My Journey to the Middle

How Running Has Changed My Life

2011-08-28T22:55:00.000-07:00

Long time no blog! I have been M.I.A. for months. I can't even begin to describe how busy the last few months have been for me, but also life changing and unbelievably rewarding. I'll get to all of that later. First I'll catch you all up from where I left off.

My second go at the Rock and Roll Seattle Half Marathon was a success! I also beat last years time by about 15 minutes. I think this years' 40 pound weight loss improved my time a ton, and also not needing to stand in line for the porta potty for 10 minutes like I did in 2010 helped a bit too. The race was very well organized and a ton of fun - just like the year before. I am pretty sure I'm a R&R Seattle "lifer".

So some of you probably read my last blog, in which I explained that I wanted to do something to help a local family who experienced a terrible loss. I hoped to gather two or three hundred runners on a trail, give 'em all a bottle of water, and ask for donations. Holy smokes did things change. I was contacted (via my good ol' blog) by an Oregon-based company called Uberthons. They wanted to help me grow the race. They provided timing equipment, a website, and a ton of know how. After about 60 sleepless nights, a billion tears, and a over a hundred local volunteers, we produced an amazing event. We ended up hosting a race with over 1700 runners, a wonderfully touching kids' race, and a day most of those people will never forget. I feel like we honored Lise and Faith Palmer's life in a big and amazing way. I'm sure the race didn't wipe any pain away from Lise's friends and family who will probably have a hole forever in their hearts, but for one day, thousands of people gathered to do something Lise herself would have been very proud of. Believe what you want, but as for me, I know Lise and Faith were looking down from heaven with smiles on their faces. The Palmers and Macadangdangs seemed to enjoy the day, and in preparation for the race, I had the opportunity to meet honest to goodness great people. The race was such a blessing to me in so many ways, and I wouldn't trade a minute of the planning for anything in the world. It's now going to be an annual event held at Heritage Park in Puyallup, Washington in late August. If you haven't run that course, believe me when I tell you it's completely worth the drive from wherever you are.

When I started writing this blog in January of 2010, I was something of a lost soul. I was two months post birth of my third baby and battling some seriously low self esteem and depression. My marriage was struggling. I couldn't fathom the idea of just sitting at home, cleaning and cooking for the next twenty years, while having nothing special just for myself. When I typed the title of the blog, and decided to document my personal journey out of my personal wreckage, I was nervous. I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to run three miles, let alone 13. I was afraid I would give up on myself and my new found dream of becoming a runner. It was so hard to even imagine feeling a sense of pride in myself, a sense of accomplishment. After a year and a half, I'm a new person. I did it.

Apparently, through organizing the Lise and Faith Memorial Run, I have found my calling. Not only does race directing keep me active, but it enables me to help inspire other people to lace up their running shoes and hit the pavement.

Oprah Winfrey once said, "Running is the greatest metaphor for life. You get out of it what you put into it."

I couldn't agree more.

I'm now working with Uberthons on a series of running events in the Seattle area, and possibly later, all over the country. They are taking a chance on me. Now on a whole new level, I have to prove to myself that I am capable of doing anything I set my mind to.

My husband and children are content and happy, and learning a love for running and activity for themselves. I wake up every morning with a big smile on my face ready to conquer each and every day. I look forward to growing old with my wonderful husband, raising our amazing children, and improving myself as a person. Things are never perfect in life, but with a little bit of faith, I am positive that anyone can do anything they set their mind to. Maybe it all sounds cliche, but I urge you to push yourself in whatever way that inspires you. You never know, it just may change your life.

Thanks to all of you for always being there.

Lise and Faith Memorial Run

2011-06-14T16:53:00.000-07:00

On May 27th, 2011 one family's life would be turned upside down forever. While jogging on her vacation in Lake Chelan, 8 months pregnant Lise Palmer was struck and killed my a man who fell asleep at the wheel. She leaves behind her two sons (ages 4 and 2) and her loving husband. She was an incredible woman, who loved running and fitness of any kind. Her passing is an extraordinary loss to her family and community.

We can't bring Lise back, or heal the wounds of her family, but we can do something. Along with the gentlemen of Uberthons I am organizing a local 1k, 5k, and 10k walk/run in Lise and unborn baby Faith's honor. The money raised from the race will go to their family, and allow Lise's husband the much needed time away from work to focus on putting the pieces of his family's life back together.

The race is already generating sponsors and help and should actually turn out to be a beautiful and fun celebration, and will also raise awareness for drivers and pedestrians alike.

The race will take place on either July 30th, 2011 or August 20th, 2011, depending on what works best for the family. The race will also include a brand new and amazing timing chip system. More final details will be posted soon.

I am asking you now, to please register, donate, or volunteer for this race. If you have any questions, please don't hesistate to email me directly. Below I am including a link to the website that you can register on, and also to the race's facebook page.

Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for taking the time to read Lise's story, help her family, and celebrate two lives lost far too soon.

