Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 5K

We had a great time visiting family over the holiday weekend. Wednesday night we got to Sara's, Weightless, house around 10:00 pm. We had a good time visiting then we all went to bed. We got up bright and early and Sara made us Oatmeal (yum). We got to the Turkey Trot and it was 28 degrees! So cold it hurt just thinking about running.
This was the first race Davey and I have ever done together! In fact it was his first race ever. And guess what? He did it in 22 minuets!! That's a 7:20 mile. Amazing! Faster than Marines have to run a mile (7:30). He placed 123 out of 1400 people who raced.
I on the other hand, didn't meet my goal of 38 minuets, or my goal of running the whole thing. I feel like I was not mentally prepared, I was not thinking about the race prior to it, encouraging myself in my head that I can do this. I ran the whole first mile and I ran it fast for me, 12 minuets. Then mile 2 came and my asthma got so bad. I felt like there was something in my throat not letting air in. The cold whether didn't help much either. I had an inhaler, but it wasn't my normal one, and come to find out, my Mom said she thinks it's a preventative one, so it doesn't help for emergencies. Really there are no excuses. I should have just ran slower and pushed through. I finished 1250 out of 1400. I see a pattern in my running, some are amazing, some totally bomb. I won't give up though.
On a positive note, I finished in 40:40, but since we didn't start right away I think I might have finished in less than 40 minuets, so even though I walked half of mile 2, I managed to finish with my personal record for speed. Yay!
Me and Davey before the race.Me crossing the finish line, and Shane running towards me, I carried him across the finish line after I passed him and he ran after me crying because he couldn't catch up. Davey, I, turkey man, and Sara.
On another positive note, today I got a jogger for $25! I hope it works well. I had to take Cody to his last pre-op appointment before his surgery on Friday (please be in prayer for Cody! His little body being put under and worked on scares me so much!). His appointments are in Hollywood. We left early and went to Santa Monica so I could test out the bike trailer we picked up from Sara's house. It is really easy to set up, and a G R E A T workout. Going against the wind was very tough. On our way back was easier. We did 5.5 miles. I could have done much more but was pressed for time. At Cody's appointment I went to the wrong building and ended up walking 5 blocks one way to find the right building, so 10 blocks total.
I looked on Craigslist while waiting in the dr's and found a jogger I had called on a couple weeks ago for $30. I emailed and offered her $25 and she said yes. It was on the way home in Los Angeles, so I stopped and got it. So happy! Another answer to prayer.
We had a great Thanksgiving at my Grandma's. God has been gracious to us! So many things I am thankful for. My great grandmother is one of them. She usually comments on my weight (being heavy), and this time she said, "You've lost a lot of weight!". It was encouraging because she is so honest. My grandparents are always so hospitable, and it's very nice visiting them. The next day we ate at my Aunt's and she took us shopping and bought us many things we need. Was such a blessing. Then Saturday we went to my brother in laws (who is 14) football game which they won, now going to championship. At the game I saw two of my good guy friends from high school. One I saw last thanksgiving and was much heavier. I was glad to see him again and be much smaller! Even though I am not at goal, I am glad I am not totally mortified at the thought of seeing old friends like I use too.
My great Grandma and Cody.
You know what I always say, picture is worth a thousand words. So here are some of our week.
Us in Pismo. Christmas in the park in San Jose.

Christmas Challenge

I've been looking for a Christmas challenge to do for the month of December to help keep me on track. I couldn't find one I liked, so I decided to make one up of my own! I invite you to do it also if you want to, and you can modify it to your own challenge, or just do one of the challenges.
Challenge details:
Run: 75 miles in the month of December.
Sounds like a lot right!? It's part of my training for Surf City half marathon. It will be very challenging keeping my schedule. I made a chart, but as long as I reach the goal of 75 miles, I will be happy.
Bike: 150 miles in the month of December.
This is actually about 50 miles short of the beginning Olympic distance bike training. I am going to account every Spin class 8 miles, and do the rest on the road (yay for my new bike trailer thanks to Sara!). Since I have already done over 26 miles at Bike the Coast, I know I can do the bike leg of the Olympic Distance Triathlon, but I need to stay conditioned.
Swim: 5 miles in the month of December. Olympic distance tri is a 1 mile swim in open water. That is 4 x's what I've done other triathlons. In January I will really kick up my swimming miles.
Track & stick to points: Track and plan meals, stick to allowed WW points.
Starting December 1, I will track all my points, and plan my meals ahead of time. I am giving myself Christmas Eve and Christmas day to slack a little on points.
Weight loss: Lose 10 pounds.
I hope that with all the running, and tracking this will be easy.
Plank: Minding my Weigh challenged her readers to do a Plank Challenge and I committed but have not followed through. I am going to challenge myself to hold the plank for 1 minuet before this month is over!
And my final challenge is...
Read all 4 Gospels: Read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John through, in the month of December. That's 2-3 chapters a day. Considering He was born this month, to die for me, this is a reasonable goal for me to accomplish! I love spending extra time with Him this month, next to my Christmas tree, with a hot cocoa or a tea.

