I did it!!! / blogging silence

The Biggest Loser Competetion at work is coming to a close this week.
Today was origionally the final weigh in, but some of us decided to weigh in today and friday...then take the lesser weight from both days. Well.....here is an update...

Biggest Loser update!
10/22/2012 - 171 lbs
10/31/2012 - 167 lbs
11/5/2012 - 168.5 lbs
11/13/2012 - 165 lbs
11/19/2012 - 165lbs
11/26/2012 - ??
12/03/2012 - 163lbs
12/10/2012 - 164 lbs....ok ok...I know, up 1!
12/17/2012 - 160.5 lbs.....10LBS DOWN!!!!!! WOOOOOHOOOOOO

So I am hoping to keep it up and keep it going...even if i could lose a couple extra pounds by Friday would be awesome!!!

Thats my little...big accomplishment of the week so far.

Now I just want to touch upon a sensitive subject. We all have heard, watched and talked about the devestating tragedy from this past Friday. Today of course was Monday, and coming back into school was tough. Every morning my post-grad students (all whom have special needs) sit down and watch CNN Student News. And of course as expected they covered the story. One after one...3-4 students had to leave the room because they were so upset, including one who didnt even know it had happened because her mother had not spoken with her about it, her right and choice. But what was great is that they were all able to talk about how it made them feel, and even some were able to relate it to a loss in their own personal lives. Then as a group they each made a card that we will be sending to the school, or at least somewhere that they may be collecting for those in the school.

I also wanted to share a link to a fellow bloggers post.....National blogging day of silence.

''Even the smallest of footprints have the power to leave an everlasting imprint on the Earth''

-Stephanie

Tragedy

I just wanted to share my deepest sympathies for all those who are affected by the tragedy in Newtown, CT on Friday December 14th.

The first words that came to mind as I watched the news were Horrified. Disgusted. Devestated. Heartbroken.

 Watching the news after hearing about the horrible schooting at the elementary school in CT. 20 little ones, and 6 teachers are now missing from someones life and family and home.
Prayers are strong tonight in my home and I am sure across America for all those families, and for the ones who can hug and kiss there child tonight, I pray for you and your family as well.

I pray for the first responders, all that were on scene and had to go into those classrooms and identify the little bodies, the beautiful children that are no longer with their families and loved ones.

My eyes are never dry when I begin to watch any coverage about this. President Obama had me blubbering!

"Our Hearts are Broken" -President Barack Obama

-Stephanie

Treadmill Problems...

Time to get back on the horse....time to run. It has been a few days...actually 4 since I last went to the gym or did any form of exercise!

I went to the gym, got on the treadmill and set it for 60 minutes.
Problem #1...gotta go #2 and there is no more waiting. I was down to 23minutes, and...I hit pause and that only gives me 30 seconds...no good. So I was forced to hit stop and have to write down my currect distance and time duration.
          - 30 seconds...really!? thats it!? A couple minutes would be fine!

Problem #2....Emergency Stop switch! I hit it...no emergency, just hit it while moving my hand. I get why it is there and why it is where it is, but bah! I ended up losing my spot again, since I wasnt totally paying attention to how "far" I had gone, or down to the second of time, I had to kind of just start up again and round off.

I added it up and came up with 4.94 miles, which comes out to 12:08 pace..which I know is wrong! So I changed it to 4.84, which gave me a pace of 12:24, which is closer to reality!

I am not happy about it, but I will take it! I need to be more careful on that treadmill!

Biggest Loser update!
10/22/2012 - 171 lbs
10/31/2012 - 167 lbs
11/5/2012 - 168.5 lbs
11/13/2012 - 165 lbs
11/19/2012 - 165lbs
11/26/2012 - ??
12/03/2012 - 163lbs
12/10/2012 - 164lbs....ok ok...I know, up 1!

My weekend was not as productive as I would like it to have been. It was a big birthday weekend, for two of my cousins...who are brother and sister, and my mother-in-law. So Saturday it rained, and yes I know I could have gone to the gym, but I would prefer that if I am running 7miles, that it be outside with some sort of scenery. So Rich and I looked at a house on Saturday and that was about it, kind of a lazy day. Then Sunday was Birthday Brunch for my MIL then dinner at my parents for my Cousins Bday Dinner! It was very busy and I didnt get a run in. And of course I ate deliscious food!

If I ran, I am betting that I either would have stayed the same or at least lost an additional pound. So I am putting the pedal to the medal. I bought more stuff to make yummy salads, some more fruit and hope to get the last few pounds or more gone by Monday! But I also have a feminine battle coming my way, so I have something else going against me.

"I have often dreamed of a far-off place where a great, warm welcome will be waiting for me." 
-Stephanie

Venting Session!

So I dont know what is up with me, but ever since Monday I feel like I have been in a bad mood!

I went for my 7 mile run on Sunday, and that was all good.
Monday, I was suppose to go to a meeting at church, and bailed instead...yes, i let someone know!

Anyways, I just feel like I have been carrying this attitude around, which I hate, but I cant help it.

So Tuesday I had work both jobs, and I felt really blah...not sick, just meh. I went to the gym on wednesday....boobs hurt!!! I dont know if this is TMI but when I got in the shower on Monday ( i think) and I notice something on the underside of both my breasts...almost like I got a cut, but I think it was from the friction of my sports bra on Sunday. So anyways, as I began my run on Wednesday..and as the girls began to bounce...they began to yell at me to stop, and I did...

So I decided I still need some cardio, so I hopped on the eliptical, and of course the one I jump on has some sort of squeak to it. (ANNOYING).

So when I went to the gym today, I decided...oh well, I need to run. So I only did 20minutes. The other issue, is now my left calf hurts. Why is it always my left leg!? So that was bothering me allll day, and it made me nervous about ice skating today (all the students went for adaptive skating, went very well and was fun!!!)...and I was nervous about running. I was ok, but anything outside of that, my calf is uncomfortable.

Anyways, so I feel like my mood kind of goes up and down...just to not to far up. I am not getting my period for another 2 weeks, from what I remember...if I am getting it next week, well then that would explain it a little more. But I dont normally feel this rediculous a whole week away, its normally the weekend of two days before!

Anywho...I guess in the end, I need a better and more supportive sports bra, some chocolate, and a few laughs. But I am trying really hard to eat well, I want to lose two more pounds or more by Monday in order to reach my 10lbs lost goal...and hopefully I can lose a lot more quickly!!! If I can lose 4 pounds in the first week, I can do it again!

-Stephanie

Quick update!

Here is just a quick update, or at least I think it is going to be quick.

#1. The house I really liked and we looked at twice, is now off the market! Bummer! :( But i guess I shiouldnt be to upset about something that I never really had. Case closed.

