156.5lbs

When you look in the mirror what do you see?

Everyday as I get ready, I stand in front of the mirror psyching myself up for the day. I never think too much about how I look or analyse myself. It's really wasting energy, in my opinion. Instead - I think about what I'll do that day and look forward to the little unexpected things that will 'pop up'.

As I got ready for my day on Tuesday - I thought about my doctor's appointment that I had for the afternoon and wondered what it may bring. After discussing my overall health (which is good) my Doc thought that I should finish the physical that we started 3 months ago. Interesting concept. So off I went to the scale for my 'weigh in'.

Recently, I have been noticing my body changing - in a positive way (due to my how my clothing is fitting - looser) so much so that I thought that I better try on my wedding dress to make sure that it still fit. It did.

As I stepped on the scale in the Doc's office - I wasn't sure what I'd hear. Verdict: 156.5lbs. I stood there in amazement as I was certain that I would have been down to somewhere in the 140's as my last weigh in I was 160lbs. I wasn't really discouraged as I am not concerned about weight, nor have I ever been. With this number I am classified in BMI terms at 26.9 as "overweight".

When I look at myself, I'm happy with what I see - Sure, I can lose a few here and there however, I feel healthy, energetic and confident. So I will wear my 156.5lbs proudly and look at it as a positive thing. I'm sure it's 156.5lbs of pure muscle. haha

I found it very interesting that at 160lbs I looked at myself in a different light - I was unhappy, stressed, self concious and lathargic. 3.5lbs lighter I feel fantastic. Goes to show that weight is just a number. It's everything else that matters - nutrition, exercise, lifestyle choices and people you surround yourself with. Enough said.

The Finish Line

I can't believe it's taken me this long to write about my PEI 1/2 Marathon Experience!

The week leading up to the big race, I was feeling extremely anxious: pacing, emotional, knots in my stomach - the whole nine. I wasn't scared of finishing the race but more so how my body/mind would feel while I was racing. I was scared that I'd cramp up or 'bonk' early on and then have to decide how to finish.... I made sure that I was hydrating up a storm - water, water and more water. During this fueling phase, I felt fantastic. Note to self: drink more water.

The night before the race, Mike and I hit the sack early to prepare - with both of us tossing and turning for most of the night it didn't make for a restful sleep. I was never so happy to see 6:00am hit and hear the sound of my alarm. By 8:00am, I was in at my parents to pick up my sister and head to the starting line. Once we got to Confed Centre we were taken back with the hoards of people around. As we were 35mins early, we paced and paced.

35mins later, the horn blew and we were off - slow at the start as it took almost 1min for us to pass the start line...Becs and I were feeling good, had a clear strategy of running 10mins, walking 1min. We started off quick and in our first 5km did 30mins (my personal best time). At this point, thrilled with my time, I knew I had to slow it down or I would gas out early. Becs started pulling ahead of me and as she looked back with the 'Are you coming?' look, I gave her the 'go 'head, go 'head' look. Once I hit the trail at the University I knew it was time to settle in. I had a group of people around me that were running at the same speed as me and doing a 10:1 program as well. The next hour was consistent - consistent pace, feeling in my body, etc. As I hit the Sherwood road intersection ready to take on the hills - I started feeling the fatigue, however, not enough to stop me, just enough to make me start breathing hard. I took my sport jelly beans for a boost and kept on.
As I approached the Euston/University intersection (2 blocks left), I had a feeling of sadness - to be finishing the race was bitter sweet. A year of preparing was over. Another goal achieved. Don't get me wrong, I was happy to be accomplishing the goal however, I enjoyed the training process so much that I was going to miss that.
As I hit the last block of race I heard the announcer say "finishing the 1/2 marathon, #1400, Stephanie Gee from Winsloe - Great job Stephanie". I could then see a group of people jumping up and down to my left. As I looked over there, to my surprise, was synchro swimmers, coaches, parents there to cheer me on. I was instantly overcome with emotion and started to cry and at the same time - couldn't breathe:) 3 of my athletes started running beside me with bright pink signs and I couldn't be more proud. I then looked to the right and saw my family and to the left, Mike's family. WOW - what a moment!
I crossed the finish line at 2hours26mins, received my tin foil cloak and participation medal and thought '1/2 marathon - check!'.

The next 3 days, I felt the 'after race dumps' - I was on a high for so long that I felt lethargic and blah after. I had a feeling of achievement and also an empty feeling, like - "what's next?". I received so many awesome messages and 'shout outs' and a few "what's next?" messages. Apparently, others are thinking the same thing!

