A Race Thursday AND Saturday? Sure sounds good

Well we are at race #8 AND Race #9 (not to mention #10 will be on Wednesday July, 4th). So here is the breakdown of the past few days.

Forgot to get a race day photo. Here is the front of the shirt instead. OHH.. AHHH..

Race #8 was in Bay City, MI for the St. Stans festival. This festival is a Catholic Polish festival, Polka and all. It was a last minute (like decided that morning) race. I was asked to do it by none other than Alisha a few weeks back, but because it was a weekday and Losing It Daddy works second shift, it was more than likely going to be a no. There was a plan to run with the Losing It Kids (I get 2 and Alisha would take one) but it was not an ideal plan. I have a hard enough time moving myself, now I was going to add 60+ lbs ? We also thought the kids would not do well in the 95 degree heat, we were barely sure WE would do well. The night before, however, Losing It Daddy informed me he would be working first shift and would be home in time to watch the boys. So I decided I was going to do it.

The race was at 6pm and it was a muggy, heavy 96 degrees out. I had not walked a few miles in that kind of heat, let alone run (OH how I love you central air). I made up my mind before arriving I would walk most of it and hope to come in under an hour. It was the usual Bay Runners Club crowd and the race was a difficult one for all. The home owners really helped out by standing on the edge of the road with hoses cooling us off. We also had a few more water stations (I am assume just home owners with cups and coolers as well). Since I had my trusty CamelBak I dumped every ounce of water I received on my head. I can not tell you enough how much a cool head helps you stay focused and feeling like you can continue. As per usual Brandon, Alisha and now Nichole came back and walked with me the last 1/2 mile and  ran the last few yards to the finish. I crossed at 52.16. I wasn't thrilled but given the heat I was going to take that number. I also didn't want to hurt myself for Saturday's race.

I will go into Saturday's race (with photos) in a later post because there is so much to write. I had so much run but again there was a bit more emotion into this one than my last few. I will show you this though.

Losing It Momma and Losing It Sib Lena. We got a bit dirty ; )

Enjoy your journey no matter where you are and how long it has taken to get there.

Losing It Momma

Race #7 - Beach Wellness

I can't believe I am writing about my 7th race already. Losing It Momma of 2011 would have thought it insane to be running without zombies chasing you but Losing It Momma of 2012 can really see why people do it. The excitement, the sense of accomplishment, the all around better feeling is really worth it.

I am getting stronger! Watch out, Lightning Tortoise is coming for ya!

June 23rd, 2012 I went and did Beach Wellness 5k in Bay City, MI. It was held at the state park with a day full of events. It was a last minute addition so Losing It Daddy stayed home with the boys and I traveled with Brandon and Alisha. We had to arrive an hour, at least, before the race to register and make sure we were there in time to get to the starting line. We left the house around 7:30 and got there at 8am, plenty of time for the 9 am start. After getting registered we walked some down by the beach and checked out the end of the course. The last .10 mile was on a foot bridge. I joked about which board I would trip on, since I am somewhat clumsy. We also talked with the other runners we know from the other races. I love the support from races. Even if you are trying to beat the person next to you (I am always trying to beat me and only me) everyone is very friendly.

We all lined up in the parking lot at 8:50 and I struck up a conversation with an older gentleman with walking sticks. He told me how he did the Pinconning Cheese Race in the 50's (he was 80+) and came in first in the 2 mile and 3rd for the 5 mile. He is now just getting out and walking. His knees can no longer handle the stress of running but he can walk. When the whistle went off at 9:03 I wished my new friend good luck and started to slow jog. I remember someone saying on Facebook that most people try to go too fast when they start out so I decided this race was about endurance not speed. I kept up a good pace for a much longer period of time than before. I didn't check my watch but I know I jogged at a comfortable speed for at least 2 minutes. When we got out to the road I decided to walk some. After catching my breath, I jogged some more. I kept repeating to myself that I could do this. I was awesome and moving about 80 more lbs than most of the other racers out there. It really helped me push through parts where I wanted to walk but knew I had it in me to push a bit farther.

The course took up back into the woods on to a dirt path. This was a much wider path than the Curwood race. I would pass walkers here and there and sometimes they would pass me again when I slowed down. This didn't bother me because I knew there was room and I was running against myself, not them. When I got up to the 1.5 mile water station I made sure to dump the water on my head. If I have learned anything about warmer weather races, a cool head can make all the difference. I encouraged another pair of runners who were walking to do the same. I assumed it was their first race and they were pouring some on their neck but I explained that the water would be cold at first but would warm up quickly.

