Jingle Bell 5k - December 2011

I cannot believe that today I ran my final road race of 2011. It seems like just yesterday I was approved to start running again and I started signing up for all of these runs. In total, I ran 15 road races in 2011, 14 of those occurring after June 1 (when I was allowed to run). Today's run had extra meaning. I found this race through my sorority's (Alpha Omicron Pi) alumnae group. My sorority's charity is juvenile arthritis. Today's Jingle Bell 5k raised money for the Arthritis Foundation so  I was told about this run by the alum group. I thought it was a great cause so an easy run to sign up for.

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The race was in a new location. It was near the Nature Museum here in Chicago. I was happy to be out of the Montrose Harbor area. Not that I don't love those courses, but I needed a change of pace.

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When I woke up this morning and saw the snow, I was actually excited. I haven't run in the snow in ages and was ready for the challenge. I also thought it really set the scene for the race.

Thankfully we were able to hide out inside the Museum until the race started!

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I learned my lesson from the Santa Hustle 5k on December 3 and started much closer to the startling line than I usually do ... and it paid off!!

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I have been battling some left knee pain recently so I really wasn't sure how the race would go, especially with the morning snow fall.

I started out great. I was happy that I hit Mile One at about 8:22, which was a whole minute faster than Mile One at the Santa Hustle 5k.

There was a lot of slipping and sliding on the snow, which reminded me that I really need to buy some spikes to put on my shoes for my F^3 Lake Half Marathon training in the next six weeks.

My knee was feeling fine until I was about 2.5 miles in. Ugh, you have to be kidding me. But, I powered through. I was on a good pace and wanted to finish the last race of 2011 strong. I wasn't going to give up with about 0.5 a mile left.

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I officially crossed the line at 26:05.5 (8:24 min/mile) ... I finished 133rd out of 1,075 overall, 10 out of 120 in my division (females 25-29) and 39 out of 659 females.

I wanted to beat my PR (25:34), but it wasn't in the cards. I think overcoming the knee and the snow makes up for not getting a PR. I am proud of myself for getting up and out to the course - even though it was snowing.

I loved the size of the run. I did not get elbowed, shoved or almost tripped at any time in the race. Everyone was enjoying themselves and taking in the great surroundings.

I thank my wife for getting up and going to the race as my cheerleader/photographer. :)

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I thank you all for the support you have given me through the year. I am so proud of what I have accomplished this year. I think back often to my first 5k (March 2005) where I finished in 38:21. That really puts my 26:06 today into perspective. <<patting myself on the back>> ;)

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I am kicking off the 2012 racing season immediately ... New Year's Day 5k is in sight.

Halfway Through Dynamic December

Okay folks, I know I say this all the time, but how does time pass so quickly? How am I already halfway through my Dynamic December challenge? How is 2011 over in just 15 days? Okay ... I'm back! I thought since we are at the midway point of the challenge that I would let you all know how it is going.

I am feeling great and in control this month. I ended September on such a high note that I was really upset with myself for slacking in October/November. I have lost 4.6 lbs so far this month and am just 0.6 lbs from my lowest, which I hope to hit on Tuesday's weigh-in.

Besides, seeing the results on the scale. I am just feeling healthier overall. I have been working to hit all of my WW Healthy Guidelines every day, as well as getting in at least 30 minutes of activity.

The #back2basics challenge has taken me back to the time when I first joined WW. When the excitement was still there - well it was the honeymoon phase. :) But, I think over time you lose the love sometimes. You can get tired of looking up the points or having to plan food out for the week. Since starting the #back2basics challenge, I have realized how important those little steps are to continued success. I need to take the time for me.

I don't mind decomposing my salad in order to weigh out the chicken or the croutons, etc. I actually feel empowered after doing it.

The #hlgFitGift, #plankaday, #30for60, #30daychallenge, #FT100 & #30daychip components all overlap, which is why I can do six challenges at once. ;) This has helped me put the excuses to the side. I can get up and get to the gym. The challenges hold me accountable to that. I am asking myself to take 30 minutes out of my day for me - that shouldn't be too hard. Right?

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How are you doing with your December challenges? Are you ready to go towards 2012 on a healthier note?

