2010 In Review... My journey so far

So, I decided to make a video of 2010 in review and about my journey thus far. Since, I have a tendency to be a bit of a copy cat, I'll let you know that I was inspired by a video posted by Ben from Ben Does Life. 2010 was a heck of a year, and 2011 is going to be even better!

I DID IT!

Can't believe I'm posting this but I had to take a picture of the scale this morning. I DID IT! I reached and slightly surpassed my goal for the year....200 pounds are gone never to be seen again. BOOYAH! Now, off to teach my Friday morning Zumba class and a short run with K afterwards. I have been working on my year in review post, I'll post it when I get back.

Endorphins... My Drug Of Choice

T-shirt available at www.goneforarun.com

Last week was full of training, Zumba and cookies and lacking in running. This is a new week and I have a goal to reach by Friday (2 more pounds). Yesterday, was full of good intentions but my tire had another idea, I blew a tire on the way to the gym to train and run. I was fortunate enough to have some very nice gentlemen at the gym change my tire for me but training was out, I was shaken up. Thankfully, I have an awesome friend in Shannon, we took the kids to paint pottery, painted a little ourselves and it really help take my mind off the stress of the day. Then yesterday evening we went and got a little Zumba in because that's how I roll.

This morning Shannon, K and I set out for a run together, we didn't have a distance plan but we did have a plan to run 4:1 intervals. Let me just state for the record that heading out in the frigid weather has to be classified under bad ass because otherwise it might be classified as DUMB. I was wearing thermal underwear, and a million layers, because like I've said before, six years in the south have made me soft. This was also my first time trying out my new garmin watch that I got for Christmas. Can I just tell you that I may not have the super snazzy one but I am loving this thing! We set out, somehow we decided to do the whole loop around on the marked course. I started to fall back somewhere between miles 3 and 4,  but where I would normally freak out, it actually turned out to be a good thing for me. I kept telling myself something Shannon had said to me yesterday about running for no one but myself. It was really good for me mentally, because I pushed through even when I wanted to just quit and walk the rest of the way. That being said, I did walk more than I would have liked, but there's no point dwelling on that because there is nothing I can do now to change that. According to the garmin, we went 5.97 miles, I finished is in 1:33:35, not my best time but I can't complain about it either.

I rode the endorphin high from the morning the rest of the day. It just felt so good to get out there and move.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Hope that you are having a very Merry Christmas!

I'll leave you with the song that I love and hate all at the same time. I swear it follows me everywhere I go starting at Thanksgiving.

Quick Brag

Just wanted to post a quick little brag before I headed out to teach my Christmas Eve Zumba class. I got on the scale this morning and I saw that I am 2 pounds away from hitting 200 lost. HECK YEAH! I'm so excited I could burst. Can I get the last two pounds off before NYE? I say we give it a shot!

Back To The Grind

Alright, after a rough couple of weeks of insanity I'm back to the grind. Started yesterday morning with a 3.5 mile run with K. We were slow, so slow we had an old granny whiz past us. Then again she probably kicked it up because of the subject matter of K and I's conversation, she probably found it a bit much to have to endure. This was the first time since the Bedford Dasher that K and let me be honest with you, I just do so much better with someone there to chat with and the company in general. Only issue I had was the sinus infection I have going on cramped my style just a bit, but it wasn't completely unbearable. After we ran, I hit the gym for a training session with Amy. It was an all around awesome session, I managed to do some pretty hard core exercises that I didn't know I could do, I popped an exercise band... BAD ASS. I know it's an odd time to try and get back into the swing of things but if I don't do it now I will start procrastinating. 

I Got In Trouble Last Night...

Yup, I got in trouble last night. I got a text from a certain friend of mine who also happens to read the blog *cough Sarah cough* and I was informed that I hadn't updated the blog in nearly a week. I know, I have been an awful blogger. In my defense, I have been busy with work, a sick kid and fighting off a bug myself. Alright, I know this are wussy excuses... I'm going to step it up this week.

Anyways, this week I've been thinking about now officially being 30, and what I want to accomplish in the next 12 months. So, this is like a New Years resolution but not quite.

Running Related
1. Finish the Disney Princess Half
2. Work on my speed (I know I can run faster, I'm pretty sure that it's something mental holding me back)
3. Run the Peachtree Road Race on the 4th of July

Weight Related
1. Hit or some as close as possible to my goal weight by my 31st birthday (December 13th, 2011)

Zumba Related
1. Pick up another class
2. Grow my existing class
3. Go through Basics 2, and Zumbatomics (Zumba for kids) training.
4. Go to Convention

I'll add to the list as the year wears on.

Bedford Dasher 5K Race Report

K and I before the race. We really were not looking our best.

Yesterday, K and I ran the Bedford Dasher 5K. This race was for a wonderful cause, The Bedford School, a school for children with learning disabilities and ADD/ADHD. I went into this one just to have fun, I wasn't worried about time, or anything like that. We got to the school, got registered, socialized and got ready to run. We hadn't run together in a while, so it was awesome to be able to catch up and chat. As always our talks are always interesting and sometimes a tad inappropriate but that's just how we roll. The course meandered through some neighborhoods around the school and we encountered some hills which brought up the discussion of trying to get some hill work in on some of our training runs. The hills we encounter now are wimpy little hills, nothing that will really challenge us, so we are going to try and get out there and challenge ourselves. Back to the race, they had a lot of people out there directing the participants and some were blasting some Christmas music from their cars which was fun and festive. As for the pace, it wasn't great, our last 5K was slightly faster. I really need to work on my endurance and speed, I have a lot of work ahead of me.

All in all, GOOD TIMES!

Late Night Vlogging

Here's a little vlog entry that Shannon, Sarah and I made last night. Oh gosh...

A Little About Me

RR tagged me in a "getting to know you" post. Here it goes...


1.  Who inspires you with regard to running? At the risk of sounding like a complete cheese ball, all of the running bloggers I follow. I know, it sounds cheesy but I love real people doing incredible things. 

2.  Running with music? Running without music? Depends, if I am running with someone else, then I prefer to chat. If I'm on my own, then music is essential. 

3.  Do you have any fantasy race/event that you are longing to participate in someday? I would love to do the Rock and Roll marathon in Vegas. I also want to do a sprint triathlon, no race in particular but I really would love to do that.

4.  Think back to grade school ... who was your celebrity crush? This is an easy one, I was into NKOTB and I was enamored with Joey MacIntyre.

5.  You finally meet your grade school celebrity crush .... what do you do? What do you say? I would probably squeal or be too starstruck to say anything. I would love to say that I could be all cool and say something witty but I am too much of a dork to do anything like that.

6.  We don't hear about these guys enough .... Pets! Do you have any? Names? Type? Do they sleep in your bed? Are they in the family Christmas card?? I don't currently have a pet but we are currently considering getting a new guinea pig. We had a sweet little guinea pig named Mr. Sparkles Lipgloss and he passed away over the summer. Mr. Sparkles would have been in our card if we actually ever got around to sending out Christmas cards (we're slackers). 

Today's A New Day

If you hadn't already guessed by reading Wednesday night's drunken post, I had a tough day on Wednesday. I got some bad news, my paternal grandfather passed away. I had made plans with my friends to go out on Wednesday night before I received the news, and I ended up going out. I overindulged...

