Heather's Excellent Adventure

Can’t quite get away with this at work so I threw a...

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:48:28 -0400

Can’t quite get away with this at work so I threw a sweater over it, but I knew it was there. Got in 6 miles of speedwork last night. Tonight is an ST day…another speedwork night tomorrow.

My thoughts, prayers and heart are with Boston and runners everywhere today…

I ran 20 miles today for the first time EVER. I’m writing it down everywhere. I want the world...

Sun, 10 Feb 2013 18:23:38 -0500

I ran 20 miles today for the first time EVER.

I’m writing it down everywhere.

I want the world to know.

So there it is…

I feel awesome!

reasonstobefit: submitted by email Yes.

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 01:16:46 -0400

reasonstobefit:

submitted by email

Yes.

reasonstobefit: submitted by email

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 23:15:05 -0400

reasonstobefit:

submitted by email

The Grind

Wed, 30 May 2012 09:45:19 -0400

The Grind:

robindoesrunning:

The Grind is that time in your physique transformation where you just put your head down and grind it out.

It’s often the time between the initial fast “newbie” results and the final results. Changes are occurring in your body, but you may not see them from week to week.

Mentally, The Grind is also where some of that new program and new diet enthusiasm wears off and it all becomes routine, even boring. There’s nothing left to do or say really; you just work the plan, day to day to day.

But toward the end of The Grind, what’ll happen is that you’ll glance back at your “befores” and realize you’ve made some major changes. Other people will begin to notice. And that positive feedback will reignite the enthusiasm. And that will cause you to kick the training up a notch, leading to more results.

I think The Grind applies to life in general too, not just to losing fat and gaining muscle. There are simply times when we have to put aside all distractions (even the good ones), put our heads down, grit our teeth, and grind it out. At the end of The Grind lies an achievement, something great, or some reward or pay-off. But The Grind always comes first.

Thing is, most people won’t make this sacrifice; they won’t even begin The Grind, much less finish it. And that’s why most people don’t succeed. The Grind is often what separates the great from the average.

It’s as simple as that sometimes.

-Erik Ledin

This…

Remember this Heather

Photo

Wed, 02 May 2012 21:34:24 -0400

reasonstobefit: submitted by email YES!!!

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 13:46:43 -0400

reasonstobefit:

submitted by email

YES!!!

Ben Does Life.: The Running Journey

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:02:40 -0400

Ben Does Life.: The Running Journey:

Thanks for the reminder Ben…

bendoeslife:

I’ve talked with hundreds of other runners in the past few years. Sometimes we talk about marathons, sometimes we talk about hill workouts, and sometimes we talk about technical fabric and how it affects our nipples.

We talk about pacing, or shoes, or GPS watches.

We talk about the ups and the…

Rock n Roll Half Marathon Dallas!

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 08:26:49 -0400

Rock n Roll Half Marathon Dallas!

Lucky Corral 13!

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 16:48:15 -0400

Lucky Corral 13!

Carb loading for the Dallas Rock n Roll on Sunday. Its never too...

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 18:49:32 -0400

Carb loading for the Dallas Rock n Roll on Sunday. Its never too soon to train.

Carb loading for the Dallas Rock n Roll on Sunday. Its never too...

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 18:49:32 -0400

Carb loading for the Dallas Rock n Roll on Sunday. Its never too soon to train.

lindsaydoeslife: livinglifeinmotion: St. Patties Day So...

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:26:09 -0400

lindsaydoeslife:

livinglifeinmotion:

St. Patties Day

So inspiring! Amazing progress!

GREAT JOB!

Love this

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 02:43:00 -0500

Love this

"Fiveuary" wrap up

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 09:57:29 -0500

I’m calling my goals for February “Fiveuary” just for fun:

1. Lose 5 pounds-negatory…although it looks like I broke that dreaded plateau

2. Do something active at least 5 days a week-DONE!!!!

3. Run at least 5 miles on my long run days (usually more - but I have a theme here!)-DONE!!!!!!

4. Eat at least 5 freggies per day-DONE!!!!!!

5. Do 5 things to help others-DONE!!!!!!

What will March look like?

