2019 Race Schedule

Here is my race schedule for 2019!  I am sure it is subject to change because I am easily influenced by the run bullies err I mean race enablers.  Y'all know who you are and I love you for it!  I hope to see many of my running family out there on the pavement.  I am looking forward to an amazing 2019!  

Jan 13           Mobile Marathon Half, AL (60, 34)

March 3        Ocean’s Run Half, RI (61, 35)

March 17       Tobacco Road Half, NC (62, 36)

March 30       Run the Bluegrass 7-miler

April 14          Coastal Delaware Running Festival, DE (63, 37)

April 28          Revel Mt Charleston Half, NV (64)

May 11            Running with the Cows, KS (65)  

May 18           Martha’s Vineyard Half, MA (66, 38)

Aug 11            Bridge of the Gods, OR (67, 39)

Aug 13            Mainly Marathon – WA (68, 40)

Aug 14            Mainly Marathon – ID (69)

Aug 17            Revel Chilliwack, Vancouver, BC (70, P:2)

Sept 14           Revel Big Cottonwood, UT (71)

Sept 22          Quad Cities Half, IL (72)

Oct 27            Koala Health & Wellness Houston Half, TX 
                       (73, 41)

Nov early        Marshall University, WV (74, 42)

Dec 7              Rehoboth Beach, DE (75)

Dec 14            Kiawah Island Marathon, SC (76)

Food effect

Happy New Year friends and family!!

I hope the holiday season has treated you all well.  Santa was very good to me.  After all, I was an angel this year.  Stop laughing.  No really! The horns may hold up the halo but it is still there!

I made it through Christmas with a loss.  So that is still a check mark in the win column.  However, I made cookies and ate some of these cookies.  I had my first migraine in months thanks to the sugar.  I have felt awful all week and realized while I stood in my kitchen eating said delicious cookie that it was my cause.  I don't regret eating them but I will be glad when the holidays are over and back to my strict diet! 

It is amazing that when given the proper nutrition our bodies are magnificent machines.  I didn't realize how much foods like sugar and bread where bothering my system until I kicked them to the curb.  I was listening to a podcast about the keto diet and the effect it has on hormone balance.  It made me really think that what I was eating caused me to feel awful.  I just assumed my headaches were always stress related but now having gone 11 weeks without one it seems pretty clear they were an intolerance to food. I am trying to be more attune to my body and what it needs to thrive.  

I received an Instant Pot for Christmas!  I am so excited to use it!  I use my crock pot all the time and it is my favorite gadget.  I usually put a bunch of chicken in there and use it for recipes all week long.  Now I can make recipes without having to wait hours.  I made Buffalo Chicken Soup last night and it was delicious.  I have a chicken to roast in it tomorrow.  I am amazed that in mins I will have a chicken cooked instead of hours in the oven.  

Thank you all for reading and cheering me on! I can't wait to see what 2019 brings as I continue on this journey!  Wishing you all an incredible New Year! 

Stats:
Weight Week 1 (10/8/18):       336.2
Weight Week 11 (12/24/18):   292.0
Weight Week 12 (12/31/18):   290.6
Total Lost: 45.6

Left: Sept 2018 and Right: 12/31/18

Oh Christmas time...

Holiday sadness is a real thing.  

We are one week away from Christmas.  I used to love everything about the holiday season but this year something is off.  I suppose it has been off since my mom passed away or maybe even her move to the nursing home.  I am trying to get into the spirit but I will be glad when it is all over.  We are in the home stretch and the end is in sight.  Life can go back to normal.  It will take all my willpower to make it through when I would rather be moping (sleeping) at home.  But I promised myself that I will do the uncomfortable things and force myself into the world.  So a Merry Christmas will be had! 

I have been doing well sticking to my diet despite all the holiday goodies being around.  I have a mission and I do not want to derail from it.  But this girl is getting tired of cauliflower (yes, I know it was recalled but cooked isn't going to kill me).  I am so excited that romaine is back.  I may have hugged the bag in the store because I was so thrilled to purchase it! 

I no longer crave carbs.  I never thought that would happen.  I went into a bakery to buy a gift card and only came out with only the card.  I did stare at all the goodies but no real desire to eat them.  Now when I decide to cheat it is a conscious effort and not because of weakness.   I feel that is a major achievement. 

I am trying to get back into my workouts now that I quit hacking up a lung.  Glad to be feeling better! 

My weight loss is still on track!  I am grateful that for now my body is happy and glad to get this weight off.  I am not delusional and know that plateaus will happen but for now I am excited for the success!  I was so ecstatic to be back under 300.  Next goal is to be back to 250.  

Stats:
Weight Week 1 (10/8/18):      336.2
Weight Week 9 (12/10/18):    297
Weight Week 10 (12/17/18):  295.4
Total Lost: 40.8

Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

Week 8 update

Quick update:

It has been 8 weeks since I started on my journey.   I weighed in on Monday (12/3/18) at 300.8 pounds.  SOOO close to being under 300.  That is 35.4 pounds gone since I started.  I am pretty proud of that.  It is amazing what making better food choices and more importantly eating proper portions can do. 

But caution: I wasn't feeling 100% and ate much less than normal.  So....

I assume I will even out after a week of normal eating! I mean 5 pounds in a week at this point is a bit crazy so I know my system was out of whack.  Hopefully, I didn't shock it too much!  LOL

I was originally supposed to run a half in Kiawah Island, South Carolina this weekend but I am finally starting to feel better and the adult in me won out.  Traveling could compromise my already low immune system.  No need to risk more illness or prolonged illness.  It sucks and I hate missing time with friends but I am listening to my body! 

I had planned all my meals up to getting on the plane.  Canceling my trip means there is no food in my fridge.  So I went online and tried out Walmart's pick up.  I was very anti-pick up.  I love wandering through groceries stores and looking for new things.  However, I have to tell you it was pretty amazing.  Pulling up this morning and having them put it in the car and not having to fight people or go be around their illnesses was worth it!  And it is FREE!  They were out of something I wanted so I do have to stop and grab it but at least that will be a quick grab. 

The progress picture:

Left: Sept 2018       Center: Nov 2018      Right: Dec 2018