Accountability

Plantar-Fasciitis??

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 04:21:00 +0000

OK, so I've been having heel pain since the Jingle Bell run back in November. Literally STOPPED exercising in Feb and March cuz it hurt too darn much.

Running guru Amanda listened to me whine then found me this site: www.plantar-fasciitis.org.

Sounds pretty much like what I've got going on. When I stop and stretch out my calves while walking and really get warmed up, it doesn't hurt quite so much. Thinking maybe I should take the ibuprofen before I walk so maybe by the end of the walk it will have kicked in! :)

So, I'm trying to walk at least 2x per week with a group from work - we're up about to 2.5 to 3 miles in our lunch break on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This is a far cry from where I was hoping to be before the marathon in October, BUT I can still make it there if I can just figure out a long-term solution for this heel pain.

Before & After as of 3-4-09

noreply@blogger.com (The Knedler Clan) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 20:53:00 +0000

Ok, here we go . . . I am officially down 32 lbs. as of last night's weigh in. Woohoo!! In honor of that accomplishment, I have posted the original "before" picture taken before my surgery and a picture I took today with my camera phone. I went to put on my favorite shirt this morning and it just hung on me - so I went into the closest and pulled out a shirt just like it in a different color that I had picked up on clearance last fall. Even when I bought it, I was still reluctant thinking I could actually get into it one day. It's been a long time. I have gone from a 3X to a 1X!!! I just can't get over it.

I also started exercising yesterday. I even made it up the YMCA stairs without getting winded. It's just awesome. Now my goal this week is to make it back there again. I figure it's a good start and will be easier now that I'm down some weight. I did go rollerskating last weekend with the kiddos. So that counts too:)

February weigh-in

noreply@blogger.com (The Knedler Clan) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:02:00 +0000

Ok ladies, I am officially down 30 lbs.! I don't know that I've ever lost 30 lbs at one time in my life. God is sooooo good!! The doctor went ahead and put another 1/2 cc. of saline in my band. He also advised me to watch eating the chicken because it is a stringy meat that can get balled up in the esophagus. Here I thought I was being good eating the white meat and it's what was giving me problems, not the wrap (like I had thought). He said I'm right on schedule in losing about a pound per week, which how he likes to see it come off. So just think, if I lose at least 30 lbs. each year for the next 3 years - there's my 90 lbs. I can deal with that!

So how are you guys doing? Got anything to update?

My "Aha!" Moment

noreply@blogger.com (The Knedler Clan) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:00:00 +0000

I had an "Aha!" moment today. I've been putting off buying any new clothes since my lap-band surgery back in September. I broke down today and went to Wal-Mart to get a cheap pair of dress pants. I picked two pair out and actually went to the dressing room to try them on. (I hate trying clothes on at the store, but knew I would have to in order to avoid a return.) To my amazement I have gone from a (tight) size 24 to an amazing size 18!!!! Wooohoooo!!! God is so good!:)

Sorry, I don't have any current pictures to post with it, but I'll try to get some soon. I don't go for another weigh-in until February 23rd. My surgeon was gone all last month doing ministry work over in Africa -- let me tell you, he is a great guy. And no, they don't do the lap-band over there for them . . . I asked;) Dr. Myers knew he would be treating many people and so far he was aware of one child he needed to remove a growth off of the side of his neck. I'm anxious to see what all he did over there.

Anyways, I think I'm down about a total of 28 lbs. Starting next Tuesday (if I'm not still working two jobs), I'm planning on incorporating the treadmill again. After the encouragement of a friend, I have also joined a group of great gals and men in a "Weight Loss Challenge." My dear hubby is even doing it with me! We meet in the basement of our church and we all paid $29 to sign up and we weigh-in once a week and then attend a 30 minute class. You can be doing any weight loss method (I made sure because I was afraid they'd consider me a cheater). Then at the end of the 12 weeks they give 50% of the kitty (our sign up fee) to the person who's lost the most and then 30% to the 2nd place and 20% to the 3rd place winner. They are also taking a kitty for each pound you gain each week ($1 per pound) and if you miss a weigh in you have a fee to pay (encourages you to come). The person who has lost the most inches wins that at the end of our competition.

Sound like fun? Maybe you could start one up at your church, work or Mom's group. A little friendly competition has been just what I needed to get my motivation back! If you do, post it and let us know how it goes!

I'm still here!