TO REGISTER

TO SPREAD THE WORD AND "LIKE" THE FB PAGE

KristinaMoats@hotmail.com

How to Organize a Race ... and Other Topics

2011-06-06T21:46:00.000-07:00

Well howdy, folks. I'm still running... once or twice a week. Don't you worry about me. Even though I'm missing a lot of conditioning runs lately, I don't seem to be struggling very much with my Sunday long runs so I'm feeling fairly confident that I will actually finish the Rock and Roll Half Marathon in a few weeks. Have you ever noticed how much harder it is to get outside and run in the summer time, when there are so many books to sit in the sun and read, and so much beer to drink instead? It's becoming a problem for me.

There really aren't many fantastic stories of the running genre for me to share with you all, so I think I'll ask a question!

The family of a very close friend of mine experienced a ridiculous tragedy last week and I've been thinking of ways to help. I'd like to organize an informal 5k to raise money for them. No shirts, no medals, just good people gathering to support people in more emotional pain than most of us will ever experience in our lives. I was thinking about doing it on a trail (maybe Orting) and asking all of the runners to donate.

Here is where this situation gets tricky. I have no idea how to organize something like this. Do any of you have any advice as far as steps I would need to follow, the best and safest way to collect the money, or perhaps know someone that would be willing to donate to the race?

Am I asking too many questions?

Anyway, if any of you can help me out, it would honestly mean the world to me. My email address is KristinaMoats@hotmail.com.

Thanks! See ya on the sidewalks!

Short Races are Fun too!

2011-05-11T15:07:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Believe it or not this blog is not to tell you that I have been failing in my training, or even slacking off. I have kept to my half-marathon training schedule and should be rocking and rolling in Seattle on June 25th! It's very exciting, but for some reason it seemed a little bit less tedious to train last year. Maybe because running was so new to me and now I'm some kind of one-half-marathon veteran? Perhaps as Dr.Phil would say, "This aint my first Rodeo". Either way, I'm sure I'll get that exciting running bug soon.

I have been following a strict diet and doing a ton of strength and cross-training and have lost 22 pounds since February. This has cut my miles down to about 10 minutes or so. If you know me - the former slowest runner in history - you would be amazed. It's like my body wont LET me run really slowly anymore. I ran 6 miles the other day in a just a little over an hour. Go me!

On another note, I think we should all reflect on how fun short races are! 5ks, 10ks, etc. They are a great opportunity to build your speed, improve your time, make new friends, and hang yet another race shirt in your closet. Might I suggest a fantastic race in my area?

City Blast 5k/10k is a race put on by Puyallup Foursquare Church on July 4th, 2011. Can you think of a better day to take on an easy-breezy and fun race than on the Fourth of July? I know! Me neither! There are a ton of cool activities after the race, not to mention it gives you a reason to check out beautiful little Puyallup (for something other than that thing that clogs up traffic for two weeks in September). The proceeds benefit the Strong Kids Campaign of the YMCA. Don't want to run but love to hear about other folks running? Well, help to sponsor the gathering! I will be running in the race and I hope I will see you there!

I promise to get better about updating the blog.... and you folks get better about letting me know what is going on on YOUR race schedule!

Sometimes Life Really Does Get in the Way of Running....

2011-04-11T21:26:00.000-07:00

Gracious. I am a bad, bad blogger. You see, I have all these small people constantly running around me asking for things and screaming. Then, there is this bigger person who wants meals cooked when he comes home from work and even asks me to keep our house sanitary. These crazy people have been keeping me from the beautiful, blog-reading community. I apologize and will have a talk with them (especially that little one who is always asking for milk) very soon.

So as you all know I registered to run the Rock and Roll Seattle Marathon in June. Not the half - the full. I have now decided to run the half - not the full. Why? I wont lie to you guys... my right leg fell off. I'm not sure what happened.. probably all of those 20 mile training runs. Anyway, my left leg is still perfectly intact so I can bust out the half-marathon on June 25th, don't worry.

Ok, that wasn't nice. I mean no disrespect to anyone with only one leg. I'm sure there are quite a few people that have finished a full marathon with one leg - yet both of my legs are still alive and kicking, and I'm just not ready.

I simply don't have the time for the long training runs. I really don't. I have been beating myself up about it so much and I really think for my own sanity, and for the sake of my family needing clean underwear and food in the refrigerator, I am raising my white flag. Maybe next year, eh?

On another (less pitiful) note, I am doing that P90x I have heard so much about. I have said before, I know I could run so much faster if I weren't a miniature cow and if I had stronger muscles in my core. I'll tell you something, blog-reader, it's working. In three weeks I have lost 11 lbs and cut a full minute off of my usual mile. The other day I ran 4 miles in about 40 minutes. That is wild for me. I used to be proud of a 12 minute mile. So I'm going to keep going with that and the half-marathon training schedule and keep everyone posted.

What are you all up to? What races do you have coming up? Do you think because I decided not to run the full marathon in June I am a loser and a quitter?

The Latest on my Training and Such

2011-03-23T17:24:00.000-07:00

Well hello there. Sorry it has taken me so long to update but I was really sick for a while and some other issues have come into play. I think I complained to you all earlier about my super tight calf muscle. I thought it was okay after I rested for over a week with the ol' bronchitis, but it's back. This is no good.

