Worry Wart Part 4: Deep Breaths

I have anxiety issues.  I've admitted this before.  *Deep Breaths*

Do y'all remember Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey?   This was one of my faves:

"One thing kids like is to be tricked. For instance, I was going to take my little nephew to DisneyLand, but instead I drove him to an old burned-out warehouse. "Oh, no," I said, "DisneyLand burned down." He cried and cried, but I think that deep down he thought it was a pretty good joke. I started to drive over to the real DisneyLand, but it was getting pretty late."

See...deep breaths made me think of deep thoughts.  We are all on this roller coaster together, so hang on to your hats!

I've actually done a good job of staying calm this week, I promise...it's just that I will get excited and look at the course map and I get freaked out because 13.1 miles looks like a really long jaunt.  It was one thing when I ran 10 miles in my neighborhood by doing 4 laps of 2.5 miles each and then just thinking - hey...what's another 5K?!  This is like BAM!  In your face!  It's got my stomach all kinds of topsy turvy.  I keep wondering what if I can't do it...what if they kick me off the course cuz I'm too slow...what if I fail?!  Actually, the really funny thing is that unless you get injured, this race doesn't let you fail - if you are behind where they want you to be at mile 6.5, they shuttle you to mile 8.5 - how is that for service?!  No worries - I will not be needing this service.  Then I think how amazing will it be when I cross that finish line (see how I go back and forth) because a year ago there is no way I would have or could have even imagined even signing up for this let alone actually participating.  I know I can do this, though.  I really do.  I so got this.  I'm just being me.

One thing that I've done to try to calm this lunatic inside me is to read my friends' race reports.  I started with Lauren's 10 for Texas and then I read her Rock 'n' Roll Nashville Half Marathon.  Next I moved to Melissa's Women's Nike Half Marathon and her Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Half.  Then, I moved onto That Pink Girl's Texas Half and finally onto Allie's Rock 'n' Roll Dallas Half.  These ladies inspire me!!!!

Yesterday, I discovered this e-article that was mentioning the "famous" peeps who are registered to run this race.  I put "famous" in quotes because it is basically one big reality show star line-up and I'm not so certain those peeps should be called famous.  I mean if I could potentially be running alongside Justin Timberlake, that would be a whole different story, but former Bachelor "star" Jake?  Not so much.  Anyway, that wasn't what put the knots in my stomach...it was the number of registrants for this race.  It's supposed to be 25,000 people.  OMG, y'all!!!  This is cRaZY!  I thought the 22,000 peeps for Houston is completely insane in the membrane and this is 3,000 more people?!  Yikes!  What if I come in last place?!  =P  I'm just kidding...I know I won't be last.  I'm more concerned with getting trampled to death cuz I'm so delicate and dainty, don't ya know?!

Well, I just wanted to leave you with my list of things that are in my quart size bag for the airplane because I'm like the mad packer and I am quite proud of what I was able to fit in my quart size bag.  I might need to sell my services.  It's that amazing.  Here goes:

2 packets of Justin's squeezable almond butter
1 bottle of 5-hour energy drink
hair spray
shampoo
conditioner
bath gel
tooth paste
Tiger Balm
Vaseline
sun screen
perfume
lip gloss
chap stick
deodorant

Now come on...how is that not impressive?  =)

Okay, no more posts until AFTER the race.  Best of luck to any/all racers this weekend.  Peace out!

High tAcKy Texas Tea

Are you just *dying* to know what in the world "High tAcKy Texas Tea" is?  Well...let me fill you in, but first a side step.  My mom, her sister, my dad, his brother (did I mention that my mom's sister is married to my dad's brother?) and my two double cousins (Danielle and Nicole) all went to Ireland and England on vacation at the beginning of this month.  Whilst my father and uncle stayed behind in Ireland to play golf, my mom, aunt, and cousins moved on to London.  On their list of "must haves" was a visit to The Brown's Hotel to have High Tea.  They learned all  kinds of important details - the proper order of the various courses of a proper High Tea, for example, and the reason why the pinky finger is stuck out during the drinking of hot tea (for proper balance, of course).

On Monday evening, I was minding my own business when I received this text message from double cousin Danielle?

D:  Will you join us for tea at work on Thursday?

My response:

K:  We are having tea at work on Thurs?

The rest of the convo:

D:  We are.

K:  Well that is random, but yes...I shall join u.

D:  Remember proper attire is required.

K:  Oh but of course.

D:  We will mark u down c u then.


So, I really had no idea what I had agreed to.  I did, however, discover the next day that my brother (who lives in D.C.), older sister Cathy, brother-in-law Jay, my father, and cousin Courtney (who lives in Columbus, OH) were also invited.  Courtney wanted to know if she could phone in, but Danielle informed her cell phones were not allowed during high tea (even a tAcKy one in Texas).  Eddie declined.  Cathy declined.  Courtney was forced to decline, apparently.  My dad initially declined, but somehow managed to join us...he said my mom made him, but my mom said she was surprised he partook in the activities.  Hmmmm....  Why was younger sister Linda not invited even though she wouldn't be able to skip out on work to join us?   No one knows.  I had Danielle invite her Wednesday night, but Linda said she was not happy about a pity-vite.  Jay did join us, though.

Okay, so what is the proper order for the courses of a proper High Tea?

Finger Sandwiches - we had  4 varieties - tuna, egg salad, cucumber, and tomato on whole wheat bread with the crust cut off.

Fruit - we had strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries

Scones - we had blueberry (with butter and our choice of raspberry or apricot sugar free jam)

Cookies - we had a selection of delightfulness like little wafers, chocolate covered pretzels, shortbread...

Cake - we had a selection of lemon squares, brownie/cheesecake squares, and Texas sheet cake from RJ Goodies.