These are some very high goals I have challenged myself too. I am very bad at sticking to plans. So to say the least, I have my work cut out for myself. My biggest enemy is time. I have scheduled most of this, and will work hard to stick to it!
p.s. I realized I have not posted my goal for Thanksgiving day Turkey Trot 5K in Modesto. My goal time is 38 minuets. :)
p.s.s Happy birthday to my wonderful, beautiful mother! Thank you for having me :) You don't look 52 at all. xoxo

One Run

One run was what it took to gain my confidence back in the training and working out aspect.
Last night I started to run at 8:15 pm. I didn't want to go. The only reason I did was because of the 5K on Thanksgiving. I am in a dangerous mind set. My eating is out of control... well, not binging, but not in control either.
So I started running. Cold, windy, dark, quiet, creepy. There was a man in dark clothing "following me" (probably just on his way home, but my Dad, a police chief, has taught me very well to be very aware and what to do if someone is following you). So I turn down a street that is half of the big lap I normally run. I ran behind parked cars so he couldn't see me clearly. I thought, "I'm done already. I want to go home. I lost it, I lost the running mojo, the spinning mojo (because I only did one class last week), definitley lost my dieting mojo. To be honest I can't believe I haven't had a Gallbladder attack!" I was down. I get to my beautifully decorated house with tons of Christmas lights (which I did all by myself!) and I wanted to go in. But instead I said just one more half lap. Then I decided to do a whole lap. Then I started calculating how far I'd have to go to do 3 miles. 3 big laps, 1 half lap. Then I decided to go for four miles. I wasn't even at 2 miles when I decided. I felt better, stronger, warmed up. Not as cold or scared. I prayed and talked with the Lord.
1 hour and 3 minuets later I stopped running. I finished 4 big laps, and 2 half laps. I wanted to be sure I hit my goal of 4 miles. When I got to the end of my run, I quoted Forest Gump to myself, the famous line when he finally stopped running... "I just didn't feel like runnin any more." Ha. I chuckled out loud a little.
My legs were hurting. My hips were sore. My knee was aching. There is just something about 4 miles. Sounds so much further than 3. A lot of people can run 3. But not many can run 4! Plus 4 is my favorite number. So mapmyrun.com ...2 times I mapped it. 4.75 MILES!! I was shocked. That is 1/4 mile away from 5!! Now I know I can run the 10K in a few weeks (with more training). Today I am feeling good. And S O R E.
I must get back on track with eating though. Seriously! Once you fall, it's hard to get back up. Especially with traveling (leaving tomorrow), Thanksgiving, family, ect. I need to whip my eating in shape asap.
I'm excited to stay with Davey in near the beach while he works these few days. Running by the beach will be fun! Then off to Sara's, then Grandma's, then in-laws, then home. Happy holidays to everyone!!

Registered

Yesterday I registered Davey and I for the Modesto Turkey Trot 5k. We will be doing it with Sara over at Weightless. Very exciting! But I am not gonna lie, I am extremely nervous. I ran with the boys last night and I felt like I totally lost my running Mojo. Seriously. I don't know if it's in my head, or if it was really hard because I was pushing the boys, but I am not feeling as confident. My asthma again, was really bothering me. Maybe I will use my nebulizer before runs. I only did one small lap, and didn't even run the whole thing. Tonight Davey is coming home. Yay! I plan to run tonight, tomorrow, and Sunday. I am going to take full advantage of him being home!

