Tinkerbell Half Marathon Recap

I did it!
Another half marathon down. One to go!

I decided back in September to run the Tinkerbell Half Marathon and the Princess Half Marathon so that I could earn a pink coast to coast medal from runDisney.

And then December came and went and I was really regretting that decision because I've done zero training for any kind of long distance running. I mean, I haven't even been going to Crossfit regularly since I hurt my hand right before Thanksgiving.

So not only was I untrained, but I've packed on a couple of extra pounds to carry along with me as well.

Guess what? It didn't matter. I PR'd!!! By almost 5 minutes. I'm not going to pretend that I'm fast. Because I'm still super slow. But? I did it. Better than last time.

I'll recap, but I'm a total loser and took ZERO pictures. Not even the obligatory post race pic with my medal. Super bummed.

The night before the race I worked until 8pm. Husband picked me up and we went out to dinner. We had originally planned on seafood, but the wait was 45 minutes and I really wanted to get to bed as soon as I could, so we ended up at Outback for some steak instead. I'm not really a huge believer in carb loading before a race, so I high proteined it with a big steak and some salad,  but did eat some of my baked potato on the side. After dinner, we headed back to the hotel. We had decided to stay at a hotel across the street from Disneyland so that I could walk to the race, since it started at 5am! Husband had already checked in to the hotel before grabbing me from work, so we went straight to the room. I showered, laid out all my stuff for the next day and called it a night!

I can't decide if it was the worst bed on the face of the planet, or if I was just anxious about the race, but I tossed and turned all night long. My alarm went off at 330 in the morning and I actually hit snooze I was so tired!

When I got up, I got ready, made a protein shake and grabbed a banana before heading out the door. I walked the one mile to get in to my corral and made it there at about 425. And then waited. And waited. And waited. Finally we saw the fireworks when the national anthem was sung, and then came the first disappointment of the race. There were no fireworks as each corral started. If you have runDisney before, you know that each corral begins with a bang, but not so this time. It was kind of a bummer.

Shortly we were being ushered to start, and then came the anticlimactic start. I have a tendency to start out too fast (relatively speaking) and the slow down a ton at the end, so I had to make a conscious decision to keep it real this time. I decided to use the Jeff Galloway run-walk-run method and it worked out great for me this time!

The first 6ish miles were in the parks, and they were fun!! We wound through both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, and both backstage areas, and it was a great time, but after mile 6 we headed out on to the streets of Anaheim, and it got kind of boring. The only other races that I have done have had plenty of entertainment to pass the time, so I was kind of disappointed. We ran through some neighborhoods where there was signage with Tinkerbell telling us to be quiet because the neighbors were sleeping. The signs were cute, but I'm sure that is one of the reasons for the lack of entertainment. Around mile 9 my calves started to cramp. BADLY. With each step the corresponding calf would tell me to stop. And I refused. I kept moving regardless, and I'm so glad that I did, because by mile 10ish they had stopped! Husband came out to cheer me on, so when I saw him at mile 11(or so) it was the nicest pick me up, and it gave me the energy to just keep going.

When I hit the 13mile mark, I realized that it was possible for me to get a PR! I tried to run all the way through the finish line, but my body wasn't having any part of it, so I had to walk for about 30 seconds during that last .1, but I ran through the finish line and managed to PR! Given the fact that I haven't been running and I'm carrying some extra weight, I didn't think it was possible, but YAY!!!

Overall, I was a little bit disappointed with the Tinkerbell Half Marathon. The weather was amazing, but other than that, I was more impressed with both the Disneyland Half and the Princess Half marathons. After my Princess Half next month, I think I'm done with this distance for a while. 

Either until I somehow magically run faster, or until I can drop some serious poundage. 

Do you runDisney??

Crossfit: Is it for you?

I know that there is a huge debate about Crossfit.

Some people are like "people get really hurt and they have kidney failure and muscle breakdown, and it's really not a sport, it's just working out."

And other people are like "Crossfit is the best thing that ever happened to anyone. I drink the juice and I think that I am superior because I can do every workout as prescribed and do it faster than any one else on the planet."

