The Great Hyperbolizer or the Uniboober

Well everyone (what I mean is all one of you that read this blog..thanks sis), it is time to get on the fitness train again.  Sometime between divorce then moving, then moving again, then remarriage and moving again, I lost my running mojo.  I lost a lot of mojos (not sure if that is correct pulural...maybe it is moji, but seems amusing).  The last time I even blogged was almost a year ago.  I was focused on being chubby mom and chubby teacher, but not so much on chubby runner.  Then I decided it was time to start again.

I was motivated somewhat and started on the treadmill. Mind you this was a treadmill purchased at a thrift store.  It had some issues from the beginning.  You would start running and once you got to a certain speed it would just cut off.  A few times I felt my life was in danger.  After the treadmill decided to blow up for good (I think this is number #3 for me), we saw the devastating winter of 2016.  This is not hyperbole folks (some of you who lived through it can vouch for me).  We got a zillion feet of snow.  I wasn't about to run outside...heck, our cars were getting stuck in the driveway.

Fast forward to visiting my sister in Washington (six months later..said in the SpongeBob narrator voice).  We were just there not long ago.  My sister is an anomaly.  That girl just had twin boys!!! They are only six months old.  And guess what?  She looks amazing!  She has been back running since her six week check-up (I am sure).  What the heck is my excuse?  It is now warm enough to be outside.  I am not going to get stuck in a six foot snowbank.

When I got home I sent Serena a text asking her to help me come up with a plan.  Being the amazing sister and friend that she is, she gave me a plan.  She told me to walk 1 mile every day for three weeks.  Well, I am almost done with week two.  Most days I have gone over the mile mark.  Almost every day I have had to talk myself into doing it  It feels good to hit the pavement again.  I will be sure to blog again with the continuation of  "the plan."

I did it again this morning.  I always wake up early anyway.  This morning I got my matching walking/running outfit complete with a new sports bra.  I was ready to go.  It was beautiful outside.  The sun was out and it was warm, but not too warm.  I could do this!  I felt like a superhero.  My superhero name would unfortunately be Uniboober.  Ugh...that look is not flattering.  Sports bras are even more torture than regular bras, but that my friends is a blog for another day.

Stayed tuned as I attempt to keep the motivation and hypberbolizing alive.  Chubby girl...out!

Trying to get that feeling again..isn't that a Barry Manilow song?

Hey everyone!!
Chubby girl is back...yes, I am still chubby.  It has been a long time, but I am trying to get that feeling again.  A lot has happened and to spare you the details I am attempting to take back control of the one thing I truly can..that being my body and health.  So I hope you are ready to jump back in the saddle and laugh with me, cry with me, and constantly wonder why with me.  My daughter Taylor wants to join me in starting my journey again.  It is always nice to have a back up singer.  I will let you know how it goes..one step at a time.
Until next time...
Chubby girl...out.

Faith or Fear?

Wow!  I can't believe it has been so long since I bored the population with my rants on running.  School is back in session and I am busy as ever.  Another year coaching middle school cross country has come and gone.  Our last race was yesterday.  It was bitter sweet.  I ran with them a little more this season.  I am still very much aware and a bit self-conscious of the fact that all of them can out run me.  The fear of them losing faith, or trust in me has really held me back.  It is amazing how excited they would get when I ran along with them, even though the distance was short, and I was often wheezing like that penguin from Toy Story.  I vowed as the season ended (once again) that I would be ready to run with them next year.  We will see how that goes.

I have also discovered a pretty cool book.  It is called To Be a Runner by Martin Dugard.  I have loved reading about his adventures in running and coaching cross country.  (He is seriously like my brother from another mother.  Shout out to you Matin if you ever come across this blog).  You really should check it out.

So now on to actual running.  I have been doing quite a bit of that.  I have also been hitting the gym with my dad.  I love going to the gym with him!  He always has some interesting insights on life.  It is a nice time to catch up and maybe actually get in a little bit of weight training.

This summer, I was able to run for the first time with my little sister and niece.  They live in the Seattle area.  My sister has been a runner way longer than I have.  I was always afraid that if I ran with her, I would hold her back.  I know that I did, but she never made me feel that way.  Her encouragement helped me, and it was cool to run somewhere different.  I can't wait to run with her again and show her my improvement.