#2. Looked at another house on saturday. Nice space, it looked good. But I am not wild about the area. It isnt a bad neighborhood, some streets over it is, and can be, but even the street is a little close together, it had a great backyard and all the houses have their own fences set up around the yards and what not. So we will see, and we are going to set up to see two more houses, probably over the weekend.

#3. I added to my mileage!!!! On Sunday I was determined to get out there and stay on track.
There are only 80...thats right 80 DAYS until the Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon weekend! Thats it!! Holy Cow!!
According the Galloway Training Calendar for the Princess 1/2, I am right on schedule. I totally could have been ahead of schedule if I didnt slack off and keep running only 5 miles on my long run days. But I did it. And now I am just nervous about doing 8 miles in two weeks. For my long run next week I am suppose to do 3miles with a Magic Mile, but I feel like I should just jump the gun and do 7 again just to keep myself up above water! I do 3miles at least twice a week, so I feel like I am pulling myself down by doing a long 3mile. I am not a huge fan of the magic mile, even though I know it will help me improve, but I just cant stand the track. Its 10x worse than a treadmill to me!
Anyways, my biggest issue is that My left thigh is bothering me on my outside runs...in the groin area. It hit my before mile 2...which stunk! But I kept on truckin! I pushed through, it was a little on the slow side, but I did it! I only lost about 1 minute (estimate) on my pace time, but I am expecting that since I am still not used to the longer distance.
But I still finished in 1hour and 34 minutes! I am pretty happy with that! I figure with they way I am going, I should be able to do 10 hours in roughly 2 hours as long as my pace gets worked down over time as I continue to up my mileage!

#4. Dropped two pounds! It has been a couple weeks since I have lost any weight!!
Biggest Loser update10/22/2012 - 171 lbs
10/31/2012 - 167 lbs
11/5/2012 - 168.5 lbs
11/13/2012 - 165 lbs
11/19/2012 - 165lbs
11/26/2012 - ??
12/03/2012 - 163lbs

So that is my update for now!!

"TTFN. Ta Ta For Now!"
-Stephanie

Turkey Day!! (Race recap)

So if you have been reading along, you know that on Thanksgiving my sister and I ran a Road Race in the morning before turkey time!

I have to say it was the best race I have done to date. I think it helped having someone to run with that I knew, as well as not being one of the last to finish!!

Here are pictures from our day...starting the the starting line. This was a gathering of roughly 1300 people!!

I have yet to do a race that big! I still am having trouble trying to imagine the 16,000 some odd women (and some men) in the Princess 1/2 in February...(which is now 100% FULL!!!)




My sister and I (below) before the race as we make our way to the back area of the start group. They set up areas
for people to line up in in terms of how long know/think
it will take them to finish the race. I didnt even notice it
until we started running!



Dont know if you can tell...but we are waving!



The Road Race Map!

And here we are after out dramatic finish ( we leaped for joy over the finish line!)

And here are our official times!!

Place

Name

City

Bib No

Chip Time

Gun Time

Time Back

Total Pace

988	Courtney Stevens	MD	886			39:19.0	40:07.4	20:09.0	12:56/M
989	Stephanie Nartowt	MA	710			39:19.3	40:07.6	20:09.3	12:56/M

 I am not really sure what the "Gun Time" and "Time Back" means...but hey, it was awesome! I was wildly impressed by my sister who is not a runner...and was able to keep up with me! I told her to let me know anytime during the race if we need to slow down, walk or whatever because I know she wasnt used to it. But she kicked butt!! Having her there with me made it so much fun and made it go by so fast!!

After the finish, we enjoyed a mini cupcake or two and made our way home for a shower and to get ready for Thanksgiving! I hope everyone had a wonderful day and great time with family and loved ones!

Did you run on Thanksgiving? Was it in a race or alone?

-Stephanie

Winners finish last!

That is right, I said it. Winners finish last....you're just for starting and for making it to the end. For pushing through and defeating yourself!

Sunday was the Gobble Gobble Road Race. There was a 5k and 10k option...I of course went for the 10k.

Here is my Race Swag of course!

The race began at 10am. I had a goal to beat my previous 10k....and I did. But first a little summary of the race.
Both 5k and 10k runners began at the same time. I tried my best to begin slow, it is hard to start out walking in the middle of a huge group but as always I start to fall behind in the group, but I was ok with that. 
What I was not ok with, was the feeling I had before I even hit mile 2. I was ready to quit. I was pretty tired, at least my legs were. I was almost ready to settle on stopping at the 5k. But I pushed on.

By the time we were approaching the Mile 3 marker, I wasnt alone, and I wasnt alone. Which was nice, but then I made it ahead of this runner...but she was only doing the 5k...so I had 3 more miles to go.
So as I am passing volunteers...who were absolutley AWESOME btw, they kept telling me how great I was doing, and I only had a little more to go. Little did they know (until I told them) that I still had a long way to go! haha!
Once I hit the 5k/10k group split, I was on my own. Volunteers were all set up around the rest of the road...which was great...and unlike the last 10k I was in, none of them were packing up to go as I was approaching them.

Now here is the kicker! The fun part! They had someone driving around in a van from the agency that put the race on, around the coarse road...obviously to make sure no one was hurt, and obviously making sure everyone had finished. Well since I was last, the van came along and was creeping behind me for the last 2.5 miles. I felt like the freakin PRESIDENT!!

So I finished! Made a PR!! Finished in 1hour and 18-19minutes. They still havent posted offical times. I forgot to hit stop on my phone app right away, so my time was a little off, and so was my distance (6.2miles). But I felt so awesome!! I beat my previous 10k time by roughly 6 minutes!!

 

Holy Cow!!

Princess 1/2 Marathon update!
The 1/2 marathon is now filled up to 99%!!!! On the 19th the www.runlikeaprincess.com revealed a discount for those who had not registered yet. So that is where the big boost in registrations came from. It was at only 95%  on the 19th by 9am and 97% yesterday morning!

 

Cant wait to run with all you wonderful Princesses!!

Biggest Loser update
10/22/2012 - 171 lbs
10/31/2012 - 167 lbs
11/5/2012 - 168.5 lbs
11/13/2012 - 165 lbs
11/19/2012 - 165lbs
 No loss this week...bummer. Hopefully I will still lose by next week, even with Thanksgiving just tomorrow.

But tomorrow has some excitment! My sister is coming in tonight from MD and will be running and 5k tomorrow!! So I will have updates and fun pictures for ya'll!!

"When you wish upon a star"
-Stephanie

Less than 100 days!

There is now less than 100 days until the Princess Half Marathon Weekend!
Whos pumped!!??? I know I am!!!

I have a 10k on Sunday, its a Gobble Gobble Road race and then a 5k on thursday. I am really excited for the 5k because my sister Courtney will be joining me on that one! Yay!!
Hopefully I will have some photographic updates on that one...

