Food journaling & gaining some inspiration from previous races...

Last week was a little wonky with getting runs/ workouts in around my work schedule and doctors appointments, but the ones I did get in were pretty solid. Thursday was specifically a "mind change" sort of day. After spending Wednesday having a fun night of Chinese food and trivia with Mike (followed by chips, salsa and a margarita at the Mexican place next door), my 6am run scheduled for Thursday was particularly tough to wake up for. If I didn't have someone waiting for me to run with I certainly would have skipped it, but I made a commitment, and the 5am alarm had me heading to Lynn. Our 4 mile run ended up being 5, and as we were finishing up along the beach it reminded me of the multiple Breast Cancer Half Marathons I had completed previously. I am getting super worked up about my upcoming half marathon, but in retrospect, I have done the distance before. Seven times in fact. Some of those I was more prepared for than others, but I finished them all. I went home and looked back on a few of those races for a little inspiration.

Aside for my parents and grandparents seeing me walk across the stage in grad school, and my niece being born, my first race ranks in my top proudest moments. This was the race that initiated my fitness journey. Previous to this, I didn't walk to the mailbox voluntarily, let alone take on 13.1 miles. The previous year (April 2008) I was asked by a friend if I would do the Country Music Marathon in Nashville for her charity. Though I gave a firm "no" without a second thought, I did tell her that I would go there and cheer on her team with her. I had never been a race spectator, but the energy was so electric that day, that again without a second thought told her I was "all in" for the following year. I would have a year to train. I was 185lbs, so needed every day of that year. In my usual MO, I waited until February. Aside for the team I was running with, every person told me I was insane. I should give it up. I trained for 6 weeks and then tore my calf. Again was told (this time by docs) that running was a no go. Although completely defeated, we were allowed 4 hours to complete the race, so I figured if I could walk 15 min/mile I'd be able to get it done. I had already paid for my flight and hotel- so what did I have to lose? After spending 2 weeks on the recumbent bike, I wrapped my leg that morning and nervous as all get up, headed out. I finished in 3:08. Though I have since had better run times, including finishing the Las Vegas half this past November in 2:36 (and walked the last 2.5 miles of it) and 5 other Breast Cancer Half Marathons in between, the CMM is always the one I go back to for my boost of confidence.

I also started food journaling on Friday. There is no better way to feel guilty about how bad you eat until you have to think of writing it down. I have made some different choices in what I've eaten over the last few days, and have not drank any alcohol. I have also learned that I drink a ton of coffee at work...I guess sitting for 12.5 hours at a time will do that to you. I eat more when i'm working as well, mainly to have "something" to do during down time. Working on that. The night side of the shifts are usually when I eat my bad choice (ice cream...cake...a cookie). With that, I did lose 3lbs this week. I am not getting too excited until I get past the 5lb mark. I seem to sway within that range week to week, so once I break that I'll chalk it up as a small win.

I have been working the last 4 days, so my schedule has mostly consisted of sitting for 12 hours, driving home, sleeping and doing the same thing the following day. I did get up extra early yesterday and kept a friend who is training for a marathon company for the first half of her training run. Got 6.5 miles in, which has been my longest distance since the February half. It's moving slowly, but progressing in the right direction!