This Little Comment Made My Day

So this is just a little thing, but (as fellow runners and exercisers) I think you'll understand.

I was standing in line the other day at the bank - holding my 2-year-old, wearing jeans, a shirt and sandals - and a random guy says to me: "Are you a runner?"

Me (pause): "Actually, yes - I am!"

Random guy: "I can tell. You look like a runner."

Me: "Really???" (**SMILE**)

Now, this guy was not hitting on me. Turns out he is a marathon runner who is not running in the Country Music Marathon this year because of an achilles tendon injury (ouch). But this little exchange totally made my day. I've been so f0cused on training to run 13 miles that I haven't thought too much about the physical changes that might be going on. Pegging me as a runner was a huge compliment.

And so I'm gearing up for the Country Music Half Marathon this weekend and hoping (with help from my running buddy) that I can run the whole way.

Good luck to all who are taking part in the whole or the half!!!

Good Morning! I'm going to begin a daily 'list of things to do' here, just like I do everyday ... let's see how well I can stay on task and just how much I can accomplish in one day!!!

Friday: Start with 2 cups of coffee!
Discuss latest news with Mr Mullen
Feed horses
Pet Orange Cat with stage 4 heart murmer
Play with dogs
Check Stock tanks
Breakfast (wild blueberries, plain organic Greek yogurt, 1/4 c. homemade granola)
Trip to Cane Creek Market to get Granola Ing. and other cool stuff!
Lunch (Salad with l.o. grilled chicken and balsamic vinegerette)
TLC (Trey's Day Care at our church, with Rocky and Jack, Mule Day Activity)
Feed horses
Play with dogs
Supper (Fish Tacos) on screened porch so we can relax and watch the sunset!


Yesterday was fantastic ... I went to Murfreesboro to visit Sarah and Jack. We went to the "Special Trip", had lunch (sushi) with Patrick, worked on a flyer for Summer Camps and ran some errands. It was so nice!
On the way home I stopped at the grocery to pick up something to throw on the grill. Heather and Trey joined us for dinner (marinated pork tenderloin, sweet potatoes, pasta salad and fresh asparagus out of the garden). Then Trey went out and helped me feed the horses ...
It was a busy day but very enjoyable!
Have great day and wonderful weekend ... there's plenty to do around the farm. We'll keep you posted!

Get Out!

We all have different motivations for getting fit. I've been thinking about mine lately, and I thought I'd share a few.

1. My kids. I have two rough-and-tumble boys, and lying around the house is just not an option. They literally bounce off the walls (or climb - see photo above) when I don't get them out somewhere to exercise. Running, climbing, rolling, biking, scootering, skating - whatever the activity, exercise makes us all sleep better, eat better, feel happier and talk nicer.

2. My mental heath. Running helps me feel more calm and in control. I usually have more energy, a better attitude and a can-do approach to challenges when I start my day with a run.

3. Camaraderie and accountability. I've found a fabulous running partner in my neighbor Erin. We talk, vent, laugh and generally help each other along. It was raining outside at 5:15 this morning, and I was considering wimping out. So I texted her.

Me: Raining - still want to go?

Erin: Yes - no thunderstorms.

Me: OK!

We ran between 5-6 miles in the rain and the dark, and we both felt great about it. Without that nudge, I'm sure I would have crept back under the covers.

4. Goals. It feels good to be working toward something that has to do with my own well-being. This time it's the Country Music Half-Marathon. After that, I'll focus on some shorter races to keep me going.

5. Lookin' good. Running about 20 miles a week along with other activities has the great side benefit of keeping your weight down. You can't help but feel great about that.

No Regrets

I came across this thought a few weeks ago on the Runner’s World Web site, and it has helped me get out the door more than once. (It's actually part of the article Jenn linked to in a previous post):

"You rarely regret the runs you do; you almost always regret the runs you skip."

