After my first 5K....OOPS, I meant accidental 10K...

See, what had happened was!!!!! LOL!

So, I was in Atlanta to run my first 5k and I was ready.  The atmosphere was exhilarating and I was pumped.  There were so many BGR women and supporters, you couldn't help but feel the love.  And after a weekend filled with shopping, eating, mingling and many BGR! socials, the race was an end cap to a great fun-filled trip.

I arrived at the race @ 6:30am, only to make numerous phone calls to other Charlotte BGR friends so that I didn't have to at least start the race alone.  Once I found them, we were all excited and ready to go!  Being among thousands of women, and a few men, all there for the same reason was truly amazing. So, after taking numerous before photos, chatting  etc... they were ready to start the race. =)

The race started @ 7:30am and we were off.  Myself and four other BGR Charlotte ladies started running together.  We were running smoothly for the first 20 yards, but then there were obstacles.  I found myself bobbing and weaving through numerous walkers, which was no easy task.  After dodging @ 50 of the walkers, and stumbling numerous times, I thought to myself "Why don't these darn walkers walk to the right!!!".  I mean that's common courtesy!  Let us runners through!   Five minutes into the race, because of these obstacles, I lost my running buddies.  No big deal, I run a lot alone and I was on my own mission.

So @ two miles into the race came the break-off point between the 5k and 10k runners.  Apparently, there were people shouting directions, which I couldn't hear because of my headphones.  There was supposedly also a sign with arrows pointing direction for the runners, which I didn't see because of the hundreds of people in front of me and the sign not posted more than 5 feet in the air.  All I heard someone say was "5k" and when I looked up, I saw a gentlemen pointing left which I assumed was for the 5k runners.  But I would soon find out that the person who yelled out "5k" wasn't the same person who was pointing!!

OK, so the left turn I made was an immediate hill!!  I thought then, OK this is one of a couple of hills we were warned of by the Atlanta BGR ladies.  No biggie, I take hills training!  On the hill, I looked at my GPS tracking system and it said that I only had 1 mile left and I was happy.  So I just kept running.  And a mile and half later my GPS tracker announcer came on saying that I had been running for 35 minutes.  What!!  I immediately knew something was wrong because I would have been finished by then.  I looked down at my phone and saw that I was at 3.6 miles.  What! First, I thought maybe the distance is a little over 3.1 miles because when I run with my regular groups we always run more distance then we thought we were, so I just kept running.  However, when I finally was becoming fatigued and saw the 4 mile marker a few feet ahead, I started talking.  I turned to the lady next to me an said "This is the longest 5k I have ever done!"  She started laughing and said "Girl, this is the 10K.  You missed the break-off point almost two miles back."  OMG! I started to panic, and I'm not sure why.  I should have known something was wrong when I didn't see anybody I knew on the route.  But I knew I wasn't turning around, Oh no, I was too far into this 10K.  There was nothing else for me to do but finish.  The Atlanta BGR ladies who were running around me were encouraging me, saying that I could do it, and it was meant to be etc... However, at that moment, I wasn't trying to hear all that, I was just in shock.  But I eventually sucked it up and continued and their words kept me going.  Let's keep in mind that I didn't train for the 10k, and I was not prepared.  I think I stopped and walked a total of 3 times along the way, but the walking stops were no more than 30 seconds long.  However, I did slow my pace down dramatically to adjust to the additional distance and hills.

At the 5 mile marker I received a phone call from my traveling buddy, who also ran the 10k, wondering where I was.  Heck, I was supposed to be at the finish line already cheering her in, but I guess when she finished her 10k in 1 hour 9 minutes and I was no where to be found, she got worried.  And YES, I answered the phone.. LOL!  We couldn't do anything but laugh at the mishap.  So after hanging up, tackling over 8 hills that I actually counted on the 10k route and one being a monster hill at the very end, I was finally rounding the corner into Atlantic Station towards the finish line.  I was met by my traveling running buddy who sprinted me all the way to the finish line.

I was exhausted!!  I had pushed my body to a distance it had never been, and wasn't ready to go to, but I was OK.  And even though my time was 1 hour 21 minutes, I felt it was good enough for someone who wasn't even mentally or physically ready to run a 10k.  I had originally signed up for the 10k but after not preparing my body, I changed it to the 5k about a month before the race.  But I can now say that I ran a 10K and I feel great about that!

