The Right Gear Could Mean the Difference between a PR or Just a Finish.

As a new runner I thought I would need minimal amount of equipment and gear, running is an inexpensive sport, shoes and sweats then hit the pavement. Again during my running career, which it has been a short time, I was wrong. When I was beginning to walk, shoes and sweats are an ok combination. As a walker I was not really worried about distance, time and pace. But as I entered the running world things changed. As my body got attuned to the road and to running it began to change in gate, stance and how my arms moved as I ran. I started to notice that my clothes were becoming a hindrance, in an early article I talk about the right shoes, now I want to talk about wearing the correct clothing and gear. These slight changes in your wardrobe will allow you to increase your speed and distance, helping your endurance.

How is this possible? You might ask, well, I didn’t ask this question, I just kind of stumbled into the right gear and clothing. Through the beginning of my running “career” I bought and wore what I thought would keep me warm and would last a while for running. Then as I learned about the right shoes see article here I wondered about all the clothing and gear in the running store and would that make a big difference. So I bought some running tights because my sweats (actually I had bought wind breaker pants to help keep me dry in rain but would hold up for running) were heavy and bulky when I ran, so I wanted to see if the tights would help me run better. I was a bit concerned about the tights I wasn’t sure they would keep me warm, considering I bought them in October going into the winter months. I was so wrong; they not only kept me warm, they also cut my time down, I got faster I was amazed and astonished. So by increasing my speed (not by a lot mind you, but a lot for me, a fat girl losing weight and wanting to be at a specific time for Disney) I also needed to have water on my runs, I was also increasing my distance too, so I needed a water belt. My sister-in-law and brother-in-law got me a Nathan 4 holder water belt for Christmas; the feel of it and the way it sits on my hips is great, some times I forget it’s there. The pocket in front allows me to have my essentials on the run: Chapstick, Hand Sanitizer (you never know), some cash for emergencies, ID and Phone. The water bottles hold 10 oz. of fluids per bottle and all four full still do not weigh me down. I am looking at moving to a camel back for marathon training, but for now the belt gets the job done.

 

My shirts have changed too, again my sister-in-law and brother-in-law gave me a dry weave long sleeve running shirt, and it did wonders. Before I was wearing a sweat shirt and they were heavy and too hot. Now with a long sleeve dry weave, a short sleeve dry weave over that, and a light wind breaker running jacket with my tights and dry weave shorts on top of that, even in the coldest of weather (19 degrees was the lowest I ran in) I was warm with gloves, hat and ear muffs. I have run in rain and cold, staying dry and comfortable the entire run.

My toes were another matter. At Disney I felt like I was running on blocks of ice because I had the wrong socks, after that run when I got home I bought thermal running socks by Mizuno, for the rest of the cold season they kept my toes and feet snug and warm. Now in the warmer months I have several pairs of Balega Endure Unisex Socks and they are divine. They are comfortable they breathe and my feet don’t get hot.

As the weather is getting warmer, I have moved to running Capris, I like the feel of the tights on my skin, while shorts are too loose the Capris are perfect. I will stay with the dry weave short sleeve shirt and if raining a running jacket.

Also I wear a hat to keep the sweat out of my eyes, to hold up my head lamp (when dark) and to shield my eyes when running during daylight. I also wear running sunglasses to shield my eyes from the harmful rays of the sun when running during daylight. 

The best gear you can purchase and should not scrimp on is reflective attire so you can be seen. I have a reflective vest I wear all the time. I have a hat with a headlamp I attach to it so I can see and cars can see me. I have a reflective dry weave shirt that is neon yellow for the daytime. This is one area you should not scrimp on with investment; your life is too valuable.

If you are serious about running, get out and run. It doesn’t have to be a major investment, but if you want to compete (mostly you will be competing against yourself and time) you may want to invest some money in the correct gear; to be comfortable and to beat that last Personal Record and not just to finish. 

Staying on Track as You Go Out of Town or on Vacation

I went out of town for a family function this past weekend; it was not my first trip away from home since I started my new eating habits. But I was more aware of my food due to the fact I wanted to keep track of my intake for running and my bowel problem. My first concern was breakfast, but I have a cooler and ice packs, I needed enough yogurt and breakfast bars for 3 days, that all went in the cooler and I had room for more for my next trip if it’s longer than 3 days. I then had my coffee in individual packs with powder creamer/favor packs, no problems having my bowel starter for in the mornings. I bought fruit and veggies once I got to my destination. Now only lunch and dinner to worry about, making sure my host knew I don’t eat beef and I need veggies at every meal, this was not a problem. Everyone was very accommodating and they made sure I had protein other than beef, with a wide selection of veggies.

Every meal went off without a hitch; I did well with breakfast, lunch and dinner. So what is my weakness, what is the one thing that will throw me off my new lifestyle… snacking.

There were snacks galore, I keep a minimal amount of snacks in my home and I try to make sure they are healthy. But this weekend it was snack hell; Cheetoes, peanuts, ice cream cones, corn chips & cheese cake salsa dip, Birthday cake (for the event), it was like the Willy Wonka Factory edible room (it wasn’t that bad, but you get my drift). I tried to be diligent and not snack, but on the day of the event I lost my head. I had a bite of all of it. But to my surprise I did not park myself in front of any one snack and go to town. I had a handful here and there got my fill and moved on, I sampled and did not fill up, and I did OK. I was happy I enjoyed the food, but extremely happy I didn’t over indulge. 

So when going on an out of town trip or vacation, pack as much of your own food that you can, make sure if you are staying with friends or family they know your diet of what you can and cannot eat. If you must eat out, pick sensible places that will have food you can eat. Make sure your room (if not staying in someone’s home) has a refrigerator and is close to a grocery store; thank you Google Maps. Enjoy your trip, sample the food (snacks) but don't over indulge, if you follow these simple guidelines, your trip will be fun you will not feel guilty and you will not have to run extra to work off the over indulgence.