I was going to go to the gym today. I got there..but didnt work out. I was in the bathroom, changing, and as I pulled out what I thought were my workout shorts...was actually a tank top! And there was no way I was exercising in my jeans, and I wasnt about to go home then come back...its not exactly close...more out of the way. I think I need to change my gym!

Speaking of exercise, I have been losing weight still. Here is my update from my Biggest Loser competition at work:
10/22/2012 - 171 lbs
10/31/2012 - 167 lbs
11/5/2012 - 168.5 lbs
11/13/2012 - 165 lbs

So I am back down this week. I am hoping to be down again when we weigh in on Monday. I think it would be to ambitious to think I could be down to 161, down 10lbs...but ill take at least 2 or 3!

I am really trying to be disciplined when it comes to eating right. I had work three nights in a row which made it hard to get to the gym. So I am hoping to take advantage of the coming week.
Like I said, I have a 10k on sunday...I would like to go to the gym tomorrow just to get some form of exercise in.
I would like to go to the gym on Monday and then wednesday morning or after work. I only have work at school on Monday and Tuesday this coming week, and work at Yankee Candle on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. So there is plenty of room for some exercise...as well as Thanksgiving treats!!

Tomorrow is pretty exciting. Rich and I are going to look at a house! Its only about 10min from where we live right now, but its a house! Who knows what it is going to be like in person...pictures are one thing, but I will report back.

"Take it from an old spectator. Life’s not a spectator sport. If watchin’ is all you’re gonna do, then you’re gonna watch your life go by without ya."
-Stephanie 

Who Am I?

Ok, so a few weeks ago I went to iParty looking for some costume supplies and this past weekend to get some fabric for my costume for the Princess 1/2 Marathon.

Im sure if you have been reading my blog, you already know who my costume is and it isnt to hard to figure out from the picture! But here it is anyways!

So...any of you care to take a guess!???

Post a comment and let me know what you think!
Plus I just like to see who is actually reading this thing!

So who am i?
Who are you going to be at the Princess 1/2 Marathon?
If you arent going, but have done a race...did you wear a costume?

"What would i give to live where you are. What would I pay to stay here beside you. What would I do to see you smiling at me..."
-Stephanie

Brrr...it's cold out there...

...There's still some runners in the atmosphere!

Yea thats right...good ole New England, time to be cold!

Sunday was Daylight Savings Time, our "fall back" which was nice...but I didnt sleep any longer than usual. I was awake by 7:30, or at least my eyes were open. I ended up falling back asleep at 10 and slept until 11:30, in time to get ready for work.

Anywho..Monday came this morning, and went to work...as usual. It was a pretty good day.

Today was week 3 of our Biggest Loser competition at work. This was our 3 weigh in, including the initiail weigh in. Well there is really good news and some tiny bad news. When I weighed in last Wednesday (we lost 2 days due to Sandy) I had lost 4 pounds according to the scale!!! But even better, I was told that the scale was off by a 1lb, meaning I really lost 5!!!
Then today, I got to work with a fear that I gained it all back. I ate some Buger King this weekend, went out for dinner on Friday...and didnt exercise on the weekend. But I only gained 1.5 pounds back!!

So..
10/22/2012 - 171 lbs
10/31/2012 - 167 lbs
11/5/2012 - 168.5 lbs

I will keep it up to date as I can each week. I will not hide, I am not ashamed of my weight, because I know that I still look good even though I have a high weight!

So anyways, I came home and was determined to go for a run, and I did, just not as long as I was planning on. First of all...again, thanks to Daylight Savings, it gets darker earlier, so I didnt get out until almost 4, so I was only able to get a little over 3.5 miles, not bad.
I bundled up of course, with some gloves and some kind of ear/head band thing that kind of snaps around the back of your head. I also had long compression pants on and a Reebok insulated compression top. I feel like I might need some warmer pants though, as much as I was running, there were still times when they were pretty cold.
This may be TMI, but I would think that running in cold weather, certain areas of the body would not have become so warm and well, sweaty as it can be when someone exercises.

How do you bundle up in the cold for a run?
Any tips for running in the cold/winter?

"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing."
-Stephanie

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/w/walt_disney.html#ewKRaQc6E1mPmgO4.99

SOLD OUT!!!

Thats right the Princess 1/2 Marathon Race Retreat has sold out!!!

 

Only 2 days ago was it 98%!!!
The 1/2 Marathon is still only at 81%

I cant believe it!!

The course map was posted this past week...which from what I have seen isnt any different from the past years...and after some figuring...i finally was able to post a picture of it! Because it was a PDF I wasnt able to just save it and upload it, but then I figured out how to create a screenshot of it, save it as a JPEG and bada bing, bada boom!

 

 

What I really like is the mini park maps on the sides that show you where you enter and exit in Epcot and Magic Kingdom!! It gets me wicked psyched and cant wait for that awesome photo opp. in front of the castle!!

Today was a gym day. I ran on the treadmill for 30min and ran 2.33 miles! Still hit under a 13minute mile...which makes me happy. I am starting to feel opposite of how I used to about the treadmill. When I first began really getting into it, I liked the treadmill, which gave me more control, and I didnt worry about if I was going to fast and then becoming to tired. But now on the road, I feel like I have been able to gain some kind of control, and know how fast I can go and keeping the pace steady. So now I feel like I haven been running faster and getting my average pace down, which is great! But now I need to find that happy medium on the treadmill so that I keep my pace down and it doesnt go back up.

Well Im off from runnning until Sunday.

"If there ever comes a day we can't be together, just keep me in your heart and I'll stay there forever"
-Stephanie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PERSONAL RECORD!!!

Today was kind of a tight morning schedule!

This morning we had a staff meeting at Yankee Candle from 8-10. It was good, and plus the assistant manager who is on maternity leave came and brought her little bundle of joy! She is so adorable, and oh so tiny...I think around 3 weeks?

Then I had to run to CVS and get the hubs some Dunkin Donuts.
I came home and immediatley got myself geared up for running. I was determined today to get at least 5 if not 6 miles in. I was a little nervous because of all the warnings of huricane Sandy. She isnt up here yet, but we are starting to feel some effects of some storm system, so as I was driving around to my errands and home, there was some sprinkling on my windshield. Plus we were expecting some guests over for the Patriots game today, so I didnt want to go out for to long and be in the shower as they arrive.  Anyways...so I went out, and was at first thinking, I will get at least 3miles down. So I went out there and was out to a good start speed wise, and no pain. The rain didnt come down so I kept going and knew I could get in 5miles!

So that was what I was set out to do. I did 5miles and set a personal record of 1hour and 3minutes!!!!! I couldnt believe it! As I hit each mile, my app told me my time and pace time, and I was super psyched each time I heard the report! I was so excited and so proud. I was a bit tired through mile 4 and 5, but I kept my stride, took my walk breaks a little closer together than normal, but that was excpected when pushing myself as much as I did.