So what's next for me?  First, I need to run a 5k to get it under my belt.  Then I need to train for a 10k and improve on my time.  I'm just competitive like that.  Next year I will be doing a Triathlon and who knows maybe a half marathon is in my future.....

This experience has been great and it has been a pleasure to share my journey with everyone.  From the couch to 5k program to my first 5k oops I meant 10k race, it has all been worth it.  I'm just going to continue being healthy, become even more fit and encourage others to do the same.  I already have several of my friends doing runs in Charlotte and in other states and I will continue to recruit so we can battle and win this war against obesity.

Stay Strong and Fit Ladies!!!!

1 Week til My First 5K

I have made it ya'll!!!!

In exactly one week and two days (next Sunday), I will be in Atlanta, GA to run my first official 5k race... WOO HOO!!

To say that I am super excited, would be an understatement.  After all the struggles, the mental and physical doubts, and that little voice in the back of my head that kept saying "What the hell are you doing!", I have persevered!!

Thirteen weeks later, I am a runner!

And yes, you heard right.  I am now doing the 5K, instead of the 10K.  I have prepared my body to run a 5k, therefore, running a 10K would not have given me positive results.  Sometimes you have to go with what you prepare for because trying to do too much too fast can stifle your progress and sometimes end your desire for something if you do not succeed.  Failure doesn't necessarily makes everyone stronger, sometimes it makes them quit altogether.  And if you are like me, and have never really enjoyed distance running before you began running again, it's always smart to start at the beginning.

My mind is already in Atlanta.  I already have all my clothes laid out for packing.  Got my funds ready for spending.  And all travel and lodging arrangements are finalized.  There is no turning back for me!  Even if I was to sustain an injury (fingers crossed), I would still be in Atlanta regardless.  But I keep all negative thoughts out of my mind.  I keep my mind focused on the prize, which is crossing that finish line.

My goal is to run the entire 5k, hills and all, non-stop in personal record (PR) time.  It's what I trained for!   It's not about coming in first, or the top 5!  It's about doing my best.  And I think that's every runners goal, every time they hit the pavement.  A runner wants to always out-do what they have previously done.  Whether you are running for charity, competition, or just for fun, you are chasing and most likely trying to conquer your prior PR.  It's what drives me during my runs.  That run programs voice who is constantly in my ear updating me on my miles, calories burned, and average pace, is what pushes me to increase my speed a little faster and run a little longer.  It's that constant auditory motivation that keeps me focused, keeps me yearning for more miles and keeps me on track.

How am I preparing for my first 5k?  I am continuing to do what I have been doing since I began this journey.   I continue to eat regular healthy clean foods.  I drink lots of water and continue to drink Gatorade after long workouts for hydration.  I take care of my body by getting plenty of rest.  I ensure that I stretch my muscles thoroughly before and after exercising.   And stretching has always been my nemesis, because I used to bypass it because I had no patience.  I thought it was a waste of time.  However, my body, in a not so nice way, reminded me that it's necessary!  I continue to cross-train by doing a lot of cardio classes and I also ride my bike as well.  I am ready mentally and I am ready physically for this 5k.

So if you are still on the fence about getting off the couch, gain some courage and reach out to your local BGR! group.  If you don't have a local group, join the closest city to you and someone will get you on the right track and guide you every step of the way.  Start moving, start getting healthy and you will begin to feel good about all aspects of your life.  When you have a great self image of yourself, it radiates to all other aspects of your life.  I am proof!

Ladies and gentlemen, I am Atlanta bound, and I am a runner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Motivational Ups & Downs

What's motivating me to run and get fit?

Hmm, a million things come to mind when I think of the word motivation, but when it comes to running and getting fit, there are only a couple for me.  I'm not motivated because I love running, nor do I love to exercise. I mean who really loves being in temporary pain and overexerted? Not me, and I think I'm not alone in this.

I'm motivated because I love the results!

