Setting the next goal

Well it's definitely been too long since I've blogged, and if I've learned nothing else, I've learned that typing the words going through my head whether they make much sense or not tends to make me more accountable ... so here I go!

In my last post I'd registered for the 4 Bridges Half Marathon in Chattanooga! Well, my 2nd half marathon has come and gone, and I'm trying to figure out my next fitness goal! 

The 4 Bridges Half Marathon had its ups and downs! Fortunately my teammate, and now good friend, LeeAnn, signed on to walk this event with me. Actually it was all her idea! It was a beautiful fall weekend in Chattanooga, and most of the course really showcased the natural beauty of the Chattanooga area! 

The race started at Coolidge Park -- which is absolutely beautiful! This is where we picked up our packets the day before the race. 

Walking the race we were at the back of the pack most of the time, alternating with a hand cyclist. This meant that we had a police escort for most of the race. :)

We crossed the Tennessee River 4 times (ironically enough) during the race. Here's the view from two of the times.

Both of us had a lot more pain than usual during this race which really slowed us down. Unfortunately we both didn't do things exactly the way we had every other walk day, which really hurt our feet.

But, we made it!! One more medal to add to my collection! :) 

 I'm almost fully recovered from the half marathon ... read:  almost have a solid layer of skin on the bottoms of my feet! 

Yesterday was Thompson Cancer Survival Center's Buddy's Race Against Cancer. This is a great event! It allows folks to honor cancer survivors and raise funds for those who need assistance who are undergoing treatment for cancer. I was excited to walk yesterday for 2 very important reasons!

1. My friend and colleague Michael Holtz, who has been a huge inspiration to me in my career, as well as my fitness goals, asked me and LeeAnn to join his Buddy's team. Michael is truly an example of how much you can improve your health by doing things the "right way." Unfortunately this year Michael was diagnosed with cancer, and has been fighting his battle for some time! He's kicking major butt!   Team ACS/Michael's Warriors!

2. A year ago the Buddy's Race Against Cancer marked the beginning of my fitness journey. The race was the first athletic event that my teammates embarked on together. It truly has been a life changer for me! 

Here's a self portrait of me, LeeAnn, and Coach Missy Kane from yesterday! 

Here was our team at last year's Buddy's Race! 

Here's we are 1 year later! Me, Randy, LeeAnn, Julie (team before ours), Erin (this year's team), Arielle, Missy, and Beth (one of our team assistants). 

Here's another ones with some other past teammates, some of Missy's hiking pals, and one of this year's team members!

This was an awesome day of celebrating how far I've come on my personal fitness journey. I keep calling it a journey b/c I have no idea where exactly it's going ... just that I want it to keep on moving!

Including Buddy's Race last year -- here's the races I've participated in since then! In my 34 years prior to this one I hadn't participated in this many events combined!

Needless to say, I'm ready to make some new goals! Not quite sure what those are yet, but I'll let you know when I figure them out.

I'm so excited for the newest Biggest Winner team members! I've been in their place, and know they must be excited, nervous, and a little anxious about the journey that is ahead of them -- but I wish to convey to them that as long as they are true to themselves and use the tools they are given this experience can truly change their lives!

A little parting wisdom!

Slow and steady wins the race ...

Ever since race day on Sunday (Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon) I've been mentally composing this blog, trying to find the right words to describe the emotions and details of the day. On Sunday, April 1, 2012, I accomplished my goal -- I crossed the finish line, completing the half marathon, 13.1 miles!

Last year I applied for Covenant Health's Biggest Winner team with multiple goals in mind ... my primary goal was to build healthier habits, and jump start a weight loss attempt that I started in the summer. My secondary goal was to complete a race event during this spring's Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon. Originally I planned to run the 5K, but after we started training, I decided instead to walk the half marathon (13.1 miles). 

