Weigh in - Starting Over & Weekly Goals

Weight on 11/26/12: 246.6

Weight this week: 258.6

12 pounds GAINED this week

Lowest Weight Recorded: 232.2 on 4/22/12

70.8 pounds lost since June 2010


Well, here it is. The "honesty" post fessing up to how much weight I gained at the end of 2012. In full disclosure, my weight the day after returning from my New Year's trip to New Orleans was 264, so I've managed to lost about 6 pounds in the last  9 days.

So, where do I go from here?

Last week at the Body Baggage for Misfits group, I made the goal to lose 20 lbs by March 31st. I'm counting today's weight was my "weigh-in" weight. So by March 31st I'll be at least 238. (Secretly, I'd like to be in the 220s by my beach trip at the end of April so I'm aiming to lose the first 20 faster.)

To help I'll be making small, weekly goals really focusing on where I am struggling.

- Do my PT exercises every day (more to come about this tomorrow)
- Eat 2,000 calories a day, focusing on vegetables
- Go to the gym at least 3 times a week

That's what I'm starting with. Basic stuff. It should be easy, right?

To Tri or Not To Tri?

I've had a lot of anxiety ridden thoughts about my goal to do a sprint tri this year. Since starting this blog, I haven't really failed at any of my fitness goals and in the back of my mind there is high potential to fail at this one.

A sport so unfamiliar. An event that combines THREE sports into one. A sport that will force me to swim against others....something I haven't done in about 20 years.

I've thought about dropping the goal to do it this summer and instead join a bootcamp of some sorts and get all toned up instead. But I can't deny that I want to do this.

But I have no idea where to start. I need a place to swim, so I guess the first step is to join the local Y. I also don't even have a swimming suit that fits. So I have to get one of those.

Another thing is, what the hell do you wear during a triathlon? I know a lot of people wear Tri Suits. Do you swim/bike/run all in this one piece of clothing? Is it comfortable? Will it compress my fat rolls so I don't jiggle (no, really). Should I get one? Thinking about a Tri Suit makes me see dollar signs. I don't want to invest a lot of money into new gear for a sport I don't know if I will like participating in. But, if I don't get a tri suit, what do I wear? I don't even like changing in front of people at the gym, no way I want to do it at a race.

Then there's the bike. Is my bike sufficient enough? I have a 1992 Schwinn cruiser style bike that came out of my aunt's garage last year. I know I can ride 9-10 miles at a leisurely pace on it because I've done that already. But can I race on it? And what if one of my tires goes flat during training or the race? I have no idea how to change a tube or where to learn.

Basically, the only thing I know I can do is run/walk the 3 or so miles that would be part of a sprint triathlon. Easy peasey right? But what about running 3 miles after spending 1.5 hours exercising? No way I can run after that, right?

I've considered joining a Tri group, but every one I've looked at is intimidating. I don't want to be the 240-lb beginner that shows up and can't keep up with the group on a group ride or swim (or even run).

The anxiety on top of being in the middle of half-marathon training is really getting in my way of getting started swim and bike training and picking a definite race to sign up for. Anyone know of any good beginner races in the Nashville area or within a 3-4 hour driving distance of Nashville? (Birmingham/Louisville/Lexington/Memphis, etc)

I need help! If you've done a triathlon, please comment with your best advice, I have no idea what I'm doing here!

Weigh in - continuing in the right direction

Last Week's weight - 237.6

This Week's weight - 236.8

0.8 lbs lost

92.6 lbs lost since June 2010

A loss! I'm not even going to complain that it was less than a pound. The important part is that I lost 2 weeks in a row and I feel like I'm solidly in the the 230s. And something feels different about it this time. I don't feel this urge to go out and splurge on french fries and pizza today. I have a fridge full of healthy food to make healthy meals for the week so I feel a re-commitment to this weight loss thing coming on.

I'm officially .4 lbs away from the Garmin Goal I made. Yeah, remember that old thing? Think I forgot about it? Well, I didn't. I may have already gotten the Garmin for my birthday, but the fact I never reached that goal has been bothering me. I don't like making goals I don't accomplish. So, next week I plan to accomplish it a over 6 months after I original made it. Yikes! That hurts.