“Gross Out” Factor - This is Not Fear Factor It’s Just Runners’ Trots!

I am sure every runner has had this happen, you are about 3 to 4 miles maybe even further out from a bathroom and you feel that twinge, a cramp in your stomach, your body is telling you, you are no longer in control and your bowels are going to release no matter where you are or what your doing. You have just been hit with runners’ trots and no bathroom around, but hopefully a place to hide and do your business.

The first time this happened to me, I was very lucky, I was in a neighborhood park and the park bathroom was open. I actually shrugged this off as a bad night’s dinner. I went for about two months before it happened again, same location. I still waved it off as dinner not settling well, I was still in the middle of getting my healthy plan in to play, I cheated more than I cared to admit.

Then as I stopped cheating and my body started to adjust to the good and get rid of the bad, the trots disappeared. Then my runs got longer and more strenuous on my body, as that happened I started to have gas not a bad thing, but worse things were on the horizon. The first time I hit 10 miles on a long run day and 5 to 6 miles a day during my weekday runs I started to notice I had to go when no bathroom was near. The first few times I was able to slow down and walk home. I was lucky enough to make it in time. Then one morning out on the road many miles from any bathroom and no way I could walk home, the cramps hit me. I had no choice but to go on the side of the road, behind a tree. I was lucky enough to bring extra napkins (due to the fact that my nose runs and Dixie napkins are strong but soft enough for me to use to blow my nose). I was totally embarrassed, mortified and pissed off. What the Hell was going on? When I got home I did some research, not much on the internet, mostly horror stories were posted, some explanations as to why runners got the trots but no fixes. So I decided I would change up my eating so that I wasn’t eating as much in the evening however that did not help, two days later, same thing again, the trots. It got to the point where I was packing a running belt with toilet wipes, tissue paper and baggies. I was trying everything I could think of to fix the problem. I was eating prunes and drinking warm prune juice to clean myself out that just made the problem worse.

Then it hit me the runs (no pun intended) where I had the trots were after I had eaten red meat. Ok no more red meat, DONE! I had about a week of runs that were trot free then the trots started back up, this was very upsetting to me that I couldn’t find a fix, now I was bound and determined to beat this problem. I kept doing research on the net, hoping I would come across some formula or fix to my problem but I never did. I did find that this problem was a novice/newbie problem and as you logged more time as a runner, you would lose this problem. Fine, but I wanted it fixed now.

Another revelation, maybe the crackers I was eating with my PB and Preserves was causing a problem; I did increase the intake of gluten when I stopped eating red meat. A phone call to my cousin Kate, who is Gluten-Free, we discuss this problem. At this point I am beyond the embarrassment and I just want to fix the problem. I try going Gluten-Free OMG! It seems to be working. I also cut out all snacks (my weakness Cheetoes) that maybe causing a problem too. That seemed to work too for a while.

Coffee is the next fix I try everyone from my running guru, Emily, to my doctor say drink coffee before your run, wait, go, and then run. I dismissed this because after the heart attack I gave up coffee 1) due to the fact I drank it while I smoked a cigarette 2) Caffeine was not helping me stay awake and 3) I bought Starbucks, it is expensive. However I wanted to see if this would at least help some. So I bought instant coffee Taster’s Choice that comes in individual serving size packets. I tried it on a long run day, I got up an hour early, boiled hot water put two packets in (for double the strength) drank it and waited. 30 minutes later I felt some goings on in the plumbing area. I had to go to the bathroom, YAY! After I did my business I waited another 15 minutes for good measure and out the door I went. That was an awesome run, only pooting going on and I felt a burst of energy. Hot Diggidy Dog!

So now with red meat off the diet, less Gluten in the diet and Coffee in the morning I think I have my formula to fix my trot problem. I also make sure I drink (8) 8oz. glasses of water daily. I have been on this particular formula for 2 weeks now and on my last long run of 12.41 miles, I had no urge to go to the bathroom except to pee. I still carry my emergency pack of wipes, but haven’t opened it in two weeks. The coffee has turned out to be more beneficial than I first realized, it helps to wake up your muscles and give you a burst of energy for speed and endurance.

I hope this article didn’t “gross” you out to much. I hope it will help those newbie’s that just don’t know what is going on and point them in a direction to find a fix. Our bodies are so different and knowing what works for some may not work for you, you have to start with trial and error, but knowing that you are not alone in this predicament hopefully will help you to continue running no matter what. Good luck to everyone out there and don’t let the trots stop you from your runs (puns intended).

DIEt! Changing your eating habits doesn’t mean you have to Diet.

A heart attack will stop you in your tracks, especially when your tracks are feet up in a recliner, doing nothing.

I was a fat girl (heaviest 326 lbs.), a smoker (couldn’t breathe), an unhealthy eater (hence being fat) and a couch potato (no movement again fat). During the heart attack, I made the immediate decision to stop smoking. I have not had a cigarette since the day of the heart attack. I also made the decision to start exercising and to eat healthy, which lead to weight loss. I have always felt like I was heavy all my life, but the truth is, I saw myself heavy but I was really normal (thanks to the media for messing me up with my body image). I in turn was always on a diet, I now know that dieting is really killing your body, that’s why diet has Die in it.

Over the past year and a half I have discovered, the foods that are grown from the earth, that God has made for us to eat, if we eat them the way they should be eaten, our bodies will actually crave them. Causing us to be healthy and our bodies will be at the weight they should be from a minimal amount of effort from eating.  Exercise…who needs it? We do; our bodies, our minds and our souls. Just eating healthy is not enough, we have to exercise to maintain our bodies, muscles and organs, but that is a topic for later. Today’s topic is food and eating healthy.