I’m training for the half-marathon (my first!), and sticking to a training schedule has been tough - especially with two young children and an unusually snowy winter. I’ve been doing most of my weekday runs in the early morning hours and long runs on weekends. My farthest run to date is seven miles, but I’m sticking to that schedule and slowly adding distance. Isn’t it amazing how good you feel – and how much you accomplish – on the days you run? I seem to have more energy to chase after my boys, which is a big part of why I’m working to stay in shape.

Just thought I’d share the little quote that helps keep me on track.

Run Jenn Run....

Ran 10 miles yesterday, can't feel my legs today!  Oh the exquisite pain I am in....Warm bath and a glass or two of wine tonight! 

Hilarious Must Read Article for Runners....loved it!

A Few Rules to Run By/Active.com

Here and I just thought I should bring tissues with me on my runs to help with the snot problems...so NOT hard core hahaha!

Oh and for anyone who is interested....this girl ran her first 10 miles this weekend and my Mini is 50 days away.  I WILL so be ready!!!! 

"run it off" or "back it off" - ???

So since I'm a beginner who is just now getting up there in the miles (6 is the longest I've got so far) what is your advice on those little aches and pains that come with starting out running?  I've got a little joint (knee/ankle) pain and some soreness in my upper back.  I am lucky that so far no shin splints but I've got good shoes from what I can understand and running on pavement....but just a lot of pressure on those joints so I was just wondering if anyone has advice on when to "run it off" or when to "back it off?"  

Thoughts?

Letting it Rest.

I don't know if anyone else has this problem.  I would LOVE some feedback on it.  So, everyone has their story, Yes.  And their physical limitations.  How do you all know when to let yourself have space and time to  rest?  How do you know when you have hit a roadblock that requires you to be a little kinder on yourself, or just an imaginary block that just needs you to bust on through?  

Personally, I am super frustrated at the moment at the fact that my body's idea of what I need to be doing and my brain's idea of what I need to be doing do not match up.  Anyone have suggestions for how to process this?

What to do when you are eating right, fully hydrated, running, yoga-ing, trying to sleep right- and still find yourself completely spent?

Opening Eyes to Autism 5K Run & Walk

Race begins at the Gibson Guitar Factory at 7pm Friday, April 9, 2010

Don't miss the After Party with free food and beverages at Alfred's on Beale Street for race participants and sponsors.

All proceeds from the Race benefit the Harwood Center and Autism Society of the Mid-South serving children and families affected by Autism.

Funds raised from the event will be used for treatment of Autism, awareness and parent education.

To register call Harwood Center at 901.448.6580 or go to www.harwoodcenter.org

Race Fees: $25 if received by March 10th ($30 after March 10th)
Race Day registration begins at 5pm
Rain or Shine
You can also have this posted on your Facebook page to show support.

Fangtastic 5K Run/Walk

The Nashville Predators are hosting a 5K this Saturday, Feb. 6th at 10A. The event will take place at the Sommet Center.

Registration:
To register, please download the 5K form, complete it and either fax to 615-770-2341 or drop it off at the Predators’ office at 501 Broadway, Nashville TN before 5pm on Friday, February 5.

$35 before Saturday
$40 on Saturday at Sommet Center

Your entry fee includes a Smashville 5K t-shirt and ticket voucher for Saturday’s game vs. the San Jose Sharks or the March 2 game vs. the Edmonton Oilers.

Registration on race day is from 7:30-9:30 am at the Sommet Center. Registration closes at 9:30 am. The Run/Walk begins at 10:00 am and winds through the streets of downtown Nashville.

Race Packet Pick-up:
Registration packets will be available for pick up before race day on Thursday, February 4, between 3-7 pm, at the Sommet Center and on February 5, between 11am-1 pm, at A-Game Sportsplex on 215 Gothic Court in Franklin, TN. Participants are encouraged to pick up their packets prior to race day.

Game Ticket Vouchers:
Race participants will receive their game ticket voucher when they pick up their race packets. Vouchers must be redeemed at the Sommet Center Box Office in order to receive their game ticket. Specific game tickets are subject to availability.

For general questions or registration information, call 615-770-2384.

A wonderful Night of Runners!

