New iPod and Tale of the Lost Log

Soooo...I hope everyone in blog land had a Merry Christmas.  Mine wasn't bad.  I got an new iPod Touch which was totally exciting.  I had one before, but it was not big enough to hold all my music and all my apps I use for weight loss and running.  Wondering what those are???  I use Weight Tracker which holds tons of stats including weight, running time, miles, waist measurements, and tons of other stuff.  This is one of my favorite apps because it also shows your progress as you set goals.  The other one I use regularly is the Couch to 10k app.  I started this one after I graduated from the Couch to 5k app for the second time.  Like the Couch to 5k app, it alternates between walking and running.  It is a pretty cool tool to help you gradually run further.

Anyway so I got this new iPod...super exciting huh???  Yeah, but there is one problem...I gave my old one to my fourteen year old daughter.  No, that isn't the problem...the problem is that I told her she could go ahead and restore the factory settings.  This, of course, deletes everything on the iPod...including all my stats in Weight Tracker.  Basically, I lost my running log.  No big deal, right??  Big deal to me.  I have been really upset about it.  I was looking forward to seeing how many miles I have gone since I started running in March of this year.  I was going to set my mileage goal for 2012 based on that.  Bummed....that is all I can say.

I still have goals for 2012.  To run at least six 10k races, lose those last 17 pounds, and now to keep a running log in two places instead of just on my iPod.  Lesson learned....but I am sure there are many more for me right around the corner.  I hope everyone has a great and healthy 2012.  Chubby girl...out!

Death of a treadmill and other tragedies

So, I am very sad to announce the death of my treadmill earlier this week.  After several attempts to revive her,  she took her last turn.  She was a really good treadmill, sometimes neglected, sometimes misused.  I still remember when I bought her...on sale...at Walmart.

Ok enough of that.  I have to say though that a treadmill is a must have if you live anywhere with really cold winters....hello Idaho.  The weather has been kind though and I did a run outside yesterday.  It was actually pretty nice.

In other news, I am already having race withdrawals.  I have already been on the Teton Running website to look over the runs I would like to do next year. All 10k...all the way.  Not only that, but as the year comes to an end I looked back.  It has been eight months since I started running consistently.  I have lost 29 pounds and have become much more confident.  I have been averaging about 40 miles a month.  This year I will actually be able to say that I accomplished a New Year's resolution.  I am ready to begin making some for 2012....coming soon!

Chubby girl...on her way to visit grandma...out!

Thankful for health...Thanksgiving Run

Run to Feed the Hungry 5k
November 24, 2011

Ok...so this Thanksgiving my sister-in-law and I decided to run another race together.  I had signed up for this race shortly after the Wish-Walk-Run.  Maybe it was because I did not enjoy my last race that I was actually kind of dreading the run.  It could have been that I was dreading the possibility of freezing to death.  Nevertheless, I got up on Thanksgiving morning and strapped on my shoes and gathered my other running gear.  My family was still sleeping when I left the house.

I got the call on the way there that both of my sisters-in-law were going to be there.  I was finally starting to get excited, but was still more apprehensive then usual.  I got there and got in line to get my number and various other goodies that the race had to offer.  (I am going to say that of my races this one had one of the best goody bags full of snacks...yeah!).  I finally make it to the starting line and located Team Jackson. It was crazy.  There were tons of people there.  I think it ended up being well over 2,000 including some celebrities Tom the Turkey and the big man in red....Mr. S. Claus himself.

It was nice to hear the National Anthem and a prayer offered before the race began.

I decided that I really wanted to just enjoy myself.  Maybe I was just putting too much pressure on myself and I just needed to enjoy the journey.  So that is what I did. Team Jackson kept pace together almost the whole race.  It was a great course that took us around the Snake River Green Belt.  The weather was actually great for running.  The pace was comfortable and we actually got to joke and laugh as we ran.  Only in the last bit did we break away to cross the finish line.

I learned a great lesson from this race as I have from the others.  Sometimes it is not about how fast you go, but just enjoying the  run.  I am thankful for the health I enjoy.  I am thankful that I continue to get healthier.  Lastly, I am thankful for the people that join me on my journey and those who continue to cheer me on.