And.... I just registered for my 10K! I'm excited, and very nervous. Nervous for reasons I just stated, and because I have not even ran a full 3 miles yet. I am trying to tell myself, it's okay, you can walk part of the 10K. But I have this mentality that if I do it doesn't count. I registered so I would keep my race schedule, and continue to challenge myself. I CAN and I WILL finish it!

Davey is coming home tonight. I am really soooo happy! I have Chicken and Dumplings in the Crockpot, and have a lot of cleaning to do. Yesterday I put up all the Christmas lights on the house all by myself! It looks great and I hope I surprise Davey. I told him about the money I spent, and he was mad. Hopefully he's over it tonight! :/ I think he will be :)
Sara found this bike trailer on Craigslist where she lives, and so sweet, she went and picked it up for me! So excited! But Davey told me not to get the jogger I was going to get, which was only $30! Hopefully I can talk him into it.

Bad Habits

Not tracking my food.

Spending money when I shouldn't.

Not staying on top of housework.

Eating too much with the hubby is gone.

Not brushing our teeth twice a day.

Not making my bed first thing in the morning (or at all).

Procrastinating.

Giving in to the boys when they want something, even when my better judgment says no.

Forgetting to get the things the hubby asks me to do done.

Not putting the laundry away asap.

Not waking up before the boys to pray and read my bible.

Right now I am feeling down, unmotivated, guilty for spending money and tired. I can't remember the last time I didn't want to go work out. But right now I have no motivation at all. I gave into some candy last night and right now don't feel like tracking. I know I have so much to work on as a wife, mother, Christian, and an "athlete". But right now I just don't want to. I want to sit with the boys and watch movies all day and eat popcorn and candy. Maybe I will just quickly pack up the boys and go to the beach. That would be nice. I know I will feel better once I run. I need to RUN!
I didn't get that bike trailer yesterday, my Walmart didn't have it. But it's waiting for me at another Walmart. I have been thinking I might wait on it though.
Okay enough excuses!! I will work on one bad habit at a time.

The Scale

As you all know I've been having issues with my scale. Now it doesn't even read a number anymore. A couple weeks ago I went and dug my old dial scale out of a box in the garage. That one read about the same or a pound or two more than my digital one was reading (after 5-10 times on the scale to get a consistent number). So I have not weighed myself in a few days, and last time I did it was on the dial scale, and it read 190 (or maybe even 189, but I just said 190 too be sure).
Last night I was feeling lonely and down, and I wanted to get out of the house. I should have gone to the gym, but Coaches class is insane to get into these days and I didn't feel like fighting for a spot.
So the boys and I went to Target. Yup. Specifically for a scale. I ended up buying a WW scale on sale for $20. I also bought the boys each a pair of PJ's (Superman & Spiderman) on sale as well. They need so many things, clothes, shoes (!!), sippy cups, undies, socks, jackets, everything. They are grown out of so much and Cody is wearing out all of Shane's hami-downs quick. Cody can't wear all Shane's hami-downs because when Shane was wearing 18 months clothes it was summer, and now Cody is and it's winter. You get the picture. They need things, and we have not been able to buy them anything for a long time. I am not complaining, I am so thankful for all we have, and the boys seriously could care less (except they really love their pj's i got last night :). Now that Davey is working I know we can get a few things. I admit it, I spoiled them a bit. They love Toy Story, so I got Shane some Toy Story Undies, got them Toy Story 2 the movie, I got Shane a big Woody doll for Christmas (it's in my closet until Christmas), Cody a little Buzz (only $7!), and a Mr. Potato head for them to share. And of course, we got some Licorice. I didn't feel lonely anymore, but I felt guilty! Oh boy.
Back to the scale, this morning I got on, and it said 195.1. Yikes!! Is it the scale? So I went and weighed my self on the cheap dial one, and it was in between 193-194. Oh no! Did I gain weight!? I wouldn't be surprised. I have not been tracking, or exercising much the last few days. I did run on Saturday, and went to Cycle on Monday.
So here it is. I have a beautiful working scale now. Motivation to see 189. Today, I am tracking, and tomorrow I am running. I am determined to keep losing.
Update on teaching Cycle: I filled out a 24 application and Jackie emailed me that with in a week or two she would invite me to do a group audition. Which means, the people in my class that live here will be auditioning too. Yikes! She said, and I quote, "Practice, Practice, Practice!" and she's right. I really need to practice, and I need my song list together. I need to be ready for her to email tomorrow.
Training update: I am hoping to purchase a used double jogger of craigslist tomorrow. I found one not too far from me for $50!! That's cheap, and the best part is, I listed one of my Graco strollers I used with Shane on Craigslist and someone is suppose to be by to pick it up in an hour or so, so that pays for the jogger. Hopefully it all works out, she comes here, and I go get the jogger. Sometimes people are flaky.
I am also planning on going to Walmart today and purchasing this Bike Trailer, $69 brand new and many many 5 star reviews.
Davey may be a little upset about the money spent at Target and the Bike Trailer, but really he'll be happy. ;) At least I keep telling myself that! Ha. That's all I'm spending and then it's time to save save save. We need to pay off our debt, then save for our future, not to mention big things we need (dryer, lawn mower,) but I'll let Davey get that stuff. And Christmas!
Race updates: It's looking like I might not be able to do the Santa Monica Gobble Wobble 5K. We will be out of town with family. So we are probably going to go stay the night with Sara on Wednesday night, and do a 5K with her on Thanksgiving morning. It is a very reasonable price! $10 per adult, $20 if you want a shirt. I think Davey and I are both going to do it! Will be a lot of fun to visit with Sara, my husbands cousin (Weightless), and her family.
After the 5K we will be going to my grandma's and staying there for a few days. I still plan on doing the Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run 10K on 12-11-10, and I believe Sara will be doing that one as well! Fun! I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I am putting up our Christmas lights today. :)