Our 2010 kick off meeting for Music City Runners was Monday night. We met at Pie In the Sky and talked about what goals we wanted to achieve! I of course will be heading up the walking crew for the next few months while my hubby trains for the Music City 1/2 marathon! I know I said in my previous post what a great group this is and I am in no way shape or form saying you have to run with them I just wanted to show you again why I do. They are so inclusive! Here is the link from our meeting recap with some pictures. Kingston, the little boy in the pictures, is my son (for those of you that don't know :)). He is in the picture with our trainer. I would really have a hard time leaving this group after a year of getting to know them and them getting to know us and staying with this group means running/walking so if I ever think I don't have time I will think of this smiling face and meet these people on Monday night.

Bye bye, baby weight!

I've been meaning to post here for a while. A while being... a year. I had my third baby in January 2009 and thought I could write a little here and there about my journey losing the baby weight. Long story short, I gained and lost the motivation several times during the year. I finally decided to wait until I was done breastfeeding, when he turned one, and then give it all I had.

I'm proud to say, I am doing just that. I woke up one morning, about 3 weeks prior to the official one year birthday and had determination and will that could not be ignored. I sat in my bed and thought, "This is it. I'm tired of this weight and TODAY IS THE DAY I am starting.". There was going to be no more excuses, and no more procrastinating! That day was December 16, 2009.

Getting active again:
I've always loved the gym but I found it difficult to go consistently with 3 small kids. As for outdoor workouts- It is impossible to take 3 kids on a run or walk and get a good cardio workout. It is a lot of stopping and starting, waiting for them to catch up with you, taking potty breaks etc. If you are a Mom, you know what I am talking about. To some (including myself), it looked like I had few, if any other options. I have NO treadmill, elliptical or any cardio equipment at my house. Some dumbbells, a balance ball and a stability ball are pretty much it. I knew had to get creative with my exercise. I went on a search for some challenging and non-cheesy workout DVDs. Here, here and here are what I came home with. I got started immediately. I've been rotating DVDs, doing workout shows on Fittv, climbing the stairs in my house (SOOO incredibly boring, but I gotta change it up!) and getting outside for a walk/jog when my hubby is home on weekends (he works out of state). Being a single Mom during the weeks means I don't even get to get out in the evenings for a workout at a gym or outside. Could have been yet another excuse for me.

I started off doing these workouts in my living room while my kids ate breakfast or any other time during the day that I could. This did not work out well. I was stopping constantly to wait on them and then had a baby crawling between my legs, pulling up on me and crying to be held. When the big kids were done with their meal, they would join the baby on the floor to play, and then I had 3 kids to dodge! It would have been so easy to quite at this point. It was another challenge, but I was determined to figure out some other way. Remember, I said there would be no more excuses! I now give up an hour of sleep in the morning and get up and do it in my bedroom. The kids have been instructed not to dare come in and interrupt if they wake up during that time (unless they are sick or it is urgent). That is MY time!

Diet:
I eat smaller portions and pretty healthy. No fast food, nothing fried, no butter etc. I try and do lean meat, lots of fruits and lots of veggies. I snack on yogurt, almonds, string cheese and fruit. I do NOT count calories, carbs, sugar etc. No fad diets. I don't want to make myself crazy. Everything is just common sense eating. It really IS that simple!


Where I am now:
I lost 5 lbs sometime during the first year, which left me 3 lbs away from my pre-pregnancy weight. However, I had gained at least 10-15 lbs in the year prior to getting preggers. This left me with 20-25 total lbs to lose.

As of today (I weigh every Wednesday), it has been 7 full weeks and I am down a total of 14.7 lbs. I weigh only to serve as a weekly check on my progress. Mainly, I just want to know that what I am doing is working, although how I feel is a great indicator. At the end of the day, I'm not concerned about the number on the scale. It is about fitting into my old clothes again, getting in great shape, being strong and feeling really good! I took my measurements a few weeks in and that is what I will be interested in when I reach my goal. I'm really looking forward to seeing the inches lost!