I have some crazy goals for 2015.  Call them very early New Year's Resolutions if you want to look at it that way.  One goal is to reach my goal weight by my next birthday.  I have until May!!!  The next is to run a half-marathon during the summer of 2015.  Both of these goals I have had for awhile now.  Both of them seem, at times, insurmountable.  As I was thinking about this,  I was reminded of this quote that keeps popping up, "let your faith be stronger than your fear."  Fear really holds you back.  I wonder how many things I have missed out on because I was afraid.  I have to decide whether I am going to continue to let that happen.  Only I can decide that.  Maybe that is what I really need to resolve to do...not lose weight or run a half-marathon, but to grow my faith.  My faith in myself.

I have work to do.
Chubby girl...out!

Rainy Days and Slow Times Always Get Me Down

Heart and Sole 5k
April 26, 2014

Well the first race of the season was wet...really wet...and slow.  When I woke up this morning I was hoping that it was just going to be cloudy.  When I hopped into the car to head to Rigby, I was still hopeful.  Just a few raindrops...nothing more then a sprinkle.  As I drove the 20 miles to the race,  the rain started to come down and the windshield wipers were moving faster...and faster...and faster. I should not have been surprised, we have been getting our share of rain lately. (Not sure when I moved to Seattle).

When I found a parking spot, I headed to the start line.  I wisely decided to keep my jacket on over my shirt so I pinned my number on as I went.  My hands were already cold.  Not a good sign. (Note to self..have some spare gloves).  I made my way  to the growing group of runners and got in line near the back. (I recently developed a new philosophy that it is better to be near the back because the number of people passing you is not as discouraging.)  I paced and jumped up and down a bit.  I didn't have long to wait.  I had planned it so I didn't have to stand out in the rain too long before it started.

We counted down and were on our way.  There were a lot of runners.  I started out really well.  I had an excellent pace going.  I picked out a couple people that I could match pace with..and that always helps.  The course was a long stretch of road and then took the loop around Jefferson County Lake (We always call it Rigby Lake).  The race was steady, but so was I.  

Mile 1 came... Rigby High School students holding signs and cheering us on.  They were real troopers standing in the rain.  Around the lake I went...mile 2.  I was feeling pretty good...then hit a wall.  The wall that I seem to hit somewhere between mile 2 and 3.  I was starting to feel it.  I slowed a bit...and I walked a bit.  I know there are people out there...that group of "runners" who think that walking at any time during a race is a shame.  I am not one of those.  Whatever keeps you moving forward to the end...whatever you have to do...there is no shame in walking.

With a combination of running with a little walking mixed in, I was in sight of the finish line.  This is the part that I really love. My adrenalin starts to ramp up.  I feel it kick in and I take off sprinting.  I am happy to say I passed four people on my way to the finish line.  I am even happier to say that after that sprint..I am guessing just over 100m..I left it all there.  As I crossed over that line, I thought I was going to pass out.  I walked over to grab a snack and a drink then walked off.  I sat on the bleachers in the rain to cheer some of the others on.  I went and got my results.  I knew that it wasn't terrific, but I am not ashamed that my first race of the season I finished in 36:57.

I love the Heart and Sole 5K.  This is the 3rd year they have held it, and the 3rd year I have run it.  I look forward to it again next year (minus the rain).  Until then, I will be looking forward to more races...bettering my body...my mind...and my times...hopefully.

Meanwhile here I type with my best friend by my side...goes by the name Icy Hot.
Chubby girl out.

Getting fit is rough...my next 5k

So I haven't sat down to blog for awhile now.  I am not entirely convinced that anyone actually reads this... Anyway I have been running, but not regularly.  I started picking it back up a few months ago. I am more excited about it now that I am beginning to get a glimpse of spring here in Idaho.  (Now that I typed that it will probably snow tomorrow).  The dreadmill gets awful boring.

Anyway, I have been frequenting the gym regularly since December.  It helps that on Fridays I have a gym buddy, my dad.  It looks like I may have picked another one up as well, my cousin Jessica.  Gym buddies make it easier because you have someone to kick you in the butt if you need it.  My dad is quite excellent at kicking my butt.  My triceps and chest often hurt for a full week after working them.

I have been sooooooo (yes, I needed that many "o"s) frustrated with losing weight.  I cut out my Dr. Pepper, well not completely, but I try to have one a week instead of three a day. I have been at the gym, watching what I eat...on and on.  Today, I finally saw the scale moving in my direction.  Motivation ladies and gentlemen..that is what I call that. It is so easy to get frustrated with things that take time to show up...like results on the scale.  I know...I know..everyone tells me that I should be more concerned with inches then pounds...but...I think most of you know the feelings without me saying it. Swim suit season is just around the corner.