What makes a High Texas Tea tAcKy?  Well...you might not be able to tell from the pics, but the table cloth and the plates are paper and the "silverware" is plastic.  The tea party was held in the breakroom at my work.  Oh and I almost forgot about the British bloke (one of my employees) who came into my office singing "Tea for Two" and then played me the Doris Day version on his Droid.  This was all after he asked my mother if she would be serving us clotted cream.  Yeah...I have no clue what clotted cream is and I'm sure glad it wasn't present at our tea. 

What was lacking in atmosphere was completely made up for in heart.  My mom, Nicole, and Danielle did a wonderful job of bringing the tea party to me (well...and to my dad and Jay, too, I suppose).  If you are wondering if this meal was South Beach friendly, the answer is NO.  The sandwiches were...and, of course, the fruit, but the rest of it was...ahem...carbo-loading!  haha!  Yes, that's what I'm calling it and I double dog dare you to call me out on it considering I am now slightly over 2 days away from my big race!

Here are a couple more pics for your viewing pleasure:

my cute mom!

Double Cousin Nicole (note the pinky is OUT)

Double Cousin Danielle

My mom and dad (note - the pinky is OUT)

So, this was our inaugural High tAcKy Texas Tea.  I did tell my dad (since he seemed to enjoy himself SOOOO much) that arrangements could be made for me to serve high tea every Thursday, but I don't think he was thrilled with the idea.  

Have you ever had a tea party or been to a tea room?  Good times, my friends...good times!

Worry Wart Part 3: What to Wear on Race Day???

I would love nothing more than to wear my Nike Dri-fit Capris, y'all, but sadly they are just too hot this time of year.  =(  Lauren was a smartie and told me to check out Old Navy for some knee shorts since she knows I like the fit of the capris, but wanted a shorter cut (but not too short).  I found just what I was looking for about 2 months ago and was able to get 2 pairs!  On Tuesday of last week, I discovered a similar pair of "shorts" at Target, so I went ahead and bought them.  I wore them on Saturday's run.  They were okay, but not quite the same fit that I prefer and I want to be in my comfort zone - wardrobe speaking since I'm gonna be outside my comfort zone - race speaking. 

As far as the top goes, my mentor suggests a loose fitting fabric so that the heat doesn't get trapped.  That's all fine and dandy, but it's difficult to find a loose fitting fabric for us girls!  Almost everything is tight.  I don't so much mind the tight because everything stays where it should, but I understand his point.  I was able to find and buy this top on-line (pictured up top) and also this other one (pictured to the right).  I received them both, but they are baggier than I would have liked (which translates to not as flattering for pictures.  We know from past races that I am not very pretty in my race pics (I've been practicing on my running facial expressions, by the way), so I don't need my wardrobe to bring me down any notches, if you catch my drift.  They will be great for training for my full marathon, though.  Then I bought this puppy featured on the bottom when I went with my mom to Academy on Saturday morning.  It's a tight one, but it's back to my Nike roots (younger sister Linda says I'm a label snob - well to be fair, she doesn't use the word snob - haha).  Monday, I went back to Academy to work on my visor situation and noticed in their "Clearance" section, they had the same top in lime green for $16.00 less, so I said, "yes, please." and bought that one, too.  I suppose the one I choose will depend on my mood - aqua or green.  I just felt like I should have a new top (or...um 4 to choose from) for my first big race, you know?!

Next comes the head gear.  My Nike sweat band is just not cutting it anymore.  I kinda wanna try a Bondi Bands.  I'm hoping they are at the Expo so that I can buy me one or two.  I know I could go on-line and purchase them, but I don't know if I'll get my order in time and so I will just hope for the best.  Worse case scenario - my Nike sweat band is better than nothing.  I also will run with a visor.  I'm leaning towards a white one given the look of my shirts, but it could be black since my shorts are black...see how rough it is to be a girl?!  haha!  I can't wear sunglasses when I run, so I rely on the visor to keep the sun out of my eyes and to keep me from getting sunburned since I also don't put sunblock on my face because I can't stand sunscreen in my eyes!  The visor also helps to keep sweat from rolling down my face - it's yet another barrier.  I have to confess that I did actually try to find a Nike visor to match the marina blue top above, but believe it or not, they discontinuted that particular visor.  In hindsight, it would have been quite the frivolous purchase because the visor would have only gone with THAT top.

I've discovered my favorite socks - they are Adidas brand and I bought them at Academy (see...not entirely a Nike snob).  They offer a nice cushioned heel and toe area.  I've yet to a have a problem with blisters (thank GOD).  I do, of course, Vaseline my feet up prior to a long run as sort of an insurance policy!  That was Meliska's tip! 

The shoes are easy since I only own one pair of running shoes - my New Balance Women's 1063 running shoes (and once again...not Nike).    

Then there is the sports bra.  Oh how this has been causing me some major grief!  If it wasn't disgusting, I would show you a picture of my shoulder wound from the 10-miler.  I must not have used enough Vaseline on my right shoulder because it was ugly.  I alternate between two different ones - the Enell (Oprah's pick) and The Goddess 5056.  The Goddess is the one that hurt me - I'm trying not to hold a grudge.  Truthfully, the Enell has marked my skin a time or two before, as well.  This last wound, however, was by far the worst - it was also my furthest run, though.  *Sigh*  I ordered the Enell in a smaller size (following the size chart) thinking that might be part of its problem.  I'm leaning towards wearing this new one on race day since the Enell does have the nice support panel on the back (thought it's quite expansive which equals HOT).  I was pretty proud of myself for this purchase, too, because normally the bra runs $65 a piece, but I bought it through a seller on Amazon for $54 including shipping.

So there you have it...I guess it really just boils down to me needing to pick a top, then a visor.  I guess it's really nothing to worry about, but I'm going with a theme here, so just humor me!  ***4 more days!!!***

Folks, we have a winner!

I went to the website RANDOM.ORG and used their random number generator to figure out the winner of my Bobo's Oat Bar giveaway.  I had 12 total entries - 11 on my blog directly and 1 on my Facebook (which I counted her entry as #12).  

