run) in the snow. It was pretty good. I was really cold for the first half of the run, but I was toasty warm at the end of it all. The snow started coming down towards the end of the run. There were only a hand full of 'die hard' runners out today. I am glad I made the trek out. I know when I do runs like this that I will appreciate the warm weather running even more.

Today I felt hard core. That felt good, especially because of the missed hill training last Wed (due to blizzard conditions!) I hope we can run on Monday and Tuesday outside. I think we may have a White Christmas this year! Wow.

End of the year of 2008?

2008-12-15T09:50:00.000-08:00

I started this year with a big goal. A goal to lose approximately 80 pounds. And I have met this goal, and took it even a bit further with an almost 90 pound loss. I want to lose another 7 -10 pounds in the new year. I watched a great episode of XWeighted on Slice last night. It motivated me (as I sat and ate my weekly nacho splurge with Cliff.) She lost 63 pounds in 6 months. Sometimes I watch that show and the don't get even CLOSE to their goal weight. But she sure did. I thought 63 pounds is so much to lose. And yes, I lost even more than her. I still don't see that weight loss or feel it except when I look at the photos from my before.

PS I did run 14 kms in the cold weather yesterday morning. In fact it was so windy that my hat blew off, and I couldn't feel my cheeks from the cold.

Anyways, as I was saying I suddenly felt motivated to get to my goal. Once my daughter is successfully weaned from breastfeeding (I am certainly hoping to be done January just in time for my sisters wedding!!) I am going to kick up my goals a bit in 2009.

I think I am just going to stay right around here for now, but on January 2nd I am going to start kicking my own but again. It is hard to believe that it has been one year almost since I started my own journey. I am still learning and growing.

December 30th I am starting the marathon clinic (that will be a 42.2 km marathon race in Vancouver in the beginning of May 2009) My eating will be back on track, and I will be tracking my calories etc. again. Time to get back on track.

I am going to do a resolution run on New Years day (5 km) at 11 am. I am also going to do another half Marathon the day after Valentines day! So, I have a lot to work towards. I am so excited!

I do not like feeling tight pants, or this muffin top. It is going bye bye! I need to be ready to get myself on that surgery list for my veins this year. Another thing to get checked off my list.

Time to start working on not only the rest of the weightloss, but work harder on myself.

I am kicking up my running right now. I am running tonight, tomorrow and Wednesday. Maybe even Friday. Then I am starting to get up there in distance again with my long slow distance runs on Sunday. Next week it is 14 km (but I will most likely run there instead of drive again like I tried to do yesterday, but Cliff and the kids grabbed me about 2.5 kms into my run)

PS Santa if you are listening or reading my blog I would really REALLY love a Garmin for Christmas. xo

Freakin Muffin Top

2008-12-10T08:05:00.000-08:00

Yes, I said muffin top. These extra few pounds are literally weighing me down on my runs, and in my mind. It is like I have reverted back to the 'fat Cathy' that I was months ago. It is like I have lost all control in the eating department, and I do not feel like getting back on track. I know that in times of stress food is my comfort. But, seriously I HAVE to get back on track because I have a dress I have to fit into for my sisters Wedding at the end of January 2009.

I have still not hit the 155 mark, but I am close enough to go what are you doing to yourself Cathy?! Why?! So, at some point I have to say no to the full fat Peppermint mochas, and the extra cookies etc. Just because the season is festive shouldn't give me license to just fill my my face with unhealthy bad food choices.

I do have to say that I was very 'on plan' for MANY months. Rigid plan. I was eating so healthy, and on my plan for almost a whole year. That is certainly a whole lot of being 'good'! and so I guess I figured that I could just let myself go a bit. Well, obviously I have no sense of control. My life has been chaotic, stressful, boring, ground hog like. And I guess food has really been my companion through all of those feelings. And this depressing weather is not helping either.

Now, I have to find another way to charge through all of the above emotions sans food. Running helps, and I have been doing less of that. Only 3-4 times a week. Unlike in the past where I was running almost every day. And, my breastfeeding of my daughter is dwindling (FINALLY) and also I experienced my first 'cycle' and that made me crave the usually salty chips etc. It is hard to stay on track. I am getting lazy, and that is not how I want to be.

Anyways, I am going to add in an extra run on Friday and try to just get eat healthy, add in more fruits and veggies. Drink a lot more water and hopefully doing so will sort of put me back on track. I need to be moderate, and not extreme.

I need a plan, and I need one fast. I do not want a muffin top. Oh no I do not. How to motivate myself during the holidays is going to challenge me. That is for sure. I have worked too darn hard to let this all go.