almost half way there

That's right folks - I ran five miles today which is almost half of a half marathon! :) hehe. Today was the first day wearing water belts. While it did bounce around and annoy me for a few miles it was wonderful to have water to drink whenever I wanted it. Next week we also have to have a snack with us - I think I'll try my sport beans (jelly belly jelly beans made for runners). My pace group and I (name still to be determined by my students) ran a little fast - we finished in 62 mins but were slated to finish in 65. We need to slow it down a bit but I'm sure that'll happen next week with 6 miles. I felt it this week! My hips were tight/sore/bugging me and at times I just wanted to slow down. I never felt the need to stop altogether though - I wasn't out of breath just sore. I feel good - I might go for a walk tonight though if it isn't storming just to keep my muscles loose!
A few of us stinky runners went to the bagel bakery after and sat, ate and talked for about an hour and a half. It was so nice to talk to each other and not run at the same time. Some of my fav girls who are in the pace group ahead of me :( came along so it was nice to spend time with my old running buddies. Too fast for me!
On a training/diet update: I've been hydrating pretty well although I should up my water intake more during the school day. I've been on points but after craving Chinese on Thursday, it took up the majority of my flex points so I certainly can't cheat this weekend! Must be good...must be good. My next weigh in is Monday and I'm hoping to have lost more than 50 lbs. I hit the 50 lb park last Saturday but gained some after eating at panera bread, although it was totally worth it! As of this morning I have 12 days to lose 4 pounds. Tough but doable if I don't cheat! We shall see. I didn't cross train at all this past week but I did get my 2 required maintenance runs in -thanks to Nicole. Thursday we were slotted to run but I didn't want to and I wanted Chinese. She bribed me - we ran a shorter amount in exchange for going out for dinner. :) I love bribery!

OK...I stink and the shower is calling my name. Pray I don't get too stiff today and I sit at the PERK!!!! and do grad work and grading. I have almost a marking periods worth of grading to do before I can start my report cards. Oy! Today is a work work work day so I can have FUN tomorrow!

4 miler and beyond

Saturday's 4 mile run went very well. My pace group and I finished 2 minutes faster than we were suppose to but we were feeling good. It's encouraging to know we can slow down a bit. The 3:1 walk ratio is great. It had been awhile since I had done a 3:1 since I normally train at a 4:1. I never felt as though I wouldn't make it to the walk break. The five mile seems less daunting now that I've experienced the 4 mile with such positive results. My hip was super sore after but I've been working on stretching it the right way. After I ran today I couldn't even begin to stretch it but I babied my hip through the stretch - inch by inch - until I could stretch it properly without pain. So far so good. Really other than the hip popping and pain I feel great. Tomorrow I think Nicole and I are going to go for a bike ride as our cross training. This could be my week to eat right and exercise - while getting a good night's sleep Friday. Could the stars really align to make me put all my "requirements" in place at once? We shall see.
I'm cutting it short because it's beautiful out and company is coming over soon. :) Happy running!

And the winner is....

Glenda! Glenda bought some last minute tickets and was the gran prize winner of a week at The Pelican in Avon, NC. Together we made almost $1,000 selling the tickets. So each of us will get almost $250! That puts me over my $1,000 requirement to race and closer to my new goal of $1,310.

Thanks this week to ALL who bought raffle tickets and my Aunt Nancy, my latest supporter!

I am being good tonight - ate on points - drank plenty of water - ate my pasta - and have a evening planned at home which will include going to bed at a decent time. Hopefully all that will help me be prepared for tomorrow's 4 miler. No update after the run tomorrow - a bunch of us are headed to Ripken Stadium to watch St. Michaels HS baseball play in the state tournament. A day of fun in the sun!

tight tonight

So today I ran. That's about all I have to say about that experience. I was tight - a bit sore - and the running just wasn't all that enjoyable. But...I did it. I backed off and only did six 4:1 run/walk cycles and walked a bit before and after. It still falls under what I need to do during the week but I'm feeling the effects of my laziness. I need to move more on work nights - whether it's cross training, cleaning, or doing laundry - I need to be more productive and less sedentary when I get home from work. I'm sure that will help. With that said - I'm off to clean a bit - launder a bit - and then work on lesson plans for next week.
Next Up: Fundraising info tomorrow on my mail in donors this week - final amount of fundraising from beach house raffle - and announcement of the beach house winner.
Saturday is the 4 miler - first increase in mileage - first week in pace groups - first time someone tells me to slow down my pace. :)

Iran with my Ipod

Lovin the Ipod! I did run today - 45 minute run walk ALL over town. I am a bit sore - probably since I hadn't run since Saturday. Bad bad Carolanne.. I know! I will run again tomorrow then await my pace group 4 miler on Saturday. Nothing new really - just watching some American Idol then heading to bed. Still eating on points and working out - I can't wait to see how this pays off.