I'm starting to like the way I look in the mirror naked, and the way I'm fitting back into my smaller clothing.  I'm motivated by not having to go out and buy an entirely new wardrobe wasting money.  I'm also motivated by not failing!  I'm not the failing type!  I usually excel in everything that I try, so why let exercising stop me?

But I do have my motivational ups & downs.  I know what I need to do to reach my fitness goals, but sometimes I'm just lazy or allow other responsibilities to deter me.  When I decided almost 12 weeks ago that I was tired of getting even more and more out of shape and gaining more and more weight, I got up off the couch!  However, there were numerous weeks, within that 12 weeks, that I just didn't feel like exercising.  And although I still run at least 3 times a week, and that's a struggle, I haven't been to the gym to cross train in almost two weeks.  And it's not because it's a far drive from my house, nor is it because I'm injured.  It's just because I have times where my motivation for getting fit just isn't strong enough.  It's a mental struggle for me every day between the "fat girl" and "skinny girl", and sometimes the "skinny girl" just loses.  Granted, I have never been considered fat or overweight, with my biggest clothing size ever only being a size 6, but in my own mind there is a fat girl or at least the potential to be one.  And those two women are always at war!  But like you, I must decide which one makes the most sense?  Which one is stronger?  Which one has my best interest at heart?  Heck, which one looks the best!!!

So this week I had to get re-motivated.  I had to ignore my "fat girl" mentality and start listening to the "skinny girl" more often.  So, I started off by revamping my music playlist with only upbeat inspirational music to keep me pressing on longer during runs.  I had to tell my fiance to take his crappy lunch snacks (twinkies, snickers, pringles, oreos, etc... ) and put them in his man room...LOL!  I started putting on my workout clothes as soon as I get off work because they say that you are 90% more likely to go workout if you already have on your workout clothes!  And I had to refocus and remember that I always finish what I start!!!

I know all this doesn't seem like a lot, but it's enough to get me motivated!  It's enough to keep me on track! And it's enough to to kill the "fat girl"!!!!!!!!!!!!

So when you want to quit, when you want to eat a twinkie, and when you want to give up, just reach back out and grab your motivation!

Are you still on the couch??.......Get Up, It's Necessary!!!

I read on the Black Girls Run (BGR!) website that 80% (4 out of 5) African American women are overweight in this country.  This number is outrageous to me, and down right embarrassing.  I even asked myself, if I was one of the four women contributing to this epidemic?  Well, if I go by the BMI (Body Mass Index) chart, at the height of 5'4", then I am 1 lb away from being considered overweight, 30 lbs from being obese and 88 lbs from severe obesity.  Whew!!!! I am not a contributor!!!!  I am cleared by a huge 1 lb... Please!!   I am not happy about that.  I am one cheeseburger away from being in the 4, however, I refuse to allow that to happen!!!!!

So ask yourself, 
Where do I fall into those statistics? Am I one of the four?

Do I love my body image when I look in the mirror?

Am I breathing heavily after walking up just two flights of stairs or maybe just one?

If you answered yes to ANY of the these questions, then what are you going to do about it???

It has not been an easy road.  Before I started this journey of taking back control of my body, I was a procrastinator when it came to getting fit.  Even when I looked in the mirror and saw the love handles rising and the back fat forming, I still wasn't motivated.  It took a wake up call on the scale, and determination not to weigh more than my fiance for me to realize that I had to take action.  There have been good weeks and bad weeks.  I have fallen off the wagon a couple of times.  And although I have kept running at least three times a week, in the last two weeks, I haven't done any cross training.  It may be due to the fact that I am now back in school full-time with 5 classes who all seem to give at least two chapters of homework a week and keep in mind I still have to go to work....LOL!  See how easily I get sidetracked? But I believe there is still at least a couple of down hours in the day to put my health first.  And I'm proud that I still make sure I get my weekly runs in.  Honestly, if I miss a run, I feel guilty!  I feel like I'm cheating or something.  Is that crazy?

The journey has not only been physical, but the mental toll is plentiful.  I have met a lot of women, and had to realize that sometimes people may not have your best interests at heart.  And when my body was becoming stronger, my mind was becoming weaker for some reason.  I had been pushed out of my character to a person I did not recognize, doing and saying reckless things and hurting people in the process.  However, after a deep conversation with a wonderful LEADER, I have let those demons go (DELETED) and am now back on the path to mental healing and peace.  DO NOT allow others to deter you from your goals or take you out of your character.  Bad Association Spoils Useful Habits!!  It's just the truth!  Being strong mentally induces your chances of succeeding physically!  Get supporters around you and you will succeed!!!!

