Day 83 BTWG "Here today ... gone tomorrow!"

And so the final day has come and gone and as I sit and reflect on 12 weeks gone by and the journey ahead I'm amazed at how much I have learnt in such a short space of time that will stay with me:

• Understanding that the choices I make can have a profoundly positive impact on my well being if I stay focused on my outcomes and enjoy the journey.
• The ability to very quickly count calories without it being the chore I've always thought it would be.
• Enjoying running in 33 deg F - what's that about!
• Enjoying running at all!!
• Enjoying and needing breakfast.
• Needing more than 4 hours sleep a night!
• Learning and enjoying making nutritious meals more than once a week!
• Realising small dogs don't make great running partners : ((
• Realising small dogs make great yoga buddies : )
• Wondering how to get everything done with only 24 hours in a day!
• Enjoying getting up at 7:30 on a cold Sunday morning to run with the GODDESSES.
• Seeing my first coyotes!
• Running 10 miles because I can!
• Completing 3 races!
• Getting joy from wearing "once too small" clothes.
• Getting joy from giving away "now too big" clothes.
• Running faster - feeling fitter!
• Meeting new people!
• Making new friends!
• Ready for BTWG part II "going it alone".

And so if you've experienced your own journey and can reflect with some joy, look forward to what lies ahead with greater confidence. For all those excuses you had today must surely be gone tomorrow!

Ciao
N

Day 74 BTWG "Troughing, flying and water retention..."

Wow how did I get here so soon with only a week and half left 'til the BTWG program finishes!

Last week I was sent off on an urgent project to San Fran. I made sure I packed a yoga mat, resistance bands, a Pilates ball, running gear determined to make good use of that hotel time. I got one run in and a yoga session but was pretty pissed at the lack of free time available. Couple that with "optional" meals out as a "team"and you get too many opportunities to fall off the wagon! Complete nightmare but I still tried to be as mindful as possible though wholly successful. By Sunday afternoon, when we returned on the red eye I was fed up, bloated and exhausted. Stupidly (or not as the case may be), I had the brilliant idea of weighing myself as soon as I got home - hmmmm - the extra 8lbs I had gained nearly knocked me out - @*^!?? Drastic action called for - I made a careful exercise and nutrition plan then ... errr ... went to bed!! Hey! I just said I came in on the red eye!!!!

Well this week I have had all day off-site meetings followed by "optional" dinners out with the senior management but I stuck rigidly to my nutrition plan. I was chatting with a friend who is pretty clued up when it comes to exercise / nutrition etc (well he used to be before he gained 20lbs, a wife, 4 kids and a dog) and he explained that my weight gain was temporary - just a combo of "troughing", flying, water retention!!!" I was bound to gain some weight. I weighed myself again just to check the theory and was pleased to see that 6 of the 8lbs had disappeared - hoorah!!

What an amazing journey and what a huge difference to the way I live my laugh. Tonight I had dinner with a girlfriend I have known since I have been in Indy and tonight she said "Vanessa you're just too exhausting these days with all this crazy energy you have I can't keep up you're just go, go, go!!" It made me laugh when I thought about the first time I met crazy Kelly - I think I'm morphing into another crazy graduate. Well to be fair I had just had my first X Fit class with Chris which is certainly enough to get you buzzing with energy. Another friend of mine proudly proclaimed that my BTWG life change had prompted her to sign up to one whole year of fitness coaching!! A year - wow!!

I think the BTWG program has made such a huge difference to my approach to food, exercise and well being. I'm at that stage of looking for my next opportunity to squeeze a work out in and feeling guilty when I indulge unnecessarily but brushing it off and focusing on the next day. I really focus on my food choices when eating out and happily ask for modifications to cut the fat out. Sometimes I feel like Sally from the movie "When Harry Met Sally" as she is very precise when she orders food modifying pretty much everything and the great thing is it's so easy to do that here in the US without the fear of the European reprisal!!