Week Re-cap, Family Visit, & Changes

Davey's Mom, Shane and Ameila

Shane and his cousin Amelia sleeping together. So precious.

Well, I'll try my best not to make this a super long post.
At the last minuet last Tuesday night we went to Morgan Hill (our home town). Davey had to go to Vacaville to turn in some papers (yes he had to go in person, not allowed to fax. Weird.) so he could get on the books with the Union. I didn't want to stay home alone again, because I knew he would be leaving for work weeks soon.
We had a great visit, and stayed until Friday. My mother in law and I went on a 10.5 mile bike ride on Thursday, it's such a perfect town to ride in. We took a beautiful country road. Took us 55 minuets, and we did a hill twice.
Later that day Sara [also known as Weightless] came over to spend the night. The boys and I went to lunch with my Mom at Erik's Deli. While we were eating a group of cyclist rode up. I got to show my Mom the type of bike I want and how their shoes clip in. She kept telling me how proud she was of me and what an athlete I've become. It was so nice to hear, you always want your parents to be proud of you. She said she would never attempt to do the things I do.
After lunch she took us shopping at TJ Maxx. She bought me a nice workout/running jacket. I also got a size L sports bra, and a pair of nice work out pants for $12 each! I love finding deals.
My mom also gave me a few pairs of pants, size 14. They fit but were a little tight, but one of the three fit perfect and they were all a size 14. Every brand is so different and it bothers me! What size am I??
My mother in law, Sara, and I went on the same bike ride on Friday. It was really fun. We came home and Sara made homemade salsa, black beans, and a salad. It was delicious and very healthy! Definitely putting it on our menu.. in fact I made it last night. :)
Davey got hired by the union. Praise the Lord!! Almost 6 weeks he has been unemployed. Wow. And the Lord is so good to us. I enjoyed having him home so much. We are so thankful for this job though. It's a great company, great pay, and benefits after 3 months. The only down side is he is working a few hours away. I miss him so much already! But again, I am so thankful for this job. With him gone I have to find a way to work out and to train. My 5K is in less than 2 weeks now. I need to run! I desperately need a jogging stroller. Running with our regular double stroller is horrible. Davey always does it, but I don't know how. I am also looking for a bike trailer. These things are not cheap! I am trying to find things to sell to be able to purchase them.
I will need extra determination to clean, cook, work out, go out, eat healthy and take care of everything while Davey is gone. Two toddlers, ten puppies, two dogs, a house, cooking, gym, training, bills, shopping, church, all by myself. I know I can and will do it, it will just be challenging. Oh yeah, and I am going to be auditioning soon to teach cycle! I need my playlist and to practice it over and over on the bike just like I would teach.
We just came inside from playing (boys were playing with puppies while I cleaned out their beds, poop, ect.). They are so cute! Shane has a favorite puppy and he named him Shane. Cody just grabs the first one that comes to him. I looked to see Cody rocking one and kissing it on the mouth, then putting it down the slide. Hilarious! The Shane put his puppy Shane into his trick or treat pumpkin. I got it on video. It might be an America's funniest Video.
I gave the boys a shower, now I need to give them lunch and a nap and eat and clean and do laundry, and then go to Target. I am so thankful for my boys, my husband, and his new job. I am determined to take full advantage of this time, though it will be hard. I want to do fun things and not just feel sorry for myself.
Okay I really gotta go now. I got two naked boys running around. :)
Cody, Amelia, Shane and Mariyn Me and Sara ( I look really horrible!!)

