Sadi Says

Wow, things have been crazy around here, and I don’t really even know why. I’ll begin with the most recent news. AG had an appointment with her cardiologist today. While we were hoping to hear the tumors (rhabdomyomas) had shrunk, that was not the case, yet they didn’t grow either! The best news of the visit was that I can quit the 12 AM med, and spread the others out over 8 hours. THIS IS HUGE! For the past 9 months I have been giving her meds at 12 AM, 6AM, 9AM, 12 noon, 6 PM and 9 PM. Translation: no sleep. I have to stay awake waiting for midnight to roll around and usually by then I got a 2nd wind, and went to sleep between 1 and 2, only to have to get up again at 6. 60 minutes just did a big report on how important a good nights rest is for your health, and I look forward to testing out those claims!

As for C25K, I haven’t given up totally, just haven’t been doing it. It is getting really hot here and I am usually too tired to get up and run early (see above). Jason added the kids to our gym membership so now I can go in the morning with them and get a good workout in. The gym has just been remodeled and they have a really great new play area that the kids love. My running goals haven’t changed, but I will be spending the next few weeks making up for lost time.

Same goes for the diet. I truly believe diet and excercise go hand in hand, I seem to do better with both if I make the effort for both. Make sense?? Tomorrow I am going to WW to buy the digital points caluclator and get back on track. AG’s 1st birthday is 2 months away and I would like to actually like to be in a picture with her. PLUS, Jason has dropped a LOT of weight recently, seemingly without tryingn as men seem to do.  PISSES me off.  AAAH! But he looks great, feels great and I am proud of him.

I mentioned potty training a while back, and I am pleased to report Emily is mostly potty trained and has been for a while now.  She is such an amazing little girl.  Our whole PT experience was pretty painless.  I left the little potty (BJORN brand) in the living room, bought a few books and watched “Elmos’ Potty).  Some mornings I would get her up and sit her on the potty and then put her in underwear.  If she didn’t seem interested, I waited a week and tried again.  One day, she went first thing, and then again and again.  After that day the biggest effort was in emptying the potty, otherwise she did everything on her own.  Thesd days most ‘accidents’ revolve around her trying to go on the big potty by herself.  I still put her in a diaper at nap and nighttime, but even those are dry most of the time.  So my best advice is to wait until THEY are ready.  Logical and true.

There have been lots of other things going on around here, but those stories will have to wait as AG needs some mama time before bed.  Peace. 

I have a few minutes so I want to update what has been happening the last few weeks. Who am I kidding? I have about 10 minutes till I get the kiddies and that is not nearly enough time. One thing I really do want to share is the Avenue of the Vines 5k Jason and I did about a week ago.
As I mentioned before, since the CHO 5k I have been in a funk, and not exercising or eating right. In an attempt to undo that damage, I went for a jog (8.1) the Sat before the 5k. Lets just say that the rumors are true. For every day you miss, it takes your body two to get back. The crippling heat wasn’t helping either, and the lack of gumption continued into Sunday morning. Now, to be fair, the organizers had no control over the weather, or my lack of fitness. BUT, the fact that we got off the freeway and were quickly turned around and sent to ‘overflow’ parking on the OTHER SIDE of the freeway was not a good beginning. Seeing the line of people in the RV parking lot waiting for the shuttle to give them a ride (we assumed there was a shuttle from the sign “shuttle”, not because any person was there to share that tidbit with us. We were thinking we had to hoof it). After parking, and then deciding which items we HAD to take with us (you can’t just run back to the car afterwards for your things, too far!), we got in line and waited. and waited. and waited. for 20 minutes, I am not kidding. The line at this point snaked around back to the freeway. Where is the shuttle? I, along with my fellow runners, were getting peeved. AND, and, and, it is 7:50. Race starts at 8. I am figuring there is no way we will make it. Perhaps they will delay the start because there are hundreds of people waiting for a freaking shuttle. Which, when it finally arrives is a RV airbrushed with the largest, pinkest cloudy sunset you have ever seen. I think about 25 people were able to get on, and away they went.

