"Tough times don't last but tough people do." - A.C. Green

I am such a bad ass!! This morning I ran a half marathon and not just any half, a trail half! I did not train for this race. In fact, I haven't done a long run since my SurfnSanta 10 miler back on December 3rd. My longest run lately has been six miles of hills which, I like to think are equivalent to 8 miles of flat land. Hey, whatever works for you. This race was me, myself and I. Didn't even have my usual supporters. Though my mother was a bit upset because she thought she was coming along to support and cheer me on. Sorry Mom! :-) Thought I was doing them a favor. Considering I hadn't trained for this race, I had no idea if and when I would finish. It's far too cold out to spectate a race. I thought it would take me around 3 hours. It was a hard run just like every other run/race...hard! In the three years I've been running with all the races I've done and at this point that's 25+ and all the training I've done it has never been easy! When will it get easy? LOL! I'm just so proud of myself. To say I was nervous would be an understatement. Standing at that start line and needing to use the bathroom really badly all I could think was, "Why am I doing this. You really like torture don't you Tracey?". I'm not quite sure about my official timing. It was a small race so they're not as quick about putting the time up as the larger race organizers. My Garmin has it at 2.23 but like I said, I don't know how official that is. Overall, it was a pretty good race. Would I run it again? Maybe but, with trail sneakers next time. That gravel, mud and slippery leaves were hazardous. I must've ran with my head down the entire time. I'm such a klutz. I knew the odds of me tripping, falling or stumbling were pretty high. Luckily not until the very end. I had finished the race, got my medal and was on my way to refuel at the celebration tent when whoops...twisted ankle. Never fails. Last time I ran that course running a 10 miler I almost ate it!!! I tripped over a branch and almost did a serious face plant but fortunately I caught myself. Anyway, you ever want to know what you're made of? Well, sign up to run a race you didn't even bother to train for!

The Good:
1. Finished!
2. PR

The Bad:
1. Twisting my ankle on the course gravel

The Ugly:
1. Popping/copping a squat behind a tree 6 minutes into the race(I'm not proud of myself, lol)

Sorry I haven't been blogging more. My life is crazy busy these days! I have a pretty big course load this semester so, between work, school and all my other activities blogging seems to get the short end. I also have to admit I haven't been doing so well losing and KEEPING those dreadful 20lbs off. I'm on a constant roller coaster ride and like running for me this weight loss thing will never be easy. But, in an effort to continue my New Years resolution of not complaining and to not constantly be so hard on myself. I'm going to have to say, I'm doing pretty damn good all things considering. I am still ahead of the curve. Statistically people who lose the amount of weight I did tend to put it all(plus more) back on in the first two years and so far, I haven't even come close to doing that. I am not perfect but I made myself a promise that I will never allow myself to get 100lbs overweight ever again! And, even though I constantly struggle with the dreaded 20 I can say 1. I will never again drink soda for breakfast 2. I will always make time to work-out(even if it means going back to how I started...walking during my lunch break and 3. I will never deprive myself or exclude any food from my life. If I like it, I'm going to enjoy it but, in moderation which, I've been having a hard time doing lately. Hence, the extra 20 pounds. So, just those small things can make such a huge impact with losing weight and maintaining the loss. Okay, that's it for now! I seemed to be trying to make up for all the blogs I've missed!

Happy New Year!

Well, it's a new year and yet, I am still making the same bad choices. I don't usually make new year resolutions because...well, let's just be honest. No one ever sticks to them!! However, this year, I made one. Nope, it's not to finally get these 17 pounds off. Yep, 17 and not 10. If you're paying attention, you'd know that's a 7 pound weight gain(insert sad face here). But, we'll get to that later. Back to my resolution...I have decided to quit complaining, whining, bitching and excuse making! I'll be the first to admit, this will be very difficult for me. I'm a proud Virgo and we're known for our complaining, bitching, moaning and fussiness. Okay, maybe it's not a Virgo thing but a Tracey thing?! Lol! Anyway, I've been running with a woman from my running group and she has the best attitude ever. She never complains when she's having a bad run, she never apologizes for being 'slow' and, she doesn't make excuses. She's running for health and fun. Hmmm, I remember I used to run for those two things. Even though I've told myself a number of times that although it's a race it's not a race to win but a race to FINISH but, deep down inside I was always being hard on myself for not being faster or better or having more stamina. I'm not out there to run against anyone but myself. The only person I'm competing with is the former Tracey and so far, I'm running laps around her. :-)

Today was my first 'long' run since my car accident. Between the accident, briefly being without my car, the holidays and well laziness I hadn't done any runs longer than 4 or 5 miles. Well today, I ran 6 miles and not just any 6 miles. Six miles with 10 big hills! It was tough but I actually was loving it!! Who knew? Dare I say I now love hills? My running partner on the other hand was not loving them. She bailed at mile 5. At one point I felt like I wanted to run 2 more miles but, decided it would be better to ease back into my long runs. It wasn't the 8 miles I really wanted to run but so what, I'm not gonna complain...remember? :-)

I gained 7 pounds over the holidays! Not good! Even though it's roughly 'just' 10-25 pounds

that I've been struggling with since my big 100+ pound weight loss it's still not healthy. Going up 7 pounds down 4 pounds then up 3 pounds down 6 pounds etc...can not be good for me. I know what to do, I know how to get it off yet...I gained 7 pounds! Losing weight and maintaining that weight loss is extremely difficult. I plan to take the next couple weeks trying to get my mind set back to January of 2008 when I first joined Weight Watchers. One of the things I told myself back then is, 'it's not going to happen over night'. I'm starting to lose my patience and eating out of frustrations is a sure way to fail.