Over the past few months you all have read about my training experience, as well as my weight loss journey, and I appreciate your support more than any of you will ever know! I've tried to be nothing but candid in my blogs because so much of this journey for me has been about accountability. I knew in the beginning that the more I told people about what I was doing, the more I would feel responsible to not only myself, but everyone who was cheering me on. And it worked! I knew I could finish the race. I knew I wouldn't be running, but that's not what this race was about to me. It wasn't about racing at all...but finishing the race. 

Race time: 4:13:04

Place in race: 2610 out of 2616. 

Yes, you read that correctly. Only 6 people finished the half marathon after me. 4 of those actually finished WITH me, and were teammates, along with Coach Kane who cheered us along throughout the race. I told myself in the beginning that in this race, time did not matter to me. I just wanted to finish. I wanted to enjoy the day, and enjoy what our team had accomplished. 

The day started with our team cheering on our hand cyclist member, Edee. Her race started 5 minutes before the foot race. 

As we all hugged Edee and wished her luck I felt this crazy combination of nervousness and excitement...kind of like that feeling I used to get on the first day of school. You know the feeling ...not sure what the day would hold, but knowing that you couldn't wait to find out! Edee thought it would take her over 2 hours to complete the half marathon...she finished in under 2. She kicked some major butt! 

At 7:30 our race started, with 726 marathoners, 2616 half marathoners, and 152 Marathon Relay Teams (4 person teams). Shortly after our start the next group of 1826 started the 5K.

Along the way I was thankful for a lot of things -- the first one was people cheering us on! On Kingston Pike, my church friends the Hintons, stood in front of our church cheering us on -- it was awesome! 

When we got to Cherokee my parents and husband were camped out at the bottom of the driveway. They'd been there to see the first runner speed by, and hung out until we made it! My sister was in the front of the pack, and passed their house a lot earlier than I did! 

Before we passed my parents house my husband snapped this pic of Melody who was a little ahead of us. Look how happy she is! 

A bit later my husband snapped this one in front of my parents' house of me, Lee Ann & Darla.

Soon Coach Missy backtracked to check on the 3 of us. During the entire race she kept tabs on the entire team, and pretty much knew where everyone was at all times, and in what shape they were in. Missy snapped these photos as we walked down Cherokee Blvd.

In the background of this one is our friendly pace cop...who pretty much rolled up the course behind us the entire morning. :) As we headed towards Noelton via Blows Ferry, we found Melody's sign! 

Next stop: Noelton. I have to tell you ... this was the boost we needed.  Noelton still had a party going on, with music, drinks and people! They cheered us the entire way! 

At the top of Noelton, we were also cheered on by my awesome mom & dad, husband, and in-laws! They were all by themselves...the band had packed up, the news crews were gone ... but there they were, on the sidewalk, waiting for us! I have the best family in the world. 

Next we headed to the greenway that would take us all of the way to Tyson Park. We've walked this route numerous times during our training ... but on Sunday it felt like the longest greenway in the world. We did, however, pass the absolute best water stop on the entire course ... complete with music (I'm Sexy and I Know It) & costumes, LMFAO stye! We danced along with them, and it gave us the kick in the butt we needed to keep going! 

Next it was Tyson Park. My husband and in-laws were also waiting for us there! My parents went on to Neyland to see my sister cross the finish line (she set a new PR 5 minutes quicker than her time last year -- finishing 2:03:29)! Also, part of Lee Ann's family met us here, and walked with us for a bit.

Missy snapped this one of me and Casey -- best husband in the world! 

LeeAnn with her cousin & uncle who came in from Texas to cheer her on!

After Tyson Park the remaining part of the course takes you down Cumberland Avenue, up behind ETCH & Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, down to the Candy Factory, across Clinch Avenue (where we started) and across Cumberland to Neyland Stadium! 

Mentally and physically this was the hardest part of the course for me, and I think for the teammates who were with me. Our bodies had started to hurt, and at this point you're ready to just be finished! Going down this hill was the best feeling in the world. I knew that at the bottom I would cross Cumberland, and be in the home stretch.