I'm also 7.4 lbs away from my 100 lb loss since starting the blog. I know I can accomplish this by the end of March. Let's make it happen.

I feel refocused and I hope next weigh in I'm not eating my words.

What's Next For Me?

It's not a secret I've been struggling with losing weight lately. And by lately, I mean since October which is when I got down to around 241 and then proceeded to gain and lose the same 2 pounds over and over and over.

But through the roller coaster, I've continued to exercise 3-4 times a week. Even the week after the half marathon last month, I made it to the gym twice. At this point, my exercise routine is just that, very routine. And I love that. As I was running my 8 miles yesterday, I realized I may weigh the same as I did 4 months ago, but I AM FIT. I can run 8 miles. I can do a 60 minute yoga class. I can ride my bike 10 miles at a time. And pretty soon, I will find out if I can swim.

I like goals to keep me on task. Even though my exercise routine is second nature at this point, if I don't have something to work towards I start to skip workouts.

So I signed up for my 4th half marathon.

Yep, I am crazy. There is a big Rock n Roll race in Nashville every April. This is the event I did my first half marathon at and hated it. Hate. Hate. Hate. So, I have a lot of anxiety and negative feelings towards this race. The hills are unforgiving on this course and the weather in Nashville can be brutal (it was 85 and sunny when I did it 3 years ago and 2 years ago there were severe storms and they had to cut off the marathon). But I am going to conquer it this year.

But there's more...

For awhile now, I've wanted to change up the half marathon running. It just gets to be monotonous to keep training and running 13.1 miles in my book. SO - after a Twitter conversation with Skinny Emmie, I picked up Slow, Fat Triathlete and was sold on doing a sprint triathlon this summer.

A sprint triathlon is usually about a 1/2 mile swim (750 yards), 12.5 mile (20K) bike ride, and 3.1 mile (5K) run. And I plan to do this in 2012.

I am targeting the Innsbrook, MO Octomax Triathlon on June 23, 2012.

Which, would mean serious triathlon training would begin at the end of March so for four weeks between the end of March and the end of April I will be training for both a half marathon AND sprint triathlon AT THE SAME TIME.

I feel a little crazy, but invigorated. It's a new challenge, it's something I've never done before, and it's exciting. It is also majorly scary because these thoughts are going through my mind:

- I haven't even gotten in a pool to swim laps in 20 years.
- I've never ridden more than 10 miles on my bike at once.
- I don't own a road bike.
- I have no idea what to wear.

But I will figure it out, because I want to be a triathlete!

Weigh in - The most epic gain EVER

Last week's weight - 239.0

This week's weight - 246.2

7.2 lbs GAINED

83.2 total lost since June 2010

Yep, you read that right (and no it's not a typo). I had an epic gain of 7.2 lbs this week. Am I surprised? A little. I knew I would gain because of everything I've eaten this week, but 7 pounds? Yeah...wasn't prepared for that.

As Maren pointed out, "What's done is done and what's eaten is eaten." So time to move on. I plan to track my food this week and get back on the horse and hope for a big ass loss next week.

On the plus side I did my first long run in 3 weeks today and I didn't die. 7 miles done! It was rough since I haven't been eating right lately and there was too much alcohol and not enough hydration going on yesterday, but surprisingly it went well despite my gut rot and dehydration.

Given my huge gain this week, I am back to 9.8 pounds from my Garmin Goal. And 16.8 pounds from 100 lbs lost. Talk about two steps backwards!?

My goal is to have the Garmin by Thanksgiving and the 100 pound party is tentatively scheduled for January. We'll see how close I get in the next 4 weeks.

Back to square one!

Weigh in - 2.2 lbs lost

Last week's weight: 243.4

This week's weight: 241.2

2.2 pounds LOST

88.2 pounds lost since June 2010

I ate well, exercised and stayed focused. Even through a road trip (no fast food eaten). I hope I can carry it on through my upcoming week from hell.

Just to keep track....

• 4.8 pounds to my Garmin Goal.

• 11.8 pounds until 100 blog pounds lost.