Amazingly the ’shuttle’ returned a few minutes later and we were able to board. Luckily we were spared having to ride in the BEDROOM area.  The whole thing was just too ridiculous, and ALMOST funny, if I hadn’t been so annoyed.  Of course my event planner brain was spinning away. “Why wasn’t there mention of overflow parking/shuttle on the race day info? (we, and everyone else, could have allowed extra time) Why wasn’t there an ‘official’ somebody at the parking area apologizing, explaining and facilitating?” and a million other how-I-would-have-done-it-better thoughts.  As we drove down the road we see there is tons of parking still available, and as it was in the vineyards had the cars parked side by side rather than end to end, even more cars would have fit.  I do have acknowledge the fantastic RV driver.  He seemed like a really nice guy who got stuck in a crappy situation. (i thought I overheard him say that some of the other RV volunteer drivers didn’t show, which obviously would have made a difference)

We finally get there and over the loudspeakers they are saying “half marathoners, go, go, go, your race has started!” and then a minute later, the 5k started too!  We didn’t have time to tie our shoes, stretch or adjust our ipods.  (I should mention that this race, thankfully, had chip timers so even with the people starting at different times each would be accurate.)  We took off anyway,  but I stopped about 10 minutes in to retie my shoes. The run itself was really boring…just down the road and turn around at the halfway point. While it was in a rural setting, it wasn’t particularly pretty and running on the asphalt in the heat was terrible.  I walked most of it and had a disappointing morning. Jason waited for me at the end to cheer me on and as always I got so embarrassed by the cheers of the spectators at the finish I almost walked off the course.  The ‘after’ celebration was very nice though… several vendors, a 1/2 sandwich, waters and some wine to try at the lovely winery.  We stayed for a bit and then caught the ’shuttle’ back, this time appreciating its cheesiness in all its glory as the race was over.  Jason and I both decided this is one 5K we will probably not participate in again, which is unfortunate as we love to support local events.

Here I am, a month after the CHO 5k and I have run 3 times, gained 5 pounds and have been eating terribly.  Today I returned to counting points and tomorrow I’m lacing up my shoes and getting back to c25k.  I may start with the week 5 intervals to see where I am at physically.

But my internet connection is, so forgive the long absence.    To sum up the last week, too much food, too little exercise, too many excuses and not enough willpower.  Also, sick babies, lots of work and alternating loving and loathing this life of mine.  Did I mention the crazy weather?  

Hopefully back in business tomorrow!  

It has been a week since I posted last…because that is also the last time I exercised.  That’s right, I am in a funk.  Seriously, getting through the CHO 5k was such a HUGE goal in my life that I think it drained my motivation for a bit.  (for the record, I completed 7.3 the day after my first attempt, so technically I am on week 8.1) Then Jason was sick for 5 days, so leaving him with the girls so I could run was mostly out, another incredibly busy weekend AND record setting heat left little available time.  My hope is to go to the gym tonight after we go to my cousins art show.  And tomorrow morning before my bro-in-laws graduation party.  Which is right before a bachelorette party, that is the night before the Avenue of the Vines 5k (that was supposed to be MY C25K grad) and will be followed by a graduation party for two other  cousins.  AH, typical weekend for  me….

And lets not even talk about eating (but I will).  I don’t want this to be a ‘weight loss blog” but this is what is going on right now,  and I feel I need to talk about it.  Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate.  I am PRAYING that there is a lady-like reason for the incredible case of the munchies, but I can’t be sure yet. (still nursing an 8 month old)  I gained 1.6 in the past week and a half, and while that isn’t TOO bad, it’s a gain,and that isn’t good. This weekend won’t be any easier…

On a positive note, losing the bit I have has made just enough of a difference that I am making more of an effort to look nice.  I bought tons of new makeup,  some new perfume, and several cheap dresses from Target.  The dresses should get me through to the next big weight/size change.

So to recap, new goals.* Complete C25K, and find another 5k to make the “official” end, and hopefully cross the 40 minute barrier. *I have 5.6 pounds to one of the milestone numbers (why do we like the ones that end in 0 or 5) so I will treat myself to a pedicure as a reward. *Make it to the gym 2xs a week consistently.

