12 Races in 2011!

So, about 2 months ago I decided I was going to do a race a month for the rest of the year...then looking back, I realized at the end of the year I will have participated in some way in 12 races in 2011.
Here's a rundown of what I've participated in so far and a wrap up of my latest race!

It was last October when I decided (with the help of some friends) that I needed to start taking better care of me. At the time, if someone asked me if I ran my answer was always, "Only if someone's chasing me". Who would've thought that 9 months later I would be a runner? I can say I'm a runner for two reasons:

1. I'm obsessed with any and all running accessories! Road ID bracelet-check! UV arm muffs-Check! Belt with water bottles on it-Check! Fancy compression socks-Check! New shoes and newer shoes-check! Next purchase is that super fancy Garmin watch that Staci has....oooooh I want one, but I promised I'd lose 5 more pounds first!

2. I smile when I see a photographer during races.

In November I started C25K and decided I would run the 5K that I was co-chairing. Well, I didn't run that race BUT I have done A LOT more!

Here's a quick recap of what I've done so far:

Race #1
3/5/2011- Mardi Gras Madness 5K - Goals were- under 45 minutes, run the whole time, don't come in last
Finished in 40:22, ran the whole time, didn't come in last!!!!

Race #2
3/12/2011- St Patrick's Day 5K-Goals were under 50 minutes (it was a tough cross country course with big hills), don't come in last.
Finished in 47:12, didn't come in last

Race #3
4/9/2011- Footsteps 5K-Goals were under 40 minutes, don't come in last
Finished in 39:36, didn't come in last

Race #4
4/17/2011-Down & Dirty Mud Run-Goals were have fun, finish!
Finished in 1:02...I had no idea what to expect but it was so much fun, I'll definitely do it again!

Race #5
5/14/2011-BMCF Fight It! 5K-I didn't run this race, but I co-chaired it. It was by far the hardest thing I've ever done (and I'm still finishing a few loose ends) however, it was rewarding and exciting as well. We had over 380 runners and raised over $21,000 for a great cause. This was the hardest "race" I've ever done. No amount of training can prepare you for the amount of work it takes to put on a successful event!

Race #6
6/5/2011-Love Run 10K-Goals were to run the whole time, finish, don't be last (and my secret goal was under an hour and a half)
Finished in 1:22:12, ran the whole time, finished and not last!

Now that we're all up-to-date...Here's a recap of yesterday's race!

Race #7
7/4/2011-Independance Day Classic 5K-Goals were to run the whole time and finish under 39 minutes
Unofficial time is 38:18! I ran the whole time and it was HOT!!!!

We all wore red, white and blue! Shout out to Nicole for the cutest running outfit EVER! (That's her in the tutu if you didn't already figure it out!) This is the first race I didn't wear my "That's not sweat it's my fat crying" shirt....but I made up for it.....



I wrote it on my arm along with "Sub 39:00" to remind me what I was doing there and that I had a new goal for a personal record!

That afternoon someone turned my joke around and said, "I can't believe you ran! Was someone chasing you?"
My answer? "Absolutely someone was chasing me! Me....70 pounds ago!" I'm definitely running away from the out-of-shape 70 pound heavier me and toward something soooo much better!

Something better like my next 5 races!

Race #8
8/21/2011-Mc Connell's 10K Santa Barbara
Race #9
9/3/2011- Disneyland 5K
Race #10
10/2/2011-Santa Monica 5000 10K
Race #11
11/6/2011-Santa Clarita Marathon 5K
Race #12
12/4/2011-Rock n Roll 1/2 Marathon in VEGAS!

I also plan on doing more Fun Runs, Running Pub Crawls and training of course. Running has become a big part of my life! I can't believe I'm saying it, but I LOVE IT!

For those of you who think, "I can't run!" You can! I always thought I wasn't a runner, but I'm just not a fast runner. I can do it because my body is so much stronger than I give it credit for! So give your body the credit it deserves and take it for a run!

I Ran a 10K! Who am I?

This past Sunday I participated in The Love Run 5K/10K to benefit Senior Concerns. This great charity raises money to bring "Meals on Wheels" to senior citizens. It was a great day, a great event and a great run! Let's go back a little bit....