Saturday I have another race - the Jingle Bell Run and an afternoon of Harry Potter and girlie chit chat. Then there will be one week left to drop the extra 6lbs I'm carrying - eeek!! Do you think chopping off an arm is too drastic????

Sayonara ...

COUNTDOWN: 148 Days to OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini Marathon

Day 63 BTWG "10 miles down, 3.1 to go!"

Today for my endurance run I decided I would try and run 10 miles on the Monon Trail with the option to walk if it became too much. I left the house with a protein bar in my pocket and a water belt and began my warm up walk to the 10th street entrance of the Monon. The run started well but the rain was determined to fall and I was not prepared - but I had decided I wasn't going to let this stop me. The first 2.5 miles were undoubtedly the hardest. I think just knowing I had a long journey ahead of me made it that much harder to get moving! I started very slowly knowing I would need to conserve some energy for the latter part of the run.

Somewhere around mile 3 it suddenly became much easier - everything just seemed to start falling into place and I had to think less about what my body was doing and more on keeping a steady pace. It was pretty cold and grey out and I only saw 2 other runners but there were plenty of cyclists out, wrapped up against the cold breeze that had started to blow following the rain, and so many overweight squirrels that would probably have fared well from a jog or two themselves. By the 38th street bridge I realised that I would manage 7 miles no problem and if I could just get to 56th street, my turning point, then maybe the ten miles would also be achievable. The whole run I kept looking for things to focus on in the distance and as soon as I reached them I found the next tree, lamp post, mile marker, building to run to. This pretty much seemed to keep me going. Every so often I would have to adjust my running gait as I got more tired and lazy so that kept me present - no opportunity for the mind to wander too far.

At 56th street near the small park I made my turn and began the 5 mile journey back to the start of the trail. The wind had picked and not in my favour : (( I managed to pick up the pace to try and compensate - which surprised me but I was still feeling pretty strong. The rain really started to come down and I was finding it increasingly difficult to see, luckily navigation isn't an issue on this trail.

Somewhere between 28th and 25th streets I saw what looked like 3 dogs cross the trail and head into some shrub land in front of me and something told me all was not right. These 'dogs' looked odd, stray, like a cross between foxes and wolves. Coyote? Downtown? Hmm I wasn't convinced but something told me to keep an eye on them. I slowed as I passed them - watching them as they watched me from the shrub - and as soon as I was passed them I picked up the pace not looking back but really wondering - "could there be coyote this far down town?" Not knowing anything about them and as it was starting to get darker and colder, I just kept on going. They could have been stray dogs?? Hmm I'll never know.

The last stretch - I knew I'd finish - and my legs kept moving faster and faster! I was getting really cold and hungry! I was already wet from the rain and the temperature felt like it had dropped 10 degrees from when I left home : (( But the end was in sight - and I was watching the clock every 10th of that last mile - desperate to be able to stop! My watch gave me that 10 mile alert and the sense of relief was immense. I kept on walking - my warm down walk home. Something was hurting but I couldn't work out what it was. It was like everything below my waist was one and pinpointing pain wouldn't be possible without poking and prodding every muscle and joint. I polished off the protein bar and the remaining water and made it home in record time.

I opened the door to 2 furry faces wondering where I'd been and where dinner was??? No clock needed in their world!! I bent down to unlace my trainers and ouch!!! I found the pain!! My hamstrings were tight and angry and bending wasn't an option without some serious stretching. I managed to drag myself upstairs and into a too hot shower to try and warm up then spent half an hour stretching and using my foam roller to ease off any muscle tension. Finally with hands touching feet again we all ate and crashed out!

Wow what an afternoon. 10 miles! Mini marathon here I come! It really surprises me that I'm running at all. 15 years ago after a rugby accident I was told running wasn't an option! It's amazing what you can accomplish if you're determined!

Night!