We came out of the woods and crossed a road and went back onto a paved trail that went along some of the little inlet lakes. I came up to the 2 mile marker and said aloud "That's the 2?" I could not believe I had made it that far already. I knew I could pick up the pace and these races are getting easier for me each one I complete. I did come up to another water station (they had 10K racers going as well so more water stations than just for a 5k) and saw a young Boy Scout waiting with his water to hand out. One thing I have learned is the younger kids LOVE to throw their water if you tell them they can. I started running before I saw him but kept going so I could run by him. I asked him if he wanted to throw his water at me. The biggest smile came across this 8-9 year olds face as he tossed it at my side. I was kind of hoping for my face but I think he wasn't so sure. He did look very happy that he got to do it though.

As I came to 2.25 miles in we were back on a trail in the woods. I thought that since I was in such a beautiful setting I should enjoy the sounds and sights. I took off my head phones that I had blaring. I play my music rather loud so I don't hear my body "clapping" along and my heavy breathing. I was kinda upset for waiting so long to enjoy the course. I loved listening to the birds and it made the view so much better once I was experiencing the whole thing. The sounds I try to drown out with the music really were not that bad. It was an added bonus that the closest racers were either 2 minutes ahead or 2 minutes behind me.

With 1/4 of a mile left to go I spotted Alisha coming back for me. Each race I do with both Brandon and Alisha is great because they always come back. When I see them I know I don't have much more to go. It was getting to be rather scary since I wasn't sure where I was in terms of the finish line. She told me where the photographer was and that is usually a sign the end is near. I was able to jog a bit more than the last time we did a 5k, back in April, but I still had to walk a few times. Both of them started clapping and whistling at me like they do to get their dogs moving as a gentle ribbing. It didn't really bother me as much as I let on but I did yell at them that they were worst than the paramedics right behind me in Pinconning.

When I was yards away from the finish line I gave it all I had left. I yelled, screamed and panted my way across the finish line and got my best race finish to date of 47.25. I grabbed my metal from the volunteer but had to lay on the grass so the other woman could cut the timer off my shoe. I was so happy and so tired all at the same time.

Brandon, Alisha and Losing It Momma's after photo

I am so happy with how much better I did and that I stayed out of my head more than normal.  The words of encouragement I received on Facebook from people I knew and didn't know really stuck with me. Everyone who is on the losing a marathon support page and everyone who is on my personal page were with me every step of the way. I can not thank you all enough. This is truly a great sport to try and get involved with.

Next Saturday will take me and Losing It Sib Lena to a Mud Run in Millington. We will not be trying for time as much as finishing (as muddy as we can). Expect the photos from this race to out tell the story.

Keep trying and keep up the good work.
Losing It Momma
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Losing It Momma vs The Scale 6/16/2012

Just a quick post about where we are this week

Weight - 213.4 (down 2.8lbs.)
Measurements:
Chest: 46 inches (down 1/2 inch)
Waist: 42.5 inches (down 1/2 inch)
Hips: 51 inches (no change)
Thigh: 23 inches (down an inch)
Arm: 13 inches (no change)


This week was a loss again for a total loss of 21.6 lbs. I won't have an official weigh in for a few weeks because I have races for the next few Saturdays. I will try to get in to weigh on the Weight Watcher scale on Friday but may not be able. As always each week we will have the measurements at least.

Oh and I am doing a 13 week challenge where I will attempt to work hard over the summer and lose a marathon. 26.2 lbs. That would put me right at my personal goal of 50 lbs gone from last year when I set foot on the Mackinaw Bridge. Check out runwithjess.com for the details before June 25th, 2012.

Race Rewind: Cheese Town Challenge. Pinconning, MI

 

 Pinconning, MI. A small town in the north east side of the state know for the way they make cheese. We participated in the Cheese Town 5 mile challenge a bit by accident. I was signing up for 5k races back in April and had this one on my list as part of the Element Series. Since they were all 5k races when I saw the 5 I didn't read further, OPPS! About 1 week before the race I was talking to Alisha and she asked if we were doing the 5 mile or 2 mile race. I freaked out. I had in fact signed us both up for the 5 mile race. While we have walked 5 miles before so the distance didn't scare me as much as I knew this was for real runners so I wouldn't be able to blend in. I am a people pleaser so I don't like to hold any one up or make people do things just to make me happy. I am always worrying about the comfort of others more than my own. Since we had already paid I figured we might as well try but I was very scared before we even set foot in Pinconning. 