Thursday, I was feeling some of the after effects of my night out. I went to groove and went between nearly crying and feeling sick. It was a tough class to get through, but I did it. I was supposed to run with K, but between not feeling great and having made a promise to Bella to take her to a Christmas program it didn't work out. I did go to Zumba in the evening and got to hang out with some of my favorite people and got some help with my playlist for the class that I had to teach. I am so grateful for an awesome friend/mentor who has helped me so much with all my Zumba stuff and has been an incredible friend.

This morning I taught my first official Zumba class. It went well, I messed up a few times but I played it off pretty well. I am going to have to work on my calling and work on not worrying about messing up. Just loosen up overall.

Today's a new day, things are going to get better.

To Sarah

I know you're looking at the blog and I've been drinking...thank you for making a shitty day a while lot better. LOVE YOU!

Just A Little Monday Blogging

When I last left you, I was heading to a zumba audition. So, I went and did my thing, I was offered the job, then on Saturday I received a call telling me that they are taking that particular class off the schedule all together. So, I had the job for a minute, or at least a few days. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, so I am slightly bummed but I think that it wasn't meant to be. Then on Friday morning, I taught my first entire Zumba class. The funny thing is that I was lukewarm about that particular gym, I went in for the experience and wasn't too worried about getting the job. That actually turned out to be a great attitude because I was really relaxed when I went in and I wasn't nervous or anxious at all. Anyways, not to sound conceited but I did really well. I felt great teaching, it was a TON of fun, and the people in the class enjoyed themselves. Now, I just have to wait and hear about this particular class...

Wednesday afternoon, I went to Zumba class because I just hadn't gotten enough earlier. It was highly amusing because first of all Sarah came to class and then I wore my Zumba pants to class for the first time. Sarah was being thoroughly amusing, and had me cracking up during class. Then the pants.... oh the magical Zumba pants (they give you mad Zumba skills)... they finally fit but they are a tad snug through the hips and bum. I will blame it on the fact that they are mens pants and not because my hips and bum are quite large. Anyways, I thought I was going to split my pants a few times, they held up but the situation was pretty funny, it mad me think of something that would happen on "I Love Lucy".

Thursday, I ran with K in the morning, I was an utter and complete mess. Let me tell you that I have turned into a weather wuss. I don't know if I have mentioned this here before but I grew up in Canada, I used to be Nanook Of The North, these past six years in Georgia have made me soft. So, it was freezing on Thursday morning when we headed out for our run. The run itself was a tough one, I was miserable. I was in a bad head space that I couldn't shake, and my calves were killing me.... I was so whiney. I guess that days like that are bound to happen. At least we got 7 miles in, and I had a slightly bad ass moment. When I got home, I found some mystery blood on my toes... blood is pretty bad ass... right? Thursday evening I went to Zumba again, to get some practice in because Kareen played some of the songs on my Friday playlist and to hang out and dance it out.

Friday morning was the audition that I killed. Oh, I just can't get over it. Even if I didn't get the job, I am really grateful for the experience and it was such a Zumba high. I have to say that I really LOVED teaching, and I can't wait to do it again. After that I went to a surprise party for Shannon, but I managed to sort of wreck the surprise because I was running late. I was running to the house as Sarah and Shannon were turning onto the street... leave it to me. That evening before Groove, I finally got a training session in. It was a ton of fun even if I had to take it easy on the upper body stuff because my arm still isn't 100% better. We had a hard workout, a lot of catching up and a even a little therapy for good measure. Then, I had to stay for Groove because two hours at the gym just wasn't enough for this guy.... naw, I just love Groove.

Today was some running on the track with Amy as well as a training session. It was cold, that's all I have to say about that. BRRRR. I am a weather wuss.

Mostly Awesome

So, I had a mostly awesome weekend. I had a lot of quality family time, did some work, worked on my playlist for my auditions. I say it was mostly awesome because on Friday, Bella and I were playing and she fell on my arm and bent it backwards in an odd way. It hurt like a mother, but I was sure that I would feel better by Saturday. Come Saturday, the arm was actually feeling worse and I started to worry just a bit but I wasn't rushing to the doctor just yet. I ran with K on Saturday and had to tuck my arm in because it was uncomfortable running, then that evening in Groove it just killed. I did end up going to the doctor on Monday, and as it turns out it's just a contusion, nothing to write home about, just enough to hurt and make me uncomfortable. Good times....

Saturday was solely dedicated to the family, no gym or anything. We started the day with a trip to the tree farm to pick out a Christmas tree. That was quite the adventure, we haven't had a real tree and I had never been to cut one down. There were some GORGEOUS trees but sadly we live in an apartment and a 10 foot tree just wasn't going to work. So, we scoured the farm for the perfect tree, and we found what we thought was the most fabulous tree only to find that there was a lady literally guarding the tree waiting on her husband to come and cut it down, that was a bit too hard core for me. Finally we found the tree for us, and I made a joke with Patrick that we were going to have a Griswold moment. Little did I know that we actually would when we got the tree home. So we were just beyond proud of our tree and we got it home and set it in the stand. That in and of itself was hilarious because the tree just wasn't going to cooperate to stand straight. Then when we took the netting off, it became very apparent that we did not account for how wide the tree was. The tree takes up a lot of our tiny living room.... that's just so very us. That afternoon, we took Bella to the movies to see Tangled. What a great movie, it was too cute.

She was sizing up the situation and "helping" Patrick.

She wanted to haul the tree herself, it didn't work out so well for her.

They put her to work and had her help bale the tree.

All this work can make a girl hungry, and the best snack is obviously a marshmallow.

Looking fly after the movie...

On Sunday, I started the day out properly with an awesome run with K in the morning. We got 4 miles in and we were faster than we have ever been. I just love running with K and running on Sunday morning was wonderful. The paths were pretty empty so we didn't have to have our show downs with the Mommy Mafia. Have I mentioned that they are super scary and will run you down with those strollers, those ladies will cut a b*tch. Don't get me wrong, I'm a mom and I love that they are out and being active but the mafia on the golf cart paths are something else. Anyways, I tried out a new app for the phone to track our progress called Cardio Trainer, it was too cool. It showed us our pace per mile, mapped it out, and it saved it online as well. The app will have to do until I can afford to buy myself the garmin I've had my eyes on. Then, because I love my dance fitness classes, I went to Groove it out on Sunday evening.

Monday, I had to skip training with Amy so I could go get my arm looked at. Then I had to reschedule this morning's session because I have a Zumba audition this morning...eeek. I did go to Zumba on Monday night, and there was something about the class that night that reminded me why I love Zumba and why I want to teach it. It was something else, because I was starting to feel less than enamored with Zumba until Monday night. Then, yesterday K and I ran on the treadmill because there was bad weather and some tornado warnings and as much as we love being bad ass and running outside in the rain, we weren't down with chancing it. I probably would not have gotten the miles in on the treadmill had K not been there with me, I have the hardest time on the treadmill because I get bored fairly quickly and I get a tad obsessed with the numbers on the display. Then in the evening, I went to Zumba and got to teach a song. I managed to teach the song but I had a few issues, I did not look up at the people in the class enough, and I was so worried about messing up that I did not let my personality show through. I just have to relax and stop worrying so much about messing up. After class, Kareen (my friend and Zumba mentor) sat with me and we worked on my playlist for my audition on Friday and worked out some stuff for the one today too. She had some great advice and was a HUGE help.

That's it for now, I'm off to get ready for my audition today!

That Felt Good...