So you probably want to hear about my running goals and races this year.  Well, the first one is on April 26th.  It will be the 3rd Annual Heart and Sole of Rigby and coincidentally the 3rd year that I will run it.  Does that make me a race streaker???  A race streaker is someone who runs a race every year...but maybe it has to be more than three.  I don't know the rules on that one.

Anyway, I am also planning on a half-marathon in July.  Kind of a go big or go home philosophy I have going on this year.  Even if I crawl across the finish line it still counts as finishing....right?

So I will keep at it...another day...another plank...another mile...and hopefully another pound (fingers crossed)
Chubby girl...out

Charity Miles...check it out!

It has been awhile for sure.  I have been running.  Although the weather is changing here in the beautiful state of Idaho, and I am not sure how much longer I will be outside on a regular basis.  I am planning on a Thanksgiving run coming up at the end of the month.  I am sure you will want to hear about that???  Nothing like running so you don't feel as guilty about the mashed potatoes.  (I love mashed potatoes!)

Anyway, today I want to discuss an App I have been using for awhile.  I am actually ashamed that I have not plugged this App before now.  I have done postings on Facebook, so I have not completely ignored giving it the credit it deserves.  I also mentioned it in my classroom and had a student download it right then and started using it that night. The App is "Charity Miles" and to me this App is a big motivator.

What this App does, through the magical GPS technology, is it tracks how far you walk, run, or bike.  I know what you are thinking...so what???  Other Apps can do the same thing, nothing new....blah blah blah.  This is where the coolness comes in...for every mile you walk, run, or bike...they donate money...to...charity!!!  I know, right??  Bikers can earn .10 cents a mile and walkers and runners .25 cents.  As a teacher, I do not make a lot of money but I love helping out where I can.  This is where I can help.  Not only does it help my chosen charity, but it helps me to continue to be active.  It pushes me to get to that extra mile.

The App gives you the options of choosing from twenty-five charities (at the time of this post).  You can choose from charities such as "Stand Up to Cancer" to the "Wounded Warrior Project."  You can watch videos to learn about each charity by clicking on the small "i" icon at the top.  I try to shake things up and spread the wealth around.  Then after you have completed your miles you can post to Facebook or Twitter and it will also send you an e-mail, which I love to help me with my running log.

So if you need motivation...and we all do at times...go and download "Charity Miles."  You can follow this link to learn more about it http://www.charitymiles.org
Tell them Chubby Girl sent you.

Chubby Girl...out!

Color Vibe 5k

Hello all of you in weblandia!  It has been a long time since I have written a blog.  In fact, I have run two races since I last shared my adventures in chubby running.  I will start with the most recent and then backtrack.  I promise to be better at writing in the future.  I am sure you all want to know about my ventures as a Cross Country Coach.  Also, my next goal to run a half marathon that I keep putting off.

Anyhoo!  On Saturday, I ran a race very different from those I had run previously.  It was called the Color Vibe 5k.  For those of you who do not know what a color race is I will give a brief synopsis.  Basically, you run a 5k in which people douse you with this powdered color.  You end up looking like a 60's child who had a bad run-in with tie dye. This race took place around the Snake River here in Idaho.  It was a huge race with a pre and post race parties.

It was a nice day.  A little cloudy at first.  I worried about the gigantic mess of all this color and rain mixed together, but the clouds soon burned off.   The course was on pavement, on gravel, and on grass.  It was flat and it was hilly.  It was a little bit of everything.  I ran the first mile with no problem at all.  I had a good pace going.  Then about mile 1.4, I decided I needed to go faster.  It was not a good decision on my part.  It actually slowed me down because I got tired.  Anyway, I finished the race with a friend of mine named Tonya who was one of my team members.  We came across together in tie dye glory.  Boy did that color make a mess when mixed with sweat.  All in all it was very fun!  What did I like the best about it?  No stress.  It was not a stressful race.  I merely ran it for the fun of running.  What a novel idea!

That is really what I took away from this race.  I have been running to beat my time.  I have not been competing against anyone but myself, but this has caused me some major stress.  It started to take the fun out of running.  The Color Vibe helped me realize that I should go back to that.  I need to get back to running for fun!   Chubby girl...out!

When Life Gets in the Way...but it was Vegas baby!

