Marathons!

I ran the longest leg of the Lehigh Valley Marathon on September 13th - 6.5 miles. Our relay team (comprised of 5 moms from the gym) came in FIRST PLACE for our category - we completed the marathon in 3:34:34! We're famous at the gym now!


Of course, that event had me pumped for the Philadelphia ING Distance Run (half marathon) which I completed this past weekend. I finished in 2:02:42. My goal was to finish in under 2:15, but I knew even with that number I was giving myself some cushion. Realistically, I knew I could finish in 2:08. Needless to say, I am thrilled that I even finished at all!

All of the numbers listed are within seconds of my personal bests at each distance. Talk about consistent, eh?

My next event in November 1st - the Race for Hope 5k. Last year I ran it in 27:30. This year I want to finish in under 26min.

I will be working on my speed in the upcoming weeks/months - No real long runs in my future.

running and other stuff

So my biggest news is that I have been asked to be part of a Relay team for The Lehigh Valley Via Marathon. I was thinking about running the half marathon event, but wasn't sure that I'd be ready by then. I am excited to be part of a relay team. I'll update on that when I have more info.

I have been taking Ab Blaster classes at the gym 3 times/week and I have to say that I am really noticing changes in my mid section. I am still flabby and stretched out - I don't think that will even go away without surgery - but I can feel my ab muscles (under my flab) and my waist has toned up a bit too.
I still want to have a tummy tuck... once our debt is paid off, I want to schedule a consultation. Right now, we don't have the money for such a big expense. But it's always in the back if my mind.

I finished a session of bootcamp last week and will attend another session starting next week. I really like it. I am meeting some great people and having a lot of fun. It is exactly the change I needed from the monotony of running.

I have been putting bad foods into my body. That will be a forever struggle and these days I have to take it one meal at a time to get through the day.

Home

We had an awesome week at the shore. I ate too much pizza and ice cream... and fudge. blah. BUT.... I ran 4-5 miles every day except Wednesday. I even ran on the day we packed up to come home! I got in well over 25 miles in 1 week! I also did squats and lunges 3 times. Wish I worked my abs more. oh well.
This week I am back to the grind. I must fit nicely into a bridesmaid dress on Saturday, so I am off sugar again this week. My face is broken out and I am anxious to rid myself of it over the next few days while I detox.

Vacation!

We're leaving in the morning for the beach. I am quite impressed with my dedication to exercise over the past 2 weeks. Bootcamp is just awesome and I have been cycling more too. Definitely not running as much, but I suspect I'll be running at the shore a lot this week. In fact, I might try to squeeze in the Fire Cracker 4 miler tomorrow morning, if time allows.
So, I don't know how much I weigh at the moment. I do know that my clothes are fitting great and I am feeling really better than great.
I don't plan to be on my best behavior while on vacation, but I am going into it armed with a plan. I am bringing many of the foods I eat regularly anyway and I hope to stick with a decent meal plan for most of the trip. But what's vacation without a little bit of indulgence?

I am almost positive that my next post will be me comlaining about how fat I feel...

See you in a week!

eek!

129.9 today. The first time. 137 after that. whatever.

We went out to eat last night and I skipped out on drinks. Didn't really miss em. Okay, well, maybe just a smidge. But once committed to our friends that "I'm not drinking tonight," I knew I couldn't turn back. I skipped dessert (even tho the menu was phenomenal) but had a taste of Bobby's chocolate ice cream - it was Penn State Creamery ice cream, I could not resist.

Anyhow, I managed to work out every day this week and will take tomorrow (and maybe sunday) off. I'm becoming impressed with my strength again, and really pleased that I am starting to see more muscle definition.

Vacation starts in a week. I need a new bathing suit and cover up! Will shop this weekend.
I must continue my sugar strike this week, then we'll see what happens on vacation.

m-o-d-e-r-a-t-i-o-n. must remember.

Going on 2 weeks...

Tomorrow will be 2 weeks without sugar. Phew. Okay, so I am potty training the boy twin and rewarding him with m&ms. I ate 3 last night. Three. That's all, just 3. Mmm, they were good. I remember that sweet things always taste so much better to me when I don't have sugar in my system.

I feel spectacular. Better than great! My skin and hair and nails are healthy, my clothes are fitting comfier than before and my energy is off the charts. And those xs shorts I got at Target last week? They are loose on me!
I look forward to getting dressed every day again... it's nice knowing that everything fits... and fits well. For awhile there, I was avoiding anything that had zippers or buttons.

The scale... I still hate the scale. this morning, it told me 131.7 - twice. Awesome. I feel 131.7. The next 5 times it said 135.8. Something is wrong with it, obviously. I wish I had my old scale back so I could compare. But... it doesn't matter, right? I feel good, and that is that.

Bootcamp started yesterday. It was rough, but worth it. I think I am going to like it a lot.

We leave for vacation a week from Saturday. When we return I'll have a different story to tell (a tale of pizza and ice cream and lazy days a the beach). Can't wait!

update

So, yesterday on the scale I was 133.2. Today I was 135.2. I don't get it and I don't trust this scale.

The good news is, I FEEL 133ish. I bought a new pair of linen shorts last night at Target - they are xs. I FEEL skinny again. phew.

I ran 5 miles yesterday and could have done more if I had more time. I did squats, lunges, abs, chest, shoulders and back. I have been lifting again for about 3 weeks. I feel really good and toned. (and this might also be why the scale won't read what I want it to -muscle/water weight?)
I took a spinning class on Wednesday and I loved it. It's been a long time since I cycled. I am going to try to do it once/week. I also signed up for BootCamp twice/week at the park and it starts on Tuesday. I am excited - I think it will be the change of pace I am looking for. I still want to run - just not as much - I was getting burned out.

I found this fat pic of me from 4th of July 2007:


And here I am 4th of July 2008:


Have a great weekend!