Diet Bet is Over

A month ago I posted about a challenge I was doing this month:  DietBet

The challenge is to lose 4% of your body weight in 4 weeks.  You put money down to enter, and all winners split the pot.

I entered 3.

The first one was sponsored by Jillian Michaels, it had over 7,600 participants with a pot of over $238,000.  Wow!

The second one was a random one I found on the site.

I started a third one, and got a handful of friends to enter.

The Jillian weigh in was about a week ago, right after I got back from a week in New York.  Bad timing - I lost by a few pounds.

I still had a shot at the other two, but it was going to be tough!  I buckled down the last week and put everything into it.  I would also need a lot of luck to make it happen.

When the DietBet ends, you have 48 hours to weigh in.  My random one and my DietBet ended a day apart, so with each 48 hour window, there was a day overlap - my hope was that on that day, I would hit my goal, the weigh in would count for both, and I'd be a winner.

That overlap day was today.

Yesterday, I woke up a few pounds away.  I ate minimally (not the greatest idea), went for a run after work, and stepped on the scale before bed.  I had a shot, but it would depend on how my body processed the next 24 hours - I could see it going either way.

I woke up today and stepped on the scale - my target weight was 222.5.  The scale read 223.0.  So close!  I went for a run, which usually knocks off a little bit.  I got back on the scale when I got back home- 222.4!  I did it!  I ran to grab my camera (you need to submit a couple photos as proof), and when I got back, the scale read 222.6.  I got off and back on.  222.6.  I tried again.  222.6.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME???

So, I hastily bundled back up and headed back outside - did a quick couple of sprints and jogged back.  I approached the scale for one last try.

222.0.  Snapped a picture for weigh-in 1.
222.2.  Snapped a picture for weigh-in 2.

I uploaded the photos I needed, hoping that they would be officially accepted, because I knew next time I stepped on the scale I would likely be back over the .5 mark.

Then, I got this email:

I made it!  Barely, but I did it!  9 lbs down in a month - and I can't wait to see what my winnings from the two are!

Boom!

Falling in Love with Running All Over Again

Since I ran my marathon in June, my motivation has been gone.  Since I moved to Gunnison and its 7700'+, it's been hard to run.  The last few months have been brutal.

I have tried to keep running and get back into the swing of things.  I've gone running several times, ran a few more races, and just kept at it.

Real Talk:  I didn't like running any more.

For me, when running is a chore, when it's hard to get out, and the miles are a challenge, it just isn't fun.
I ran a 10K this past weekend.  Somewhere in the middle of mile 4, I fell in love with running all over again.  The miles came easily - my feet were gliding on the pavement.

I was free.

Kooky Spooky 10K

With October winding down, I decided that my race this month would be the Kooky Spooky Race in Golden, CO.

I originally signed up for the half marathon, and for the last couple months tried to get ready.  That didn't happen.  Between adjusting to running at 7700', busy schedule, laziness, and several other excuses, I couldn't do it.  My longest training run was 6 miles - and I just couldn't get myself to double that on race day.  So, I decided to switch to the 10K.

Since I started running, I've always said the 10K is my favorite distance - just long enough that it pushes you, just short enough that you can still run pretty hard during it.  Which is funny to me, because out of my 40+ races I've done, only 3 previously have been 10K.  This was my first 10K in about a year, and I was really excited for it!

I got to the race site early so I could make the switch, then just sat around until a little before race time.  As it got closer, I started to get ready.  I gracefully dropped my handheld water bottle, immediately breaking it on impact.  Uggghhh...  Luckily, I had a spare in my trunk!

The race director made a comment about the hills - she hoped either you love them or at least you knew about them, because they'll destroy you if you're not ready... YIKES!

We gathered near the start, and there was the countdown... 5...4...3...2..1... GO!

We started the course and it was an easy downhill for the first mile and a half to two miles.  Piece of cake!  I ran at a faster pace than normal, which I usually try to avoid to start the race, but I was feeling great and I knew the course was going to get tougher.

Miles 3-4 the hills started - people started walking left and right - I had one goal: I didn't care how slowly I ran, I would not stop to walk.  So I just plowed ahead one step after the other, my pace slowed by about a minute and a half, but I kept trudging on.  Then at mile 4, we hit the fun part - a mile of steep downhill down a windy path - I FLEW down this.  The whole time I wondered if I was going to run out of gas after this portion, but I didn't really care - it was FUN!  At mile 5, it was a relatively flat, easy hills to the end.  I kept pushing and pushing and hit the 6 mile marker.  The final stretch was uphill - enough to take everything out of me.  I kept trying to push, and the finish got closer and closer.  I crossed the finish line, heard my name announced, and just smiled.  This is my first run in 4 months that just felt GREAT.

I ended up setting a 10K PR by over a minute, and in this one race, fell in love with running again.

Diet Betting

I am starting to get to a point where I need to do something drastic when it comes to my weight loss.

When I ran my marathon on June 2nd, I weighed 207 lbs.  As of today, I weigh 226.  I have more or less taken the last couple months off, only recently finding the motivation to get back on track.