And then there are people that are in between those two. People like me. That haven't seen incredible results, despite over a year of trying. But continue to go back each and every day just because they like it.

So you might be asking yourself if you think it's your "cup of tea", and the answer is, you're the only one that can answer that question. But let me tell you why I like it. And maybe it will help you decide if its for you.

1. People tell me what to do. Don't get me wrong. I'm not the type that likes to be bossed around. And my Husband can attest to the fact that my brain automatically turns off when I get told that I need to do anything. But at Crossfit? I love the fact that my workout has been decided for me. I am told what exercises to do to warm up. How to perform the exercise properly. And often times yelled at during the workout because I'm not pushing myself to my full capabilities. These are all luxuries that I wouldn't otherwise have. Luxuries that usually come in the form of a personal trainer. Which brings me to my next point.

2. You basically have a personal trainer. Like I said, the coach tells you how to do each exercise and which exercises to perform. And when I had an injury? The coach came up with a personalized plan, just for me, so that I could continue to work out and keep my endurance up for my upcoming half marathon.

3. Everyone can do it. There are videos on line of people doing Crossfit and performing all kinds of crazy, out of this world stuff. But every single move is scalable to a level that anyone can perform. So you don't have to worry if the person next to you is lifting 5000 pounds if all that you can lift is 25. Do the workout that way. And some day you'll be lifting 5000 pounds too.

4. You are good at something. I am not an endurance athlete. Yes, I have completed three half marathons, but all very slowly. Body weight exercises? Not my strength. This is a lot of weight to lift up over a pull up bar, yo. But weight lifting? I can hold my own. Turns out I'm pretty strong. And the great thing about that is that some work outs pair something I'm really good at with something I'm really bad at, so while I'm out sucking at the run, I can be confident that when I come back in to the gym to lift heavy things, I'm going to rock it.

5. You are not alone. Maybe working out alone is your thing. I envy you. I like being around other people or I get crazy bored. Trust me, I get super mad that I'm last, like, all the time. But it's totally better than being by myself.

6. Muscles. Have you seen crossfitters? They are rad. Muscles everywhere. I, personally, would love to have that many muscles. I will never be a little girl. I am not built to be small, nor do I want to be. I have seen a lot of changes in my body as far as muscle tone and shape that I don't think I would see with any other form of exercise. So muscles. Yes. (p.s. totally not me, though I wish it was.)

source

7. One hour. I am a busy mom. BUSY. So fitting as much work as I can in to one hour is a big deal. And I feel like Crossfit does that for me. And I'm pretty sure my Husband feels the same way. Both of us have run half marathons without running hundreds of miles before hand. The whole premise behind Crossfit is functional fitness. Being fit enough to do anything at any time. And to be able to train for that in one hour a day? Sold.

see? two half marathons. only crossfit.

These are only the reasons that I, personally, like Crossfit. Yes, it's expensive. And yes, it is sometimes a chore to make it to the assigned class time. But you get way more than you pay for.

Try it out.

See if you like it.

You might find that you are capable of far more than you give yourself credit for.

Just let me know how it goes...

Have you ever?

Just when I thought I was ready to endure anything, God is totally putting me to the test.

Two weeks ago I was sprinting at crossfit and heard a "pop" in the bottom of my foot, followed by the inability to walk without pain.

The next day I went to see an orthopedist (so thankful for amazing health insurance) and was diagnosed with a tear of my plantar fascia. It's the muscle on the bottom of your foot that runs across the arch, from your heel to the ball of your foot.

Ouch.

So I had a beautiful boot for two weeks, and now I'm back to limping in whatever shoes I choose.

The good news is, I've still been working out. My trainers came up with a program for me that includes swimming and a whole bunch of other stuff. So I'm totally staying active.

My question is, have you ever run a half marathon six weeks after an injury that keeps you from doing any impact on your foot?

Because I'm going to.
I'll let you know how it goes.

Balance

I get it.
There is some kind of crazy cliche in the (fitblogging) universe about people that don't blog for a while falling off the wagon and gaining weight.
But that's totally not me.