K and I set out for our first run together in a while. We didn't go with any particular plan, other than just see how we were feeling and gauge from there how far we would go. It was a wonderful run, we had some moments there where we were going faster than our normal little shuffle and could have passed for real runners. That being said, I did have a few times where I had to pull back because I was having some breathing issues, but that is to be expected when I'm still trying to kick the bronchitis and when we were talking up a storm. K had to tell me to stop talking and/or walk a few times because it was clear that I couldn't both run and chat when I started having the breathing problems. Then around mile 4 it started to rain, at first it was a nice little mist, but then it really started coming down. I know that some of you live in parts of the country where running in the rain is a fact of life, but around here not so much. So we considered it a pretty bad ass moment to run in the rain. Plus, we really didn't have any other choice seeing as we were fairly far from the cars. We did decide that it was a failure to plan for it on our part. We need to wear some visors or caps next time it rains so we don't have raindrops dripping down our noses, and messing with my glasses. Also, I really need to go ahead and get fitted for contacts because glasses and running don't really go together all that well. Anyways, I managed to get my run in and run out the anger from yesterday.

Alright, yesterday's race was a disaster. I have had enough time to get over the anger from yesterday. I got to the location and when was parking my car a group of runners were leaving which I found odd. They told me that the race was running behind schedule. I got my stuff together, picked up my race number and decided that I would wait and see how delayed they actually were. The 5K was supposed to go at 8, and the 10K was to go at 8:30. At 8:30, no one was lined up for the 5K, they still hadn't gone when I ended up leaving at 9. I left... why you ask. Well, it was Thanksgiving and I promised my husband that I would be home at a reasonable hour because we had to be at his family's get together at 2. There was no way that I was going to make it home at a reasonable time if they still hadn't started the 5K at 9. This race was already a point of contention at home, and the last thing I needed to do was push it and really start a fight by coming home really late. I was mad yesterday. I was mad at the race people because of the lack of organization, I was mad that I had to leave, I was mad because I really wanted to do it. I was also mad because the person whom I was supposed to run with was sick, she really couldn't help that but I had the anger ball rolling at that point. I was a pissy b*tch. That being said, everything happens for a reason, as if I wasn't getting enough signs that I wasn't meant to do the race, my car stalled out on the way to the race. I was joking with K later in the day that it just meant that I wasn't meant to do races without her, she agreed.

Thankful Thursday

First of all, I realize this is sort of late, but you know I couldn't do anything early... because that's how I roll. I had originally started to write a post where I was complaining about what happened with my 10K this morning. I decided to scrap that because there really wasn't much of a point of putting all that negativity out there. I will give you a quick review of what happened tomorrow after I've had some more time to get over it. Anyways, it's Thanksgiving and really I just need to focus on all the wonderful things in my life that I am grateful for, more specifically the people and things from 2010.

• Bella- I am always going to be grateful for her but she said something to me back in January that was the final spark that I needed to start on this whole journey. 
• Patrick- Again, I will always be grateful for him but he too was a driving force in my journey. I wanted to try to make changes in my life with the hopes that he would make some changes too. We have gone through a lot this year, but I am so thankful to have him as my husband and partner in crime.... errr I mean life. (I know, so cheesy)
• Amy- She pushed me to step out of my comfort zones in so many aspects of my gym and personal life. She has turned out to be an incredible friend too. She has been so instrumental in my success this past year. She has been my cheerleader, pr person, butt kicker, and therapist.
• K- Who knew that when I met her that she would become one of my dearest friends. She has also pushed me not just with the running but in my personal life in ways that I would never have been able to push myself. Plus, she is REAL with me, she does not pull any punches and I just love that. 
• All of my incredible friends, new and old. I am truly blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life. I want to send a shout out to a specific few who have been particularly great this year... Christina, Jen W., Shannon, Sarah & Kareen. Love you all! 
• Zumba- I am so grateful for Zumba, it truly was such a driving force in changing my life. It was my first group fitness class on this foray back into the gym. I still remember that first class where I stood in the back of the room, holding back tears because it took so much for me to just walk into that room. I cried during the class because I just felt like I had no business being in that class, but I was having so much fun at the same time. I stayed through that first class, and just kept going back for more. 
• Running- I never thought I would ever run, this little adventure has changed my life. It has challenged me physically and mentally. It's taught me so much about how much I am truly capable of. 
• All of you- You keep me on track, lift me up and are all around AWESOME! 
• This blog- It has given me a place to keep track of all my progress, an outlet for my crazy, and a place to celebrate my successes. 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! 

Haven't Fallen Off The Face Of The Earth

Seriously, I haven't... promise. I have actually been trying to kick this bronchitis and actually doing some real work. It's that crazy little side gig that occasionally gives me some extra cash... my photography business. It's that time of year when everyone is frantically trying to get their holiday photos done so they can get their cards out. Great for business, not so great for blogging, but I really can't complain.

In other news, I had to reschedule the Zumba auditions and they are next week. I am pretty excited and I feel good about the auditions. I just have to keep practicing and pray and hope that I don't mess up too badly. I just have to keep telling myself that "I Got This".

As for running, I have my first 10K in the morning and I will be running by myself which is a first for a race. I have been mentally preparing myself for this and K said I could call her and chat with her during the race if I needed to. Can you picture me on my phone chatting away during a race?! Actually, for those who know me well, they would probably tell you that isn't really all that surprising. I know it's going to go well, I am ready for this.

Now, that things are starting to settle a little, I will be blogging more frequently, because I know you are dying to read what I have to say. Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Eat lots of delish food and have a drink or five for me.

Just Another Blog Entry

I had a doctor's appointment Friday morning, it was one I made a while back and it just sort of worked out that I was sick to boot. Anyways, after getting the once over from the fine doctor, she informed me that I have some mild bronchitis.... FANTASTIC. So, I am on some meds, I have a new inhaler, and she said I could get back to exercising the way I am used to in 3 days. I can handle that, for the most part. I did ask if I could at least go for a walk because I was starting to climb the walls and go a little stir crazy. She okayed that, so I was at least some what happy. After that, I went for a nice walk with K. I tried to jog a little but it wasn't working so well for me, turns out the doctor was probably on to something when she told me to talk it easy. Plus, K was there to keep me in line, and she did a few times when I tried jogging. Also, ended up having to reschedule the Zumba auditions because it was pretty apparent after our walk that I had no business trying to do this while I wasn't feeling 100%.

Friday afternoon, I get a call from my mom asking what our plans were for the weekend because she was coming to visit. It was a total surprise, and Bella was just beyond excited about having Grandma come for a visit. Then, Saturday night I find out that my dad was coming down on Sunday morning, he wanted time with Bella too. Bella is being spoiled rotten, and I am going to have to do some major damage control on the spoilage going on. They go back to Toronto on Tuesday, so that's going to be a difficult day for the pint sized dictator.

By the way, I signed up for a Thanskgiving 10k. Hope I feel 100% by then.

In Non Running News...

So, I decided to for go running yesterday and today. I've also stayed away from the gym all together, I haven't been feeling well enough and I worry about making myself even worse by pushing it. One of my biggest fears is getting bronchitis as bad as I did last year. I was so sick last December that I could barely walk a few steps without being winded, but then again my weight had a hand in that too. In any case, I am trying my best to avoid being that sick again, plus I am hoping that I can get myself together in time to run on Friday morning.