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 06:53:00 +0000

Ok ok. I'm still here, I promise. Just not doing so well with my plans and I didn't want to post negative thoughts or get yelled at. Some much for wanting to be held accountable, huh?

I'm actually too tired to write alot right now. But, know that I'm still trying for the half marathon in about 12 weeks. But, also know my body is rebelling lately and I can't complete more than 1.5 miles before I breakdown. Possibly due to lack of sleep, but also diet and mental frustrations in other areas.

Why exactly did I decide to do this??

How's your 2009 going?

noreply@blogger.com (The Knedler Clan) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:52:00 +0000

Ok, so I haven't completely given up on you gals:) It's hard to do the tough love thing. Can you give us an update on what you've been doing or if you've made and resolutions for the new year?

I've pretty much given up on the resolution part because I never succeed at them. Some things I do want to work on is trying to simplify all the junk in my house (is that possible?), decrease spending, reduce the bills and to be healthier as usual. I'm down about 25 lbs. since surgery. My activity lately has been the Wii Fit we got the family for X-mas, but that's been about it. I'm so bad. I just hate getting up off my rump!

How have you moved this year?

Pleeeeassseee don't give up on meeeeeeee

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 02:16:00 +0000

Hello from out in la-la land...

I do have an update. I have been neglecting all things blogging for a few months, so it's time to play catch-up. I haven't lost a great deal of weight, but I am a little farther away from pregnancy weight than during my last meltdown, so that makes me happy.

I will (whenever I get around to it, you know how that goes) cancel my gym membership. In this economy, I cannot justify the monthly expenditure when my motivatation waxes and wanes as it does. Instead I have purchased a wii fit, which really seems to help in the motivation department. Funny, we got the "physical" training and also "brain" training on Nathaniel's DS. Eric and I have signed onto both systems and are starting to compete which is a great drive for me.

I believe that one of the things that has positively impacted my weight is a reduction (which I wouldn't call significant at this point) of my starbucks intake. Part financial, part health, part logistical, I'm sure that it's helping to do its part. I can actually go by one of the many near me without stopping EVERY time, which is a definite improvement. While I feel Terese's pain in regards to the "poor man's cafe mocha", I haven't ramped back up to 3 times a week mode and hope to stay away from it.

My caloric intake is still atrocious, but lets work on one or two things at a time.

1) I have been doing somewhat better taking the meds, also found out that one medication (lamictal for seizures) I can take in one dose instead of 2, and that helps.
2) I have "purchased" additional motivation in the fitness department and because this is such a quick and convenient way to get ANY exercise in, I think it will have a more lasting effect.

I will probably post more on my blog the other things going on in my life.

I just want to thank you Terri, from the bottom of my heart for giving a little of that tough love we need sometimes. :)

Giving up. . .

noreply@blogger.com (The Knedler Clan) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:23:00 +0000

Ok gals . . . I think I'm giving up on you until someone else posts something:) You'll just have to check my blog out at http://theknedlerclan.blogspot.com/ to see my weight loss updates. I figure I will keep it updated there than duplicate it if I'm the only one participating - -- hint, hint . . .

Hello????

noreply@blogger.com (The Knedler Clan) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:46:00 +0000

Where did everyone go? Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is 23 days away, so you can't tell me you don't have time to check in or at least let us know how you did over turkey day. . . Come on girls, move it!! :)

noreply@blogger.com (The Knedler Clan) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:16:00 +0000

I'm sitting here thinking, "why is it that I want to be held "accountable" for just my weight?" What about all those other things in my life that I should be holding myself accountable for, like praying and spending time with my kids or even just paying my bills on time? I think today I'm going to start doing that. Will you join me? I want to have more time in my day to pray about things and not so much reminisce, but reflect on certain things in my life. I want to be more accountable for things I'm doing, why I'm doing it and be able to say no to those things I don't need in my life. The things that take time away from getting my hands dirty with my kids or cuddling with my hubby. Those things that keep my life from being simpler.

My goal today is to find 15 minutes where I can talk to Jesus and clear my mind.

Jingle Bell Run Update

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 02:19:00 +0000

Today was the Jingle Bell Run and I had high hopes that were soon squashed.

I got there early enough to get a walk in to warm up, so I could start off the race runing instead of walking. Which was cool - and it worked. For about 1k.

