What's a good excuse?

When Annie first started her exercise blog, she did an awesome series on excuses. People will always come up with great excuses to put off exercising until tomorrow. Well, I am currently fighting a moral battle with myself. This morning, I had to go to the dentist because I lost a filling. Well, my quick exam turned into a 1.5 hour root canal. My first. I tried to go back to work after, but realized 1) I couldn't talk, 2) I was a drooling mess, and 3) as the novocain wore off, the pain started. So I promptly went to Walgreens, got my antibiotic and pain med prescriptions filled, and came home. I passed out for 4 hours, waking up to that lovely, swollen, throbbing pain on the left side of my face.

So, now, the question remains: DO I RUN?

There's no time!

I have been up studying since 5:45am. It is now 8:45pm. I haven't showered. I have eaten minimally while reading or cramming facts into my brain. I didn't run, I didn't stretch, I didn't roll out, I didn't lift or do abs. I have been a studying MACHINE.

I feel like Jessie Spano.... "There's no time! There's never enough time!"

Words of wisdom

This little quote just found me out of the blue. So simple, yet so fitting. Just thought I would share...

Smile, breathe and go slowly.
[Thich Nhat Hanh]

My forgetful mind

I got about .5 miles into my run yesterday when I realized I had forgotten to put my ITB Strap on (my mind has been in the clouds lately, what can I say!). I figured I would just keep going, but take it easy. Well, I was feeling kinda mad at myself for the terrible eating I did all weekend, so I pushed myself an extra mile even though I didnt want to press my luck with hurting my knee. So, I ran 5 miles without the strap. It started hurting a bit around mile 4, but it wasn't terrible! I am definitely going to continue to wear it as a preventive measure, but it is good to know that in a bind, if I dont have it, I can still survive a moderate distance.

My friend Rachel signed up to do the CM1/2 also! I am really excited! She has done a few races in the past and is in great shape, so I am excited to share some tag-team motivation for this race! Can't wait to see you, my friend!

8 mile run, 30 days of abs, sweet potato pancakes- OH MY!

Yes. I did it. I ran... no, jogged... no, shuffled 8 miles on Saturday. In the freezing cold rain, nonetheless. That deserves a pat on the back.

I was feeling very apprehensive about the run. I was really worried that my knee would hurt. I dont enjoy having this pain (well, really, who would?), and I dont like how it has made me doubt myself and my abilities. As I have said before- I have no trouble with my breathing, endurance, or fatigue. It is 100% the pain in my knee that is challenging me. And, as Bikram says: YOU CAN MESS WITH THE GODS, BUT DONT MESS WITH YOUR KNEES! I really need to be doing Bikram while I am training- I bet that would do my knee a world of good. But alas, there are not enough hours in the day or dollars in the bank to make everything come together as it should. Whatcha gonna do, right?

I am going to attempt the 9 mile run on Wednesday. I am trying to get a bit caught up with my schedule. The anxiety of not being ready in time is really getting to me, so I want to do my best to get back on track.

The 30 day ab challenge comes to a close today! That really flew by! I am glad Annie could inspire me to add this element to my workout, and I have every intention of continuing with this part of my routine. I really dont SEE any results; but then again, I sure have a lot of padding to protect any new muscle that has formed ;) I can feel that my abs are stronger. I used to struggle doing planks and would have to be on my knees, but now I can be up on my toes and hold for the full minute. So, yes, there is progress. Just not enough to convince me a bikini is within reach- YET!

Eating = out of control. Gotta get myself back on track. I am so close to my goal weight, and I dont want to blow it now. Between my parents visiting and going out to eat a lot more with new friends, I am minimizing fruits/vegetables and overdoing it on carbs and fat. I'll admit it- I am a complete sucker for sweet potato pancakes, and I cannot say no to them. I haven't really been challenge with the social aspect of eating well... I rarely go out to eat, and I am really good about cooking well at home and making good choices. But adding this new social element where eating out is more common is throwing a wrench in my healthy gears. I know it is possible to eat out and still be healthy, but it just isnt something I have completely mastered yet. And it is very hard to plan in advance, as it is often spontaneous and out of the blue. It will be tough, but I know I am capable of getting this behavior under control.

I have so much going on in my life right now, and while I am out of my mind busy, I am, without a doubt, HAPPY. But, have you ever been SCARED of being happy? I kinda am...

Silly running photos....

Photos from the Mayor's Cup 5k last weekend.

Back to reality...

What a fantastic week! I love that I am so close with my parents and that we are truly friends, not just family. Mom and Dad loved Memphis, and we did so many amazing things! Riverboat ride, Zoo, Sun Studio, Beale St, Peabody ducks, you name it... Mom took tons of pictures (since my camera is broken, r.i.p.) so I will post some as she send them to me. It was so nice to share my life with them. I know they worry about me a lot... a new city, a new life, new challenges, and not exactly the easiest ride along the way. But I think they realized how happy I am here and that this is where I belong right now. Of course they want me to move closer to home, but I just need to keep following the path that I am meant to be on.