If you are just starting to eat healthy, your question may be, Where to start? I suggest starting where I did, Bethenny Frankel’s Naturally Thin: Unleash Your SkinnyGirl and Free Yourself from a Lifetime of Dieting. Bethenny lays it all out for you to understand in an easy way for eating healthy. Now this is a place to start because everyone is different, our bodies are different and react in different ways to different kinds of foods. So you start here then move to what works for you. Its trial and error finding the right mix of the right foods that works well with your body. I started here and then moved to an almost Gluten-free diet, not because I have celiac disease but my body doesn’t like processed flour and I run better not consuming lots of gluten. I say almost Gluten-free due to pasta I don’t seem to have a problem with pasta, just crackers and bread.

My first step was to clean out my kitchen and my body; I got rid of the junk and stocked up on the healthy. Fruits and veggies, natural foods, I cut out the bad carbs and made sure the good carbs were in check. I watched my protein as to not to over eat on that or on my fruits (pre-diabetic plays havoc with your blood sugar). Vegetables were my new friend, I found that light steaming, sautéing in EVOO (extra virgin olive oil, for you non Rachel Ray buffs) with garlic for seasoning or just broiling in the oven was my new way of getting them in my diet (I mean on my plate and in my body). If the veggies were green, red, yellow or orange I wanted them, soon and I mean within a few days, I was craving vegetables over sweets and snacks.

I have completely cut out bread of any kind, bread is empty calories and hard on my stomach. I have found I don’t really miss bread, I eat sandwich stuffing with a fork and I taste more flavor that way. Crackers used to be a staple, but they were having a time settling in my stomach. I talked with my cousin, Kate Baker, who is Gluten-free and she helped break down the Gluten-free diet for me. I now buy Gluten-free crackers and they are awesome. I can now have healthy snacks, which is Smuckers’ Natural Peanut Butter and Fruit Preserves (which have less sugar than jelly) with Almond nut crackers. This allows me a snack that is satisfying, but not loaded with calories or Gluten. I did try Gluten-free pasta, but it didn’t have an impact either way, my problem is bread and crackers. I also cut out red meat, not for any other reason than it didn’t sit well on my stomach.

This will lead to my next topic, a gross out topic, but a topic that many are not prone to talk about, but which many runners’ deal with. So I am going to talk about how I dealt with it and share my knowledge and hopefully help other new runners deal with it.

Before I get to the “gross out” topic, I want to say, I now love to eat healthy, because I feel so much better when I do. I have energy, I don’t feel heavy after a meal and I have lost and I am losing weight. I am also no longer pre-diabetic, I have been taken off the pre-diabetic watch list, my blood sugar levels are normal. Also my Cholesterol is like that of a child’s, my LDL is 29 and my HDL is at 97, which is just unheard of after a heart attack and being pre-diabetic.  Now let me do say this I do “cheat”, which means I don’t deny myself any food that I really want. Pizza, French fries, Chocolate, ect. But I eat sparingly and I don’t over indulge. I maintain a balance. I don’t have the bad food, pizza, without a balance of the good, veggies.

So now my eating habits consist of a healthy breakfast, a good lunch and a light dinner. Now if I know I am going out to eat for dinner, I will eat a light lunch and then I can have a good but indulging dinner. Here is an example of what a day’s meals are for me:

Breakfast – Activia Yogurt – Single serve, Fiber one Bar (gives me fiber in the morning), a piece of fruit (a banana or pear), two eggs (hard boiled) for my protein. I have a cup of coffee before I run but that goes with my gross out topic so more on that later.

Morning Snack – (5) Almond nut crackers, Smuckers’ Natural Peanut Butter with Peach Preserves.

Lunch – Some type of pasta or protein meal (chicken) with vegetables, maybe some Special K Snack Crackers (these are awesome they come in different flavors and are very low in the Gluten dept.).

Afternoon Snack – A piece of fruit, usually an Apple

Dinner – Veggies: broccoli, carrots, red peppers, green peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, all cut up and tossed with Italian dressing. This is my favorite if I am going out for dinner I will have this for Lunch.

I always try to have the majority of my calories in the morning, less at lunch and just a few at dinner.

Other snacks – Tostitos and Salsa, For a chocolate fix (a hand full of M&M’s on a microwave safe plate (a small salad plate not a dinner plate), place in microwave for 20 to 35 seconds and then eat one at a time, going by color will make them last a long time).

Now remember everyone is different and you must find your own combination of foods that work for you. Good luck and happy, healthy eating.

Next is the “gross out” topic, Runners’ Trots so stay tuned.

The 116th Boston Marathon of 2012 – I hope to run Boston before I die.

The oldest marathon in US history, the first marathon established in the United States in 1897 inspired by the 1896 Summer Olympics. It is the World Series of road races for marathoners the world over. You hear and even see references to the Boston Marathon in movies and TV Shows. Wildcats starring Goldie Hawn, makes a point to a whole football team, you will not break me, because I ran The Boston Marathon…Twice. That is a statement of will, strength and power. As a new runner, when someone says “See her over there, she ran the Boston Marathon.” I am in awe of that person, not because he/she ran a marathon, but they ran the Boston. You have to qualify to get into this race and that means you must be fast, you must have will, determination, strength and power. 

I have never been a sports spectator; I enjoy being in a game, rather than watching it. Football, give me the ball I will run for a touchdown; Baseball, give me a bat and I will swing for a homerun; Soccer, put me in the goal and I will stop that ball from entering. But watching sports on TV I have better things to do with my time. Then I discovered running and I have become fascinated with watching other runners and how they run, their stride, gate, how they hold their arms, swing their arms, everything they do to be fast and efficient. I found myself scouring the cable networks looking for running shows, races, anything showing running. Then I found Universal Sports TV, they show marathons, the big ones. Boston, London, New York…etc. repeats of past races and then live ones too. I have recorded several, wanting to immerse myself in the sport and learn as much as I can to help make myself a better runner. I love the thrill of it, I now enjoy watching these races I don’t know why but I do. I found myself yelling for the two leaders in the 2011 Boston race to push themselves to win, knowing that they couldn’t hear me, it’s TV and it’s a year old race. Hello!?! But I was in the thrill of the race, it was awesome.