Another reason I am taking it easy is so I can be well enough to teach a little on Saturday morning. Yup, you read that right. I had some Zumba opportunities come up, and I couldn't be more excited about it. The one on Saturday is a really casual thing to see if this particular gym is going to be a good fit for me. This particular opportunity is incredible because it's close to home and it pays really well. Then there is a second opportunity, it doesn't pay well but it's a Zumba job. The second gym wants me to teach an entire class as my audition, they are looking to fill the position as soon as possible. To be honest, I am not too sure about the second gym, but I have to go and try it out because I might be pleasantly surprised. Let's see if anything comes of these opportunities.

Alright kids, it's bed time but I will leave you with a song featured on Modern Family (one of my fave shows) tonight.

Sniffles

I've developed a lovely cold, and let me tell you this isn't fun at all. I am going with the "neck up" rule and I went did a walk on the treadmill because it was raining. I even managed to make it to Zumba but today was a struggle in class. I HATE being sick! The worst part is that Amy wants me to be logging at least 20 miles per week, which means I have to run tomorrow and I am being a whiney miserable b*tch. Right now I would rather live on my couch and drown myself in popcorn. UGH! It's time for some nyquil.

GOTR Atlanta 5K Race Report

BP means... well the P stands for please, you can guess what the B means. We so had that!

Let me just start by telling you guys that I did better than last time, especially because I didn't cry... SCORE!!! The morning started with K and Amy meeting me at my place and heading out from there. Once we got there, we parked and made our way over the the expo and number pick up. I know this is going to sound awful but it was not what I expected at all. I guess I thought there would be more to it. Anyways, at the bright point was the bakery giving away delicious bread that they drizzled with honey. Ultimately, I was there for the race not the festivities. We did manage to make a sign with our motto, and we had to get a pic of us holding it because we so had that.

So, the start of this race was cramped, and I mean CRAMPED. The first part of the race was crowded and tight, and due to the nature of the race there were also a lot of those little people. The thing with having a lot of kids in a race is the fact that you have a lot of bobbing and weaving to do because kids randomly stop, turn around and run against the flow to meet up with their friends, it definitely made it interesting. The other issues were the people who sort of meandered and would not let you pass, if I had to slow down or walk I moved over to the side so I wasn't blocking the road, I don't get why other people didn't do the same. K, Amy and I had some interesting conversations. let me just tell you that K has some of the best stories ever. Her work stories are particularly wonderful because she gets to work with some pretty interesting people and in some pretty interesting places. The stories really helped pass the time because for some reason this race just felt like the first two miles took FOREVER to get through. Then between mile 2 and 3 I started having some breathing trouble, it wasn't that bad but it FREAKED me out. Again, goes to show you how much of a mental game running can be. Needless to say, I will not forget my inhaler in the car again. I had to walk a little more than I would have liked but I managed. Mentally speaking, I had a few mental roadblocks but not like I did last time, not even close. I think that the mental roadblocks will become easier to deal with as I get more miles under my belt. It probably helped that there weren't any sprinting grannies this time. There were some logistical issues in the race as well. The water stop was a gigantic mess, there were line ups to get water so we just skipped it all together because it really was just too much. The finish was split into a female chute and a male chute which wasn't a problem, the problem was that the whole thing was incredibly cramped and felt a little claustrophobic. It just felt sort of disorganized. That being said, I will probably do another one of this organization's race again because I believe in their programs and they really need the money that they raise through their events.

We Got This

Getting Ready For Tomorrow

Alright, I am in a mad dash to get everything ready for my 5K tomorrow. I have this thing about making sure that I have everything I might need and then some. I've set out my clothes for the morning, the socks that I insist on wearing tomorrow are being washed as I type this and I packed a bag with a change of clothes, extra socks, wallet and my spibelt. I don't know why I feel the need to have a change of clothes but I do, and it helps me feel prepared. Plus, I have checked my alarm clock a million times to make sure I have it set to the correct time. So, my question for you is... How do you prepare for your races big and small?

Also, I have a plan for tomorrow's race. Want to hear/read it? It's a great plan.... JUST FINISH THE DARN THING! Preferably without tears and definitely with less walking than last race.

My Faves Friday

Other blogs have Three Thing Thursdays but I thought My Faves Friday would be pretty awesome too. Alright, it's more because I'm a copycat and it's not Thursday.

This Friday's Faves

• Running mates from this morning, Shannon and Sarah who pushed my lazy butt 
• Peppermint tea
• Power Protein Plate from Starbucks! It's delish and it's 370 cals, 13 grams of protein and 36 grams of carbs.
• Knitting. After chatting with my friend Anna, I am totally going to try and take up knitting again, it's been years.
• CUPCAKES!!! Well, because it's a cupcake... geez what other reason do I need?!

I ran with Sarah and Shannon this morning, and it was fun. Although, to be honest I was so nervous about running with them that I even had bad dreams about it last night. Again, these were not rational fears but you know what we all know that I am a little off, so let's just run with it. Just goes to show how much of a mental game running can be. Anyways, the run was fun, they really did push me this morning and I needed it because I was dragging and being whiney. Loved the girl time and loved the gossip, this is one of the perks of running with awesome girls. If I were to have these chats with myself, people would just think I was the crazy girl who talks to herself.... I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'. After I left them, I met up with my friend Anna for some tea and the aforementioned protein plate at Starbucks. We chatted about a little of everything, including some crafty stuff. I think I am ready to unleash the inner Martha again, and at least start knitting again. I got two patterns from Anna and I am going to give them a go. This evening I got to Groove and who was there but none other than one of my most incredible friends... Lisa. We Grooved it out and went out and got some really tasty mexican food afterwards. Nothing says good job in class today quite like chips and salsa. 

Ok, So Second Doesn't Suck That Much

My ILIATC Jamie,  Me, my trainer Amy

Weigh Cool, the ILIATC winning team!!

So, as the title implies, I didn't win. I came in second, but we already knew that and I was prepared to deal with it. What I was not prepared for was what else going to happen last night, which just blew me away. Ok, the little shindig started with stats about the program, and there were over 800 pounds lost between all the teams involved this go around. Try and picture that... it's insane! GO ALL OF US ILIATC PEEPS! Then, the team winners were announced. Amy's team (the team that the thorn in my side was on) won third place, and Jamie's teams won first and second. When they announced that the team that everyone thought was going to win actually came in second, I was floored and so excited all at the same time. We were the underdogs of her two teams because we were the all female team, but we pulled it out and won!!! Weigh Cool really was WAY COOL! Then we got the individual results and they announced the third place chick and gave her stats, and we all cheered for her. Then the dude in charge of all the trainers started his little speech about the second place person, and as soon as he said it was someone working with two of his trainers, I started welling up. No, there's no crying at "Lost It"! So I started singing "Here Comes Santa Claus" to myself, because who can cry with that song?! *that was a little trick I learned on my wedding day* He had some of the sweetest things to say about me and my progress, even he was tearing up. I just sat there shaking and my team kept telling me to stand up but I couldn't bring myself to do it because then I would for sure cry... and it would be the ugly cry. Then, he surprised me with the sweetest gift, he said he was so impressed with what I have done over since January that he gave me a $150 gift certificate to spend on anything at the gym. Then he moved on to announce the over all winner... the dude. I actually felt bad for the guy because it was so anti-climatic. Even the speech that Amy had to give about him was sort of lack lustre. The kicker was that dude had no idea that the prize was a free year at the gym, and he didn't seem to care about it that much. Seriously?! So, there you have it... it all actually worked out pretty well. Not exactly the way I would have hoped it would but it was still pretty frickin' awesome. To top off a great night, Amy, A and myself went out for chips, salsa and margaritas afterwards to celebrate. Just so you know, my stomach still feels like it's on fire from eating and drinking all that. Isn't that sad?