I still finished and was able to come home and shower all before anyone came over. It was only one of Rich's cousins and a friend, but still, I got it all done!

It is such a good feeling when you have a PR, expecially when you hit it by cutting roughly 8 minutes off your time! Thats HUGE!!!

So I am hoping that I can keep this up! The cool weather is definitley something that helps!! But I am so excited about it I cant even contain myself!!

"You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality."
-Stephanie

It Has Arrived!!!

It is here...it is finally here!!!

The 5th Anniversary Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon Medal is here!!! Eeek! I squealed and gasped out loud when I saw it, almost couldnt contain myself!!!

This is sooo beautiful, and I am absolutley so much more excited now, and cant wait to cross the finish line and get this placed around my neck!!

That's all I have for now!! Had to share my excitement!!

"Bibbidi Bobbidy Boo!"

-Stephanie

Biggest Loser Competition

      Last week, as a way to "unify" the staff where I work, we decided to put together a little competition...a weight loss competition. Although it is a "competition", it will be a way for us to work together and motivate eachother! I am very excited!
      I am not one who works well with having a weight loss goal, but I figure that since I am already on a track of running 2-3 days a week and trying to get to the gym, that this will work. By getting myself involved will also motivate me to actually get my runs in, run 3 times a week EVERY week and get to the gym more often!
      So yesterday was the first day it began. Everyone had there first weigh in, and will weigh in every Monday up to Christmas/Holiday break. So at my first weigh in...yes thats right, I am revealing my weight....was 171lbs. Now I wasnt exactly surprised. When I joined the gym back in I think June or July, I was 174ish...haha. Then when I weighed myself again on the same scale at the gym in September I was 168. So I had lost 6lbs, which is great! But I was eating a lot better, eating less potato chips and junk. But lately I have been trying to eat better, but eating a little more snack foods, and not running as much as I should.

     Today I went to the gym. I ran 30 minutes, total of 2.30 miles. Then worked out with some weights and floor exercises..mostly some kind of core exercise for about 20 minutes.
I am going back to the gym on Thursday night after I get out of work as well as Friday. Sunday I will do my long run, 5miles. This is in writing, so I can be held accountable!

Now on to some more exciting news!!! Run Disney just posted on Facebook a sneak preview of an unveiling for tomorrow!!

                         We are almost ready to unveil ... something. Will you join us tomorrow?

 

What will it be I wonder.....possibly the 5th Anniversary Princess 1/2 Marathon Medal!??? I dont know if I can contain my excitment!!! Some think it could be the Tinkerbell Medal, others are hoping for something for Wine and Dine (which has already been revealed I guess)...but from the colors it looks like Princess!!!

I will report back tomorrow!!! Eeeek!!

 

Fairy tales do come true. One mile at a time.

Princess Stephanie

Update #2

Ok, part two, here we go!

So this past week was kind of tough. I really wanted to get out and run three times this week. So I ran on Monday, the 15th, the official date of our one year anniversary. I had gone to the gym, set the treadmill for and hour and that was it. Ran around 4.53 miles, which is normal for me.
Then that night I started coughing, not a lot...but just enough to know that something was coming.
Tuesday came and I was coughing, and feeling light headed and nauseous throughout the day..but when I ate, I was fine. I also had to work that night, and after work I just couldnt take it, so I went to buy some medicine after work.
Wednesday I was hoping to go out for another run, but this cold was saying NO! I just needed to come home and lay around, and I did. I was suppose to work thursday evening, but they called and let me know I can still come in if I want, but I wasnt really needed. So I took advantage of the situation and didnt go in. But it was a beautiful day, I was feeling pretty good about myself, so I went out for a light run, 2miles. My pace slowed down to around 14min/mile. The first mile was rougher than the second.

Anyways...so today I ran my second 5k. Boy what did I get myself into! I had no idea what a challenge it was going to be...even though they said it would be challenging. It was the Cider House 5k at Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, MA. So of course I assume there will be some hills, but I didnt know really what to expect, so I was a bit nervous!

 

 

 Here is why I was nervous! It is hard to see in this photo...but for the first 1.5miles was allllll uphill!
Not just any hill...but trail hills, so there were rocks and roots everywhere! So I had to walk pretty much all the way up once we hit the trails!

Throughout the course there were a couple openings where you could see beautiful New England views, and this was one of them!
It was also right next to a water stop! I had a water bottle with me, but it was almost empty!
Around the 1.5 mile..(.there was no mark indicating that, so I am assuming) a guy was there telling us "its all down hill from here" which I was thrilled about!!

This is where I began to run, and I was determined to run and not stop unless I really had to, but just to walk. And of course it brings you back onto a trail, and you have to be careful so you dont trip, fall or sprain an ankle. So I walked a few times, but quickly! I have a feeling my ankles are going to be sore tomorrow!

 It was such a beautiful run, tough, but beautiful.
Rich stayed home for Football...but he texted me to see how things went and when I told him it was tough, he replied "Way to go bub! (his nickname for me) You were tougher tho!" which I found very encouraging and sweet!

 

                                              After the finish...hands filled with goodies!

So I finished the 5k, my Mom and cousin Deb came and saw me start and finish. We then walked around the AppleFest that Wachusett Mountain was having, looked at all the craft vendors, ate lunch and pretty much called it a day.  I got myself some new winter gloves/mittens, the combo...for $5! They are those really warm knit ones, I dont know what to call the material, its not wool, but not normal yarn. Oh well...I love them!

 

Oh! and I almost forgot, my sister called me on my way home to see how it all went. I of course gave her the update. She had said how she wished she could have been there. I told her it was too bad that she wasnt going to be home the weekend before Thanksgiving because I am doing a 10k on the 18th. So she then asked about a Thanksgiving race, like a 5k. So now her and I are doing a 5k together on Thanksgiving as well! how exciting! Not only will she be there, but running in it with me!! It will be the best 5k ever!

 

Thats all for now. Hopefully I wont wait so long to update again!

 

"Think of all the joy you'll find when you leave the world behind and bid your cares goodbye"

-Stephanie

 

 

 

 

 

 





 



Update #1

It has been about two weeks I think since my last post....shame I know!

I havent been keeping up with my running very well either...shame again. The week before last I ran once. bad.

But I do have some fun stuff to share. October 15th was Rich and my one year wedding anniversary!!

So on Friday the 12th we headed up to Vermont for the weekend! It was really nice, relaxing and just a great weekend. Not to much to do in the area of Vemont that we were in, but that was ok, it was more about having quality tinme together. We have time together in the evenings, but we are mostly watching tv at home, and I am normally on the computer doing something or on facebook.
So we got up to Vermont, rested in the room and then went down to the Fat Spy Tavern that was downstairs at the Stone Lodge Inn where we stayed.
Dinner was really good! Excellent pulled pork potato skins....oh yum! The only thing that was gross..was later that night we went back to the tavern for a drink, and there were fruit flies in Rich's drink...and turns out, all in the bottle it was poured from. So in the end he got another drink, and we only had to pay for my beer.



