RNR Nashville "po" down

Thank you all so very much for the kind words and motivation from my last blog entry.  It was hard to write but even harder to admit that my 5 month pity party wasn't helping me move on.  I still have bad days.  I'm still not great at handling stress and sometimes let it consume me.  I'll get to the point where I can handle the stresses better.  After all, Rome wasn't built in a day and I won't kick this depression in one either.  Keep encouraging me to move forward.  Big thank you to my trainer who is running with me twice a week and helping me return to my routine. I am forever grateful for her pushing me back out there! 

Crappy, rainy finish pix!

I am so happy to be running again.  I'm slow right now and definitely not breaking any records but I out there.  I completed the St. Jude's Country Music Half Marathon (RNR Nashville) in 3:24.  My worst time ever.  I could blame the pouring rain but that wouldn't be fair.  This finish time is on me.  I didn't train properly.  Sure I was soaked to the bone and miserable but with so much spectator and volunteer support there was never a chance to think about the conditions.  I truly had a blast while out there.  30k people all enjoying the rain and laughing about how wet we all were was the best bonding experience I've had at a race yet.  Now, once I was no longer moving was another story.  It was then that I realized just how wet, cold and in pain I truly was and spent the rest of the afternoon cuddled up in bed with my puppies.  :) 

Smiling despite the rain!

I was able to meet some Half Fanatic friends.  It was so exciting to hear all about their races and moving up strategies.  It's nice to know so many other crazy people exist out in the world.  Many non-running friends and even some of my running friends don't understand just how much joy and accomplishment we get out of running halfs!  There is nothing like being able to chat about your runs, etc and not have someone give you the "oh no, there she goes again look"!  Thank goodness we have the group to make us feel normal!

New HF friend, Betty!

Now I am gearing up for the Brooklyn Half on May 18th! I am going to give it my best effort and fingers crossed that I finish within the time limit!  I am trying out the Galloway run/walk/run method for the first time.  It went well for 9 miles yesterday and for my short runs the past week.  Yay! 

I also have some really awesome new shoes that I am breaking in.  So far, I am in love with my Hoka One One Stinson shoes.  No offense to my Asics Kayanos (that I adore) but these are so much softer and absorb shock like crazy.  I hope they continue to give me the wonderful feeling I had yesterday!  My heel didn't start to bother me until mile 6 because it is usually killing me by 3 miles!  Being able to walk without limping post-run was the biggest plus of all, however, once I took them off and wore my Kayanos at the baseball game it was back to limping.  I may need to buy another pair to wear while not running.  I shall ponder this idea!  

I am sure you are all sound asleep now from my race recap and running rambles but it feels so good to be running again.  :)

Reflection

Reflection is not something I usually do or at least not while running!  I usually try to blank out and think only about breathing and pacing.  However, it hit me how much I have accomplished this past year.  

One year ago, I was gearing up to run my very first half-marathon.  Yay, Rock-n-roll St. Louis!!  I was scared out of my mind but eagerly awaiting the big day.  I trained my ass off for it.  I have never been prouder of myself or my abilities.  I was also hooked.  The adrenaline rush was out of this world.  Fast forward to Oct 2012....

I just ran my fourth half-marathon in the past year.  Once again, yea, RNR STL!  I've had my fair share of injuries.  My body was like what the heck!!  But I did them with smile! This was my worst race but I had a blast. I was incredibly disappointed in myself.  My hip was killing me.  Then I realized I still did it and who cares how long it took me to finish.  There are plenty of people sitting on their couches saying "I wish I could do that or that girl is crazy why do it at all".  But I do them for me and to prove that despite everything I am capable of doing something huge!  Running is in my blood and I can't get enough of it!

I signed up for half #5 a few days after!  It's next weekend and I am so excited!  That race and finish will allow me to become a member of Half Fanatics.  It's nothing big or even all that exciting but it is a chance to say I did something that only so many others have accomplished.  This race will be my third in 90 days and also my second in 16 days.  Either way I qualify!  I am officially a running nerd! 

I spent a few minutes last weekend dreaming about races that I would love to do in the next couple of years.  I am plan to use running as a way to travel because I love both activities so much! 