Thanks Courtney and Heather!!!  Love you :)

Motivation

What motivates you?  I tell you what motivates me....a bunch of things.  I could make a long list, but I am going to stick with the top 5.

1.  My kids are amazing!  After working all day I often do not have the energy for my kids.  Especially 25 pounds ago.  It was hard to get off the couch after work.  I needed the energy to play with them, help with homework, and to do chores on the weekends together and dance.
2.  I love to swim.  Really I do, but I have not liked myself in a swimsuit for let's see...11+ years.  I would love to wear a suit and not feel like I have to wear a toga over it to hide myself.  (Something zebra print perhaps)
3.  I want to feel good about myself again.  You know it is hard to feel good about the world around you when you don't feel good about yourself.  I am starting to feel that again...slowly but surely.
4.  My sister is an inspiration.  Talk about a tough chick.  She may be younger than me, but I am constantly amazed by her.  She has run several marathons, ultra-marathons, trail races, and so on.  She is tough, fit, a good listener, and friend.
5.  Clothes....hahaha...no really.  There are so many things I see as I am shopping that I would love to buy and wear.  The problem is that I don't look good in them.  My ultimate goal is to wear one of those really cute pairs of bling jeans (that is what I call them anyway).  You know they sell them at places like The Buckle.  They have the cute designs on the back pockets.  Oh yeah and to tuck a shirt in again...that would be cool.

I am running 3-4 days a week right now and have decided to do some strength training and other exercises 2 days a week.  Some days it is easy and some days...yikes.  I will keep trying though.  I have plenty of motivation if I just remember to think about them.  Especially on those rough days.  Next race is Thanksgiving Day...so until then...Chubby girl out!

A course is a course...of course of course

Wish Walk Run 5k
October 15, 2011

Yesterday was race 5 out of my 6 race goal.  This race had a major impact on me in several ways.  Just wait...of course I am going to tell you about it.  This race was held in conjunction with the What Women Want Expo held at the Shilo Inn.  In fact, that is where the race started...right in front of the Shilo Inn.   The money raised in this race is going to be used to grant the wishes of two darling little boys.  They were the ones who started the race and they were there at the finish line in their wheelchairs...wearing adorable blue shirts.  This was the first thing that impacted me.  Almost every race that I have run has been to benefit some charity or organization, but seeing them there brought tears to my eyes.  

This time for some strange reason I decided to stay more toward the front of the starting line.  Usually I head to the back of the pack.  I know that I started out a bit faster then I usually do as well.  Maybe it was all that confidence from running hard for a few months to get ready.  If you recall, I missed running a race in September so I had all this extra time to train.

The course was quite a confusing one at first.  It basically ran in a figure eight pattern.  Thanks goodness for the people showing me the way...oh yeah and the potatoes along the way that were wrapped in bright pink ribbon (hahaha...so Idaho).  The course went from paved sidewalk, to dirt road, to dirt path along the river, and back to paved sidewalk again.  I was NOT a fan of this course.  Maybe it is because I am still new to running (and something of a wuss), but I hate running on dirt roads and gravel.  I probably need to get over that.  That spot around the river...though beautiful..was a dirt path with tree roots pushing through.

I ended up right back where I started and gave high-fives to the two cute boys who were waiting for everyone at the finish line.  As I ran through I had a feeling that I had reached my goal of completing the race in 30-32 minutes.  I was told it was about 31 minutes (although I do not have official times yet).  Even so, that means I beat my last time of 35:42.  If I think back to my first race in May...this means that I have improved my 5k time by 9 minutes!!!  That may not sound amazing to some of you, to this chubby girl...it seems like Everest.  What an impact this has had on me.  I feel like I can do anything.

I am still awaiting my official time..so I will be sure to keep you updated...next race Thanksgiving Day...chubby girl out!

Countdown to next race...one week

So next Saturday is my race and I have been training hard.  My goal is to finish in 30-32 minutes.  I think I can do it!  I am really excited for it.  Even though we got snow this week, the forecast for Saturday is 68 and breezy.  I don't know about you, but sounds like good running weather to me.  Pictures and race results will be posted as soon as I am done.