Booked

Well...I am really going to do this now. The official race weekend hotel is booked. (sorry folks - I went up in price and went for the hotel on the boardwalk at the finish line!). Jen had found a cheap hotel with a kitchen (which is awesome since we need to watch what we eat prior to the race). However it was about 25 blocks from the finish line/concert area. I'd love to save money but the thought of booking it and being unhappy with comfort etc just outweighed the savings. I mean truly - how often do I stay in a hotel Labor Day weekend in Virginia Beach. SO....Nicole and I opted to spend a bit more and go in on the block of rooms LeaAnn had at Surfside Oceanfront Inn & Suites. The pictures are nice - and it does have a fridge and microwave - so "cooking" at the hotel will be possible. Now that I'm spending gobs of mula on the hotel - if anyone wants to pamper the runner with a gas card for the trip that would be wonderful - nothing like a moocher right? hehe.

I've been a slacker on the running this week - well to be honest I haven't done anything since Saturday but I've eaten really well - doesn't that count for something? I swear - If I am on target with the exercise I'm eating handfuls of M&Ms - If I am eating right I am lazy. Someday this will match. It better! I just set my end of school year weight loss goal - Which would mean 7 pounds by 6/12. It's a stretch but possible if I work hard - SO...do not buy me candy or chocolate - NO inviting me out to eat - Let me lock myself in eat on points and exercise - I have to do this for me!! The tempting food just truly isn't worth me feeling uncomfortable. Plus - my goal gift arrived and Nicole is holding it hostage until I reach the goal and I REALLY want to show it off before school lets out. So...7 pounds in 23 days - woohoo!!! Here I come!

update

Now that I've been up for 14 hours and have been done running for 12 hours I thought I'd update you. I'm tired. My legs are tired! They are actually kind of restless from hip to ankle! I definitely have to walk a while tomorrow to stretch them out. So..a little sore and tired but doing well (even though I'd like to pig out a bit on ice cream or something but I only have 2 points left for the day...that won't be happening. grrr.)

3 miler

I'm getting pretty comfortable at this 3 mile thing. :) Too bad I can't do 3 miles again on a Saturday ever again. Ha. Today was our 3 mile timed run so that our coaches could put us in pace groups. I made group I - which is a 12 min mile (a far cry from where I started in training). That puts me at a 3 min run, 1 min. walk ratio for the entire 1/2 marathon. I'm not sure who else is in my group yet. A few of my favorite running buddies are in the group right ahead of me doing a 4:1 - which is what I've been running. The run felt good today - was the first time I ran with my Ipod in ages. It helped tremendously since we were to run on our own, which I haven't done in ages either. I still love my sneakers! No aches or pains - although my right hip area was tight before we ran. I really need to do those stretches and strengthening exercises I ripped out of running world. They had an article about "hip popping/clicking" - which is my only running issue. It hasn't caused a problem when running like it used to last year but I almost constantly now have a small popping anytime I walk. It's just a matter of strengthening that muscle so I need to do that so it doesn't cause problems as we increase miles.
On a fundraising note: I am at 87% of my goal! WOOHOO!!! My supporters this week - who of course are rocking my world are: Frank & Ellie, Steph & Chris and Kristy (not sure if I mentioned her $130 donating from the jewelry party before). I know I have 3 more definite checks on their way plus the money we split from the beach house raffle puts me WELL above my goal. So... I am going to increase my goal from $1,000 to $1,310 ($100 per mile). I'm constantly amazed at the generosity of my friends and family. You guys ROCK for ROCKS!

P.S. - The VA Beach 1/2 marathon shirts just went on sale - I've been waiting for them to list these since I decided to join - I am SO going to order one today! :)

drooling...

I want this. I would love to know how far I run and determine my pace. It's on sale at Amazon for only $88. I can't justify spending the money but I want it. hm... I'm drooling! (Also drooling over the awesome banana chocolate chip coffee cake I'm eating).