The Twelve Days....err Gift Baskets of Christmas

Christmas is usually my favorite time of the year. I wait all year for it! I love the music, the decorations, wrapping gifts(even though I suck at it) and all the gift baskets we receive at the office. Okay, maybe I love the gift baskets a little too much. Fortunately and unfortunately with the recession the baskets have not been arriving quite as often. I will admit, I am one of those people who tend to put on a little weight during the holiday season and, this year is no exception. So far, I've put on a pound. Yes, one whole pound! I'm not following the Weight Watchers plan. Haven't even really thought about it much. My life is sheer stress and hell these days and the thought of measuring, journaling and holding myself accountable for what I put in my mouth takes energy I simply don't have right now, which is utterly ridiculous! Can't even believe I thought that let alone typed it. It's thoughts like these that causes the pounds to creep up...thoughts and actions. Let's see...I need something to celebrate? Oh, I have remained under 200lbs. I will celebrate the small things. Ha!

It's been 5 days since I've worked out or done any running. Five very, very long days! I'm down to the wire with this school semester and every waking moment I'm not at my desk I need to be studying plus, I'm still pretty banged up and sore from my car accident. Luckily for me, I'm too depressed and stressed to overindulge. Wait, did I just type luckily and depressed in the same sentence? I usually overindulge when I'm happy or anxious. Clearly skipping meals because I'm depressed is not the healthiest way to be but, it is what it is. What is healthy is, I plan to venture out on a nice 5 mile run this weekend. Hope all goes well!

With the year coming to a close I counted 8 organized races I ran so far this year(I say so far like I have more planned...I don't!). My goal was to do one race a month. Actually since I set that goal back in September of 2010 I've ran 14 official races which included 4 10 milers and one half marathon!! Yay me! I was so upset about my time at the VA Beach Surf N Santa that I forgot why I do this. I discovered why I 'train' better than I race...it's because when I train it's just me and nothing but time! :-) I saw this quote on a Facebook Group page and instantly loved it, "You are a RUNNER! There is no such thing as slow!". I was really disappointed in my attitude. Instead of celebrating my FINISH and not just any finish, a finish that was my best 10 mile finish ever, I was bitching about nothing. Lesson Learned!

VA Beach SurfnSanta 10 Mile Race & Frosty 5K!!

Unfortunately this race will always be eclipsed by the awful 7 car accident that I was involved in on the way home from the race. We had ran/walked, celebrated, cheered with beer and was heading home when, 30 minutes later we were involved in a pretty bad accident. It was my girls first race and they as well as I was thrilled for them! They even had a finishers medal to prove it! Haha!!

At any rate, I did the 10 miler and was able to set a PR for my 10 mile run. I was not pleased with my time. Yes, even though I set a Personal Record! I was on course to finish my race in 1 hr and about 48, 49 minutes. At 1 hr and 27 minutes I was already well into the 8th mile(lately, my time for 8 miles has been 1.32). Then....cramped legs and toes hit me! It was God awful! My feet and toes normally goes numb at about mile 9 but I've never experience this and I couldn't figure out what was going on with me. I started to feel them going numb at mile 7 which was odd. This guy said to me 'what are you doing? you're motivating me lets go!". Then again at mile 9 when I was just barely making it I stopped to stretch my calves in hopes that they would release the death grip that my toes were in so that I could run across the finish line, when this woman said, "come on, you're motivating me, I am pacing with you and I need you to bring me home!". Wow! I told her you're the second person to tell me that today. I actually felt like a failure because they both finished the race ahead of me and, I was hobbling to the finish. I don't know what it is but I've been told that many times during a race when I would start to struggle..."come on, you're motivating me or come on I'm pacing with you". I figured I must look very confident and strong during my races or, they like looking at my ass. Either way, works for me! :-)

(every time I would straighten them out, they would cramp up again...my sister looked on with both horror and laughter, lol)

In the end, I finished strong sprinting across the finish line! It took me 1 hour and 53 minutes. I'm literally shaking my head in frustration just thinking about it! I actually wanted to cry and not from the obvious pain I was in but because I was feeling sorry for myself. Thinking why does this always happen to me?! Who knew that a little over an hour later I would really have something to cry about? The trip home from hell! That car accident really put things in perspective. I was laying in the back asleep without my seat belt and anybody that knows me knows that I don't play around when it comes to safety. I don't care how old you are or where you sit in my car a seat belt is mandatory. In fact, I constantly get teased about my strict ways! It was scary thinking my sister and bff were crushed then scary when I remembered I wasn't buckled-up. Thank goodness we all were okay. Including the passengers and drivers of the other 6 vehicles! That 1 hours and 53 minute time finish seemed like heaven compared to that! Today I am really sore, have a really bad headache and have a car that may or may not be totaled 200 miles away! But, I got the coolest medal ever! A medal that goes from a medal to a key chain to a bottle opener and not just any bottle...beer! Which I could use lots of after the trip I had!

The Good:
1. I finished the race with a 10 mile PR (personal record)
2. My sister and bff walked their first 5k...so damn proud of those ladies!

3. Great post race celebration that included great stew, a great band and beer and plenty of funny costumes to laugh at!

The Bad:
1. Numb, cramped, deformed toes and legs for the last 2 miles
2. Feeling like I let myself down

The Ugly:
1. Car ride home from hell!
2. Very briefly feeling like my toes would be deformed for life(dramatic much?)
3. Being told by the ER doctor that I have a heart murmur (all I could think was, what does this mean for my running). I'm always thinking like a runner!

"The three qualities necessary for training. Great faith. Great doubt. Great effort" ~Anonymous.