So, here I am, about halfway through this journey and I am feeling great! My message of encouragement is this: I no longer have a gym membership, and I have no equipment. I cannot get outside regularly, and I have no special diet with certain foods, yet I am making great progress toward my goal of getting fit again. ANYONE can lose weight, tone up, get in shape, and improve their diet (or whatever your personal goal is). We ALL have our own obstacles and hurdles. I just shared some of mine with you. All it takes is some inspiration and a little encouragement along the way. Use this blog for both, that's what it's for!

Running buddies:

I hope you had time to read Rache E's awesome story (previous post). She has really stuck with her training and even recently completed a 5k at 28 weeks preggers!
Proof that even the tightest, largest of bellies can work hard!


{coco, sarah b, mom}

This morning, I laced up the ole running shoes with one of my oldest friends (we'll call her Coco) and my mom (we'll call her Mom). We gave a big eye roll to the snow, and headed out to the clearest running lane we could find- the bypass... not ideal, but we sure got a lot of looks and honks to keep us going. We put in about four miles and visited, huffed and laughed all the way through it.

Thank you girls for keeping the momentum going!!!!

(be prepared, this video is not only cheesy, but also poorly produced, and the actors were not paid)...



Give us a break, we're not winning Oscars here...
(but seriously guys, you could have been a little more in tune to what I was trying to do here....)

Keep moving, guys. PLEASE keep your eye on the prize! When you are healthy, you have the strength to make the world healthy around you.

I Do It For My Friends and Family

After reading the Inspirational Stories and wanting to be part of "Operation Bring All In Stride Back" I decided to start by telling my story. What got me started initially, who knows? I have a few ideas, my sister has always been a runner and looks amazing after having 3 kids, boredom after having a child and giving up the night life, wanting to get out there and do something with my husband and son, the need to lose some baby weight. I do know my life was moving from one phase to the next and I wasn't quite sure how to handle it all and this was a great outlet for me! I also know what has kept me going:

First and foremost my family! My husband, son and I run together. My 22 month old loves to be pushed in the jogging stroller and my husband and I love running together. It's been a wonderful way for our family to bond and have a great time!

Next is my friend Jodi! She was going through a divorce and needed an outlet as much as I did so we started running together. She had never ran in her life and is now addicted! We talk for hours on our runs and I always look forward to these. It really doesn't seem all that bad when you have someone to run with.

The Music City Runners : This group actually broke off from my original group and just started, however, these are the same people who have gotten me through many Monday night runs. And the trainer Stephen Taylor is just amazing. I mean where do you get an award winning triathlete to share his knowledge with you for free every Monday night and lay out training courses. I mean I hate running hill repeats at Love Circle but it did shave a full minute off my 5K in a month. And besides this group includes my son Kingston in everything. They list him as a participant in every race he does and he loves them.

And probably my biggest motivator has been 2 of my Uncles and my cousin. My Cousin has had 2 heart transplants and my Uncles are both awaiting heart transplants. When I feel like I can't make it anymore I think of them. We obviously have bad hearts in my family and I need to do everything I can to protect mine and to raise my son in an environment where exercise is fun and a way of life. I need to run because they can't right now.

All these things helped me to run 10 5K's and compete with my husband in the Muddy Buddy in 2009. I would have ran the Nashville Half Marathon in November but I found out I was pregnant with our second son in August and my doctor felt that although I was up to 9 miles on long runs it would be best if I waited on the half marathon so 2010 is my half marathon year :)! As for what I've been doing lately. I've been doing a lot of walking. I ran up until about a month ago and then my sciatic nerve began to hurt really bad so I've backed off but I'm still walking and enjoying the exercise and I know this time I'll already have my motivation ready to get right back into the swing of things!

PS: If you're a walker, runner, a run/walker, a beginner whatever and you need a group to run with check out the Music City Runners. We meet every Monday at the Parthenon and there is something for everyone.

And now, I will talk trash to some snow.

My inner monologue/pre run pep talk this morning:

What's that, snow? Oh, you think you are making it hard to get out and exercise?
You think just because you're all cold and slick and slushy that I'm not going to want to get out and MOVE?