Ok, I had to add a video because RR from http://littlefruitfly.blogspot.com/ posted a video of Boyz 2 Men on her facebook and now I can't get the song out of my head. I'm even doing the little dance that I had made up for this when I was a kid.

The Pity Party Is Over

Alright peeps, I am done with my ILIATC pity party. I am feeling a little disorganized today so I am going to try and organize my thoughts in bullet form today. Let's just go with it.

• Talked to Amy yesterday, obviously, and we had a wonderful chat after I was done losing my sh*t about "Lost It". I cried, she got teary eyed, it was a delightful mess. Don't worry, they were good tears.
• Amy left me some homework. I have to come up with a spiel that I am going to give people when they ask about the weight loss, because they will and they do. I have a tendency to clam up about it. Secondly, and sort of tied in with the blog, she wants me to start writing about the weight journey. We're talking from the beginning. She wants me to do it now because I'm still in the process and it's still fresh and pretty raw. 
• Last point actually ties in with something that K said to me on Saturday morning. She said that it would be selfish to not share my story with people. She meant more than just the blog. 
• We talked about was about my inability to wrap my head around what is going on with me and the changes in my body. K and Amy keep telling me that what I see, isn't what everyone else sees when it comes to my body and what I am doing. It might be time for me to find some a therapist. *just a side note- I must look like a crazy person because I'm blogging from Starbuck's and I am sitting here trying to hide the fact that I am crying... CRAZY TOWN*
• I'm a firm believer that people come in and out of your life for a reason. With all the emotional mess I've been feeling, I feel very grateful for all the incredible people who have come into my life. Especially those who have and are helping me through this weight loss and half marathon journey. 
• I think I am done being an emotional mess. 
• Wait, there's more.... nope, I'm done.

Off to walk with my dear friend. 

Don't Ask Questions That You Don't Want The Answer To

Today's lesson ladies and gentleman is don't ask questions that you don't really want the answers to. I actually have a positive entry about today to post but that will have to wait until later. Right now, I just have to get this mess of my chest. I had coffee with Amy this morning and I asked her how that guy did in his weigh in, and he beat me. He beat me, it was by a fraction of a percent. I WAS PISSED OFF! I have calmed down considerably but I am still disappointed. At least, now I am prepared for Wednesday because I still plan on going to the awards thing. My team most likely ended up in the top 3 and I want to be there for that. I also plan on thanking the dude for making me work harder then I would if I weren't trying to beat him. Ultimately, I may not have put in that kind of effort had he and I not been so close in percentage. Going to go dance it out tonight at Groove with A. Just so you all know, I feel like the friggin' Susan Lucci of Lost It At The Club.

*Edited to add- I'm not actually supposed to know his results....*

It's Vlog-ilicious

It Was....

...DELICIOUS! A party in my tummy if you will.

Party in My Tummy

This is my theme song for the day after ILIATC this morning!

I Can Almost See The Finish Line!

Before I even tell you about the insane days I've had, I want to send a shout out to Shannon who wasn't mentioned in the vlog entry. She changes her tennis schedule to come to contortion on Tuesday mornings and she's one of my Zumba peeps. Shannon, you're awesome!!!

I forgot to mention in the vlog entry that I went shopping with my dear friend, she was shopping for a dress for a wedding. While she was trying on clothes, I found a dress that I just had to try on. I didn't know what size to pick so, I picked multiple sizes and started from the biggest size and moved down. I put on a dress in a size I haven't worn in a LONG time. I was so excited that I walked out of the dressing room and started singing and even did a little dance. It was a sight to see... If I had a super nice occasion to go to, I'd go back and buy the dress. 

So, after I got my Housewives fix Wednesday morning, I headed to the gym and trained with Amy. SHE KICKED MY BUTT! I am thoroughly grateful though because it was some good therapy thrown in there for good measure, and heaven knows I needed the therapy.  After that, I got in a short run on the treadmill before I went to cycle class, I really cannot stand the treadmill. Anyways, I went to cycle and would you believe that the instructor played "Cheeseburger In Paradise", that is simply cruelty to fatties. I was so hungry and the song nearly sent me over the edge. I went to Zumba that afternoon and got to see Sarah and Shannon which is always fun, I love those girls. I was so ramped up after class, I felt like a bit of a crack head. I finally managed to tire myself out after going to Groove class later that evening. 

Thursday, I went to Amy's pilates class, and it was awesome. Her class is challenging but we also had a lot of laughs which helped the class simply fly by. I did not go to Groove, I needed the rest. Instead, I went to help my friend Christina find some accessories to go with the dress she bought on Tuesday's shopping adventure. Let me tell you, I learned a valuable lesson, I cannot be left alone in Charming Charlie's. I was picking accessories left and right, and I would have spent a small fortune had I not just put my basket down and walked out of the store. I had to laugh at myself a little because I get a little crazed when it comes to accessories of any kind. Then Thursday evening, I went to Group Active for the first time in a long time, and I stayed for Zumba immediately after that.

This morning K, Sarah and I went to for our long run. Thank goodness for Sarah because K and I were dragging. Sarah pulled us through today.... thank you! It was a different dynamic and a ton of fun to have more of us running together... it just worked out so well. Plus, it was nice to have a third for when we have to face off with the Stroller Mafia who will not budge and take up the entire golf cart path. After we finished our 7 miles, we all headed to lunch together. What could be better?! K and I went to Groove this evening, and I am so glad that she came because I was struggling and I don't know if I would have worked as hard had she not been there. 

So, tomorrow is the big weigh in and then I have to wait until Wednesday night to find out if I won. At this point, I still want to win but I am also ready for this to be over because I'm ready to get my head out of Crazy Town. As much as I enjoy being Mayor McCheese, the mayor of Crazy Town, I am ready to have my brain back to Normalville. Wish me luck! I saw the dude who's in second as I was leaving the gym tonight, I hope he only puts in a half as*ed effort. 

Pre Long Run Spark

Sarah and I got our Spark on before our run this morning.

Pancake Wishes and Cupcake Dreams

Just ignore the fact that I look like a hot mess. It feels so weird to vlog, my eyes were darting around everywhere... I looked like a crazy person. 

Eye Of The Tiger

*singing Eye Of The Tiger to myself*

The "I Lost It At The Club" standings for this past week are in and I am back in first. Plus, my team is also in first place... double plus!! The final weigh in is on Saturday and the winners will be announced on Wednesday November 10th evening at the little "Lost It" celebration thing.

*It's the eye of the tiger, it's the thrill of the fight.....*

A Rest Day?!

Guess what happened on Sunday... I had an honest to goodness rest day. It wasn't intentional but I was grateful for it regardless. Let me explain how this happened, I had originally made plans to either go for a short run or hit the gym this afternoon before we took Bella out trick or treating. Patrick, Bella and I were out and about longer then we had originally planned, by the time we got home there wasn't time to go to the gym or for a run before the Halloween festivities began. I even considered going to the gym this evening because of the whole "Lost It" competition but decided that I really needed the rest. I am sure that my sore body will be very grateful for the day off when I get back to it tomorrow.