I have a bucket list of Marathons I want to run. My plan is simple, run half marathons until I get all my weight off, then get faster and build my endurance. I want to do my first Marathon at Disney like I did my first half then go from there. Boston is on my list, of course, as it should be on every runners list. I don’t know if I will ever be fast enough to get to Boston, but I am going to try and give it my all to attempt qualifying. I know I have the will, determination, strength and power, I beat heart disease and that takes all of those traits. Being fast is another issue, but I will give it my all until I am told otherwise.

Congratulations to all the runners today in the 116^th Boston Marathon you are all winners!

runDisney 2012 - Donald's Half Marathon 15th year Anniversary

On March 10, 2011 I was having dinner with my Sister-in-law, Marie and her husband, my Brother-in-law Reid. We were talking about walking and getting healthy, when all of a sudden Reid says to me, “You should walk the ½ marathon at Disney in January. You will be able to do it easy.”

I sat there in confusion and shock… “What are you crazy?”

“No there were a lot of people walking it this year.”

I laughed it off, but the more I thought about it, the more it niggled at my mind. So the next day as I walked, I went just a little bit faster. I wanted to see if I could get up to the 16 minute mile you have to maintain during the race. I couldn’t do it walking. But running might be an option. So I experimented with my knee and body to see if I could even run. I found that I could run, it didn’t hurt and I enjoyed the thrill of it.

So at that point I made the commitment to actually run the 1/2 marathon. I started doing research on training. I backed off on my walking and started to run. Slowly and a short distance to begin with, it was like I was starting over. But I was committed at this point, and there was no turning back. There have been many things in my life I have failed at and just plain stopped doing. But this was a new me and new way of life. I was going to follow through even if it killed me.

I read as much material as I could get my hands on, I talked with other people, I got advice and I put it all too good use.

I was in training for a ½ marathon. Then all of a sudden, I felt a change, I was happier, I was losing weight easily, quickly, and I was sleeping better, my sleep apnea was fading as well. I was even craving good healthy food.

Everyday I got up early, I would get dressed, I would go out and run a little bit farther everyday. It was a struggle, but I had a goal, and the bigger clothes (my closet was getting cleaned everyday as I had to make a pile for Good Will), the smaller body, the better sleep was just a wonderful side effect. I tell everyone I keep leaving my ass on the asphalt. Well, the road can have it.

Slowly I built up to 4 miles a day, which was a long and hard process; I thought I would never get there. But once I hit that 4 mile mark, each mile after was easy, I started to do “long” runs weekly once I hit 4 miles a day. The first “long” run was 6.25 miles, I was so excited I couldn’t see straight. It was half of the ½ marathon, so I knew I could complete half of the race. Then over the next few weeks my distance increased weekly. I maintained a 5 to 6 mile daily run, and by the time I was a month out from the race I was running 12 miles and feeling good at the end.

Then it was time to go to Disney World…

I had everything ready and packed:

• My running shoes
  broken in but not so broken in they would support me.
• My running shorts
  dry-weave, Men’s mediums I was wearing men’s XXL when I started this journey
• My running shirt
  printed on front:   Fat Girl,
                                Smoker
                                Unhealthy Eater,
                                Coach Potato,
                                Heart Attack 2010
  printed on back: Skinny Girl,
                                Non-smoker,
                                Healthy Eater,
                                Half Marathon Runner 2012
• Once I got down to Disney I bought a Donald Duck hat with Mickey Ears to wear during the race.

I prepared myself for the race the day before by eating healthy, but carb heavy.

I had pasta for lunch and veggies and fruit for dinner.

I went to bed early because I had to get up early to prepare for the race. I was in bed by 7:00 pm and asleep by 7:30.

Here is an account of my day on January 7, 2012.

I awoke about 12:30am. Why?!? You may ask? Well to prepare myself and my body for this ½ marathon race. I have bowel movements in the morning (I know it’s not polite to talk about such stuff, but this is the way of the runner, certain things must be handled) so I had to make sure I was up in plenty of time to do that function before I had to run. Then I had to mentally prepare myself and try to keep my adrenaline in check.

I performed my morning “routine” and got ready to leave my hotel room about 2:30 am. I went to the bus station and got on the bus about 2:55 am. We were off to the staging area in no time. We (me and all my fellow early bird runners) arrived about 10 minutes later and walked around, got drinks, things to eat and chatted with each other. I went on to the baggage check; I need to stay focused and calm. I was so nervous. I checked my bag, the volunteers were so friendly and nice. I had worn a Tigger sweatshirt to throw off during the race. It was to keep me warm until I didn’t need it and then Disney would collect all the clothing left behind for charity. The volunteer said, “You aren’t throwing Tigger away are you?” I said “Yes I have another at home, this was my Ex’s”

She said “Dump it”. Which to me was fitting, because that was what this race represented, dumping the old and clinging to the new.

Now I had a wait ahead of me 2 ½ hours to go. So I tried to concentrate on keeping my mind and body calm. I did not talk to any other runners, just because I was afraid I might freak out if I opened my mouth. I do regret this decision, but at the time it was the best one to make.

After about a 45 minute wait in this staging area, we filled it up fast. They moved us to the corral area. This was where we would wait for our section to run. We couldn’t all start running together. So they divided us up according how we listed our times from registration into waves. I was in the second to last corral, number 7 out of 9. I felt pretty good about that. Now just to let you know, in my time I had built in time for bathroom and picture breaks. So I estimated my time finishing at about 3:20 or 3:30. That’s 3 hours and 30 minutes. I actually beat that time, but more on that later.