OK, now getting back to the issue at hand.  If you are one of the 4 women contributors, or you are teetering the lines of obesity, you owe it to yourself and your body to take action!!! I think most women are in denial.  We just won't admit that we are fat.  We will even go as far as to say that we have big bones so losing weight won't look right, which is crazy!!! No, you have big fat, sorry!!!  Some women will also lie to themselves by saying they are "fat and happy".  No one is fat and happy!!!   If that were true, then why are you always talking about dieting or exercising?? 

I know we all have busy lives.  We all work every day, have families to take care of, housework, school, errands etc... We even use all these as excuses not to get in shape.  But let me ask you this?  How many hours do you spend watching reality TV, playing games on Facebook and following people on twitter????  Is missing one hour of women fighting on TV not worth saving your life? I think it is!!!!!!!!!!!!  

Obesity is an illness and it must be treated.  The only ways to treat this nasty illness, that has invaded our culture, is with exercise and drastically changing your eating habits.  Your first step was joining a BGR! group...... YAY!  Now mentally tell yourself that you are worth it and that you deserve to be fit.  Get out of your procrastination zone like I did and go out to meet your fellow BGR! members in your city.  You will not regret it.  It's nothing scary about it, unless you slip up and go to an UNOFFICIAL Run... LOL!!  
No one will laugh at you!  No one will make you feel unwanted! No one will force you to do more than you are capable of doing! No one will leave you behind! It's actually the total opposite....                     
Yes, everyone will welcome you! Yes, everyone will encourage you!  Yes, someone will walk or run with you the entire time! and Yes, you can do it!!!! Once you go out the first time, you most definitely will want go back.  You will soon realize that everyone wants you to be successful in all your fitness goals.  I just ask that you don't quit!!!  Because, yes, it gets tough.  And there will be days that your body aches so bad that you won't be able to walk properly, but I now welcome these days with open arms.  I say, that's just my body telling me that I'm doing something great! You will get stronger and stronger! 

I am now on my 9th week of running and I feel empowered.  I have officially finished the c25k  program... YAY!!  We have a graduation 5k run for all c25k graduates on August 25th and I think, well I know I am ready.  Matter fact, a day after I wrote my last blog, I got out on the green-way and ran four miles straight without stopping.  And prior to that, I wasn't even able to run a full two miles.  However, with encouragement from my sisters, I pushed through it and persevered.  And I believe that you can do it to, but you must take the first step.  

Actions speak louder than words!!!!

From One Beginner To Another!!!!

I never thought that after only seven weeks of running, that I’d actually be excited about the thought of getting up the next day and doing it all over again.  After I posted my last blog, the very next day I hit the pavement and ran a continuous 4 miles.  And before this, I wasn’t even able to run 2 miles straight without stopping and walking.  I can say that I have conquered my mental inhibitors and am not far off from achieving my fitness goals.  And it was getting out of my comfort zone, perseverance and dedication that has gotten me this far and will carry me even further until I succeed. 

But when I first started running, it was a little overwhelming.  It wasn’t about just throwing on a pair of sneakers; tights and a t-shirt and thinking that’s all I needed.  It took way more preparation!  So, whether you want to run for health, fitness, weight loss, competition, or just for fun, it’s a process. 

  

Get Motivated!! Motivation comes in all forms.  For me, it was joining a good running group where everyone encouraged me to do my best.  Having inspiration and accountability increased my commitment because I was part of a group.  Even getting a running buddy helps.  If you know you have someone else counting on you, then you are less likely to disappoint them.