This evening, I got together with some of my friends and their families to take the kiddos trick or treating. These kids have known each other for the majority of their little lives and they are such great friends, I really hope that they stay this close as they grow up. It was such a fun evening and we had a ton of laughs watching the kids. Now, I'll be one of those moms and share a picture of Bella (in the Dorothy costume) and her little homies.

Saturday Night's Alright For Bloggin'

Friday morning, K and I went for our long run and were able to get in another seven miles. We took it easy and didn't try to better our time at all because to be honest, I haven't had the energy for it in the last little while. I was on such a high from the completion of the seven miles that I thought I should go to cycle class. It sounded like a great idea at the time but I was incredibly wiped out when it was done. All this exhaustion would keep most people at home instead of going to Groove on Friday night, but not me. I shimmied it out with my Groovy friends, but I'll be honest, I was tired. This ILIATC final push is awesome because I am seeing results but I am exhausted all the time, the good news is that the end of this insanity is near. I am ready to return to regular life from my extended stay in Crazy Town. I was telling K that I am entirely too competitive with things like this and it brings out a CRAZY side of me. Lucky for you, you've all had a glimpse at my brand of crazy.

I had my second last ILIATC weigh in today and I lost another 7 pounds!!!! I couldn't be happier but I have to just keep working super hard for one more week to finish strong. So close to being done! K, A and I have BIG plans for next Saturday after the last weigh in and workout. First of all, we are going to go eat pancakes... oh delicious carbs, we're heading to a local hang out to have a drink afterwards and we're finishing strong by making a stop at a local cupcake shop. It's a sad state of affairs when pancakes on Saturday are what's keeping me going right now.... all I want is my one cheat day. After this "Lost It" thing is done I can get back to a real way of eating and still getting result just not drastic results.

It's Saturday night, and I thought that maybe I should tell you 5 things about me.

• I LOVE musicals. I've been singing show tunes all night.
• My childhood heroes were not your run of the mill heroes. They were and still are Cher, Bette Midler, Julie Andrews and Barbara Streisand. I wanted to be Julie Andrews.
• I've always wanted to take dance lessons, the only kind of dance lessons I've ever taken were short lived swing dance lessons with an ex boyfriend. 
• I've been called an old soul more than once.
• I love to bake and I miss it dearly but it would be my downfall right now.

Here are a few show tunes I've been belting out tonight...

I won't even put in all the Sound of Music ones I've been singing. 

And because it's Halloween and I love Rocky Horror Picture Show...

Today's Theme Song

Exciting First

K and I ran this morning but let me be honest and tell you that it was a slow, humid and chatty run. Not a huge deal because it was fun to get out there regardless and I love the time K and I spend together having our own therapy and gab sessions. After that run, I had a training session with Amy but it wasn't our normal sessions in the gym. We met at a track and did some sprints, speed work and some other things that we do not normally do. It was a heck of a workout and an eye opener. The 100m sprints were faster than I thought they would be and even Amy was impressed as to how fast they were. I'm not going to be the next Flo Jo, but it I was still pretty happy with my time. The best part and my exciting first was the run at the end of the workout. Amy had me run so she could see my pace per mile. I did a little run/walk and managed to do a 13 minute mile. I know that for most runners, that isn't a great pace but in my world this is HUGE. It was faster than my usual shuffle, and I'm just happy about it. I know I say it all the time but a year ago, I would have laughed in your face if you'd told me that I'd be out running, or trying to do anything remotely like running.

After the morning's workouts, I was lucky enough to have lunch with my dear friend A. She and I haven't had a chance to spend much time together lately. We had a great time just chatting and catching up, but sadly we just didn't have enough time to cover everything we wanted to chat about. Is there ever really enough time?! Then this evening, I got to spend more time with K and A when we went to Groove class to dance it out a little. K left, but A and I stayed and tried to get a little zen on in centergy, but it just wasn't the same without a snuggie for the rest time at the end of class.

"If You Ain't First..."

Someone once said, "If you ain't first, you're last". OK, so it was just Ricky Bobby in the movie Talladega Nights, not some scholar or anyone of note. We FINALLY got the results of ILIATC for this past week and I dropped to second... second... WTF?! There is ten days left in the program and I'm kickin' into over drive because I really want to win, it isn't about the prize anymore as much as it is about winning. The guy that I've been battling it out with for the top spot is going down this week! 

Shut It Down

This song is one of my faves...



Shutting this day down by watching The Real Housewives of Atlanta... yeah, I love watching crappy tv. For what it's worth, they should do the Really Real Housewives of Atlanta, and they can follow my broke butt around. Sadly, I don't wear a wig, but I will probably be tardy for the party. Oh gosh, I think I'm dumber for watching this and even dumber for writing about it. OY VEY!

Anyways, this morning not even tornado warnings were going to keep me from getting a run in. I hauled my butt to the gym this morning to get in a quick run because running outside was just not an option. It was storming and there were tornado warnings, so that threw a wrench in the plans. As soon as I got to the gym, the tornado sirens started to sound and we had to cram into the locker rooms until they gave us the all clear. I got up there and did 24 minutes on the treadmill because I had to get back to help out at Bella's school. After being a good mom and helping out, I headed back to the gym for round 2 of 3 with Amy. We had a challenging and interesting workout, and of course a little therapy thrown in there for a little added fun. Then, because I had to go back for more, K picked me up and we headed to Fayetteville and hit up the October Groove launch. I didn't go to Zumba... can you believe it?!

So, I have some great news. My friends Sarah and Shannon are joining K and I in Orlando this February! They have signed up for the half and I couldn't be more excited about it! The more the merrier!!!

Seven Miles?! Piece Of Cake

... and no, I don't mean a real piece of delicious post run cake. :( Although, cake does sound mighty tasty right about now. If it weren't for "Lost It" I would tear up some cake right about now, but I digress. Friday morning, K and I set out on what would be a most epic day for us. We started with a plan and we did not back down, we finished those seven miles and I could not be prouder of us. *TMI warning* So, I think that I can now join the ranks of the hard core because I ran the last mile and a half with something not feeling quite right. I had a feeling it was my toenail that had gone, low and behold when we were done and I took my shoe off my sock was bloody and my one of my toenails was almost completely gone. Who needs those toenail things anyways?! The toenail had also cut up one of the adjacent toes, it was not a pretty picture. The good thing is that I was riding the high of the seven miles that a little blood didn't bother me. This is going to sound crazy but between the seven miles and the toenail thing, I felt pretty bad ass.

K and I decided that the best way to celebrate the run was to make a little road trip to a running store in town called Big Peach Running Company to properly get fitted for new shoes and to spend some money. Ok, really we just needed an excuse to go shopping. I cannot tell you how much I loved this store, the staff was great, the fit process was wonderful and they had some of the coolest things in-store. I spent a bit more than I wanted to but I got a new bra, new shoes, and some more KT tape. I needed that stuff... right?! K and I considered getting shirts that said Run ATL on them, I might have to go back and pick them up because they were too cool. Now, I'm going to start breaking the new shoes in so I don't have a toenail incident repeat.

This morning I had my weigh in and workout for ILIATC, and the results were awesome!!! I lost 6.2 pounds, I couldn't be happier. There is only one issue, because there are only two weeks of "Lost It" left my focus is going to have to shift a little away from running just until the last weigh in on the 6th. That's not to say I won't run, it just means that I am just going to try and maintain what I've got going on. My trainer was giving me some strategies and tips so that I can win this thing. I am going to win this, because I have busted my butt and I could really use the free year at the gym. Send me good weight loss vibes.... Mama's gotta win!