Wish me luck this week. I know I'll need it to get all my workouts in and stay focused on eating right during a busy week.

Happy Sunday!

Measuring Up

What I really want to tell you about is my Fitness Evaluation at my gym this morning. It was awesome; however, I don't have the brain capacity to write in detail what I want to write about it. So it will have to wait for the weekend.

Never fear, I do have goodies for you today.

I haven't taken my measurements since the beginning of July. I'm never consistent on the frequency of when I take my measurements. I pretty much do it just when I feel like I haven't done it in awhile. So here we go.

July's results

When I began posting my measurements, I never posted what the measurement was exactly, just how many inches lost. I did this because although I had no qualms about sharing my weight with the world as someone who was over 330 lbs, for some reason admitting I had a 58" hip measurement when I first walked into the Dayani Center Weight Management program at Vanderbilt Med Center in 2008 was scary.

For consistency (and vanity, maybe), I'm still not sharing what my measurements are, but below is the change since July.

Hips: -1
Neck: no change
Arms: no change
Waist: -2
Underbust: -1.5
Natural Waist: -1.5
Thighs: no change

Total inches lost in 3 months: 6 inches

I'm not really surprised about my arms (lots of loose skin) or neck as I'm getting pretty small on top. But my thighs frustrated me since my legs LOOK smaller to me. I only regret not keeping track of my wrist, ankle and calves.

Since I haven't taken my measurements regularly, I don't know how to compare this. Honestly though? I've felt pretty fluffy lately. Like I have no tone at all. Yes, I am losing weight, but I don't feel like I am getting leaner.

This was #1 reason why I scheduled my Fitness Evaluation this morning. I am going to track my progress in 30 days and hopefully not only will I feel leaner, but I'll be leaner!

Weigh in - 8 lbs lost, highest weekly loss to date!

Last week's weight: 250.6

This week's weight: 242.6

8 lbs LOST

86.8 pounds lost since June 2010

No, 8 lbs is not a typo! After a crazy gain last week I had a secret goal in mind. A goal I only told KG because there's no way I would tell the public and then not be able to achieve it. A goal to lose 7 lbs this week.

It's something I've done before, but only once or twice. It was something I knew I had to work at. So, I watched what I ate got all 3 of my runs in and did an extra 9 mile bike ride yesterday. And I surpassed my goal.

If you're keeping score, I have 6 lbs until my Garmin Goal and 13 lbs until 100 lbs lost since starting my blog.

Weigh in - 3 lbs lost

Last week's weight: 249.6

This week's weight: 246.6

3 lbs LOST

82.8 pounds lost since June 2010

I promise the Warrior Dash recap is coming today, but for our regularly scheduled weigh in post this week I'm happy to report I've lost THREE pounds. This is consistent with where I was Friday morning, so I am happy to report I controlled my eating (for the most part) over the weekend. We did eat at the world's greatest Chinese buffet last night after the race, but I only ate approx 1 plate of food. A few things coming up milestone wise:

• I am 17 pounds from reaching 100 lbs lost since starting my blog.
  

• And I am 10.2 pounds from reaching my Garmin goal.

100 pounds lost will be a big milestone for the blog and myself personally, so I really want to have a party to celebrate. We'll see what I (or party extraordinaire, KG) can come up with.

This week, I did well with nutrition, but only got 2 work outs in (including Warrior Dash). I'm hoping to keep my eye on the prize with nutrition and get back to 3-4 work outs a week.

Happy Sunday!

Weigh in - A loss is a loss

Last week's weight: 250.4

This week's weight: 250.0

0.4 lbs LOST

79.4 pounds lost since June 2010

So you can't help but be disappointed by a small loss, but considering my 5.6 pound loss last week I can't really complain. I've been doing this long enough to know that a huge loss one week is usually followed by a small loss the next week. As long as I can keep the scale moving down, I'm happy.

This leaves 13.6 pounds to go to my Garmin Goal.

Time for a new weight loss goal

It's no secret I've lost my momentum lately. I missed my July 1 goal and it's taken me 5+ months to lose the last 20 lbs (see progress pictures on the right). In fact, as I type this I am licking remains of a peanut butter bar from my fingers. I just haven't been as aware of my nutrition lately as I should be.