Losing It Big and Middle went with grandma and grandpa for a camping and fishing get-a-way to grandma and grandpa's backyard (hey they are 2 and 4) early Saturday morning. With Losing It Little still at home we spent the morning and afternoon trying to set up a pool. The pool was dug by myself, Alisha, Brandon and Losing It Daddy. I do have to give Alisha the most credit since she kept on trucking at it, in turn keeping me from stopping as much as I would have if it was just me. When 4pm rolled around we had to pack Losing It Little up and drive to Losing It Daddy's dad, Grandpa Mike. 5pm, Brandon, Alisha, Losing It Daddy and myself were off to Pinconning, about 30 minutes away.

We arrived around 5:30 and had an hour before the race started. Parking was a bit difficult since the race seemed like the only thing people were there for but there was a beer tent, blow-up slides for the kids, and a little league baseball game going on. We were able to park and made our way over to pick up our racing swag.

I need to start documenting our racing swag because for this race we got something very cute and unique in our bag. For our entry fee we got a shirt and a block of cheese. Now one thing that was a bit of an annoyance but really I think the kids filling the bags were just trying to save a bag (GOOD FOR THEM!! Save our planet from unnecessary waste). When we went to the desk and gave our names the kids put our shirts in one bag because we were together. That meant that even though we paid the same individually we only got half of what the other racers received who didn't come as a couple. Not a huge deal but the cheese was very good. I had some on my breakfast eggs the next morning.

At 6pm they let the 2 mile walker and runners go. Some of the runners were competing in the Cheese Town Iron Man. They would run the 2 mile race and get back in time to compete in the 5 mile race at 6:30. We knew two of the racers and stayed near the last 1/2 mile to cheer them on and take pictures. I love getting pictures to prove I was there and figured they would to.

6:25 - walk to the start. We all waked down the road to the start of the race. I was getting nervous but Losing It Daddy said he would stay with me the whole time. Usually he starts with me, but since he can run faster and go for longer distances without needing to walk, I usually just wave and sign I Love You before we part. I was so thankful he said he would stay with me before the race started but even more grateful when we got going. At 6:30 we were off and I was hoping to be able to run for a minute and walk 2 minutes off and on. I did great with that for the first 2 rounds. It was hard and I kept looking at my watch to count down the running, but I did it. When we got 1/4 of a mile in I was behind but not that far. The paramedics got in their truck as I passed and started slowly following. They did this because I was the last one and they needed to open the road up at that section. I knew this logically but started to feel my eyes well up with tears. I was so heart broken to be the heavy girl huffing and puffing along with the paramedics right behind her. It was like the truck was screaming "fatty coming through!!".  I made jokes because that is how I deal with things but it was hard to keep going. I knew Losing It Daddy wouldn't let me stop because he knew when the race was over I would feel even worse about myself for not finishing.

Losing It Daddy and Momma with John after the race.

Around 1/2 of a mile in we caught up to John. We had never met John and we may never see him again but he was the sweetest 17 year old (apart from Losing It Sib Shawn) I have ever met. He had ran the 2 mile and was going to do the 5 mile for the Iron Man. He is a cross country runner so this should have been no issue for him. I am sure he could have found the energy after a few minutes of walking. Instead he came back to walk with us. I think he could tell the car right behind me bugged me and he said he was going to come in last. I don't care, I will take pity victories.

The race went off the (slow) main road and went onto a back country road where my truck of paramedics was replaced with a golf cart of paramedics. I would turn around every so often and say (and sign) Thank You and I am Sorry. I just felt like I was 30 minutes behind everyone else, holding everyone up.

We kept running and walking for the first 2 miles but I started to have trouble breathing more and more. We then lengthened our walking times in between. When I said I could run I did but sometimes we would walk for 5 minutes before I could think about going faster. I wanted to stop at each mile marker for about 15 seconds. I would then remind myself that I could finish and everyone kept telling me it was ok when I would say how sorry I was. The roads were blocked off and people trying to head for vacation were out of the cars looking at what the hold up was. I would also hear the radio behind me asking where were we. Not things to help someone who was already feeling bad for inconveniencing people. A few times the tears would come up but I would just think about how mad I would be if I gave up.

