Leading the Pack

No, I didn't win a race. Yesterday was the first team run for the Winter Season with TNT. Due to the coaches all running a relay, it was Mentor lead. Since it was the first run, everyone was standing at the meeting spot looking at each other. I hit Garmi to start and hollered "well lets go!" So for the first mile I was the leader of the pack. I ran with five of my mentees to get better acquainted. It is amazing how not using my iPod lets me talk to people and how quickly the runs go!

This season is going to be different in so many ways. I am looking forward to running with some great people and PRing in Honolulu. Ahhhhh a tan in December!

Day 1....Succcess!

After a lack of running for two weeks, and continuing to eat the way I did a month ago it was time to face the music. I had put on about 10 pounds. Sure, people put on weight but I knew I was heading down a path I didn't want to return to. Today I put a stop to it. I know the way it works....calories consumed < calories expended = weight lost. I am not looking for a quick fix, they don't work. My problem comes with not spending the time to figure out what my body wants/needs and then something that fits into my schedule. So I am trying Herbalife for my breakfasts and occasionally lunches. A co-worker is a distributor, and I have been trying it on and off for a few weeks. The shakes have done an amazing job at giving me the nutritional needs I need and keeps me full.

So today was day 1 of hitting it hard for a jumpstart of ridding my body of sugar cravings. It is almost 10 pm and I can say that today was a success! Dinner was great! Shrimp (I had 23 grams of protein in 11 shrimp!), asparagus and salad. Logging everything I eat was helpful to see what my downfalls are (SUGAR) and it made me think twice about having those chocolate chips tonight. I did however do a little water overload. I didn't know it was possible, but I drank over 6 liters of water. Gotta watch that, don't want to overdo it...plus the bathroom trips really cramp my style!

Am I Crazy?

Well I already know the answer to that question! But today it has become "official". Next Saturday I begin training for my 2nd marathon! December 12th I will be running the Honolulu Marathon. I will also be running with Team in Training and will be a mentor. TNT has been such a positive influence in my life, and I am so glad that I can continue to work with this program. If you haven't checked it out, go to www.teamintraining.org for more information. It is not only a GREAT program for preparation for an endurance event, but the money it raises goes to a cause that effects way too many people.

Sunday, Sunday

Tomorrow is the 7th anniversary of the day I married my best friend! My parents took CB for the weekend so the two of us could have a little staycation. We spent the morning at Skamania Lodge in the Columbia Gorge. They have the most AMAZING Sunday Champagne Brunch.

After a superman like change, we went for a hike up Beacon Rock. It was described as a .9 mile out and back that was rated as easy to moderate. It was beautiful, and the views were breathtaking.

 

Before the hike

There were so many things to see as we got closer to the top. The trail was unbelievable, and we later found out that it was built by only two men, in 1916!

 

At the top! 360 degree view of the Columbia Gorge

 

 The view from the top was gorgeous. It makes me feel so lucky that we are able to live so close to such beauty! After a few pictures, we started down the trail. Going down seemed to take more time than going up. The both of us were hot and sweaty by the time we were done. 

 

At the end of the trail

Apparently the two of us still had some energy so we went to another park just a few miles down the road that we could see from our hike. There we went on another walk that went along the Columbia River. After we finished we figured we should probably get out of the sun since we were probably both going to get some burn. (Which I am as pink as my tank top now :( ) But just to see how high Beacon Rock was, here is the view from down the road.

Another great adventure! I can't wait to enjoy more hikes like this one. Happy 7th Anniversary sweetheart!

What a Feeling

Yesterday I enjoyed my first post-marathon run. I did 3 miles and felt amazingly strong! I took B-dog with me, and she started off strong (and fast) but got tired quickly. So I slowed down for her. It felt good to be out there, and I wished I could have gone a little faster (and a little longer).

On the way back to the house a group of girls were selling lemonade on the side of the road. They called to me to get some lemonade, but sadly I didn't have any money on me. Instead they offered me a free cup of lemonade and told me to enjoy my run. What sweet little girls! Next time they are out I will definitely give them some business!

On another note, I am going to do another season with Team in Training. This time it will be as a mentor. As of now I am going to do the Honolulu Marathon in December! I am just hoping I can get time off from work to enjoy a wonderful few days in Hawaii.

Just a Few Pics

What an amazing experience! And these are just a few of my favorite pictures from the weekend!