Ok so we get to our assigned corrals, and I am at the front, waiting and it is starting to get cold… oh, my, I think I should have brought and worn leggings. And thermal socks… I am COLD! Then it hit me… I had to pee, very badly. Ok let me back up just a bit, for the past week or so I had been fighting a cold. I take Airborne to counter any virus or bug trying to make me sick. Now I swear by Airborne it works. It has kept me from being sick this whole year of training. But, when it kicks in it flushes the virus or bug out of your system… So I had to pee! As I made my way to the Port-a-Pottys I was not too concerned. I was just thinking oh good, pee now (I had not realized what was actually going on yet). So I get back in line, of course farther back than my first position. I start to get ready, warming up, stretching etc. Then it hits me again, I have to pee, very badly, Port-a-Potty again, back in line again, back further. I warm up again, stretch again… wait I have to pee again. Now I am a bit concerned, we are getting crowded in the corral and I have to go out and come back in. But when you have to pee you have to pee. I make it to the Port-a-Potty and back into the corral. I feel a lot better and I think I am done, I hope and pray I am done.

The race starts! Corral A, Wave #1 goes. You can feel the electricity in the air, the excitement is almost tangible.

As Donald Duck gives the count down (the ½ marathon is Donald’s race) they set off Fireworks for every wave to go. It was spectacular.

They go through Wave 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, we are up next. Our corral is moving together like one body, we are ready, willing and able to go. Then we start to move to get into position, we walk the walk to the start area. We can now see Donald on the stage, getting ready to give us the go, to start our Wave for the race. I was too far back to go with the leaders, but as he started the count I started to run and hit my GPS, so those who weren’t there could watch me run on their computers. I was earlier than the start line, He quacked “One, Two, Three, GO!” The Fireworks went off and so did we.

I froze, I was moving, but in my mind I froze. What now? I can’t do this! What is the matter with me? I am not a runner! I can’t run 13.1 miles. Who do I think I am? Then I saw it. The reason for this run, the charity we were helping The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. My Grandfather died from Leukemia, so I said to myself “You can do this, you have trained for this for 9 months, and you just ran 12 miles without stopping 2 weeks ago. You can do this!” Then I heard it, a man’s voice, my Grandpa, “We are with you every step of the way.” So I told myself, you can’t cry now girl, you have to run, get going and I did.

I was in a pack of runners, a brand new experience; I kept my head up and just ran. I got water at mile one, felt real good, at about 1½ miles I felt warmer and started to sweat a bit. I needed to get my sweat shirt off, so I moved over to the grass area, stripped, as I was getting back on to the road, my cell phone beeped. I said, “Now who is texting me while I am in the middle of this race?” It was my cousin Megan, who was here to support her friends running in the race and me. She was letting me know where she was I texted back I am running and off I went. Hill number one, it was an exit ramp to get us onto the road to The Magic Kingdom. Not a biggie I was prepared for a hill, but I thought, “Didn’t Reid say it was at the end?” Oh well.

I got to mile 2 and there was no water… What?!? No water, I was told there was water at every mile… Not at two, I don’t think I missed it? Oh, this is not good. Well keep going, get water at mile 3. Miles 3, 4 and 5 were fairly easy. I was at a good pace and feeling comfortable. Now as we were getting ready to enter The Magic Kingdom we had to run into a tunnel, down hill, up hill area. It bottle necked and we were all forced to walk up this hill. So another hill not a big deal and I bet Reid didn’t think of this as a hill or he didn’t know about it, maybe they had changed the course from last year.

Then we were in The Magic Kingdom, now let me say right here, the spectators and the volunteers were awesome. A lot of us had our names on our bibs and the spectators and volunteers would cheer us on or as they say in Disney chEar us on. They would shout out encouragement and use our names, it was truly Magical. As we were coming on to Main Street to head to the Castle I heard my name being screamed several times. I looked over my shoulder and saw Megan, she was cheering me on. It was awesome and made my trip so far to see her there.

Then we were in front of the Castle, there were volunteers standing waiting to take pictures of us with our own cameras in front of the Castle. I took that opportunity to have someone take my picture in front of the Castle. I had decided not to stop to have my picture with any Character along the way unless it was Donald. But I wanted a picture at the half way point. As we came through the Castle (which everyone was screaming and cheering) I saw an official photographer taking photos. I moved over and gave him a thumbs up for my “official” picture on this race.

Now the real work begins, half down, half to go. I was still feeling really good, I was having conversations with my fellow runners, and several of them asked about my shirt we talked about my heart attack and my comeback. I talked to a couple of doctors about it too. I was actually having a really good time, people were encouraging me and I was encouraging others. It was great. Then I hit mile 8, fatigue and light headedness hit me. Ok time for food. I stopped at the water stop; I got water and pulled out my shot blocks (which are a carb & sugar running energy bars), I ate half and downed my water. I waited a minute or two then took off knowing the shot blocks would kick in any minute. I was wrong, I felt better, but not 100 percent. What was going on? Then at mile 10 ½ I had to go to the bathroom. I got off the road, got in line for a Port-a-Potty and then went to pee. Oops not just pee. Oh well at least I shouldn’t have to worry about that other function for a while. I felt better, but still drained. Now about mile 11 is where we hit hill number 3. It was the hill Reid told me about. This one I had to walk up, but no shame in that I was not the only one walking. I was getting excited again, I saw the mile 12 sign I pulled my phone out and texted my Mom. I am at Mile 12. I put the phone back and pushed on. As I looked up I saw other runners that had finished coming back to chEar us on. One looked right at me and said “You can do this; you are almost there,” he held up his medal “look at what you get just less than a mile to go.” I know he was talking to me, cause I must have looked defeated, I felt defeated. But as I was about to give up I thought to myself, “Oh no you don’t, you are doing this for your heart, for your Grandmother, that died from heart disease and for your Grandpa.” Then I heard it again, as I saw another The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society sign, “We are with you every step of the way.”  Again I said, no, you can’t cry, you have to run. Go! Finish this race!

I did get my picture with Donald!