2013
RNR Nashville in April   (signed up)
RNR Chicago in July (just a maybe bc I really want to go to LA and see the Cards vs Angels)
RNR Pittsburgh in August  (just a maybe)
RNR STL in October
RNR Vegas in Dec 

2014
Disney Princess in Feb 
Who knows but I am up for anything?  RNR Ireland/Scotland :) 

Outside The Fox Theater

Outside Union Station

3 weeks to RNR STL

I was running along this morning enjoying the cooler weather (okay that is a blatant lie) when reality hit me upside the head that there are only 3 weeks until the RNR STL Half.  How the heck did this race just sneak up on me.  I mean wasn't I just in Hawaii running a half.  Oh right, I've been home for a month.  Well you know....

So I am not going to panic.  I mean I got this.  Thank goodness for a couple of 10ks that I can totally use as training runs!  SCORE!  Now if I can just convince the heel to quit hurting.  I do not think it is plantar factitious, I've had that before. This feels and acts differently.  I am not letting it stop me and trying to RICE as best as I can.  I have running to do dang nabit and I can rest in this winter.

 

In other news, I bought a new dry erase calendar to plan my meals on.  It's very nerdy, slightly organized and better for the environment!  In other words, I love it!!     

 

Here is the menu for this week: 

Sunday:  Turkey and Brown Rice Casserole

Monday:  LO

Tuesday: Meatloaf

Wednesday: LO

Thursday: Fish  

Friday: LO

Saturday: Chicken, Red Grape and Pesto Pizza

Confessions of a Slacker!

It's been months since I've blogged anything.  Total slacker over here.  In my defense, I have been super busy with traveling and other activities.  We took the church kiddos to the Heifer International Ranch in Arkansas.  Turns out I'm highly allergic to that state.  So I spent weeks taking predisone and an antibiotic to feel better.  Then I took my mom to Hawaii!  I ran a half-marathon while there which was absolutely gorgeous.  Good news is I am NOT allergic to HI!  Bad news is I got a cold from all the planes/travel/running whatever is to blame and spent some more time recovering.  Perhaps, I should learn to stay home....nah!!! 

My meal planning has been non-existent as well.  My poor mom keeps whining about the lack of food in our house.  I have managed to wing and a prayer it since returning from Hawaii!  But it hasn't been well thought out or exactly nutritious meals.  How do people with kids survive? 

Now I need to buckle down and get back on track.  I signed up for Gold's Fall Challenge.  I mostly did it to get a discount on training and not so much for the challenge part but you never know maybe I'll gain some inspiration from it.   Because my inspiration/motivation is just not there...

...I hope it returns soon. 

In the mean time, I'll get back to meal planning, running and training! Routine has never let me down!  RNR STL in less than a month!  God, I love running!!

 

Post Half-Marathon

Sorry about the lack of meal planning.  There was a plan but with the excitement surrounding my trip to New Orleans it went to heck.  This week hasn't been any better! I promise to be back on track and blogging on Sunday!  

The half-marathon went great...well up until I did something to my ankle at mile 7.  I still managed to finish in 2:35!  Not as fast as my first one, but not too shabby with an injury either!  My bff and I had a great time hanging out in NOLA!  I have been on seafood overload!  :)

I am so addicted to running these now.  But having said that, I need a break.  So I am going to take a few months off and just run some 5/10ks!  The training was getting to me this time.  I felt like I wasn't able to give it my full attention which is something that ends up hurting you in the end.  Perhaps, that is why I am limping around rather than running right now.  I also want to remember why I love to run.  Training makes it a "have to" situation and not a "want to" situation.  I want to go out on a beautiful day and run because I can!  I am pretty damn proud of myself for finishing two half-marathons in 6 months!  A break is earned, right?   

I'll be back training this summer/fall for the RNR STL in Oct and maybe the Diva run in Nov.  I can't wait to get back at it!  Next up: St. Patty's Day 5-miler...well if my ankle is up to it next Saturday!! 

Hello bloggersphere!
 