Well, I think you're just a bunch of frozen precipitation preying on me through weather man scare tactics.

What?
Yeah, I heard you slipping off my roof.


I think it's time we took this outside.



What's that?
I didn't think so.

Sarah B. - OUT.

Cuddle Duds make all the difference.

My first 5 mile run yesterday, 24 degrees, snow still on the ground & I still managed to keep it at around a 12 minute mile (maybe slow for some, but GREAT for this girl!)  

This go around my legs were much better protected by some comfy (and friction reducing) cuddle duds/long johns under my running pants.  I have the ones that are silky rather than the regular LJ material which I think is just way more comfortable.  I got them at Target and they are only around $10 and totally saved my legs from the tingly, numbness that comes from the freezing cold wind hitting my legs.  I was so warm that I was able to strip down to just a LJ shirt and a tee during most of the run and because my legs were warm I think it helped carry me through the longer run.  Plus I had a "runner's high" all day - best mood ever!  

Winter-sminter - If I can run in snow & 24 degrees then YOU can too...

PS:  If you're looking for a killer CD to get you through the run I highly recommend AHA SHAKE HEARTBREAK from the Nashville based, Grammy Award winning band Kings of Leon ;)  Their song King of the Rodeo has the the best beat and will put a smile on anyone's face during a hard run.  KING OF THE RODEO

I got cabin fever...

and the only prescription is GETTING THE FREAK OUTSIDE AND MOVING!!!
Seriously. When I get antsy in the house, NO ONE wants to be around all that drama.



My cure is moving my legs and achieving a destination then returning to the comfort and warmth of my home. Today, my husband and son joined me. (the Mr. walks on the treadmill or around our neighborhood almost every morning- new year's resolution= new life change).



Guys- let's have a great week. Let's get out EVERYDAY for 30 minutes and when we can, longer.
I would love to hear how you are doing!
Sarah B.- OUT.

Winter Shminter

It is snowing, and I do NOT want to get out and drive in this mess:



However, I DO have a treadmill. Or, as my friend Jenn calls it, the "dreadmill."
But it only works if you get on it. After blogging away the morning and playing in the snow with my two-year-old, I thought I had stalled enough (and I read the previous post for a little more inspiration)...

So whaa whaaa- what is 30 minutes on the treadmill? I started off walking while talking on the phone (a breeze!)...



Don't have a dreadmill or any other gym apparati in your home?
FEAR NOT! Chances are GOOD that you DO have google. Isn't this true?????????

I googled: "creative, at home exercise."
I found:

(click to see awesome tips such as five-minute clean, counter top push ups and jumping jacks!!!!)

Now I know it is cold outside or it is dreary or it feels better to watch a movie today instead of finding time to fit in some exercise, but really, you have no excuse. And besides, won't you feel better? (you already know the answer to that)

Oh, and jumping jacks are FUN to do with your kids, which encourages them to move, too!!
Or also fun for entertaining your significant other, cats... you get the picture.

Mooooooooooooove!

from the illustrated Webster's version:


yep: drinking coffee, scrolling down facebook lane, aimlessly...

Webster's definition:

stall (v): to bring to a standstill.

This is the one, however, that got me out of the chair:

stall (v) : to confine in a stall for fattening, as CATTLE.


If that doesn't motivate ya, then time to try Biggest Loser. They are taking applications, now:

does FRIDAY NIGHT = bye bye diet?

It is Friday night and I'm ready to fall off that wagon, little dogies.
I'm ready for pizza and beer, you?

SO. I'm going to have it because indulging is a part of dieting. But you can do it right.
I'm going to have a light beer (maybe one of those 60ish calorie jobs) and we're having this:

DISCLAIMER: I HATE (loath, despise, etc) COOKING, but these are SOOOO easy and they don't take the night to make.
*hint: drink that low calorie beer while you cook- makes it a little more fun... hee hee.



and this (we're having company):



(click photos for recipes)

Now, because I like losing weight (who doesn't) and getting in shape (who doesn't), I am also going to CONTINUE TO EXERCISE THIS WEEKEND. (So you can burn off your indulgences)!!