We came into Epcot and ran around the Earth Sphere oh we are almost done. Where is the last marker for mile 13. Come on where is it… There it is only .1 to go; I can see the finish line. I can see it… Oh No, there is Donald, the one Character I want a picture with and there is a line a long one. If I stop, I will not be able to make it across that finish line… Choices. I choose to finish, I will find Donald later. I did it 3:16:43 and it was better than I had anticipated. I was done, I had just completed my first ever ½ marathon a full 13.1 (I actually ran 13.43 miles, cause I started early) miles, I ran the whole thing except for a few places, the hills. I was very excited and proud of myself. I then saw the volunteers giving out our medals, again excitement and the thrill of victory.

Oh, wait what is that feeling? Head rush, spinning feeling, weakness, I need food and water. I kept moving I had to eat and get something to drink. I bypassed the photo opp with my medal. I found the food line and water line. A banana helped, but wait I need a bathroom. Port-a-Potty, thank God for no line, then it hit a bad wave of diarrhea. What was that?

When I was done I met up with my parents, we headed to the car, nope, got to go again, Port-a-Potty. What is happening?

We move on, get to the car and head out of the park and to a restaurant, it hits me again. Now I am getting scared. Needless to say I was not a happy camper. I needed to find out what was happening to me.

Once I got on the internet I found out about Runners Diarrhea. Because I had the flush of liquids from before the race and didn’t realize that I was dehydrated, I didn’t replenish my fluids then it was made worse from running and not getting enough water during the race. Well, lesson learned the hard way. Never again, if I have to over water myself and pee on the side of the road to avoid dehydration I will.

But I have to say all and all a great experience, even the after disaster. I take that and will learn from it. I enjoyed this so much it is now part of who I am. I signed up for my next race a day after this one. The NC ½ marathon at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, I am addicted to running.

“When it comes to running, the easy part is at the finish and the hard part is at the start. But once you put one foot in front of the other, it’s addictive!”

Left to Right: Marie, Reid and Me -

They started this whole journey for me, and I love them for it!

Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever?!? Really? Just get you some Airbourne.

Right after I got out of the hospital I went home with my parents to be looked after and taken care of. However, my parents upstairs was closed off due to the dog and them not wanting him to do his business in the bedrooms, he was in house training puppy mode. This kept him from leaving unexpected presents unseen for days, but also closed off the heat to the bedrooms. This was not good for me to sleep in a cold room right after a heart attack and surgery for a stent. So that led to me getting a sore throat and fighting a cold. My mom went to get me Zicam and cold medicine; however she couldn’t find it so she got me Airbourne instead, best mistake ever. Now let me just say right now, I am not putting down Zicam it has worked for me in the past with that said, my body now works best with Airbourne. So when she got home from the store, I started taking the Airbourne immediately along with the cold medicine. I took it every 4 hours for a day and a half, by the second day I was better. No cold no sore throat no head ache. I now live by Airbourne. I keep at least two tubes near me at all times. I have one tube at home and one tube in my purse or at work. Since my heart attack I have only been sick once and it was a migraine head ache. The doctors don’t know why I got it and it hasn't come back. I do still get a flu shot every year, but when ever I feel a cold coming on, I take an Airbourne.

Now here is the downside (however this does not trump the upside)… Airbourne flushes out my system when it starts to work. I don’t know if it does this to everyone, but for me I have to be careful, for example the Disney run. I had trained for 8 and half months. I was not going to miss this race, as I packed for Disney I packed Airbourne. On the trip down I felt a cold coming on, it was January, so I started taking Airbourne as a precaution, as it turned out I was fighting a cold so Airbourne kicked in and started to flush the bugs out of my system. But the bad thing was it flushed me out an hour before the race, so I was dehydrated and didn’t replenish myself sufficiently and learned about Runners’ Trots the hard way (which is another story and an issue I have been dealing with and I think I have conquered it but stay tuned for more on that later). I have read that if you have a head cold, running is Okay, but if you have problems or infections below your head, like a chest cold or infection, then rest and don’t run. I have not had to deal with that problem, but I know for my body Airbourne works and keeps me healthy. Whenever a friend says to me I feel like I am getting sick, My first response is “Get you some Airbourne!” Most everyone that takes this advise will fight off the cold in a day or two. I hope this information will help you stay healthy and running as well.

Next entry the big day… runDisney.

The Story Continues… The Tortoise and the Hare!

The story of The Tortoise and the Hare is about how the fast do not win, but slow and steady does. However in running the fast do win, but slow and steady is how to train your body for endurance.

As a young girl my mother wanted me to be dainty and girly, well, I was built like my dad and I was not dainty or girly. Give me a football over a ballerina tutu any day. But my mother still tried, she signed me up for Jazz, Tap and Ballet classes, I have no grace or rhythm so one year was all it took for me to want to stop. Then piano lessons; practice indoors when all the guys were out in the backyard tackling each other. I wanted to play football not practice on that stupid instrument.  Finally my mother gave in to my tomboyish ways and signed me up for soccer. OMG! The heavens parted and the Angels started to sign Hallelujah. I had found my calling I loved soccer, but, yes there is a but… I hated to run. Over time I found ways around not having to run, being put in the stopper position, they stay at one end of the field, also goalies didn’t run either. I made it all the way through my childhood soccer career without doing a lot of running, at least until High School.

High School was another beast all together; there were several different coaches, not just one or two. We had 5 coaches and all of them wanted to make us run, so we would have endurance during our games. I was not happy, but I gutted it out. A friend said, lets train, we will run every morning and build your endurance for soccer practice and in turn the games. I agreed, but we didn’t start off slow, no we ran 1 or 2 miles fast, I could never catch my breath, I always had a stitch in my side and my shins were killing me. You will work through this, you will overcome this, just give it time. I didn’t and I hated the running and in turn I started to hate Soccer, so I quit.

