Weight is More the Just a Number

Ok, a little story before we get to the essence of this post:

The day before Easter we had a major sewage backup and spill in the downstairs bathroom (it continued to flow into the laundry room and almost reached the kitchen, but we were able to mop it up before it creeped that far.) The problem was due to a huge root system that was growing inside the pipe.

Yeah, the plumber took it with him to show the other guys. He said it was the biggest he's ever seen. 

Now on the less smelly, more on topic stuff:

Due to that gross event our scale, which was in the bathroom, was thrown out. So, I haven't weighed myself since the beginning of April. 

Exercise wise, April and May have been really great months. I have been getting out at least 3 times a week to run and usually we make it to the gym once or twice. I completed a 5K and my first half marathon. About a week after the half, I started focusing more on my arms and abs in an attempt to get ready for the beach. (My newest goal is to be beach ready by the end of July. Now, I would love to have a goal of a flat belly by then, but I don't see that as an attainable goal. So, I'll take being comfortable and confident in my swimsuit. Much more attainable.) 

All my workout the past two months has had me feeling pretty good. I have more energy, I'm happier, I even think I have a little more patience (though PT tests that constantly, right now she is running around in circle in her room during "nap time.") I was even feeling, dare I say it, skinnier. I saw myself in a pane of glass as we walked by a store front and I was pleasantly surprised. I have definitely been losing that baby weight! (And the extra that was there pre-baby. We don't talk about that though.)

I had no idea what number my weight was and I was content knowing that I was feeling better about my size and my body image then I have in a long time. But, I was so confident that I had lost weight since we tossed the scale. I was feeling so great that I decided to use the scale at the gym to see just how great I was doing. 

TERRIBLE IDEA! Well, it was at first anyway. I had lost a pound, maybe two. That's all. In almost two months! I was so upset. Again, I was back to feeling like I wasn't doing enough, that I should change my diet (yeah right, that's just not happening,) that feeling of why am I doing this in the first place came back. That one number held more weight in my mind then months of exercise. Months of increasing mental strength and even growing inner peace, acceptance and approval of myself. I am my toughest critic. I always have been. And all it took was that one three digit number to make me fall back into thinking about my body image negatively. I didn't feel skinny any more. All of a sudden all of the areas I thought were getting smaller and tighter seemed flabby and round again. But of course, in the seconds I was on the scale nothing physically changed. Mentally, I slipped, I had lost some ground. 

This was about a week ago and I worked more this week on increasing my lean muscle. Some Pilates and weight training combined with running and a lot more squats and sit-ups. I dared to get myself on the scale again. TWO and A HALF POUNDS GONE! Really?? In a week?? WHOOT! This week the scale had the opposite effect on my mood and body image. It gave me a boost I needed to start feeling better in my own skin again. Now, I probably had an off day a week ago. Maybe I was retaining water or maybe I'm turning fat into muscle (that would be nice) or who knows what. Really a four-five pound swing in a week really isn't a big deal either way, but my reaction to each number was drastically different. 

Why do we let that pesky number have so much control over our mindset?? If you are feeling good about where you are, don't let those lousy three digits define you. I won't be stepping on a scale for awhile, I don't want to by tied to my weight any more. How about you??

Yes, It's Hot, But Let's Run Anyway

National Running Day is June 6th this year. It's an annual event held on the first Wednesday in June every year. I'm not sure when it was started or where, but hearing about it last year is what really started me thinking about my personal challenge. I was many months pregnant at the time and going for a run was the farthest thing from my mind. I hadn't run consistently since well, ever. And certainly not for my own enjoyment. Sure, I ran in school because I had to in gym, but I wasn't interested in track or cross county. Sports weren't really my thing. Thought I did have a patch (or a sticker maybe) that said "Marching Band is a REAL Sport." (I also had a shirt that said "I come to the game for the Half Time Show," but that's a whole different thing, haha.)

Why did I decided to run? Initially it was to lose the baby weight, or at least that's what I told myself and others. But I think it was really about proving to myself that I could do it. That I had the determination and discipline to do something for myself by myself. Signing up for the half marathon was easy. Training for it was hard. Especially the longer runs. Just getting out the door to do it was the hardest part.