Nah, it's not that cold out!

And now, for a winter pep talk! Coming to you at 27 Degrees Fahrenheit!!!




For you outdoor exercisers out there (walkers and runners):



Click photo to read tips!

And CLICK HERE for even more, awesome tips!!!

Keep it up, gang!!!

The Story...

 Ok so Operation All In Stride Revive has commenced.  I thought that the best way to get back involved is to just tell my story on how I went from couch potato to granola girl in  just a few years.  It is a longer than usual post but just in case anyone needed an extra push....here goes....

I didn't start out chunky.  I wasn't a chunky kiddo or anything.  I rounded out at around a size 8, not abercrombie size 8, REAL size 8 ha!  In my 20's I just kept gaining weight hand over fist.  5lbs here turned into 25, turned into 100, turned into me weighing in at over 300 pounds by my 27th birthday.  (*gasps are ok, I could barely write that with out gasping myself.)  I hadn't really hit a rock bottom moment, I had already had several (airplanes, rollercoaster, booths in restaurant)  rock bottoms and so I was just circling the bottom.  I had no idea how to change.  I mean us "fat people" we know what to do, eat less move more blah blah, but how do you untrain your brain to do something you've conditioned it to do?  I had no clue how to stop...

August 2006, just before 27th birthday I quit eating meat.  There was an incident that just turned me off of meat for about a week.  I noticed in that week I didn't eat at fast food at all, I couldn't really get anything.  That didn't mean that I didn't still eat my butterfinger bar or any of the other junk that I regularly consumed as a "sugar junkie" but I was aware of a small change which made me think maybe I could make other small changes.  I kept up the vegetarian lifestyle and then in October 2006 joined the YMCA.  I started small and did water aerobics a few times a week.  I still ate like crap but less fast food and more moving got me down just below 300 by the first of the year. 

In January of 2007 I started a Biggest loser competition and lost 40 more pounds between Jan and May.  At this point I was eating much healthier by counting weight watchers points.  Then in June I went to the Ukraine to work with 5 orphanages.  I was expecting to have an uplifting trip but instead I felt crippled.  It was so sad and so cumbersome that I think I just let that emotional hold I had on my food go when I got back.  I didn't realize it at the time but I think that I just gave up.  So for the rest of 2007 I "fell off the wagon" as they say and managed to gain 25 lbs back of the 40 I lost. 

Wake up call January 2008.  I finally had enough.  I went full tilt into the weight loss zone.  I lost nearly 75lbs over that year and got into a great fitness routine and really stuck to everything.  I cut out fast food, alcohol (bless me!), and eating out for the first 2 months of the year.   I kept up the no fast food and no alcohol until the summer.  Even now I rarely eat fast food.  I see it as chemicals and poison (which is basically is) and that makes it easier to pass up.  I can't say I dont have the occasional bean burrito or McDs french fry but I can count on 1 hand how many times I ate fast food in 2009....went from 2 meals a day to 5 meals a YEAR...

Now 2009 was a tough year.  Best year for me physically but worst for weight loss.  Most people go through plateaus for a month or maybe two...I did for 10 straight months.  I gained and lost the same 5lbs over 10 months and I was beyond frustrated.  I was eating right, exercising 6 days a week.  I trained and competed in my first Triathlon Sprint and from what I could gather doing everything necessary to get some of this weight off.  I was so frustrated I tried everything from getting bloodwork at the Dr (it was fine)  to tracking every thing (sodium, carbs, sugars, calories) I put in my mouth to accupuncture (not recommended by me.)  In October my bossy best friend bought me buy one get one free month to go to Weight Watchers for real with her.  I was skeptical because I felt a little "beyond" what they could do for me....SO wrong.  Whatever I did started working and by the end of the year I started losing again...12 pounds.  Didn't seem like much to the naked eye but man those were so welcomed considering I managed to only lose 15 for the entire year last year.  I am now paying for WW on my own and it appears to still be working.  Oh and in January 2009 I started working for the YMCA as a water fitness instructor.  I figured it would be good to try and give back to the program that got me started.  I still teach, and love it!