Now all these years later, I end up in a hospital with a stent in my heart, dying of a heart attack. I have got to get out and walk. At rehab I asked a vital question, “Do you think I need to run to get this weight off?” No I was told, just walk and keep a heart rate of 109 to 120 beats per minute for 60 minutes a day, sounded good to me, which lead me to walking a 5k a day. Then, Reid (my brother-in-law) told me about Disney and the half marathon. You should know this story if not check out this blog entry here. As I did my research on the rules of the Disney Half Marathon, I realized I didn’t walk fast enough to actually do the race. So I started to work on my time, I suck at walking fast. So I started to run, my knees were holding up well, I felt better, I could breathe, no stitches in my side and my shins didn’t hurt. I decided to start running. But not a full distance of a 5K, I was going to have to start over.

So I continued to walk and run a few more days increasing my running during my walks, to get my body ready for the full run I was planning in a few days. Now there is a lot of information on the internet about this, I did my research on walking and running. So please if you are planning on weight loss, new eating habits and exercise, talk to your physician and do research so you don’t hurt yourself.

Then on April 4, 2011, 4 months after my heart attack, I started to run. I did a whole .70 of a mile in 13 minutes running the entire time. Each day I added about a tenth of a mile, some days I didn’t add any more distance, then some days I would add more than a tenth. But I took it slow and steady; I listened to my body as well. By the end of May I was running a mile and a half, by the end of June I was running 2 miles. Over the course of 5 months I worked my way back up to a 5k a day. Then in October I ran my first 5k race, now because of adrenaline and a hilly course I walked most of the hills, I didn’t run the entire course but I finished and that is all that matters.

Then on October 29 a Saturday I did my first “long” run, 6.31 miles. I did it in honor of my brand new niece Azlynne Merie who was born the Wednesday before. Once I did that first long run I knew I could do any race. I was now doing 4 to 5 miles a day and every weekend I would add a mile to my long runs, until I increased to 12 miles on my long runs.  I did 12.24 miles on December 24, 2011 before my Disney run in January. I didn’t want to do 13.1 miles until I was in Disney I wanted my first 13 miles ever to be in the Magic Kingdom.

I didn’t win that race of course, a fast hare did, but I did finish the race and I got a medal and the feeling of accomplishment so slow and steady got me to my destination and I have gone beyond that. I am now working on getting the rest of my weight off so I can train for a marathon; really I am in training now. But I have goals in my head and I want to do them in order.

Next how to deal with colds and sickness so stay tuned. 

Cinderella says if the shoe fits… but that can lead to disaster for your feet and you.

A shoe that fits your foot may still be the wrong shoe for your foot, legs and stride. I learned this the hard way. Let me explain, I used to be on a tight budget a very tight budget. Where my dollar was stretched pass the point of Abe looking like he wasn’t over 6’ tall. So going to a running store to buy my shoes was out of the question. As a new runner, I knew that I didn’t need to spend a lot on shoes. I mean this is a cheap sport, no equipment to purchase like a bicycle or wetsuit, so why spend money on expensive shoes, a shoe is a shoe right. Target, Walmart, Kmart & Kohl’s all sell tennis shoes, at very reasonable prices. As long as the shoe fits…I can walk and run, right? Wrong!

My first pair of walking shoes was bought with a gift card from Christmas, New Balance from JC Penny’s. I was using them to walk in. They were comfortable and my feet didn’t hurt. Just my shins, but I soon “Walked” through that pain. Then my shoes started to feel thin, so I need to buy a new pair. Target had a sale, the shoes I bought were nice and pretty, they fit well; but the first morning of my walking routine…WTF?!? They hurt like pins and needles on the bottom of my feet. So I did not finish my route that day, the next day I went back to my worn out New Balance, however, I had to do something because I needed new shoes. I started to save money as much as I could to get me a new pair of running shoes, at least NB from JC Penny’s were not to expensive even though they were more than Target, Walmart, etc. but more reasonable than a running store. Then I went to Rack Room on a whim, they had a pair of NB that were a perfect fit both for my foot and pocketbook and I was back to walking without the pins and needles. But then about a month later I started running full time, I was training for a ½ marathon and I needed to run everyday. This wore out my new shoes faster than walking, I had no idea how fast the wear and tear on shoes happens when pounding them on the pavement.

Then my lovely, wonderful friend (Mother-in-law) gave me a gift certificate to my new favorite place, a running store… wait did I just say that out loud. My Sis-in-law took me to the running store her and her husband go to and I was mesmerized with all the stuff in there for runners. I thought this is a cheap sport, wrong, it can be an inexpensive sport, but it can also be an investment in yourself and body if you buy the right clothing and materials needed to make you comfortable on a run. So with a $100 gift certificate to Off-N-Running I went to get my first pair of running shoes.

I went on a Saturday Morning, I was told to see Emily, I had already met a couple of the guys that work there, but Emily was recommended for a shoe fitting. I got there early, right when they opened, no one was there yet allowing Emily and I to chat and get my feet in the right shoe without being rushed. Emily asked all kinds of questions, measured my feet and had me walk for her, jog a bit too. Then we started to try on shoes… a lot of shoes, pair after pair they didn’t feel right. I think I went through about 100 pairs. Then finally the Cinderella pair, the sky opened as the sun shown down on my feet and Angels sang “Hallelujah”. Mizuno Wave Inspire 7 was the magic shoe, the fit was perfect, the cushion was perfect and the support was perfect. I ran so Emily could make sure my stride and gate looked good in the shoe, I knew these were the right shoes because I could feel the difference. I bought my new running shoes and went home. I wanted to wear them that night but I waited a whole day and a half, because I had decided Sunday would be my rest day.

So Monday morning when I got up, dressed and put on my new shoes I was giddy like a girl going to her first day at school in her new clothes, I couldn’t get out the door fast enough. Then the run, Oh, WOW, Emily is my new best friend and hero. The shoes were phenomenal, my feet were happy, my legs were happy, my shins were happy and I was happy.

