Ragnar Anyone?

I'm not sure I'm completely committed to this crazy idea; but I think I want to run a Ragnar.

From the Ragnar website:

Ragnar is the overnight running relay race that makes testing your limits a team sport. A team is made up of 6-12 individuals; each individual runs 3 legs. The legs of the race vary in difficulty and distance, from 3-8 miles, allowing elite and novice runners to run together. Over 2 days and 1 night, teams run across 200 miles of the country’s most scenic terrain. Pair that with crazy costumes, inside jokes, a great finish line party and unforgettable stories. Some call it a slumber party without sleep, pillows or deodorant. We call it Ragnar.

I have friends that have run these in Utah and from Cumberland, MD to Washington D.C. My goal would not be to win... but to finish. The June 15-16 race that runs from Logan to Park City is currently full - not accepting new teams. I could work with an existing team, though? Alternately there's Colorado in July or Vegas in November.

Anybody think this is CRAZY? Anybody willing to join me in some insanity?

Have you got your race on?

I am signed up for two 5k races in a week.  Eight days actually.  I'll be running (ha!  I use that term loosely!) in a Turkey Trot to support Chloe's Sunshine Playground and I'll also be doing the Santa Run which supports community holiday events.

Yeah.  I haven't run since my last 5k the end of September.  I'm not expecting my best time or even close to it.  I'm expecting to finish and that's about it.  Since this Saturday the high is supposed to 31* and it is supposed to snow ... finishing sounds good enough to me!

I had a sister-in-law blog about finishing her first ever race, a half-marathon, this weekend.  I felt a twinge of jealousy.  Why am I not doing a half-marathon like her?  Why is her time so much better than I could ever do?  Why doesn't her hair looked messed up at all in those pictures?  Doesn't she sweat?

Then I came back to my reality ... I don't really like running!  Ha!  Why would I want to run for 2 hours straight?  I'm ready to be done 20 minutes in to my 5k races because I'm bored, especially if I don't have something interesting on my iPod.   I do sweat.  I do look ruffled and like I just ran a race when I finish.  But I do the races.

I do the races to force myself to stay physical.  It gives me a goal.  I need that goal.

Someday I'll make a goal to run a 5k in a truly respectable time, but for now, just finishing is good enough for me.

Should I try running in my snow boots on Saturday?

-Cindy

Hey! A New Post!!

That's right. After nearly two months of silence, the Bloggest Loser is active again.

I've thought about posting several of the health issues I've dealt with over the last several weeks:

Eating well during pregnancy
Depression eating
Controlling portion sizes during the holidays
Healthy alternatives to holiday cookies and chocolates

Can you tell which aspect of health I've been struggling with lately?

So here it is, a new year.  Time for resolutions.  So far, I've kept my food journal and actually been kind of low in my calorie intake.  I'm going to have to bump it up a little. 

I also started exercising again.  It's been a while.  I pretty much quit running after the two 5k's I did at Thanksgiving.  So now my muscles are screaming at me.  But it's the satisfying, "I HURT SO GOOD!" kind of way. 

And here we are.  I look forward to starting this blog back up again.  I've got some recruits to help me keep things going.  I think it's going to be a beautiful thing!

Checking In

Today's goal: Run 2 miles.

I got to run with my sister today.  We did the walk/run combo, but it was still a good run and I liked running with her.  I think having a partner helps, even though it will be rare for the two of us to run together much with our conflicting schedules.

Tomorrow's goal: Survive Nursery.

Does a partner help you with your goals?

Back to Basics

In the Gospel we learn that if you're struggling with some of the bigger issues of doctrine, analyze how you are dealing with the smaller bits of doctrine. 

Having a hard time paying your tithing?  How's your daily praying? 

So it seems to be with so many things in life.  If you struggle with the big stuff, maybe you need to go back to basics.

And that's where I'm heading with this blog.  I've officially signed up to run the Turkey Trot in Syracuse, UT, in two weeks.  I plan to run the entire race.  But how am I supposed to do that when I can't even keep myself on schedule to run three times a week?  How am I going to have the stamina to run in colder weather than I'm used to, while I'm pregnant, and in the first race I've entered since I was in 8th grade?  It's a lot of swallow. 

So I'm going back to basics. 

I'm going to use this blog (once again) to keep myself accountable for my goals.  And the results.  Please feel free to comment, make suggestions, complain, encourage, or just say hi. 

My long-ish term goal: Run 5k on November 20 (in 15 days)
Today's run: 3.04 miles
Today's running time: About 38 minutes
Tomorrow's goal: Run 2 miles

I'm only allowed a total of 60 minutes of exercise time a day.  I'm trying to figure out which would be better -- do I run a little bit everyday with a longer run on Saturdays (starting next week since I had my long run today)?  Or do I run my 5k three days/wk and do a strength training video the other three days/week?  I'd just run, but my back feels so much better when I do strength training and Heaven knows how much my back kills me through pregnancy. 