We got off the road and moved to a path in a field (much bigger than Owosso) and then to a trail in the woods. I refused to run much on the uneven grass since I was sure I would break a bone somehow. It was only 1/4 of a mile to the trail again but I didn't feel like I could run on the ground without falling.

When we reached the last mile Brandon and Alisha joined us. I felt a bit more confident (and cooler since I had dumped the water over my head at each water station. Don't worry I had a water pack with me, I was hydrated). I would run a bit more again and make a few more jokes about my "followers". I knew I could do a mile in 20 minutes if I walked but I wanted to speed up the walking in between. If I got slower with the walking Losing It Daddy and John would push on my back slightly to speed me up.

As we came back into town some people were on the side of the road cheering. One woman said "someone has to bring up the rear". I knew she meant it as a nice comment but I could have done without it. I laughed it off but it still stung. When we rounded the bend, I could see the finish line and see people still crossing it! Yeah I wasn't that far behind. I wasn't holding everyone up for 30 minutes like I was thinking. I did hold up the little kids race but they still stood there cheering. Feeling snarky from the in town comment I did mention to Alisha that the kids need to learn patience, but as I passed I made sure to apologize to them for holding them up.

When I had about 100 yards of so to the finish line I ran. Brandon and Alisha had gone to the sidelines at this point since they had already finished but I still had Losing It Daddy and John behind me counting down the fence posts for me. People were cheering as I became the slowest winner to quote Alisha. My "followers" had drove off to the side before I started running and the roads were back open.

I finished at 1Hr 19 Minutes and 8 Seconds. It felt so good to cross that finish line that I teared up because I was done and I did it with only being 10 minutes behind the rest of the pack. I know this was a hard race for me but it was more in my head than my body.

Brandon, Losing It Momma and Alisha

I want to let everyone who is friends with me on facebook know how much I loved your conrgats. I read them daily (sometimes more) and tear up. I am so proud of what I am doing and what I have done. I am not fast by any means but I am improving and that is what counts. I am getting out there and trying something new and getting healthier for it. I am gaining confidence and doing something that is for me. I also get a great big smile when I see all my friends and family who are dusting off their tennis shoes and getting out there. You guys are all awesome.


Losing It Momma
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Curwood 5k

After a almost a week I feel I can talk about this race. It was a big let down for me and that is partially my fault. It was the one race I was looking forward to after completing the one in March. That is because it is the race that is held in conjunction with my hometown's festival.

I am not sure about the rest of the United States (or world for that matter) but in Michigan you are only a weekend away from a festival. We have the Cherry Fest in Traverse City, Cheese Burger Fest in the thumb, The Pig Gig in Bay City, and a number of music fests through out the big college towns. This is just a few of all the events that go on here all year long. The cold weather in winter does not stop us from having a reason to celebrate. In Owosso, MI (where Losing It Momma spent 18 years of her life) we have the Curwood Festival. It happens the first full week in June from Thursday to Sunday. The festival is to celebrate an author by the name of James Oliver Curwood who wrote books similar to Hemingway and London. He built a small castle on the river in the little town of Owosso (and I mean SMALL! I think most houses are bigger now a days). The festival has the usual rides, fried food, beer tent and of course the people watching. I think most of the locals LOVE to see what people are trying to get away with as soon as the weather warms up. There is a parade, basketball tournaments, art show and a multi-mile race.

We all left home at 6 am to drive an hour to Losing It Grandparents house. Losing It Sib Shawn had agreed to watch the Losing It Kids (since I was paying for his entry in the Color Race in July we worked out this deal). We all arrived at 7am and unloaded everyone. Losing It Daddy and I left our car and walked the mile to the starting point because the floats start to line up on Losing It Grandparents street. I knew this would be a hassle trying to get the car back and forth. We arrived at the starting line at 8 (after a stop for some water) and got our things. For $25 entry fee we got a bag, shirt and some promotional things like pencils and chapstick. We didn't want to run with all that stuff so we went back to my parents house to drop that off and then walked back. So before the race we had logged 2.5 miles walking back and forth.

One thing I noticed was there wasn't a RFD tag on our race bibs and there wasn't s timer pad at the clock. This was an old fashion race where the person recorded your time as you came across. That is all fine and good but I go to the back as to let the actual runners go and since I start at least a minute after the first person does my time would be off. I was very happy I had my GPS to get a correct time.