So.....What is next for me?
- Joining the CrossFit gym in December
- Back to UFIT for the winter
- Intend to race the PEI 1/2 marathon again next October (to improve my time)
- Mike and I would like to do the full marathon in Las Vegas in December 2011.

The Home Stretch

3.5 days left until the big Race!

I've been on a rollercoaster of emotions for the past week. Excited, nervous, sad, anxious, and undecided emotions. It's an emotional time for me as I never thought I would be 3.5 days away from running a 1/2 marathon. Last year, I struggled to get through a 5km race and 2 years ago my favorite saying was "the only time you see me run is if someone's chasing me".

So, here I am. Almost at the point of achieving something that was never on my life list as I would have thought it was completely out of my reach.

I believe that when I cross the finish line on Sunday, I will be forever changed. I will then know that "I can do anything". This week, I've had some mentally trying times with my runs. I was feeling like I didn't want to go out and train, I was feeling a sense of 'blahness' - no emotion or 'down in the dumps'. I ran on Sunday and was supposed to do 9km but QUIT at 6km. Why? Cause it felt too hard...I gave up.

The next day, I was supposed to try again to achieve 9k's and made excuses for myself not to do it. Then on Tuesday with Mike nagging me to get out and run. I went.

I got to the 6km mental block and was feeling like a million bucks. So I kept going. I finished the 9km in my fastest time ever and felt amazing. It is HARD going out by yourself and sticking to 'the plan' but yesterday I knew that I needed to finish it for myself.

The next time I run will be on Sunday with 1600 other people. I'm scared about achieving this goal as then I've set a standard for myself. Then, I have no excuse - I can do anything....GULP!

A Minor Mental Setback

After my 17km 'hills' run something changed inside me. The sense of accomplishment I felt that day was so great that I gave myself the "goal achieved" stamp for the 1/2 Marathon. Keeping in mind that I have not raced yet - I think I got too confident.

My 1 year anniversary of running a 5km race was on October 3rd - the Run for the Cure. Mike kindly pointed out to my coworkers that it was my year anniversary, I blushed and off we went. The adrenaline kick I felt at the start was awesome - away we went in a sea of decorated people all running for the same cause. Very inspiring.

I get to the 1/2 way mark of the race and I could feel my face heating up - I started commenting to Mike "Oh, I think I overdressed" and "my stomach hurts" and Mike just smiled and gave me the nodd of "you can do this!". I kept on.

We hit Water street and I was thinking "I can't believe a 5km is THIS hard". I was never so happy to see the home stretch. We were hitting the last portion of the run and I extreme wave of nausea came over me. I suddenly kealed over on the side of the road and gasped for air...Mike rushed over to see what was going on and all I could think of is "get me to the car!". I was never so embarassed.

As I was taking a right to the car, Mike was pulling me left as he insisted that we cross the finish line. Oooohhh, I was mad - probably shot a dirty look BUT walked alongside of him and yes - we crossed the finish line.

At the end of the race I was kicking myself knowing that I didn't prepare. Coffee, Pepsi Max and other treats on my night shift the night before = dehydration. Cocky attitude that "I don't need to prepare" = kealing over at the side of the road dry heaving. Pretty picture.

Ok body/mind - I've learned my lesson. Enough said.

Blogcation

So I've been on a bit of a "blogcation" as my schedule has got the best of me for the past week. Along the way, I've been thinking of things to write about and when I go to do an entry - I would fall asleep or 'doze off'. Imagine rubber necking as you are trying to type on the key board.... Finger clicking the mouse unexpectedly, tooooo manyd; letejrs (oh, I think it just happened again). This is definitely a sign that I need some sleep.

I must say, I've done a lot on my blogcation.

I bought a car - yay me!
I had my second private pole dancing class in which I chose a song for my routine... (right now, mum's the word)
I started back coaching at the pool
I celebrated a life - Donald Gallant
I attended an Aqua Jog class in which my arms burned from the water resistance (go figure)
I worked an overtime shift
I watched the 1st episode of Season #5 of Dexter
I attended a hot yoga class
I had a couple of meetings (story of my life)

So needless to say, it's been busy and productive.

Tomorrow, I am running 5km in Run for the Cure. This is something that I enjoy doing as I feel that as a woman I should support a cause that's dear to my heart. 3 years ago, I knew very few woman that had/have or were battling breast cancer. This year, it seems that I know more women that have breast cancer than not (I know, exaggeration - but point taken eh?). So tomorrow I will be running for all women that have been touched by this illness. I will say a prayer for everyone who is battling it now and I will smile and share positive energy with everyone around me to inspire others. Woman are caretakers, givers, healers, lovers and angels.
It is our turn to 'live hard' doing the things that bring us joy and not feel guilty doing it. We are worth it!