Ideas?

The Bloggest Loser Day 50 and Weekly Check In

Last week's winner was......

Cindy!

Okay, people.  Time to start weighing in again.  We're just over halfway through!!!  Remember, I'm out of the game, so I live vicariously through YOU!!  Lose weight for me, please.  My gut thanks you.

My goals this week: water, water, water.  And I'd like to make sure I run three days this week.  I missed last Monday.  Ironically, it was the first day after I completed the Couch to 5k.  And the first time I'd missed a day at all in ten weeks.  I think that was more mental than anything else.  Why do I give myself permission to give up?  I've got to change that.  Plus, I'm nearly sure I'll be running the Turkey Trot next month in Syracuse, UT.  I've got a few more details to hash out, but I should be there with my running shoes.  I've got to keep running so I can finish the race without much problem.  I'll be about 12 weeks along by then (give or take a week or two) so I should be able to do it.  Will you?

So despite all the Halloween candy, cookies, and any other yummy holiday treats you can think of, calculate your weight loss and TELL ME ABOUT.  (That's almost a Billy Joel song.)  Any new goals this week?

The Bloggest Loser Day 34 and Weekly Goals

Here it is again.  The weekly check in for our weekly goals.

And the winner of last week's weigh in is:

Cindy! 

Who gained the least weight of 0%!

Last week must have been the week of gains.  We all struggled. 

So, in case you've missed my numerous announcements, I have the need to step down from the competition.  Pregnancy is not the best time to try to lose weight, weekly weigh myself, or take any sort of body measurements.  But I will happily continue to host the competition for the next 56 days.  And be prepared for a Season 3 in about a year or so.

Now my focus has changed to new weekly goals.  Suddenly, all the foods I've been avoiding sound over-temptingly good.  Never heard that expression before?  Well if you've ever been pregnant, you can figure out what it means.  And water doesn't appeal to me.  I desire nothing more than sitting around and watching TV or playing around on the internet.  It doesn't help that my check up with the doctor included her telling me that she's giving me permission to not exercise so intensely and only eat what sounds good.  Oy.  I'm in trouble.

So, here are my new weekly goals: get my water intake back where it needs to be, keep my running going but make sure my intensity is low, and try to stay away from the simple carbs.  Now that Josh's birthday is over, it should be a lot easier.  The German Chocolate cake I made from scratch was devastatingly good.

And, in case anyone is looking for a new 5k to participate in, my friend Tara is fundraising for her project "Choe's Sunshine Playground."  I think almost everyone that reads this is a mutual friend of hers and mine.  But this race would benefit a good cause and be a motivator to keep running.  I have to tell you that I'm very tempted to make the trip up for it.  The following Tuesday I'll be in St George for my sister and BIL sealing in the LDS St George Temple.  It would just be a matter of starting my vaca a little early.  I'm running nearly 5k now (I'm about to start week 9 of the c25k program) so I could do it, but it would mean taking off without Josh because he has to work that weekend in order to get the days off we need for the sealing.  I hate making trips without him.  In fact, after the last one I swore I'd never do anything without him again.  Of course, I said that after the trip I took without him before that as well.

In any case, if you're still in the running for the Bloggest Loser, find your loss percentage.  And jot me a note.  How'd you do?  Like Carina said last week, no subject is taboo.  I'll listen to anything.  And I hope everyone had a MUCH BETTER week this week!!

Who Are the People In Your Neighborhood?

I've made a new discovery this week.  Workout videos are boring.

To do a workout video, you have to clean the room you're working in (always a pain with 1 or 2 2-year-olds hanging around), take over the TV so no one else can watch anything, and be surrounded by the reminders that you have other things to do (those stupid dishes mock me every single day).  Plus, it's the same routine every time.

I've learned this week that I'd rather go running for 5 days in a row than break it up with a cardio video in between my runs. 

Being outside is invigorating.  I know I'm at an advantage by living in Arizona, but it's starting to be more tolerable in the mornings and soon it will be absolutely heavenly.  I love the sounds, the smells, the freedom of the open road. 

Every morning I have someone to wave at.  It makes me feel a part of our neighborhood.  And if you've ever heard of Sesame Street, you know how important that is.

I have noticed that we have a few more people in our neighborhood than what the song describes.  We've got the electric company guys, the pest control guys, the pool guys, the landscapers (they even stop their work to wave as I run past them), the moms with strollers and dogs, the roller bladers, the "in shape" runners, the old guy, and many kids of different ages waiting for the school buses. 

However, I have yet to discover cheese in my neighborhood.  Or Ben Stiller.

The Unspoken Runner's Rules

I've Friended the Couch to 5k group on Facebook.  They have all sorts of posts all the time (about 50 times a day) and some of them I think, "That's nice."  Others I think, "Man, I wonder if anyone else needed to know about this."

One of today's links was to an article about the unspoken rules of runners.