Sometimes, I don't know how I do it? When I first started my run this morning, I didn't think I could finish a mile but, I pushed through and finished 10 instead! I do not exaggerate when I say I didn't think I would finish 1 mile. It was a major struggle. I don't know what was going on with me but I was extremely exhausted. I think it was about half a mile in when I thought I'd throw in the towel and try again tomorrow. Running is hard but, quitting is harder! The Good came when I got past the half point mark (mile 5) and I knew I could and would make it to 10. Also, I like having my long run out of the way so that I can enjoy the rest of my weekend and by 'enjoy' I mean studying algebra. The Bad came fairly early into my run when I wanted to quit at mile .52. I couldn't get my breathing steady and it felt like I was lugging dead weight. It could be all the crap I ate while hanging out with my family the day after Thanksgiving. I did so well Thanksgiving by not overindulging AND journaling but somehow I more than made up for it the day after. So much so that the scale was up a pound or tw0 (sigh). The Ugly was definitely the moment when I felt so tired, so exhausted so over my run that it seemed as if I wasn't even moving and trust me I was! I literally felt like I was running in place.

I am definitely getting 'faster'. I'm never going to run 4, 5 or even 8 minute miles but, I am getting back to my 10 minute pace. When I first started running I was faster. I believe carrying the extra weight has affected my speed ( I use the word speed lightly, lol). Today's fastest mile was mile 2 (again) which, I ran at 10.29 and my slowest mile was mile 10, ran at 11.37. In fact mile 10 was the only mile that I ran over a 10 minute pace. The fact that I even made it to mile 10 is cause for celebration. I don't care if I ran it at a 15 minute pace actually, it kind of felt like I did. :-)

It's days like today that shows me what I'm made of. I went from wanting to give up at half a mile in to finding the strength and determination to finish strong 9.5 miles later. This is why I love running!

2011 Thanksgiving Turkey Trot!

This is my third year running a 5k Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving. They're sort of my tradition now. The Turkey Trot is a special race for me because it was to be my very first 'official' race two years ago. When I first started running I decided to pick a graduation race and had registered for a Turkey Trot in June of that year. Telling myself that six months was enough time to prepare myself to 'race'. Who knew that I would end up running three 5k's before that first Turkey Trot ever took place? Let's just say I am now hooked! Overall it was a great race! Though those hills were a killer! I remembered them from last year and I was not looking forward to them at all(have I mentioned, I don't like hills?). This year though, I figured I was in perfect shape to tackle the hills and finish the race strong. At this point in my runs there are NO walk breaks before three miles and if it's only 3 miles(5K)no walk breaks...period! Cut to the last hill and a walk break was definitely in order. Although it was a very brief break to recover from the hill, it was a break nonetheless. I finished the race in 32.41. I looked up my time from last year and surprise, surprise I finished the 2010 Turkey Trot in 32.41. Figured if I hadn't taken that walk break, I could've finished in 32.00. Lol!! Great race, lots of fun and I like starting Thanksgiving day off in the negative, calorie wise.

I did not overindulge this year. I didn't have seconds nor did I take leftovers. I actually decided today was the day to start journaling and tracking my food intake. I figured if I can get through today keeping track then, I can get through the rest of this holiday season. I'm going to try my hardest not to take all 10 of these pounds into the new year!!!

I hope you guys had a wonderful Thanksgiving!! I'm now off to bed. I have an early morning spin class.

The Good:
1. Negative Calories before Thanksgiving feast

The Bad:
1. Needing a walk break during a 5k race

The Ugly:
1. I hate hills!

Some Trot for Hunger 2009, 1st race I ever registered to run

crossing the finish line at today's Turkey Trot, I am smoking that woman with the stroller! :-)

"Even if you fall flat on your face at least you are moving forward" --Sue Luke

I am maintaining my weight. That would be great if I was back at my goal weight. I have not been journaling, measuring or counting my points but, what's new? I've been saying this in every single post! I know I've been saying for weeks now, that I am going to get back to tracking. News flash...I'm Tracey and I'm a procrastinator. So, it could be another 3 months before I do what I say I'm going to do. Luckily for me, I'm not putting on weight. I work really hard to make the proper food choices and to not overindulge too much though, it doesn't always work out that way. All in all, 10 pounds down and 10 more to go. Who knew it would be so freaking hard to lose 10lbs?!

It's Saturday evening and I'm happy to report that I have gotten my weekend long run out of the way! However, I do not miss getting up at the crack of dawn on a Saturday morning to run 8 plus miles. Nope, don't miss it at all! I typically run on Fridays so, no Saturday runs for me. Unfortunately this past Thursday, after leaving yoga I twisted my knee a funny way while heading home. I SCREAMED out in pain!!! Yes, there were looks. Lol! I was so worried that something was torn. It was still sore Friday so, I made a very wise decision not to run. In the meantime someone from my running club asked if I was up for a 7 mile run this morning? I agreed even though 1. again, I do not miss getting up at the crack of dawn on Saturdays and 2. 7 miles is simply not enough for me these days. It was a tough run. It was really cold, really windy and have I mentioned really early? :-) She runs a slower pace than me so, I had to slow down a lot but, I wasn't complaining because I wasn't having the best run. Once we made it back to our cars, I told her I was going to keep going. I really wanted to do 9 miles and, that's what I did. Two more miles...two more really hard miles. In the end it took me 1 hour and 48 minutes to run 9 miles. This is what I meant in my last post when I said, no two runs are ever the same. Last week I ran 10 miles in 1 hour 52 minutes and the week before that, I ran 9 miles in 1 hour and 43 minutes. Sometimes I go faster, sometimes I go slower, sometimes I run and run and run, sometimes I need walk breaks, sometimes I go farther and sometimes shorter distances are more than enough but, I always finish!