After finishing my 3rd 5K in April, I decided I wanted to try a 10K. Some friends, who will remain nameless but you know who you are (CAT AND ANG!), were trying to talk me into running a half marathon and I thought I could placate them by signing up for a 10K as a test run.
I found The Love Run and a 10K in August on raceplace.com and proceeded to sign up for them as preparation for the half I MAY or MAY NOT sign up for. Lo and behold, I signed up for the half marathon a full 3 days before I ever ran the 10K. But I digress....

I've been training with my running buddies, Heather (aka Ditto), Ryan (a girl with a boy's name) and Lindsey (aka Lu)...we did weekly runs, slowly added a half a mile or so each week. However, last week I came down with a cold. I wanted to be healthy for the 10K, so I eased back on my exercise and DOUSED myself with vitamin C.

I had 3 simple goals for the race:

1. Run the whole time
2. Finish
3. Don't be last

I didn't want to give myself a time goal, but secretly I was hoping to get in under 1 hour and 30 minutes!

We carbed up on pasta the night before and on race day Ditto picked us up at 5:30am the morning of the run! We stopped at Starbucks for our morning burst of energy and as we walked out Ryan gasped!

A FULL rainbow was over us!


We could literally see where it hit the horizon on both ends! Lu was about to ditch the race to find the leprechaun and the pot of gold!

We headed down to the race, picked up our packets and bibs and stretched! The race started a bit late, but here's how I felt mile by mile.

Mile One:
About 30 minutes before I took some "Sports Beans", this is the best I've felt on a first mile before. I don't know if it was all in my head, but I found a great stride and got lost in my music. At this point I was still with a large pack because the 10K and 5K were intermingled.

Mile Two:
Still doing ok, music still rocking. What pushed me forward? The hairy man!!! There is a man who does all the races in the SCV and no matter the season or weather, he wears short shorts and no shirt and he is HAIRY! This race was at least 40 minutes from home and there he was, sweat glistening off of his shoulder hair, motivating me to get keep going. Thanks hairy man...whoever you are!!!

Mile 3:
LONGEST.MILE.EVER! I'm admittedly the slowest of my friends and all I wanted to do was see them at the turn around because it meant I was almost there! When I finally did run by them, I made them take out their headphones so I could yell, "HAIRY MAN!"

Mile 4: By far the BEST mile of the race. Every song on my shuffle was AWESOME! My theme song came on. I sang out loud and ran. By this time, I was pretty much alone. It seems I'm the slowest of the runners, but faster than the walkers.

Mile 5: Still feeling good!

Mile 6: This was a tough one, a bit of an incline and this one girl was pacing me. She'd pass me, then walk. Every time I passed her, she wasn't having it and would run again. That is, until the last .2 miles. She literally stopped running and started texting. I said to myself, "Peace out Homie!" and started booking. My body hurt the second I could see the finish line, but I finished strong.

Time: 1:24: 42
Then it was time for the chip time, it actually took us almost 3 minutes to start so my official time: 1:22:12!!!!!

I met all my goals! Even my secret one! All in all a great day! I can't wait for my next 10K in August. This one has an added benefit, an ice cream sundae bar at the end of the race! Yes please!
And I'm doing it, The Rock N Roll Half Marathon in Vegas in December.

As my friend April would say, "The Heather of 5 years ago is saying, 'What the hell?'" Shoot, the Heather of ONE year ago is saying that!

Thanks Ditto, Lu and Ryan for a fun run and being great support!



XOXO
STEW

I Ran a 10K! Who am I?

This past Sunday I participated in The Love Run 5K/10K to benefit Senior Concerns. This great charity raises money to bring "Meals on Wheels" to senior citizens. It was a great day, a great event and a great run! Let's go back a little bit....

After finishing my 3rd 5K in April, I decided I wanted to try a 10K. Some friends, who will remain nameless but you know who you are (CAT AND ANG!), were trying to talk me into running a half marathon and I thought I could placate them by signing up for a 10K as a test run.
I found The Love Run and a 10K in August on raceplace.com and proceeded to sign up for them as preparation for the half I MAY or MAY NOT sign up for. Lo and behold, I signed up for the half marathon a full 3 days before I ever ran the 10K. But I digress....