Well it is exactly 2 weeks until my half!  I think I have survived my cold (still a little congested but it is better)!  However, I have zero motivation to train.  I tried running Tuesday night and it wore me out.  This cold, sinus, whatever kicked my butt.  I have never been so wiped out.  I worked with my trainer on Wednesday night and was finished off for the week.  What happened to my stamina?  Did it suddenly collapse around me or just take a hiatus?  I plan to run tonight after dinner.  It was too chilly for me to be outside today.  I didn't think that was a great idea with having just been really sick so now I am forced to dreadmill it.  Ugh!  I still have two weeks to get my miles in and make myself feel capable of crossing this finish line without dying!  I can do it!

Here is the menu for this week:
Sunday:  Stuffed Peppers
Monday:  Peanut Butter Chicken (one of our faves)
Tuesday: Pulled Pork (frozen from the last time I made it) 
Wednesday: LO
Thursday: Orange Glazed Salmon / Mashed Cauliflower (another fave)

Friday: LO
Saturday: LO

Feel free to ask for recipes! Until next time....  

Meal plan for week of Feb 12, 2012

I apologize for the tardiness of this post.  I have been sick with a cold or some sort of nasty URI.  I am just starting to feel human again.  I even ran last night which was a disaster but at least I tried!  This infection knocked the wind out of me.  I hope that everyone is staying well and manages to avoid all the icky bugs going around.  I did cook despite feeling like crude.  Apparently, my mother wanted to eat or something....

T-minus like almost 2 weeks to RNR NOLA!!  Yep being sick has been a set back.  I plan to draw some inspiration from my first half-marathon to carry me through this one.  I am pretty sure that finishing is the goal!
 

Here is the menu for this week:
Sunday:  Pork chops with cinnamon apples (since we were both sick last week and didn't want them.  I moved them to Sunday.)
Monday:  Tuna Casserole
Tuesday: Apricot Chicken
Wednesday: LO
Thursday: Fish 

Friday: LO
Saturday: LO

Feel free to ask for recipes! Until next time....  

Meal planning week of Feb 5, 2012

I didn't weigh-in this week because of my monthly friend.  I gain enough water to float the ark!  Next week I have book club so I won't weigh-in again.  But it's not the end of the world.  This week has been really stressful at work.  I had a bunch of late nights.  I haven't ran all week and I am particularly POed because it was 60 freaking degrees here all week.  Ugh.  Oh well.  I can't let it get to me.  I did make a couple training sessions so at least I didn't completely miss working out.  My legs will just be fresher, right?  One month to RNR NOLA!!!  I can't wait to run in such a great city! 

Here is the menu for this week:
Sunday:  Appetizers from the freezer while I don't watch football but probably movies
Monday:  Brown Sugar Chicken (crock)
Tuesday: Pork chops with cinnamon apples
Wednesday: LO
Thursday: Fish 

Friday: LO
Saturday: LO

Feel free to ask for recipes! Until next time....  

Meal Plan for week of Dec 18, 2011

Hello blogosphere!  I hope everyone is ready for their respective holidays!  I have all my Christmas gifts bought and only one more that needs to arrive.  Now to wrap them all!

I just finished week 1 of training for my next half.  I think my whole body feels like a truck ran over it and then backed up and did it again.  :)  Finding motivation to run the first was easy.  This time around it seems really hard to motivate myself to run.  The thought of dark, cold and possibly rainy weather seems to dissuade me faster than heat and humidity.   I am sure it will get better once the rush of the holidays stops interfering.

I wish everyone a very Happy Holidays!  
 
Here is the menu for this week:
Sunday: Turkey burgers with homemade dill french fries
Monday: Lentil and Ham Soup
Tuesday: LO
Wednesday: LO
Thursday: Fish
Friday: LO
Saturday: LO

Feel free to ask for recipes! Until next time....  

Meal Plan for week of Dec 11, 2011

This is my 100th post!  Yay for blogging!  I am going to post the intended meals for the week but I am not entirely sure they are happening.  I am not at all prepared and didn't make it to the grocery store.  We may just use some things out of the freezer this week.  Our freezers are well stocked and I may be able to still pull these off just not on the scheduled nights!  It doesn't really matter as long as I feed the family, right? 