I just haven't had much to say.
I've been super busy trying to focus on my four kids.
Going to crossfit four times a week.
Trying to figure out some paleo snacks that are grab and go.

Trying to balance working out and doing what's best for our family.

And then I got to thinking about how every single weekend we have about 5 places to be and we're never home long enough to do the dirty dishes that are piled up in the sink.
And what's going to happen when the littles get bigger and we have 10 more places to be?
I want our kids to be well rounded and active, but I don't quite know how to balance all of the activities along with the rest of our crazy schedule.

But I'm still here, trucking along.
Eating paleo.

Being distracted.

Missing box jumps. (which I would really not recommend)

Coaster 5K

I did my first 5K of the season!!
Husband had signed us up for the Coaster 5K while I was still pregnant with the thought that it would motivate me to get back in to running shape after the baby was born.
Not so much.
I've had a really hard time fitting work out time in to my schedule, meaning that I was totally unprepared for this race.


The night before the 5K the three big kids spent the night with grandparents, so all we had was the baby. We enjoyed a nice quiet dinner out and then headed home because I can no longer keep my eyes open past 10pm.


That morning, we got up early, dropped the baby off at grandma's house, and headed up to the race. We got there in plenty of time and walked around a little bit to stay warm. Because, you know, 55 degrees is really cold for us So Cal natives.

We lined up in the 14 minute mile pace group and tried to make our way around all of the walkers knowing that we would be "running" for at least the first mile.


I actually ran the whole first mile. At one point, I tried to stop, but Husband wouldn't let me. (Thank you Husband!!)


The rest of the race was a mixture of walking and running, all while trying to beat a pace of a 15 minute mile. I had recently downloaded the Runkeeper app to my phone, and it updates you every 5 minutes of your pace so that you can adjust accordingly. I had set it to a goal pace of 15 minutes per mile, so it made pacing really easy.


At the finish line of the race, there were lines and lines of boysenberry pie, and if you are from around these parts, you know that Knott's Berry Farm is known for their pie. Well, because of my whole sugar free until Easter thing, I had to say no. So my piece of pie came home as payment for babysitting the kids.

The race was fun and flat, and I would do it again in the future. It also made me painfully aware of how out of shape I am and how much training I have to do in order to be ready for my half marathon in september. I'm kind of starting to freak out. Only 5 months left!!!

Five weeks

I signed up for my first post-baby run, and it's only five weeks away!!
EEEK!
I have some serious training to do before then if I want to get a decent time, but I at least know for sure that I can finish it. So while I would love to get back to my previous 5K time (and of course do way better), I'm thinking that my first goal should be to just get out there and run. Or run/walk. Whatever.
Just finish!!


(and for those of you who care, I will not be partaking in the free boysenberry pie offered at the finish, since the race will by during my sugar free trial period. bummer)

One proud momma

One of the biggest reasons for wanting to get healthy is to set a good example for my kids.
And some of my favorite moments are seeing them at the finish line of any of my races.


I'm totally not in race shape (given that I just had a new baby and all) but thought that it would be fun if they could run a race to start getting them more involved. 
Husband found the Disney Kid Races a couple of months ago and signed them up, and I'm so glad he did!


They broke them down in to age categories with the 1-3 year olds running 100 meters, and the 4-6 year olds running 200 meters. All through Disney's California Adventure!!


The race was super fun, but surprisingly a little bit disorganized, especially for a Disney event. When we first arrived, there was a huge line to get in to the park, because they were bag checking every body and it was essentially a single file line.

waiting to get in to the park

Once we were inside, they filtered every body to the back of the park, to a holding area. It was divided in to three areas, one for each age group, and it was there that we waited. And waited. And waited.

waiting

and waiting

and waiting

The race was supposed to start at 8am, but because of the long line out front they had to push back the start time.
And then they had the older kids (whose distance was one mile) run first. So we waited for them. Finally it was our turn to go, but the kids decided that they wanted to run together (which was so fun), so they both ended up running the 200 meters, together. (I love that my kids like to do so much together).