Get the right attire!!  If you go out running, and it’s your first day, the right shoes and clothing makes all the difference.  We get so easily discouraged when exercising and any tiny discomfort can send us back to the couch.  After my first day with the group, I knew my shoes weren’t fit for running distances.  The very next day I went to a sporting goods store and was aided in finding the correct running shoe for my foot type, which made a world of difference.  And be prepared to pay top dollar for a good pair of running shoes.  Believe me; it’s worth it in the long run.  You also must make sure you get the right clothing.  By saying this, you have to make sure the material you wear is fit for running and can handle moisture properly.  You want to avoid any type of material that may cause chaffing and skin discomfort.  You will NOT want to run if you develop a serious case of chaffing!  It is not a good feeling.

Get on a beginners running plan!! If you are a beginner runner, you have to start at the beginning.  You can’t possibly believe that after not exercising for years that you are going to go out the first day and run 3 miles, let alone even 1 mile.  Not going to happen!  Your mind may believe it, but you probably won’t achieve it!  I didn’t!  So I had to follow a plan.  I used a simple couch to 5k (c25k) beginners program which starts out with minimal running and increases the run time week by week.  Your body must get acclimated to actually running distances.  Therefore, you must start off slow and get in tune with your body.  Even running for 30 seconds may have you feeling the results the next day.  And this is because your body must adapt.  In my case, it took 4-6 weeks for my body to get accustomed to running without being in severe muscle pain the next day.  But I never gave up…. I have goals to obtain!

Get Hydrated and Eat!!  I try to eat at least two hours before I run.  This gives me the necessary amount of energy for the strenuous activity I am about to partake in…. LOL!!  If you DO NOT fuel your body properly, you WILL feel the repercussions while you are running.  It will make your run feel like a struggle and your muscles will be drained.  And also hydrate!  Drink lots of water, at least 16-20 oz about two hours before you run.  I was bad about hydration in the beginning because I simply didn’t drink that much water.  However, running and being exhausted and fatigued has opened my eyes and I now drink plenty of water on a daily basis.  I like to drink Gatorade after I run as well because it adds back electrolytes that are lost on the run.  Please do both of these because eating properly and hydration are most important!!!

Get Rest and Warm-Up!!  And last but not least, make sure you are properly stretching before and after your runs and getting plenty of rest.  Warm-ups come in many forms.  You should at least do a 5-minute warm-up before any exercise.  This keeps your muscles from getting tense during your run.  I do a 5-minute walk to warm me up before I start running which loosens me up.  Also, get plenty of rest.  Rest gives your body the proper time to recover, and this I encourage.  If your body doesn’t recover properly, and you go out running prematurely, it may cause injury.  And no one wants an injury! 

I really think the above tips will give you an idea of what to expect and also how to prepare yourself mentally and physically before you decide to start running.  Hopefully you will be encouraged to get up, get out, get moving and start taking back control of your body.  I’m not a fitness expert, but I know what works for me.  I have a long way to go before I reach my fitness goals, but it’s a lot less then where I was seven weeks ago.  Getting in shape takes time.  It’s not going to happen overnight!  However, if you are willing to take the time and have the dedication, don’t you want to be happy when looking at your body in the mirror, instead of pointing out what you feel are imperfections???

5 Weeks Strong and I'm still Alive!!!

OK, before I started this running journey, I didn't even like running.  I would get on the treadmill and just walk, and even then I wouldn't even last a good five minutes.  It was pathetic!  Now, I can proudly say that I am 5 weeks into the BGR! couch to 5k (c25k) running program and I actually enjoy running.  I enjoy the way it makes me feel........Energized and Strong! 

But if anyone tells you that changing your life and deciding to get into shape is easy, then they are definitely bending the truth.  My first two weeks were rough! I felt pain in parts of my body I didn't even know existed.   I would actually soak in a tub of Epsom Salt, YES I said Epsom Salt, wishing that it would immediately take the pain away.  And unfortunately, it did not! But no matter how painful it got, I knew that it was only temporary.  So battered body and all, I kept stepping back onto the pavement!!


NO PAIN, NO GAIN!

See, running is a sport.  It took me at least three weeks to realize that I had to run my own race.  I had to do my own pace, find a comfortable form and adjust my breathing.  Oh, and also get a great pair of running shoes!!!!!!  These four things were vital to improving my pace and distance. I also started drinking water constantly, because hydration is vital, especially on these over 90 degree weather days we have been having consistently.