 Saturday we went out to Manchester, VT to drive around, get some lunch and see what was out there.

Along the way, we saw Bromley Mountain
...and cows....









We stopped a got some lunch at a place called Zoey's, and it was really good! Everything was homemade...including the potato chips!!

 

After lunch we headed over to the Equinox Valley Nursery for the 7th Annual Pumpkin Carving Festival.

I know it is dead...but I thought it was a pretty sunflower.

This is my new boyfriend...Buddy...and just like all the rest of the guys, hes checkin out other women! haha

Here is Rich, takin a pose with his new golfing buddies!

                            Pumpkins!
We also got some hot and cold cider, along with a pint of Vermont Maple Syrup....which was very delicious on our french toast this weekend!!

That was pretty much our weekend. Saturday night we went to Stratton Mountain Villiage, since we were right next to it, for dinner...which was a pricey penny, but it is Vermont.
We left Sunday morning, got home in time to relax and get ready for the Patriots game!


“Forever is a long, long time, and time has a way of changing things.”

-Stephanie



10k COMPLETE!

Today I ran my first 10k!

Overall, it was great! I was a little nervous because 1. I had only run once this past week and 2. the furthest distance I have gone so far was only around 5..maybe 5.5miles. I know that last.5 shouldn't make to much of a difference, but it did, well only a little.

The picture to the left is of the Publick House, the start line was behind the restaurant. This is in Sturbridge, MA. This was a race for the Rehabilitation Rescources, Inc.

 

 
Here is my bib number!!!!
I ended up taking it off my shirt, and pinning it to the back of my jacket. I wanted to be able to run with the my jacket on at first, and I didnt want to cover up my bib, so I pinned it to the back, so if I took it off, you could still see it if I tied my jacket around my waist. In the end I could have kept it on my shirt, but oh well!

The Remax Hot Air Balloon next to the Start!

So the race officially started at 9:03am, with both 5k and 10k groups starting together. I started off at my own pace...walking. Whenever I start a run I try to start walking..fast, but not running, just to warm up.



I was walking...and everyone else was passing me,but that is something I had to be ok with, I have my own pace, and I was sticking to it! Plus half the crowd was doing the 5k...and when I passed the 5k turn around , I felt as if I was the only one doing the 10k. I saw a few people in front of me, but no one behind me.

Getting passed the 3mile mark is always the hardest for me. Its that hump I have to get over, and then I kind of soar through the rest..still at a steady pace, but I'm not struggling physically. There were some hills but nothing to cry about, I made it through.

 Both pictures are of the same thing..just one is closer up. I thought it was a great time to capture some beautiful Fall foliage!!

 

Around mile 3...I was on my own, aside from volunteers telling you where to go, so it was really nice. The trees are all beginning to turn if they haven't already, and it was beautiful. The only thing I had to be careful of was getting around turns on the road..where it was hard for cars to see you until they got around the turn. A Sturbridge cop came down the road every once and a while, probably to make sure there was no one hurt, or to see if there was anyone left....like me!

 

I was in the home stretch as I hit mile 5. But that's when trouble began again. My left thigh became really tired and kind of sore. I had to take it easy to not stress it out to much, but I didn't want to lose to much on my pace time at that point. I walked a little more, pushed through and made it to the 6mile mark. Of course there is a hill at the end, so I walked up that as quick as I could and as soon as I hit flat ground, I went for it!

 

So here is my grand ending. The race started at 9am, with a 5k and 10k group. But at 10:30, there was a fun run, which starts at the start/end of the 5k/10k. So as I finished (dead last) there was this huge crowd waiting to start there fun run. As I got close, I could hear a bunch of the kids waiting to start say "here comes a runner!", "another runner is here!" so of course I was bit embarrassed that I was last, but at the same time I thought it was a great way to end. I had this huge crowd to cheer me on, be there to congratulate me as I finished!

 

So I finished!

According to my RunStar app, I finished 6.3miles in 1hour, 25minutes and 54 seconds!

According to the time keeper of the race, I finished the 10k (6.213miles) in 1 hour, 26minutes and some odd seconds. The official times arent posted yet online.

The difference I think is made in the the mile markers and my app and how it counted the miles. As I was approaching each mile marker, my app would tell me I hit it before I even got to the marker that the race people had put out. But then when I hit the mile 6 marker, my app said I reached 6miles after the marker. So I dont know which was correct, my app or the markers. 



But the only thing is...I FINISHED! 

When I got to registration, like many races, you get a shirt. Well the 5k I did back in May I think, gave tshirts. But this race were wicking shirts...not cotton! I was so excited! I dont need anymore tshirts, but I can always use another running shirt!

So after the race, I walked around for a couple minutes to cool down. I should have walked a little longer, or stretched because when I got home and got out of the car, I was a bit sore, so I will be sure to ice up a little bit this evening.




On my way home I had to make a stop...after all, America runs on Dunkins...and as do I!

 Getting some Post Race sustenance!

 Cant wait to do another one!

Stephanie
"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”




Busy Bee

I feel as if I have been neglecting you!

Sorry if I have, I dont mean to! I have been super busy this week working, getting in my runs/exercise, and preparing for the Vendor Fair that I had today!
Plus last week I was away for a night in Maine, then sunday Rich was playing at the Harvard Fall Festival. So I got to spend time with some friends and family. It was nice.

The vendor fair was to benefit the Tyler Foundation, for families and children with epilepsy! So I have been putting myself to work for the past 6+ Months on putting together a lovely display of jewelry! You can check me out at my facebook page for Sass&Class! I have pictures posted and want to spread the word. I am really hoping to find a few more craft fairs to display/sell my items. I hope this will be a great way to raise some more money for my trip to 5th Annual Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon!!

Speaking of Princess 1/2 Marathon....it's 54% full! There are only 151 days left!! The price just went up to register as well!! If you havent signed up yet and are thinking of signing up....STOP THINKING....JUST DO IT!!!

I've been trying really hard to get back to the gym, and get my three runs in a week. Because my schedule has been all over the place, I have had some trouble keeping up, but am doing my best, still getting 2 runs in a week. For my long run, I only ran 4miles last week. I went to the gym on Friday and ran a "5k" on the treadmill, and got my treadmill time down to a 12:45min pace, but I will say that I am a bit slower than that since I have a feeling the treadmill is off by a little bit in terms of distance.

My 4 mile run, I was not feeling it at all! I pushed through and got it done, but not up to the standards I would like to be holding myself too. Next week is my first 10k...so I am pretty excited and hope that I am feeling good and can keep my pace to around 13:30min/mile.

This week I am excited to say that I start a new part time job, ridding of one...I will start at the Yankee Candle part time, obviously still have my full time job. I just needed something a bit more calm and less stressful. I also am going to the bank for a pre-qualification for a mortgage!