So it's time to get back on track and set a new mini-goal. Which is:

When I lose my next 20 lbs I will buy a Garmin (or other comparable GPS device) to track my runs.

I've been thinking for awhile that in order to train for the time limit on the Disney half-marathon, I'll need to track my runs and make sure I am training at about a 15 minute per mi pace. The easiest way to do this is with a Garmin. Also, Miss Lynn was recently gifted a Garmin and loves it.

But I don't want to just go out and buy one, let's make myself work for it!

I chose 20 lbs because it is still a significant loss, but I estimate I will still have ample training time to use the Garmin before the Jan race by time I reach the goal.

So, there's no time limit on losing the weight, but I don't get the goods until I am 20 lbs lighter.

Today I weighed in at 256.4 so when I reach 236.4 I will purchase a Garmin. I've already planned a few dinners for the week, and sworn off sweets (I swear no more peanut butter bars as of today).

Here's to getting back my willpower!

Reflections and Reaching for the Sky

Taking a page out of Skinny Emmie's book. I am taking a look back on the last 6.5 months and reflect on all I've accomplished and the things I've experienced.

I've lost 36.2 pounds since January, but I've done so much more than chip away at my extra weight.

10 things I'm really proud of from the first half of 2011:

1. Attended my first spin class

2. Finished my 2nd half-marathon and improved my time by 43 minutes from my 1st half in 2009.

3. I have learned to not make excuses.

4. Signed up for my 3rd half-marathon.

5. Earned a new position within my organization.

6. Went fast food free for 90 days.

7. Began jogging.

8. Re-purposed my old too-big-for-me favorite dress.

9. Rode a bike for the first time since childhood.

10. Faced my fears and went outside of my comfort zone.

Of course there have been some not-so-great things about the first half of 2011 too: not reaching my July goal and realizing the end of a relationship. But, all-in-all if only 2 sucky things happened in the first half of 2011 and 10 awesome things happened, how can I complain? All I can do is move on and make the rest of 2011 even better.

Some things I want to do in the 2nd half of 2011:

1. Run a 5K (Aiming for Oct. 8, 2011)

2. Complete Warrior Dash (September 17, 2011)

3. Lose 30 lbs - I'm throwing this one in there because I'd really like to be down to the 220s for my next half in January; hoping to improve my speed to complete the race within the 3 hour time limit.

I'm so thankful my body is strong and I can condition it to do these amazing things. Not to mention being beyond grateful for the support of all of my friends, family and fellow bloggers!

Weigh in - a failed goal

Last week's weight - 260.4

This week's weight - 260.0

0.4 pounds LOST

69.4 pounds lost since June 2010

**DISCLAIMER** I did weigh in after my run (after drinking a bottle of water) since I forgot to weigh before my run in my foggy-just-woke-up stupor. So is this really my weight? Probably not. If I had to guess I'd say I really gained 1-2 pounds this week since I pretty much ate whatever I wanted.

This weigh in also marks the deadline for the goal I've been working towards for the last 6 months - to lose 50 lbs by July 1st. To blatantly put it, I failed. I only lost 40 of the 50 pounds. Obviously, I hate admitting I didn't attain a goal, but I am still moving forward and plan to consider a shorter amount of time between this deadline and the next one to keep me focused.

In any case, I took my measurements. The last time I took my measurements was February. I don't think I ever posted them on the blog, but in any case here are the changes since February:

Arms: -1"
Neck: -1"
Hips: -1.5"
Waist: -1.5"
Thigh: -2"
Under bust: -3"
Natural Waist: -4"

Total inches lost: 14

Any movement on measurements I am happy with. And these make sense with how I have been feeling - lost inches in the middle torso, but still carrying a lot of weigh in my hips and waistline.

New goal coming, until then enjoy your fireworks and BBQ!