I've been training with my running buddies, Heather (aka Ditto), Ryan (a girl with a boy's name) and Lindsey (aka Lu)...we did weekly runs, slowly added a half a mile or so each week. However, last week I came down with a cold. I wanted to be healthy for the 10K, so I eased back on my exercise and DOUSED myself with vitamin C.

I had 3 simple goals for the race:

1. Run the whole time
2. Finish
3. Don't be last

I didn't want to give myself a time goal, but secretly I was hoping to get in under 1 hour and 30 minutes!

We carbed up on pasta the night before and on race day Ditto picked us up at 5:30am the morning of the run! We stopped at Starbucks for our morning burst of energy and as we walked out Ryan gasped!

A FULL rainbow was over us!


We could literally see where it hit the horizon on both ends! Lu was about to ditch the race to find the leprechaun and the pot of gold!

We headed down to the race, picked up our packets and bibs and stretched! The race started a bit late, but here's how I felt mile by mile.

Mile One:
About 30 minutes before I took some "Sports Beans", this is the best I've felt on a first mile before. I don't know if it was all in my head, but I found a great stride and got lost in my music. At this point I was still with a large pack because the 10K and 5K were intermingled.

Mile Two:
Still doing ok, music still rocking. What pushed me forward? The hairy man!!! There is a man who does all the races in the SCV and no matter the season or weather, he wears short shorts and no shirt and he is HAIRY! This race was at least 40 minutes from home and there he was, sweat glistening off of his shoulder hair, motivating me to get keep going. Thanks hairy man...whoever you are!!!

Mile 3:
LONGEST.MILE.EVER! I'm admittedly the slowest of my friends and all I wanted to do was see them at the turn around because it meant I was almost there! When I finally did run by them, I made them take out their headphones so I could yell, "HAIRY MAN!"

Mile 4: By far the BEST mile of the race. Every song on my shuffle was AWESOME! My theme song came on. I sang out loud and ran. By this time, I was pretty much alone. It seems I'm the slowest of the runners, but faster than the walkers.

Mile 5: Still feeling good!

Mile 6: This was a tough one, a bit of an incline and this one girl was pacing me. She'd pass me, then walk. Every time I passed her, she wasn't having it and would run again. That is, until the last .2 miles. She literally stopped running and started texting. I said to myself, "Peace out Homie!" and started booking. My body hurt the second I could see the finish line, but I finished strong.

Time: 1:24: 42
Then it was time for the chip time, it actually took us almost 3 minutes to start so my official time: 1:22:12!!!!!

I met all my goals! Even my secret one! All in all a great day! I can't wait for my next 10K in August. This one has an added benefit, an ice cream sundae bar at the end of the race! Yes please!
And I'm doing it, The Rock N Roll Half Marathon in Vegas in December.

As my friend April would say, "The Heather of 5 years ago is saying, 'What the hell?'" Shoot, the Heather of ONE year ago is saying that!

Thanks Ditto, Lu and Ryan for a fun run and being great support!



XOXO
STEW

I found a blog the other day on the website Sparkpeople by a user named Jenswims. It was entitled "176 Reasons to Lose 176 pounds" She encouraged others to make similar lists.

As I approach the half way mark on my journey to lose weight (6 more pounds to go!) and become a happier and healthier ME, I thought making a list would be inspirational, motivational and let's face it, a bit funny! So here it is, 75 reasons for me to lose 75 MORE pounds and gain a whole new life!

Enjoy!

I want to be genuinely happy

I like to run. (I know? Right?!)

I want to be a woman who doesn't have to shop in the "Women's" section!

Because going upstairs to grab something shouldn't be a chore

I like not having to use a seatbelt extender on airplanes

I want to ride roller coasters without worrying I won't fit.

I want to run a 5K in under 35 minutes

I want to feel as good about my outsides as I do about my insides

I want to be attractive to the opposite sex (the same sex can think I'm hot too, but I don't want to do them)

I would like to have children some day.

I want to have clearer skin

I want to look good in a swimsuit and not worry about covering up

I don't want to get diabetes

Wouldn't it be excellent if my thighs didn't rub together anymore?