Rich and I are ready to get out of this apartment and get our own place....our own Home! So hopefully this will push things along. We have been talking about going to the bank for a long time, but pushing it back and back because of all the paper work we have to get together in order to go to the bank. Rich isnt as organized as I am, so his paperwork has been a bit harder to get, but we have it and its ready to go!

That's my little update!
Stephanie

"Believe you can. Then you will."

Slacking off much?

These past couple weeks I feel like a slacker..but I find that I have good reason.

#1. I work a full time job AND a part time job. So when I work my part time job in the evening, it doesnt leave a lot of time to run or exercise. (luckily my part time job involves a LOT of walking around)
#2. well...I guess there is only 1 reason, haha. I just wish I had the energy to get up and go run or even to the gym in the morning before work.


I am doing really well at getting my long run in, which so far, the longest has been 5.5 miles. I find that once I get past a certain distance, the rest kind of just plays itself out smoothly. I get tired a little bit, and soreness comes and goes in my right leg mostly, but as long as I keep going ( and taking walk breaks every once and a while) it just feels like going with the flow.

Today was my one short run of the week, and it was only 3 miles. I find that I have mentioned this before, but those three miles always seem tougher than doing more, but I guess that is the threshold I have to get by in order to just be able to go!

Anyone else have those slacker moments? How do you get past it?

-Stephanie
"A dream is a wish your heart makes'

Let the Football season begin....GO PATS!

Today is the first regular season game for football..including the New England Patriots. I may not know everything about football, but I understand the basics, plus I can always annoy Rich with my questions about why this player did that, and why this call was made...haha

So far an excellent start to the season!

This morning began with a slow start, not really wanting to wake. After work yesterday, I spent a lot of time in bed just watching tv and relaxing, so as the night came to a close, I was beginning to feel restless. I dont like being still for to long, even just sitting and being on the computer or reading is better than just sitting and staring at the TV. Oh well, I settled down and the hubs and I watched Willy Wonka, well I fell asleep while he watched and flipped back and forth to Pawn Stars.

When I finally sat up and woke up I had a tough decision to make....to run now or after the Pats game. I kept telling myself I should go now rather than later, only because I know once the game is over, I am not going to want to go anywhere. So, with enough time, I got geared up and went out. I decided I would try to add some distance today as well.

I am pleased to say that I improved my time! Each mile update my phone gave me I was running at approximatley at 13:52-14:07 minute mile...and my final pace time was 14:04minute per mile which is 10 seconds fast than my 5mile run last week! And each mile pace update was at least 15seconds faster than the pace updates I my phone gave me each mile last week! I am very proud of myself!

Along my route last week I saw a pretty waterfall and decided to take a quick pic to share with you all!

I am not sure if this is next to someones house or if it is some kind of business or something, but I thought it was nice. I run through a lot of residential neighborhoods, so I dont have a lot of "sightseeing" along my route.

When I run, I notice that gas bubbles seem to move a lot, not so much farting...its burping. I always feel like its going to be more like throwing up, but I know its a burp. It kind of makes me nervous when I get that feeling, and it gets kind of annoying. I understand it is beacuse I am moving around, so everything else kind of moves around inside...Anyone else experience that?

Well, I finished my run and showered, just in time for the game to start. I took some time to update my blog since it has been a few days or so...but now, back to football!

Stephanie
"Mirror, mirror on the wall. Whose the fairest of them all"

Back to the Gym

After a long weekend, I wasnt exactly ready to go back to work, but I got back and as usual, once I was there, things were great!

I did a lot of walking at the YMCA with some of the students, probably only about a mile around the track, but when you have to walk 19laps to make a mile, it seems like a lot.

Anyways, so after work I went to the gym, again...not really in the mood, I probably could have gone home and taken a nap. I hopped onto the treadmill and set it for 30 minutes. My first mistake was wearing a cotton tshirt...man it weighs you down when you are sweating, plus I was trying to roll the sleeves up, but they wouldnt stay and that really bothered me, so I said screw it and just kept them down.
I also did a short time on a stationary bike, then some crunches and some weight lifting. It was pretty good.

I dont really have much to say today!

Stephanie
"Keep on swimming. Keep on swimming"

Labor Day Weekend: Virtual 5mile Race

I decided today I would get my long run in outside, enjoy the weather..and the fact that it was actually cooler like I thought it would be (unlike last run outside where it was still pretty warm!)

Today started with some laziness though, just laying around in bed. Then it was off to my sister-in-laws to see my mother-in-law who was babysitting my neice for the weekend. Rich and I went over there to see Sofia, our neice and to spend time with his Mom since she had been by herself since I think friday with Sofia. She is the cutest thing and soo beautiful!

Of course along our way to her house, I saw a whole bunch of people out on their runs. I thought wow, why am I not out there right now? Then of course Rich started to tease me a bit saying that all the other runners were saying "how come Stephanie isnt out here running right now!?" haha. Then he mentioned that they are all probably out right now because it is suppose to rain, which I completely forgot about. So that had be worried, but hey if it was raining, I would just go to the gym. Its a good back fall.

So we were over there for til about 4, which seemed like we were there for a lot longer, and I was really tired, not like I did to much either. So we got home around 430 and I thought I would take about a 30-45 minute nap before my run just so I would have enough energy. It turned into about an hour nap, and it was good! But I was still a bit groggy, and it was roughly 6pm!

Seeing that is was starting to get late, I had a quick snack, put all my gear on and got ready to go! Seeing how I was determined to get a 5 mile run in, I strapped on my new running belt on in order to be able to have some water with me!

Nathan Trail Mix 2 Hydration Belt

I like the belt, it stays in place and doesnt ride up. The bottles are a bit small, but I figure when it comes time for the Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon, I will be able to get water or whatever at the water/food stops through out the race and save my water for times when I need it and there is nothing around. I was able to split up the water from a regular water bottle, like Dasani into both water bottles. I was going to try to put some ice in each one, but the cubes wont fit into the openings.

So not only was I able to get in a long run, I figured a 5mile was a good choice since my Princess friend Nicole shared this Virtual race page. http://anywhere5k.com/races/ It has a calendar for virtual races, meaning you can run anywhere anytime of a certain distance and then somehow your distance and time is shared. I registered through a blog titld MommyRunFast in which Laura talks about the virtual races, etc. So I registered after I ran and had my dinner! So now I just need to wait to receive an email back asking for my race time and distance, along with my blog entry or any photos that I may have took.

(This is the Bib for the virtual Run that Laura from MommyRunFast posted for thoe who joined in on the fun could wear...if I had seen it before my run I would have worn it!)