The course: Well the course was not my favorite. It started out on a road that goes along the river. It is not a road used by people unless you are going to the movie theater. Even then you still have other access points so it is not used that often to gain entrance to the theater. We then ran on the dirt path near the baseball diamonds and went into the woods. This is where I was the most annoyed. The path is only large enough for 2 people at a time. They had let the 1/2 marathon people go an hour before the 5k and 10k but they were starting to loop back by the time we went. This made passing a bit difficult because if I did get up and pass I would slow down again and have people passing me again and again. Another thing I have noticed from my other Owosso race in April, Owosso runners are not polite. They don't seem to like people out there who can not run the whole race. This is very foreign to me because I have had people at the bay area races be so kind and want to chat.

Anyways, around the two mile marker I gave up running and decided to walk. I did get 15:45 on my first mile (a personal best) but it went down hill from there. According to my GPS I clocked in at 52 minutes even. I really wanted that 47 minutes but you can't win them all.

Curwood 5k. 52 min. 215 lbs.

 

 

 

 This Saturday we have the Pinconning Cheese Fest race (see? festivals for everything!) but it is a 5 mile race not a 5K like I thought. I am shooting for 1 hour 20 minutes to finish but since I have never done a 5 mile race I have no idea what to base it on. Plus it is in the evening and I will be working on putting in a pool earlier that day. Lets just say that we are doing this one for the exercise and the t-shirt.

Do you have any festivals in your area? Check them out. You may have a walk/run or a bike race you could do. Earn those funnel cakes!

Go In Health,
Losing It Momma

Losing It Momma vs The Scale 6/9/2012

I weighed in at Weight Watchers on Friday June 8th, 2012 this week because I had a race on Saturday morning. Here are the stats:

Weight - 216.2  (up 1.2.)
Measurements:
Chest: 46.5 inches (no change)
Waist: 43 inches (down 1 inch)
Hips: 51 inches (no change)
Thigh: 24 inches (no change)
Arm: 13 inches (no change)


Well I have said before it is a week of gain and then a week of loss. This pattern is continuing.

I do have to confess I did something that I couldn't believe people would do. I weighed in on a scale and didn't like the number and "tested" the theory, got in a new line and tried a different scale. It was the same. I know logically it would be, Weight Watchers tests their scales on a regular basis to make sure they are accurate, but still I didn't want to accept that. In my defense the reason I didn't want to accept this was because of my home scale. Last week I weighed in at 217 at home and 20 minutes later at Weight Watchers it was 215. This week I weighed in at 213.5 at home and 20 minutes later at Weight Watchers it read 216.2. That is a HUGE difference between the week. I trust the Weight Watchers scales to be more correct than home since I am always tossing it in the closet and it has a few people using it through out the week. I still got my hopes up and was very crushed by the results.

Now I also know that every other week I will have a large loss and the other week a gain or maintain. Still I was hoping that I would buck the trend. I didn't.

Not going to let it get me down though. Tracking, hydrating and keeping up the movement will get me to the end of this race ahead. I just have to remember that as I pass those not so fun "mile markers".  

Why so many races

As we come up to my 5th (and possibly 6th the next day) race, I thought I would talk about why I choose to do so many races. Yes I am not a great runner. Actually I have a hard time calling myself a runner since I only run about 1 to 2 minutes at a time. I do however try to improve each time I put that number on and cross that starting line.

Originally the Saint Patrick Race was only suppose to be a one time thing. Something to say "I did it" and move on. What happened was it fueled my passion for seeing myself improve each and every time I got out there. It also gave me something to call my own. I am doing some events with Losing It Daddy but really this is something that I can say I have improved and it is entirely up to me to make that happen.

 I decided after that first race that I wanted to try more events. One a month seemed like a great goal. After each race I was looking forward to the next one and every 4 weeks or so seemed like a long time. I add races when I am asked by friends because I love it so much. On race day you will see me jumping up and down, running backwards (trying to get Losing It Daddy to wake up while he is walking. That man is far from a morning person.), swinging my arms and doing anything I can to keep from annoying the people around me by talking about anything and everything. When I get excited it is like a little kid on Christmas morning. I know I will not come in first in my age group but I try to set little goals for myself each time and can't wait to get started to see if I can reach them.