Being funny and pretty is much more fun than just "funny"

Thinner calves mean sexier boots

Vacations that include bikinis, the ocean and the outdoors.

I don't want to be the token fat girl anymore

I want to wear and look hot in really skimpy lingerie

I like the feeling of setting and meeting goals

I want to run a 1/2 marathon

So the celebrity I'm compared to isn't Ricki Lake (no offense Ricki!)

Because it means I'm treating myself with respect

So I don't have to say, "I love purses, they always fit" because clothes will always fit too

I want ankles, not cankles

So that my thighs and ass are strong instead of jiggly

So I can do a cartwheel

Losing weight improves hirsutism, which means I'll be less of a hairy beast

So I look less like a linebacker and more like a track star!

For all the times I'll step on the scale and feel happy and accomplished

To stop saying things like, "I'll do (fill in the blank) when I lose weight"

HOT SEX! (If you're reading this Mom, sorry.)

New Boobs! (Oh, I'm getting them!)

Running in shorts!

I want to learn to surf

I want to learn to scuba dive

I want to learn to play guitar and speak italian (I figure with all my new found confidence, I'll
be able to do anything!)

I want to run the stairs at COC and feel tired, but not like I want to die

I want to run the LA marathon-in theory

Smaller clothes fit better in suitcases which means I can REALLY overpack!

I want to do yoga and feel good about it

Because it means I didn't give up

Because the world will benefit from my positive attitude

Skinny jeans that are really skinny

Booty shorts that don't make me feel like my hoohah is hanging out

Backless shirts

I like having more energy

ENDORPHINS!!!!!

One size fits all clothes (how about one size fits "small" is more like it)

I like buying girl t-shirts vs. boy t-shirts

Not having to buy clothes online because I can't find clothes that fit in stores.

A whole new wardrobe, seriously! I will have NO CLOTHES THAT FIT at the end of this journey

I used to walk by a mirror and think, "Who's the fat chick following me?" Now I can look and not recognize myself because I'm so much thinner!

To quit hiding behind people in photos

Crossing my legs at the knees instead of crossing my ankles

To wear high heels and not feel like they're going to break due to my weight.

Because I like hearing , "Wow, how much weight have you lost? You look great!"

When I get on the scale at the Dr's office I want to be proud, not embarrassed

No more gross overhang of the gut!

Short sundresses

I want to wear cute and dainty panties under dresses instead of suck it all up and in contraptions

Because hearing, "I like big girls" doesn't feel like a compliment

I dream of the day where my gut doesn't stick out further than my boobs!

Because I don't want to look at a lawn chair and worry I might break it or not be able to get out of it once I'm in it.

To look (and feel) good naked

Because sore muscles is the good kind of hurt

Tailored clothes instead of loose clothes

It will ease the minds of my family and friends

Because it's not fun to ask for the XXL men's robe when you're going to the spa

To inspire others who need the inspiration

Because I LOVE summer

So when I go to the doctor for a cold or something else I don't get the information about my ailment AND information about being obese.(EVERY TIME!)

Because we're only meant to have ONE chin.

Because I only get one shot to live a happy and healthy life

Because liking myself is WAAAAY more important than any amount of food, no matter how delicious it is.

Gettin' Dirty...Down and Dirty Mud Run 4/17/11

I still can't believe I did it. I am not a girly girl by any means, but mud? I mean, I don't even like to get my hands dirty.
Nature and I are not on the best terms. I love running outside, but on pavement and paseos. I mean, I went on a hike a couple of weeks ago and got poison oak...seriously!
So, when I decided to do a mud run, I was kind of surprised at myself. But, as my friend April says, "The Heather of 5 years ago is like 'WTF?' "

So I signed up, so did about 10 of my friends. We read all the information, got t-shirts made and did it. A 3.15 mile run with 10 obstacles, hills that made me feel like I was defying gravity they were soooo steep and mud. And when I say mud, I mean, I was cleaning mud out of EVERYWHERE!

BEFORE:



And we were off.....
It was hard. I mean I knew it would be hard, but seriously. I've been having issues getting my breathing at a good even pace at the beginning of a run, so I started off slow...and wanting to walk. I pushed myself....until we hit the hills.