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:7Powered by RANDOM.ORG

This makes Ginger of Ginger's Junket the winner!  Ginger,  please email me at mskimpossible1977@gmail.com with your mailing address and I will send you 3 peanut butter Bobo's Oat Bars!  

Thanks to all for your entries in my inaugural giveaway!  Stay tuned for future giveaways!

*Note - for some reason when I copied and pasted the number generator, it showed the "MAX" # as 100, I used 12 in the calculation - just wanted to make that clear - not quite sure why it reverted to 100 - weird.

Let the Carbo-loading begin: Chicken Tetrazini

Whenever I hear the words, I can't help but think of The Soup!  Have you ever watched it?  Have you seen the Chicken Tetrazini zingers Joel McHale so lovingly repeats?  It's hilarious!

Anywho...growing up, my mom served us her version of Chicken Tetrazini on a semi-regular basis and it became one of my faves.  I decided to tweak the recipe and make it South Beach style.  Please note that I don't really measure stuff, so it's usually a little bit of this and that and you kind of have to do whatever works for you, but if you do decide to make it, I do guarantee deliciousness!

Here is what you need:

Chicken - I used whatever size package that had 3 large chicken breasts
2 cans of 98% fat free cream of chicken soup
1 container of plain Greek yogurt OR 1 container of low fat or no fat sour cream
Whole wheat pasta - 1 box whatever kind floats your boat - I used linguini
Parmesan cheese
Seasonings - whatever strikes your fancy - I used Adobo, Italian Seasoning, and Rosemary

In the past, I have marinated (in fat free Italian dressing) and grilled the chicken.  This time, I decided to shred it in the crock pot.  It tastes great either way - depends on what flavor you are going for.

Boil your pasta.  I always toss in a wee bit of olive oil into my water and add a pinch of salt.  With whole wheat, it is always important to make sure you cook it thoroughly.  I think that is why people have a tendency to complain about whole wheat pasta - they don't like the texture because they don't cook it enough.

While the pasta is a'boilin', you need to prepare the "goop" (as my mom calls it) by pouring the 2 cans of soup into a bowl and mixing it with the yogurt or the sour cream.  This was the first time I ever used Greek yogurt.  I was inspired by Lindsay (check out her blog:  Pancakes N Pajamas) as she uses Greek yogurt in a lot of her cooking and I was encouraged by older sister Cathy who swears by Greek yogurt because she is big on the incorporation of nutritional protein into one's diet.

So, after mixing the soup and creamy textured substance of your choice together, season it accordingly.  As I mentioned above, I threw in some Rosemary, Adobo (pretty much a staple in all my cooking), and Italian seasoning.  Then I set the bowl to the side.

Once the pasta was done, I drained it, rinsed it, and drained it again and put it into the bottom of one of my favorite Pampered Chef Stonewear casserole dishes.

Next, I put down the layer of my shredded chicken.  

Finally, I poured the "goop" over all of it. I then sprinkled the casserole with Parmesan cheese. You bake it for 45 minutes to an hour on 350 degrees.  (um...looks like the flash didn't "flash" for this pic - sorry!).

Then voila - serve it and enjoy it!  I have made other "versions" of this dish in the past.  For example, I have used lemon pepper and lemon zest in the  "goop" for a different flavor and even added some lemon juice to the pasta.  I have also sprinkled sundried tomatoes throughout the chicken layer and some sundried tomato pesto to the pasta for another kind of kick .  Get creative to give it a twist!  Add veggies like broccoli in lieu of serving veggies on the side (isn't that the beauty of a casserole?). 

What's one of your childhood favorites?

***Don't forget to enter my Bobo's Oat Bar giveaway.  It ends TONIGHT at 9pm CST. 

And it's official...

I signed up for marathon training!

On Sunday, I went to a Weenie Roast for Team Nam - this is the running group I have decided to train with for the Chevron Houston Marathon.  I met a lot of my fellow run-mates and ate a hot dog, some fruit, and cheese (no bun for me because whole wheat buns weren't offered and I didn't bring my own).  I'm one of the younger ones on the team, but everyone was so friendly and encouraging that I'm really excited to be a part of this team! 

I'm sad that I will miss my first group run - this coming Saturday, but it's for a good cause since I will be in Chicago preparing to do my first half marathon.

Beginning the following Saturday, I will meet up with them at the crack of dawn every Saturday to run, run, run!  I asked one of the guys how many miles the full marathoners will train up to and he said in the years past, it's 22, but that my mentor (one of the trainers) was commissioning for the group to push it to 30.  I am so not an over-achiever - the 22 will be just fine for me and then the 26.2 come marathon day.  There will be no need for 30, thank you very much.  I'm starting to get the idea that my mentor is a bit hard core!

Speaking of the Chevron Houston Marathon...registration is tomorrow!  Of course, as I have previously mentioned the powers that be decided to make it a lottery system this year, so I won't find out if I actually "won the lottery" so to speak until August 17th.  Yes, that's 3 whole weeks of waiting!  I will continue with the marathon training regardless of whether I make it into the Houston Marathon or not because my goal is to run a marathon (Houston would just have been ideal).  If I don't make Houston, I will seek out another one to run in the early part of next year.

***Don't forget to enter my Bobo's Oat bar giveaway that ends tomorrow at 9pm CST! 

Work Foils Running, Read All About It!

Set out to do my last "big" run before my very first half marathon.  I decided to do 6.55 miles - in other words, for all you non-math wizards, 1/2 of a half mary.  Kinda made my little plan for the ol' neighborhood run and headed out - hoped that my plan was 1/2 of the 1/2 of the 1/2 (or...um roughly 3 1/4 miles) so that when I swung by the mailbox for a swig of my Powerade Zero (in Mixed Berry this time), I'd be half way done.  After completion of the swig - which turned out to be half the bottle (I really gotta watch that), I positioned myself to start running again and then thought better of it figuring I should probably bathroom break first.  I headed inside, took care of business, was opening up the front door when "Little Boxes" comes blaring from my cell (the theme song to the tv show Weeds).  NOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooo!  I figured it was probably a work call....AND....I was right.