So I thought I would ask a question of my reading and running public...music when running...yes or no?  I am one of those people who needs to have tunes when I hit the pavement or the treadmill.  It takes my mind off the task and sometimes the pain.  I love things that are fast and that I can even sing to..out loud (when no one is around anyway).

These are just a few of my favorite songs to run to right now:
Stereo Hearts by Gym Class Heroes
Raise Your Glass by Pink
Tonight Tonight by Hot Chelle Rae
Running by David Archuleta

I have four different running play lists on my iPod so I can choose depending on my mood.  Have suggestions???  Shoot me a comment...I am always looking for new music.

Until race time....I will be training chubby....chubby girl out.

A Few Little Things

So I would like to share a few insights I have gained over the last few weeks.  It has been a really hard week and running has definitely been something that has helped me cope.  Some of these insights are a little funny and some are frankly just sad.

1.  Running and singing out loud is very therapeutic but make sure you do it where there are not too many people.  Case and point I was running through the country and an older gentleman was out in his yard when I happened by singing the lyrics "You make me feel so la.la..la..la....la."  He gave me an interesting look.

2.  Running and crying is also very therapeutic however sweat and tears can cause vision problems which can put you in danger.

3.  Running and screaming is not at all recommended although it may be therapeutic you will find yourself running out of breath too soon.

4.  Do not text and run at the same time you may run into a farmer on the side of the road and he may look at you funny because he saw where you kept your phone...(((raised eyebrows)))

On a more serious note...

5.  Everyone needs someone in their life who makes them feel loved, beautiful, and wanted.  I don't care who you are.  So you should really tell and show your someone these things as much as possible.  Don't take them for granted.

My next race is coming up shortly..I am sure it will be an adventure...until then...chubby girl out :)

5 Mile Saturday

A few more weeks until my next 5k and I have been working hard.  I have been saving my long runs for Saturdays when I have more time.  This time I went about 5 miles.  No....I did not see any of the wild kingdom this time (thank goodness).  It was a nice little run through the country and through part of my neighborhood.  Random insert: Oh yeah and I got new socks they are awesome  I am feeling stronger and getting a lot of compliments on the inches I am losing but the pounds are still hanging on.  People say I should not worry but I hate the scale (those little digital devils of doom anyway).  I am vowing to stay off for awhile.  I wanted to leave with a quote today.  Who doesn't like a good quote...am I right??

Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up.
It knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed.
Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up.
It knows that it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve.
It doesn't matter whether you're a lion or a gazelle
when the sun comes up you'd better be running
-Anonymous


Until next time...chubby girl out.

A 10k future???

I am really excited for my next race.  It is still a ways off...October 15th.  I have still been running 3-4 days a week to get ready.  I have been running between 2-4 miles each time, saving long runs for Saturdays when I have more time.  Yesterday, I decided to run to the foothills and back (approximately 6 miles).  I left after telling my husband that if I did not come back in an hour he may have to come and pick me up.  I told him I would probably be in a heap on the side of the road.

I know what you are saying...don't you have more confidence in yourself?  The answer "no."  Although I have gained self-confidence in this journey it is hard to get rid of so many years of self-doubt.  I took off running.  I really enjoyed getting out of the residential areas where I have spent most of my time.  There are fields on both sides much of the way with an occasional house.  I got to the foothills and made it about halfway up...then...I ran out of gas.  I never changed my pace to run up hill and well I had been sticking to pretty flat to this point.  I walked the rest the way up (this is hard to confess).  So...after walking for a minute I ran back down and started the loop back home.

I was jogging at a modest pace I would say, until I saw a snake in the middle of the road.  (Did I mention I am NOT a fan of snakes).  Seeing that thing I picked up my pace.  I told my husband I do not know if that thing was alive or dead, but I was not going to stick around to find out.  I was tired by then.  I had run about 3-1/2 miles.  Then I see something to my left.  It was a flash of black and white.  I took off again.  Skunk??  I thought so, but I never stuck around to see.

I made it back into my neighborhood and was about 1/4 of a mile from home when my husband pulled to the side of the road.  He had made good on his promise to come get me after an hour (well 1 hour and 3 minutes).  I am sure I could have made it the rest of the way home, but one cannot resist an offer so tempting.  Here it is the next day and I have to admit that I feel the same way I did after my first 5k.  How is that you ask?  I feel like someone beat me close to death.  Of course part of it was the running and the other may be attributed to the Tylenol PM I took before bed because my legs were burning.