Let's Play Catch Up

Started Monday morning, with a 4 mile walk with K. We threw in a few little spurts of running in there, but I mostly walked. You know, I don't even feel bad about it, I think if I had actually tried to run, I wouldn't have made it. It was just nice to get outside and I had a nice chat with K. We made plans for our long run on Friday morning and we have big plans for 7 miles. Our motto is "We Got This" and we definitely "got this", we are going with a plan and we are sticking with it to make it to 7.

Monday evening, I went and shook it in Zumba. My friend Christina is now coming to Zumba on Monday nights and I love that we can share that because I do so love my Zumba, if you hadn't already guessed. She cracked me up with a comment about how she didn't know how anyone could get up there and teach that because I remember thinking the same thing when I first started. How things change...

Tuesday morning, I went to Centergy with Shannon, and it felt good to get to "contortion class". I still have trouble with some of the things we do in the class, but I was pleasantly surprised when I was able to do some of the things with more ease then ever before. Before I know it, I will be a centergy pro... ok, maybe not a pro but it will be nice when I don't have to modify as much as I do now. So, looking forward to that day.... After contortion, we went to Starbuck's because there is nothing better than post contortion oatmeal and coffee.

Wednesday, I got a call from my friend asking if I wanted to go to the gym with her. Of course, I agreed and told her that I had to get in some strength training. I let her know that she could train with me, since Amy's little one is sick and she couldn't meet me. So, I got to play trainer to my friend and I got quite a kick out of it. I took her through a pretty easy workout, where we focused on upper body stuff and core work. She complained the whole time calling everything we did stupid, it was pretty darn amusing, and it just made me bug her and push her harder. She even went on facebook to complain about it, which made it all the more amusing. I had to tell her remind her that if it were easy we'd all be toned and buff and instead of working out it would be called walk in the park. Anyways, I was able to get in a short run on the treadmill while my friend who'd I'd worked out with was complaining to a mutual friend of ours about how "mean" I was to her. She'll get over it! Back to the run, I ran slow and easy 30/30 intervals, I am trying to do the Galloway Run/Walk thing. I had a slow pace of 17:08/mile, I have no doubt that I will be able to improve on that greatly between now and February. I went back to the gym for a second round to get in some Zumba, just for sh*ts and giggles. Then, because I am glutton for punishment and maybe a little dumb, I went back for a third round and hit up Centergy.

Thursday was just chocked full of good gym times. I went to pilates and did some things that I know will  be feeling for a day or two. I finally got to train with Amy in the morning and we had a good little therapy session and a heck of a workout. Afterwards, I was able to get to the second part of Groove to get a little cardio in. But wait, there was more! I had to get back to the gym in the evening to go to Zumba because I needed some more cardio. Plus, I get to hang out with Sarah for a little while after class, so it's a win all around. Phew, I'm tired just typing all this out.

I got an email from the photographers that were at the race on Saturday with the link to pictures taken of me. I learned a valuable lesson by looking at those pics. I need to practice looking cooler when the cameras are around during a race. I was making a silly face in one, that one had been on purpose, but the rest, ugh... I need to work on the bad ass poses. I did fork over the cash and paid for the rights to one picture, because I needed to have a souvenir from the race. Also, I signed up for another race on November 14th. It's the New Balance Girls On The Run Atlanta 5k, I can't wait! Amy said she was going to run this one with me.

Here's the picture from the race. This was the least awful of the pics.

Sometimes It's Good To Be Second But.....

Being in first is even better!!!! I just got an email from my ILIATC trainer, and she informed me that I'm in first place right now. Now, I just have to bust my butt to stay in first. I have to win this thing! Last go around I came so close and missed the mark by a less than 1%. I've been doing my happy dance all morning. WOOT WOOT!!!!

Peachtree City Classic Women's 5K Race Report

Sarah and I pre race, trying to not get hurt taking a picture. 

K and I pre race.

The whole crew after the race.
L-R: Me, K, Elizabeth, Shannon, Emily, Sarah and Allie.
Elizabeth, Emily and Allie are Shannon's incredible daughters.

Friday night, K and I picked up our race packets and race shirts on Friday night. They had an "expo" but I use the term loosely because there wasn't much there, but I held out hope that there would be more at the expo in the morning. Sarah and Shannon were kind enough to take Bella out to dinner while K and I hit up Groove class, it made Bella's day. Anyways, after I picked Bella up, I headed back to Casa De Awesome to get my stuff ready for Saturday morning. I didn't get much sleep, I was revved up and kind of nervous about Saturday.


*WARNING- I know some of what I was thinking and what I describe is crazy, just go with it... come with me to CRAZY TOWN. Also, there is a little TMI, just thought you should be warned.*
Saturday morning I woke up early and got myself ready for the race. Who would have thought that I would ever get up early to go to a race, let alone in the cold, how things change. K picked me up and we made our way over to the race. They had a slightly bigger expo thing set up, which was alright but I couldn't focus on any of it because I was busy thinking about the race and wondering if I would be any faster than last race. We met up with Sarah, Shannon and Shannon's daughters, it was cool to have everyone to chat with and hang out with. We eventually made our way up to the starting line and I started to size up the competition. Yup, I was looking around to see who might be slower than me and who I could take down, I know it's not logical but it's what I did. Let's face it, I was not going to be fast, at least not yet, but I knew I didn't want to be last across that finish line. Then they called us to line up, and before we knew it, we were off. Ok, everyone else was flying, I was shuffling along... no, let's call it "enjoying the scenery".  Kids were passing me, then some old ladies passed me, I think some snails passed me too but I can't tell for sure because those damn snails were fast, but I was "enjoying the scenery". All kidding aside, I was on my own and I got into a bad head space with a few minutes, I was a freakin' mess. I had started out with a plan of doing my little run/walk intervals, and that went out the window when I got pissy. As I was trotting along, I spotted this poor soul who was really just busting her butt and really focusing and she became my target. I wasn't going to let her finish before me! I would pass her, she would pass me, and so it went for half of the race that is until she shot off and left me behind. Didn't she know that she was supposed to stay back and finish after me?! Didn't she get the memo? I was pissed but instead of following, I kept my miserable pace and sulked.  It wasn't long until I found a new target, an elderly lady who was deceptively slow. Guess what Granny did within a minute of becoming my target?! Yup, she flew off too... WTF! Finally, I found my last target, a lady whom had been in my general area the whole race. I decided that she wasn't going to finish before me darn it. Did I mention that I had a little cry during the race? Yeah, I cried because I felt like such a loser because I didn't push hard enough and I was pretty much having a beat up on Lucy and pity party. The thoughts going through my head were crazy, and I think that having Aunt Flo in town didn't help my mental situation at all. I was driving the bus to Crazy Town! Anyways, I am glad that I managed to pull myself together because I'm sure I looked like a hot sweaty and teary mess. I messed with my playlist and finally found some songs on that got me fired up. One of the songs that I was listening to is called Floor On Fire, and I was scooting along whispering "the floor, the floor is on fire"... yup, must have looked and sounded like a complete nut job but at that point I didn't care anymore. Then I could see the three mile mark, and I also saw Sarah and K coming back for me. I am so glad that they came back for me and crossed the finish line with me that in itself almost made me cry because it was such a sweet gesture. I was mad at myself after the race, I was mad because I didn't push hard enough, and I was mad that I let my targets beat me, I was just mad. I pitched a fit like a 5 year old, it wasn't pretty.