Let me back-track a bit. The last time I wrote I think I was asking for advice regarding whether or not I should have gone ahead and run the St.Patty's Day Run in Tacoma. Although every piece of advice I recieved was discouraging me from going ahead with the race, the rebel in me made me do it anyway. It actually turned out okay. I didn't get any more sick than I already was, and beat last year's time by over a minute. I did however stay sick for about a week or so after the race so I don't think running improved my health at all. So that was that.

I have tried to go running 4 or 5 times since then and every time I have another stinking issue that makes me dread the running. Usually it's my calves tightening up (and yes I stretch a ton) or my body is just super exhausted. I am probably still a little bit sick, but I also lost a lot of conditioning. UGH. We are what, 15 weeks from the Rock and Roll Marathon? My epic, first, life-changing marathon?

On to other things... for cross-training and to improve my strength, I have been doing that P90X every morning, and following it's nutrition plan. This is more my husband's idea because he wants to get "ripped" but I figure it's good bonding time and will help me shed some unwanted pounds, hopefully improving my running performance. It's really hard and making me really grouchy, but it isn't always easy to be a sexy beast, ya know? Yeah.. I don't either.

So I figure I'm gonna try to follow my training schedule this week and really force myself to get the miles in. This will include a 10 mile run on Sunday. If I can't get caught up by next week, I may have to change my registration to the half-marathon. And I will be sad.

Running with Bronchitis

2011-03-11T12:49:00.000-08:00

Yeah. Bronchitis now. I haven't been updating my blog because I have been sick with a severe case of acute bronchitis. I went to the doctor on Tuesday night where I was told to do nothing but rest. Naturally I asked her if I was compliant with this so-called "resting", if I might be able to run in my 5k that is scheduled for this coming Saturday. I took her exaggerated laughter as a no. Oh, and the fact that she said "honey, if you tried you would get worse.. and you probably wouldn't make it to the finish line."

Anyhoo, I've done this "resting". I haven't run all week. I'm still coughing and can't breath as well as I would like to...and the race is tomorrow. The rebel in me wants to prove that darned doctor wrong, but what if she is right and I do get worse and miss out on even more marathon training? I'm considering walking the measley 3 miles.

Ya know, I'm just a sucker for a finish line. What do you all think?

Leg Injuries Get In the Way

2011-03-02T21:47:00.000-08:00

I'm an eternal optimist. It's what I do. I see the glass as half full, I see a steep hill as an opportunity to run down instead of up, and I refuse to believe whatever is wrong with my left calf muscle is something serious. Due to my lack of medical insurance, I guess we will never know. I do know that my last three or four runs were really painful. My last run on Monday, a six-miler, has done quite a number.

So what is wrong? My calves have been cramping up and swelling pretty bad as soon as the ASICS hit the pavement, but it usually goes away after the first mile or two. Now my left one is sort of stuck swollen and it feels like someone is inside my leg with a tiny drill going up and down the length of my calf, if that makes sense. I walk like an 80 year old woman recovering from a shark attack... or arthritis or something.

I took Tuesday and Wednesday off and it's getting a little bit better. A very little bit. So what do you guy think I should do? Power through it? Take a week off? Permanently sew an ice bag to my leg? Quit running and pursue my even bigger dreams of becoming the world's fattest woman?

I'm scheduled for a seven mile run this coming Sunday. I am also scheduled for a 5k race the following Sunday. I'm no quitter.

So basically I'm asking, what the crap am I gonna do? Are there any sports medicine doctors out there reading this that think I'm just precious enough to see/fix me for free? Anyone know of a good starter plan for someone looking to be sedentary and gain like 500 lbs?

Thanks.

My Full Marathon Training Schedule

2011-02-22T17:53:00.000-08:00

Just in case any of you folks were interested in joining in the on the fun, or even if you wanted to keep track of all of my running that you can be laughing at, I took the liberty of posting my training schedule. We are in week 1 currently. Thanks, Hal Higdon!

Week Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun

1 rest 3 m run 3 m run 3 m run rest 6 cross

2 rest 3 m run 3 m run 3 m run rest 7 cross

3 rest 3 m run 4 m run 3 m run rest 5 cross

4 rest 3 m run 4 m run 3 m run rest 9 cross

5 rest 3 m run 5 m run 3 m run rest 10 cross

6 rest 3 m run 5 m run 3 m run rest 7 cross

7 rest 3 m run 6 m run 3 m run rest 12 cross

8 rest 3 m run 6 m run 3 m run rest 13 cross

9 rest 3 m run 7 m run 4 m run rest 10 cross

10 rest 3 m run 7 m run 4 m run rest 15 cross

11 rest 4 m run 8 m run 4 m run rest 16 cross

12 rest 4 m run 8 m run 5 m run rest 12 cross

13 rest 4 m run 9 m run 5 m run rest 18 cross

14 rest 5 m run 9 m run 5 m run rest 14 cross

15 rest 5 m run 10 m run5 m run rest 20 cross

16 rest 5 m run 8 m run 4 m run rest 12 cross

17 rest 4 m run 6 m run 3 m run rest 8 cross

18 rest 3 m run 4 m run 2 m run rest rest race

I realize this might be kind of hard to read or follow. That makes it all the more fun! :)

The Beginning of Marathon Training

2011-02-21T14:50:00.000-08:00

Oh Dear Lord. 26.2 miles. Twenty-six point two. Miles.