8 points

I earned 8 activity points today and I'm gonna go get a reduced fat banana chocolate chip coffee cake from Starbucks to get rid of the 8 activity points. :)
I did a bit of pilates and yoga earlier today then ran tonight. I am certainly tired - sore muscles - definitely going to take it easy tomorrow. I'll probably just do an easy run tomorrow and then rest Friday to prepare for the timed 3 miler Saturday morning.
On the weight loss side - I'm ALMOST back down to my 50lb weight loss since I started WW. I had reached that goal a few months ago and quickly gained 12lbs. back. If I work hard my weigh in on Monday could put me back to my 50lb loss. Then it's all smiles from there. That will make me the lightest I've been since freshman year of college! It took me long enough but it's SO worth it. This marathon thing is so helpful in forcing me to workout in addition to eating right!
I also just bought my 10% weight loss gift from life is good. WW encourages people to reward themselves every time they lose 10% of their body weight. I used to reward myself with food...DUH - could be the reason why it took me so long to lose. My next 10% is only 6 pounds away - so it's ordered but I can't use it until I reach the goal. :)

It's raining and cold!

Why yes Amy I know it could rain on race day...and of course it could be 45 degrees but after training for 5 months I'd run anyway...however I backed out of running 45 mins. today. It's cold and rainy! I did cross train though - a 40 minute pilates dvd...spent much of it laughing and attempting the moves. I can totally feel that I worked my muscles but it was certainly harder than the pilates class that we had at school. So...I shall run tomorrow...I promise - but if it's cold and rainy I may just opt for going to the Y.

2nd Saturday of Obligation

Last night's high of raising $130 quickly turned into this morning's slump of tiredness. There was very little of me that wanted to run this morning. Again my stomach was bugging me (could have been all the spinach & herb dip or cookies from the party). After Nicole and I both whined to each other about not wanting to get up and go - we both did get up and get ready to run. It was chilly and did end up raining on us. I had decided on the car ride there that I would just run the 2 miles necessary and call it a day. That didn't happen. I quickly ended up with my normal group and ran 3.2 miles around town. We did about a 13 minute mile and it wasn't bad at all. At about mile 1.5 my stomach decided to remind me of my poor eating choices the night before. As it rumbled I listened, slowed down, and prayed I wouldn't have to stop. Without letting anyone know what was going on inside my body I kept running and my running buddy Jen kept talking to me. Without realizing it, the rumbling went away and we finished strong. After chatting and stretching for a few minutes Nicole and I headed to the Bagel Bakery for breakfast! The 3 mile timed run is next week - I'll have my pace group and then the following week we'll increase in miles. Overall things are still going well. I need to focus more this week on keeping a training schedule, including cross training, and eating well the night before. Some week it will all fall into place I'm sure.

On a side note: I was insistent on eating well today so before I headed to PA, I bought a 20oz. G2 and a 23oz water for the ride. I decided to skip my usual wawa stop and just stop at the PA rest stop. That proved to be a VERY poor choice. When I began to merge onto 95N I realized I had to go to the bathroom - like...very soon. That wouldn't have been a problem normally because the PA rest stop would be coming within 20 mins or so. However, some genius decided to close 2 of the 4 northbound lanes on 95 this weekend due to construction. So...It took me over 35 minutes to travel about 5 miles. All the while shifting in my seat as I got more and more uncomfortable. At this point my G2 was 3/4 gone and my water was 1/2 gone. Who could blame me...I was thirsty! I decided to get off whatever exit was first - bad choice! I traveled into downtown Wilmington - where there are NO places to head to the bathroom. When I felt as though I was going to burst or cry from frustration of not knowing where I was and desperately having to pee...I stopped at a convienence store/gas station/pizza shop. I walked in and asked if they had a bathroom. I must have looked desperate because I was ushered to the back kitchen where the door to the bathroom had tips on what to do if being burglarized. After waiting for a worker to finish using the bathroom I finally had my chance. THANK GOD! The traffic and bathroom adventure extended my trip by an hour. A little annoyed but overall relieved I finished my trip and my drinks and arrived in PA safely! Words of Wisdom - DON'T drink all that and skip the normal bathroom stop in an effort to save time.