The Good:
1. Finished
2. Was able to get my long run over and done with

The Bad:
1. Very cold, very windy


The Ugly:
1. I did not miss getting up early to run

No Two Runs Are Ever The Same!

Ice Cream, soda, fried chicken, french fries, bacon and Belgium waffles are just a few of the things I enjoyed this weekend. I know what you're thinking...WTH!?! It all started with having Friday off for Veterans Day. I vegged in bed, watched trash TV, worked endlessly on algebra and ate!! I usually run on Fridays but, the legs felt unusually tired. I first noticed it on Wednesday after my spin class. By Thursday(after yoga) they were done! So, I decided to give them a break and they thanked me. :-) However, being in the house all day doing school work only encouraged my overindulgence. I am an anxious eater. With the stress of trying to 'just barely' pass my algebra class, my stress and anxiety are through the roof! I really need to do better managing my stress and anxiety otherwise, I'm going to be a 300lb runner and, that can not be good for my knees. I'm not completely hopeless. I started today off right  by having a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast and not waffles and bacon and, I'll finish it by having a nice healthy balanced dinner and NO desserts! I will celebrate the small things!

Lake Artemesia

What a run, what a run I had today. 1.52 hours, 10 miles, a lot of sweating, bitching, moaning and, complaining. Five minutes into my run, I was over it. The wind was brutal and all I wanted to do was turn around, get back in my car and drive home but, that didn't happen. So, I talked myself in to running a 5K before I could take a break but, 3.1 miles in I kept going. Then, I told myself get to five miles before you take a walk break but, I reached 5 miles and kept right on going. I get to 7 miles and could no longer use psychology to push through (running for me is 90% mental and 10% physical). I took a much needed 2 minute walk break before I was right back at it. At mile 9  a woman and her husband passed me and she asked 'geez are you still going?!'. It was just the boost I needed to get through that last mile which, ended up being my fastest mile. As if my complaining was not enough to annoy me on my run, my fear of 'nature' was at play also. I am a big chicken and there are deer along the trail/course where I run and I'm sorry but, I don't want to end up like this guy. In the end, what started off as a questionable run turned in to a pretty good run. Last week's long run, I just kept going and going and going and didn't need to use a lot of peep talk or mind trickery to get me there but, 'No two runs are ever the same!'


The Good:
1. Got it done & finished 10 miles with only a two minute walk break
2. Lake Artemesia is a beautiful place to run, one of my favorites

The Bad:
1. Too Windy
2. Side cramps

The Ugly:
1. Runners Trots(sorry but, imagine how I feel?)

"Running is real and relatively simple - but it ain't easy." - Mark Will-Weber

I must confess. I spent all of one and a half days journaling and measuring my servings. I tried, but have not been disciplined enough to stick to it. It takes 21 days of doing something before it becomes habit. At 2 (not even) days I didn't even scratch the surface, oh but there is good news. I'm back under 200lbs. Actually, I was only 200lbs for one day. I'm thinking that may have been what left me unmotivated. I am one of those people who do not get serious about something till the crap hits the fan. Example: tons and tons of homework, does not get done till the very last minute and, getting serious about my 10lb weight loss will not get done till it's a 20lb weight loss. Yeah, I'm complicated like that. Even though I'm not measuring and journaling I'm being pretty good about my food choices. Dessert was, is and always will be my biggest weakness. Dessert is okay...dessert x3 not so much. All is not lost. I actually realized I hadn't had a soda in a week till I went to grab one to drink today(it was a reward for a 9.01 mile run). So, I will celebrate the small things!

I have been putting in the miles to help prepare me for my 10 mile run that's less than a month away. I'm so looking forward to it because 1. I really enjoyed it last year and 2. My bff and sister will be joining me (they're walking a 5K). Today was my long run and it was a pretty good run. I had planned to 'run' 9 miles and, I did better than 'run' I actually ran! What I mean by 'run' is, whether it's a run/walk, a walk/run or a nonstop run, to me it's always running. I actually surprised myself today. I ran 9 miles without stopping well  not technically, I stopped after 8.15 briefly before I took off running again! But, I don't sweat the small stuff like, details such as those. What's even better is feeling pretty good afterwards. I guess I've been putting in the miles long enough now not to feel like I've been hit by a bus when it's over and done with. Plus, it helps when I stretch after. I don't know about other runners but for me, my goals when it comes to running changes from one run to the next. Some days, I want to go faster, some days I want to go farther and some days I'd love to do both and there are always those days you just want it to be over! Today was a day where I wanted to run as far and long as I could without stopping. I love it when I accomplish my goals!

The Good:
 1. Ran 9.01 miles

The Bad:
 1. I was carrying Gatorade and it kept dripping down my legs

The Ugly:
1. Runners Trot (why oh why does this keep happening to me?!)

This is me crossing the finish of my 1st half marathon(with two injuries). Hard to believe isn't it? Well, this is how I felt today after my 9 mile run minus the injuries of course!

Here We Go Again

It is time to face the music. I have gone to that place I said (20+ times) I would never go again. The dreaded 200. In fact, it's the dreaded 200.2. What the heck?! You know what? I can't even fain surprise. I saw this coming 3 pounds ago. I can be an unconscious eater which is why it's very important that I journal. I know this like I know the back of my hand. I still don't understand why it's so hard for me to get back on track? All the stresses in my life aren't helping but, that's NO excuse. Today, I'm on a mission (seriously, now I'm on a mission?) to get back under 200. I know for myself and a lot of people hitting 200 is the kiss of death. It's like I don't care if the scale reads 199.8 it's better than 200! What is it about the 200 pound mark? I know I've been saying for weeks now that I would start journaling again but, today I mean it! Nothing like seeing 200.2 on the scale to make you mean it. I started the day off great by skipping the bagel and cream cheese and I ended the day by weighing, measuring and journaling! One day down, 6 more to go! I will celebrate the little things.