I can do this, right? Well it is officially 18 weeks until my big day. Technically my Hal Higdon training schedule doesn't require me to do any running until Tuesday this week, but I thought I might get a jump on things yesterday. Can we say disaster? I ran two miles. Just the two. I bought new running shoes and it was my first time breaking them in, so I blame ASICS for my poor performance mostly. They should make pre-worn-in shoes. I also blame cottage cheese and Triscuit crackers for my 15 pound weight gain that seems to be slowing me down quite a bit. Furthermore, I blame polution, the city of Puyallup (for hilly sidewalks), and oh.. just for the heck of it, I blame you. The fact that I was huffing and puffing after running half of a mile couldn't possibly be due to the fact that I've been running about once a week (on average) for the last two months.

Anyhoo, I'll take my terrible run yesterday with a grain of salt and hit 'er hard again this evening. I mean, I have to be (at least) able to hit the 5k mark without feeling like I need a stretcher, right? Maybe it was just a bad day.

Training Myself to Cross-Train

2011-01-23T14:29:00.000-08:00

Well, I will start off by saying I have gained roughly twelve pounds back since last June when I hit my peak of 55 pounds lost. No big deal. I am only a few short weeks away from the beginning of my full-marathon training so I'm sure it will come back off. In preparation for the training, and to skim off a few extra pounds before it starts, I have been trying to find a good cross-training exercise I can stick too, or at least enjoy doing a few times a week.

I think I should remind you that I am a very busy mother of three little kids, and also a stay-at-home maid/teacher/cook/referee/girl scout troop leader/love machine...or mom. Getting to the gym is about as realistic for me as auditioning for America's Next Top Model. Therefore, I turn to a little thing I like to call Exercise TV on On Demand. I'm sure most of you are familiar. It has just about every workout you could ever hope for at just a click of a button. I have been experimenting with all kinds of fun stuff, and making myself look extremely sophisticated while doing it.

Cardioke. Oh yes, it is just as fun and ridiculous as it sounds. It is hosted by Billy Blanks'(the creator of Tae Bo and renowned neon spandex enthusiast)son. You dance around and move your body in a somewhat suggestive-hip-thrusting manor, and you are instructed to sing the lyrics to the songs playing as they appear on the screen. I was having a blast and belting out "Let's get it started" by the Black Eyed Peas. But then I began to feel a little bit uncomfortable at the end of the video, when Mr.Blank's wife performed a ballad she wrote for the fans. My medium-intensity bliss was pulled to a screeching halt when it turned into a sappy, overly-emotional musical. Emo + Cross-training = not for this lady.

On to belly dancing. And belly dancing it was. This video was instructed by a woman whose "belly" was rock-solid and when she gave instruction to push my belly out as far as I could, she said it like it would really be a difficult thing to do. She kept telling me to embrace my "curves" and to look down and admire my own gorgeous body. I have given birth to three children and have fluctuated between the same 70 lbs for eight years. My gorgeous curves resemble something out of a horror movie, and my beautiful belly looks like a road map. She kept telling me to act and feel sexy, but I couldn't help laughing hysterically at all of my body parts that were shaking when they weren't supposed to. I appreciate what this broad was trying to do, but I think to keep any shred of the self-esteem I have left inside, I should find another core-toning work out, no?

So alas, I am left with yoga. I have been doing this off and on for about a year, and it really helps with my flexibility and balance. I am still on a hunt to find another fun workout I can do in addition to yoga.

Any suggestions?

Marathon Maniacs and Half Fanatics

2010-12-28T22:37:00.000-08:00

Do you like feeling like you are part of a group?
Enjoy flaunting your athletic abilities as much as possible?
Do you like to wear singlets that announce your addiction to running races?

If you answered yes to the questions above, I have come across the perfect solution for you! If you can run 2 full marathons (26.2 miles people!) within a 16 day time frame (and can prove it) then you have earned yourself a bronze level membership in the exclusive Marathon Maniacs club. You can also earn a titanium membership if you simply finish 52 marathons within 365 days. That doesn't sound too hard does it?

Of course, if you are like me, and can't even imagine racing 1,362.4 miles in a one year time span, but still want to rock a singlet that screams "I'm the bomb" you have other options.

I've become pretty intrigued with the Half Fanatic's running club. It's a lot like the Marathon Maniacs, but you might not die trying to become an elite member. One way to earn a bronze level membership is to run three half-marathons in a 90 day time frame. And naturally, you can earn top ranks in the club if you complete 52 half-marathons in a 365 day time frame.

The best part about these clubs, is that race time is not an issue. All that matters is that you finish the race. That sounds like my kind of gig.

With both the Maniacs and the Fanatics, after you achieve the criteria, and pay a reasonable membership fee, you will receive your exclusive singlet and be running in style. You can also meet other runners like yourself, earn awards, and log into their website.

If you want more information about becoming a Marathon Maniac or a Half Fanatic (and who wouldn't?) visit their websites:
http://www.marathonmaniacs.com or http://www.halffanatics.com

Don't be surprised to see me with my kids at a local grocery store in a shiny, new Half Fanatics singlet in the fairly near future. I think I have set yet, another goal for myself.