Turns out my one crew that had a delivery today locally in Houston did not have their paperwork.  This was an oversight belonging to my warehouse manager.  This meant I would have to go up to work to get it to them or else they would have no clue where they were going - no paperwork = no delivery address, etc.  It just sucks royally when yet again work foils my plans and it wasn't even my fault!!!  I do have to say that I think the timing of my driver's call was pretty wild, though.  Had he called 2 minutes earlier or later, he would have missed me and my dad is out on the golf course, so highly doubtful he would have been able to reach him and that could have meant disaster (at least until after I finished my run).

Was I annoyed?  You betcha!  Did I get over it?  Yeah.  What would be the point of harping on it?  I will go out and do my 6.55 tomorrow and at least I had the benefit of getting an extra 3.15 in today (guess my calculations in my head were off by 1/10th of a mile - not too shabby).

On a happy note - my double cousins, Nicole (18) and Danielle (16) are coming into town this morning - part of the reason why I can't continue my run since I'm picking them up from the airport with my mom.  I haven't seen them since Christmas which is far too long to go without seeing your double cousins, wouldn't you agree?!  Did you know that (and this is according to Wikipedia) double cousins have the same genetic make-up as half siblings and share 25% of their DNA?  Weird, huh?

So, Nicole and Danielle know all about our family lunches and wanted to make sure that they were able to participate in one so today is the day.  I think my family should sit in stoic silence during the whole meal just to be funny, what do you think?  =P

If you haven't done so already, don't forget to check out my first giveaway here (it expires on Tuesday, 7/27 @ 9pm CST).

Alright, that's all I have for you (for now).  I hope work doesn't foil any of your weekend plans!  Happy Trails to you runners and bike riders out there - be safe and stay hydrated!

Bobo's Oat Bars Giveaway!

This is kinda exciting.  I really do love me some Bobo's Oat Bars.  I may just be a little bit obsessed with them.  In case you don't know much about them, they are an all natural, wheat free, and vegan.  I blogged about Bobo's back in June and my post is linked below if you didn't catch it before.  So earlier today, I was curious if they had a Twitter account, but I didn't find them.  I went onto their Facebook page and noticed they newly opened up a Review Section, so I gave them 5 stars and wrote this:

I love a Bobo Oat Bar for breakfast - I have one practically every morning! Apricot is my fave flavor so far! I even blogged about them: http://kimpossible1977.blogspot.com/2010/06/oh-little-bit-of-this-and-that.html.


Next thing I know, I received an email notification that Bobo's Oat Bars was now following me on Twitter.  Well that made me happy, so I logged onto Twitter and decided to stalk...er...follow them, too.  Then they sent me a tweet that said this:

@Kimpossible1977 Thanks for the wonderful review on our Facebook. We are so happy that Bobo's are helping you fufil your goal! Keep it up!


Then they sent me a private tweet asking me for my mailing address so they could send me a few free bars in whatever flavors I so desired.  I picked out a few flavors I haven't tried yet and now I'm anxiously awaiting their arrival.

In honor of Bobo's Oat Bars generosity to me, I would like to have my first giveaway.  It's not much, but hey - it's a start!  If you would like to try Bobo's Oat Bars, I will send the lucky winner 3 bars (in one flavor) to enjoy.  Here's how you enter (note there are 5 different opportunities):

1 - Go to the Bobo's Oat Bar website and let me know what flavor sounds the yummiest to you.
2 - "Like" Bobo's Oat Bars on Facebook
3 - Become a Follower of this blog
4 - Tweet about this giveaway
5 - Blog about this giveaway

Be sure to leave a separate comment for each as the more ways you enter (up to 5), the greater chance you have of winning.

I will choose a random winner on Tuesday, 7/27, at 9pm CST.  Ready, set, and GO!

***Update:  I had some incorrect nutritional information on my blog post listed above - the information I provided was for 1/2 a Bobo's Oat Bar and not the full bar.  I apologize for the confusion - apparently I need to learn to read the food labels more carefully.

Worry Wart Part 2: Pain & Suffering

For the past few months, I've had a HUGE problem with killer knots developing in my upper back, shoulders, and neck.  I'm certain there is a direct correlation of this increasingly obnoxious issue and my stress/anxiety level (with regard to work, mostly, but yes...this race, too).  My mom told me I don't have to go through with it and I was like, "Are you kidding me?!"  Yes, I do!  I want to.  I need to.  I can do this!  I am just very nervous/anxious about the whole thing.  Anyway...back to business...I've been getting massages courtesy of Sarah every 2 to 3 weeks, but it seems all her hard work (and torture) is gone (but never ever forgotten, Sarah) by 2 days post massage.

I have been using my foam roller every morning and every evening.

I have been using my Trigger Point Massage Baller at least once a day, too.

I have been taking Epsom Salt Baths.

On Saturday, when I did my 10-miler, I felt this horrible knot develop in my upper back around mile 8.  I used my walking interval to try to rub it out.

I've been using the foam roller on my IT-band area on my right leg, as well.  That Pink Girl is wonderful and sent me some stretches, so I've been working them, too.  The area is tight, but not as bad as it has been, so that is a blessing.  Truthfully, post run on Saturday, the area right around the patellar tendon was sore upon initial completion but ice and an Epsom Salt bath helped that, so as the day progressed, that pain faded.  I'm guessing this is normal - I mean it's non-stop movement for a long period of time (and for me...trust me it's longer than for others cuz I'm slooowww).

I guess I'm just worried about bits and pieces of me acting up while running, but let's face it...my worrying is causing me undue stress and no doubt additional knots. It's the circle of my life. =/   Meliska told me I can always pull over to the side (similar to a car) and do some stretches before continuing on my jaunt.