So 2010 I'm still losing, SLOWLY, but surely.  I try and do about a pound a week if I'm lucky.  I am still a modified vegetarian (eating some fish when I need extra proteins) and still avoid fast food like it is chemical poison.  I work out at least an hour 6 days a week, most days it is more like 2.  And because ALL because of getting back in touch with our beloved Sarah B, I'm training for the Derby City Mini on April 24th and signed up for my first triathlon (sprint)  of 2010 in March.  I am slowly becoming the girl I have always wanted to be...healthy, fit, and happy.  I don't think I would have appreciated my health as much had I not had a serious battle to get here but I really don't recommend doing it my way.  Get up, get moving, and get healthy because life is so much better where I'm standing because of that. 

Lately I've been obsessed with a singer, song writer - Brandi Carlile.  She's like Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline had a rock n roll baby (ha) and I love her.  Her song, The Story, will be playing when I cross the finish line at the mini marathon because it reminds me of all of those who've inspired me and keep me going and grounded on a daily, monthly, yearly basis....now I just hope this helps inspire someone else....If I can do it, anyone can.


THE STORY: BRANDI CARLILE

Stretch yourself before you Wreck yourself.

I got sidetracked from running.  

Instead, every day I walk barefoot into a mirrored room with anywhere from thirty to sixty other half dressed people.  The room is heated to around 108 degrees.  I stay there for ninety minutes- balancing, stretching, sweating.    I love it.  I crave it.  I get from Yoga what many people get from running.  It helps me turn my brain off.  It helps me Be in my body.  It helps me learn to be graceful.  

And so, I put off running a half marathon and competed recently in the Oregon Hatha Yoga Championships.  Odd, I know.  Oxy moronic it would seem.  This year, I started working on the routine of seven poses in late October.  About twelve people from the Bend Bikram Yoga studio practiced intensely for the last two months, and each of us deepened our practice in incredible ways.  One of our teachers, Delana Miller, came in third place at the competition.  I don't know my score, or how I placed among the almost fifty other women, but the rewards of focusing so much on my practice and sharing that with some amazingly supportive and dedicated people was what made being on a cold stage for three minutes in a leotard in front of about a hundred people worth it. 

If we are getting healthy, we are ALL IN STRIDE

I am reviving the blog. OK, correction- YOU are reviving the blog.
This week, that post (down there, below this one), created a lot of talk, a lot of promises and a lot of AWESOME momentum and inspiration.

SO. New assignment: SHARE.
I find that a simple status update on facebook like today's: "I'm going to ruuuuuuuuuuun!!!" Led to me actually going out to do it.

Do I think you're going to call me and make sure I went out? No. I know that if I make my commitments public knowledge, I am more likely to stick to them! Now, that is not necessarily true of say, the dentist (I've rescheduled that appointment for the second time now.....).

BUT! Having a support group IS EFFECTIVE on staying on track with your lifestyle change (ie eating better and exercising more).

Oh, I don't know anyone who runs, bikes, swims, walks... blah, blah.. NO.
Want to know how I found a support group? Well, I was lucky that my mom and sister started running about a year before me, but I live an hour and a half away.

True story:
I went to the greenway where I live and saw a group running together and asked to join them. The end. This group ended up being the single reason I was able to train for the full marathon.
And they, along with people like these:

are the reason I finished it.

SO- scroll down this blog and take a look at those names down there on the right- those are folks who can contribute at any time- all you have to do is send me your e-mail address, and I will add you as a contributor.

I can't keep this blog up on my own and that wasn't the point of creating it- I need cheer leaders, too!!! E-mail me (sarah.b.gilliam1@gmail.com) to be added!

Your struggles and triumphs and questions and answers help others more than you know!

The blog heard around the world

I am adding this post to ALL IN STRIDE because it needs to be known and because it gives me credibility- HA!