Update

This is just a pre-blog about my trip home with a quick update. I have been really busy and I have photos I want to upload and lots to write about our trip, I'll so that asap. But for now here's all weight loss related updates.
Weighed today: 190 -54 pounds total.
Exercise: Spin once this week, biked 10.5 miles once with my mother-in-law, biked 10.5 miles again with her and Weightless (my husbands cousin). Was a blast! Tonight- ran 1.67 miles in 21 minuets. I was shooting for 3+ but my asthma was awful! My inhaler was not helping, I couldn't breath at all. Very frustrating. I will run +3 tomorrow! Davey ran 3.02 while pushing boys in 26 minuets! He's too fast. The End.
Food/Tracking: Forgot my WW booklets since we left very suddenly, but I had myfitnesspal on my iPhone so I kept track with that and ate under or just slightly over everyday (slightly over just once). Hopefully I can shop this week and I will plan my meals again. Tonight for dinner I made Cheeseburger pie made with ground Turkey, Scallop Potatoes w fat free milk, and a diet chocolate cake (cake mix mixed with a can of diet soda).
Training: 5k in 2 weeks from today! 10K in one month! Need to focus on running.

Certified

The class on Sunday was great. It was suppose to be 8 hours-9-5, but we got out around 3:30. We had a handbook we went over. It was very informative. There is so much to know about Spinning! But Schwinn does not call it Spin, it's indoor cycling. Which I like. The certification was through Schwinn. I loved there approach. It's AUTHENTIC CYCLING. Meaning, they don't teach or do, anything that you wouldn't do on your bike outside. Which I love because.. I bike outdoors! Isn't it crazy to think, most Spin instructors don't even own a bike?
I have gone to some classes where they do crazy things with your arms, standing straight up and down with a straight back (acting like the bike is a stair master), hovers (which I do), and the biggest things.... Sprints always seem to be done incorrectly.
When you are on the road on your bike, if you want to go faster what do you do? [Confession, when he asked this I wasn't really listening..oops]. I answered, "you pedal". Wrong. You "Gear up". Duh! I just rode my bike for 26.1 miles the day before and I know if you want to go faster you go into higher gear. I did most of the ride in gear 5 and 6 (mountain bike) unless going up hill. Most classes I've done sprints in is on low resistance and pedal fast. That's not doing anything except hurting your knees he said. Makes sense.
He showed a clip from Tour De France [which by the way is 2,000 miles in 21 days, averaging 95 miles a day!], he told us to match our leg speed to theirs. We did. He said most of our legs were going faster, but they were really going faster. Why? They ride in high gears. It was interesting.
I have always tried to ride just like I would my bike outside because that's what I am training for. I don't put my head down, I don't rest my elbows on the bars when we are going up a hill, I don't stand straight up and down. Maybe that is why people comment on my form? I really didn't know much about it, I just knew if I cycled indoors differently than that's not helping me outdoors.
I got there about 40 minuets early because Davey had to drop me off before him and the boys went to church. Skip (the instructor) who is from Hollywood, and teaches at Crunch where Bob Harper teaches, was there and asked me how long I had been cycling. I told him 8 months, and that I have lost 53 pounds, and done 3 triathlons and other events. (I just have to tell anyone I can you know), and he gave me a huge high ten. During the first part of class we all went around the room and told about how we got into spinning. Everyone was shocked when I said how much I've lost and how many event I've done (only 5, not many). Felt good though. There were 4 people there that already teach, 2 from Bakersfield, 2 from LA, (they needed a Schwinn certificate), a personal trainer from my gym ( which I thought, "oh great, she will definitely get a class before me!") another guy from my gym who is a serious cyclist, another girl from my gym (who seemed to be struggling a bit during the rides and wasn't prepared for the day), and an older guy that travels all over So Cal and goes to different gyms.
Skip kept referring to me as his athlete. Ha! I'm such an amateur it's not even funny. It was fun though. He even brought me up on his bike to show proper bike set up. He pulled up my pant leg above my knee so he could show my knee, I was so thankful I shaved! ;)
I know Jackie, the manager of Group X for 24 all over So Cal. I like her a lot. She is Christian, Republican, and sweet. She lives here and teaches here so we've talked quit a bit and we are friends on FB. I wrote on her wall right after class was done that I was ready to audition :) Really I have to get my ride planned out and music together (which is sooo much more complicated than what I thought.. knowing beats per minuet to find revolutions per minuet.. yeah confusing). I will keep bugging her until I can audition. In the mean time I am going to go to Ladies First and the YMCA.
Weigh in was okay, down 1 pound... I think! My scale is being soooo silly. One high number, then an E for error, then a low number, then a number that looks about right, and I have to try it about 10 times. Ugh. I need a new one but don't have the funds right now! I was going to weigh at the gym but the scale is gone! :/
Really looking forward to running this week, and I can't wait for Coaches class tonight! It's been 2 weeks!
I realize all my posts are about the fitness part of this journey. I will talk some about my food.
I have not been tracking, but really want to. I just need to do it. Today I had 1 cup Oatmeal with 1 tbsp brown sugar, coffee with fat free Coffee-mate. Bite of boys toast, a piece of toast with Margarine (horrible I know), and a couple of table spoons of chocolate chips. Bad too.
Okay.. I determine... starting right now... I will T R A C K my P O I N T S. I mean it. I have not been counting calories, on WW at all, just burning a lot and not eating much fat. I can do better. Only 2 1/2 more weeks until Santa Monica Gobble Wobble!