Again...I apologize for sounding like a whiner...just kinda talking myself through  my anxiety and you all get to be along for the ride.  Think of how much more "mature" I'll be for the next half marathon.

Always be Prepared

Always be prepared, just like a Girl Scout, that's my theory.  I was one, you know?!  Many, many moons ago in a galaxy far, far away known as Aurora, CO.  I wore a green that is flattering on nobody other than the leprechauns and went door to door selling cookies once called Samoas but now referred to as Caramel DeLites.   We had year round school in this strange galaxy, but alas...in typical me fashion, I digress.

Tonight is Tuesday and this means I went over to Meliska and Greggy-D's house.  It's pretty much a weekly thing that started with watching LoSt on whatever night it came on since it kept switching and then because LoSt had a cRaZy schedule of being on and off hiatus during weird intervals, we decided to keep our little weekly thing going because it's awesome to hang with friends and good friends are hard to come by these days, wouldn't you agree?

Lately, we've been watching movies - some good, some bad, but regardless...the company is always the selling point!  Sometimes it's just me that can make it and other times we have additional friends that can partake in our weekly fun.  Tonight, we had Heather and Todd - yay!!!

Greggy-D makes the most amazing food - anything and everything you could possibly imagine like homemade bread, pies, pizza, ravioli, and even his famous popcorn.  Since starting my diet plan just over a year ago, one of the changes I had to make in my life was to learn how to just say "No."  Another change I had to make was to bring a substitution so that I would not feel deprived.

South Beach does allow popcorn in Phase 2, but sadly not the kind Greggy-D makes (homemade kettle corn) - though it sure does look and smell amazing.  I bring my own popcorn.  I enjoy the Jolly Time 100 Calorie Healthy Pop variety.  For those of you doing Weight Watchers, it's only 1 point!  It sure is delicious, somewhat nutritious, and definitely hits the spot when you want to participate in the whole movie viewing experience without the guilt or the cheat.

We watched "The Book of Eli".  Have you seen it yet?  I remember watching the preview in the theater and having no desire to see it because it seemed like such a dark film.  It was actually a really amazing movie and I completely recommend it!

Seen any good movies lately?  Made any good choices/substitutions lately?  Are you prepared???

Worry Wart Part 1: Race Hydration

I don't drink sugar.  I don't drink calories.  Well...I do drink milk, but that's cuz it does a body good.  ;)  AND...every blue moon I partake in the enjoyment of an adult beverage (South Beach does allow certain varieties).  I rarely even drink soda, but when I do you bet your bottom dollar it's a nice cold can of diet cream soda, diet root beer, or maybe diet orange something or another.  What do I drink?  I mostly drink water.  I also drink iced tea - that's what I always order in restaurants.  I love me some SoBe lifewater (in the 0 calorie variety).  I also enjoy the 0 calorie Vitamin waters from time to time.  When I'm running, I consume Powerade Zero (mostly in grape or orange) as I've also blogged about.  It's the only thing I've ever trained with and it provides me with electrolytes and it helps to replenish my sodium (which is one of my main concerns because I sweat like no other, I'm convinced).

Here's my issue...the little races I've participated in were no big deal with regard to hydration.  I can do a 5K or a 10K with just drinking water.  Yes, I bypassed the Gatorade filled cups.  I'm not so convinced I can do a half marathon with just drinking water.  I think I will need my electrolytes and sodium replenished.  The Rock 'n' Roll series offers up Cytomax (nutritional info to the left (source here)).  Everyone always says not to experiment with such things during a race because it could have a negative effect on your system.  I would be definitely fearful of it having one on mine considering it's a sports drink with sugar (as most are) and I'm not used to consuming sugar.  Now I don't know what to do.  I think I will have some cousins cheering me on, so I could have them pass me some Powerade Zero, but what if I never actually see them?!

Oh and in case you are thinking I should just carry the Powerade Zero with me in a fuel belt, I can't.  I haven't trained wearing one and I think it would just cause me grief.  I plan on just wearing my Spibelt for little necessities like my Clif's Shot Blok, gum, chapstick, and maybe my phone in a plastic bag (if I decide having the phone/camera is worth the extra weight).

I know, I know...I'm being a total whiner.

Yes, let the worrying begin.  This is only one of many things starting to cause me stress/anxiety for "the big race" which is in 12 MORE DAYS!  EEEEEEEEK!

That's just bananas!

Dear Bananas,

I have missed you so.  I don't understand where the confusion came into play.  Perhaps I misunderstood when I read Phase 1's rules of the South Beach diet and accidentally applied them to Phase 2.  Maybe the powers that be updated the diet and came to realize you are not the enemy.  Regardless, I have withheld from eating you for well over a year and I'm sure your feelings have been hurt.  Do you have any idea how many times I have had to walk past you in the grocery store with sad, wanting eyes?  Oh...and then there have been my races...they always have you at the after race parties and I had to decline even though you would have been a perfect food choice to help replenish my body.  It's bad enough to have to walk on by the bagels and the pizza, but you, too?!

We already know that I'm quite picky where you are concerned - I wouldn't dream of eating you with any kind of noticeably brown spot or mushy tenderness present.  I would apologize, but is it not best to be up front and honest as opposed to wasteful?  Oh how I've longed to have my "grab it and go fruit" on so many occasions.  I now have so many plans for us to be reunited again soon - in fact I will be headed to the store shortly to bring home a much needed supply of you.

Just think - this is perfect timing as your kind will definitely be represented at my half marathon in two weeks from today and I will definitely be able to partake in the eating of you instead of longingly watching everyone else enjoy you!  yay!

This is going to be the rekindling of a beautiful relationship, bananas!  I owe it all to younger sister Linda and her hubby Craig for not pulling a "me" and speed reading through The South Beach book.  Instead, they noticed this very important oversight on my behalf!