I'm no dummy, I walked the hills. This made the obstacles better. I just kept thinking, "What goes up, must go down" I knew I'd be able to run the downhills. When some of my friends yelled, "STEW!!!" from high above, I was excited, then angry....that DAMN HILL!

Speaking of dams, we went all the way from the lower part of Castaic through the hills to the UPPER lake. Gorgeous view!

The first time mud gets in your shoes, it feels fun! Then it gets heavy. The first obstacle you do feels fun. You joke and take your time, then it gets more serious!

At the tale end of the race you do 3 things that are the roughest part of the race. First, you wade in the lake. The lake is COLD. Like "I can't feel my legs anymore" cold. Then you go to a wall with a rope and they make you only use your upper body as they're pouring slippery shampoo down it.
Lastly, after you've already finished a 5K, you have to belly crawl under a cargo net through mud. My arms and shoulders still hurt!

But you know what? It was soooo much fun and I'd totally do it again!

The Heather of 5 years ago is still shaking her head, but you know what, I've left her in the dust.....or maybe I left her in the mud.

XOXO
AFTER:

A Letter to My Body After Spin Class

Dear Body,

Last night I made you take your first spin class AFTER running 2.5 miles. Maybe it wasn't the best idea and for that I apologize. However, I'm probably going to make you do it again.

The bruises on your butt?
Imagine how it would have felt if I hadn't brought that gel bike seat cover. They'll go away.

The soreness in your shoulders?
That's just them getting acclimated with being used in a new and different way. Those are strong shoulders, that sometimes carry the weight of the world, they'll feel better and it will get easier.

Your legs feel like jello now, but they're getting stronger. Stairs will be hard today, harder tomorrow and then you'll be able to fly up them with your usual swiftness again!

I know it was hard. I know you couldn't do everything the instructor and I asked you to do. BUT-It's going to get easier.

You're already getting stronger, leaner and doing things I never thought you could do.

YOU CAN DO THIS....but I won't make you try again until next week. ;)

With love and respect,
Heather

Popping my 5K Cherry!

On Saturday I ran my first official 5K. I was so nervous. I kept trying to tell myself that I have done it before, because I have, but this was official. It was timed, there were over 200 other runners, it was intimidating. I kept thinking, "What if I come in last?"
But I did it.
Saturday morning I woke up bright and early and got ready to run! My goals were simple:
1. Keep it under 14 minute miles
2. Make it in under 45 minutes
3. Not come in last!

I knew quite a few other people who were running so we all met pre-race. I actually caught myself shaking at one point. I didn't realize I was as nervous as I really was. When it was finally time to go to the starting line I just turned on my iPod shuffle and was OFF!!!

Mile One was rough. I did lunges on Thursday and my booty started burning. However, I didn't have my normal mile 1 aches and pains. I tried not to focus on the fact that a lot of the people were passing me. (My friends were already far ahead working on their own personal records.)
I just kept going. I had practiced the route so I knew what milestones to look for. There were people cheering us on along the way, so that felt great!
Right before I hit Mile 1 I saw the first of the runners passing me on their way back. I didn't know how many, if any, people were behind me.
I saw most of my friends before I hit the turn around, but after the turn around I felt great....I wasn't last!
Once I hit half way, I started the negotiations..."Once this song is over, I'll give myself permission to walk for 30 seconds if I have to." "When I make it to the tree, I'll give myself persmission to walk for 30 seconds if I have to." I ran the whole way. I made a plan to go at my comfortable pace until I could see the straight away of the finish line and then step it up.
As I got there I could see the timer, but it was partially obscured by the tree. I saw the seconds first, then I saw a 0....My first thought was disappointment, "OH, 50 minutes isn't so bad..."Then I saw my mom, crying at the finish line, so I started running fast and there it was not a 5, but a 4! I did the race in less than 41 minutes! I got over the finish line and all my friends were there hugging and congratulating me!
I can only say this... I cannot remember EVER feeling this accomplished or strong.
I set a goal and BEAT it!
I couldn't have done it without my family and friends!
Next 5K is NEXT WEEKEND. It's a cross-country with hills. I practiced it today and I know there will be some walking involved, but I'll do it!