March Madness

2 5kS, 1 Half Marathon, 1 Jimmy Buffett show…

March Madness

Do Life Challenge Week 8

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 18:49:09 -0500

This week we took on challenges of our other challenge-mates. Here’s what I did.

1. Log every bite- This was tough as I had out to dinner meetings a lot this week, but I did the best I could and logged comparable items. I wrote things down when I couldn’t log them, so I could log them later and I did.

2. Eat 3 without meat- This was easy. Lent started this week, as a practicing Catholic I didn’t eat meat on Ash Wednesday or Friday

3. Find an anchoring tool-This is my Claddaugh ring. My best friend bought this for me in Ireland. I wear it for every run, race and workout. I only take it off for Dodgeball. It’s getting too big, but I love it and it reminds me of what’s really important….friendship, loyalty and love.

4. Find a new route to run-I did this on Thursday during a fun run. It was cool because it was along paths that connect to my regular run path so I can make my runs even longer.

5. Below is me looking back to see how far I’ve come. I’ve been kind of down because I’ve been in a pretty serious plateau, but when I look at all I’ve accomplished in the past year and a half, even I’m astonished.

Last night, I went to a party and people kept telling me how good I looked which is nice. However one friend told me a story that went like this.

“Remember when you came camping with us for 4^th of July and you were so worried you were going to break the lawn chair. You made jokes, but I could tell you were serious and it made me sad. You are like a different person now. I don’t know why that’s what I think of when I think of how far you’ve come. I think it’s because I love you and it made me so sad because I could tell you weren’t happy. You’re like a different person now.”

When someone tells you a story like this, it helps you remember how far you’ve come.

Below is what I’ve accomplished since my journey began on Sept. 29, 2010. Not all of them are fitness related, but as we’ve heard Ben say before, when you take care of one area of your life, the other areas start to fall into place.

MILESTONES

September 2010

· Sign up on Sparkpeople at 320 pounds

· Goal to work out 3 times per week

· Goal to eat within calories

October 2010

· Start logging fitness minutes on Sparkpeople

· Discover Adult Competitve Dodgeball- I’d Hit THAT! Dodgeball is born

November 2010

· Decide to RUN a 5K

· Start C25K program

· Hit 25 pounds lost at 295 pounds

December 2010

· Act as Co-Chair for most successful Santa’s Helpers to date

January 2011

· Start blogging about my journey.

February 2011

· Finish C25K

· Join a gym

· Discover Spin Class

· Decide to work out 4 days a week

· Hit 50 pound loss at 270 pounds

· Win Top Jaycee VP for State of California

· Win Chapter Jaycee of the Year

· Win Brenda Mehling Memorial Award

March 2011

· Run first 5K- Mardi Gras Madness – 40:22

· Run 2^nd 5K- St Patty’s Day 5K- 47:`12

April 2011

· Run 3^rd 5K – Foot Steps 5K -36:36

· Run 1^st Mud Run- Merrell Down and Dirty – 1:02:52

· Hit 60 pound loss at 260

· Start 10K training

May 2011

· Co-Chair successful 5K to benefit Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund, raise over $20,000 for young people in cancer treatment

June 2011

· Run 1^st 10K – Love Run 10K – 1:22:12

· FIND DO LIFE!!!!!! A friend recommended I follow her friend who had lost a bunch of weight on Facebook, he followed Ben. I was curious, now I’m a believer.