Each races is a reason to get up at 5am every morning. I have days where I lay in bed and have to convince myself to get up and lace up my shoes. Knowing that in a few days I will be trying to beat the last number helps. During the week I rarely run. I know I should if I want to get better but for now I can still walk during the week and then do a little better at each race when I add in the running.

After 2 months of almost daily getting up and walking 2.5-3 miles I don't know what to do on days I don't get out there. I do take a day off here and there for my muscles to regroup but even on those days I have to get outside and do something. This is a far cry from what I was like at the start of the year and it still amazes me when I complete my morning walks. I look forward to the day I can run a whole race without walking.

I hope everyone can find one thing that will keep them going because you do feel so much better when you get some activity in your life. I can already see a difference in my choices from food to when I go to bed.

Take some time today to get outside and enjoy the world around you. Stretch your muscles and get in some movement. Do this everyday and soon you will see a change in yourself too. Maybe find an event that you can look forward to and will help you get out of bed that extra hour earlier each morning.

As you go forth, I hope you know you are worth every ounce of love you give others.
Peace and movement,
Losing It Momma

March 18th to May 19th - We added 3 more races

A month after Bay City we had a race in Owosso (Losing It Momma's hometown). I was less scared of this one but still had that time in the back of my head. I just had to beat 59.49 min by 5 min.

 The race was much smaller than the one we did in Bay City (compare 4,000+ racers to maybe 150) but still was a great mix of young and old, really fit and well just happy to be getting out there. I started out running with Losing It Daddy but after about a minute we signed "I Love You" and he was off. I decided to start to use trees, mailboxes and houses as markers of how far I would try to get before I would need to walk again. I really needed to push myself and say (sometimes out loud) that I can make it 4 mail boxes or to the next tree. When I got to the first mile the man telling us our times said 17.34. I was doing GREAT! I walk at 21 minutes a mile if I focus. I passed Losing It Daddy as he was completing his loop back to the starting line and made sure he knew I was rooting for him. I can be an embarrassingly loud cheerleader. As I got back to the start/finish line I had Queen Fat Bottom Girls playing on my MP3 player. Of course I started giggling as I ran across that line seeing 54.53 on the time board. I did it! I met my goal of 5 minutes (almost. when I get closer to 30 min 5k's I will care about the seconds, but for now that is close enough to 5 minutes for me).

The following weekend I found a race close by that some friends were going to. Losing It Daddy stayed home with Losing It Kids so I could go. Since it was only a week later I didn't have high expectations. Thanks to the support of a fellow Weight Watcher and Alisha I was able to complete this race with a time of 53.12. Alisha even came back after running to help me the last 1/2 mile. I hated her at the time for getting me to run but I really needed it. She kept telling me I wasn't going to let the walkers in front of me beat me.

A month later (May 19th, 2 months after my first race) we completed my 4th race, Losing It Daddy's 3rd race and we got Losing It Sib Riley to do her 1st race. We were very lucky that it went right in front of our house so we were able to just walk right down to the starting line. This was another large race and family fun day all rolled into one. We were with the 5k runners at 7:55 am, shortly after us at 8:05 went the 10K runners. About a half hour later the 5k walkers and then a few one mile runs were done until 11 am. There was a rock climbing wall, toddler events and much more.

When I started out with Riley I found it to be so much easier than even a month before hand to run. I made it for a minute and half before I sent her on her way (a great soccer player I knew she would have no problem running this race even if it was her first one. completed in 33 minutes) My only goal was not to have a walker catch up to me. I would jog a few more times than I did in Owosso when I was using the mail boxes and was so happy to hear the time of 15:43 minutes at the mile mark. It pushed me to try to run even though I was so afraid I was going to pass out at any moment. In the 2 mile stretch I started to have some side pains that slowed me down. My guess is not enough water before or during the race. I was able to run across the finish line with the time of 49.43. Yes, 2 months later and I was finishing 10 minutes faster. I let the fear inside my head go and listened to my body when I needed to.

 I also learned another lesson. Race photos look better BEFORE the race not AFTER.
 We forgot and well this is what we got:

Now that we are all caught up on races I will be posting the day or two after the race. I have a hometown race June 9th, 2012 (this Saturday) and hope to complete with a time of 47.43 or better. Depending on how I feel the next day I may do another race. I have one very close to home that the money goes to help a camp for kids with cancer. I like them when they are for good causes. Even if all I do is walk, my $15 would be well spent. Again it all depends on how hard I push myself on Saturday.