Last week, my status on facebook read: "Sarah B. Gilliam has found the fountain of youth."

A couple of friends commented and it didn't take me long to come up with an answer.

And this isn't some crazy Biggest Loser story- I wasn't 600 pounds or something, just unhealthy and not living life to the fullest, but I'm getting there. And you're helping me.

It isn't enough to live- you always enjoy life more when you have someone there to experience it with you. You can quote me on that.

Now, onto my facebook note:

the fountain of youth discovery, explained:

Maybe you remember my status a couple weeks back- overwhelmed, tired, sinking, etc...
Here, I found it (Jan. 9):
"Sarah B. Gilliam can NOT get motivated (in general). It's easy to cheerlead for everyone else."

Well WATCH OUT, 'cause I'm about to TESTIFY!!! (can I get an AMEN)

First, the back story:

As of 2006-07, I was SMOKING about a pack and a half a day, sipping Sun Drops (it's a southern thing for you northerners reading) and eating my FAVORITE thing in the world: China King Buffet.

Slowly, I started cutting all of that out of my life- I quit smoking with the support of my awesome hubby, Patrick (we both smoked for about 10 years at the point), and then I started brainwashing myself BACK to choosing the RIGHT things to eat - and making those things taste yummy instead of tasting like a big, nasty rice cake- gag.

Then, I got preggers (that was NOT a part of my diet/weight loss plan), SO, I kind of fell of the wagon, which, if you're planning a family, may I suggest not going into it while NOT feeling your best... while I loved being pregnant, I did not love being FAT and pregnant. Who does??

Baby Jack arrived in January of 2008, and I had HAD ENOUGH. I was fat, pregnant fat and it was mid-winter. YUCK YUCK YUCK!!!

*****************TURNING POINT IN OUR STORY*********************

***********

Around month 2 of parenthood (Feb-March) I got back on the healthy plan - not some fad diet, not a crazy, serious health plan- just a normal diet with normal splurges. I bought a cheap jogging stroller on craigslist, bundled that little sprout up, and I have never looked back.

HOW I DO IT:
Eating Well: Healthy in a Hurry
Cooking Light Weeknight
GOOGLE: light chicken recipes, easy chili, blah, blah, blah
NO NO NO NO NO NO FAST FOOD (if I have to, Subway, granola bars in the car)
WATER
WATER
WATER
WATER

Think you missed the part where I got back into the gym, back with a trainer, back to Kettle Bells? No. I had never EXERCISED IN MY LIFE. I still have NEVER been to a gym, done pilates, whatever- I'm sure that's great, but I have a limited amount of time and a limited budget.

HOW I DID IT:
I went to Fleet Feet.
I bought shoes.
I started running using this Website ONLY: www.runnersworld.com.

Then, I got the crazy idea I'd run a marathon. And I did.
That's another story, which you can read here:
http://gilliamlife.blogspot.com/2009/04/bucket-list-marathon-check.html

And for goodness sake, you DO NOT have to run a marathon!!! You don't have to RUN!
30 minutes a day is a great start- on your bike, on your feet, in a pool. Cut out that sitcom and walk around your yard, your parking lot, your neighborhood, your park.

The fountain of youth = exercise and diet.
Really, really.
You don't have to take it from me: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/news/20091201/molecular-proof-exercise-keeps-you-young

OK, more TMI time. I have been blue, blah, bummed for about two or three months, and when it came down to it, I looked at my calendar and saw that I hadn't ran since October.
I have been out three times this week, and you know that psycho cleaning mood you get in? You know the one- yeah, I've been high on that feeling EVERY DAY THIS WEEK.

I am glad you hung in there to read this. I've never really felt like sharing this little story with everyone, but when you feel this good, it is hard not to want to share :)
Maybe this will inspire someone who is blue, or someone who is tired of fast food.. I just hope my story shows that if a smoker, chinese-buffet eating, couch potato can do it, you can, too.

Thanks for 'listening.'

QUESTIONS??? ASK AWAY!!!!