Cookie Lee

Just a quick note tonight since I should be in bed!
I had my Cookie Lee Fundraising Party tonight - and raised $130. Thanks to all the wonderful people that bought jewelry!!!! I also got TONS of free and reduced priced jewelry too which was an awesome benefit. Adding the $130 from tonight's party with the wonderful donations from Christine and Dad (again) I am now at 75% of my goal. With the money coming in from the beach house raffle tickets and the 2 checks I know are also heading my way soon I will be so close to reaching my $1000 goal well in advance.

Now..to focus more on training...off to bed. 6am will come mighty quick! After the run I'm home to pack and head to PA for Mother's Day. I also have to finish my curriculum unit by Sunday night...so I will be busy busy busy! Hopefully I'll find time to update you all about my run tomorrow.

:)

Unmotivated

So...first week of official training and in comes the lack of motivation. Lots has happened this week that I've chosen to use as excuses. I did run today - down to the ball field to see some students play and then ran back. I was sore and tired but I pushed myself. I could have done better had today not been the first day I ran since Saturday morning. With everything going on I won't run again till Saturday morning. I need to get myself more in gear next week!



On a fundraising note: I am already at 60% of my goal. My Cookie Lee fundraising party is Friday and we're still selling raffle tickets for a beach house. I know for sure I have 2 more checks on their way. I am feeling really confident about the raising of the funds!

there are no words

I honestly can't think of much to say - which is a rare occasion for me. I received a $250 donation for my 1/2 marathon today from Lisa Beamer! It truly just brings tears to my eyes. For those of you who don't know who that is let me explain. Lisa and her husband Todd were my youth leaders in high school. They also taught my Sunday school class at Princeton Alliance Church. I babysat their little boys and just absolutely adored the whole Beamer family. Todd was a passenger on Flight 93 that crashed in PA on September 11th. He meant so much to me and I never had the chance to tell him that. Lisa and I have kept in touch through Christmas cards each year and her and her kids' pictures are on my fridge. They hold such a special place in my heart. She and Todd have always been more than generous to me, supporting my many mission trips, but never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I'd receive such a large gift. So Lisa, if you are reading this - Thank you - you've not only supported my cause but shown me once again the type of person you are - always thinking of and caring for others. I hope to one day bless others as you have blessed me throughout my life!
So I will not wait until Friday to honor my extra special donor - Lisa - THANKS!!!!

The day after

I woke up this morning - no hip popping - no knee pain. Woohoo! I feel good, from running that is. I barely slept last night because I can't breathe. I must have gotten a cold. My head was killing me and I am super congested as well as way tired. I've learned that the post run nap on Saturday is going to be a must, even though I never got one in yesterday. By 8pm I was dragging and just sat around ready for bed. Here's hoping today is a bit more productive on the laundry and cleaning end. Tomorrow is back to school and pilates.

PS

PS... I am tired and after I clean my room I am TOTALLY taking a nap.

Training Day 1

LOVE IT! Let me say it again - I LOVED this morning. But let's back up a bit. Amy said to eat healthy the day before - hydrate well - get enough sleep - and get up about an hour before the run and move around. Hm...didn't so a lot of that. Let's start with yesterday - Debbie bought her girls donuts - I ate a few mini frosted donuts...then went to Rams Head in Annapolis for dinner. It was the first day in 3 weeks I've eaten off points. I had a bacon cheeseburger, french fries and a glass of beer...oh and peanut butter pie. Whoops! I paid for it this morning a bit in the bathroom, which I assumed. I was a little worried that I would also pay for it on the run but my stomach eventually settled down and I was just fine. Having so many people running together was encouraging. I was also encouraging to set the pace for a group of 3 milers and feel good about the pace. I have come a long way in just a few months. It makes me excited to see how much farther along I'll be come race day.
We ran today at a 4:1 ratio for 3 miles - which took about 38 minutes. I felt so good when we were done, I totally could have kept running. That fact alone made me feel tons better about this training. I don't have to increase milage for another 2 weeks so I'll be more comfortable at the 3 mile by then and definitely be ready to increase milage. I'm also loving being awake and alert so early on a Saturday. I have the whole day ahead of me - running done, breakfast done, shower done and normally I've only just woken up by now.
On a fundraising note: I'm now are 33% of my goal! :) My newest supporters are: Becky, Mary, & Debbie! Love them! Cards are on the way...gotta make some more today. Off to the outlets with Nicole then home to be productive!!! Many smiles today from the happy runner. I promise next Friday I'll eat healthier (at my fundraising Cookie Lee party.....anyone wanna come???).