In just the last seven some months that I have been "running" (I say that in quotations because at the beginning I was mostly walking quickly,) I have done things I never thought I would do and I have learned things I didn't think running could teach me. I didn't think I would be able to complete 13.1 miles in three hours, but I did. I didn't think I could put so much time each week to only think about me. Sure, it's only a half an hour here and there, but on the days I get up early for a run (just 1.5-2 miles usually) I feel better the entire day. Even though I lose a little sleep time, I am more awake and ready to face the three little darlings that want my constant attention all day. Taking the time out for me has made me a better mom, a better wife and just a happier person overall.

I didn't think that running would teach me that it's ok to have that time, but it most definitely is. I'm branching out and giving myself time in other ways. Just yesterday, my sisters and I went to get mani/pedis together. It was wonderfully relaxing. And the first time I have gone to get one that wasn't a gift. (But, less then 24 hours later and I'm chipping them already... ah well.)

This is the view on another ZOOMA training run in Annapolis over looking the Chesapeake Bay. Gorgeous!

Another surprise teaching from running, is my renewed love of the outdoors. Some people love running on the treadmill, I am not one of them. If I'm going to the gym I'm hopping on the bike or the elliptical and I usually avoid the treadmill. For me, there is something about being outside and hearing my feet hit the pavement and the smell of fresh cut grass (or HONEYSUCKLE when it's in season) and the warmth of the sun that is so incredibly enjoyable. (Until it get's super hot in the afternoons, then count me out.) As our last ZOOMA training run, we ran at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis. They have a really great paved trail that winds around the whole park. What was supposed to be a 4 mile run, turned in to a 6 mile run because I ended up split off from the group and missed a turn somewhere (or turned to early and repeated some of the trail.) It sounds tough adding an additional 2 miles to a run, but I really enjoyed myself. I have really loved running with a group, but even more I love the quiet solace that running alone through nature brings. The last few miles were so much easier then the first too. Sure, it might have been because all my muscles were warmed up and not yet to tired, but I found some zone and just settled back and ran. I ran slowly, yeah, but I ran for fun. I ran for me.

5 down 7 to go (aka My 1st Half Marathon!!)

It has taken me a few days (ok a week and a half almost) to be ready to write about the Pittsburgh Half Marathon on May 6th. I was trying to let it all sink in. (Well that and find a few quiet minutes to type, haha.)

Leading up to the race, all the way to the starting line, runners kept telling me "just wait till you cross that finish line. You are going to feel amazing. Finishing your first one, it's the best feeling." Yeah, I didn't get that. Sure, I felt good about completing 13.1 miles on foot, but there was no amazing revelation, no intense feeling, no choir of angels. I was feeling a lot of things at the finish (mostly exhaustion), but I didn't get that "best feeling" vibe people had been telling me about.

Did have a really great time during the race though! (Minus some aches and pains and a whole lot of heat.) Bands, spectators, bridges and some really great views. And the weather wasn't to bad either!

They recommended getting to the starting area by 5:30 and the race started at 7:30. The Dad drove me down and dropped me off just after 6 am and that was more then enough time. (Side note, not a good time to find oneself in need of feminine products, that was an adventure.) Some of the roads near the start/finish had already been closed, but most of the race course was being closed off starting at 6:30. After getting all situated, I stood in the bathroom line for quite a long time with a large group of new friends. They had port-a-potties all over and there were lines at every group. There were also lines at all the port-a-potties on the race course, except maybe the ones closer to the finish.

I got myself all turned around trying to find the gear check. On everyone's bib there was a section you could tear off with a large hole in one end. The tag had your runner number on it and could be looped through the hole to attach to your gear check bag. I found it quite clever, but then it was 6:30 in the morning and I had been up for a few hours already.