Running in the Rain

2010-12-18T23:01:00.000-08:00

I have decided I actually really like running in the rain, which works out nicely in the Northwest. It's a great way to cool down, and the air feels so fresh and clean. Of course, you have to treat a rainy run a little bit differently than a dry one. I'm learning more and more on each run. There really is no reason for you to not enjoy your wet, Seattle runs.. you just have to follow a few easy steps!

1. Wear a hat. It's pretty important to be able to see while you are running. In fact, I'd almost say it's crucial. Grab a visor or one of those fancy hats with all of the little holes on the top, so your head doesn't overheat.

2. Bring a hanky. I can't be the only one who gets a runny nose everytime I run in junky weather. Frankly, when it's windy outside, the oh-so-fun snot rocket can have an ugly outcome.

3. Wear a jacket. Now, by "jacket" I don't mean your wool pea coat, nor am I implying you should wear your big, yellow rain slicker. Get yourself a nice, light, waterproof coat. The idea behind the jacket phenomenon is to keep your upper half less wet, and it might even protect your Ipod.

4. Stay as far away from the traffic on the roads as possible. I learned this first-hand the other night. A hard-working truck driver thought it might brighten his day to drive through a huge puddle.. and splash the poor, unsuspecting runner on the side of the road. That runner still had over two miles until she reached home, and nearly froze to death.

5. Wear your bright colors and reflective gear. Obviously it's hard for drivers to see us in the dark, but in the dark and rain, it's nearly impossible. This is another one I had to learn by trial and error. My friend, Lisa and I were on a run and were crossing (in a lit-up cross walk, mind you) and were almost slammed into by a pizza delivery driver. Luckily, I panicked and pushed Lisa a little bit (to give myself some more speed obviously) and her pink water bottle went flying into the air, allowing the punk to see us and promptly hit his brakes. Sorry about that, Lisa.

I'm sure I will learn more about running in the rain, and I'm sure you all have some wonderful tips to share. So share! Share away! Happy wet running!

Confessions of a Burned Out Runner..

2010-11-27T00:11:00.000-08:00

Ugh. Such a sad title for this blog. I think that all of the momentum after crossing my first half-marathon finish line caught up with me. I tried. I really tried to get out there and take advantage of the endurance I built up leading to the Rock and Roll Seattle back in (gasp!)June, but I really couldn't find the hunger inside for the longest time. I planned to run the Seattle half-marathon this coming Sunday, but to be perfectly honest, I didn't train nearly enough and decided it would be a bad idea.

Over the last few months I just kept making excuses not to run. It was hot, it was cold, it was wet outside, I really needed to bake cupcakes with my kids... all night, my favorite show was on, my knee hurt, my elbows were dry, etc. Well then naturally, the guilt started kicking in and thoughts were running through my head that sounded a lot like " You suck. You've reached an amazing goal, found something you love and you are ruining it all!". So then I would ease my internal pain with a brownie or four.

What happened people?!

Well anyway, what's done is done. I haven't run further than 5 miles since June. I was secretly starting to think in the back of my head that I would never want to get out there and train for another race. Laziness and negative thoughts were clouding my formerly oh-so-ambitious mind. That is, until I started reading facebook posts and instant messages from friends that are preparing to run the Seattle Marathon this weekend. Now my mind is filled with jealousy and envy.

Here's what I'm doing (and I'm sticking to it); I'm running 26.2 miles on June 25th, 2011. You heard me. I'm going to attempt to push myself beyond any limits I have ever set for myself and I'm running the full marathon at the Rock and Roll Seattle 2011. But seriously. I am.

This means I have to start building up my endurance now. I'm going to get myself back up to a point in which I can run 6 miles non-stop (the length of my first long run). I'm going with the Hal Higdon novice program because frankly, ol' Hal got me through the 13.1 and for that, I like the guy.

The good Lord knows I will need a lot of support and advice (and most likely a shrink) to get through this training, so stick with me! It's going to be a wild ride!

...And I'm really going to do it.

Running for More Than Great Looking Calf Muscles

2010-09-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest things about being part of races, is knowing that not only is training and racing fun, but most races support a cause. There are also groups like Team in Training where you can train with a fun group of folks at no cost, and raise a certain dollar amount to go towards The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Groups like this are a great option.

I wanted to join a fund raising/training group earlier in the year when I was training for my half-marathon, but thought as a stay-at-home mom, I don't get a lot of exposure to anyone with income exceding say...$5.00 a week for allowance. I figured it might be kind of hard for me to raise a set dollar amount. Then my friend, Alissa showed me something.

Alissa Tucci's grandmother had a major stroke on September 21st, 2009. Life has never been the same for her entire family and she wanted to do something to help more families dealing with the effects of stroke and help fund it's research. Like me, Alissa is a stay-at-home mom and on a pretty tight budget. She decided on her own, in her grandmother's honor, to set up a website for people to donate to the American Stroke Association. She has set a personal goal of $1,000 and is trying to reach it before she runs her first ever half-marathon in Seattle this November.

For me, I think it's great to know there are options for people trying to raise money for their own personal causes, and set their own monetary goals. It's just something to think about for the next time you want to cross a finish line.