(start of race - I'm at the far left of pic, in purple jacket)

After that first 1k, my left ankle really started hurting and I slowed to a walk. A slow walk. Even that hurt. I thought - "I can't make it up this hill - not at all!" (from JCCC entrance on College to the corner of Quivira for those who know the area). Yanked my headphones from my ears, hoping the sound of the cards whizzing past would stir up my adrenaline a little. I literally had tears falling down my cheeks as I got mad at myself for being this "fragile" and easily broken. I honestly thought it would be better to just stop, sit down and have myself a good cry.

But, I didn't. I kept walking. I adjusted my expectations and decided that to WALK (even really slowly) and finish would be better than to feel sorry for myself and stop.

Eventully a nice woman named Bridget stepped up beside me and struck up a conversation. I matched her pace and she got me through the race. Literally. Without her, I don't think I would have finished. We talked about being atheletes in high school and husbands and kids and God and who knows what else. Anything to keep from focusing on how the race wasn't turning out to be what we expected and to keep us moving. I also reazlied at some point my ankle stopped hurting and I probably could have run again (and run the whole rest of the way!)- but I thought that talking to her was more important than trying to get a lower time.

As we got close to the end, I said "you wanna sprint it out?" (We had both been sprinters in high school - but it sounds like she was much better than I was!) She agreed and off we went. That last 100 meters felt GREAT (and they got pics of it...)!

(me in purple, Bridget in red)

The sprint didn't make a lot of difference to my time (kept me under 51 minutes but that's about it) but it made a world of difference to my attitude. To know that I finished the race and that I could overcome my internal issues was really cool. So - thank you Bridget wherever you might be now. I owe this race to you!

================
Official results
50:46.8
(same as my iPod and watch)

Women 30-34
24th

Overall
269

sprinting to the finish line -->

2 month weight loss

noreply@blogger.com (The Knedler Clan) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 21:16:00 +0000

I went back to my surgeon yesterday for my 2 month follow-up. I am down another 8 lbs for a total of 21.2 lbs!! Woohooo!!! He didn't give me another fill. He thinks where I'm at right now is perfect and wants to go another month and see how it goes. I have found a couple of foods that that I really can't eat anymore, bread, which I knew was a possibility, salad and hot dogs (I love the turkey ones). But maybe down the road. Things change;) Still having NO CRAVINGS, which is awesome. My energy seems to have leveled off, but I'm hoping that will change as I drop more weight and exercise more. Plus, we've all been fighting that stomach bug in our house - yuck!

My next thing is working on my hubby. I have some ground turkey in the fridge I'm going to try to get past him tonight ala turkey chili:) We'll see if he can tell. He wasn't up for my eggbeaters and turkey burgers earlier this week, but I still love him . . .

I hope all is going well with your work out plans & accountability:)

Running Update

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:33:00 +0000

After the Pumpkin Run I hit a small snag and didn't do anything for THREE weeks. Yeah - bad - I know. I was really hurting after the run, as it was really the first time I'd been on the road instead of a treadmill and it is much different on the legs! Then, everyone in the family got sick off and on and it wasn't worth it to me to try to run at that point.

But, since I said I'd be doing the Jingle Bell 5k on Sunday, 16 November, I figured I better get my booty moving!

Since last Sunday was such a pretty day and I woke up early even with the time change, I went for a 3-miler outside. Amazing to me was that my time was pretty close to what I did the Pumpkin Run in, so maybe the break wasn't a bad thing.

Last night I had a meeting that I was pretty pumped after, so I decided to run after the kids went to bed. I wasn't able to do the full three miles but I was able to run at about an 11-minute pace for a solid 15-minutes. That's another first for me!

Although we're heading into cold weather now, I have realized that I like running outside more than inside. Here's a few reason why:

Quitting on a treadmill is way too easy - outside you have to make it all the way back home, whether you want to stop moving or not!
There are more "good distractions" outside - like bumps in the road, cars, other people. There are more "bad distractions" inside - kids, spouse, TV, telephone, computer
There are more "next points" outside - "I can make it to the next....pole, sign, crack in the sidewalk, tree, the next car passes, the next runner passes, etc. Inside, the only "next points" are songs and commercials - or ticks of the clock!
FRESH AIR! Plus the occasional cold breeze is much better than depending on the ceiling fan in a heated house!
If I talk to myself while running - words of encouragement, of course - no one is around to give me funny looks. My husband, on the other hand, comes and makes fun of me talking to myself. :-)

Photo update

noreply@blogger.com (The Knedler Clan) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:04:00 +0000

Ok, I'm now about 8 weeks or so out from surgery. Things are going well. I was on a good run with the working out, but it has seemed to be put on the back burner the past 2 weeks with everything else going on. So I need to get back into that. Say an extra prayer for me, would ya!:) I did have my first official "fill" on 10-9-08 of 2 cc's. That was interesting. But boy, was the Doc right when he said you'll find things you'll no longer be able to eat (i.e., bread and certain meats). I found out the hard way what happens when you find something like that or try to eat too fast. You regret it about a second later!