I wore those shoes out within 4 months I had to buy another pair for my Disney run, Wave Inspire 8; I got another pair for Christmas. Now with two pairs of good running shoes (the first pair are lawn mowing shoes now) I am set right, wrong. Praise God I got a full time job with a pay increase. I can now spend a bit more money on my running gear without having to worry about over stretching Abe that he now looks like he is taller than 6’. I have since retired my Disney run shoes to just workout gym shoes and have added another pair (which is good since I have lost weight in my feet too, so the last two pairs bought are a size smaller) to my run only shoes.

I now know the most important part of this sport is your feet and you put your feet in shoes that are made to keep you running, not that they just fit. Also that running shoes wear out fast, keeping at least two pair to switch out every other day so two will last longer than one is essential. Also other gear will help you run faster and farther, but that’s another post for later. Get the correct shoes first so you will enjoy your runs; spend a bit more on the right shoe and you will not regret that purchase.

My Running Shoes: Top Left: Disney Run-Now Gym only, Top Middle: NC Half Run, now switch off with the next pair. Top Right: Brand new pair - Broken  in and will switch off with Middle pair. The bottom 2 pair are workout shoes.

Fat Girl – 326 lbs, Smoker – Can’t breathe, Unhealthy Eater – Diabetes, So being a Coach Potato leads to Heart Attack at 40.

This is me at my heaviest, 326 lbs. I am on the right. 

It was November 19, 2010 just 6 months past my 40^th birthday when God said “Girl, your time has run out!” I thank Him everyday for that kick in the butt to…

1) get me to stop smoking, I can breathe, I can smell and I can taste food so much better, I eat less of it.

2) I was on the verge of full blown Type II Diabetes, but with exercise and change in diet, I am now off medication for Diabetes and my doctor has taken me off that diagnosis.

3) 326 POUNDS, at that weight, I hated myself, my surroundings and my life. I am now down to 217 as of this writing. I am healthy, happier and I can move and do things I couldn’t do before. I love moving, doing and going.

This photo was taken two months before heart attack.

I am all the way to the left.

I saw my Cardiologist today, my check-up was awesome, BP was normal, finally as it was so high for the past 5 years. EKG was great. Cholesterol test showed that my HDL’s were at 89, my LDL’s were at 29 (my doctor was Gob-Smacked). He has reduced my medication which is just unheard of. I have the LDL levels of a child.

This is all due to God saying, get up and move. Praise be to Him, who is in full control. With him all things are possible. I am alive and living a very happy, healthy and productive life.

This journey is just beginning; I am going to finishing sharing the past year’s journey of heart attack to the Disney half marathon. So stay tuned. ;-)

This picture was taken in December, a year after

my heart attack.

Tomorrow, learning about foot wear and leg pain.

The Story Continues... The First Run A 5K.

October 15, 2011, I ran my first ever 5K race (run). It has been 11 months since my heart attack. I have lost 70 lbs., I have started eating healthy (and loving it) I can not even really eat junk food anymore. I have not had a cigarette since the hospital. I also run about 4 miles a day.

After the heart attack, I was bound and determined never to go back to the hospital for my heart again, so I started walking (to get my body into shape) increasing to 3.25 miles a day. Then in March my Brother-in-law suggested that I run a 1/2 marathon... Yeah right?!?
But after a lot of noodling the idea, I tried to run a bit on my walks, I decided maybe I could. So I made the commitment to run in January 2012 (10 months away) a 1/2 marathon in Disney World.

So on March 21, 2011 I started my "training" for the 1/2 marathon in January 2012. I slowly started to run during my morning walks, until I got to where I was mostly running instead of walking. I have increased time, pace and distance to 4 miles a day at 14 minutes a mile.

So yesterday on October 15, 2011 I ran my first ever 5K race (run) for the Heart Association. It was for fun, and to raise money of course (which I did raise a little bit). But the most important thing was my participation. As I walked around the event before the race, I was in awe of what I was witnessing. Just 11 short months prior I was lying in a hospital bed (dying of a blocked artery). Now here I was standing amidst people who had suffered the same disease as me and those that were there to support us for defeating/surviving that disease; as we got ready to walk/run for surviving/defeating it. It was an awesome sight and feeling.

Praise be to God that he allowed my Doctor the time to get to me and fix it. I thank God for the kick in the butt He gave me that day to get up off my butt, to quit smoking, to start to eat healthy and to enjoy my life from that moment on.

My friends Jennifer & Michael came with me to support and walk with me. I can not express how much that meant to me.

As we were getting ready to start this run, I was getting nervous and excited, the adrenaline was pumping and I was feeling it. It was not a race to win, but it was a run to get me prepared for the 1/2 marathon to come. We were at the front of the pack at the start. They called for us to go and I took off. Jennifer was pushing me to get me ahead of the pack. Michael was beside me jogging with me (what awesome support and friends). I was flustered and not sure what was going on at the time. I was going to fast and couldn't breathe properly. Then I stopped in my mind. I said to myself "Robin, you can do this, you run 4 miles a day, and you have been running a 3k for over a month now daily. Calm down and do your thing".
So I took a deep breath, I slowed down my pace to even it out, I caught my breath and I started to jog/run correctly.

Then I hit the first hill, now the hills I run everyday are easy, slight angles I have to "push" myself to run up, but not bad. The hills on this run felt like going up a mountain, I was not prepared. But I DID NOT give up, I just pushed through. I did have to walk some, but I was good enough on my pace that my time did not drop dramatically when I walked. I also kept a fast pace on my walking. Now I have a smart phone, which I have a running app that keeps up with my pace, distance and time. I call her "Buffy" as I run; Buffy tells me at certain intervals how far I have gone and the time. So all through the race I knew where I was and how far I had gone and what my time was. I like this app because I know when I am about done. Buffy had given me my cue that I had .25 miles to go to the end. I was almost done, the race was about to be won, by me, I had accomplished something that in my wildest dreams I never thought I would WANT to do. As I rounded the corner to the finish I was so happy I had accomplished a running race for the first time in my life. It was a great day.