AIDS 5K Walk/Run (notice how I'm the only one smilling? lol)

No long run for me this past weekend. Surprisingly I haven't ran since last Tuesday. 6 days of no running is like a lifetime! But, I had an excuse, I volunteered at the Washington, DC AIDS run/walk. What a dreary rainy day it was. I would have ran it in honor of a very special person but, I had maxed out my allowed race registration fee for the month(I need a part-time job just to keep up with all my races). Instead, I thought I'd volunteer. The weather was awful! Rain, cold and sleet! Wow! I was up at the crack of dawn (which is a miracle if you know me). I was so drained by the time I made it back to my bed. I stayed in bed the rest of the day which was a huge mistake. I had tons of homework that was left for Sunday hence, me missing out of my long run. I just could not find the time to run my planned 8 miles. Luckily I got out today for a nice cool fall 5.5 mile run.

So little yet, so hard!

What will it take to get me back on track? Back to counting my points, measuring my foods, consuming one 12 ounce coca cola a week (and not a day)?  I said a few days ago that I was 'okay for now' well, I'm not. It's just easier being okay for now, than it is to get it together and refocus. You would think it wouldn't be so hard for a person who has lost over 100 pounds to lose 20 10 lbs. Oh, but it is! If you have any suggestions please share! I've turned into one of those people I envied when I was 100lbs overweight. The ones who complained about the 10, 15, 20 pounds they needed to get rid of. I use to think...it's 15lbs, it's not that hard! When I first started this journey it seemed effortless. I was very consistent. For roughly a year and a half, I would lose up to 2lbs or more a week. Of course, there were the few weeks I wouldn't lose or the weeks, I'd gain a pound or two but, for the most part I consistently dropped weight. What happened?! I will cut myself some slack, I haven't been totally out of control just not in control? I am not eating bags of cookies but, I am eating one really high calorie, high fat cookie a day.  I think for me, it all boils down to accountability. When I account for what I'm consuming I'm more aware of the amount of food that goes into my mouth. I was talking to a friend at the gym yesterday and the subject of 'bad foods' came up. I asked her, what did she consider bad food? She paused for a while. Exactly! Ultimately she came up with Chipotle but, even that isn't so bad if it's eaten in moderation. If it's one thing I've learned on Weight Watchers it's all foods can be good food (except fried butter, lol) it's the portion size that can be bad. I know it's okay to have the cookie hell, it's even okay to have the fried butter(once in a lifetime!) but, I have to be very conscious of how much I'm consuming. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Wait, I take the fried butter comment back...it can never be good consuming fried butter. LOL! Where was I? I've said it before and I'll say it again. Battling my weight will always be a problem but, it doesn't have to be one I can't get a hold of! I know the real problem is my awful ability to 1. procrastinate and 2. avoid.

Every day I say I'm going to start tracking my points but, don't. Let's hope today is the day that, that all changes. Wish me luck!

Hyattsville Volunteer Department 5 Mile Run

Start/Finish Line

This morning I ran the HVFD 5 mile hill run and it was tough! It was in my neighborhood and I knew when I registered what I was signing up for. Hills, hills and more hills! I've ran those hills before during some of my runs and I'll admit oftentimes I would avoid certain streets like the plague when it's too hilly. Well, today I did not have that option. There is a course and you follow the course...period! Boy oh boy was I wishing I could've mapped out my own 5 mile route back to the finish line but, I digress. I had one and only one strategy going in. Run every single hill and, I did. Okay all but one, I guess that's technically not every single but, you can't blame me for trying, right? :-) There was some walking but, I walked the flat parts and stuck to my plan to run every single almost all the hills. We ran right past my building which was right after hill number 3 and two miles in (a brief flash of my bed entered my head).  It was a nice little crowd. This was their second annual race and, I'm sure in time it will get bigger and better. They gave out pretty nice schwag bags which was great. You got an actual bag with lots of goodies and a technical tee. Not bad for a small 5 mile race. I'd do it again next year for sure! Seeing as how it was right in my neighborhood, I decided I'd run the 1.65 miles back home.

6.65 miles done!

So all in all, I ran 6.65 miles. My mom dropped me off and, I got to see her twice along the course and according to her, she thought she saw me three times (she mistook someone else for me). LOL! After the race, I called to tell her I was done. She goes, you sure you don't want me to pick you up? Nah, I was side-lined this week because of the plantar fasciitis. I desperately wanted/needed to get more miles in and running back home made me feel like Dean Karnazes on a much smaller level of course. This man runs to a marathon then, runs the marathon so you see, I was feeling a little Deanish this morning. Lol!

So now, I'm going back to bed. I have two English papers and lots of Algebra homework due by Sunday midnight. You know you need  a life when the highlight of your weekend is running hills during a 5 mile race (it's a lot more fun than ALGEBRA)!

The Good:
1. Finished!
2. Ran 1.65 miles more
3. Supporting my local volunteer Fire Dept.

The Bad:
1. The first hill that was 3 minutes into the run!
2. I look huge in my photo. Must. Get. Back. To. Counting. Points!