If you want to donate to Alissa's fundraiser just click here:
American Stroke Association

My Fifteen Minutes of Fame

2010-09-24T17:46:00.000-07:00

So if you are cruising by your local newsstand and pass by a Fitness Magazine with a picture of a hot brunette on the cover in a bikini, that's me! Okay... I'm lying... but if you open up the magazine and turn to page 18 I am featured in the "I did it" column! It's funny because I still won't feel like I've done it, until I cross the finish line after 26.2 miles, but apparently to some people 13.1 miles are just as exciting! Here is a picture of the little article and I've attached my original interview with the folks over there at Fitness! :)

What inspired you to start your journey towards a healthier lifestyle?
Well, firstly, I was tired. Tired of being fat, tired of being depressed, and tired of being tired. At 25 years old, I literally had given up on myself because I was so focused on my family and thought I didn't matter anymore. About the time I set up an appointment with my doctor to get back on anti-depressants, I came across a picture of an old high school friend. She just had her second son, and looked happier and healthier than she did when we were 16. Her facebook photos were full of pictures of her crossing finish lines and holding medals. That got the wheels turning.

How many kids have you had? Did you previously bounce back quickly after having your children?
I have had 3 kids, ages 6,3 and 8 months old. I don't even know what "bounce back" means. There was no bouncing back. With my first daughter I went from a lean 135 lbs to over 200lbs. With Tae Bo and calorie counting, over a year I lost most of it.. only to gain it back, lose some, gain it back, lose some.. etc. After my second daughter, I had terrible post partum depression and I think I only lost 20 lbs of that weight before getting pregnant again with my son a few years later. With him I tipped the scales at close to 230 lbs. I'm only 5'6. I started what I call "the change" two months after having him.

Had you tried to run long distances in the past?
Never. I honestly don't think I had ever run further than 6 consecutive blocks in a row before I started training. I remember the first time I ran a full mile without stopping. I could barely walk afterwards, but my sense of pride was immeasurable. Even in high school, I ate Taco bell and only did the required aerobics class to some how keep my figure.

What effects did your running and weight loss have on other parts of your life? (Such as on your family members)
Well, as someone who has suffered from depression, self doubt, and some less than supportive family members, at first it was mostly negative feedback. My husband was a little bit upset that I was changing the family's evening routine and he would have to prepare some dinners (on my long runs) or bathe the kids. One family member actually told me I was "too big" to run and it wasn't safe or healthy. I just kept my head up and kept trucking. Everyone started warming up to the idea as the pounds started rapidly dropping, and as the mileage was adding up. After I crossed the finish at my half marathon, I saw nothing but smiles and pride from my family. The best part was the look on my children's faces to see me cross, and my husband asking when the next race was, because he would also like to start training.

What was the most difficult part about the experience for you?
Overcoming my own demons. I would be on mile 3 of an 8 mile run and my inner dialogue would sound a lot like " you really are too fat for this. You can't really run 8 miles, you look awful while you are doing this". I really had to teach myself that I am, in fact, awesome. I had to learn that there is no reason why other people can acheive their goals and I can't. The hardest part of changing my life, was changing my attitude towards myself and start believing that I too, can do something awesome.

How do you/did you stay on track with your running program and weight loss lifestyle when it was getting difficult or temptations arose?
Blogging helped a lot. A few times a week, I would get online and update my imaginary readers on my progress. I would just tell myself that there has to be some woman out there in my same situation wondering if they can do something great for themselves. How could I let that woman down? Also, deep inside, I knew I had to prove people wrong about me. I had to prove that a fat girl, with three babies and a husband to take care of, can still have a life. Shoot, I had to prove that to myself.

Have you had a support system along the way? If so, who?
I know it's cliche, but I have the most amazing friends on the planet. Since the day I declared I would run a half marathon (and eventually a marathon) they have stood by me, asked about my progress, and believed in me. It took a little convincing, but as soon as my husband realized this was the real deal, he was the greatest support system. If I decided to bag out on a run one day, he would say " Do you want to finish that race? Get your butt up and go running" and I would. It was helpful on my long runs to know when I walked in the door, my husband would ask how many miles, and I could look at him and say, "10" and watch his face light up.

Do you have any plans for the future launching off your successes?
Well now that I truely understand that I can do ANYHING, the possibilities are endless. I still have about 25 lbs to lose and a Full Marathon goal in the future, but I would also love to coach other people to the finish line. I love to write and would love to find a way to reach out to more women who think their life is over after having kids and forget to live for themselves. I feel like I have had such an amazing, life changing experience and it is my duty to show other women that they can do anything.

The Reason I Started Running

2010-09-21T19:29:00.000-07:00

I've spouted out over and over again how important it was to me to prove that even an overweight stay-at-home mom of three can run a marathon. Well, this guy inspired ME today when a friend sent me this link on YouTube.

If you have ever had an issue with weight, or even if you have ever run... get the tissues ready!

This is what inspiration looks like:

A Running Group in Puyallup

2010-09-12T21:28:00.000-07:00

So the Aflac Iron Girl was a success. I had so much fun, and although I only skimmed about 20 seconds off my 5k PR, it was a race to remember! There is something to be said about lining up to race with roughly 1,989 amazing women. We all train hard to do something for ourselves that is remarkable. Congrats to everyone who crossed the finish line and received that darling little medal!