Sparkly Soul Headband Review & Giveaway

**WINNER ANNOUNCED**

Thanks to Random.org, the winner of the giveaway is #35:

Congrats to Mandy Ferrara!!

Thanks to everyone who participated and keep your eyes out for the next giveaway... :)

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I love headbands. Okay let me rephrase. I have such out of control hair that I must love headbands. :) I used to buy all of my workout bands from CVS or Walgreens. But, those either gave me headaches or stretched out after one wear. So I am always on the search for better workout headbands. In came ...

Sparky Soul!

This is a relatively new company - I believe they have been around for just five months or so. They sent me a couple thin bands and a wide band to try out. Since my friend El is just as active as I am, but with more bangs ;) I gave her the wider band to try out for me.

I tried out the thin blue sparkly band. It is super cute as you can sort of see in the pic. :P

On Sunday I tried out the two thin Sparky Soul bands they sent me - one blue and one red - together while at my hour Spin class. I was not a fan of wearing two at the same time. I could feel them moving on my head during class. I think it might've been the pressure from wearing the two at the same time because...

When I wore the blue on its own tonight while on the Stairmaster for 30 min, it didn't move an inch. I actually forgot I was wearing it, which is a great thing when working out. I hate fussing when I am in the zone. :)

I liked the touch of Sparkle added to my workout look. It is a simple way to add a lil sass ... especially if you were doing a Zumba or Hip Hop class.

Also, I could easily wear this while running errands on the weekend. With the number of colors they offer, you can easily find any Sparkly Soul band to match your outfit.

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Ellie was gracious enough to try out the wide Sparkly Soul band for me in her favorite color, Violet.

From El:

"As a runner with a very heavy bang and lots of little fly always around my face I am always on the look out for a great headband. What I love about the sparkly band is that it's very tight and keeps all of my hair off my face without being so tight that it gives me a headache. I find that most tight headbands tend to hurt after a while but sparkly band proved to be the exception. I love that the band is sparkly and girlie. When I'm exercising I'm not dressing up or wearing make up but it is fun to have a cute sparkly headband to give me a little hair flair during my run. These are great headbands for all the female runners out there who want a little sparkle during their workouts."

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So from El and I ... we give Sparkly Soul bands two big thumbs up!! Give them a whirl and add a touch of sass to your workout!

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And now the fun part … the giveaway! Sparkly Soul has agreed to give one lucky reader of my blog a free Sparkly Soul band of their own.

Here is how to enter:

*Please leave the following comment on the blog below: “I Want One!” … I will take responses until 9am CT Thursday (December 15). The winner will be picked at random … Good luck! 

Wordless Wednesday

How is it already Wednesday again?? :)

I cannot wait to run in the F^3 Events Lake Half Marathon on January 28, 2012!

One of the biggest motivators to get up at 5:30am on a cold Chicago winter day and run along the Lake...

Thank baby Jeebus my wife is handy...

They keep me sane ... most of the time! ;)

Straight chillin'

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Happy Wednesday!!

Truth Tuesday – 1.2 lb Loss

I honestly wasn't sure what to expect on the scale this week. I usually check in with my home scale a couple times during the week to get a gauge. I step on the home scale every Tuesday AM (actual WW weigh-in day), Friday and Monday. I try not to take what I see on there too hard since your body can fluctuate throughout the week, but I like having an idea. I used to weigh myself every day so this is a big step in the direction of just weighing in once a week like the experts recommend. Plus I now realize how harmful it is mentally to weigh-in every day. Well after seeing my home scale this AM (which said I would lose 1 lb), I was hoping for about a 1 lb loss. The official WW result was ... 1.2 lbs lost. YAY!

Today: Lost 1.2

Starting Weight: 217.4

Today’s Weight: 163.6

Total Lost: 53.8

Pounds From Lowest: 0.6

Pounds From New Goal: 8.6

I was psyched. So I gained 5.2 lbs over the two week period including the honeymoon and in the two weeks since returning home I have lost 4.6 lbs of it. I am definitely happy with this result. I hope to be at either my lowest or a new low next week. :)

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I am feeling really good right now. I have been really focusing on getting back to the basics, like I mentioned last week. I have been making sure to complete all the WW Healthy Guidelines, which I think makes a HUGE difference in how I feel.