Waiting for the start in Corral E

After gear check, I found my corral. Corral E. The back of the pack. Everyone seemed to be really excited nervous. Groups of people lined both sides of the street with signs encouraging their runners and pointing and cheering as we all got started moving. I say got started moving not running, because the gun goes off (I guess it did, I didn't actually hear it) and everyone starts cheering and slowly moving forward. As the corrals in front start the race, we all herd forward. I passed the starting line about 20 minutes after the gun time.

One of the first bands I passed along the course started playing "Enter Sandman" as soon as I came into earshot. I don't think I could have gotten more pumped up. As a Hokie, that song made me feel like an athlete like nothing else could. (This song plays as the Hokie Football team enters Lane Stadium at VT.) It was AWESOME!

From reading on Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon's Facebook page, I was expecting great crowds and amazing volunteers. Pittsburgh did not disappoint. I enjoyed the various Batman's, the Hulk, and a few bananas along the course. Being towards the back of the pack, I was actually able to see a few signs more then once (people would move further down the course after everyone passed by.) Here are a few of my favorites:

The course took us over 5 bridges crossing over Pittsburgh's three rivers in various places. The bridges were definitely one of the highlights for me. I have been riding in cars over them longer then I can remember and to experience them and their views on foot was amazing. Gorgeous. There were a few spectators on the bridges, but my favorite groups was right before the Duquesne Incline. It was a group students in a local high school's Army JROTC. Them standing as a group reminded me of all of those mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, daughters and sons, serving in our military. Each one of the students had their hand out and I gave each one a high five as I ran past. They gave me such a boost just when I needed it.

Photo's crossing each of the five bridges:

It was such a relief to make it on to the last bridge. I was talking to a woman as we walked along and we were sharing our relief that we weren't going to get picked up by the sweep for being to slow. Half Marathoners had to be off the bridge under the 3.5 hour time limit and once we got on we knew we were fine.

Just after crossing the last bridge.

I had the tracking information sent to my phone, and the Dad's, so I would know how I was doing while I raced. (I keep my phone in a wrist wallet while I run. Check them out here: Sprigs Banjees Wrist Wallets.) It was really helpful! I knew how I was pacing at the 10K (6.2 miles) and 11.2 mile marks. I slowed down a bit between the two, but I was able to gain a few minutes back before the finish.

Now for some stats:
I finished at 10:50 am in 3:00:45! That's a 13:47 per mile pace. I came in 10900th (out of 12142) over all and 1538th (out of 1702) in my division, women 25-29. Interesting note, there were more women then men. In the half marathon, there were 4699 men and 7443 women.

This was one good cookie.

With my feet on fire and my knee complaining as loud as possible, I walked down the finishers chute where people hand you things. First you get your finishers medal and then can get a finishers' photo taken. You pass on through and get a heat shield (which not many people really needed since it was so warm) and then some goodies: a Panera Bagel, a bag of Cape Cod chips, a Dole fruit cup, water, and an Eat N' Park Smiley Cookie. I walked around for a few minutes in a daze trying to find a place to sit down and munch for a few minutes before getting my bag from gear check. The grass felt awesome. The ground has never felt so good.

I picked up my gear and head out across another bridge toward PNC park to be picked up by the crew (this included the Dad, the Politician, PT, the Enforcer and my grandparents who live in Pittsburgh.) Seeing the family after the race, I started to feel that awesome feeling everyone talked about. Whether it was my son's "Go Mom Go" cheer or the smile on my grandmother's face or even our race shirts that they had on, I really started to feel a sense of accomplishment.

I can now be known as a RUNNER OF STEEL! 

My top five things I learned from race #5:

1. When going under over passes or through tunnels, some one will always hoot and holler. There is more of this at mile 3 then mile 10 though.
2. Great spectators, great volunteers, and pumping music make miles go by faster! 
3. Even though you line up when the sun isn't up yet, PUT ON SOME SUNSCREEN! 
4. Gatorade becomes a little like walking on fly paper after drying in puddles on the asphalt. 
5. Running is a great way to see a city you love in new way. There are some views that pass by to quickly while driving. With the mountains and bridges, Pittsburgh has some fabulous views!