Life has been getting in the way of my running.  I know that some people say running is life, but I can't make it be mine.  I have four kids, a husband, several animals, and a job to worry about.  Speaking of my job, that is what has been keeping me pretty busy.  Earlier this month, it took me for my first time to Las Vegas.  My husband hopped another flight and we met there.  Travel was a pain, but that is another story.  My husband and I had not been on a real vacation together since our honeymoon...almost 12 years ago.  I don't know if you can count this one either because it was for work, but it was pretty nice.

Of course I took clothes to go running in, and of course I didn't use them.  We walked every day from Treasure Island Casino down to Caesars Palace where my conference was held. I was amazed at all the people who run down the strip every morning.  I thought it would be fun.  There is so much to see.  Way different then running through the neighborhood or heaven forbid on a treadmill where you see the same things again...and again...and again.  I think you get my point.

Don't get me started on the temperatures down there either.  I think I asked Brandon on more than one occasion..."Why do we live in Idaho again?"  Needless to say, I did not run down the strip, but I walked a whole lot.  We didn't end up getting a rental car so we had to if we wanted to see anything.  Besides, we never would have had the chance to see what we did zooming by in a car.

As soon as I got back from Vegas, I was on my way to Boise for yet another conference.  Once again I packed my running clothes in nice and tight.  Once again they stayed in my suitcase.  In this case it was trading running for sleep.  I need my sleep!

Now I have been home for a few days.  The weather is starting to improve here.  Spring fever is in high gear with me.  There is a race in April that I think I may just run.  Hopefully life will get out of the way for awhile so I can get ready to run it.

Chubby Girl....Out!

2013 New Year...New Me?

Ok, I know it has been awhile, but I thought I would share my New Year's resolutions with you.  2013, I plan on continuing my weight loss and hopefully running a 10k or two, and maybe even a half-marathon.  I even have some resolutions that have nothing to do with running.  All of them however, deal with my physical, mental, or spiritual strength.  Pretty cool, right?  I think so.

Sooooo...what is the problem?  Motivation.  I have lost it!  Ever since my surgery in August and returning to work after, I have had no motivation.  I blame it on low energy.  I blame it on being busy.  I blame it on the cold.  It doesn't matter really what I blame it on, or why I lost it.  The truth is...it just isn't there.

I have even tried to find.  I have gone on a few short runs to find it. I pin all those pictures on Pinterest.  Those of the fit women.  I even pin those inspirational quotes, cool workout ideas, and yummy nutritional things to eat.  All in hopes of finding it.  I can't find my motivation anywhere.  So, I am wondering...have you seen it?  Can you maybe help me find it?  I was thinking about making some Wanted posters, but I am not sure what it looks like.  If you do find it, please let me know. 

Chubby girl...out!

It's been a long road...

Thanks to a little nudging from someone who actually read my blog, I thought I would blog about the long road I have been on.  Unfortunately, it has not been a road that I have been running on. Shortly after my race in April I started feeling a lot of pain. I think I have actually always had some pain.  (It is weird how once you start feeling something....whether it be pain, or even depression, you can't remember ever feeling different.) I was still running here and there. It was great because it was summer and I actually had time to run and the perfect weather, but I just kept feeling worse and worse.  I did not want to go to the doctor, but I didn't feel up to racing either.

I put off going to the doctor until it was almost time to go back to work.  There was no way I was going back to work feeling this way.  Thirty plus students per class + pain = a recipe (or in this case an equation) for disaster.  So, I trudged to the doctor, who after discussing my options said that I probably needed surgery.  Long story short...or maybe I made a short story long...I had surgery.  For the first two weeks, I couldn't lift over 8 pounds.  For the next four weeks, no sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, exercise..and on and on.

On Monday, I go in for my six week checkup.  Hopefully the doctor will give me the green light to go running.  It has been hard!!  While I have been recovering, I have been helping coach middle/high school Cross Country.  Running vicariously is not the same.  Also, my adult ADHD...which any of you who know me know that I have...has gone full force with no outlet for that extra energy. It has been a long road I have been on, but I can't wait to get on the road again.

Next blog....Running after Recovery....Chubby Girl...Out!

The Good Pace Race

April 28, 2012
Rigby Heart & Sole 5K

Oh man...I did NOT want to run this race.  I did not feel well.  I haven't for awhile now.  It seems I am always tired and weak.  Never a good combination when you plan on running three miles.  Thank goodness I finally went to the doctor and had some tests done.  Maybe they can figure it out.  I should know in the next few days. So, I didn't want to run it, but of course I did.  I don't know why runners torture themselves so. 