Once the race started, it was done in true Disney fashion. They started the kids in small groups, of maybe 10-15 kids, so that it wasn't a big huge mob of people running down the course. This also allowed each kids name to be called as they crossed the finish line. And they were greeted by Disney characters!!
My 3 year old even got to give Mickey a high five as he crossed the finish!

the finish line

After the race they were corralled in to a big area where they were offered Clif bars, water bottles, bananas, bagels, and fruit ropes. As though they had just run a half marathon or something. But they loved it!


Mallory ran way faster than I thought she would, and I even missed her as she came running through the finish line, but I was able to catch Daddy and Donovan, and I was so proud! It was so fun to see how much fun he was having.


We decided that we would sign them up for the same race in September, when I run the half marathon at Disneyland, and make a weekend trip out of it. Happy memories, for sure!!


I am so proud of my kids for doing such a great job, and can't wait to do it again!

After the race with their Super Cool medals

This just happened

I need some serious motivation up in this place.
I feel gross.
And so sedentary.
And the fact that I am still wearing maternity pants? Totally unacceptable.
So I gave myself a little kick in the pants.


This just happened.

I better get on it! 
Going from not running for the past 9 months to a half marathon in 8 months is going to be hard work. 
But mommas gonna do it!!!!

Totally Worth It

So I went out for another walk/run today to add another 3.7 miles to the total for my Joggermom Marathon. (Bringing the current total to 15.5 miles.) And had a conversation with my 2 year old that made all of this worth it.


Donovan : Mommy, why are we going for a walk?
Mommy : Because mommy needs to exercise.
Donovan: Mommy, can I exercise too?
Mommy: Sure Donovan, that's a great idea.
Donovan: Kay mommy, me exercise like you.


I know that it doesn't seem like a big deal. But to me, it totally is.
Because one of my biggest motivations for getting healthy and losing the weight is to set a good example for my kids.
So that they don't grow up fighting the sedentary lifestyle that I grew up with.
So that hopefully, they don't have to struggle with their weight, like I always have.
So the fact that my 2 year old wants to exercise, regardless of the reason, makes all of this totally worth it.


My heart is so full.

Wahoo's 5K

So, over the weekend, Husband and I ran a 5K.
Now I know that not every race can be great.
But this one? Not.good.at.all.

(here we are before the race.)

First of all, I woke up in the morning feeling like dirt. Either that, or what i would imagine one feels like after getting hit by a truck.
Totally gross.
But I sucked it up and got ready, and figured that if all else failed, at least I could walk some of the race.


We got to the race and got ready to go, and I just was not feeling it.
When we started, I tried to set up my Nike+ so that I had an idea of my pace, but because it was a brand new phone and I hadn't yet set up my sensor, it was picking up everybody's signal, so it wouldn't register.


I ended up running the first mile or so, and then walked for a little bit. I had a hard time finding my pace, and my breathing was kind of funky.
So I kind of ran/walked the rest of the race.


So disappointing.


I started Couch 2 5K about a year ago. You'd think by now I could run the whole thing.
But no. I did finish at least, and I did beat the time of my first official 5K (which was last July) but by no means did I PR. 
Which I was kind of hoping for in the back of my mind.
Way in the back.


I didn't do so well, but Husband? So proud...

A long way to go

The Joggermom marathon is in full swing. It is almost halfway through the month, which means that theoretically, I should be half way through the mileage.
Um, I'm not.
I did add to my total today with a walk/run (notice that I put walk first) while pushing both boys in the jogging stroller. But oh-my-gosh those boys are heavy! I'm guessing all together with children and stroller I was pushing about 80 pounds. Uphill. both ways. in the snow. barefoot.
Could I complain any more? (yes, probably. But I'll save you the drama.)
Anyway, I logged another 3.6 miles this morning to make my grand total... 8.7miles.
Totally not half way.
I guess I have some catching up to do!
Because today I got an email saying they added a new prize.
A Mountain Buggy stroller.



And while it won't work for me, because of the whole thing about me having more than one kid that still needs the stroller, I kind of want to win it anyway.
To sell so that I can buy an iMac bless someone else.

17.5 miles left!!

Who's coming with me?