I didnt take any photos, but it was a good-great run. I ran through parts of town that I have been through on a run before, plus others I havent. Some were just side roads, that I figured woul help in extended my run and making sure I made it to 5miles before or just as I would reach home. Some miles felt longer than others. But thanks to my lovely RunStar app, I was able to set up a notification for each mile, and it would also tell me how long I have been running and the pace of each mile, which was AWESOME! It made me very happy, but I also felt that I would become anxious as I felt that I had reached another mile because it felt so long, but indeed I hadnt because I had not received a notification yet.

So all in all, I am proud of myself for getting it done, not giving up, and maintaining pace! My last mile was actually the quickest mile, shaving 20-27 seconds off compared to each of the miles before. If that makes sense...Well each mile, 1-4, was about 14.20-27 minutes each, and mile 5 was 13.58minutes.

Yay me!

Stephanie
"I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship"

Blah!

Today was the second day back to school, still no students..thats tomorrow!

So Today was really a day to figure out whats going on, who the new students would be, whos working with who and other back to school mumbo jumbo...but overall a good day. But towards the end of the day myself and another staff took a trip to another classroom to pick up some items that belong to a student that will be attending our program starting tomorrow. When I came back everyone was kind of working on a different project in order to get ready for the week. Two of the people that I am working with, I felt were kind of snubby all of a sudden. I dont want to take it personally, and hope that they were just "focused" on whatever they were doing.

But one of them can act kind of snubby from time to time, and I dont know if it is me, or if it is just her. So overall I was then put into a mood, and I was fine around everyone, but internally...but it was also then end of the day and time to go home. I did one thing, turned around and pretty much everyone was gone! It was strange. I also still kind of feel like a newbie, I have been here since February, but only 3 days a week, and in another program 2 days a week, and I also worked in a different program all summer night.

So of course as I walk out to my car, alone...I feel paranoid and a little annoyed, and probably for no reason. But now of course I dont want to go to the gym, but I make myself go anyways, in hopes that it will get rid of any frustration, and it did.

I set the time for 30minutes on the treadmill and just went for it, kept thinking about work for a bit, but distracted myself with music and watching tv and thinking about my running.
Once I finished I did some ab crunches and weight lifting. Then I went home, took a shower and relaxed.

Hoping tomorrow is a better day, and a great first day with the students!

-Stephanie
"Hakuna Matata"

Mr. Motivator

I must say, I really do love my husband.

Sunday, we had gone out with my parents and two of my cousins for some indoor/blacklight mini golf..it was funny, some small 9 hole coarse...and some ice cream! I had purchased a groupon for 6 of us for $18, and that included a large ice cream each! What a deal, a large ice cream alone is $3.75. Anyways, so I figured earlier in the day that I would just go to the gym for my long run after mini golf. But of course I got home, and didnt really want to go.

I said "I dont want to go, I will just go tomorrow"...but my knight in shining armor said "no, you need to go to the gym, you will never make it to your half marathon by skipping the gym!"
He asked how long until the 1/2 (6 months) and said I better get movin, and asked what the furthest was I have gone (5 miles) and said "thats not even half way there, you better get movin"

So I put on my gym clothes, gave him a big kiss and went to the gym. I ran my 5 miles, which I would like to run at least 5 on the road before my 10k at the end of September...just to get some more road experience since it has been a while. As I look back on my running times from when I was running outside, my times have improved...But then when I was out this past week, it was back to the old times. I dont know if it was my pace was all screwed up because I didnt have the control of a treadmill, the heat, or if the treadmill is really off by that much distance, that I am running a shorter distance than it is saying I am going (such a bummer if true).

I am also looking into getting an interval timer. I saw that Jeff Galloway has one for purchase on his website, but as I researched it, it doesnt seem like it would be the best because I have read that it can be hard to feel the vibrations. It does have a beep or something, but I listen to music when I run, so I fear that I wouldnt hear it, and plus running outside there are noisy cars and what not.

Anyone else experience a time difference in their runs on the pavement vs. the treadmill?
Anyone use an interval timer? Suggestions?

-Stephanie
"There is a big blue sky waiting right behind the clouds"

Long Run Day

What a couple days I have had...

Lets start with my last run, my 2nd maintenance run of the week. It was AWFUL! I couldnt even get through the whole thing, which I knew I wouldnt be able to from the moment I stepped on the treadmill. So I set the time for 30 minutes, thinking I can do that, and slow it down a bit. I ended up adding at least a whole minute on to me pace time, and felt like shit the whole time. For lunch I ate a Buffalo Chicken wrap, and it was deliscious, but it was still bouncing around a bit by the time I got to the gym, and then my calf hurt while running and I was just exhausted! So needless to say, it was a crappy day. As I  said on my FB status, "eat crappy = crappy run" or somthing like that...
Then I had work that night.

Then Friday, my best friend Ashley and I went to Maine to visit some friends for the day. It was a good day, and a good time. But I think I ate more than I could to close together, when we got up there we went over to Saco for Rapid Rays, and old time favorite when I was in Maine for the summers, and I just couldnt finish my food. I ordered a hot dog and some onion rings, and I was full very quickly. Then we went to Ocean Park to see and sit on the beach for a bit, then headed off for some ice cream. I had a Peanut Butter Supreme with a sugar cone. I finished it because it was sooo good, but could have dont without finishing. My tummy felt a bit rumbly after that. Then we went back to our friends house to play games and had some drinks, and I had a couple jello shots as well...not the wisest choice, but good in the moment. I wasnt driving home, which was good because I was soo tired and felt really funny the whole way home, not so much naseous, but just funky in the tummy. So we got home to MA around 10:30, I took a shower and crawled into bed.

Saturday the hubs came home from a night out with the boys in the afternoon. I went shopping and grocery shopping that day but was home before he got there. Right before he came home I had made myself and Chicken Salad sandwhich and had some chips. About 30 minutes after eating, my stomach began to hurt, and not like a normal stomach ache. It was my right side, and it wasnt really painful, but just an uncomfortable pain. That last from around 2pm-7 or 8pm. I took some tylenol at 6:30 and I think that helped. I of course spent some time trying to diagnose myself online, and it made it sound like Gall Stones. I still dont really know what that is, but if thats what it was, it went away, or at least the pain did after taking some tylenol. Before I went to bed, it felt like it was starting to some back, so I took two more and watched tv in bed and went to sleep.

Of course I was expecting to wake up early in the morning to the pain returning, but nothing. I was more nervous of it coming back because I needed to get to the gym to get my long run in to stay on track with my training.

Luckily I got to the gym, stretched out a bit, and got going. I was setting myself up to hit 5 miles today, which I knew would take a little over an hour to do. So as I set the time on the treadmill I went to set it over 60 minutes, but thats as far is it goes! I understand that is probably the gyms way of making a maximum of time someone can use it, which I know they cant set that on the treamill, but by buying treadmills that only allow that maximum of time. Anyways, so I had make sure that when I got to the end of the hour, to remember how far I had gone, then start up again!

