Back in the swing of things

I think I am finally getting back in the swing of things.  Things specifically being running.  I have been able to do my last 3 long runs outside here and it is gorgeous.  The first time it was 28 degrees and I had on my capri's, leg warmers, 3 layers and a jacket on top, gloves and a hat.  I was able to lose the gloves, hat and jacket during that run.  I was surprisingly comfortable.  The views of the snow covered mountains against the huge blue sky was inspiring, even if I did just run around the high school track. 

The next run I just went for the capri's a long sleeve T shirt, socks, leg warmers, a jacket, and a band to cover my ears.  It was 34 degrees out so it was a little warmer, ended up shedding the jacket, but again, surprisingly comfortable. Again, snow covered mountains, blue skies and the high school track.  I ran my 6 miles in about an hour and a half.

Last weeks long run I was brave enough to try out the Spanish Fork River trail-6  miles.  Still had blue skies, but also I also got to enjoy the river, even if the trail suffered some damage over the winter so there are work crews repairing the asphalt and removing trees in places. Blue skies, but none of the trees have leaves yet, so I bet the trail is even more beautiful as spring rolls in.  I wore my standard Capris, a long sleeve T-shirt and running jacket. I don't know what the temp was, I think in the 40's and it was very comfortable. I ran my 7 miles in an hour and a half, apparently the trail is more motivating to run on.  Although the last mile was really fast because I could see that I was almost home.

For my normal run today I ventured out on the trail system again, dressed like I was last time, I didn't know what the temp was today, but there were blue skies.  The moment I stepped out the door I realized the jacket was too much, so I headed out in my Capri's and a long sleeve T-shirt.   Waaaaaay to much.  I was sweating like crazy when I got home I checked the temp and it was 58 degrees!  Looks like it is time to  switch to my running shorts and tech t shirt.  I can't help but think about just how hot it is going to get....and I can't wear anything less than that. I am not the kind of person to run in a sports bra, the thought makes me shudder, and think about the biggest loser, probably not a visual anyone else wanted either.  Sorry.  Hopefully the weather change will be gradual so I can get used to it.  

I signed up for the biggest loser half marathon in Seattle, in October, this should be enough motivation to keep me running through the summer.  The idea is that if I can stay healthy and run through the off season i may even attempt a full marathon next year, at least that is the idea....

Happy running!
 

Run Like a Mother

I registered for the Utah Valley half Marathon in June, which means it is time to start training! 
I have the training program I used for my last halfs, but I am looking for something different, I want to be a little better preparede overall this time.  I don't just want to finish, I want to be able to function later in the day after I finish.  This means I need to be better prepared than I have been in the past.

To start with I joined Gold's Gym and got a few sessions with a personal traininer to help me learn some exercises to work the muscles I am not using when I run.  So far so good, I didn't sign up for  very many sessions (because let's face it, they are too expensive), but for right now it is helping me get to the gym on my non-run days. 

I am also continuing to work on my biggest loser weight loss challenge-I have moved a sum total of 10 clothes pins since I started.  I say sum total because I had a couple clothes pins go the wrong direction at one point, but I am back on track>

Finally, I made a trip to Barnes and Noble yesterday for some written motiviation and training plans.  I found a couple books that look helpful.  The first one is called "Run Like a Mother"  by Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea.  I am about 3/4 of the way through it, and while some of it doesn't apply to me because I don't have small children at home anymore, there was enough motivation in the pages to get me to the gym for my long run today.  I also got a few ideas for training and it is good to see that others play the same mind games as I do at times to get themselves to the gym.  Like the ploy of telling myself  I don't feel like running, so I will just walk the distance today, or run a little bit, knowing full well that once I get going I am going to run, not walk.  Let's be honest, there are a lot of runners like me that don't wake up in the morning saying YEAH... It's long run day!  But hey, feels so great when it is done!

On an Awkward note-While I was on my long run today I younger guy kept staring at me, I thought boy, you are way to young for me!  Seriously flattering myself, until I realized that I am very pale skinned, so when I run my face turns beat red, the poor guy was probably watching me thinking I was going to pass out!  Thankfully that didn't happen, at least not today.  But I did get in my 4 miles!

Getting settled and  IT'S BIGGEST LOSER TIME!!!!! 

It's been a while since I posted.  I have been busy settling in to our new home and my new job.  My life here is vastly different from my life in Washington.   Sometimes it feels like I have gone in to an alternate universe or something.   I get to see my kids and grandkids so much more often, I love my new house and I am getting more comfortable at my new job every day. 

With all the changes, especially sitting at a desk all day, and the holidays I have gotten way out of shape and gained some weight.  It is time to make a change!  I am not calling it a new years resolution because people don't keep those.  I am calling it a life change and I am using all my resources to help me.  I am continuing with weight watchers, going to Gold's Gym and I signed up to run the Utah Valley half marathon.  I know from experience that having a huge goal like that really motivates me to get out and run, even when I don't feel like it, because I know that if I am not properly prepared I won't be able to enjoy the experience as much and I will deny myself the wonderful feeling of accomplishment I have when I finish strong. 

Also, I was on pinterest and I saw a pin where the person had taken 2 clotheslines and put a clothespin for every pound she wants to lose on the top line.  For every  pound she loses she moves a clothes pin from the top to the bottom.  I decided to do the same thing, I like the visual impact, only I am doing it a little differently.  I am using a large belt, the one that fits me now for the top line and I am using a small belt, the one that will fit me when I reach my goal on the bottom.  I started last week and if I can figure it out I will include a picture of it.  It will help add some accountability. 

Probably my biggest motivation has been watching The Biggest loser.  I love that show and this year one of the contestents is from Utah, and part of the Ogden outreach, so there is a more personal connection.  Go Jackson! 

Everyone was upset by Jillians behavior, saying she was too mean to the contestants, but if people stop and think back to the fiasco that happened at the end of last season I think that the producers probably encouraged her to pressure the people that might create issues like that again.  Did you notice the contestants didn't get to pick teams this year, and seems like all the people struggling attitude wise were on her team?  I think I would want Jillian as my trainer if I went on The Biggest Loser because she gets the best results.    This  has ended up to be a long blog, thanks for reading it if you made it to the end.

Teaser:  I am planning on doing a give away of something scentsy (because I sell that now)  just need to work out the details.