Dad left this quote on a sticky note on my bathroom mirror. I adore him.

If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them. [H.D.T., Walden]

So I definitely let myself go while they were here. I ate so much unhealthy food- we went out to eat pretty much every day, and I didn't hold back. But oh man, it was so yummy, and I really can't be mad at myself. I'm back on the WW train today and will get back into my usual healthy habits easily. But who can say no to the mac and cheese at Central BBQ?! And ice cream?! And homemade pizza!?

My running got extremely behind, and I am very upset with myself for this. Since I had the 5k on Sunday, I didn't get to run my usual long run, which should have been 9 miles. I was already a week behind because of that unfortunate loss to the 7 miler a few weeks back, so now I am 2 weeks behind in my training. Luckily, I had built in 2 weeks of flexibility just before the race. I can still increase 1 mile each week and hopefully be ready in time... I kinda had a moment of panic yesterday as I flipped through my planner and realized the race is only 5 weeks away... I got really worried that I will not be ready. I am still kinda anxious, but there is nothing I can do but keep trying, keep putting one foot in front of the other, and enjoy this challenge. Adding stress will not make it any easier. I want to run the whole 13.1 miles, and I am going to do everything in my power to make it to that goal, but I have to take it day by day and try to not put excessive pressure on myself. I will attempt the 8 mile run this Sunday and see how it goes from there. Wish me luck!

Oh! So, after the 5k this past Sunday, I got a free massage. How nice, right? HA! The woman butchered me. She beat me to a pulp. She used this rolling stick thing to rub out my leg muscles. It felt great on my hamstrings and calves and butt (oh yes, an ass massage, love it!)... however, when she got to my IT Bands, whooaaa nelly! She did my right side first (the side that is not hurting me) and she pushed really heard and it was pretty painful. So, when she had me roll over to do the left side, I told her to go easy. She did, but apparently not easy enough. The outside of both of my legs were so tender and so painful... they still hurt. And I have HUGE bruises all along the sides of my legs. It feels and looks terrible. Thanks, lady.

So, back to reality now. But my heart is so full of happiness these days, and my face has a constant smile...

lyrical intervention

Writing a paper for class. Listening to some music. The perfect lyrics always find me when I need them most:

see a mountain, see an ocean, see the years that bring rock and tide together.

"settle down," I said to myself. "things that come with time will always be better."

everyone gets what they want too fast these days; no one knows the way to make things last.

Mayors Cup 5k

Official results

Time: 26:09

Pace: 8:27

2nd out of 31 in my age group

13th out of all women

53rd overall out of 397

Aaaaaaaaaand awesome ;)

45 days until Nashville 1/2 Marathon! Bring it!

Visitors!

My parents arrive today! They are staying for a whole week! I am so excited to see them; we have so much planned and it is going to be a fantastic week. I took a few days off work and the weather is supposed to be beautiful! So excited!

But, having company around definitely throws a wrench in my routine. Granted, mom and dad are extremely supportive and flexible and will make it very easy for me to keep up my good habits. They know I plan on running every day, and some days that may take a good 2 hour chunk of the day. I think eating is going to be a tough one. Even though my mom is a WW graduate as well and we both know that vacation does not mean it's an excuse to binge, I am sure we will be eating a lot more than usual. I plan to take them to all of my favorite restaurants (and of course, they must experience Memphis BBQ, even if I don't eat it!) and I that will test my will-power. But, really, I am trying to not worry about it. If I get off schedule with my running (which I doubt I will) or eat a bit more than usual, it is ok. Life happens, and ya gotta be flexible, right?!

I probably wont update much, if at all, while they are here. But I will be sure to share pictures and stories next week!

Oh, I have another 5k coming up this Sunday. I am really excited to get my parents involved in my new passion, and it will be wonderful to have them at the finish line cheering for me! Should be a blast!

Never thought the day would come...

I am having a crisis I never thought I would ever have in my entire life. I am getting ready for a date, and as I strut around trying to figure out to wear... I realize... I don't have a single pair of pants that FIT. They are all too big! Baggy in the ass and loosey goosey in the waist. I believe hell has officially frozen over..

Here we go

This song has been stuck in my head non-stop for the past 3 days. I love it. It is so appropriate for my new life, my new start, my new happiness, my new exploration of this big city and what it has to offer... (And if you know one thing about me, it is that I am infatuated with JR, of course.)

I got my new ITB strap in the mail yesterday, so I got to wear it on my run today. It fits and feels so much better than the other one I got at the store! Today's run went very well- no pain at all! (Knock on wood!) Hooray!