Overall I was very happy with my time. I remained constant with my pace, especially happy after my run on thursday, and how it didnt go so well..and the past couple days of weirdness. I think my time improved a little bit as well!
So I ran 5-5.1miles...i lost track a little of the total in between having to end and restart, in an Hour and 7 minutes. That is awesome! Like I have said before, I would rather finish with a slower pace, but a pace that is constant throughout the whole race or run. I find that I am not tired, I could probably go on for another mile, but I dont want to push to hard in my training and hurt myself. I do tend to feel a little sore in the calf of my leg, but it always seems to be toward the end of my run.

This week seems to be cooling down which means I may be able to get some running outside done which will make me very happy. I am very interested to see if my pace changes or gets better since I will be at my own control of my pace/speed instead of a treadmill. It will also give me a chance to experiment with one of the settings on my RunStar app which allows you to have it notify you every so many minutes, or at a certain distance.

Well I think I have gone on long enough, but I have spared my hubby from all my ramblings, haha!

-Stephanie
“The past can hurt, but the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.”

Shorts run...not as fun

So as I think I have mentioned before...I think I enjoy the long runs a bit more than my short runs.
I think I am discovering why...

Today when I was on the treadmill...waiting for the heat to surpress, although it wasnt bad today, I hit the "5k" button and went at it. But in an effort to try to improve my pace, I decided to hike up the speed, but only run for 4minutes instead of 6-8, and walk for only 1-1.5 minutes instead of 2. Well in the end, no difference made. I guess now that I think about it, if I wanted to improve my pace time by speeding up, I still need to run longer at that speed.  (Kind of a "Duh!" moment)

But I know that if i try to speed up and run longer, I will just get tired quicker. But maybe when I actually get back on the pavement, my time will improve from being on the treadmill and only staying at one pace...we shall see!
Next week I am off for a week from summer school and before the school year begins. So I am hoping that I will get out there on the road, with a cool day for a short run. As long as it stays cool...which I am praying for. It has been over a month since I have run outside, and I will plan out my run. I will probably just stick with an old route

Anyways, back to my run for the day. Again, I think knowing how far I am going to run or have run, by having the little box that shows your distance can mess with me. I begin to worry about my pace, and then I stress out a bit, and end up trying to run to long or push harder than I can take, making myself tired, and end the run with some pain. The pain gets stretched out and I am fine thank goodness.


Happy Thought...Now that everything is set and booked for the Disney Princess 1/2 in February, I am now really excited! I want it to come soon! But I need the time to train....so I guess that is a good reason to wait! :) 
Luckily, my hubby has become a bit more supportive. He didnt back it 100% right away, not because he doesnt want me to be fit, or be able to complete a half marathon...he thinks that is great, and that it is a great goal. It was more the fact that he knew it would cost me some money..and that we are trying to save for a house. Neither of us are great with money, but I explained my plan, and he asked simple questions..but not in a negative way. Which made me happy, it showed that he was trying to be supportive since he knows how much I really want to do this, and do this for me, and what it would mean to me. My husband and I love eachother so much, and he shows it, which makes me so grateful and happy.

-Stephanie
To spend a life of endless bliss, just find who you love through true love's kiss

It's all Booked!

So it is 100% complete...everything is booked!
The Hotel.
The Flight.
and of course...My registration is done already!

Very excited!

Yesterday I went for another one of my long runs on the treadmill. Set it for an hour, and ran 4.5 miles. I thought that if I ran for a little longer and still only walked 2 minutes at a time, my pace time or at least how far I ran would differ than last time. But nothing! No difference what so ever!
But I guess that is a lesson learned, and now I can focus more on just doing it like normal. I would rather take a little longer to run the whole 1/2, or whatever distance it is and be a little tired in the end...rather than running harder and being wiped out by the end. I want to be able to keep a steady pace throughout my whole run. I find that some people have listed their runs and it somehow includes how long each mile took, and they slow down each mile. I probably do as well, and I will find out the next time I try to do only 1 miles, and see what my time is like. But if I can run 3 miles, 4.5 miles or maybe even 13.1 miles all at a 13:20min pace..or roughly that pace, then I would be happy!

I get so worried and caught up when I see someone else who hasnt been running as long as I have, not that it has been a very long time for me...and they have a shorter pace time, and I go, what the heck! But I figure, maybe they are just pushing themselves a little harder, which I could do, but I dont want to be hurting and I want to be able to breathe while I run and dont want to be having to catch my breath while I take my walk breaks. I need to be able to have control and feel comfortable and in not a lot of pain.

This morning I woke up with a mysterious groin pain! I was fine all day yesterday, even after my run. But around 5:45 am I woke up to go to the bathroom and it was pretty painful, making it hard to stand up, sit down...it went away by the end of the day, but man...I dont know what it was!

I know I have more to say, but tonight I must cut my entry short. I will have more for you tomorrow after a visit to the gym.

-Stephanie

Aches...

So today I went for my normal maintenance run on the treadmill. I havent run since Monday, so it has been a few days...and I havent been eating the best. I snacked on chips yesterday...BAD...then today snacked on chips and dip, some chocolate cluster thing....BAD. I remember reading another bloggers ( Pumpkin to Princess ) site and she had an entry in regards to her running, and how it was affected by a couple days of poor eating. I think it is similar to going on a good diet, not eating fast food or other certain foods. But once you eat them again, just once...you feel not so good, or even makes you sick a little.

I dont know if it truly was the reason, but my left back calf was sore in the run, and hurt more during the last 5minutes. I was practically limping during my cool down walk. So I will just do some extra stretching in between now and my long run on Sunday. I think I will do another 4.5 on sunday again...I found that I enjoyed the 4.5 run last sunday better then when I do my 5k treadmill run. I dont know if it is because I just set the timer on the treadmill and cover up the distance? I guess not feeling so much pressure about how far I have gone and just worrying about my pace, how I am breathing and feeling makes it better. So I strive for that good feeling again this Sunday.

Well...I am going to bad again tonight. It is the first Pre-Season Patriots game tonight, that means a couple of beers and probably Pizza or a Sub....oh well, gotta get back in gear tomorrow with healthy food, and trip to the gym for some non-running exercising, and then walking around at work in the evening.

-Stephanie
"Do not be fooled by its commonplace appearance. Like so many things, it is not what outside, but what is inside that counts"

Pumpkin to Princess: Pacing Drills

A blogger I am following posted this the other day...thought it to be very helpful and educational!
Pumpkin to Princess: Pacing Drills: At my TEAM run on Saturday morning, Coach had us do some pacing drills.  We ran around the parking lot and counted how many steps we took ...

I always try to run with short low to the ground strides. If I remember, I am going to try to count how many steps I take in a minute while on the treadmill. Obviously it will be a bit different because the speed is controlled by the treadmill, but I will test it out there and on the pavement!