Weigh in - largest weekly loss to date

Last week's weight - 269.8

This week's weight - 263.0

6.8 pounds LOST

66.4 pounds lost since June 2010

This is not a typo. I lost almost SEVEN pounds this week. I repeat, this ain't no joke. And here's proof:

I had to take a picture because I didn't quite believe it myself. I followed all of my rules this week, exercised 5x and had a great weigh-in. Funny how when you put all of your effort into something you get results, huh? It just goes back to my personal goal of putting 100% of effort into everything I do. I'm not talking about being perfect. No one is perfect, but everyone has the ability to put in 100% of effort into whatever they want to set their mind to. Whether it's weight loss, or learning to run or my job, I never want to be left wondering if I could have done something better if I had put more effort into it. I am not lazy and I intend to show the world I mean business.

I intend to take this long weekend to move onward towards my July 1 goal. I may not hit 250 by July 1, but it is within reach and I have my mind set to it. Plus I have a new pair of jeans a friend gave me that just barely don't fit and I intend to wear them soon. ;)

Happy Sunday!

Weigh in - Late edition

Last week's weight - 269.4

This week's weight - 268.8

0.6 pounds LOST

60.6 pounds lost since June 2010

Not the most impressive weigh in ever, but it concludes my 4th consecutive loss. And I'll take it after eating way too much at dinner on Friday night and generally being a little lax on my portions and food choices (hello cake, brownies and Reese's Pieces this week).

I'm making this a short post since I spent the day relaxing, doing yard work and grilling with friends instead of writing a blog post; and now I am headed to bed.

11 weeks until my goal deadline - and 19.4 lbs to lose. It's looking positive!

No fast food for 90 days

In less than 20 days I will have been fast food free for 90 days.

It's not that I eat very much fast food any more. The days of eating it several times a week are long gone. But still, I do end up giving into cravings 1 or 2 times a month and have this stupid mental thing that road trips = fast food.

Case in point, on December 28th on my way back home from visiting family in St. Louis for the holidays, I stopped at Taco Bell. I can't remember exactly what I got that night but it was probably a bean burrito and a cheesy bean and rice burrito. That combination packs 860 calories, 31 grams of fat and 2410 mg of sodium. And normally I would have 3 burritos of different varieties as one meal from TB.

Since one of my items on my 101 in 1001 list is to be fast food free for 90 days and I decided 2 months ago this is the time. I will be fast food free until at least March 28.

Yes I've had cravings. I've wanted to drive thru for some french fries about a million times. Last night I just wanted to stop by Wendy's for a baked potato to go with my left over grilled chicken breast. After dinner last night, I wanted to binge on Arby's beef and cheddars.

But I didn't. I haven't done any of that for 71 days.

One of the reasons I wanted to do this is because I know even if I am making 'healthy' calorie choices at the drive thru window there is enough sodium in one a fast food meal to account for what a whole day's intake should be - or more.

Yes, I am on a quest to lose weight. But more than that, I want to be healthy. I want to eat whole, nutritious foods. Not processed crap with ingredients I cannot pronounce. Give me a choice between a large apple or pack of cheese crackers for a snack...

And I'll go with the apple please.

Weigh in - 50 lbs gone!

Last week's weight - 284.0

This week's weight - 278.6

5.4 pounds LOST

50.8 pounds lost since June 2010

HUZZAH!!!

I am thrilled to see a new second digit number on the scale. My goal was to be in the 270's by the end of February, and a whole week early - I'M THERE!

This also marks 50 lbs gone since I started the blog. 50 lbs I will never see on my body again - EVER!

Warrior Dash here I come

As you've probably noticed, I've been riding the cloud 9 I've been on from Sunday's race high into the sky. But, now that the blisters are healed and my thighs and hips don't feel like I am carrying 40 lb weights around anymore it's time to get serious - time to set a new goal.

So what now?

Well, I could do another half-marathon. But I've been there, done that. (Not to say I'll never do another one, you better believe I will later this year or early 2012).

Instead, I am coming out completely from my comfort zone and doing something that scares the sh*t out of me most. Being that horrified of heights and plummeting to any sort of injury or death, it's time to climb over things and get dirty. September, 17, 2011 I will compete in...

