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!
Friday, October 17, 2014
Saturday, April 26, 2014
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.
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.
Saturday, March 8, 2014
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
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
Sunday, November 17, 2013
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!
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!
Monday, August 12, 2013
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!
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!
Monday, February 18, 2013
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!
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!
Thursday, January 10, 2013
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!
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!
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