On another note, I need a running group. I feel like the options are so limited in the south-end as far as training groups go and I would really love to have a group to meet with on the weekends. So this is my call out to anyone that might be interested! The Amica Seattle half-marathon is on November 28th and I thought we could get a clan together to meet up on the weekends for our long runs! There is beautiful scenery down here but maybe sometimes we could make some road trips to other great trails and tracks.

Wow. I feel like I am making my desperate plea on a dating website.

Anyone who wants to train for the Seattle Marathon with me must like long walks on the beach, coffee on Sunday afternoons, and shin splints.

So, if you are interested, shoot me an email and let's make it happen. I see all of you lonely souls beating the streets by yourselves. Let's be friends.

The Aflac Iron Girl

2010-09-11T22:06:00.000-07:00

It's 9:50pm the night before my first 5k race since my epic half-marathon last June. I'm not very nervous, though I should be. I failed to train very much at all this summer so my endurance has really gone down the pooper. I guess the Rock and Roll taught me something, however. If we aren't having fun while we are running these races, why the hell are we doing it?

I'm obviously not in the running to win the race (although my 6 and 3 year old girls may beg to differ), so why do I have any reason to worry? I am just going to wake up far too early, lace up my running shoes, run like hell, then strut around with my medal on. If you ask me, THIS is living the dream.

The only thing about tomorrow that makes me a little bit nervous is that none of my friends or family can make it to see me cross the finish. Well, one of my friends will be there, but she is running the 10k. Chances are I will be waiting around for a while to cheer her on while she crosses the finish line. I just hope the overwhelming sense of accomplishment will cancel out the feelings of being a race-finisher/bad ass that is hangin' solo. Oh wait! I just remembered I get a stuffed duck in my goody bag. Feelings of abandonment: dissolved.

For the record, I am doing the AFLAC Iron Girl around Green Lake. I know that a good portion of you running folk regularly train around Green Lake, and being a 'south-ender' I haven't had the opportunity to yet. I'll let you all know how it goes!

My First Run After My Hiatus

2010-08-26T11:57:00.000-07:00

My anxiety was up a little bit for my first run after my two month break from the running. I was afraid I would disappoint myself and be starting at square one; two blocks of running.. ten blocks of walking... two blocks of running.. ten blocks of walking, and so on.

I guess I was suprised. I haven't lost a ton of strength in my body. My muscles still felt strong and half way into the first mile, I felt confident. I remembered how much I missed this freeing feeling. I missed the feeling of being away from everyone, alone with my thoughts, my heart racing, my face burning. After that first mile, however, I remembered how hard I had to work to build up my endurance for the Rock and Roll half-marathon.

At the start of mile two, my body felt strong, but my lungs felt as though they were about to collapse. My chest was burning a little bit and I was breathing like a St.Bernard on a 100 degree day. I stopped to walk.

I had to take a 2 minute walk break and was able to turn around and jog to my car without dying. To me, this was success.

If this was the first time I had trained for a race, I would be worried. But I'm not. I know that the lungs are the first to go, and probably the quickest to recover and get back to normal. It's actually kind of exciting for me to know I have to build my conditioning and endurance back up, because now I wont get bored with just pure awesomeness, if that makes sense.

I crosstrained yesterday, so today will be my second day of one foot in front of the other. I have three miles to run tonight, and I am fairly certain I will be even more determined to finish the three without any breaks.

Until the next blog! Happy Running!

We Will Call This, Chapter Two

2010-08-24T15:22:00.000-07:00

The Amica Seattle Half-Marathon. The time has come. When it cools down tonight, my first day back into training will commence with a short 3 mile run.

I haven't run since June 26th. You heard me right. I haven't hit the pavement that I have grown to love so much in two months. I'm not sure why. I have been really busy, but if I am being honest with myself, not too busy to squeeze in a few miles here and there. I guess I just took a break, but I am ready to face my new training schedule head-on.

I'm going to follow Hal Higdon's half-marathon training schedule again. I liked it, it was realistic and it helped me power through the 13.1 at the Rock and Roll half. I am, however, going to focus on really working on the cross and strength training this time around because
A: I want to be faster and
B: I want to have a sexier physique (if you know what I mean)

On another exciting note, I think I have sucked my husband into my little obsession. We went out and bought him some new Asics and he is going to train for the November race as well!

Get ready for a lot more blogging from this lady. Also, wish me luck. I just hope I can still run 3 miles without stopping!

Don't Worry, I'm Still A Runner

2010-07-22T08:24:00.000-07:00

I haven't updated much since I finished my first half marathon so here it is, an update. I have been sort of on a running hiatus since the race, but not intentionally. My leg was pretty sore after finishing on June 26th, then I got some strange illness that has caused me to cough for almost a month and have a voice that sounds much like a 75 year old chain-smoking man. I have done some yoga and light aerobic activities, but I am ready to hit that pavement again. I guess I might have needed to take a little bit of time off to not experience running burn out.
I was thinking about following Hal Higdon's Spring Training program before I start my official training all over again. It seems like it will make me a little bit faster, and my body a little bit sexier. Does anyone have any great tips for in-between race training?