Approaching Neyland was awesome. People who'd already completed the race were on the sides of the alley leading into the stadium cheering you on. I had chills, and the feeling of pride almost brought me to tears. I stepped onto the field with Lee Ann, Darla, Mike & Coach Kane, and approached the finish line.

In true finish line fashion we decided to jog to the finish line. I love the pure joy in Lee Ann's face in this photo! 

At this point I started to realize that my shorts were way too big, and if I didn't hold them up, they were going to fall down! lol

Here's an awesome pic of me trying to hold my shorts up! lol 

Needless to say-- once we reached the finish line, we were nothing but excited! As we neared the finish line I saw so many familiar and friendly faces that I couldn't help but smile ridiculously! I waved at cameraman Jerry, and at photographer Neil. I headed straight to give team manager Tonya a high five as seen below: 

Here's the close up ... lol. Still holding my pants up! 

We made it! Me, Mel, Mike, Lee Ann & Darla.

More of the team: Edee, Kelsey (Last year's Biggest Winner), Mel, Darla, Coach Kane, Mike, Manager Tonya! Teammate Randy was completing the full marathon, so he's not in our post pics! 

I felt amazingly OK after the race. I thought I'd want to collapse on the sidelines, and would hurt horribly. Instead I think adrenaline took over, and I was just excited! After our team took some photos, I started looking for my family! 

Here I am with my sister, who was well rested at this point since she finished the half marathon nearing 2 hours prior! lol 

Sunday afternoon I took the best nap in the history of naps, and unfortunately some soreness started to set in. I'm still working though the natural soreness, and babying my feet, since the high mileage caused a flare up of my sesamoiditis. 

But the feeling that remains two days after my 13.1 is complete pride & satisfaction. This is definitely the most difficult physical goal I've ever set for myself! And it's an amazing journey that I've shared with an incredible team! To my team, and our coaches, I am eternally grateful! You've helped me change my life! 

It's the Final Countdown

It's the final count down ... <cue Europe and their synthesizer melody, and sing along>! OK, so while the lyrics really have nothing to do with my excitement about it only being a few days before my first half marathon, the hook sure is catchy isn't it?! It's not uncommon in my house for me to break into song and that unforgettable riff... "It's the final countdown ... do do do do ... do do do do do..." In case you have no idea how it goes ... here it is for your viewing pleasure.

Lyrics | Europe lyrics - The Final Countdown lyrics

OK, back on target! I'm so excited (and I just can't hide it ... sorry, when I get really excited I continue to break into song!) that Sunday and the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon is almost here! I thought I'd be nervous. I thought I'd be hesitant. But I feel almost like a little kid the night before Christmas who can hardly wait to open her presents. I feel like I'm completely prepared for my first half marathon on Sunday. Coach Missy and personal trainer/life coach Chris have given me all of the tools I need, and helped me build the strength to accomplish my goal of crossing the finish line at Neyland Stadium on Sunday.

Interested in cheering me and other participants on in Sunday's races (starting at 7:30 a.m.)? Some popular spectator spots are Western Plaza Shopping Center, Tyson Park, KMA (the split for the half & full marathon). Spectators will also be able to enter Neyland Stadium through Gate 9 and sit in Sections A-P to watch participants cross the finish line. Also, if you're spectating, there's tons of entertainment to keep the party going -- check out this lineup! I look forward to hearing my pal Mike Mauldin  playing near the Ag Campus ... and although I'd love to hear my fave Jason Ellis on Sunday ... that would mean I decided to do the full marathon, and then you all would KNOW I'd lost my mind!

Although I'm really excited about Sunday, I will miss built in time with my teammates after we complete our event. I think we've all bonded, and are so dedicated to the fitness improvements that we're making right now that we will try to keep up some of our group exercise, like walking on Saturdays. I've always wondered how reality show contestants like folks on American Idol and the Biggest Loser become so close in such a short period of time ... but now I get it! When you've got so much in common with a group of people, and you've shared so many similar life experiences, and you spend quality time (like walking so many miles with them) with them every few days, there's no way you won't become close to them. I know I could not have accomplished the things I have accomplished in the past few months without my teammates.