So this post was all about health and fitness, but there is a lot of other things happening that I will write about later.  Somehow just sitting down to get all of this out has renewed my enthusiasm for what I am trying to accomplish.  Maybe that is why I avoided it for while…I wasn’t ready.

Mind over matter…great in theory, not so much in application.  Today was 7.3 (run 25 min).  I took 2 days off and was eager to get back at it.  I have done 25 minute runs 3 times already, so I knew I could do it.

-BUT-

Today I couldn’t. Today I didn’t.  Why??  It was too hot (the warmest weather I have run in so far). I was thirsty (forgot my water and it was hot!) It was too windy, I should have done a different route, I overslept, had to hurry, needed to re-tie my shoes, feeling guilty over eating badly over the weekend, whatever, the point is, my head just wasn’t in it.  I never hit a groove.  I kept cheering myself on as I always do, yet I wasn’t convinced.  I thought about stopping, but I pushed through.  Until 14:57 when I just stopped (running, that is).  I didn’t think to stop, I just did.  I walked for 2 minutes and started again.  And stopped, again.  Walked another minute, ran until a person I was coming up behind turned to look at me and it flustered me.  So, guess what, I stopped.  I felt defeated even before I started today,  and I just couldn’t shake it.  I completed the time workout (35 min total) but walked almost half.  As much as I have been touting the importance of the brain in being successful, today I realized its power in holding me back.  I plan to run 25 minutes tomorrow as a make-up, and hopefully I’ll have better news to report!

I’m tired and feeling bad about another good food night, so this is it for today…

That is how much money my wonderful friends and family donated to Children’s Hospital of Oakland by supporting my participation in the Devil Mountain 5k!! It’s funny, I signed up just to do the run, and then decided to go ahead and send an email asking for support. I set a goal of $300 thinking THAT would be a stretch. By the end of the first day I had over $200, and then I was motivated to see just how much I could get for such a great cause. Thanks to everyone for your support, financial or otherwise!

As you know, I started to C25K program in preparation for this event. 5K is only 3.1 miles, so I easily could have walked it, but since having 2 kids in 2 years has kept me out of the gym, I decided to use this as a stepping stone to weight loss and better health, and most importantly, the old me. In the last post I talked about the reality of achieving my original goal of running the entire 5k, and that I set a more achievable goal of completing the 5k in 40 minutes (about 13.5 min/mi) .

Saturday night my brother was the opening act at a local comedy club, (yay Josh!!) J and I went to the early show, only had 2 drinks and ate a really healthy dinner (whole wheat tortillas stuffed with home made coleslaw, tomatoes, red bell peppers and turkey breast) My parents took Emily for the night and I had clothes and all the baby essentials packed and ready to go. Most importantly, I showered in order to wash off all the self tanner I had applied earlier so no one would pass out from seeing my white, white legs.

Danville is about an hour from here so we left around 6:15 (it would have been earlier if I could have found 2 MATCHING SOCKS!! I swear…). Beautiful, but chilly morning, lots and lots of people out early for a great cause, it was awesome. The course was flat, shady and very enjoyable especially because the second half was on a trail. At the start we were about halfway back in the pack and it took at least a minute before we could really start moving. Jason was pushing the stroller and quickly disappeared leaving me to see what I could do. I made a conscious effort to keep to a manageable pace so I wouldn’t burn out too quickly, but I was still moving faster than the past few workouts. Maybe that’s why I had kind of a hard time making it to the 25 minute mark, but I did. Then I walked 4, ran 4 min 45 seconds, walked 2, ran the rest. Of course I will count this as 7.2 of C25K. Here are my thoughts during that time.

1) I can only do what I can do. As people were passing me, older, heavier, whatever, I started to feel depressed, and was tempted to look behind me just to reassure myself that I wasn’t last (I wasn’t). But then I realized it doesn’t matter. I knew I was doing my best, and that was all I could do at that moment, so I never looked back. Later I passed some of those same people, and finished strong!.

2) It’s OK to be proud of this accomplishment. Since starting the program I have downplayed the event because it is ONLY a 5k. Well, a few weeks ago, I couldn’t have run for 25 minutes straight, and now I can. Jason runs it faster, but I am doing it faster than last week. I was up at 5:30 AM preparing for a 3 mile run, and most people were still in bed. (there is a really cheesy quote I’ll spare you) My running and fitness goals don’t end with running a 5k, it is just the beginning, and I should be proud that I took this first step.