26.1 mile Ride. Bike the Coast finisher!

Day started off pretty good. Woke up at 3:00am (went to sleep at 11:30pm :/) I couldn't really stomach anything. I had a little coffee, and half a bagel, and a few bites of oatmeal. Left the house at 4:25am, a little later than we wanted! But we made good time, got there at 6:40am. As soon as we got there my stomach starting hurting really bad. I walked to find a rest room, it was still dark outside. I found a very cute nice coffee shop and went potty there. I know.. very important detail. But seriously, when you are about to do an event, and have to go, you stress if you can't! So anyways :)

I registered and took pics with Davey and the boys, went potty again, and headed out. At 7:30 they announced the 25 mile group could leave whenever they wanted. I crossed the Start line at 7:42:19am.

It was an overall very nice ride. There were MANY hills. It was suppose to be flat, but I am glad it wasn't. This was perfect Olympic distance training. I didn't walk my bike at all.

I almost got hit by a car twice. Once the car was parked on the street and pulled out right in front of me. Second a car was turning right and got about 6 inches away from me. Scary!

I reached the half way mark at 1 hour, 3 minuets. I stopped and streched. My left inner thigh was cramping. I tried a GU for the first time.. and ewwww. I wanted to barf as soon as it hit my mouth. Thank God I had Shot Bloks, which I had to go to two different stores last night at 8pm to find. I still had no appetite, so I stuck to water, Gatorade and Shot Bloks. After 5 mins I got on my bike to continue when I saw a huge aid station/break area where all the bikers where getting sandwiches and water and going to the bathroom. I got ice water, used the restroom, took some photos, called Davey and was off. My total break time was 15 minuets, for which I don't count in the 2:04. There were no timing chips so no one was in a hurry. It was beautiful and relaxing. I felt good the second half, even a little faster and stronger.

I was riding along and heard these guys, and had to stop and take a picture. God bless our troops. I love our Military. It's because of them that we have the liberty to ride on the streets and to participate in activities. I am so grateful for them.

Relief flooded through me as I got back on the main street only a couple miles from the finish. I passed people and crossed the finish line at 10:01 am. Total time out-2 hours 19 minuets. -15 minuet break =2 hours 4 minuets total riding time. My legs were weak when I got off the bike, but my tank wasn't empty. I could have gone a few more miles :)

I was getting passed a lot of the time by serious cyclist. They all had cycle shoes, road bikes, cycle clothing, ect. But I did pass several people as well. I was happy with my speed, which averaged out to 4.7 minuets a mile.