The race was in Rigby.  That is about fifteen miles from where I live.  The morning was really pretty cold, windy and a little cloudy.  I actually thought about turning around and going home a few times.  When I finally made it there, I had to park a ways from the line.  They actually had a sweet setup because the roads were closed.  It is nice to not be worried about being run over, or having to wait for traffic.

I waited around for a bit, then decided to go and find my friend Tonya who was planning on running as well.  I found her right away and we talked all the way to the starting line.  There we ran into an old student of mine and his parents.  Did I mention that I have a hard time with races that start with a gun?  I am sooo afraid of the sound that it makes me nervous knowing that it is coming.  Ok...I am a wimp, but popping balloons get to me as well. 
So we are off...I stay with Tonya for a little bit and then break off.  I had a really good pace going.  I didn't get winded or anything.

About 3/4 of a mile in and I remember seeing the sign.  Really?  Only 3/4 mile?  You have got to be kidding me.  We ran down Ribgy Lake Drive.  I was hoping that we would run the trail around the lake, but we didn't get to.  The 10kers did though and I kinda wish I would have done the 10k.  It was starting to get warmer, but I was comfortable in my underarmour with my race shirt over it.  I can't believe I chose the right thing to wear.  I think I am getting better at this running stuff :).  About 1/4 mile left to go and I turned on the rocket boosters and passed about five other people as I crossed the line.

The race was a great one!  Even though it was the first time the race was put on, the organizers did a wonderful job.  This was the first race I ever received a medal for participation.  It is cute!  Picture will be attached soon.  My time according to the timing company was 31 minutes, but by my iPod clock it was right around 28 minutes.  I am inclined to believe my watch since they didn't use chip timing.  Use chip timing people...we like exact times.

Next race is May 19th and is actually a freeeeee race.  What a concept.  Chubby girl...out!

Back in the saddle...

Community Health and Fitness 5k
March 24, 2012

First race of the season...oh yeah!!!  I didn't feel that way at first.  I had just returned home the night before from a two day trip to Boise where myself and other faculty members entertained fifty...yes that is 50, 8th graders.  It was fun and sooooo exhausting, but getting up early the next day to run my first 5k since November was not very appealing.  I did it though.  Sporting my new Underarmour jacket...which I bought at Cabelas in Boise,  I left the house.

The race was at Community Park.  It is such a cute little park with rolling hills.  In the summer there are always bright colored flowers planted around the sign.  Anyway the morning was very chilly with the promise of a beautiful day eventually.  I headed to pick up my number and shirt since I was not able to get it early.  I talked to a few people as we waited.  I met a cute lady from Minnesota named Lisa who is trying to run a 5k in all 50 states.  She was really cool.  Wish I would have gotten her information so I could keep in touch.

When the race started we ran down 25th street and into Shamrock Park subdivision.  Like a big dummy, I kept my phone in my pocket and it went flying out on the road so I had to run back for it.  The run was pleasant enough.  From Shamrock Park we ran onto Sunnyside Road and then onto Holmes and back to the park.  I really wanted to walk several times.  I had to convince myself to keep running.  I had a mantra going by then...something about how strong I was.  I had no idea what my time was like because I had lost my phone again and it was in pieces in my pocket.

Once I was back on the park trail and could clearly see the finish arch I still had to tell myself not to walk.  By then I was side by side with Lisa again.  There was about 100 yards left and I turned on the speed like I always do.  I used to be a sprinter so these last few yards always bring it back out of me.  Just as I turned on the speed my phone fell out again.  I was soo frustrated.  I went back and grabbed it and sprinted across the line.  Final time 29:38....about 3 minutes faster than my last 5k time.

I am officially back in the racing saddle.  I haven't signed up for another race just yet, but I am sure I will soon enough.  My legs today are super sore, but as John Mellencamp would say..."it hurts so good." 

Lesson from this race...leave your phone in the car and wear a watch to check your time...lame, but that is all I've got.
Chubby girl...out!

No cold...and catching a cold

This has been a really strange winter.  The temperatures we are used to this time of year in chilly Idaho have been very mild.  For some reason, it has felt very ominous to me (ominous is a cool word).  Anyway, I have been able to do a lot of running outside and have been keeping to my half-marathon training schedule fairly well....that was until Friday...dum dum dum.

I got a cold.  I haven't had one in forever.  Ever since I committed myself to running and working out I felt like my immune system has been stronger then ever.  A cold?  Whatever.  Well, I got one and it has been a real doozy (another cool word).  So, I missed my long run on Saturday.  I vowed that this cold would only last the weekend so I pulled out the big guns...chicken soup...and had a long nap the other day.  I have a lot going on this week and I can NOT let a silly cold get in the way.  I will be missing a few workout days so I plan on working out on the road.  I hope my hotel has a gym.