But, don't think I am not treating myself. That is why I love WW. You can eat normal food just in moderation. For example, I had Chinese food on Wednesday night. But, I made sure to measure out the 2 cups I had allotted myself of General Tso's Chicken, throw out the rice right away and make 1 cup of carrots to be my side. I ate that and felt completely satisfied.

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I feel for the people that are trying to eat well around Holiday party after Holiday party. Not getting invited places/not having a life is actually helping me out this month. :P I do not envy those people that have to do so much planning this month. For the past 18 days since returning from Hawaii, I have been able to get back into the zone and keep my splurges in control. :)

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On Friday, we found out a colleague, and more importantly, a dear friend passed away. My initial reaction was to turn to food. Thankfully through the support through Twitter and my friends, I was able to suppress those feelings, make healthy food choices and find other ways to grieve. I can tell you I have never cried so hard during a run as I did on Saturday morning. I am sure people passing me were wondering if I was being chased or what was going on. But, it was a healthy way for me to deal with the loss.

I was also able to distract myself slightly from thinking about it while attending two WW center openings.

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What do you have to share on Truth Tuesday?

Weight Watchers Openings

So this weekend I was honored to be chosen by my leader Lisa to be a Success Story at two Weight Watcher Center Openings here in Chicago. I was thrilled. Especially since I don't totally see myself as a success story since I technically haven't hit goal yet (since I lowered it) and I am not a Lifetime member yet. But, with some prodding from my friends and fellow WW members, I gladly accepted the title. :)

This is the picture I use whenever I am asked for a before and after shot. This was taken two years to the day. Pictures really help to put the weight loss into perspective. (Which is why I recommend to all to track your progress through pics, it is something I regret not doing)

The first Opening was Saturday from 1-3. Thankfully my wife was able to join me at the event. Well, only one person showed up not counting the wife. That kind of hurt. I thought there would be more people - like at the Jennifer Hudson Center Opening - but I guess I am not as big of a draw as her. ;) But, we made the most of the afternoon. We started by watching one of the WW leaders, Mary, make three different WW smoothie recipes, which my wife loved!! Then each success story (3 of us) got up and gave our little schpeal. It is always nice to hear about other people's journeys. Then it was mini boot camp time. Wow! I was definitely feeling that. It hurt in a good way. It also showed me how much stronger I have gotten over the past two years ... and how I need to get my butt into weight training more. :) If only I could afford bootcamp/a trainer on a regular basis.

Anyone want to donate to that fund? ;)

Overall, it was a great experience/afternoon. I even got these kickass WW cookbooks as a thank you for attending.

After asking all about the WW smoothies, I finally took the plunge and bought the WW creamy chocolate smoothie mix. After chatting with other WW members and people telling me I need more protein in my diet, I thought why not. So the smoothie I made this weekend (and am now obsessed with) is 1 package of the WW creamy chocolate smoothie mix (2 pts) + 1 cup Silk Light Vanilla Soy Milk (2 pts) + 6 Ice Cubes + Blender = 4 pts Chocolate Smoothie that was filling, delicious & filled both my WW dairy requirements! A win, win, win in my book. :)

After going through Saturday's Opening, I knew what to expect on Sunday. The wife couldn't make it, but thankfully my friend (and fellow WWer) Ellie was able to join me. The other Success Stories also brought a friend so we had a couple more people in the audience than the first day. But, it still wasn't the jam packed meeting room I had thought would be there. I just love the WW program so much that I want everyone to join. ;)

We had the same programming as Saturday, including the mini boot camp. After attending Spin class that morning, my legs were feeling pretty shot on Sunday, but I still completed the mini bootcamp and felt accomplished. :)

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There may not have been that many people in attendance, but it was a great experience that reenforced my love of WW. I just love that you meet other members and instantly have a connection. I love sharing what WW is about and the change that it is brought in my life.

I really do hope to one day be a WW leader. The accountability alone would keep me on track not to mention the satisfaction of helping others on their journey. Being there for their ups and downs. Giving out Bravo stickers & charms. Helping to break through a plateau. Seeing the transformation that happens physically, mentally and emotionally.

Maybe someday, but for now. I will plug along and work to hit Lifetime (since that is a prerequisite for being a leader). I will continue to learn from the WW successes around me and motivate my fellow members.