I learned a couple of things from this: 1) I can run a 10k distance (with more practice) and 2) A run through the country can be exciting and definitely help you build some speed.

All this and I forgot to mention the dog that was chasing me.....hahaha.

No Rolling Hills Classic for me...

My next race was going to be the Rolling Hills Classic 5k which was held in Rexburg.  I had other family obligations so I did not get to run it.  So far I have run 4 races in 4 months.  I don't want to ruin that record so don't be surprised if I find a race at the end of this month.  I have continued to run around the neighborhood usually 3-4 times a week.  I am convinced that my neighbors think I am crazy.  My oldest daughter ran with me the other day. Mikayla is also the daughter who ran the Fit for the Kingdom race in Rupert.  I am not sure if she is sold on running just yet....time will tell.  I am sold on it though.  I have never felt stronger.  I continue to lose weight and it really helps with my stress and adult ADHD.  (By the way this diagnosis is a self diagnosis and has not been evaluated by any medical professional).

Until the next race I will continue to run chubby...

Fit for the Kingdom...Love the name!

Rupert West Stake 5k
August 13, 2011

I knew I was going to sign up for another race after the one in Ririe.  I looked at the Teton Running website and found one not too far from me.  I was about to sign up when my sister-in-law suggested that we come to Rupert and participate in a run that is put on by their stake.  I love that they call this "Fit for the Kingdom" not sure why that makes me smile.  Of course I thought I would love to go down and see their family and the run was "for freeeeeeeeee."  (Ok pretend like I sounded like Adam Sandler from Bedtime Stories).

We decided to drive down the night before so the cousins could spend some time playing (fighting).  We had a great time with the family but I can say I was not as prepared to run as I would like to have been.  I was really tired.  We got all dressed and drove the short distance to the church.  It was myself, my sister-in-law, and my fourteen year old daughter who decided to be brave and try to run.  Can I just say we looked cute.  You will have to take my word for it until I get the pictures.

The run was rural (ummm hello you don't get much more rural then Rupert) but it was nice.  The weather was great for running.  At first I did not know how to act with my daughter there.  Was I supposed to run with her?  Could I go at my own pace?  Finally I told her that as long as she could keep up with me we would run together.  This did not turn out to be a problem since she had to tie her shoe after 100 yards.  I told her to catch up and I never saw her until she came across the line.  I was proud of her for finishing.

Race time for fourth 5k: 35:42

A few things I learned from this race: 1) Make sure you have an understanding with your running buddies 2) Don't worry if you are running with someone faster than you and 3) This freeeee race was the most expensive  I have run with the cost of gas, but also the most enjoyable.

Supporting the community

Ririe Days/ Kelly Canyon 5k
July 16th 2011

The day of my 3rd race was a Saturday (actually they have all been on Saturdays).  I was excited to run in Ririe to help celebrate Ririe Days.  I try and support the community I work in as much as possible.  The whole family made the trip with me this time.  I also had two good friends running with me.  When I get there I also find my grandparents and my parents have shown up to support me.  This is the first race I have had this many people there and it made me nervous.    You would think that it would make me feel at ease...but no way.

Just a little note here...I never eat before a race.  I guess some people do, but not me.  I always feel sick immediately following a race (and actually right before...nerves are still a problem).  I have heard that if you actually throw up then you know that you ran hard. I am terrified to be someone that comes over the finish line and throws up to be caught in someones (probably mine) Kodak moment.

We line up to race.  I have been talking to my racing buddies...the gun fires and we are off.   The race is very rural...well because Ririe is about as rural as you can get.  It is a really nice race and just warm enough.  I was feeling pretty good.  A little breeze...scenery is nice to watch as I am passing by.

Another note here...I love races that have water stations along the way....seriously I know in my heart that 5k is not that far, but I love that the race coordinators think about us.  Kudos to Ririe for this!

I cross the finish line to find my whole family waiting and cheering for me.  It was so nice.  I was very overwhelmed by it all.  Maybe they are the reason I came in with a time of  36:12...once again beating my time.  I was there to watch my running buddies come across the finish line.