After I got my medal I was super curious to know if the course was exactly 25 miles, on the website on the map course, it said 26.1. The lady I asked didn't know so she went and asked someone else and they gave me a paper, and confirmed, it was 26.1 miles. Woo! Almost a marathon on a bike!

We enjoyed a few hours at the beach after, and a free meal of our choice on the event. It was beautiful and in the 70's.
Here's to hoping I'm not too sore for my Spin certification tomorrow! 8 hour long class, 2 intense rides (so I hear). I will be sore on Monday! Hopefully weigh in goes really well. I am about to put the boys to bed now and watch a movie with my wonderful honey. xoxo


Oh and just for fun. Remember this before shot? Here's a new "So far" shot to compare.

Bike the Coast

Tomorrow is the day! 25 mile bike ride people. I am excited. I was stressing out about gas, and how far away it is, food for the trip ect., but now I am just letting the Lord have all that, and we are just going to enjoy it.

There is a 7 mile, 15 mile, 25 mile, and a 50 mile challenge. Mine starts at 7:30 am, so I want to be there by 6:50 am. That means we have to leave by 3:50 am! Going to bed E A R L Y tonight!

Davey is so sweet to always go along. He got a call for a job in the Union and they wanted him in Sacramento today at 7am. I was freaking out. Not so much about the Bike the Coast, but about the Spin Certification on Sunday. Who would watch the boys for 8 hours? I don't have any family here except my sister-in-law who is a college students, and just happened to be going home for the weekend. I was stressing! Luckily the guy told Davey to be there Monday morning. Feww. But, awe man! Boo. I don't want him to go :( After talking with his parents he decided to turn that one down because it is so far (office in Sacrament, could be working all the way in Yureka), and the Union will call him with a closer job. It was risky, but we are confident he will get a call again in a few days. His Dad just got hired with the Union so they want to work together on the same job, which is only 2 hours away. So I freaked for nothing, and he goes along to support me. I love him so much! I wouldn't want to do any event if he wasn't there, and that's the truth. He is the one I want by my side the most. But I do need to become a little less Dependant on him, and I do want him to do a triathlon for a change. There is one next month that's easy, cheap, and good for a first timer, so I hope to have the money to sign him up for it.

I studied the course map last night so I wouldn't get off track again even if there is no one directing people. I will go down the coast from Oceanside, to Carlsbad, to Encinatas and back. Should be easy route to follow, it's just down and back.

I could finish anywhere from 2 hours (pretty fast for me) to 3 hours (pretty slow). I am going to do my best and have fun and enjoy the view! It's not everyday I get to ride by the ocean. I wish it was!

Cody had a pre-op appointment yesterday. His pediatrician is a triathlete. I asked him where he rides and runs and he told me he goes up on the aqueduct. Why didn't I think of that! That would be so nice. He said he does a 13 mile run up there and a nice long bike ride. W O W. The only thing is it's a bit far from us, but worth it I'm sure.

We ran last night. Davey pushed the boys and left me behind (lol). I enjoyed the run on my own listening to peaceful music. At first I was so slow, my calves were burning. Then I got into a better grove. I did one big lap around my neighborhood, and a smaller one with in after that, totaling 2.09 miles! That's the furthest so far! Whoot! I did it in 29 minuets, which is not too bad for me. I am so excited that I can R U N! Me. The overweight asthmatic. Yes I am slow, but I can run with out walking, something I always wanted to be able to do. I am on running cloud 9.

November 3

Wondering why I signed up for a 25 mile ride... doesn't sound too hard, right!? Except I have never gone that far, and have N O T been training. And... it's about 2 1/2 hours away! Gas...time..food..tired... telling you, I am not excited.
Cody is super sick and wakes up all night long coughing for 3 nights in a row. I am T I R E D. I am going to sleep now, and hopefully will ride my bike around my neighborhood when I wake up, then go to church tonight. I am suppose to be tapering but haven't riden enough to taper and I am feeling anxiety about the ride on Saturday.
On a good note, had a fabulous time with my sister, her husband [Army soldier], and my niece and nephew. Many photos of the 4 cousins playing to come. :)
We went to Chili's and only due to fear of a gallbladder attach, looked at the calories and fat contents (salads... 44-79 g of fat!). I got Margarita Grilled Chicken.
D E L C I O U S. 13 g of fat (didn't eat all rice and beans so more like 7-9), fresh salsa and lime on chicken. Yum. I am so happy I was successful at eating out when I soooo scared to.