I also have a small chunk of exciting news! I have been talking to Fitness Magazine and they are talking about doing an itty bitty piece about me in their "I did it" feature. I don't want to jinx anything, but I just got off the phone with the nice lady from the magazine a few minutes ago! It's all very exciting!

I'll keep you all posted on everything!

Runnng in Hot Weather

2010-07-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

There are about two months of the year (if we are lucky) in Washington in which we get fantastic weather. And by fantastic, I mean so warm you start to wish nudity was more widely accepted. It's the second week of July now, and we are finally in the midst of this heat. I have only trained in the winter and spring and I am really eager to get out there and pound that pavement again. I also don't want to die of heat stroke or just melt right into the road. This has actally kept me from running all week. I think I have gained 17 pounds in 4 days.

Anyway, I started researching a little bit to figure out how to run in the summer and not die. I have discovered the following tips:

1. Drink water. Lots of water. And not just before a long run. Drink all day everyday. Think of yourself as a sponge when the weather is hot and humid. You don't want to dry out and become all crusty and smelly, do you?

2. Electrolytes. From what I understand, if you are running in the heat, these are an important part of not dying. Gatorade, Powerade.. you know the drill.

3. Run early in the morning and late in the evening, when the temperature is cooler. This one just makes sense. Why would you really want to run at like 2 in the afternoon in 96 degree weather? You may be suicidal and you may need some counseling. That is just my professional opinion.

4. Show as much of your naked skin as you can, without offending someone or going to jail. Don't sacrifice being cool because you are self conscious about a body part. Who really cares? And always remember, cotton is rotten.

5. Wear your sunscreen! Unless you are gearing up for a lobster look-a-like competition, slap on some SPF 30. You would think this is common sense, but people love their tans (and apparently their wrinkly, prematurely aging skin). We also have enough to deal with with all of the chaffing. Can you imagine a chaffing sunburn? No thanks.

Well, this is all I have learned about running in the sun. I am going to test out my knowledge tonight. If anyone has any other tips to add, please feel free to do so!

Happy sweaty, sticky running!

Seattle Rock and Roll Half Marathon!

2010-06-29T14:44:00.000-07:00

I go by quite a few nicknames these days, Honey, Mommy, Home-skillet, Crazy lady.. etc. You know what you can call me now? FINISHER.

Yes sir! On Saturday morning, I accepted my first medal and crossed the finish line at the Rock and Roll Seattle half marathon. I can say without hesitation, that besides giving birth 3 times, and marrying the love of my life, this was the most amazing moment in my 26 years. I thought I "got" the whole thrill of training and running and all that, but it wasn't until I burst into tears after two hours and fifty something minutes of hard work that I began to really understand this underground world of running. 5 months of hard work paid off on so many levels.

I don't think I could have chosen a better race to run for my first half. The Rock and Roll was extremely organized, entertaining, motivating, uplifting and surreal. Everytime I saw another band my heart would practically jump out of my chest because I knew I had just conquered another mile. The 27,000 other people all around me had worked as hard as I had for this exact moment. 27,000 people around me were pushing their bodies to the limit and loving every second of it (okay, so some of them probably weren't loving it too much, like the guy I saw crying in a ditch at mile 9).

Thanks to my wonderful friend Lacey, I learned when to take disgusting GU, when to eat the terrible salt packet, when to slow it down for a minute so I wouldn't burn out, and when to pose for the camera. I also learned the hard way not to drink too much water before the race, as I added about 15 minutes to my time waiting for a porta potty.

The most rewarding part of the race, for me, was not that I worked my body up to running 13.1 miles in a row. It was that I had the courage to do something for myself, work extremely hard to achieve a goal, and follow through. I watched my best friends, my parents,my kid's and husband's faces after I crossed the finish line and for the first time in a long time, they were obviously proud. And not the the kind of proud they are of me for not getting seconds at dinner. The kind of proud that says they might have been a little bit inspired.

So this is just the beginning. I wasn't even out of the Qwest field gates before I already started planning my next half and my first full marathon. After so many years of just feeling below average and like I was missing something, I found my thing. I am good at this and this is something that is all mine. This is something I am proud of myself for, and this is somethng that not everyone can do, or has the courage to try to do.

I want to send a huge thank you out to all of my supportive friends, family and readers who emotionally helped to push me all the way to the finish line. Mostly, thank you to my awesome husband who, although skeptical at first, has stood by me, bragged about my journey to others, and watched our crazy children while I was training. After the race, he told me he wants to start training so he can do this with me.

Mission accomplished.

Pre-Race Tips

2010-06-23T22:14:00.000-07:00

Oh man. The Rock and Roll Half Marathon is approaching so quickly. I have barely 3 days until I am going to push my body as hard as it has ever been pushed. I don't have a trainer, so I am reading article after article after article until I am cross-eyed.

So I ask all of you animalistic half-marathon veterans... what are some important things to remember before race day to better prepare myself? What is the best advice you can give me? How do I get rid of this God awful armpit rash?

Sorry. Too many carbs today. This post is about my blogging limit.