July 2011

· Turn 38

· Run 4^th 5K – Independence Day 5K – 38:12

· Start COC series – Difficult 8 week cross country series

· Get my mojo back with the opposite sex

· Start doing Half Marathon Training on Saturday mornings

August 2011

· Run 2^nd 10K – Mc Connell’s Endurance Challenge -1:16:07

· Finally break 40 minutes at last COC race 39:09

· Hit 70 pound loss - 250

September 2011

· Run 5^th 5K – Disneyland 5K – 35:42

· Discover Ultimate Frisbee

· 2011 40 Under Forty Honoree

October 2011

· Run 3^rd 10K – Santa Monica 5000 1:15:09

· Run 6^th 5K-Temecula Wine Country 5K -36:04

· Decide I need to work out 5 days a week

· Get 1^st Popular Blog Post Award on Sparkpeople

November 2011

· Run 7^th 5K – Santa Clarita Marathon 5K – 34:42

· Hit 80 pounds lost at 240

· Get Second Popular Blog Post Award on Sparkpeople

December 2011

· Run 1^st Half Marathon- Rock N Roll Vegas 3:59:42

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

I have come a long way in 2011 both physically and mentally. I’ve lost some weight and I’ve run….A LOT!

Since starting my journey I have lost a total of 85(ish) pounds, which equals MORE than the average 6th grader weighs.

I ran over 56 miles in organized races in 2011. This is the equivalent of running from my home in Santa Clarita, CA to Redondo Beach, CA….OR like running the square mileage of the island of Manhattan one and a half times.

I have trained for over 400 miles for those races. Which is the same as running from my house to Cool, CA –which is a real place, in fact, I’ve been there since my Uncle Jeff used to be the postmaster! Want a more recognizable landmark? How about it would be like running from City Hall in LA to our state capital in Sacramento? IT’S THAT FAR!

I also finished another year of school while staying on the Dean’s List. I only have 2 classes left until that elusive degree!

I co-chaired a successful charity race that raised over $20,000 for young people living with cancer and helped with numerous other community events. In the process, I was given awards for my service including being honored with a local Forty Under 40 award.

I have accomplished so much, but I wouldn’t have been able to do so without some very valuable LESSONS….

I learned all about *patience*.

I used to want a “quick fix” for my weight loss. I wouldn’t start because the end seemed so far away. But once I started, I realized that slow and steady really does win the race and I’m in this for the long haul.

This isn’t about a diet, it’s about living my best life and if it takes the rest of my life to hit my goal weight, then it will suck, but so be it.

Patience isn’t easy and I admit I haven’t accepted it in EVERY part of my life. But as far as my weight loss and health is concerned I have realized this is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. I know this will take a long time and that the results won’t come over night. But I also know that if I don’t continue down this path the results won’t come at ALL.

So I will be patient

I learned *perseverance*.

I will continue to strive because I CAN. I have learned that I can literally do ANYTHING I set my mind to. NO, seriously. I KNOW I can do anything. I’m healthy and smart and if I want fly an airplane or play guitar or speak fluent Italian, I totally could. I know this now. It takes training and patience (there’s that lesson again) but whatever I set my mind to, I can do.

I wanted to do a 5K, I did it.
I wanted to run a half marathon, I did it.
I wanted to lose weight, I did it.

It’s not about whether you can or you can’t; it’s whether you will or you won’t.

So I will perservere.

I learned that I have to *be my own friend*.

I strive to be a good friend to others. I hope I’m thoughtful, caring, helpful and fun. BUT, I struggled to treat myself the same way.

You ABSOLUTLEY CAN NOT grow into the person you are meant to become if you don’t at least LIKE yourself. I have learned to recognize myself as a friend.

A friend I take care of.
A friend I’m honest with.
A friend I spend time with.
A friend I sometimes disappoint.

Like any friendship, the friendship I have with myself has its ups and downs and I’m not always a good friend to me.
However, treating myself with kindness and respect is the only way I will continue on this journey and become the person I’m meant to be.

So I will be my friend.

Lastly, I learned to that I *NEVER could have done this alone*.