This ab challenge is great. I am really hoping I stick with it after the 30 days. It is an extra 10 minutes of my day that I actually really enjoy. Whoa, wait, um did I just say I enjoy doing abs? Annie, you've created a monster!

Several of my friends have approached me and thanked me for inspiring them to get into running. Now, to think that I, Little Miss "I -DONT-RUN" could inspire someone to do such a thing fills me with such an amazing feeling of... I don't know... Pride? Gratitude? Honor? I can't find the right word here. To each of you: thank you for allowing my journey to bring something new in to your life, and I wish you the best of luck!

Bragging is ok from time to time, right?

I stuck with 4 miles today because I didn't want to push it and hurt myself. I have been using the ITB strap, stretching, and using the foam roller daily, and I hope it is helping... it seems to be. It still hurts, but not nearly as much. Fingers crossed...

Ummmm I am really happy. Like, seriously happy. It is the most wonderful feeling. Just wanted to throw that out there.

So, I am not really one to do the whole "post pictures of my progress" thing. But, today I just have to brag a bit. I have a full length mirror that faces me as I walk in to my bedroom; today, after my run, I was walking into my room and I just stood and looked at myself. I don't know if it is my beloved "just noticeable difference" hitting me or what, but I thought to myself, "Damn, Amy... you look smokin' hot!" So here I am...

Have a smokin' hot Sunday, everyone!

Revenge on the 7 miler...

Wake up happily on my own at 7:30am. Set out on what is meant to be a 4 mile run. Beautiful day, sun is shining, sky is the bluest blue. I just kept running. I made it 7 miles. It felt amazing. My knee hurt, but I just kept going, I couldn't stop. It was perfect. Take that, 7 mile run.

Sitting outside on my porch enjoying a beer and the sunshine.

I'm beautiful when I'm awkward.

Cute boys work at Fleet Feet

Just sayin'.

I went to Fleet Feet yesterday and got a foam roller. When I got home to try it out, I was amazed at how much it hurts! I rolled ONCE and immediately hopped off. I did not like it. But, it is supposed to be a huge help for IT Band issues, so I will suck it up and use it. I also ordered a better IT Band strap- I can't find anywhere that sells good ones around here. That should be coming in the mail tomorrow. $60 later, I am prepared to show my IT Band who's boss. I wont go down without a fight! Ahhh!

I ran 6 miles yesterday. At mile 4, I hurt. At mile 5, I hurt a lot. Not as much as I did on Sunday, not enough to make me walk, but enough to give me a noticeable swagger with my already t-rex like gate. Ice ice ice, stretch stretch stretch, I know the drill.

30 day ab challenge is going well. I am sore, but in a really good way! I hope that after these 30 days, I stick with it and continue this daily routine... Ha, I say that now.

Let's fix this

I just now realized I don't have a countdown going... 52 days!

My friend Sarah read my previous post and came running (haha) to the rescue. She has had issues with her IT Band in the past as well, and she gave me some great advice. Thank you so much, Sarah!

I got an IT Band strap. Thank you to the helpful videos on YouTube for showing me how to put it on... yea, I am that clueless. Today was the first day I ran with it. I also took some ibuprofen before my run to help with any inflammation. From what I could tell, the band helped relieve the pain. It was feeling fine until about mile 3; around that time, I could feel just a dull pain, nothing bad at all. By mile 4, it was hurting a little bit more; uncomfortable, but not unbearable. So, I guess I get to wear that sexy black band on my left leg from now on. I also have lots of stretches to do (why is it so hard for me do be a disciplined stretcher?!) and I am going to get a foam roller tomorrow.

Hopefully now that I know what the problem is, I can nip it in the butt before it kicks me to the curb. I refuse to give up, but I also don't want to be in pain or hurt myself. I tackle another 6 miler tomorrow, wish me luck!

7 miler: 1, Amy: 0

I have been running for 3 months now. During those 3 months, I have never walked during a run. No matter what the distance, conditions, weather, you name it- I have never walked. Until yesterday.

So it was my first day to run 7 miles. I was feeling slightly timid about it, but just kept reminding myself that it is only 1 mile more than the distance I have comfortably run 3 times already. So while it was slightly intimidating, I knew I could do it.

My breathing was fine- I wasn't out of breath, I wasn't struggling at all in that sense. Endurance was fine- my muscles didn't hurt and I felt like I and the energy to continue forever. The problem: my knees. The ITB on my left knee, and some new pain in the back of my right knee. It was dull at first, but after about 4 miles, it was impossible to ignore. I got to 4.5 miles, and my knees just gave out. I couldn't do it. I was in so much pain, it was unbearable. I stopped and stretched for a few minutes, hoping maybe that would help the pain. I started jogging again, and nearly face-planted on the sidewalk. It was like nothing I have ever felt before. So.... I walked.
All.
The.
Way.
Home.
2.5 miles.
Defeated. I was so upset. So sad. It was the longest walk of shame of my life. I tried to jog a few times here and there, but after just a few paces, the pain was back to an unbearable level. I was completely defeated.