I am already feeling a bit better.   I am getting ready to sign up for the first race of the season.  It will just be a 5k but I am excited to get back into race mode.  I was also told that my blog name didn't really fit anymore because I am not as chubby...but I still kinda like the sound of it so I guess it stays...chubby girl...out!

I need a doctor...and balance

I love writing this blog, but I seriously need a doctor.  A computer doctor that is.  My computer has been displaying a message that says the cooling system is not working.  Basically if I don't get it fixed it is going to burn up.  Grrr!  So I am writing this blog from another computer until I get a doctor for my laptop.

I have been running mostly on the treadmill for weeks now. Yesterday, however, I ventured outside.  It was a balmy (haha) 23 degrees, but it was nice to get out.  It really is more of a challenge to run outside then on the treadmill.  I think it is more so when it is cold outside.  It is much more fun though.  I can hardly wait to be out all the time.  Speaking of running, my sister who is now a certified personal trainer, designed a half-marathon training plan for me.  I plan on starting it tomorrow.  What a scary concept.  Considering my longest run to this point has been a little over 6 miles.  I would like to be ready to run one in July, as well as running a few 5k and 10ks.

I am still trying to find that balance between work, family, and time for exercise.  I started going to the gym twice a week.  I have to admit that I like it a lot.  I have been able to work on my arms, which have been seriously neglected, but also strength my legs so I can run farther and faster (well that is the plan).   

Can't believe we are almost into the second month of the New Year.  How are those resolutions going for you?  I am plugging along.  Well...I will let you know how my training goes...until next time....Chubby Girl...out!

How I joined a gym and my magic feet...

I heard a complaint that it had been awhile since my last chubby girl dissertation.  So here I am ready to awe and inspire.  What it new with me?? Well, I joined a gym.  I know some of you are saying..well isn't that expensive and blah blah blah.  It really isn't that bad.  I pay $20 a month and I have unlimited guest privileges, which means I can take a friend.  It has been really fun.  I have been a few times with friends from work and a few times alone. Having gym buddies is a good thing, but I also found out that it is okay to be alone.  The only hang ups are getting through those awkward stages..the one where you think that everyone there is going to be super fit and muscular...and the one where you don't want to make a donkey out of yourself when you are unsure of how to use the equipment.  The gym gives me the chance to work the arms and tone the muscles.

Oh and the other new thing is my magic feet.  Awhile back my dishwasher stopped working.  After about a week of doing dishes by hand (for a family of six), I got frustrated and kicked it.  Guess what?  It started up right then and there and has been working well ever since.  Before I joined the gym, I was wondering how I was going to run with the weather turning and my treadmill broken.  You can probably see where this is going.  Yes, I kicked that treadmill and it to started working.  Now it doesn't work as well as the dishwasher.  Every now and then it simply stops, which can be dangerous if you are in a full run at the time, but for the most part it works.

My goals for a healthy and happy new year are in full swing.  Looks like racing begins in March and I will be crossing many finish lines this spring.  Until then I will keep you posted on my training...Chubby girl...out!

Resolutions and Revolutions

It is the New Year...2012!  If you believe the hype then the world is going to end this year.  I personally think the Mayans got tired of doing a calendar.  I mean you have to stop somewhere, right?  I make resolutions every year.  The amazing thing is that I am also getting pretty good at keeping them.  The trick is to write a whole bunch, not just one or two.  That way you will be accomplishing at least a few of them and you won't feel like a complete failure.  Of the 11 resolutions I made for 2011, I managed to keep 3 of them.  That is not a passing grade, but it is progress.  My resolutions this year include continued weight loss and running.

My sister issued me a challenge last night.  She called it a "Running Streak."  I think we need a more clever name for it.  Anyway, she wanted to see how many consecutive days she could run without a rest day.  Now, I know you are thinking that it is crazy, and you need a rest day.  On our normal rest days we will just run a slow mile.  Still getting a run in, but in no way taxing ourselves.  I told her I would be more then willing to do it with her.  We will say it is one of our New Years Revolutions for 2012...get it???  I will keep you updated on the progress as we go along.

The race calendar at tetonrunning.net is just starting to fill up.  I am thinking my first race will be in March.  I am really looking forward to it....Keep your chin up and your running shoes laced...Chubby girl, out.

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 :)