I used to be embarrassed for people to know I wanted to lose weight or run. I would secretly start diets and fail. I would plan to train for something or do some kind of exercise and never start. I had to put my pride aside and tell people that I needed their support, kindness and quite frankly, for me, I needed the compliments. I work harder when people tell me how good I look.

I get competitive with myself.

“You want to see good? Wait until I lose 10 more pounds!”

“You’re impressed that I ran a 5K? What if I run seven of them?”

Having people who support me (and my bragging!) has been not only a lesson but such a gift!

There are so many people to thank and whether they know it or not, they carried me when I couldn’t carry myself.

2012 MILESTONES so far

January 2012

· Run 2^nd Half Marathon- Tinkerbell – 2:53

· Switch Gyms

· Discover Body Pump

· Discover Treadmill Class

February 2012

· Run 4^th 10K- Coronado 10K -1:12:54

· Win Jaycee of the Year for JCI SCV

· Win Board Member of the Year for JCI SCV

· Win Presidential Award for JCI SCV

· Win Top VP in California for Jaycees

March 2012 (coming soon)

· Run 8^th 5K – Mardi Gras Madness

· Run 9^th 5K-St Patty’s Day 5K

· Run 3^rd Half Marathon – Rock N Roll Dallas

April

· Run 10^th 5K- Ventura Harbor

· Run 4^th Half Marathon- Hollywood

Run 2^nd Mud Run – Merrell Down and Dirty

A busy year is in the cards, but I couldn’t be more thrilled!

Do Life Challenge: Week 8

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:09:53 -0500

Issue a challenge to everyone for the week in this thread. Tell us why you’re issuing the challenge and what it means to you. Is it something you’re struggling with? Is it something that has been working for you? It can be anything, but it has to have a direct challenge tied in with it.

I’m going to challenge my team to not eat after 7pm and to get 8 hours of sleep because this is my constant struggle.

Scan through the challenges, think about them, read about what they mean to everyone, and choose some that are in line with your current goals and might help you achieve them.
Rock the challenges.
Keep logging your miles and workouts. Keep at the planks and pushups.

Do Life Challenge: Week 7-Results

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:05:29 -0500

Write a list of your trouble foods. What do you habitually struggle with? Write them down.

I always want something sweet after a meal. This may mean some orange tic tacs (yes the entire freakin’ plastic box or a jello pudding snack, or twenty cookies)

I really like to relax with beers on the weekends.

For me it’s not the food itself, it’s the portion size. I can eat healthy, but I always want MORE.

Done

2. Stay away from those foods this week. We will make this a long-term commitment, but for now, focus on making it through the next six days without those foods.

My goal this week is to make healthy choices and stay within my calories with smaller portion sizes

It occurred to me after a few cocktails on Friday night that it’s always when I drink that I really want something sweet or to keep snacking or to eat late, SOOOO I didn’t drink on Sat or Sun even though I went to birthday parties and out to bars.

I’m hoping abstaining more often will make a difference in my weight.

3. Talk grocery lists with your buddy.

Okay!

Done

4. Write down three foods you’ve never eaten. Ever. Something you’ve always been scared to try.

Tough, even though I’m picky, I’ll try anything once.

Greek Yogurt, Ouzo (sp) salad, and that’s all :(

5. Eat two of those foods this week. Look up a recipe and create it. Eat it, write down your thoughts about it. You may or may not share this with the group during submissions

I’ll think about this and try, but this is really difficult.

Not done

6. FOCUS ON EATING. Count calories if that’s what you’re comfortable with. Just be vigilant.

Will do!

Done, the doctor told me not to eat after 7pm. This is a struggle, but I’ve done it every day but one.

7. Stay accountable to your buddy. We all know food is tough; we’ll need a friend this week.

Will do!

Done

8. Pushups, planks, jumping jacks. Stick with your exercise routines, but this week is all about food.

Goal is 30 push ups before the end!

Still working!

9. Try to eat in. Make it fun. Find great healthy recipes. Cook with friends and family. Cook with your kids or your significant other.