In my internet/blog searches as of late, I came across this really cool thing.
A marathon in a month. At my pace.
They don't have to be organized runs.
I could do a mile a day.
But, I have the chance to win some really cool stuff.
And?
I'll actually be doing something.
Which is more than I can say for myself as of late.
So, I'm totally signing up, and starting the whole thing off with a 5K with Husband.


Who's coming with me?

This is what happens

I woke up this morning with absolutely no motivation to go to the gym.
Yes, this has been my norm, but it was magnified like 20 times today.
Mallory is home from school, and I didn't really want to pay the extra $3 to put her in the childcare, and it would have been super fun to have the time to just play with the kids. All of them. Plus,  she was really excited about being home with mommy today.


But I went to the gym anyway, because I've been feeling super guilty about my total lack of motivation lately.


I paid my $9, put the kids in the childcare, and went in to my BodyPump class.


Of course, about 20 minutes in, they came to get me to change a diaper. Of course.


So I grabbed my bag and went in to the bathroom in the KidZone to change said diaper.


I pulled down the changing table and threw my bag in the sink so that I wouldn't have to bend over while trying to hold tank baby on the table with one hand.
And then I heard the water running.
In the sink.
Where my bag was.
Which normally wouldn't be tragic, right?
Except that the only part of the bag that was filling with water?


The pocket that was holding my cell phone and iPod.
Of course.


I frantically tried to dry off my iPod and my cell phone while my baby lay naked on the changing table.


And then I decided that maybe I should put a diaper on him before he decided to make everything else wet too, if you catch my drift.


So I changed his diaper and continually tried to take my phone apart, because that's what I've heard you're supposed to do if it gets wet. 
Only it was wet. So it was slippery.


I finally got the phone taken apart, and broke the case off of the iPod so that it least it was as dry as possible.


And then I brought them home to this.

Which supposedly helps.


But if this is what happens when you try to boost your motivation and actually go to the gym? I'm out.

Turtle Style

So I realized the other day that it has been almost a year since I first started running using the C25K program.
I know because I've kind of restarted it, only this time, I'm using it to increase my speed.
I know it sounds crazy, but I have got to do something to speed up.
Because I'm so stinking slow when I run.
Yes, I have had a couple of 11 minute miles. But even that is super slow for some most people.
My average pace is somewhere between 12 and 13 minutes/mile.
Too. Stinking. Slow.
And I really don't know how to speed up.
My legs could totally go faster.
My lungs? Not so much.
I know that I'm totally the turtle. That yes, I finish the race.
But I'm sick of running turtle style.
I want to just run.

Magic Shoes

Husband and I recently went and bought new shoes.
It was a lot of money all at once, but I finally went to a running store and got properly fitted.
Yesterday, I desperately needed to get out of my house. My boys had been up since 3 am (which of course meant that I had too), and although they napped well in the afternoon, my patience was pretty much spent.
So after the kids were in bed, I decided that I would go for a walk. 
I had just had dinner, so I didn't know if my stomach could handle running, but I knew that I had to get out and do something.
I left with the intention of walking to my mom's house which is about 2 miles away, and then having her drive me home, because I'm totally afraid of running in the dark, and it was already dusk.
So off I went. Walking in my new shoes with my worship music playing in my ears.
The next thing I knew, I was running. And then before I knew it, I was at my mom's house. My almost 2 mile walk turned in to a 20 minute run!

It felt so good to get out of the house, get some fresh air, and spend some time by myself with Jesus. The running was just an added bonus.
The only bummer is that I'm having a hard time getting my Nike+ to work now that it's in the little pouch on top of my shoe.
I'm calling my new shoes magic.
I'm wondering if I can get a magic scale somewhere too.

Spring Forward

I have heard so many complaints about the time change over the past couple of days.
Me?
Loving it.

• The kids sleep in until at least 7, because the sun is not out yet. (And really, is sleeping in until 7 that much to ask anyway?)
• I can shut the garage door from inside the car using the garage door opener instead of having to cast a shadow on the sensor by standing on the driveway. (I know, simple pleasures.)
• I can run when Husband gets home.

