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!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
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!
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!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
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!
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!
Monday, January 2, 2012
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.
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.
Monday, December 26, 2011
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!
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!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
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!
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!
Friday, November 25, 2011
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 :)
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 :)
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