Mental Blocks & Accountability

From time to time I actually read the posts that I get on FB from great running and health sites. Unfortunately, I don't read them all...I just don't have the time. But the title of this one captured my attention since I struggle with this from time to time. Though I enjoyed this article titled "5 Ways To Run Past Your Mental Blocks", it was really a link in this article that I liked best called A Few Rules To Run By. Both articles gave me the boost I needed to keep my head on straight. Hopefully, I will refer to these in the future.

On to the daily grind...I have found maintaining my weight is a struggle at best. True, I'm not the 25 pounds overweight I once was. I have, for some time now, reached my goal on Weight Watchers and am a Lifetime Member. But it wasn't until this time that I realized just how difficult it is to stay focused and keep the weight off...especially when not going to the weekly meetings. Thankfully, WW Lifetime Members requires you to weigh in once a month to stay active in the program. The problem with that is that it is easy to be lazy in the eating plan in which case refers to me. You, also, miss talking with others who share their successes and their struggles. I have picked up many great recipes by talking with other members. The up side to staying in WW is the real reason I joined WW in the first place...accountability!! I see now that this is what I need to stay with it. Otherwise, I would probably pick up that weight again. Running has kept my weight down, but the lack of eating correctly has me feeling hungry all the time and not so good inside. I have tried to "start anew" several times and I just don't stick with it.

But for those that claim that WW doesn't work only prove that they are NOT eating the plan! Actually, I get tired of hearing how they "use to be" a WW member or has "done it" several times only to still be overweight. This only proves that they enjoy being spoiled and eating what they want because they don't have "Mama" standing over them telling them "you can't have that piece of candy, it's too close to supper". Now, come on...that's the truth, huh? Admit it or not, you know deep inside the truth is lack of commitment and discipline. Of course, it's hard.

And for those that want to blame "metabolism" on it...let me dispell that lie. Dr. Oz (and everyone believes what he says) said that's exactly what it is...a lie. We can rest in whatever makes us feel good, lazy and spoiled all we want but tests can prove to differ. The metabolism theory was tested. It was done between a couple of long time friends, one skinny and one overweight. They followed them for a period of time (I think a month), watching what they ate, what they did and how active they were. The bottom line is...all of that made NO difference whatsoever because they ate and did the same things. Both were inactive, per se'. Either you eat and exercise and begin to get healthy or you don't and get sick and fat (or even skinny)...that's it!

We have these bodies to take care of...no choice here. There are so many things we can eat that are good for us. You may not "like" to eat right, but I feel a lot of that is because we don't "want" to eat right and choose to eat what we want. So what are we going to tell God when our time on earth has come to an end and we are so unhealthy? Why haven't we been taking care of the very shell that we were given to live in? We live in America and have so many things to choose from to eat. Either we can learn the things that fuels our body and learn to eat correctly or we can be lazy and grab whatever temptations come our way. It's our choice. We live in a lazy society. Note, mind you, I did not say busy. Oh, yeah, we are busier than ever but how? Doing what we WANT to do and not what we need to do. Take care of yourself so you can enjoy life longer...it is mostly in your hands.

One More Before No

Got in a run this morning before leaving to go to Jackson for minor surgery. Did a great ab and core workout along with weights and floorwork. This procedure takes me out of running for 5-7 days. Having this done every 5 months, I never seem to be able to "accept" the change...even for a short period of time.

On the good side...I got my Brazil Butt Lift in the mail today. Okay, I'm a sucker for some of the infomercials. This just looked like good workouts for the butt. The best part...it comes with a pencil! You know what that's for!! So since I am on hold for the running, this package was well received. Hopefully, I will be able to begin my workouts real soon. I'll keep you posted. Can't wait....

Lots A Running

Last week we did a lot of running. At least, for me. Here is a snapshot of my daily workouts:

Sunday: Biked 4 miles
Monday: Ran 5 miles
Tues: Ran 5 miles
Wed: Ran 6.1 miles
Thurs: Ran 4.1 miles
Fri: Rest
Sat: Ran 6.2 miles

The entire time we were in Pensacola, the weather was beautiful but the wind was strong. We ran anyhow. After running my first half marathon, I realized training "elements" are good for you though you don't know it at the time. Several times I had to run in gusty winds. When time came to run the half, it was then I realized the previous running was great preparation. Winds were 25-30 mph throughout the entire race with temps in the 30's making me wear layers and layers of clothing!! A record breaker for the race. It was beautiful, but these things were a challenge to say the least.

