What My First Half Marathon Taught Me

So now that my first Half Marathon is over, I want to share a little bit of what I learned.  There were so many different types of people. Different shapes and sizes, some well over 250 lbs, some with knee and hip injuries. Others were 50, 60, 70 years old. I saw best friends and couples walking and running.... 
All out there to hit those 13 miles.  

Seeing this inspired me and reminded me of something I already knew.  You cannot judge a book by its cover. Many of them could do a 12 minute mile with no problem. You cannot look at a person and assume they are happy and have support. Or look at someone who is  thin and assume they will finish the race faster than a person who is overweight. 2 years ago at my highest weight, I was still smaller then several people out there on Sunday. Yet, 2 years ago, I lacked the confidence and the stamina to do a half marathon.

Now, I average running/walking about 14 mins per mile. But, since this was my first experience, my goal was to simply finish the course without falling out.  I did have some problems. My foot started hurting at mile 3. Then, when they ran out of water along the course at mile 9/10, my mind started doubting that I could run any more without having water so I walked the last 2 miles completely.  But, I finished in 3 hours and 20 mins and I am Happy with that.

Starting my weight loss and fitness journey 2 years ago with Insanity, gave me the confidence I have today. Back then, I had no support and had to learn to do for me and believe in myself. It's my own journey and there may be ups and downs but I don't stop. Even when I can only do 1 or 2, I keep going because soon, its 5 and then its 15. And then, you cant tell me nothing, lol.  Today, I'm confident in myself and my ability to set goals.

Participating in this half marathon was a great experience and I thoroughly enjoyed those 13 miles. 

The question that I keep getting is.... "When is your next run???"  

My answer... coming soon.

3 Tips to Keep Yourself on Track This Weekend

We all work soo soo hard all week to get some exercise in and make good meal choices and then here comes Friday night and Saturday and Sunday!

On the weekend, if its not alcohol, its overindulgence in pizza and wings or cookies and cake. We literally throw all of our hard work out the door and then Monday comes and we feel like we are starting over. I have been there and have got to a point where I knew that my little extras during the week and my fun on the weekends was affecting me getting to my goal body. See, I had, and still have, the exercising part down pact. But I had to start asking myself, "Is this extra slice of caramel cake or having another glass of wine worth me throwing away all my hard work this week?" Nope. Its not going to make me feel or look cute on nobody's beach!


I'm all about 'All Things in Moderation.' I love fresh baked goods- cakes, cookies, cobblers, pies, french breads, biscuits and rolls. And, I like to have a glass of wine with. But, I honestly had to seriously ask myself how I really felt AFTER I would overindulge in them. Truthfully, when I'm tasting and sipping, I feel great and excited. But afterwards, (when my sugar high goes down) I don't.  I start to feel disappointed in myself. I often would feel like, "Why couldn't I just stop at 1?"

And at the end of the day, I know how AMAZING I feel when I give my body the foods that are good for me and drink enough water. I have enough energy to get through my day and more and I just feel good all over.  

Making changes DID NOT happen OVERNIGHT for me. I have a family of 5 and sometimes, I'm thrown for a loop with the constant changes in our schedule.  But, I want to say, it is POSSIBLE. Here are a few tips to gain and maintain control on the Weekend!


1.  Eat Before You Go:  If you know that you are headed somewhere where there will be no healthy food options, have a healthy meal before you go!    If you go hungry, you will eat more. If you are not hungry, you are satisfied with nibbling on the fruit and veggie tray. If you have some of the party food, watch your portions. You already ate, Remember??  Then, instead of pigging out, Be More Social.
2.  Drink Plenty of Water:  Stay hydrated and limit the alcoholic beverages. Having several drinks usually means eating more. They go hand in hand.

3. Be Committed:  Believe your own commitment and tell the people you are with. Let them know what you are doing and that you wont them to help you stay accountable. Sometimes telling others helps us to stick with it.

You've worked too hard to get where you are. Stick to your guns. 

You deserve to reach your goal because you are worth it!

 YOU'VE GOT THIS!!!!

Free Calories Can Still Make You Fat!

Stop Eating When You Really Don't Want To

I know one of the biggest problems I have is eating food when I really don't want to. It may be because it's free or someone made it for me, so I feel obligated. I'm still really working on this but 

I am getting better at this. Here are a few ways to avoid rationalizing in those moments 

and adding extra calories and fat to your daily diet.

It's a special occasion.

Usually good times with family means lots of food. Usuallly the food is not healthy for us and we overindulge.  You dont have to deprive yourself but be reasonable and have a small portion. Depending on the occasion, you can plan something that takes the attention off of food. Bring a game or a movie or an idea that will get the whole family up and moving.

I deserve it!

Yep, dont we all. If we have had a bad day or a really good day, shouldn't we treat ourselves.   Food should NOT be the reward. Instead, try relaxing or treating yourself with other activities that are rewarding. For instance, give yourself time to take a long bath, a massage, take a walk or call an old friend to say hello. 

It's Free!

Free food at work, at the grocery store, samples at the mall..... Free calories still make you fat!  Before you pick it up, ask yourself, "Would I eat this if I had to pull money out of my wallet and pay for it?" Probably not.

I don't want to be rude.

Maybe someone baked you a pie or cake. Or maybe you are just at someones house and they have food  prepared. Dont feel obligated. Politely pass on certain foods if you know wont help you. If you feel like there is NO Way you can say "No" then, only put a very small portion on your plate.

I should clean my plate. There are children starving in other countries.

There are children and adults starving in some places, but in reality, you finishing your food doesn't help them. I do understand the thought behind it which is being appreciative of what you have by not wasting. Best thing to do here is to practice portion control BEFORE eating. So while fixing your plate, only put a reasonable serving on it. If you some left over, dont be afraid to pack a take home box.

Hope these couple tips help!

Stay on Track!