WARRIOR DASH

From the Warrior Dash website:

Warrior Dash is a mud-crawling, fire-leaping, extreme run from hell. This fierce running series is held on the most challenging and rugged terrain across the globe. Warriors conquer extreme obstacles, push their limits and celebrate with kick-ass music, beer and warrior helmets.

In real terms, it is a 3.15 mile run with 11 obstacles including a 4ft wall, crawling through mud under barbed wire and leaping over fire. And I know I can do it.

My biggest obstacle (ha, pun) is having no idea how to train for something like this. A friend and I joked about building an obstacle course in her backyard. Not a bad idea. I don't run and have no upper body strength. I'm lending my focus to the upper body and core strengthening for the next 6+ months, and hopefully will build up to feeling more comfortable to begin jogging again.

Tomorrow, I am heading to a Powerlift class at the employee gym. Monday, I start a bootcamp style class, which I will attempt to do 3 times a week for the next 4 weeks. The other two days of my weekly work out schedule will be devoted to yoga and interval walking. I am also going to try to keep busy with a few 5 and 10 Ks this summer and plenty of hiking trips. The good news is I have 6 months to figure out what in the hell I am doing.

So who wants to join me?

Watch me finish the Mercedes Half Marathon

Thank you to EVERYONE who commented, emailed, tweeted or said any form of congrats to me the last few days. I am overwhelmed with the support and I feel so blessed to have each and every one of you in my life, whether we just know each other through the screens of our computers or you are the friends I lean to in my everyday life - I love you all!

That is a video of me finishing the half marathon on Sunday. Look at my cute little waddle run. Ha. Ha. The rest of the photos can be found here. Can't say I like any of them.

Official finishing times also were posted. I originally estimated I finished around 3:40. Well, the half-marathon Gods shone down upon me and my official race time was 3 hours 34 minutes 55 seconds. That's a 16:25 minute per mile pace!!! I exceeded everything I thought I was capable of on this day and the resulting confidence in myself and my body is astounding.

What's even more unbelievable to me is that my 10K time (6.2 miles) was 1 hour 34 minutes and 26 seconds or a 15:14 minute per mile pace. That means, my goal of a 45 minute 5K (and maybe 1:30 10K are within my reach).

Though, for now, my goals lie in other fitness areas (more on that tomorrow).

Also, in case you missed it, Emily over at Skinny Emmie was kind enough to allow me to guest post my half marathon training tips on her blog. She's doing her first half-marathon in April and I couldn't be more thrilled to watch her as she shares her journey to the finish line over the next few months. So for any of you who may be thinking a half-marathon is on your horizon, take a gander. And if you think a half-marathon is out of your reach, it's not. Trust me, just a little over 2 years ago I couldn't walk 3 miles if my life depended on it. Especially not at a 16:25 minute per mile pace.

I did it! Mercedes half-marathon race recap

A poorly planned and tired finishing pose.

I’m having trouble finding words to describe the race yesterday and I’m not sure where to start, so I’m just going to write as much as I remember about how I felt throughout the last several days. Feel free to skim, read all of it or skip altogether since this is mostly for my own benefit and I know it’s quite long.

As far as the actual race, it’s hard to recall all the details I had racing through my head at the time they happened because now that we’ve all crossed the finish line, I can only recall the feelings at the end – the reward. The one where you feel like the world is in your hands and you can accomplish anything.

Saturday night with the 5 of us racing the next day (and spouses) gathering at the lovely Jen West’s house for a delicious carb loading meal and Apples to Apples. It was a great, low key way to spend the night to get our minds (at least mine) off the impending race the next day.

There’s something about big events and races where I don’t sleep well the days and nights beforehand. I didn’t sleep well Friday anticipating my trip to Birmingham. Saturday I tried napping and never was able to fall asleep and Saturday night was the worst. I was in bed by 9:30, didn’t fall asleep until 11, woke up again at 2AM, couldn’t fall back asleep until 3AM and my alarm (all 3 of them!) went off at 5:15AM. Sigh. Luckily, I had enough excitement pumping through my veins to get me through with no cause for worry.