When I got home, I just got right in the shower and cried. It was the first time since I started this challenge that I felt that perhaps my goal is unobtainable. Maybe my body isn't cut out for this. Maybe I wont make it. It is the worst feeling ever.

March 6th

Let it be.

I'm having fun!

I had a fantastic night last night. Haven't laughed that hard in a long time- I really enjoyed myself. I am so glad that I am putting myself out there, dating, meeting new people, and having a killer time. It is wonderful to spend time with people that make me smile and know how to treat me well.

Unfortunately, fun nights usually make for lazy mornings. Or in my case, lazy entire days. I did nothing today. Complete waste of space. And in the back of my mind the whole time was, "Shoot, I really have to run... yea... reeeeaaaaally should go run now. Any minute now. Yup." It got to be about 5:30 pm and I still hadn't gone. At the risk of sounding like a 5 year old, I just didn't wanna! Plus it was a yucky rainy day which not only didn't help the intense case of laziness, but also meant I would be hitting the treadmill rather than the road. But, alas, I went. Ran AND did abs. I love how even on days when I am lazy and not wanting to go work out, I always feel great after I do. I enjoy working out. Like I have said before: I always regret not going, but never regret going.

So, here's to having fun and still sticking with my challenges!

Exhasuted.

I think everything is starting to catch up with me: work, classes, running, stress, etc... I am beyond exhausted. It hit me like a ton of bricks yesterday evening. Wow.

Another one bites the dust

Well, another pair of work pants will be retired to the "keep these in the back of the closet because I like them too much to part with them" pile. I know it is best to get rid of clothes that are too big because if you have them, it is "ok" to gain weight because you will have clothes that fit. Well, while that theory makes perfect sense, I am a clothes hoarder (admitting it is the first step, right?) and I refuse to get rid of them.

I have only lost a total of 13.2 lbs, but my body has completely changed due to my running. Fat has turned to lean muscle, and I am more toned. So while the scale isn't showing any drastic changes, my clothes are fitting in a way that makes me enjoy picking out something to wear in the morning! I still have work to do, and I am not exactly where I want to be yet, but seeing/feeling progress is a huge motivation!

One of the classes I am taking this semester is Intro to Nutrition. I am taking it 1) because I am a nerd and have always wanted to take a course on this subject, 2) the research I am doing at work looks at how nutrition affects cognitive development, and I thought learning more about this topic would be a tremendous help, and 3) it is free (thank you, UTHSC employee benefits!). I have learned so many interesting things in this class, and my lifestyle and diet have really changed over the past month. Being both a vegetarian and a Weight Watchers member, I already have some knowledge on making smart choices, but this course has really opened my eyes to a lot of interesting things I never knew. Now, life is a tad too busy right now to write all that I want to share about my new nutrition knowledge, but mark my word: I will post an informational blog on what I have learned so anyone needing some guidance in building a healthier diet can learn a thing or two. Mostly, I am just a nerd and I want to show off my new smarts.

Words of wisdom

Today (and last night) was just one of those days where you wonder if karma is just playing a big joke on you and enjoying watching you deal with the silliness it throws your way. Nothing bad, just plain silly. I swear, this city gets smaller and smaller with every passing day, and the trials and tribulations of my bumblings through life here get more comical as the clock ticks. I kid you not: if you are smart, you will begin jotting down the blunders of my life and making a movie. You will one day be a millionaire.

After this pure wave of silliness, a friend pointed something out to me that really hit me: When you're good with you, I guess it's just irresistible!

I had to read this about 10 times to fully understand what my friend was going for here, but when it hit, it was like a blue sky after a storm. Most of my life, I have put a great deal of effort into trying to get others to like me... so much so that I would overlook myself and doubt myself. Now don't get me wrong, I have done my fair share of trying to get others to like me over the past few months. But it wasn't until recently (well, more specifically, the past month or so) that I really have tried to just be content with who I am and where I am going. While I have put continued effort into relationships with others, I have begun to realize why past relationships have failed. I have realized that I really am amazing. I am awesome. I am intelligent, smart, and compassionate. I have become a lot more comfortable in my own skin... or in my friend's words, I have grown to be "good with me." And I deserve nothing but the best. I deserve equal and/or greater awesomeness. I refuse to accept anything less. This wave of self-confidence must be showing, because it is getting the attention of others. I have always heard that confidence is attractive, but I guess it is one of those things you must see to believe.

Anyway, yet another one of my more abstract ramblings that I throw out there every now and then. Point of the story: I am amazing, and don't you ever forget it.