If you are a runner, want to be a runner, or are considering being a runner, I highly recommend reading this.  It's pretty light hearted but touches on a lot of different subjects.

For Pete's Sake, Stand Still at Red Lights

Sharks die when they stop moving. Runners do not. Keep this in mind next time you encounter a don't walk sign at a busy intersection. There's no need to jog in place or dance from foot to foot like you have to pee. Just chill. Wait a few moments. Note: If a nonrunner waiting with you at the crosswalk is dancing from foot to foot, he or she may indeed have to pee. Give this person wide berth.  (A Few Rules To Run By By Mark Remy Runner's World)

 A Few Rules To Run By Active.com

The Bloggest Loser Day 7 and Weekly Check In

Here it is. Another week has passed and it's time to pull out the Honesty. How did this week go? Did you accomplish your goals?



It's also time for our first official weigh in. Go HERE for the Weight Loss Percentage Calculator. And prepare to share.

This week I accomplished my goal of registering for the Bone Marrow Drive. It's a huge commitment. You are put in the registry until the age of 61. Amazing, isn't it? But I think they said only 1 out of 20,000 people match. I did the easy part with the cheek swab. Now it's up to the database to do the rest.


I also worked out pretty hard this week. I did my running (including the extra run last night), I did my work out video 6 days, I kept my food journal and (mostly) kept on it. Still, I only lost .25% of my weight this week. Yup. That's half a pound. I've also been taking my measurements. Somehow I still lost half an inch in my bust, a full inch in my waist, and gained a half an inch in my hips. My body is shifting and changing, but that scale didn't move. I admit, I got really upset about it. Then I went and found THIS ARTICLE. I encourage you to take a look at it. It talks a lot about weight being deceiving and an unreliable resource for measuring weight loss.

The article encourages you to find out your body fat percentage. You can use an online tool HERE. ****Warning**** This tool places you in categories of Essential Fat, Athlete, Fit, Normal, and Obese. I'm no longer obese according to my weight, but I am according to my body fat. So be aware. It really sucks to see yourself in the Obese category!! But even with my gain in my hips, I lost .5% of my body fat last week. That's awesome.

After reading about all of this, I think we'll keep the traditional weight loss percentage winner, but instead of having a winner for the most inches lost, we'll have a winner for the most body fat lost. Or do you want to do both inches and body fat lost? That would be a potential of three winners. Chime in and tell me your opinion.

So here it is. Leave your percentage of weight lost. And your body fat lost, if so desired. Was this week easy? Harder than you thought? Are you hopeful? Or just plain discouraged. Btw, if you're discouraged, hang in there with us. This will all be worth it in 83 more days!!

And for anyone not Bloggest Loser-ing with us (and those that are), what goals do you have this week? Mine include all I've been doing plus drinking more water than Crystal Light.

The Run of Shame

Last night we went to a talent show at church which also had a dessert pot luck. I had a tiny bit of Millie's brownie. That's all. I stood strong and didn't give in to temptations even though my calories would've allowed me to have a cookie or two.

I was strong for two reasons: #1 I'm waiting until my birthday for permission to eat baked goodies. #2 I had a disappointing weigh in yesterday morning. More on that tomorrow when we do the check in.

But tonight I wasn't as strong. I ate Chinese food.

Oh, and it was good. I liked it. I could've eaten all of it by myself. I did pass on the rice, though. I don't know how many calories I consumed, but I'm pretty sure I cheated my butt off.

So I decided to go running. It was a run of shame. I don't know if it was the incredible number of carbs and sugar or the guilt that got me so rearing to go. But I ran well and enjoyed it. It was my first night run and I enjoyed some of the things I don't usually get to experience in the mornings. No Millie, for one. Also, there are so many different scents in the air. I loved the smell of the charcoal grills and the fresh laundry smells. I had a race with a cricket. He jumped once for two of my steps. Finally he realized I'm awesome and he jumped off the sidewalk.

I wasn't a fan of the dark, though. I don't know how many more night runs I'll get to do, but it was a nice change of pace. Even if it was simply due to transgression.

The Freedom of Phoebe

Yesterday my sister and I went running before our separate Labor Day activities led us in different directions. Seriously. I think she went northeast and I headed southwest.

It was the first day I got to run in my new shoes. And I had no stroller.

It was like freedom!

Shoes and Music

Today the love of my life bought me my running shoes. We'd created a plan to purchase these shoes, knowing they'd be pricey. I love my husband and my shoes were my birthday present. It's probably the first time in years that I've known what I want for my birthday.

So I got me some Nikes.

The experience was really kind of fun. He evaluated how I run and walk. After he figured out my mechanical needs, he had me try a few different shoes to compare my comfort with each of them. I was surprised at how simple it was, but how much I LOVE my new shoes.

Aren't they pretty?

So, the other birthday gift I got brought me into the 21st century (thank you, Cindy!) and I've happily used it every time I've run. It's my new mp3 player.

I'm loving it.

But tell me, what's on your playlists?