I was out of bed by 5:30AM and getting ready. First, I brewed a cup of coffee and ate my breakfast (whole wheat bagel, almond butter and banana). I wanted to do this step first in my routine to, ahem, let things settle. I followed the half a cup of coffee with about 12-13 ounces of water. Then I got dressed, put my race number on and did one last bathroom check and out the door I went!


I was lucky enough to be staying just 2 blocks away from the start line. So, I got down there quickly and just hung around. Fortunately, I ran into Jen and her husband Mike to snap a few pre-race pictures and get some excitement out chatting it up. About 20 minutes till start time we parted ways and I made my way to the back of the start chute. The slowest corral they had marked was 13+ minute miles. Ha! I am about a 17 minute mile, so as the corral filled up, I moved further back as to not block the way of those who were actually running.

Ready to go!

I forgot to look at the clock when I crossed the start line beginning my official time. My guess would be it took the back of the chute a minute or two to get up there. The act of actually crossing the start line was pretty anti-climatic and off I went. I didn’t put my ear phones in right away. I wanted to take in my surroundings at the start.

Mile 1-3: Pretty non-descript. The course as a whole was a little boring for me as I was in a foreign city and had no idea where I was walking, though I did end up seeing several familiar spots I visited on a previous trip to Birmingham. It was also different for me in that I had no chance to see anyone I knew unless it was on the course, as everyone I know in Birmingham was doing the race. Chez, who I met the night before, did pass me during the first 2 miles and I cheered her on. The first few miles felt slow. I started my strawberry banana Power Bar Energy Gel Blasts at Mile 3.

Mile 4-5: I finally felt in the groove. I did the first 3 miles in around 47 minutes. Pretty typical for me, but I still found myself being concerned with those passing me or trying to pass people. I struggled with this until Mile 6. I also kept looking over my shoulder to make sure the sweep up crew (those who take people off the course that aren’t keeping pace within the maximum time) wasn’t coming for me. I know it sounds silly, but I’m paranoid like that.

Mile 6-7: Despite hearing sad news that Jen blew her knee out and gracefully ended her run to prevent further injury, this was the portion of the course where I finally talked myself down from feeling self conscience about either getting passed or passing people. I kept repeating to myself, “This MY race and I’m going at my own pace. I am not doing this for anyone but me.” Finally having that in my mind helped me relax and get in my own world. Around Mile 6 the marathoners started passing us (not the cause of my passing anxiety, because…well duh) since it is a double loop course. It was pretty cool to see the leading runners pass by. I had 2 more Energy Gel Blasts at Mile 7.

Mile 8-9: At this point, I was staying strong on my 16 minute pace and it crossed my mind I had a chance of finishing at my never-vocalized, aspirational goal of finishing in 3:30. I held on to this thought, though not too hopeful, until about Mile 11 when my pace slowed. Mile 8 I was very excited as I counted on my fingers, “ 8 to 9, 9 to 10, 10 to 11, 11 to 12, 12 to 13 – only 5 miles!” I also started getting really emotional at Mile 9. After I had swore up I would never do another one again, I was doing another half-marathon. And quite frankly every mile was infinitely better than the first marathon I did in April 2009. This realization made me teary-eyed.

Mile 10: THERE ARE RAZOR BLADES IN MY SHOES. Really, that’s what it felt like. This is when the pain from blisters on both feet started. It felt like knives were stabbing my feet with every step I took. I can’t really explain why I got bad blisters. I haven’t had a blister at all throughout training and I did everything exactly the same. Wicking socks, Vaseline, same shoes. The only thing I can figure is that it was a combination of it being so hot outside (aka sweatier feet), my insoles wearing down (I’m ready for new ones) and my shoes being a half size too big, since my feet are shrinking with weight loss. I continued on, hoping the pain would subside. I was glad to only have 3.1 miles left at this point. Two more Gel Blasts before mile 10.

Mile 11-12: The emotions started pouring in again at Mile 11 where Lulumon was cheering on racers with inspirational signs. I started thinking about my brother, for who my journey for health was started for. After his death in 2006, I made a promise to myself that I didn’t want my parents to have to bury two of their children. Had I continued my life the way it was back then it could have happened that way. At Mile 11, I had to hold back as to not become a blubberer 2 miles before the finish line. The blister pain subsided temporarily, but I also slowed down considerably the last two miles (to about am 18-19 minute pace). I had the last two Gel Blasts at Mile 12.