I am back to training for the next half marathon.  This time around the focus is more on nutrition and not the physical aspect of running a race.  I want to stick to making meals rather than eating out or just eating whatever crap is in the kitchen.  I know that I can physically finish the race so now I need to work on fueling myself with the proper nutrients.  This is going to be the hard part.  I also realize that I need to make sure I am strength training 3 days a week.  I can't solely run.  I am so glad that I have one race under my belt because it has helped me learn so much!  I am excited for the next 12 weeks! 

Here is the menu:
Sunday: LO
Monday: Red beans and rice in Crockpot  (This may become fish night)
Tuesday: Bourbon Chicken
Wednesday: LO
Thursday: Fish (This may become red beans and rice night)
Friday: LO
Saturday: LO

Feel free to ask for recipes! Until next time....  

Update

Wow, I really have been neglecting this little segment of my world.  I have been doing well.  My life has been a massive swirl of running, running and more running.  I finished my very first half-marathon back in October.  My time was 2:29 and that was better than I could ever have hoped for.  Training really does pay off!  It was an amazing experience and I can't wait to do the next one in March.   Rock-n-roll NOLA better watch out, lol!  I have been taking a little down time the last few weeks before gearing up for more training!  I love the fact that I can push this body to do more than I could ever dream.  Success isn't always measured in inches and pounds but in miles and sweat! 

I have been asked by friends to post my meal plans.  So I thought head to the blog and update.  This may be just the push I need to return to blogland.  Fingers crossed that I can keep up!  I've missed everyone!  

Week 5 - Long Run

I got up at 6:30am to run on Saturday morning thinking I could beat some of this insane heat.  Boy was I way off.  It was already like 90 degrees with 300% humidity.  I can't change the weather (believe me I've tried) so I set off armed with my new water bottle, inhaler and the least amount of clothing I could find in my exercise wardrobe!  The goal for today was to survive my first ever 90 minute run.  It went really well and I didn't die! I was completely drenched in sweat and could literally wring out my shorts.  I have never sweated that much in my life.  I couldn't find a dry spot on my clothes to wipe the sweat out of my eyes.  It was gross.   Tomorrow, I'll remember the towels!!  It felt great to accomplish 8.26 miles.  I am slowly becoming a real runner. 

My hip is doing well and holding up way better than I ever expected.  Hopefully, it holds together and doesn't get any bright ideas about ceding from the union!  Now the shoulder may be asked to leave the island but that is an entirely different issue and completely not running related.     

So my name is Brigitte...

Fail.  Apparently, I am not capable of posting once a week or even once a month.  I won't dwell on my inability to update.  How about I just fill you in on my life?

Life has been great!  Extremely busy but fabulous at the same time.  I haven't been focusing on my weight loss nearly as much as I should but I am still exercising and seeing my trainer and trying to eat right.  Ms. All-star and I celebrated one year of working out together back in June!  It's amazing how attached I have gotten to the pain-in-my-ass! I've grown a lot in the last year and push this body to all sorts of new heights.  

Speaking of new heights...I am training for my first half-marathon in October.  I signed up for the Rock-n-Roll St. Louis race.  It was time to really test my love for running.  Do I have it in me to accomplish this goal?  I've made it to week 5 of the training.  I amaze myself every time I set off to run.  My goal is to finish and not worry about time.  I want to run across the finish line and not crawl!  I am only running three days a week so that I can still train 2x, swim 2x and get a night off!  It's working out pretty well except all the runs keep getting longer, lol!  Today was a pace day but still an hour long session.  I knocked out 5.45 miles.  Pretty proud of my progress!  

I've been attending a running clinic hosted by the physical therapy department where I work.   They are helping me correct my stride and stance to alleviate pain on my hip.  It is really helping so far and this reminds me that I need to schedule a follow-up!  :)  It's weird to watch yourself run and then have someone critique it.  It really has been a huge help in my training and keeping me running with only minimal pain.  

I hope all of blogosphere is still well!  Until next time....