Walking around the Expo the day before, I almost got caught up in the full marathon fever. I could see myself tackling that hurdle. After finishing the half, I think I'll try it a few more times before considering a full. I made it through this one and recovering wasn't bad at all. I ran again on Tuesday morning, like I usually do. It was a shorter run then normal, but I did get up and do it. 

Projects do seem a little more doable in comparison. I pushed myself and completed a goal. And I'm glad to say I conquered that "I Can't."

(OH! And I didn't loose any toenails! (I know you were worried, haha.) I was a little worried about this after the race. One felt a little funny, but I still have all 10! Whoot!)

The Politician goes to Washington

Ready for the Metro Ride!

All hyped up and ready to go, the Politician and I head out to DC after breakfast on Sunday, April 29th. We drove down to the closest Metro station to take the train into the city. Not only did we avoid a parking but we got to ride "the train" which is always a big treat.

We needed to switch trains and as we got off the first train and headed toward the next platform we met the MC for one of the stages at the USA Science and Engineering Festival where we were headed. If you picture a "mad" scientist in your head, your picture would probably look a little something like this guy. Tall and lanky, long scraggly grayish white hair, glasses and a shaggy goatee (also in grayish white.) Oh, and a white NASA jacket (quite awesome I might add.) He was telling us about the day before at the expo and suggested a few places for us to go first when we got in. It was great to hear someone so excited about it! I knew we were going to have a good time. (We saw the gentlemen at the stage when we got to the Festival and he gave the Politician an enthusiastic wave.)

We got to the convention center about 10 minutes before the Festival opened and there was a line waiting at every entrance to the exhibit hall. So, we picked an entrance closest to the PBS Kids booth inside and waited. After putting on his "CALL MOM" bracelet with my cell number on it (in case we got separated), the Politician checked out the map and peered through the hall windows with excitement!

Soon we were inside and on our way. The PBS Kids booth was first on our list, but we stopped at the Southeastern Lousiana University booth so the Politician could paint a Maggot Monet. They put drops of paint on a piece of paper and then set fly larva into the paint and as they wiggled out they painted for you. They gave him a small pair of tweezers to put the larva back into the paint to make a new trail. Surprisingly it turned out looking pretty neat and he didn't squish any of them!

At the PBS Kids booth, the Politician measured, blew bubbles, and played an online game using a webcam (which I need to look up, so we can play at home,) and saw a few TV friends, the Cat in the Hat, Buddy from the show Dinosaur Train, and Sid the Science Kid was on stage. (This was one of the day highlights for him!)

(You can see the guy we met on the metro in the bottom right.)

We had a few favorite booths:

1. The American Association for the Advancement of Science - The Science of Our Senses
• We tried out touch (trying to pull out a matching item without peeking,) sight (different optical illusions,) and taste/smell (jelly bean challenge.) We skipped the hearing section of the exhibit.
• The Jelly Bean Challenge
• I was so excited by this one that I had the Dad try it when we got home. It works with a lot of different things, you don't need jelly beans. It's just a good excuse to eat some delicious Jelly Bellies.
• Hold your nose, pop in a jelly bean and start chewing. Let go of your nose. That's it. You should taste something different after you let go of your nose. (Let me know in the comments if you tried this!)
• The first Jelly Belly we tried was Buttered Popcorn and as soon as the Politician let go of his nose, he spit the jelly bean out and exclaimed "Ah, this has milk in it!" (He's allergic to milk.) His reaction was so immediate, he definitely did the experiment right!
2. Michigan Tech MIND TREKKERS - Get your GEEK on!
• This booth was full of hands on activities for everyone. The favorite was walking/running across a pool of water mixed with cornstarch (there were lots of activities with this mixture there.)
• He didn't move fast enough the first time and almost did a face plant. Here is a video of his second attempt which went a little bit better. 