Day 60 BTWG "Thanksgiving turkey"

Great joy - after an awful few days with very painful knees, slow running and even slower enthusiasm I signed up for the Thanksgiving Drumstick Dash. Basically I decided that if I was in too much pain to run I would be one of the walkers and get a hoof on.

Well the night before I felt pretty good. I collected my pack - which I must say included a rather fab tech tee (hey I'll take that over the "medal for the first 15,000" any day) and tried not to go crazy on carbs - so I just had a spinach salad, large enough to feed a small European family, with all the trimmings, lots of water and an early night. Funny - I got pretty nervous about the whole ordeal and have absolutely no idea why.

Race morning came and after a large cup of tea and bottle of water I ventured out to Broad Ripple for the big race. As usual I was racing against the clock before the gun had even gone off - just can't understand why I am late absolutely everywhere I go - and managed to find a parking spot not too far from the start.

Well I was super surprised to see the 1000s of people all lined up - crikey this is a popular event. I headed down to the 11-12 min pace marker and just waited for the start. I felt pretty good for the first mile or so but for some reason was mega pissed by the number of walkers who had evidently lined up at the faster pace markers knowing full well they would never keep pace. Which meant that us slower runners behind them had to play dodgems as they casually strolled practically arm in arm blocking the road ahead completely aaaarrrgghhhh how annoying. I managed to elbow my way through but THERE SHOULD BE RULES FOR LOITERING ON A RACE TRACK!!!!! At one point I actually ground to a complete halt - I'm sure that added ooohh AT LEAST 5 seconds to my time!!!!

Well I wasn't to be perturbed and managed to plan my route ahead - even if it meant the 4.5 miles I was meant to be running ended up being 5 miles as I zig zagged the walkers, strollers and dogs - hey ho! For me it was perfect running conditions - 38 deg F - which seems to suit me well strangely - as I can't bare the cold. But being a human radiator when running the chance to stay cool suited me.

At 3 miles I thought I would have to walk - the usual 'started to fast!' thoughts entered my head and I honestly thought I needed to stop but my legs were having none of it! I'm always surprised how a race can just pull you along. I kept focusing on the runners ahead - picking out individuals to pass - and feeling very exhilarated as I actually passed them. I think I passed more people than passed me - which says something about my strategy for my next race. The one common denominator - I was always passed by a lot of people on the 'hills' - note to self - "more hill running in training!!!"

All in all - I was very pleased to see the finish line! I really gave it my all today and didn't collapse in the heap at the end - which says - may be it wasn't QUITE my all but I'm pleased - another 45s / mile off my PR - suits me!

The rest of the day I spent stretching, cooking, eating and chatting to friends in London on Skype. A good day all in all and so - TO BED!

COUNTDOWN: 162 Days to OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini Marathon

Day 56 - BTWG "4 weeks left and counting..."

Wow can't believe week 8 is over so soon and Thanksgiving will be here in a flash. Had a tough week this week with visitors over from London and Germany and lots of meals out. Didn't go completely crazy but a challenge none the less.

I topped the week off with a solo GODDESS run on the Monon which made a nice change but only managed 4 miles as everything seemed to ache today. In fact as I type, my knees are encased in a large bag of frozen beans.

Went to the opera this afternoon then for a tuna salad which were both very good and I think I'm just about ready for bed - once the knee pain has eased off a bit!

4 weeks left to make a difference!!

Day 49 BTWG "The GODDESSes run with the wildlife"

Well this week the GODDESSes surpassed themselves with a 5 mile trail run in Eagle Creek. It was a great morning for it led by the honorary GODDESS himself Sensei Roche. It felt like back breaking up hills all the way for the first 2 miles sparsely accented by modest down hill sections only to be cruelly followed by yet another up hill. But with one foot in front of the other I made the full distance feeling thoroughly exhilarated and completely exhausted!! The run was made extra special by the sighting of a "stag", (sorry city chick has no idea about local language for Bambi's cousin), that I think must have been a 15 pointer?!*!?!**?! OK so I have no idea what I'm talking about but it was a whopper and not the burger variety - well not yet anyway : ((

It was such good fun and really hard work, as was evident on the journey back to KR's!!! Hope to do that one again very soon!!!!