I hope you find something this week to be proud of yourself for completing. Let me know if you have found an old love or developed a new love for some activity. You truly do gain more energy and it does make you happier just getting out there and trying. Don't let ANYTHING or ANYONE hold you back.

Losing It Momma
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Losing It Momma VS The Scale 6/02/2012

Here I am another Saturday and just like I said before I have one week of a gain and one week of a loss. Last week was a gain of 3.2 lbs and this week was a loss of those 3.2 lbs. Now I understand this isn't a big WHOO HOO type of moment because I didn't really get anywhere but I did when it came down to inches.

Here is the breakdown:
June 02,2012
Weight - 215  (down 3.2.)
Measurements:
Chest: 46.5 inches (down 1/2 inch)
Waist: 44 inches (down 2 inches)
Hips: 51 inches (down an inch)
Thigh: 24 inches (no change)
Arm: 13 inches (down an inch)


So 4 1/2 inches off my body this week.


Some things have struck me over this week as well. I had a piece of fried chicken on Memorial Day but made sure to get moving in the pool. I had a day where the craving for onion rings was so bad I made a batch and felt sick after but then I made sure I drank some water and did my 3 miles the next morning. The worst of it however, had to be yesterday, June 1st. I wrote about making a goal about what kinds of foods I ate here. Then on June 1st it rained, the Losing It Kids really lost it from being cooped up inside and I had a last minute cupcake order that meant leftover Mountain Dew frosting was sitting in the kitchen. Yes MOUNTAIN DEW FROSTING! I am pretty sure it doesn't get much worse than that. I caved, the stress got to me and I ate about 1/4 cup of it on a graham cracker. Then I had a 100 calorie cookie pack. Then I had a 120 calorie ice cream cone. I felt awful about myself that I didn't do the workout video I was planning on doing. That is when I figured out why Weight Watchers works for me when the other plans I have tried failed. There is no BAD food. If you have the points for that frosting, go ahead, eat it. You won't have that guilt that will make you feel even worse if you have that ice cream (although if you have points for that, go ahead). What I am saying is that even though you should try and eat a well balanced diet of lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, dairy, fruits and veggies plus good fats, it is not always possible. There is going to be days you want that piece of fried chicken, days where that slice of pizza is sounding too damn good to let it go, days where the only thing in the house is a pack of Ramen and you are STARVING (I hope those days never happen but they can). If you limit yourself those days where you go off your stick plan will make you feel like a failure. When you feel like a failure, you throw in the towel.


So even though it is only Day 2 of what I had planned I am throwing in that towel and keeping to counting points (whatever foods they may be) and just try to shoot for a well balanced day. It may be a day that is loaded with carbs and it may be a day where 2 pieces of fruit may not cut it, but as long as I try to keep that all in check I should come out ahead. This 100 lbs (although we are at 80 lbs now) is going to be a LONG journey. It was a LONG 10+ years to get here so a fraction of that time to get it off is just shy of amazing. I will do this because I will fall and pick myself back up instead of laying there letting the world run me over.


This week is leading up to a hometown 5k. I will be heading back to the town I grew up in to participate in the local festival race. Drinking water will be a big thing to keep those joints working in proper order. It is a big thing on non-race weeks but even more so on race weeks. I will not be "carbo-loading" since it is for 3.1 miles and that should be reserved for the 1/2 and full marathons. I may have a granola bar on the trip into town but nothing like huge plates of spaghetti or I have seen some of you eat a few doughnuts :) After the race we will be having a huge picnic and watching the parade (think tailgating). I hope to pack some raw veggies and fruit for everyone but I know the hot dogs and hamburgers will also be on hand. Since I am not a hot dog fan this should be pretty easy.


I will be gone from my Weight Watchers place to weigh in so I will do a home weigh in for stats. This can be a bit scary since my scale is always off and it is never in the same direction (today it said 217 and last week it said 214 when I weighed in at 218 so I never know). The inches however will be accurate since I do them myself. I would LOVE to have a 2 week weigh in at 210 (that means on June 16th I would have 210 read at Weight Watchers) If that happens I would be looking at 25 lbs loss through the program and 10% of my body weight gone. We will see.

As for  my race goal, I would like to come in at 47.49 (that would be 3 minutes off my time from May 19th, 2012)


Remember as you go forward this week to love yourself as you love others. You are the #1 person in many peoples lives and should be #1 in yours.

Losing It Momma
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