Disclaimer: I am the first to admit that health isn't determined by a number on a scale.  At all.  But for me, I know that where I want to be fitness-wise involves lowering my number, so weight loss it is.

During this time off, I entered a Diet Bet, where the concept is pretty simple:  Put some money down.  Try to lose 4% of your weight in 4 weeks.  If you lose, you're out the money.  If you win, all the winners split the pot of money.  So if you win, the worst case scenario is you get your money back.  Best case scenario is others don't reach their goals and you win more money!

Sounded easy and fun.

I lost.

I lost because I didn't care.

But now, game on!  I have entered 3 Diet Bets (including starting one of my own) in an attempt to make it more of a competition for me.  I've been struggling to find motivation to do consistent exercise and eat well.  I figure putting $70 on the line for the next month is good motivation.  And the prospect of getting more than that back in return and winning money is even better motivation.  So this becomes my side job for the next month- and a way for me to keep myself on track.  Please check in with me and see how it's going, and help hold me accountable!

And if you'd like to join the Diet Bet I started, it's $25 to enter - click here!

Colorado Symphony 5K

My September race was the Colorado Symphony 5K on Sept 21.

Since it was my brother's 31st birthday that day, I figured I could run 3.1 miles as a shoutout to him.

The race was held at Sloan's Lake, and amazingly in my two years I lived in Denver, I had never visited the lake.  I parked on one of the side streets and walked to the registration area.  I got my bib, headed over to the start area, and waited for time to pass.

At 8:45 they did the kids fun dash.  I always love these - they're so adorable!  I'm not getting baby fever, but I can't wait until I can bring my kids to a race and have them do the kids runs...

After that, we assembled in the start area, sang the national anthem, and it was time to go!

By the time the race started, the sun was blaring and it was starting to get a little warm - at least from what I'm used to in the mornings in Gunnison.  We did a counterclockwise loop around the lake.

For me, the race was broken up into two different halves.  The first half felt great!  I was running strong, and happy to be at such a low elevation (I'm saying this facetiously, but I can definitely tell the difference when I go back to Denver).  The second half felt pretty bad.  I felt sluggish, heavy, and slow.  I could literally feel all of the 20 pounds I have gained since I ran my marathon in June.  Ugghhh.

All things considered, I'm happy with this run.  I know that in a few weeks/months as I get back into training and the rhythm of running, weight will come down and so will the time.

It was a beautiful day around Sloan's Lake and I'm so glad I got to do this race - and as a result, I already claimed my reward by getting a free ticket to one of the Colorado Symphony shows this season.  Can't wait!

Official Time:  30:10

The Bells Hate Me

The Maroon Bells.

Colorado's most photographed and most beautiful spot.

Here's what it's "supposed to" look like:

Perfection

I've been wanting to go there as soon as I moved to Colorado two years ago.

I have tried twice, and here's what happened.

The first attempt was last November.  We went to Aspen for Kristen's birthday weekend and hoped to see them.  As we drove down the road, we came to a closed gate.  Poor planning.  But we decided to get out and walk.  After a couple miles of hiking the sheer-ice road, we saw somebody hiking down.  He said it was still a couple miles to the lake.  After a few minutes of talking, we decided not to risk it, and walked back.  We almost wiped out several times, and were a little lucky to come out of that unscathed.  We vowed to try again next summer.

Icy road to the Bells

Last weekend was that time.  Kristen and I went to the Glenwood Springs for the weekend, but decided to take a day trip to Aspen with one objective: see the Bells.  When we woke up, it was cloudy.  We made the drive anyways, hoping it would clear up by the time we got there.  We drove the same road, reminiscing about our icy adventure the fall before.  This time, the road was open!  We drove the road to the lake, got out, and what did we see?  A wall of fog coming over the mountains blocking the view.  So we decided to go for a quick hike, hoping it would clear up by the time we completed the loop.  It was a beautiful hike, but as time went on, we could see less and less.  By the time we finished, there was no proof the Bells even existed.

Pre Hike

Post Hike

I'm starting to put the Bells into the same category as the Loch Ness Monster & Bigfoot - something out of mythical folklore designed just to get foolish tourists to come there, only to leave disappointed... yet still intrigued...

You win again, Maroon Bells!

Blue Moon 5K

On Friday, I got to run my first ever trail race.

On the way to Denver to spend the weekend with Kristen and her parents, I made a pit stop in Colorado Springs for the 2nd annual Blue Moon 5K.

After a 3+ hour drive, I made it to the park with about a half hour to spare.  I waited in line to get my bib, but they were out of safety pins.  So lucky me got to carry it for the whole race.  At the last minute, I decided to grab my phone so I had music for the race.  Good call!

Everyone made their way to the start lines.  Not much of a warning or countdown, but we were off!

We rounded the corner of the park and headed into Ute Valley Park, a beautiful park with some great trails.  The trail shot up into a quarter mile incline that was tough.  By the time I reached the top, my chest was pounding.  I used the rest of the mile basically to catch my breath as I was winding through the forest.