COUNTDOWN: 173 Days to OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini Marathon

Day 42 BTWG "The GODDESSes run on water"

Check out the GODDESS RUN on http://www.mapmyrun.com/, and if you feel the urge for an early morning run on Sundays - come run with us - all are welcome!

It's been a month since BTWG graduate Sherri got the ladies together for Sunday morning runs at the canal and it's a real motivator to get you up and active. The run is followed by a trip to Starbucks for tea / coffee and a deep, desiring sniff of "way too many calories". Come and join us, no pressure, just fresh air and exercise.

If you do feel the urge just let us know - the route will change every so often so stay tuned.

COUNTDOWN: 180 Days to OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini Marathon

Day 39 - BTWG ... OUCH!!

In an attempt to continue on my wellness mission a certain GODDESS, who shall remain nameless, suggested that we could supplement our training program by venturing down a new path of self flagellating masochistic 'pleasure' aka Pilates. Good grief! This has to be one of the most effective torture methods to ever come out of Europe closely followed by thumb screws and the rack. Needless to say today I feel as though I have been hit by a proverbial bus with nothing functioning in any manner remotely resembling "athlete" but closer to a 90 year old decrepit hobbit. I know I shall feel the benefit at some point but at the moment I would sooner settle for the ability to sit down without wincing!!
Ooucccchhhh!!!!!!

Day 35 - BTWG "Hindu GODDESS Face Plant"

Wow can't believe it has been sooo long since my last blog - slacking methinks. Have been a bit ill this week - stomach? problems I think - but hoping a visit to the docs next week will fix that. In fact I'm also going to see a Chiropractor next week too - not looking forward to that at all but having problems with my neck - I think bit by bit I'm slowly falling apart!!

However I triumphed on Thursday with 7 mile run which felt good. I ran to the canal, twice around then back home. I was only expecting to complete 4 miles but felt so good at 3.5 I thought I'd just keep on slogging. The canal is an interesting place at 7 in the morning - just a few other joggers and ducks to keep you company but strangely peaceful! The oddest thing was running by street light and finishing by daylight. Never thought I would ever manage to run that far so feeling a lot more confident about running a mini next year.

Had another great GODDESS "Girls Out Doing Damn Exercise Successive Sundays" run this morning. Although I was a tad late I managed to catch up with two other goddesses floating through the White River Park. I'm really staring to enjoy this whole "running in the morning" thing - especially when you have fellow die hards to join in the fun.

I decided the dogs deserved a special treat so went to Eagle Creek for a 3.5 mile hike after lunch. And judging by the fact that they haven't moved since having dinner I would say they are completely tuckered out.

I even managed to squeeze a strength work out this evening - wow it's pretty hard but thankfully short - who on earth came up with the "Hindu push up" - I think "Hindu face plant" is far more appropriate - will seriously have to practice that one more often!!

Well enough rambling - to bed me thinks.

COUNTDOWN: 187 Days to OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini Marathon

Day 25 - BTWG "Week 4 blues!"

Not sure I dig this whole week 4 thing. The slob in me is rejoicing! It has also coincided with a rough week at work - I think I have averaged 4 hours sleep a night this week so far!

Dreading getting on the scales on Sunday : (

I was really looking forward to a run tonight and had to go out quite late as I didn't manage to get out of the office until 7:30 - still it was enjoyable. I keep practicing chi running and I find I have to concentrate on what I'm doing as it's so easy to lapse back into the old running style as I get tired. I'm finally starting to understand the concept of taking smaller steps as I run - not very intuitive but once you get into your stride (or not in this case), it becomes easier. Great evening for running too.