Last mile: Felt like the longest on the course and there was a very clear hill ahead. A hill at the end - REALLY? This also happened to be when I received text messages from both Jen and my former co-worker, Liz who also ran the half, telling me they were waiting to cheer me on near the finish! What a boost! I love, love, love how encouraging everyone is on the last mile. Between the racers who are already done, walking opposite, or the spectators there who tell you, “just a little further” or “right around the corner and you’re done.” I love it. This was probably my favorite part of the race (besides finishing). At the top of the hill I saw Jen and Mike and was SO ENCOURAGED, I sped up a tiny bit to finish strong.

Finish line: So, one of the cool things about Mercedes is that they announce your name as you approach the finish line. Since I was the only one coming down the half-marathon chute at the time, I felt like I had my own personal cheering section. They announced my name and I took off running towards the finish. Yep, I ran the last couple hundred feet or so. AND THEN I WAS DONE and got a pretty medal. My unofficial time (as in, my guess) is 3 hours and 40 minutes. A 16:45 per mile pace.

I grabbed water and met up with Liz briefly, which was really fun since she is from Nashville. It was so exciting to see seeing a familiar face from home at the finish line. Then, I stretched out and headed over to where Jen and Mike were waiting for Chez to come in, within minutes she was crossing the finish line.

Then, it was time to see Stephen and Will across the finish line. As they were nearing the home stretch, Jen had the great idea to go down to cheer them on and support them by walking with them the last quarter mile or so to the finish line. It was overpoweringly emotional to see them cross the finish line and have the race director there waiting for Stephen to hand a medals and beer off to them. We were all across the finish line!

The beautiful and amazing half-marathon finishers medal.

Mimosas and brunch at Silvertron followed and made a perfect celebration for all of our accomplishments.

It’s hard for me to find words to describe the immense accomplishment I feel. I don’t know why, but I didn’t I feel that when I did my first half-marathon. This time, for the first time in my life, I felt like an athlete. Whether I am or not, well, I guess that just depends on who you ask. But the point is, I’m encouraged. If you can’t tell, I’m very competitive with myself. Shaving approximately 38 minutes off my half-marathon time from April 2009 until now encourages me that I can make this body of mine do whatever I set my mind to. I already have my eye on the next prize – details to come soon.

A couple notes about the course/day:
- Well organized event. Great supply of water, Powerade and GU for constant hydration and nutrition during the race.
- Perfect weather – in the 30s to start, hoodie was off by mile 3 and Sunny and 50s most of the race.
- Some of the roads on the course are in need of some major resurfacing. It was hard on my ankles to navigate all the tiny holes and cracks.
- Major hills! There weren’t a lot of “OMG I CAN’T WALK UP THAT” moments, but it was definitely very up and down throughout the course.

I feel incredibly lucky to have the friends and family that were rooting for me from near and far. Thank you to everyone who tweeted me along the way and throughout the race (I’m looking at you especially Brittany and Cyndi). Thank you to EVERYONE for your Facebook messages of encouragement and congrats (Sarah, we WILL walk a half-marathon together). You will never know how much those messages and tweets mean to me and how much it encouraged me along the way. Many thanks to Stephen, because if it wasn’t for him I never would have decided to do another half. Thank you to Jen and Mike, who are honestly the most genuine people I’ve come across. To KG; Miss Lynn; Jenne, Joe and Audren; Kari, Drew and Emmalyn and the rest of my Nashville and St. Louis friends, who continually tell me they are proud of me. Of course, I can’t forget my mom who replied to my text confirming I finished with, “That’s fast walking!”

There were a lot of great signs people put up throughout the course. My favorite was "It's not sweat, it's your fat cells crying." (no pic)

I didn't pilfer the super pictures others took before, during and after the race, so go read race recaps and see more pics from Jen (www.thejenwestquest.com) and Will (http://ducttapeweddingring.com) at their respective blogs.

UPDATED: Here is Stephen's post-race recap.