3) I love running skirts!!! Losing 14 pounds helped my legs look good enough (not good, just good enough!) to wear the Brooks running skirt I purchased in the first week or two of C25K. This version has biker shorts underneath (some just have briefs), and you aren’t bothered by them riding up like regular shorts, and the above the knee but not too short skirt covers everything up nicely! We shopped and went to lunch after and I didn’t feel so sloppy because of the cute skirt. I’ll definitely buy more as I lose more weight.

4) The worst part is the finish- if you are like me and hate attention. (and are finishing mostly alone) A couple times on the course the volunteers cheered you on, and I just put my head down and ran by. When I could see the finish line in the distance, I knew I had to finish running, so I pushed myself. Then I saw Jason standing there with the baby and I was happy and embarrassed at the same time. I almost stopped to grab her and finish that way, but I kept going instead because all I could hear is, over the loud speaker, “here comes 347, Sarah…. Let’s cheer folks” and all kinds of other nonsense. OMG. I was dying.

In the end, I missed my goal by about 30 seconds. I started my watch timer as I crossed the starting line, so my official time is more than my ‘real’ time by about 40 seconds. Unfortunately I forgot to stop the timer as I crossed the finish so I am not exactly sure of my time. It was an arbitrary goal, and I did my best and came close. I know that I will be under 40 at the end of Avenue of the Vines May 18.  The whole experience was fantastic. The event was well organized and the sponsors had great giveaways so we had a nice time afterwards too.  Jason and I will definitely make the Devil Mtn. Run a can’t miss event.

I know this was long, but I had a lot of ground to cover.

I’ll admit it, the ‘thrill is gone”. I never thought I would say this but I miss the intervals and the variety they provide. Week 7 is 25 minute runs, with no stopping. On the other hand, I am AMAZED that I got up today and ‘ran’ (I use that term loosely, especially today as I was very, very slow) for 25 minutes without stopping! So, while the excitement of moving through each interval has passed, I feel a new sense of determination and so cliche, but peace. I was in a rhythm today…enjoying the lovely park, the gentle breeze, thinking about everything and nothing at the same time. As with 6.2, at 7 minutes my body changed from pushing to doing, and at 21 minutes it was my brains turn to power me along. As I completed todays workout, I realized that there is no turning back from here. I did it. Even though I have 2 weeks more of the program, I have no doubt that I will be able to run 30 minutes non stop by then, so in my mind, it is already done. I thought about what my next goals will be for running…I’ll have to post about those later.

Tomorrow is the Devil Mountain Run benefitting Children’s Hospital of Oakland. (see the link at the left for why or to donate) Signing up for the run was basically the catalyst that started this whole thing. I mentioned before that I started c25K a week too late to have completed by May 4, and of course life has it’s own plans, so in the end I am 2 weeks behind.  My original goal was to run the entire 5k, and realistically I don’t think that is possible.  My plan is to run 25 (I know I can do that) walk 5 and run the rest, hopefully finishing in 40 minutes.  I believe this is a doable plan as long as tomorrow is a ‘good’ day, and I am able to push it, but I’m not going to beat myself up over it! Jason and I are both participating in Lodi Avenue of the Vines 5k May 18th, and that will now be my test 5k for time and running.

Successfully! 6.3 is 25 minutes and marks the end of interval runs. From now on it is 25 minute runs for all of week 7, and 28 minutes for week 8. The wind around here has been crazy so last night instead of jogging I made a FABULOUS dinner (blue cheese & rosemary polenta, chicken sausage skewers with cremini, red bells, and red onion and a spinach salad all topped with a balsamic reduction. DEELISH and very healthy…fit into WW perfectly) I had no choice but to get up early and tackle 6.3 today.

For the first few minutes I thought there was no way I was going to make it, and was mentally writing todays post with a ton of excuses as to why I wasn’t able to complete the run. To my surprise, around the 7 minute mark, I got “in the zone”. It was a gradual, yet noticeable difference. I checked my pace on the Nike+ and was amazed that I was moving almost 1 minute per mile faster than when I started today, yet I wasn’t as tired.