I'm getting better organised with food these days - that's becoming much easier. I have my morning 'grab lunch' routine and oftentimes I make a salad the night before to take into work but my lunch bag seems to be getting bigger and bigger each week as I find I have to eat smaller more frequent meals / snacks. I'm turning into a grazer!

Right now the clock says Day 26 has already begun, the dogs are asleep, the dishwasher's humming, it's peaceful outside and I still have about 3 hours of work to do!!! Hmm think the duvet wins tonight.

Day 21 - BTWG "Every cloud ..."

Wow can't believe 3 weeks are up already. Had a dire week this week both food and exercise. A combination of eating out too much and not doing all the work outs. I think if I could just get into a routine of doing my work outs in the morning I could manage everything else and to be able to do that I need to go to bed earlier. But I don't go to bed earlier because I'm out so late - something has to give I think.

Made my first ever soup today and it was really great - a complete shocker from the only 'chef' that has managed to burn water. I even had enough to freeze for the week. Unfortunately I decided to make a pumpkin soup!! I think I burned more calories getting into it than I consumed. Won't be doing that again in a hurry! I totally understand why jack o' lanterns have that ubiquitous jagged smile.

This week I'm determined to get back on the wagon - I'm feeling physically well and still enjoying the running so there's always a silver lining.

Bring on week 4!

COUNTDOWN: 201 Days to OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini Marathon

Day 14 - BTWG "Autumn is here"

Another week of BTWG is over and still feeling good although I spent most of the day in bed talking to friends in the UK. Went for a long run - well long for me - and it was very hard work. I think I just started out too fast and wasn't wearing ideal clothing but made it home in good time. I had to pace myself by "target" running or I'm not sure I would have got home without walking back - not very motivational. It was also quite chilly - I may need gloves in a month or so!! I'm determined to run outside for as long as I can - it's so much better than running on a running machine. We'll see.

I can't believe 2 weeks are up already - it seems like only last week I started all this! The running is getting "emotionally" easier - less worried about how I look and more focused on the right posture to prevent pain. I still haven't managed to extend my running - I'm hoping this will come in time i.e. next week ; )) No hurry!!!!

Day 11 - BTWG "A Gene Kelly Moment ..."

I woke up today too tired to go for a run so had a well deserved lie in - well lie in until 7 and had a "long" day at work. Was keen to get home and run even though it had been raining all day. Unperturbed, I ventured out at around 8 wearing semi water proof jacket and non water proof ski hat and ran 3 miles around downtown. 1 mile into my run the rain got heavier and heavier so I spent the remainder of the time trying to see through rain splattered and steamed up glasses, and splashing through huge puddles. Not for the faint hearted but good fun all the same.

Day 9 - BTWG ..."Rain stops play?!"

Well this has to go down as the hardest day so far! Couldn't face intervals this morning and was stressing all day about doing them after work with all the rain we had. When I left the office it was getting darker, colder and pretty miserable.

By the time I got home I was pretty much decided that today would be a "nil point" day. But somehow I found myself getting out of my work clothes and into my running gear without really thinking about it - glad I did!

Day 8 - BTWG "Free day proves expensive!!!"

OK so it has been a while since I have reported anything and I've had a few ups and downs. Decided to make Friday my "FREE DAY" as it tends to be a socialising day for me and frankly this Friday I went a tad crazy - in fact enough to cover all my "FREE DAYS" for the next 12 weeks so I have decided that self control is not my strong point and will avoid having too many free days for the rest of the program.

After my Friday indiscretion, including a very late night, my punishment was having to get up early on Saturday morning for yoga. Having managed to get out of bed - feeling somewhat dehydrated - I had a great class which I'll be looking forward to from now on. Then home for a nap, followed by a round of golf and a great healthy dinner.

Sunday was more of the same but included my long run. I decided to run along the canal this week, instead of by the zoo and it was a lovely day although rather mixed weather.