I have noticed my taste buds have really changed. I haven't had one craving since surgery, which just blows my mind. I find I want to fall into the same old habits even though I'm not hungry at all. My stomach still growls even though I'm not hungry. I actually went to bed last night without supper -- I didn't realize it until this morning when I woke up!!

I don't have an official "weight loss" amount. I'm refusing to weigh myself except for when I'm at my doctor's office because his scale is weighing me different than mine. So I'll give another up date after I go back for my monthly visit on 11-13-08.

I'm also seeing positive results trickeling over into my family. My hubby isn't eating as much and is still tossing the idea around of having surgery one day too. My kids are starting to slow down eating because they see me eating slower and less. Although, I do still have to get on my 6-year-old to slow down and actually taste his food instead of inhaling it! We're just a work in progress I guess:)

Pumpkin Run/Walk Results

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 01:26:00 +0000

The Pumpkin Run was last Saturday and the results are in...

My official race time was 51:17 with a shot gun start. For those of you who are non-runners or newbies like me, this means that everyone's time is based off the shotgun (start) but not unnecessarily a specific indicator of how fast each individual actually ran, since it takes some time for each runner to actually cross the finish line!

Since I had my iPod and handy Nike+attached, I was able to get my "actual" time as well. For me, this was 41:04. My goal was to finish in less than 45 minutes and I DID IT! Yea me!

I didn't get an "official" race photo, so you don't get to see me in my pretty BRIGHT orange t-shirt. But, I was there and it was fun.

Next race...Jingle Bell 5k on November 16 (other than cold...it's supposed to be very cold...we'll see how THAT works!)

Thanks Amanda!

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:27:00 +0000

So - I took Amanda's advice on my last post and tried two things - going FASTER when I was down and grabbing a focus point (next pole, next, X, next Y, etc) and both helped.

I found that once I lengthened my stride and "sped up", I wasn't hurting quite as much and bouncing much less. That was good. My calves are still very tight no matter what but I think part of that is from the lack of physical exercise for years and part might be my shoes. I really need to get those figured out.

On the second item, it's hard to get a "focus point" since I'm on a treadmill. But, I did push myself through "this slow part" or sometimes "to the next chorus" based on the song that was on. Also, since I have the TV on ("Clean House" with closed captioning tonight) I could push myself to the next part of the show - the end of the yard sale, through this commercial, etc. That seemed to help too, as I wasn't as focused on the exact passage of time but I still had a general sense of long had passed since the show has a definite timeline.

Last, but certainly not least, when I got really mad at myself at the end, I said "Dammit Girl, you can DO this! You gave NATURAL BIRTH to TWO munchkins. This shit is NOTHING!" And, my body knew that! I just had to remind myself that if I survived giving birth and raising two boys to the age of almost 7 then running for 35 minutes is NOTHING in the big scheme of things. And if I can do childbirth I can do damn near anything! :-)

OH - and for those who care, I went for 36 minutes tonight at a 13:53 pace for 2.57 miles! LONGEST DISTANCE EVER. Which is good since I have a 5k on Saturday and I was debating whether I'd be able to finish at all. I think I can now! :-)

What was that noise????

noreply@blogger.com (The Knedler Clan) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:56:00 +0000

It came from deep below, a large bellowing sound in the middle of the night. What could it be? Was it a ghost, a wolf, a monster? That’s when we discovered. . .it was my stomach! Ha! It was hungry, but I wasn’t! I have never had that happen. In fact, my husband asked me, “What was that noise?” “Ummm, just my tummy! Sorry, honeyJ” You should have seen the look he gave me.