The Ugly:
1. Every hill that followed the first one! :-)

Getting faster, not smaller

I'm getting faster! So, yesterday was my long run and by long, these days we're talking 8+ miles. Last weekend I covered 9.25 miles, this weekend I decided to stick to 8. Overall it was a pretty good run. Because I do nothing early and, I'm a perpetual procrastinator I didn't start my run till 2:40 pm(to be exact). Luckily for me, it wasn't as warm as last week. It did get a a little heated in certain spots along the course but overall not too bad. The bugs were on the attack yesterday. As usual I was a hot sweaty mess and the bugs were loving it or me? I actually ran 6 minutes faster than my last few 8 mile runs (1hr. 32 min.). Getting faster, yay!!! Even my shorter runs are getting faster. My Friday run was 5 miles ran at my 5k pace....not bad! My 1hr 32 running did include some walking. I ran the first 5 miles straight, mile 6 I was checking my voicemail (9 messages...I really should check my vm more often) then, miles 7 and 8 I sailed through. I'm noticing a trend in my runs. Mile 2 is always my fastest mile.  Physically I'm doing well aside from the plantar fasciitis. No knee pain, no IT band pain just this God awful heel pain. I'm seeing the orthopedist this afternoon and I'm praying he doesn't say I have to rest for a few weeks. My runs have been going so well lately, I'd hate to have a set-back. I'd like to be in the best shape possible for the Surf n Santa 10 miler that's only 47 days away. Depending on what the doctor says this afternoon, I'm shooting for 9 miles next weekend. My race time for the Surf n Santa last year was 1 hour 57 minutes. I'd like to shave 7 minutes off that time. Wishful thinking? Perhaps!

The Good:
1. Got it done!

The Bad:
1. The bugs were loving my sweaty face

The Ugly:
1. Did I mention the bugs? :-)

I'm not getting smaller and, I'm okay with that (for now). I haven't been doing too much to drop the weight so I'm certainly not surprised I haven't dropped any. I'm just thrilled I've been able to maintain my 10lb weight loss. As for the last 10? Well, I feel indifferent about them. I'm happy I'm under 200 and STAYING that way!! I did promise myself I'd journal this week. I've been doing this long enough now to know that is key if I want to drop the weight. I've been so stressed and so busy and well that's no excuse but, it's why I haven't been as diligent as I could be. Guess right now I'm  just thrilled I don't look like I weigh what I weigh ( total sarcasm). I'm going to try and do better! On the bright side I didn't buy a 490 calorie muffin with coffee this morning. Small things, small things! :-)


Tri Update: I think I'm going to postpone training for my tri. Life is just too stressful right now! Between work, school and all my other work-outs. There isn't enough hours in the day. But, who knows...I just may change my mind like....next week?

Impulse will be the death of me!

My breakfast this morning was a high calorie, high fat muffin. Clearly I am doing everything possible to not lose these last few pounds. This is what happens when I work on impulse. I was running late(which is always the case these days). Actually, I was running later than usual and couldn't stop for coffee. Once I was in the office and settled, I ran out to get coffee. On impulse, coffee turned into coffee and a muffin.

I took the liberty of highlighting the 'good' stuff. I'd also like to add that is was so not worth the 12 Weight Watchers points it cost me. :( I would love to blame this little splurge on hormones but, this was nothing but pure impulse!

French Toast Muffin:
A moist blend of cinnamon and maple flavors. Topped with coarse sugar and a generous portion of maple icing.

Serving Size (g)	142.0
Calories	490.0
Fat Calories	170.0
Total Fat (g)	19.0
Saturated Fat (g)	4.5
Trans Fat (g)	0.0
Cholesterol (mg)	20.0
Sodium (mg)	280.0
Total Carbohydrates (g)	74.0
Fiber (g)	0.0
Sugars (g)	50.0
Protein (g)	6.0
Vitamin A (% daily value)	0.0
Vitamin C (% daily value)	0.0
Calcium (% daily value)	6.0
Iron (% daily value)	4.0

Bitching, Moaning, Complaining (my apologies in advance)

This is the worse time of year for me. For the last ten years without fail, I've come down with a case of SADS. Yes, I'm a hydrocondriac and no, I was never diagnosed with SADS but.... Anyway, I need sunshine, lots and lots of sunshine. To make matters worse, I'm hormonal. Can you begin to imagine the amount of chocolate I've consumed in the last few days?! For the last few weeks I've been a very naughty girl. I haven't journaled consistently(ok, at all!), I haven't been weighing my food and somehow I manged to find myself drinking a can of coca cola last night while snacking on buttered sourdough toast. Did I mention it was 12:10 am? Yeah, well that's where I am these days. The stress of school, work, money, SADS, hormones and I haven't been getting much sleep. It has not been good. On the bright side, I'm keeping up my workouts and I"m maintaining my 10lb weight loss. I will celebrate even the small things!

So, all is not lost! I got in a 4.5 mile run yesterday with hills(ok, 'inclines'). It was a great run because I was conquering the inclines and running at a faster pace. Plus, once reaching the top I just kept right on running. This is major for me because, hills were not my friend. All my training has paid off. According to my Garmin, I burned more calories than I usually would during a 4-5 mile run. Guess I was working hard? Speaking of hills...I've been having major heel pain. I think it's plantar fasciitis. No, this is not undiagnosed. I suffered from plantar fasciitis several years back. I always assumed it was weight related because, the podiatrist would mention losing weight when he was treating me and, once I dropped the first 50lbs it went away. Well, now it's back with a vengeance! It's extremely painful and I'm scheduled to see the doctor in a couple days. I'm pretty sure I'm going to need physical therapy....again. I tell you, turn 37 and my body falls apart. Actually, let me tell it, my body fell apart at 27. :-)

Going forward, I need to do better. My goal today is to journal every single thing I put into my mouth, good or bad. We shall see how that goes.