I have just read Chris' blog on running with an iPod and he's sooooo right. I started using one a while ago then stopped and found it to be an immensely positive experience. It really helps me tune into what my body was trying to tell me and typically leads to pain free running.

However this Sunday I thought some music might be nice for my long run and it just about killed me. My sense of rhythm is pretty good so I often find myself running to the music which is a nightmare every time the song changes and I then change my pace. So I end up with no tempo, feel absolutely exhausted as I'm running too fast and suffer lots of aches and pains along the way. There's just no room for music and physical feedback in my runs - on this I confess to only being able to do two things at once: run and listen to me.

In the end I spent about half an hour stretching to loosen off all the tight muscles I'd developed and frankly I felt stiff the rest of the day!
Had a good work out this morning - well if it hadn't been for Dougie (#1 PUP), I would have stayed in bed. The pups have got used to a 6:00am walk and breakfast and today wasn't going to be an exception. I'm glad I did my work out though, felt a lot more virtuous all day - and also didn't have to worry about trying to fit it in this evening. Things seem to be getting a bit easier and I'm having to think less about things which saves time and effort.

Intervals tomorrow!!!

COUNTDOWN: 214 Days to OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini Marathon

Day 4 - BTWG "Can't wait for the weekend!"

Had a great work out today - even though the skipping is still posing a problem - I managed to do a few more this time. The sets are getting easier to remember so much faster today. I even had time to make a protein shake and take the dogs on a decent walk all before going to work.

It was another busy day at work but managed to eat well. I'm really starting to get my head around what I am eating - I just need to come up with more alternatives so I don't get bored.

Now I'm at home with more work to do and feeling too tired to continue. Off to meditate methinks and then bed - can't wait for the weekend. I think I shall make Friday my rest day and go for my long run on Saturday morning. I'm already half way through the first week ; ))

Day 3 - BTWG "Habit not Hunger"

Ha! my morning workout regime came to a grinding halt today - just toooo tired to get up at 6am again. (Probably the lack of food the day before!) Had a very relaxed time all morning - things just seemed to flow so much better today now I'm more organised and not worrying about what and when to eat.

I had a major revelation on the food front: I am very rarely hungry and when I do eat I normally eat until I'm uncomfortable.
I have really been paying close attention to this, this week, and it's been a real surprise how habit rules my eating not hunger! Today I made a conscious effort to eat until truly satisfied which led to me snacking through the day rather than having 2 large meals a day!

I knew I had my work out still to do so left work at reasonable hour. It really seemed extra hard tonight but I have found the chi running book to be fantastic. Now I run without music and just listen to what my body is telling me - I'm finding it easier to make adjustments as I run to reduce the tension in my body. I'm still as slow as a slug though. but no discomfort which is great!

I'm really tired tonight so early to bed for me - just hope I can make it through the week ; )

Day 2 - BTWG "It's all about the prep"

Today I completed my morning work out - this is proving a challenge when bed is one of my most favourite places to be! The skipping was a nightmare - I think that activity alone could have taken me all morning. The combination of bad knees and low ceilings didn't help - so I had to abandon ship on that exercise or be unable to walk for a few hours. I'm determined to manage a few more skips next time until I can get to the target. The rest of the work out was pretty rock in places but I could definitely feel the effects.
Took the dogs for a walk afterwards, then got ready for work, made a protein drink to take to the office and I was set for the day! Or so I thought...

Hmm today was pretty much the same story - I can't believe how undisciplined I am with food and my schedule! I arrived late from work again today which led to 'nil by mouth' for dinner. I wasn't remotely hungry. Decided I couldn't be "out for a duck" so spent the rest of the evening making a large veggie chili for which I carefully logged all the ingredients. When finished, I divided it into 8 servings and put all bar one in the freezer. Feeling very pleased with my progress I set about making a salad for lunch tomorrow.
Tired and achy I went to bed after some de-stressing. Tomorrow will definitely be a better day - late working or not!