The last one is the one I am most excited about.
No more crazy childcare fees at the gym every. single. day.
No more rushing around every morning in an effort to actually get to bootcamp on time.
Just me, and my music, and my running shoes.
I CAN'T WAIT!!
Tonight's the night, friends.
When I will be reacquainted with good old running.
What a great day-before-my-birthday gift.

What would you do?

I have been going to a crazy bootcamp for the past month or so. And while I am seeing great improvements in my fitness, (um, 11 minute mile?) I am not losing weight.

I have been pretty diligent about counting calories, staying around 1500 or 1600 for the most part, and I have not lost a single pound.

I'm not complaining, just stating facts. 

I'm having a hard time with it, because yes, I do want to get more fit and be able to do more, physically. But I am desperate to see a change on the scale.

I love bootcamp. It pushes me to do things that I would never even attempt by myself.

I miss running. The music in my ears, my feet hitting the pavement, the fresh air on my face.

I'm trying to decide whether I should continue with bootcamp for the next couple of weeks, go back to what I was doing before, or even try something new all together. Or maybe combine all of them?

My main goal through this whole process has been to get healthy, and with that has to come some weight loss, which at the moment is not happening.

So my question is, what would you do?

Like Lightning

I know, I'm the turtle. I get it.


I'm totally slow. And that used to be okay with me.


But I've been finding myself longing to be faster.


Comparing myself to other runners.


I don't put in as much work as I should. I know.


But I really want to be able to say that I actually run. Instead of "well, kind of."


So Sunday, I ran 2.5 miles at about an 11 minute mile pace. Okay. Well, awesome for me. Not exactly sprinting. But way faster than I used to be.


And then I remembered. My Nike+ logs your fastest times. What does mine say?

Sub 11 minute mile? I'll take it, even if Nike+ isn't always right. And I haven't run a 5K as of late, so that time is from a while ago. And my Nike+ malfunctioned during my 10K, so no time is even recorded. Like I said, it doesn't always work right.


Maybe one day I'll be able to run a 10 minute mile. Like when I've lost another 20 or so pounds. We'll see!!!

The Right Tools

We all know that I've been frustrated lately. And of course I realize that it is my fault and that I'm doing it, and I'm in control.


But I was wondering if maybe switching up the tools I use might give me a little plateau buster.


So I signed up for Sparkpeople. I've been thinking about counting calories for a while now, and this seems like a pretty user friendly tool for doing so. Plus, I can enter my actual calories burned, which is helpful since my HRM does that for me.  I'm still doing Weight Watchers and the PointsPlus system for now, but if this works out, I might just have to switch over. We'll see.


I also signed up for another boot camp. This one is indoors with spring loaded floors ( my knees will thank them ), and even offers childcare, which is pretty much unheard of in boot camp land. The best part is that friends of mine signed up too, so we can all get healthy together! Yay!

I owe myself...

The plan was to get up this morning and go for a 5 mile run. I had it mapped out. I was nervous, but I was ready.


And then Husband returned from the gym and informed me that it was 37 degrees outside. I know that it might seem warm to some of you, but for this born and raised So Cal girl, 37 is really cold. I mean, the last time that it was 37 degrees at 730 in the morning, I was probably on vacation. In the mountains.


So, I gave myself an excuse a reason not to run this morning. I could have just laid in bed under my nice warm covers and cuddled with the kiddos.


But I did not. I ran to my iPod, looked up the closest group X class, and off I went. 


And then on the way home, I had this urge to stop and do a 5K around a local lake. But I did not. Again, making excuses finding reasons for why that was just not a good idea (I had already been gone for over an hour, and Husband was home alone with all of the kids, my iPod was at home on my nightstand, it was still really cold outside). I'm really good at "finding reasons".


So here I am, a couple of hours later, wishing that I would have run my 5 miles this morning, because who knows when I'll get the time to do it again. And even though I still got a good workout in at class this morning, my heart was kind of set on 5 miles.


So, I owe myself a 5 mile run.


And if you haven't done so yet, go check out the Sisterhood. And join the Power of  One Challenge. You know I'm not a big challenge girl, but something has got to give at this point.