Love,
KIMpossible

Update:  Just researched this a little further and found out I'm not an over-looker.  The South Beach Diet Supercharged updated the food list based on the fact they expected their diet followers to be upping their exercise.  Adding back in a medium sized banana to Phase 2 was part of the update (source here).  Ahhhh...redemption!

10-mile Amazing!

I looked up when I hit my 9 mile marker and it was a month ago.  Yikes!  Since then, I've had nothing but crap "long runs".  This translates to my longest one was 4 miles, if I'm not mistaken.  Basically, not too impressive for a girl with a half marathon hanging in the balance (her first one, to boot).  I knew no matter what I had to hit the 10 mile mark TODAY since my Chicago Rock 'n' Roll Half is officially 2 weeks from tomorrow.  Can you just feel my EEEEEEK?!?!?!

So, I brought some morning workouts back - alternating between elliptical/bike days and treadmill days.  This served four purposes - one to get my body in motion - two to get me in the habit of waking up ridiculously early - three to get the adrenaline pumping - four so that no matter what happened at work to stress me out, etc...at least I got the workout in already.

Additionally, I decided to switch out the music on my iPod.  This was a temporary change.  I can say that I prefer my Lady Gaga, Pink, and Fergie type of tunes to perk me up for the long haul, but I wouldn't have known that without having experimented today by going a bit more Zen with a more chill blend of music such as Jason Mraz, Blues Traveler, Gavin DeGraw, and Adele, for example.  I still may mix and match it though for my half - we'll see.  I also think I owe it to myself to purchase some new music to keep it fresh!

I mapped out a route in my head in my neighborhood, though I wasn't sure until I ran it how far it actually was.  It ended up being 2.58 miles which was perfect because 4 laps and I would so have that 10!  My plan was to swing back around the house after each lap to grab a drink from my cooler - Powerade Zero (in orange) and eat a couple of blocks from my Clif's Shot Blok (in orange).  I did have to stop to use the facilities at the halfway mark - UGH!  I hope to not have to do that during the race!

I also decided to do something that I kind of had to swallow my pride about.  I've been running 4/1s, but it's been a real challenge in this heat and humidity.  I decided to go back down to 3/1s today to hit my 10 miles considering all the struggling I've done lately.  Obviously it worked since I was successful...I just wish I didn't feel like I was taking a bit of a step backward, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do since the girl just wants to finish this race.  Once I get this very first half marathon behind me, I will have just over 2 1/2 months to see what kind of improvement I can make for The Houston Half - all the while I'll be training ideally for my first full marathon (Houston - assuming I get in the lottery draw).

Oh...and during my third lap, some neighbor lady was out watering her lawn with the hose and a spray nozzle and asked me if I wanted to be sprayed.  I had to think a second because...well...nobody has ever asked me that before and it kinda goes against anything any normal adult would do, but I was hot and sweaty and I took her up on her offer and it felt amazing.  Then she filled up a plastic cup of water for me.  I think I love her.  haha!

Did you know you can figure out how much liquid you should consume based on how much weight you lose during your run?  I read all about it in this month's issue of Runner's World and my mentor also sent me some literature on it.  You are supposed to weigh yourself naked before and after your run.  For every pound you lose, you need to rehydrate yourself with 16 oz. of fluid.  I lost 2.6 lbs during my run, so I needed to drink roughly 40 oz of fluid to replenish my body - don't worry kids...I did just that!

Well, I've taken a soak in a tub, I need to ice cuz I'm a little bit crippled at the moment.  I see a pedicure in my near future as well.  Happy trails to all you runners out there and I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Kickin' it into gear

Since my last post, I've felt MOTIVATED!  Yes, that's with all caps for a reason, my friends!  I knew I needed to feel better about me and to feel that way, I needed to become BFFs with my morning workouts again.  Here's the deal - it isn't an easy routine to get into because it means a 4:30am wake up.  Yes, you read that correctly.  4:30am.  It's okay, though...cuz I wake up to Brad Paisley's She's Everything.  He can croon in my ear any morning...well obviously not THIS morning at 4:30am because I quickly reset the alarm to 6:10am since 5 hours of sleep was just not gonna cut it (I hung out with my buddies Meliska, Greggy-D, and Heather last night and then when I got home I had a hard time falling asleep).  Anywho...the reason I must get up so early is because I have to take a thyroid pill and that means waiting 30 minutes before I can eat and I have to eat something before I workout, so...you get the idea.

Okay...so on Monday, I ate a whole wheat bagel thin with I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spray and made my way to 24 Hour Fitness.  I did 30 minutes on the elliptical on the Glute program at a 10-intensity with a 5 minute cool-down.  Truth be told, I don't really "cool-down" on the cool-down, I actually use that 5 minutes to go in the reverse direction.  I ended up doing 3.25 miles and it felt fantastic!  Next, I headed to the recumbent bike and did the random program for 15 minutes on level 10.  I walked out of the gym empowered and thinking, "I'm back!"

On Tuesday, I had the same pre-workout breakfast.  I decided to change things up a bit and face my fear of the treadmill head on.  Prior to this day, I had only done one mile on the treadmill on two different occasions.  I hated both of them.  I decided to get over it because I needed to get some running in and it's too dark in the mornings for me to go by myself out on the pavement.  We all know I do interval running - 4 minutes of running following by 1 minute of walking.  This is easy to do on the streets and annoying to do on a treadmill.  With this in mind, I gave myself a goal of running the first mile out-right without intervalling.  Once I hit the one mile mark, I realized I still had plenty of juice in me, so I decided to hit the half way mark (1.55 miles) without walking and I did it!  Yay!  So at the 1.55 mile mark, I slowed it down and walked a minute while I drank some of my water.  From there on out, I decided to focus more on the distance than the time for the intervalling, so I set my distance at half mile increments and went from there to finish my 5K.  I finished it up, walked a half mile afterwards as a cool-down and called it a day.