Day 1 - BTWG "Tomorrow will be better!"

So today I started the program officially and had a so so day failing miserably on food - but strangely enough because I ate the wrong foods but because I didn't eat enough food!! I can hardly believe it - I always considered myself a real foodie but may be not.

I managed to get through my intervals this morning even if my warm down ended up being a very slow crawl back home - how hard was that!! I was so late getting my act together I ran out of time for breakfast and had to rush off to work.

Lunch was fine - I had a healthy - ish stir fry but was horrified by the calorie of the oil and sauce that came with it - hmm will have to have one or the other in the future. Before I knew it it was 7pm and I was still at work trying to get through my backlog from my trip home.
I eventually arrived home around 9 pm - too late and tired to think about making something to eat so ended having a protein drink for 'dinner', completed my logs and then carried on working through work emails in prep for tomorrow. No fun! Tomorrow will be better - just didn't plan well at all!

I'm determined to get through this but it has been surprising how the nutritional part of the program has proved the most challenging today. And so to bed ...

Another PR but soooooo tired!!

OK have returned from big family event, been for a run, spent time with my nephew, had a nap and still feel tired. A touch of jet lag methinks.
Run was great - quite hilly but still ran a PR. I think the colder weather makes such a huge difference.

Happy Days ...

Today I am in the UK with my sister after an exhausting transatlantic flight. Haven't run in a few days so hoping to get a morning run in tomorrow. Great being home again!

Wow what an eye opener!!!

Today I had my initial fitness test with Chris (as I shall be away when everyone else has theirs), had my hair done and went shopping for books. I bought Chi Running by Danny Dreyer, of which I have yet to browse through; a new journal to keep track of everything; and a book called The food, Beverage and Supplement lists from Eat Right for Your Type by Dr Peter J D'Adamo. What a major revelation. In essence the philosophy focuses on the principles and strategies of something called the blood type diet. It's believed that there is a strong connection to blood type and diet and eating certain foods mismatched to your blood type can have a damaging effect where the same foods for another blood type may be beneficial. Well I have just spent the last hour thumbing through my abridged version of the book and about 40% of the food I love is on the AVOID list. Wow it would explain why I feel crap most of the time. I need to get the unabridged book that has Dr D's complete research. Can't wait to try this out starting .... well .... NOW!

Another brick wall

Tonight I'm exhausted. Didn't quite manage to get out for a run this morning so went for a quick run with the pups about 2 hours ago. Now I can just about keep my eyes open. I have no idea where all this energy is supposed to come from - I just feel drained most of the time.
Had my orientation for BTWG - I see light in the distance ; ))

What gives?

Why am I still awake at 12:50am? I need to be up in 5 hours!!

Morning madness ...

This morning I was awoken by one of my dogs who was feeling less than well. After some immediate care I decide that going back to bed wasn't an option so ... I went for a run instead! Wow - this was really foreign. I'm used to falling out of bed, into the shower, dog walk and feed then work. The days of doing some physically activity are way behind me - or not - as this morning proved to be an active one.

After 'faffing around' for half an hour looking for sock, iPod, shoes, key, other sock, head band, iPod then sock again, I eventually ventured out into a very dark and quiet morning. Then after putting one foot in front of the other I found myself on Ohio Street running towards Meridian without a second thought. Up Meridian to North Street then east back home. A short run but actually quite enjoyable. Felt pretty good all morning then was hit by a proverbial truck around 2pm. Hmm - this will take some getting used to ...

Pain and Some Gain!

Yesterday I ran my first 5K! I have been running for a couple of months now and am as slow as a slug! Yesterday I made a major advancement - now I am as slow as a slug on a rainy day! I'm planning to run a mini marathon next year - eeek I need help quick!

Music seems to be playing a key role in my running so at some point I shall have to get used to running without it! I'm hoping that once I understand how to pace myself I will eventually be able to manage without the samba beats or some other rhythmic selection from my iPod.