Speaking of accomplishments -- last week I hit a milestone. I've lost 30 pounds since June!

Here's where I was in June ... 

Here's where I was yesterday...

I can't wait for our team to be able to show off our before/after pictures that should be released soon -- so everyone can see our complete team transformation! We had an awesome team celebration last night where each of our team members received a trophy and special recognition for their contributions to our team. It was such a fun night, and I can't remember the last time I got a trophy! 

I hope everyone has a great week! If you're a praying person, please say one or two for me and my teammates as we embark on a fabulous journey this weekend!

Here's some inspiration for the days to come! 

Even a rainy day won't slow us down!

I wanted to blog sooner this week, but it's been a whirlwind of a week! This week I had my post-fitness test at Fort Sanders Health & Fitness Center, and also my last visit with the dietitian at Covenant Weight Management Center, along with my final weigh in. Our Biggest Winner Team is gearing up for April 1 and the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon, and along with that comes lots of housekeeping type stuff.

As I mentioned earlier this week I had my post-fitness test, and was excited that the results were definitely what I wanted to accomplish! They showed that I'd gained strength, flexibility, and was in overall better health.

In December I could do 14 push-ups until I was fatigued...this week I could do 25!
My average flexibility on the sit & reach test in December: 13  inches. My average flexibility this week: 16.3 inches! My body measurements also all moved in the right direction ... except for my calves, which they explained was most likely due to added muscle.

At my weigh-in: I'd dropped one more pound on the scale, but converted 2 more pounds of fat to fat-free mass. Bringing my to-date totals to: 8.5 pounds ... but the more exciting number is converting 12.5 pounds of fat to fat-free mass!

I also had blood work done this week and was able to compare it to my initial blood work in November.
My cholesterol was 139, and is now 135. My triglycerides were 177, and are now 130. My HDL (good cholesterol) went up! Yay. It was 42 and is now 48! I still need to get it above 50!  My LDL (bad cholesterol) went down 1 point, and is still in the desirable range at 61. I'm eager to see if there's been any change in my A1C when I visit my endocrinologist in April!

This week our Thursday night strength training session was lead by Coach Kane and Joe Mitchell, former contestant on the NBC show Biggest Loser. We had lots of fun ... which is they key to our successful workouts!

Joe challenged us with some crazy exercises working on upper body strength and core stability. Below is LeeAnn punching out her frustrations, and then below Melody trying to balance while laughing at our teammate Randy.

Saturday for our long effort -- we began to taper our mileage! We were supposed to get in 7 miles, but about 3 miles into our walk it started raining. At first it was refreshing, and then it just rained harder and harder, and we got wetter and wetter. We ended up around 6.5 miles, but knew we would add mileage later in the day walking from our cars to the Women Today Expo. 

It was a beautiful day to start off on Cherokee Boulevard, part of the half marathon course.

"Here's your sign!" This is how we felt when we first started out! lol

But enjoyed it anyway!

Here's our teammate Edee who is going to hand cycle in the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon!

And then it started raining harder. We had to pause on the greenway (about a mile before we were finished) to memorialize the day! Our canine walking pal Zombie was also NOT a fan of being so wet! 

Well, an hour after we were done walking we were supposed to be at the Women Today Expo downtown to present on the Conversation Stage. I was so wet I ended up stopping by my parent's house to re-dry my hair and myself to change for the event. By the time I got to the Expo, the sun was shining again! A crazy, but beautiful day! 

My teammates Darla, Edee, Peggy and Melody all made it out for our presentation at the Expo. Coach Kane talked through our weight loss journey, and we all shared different info about ourselves and things we've learned along the way. We had a packed house in our seating area. And to close our segment we invited the audience to get up and do some fun exercise with us -- the Cha Cha slide. Although some were hesitant at first -- we had a pretty big group dancing with us at the end! It was a lot of fun! 

Here's just a few snap shots from the afternoon.

Well, just a little inspiration to wrap up for today! Enjoy this beautiful sunshine! Get outside and move!