Before and after both workouts, I stretched.  I also incorporated a gallon of water hydration into my routine both days - this is something new to me and something I've mentioned several times that I've struggled with tremendously.  I will say that I have had no aches and pains as I typically do post-workouts and I attribute that to my increased stretching and to finally properly hydrating.  Today is a rest day, but I will be hitting the gym hard again tomorrow. 

Be sure to check-out Lauren's weekly Workout Wednesday blog that is sure to inspire!

What is the one thing you could to today to change how you feel tomorrow?

Struggling

I want to quit, but I know I won't.  It's just that I'm so disappointed with me.  It seems I was on this really amazing path from January through April with regard to my running training and then BLAH.  I know that part of my problem is the weather - this heat and humidity is a huge drain on the system.  I know another part of my problem is that I have been dealing with huge self doubt - like I'm a total poser having no business even trying to do this whole running thing.  I know another issue is that one of the motivators has been my races - I had a race scheduled in January, February, March, and April, and then a long drop-off until my half on 8/1.  Crossing the finish line is a huge adrenaline kick that makes all the pain, sweat, and tears worth everything...the further I am from those races, the harder it is to remember that feeling of victory.  Then, of course, I've let my work-stress zap my energy.  Finally, I'm having some IT-band issues.  Sometimes, like right now, I just want to cry from the frustration.

My half marathon is in 3 weeks from today.  I don't feel ready for it at all.  When I initially registered, I had a plan and that plan included training up to 12 miles.  At this point, I've only gone up to 9.  I know the excitement of the race will kick in and get me to the finish line, but I want better than that.  I want to know that I did my best in training and I can't claim that right now.  Several weeks ago, when I met my mentor at the park, he suggested I skip out on my cross training (the elliptical and bike) and focus solely on running until I got to my race.  I know he meant well, but truth be told, this just wasn't the right path for me.  I felt stronger and more prepared each week for my long run with the cross training.  I think it is just time for me to kick it into gear for the next 2 weeks and focus on the finish line.  Here is my plan:

1.  Must have at least 7 hours of sleep each night
2.  Must work-out for 1 hour at least 3 weekday mornings - elliptical and/or bike
3.  Must run at least 3 weekday evenings - 5K
4.  Must take an Epsom Salt Bath each night before bed
5.  Must drink at least 130 oz. of water a day
6.  Must stretch before AND after each workout
7.  Must run 10 miles for my long run this coming weekend!!!

Wish me luck...I need it.

I actually won a giveaway...go figure.

Now, I don't put my name in the hat for all giveaways, mind you.  It isn't that I'm a giveaway snob...it's just that some items I've bought myself by now (Road ID, for example) and some items I've come to discover I just plain won't use (sunglasses, for example).  Stop right there, you are probably thinking...I don't use sunglasses???  No, I don't.  I don't even use them in regular world - well...to be fair, very rarely.  I'll probably have squinty wrinkles in a few years as a direct result of this.  As far as running world goes, I just can't do it.  The one time I tried, I was miserable - sweat, fog, sweaty fog...I much rather wear a hat and keep my gaze low.

I read this blog written by a runner named Beth called Shut Up and Run! I don't even remember how I happened across it, but the first blog I read of hers was all about her family participating in a 5K and it was truly hilarious - like I laughed out loud kinda funny!  So Beth recently posted a giveaway for three $10 giftcards to Subway since Subway had given her a giftcard to try their breakfast sandwiches.  I've been wanting to try one because their English Muffins are whole wheat and I can eat whole wheat, so I entered the giveaway.  I just looked at my dashboard to see what new posts were out and about and low and behold, Beth posted her Subway Giveaway winners and I discovered I won one of the three gift cards.  Yay!  Not only that, but Beth posted my win in a really awesome way:

"Kim from To Dream the Kimpossible Dream. This lady has lost 106 pounds since March 2009. I know. Talk about determination and motivation. Kim you look incredible. If you haven’t yet visited her webpage, do so. She has this really cool slideshow that takes you through her weight loss milestones."   

So, after a really very rough day at work, y'all, this made my day.  Now I'm off to bed to get my beauty sleep so that I can be refreshed and rejuvenated for a fantastic EARLY morning run tomorrow.  What made your day?  Have you won any giveaways?

What a Difference a Year Makes

It's been one whole year since I started my new lifestyle - one filled with healthy eating, exercise, and boundary establishing (I haven't talked a whole lot about that last one, but I will in future posts).  I wish I had blogged back then so that you, my faithful readers, and I could really see the full transformation.  I think it's more than just physical. 

Until earlier today when Lauren posted her interview with me where I spilled all, only my closest friends and my family knew what really triggered my whole need for change.  I'm going to share it with you now.  It's quite embarrassing, really.  At younger sister Linda's wedding on March 21, 2009, my size 24 bridesmaid dress (which should have been a size 26) split open.  At the time, I blamed it on the dress getting caught on the bottom of the chair and me scooting the chair.  That part is true, mind you, but that alone didn't cause my zipper to rip the entire length of the dress.  Let's face it - it was busting at the seams because I was at my all-time heaviest weight.  This is not something I am proud of, but it is a fact.  My mom had brought a beautiful lace shawl in case my sister got cold and had left it upstairs in the bridal room, so older sister Cathy went up to get it.  Then sister-in-law April  tied the shawl just so to get me through my Maid-of-Honor speech and toast.  Afterwards, I was able to slip out, drive home, change into a different dress, and make it back to the reception - all in about 20 minutes (thank God the facility was so close to the house).  I was humiliated.  You think that would have made me jump on the wagon right then and there, but apparently I had a little more emotional downward spiraling to do before I got my act together on July 6, 2009.  Then there was no looking back.

