Roadblock

I want to that everyone for the encouragement and support in regards to my previous post.

It is difficult to not go down the “I failed, I’m not good enough” road when you don’t meet a goal that was so important and worked so hard for. (Running in this summer’s heat wave, 5:45 run times, etc.)

A good friend of mine put it in the perfect perspective for me:

“Samantha, you have faced many challenges in the past few years and wouldn’t be in such a good place now if you looked at them as failures. Roadblocks my dear, go around or over but never give up. We all believe in you. ”

So, I’m going to look at it as another roadblock and find a detour to get to my goal.

24Sep2012

Failure

Last Friday was the March of Dimes Night Moves 5K. I did not run in it.

Ever since then end of August, I’ve been having a recurring problem with my feet as well as my right ankle/knee. I was struggling to be able to run consistently because of the pain and having to take days to rest it do I wasn’t hobbling around. I kept trying to work it out, but in the end I felt that I would do too much damage if I ran the race.

I’m planning on going to see my doctor and also talk to a running specialist about it. I am hoping that it is just a combination of needing better running shoes and maybe correcting my gait.

I am beyond disappointed. I was actually in years on Friday night when I had to finally come to terms that I wasn’t going to be able to meet my goal. I feel like a failure and I’m really sad, angry, and frustrated with myself and my body.

Until I can figure out what I can do to continue to run without pain, I’m planning on getting back into yoga and doing some lower impact cardio, like the elliptical. Hopefully, I can get things figured out and will be able to try again for a different 5K in the future.

I want to thank everyone, especially my sister and Shawn, for all of their support while trying to accomplish my goal. I’m sorry I let you all down.

5Sep2012

Dream Year 2012 Update

Posted in Dream Year 2012 by widdershins22

Well it’s been about 4 months since I started this thing, so I thought I’d give you an update as to how it’s going.

I’ll be running my first 5k in 17 days. !!!! I’ve been training for this using the Couch to 5k program. Before this I would NEVER believe I could run around the block, let alone a 5k, but this program made me a believer. Unfortunately, I’ve had a few set backs so I’m not as far along in the program as I’d like, so I’m not sure I’m going to be able to run the entire time, but I am confident that I will finish.

Yoga was a bust. I just couldn’t get into it at that studio. I just didn’t click with the instructor or students. I’m going to try out some classes elsewhere and see if I can find something more to my liking.

We’ve also made some changes in eating around here. We’ve made the switch to shopping at Whole Foods. I know that some people call it “Whole Paycheck” but I have actually seen our grocery bill drop compared to before. I think it is because I was already buying organic dairy, meats, and produce prior to switching and the old place would mark those items up more. I’ve been trying to purchase the organic option whenever available for pantry items as well. I feel that there is either a increase in the quality of the product or there is no foreseeable difference, however the price is either the same or lower.

I’ve also been making a conscious effort to meal plan for the week. This has led us to eating in more instead of ordering something because we are tired and don’t want to deal with figuring out what to make. I’ve dusted off the cookbooks and also have been adding to my repertoire from magazines and Pinterest.

Obviously, this is a work in progress, but I am feeling pretty good and think that these are changes ones that will stick. I’m going to continue to work to find more ways to improve my life and health and make this Dream Year happen.

Registered!

Today I signed up for the March of Dimes Night Moves Race!

The event is Friday, September 21st. You can either run a 5K, 5 miles, or walk. I am doing the 5K and my goal is to run the entire time. (Gulp) I’ll be running both in memory of the twins, Mary & Christopher, as well as in celebration of Joseph. If you are interested is supporting an amazing cause, feel free to help me reach my fundraising goal here.

I’ve been doing the Couch to 5K program for the past few weeks now and for as much as I hate running, it is a really great program. I got the app for it on my iPhone, which is wonderful because it will run in the background and will tell me when to switch to running and walking while still allowing me to listen to music. No looking at my watch or anything.

It’s an eight week program, there’s about ten more weeks until the race, so I know that I have enough time to be comfortable running the entire distance.

My sister is doing the training as well. I can’t tell you how much this helps me. We check in with each other and give moral support. I’m hoping she’ll be able to run the race together.

I’ll check in again soon to let you know my progress.

What am I thinking?

I’ve decided that I’m going to sign myself up to run in the March of Dimes’ Night Moves 5K in September. . . . . I am insane. I HATE running, I’ve never run in a race before and I have no idea how I’m going to get ready for this with a three month old to take care of all day. But, I’m still going to do it. I need the ~~fear~~ motivation of an actual goal/deadline to get myself in gear. Plus, it is for a cause that is dear to my heart.

I’ve been trying to do yoga and various work out routines at home and it’s a real struggle. Running is going to be the easiest thing to do because 1. no special equipment needed 2. I can do it anywhere 3. I can do it at any time 4. It is going to give me the fastest results in relation to getting in shape and weight loss.

My sister recommended that I use the “Couch to 5K” program in order to train. I just completed Day 1. I’ll let you know how things go. I’m also going to invest in an actual jogging stroller so I can take Joseph with me. I’m hoping to find a secondhand one on Craig’s List or at a resale shop. I’m also going to try to talk Shawn into running it with me, that way we can support one another in the process.

The main thing is that I am putting this out there for the world to see to keep me from backing out of it. Guys, I really need some support here. I am terrified. Wish me luck.

21May2012

Plank A Day

Posted in Dream Year 2012 by widdershins22

I definitely could use some help in the abs department after pregnancy and I hate crunches. I was looking around for some core workouts and I came across this idea. Simply, you do at least one plank a day for and hold it as long as you can. Each day you tweet with the has tag #plankaday to help keep you accountable and for support. Of course, I’ll be doing additional core work besides this, but I I know I can at least do this when I have those days that I can’t get a longer work out in.

101 Things: 26. Join a yoga studio

I was regularly practicing yoga when we lived in Madison, but when I got pregnant with the twins I was unable to continue. (Major morning sickness and downward facing dog do not go well together.) I took a few classes at the club after the twins, but I wasn’t a fan of the class. I mean, there was old people wearing JEANS in there. So you could imagine that it wasn’t really the most challenging.

I decided that as part of my Dream Year 2012 I would get back into practicing again.I decided to join Grow Yoga a studio that is close by and has classes that I can go to in the evening so Shawn can babysit. I’ve started with an eight week intro class to get myself back into the swing of things. I’ve signed up to take the Hatha Yoga series since I wanted a slower and more detailed approach to so I can relearn yoga postures and focus on the connection of breath and movement as well as proper alignment. Practicing Hatha Yoga builds strength and flexibility and is a wonderful way to de-stress, something I desperately need. I think that once I complete this course I’ll move on to a more challenging class, but for right now I think this will be just what I need.

1May2012

Dream Year 2012

Posted in Dream Year 2012 by widdershins22

I’ve been given a clean bill of health by my OB/GYN and my primary care provider, so I’m now determined to start an exercise regimen and get my body into shape. After going through so many trials and tribulations the past couple of years, I am more determined than ever to get in shape. This is not so much about weight loss (well it is a little) but about feeling strong and in control of my body again. I’m calling this Dream Year 2012 inspired by Skip.

My plan is to incorporate exercise into my daily routine. I’m going to get back into yoga again, taking the baby on walks when it’s weather-permitting, and doing some sort of workout tape while he naps. I need to find something that’s about 30 minutes – I don’t think I can spare more time than that. I’m hoping to find something on Netflix, since I don’t want to invest in a DVD until I know I’ll like it. Do any of you have A suggestion on which work for you?