• They had a few things with liquid nitrogen and breaking frozen food. Graham crackers dipped in liquid nitrogen were passed around for those who wanted "Dragon Breath" or steam coming out their mouths. The Politician wasn't interested, but wanted me to keep having some. 
• The liquid nitrogen was also used to make some chocolate ice cream, which sadly we couldn't try due to the milk allergy. It did look neat while they were making it though.
3. West Virginia University - Sci ID-The Science of Identification and Discovery


• We explored the possibilities of biometric science with iris scanning technology. Everyone's iris creates a different pattern. It was interesting to see the b/w photos of a few different people and how unique the iris patterns were. 
• The Politician and I booth got and iris scan. Can you tell which eye belongs to me and which is his?

We went to so many different booths and had a really great time. We didn't even make it to one side of the exhibit hall. It was really busy, though I think Saturday had been busier. The guys from Myth Busters and Bill Nye the Science Guy had been there Saturday, which I am sure helped draw the crowds!

Next time, I will bring a lunch instead of spending $8 on a hot dog (I KNOW! Just a hot dog for 8 bucks, not again thank you.) I'm glad we didn't bring the whole family, though people did. I don't think chasing after PT or pushing a stroller around the masses of people would have made anyone happy. 

I think we both learned a few things and we had a great day. Just the two of us. 

4 down 8 to go (aka Trail Run #1)

Racing around the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center(CBEC), the Marsh Madness in Grasonville, MD on April 28th was another great inaugural race! (I seem to keep finding these!)

Over looking the lake

Just like many other people on the Eastern Shore, I had passed the CBEC countless times, but I never visited. Now that I have, we will definitely be back. The views are gorgeous, the trail we ran on was well kept, and they have programs during the week for the kids.

The racing company, Eastern Summit Events, is a new company and this was their first race! I love the idea behind the company. They create athletic events for non-profits in a way that is risk free for the non-profits involved with the support of local businesses. The two non-profits for Marsh Madness were CASA of Kent and Queen Anne Counties and the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center.

Ok, so I had never run on trails before and it is a little like an obstacle course. A little ducking under branches, jumping over twigs, squishing though mud, and avoiding wild creatures. I love it! I had a really great time. The rain held off until later in the day and the temperature was great for a run. Not to windy and winding through the trees there wasn't any at tall.

I didn't sign up for the race before hand, so I made sure I was there in plenty of time to register and warm up. They had run out of shirts, but said they were going to order more and send them out.  CASA provided bags that were used as swag bags and had a information about a few of the race sponsors, a PNC water bottle, some SOYJOY bars and Emergen-C packets. They had a selection of these out as well that racers were encouraged to take home and try.

Trial Map - We ran the highlighted portion.

As the first year of this event, it was a little on the smaller side. I think there were about 50 participants. We went around the trail twice to get in the full 5K and a course like this, because parts are so narrow, I wonder how many people could fit comfortably during a race. There was no problem at all with the number for the inaugural race. There were a few times that because of the twists and turns in the course, I felt like I was out on a run by myself. It was great! The nature sounds all around and the grass under my feet. I really enjoyed it.

My time was just under 34 minutes (I'm waiting for them to post official results) which gives me about a 10 min/mile pace. (Definitely made me a little less nervous about my upcoming half marathon.) We were warned about the mud on the course and that was an experience in itself. Lots of fun!

On the trail

I pushed myself a little to early to reach the finish and over exerted myself a little bit. Luckily, I didn't get sick, but I felt like I could have. I felt fine after walking around for a bit after the finish, but I made a note to be a little more sure of how far the finish line is before kicking in that final gear.

They had some great simple after race snacks (bagels, cream cheese, fruit) and cold water. I think they had some coffee available as well.

Things I learned from race #4:

1. I may very quickly become a huge fan of trail running. I need to find some more trails to try out.
2. Mud is quite cold under the trees and will make you feel like a ten year old as it squishes between your toes while running. 
3. A smaller trail race with all its twists and turns can make you feel alone in the wild!
4. I do not like SOYJOY bars. Nope, not my thing. They are kind of a cross between a bar cookie and a granola bar. Kinda.
5. A mother goose is very protective of her eggs and does not care about your running time. 

I had a great time and will look for future events my ESE and hope to bring more people with me to the 2nd Annual Marsh Madness!!