I feel like a whole new me.  I'm doing things I never would have thought possible and I'm doing it all with a rejuvenated spirit!  Although I've lost 106 lbs, I still have another 60+ lbs to lose.  Even once those pounds are gone it will be a forever battle, but it's a battle I'm willing to fight because I never want to feel so unhealthy and so uncomfortable in my own skin ever again.  It's funny to gleefully go to doctor appointments (versus dreading them) because I know I will get a "good job" instead of a lecture.  It's awesome to know the aches and pains I have are from running or other forms of exercising and not from excessive weight on my joints and bones.  It's empowering to see the changes in my body.  It's so many different emotions...

What difference has a year made to you?

Movies, Mexican food, and Airport Madness

Friday...

My dad offered me a deal.  He knew we were too busy at work to have someone drop him and my mom off at the airport, so he had looked into limos and they were ridiculously expensive, so he gave me cash and told me he would pay for our family lunch on Saturday if I could get his car picked up from the airport sometime on Saturday.  I explained to him that I could get his car picked up AND manage to pay for my own meal, but he wouldn't have it.  I think he also thought that he was encouraging the family lunch tradition, but truth be told...we always do family lunch even when my parents can't be there and if you tune into my blog often, you know that my parents travel frequently.  I also pre-purchased Eclipse tickets for younger sister Linda, her hubby Craig, and I for Saturday's 2:50pm showing.

Saturday...

I got a work call that one of my helpers lost his wallet which meant he needed replacement cards (payroll and road).  Great - this meant a trip up to the office at some point either this day or before noon on Sunday.  Blech. 

It was decided family lunch would be at Los Cucos.  We picked Los Cucos because we don't get to eat family lunch there very often since our father has a self-proclaimed chip problem.  Linda and I figured we had just enough time to go to the airport to pick up our father's vehicle while Craig went back to their house to pick-up their dog, Coco and to pack since they were "vacationing" at my parent's house for the weekend.  My father had left me very specific instructions as to where we should be able to find his SUV.  Linda, it was decided, would drive it, though she was VERY uncomfortable with this notion since she doesn't drive an SUV and she doesn't ever drive to or from the airport and didn't think she could find her way back to the house or the movie theater (if we didn't have enough time to make it to the house before the movie).  I reminded her that the car had a built in GPS and then she felt better.  So, I knew we were in trouble when the one parking garage was blocked off and we were forced to enter into another one.  This was was blue and brown and we needed purple.  After touring it and paying our $2.00 for nothing, we figured out we didn't have enough time for another tour, so we headed straight for the theater.  We called Craig to discover that he apparently got sidetracked while on his mission and also wasn't going to have enough time to complete it successfully.  The difference was he decided to complete his mission regardless, so he was late to the movie.  Linda and I refused to be late.  After Eclipse, Linda and I resumed our mission and headed back to the airport.   This time, the right parking garage was open, so we were ecstatic and headed up to find my dad's car....only, we somehow ended up in the blue and brown section again.  We were confused.  We found a security guy who explained we went up the wrong ramp.  I told Linda I knew we went up the right ramp, but whatever.  So we paid another $2.00, followed his instructions (which lead us right back to where we had just ended up - saw a sign that even told us we were entering the Purple parking area) just to find ourselves back in the blue and brown section.  We paid another $2.00 and did the whole airport tour for the 4th time.  At some point, Linda wanted me to just leave her and she would walk to the alleged Purple section.  I told her I would have felt better giving her to the security guard and letting him take her to it.  She was not amused with the notion of me giving her away to a stranger.  It wasn't like I was having him hog-tie her in the back of an unmarked vehicle.  Besides...she wanted me to leave her in a plastic sectioned off construction area that looked like it was taken out of an episode of Dexter before he makes the kill.  So, then Linda had a braniac idea that we needed to go into another section and we found the Purple People eater area and my father's car.  Basically, his directions sucked.  Basically, the airport's signs were misleading.  Basically, $8.00 later plus the cost of storing my father's car for 24 hours, we were happily on our way.  Well...to be fair, Linda was not so happy because she was incredibly nervous.  I drove straight to Meliska and Greggy-D's house.  Our friend Joe was in town and came over, too.  We saw Law Abiding Citizen, which I had already seen, but didn't mind seeing again because it's that good!  Afterwards, I headed up to work to take care of getting those cards for that helper.  Blech.

Sunday...

I had such great plans for running, but I was up so late the night before and I was just plain lazy.  Linda, Craig, and I decided to go back to Los Cucos for some lunch.  Afterwards, we went to Red Box to rent movies.  We got The Graves, Sherlock Holmes, and The Triangle.  We came home and decided to watch them in that order.  The Graves was the worst movie any of us has ever seen in our entire lives.  At some point I wanted to turn it off, but Linda and Craig felt invested.  Whatever.  Right before we started Sherlock Holmes, which I had already seen, I got a work phone call.  One of my drivers didn't unhook his trailer, though I had specifically told him to do so since he was merely transporting it from one office down to the other so that another driver could leave out with it.  This driver, I knew, had taken his kids out of town for the weekend.  The driver who called me was the one who needed to leave with the trailer, so I had no choice but to go back up to work AGAIN.  I returned and let them finish Sherlock Holmes.  Then we bantered back and forth on Facebook for a while and we watched The Triangle which actually turned out to be pretty good.

Monday...

I ran.  It wasn't a great run.  My allergies have been horrible.  I, once again, started way too late in the morning and the air was way too thick with humidity.  This little IT-band issue I'm having started acting up.  I quit.  Yep...I'm a quitter.  I have 3 more Saturdays to get my act together before the big day.  Ugh.  Later that day...Linda and I grabbed a Sandwich from Lenny's (yummy) and rented Leap Year (cute, but predictable).  Linda may have struggled a bit with Delilah during the day.  You see, Delilah has great love for Linda and Linda doesn't return the love.  Well, to be fair.  Delilah has great love for anyone who doesn't return the love - her theory is that eventually you will give in and love her.  So, after the love affair, Linda headed back home and I met up with Vicki and her fam to celebrate her birthday at Alicia's.  I think I've had enough orders of double beans to hold me over for a while, y'all.  =)

Now it's back to the grind.