Already defrosted a chicken breast for tonight…Will do more for the week :)

I did eat out a couple of times, but these were pre-planned occasions. I’m trying to eat at home more often!

#dolifechallenge

Do Life Challenge Week 7

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:11:44 -0500

1. Write a list of your trouble foods. What do you habitually struggle with? Write them down.

I always want something sweet after a meal. This may mean some orange tic tacs (yes the entire freakin’ plastic box or a jello pudding snack, or twenty cookies)

I really like to relax with beers on the weekends.

For me it’s not the food itself, it’s the portion size. I can eat healthy, but I always want MORE.

2. Stay away from those foods this week. We will make this a long-term commitment, but for now, focus on making it through the next six days without those foods.

My goal this week is to make healthy choices and stay within my calories with smaller portion sizes

3. Talk grocery lists with your buddy.

Okay!

4. Write down three foods you’ve never eaten. Ever. Something you’ve always been scared to try.

Tough, even though I’m picky, I’ll try anything once.

5. Eat two of those foods this week. Look up a recipe and create it. Eat it, write down your thoughts about it. You may or may not share this with the group during submissions

I’ll think about this and try, but this is really difficult.

6. FOCUS ON EATING. Count calories if that’s what you’re comfortable with. Just be vigilant.

Will do!

7. Stay accountable to your buddy. We all know food is tough; we’ll need a friend this week.

Will do!

8. Pushups, planks, jumping jacks. Stick with your exercise routines, but this week is all about food.

Goal is 30 push ups before the end!

9. Try to eat in. Make it fun. Find great healthy recipes. Cook with friends and family. Cook with your kids or your significant other.

Already defrosted a chicken breast for tonight…Will do more for the week :)

#dolifechallenge

Do Life Challenge Week 6 Submission

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:56:25 -0500

Do Life Challenge Week 6

1. Focus on your excuses again. Write them down and defeat them

My excuses are not enough time and “I’m hungry”. I feel confident beating the time thing since I’ve been committed to early morning workouts when I can’t go after work.

This was both easy and difficult. I still struggle with my eating habits. I try to keep it healthy and within range, however, I get side tracked with my busy life and tend to justify a bad decision because of it.

The workouts were not an issue. I went twice at 5:45am and worked out 5 of 7 days.

2. Commit to exercising all seven days even if it’s just active recovery

I’m gonna say negatory to this. I have a race on Sunday, so I’m taking Saturday off (6 of 7 ain’t bad)

I did 5 of 7. The travel to the race and getting stuck in traffic made me very late to my friends house. I did stretch, but don’t feel like it was enough to be considered active recovery! #fail

3. Get outside the box. Try something you’ve never done.

This is gonna be tough since I can only go to the gym before or after work and I’ve tried all the classes that are in those time frames. The only oone I haven’t tried is tonight directly after work, but I would be late due to the fact that I didn’t bring my workout clothes with me. Maybe I’ll try something at home?

I didn’t try anything new BUT, I did a race in an unfamiliar city and PR’d….does that count?

4. Beginners: do 180 minutes plus 150 jumping jacks. Intermediate, add a workout from your partner.

I’ll ask her to write me something!

I definitely hit the money on the amount of minutes and jumping jacks. I could only do half of my buddies workout because it included burpies and I kept jamming my already injured finger into the ground (OUCH!)

5. Stay connected with partner

NO PROBLEM!

Although we didn’t talk as much as before. We emailed at least 3 or 4 times!

6. Men in Black?

I would tell you if I sent them, but you wouldn’t remember anyway.

7. Push Hard

This won’t be a problem. I sprained my finger playing Ultimate Frisbee and I am doing my best not to miss any workout!

I definitely pushed hard. I ran a 10K this weekend and PR’d by almost 3 minutes! My finger still hurts and it’s hard to give a high 5, but I’m not missing any scheduled workouts! This week marks my triumphant return to the Dodgeball arena.

#dolifechallenge