Then, it got incredible.  Once I caught my breath, it became one of the best races I have ever done.  I loved the inclines hopping over branches and rocks.  I loved the downhills feeling my momentum pulling me down.  The weaving in and around paths, the dirt, the rocks, the trees... it was all amazing.

I think I'm hooked on trail races!

Official Time:  32:42

Back in the Saddle

Recently, I've posted about struggling with motivation, trying to get consistency back in my running.  It's been a tough couple months to stay on top of any sort of training schedule, but I'm learning to be ok with that.  I'm not the most thrilled about gaining 15 lbs, but here I am, and I'm ok with that.

Now that RA training is over, I'm determined to give myself a schedule that allows me the chance to be successful for the rest of 2013.

That means a few things:  4ish days/week of running.  2ish days a week of strength training.  Cross training.  Workouts.  Eating right.  Go time.

I've thought I was ready before, but now I KNOW I'm ready to get back into the swing of things.  And here's why:  I get BORED when I'm not working out.  I get antsy.  I get tired.  Yesterday, I went on what I call a "cleansing run."  That is what I call the first run in a while (in this case it was about 3 weeks).  It's pretty much a throw away run, meant to right the wrongs that eating poorly and not exercising does to me.  Usually, it's a 1-2 mile thing.  Yesterday, it was almost 4.  My body is telling me it's time.

So... here we go!

I have my first trail race this weekend, another 5K in September, then a half marathon in October.

Game on!

What Doesn't Kill You

A friend of mine, who just so happens to be a professional strongwoman (see this post I wrote a year and a half ago), asked a question via faebook that has been rattling around in my head for a few days.

She asked: "When did/do you feel the most strong?" 

I've had friends and family describe me as strong-willed, courageous, and the type who accomplishes anything I set my mind to or have my heart in.  I may have a lot of moments where I feel strength, but here's my secret:

I am strong because I have been broken.  I have hope because I have been weak.  And I have meaning in my life because I have been lost.

Throughout my life, I have struggled with confidence, my weight, and depression.  I have had days when all I felt is emptiness.  I have had days when all I felt is worthless.  I have had days when all I felt is that I don't want to be here any more.

But those days are gone.  Because I am strong.

I feel the strongest when I am at my lowest and I take a look at myself in the mirror and say, "enough is enough."  When I go head to head with my biggest fears and insecurities and I win the fight.  When I can stand up and say that I have conquered those obstacles, challenges, and internal voices telling me to give up.

When I want to quit.  To run.  To hide.  When everything is telling me that I'm not strong enough.  Not smart enough.  Not tough enough.  Not enough.

And I stand up and say "Today is the day when everything changes."


"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear." - Nelson Mandela

When Motivation Slips

Currently, I find myself in the midst of a battle.

On one side is my motivation, my drive, my desire, and my eagerness to stay active, stay motivated, eat healthy, and keep moving forward on my fitness journey.

On the other side is apathy, exhaustion, and excuses.  Things that stand in the way of reaching my goals.

And right now, the second side is winning.  Since my marathon on June 2nd, I:
-Have gone running a number of times that can be counted on one hand
-Have put on 10 pounds
-Lack motivation and energy to work out, and sometimes to do anything productive
-Eat out.  A lot.
-Am not happy

I find myself at a crossroads: continue to go down a direction I don't want to head OR to take this moment to change my path, my habits, and get back on track.

I'm digging deep for this one.  Looking to things that motivate me in a way to get myself headed in a positive direction.  I have some quality go-to's, so I figured I would take the time to write them down, so I can take a look back when I have moments like this down the road.  Here's a few things that work for me when I feel my motivation start to slip.

Talk about it
Sometimes, this is the hardest thing to do.  But for me, it's the best.  When I am finally able to be open and admit to myself where things are - not a wish or perception, but the bitter reality - THAT'S when I usually find the strength to turn things around.

Find your inspirational go-to's to watch, listen, or read
For me, there are certain things that if I immerse myself in them, I instantly have this desire to work out or eat healthy.
-Watch The Biggest Loser.  A LOT!
-Listen to songs that are on my running playlists: some biggies- Linkin Park "By Myself," Simple Plan "I'd Do Anything," Eminem "Til I Collapse," and the most recent addition Kelly Clarkson "Catch My Breath"
-Read articles/books about running or fitness transformations
-Look up races and make lofty but realistic training plans

Do!
One of the hardest things for me is just to DO the things I say.  So many times, I put together a great plan for running, I plan on eating healthy, I plan on going to the gym.  Plan, plan, plan.  But then, there's little follow through.  So as necessary as putting together a plan is, at the end of the day it doesn't matter.  What matters is that I get out and go for a run when I don't feel like it.  That I stop eating at fast food restaurants regularly (or ever).  That I go on hikes, play sports, go to the gym.  Follow through is key.  Don't be all talk.

Hold yourself accountable
What happens if I don't do the things I hope.  Aside from the feelings of guilt or shame, NOTHING.  So I need to be able to answer the question: what is going to happen if I don't ______.  Make it a game or competition.  Have an incentive or reward.  Find positive things to do only if goals are completed.  And don't let not doing it be an option.



It's go time!