'Some people say I am insane for running; I say running keeps me sane' author unknown

The plan today was to run 8 miles. Well, I ended up running a total of 9.25 miles. I haven't ran more than 8 miles since my half marathon. In the three weeks since that race I've managed to run a total of 17 miles. That's an average of 5 miles a week so, I knew before I started my 8 9.25 run that it would be challenging, after all I was used to running at least 20 miles a week. Your body literally forgets what a long run feels like, at least mine does. I can't speak for others but when it comes to running, it is never easy for me, not even a 3 mile run.

Surf n Santa December 3, 2010

Like I've mentioned a few posts back, my goal is to hang out at around 8 miles. This way, when it's time to train for a 10 miler or half marathon the transition won't be as grueling. Speaking of training. I have decided to run the Surf n Santa Va Beach 10 miler!!! I'm so excited! I ran it last year and at the time, it was an inaugural race.The race organizers who put on this race are great! They're also responsible for the Shamrock half which is another fun run. Every participant received a finishers medal, the water bottle I'm holding, the jacket I'm wearing, Santa hats and bells for your sneakers(I opted not to don my hat or bells for the run...guess you could call me Scrooge? lol). This year it will be even more fun than last years race because two of my favorite people have decided to walk the Frosty 5K that takes place before the 10 miler. This way, I get to do something they always do for me....cheer them on!! I'm like a proud mama. Lol! So, back to my 9.25 run. The first 3 miles(like usual) were tough but, it got easier. It was a little warm. I actually found myself wishing it was cold but, it was a beautiful sunny afternoon. By the end, I was thinking...bring it Surf n Santa, I could take you on today! :-) I totally could have ran 10 miles today but I had to remind myself that I haven't done a long run in a few weeks and I didn't want to overdue it and cause myself to get an injury.

I was in the checkout line looking like this!!!

Overall it was a pretty good run until, I remembered on my way home that I needed to stop at the store and pick up toilet paper. Everyone was looking at me funny and I couldn't figure out why? I knew I was sweaty and I'm pretty sure I smelled but, I totally forgot that I lose a lot of salt and once it dries I look like a complete freak--->Exhibit A









The Good:
1. I finished
2. Ran 1.25 miles more than I'd planned
3. Beautiful Sunny Day!

The Bad:
1. A bit warm

The Ugly:
1. Exhibit A , lol

OOC aka Out Of Control!

I'm feeling so much better! That cold was no joke and, it kept me in bed for a full week(my vacation at that!).

I've been OOC!! It all started with the birthday pies. Unfortunately it didn't end with them, in fact, it was just getting started. Life got in the way and I got a little distracted(you can relate, right?). In other words, I didn't bother journaling, counting points or measuring my portions. Luckily I only managed to gain 2lbs. It is so hard to lose and maintain weight loss. I realized a long time ago that I will always struggle somewhat with my weight. For the last year and a half I've been battling these same few pounds. Up, down, up, down....repeat. I even found myself repeating one of my old mantras like 'I don't look like I weigh'. So, why bother with these stubborn 10lbs?! Umm ok, keep telling yourself that Tracey! I got to the point where I decided I may not 'look' like I weigh as much as I do but, clearly I weigh what I weigh. Yes, it helps being able to hide a few pounds but, what good does that do if you're still not happy with your weight? At any rate. I'm back in the saddle! I took a minor detour but, now I'm back on course.

I haven't managed to get in a long run since my half marathon...three weeks ago! That is all about to change. I plan to run 8 miles this weekend. I'll will blog all about it. I'm sure there will be stories to tell. :-) My longest run was this past Tuesday. I managed to get in 5 miles. It felt pretty damn good. Well, after the first 3 miles. The first 3 miles are killer for me. Hate, hate, hate it!

Now, I'm off to my yoga class and boy do I need it!

Sick as a dog!

Ugh, there is nothing worse than getting sick while on vacation. It's awful! Luckily for me, being sick has kept me from eating myself out of house and home and, I didn't pay to go away so I'm suffering in the comfort of my own bed. I got sick on my birthday! How sad is that? Good thing it happened after the race and not before. Otherwise that would've been one hell of a 13.1 mile run. I believe the first thing I said to my sis and bff at the finish was 'my chest is killing me'. It wasn't pain from running but that pain you get right before you're about to come down with something awful?

I went out for my first run yesterday. It was hell! Between, the headache, chills, fever and body ache it felt like death. Fortunately I was only looking to get in 3 miles because, I needed to move my body. I didn't need it to get too comfy. I had plans to take an afternoon spin class today but, that didn't happen. I can't sleep, everything hurt and I have to go into work tomorrow. Sigh...

As usual, I've weighed in daily and I'm happy to see not only did I not gain any weight this week, I've actually lost a pound(so far). Even with the two birthday pies...err one birthday pie! So, good news...didn't gain weight, bad news...sick as a dog. :(

Post Race

I'm feeling pretty well today. The first time(and last time)I ran a official half marathon I felt like I had been run over by a bus the next day. I'm talking, walking backwards up and down stairs. I knew that wouldn't be the case this time around because, I always felt pretty good after our long runs during training. Although, there was this one run where I had the worse quad pain ever! Overall, my recovery has been great. I don't even have any knee pain! Thank God for small favors. I feel even better after having a massage earlier today. The post race massage is always nice. I used to think I ran for the medal now, I think I run for the post race massage. :-) I think I may be done with long runs(for now). Every time I make that statement to my Mom she goes....'until the next one, right?'. Lol! I'm not saying I'll never do a 10 miler or half again but, I think I'm going to stick to 10K's for the time being. I really want to give my knees a break and figure out why the hell my feet go numb EVERY TIME I run more than 9 miles?! Now, I think it's time to focus on learning to swim. If I'm going to do a triathlon this is going to be key.