Half Marathon Training Update - 4.5 miles

I have been slacking on the running updates (unless it was a road race ;)). Unfortunately, this past week or so I have been battling a sore knee and right hip. I am not sure exactly what is going on, but I have scaled down my long runs in order to test out some braces, diff shoes, etc. Hopefully it is something that will work itself out quickly... The pups let me sleep in til 7am this morning! Woo! Hey, for me that is late. Every other day this week I have been up at 5:30 to get my workouts in. While feeding the pups, I ran through all the different workouts I could do this morning: run, elliptical, Spin or Stairmaster. I looked at the weather and it said 14 degrees out. That decided it all ... outdoor run it would be! I know, most of you were probably expecting me to say I decided to do something inside, but I know I need to get used to the cold weather sooner or later. :) Especially since the F^3 Lake Half is outside no matter what. :P

I suited up and was out the door by 9am. It was odd to be heading out for my run so late. I usually am out the door around 6am. It was nice to see so many other runners on the path and the sun! The sun is such a rare sight in the winter here in Chicago.

It was a real motivator seeing all the CARA (Chicago Area Runners Association) people out running as well. I wish I could afford to train with them, but alas I cannot.

After hearing about a colleague and more importantly a friend passing away yesterday, I needed some alone time any way. So the run came at the perfect time.

Despite the knee and hip pain, I pushed through to complete 4.5 miles in 40.23. I was pretty darn proud of myself.

Ya know what? After five minutes of running, I didn't even notice the cold weather. I was just so focused on the run and being lost in my thoughts that the weather didn't even really register. Yay!

Wordless Wednesday

I gotta get back into the routine of doing this every week...

Pretty in Pink...

Ho Ho Ho ... and Santa! ;)

The snacks I snuck in to the movies... I am a Popchips addict!

The most makeup I have ever - and prob will ever - have on my face. Having my first photo shoot was an experience ... check out TimeOut Chicago on Dec 29. :)

Can't wait to add even more medals to my sweet new display (Allied Medals - medalhangers.com)

#7daychip 8!!

Truth Tuesday - 3.4 lb Loss

I was looking for a good weight loss this week after the gain last week. I was trying to lose all 5 lbs, but I knew that wasn't realistic so I am pretty happy with what I did see. I lost ... 3.4 lbs!! :) Today: Lost 3.4

Starting Weight: 217.4

Today’s Weight: 164.8

Total Lost: 52.6

Pounds From Original Goal: 1.8

Pounds From New Goal: 9.8

I feel amazing this week. I kicked off my Dynamic December challenge and am loving it. It is a great motivator and a community to keep me in check. :) I have gotten back to the basics of Weight Watchers - the time when I first started and I tracked, measured and looked up the points values of everything I ate ... and I am noticing the difference. Additionally, I worked out for at least 30 min everyday this week and it helped lift my energy for the week.

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This week we learned more about the new tweaks that Weight Watchers unveiled for the 2012 season. For me, I am a-okay with them. To be honest, they don't really affect me - besides losing a point on my day. I don't mind the points still dropping as long as I have enough points to fulfill my Healthy Guidelines - I can supplement the rest with water and 0pt fruits/veggies.

Since starting Weight Watchers, I have never felt hungry or deprived ... and THAT is why I think I have been able to stick with the plan and succeed.

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I am honored to have the chance to speak at not one, but two Weight Watchers centers grand openings this weekend. As I am still on this journey, I can't believe people would want to hear from me. But, I am excited. I enjoy sharing my love for Weight Watchers, exercise and the weight loss journey I am on.

I can't wait to tell you how it goes. :) And unlike the Jennifer Hudson opening ... I will actually be speaking. ;)

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Along the same lines as the WW openings, I was actually chosen to be featured in a Time Out Chicago issue about fitness. I was interviewed by the reporter and last night took part in the photo shoot. I can tell you I have never had as much makeup as I had on last night. ;) They wanted to film me doing something that I wouldn't have done before the weight loss - so they filmed me Spinning.

It was a surreal experience. I am not one used to getting my picture taken - let alone professionally. The people were super nice and I think they did a great job. Well, I will find out when the issue comes out on December 29. :)