Half Way

Weigh In 11-1-10: 192.0
Total pounds lost: 52
Total pounds to go: 52
Total percent lost: %21.5
Total percent to go:%21.5
Ultimate goal: 140
Total Inches lost: 27"
Calf: -.5"
Thigh: -5"
Arm: -2"
Stomach: -6"
Waist: -6"
Bust: -4"
Hips:-3.5"
Total dress sizes down: 4
Total dress sizes to go: 3 (goal size 8)

I am exactly half way to my goal! Exciting and also overwhelming. I think, "Man it's taken me this long to reach half way, I don't know if I have the patience to go another 52 pounds!" but I do and I will. I have no choice! I didn't make it this far to give up now. I am confident that it won't take me as long to lose this half, unless I get pregnant :)

I feel like I am more in the grove, it's my lifestyle now. It's not as big of a struggle, and I am not always battling myself to do what I need to do. It's just what I do now. I get up, eat oatmeal or whole wheat waffles for breakfast. I have a sandwich for lunch with low fat cheese, no mayo, lunch meat and veggies, or a can of tuna with a tiny bit of mayo, chopped pickle wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla and baked Lays, with a bowl of warmed up frozen fruit with fat free coolwhip, and I look forward to this. I don't desire the foods that use to have a hold on me.
Saturday night my sister-in-law and her friend came over and brought pizza (which was my idea.. genius I know) and low fat dessert (angel food cake and strawberries). I was so hungry and ate 3 pieces of pizza!! I regretted it right away when I felt full, bloated, uncomfortable, and immediately felt my gallbladder swell. It felt exactly like when you are pregnant and the baby is right under your rib cage pushing on it. I started to feel sick, and in pain. Luckily I had a vicodin and took it and felt much better soon after. I was so fearful. I don't have insurance still, so I want to avoid going to the ER or even an appointment. I can't have surgery to take it out until I have insurance. I really don't want to take it out! I am scared to get surgery! So is this a blessing in disguise? I have to eat very very low-non fat, NO GREASY FOODS, and not over eat. Hmmm... That is what I need to do anyways to lose weight! But I don't want to be on vacation eating out one day and have something with a lot of fat and have an attack and need emergency surgery. So, I am going to pray the Lord heals me, while I do my part to eat right, and hopefully it will get better and won't have any issues with it.
It all makes sense now, all the times I've gotten sick after eating fatty foods, or overeating since losing weight. I've read several times that losing weight can trigger the gallstones, and eating fat there after creates attacks. Weird, but now I CAN'T have fatty greasy foods. Blessing? I think so. But, I don't want to go my whole life with out eating a piece of cake or pizza every blue moon.
Davey is in Morgan Hill right now, on his way up north to take care of some paper work for the union job. I miss him already and have enjoyed him home. I've been depressed with him gone, and a friend from college lost her 4 month old baby last week and I just found out yesterday. I am so sad for her, and realize how precious life is. All I know is it was very sudden and unexpected. I've been checking on the boys all the time when they sleep and being extra careful with them.
Yesterday was a blast. Church, pumpkin carving, trick or treating, church again where we had pumpkin pie. The boys were so cute trick or treating, Shane would go, "Trick or Treat! Unlock it peas!!" while trying to open their door. So funny. And Cody was so round and when he fell he would roll. So hilarious. Thanks to my Mom for making the costumes. My sister and her family are coming tomorrow for a visit!! They are moving from WA to Georgia (military orders). Can't wait to see my nephew and niece and my sister and her husband! I have not seen him in a year since he went to Iraq for his 3rd deployment. I am planning on going to cycle today at 4:00pm, with the boys.. I guess I have to get use to it. I can't go to Coach's class tomorrow because family will be here, and I need to get in some good sessions for before Saturday! I am beginning to wonder why I signed up for this. :/ Here are some funny shoots from yesterday. The boys were pretty scared at this house.. it was a good laugh. We are so mean huh? :]