Ya, I am still here

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!

Thursday

Well, I am still here. Just not on the bandwagon as much. Not as interested in this process, and choosing to concentrate my efforts on my other interests at this time.

I am still right around 150 pounds. I am running like crazy. That is good enough for now!

I will update again at some point :D

Thankful

I am so pleased that I can run, and that I remain injury free. I am thankful to the support of my hubby who sacrifices his time so that I can go and take care of my own needs. That would be my running and my photography.

I am thankful that on January 24th, 2009 I will be able to be the MOH to my sis Amy at their wedding. Wearing a black strapless gown that looks AWESOME on me. I am so happy to not wear maternity or breastfeeding attire to the wedding like I have done for the past 10 years of family and friend weddings. I can enjoy all of the hard work AND effort that I have put into myself over the last year.

I am happy that my journey here has not ended, yet keeps on helping to motivate others to create their own programs to get their bodies healthy again.

I cannot believe that in 10 short days my 'baby' Courtney will be 1 year old already, and one year ago I weighed 238 pounds and wore plus size, xxl maternity pants. 

I am so thankful to be right where I am at. So far, I have accomplished so much, in so little time. Already training for a second half marathon, and a marathon in the next year. 

I would never have guessed just how wonderful life would be for me today. But is! My heart spills over with gratefulness and happiness. I am so thankful.

I look forward now, and not backwards realizing these could be the last few times that I sit and blog one handed as I breastfeed my Coco.

As that part of my life will be behind me soon too. But again, so much good stuff to look forward to.

So much.

Creature Comfort

I don't know about you, but when the weather turns to fall and winter I no longer wish to drink water, eat salads, eat healthy period. I want to eat warm casseroles, pastas, hot cocoa's etc.

Thankfully because I run, I can get away with eating a treat or two and pay no consequence. But, I find lately I just eat more. I am busy, I have six kids, I have house to tend to, husband's needs to tend to. Family stuff, photography stuff. But, it just boils down to the fact that I have to care for myself, and in turn I can care easier for others who need me at all times. Like my Courtney who is still breastfeeding. My little leach LOL!

I have developed an eye twitch in my left eye. It is driving me NUTS! I know I need to slow down...I need to care a bit for me again. Take the time to just treat my body right. That includes eating right, and exercising more etc. But boy oh boy is that tricky when all I want to do is flop over on the couch with a hot yummy drink, and a bag of potato chips. (NO I have NOT done this but the thought is there!)

Just an update :D

My weight is right at 150, and I figure this is where my body likes to be so I will not fight with it. Now is not the time to fight my body! I have to WORK with my body. I am not going to be so hung up on the numbers on the scale.

I am 'in between' clinics right now. I ran 7 kms last night and I felt great! I am starting my second half marathon clinic next week. That clinic will prepare me for another half in February 2009. I cannot wait! And, I have decided to do one more half after that...either Vancouver Half, or Scotia Half. And, in June 2009 when the marathon clinic starts up I will train for 18 weeks to prepare for my very first MARATHON to take place in Victoria on the very same place I ran my first half marathon (and LOVED it!) in October 2009. Perfect birthday present!

So, all good!

About a week later update

Things are going very well over here. The scale FINALLY budged past the 147 mark, and I actually saw 145.8 this morning after my 12 km run. That was really a good feeling! It seems that I have FINALLY pushed past this 3 month plateau that I have been desperately working through. It has been an exercise in patience that is for sure.

My eating has been good. 

Kashi, skim milk and berries for breakfast

protein bars for snacks

yogurt, ground flax and raisins for snacks

and a salad or lean cuisine, or whole wheat pasta with totmato sauce for dinner. 

I supplement with fresh fruits, lots of water, my vitamins, an iron supplement and of course chocolate! And a couple of cookies with a decaf coffee in the evening with a splash of skim milk.

I have been exercising a bit more too. I have been out on my tempo runs, my hill training and of course my long slow distance runs on Sunday mornings. I really want to add in weight training too, but it is hard to 'fit it all in' so I run if that is all I can do. I have found adding in an extra tempo run with a big hill on Fridays to be just what I need. It felt great, so I hope to do the same on Friday. 

Race day looms closer, and I am still trying to wean but a little girl who shall remain nameless is not really game, but I keep moving forward. 2 feeds done, and we found an Advent cup that she really likes in fact on our errand drive around this afternoon she drank almost the whole thing on her own! So, I think I will buy a couple more to have on hand.

It feels so good to be back on track, and my momentum has kicked into overdrive! I am 10 pounds from my goal of 135! Seriously, I have 10 pounds to go! Boy oh boy does it feel great to say that finally!

not feelin' it

I am tired, I haven't been sleeping well, and when I do it is usually right on the couch. My running is going well, but my eating is not. I find myself eating 'bad' things when the moment strikes. Today it was an ice cream sandwich. Yesterday, a bit too much chocolate.

But like I have said before, I am not really in the weight loss mind frame anymore. I do not like the loose skin that is starting to hand on my stomach, hips, arms and legs. It doesn't feel very attractive. I don't feel attractive. At most times I do not. I feel that food is one of the things that makes me feel happy these days. Not the number on the scale, or anything else.

Anyways, today I took a tumble onto the tile floor, and my shoulder, arm and leg is sore. I run tomorrow, and I just hope I will be feelin' it!

I feel exhauted after the week we have had with all of the throw up. I am hoping and praying for a happy and healthy August.

I need to kickstart myself somehow. I need to re-b00t my drive again. I seemed to have lost it.

Uggggggh.