I managed to keep up that pace until about 18 minutes, then picked back up around 21.  At 20 minutes, I realized how much of a mental challenge this was, and just KNEW I could do it if I just kept going.  And I did. I am really proud of myself and how far I have come in just the past 6 weeks.  I’ve lost 11 pounds, have more energy, Jason and I are able to encourage each others progress, and I am setting a good example for the girls.  When Em sees me in my workout gear she exclaims, “Mama exdede! (excercise)” so excitedly.  We are rambling nonsense about mini triathalons and half-marathons!! Is it possible??  Why not??

Now, am I jogging a 10 minute mile?  Not even close, not yet.  Do I have a LOT of weight still to go?  Yes.  But I have to take some time to appreciate the fact that I have started, and that is something to be proud of.  Where will I be in another 6 weeks??  Where will YOU??

PS If you are interested in running and changing your life, read this book, Running For Mortals. We just started it and its fantastic.

I have spent the best $9.99 in my life.  Yesterday I purchased the PedEgg from Target.  I had seen it “on TV” before when flipping channels, but didn’t really pay attention. Basically it looks like a microplane or cheese grate in an egg shape, and you file your dry, clean feet.  Of course I have tried MANY, MANY foot smoothing products, but never found a really good one. Since I love to be barefoot or in flip-flops, and add in the recent running, well, the feet aren’t looking so pretty, and I decided to try it.  OMG!  It is AMAZING!  My feet are like new!  :)  A few disclaimers:

1) Yes, the foot shavings shown on the packaging and commercials are disgusting.  BUT, since they are now in the trash rather than on my feet, well, you decide.

2) The container doesn’t really hold the ’shavings” (ugh) unless you hold it just right, so I suggest doing it over a towel, trash can or in the tub or something.

3) GO SLOWLY!  Only use it on the tough skin, and there is little need for lots of pressure.  You can always go back over.

I still will use other products for the daily exfoliating, but for more than that, try the PedEgg.

I can’t believe I am posting this.

Let me try and catch up on all the haps around here over the past few days. I realize most people who read this are looking for C25K news, so I’ll start there. I had an upset stomach for a few days, so 6.2 was Saturday morning instead of Friday. Unfortunately, because of a really crazy schedule this weekend (yes, again) I had just enough time to complete the workout, if I cheated on the warm-up. 6.2 is simple, 2 10 minute jogs with a 3 min walk in between. I was moving really fast (for me) in the beginning, until I reminded myself that running faster wasn’t going to make the TIME go faster! Slowing down helped and I completed the workout. Legs are still feeling tired, and I am going slower than the past few runs and not sure why. Hmm.

I’ll skip ahead to Sunday where my husband and I along with the three kids I was watching over the weekend (yes, really, really insanely busy…2 of them play baseball. ugh. and they live 25 minutes from here, or anywhere.) participated in the “Spear-It” Asparagus Festival 5k. We dropped our two kids off at my parents so we could run stroller-less. It was supposed to be 6.3 which is a 25 minute run. I figured this would be a perfect time to try that and see how I feel doing an actual 5k. Ah, the best intentions. Jason was running to beat his time of last year, so he wasn’t going to be around. The oldest child was running the 5 mile, but being 13 I figured he would still beat me to the end, so that left the girls, 12 and 10 who I decided could run/walk with me. Long story short, a brief missing child (not one I was watching, but their 7 year old cousin) got me extra worried about keeping track of the kids so that kind of blew my 25 minute plan. Instead I spent the entire time trying to urge the littlest cousin to keep going while counting heads of all the other kids in our group. She kind of held us all back, but two of the girls ran together ahead of us but we met up then and again.  I kept telling them we just couldn’t finish last (turns out there were many behind us) and we joked about wanting to beat the little old lady speed walker.  I finished in 44 minutes. Ouch. I know I could have run more, but I think my goal for the 5K this Sunday is just to make it under 40. I’m taking today off and will tackle 6.3 for real tomorrow.

I think this is long enough for one post, the other stuff I’ll write later.