That’s just one of the little changes I’ve noticed since my surgery on September 3rd. But it’s the little things I seem to notice the most. The bras and shirts that now fit that I haven’t worn in years, that may actually be a little loose. The jeans that are loose and the small of my back that my hubby says I now have. (He claims I’ve lost weight in my mid back down to the small in my back, which shows that I actually have one now!) Why didn’t I do this sooner? I should have done this a few years ago and I could have been chasing my kids around sooner.
And cravings! Let’s talk about that for a minute. I’m still not having any cravings. That just baffles me. I just can’t get use to that. No cravings for pop, chocolate or anything. Sometimes I get a “boring” taste in my mouth, but that’s quickly fixed with some juice or a mint.

If you are reading this and seriously considering weight loss surgery (WLS), I highly recommend it! I'm seeing now how much time I've lost even knowing I could never do it on my own!

Running Advice Needed!

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 02:12:00 +0000

Help! I just completed another 20+ minute walk/run and although I recorded my best mile to date (13:36 according to my Nike+ and Tiger Woods...) I can't seem to get past this 20-minute marker consistently - I was supposed to do 30 minutes run/walk tonight and couldn't go longer than 21 minutes.

I know I should probably slow my pace down, but that hurts so much more than running faster! I could walk the whole time, but I think that's defeating the purpose as well. Switching between walking and running is what's hurting me physically.

So - any hints on how to master this beginning part of my training? I can't seem to find a consistent pace/pattern to make it work well. I'll take any thoughts from novices and pros alike. Just HELP ME!

MY FIRST RACE

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:12:00 +0000

I just signed up to do my first "race" - The Jared Coones Pumpkin Run/Walk 5k here in Olathe, KS. It's a 3-mile course that I'm somewhat familiar with as it's in my BF Tina's old neighbordhood, more or less (I think...)

I know I can do 3 miles within an hour easily and hopefully I can push myself to do better than that. But, this adventure will be a good thing for me, no matter how I do. At the very least, I'll get a sense of what participating in a run will be like and what are some of the "To Do / NOT To Do" tips I've read might work for me (or not).

I'm also trying to raise additional funds for this worthy cause along with running in it. If you could contribute to my tiny little goal of $100, I would really appreciate it. Please follow this link to make a pledge now. Any amount will help me meet this goal!! THANKS!

Recent Workout

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 03:04:00 +0000

Sorry for the lack of updates - busy busy girl.

Tonight, best ever in lots of areas!

Time: 30 minutes - longest ever!
Mileage: 2 miles - farthest ever!
Pace: 14:45 - not my best ever, but still pretty good for me!
Calories Burned: 265 - probably the most ever, except maybe on the day I gave birth to the twins! :)

Days till Marathon - 185 and counting...

:-)

2 weeks post op

noreply@blogger.com (The Knedler Clan) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:23:00 +0000

Ok, as of last Tuesday, I was down 9 lbs. since surgery, 12 total since I started my program. Woohoo!! My scale must be broken at home because it keeps telling me I still weigh 250 lbs. (I was 244 at my last visit). But I sure can tell by my clothing. My boobs have deflated and I'm actually wearing bras I haven't worn in a couple of years. All of my pants are loose in the legs and yesterday when I was picking up dirty clothes in the kids' rooms, my ring fell off my finger!! I've N-E-V-E-R had that happen. Oh, and did I tell you, I have knees?:) I could actually feel the top of my knee where my thigh comes down to it. The week before, I found out I had ankles too - very cute ones I might add. . .

It's really kinda weird to me. I'm not even hungry any more. I have to keep up with my liquids and my schedule they put me on, but it's more like an "oh, I'm getting tired, I better eat" kinda thing, not a hunger thing. I'm not having cravings like I was. If you know me, I had Mt. Dew running through my veins. I haven't had one craving for that or any pop.

What was really weird to my hubby last night was the fact that we had left overs! I put a roast w/potatoes and carrots on and made noodles. When they got done eating, they had a ton left. So just imagine what $$$$ we're going to save by (1) eating less and (2) time and energy spent cooking. I figure I save at least $20 a week by not visiting McDonald's for breakfast, plus when I'd eat lunch with the girls.

So with that, I challenge you. I know we're all trying to lose weight, but what about gaining weight in your pocket book? Where can you save money and calories at? Is it that iced coffee or that breakfast burrito? Can you pledge for a week or two to give it up and see your savings? You can do it! Let me know what your pledge is and keep us updated. Together we can do this!