At the race Saturday, the Gulf Coast Classic, I thought I was ready for beach wind. But when we drove up, I told Kent that my stomach wasn't feeling well. This annoyed me and I chalked it up to pre-race nerves. For some reason, I get the jitters before a 10k but no other race, even half marathons! Go figure...it makes no sense. The last run I had done (on Thursday) was a series of fartleks. I had hoped with this and the running I had done this week it would prepare me for a great race time. The weather was gorgeous, temps were perfect, breeze (not wind) was fantastic and the course was flat. Perfect criteria for a PR.

BUT...at the first half mile I realized this was not going to be the case for me. My stomach was getting upset. There should be absolutely NO reason for this. I take great care in eating correctly the night before a longer race to fuel my body for what it needs. I kept going but at a much slower pace. When I would increase my speed, my body told me "NO WAY", so back to a slower pace I went. This went back and forth adding to this the thought of even walking part of it; but I didn't have to.

I was so disappointed as I felt so ready for a great run. I saw the clock as I neared the Finish Line and instead of the usual push at the end, I kept my slow pace and eased in. My Garmin read 57:59!! Awwww!! This is horrid to say the least! So I figured the official time would be a second slower as I looked up exactly when I crossed the line. But there was an error somewhere as they recorded 58:18...that is just not right. You can't be off that much. So in lieu of this discrepancy, I will maintain my Garmin reading as the correct one. It's never off more than 2 seconds from the clock. This is close to 3 minutes off my usual 10k time! All I could think about was finding a bathroom to go get sick. And that I did. I was so glad this was over. Though I'm smiling here, I'm sick as a dog!


Kent had a great time. His racing times have really changed in the past couple of years but this day it was better.


Here are a few pictures of the park and a beautiful memorial to those that lost their lives in Hurricane Katrina.





When we got back to the camper, I curled up and went to bed. After a good nap, I felt so much better. By the following day, I felt like the "bug" or whatever had run it's course. Whew! I was afraid I had contracted something. Now, to focus on the next 10k!!

What a Great Day in Pensacola

Fun, fun, fun! What a beautiful day it was today! This morning Kent and I ran in the Pensacola "Run for Their Lives" 5k. This is a benefit for those who have been sexual abused. What a great reason to run! There was a light beach wind and the temp was in the low 60's. The course was fast and flat. Perfect!!


The run started and I felt great. Before I knew it, my pace had gotten much faster than in past races (at least since I've gotten my Garmin). This watch has become my best running friend and I can hardly go a half mile without consulting it; it helps me maintain my pace. I LOVE IT!!!

Back to the run...I began running in the 7:00 time frame for the first mile. I couldn't believe it..and only with a little push in my breathing. I knew I had to slow down in order to maintain a decent pace to the end. When the race leveled out and everyone was at their pace, I found that there was another lady that seemed to be running my pace. We passed each other a few times; then I decided to let her keep the lead. She stayed close to me and I thought I might have a chance to pass her later on. This was so good for me as it helped me run my best. Our pace was the same. As we neared the end, I got my second win and made for it. I felt so good today. When I got close to the time clock, I got so excited. I actually saw (which I do not see well in the distance) the reading: 25:49. No way! This gave me another push...that is, to beat my previous best time. It was then as I began surveying this thought that I realized I was really going to have to run hard to reach a PR. This is so much fun!! As I ran harder, the spectators began cheering and that pumped me, too. Of course, I'm so ignorant to racing to know that more than likely the lady I had passed was still close behind; but there was no way anyone was going to pass me at this point. I reached the clock where it read 26:14! I could hardly stand it! I wanted to jump up and cheer and laugh and cry. It has been a long time since I had achieved a new PR.

But the realization came when the awards began. The lady I ran with and beat at the end was eligible for the Grand Masters award, too! Can I tell you how happy I was that I got that extra adrenalin and push at the end?? I don't think so...this was one award that was the most competitive I've gotten. Boy, did I need this! I think I can "feel" like I can compete again.

Kent improved his time a lot. He was under 29 minutes...he had not run this time for over a year. I'm so proud of him! He received First Place in his age group. Here we are receiving our awards:




They had great refreshments afterward and music. The band that played donated their time for the cause after having pulled an all-nighter the night before and to do it again Saturday night. There were many sponsors and great door prizes. Kent won one to a local restaurant. We had so much fun. It was perfect in every way.