I'm still sore from running yesterday and then playing golf at Plum Creek but today was glorious: a long lie in followed by a deep tissue massage then brunch at Patachoux and a short walk on the Monon. Le soleil brille all day ; )

It's a 5K day

With a gentle ‘nudge‘ from a close friend, today I finished my first 5K race! I’m sooo excited! I just put one foot in front of the other and ran a 11:58 min mile avg – fantastic but now I’m worried I’ll lose momentum all over again. I may have scarring on my lungs, a 3 inch pin in my knee and an extra 15lbs to lose but I can get fit with the best of them I just need a plan.

When would NOW be a good time to start!

Eeeek. Not to be put off, I checked that my crazy idea was OK with my Doctor then bought The Penguin’s books to read, running gear including shoes and went for a jog in the gym on a running machine. Twenty minutes later I had every pain known to man in my butt, hip, back, knees, hamstrings, Achilles, and the heels of my feet! Hmm no fun!! But I persevered. I managed to run 2 miles at a pace of 12 min / mile each time I went to the gym but always had some discomfort somewhere. I spent more time doing yoga and stretching after a run than I actually spent running – this didn’t seem right! I started to lose motivation – this hurts too much!! But I was determined!

After a few weeks of running on the treadmill I ‘knew’ I was ready for the outside world!! So fully equipped with running gear and iPod I went for my first ‘run’ on the Monon at 12pm on a Saturday in 95 deg F heat (because I love the sun!!!). Well as you can imagine I proved that I wasn’t capable of running at all – every 10 meters I thought I would collapse – I couldn’t work out where all the ‘other’ runners were – eventually I went home and had to lie down – then woke up 4 hours later feeling very sore, groggy, pissed off and demotivated! When I relayed my failure to colleagues at work I received comments of sympathy mixed with stupidity – but hey I thought I knew it all.

A tad more educated and still determined I paid closer attention to the weather conditions and started to log my efforts and was averaging 13:35 min mile avg but as time went on the pace wasn’t getting any better and I just started to lose all motivation. “I’ll never be ready for the mini at this rate and I refuse to walk it!”

All Pain and No Gain!

I used to be very active: I ran, swam and threw discus for school, played rugby for my university, county netball but a couple of years after playing rugby for a first division ladies team in London I dislocated my knee cap, had two knee operations and 18 months later was told I was free do ANY sport I wanted as long as it was swimming, cycling, walking or golf and absolutely no running. Imagine how soul destroying that was at 25 years old. So not to be hard done by, I did them all. Eventually I found myself back in a gym doing as much as I could including rowing, cross training and swimming and I had managed to convince myself that I was doing OK!
Somehow I could never shake the feeling of missing out on something. Five years later I found myself in pain, unable to breathe with a resting heart rate of 140bpm and was later diagnosed with sarcoidosis, an autoimmune disease that my father died of in the early ‘70s. Several years of drug therapy followed as well as a 30lb increase in my weight and by 2006 I was in and out of hospital with one ‘issue’ or another. Then came a new year when I moved to the US. I became so sick and tired of being sick and tired I “burned the book”. I wanted to be one of those people that I saw jogging on the Monon - I wanted to lose weight become really trim - wake up in the morning with a spring in my step … so I started on a new path. I signed up for the 2010 mini marathon!!!

A New Day Cometh!

Hey welcome to my Blog Spot.

I'm brand new to all this and looking forward to having some fun.

I'm originally from London but now live in downtown Indianapolis. A big move with many adventures on the way! This photo was taken in Vegas - our suite at the MGM Grand.

This space is primarily to post ... whatever is on my mind. At the moment I'm focused on running a mini marathon!!!

Come on in the water's great!!

Day 1 of 10,000

Hey first day and the whole world is ahead. Can't wait to start sharing - blog on!!!!!