So after I accepted the fact that I had to make changes so I could reach my ultimate goal, and after 5 weeks of running at least 3 days a week, my body has adjusted and I am running faster, and longer every time I step onto the pavement.  I can now actually run 2 complete miles without stopping.  This is huge!!!  I couldn't even run half a mile the first day. LOL!!  And I'm not out there competing against my running partners, I'm competing against myself and trying to improve my own time.  And when I do improve, the feeling can't be explained.  It's just a wonderful feeling =)


And I have not stopped at just running.  I have reactivated my gym membership and I hit the gym on the days that I am not jogging on the green ways.  Cross-training is very important and actually improves your running abilities.  So, I now go to the gym and I do group kickboxing, weight lifting, cycling, yoga and an Abs class... Oh yeah, I am getting it in!!!!   


I am a true believer of "when you look good, you feel good."  And even though it's only been 5 weeks, I am toner, healthier, stronger and happier!  But I still have a long way to go!

I feel good and I owe it all to my BGR! Charlotte family, especially the University crew and my slave driving running partner Ann Thomas who leaves me in the dust but is never out of sight =)

No woman left behind!

My Path, My Way.......From the Couch To My First 10K

"I'll just grab some fast food."...............because I was too busy to cook.
"I will get on the treadmill tomorrow and workout"..... but tomorrow came too soon.
"I guess I will do that lemonade diet"...........but couldn't make it past the first day.

Sound familiar?

Like many people, I was always too busy to cook or go grocery shopping. Fast food is quick and it also tastes good, even though I knew it wasn't healthy for me. However, I told myself that I can always workout and lose any weight that I would gain from eating out regularly. But when the time came for me to burn off the calories, I actually cringed at the thought of exercising. I mean, who gets excited about exercising? I certainly did not.

However, two years later, and tipping the scale 20lbs heavier than my highest weight ever, and also not being able to fit all the clothes in my closet, I said enough is enough!!! It was three months ago that I made a mental decision to get in shape so I wouldn't have to go buy an entire new wardrobe. No, I refused to accept the weight!

In April 2012, I joined the Black Girls Run (BGR!) Charlotte Facebook online group at the insistence of a good friend of mine because I asked her about running groups. I had no prior knowledge of the group and was a little apprehensive at first, because it was unknown to me. Also, running is not my first choice of exercising, but I knew it would give me good results. So instead of jumping right into the mix of things with the group, I stalked the page for months. I read posts, I followed links, I even got brave and clicked some "like's" on occasion.... LOL! But I always thought that everyone on the page were novice runners and I would not fit in.

I WAS WRONG!

A little over three weeks ago I saw my opening to stop procrastinating and start exercising. The BGR! Charlotte group was doing small group programs called "couch to 5k" (c25k). It was a beginner running program to get people who had little or no running experience off the couch and ready to enter their first 5k race. This was my opening to put up or shut-up! So, I decided to actually make a post on the page that I was interested in doing the c25k program. I was excited and I was ready and I couldn't back out because everyone in the Charlotte BGR! group had seen my post, so I couldn't flake out. I had to be brave......

After posting my interest message, I got an immediate response from a run coordinator that the c25k groups were full. My first reaction was disappointment, then I started to get discouraged altogether. I knew that if I did not get into that program that I probably would go back on the couch and back to stalking the page. But a miracle happened! There were so many beginner runners interested in the c25k program that our Charlotte BGR! leader started a third group for the program, and I was now in the group..... Oh the joy!!

I have now completed my third week of the c25k program and I am feeling great. I am running longer and further than I have ever thought possible. And I am actually starting to enjoy running. I have changed my eating habits dramatically, cutting out all fried foods completely and eating more fruits and vegetables. I have already lost weight and inches, so I am stoked about what's to come, including the 10K Race to End Hunger BGR! race I have registered for in Atlanta!! Yes, I said 10K!!! Go hard or go home!

If I can do it, so can you. Stop making excuses about being overweight and unhealthy.  You are your own deterrent!!!!

Just do it!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.blackgirlsrun.com/events/active/black-girls-rundrive-to-end-hunger-5k10k/

Let's Support the race to End Hunger!  Be there!

http://www.blackgirlsrun.com/events/active/black-girls-rundrive-to-end-hunger-5k10k/