Afterwards, we started walking back to the expo area and low and behold there was post race cake. Yup, CAKE! As you may have already seen in my previous entry, I enjoyed the heck out of that cake. At that point, I decided that I was going to celebrate my 6 pound weight loss and my not being last, and there's nothing better for that than cake. That's right, I lost 6 pounds last week and I hope that's enough to keep me in the top three for "Lost It" and help set me up for the win. Yes, I know celebrating and drowning my sorrows in cake isn't the answer, but I didn't even care. Anyways, lots of lessons learned on Saturday morning.

Let's review...

1. I have awesome friends who came back for me!  
2. People who are your targets to beat need to be told to slow down because apparently the race officials aren't great at handing out the memos.
3. Stick to the plan, don't let anything divert me from the plan.
4. I need to come up with ways to overcome the mental funk I get into.
5. I drove the bus to Crazy Town, need to try and refrain from doing that again.
6. I need to run with kleenex or a hanky, not only did I cry but my nose was runny before that even started.
7. Crying during a race is dumb and does not make one look bad ass at all. Who cries during a 5K, it wasn't like I was running the NYC Marathon. 
8. I need a better and more organized playlist. 
9. I'm already looking for another race, so I must be insane. 
10. I took time off my last 5k, and I hope that it will only keep improving from here on out.
11. Post race cake is delicious, screw ILIATC for one day.
12. Cake can make just about anything better, the only better solution is a cupcake. I'm just sayin'....

I'll leave you with the song that I was singing to myself towards the end.

They Had Me At Post Race Cake

I will give you a full race report later, but I just had to share this pic of K and I we took after the race.

Peachtree Classic Bound

I'm up and getting ready to go to the Peachtree Classic 5K this morning. I keep telling myself that I cannot be last... there is just no way.

Yesterday Mental Roadblock... Today Is A New Day

Yesterday was a complete mental roadblock day. I had a short run with K this morning and I was in a funk, BLECH! We finished 2.7 miles but I was a mess... it's just one of those days. I joined K at the gym for a quick strength training session, nothing to write home about but we got it done. The rest of the day was a total and complete write off, I was useless. I wanted to go to the pool and get in a water workout but I just couldn't get my head into even leaving the house yesterday evening. All day was one gigantic roadblock day. On a good note, I signed up for the Peachtree Classic 5K this Saturday, so that should be fun because I have a lot of friends running this one. Plus, Bella had a friend over and those two little girls were exhausting but they had so much fun, which made it so worth it.

Today, was so much better then yesterday. K and I ran again this morning and got in a 5.4 miles. We were both pretty jazzed because we were faster than we have been in a long time. I mean we aren't breaking any speed records but it's a big deal for us. If we can go a little faster than we did today we can finish the 5K much quicker then we did last race, and I really just don't want to be the last across the finish line. That isn't much to ask right?! Anyways, I went to workout with Amy afterwards and she was just so inspiring and all around awesome. I am really lucky to have found a trainer and a friend who I mesh with so well and who gets my crazy. We did come up with a game plan for my training as soon as "Lost It At The Club" is over, we are going to make running and running related workouts my one and only priority and focus because there is no reason I should be this slow and why I can't finish the half. Right now with the weight loss aspect to things I am not able to focus like I should be on just the running. Alright, this is where I have to bid you all a good day because there is a certain dance fitness class calling my name. Can you guess which one? I'll give you a clue, it starts with a Z and ends with a umba. Peace out peeps! ¡WEPA!

Sometimes It's Good To Be Second

The weekly individual and group standings for ILIATC were posted. I am second in the individual standings overall and my team is in third overall. It's not first, but it feels great to be in the top three. WOOHOOO!!!! The dude in first has no idea what's coming, dude is going down. There is just 4 weeks of this left, and I'm just getting warmed up.

Where Art Thou Sleep?

I can't sleep tonight, I am just wired. UGH!!!! Thinking about sleep made me think of the old Goofy clip I posted.

Anyways, I had my ILIATC weigh in on Saturday and I rocked it out! I was down 9.1 pounds, I was ecstatic, that brings the total since January to 160.8 pounds lost. HELL YEAH!!! I got through the workout without complaining because I was so darn happy about my results, just have to keep working hard so I can win this thing. Mama needs a free year at the gym (the prize for the highest percentage lost for ILIATC). Can't wait to see what the team standings are for the week as well as the individual ones. I'll let you know if I hit the top three this week. *fingers crossed* It was such a great Saturday, UGA won, I lost a ton, my friend Sarah came over to let me play hair. Plus, Patrick and I took the rugrat to Dave and Buster's. She cracked us up, the look on her face when we walked in was priceless. I think I might have had a similar look the first time I went to Vegas. Needless to say, we all had a wonderful time there. We even had a chance to hit up the PGA Superstore next door, Patrick is thinking about taking up golf and Bella wants to learn as well. She went berserk for the pink clubs, bags and shoes for kids, she even enjoyed getting to play on the little putting thing they had set up. My poor baby isn't going to be the next Paula Creamer, but she really did try her hardest. Then we let her try and hit a few balls in the tennis section, I might have to buy her a cheap little racquet before we write that sport off too.

Today was pretty relaxed, I had a super fun shoot this morning with the funniest little boys. I just love what I do, and I hope that the fall brings more work my way. The rest of the day was pretty chill and spent at home trying to catch up on house work. My dear friend A managed to coax me into going to Groove this evening because I had planned on staying home and relaxing. I'm glad I went but I just wasn't into it, oh well, it happens. Not everyday is going to be a gun ho workout day.

I Found It!!!!

Look at what I found this morning....

The picture does not do the amount of dirt on it justice.... it was filthy.

So, K and I were trotting along when I saw something pink laying by the side of the path and I recognized it right away.... it was my pink bondi band!!! I almost didn't pick it up because it was so nasty but K coerced me into picking it up and shoving it in my spibelt. Picking up the headband is the opposite of what I would normally do, but K was convincing and I knew I would regret not picking it up. I am sure it was run over by golf carts and everyone else that uses the paths, but I am going to try not to think about it too much. I washed it as soon as I got home, and I think it'll be a few more washes before I even think about putting it back on my head. Although, I might not wear it again, and just bask in the fact that I found it. 

As you guessed, K and I ran today and we thought it would be a good idea to go for 6 again today. That as it turned out was a mistake. If we were good, we would follow the training plan and only do one long run a week, with two 30-40 minute runs before that. Anyways, I was exhausted and today was a real challenge to finish. I was dragging a** through the whole course, but I pushed through it, but we were SLOW. I mean we were inching along today. I think that I am going to try and take the entire day off before the next long run, it's just tough with this whole ILIATC thing going on right now. 

I have a question for you. Does having dreams about running mean that I am in the process of becoming a runner? I dreamt about the half marathon last night, and let me tell you in my dreams I was rocking it out. How lame is that? Apparently, I kicked Patrick a whole lot in my sleep so I must have really been into my dream last night. 

I have really been thinking about the half in the last few days. I was even visualizing crossing the finish line during the cycle class today. Actually, I pretty much tried to visualize the race during the whole class, it really helped me rock it out in class this afternoon. Oh and good news, the class was a lot less uncomfortable this go around, so we'll see how much better next week is. 

Gotta run, I have to get to Groove! My dear friend who will I will refer to as Lala is in town for the weekend and Groove was our Friday night date before she moved a few months ago. So, we're going to Groove and then get some coffee.