Thanks to my dad I actually had pictures of me racing so check them out.

What I learned from this race is...that it is great to have family pulling for you.

Showing my Skillz at the Skiller 5k

Skiller 5k
June 4th 2011

I signed up for my second race the day I got home from running the M.A.D.  I was on pure adrenalin then and I don't know if I was thinking straight.  I found this race on the Teton Running Company website (by the way those guys down there are so awesome).  So I signed up and once again had race registration remorse.  Both races thus far had been for good causes, the first one for Donny Osmond hearing and the Skiller a scholarship fund for a Hillcrest student who passed away.  I figured even if I chickened out I was giving a charitable contribution.

This race was held along the Greenbelt and started at Snake River Landing Pier.  I remember getting there (with my hubby this time).  There was a cool breeze...almost too cool...thank you makers of UnderArmour!!  We had some time before the race to talk to people.  Brandon (my hubby) is a Hillcrest alumni and I had the opportunity to student teach many of the kids that I saw gathered around.

After a few announcements we headed to the starting line.  I remember them telling us not to knock anyone down (we were running straight through the Farmer's Market).  I could just imagine someone (or myself) knocking over a stand of vegetables.  At the gun...(freaks me out every time) we ran through the market and then onto the Greenbelt.  This race was great.  I loved running by the water.  The horrible part was the end of the race.  Perhaps the last 1/2 mile, we had to run down a dirt road and turn back.  This is where I learned that I HATE running on loose gravel.   It didn't matter though because 39 minutes and 26 seconds later I ran across the finish line.

The things I gained from my second race were these: 1) A better time than my first race and 2) A deep love for Orange Leaf (Yummm yummm we got free frozen yogurt) and 3) The knowledge that this  chubby girl can run!

First Race...

M.A.D Dash 5k
May 14, 2011

Ok, so I had been following the Couch to 5k program (not very consistently) and I decided to sign up for my first 5k.  The race was the M.A.D. Marathon which also had a 5k, 10k, and Half.  I remember the day of the race.  I got up and ready.  Taking my time tying my running shoes and putting on my sweet shirt.  (I still LOVE race shirts).  I was so nervous.

My hubby was already gone...I think it was Finals week.  So I woke up my 14 year old so she could watch the others.  I got in the car and drove across town.  I seriously thought about going somewhere else...just skipping the race entirely.  I had plenty of reasons not to run (don't we all).  I had just lost a grandfather who was so dear to me and hadn't run in a week or two.  Who was I kidding anyway?  3.2 miles might as well have been 32 miles. I guess I forgot that I wasn't going because I ended up there.

 The race was a rural residential race.  I had to park pretty far from the starting line.  There were so many people there.   I was surprised by that.  I was also shocked by all the different types of people...tall, skinny, short, chubby, old, young.   I realized, as we were told to go to the starting line, that I had a problem.  I was going to have to run with my keys in my hand.  Being a beginning runner, I had no idea this was going to be a problem.  This is when I learned it is a great advantage to have someone at the finish line.  They can not only hold your stuff, but then you know that you have to get back to them in order to get it back.

That is when I found a friend (thank goodness) that I did not know was running.  She handed my keys to her husband.  We lined up and then found another lady I knew.  It was kind of exciting.  Then the race began.  It is quite the adrenalin rush.  I kept telling myself no matter what I was not going to be last...and guess what?? I wasn't.  I did not run the whole thing.  (Yes, I walked part of it...and I found out that some runners are a bit biased against walk-runners).  What I can say is that I finished...my final time was 40:57, but I finished.

This first race really got me thinking about doing it again..so I signed up for another race in July.  Running is never easy for me...I huff and I puff and most the time feel like I am going to fall down, but I don't.

My mantra started with this first race: run...chubby girl...run!

Run...Chubby Girl...Run

This blog will detail a chubby girl's adventures in running. Yes, I prefer the word "chubby" to that other word "fat."  I started running awhile ago to lose weight and feel better.  I was very inconsistent in my running because I seriously lacked motivation and had this crazy thing going on called Life.  With four kids and a teaching job it was so hard to find the time and the ENERGY.   To this date I have run four 5ks and plan on doing two more before the snow flies here in Idaho.