Race for the Cure

This will be my next 5k. PLEASE run/walk with me. As a team starts to form I'll post more about fundraising, but consider running. It's a great cause and odds are that you know someone who has been affected by breast cancer.

THIS is the race site. If you're interested in joining the team that some of my friends and I are putting together, let me know.

#3

Today is the 3rd day in a row that I've gone to the gym. And today I felt like I kind of rocked it. I didn't run all of my laps, but close. And I completed the exercise and feel pretty good afterward.

I'm not sure if I have just become one of those work-out freaks or what, but I'm living it up while I am super motivated. I think I'm going to shoot for tomorrow too.

4 Days in a row? Can I do this? I think so! (also why is this super motivated week the one where Michael *hard core pro-wrestler trainer* isn't there?)

Results!

I have been working out for about 6 weeks and have official results of how my body is doing. I was very pleased to find out that I have lost inches in a lot of places and lost weight! Also, I was able to bring up the amount of my weight that is NOT fat. This means that I gained muscle AND lost weight.

I think that my results are a combination of being more conscious of what I'm eating, running, and working out regularly. It was VERY exciting to say the least. Now I just can't wait to start seeing the results a little more!

Also, today I did manmakers. I did not make a man, but there was a tired Jenn by the end of it all. We also ran in between reps. All together I did 5 laps all running. That is 1.85 miles. I'm slightly impressed with myself. Now if only I could keep that momentum and run 2 or 3 miles without stopping to lift weights in between laps.

And one last exciting thing is that my heart rate has come down a little. I think that will have a lot to do with my stamina running.

So here's to a slower heart rate, burning lots of calories, and losing inches!

Candlelight Results

I'm still no runner, But I might be one day.

My first time chip race.

Place Age Sex NAME CITY/STATE Rank Gun Time Gun Pace Chip Time Chip Pace

720 24 F JENNIFER NICHOLS SIMPSONVILLE SC 720 00:41:32 00:13:22 00:40:38 00:13:05

Candlelight Run

It was very hot. BUT I made it. I'm still waiting on my "official time" but I enjoyed the run. During the race there were times where I wasn't enjoying it sooo much.

I have also set my goal. I think that Angela and Maddie are with me on this too. October, the Reedy River Run. Hopefully I will run this race start to finish with no walking. OK so now that I've put it out there, I guess i have to stick to it.

More to come on the 5k and body comp results. Also, any other 5ks coming up I'd consider running, so if you hear of any - let me know.

Cardio-riffic

Today was a very cardio full workout. I travelled on foot for 3 miles outside. I ran a good amount, but I know that I can run more than I did. It was just VERRRRRRY humid. It was almost like swimming rather than running. It rained for a little bit, but only enough to tease me and make it more humid. After running I did 100 jumpropes, and 100 mountain climbers. I felt good about the amount I was able to do in an hour.

 My body composition is coming up again next week. That is when I find out what kind of progress I have been making, and the numbers won't lie. So I'm much more motivated to eat healthy, even though I get cravings for the most specific junk food. (mint chocolate chip, and fries with skin on them.....mmmm)

 Wish me luck!

Music & Running

So, tonight I ran/walked when I got home. (About 8:45 to 9:15) This is probably the latest that I have run. A few things I noticed. There are about a MILLION frogs in our neighborhood, A bug flew into my mouth (NASTY!!! I spit it out thankfully), and Angela's mix was pretty awesome!

 SO Angela, you inspired me to sit down at Garage Band, and give it a try with my music. I made the "Week 2" Podcast for the couch to 5K with the walk/run voice with some of the music I like.

 (To read more about this podcast go to Angela's blog HERE)

 I'll be working out tomorrow, so more to come.

(Also, I'm not feeling very ready for this 5k, but we will see!)

Mental Block

I feel very accomplished today. I ran all 4 of my "4B Laps". Which I think is .37 a lap. Which Is almost 1.5 miles. WHICH IS (almost) half of a 5k. I usually stop to walk some, but I was really determined to make it.

 I am pretty sure my problems with running are all in my head (and kind of in my lungs). I tell myself that it's ok to stop and walk. Today I told myself that I could do one lap (and Angela too. That's right!!! NO WALKING). Then on the 2nd lap I decided to see if I could make another lap. THEN on the 3rd lap I even told Angela that I had a feeling that I would stop to walk but I would see how far I could go - again, I MADE IT. Then I made the decision to go for the 4th lap right before 6:30 (the time I leave the gym). I made the choice then that I was going to make the last lap, even if I needed to puke or pass out afterwards. I did neither, but I did finish.

 This is really encouraging for my goal of running a 5K. I also feel a lot better about trying to reach a time goal (with Maddie). I just hope that I can continue to push the mental barrier until I can break it all together!

And most importantly today, I felt good when I left the gym. I did NOT feel exhausted, or like I would die soon. I felt accomplished and just GOOD! :)

Wipeout makes me smile.

today sucked.

I don't think I can accurately explain what it was like. I feel like I'm working hard to pick up a cup of water. My arms don't want to support their own weight. Also mentally it started to get to me.

 I made it all the way through. I stayed past 6:30 too.

BEST of all.... I burned 819 calories! 819!!!!!!!!!!!!! that is AMAZING for me. I'm pretty sure this is the most that I have burned ever.

I'm going to sleep now, and it's barely 10:00, but I'm so drained.

Sorry for the short slightly unenthusiastic post.

ixnay on the erealsay

So, it was my first time being late to a workout. I'm pretty sure I got my heart rate up trying to get there on time. I feel like I did OK. I didn't complete the workout in an hour, but I really feel like I'm starting to get the form down. Also, my "core" doesn't like to workout. My back would rather hurt itself trying to make up for my lazy core. Crunches and leg raises usually really bother my back. Tonight I did full-fledged sit-ups. I wasn't in pain (from what I remember) AND I felt like there might actually be muscles under my "spare tire" "love-handles" what have you...

 I met Michael for the first time tonight (he introduced himself as Ralph???) He was very encouraging, and really helped me get my form right. But he also asked how long I've been working out. I guess it's been about a month. And then he asked if I felt a difference in my clothes fitting.  To be honest, I haven't much. I feel better, more active...but actually weight (or fat) loss. Minor.

 He asked if I had been eating right. and I think for the most part I have. That's when I mentioned that I have been having a bowl of cereal for dinner a few nights a week. He stopped and asked me "Am I red yet?".     oops!   He then told me that is not a good idea. So, SpecialK, YOU LIAR! You don't mention in your "Lose 6 lbs. in 2 weeks" plan how much sugar is in your cereal. And also how much of the stuff I need is NOT in your cereal.

 Needless to say, I will be watching what I eat more carefully. I think the trick is moderation. Which is REALLY hard. I've heard it's good to eat 4 or 5 meals a day, that are no more than 300 calories each. But it can be ANYTHING (as long as it's less than 300 calories).  I've been eating more fish. I've only been told that if I want to cook it I have to go outside. :)

This is a long one, I guess I have missed a blog or two. PS Maddie is going to hard core show me up in the 5K.