Update on my timing, this is from the Philly Rock n Roll official website. A lot of people where wondering why their GPS had them at 13.33, 13.5 and the one I had and read a lot of people commenting on 13.40?
What if my Garmin is slightly more than the official race distance?

On race day, if the distance shown on your Forerunner is slightly more than the official race distance, it just means you weren’t cutting corners—quite literally. According to the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federation) course measurement guidelines (pg. 20), a road race course is defined by the shortest possible route a runner could take without being disqualified. For most races, a certified measurer rides the course on a bike, staying near the curb and taking every available tangent. This ensures that all runners will run at least the declared race distance. After the race, if Forerunner shows that you ran a little farther, this just accounts for extra steps you took to run around others participants, hit a water stop or stay to the middle or outside lane.

Staying on point when you're away and fueling your body for a long run staying on plan/point can be difficult. I did not journal one single thing! I did try to be really good and make decent food choices. So far, the scale has me a little under what I weighed before I took off to Philly for the weekend. I'm so excited to be getting closer to my goal weight. I can see the difference, I can feel the difference and I'm really happy! Could this be why my run was better, why I didn't have any knee pain? Perhaps!  I'm down a total of 9 pounds!! I don't usually like to put a time limit on when I want the weight off but, I think it's safe to say by December I'll be back in my skinny jeans! I'm pretty sure if I keep up the work and stick to my Weight Watchers points, I could lose 11 pounds in two months. Of course, I'm being conservative. I'm giving myself a little wiggle room since my mom made me not one, but TWO sweet potato birthday pies!! I'm thinking that'll set me back a pound or two or three? o_O

Philly Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon...Happy Birthday to me!

"The miracle isn’t that I finished; it’s that I had the courage to start." 
John Bingham, The Penquin

Happy Birthday to me! Running the Philly half was a wonderful way to kick off my birthday. It was one of my best races yet! I had such a great time. The weather was great, nothing ached, my breathing was steady from the start and I kept the pace I wanted. I had managed to get out of my own damn head and enjoy the run. I mean, I actually enjoyed the run! When it was all over, I felt like I could've run another mile...though happy I didn't have too!

Philly Rock n Roll Finish!

A few highlights: First of all, I have the best support system ever! My sister and best friend were troopers and, I love them for being there for me! As usual, I'm a procrastinator and I'm constantly running late. Why would today be any different? I had planned to get up, eat breakfast, drink lots of water and get to the start in order to hit the 'few' Porta Pottys before the race. After fussing around, we headed downstairs for breakfast. I had lots of water, a dry bagel and a bite or two of a banana. It was all I could get down. For some reason up to that point I started eating breakfast, I wasn't the least bit nervous. Suddenly, that all changed. Anyway, I get to the start and stand in line and stand and stand and stand. I'm checking my watch and watching a group of people 'cop a squat' on the side of a building. I debated...finally, I turned to my girls, took off my jacket and said, 'I'm going in!". 'In' meaning out, if you get my drift. Lol! Never thought I'd see the day but, there is a first for everything and why not choose your birthday for a first, right? Unfortunately there were plenty of outdoor bathroom users and not all were #1. Ugh! Moving on...

The weather was great, the crowd (16,000) was great but, for it to be a Rock n Roll run there wasn't a lot of rocking and rolling in my opinion. It just didn't seem to be enough bands along the course but the ones that where there were great! I had many strategies on how I was going to run the race. It went from run/walk combo to, run till I hit a wall. In the end, I went with run the first 3 miles, walk a minute then, I ran the next six miles and then miles 10, 11 and 12 I ran each and took a 1-2 minute walk break and of course, whenever I got water/Gatorade, I walked for that. Overall I'd say I walked about 6 or 7 minutes in total. The best part? Not feeling like crap at the end. I hydrated before the race, and during the race. Plus, no aches and pains! Even though it was a pretty good race without fail my feet went numb at mile 9. This is consistent with all my long runs, even during training. I still have no idea what that's about but, I didn't let it hold me back. According to my Garmin and plenty of runners on the Philly Rock n Roll Facebook fanpage, we actually ran 13.40 miles. So, I have it as running 13.40 miles in 2.37.11 BUT, the official race results have it at 13.1 miles in 2hrs. 38 minutes and 19 seconds. At any rate, I'm happy with my finish! It was a Personal Best/Record. I'm so looking forward to my post race massage tomorrow. Can't wait! In the meantime, I have homework to do (yes on my birthday, the horror) then dinner and my personal favorite...Moms sweet potato birthday pie. What a great day!

The Good: 
1.This time, it was all good! :-)

Garmin: Philly Rock N Roll Half Marathon - Birthday Run!

Sun, Sep 18, 2011 8:10 AM Eastern Time (US & Canada) 

Activity Type: Running | Event Type: Special Event | Course: -- 

Summary

Distance:	13.41 mi
Time:	2:37:11
Avg Pace:	11:43 min/mi
Elevation Gain:	156 ft
Calories:	2,114 C

Details

Timing

Time:	2:37:11
Moving Time:	2:34:06
Elapsed Time:	2:39:00

Avg Pace:	11:43 min/mi
Avg Moving Pace:	11:30 min/mi
Best Pace:	4:36 min/mi

Speed

Pace

Elevation

Elevation Gain:	156 ft
Elevation Loss:	143 ft

Official Race Results:
2.38.19

On my way to the start

Corral 8

At the finish with my girls