Recovery

noreply@blogger.com (The Knedler Clan) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:38:00 +0000

Ok, so I'm about a week post-op. If my scales are right, I'm about 12 lbs. down -- woohoo!!! So far the liquid diet was the worst part. Unfortunately it took it's toll on me (emotionally) the 3rd day in, but thanks to my loving husband and kids, I (and them) survived it. Right now I'm surviving on liquids, instant breakfast, broths, cream soups, protidiet drinks and applesauce. The cottage cheese with milk and fruit blended up was not as appealing to the taste buds as I thought it would be. It's really hard to get everything in that they want you to consume/drink. I'm just not hungry. Yes, you heard me right - NOT HUNGRY!!

But tell me this, why is it when you're in the hospital or at home sick and you really can't eat, that the only thing on TV is cooking shows??? I just don't understand that one:)

I have a follow-up with my surgeon this afternoon, so I'll keep you updated on what he says. Hope all is well your way!

Liquid what???. . . .

noreply@blogger.com (The Knedler Clan) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:53:00 +0000

Here we go! I’m on my first day of my liquid diet. For breakfast I opted to make the chocolate into a pudding instead of a shake. Not bad, just a slight aftertaste, and a little dense, but not as bad as I thought it would be. Definitely better than Slim Fast! It did take me about 2 hours to eat it though. It was the mix with 4 oz. of water. But by the time I was finished, I had gotten use to it.

I don't really have a before image of myself, but thanks to you-know-who, I have a small shot from our get-together. Yep, that's really one arm -- just be glad you can't see my butt!:) I'll try to get a head to toe picture taken tonight and then maybe update as I go along.

If you get a chance today, say an extra prayer for me. I don’t think it will be the food that is going to be hard for me these first few days, but the low sugar levels. I have to get use to my blood sugar being lower than I’m use to.

P.S. I will be off the whole first week of September for my surgery on 9-3-08. I will try to update as the hospital has wi-fi in the rooms:)

'nuff said

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 02:29:00 +0000

Click the blog title to be taken to 'berlygirl blog :)

My Adventure Revealed

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 02:50:00 +0000

Well, if you know me, you know I'm really bad at keeping secrets. Especially ones about myself. And even more so about things I'm excited to share (Christmas is a mighty tough time for me to live through!)

So - since I've told my family AND gotten the go-ahead from the hubby AND my kids are pushing me out the door pretty much every day to do this AND I've already "let it slip" to a lot of people at my job, I guess there's not a lot of reason to keep it a secret anymore. Besides, you all can encourage me in my journey as is the point of this blog. :-)

I'm training to run a marathon!

There's several reasons why I've decided to do this (some more personal and abstract then others) but regardless it's a huge thing for me to say I'm going to do. I was a sprinter in high school track (not a GOOD sprinter, but definitely not a long-distance runner) and I played tennis and soccer. So - lots of up-on-the-toes running and not really long stamina needed. Basically the COMPLETE OPPOSITE of a marathon runner.

I have a 31-week training grid that started tonight. Just a 20-minute walk to start with, but it was surprising how tight my legs were and how hard it was for me to breath. All those years as a smoker are doing me in a little I think. But, the grid is very gradual and I don't even get to tracking distance versus time until week 12 or so - until then it's just building up walk/run time until I can get to 30-minutes of solid running only. (I've modified the 26-week grid from http://www.marathonrookie.com/)

I've probably also gone a little over the top in getting "ready" for this. Like new running clothes. And a sports watch (cheap and pink, but still, did I really need one?). An armband for my iPod. And of course the Nike+ sensor for my iPod (I don't have Nike+ shoes, but the sensor behaves just fine in my free New Balance shoes).

The Nike+ is probably my favorite little gadget EVER. I don't have to look at my new sports watch to track my time or calculate my speed - it does it for me! During my 20-minute walk today, the guy told me when I had gone 5, 10, 15,16,17,18,19 and 20 minutes. At any time I could push my button and find out how far I'd gone (and OK - it took me the full 20 minutes to go 1 mile. Realizing it takes me longer to do a mile outside than on my treadmill. For the record though, I went up a REALLY STEEP hill beside my house - like the first 10 minutes were uphill and the second half was back DOWN the hill).

Anyway...

The marathon I'm aiming for right now is the Olathe Marathon on March 29, 2009. Yes, exciting I know. But, if I survive that then I'll probably do the Kansas City Marathon in October 2009. Before the marathon I'm hoping to get in a few 5k and 10k, but because of when I'm starting training there won't be a lot of races to pick in the winter. If you know of any in the greater KC area between October and February, please pass them on.

But, let's just do this one step at a time... :-)