I run the Sh** out of my workout with this song on repeat! :)
Friday, December 7, 2012
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Time to remove the couch from my ass....Again!
I have been using the phrase "When I start running again..." way to much lately and not actually running. So tomorrow I am going to start the "Couch to 5K" program from the beginning. Hopefully getting back into a running routine will restart my mojo and get me back in runner mode.
13.1 I am coming to getcha! :)
13.1 I am coming to getcha! :)
Friday, November 9, 2012
Oh Sh*t!
So I gave myself an "A" race. The race I have wanted to do all along. My goal race. The race I have been afraid to face. The Half Marathon. I know to some the 13.1 distance is not much. But When I started this journey a 5K seemed impossible to me never mind a Half. I chose the Smuttynose Rockfest HALF Marathon. Mostly because I hear it's pretty flat and it's not to far from home. I also felt this year was a good year to just do it because I have joined an amazing team of women at Team Tough Chick and I will have great support to get through any fears I face.
So here I sit, 60-70lbs over weight, no training plan just yet, no nutrition plan to follow and a Half Marathon just under a year away. Hoping I can get my shit together to pull this off.
What have I done!!!!
Friday, October 5, 2012
Ironman NYC through the eyes of the ever loyal sister.
As most of you may know I have two older brothers. And you may also know they are responsible for getting me addicted to running, and wanting to jump on the triathlon bandwagon. So my family is one of those close families. We are there for each other as much as we can be. We hang out even when it's not a holiday. And even though we are in neighboring states we try to see each other often. I am the only girl in my family and the youngest. But what really makes my situation unique is that my older brothers are twins. They are mirror images of each other. It has always been the twins and me. They were always kinda BFF's for life, and I was the annoying younger sister who followed them around. Even though they were kinda nerds growing up (wink wink) I still wanted to be just like them. Things haven't changed much as we grew into adults. They are still nerds and I still want to be just like them. Well this past August they became Ironmen. Since this happened about a
month after giving birth my brain was not totally wrapped around the
experience to put it into words quite yet. So two months later here is my recap of
Ironman NYC through the eyes of the sister.
The year leading up to IMNYC:
Now I was prepared for them to train for "The Race", I was very happy when they decided to get coaches. I mean an IM is a big deal and you need to be prepared. I was however not prepared for their training to effect me at all. I mean they live a state away. I don't see them on a daily basis so really how could it effect me? Well I was wrong. Training for a IM is a pain for EVERYONE involved. They were never around and always out running, biking or swimming. Not that I was surprised by this. But I never really thought that meant they could not do anything else. "No Jyoti we can help you pack.", "No Jyoti we can't hang out.", "Sorry running for a 100 hours that day, I can't babysit.". "I know your Pregnant and about to give birth on the ground, but we need to rest that day so we can't help you move, but make sure you lift with your legs, not your back." I mean NOTHING!!! I was so not prepared for their lack of presence in my life the months before "The Race". I really couldn't wait for this shit to be over!
The day of IMNYC:
I had made the decision that I really wanted to be there for my brothers and not have to worry about anything or anyone else. So my husband and I ditched the kids with family so we could be the best spectators we could be. If that meant leaving my 4 week old baby for an over night with someone so be it. Did you hear that internet? I left my 4 WEEK old baby. With someone OVERNIGHT. Just so I could be there for my brothers. It's safe to say I might be their biggest supporter.
So from what I am hearing is that the logistics of IMNYC were worse them most other IM races. Being that this was my first time spectating a full IM race I was not aware that things were different. But I did know spectating this particular race was rather annoying and took some planning. We had to get up at 3:30am to catch a 4:30am ferry to transition or else we couldn't see the swim or bike start. We were all pretty tired to say the least when we arrived at transition. Race time was 7:30am so we had time to drink some gross coffee from the food stand and wake up a bit. I was a bit sad I didn't get to see them before the race and wish them luck and give them a hug. I mean this was a Ironman! A big deal! Some people get very hurt or even die. So yeah I was kinda a nervous wreck about it. As starting time got close I was almost crying. I wasn't sure what emotional roller coaster I was on but it was pretty unexpected. I was nervous for them, I was excited for them, I was scared for them. They were about to start a 12+ hour event of a life time, that not the average person can say they have done. When I saw them after the swim I was less worried. They were alive and smiling and ready to jump on the bike.
The thing about being a Triathlon spectator is it involves a lot of waiting around. The short sprint ones aren't so bad. but once you get into the 70.3 or 140.6 the waiting gets way more involved. We had to wait hours before we could see them again at transition. I mean HOURS!!! We made camp for a bit, but decided to take a few mile hike to catch them at the bike halfway turn around. It was a long all up hill climb that was well worth the effort. Although I found out later they didn't know we were there but it was really good to see them and see that they were doing well and not dieing. I mean not dieing is good. After that was a nice downhill walk back and more waiting. At least there was good vegetarian food to munch on.
We found a nice spot on the bike in run out rout to see them. We were cheering for all the racers, but there were point when I could taste blood when I saw my brothers I was screaming so loud. I also usually got a bit teary eyed. When they were running, well more of a walk/shuffle/crawl, we got to talk to them and find out they were doing okay. Luckily for us they had decided after meeting up on the bike to stick together for the rest of the race, making spectating for two racers much easier.
After they went off on the run we had a few more hours to wait again. So we grab a ferry to NY to the finish line. We did take a brief detour to Starbucks to fuel up on more caffeine and sit in some AC for a bit. It totlly baffled me that no one at the Starbucks we went to had a clue about the Ironman going on a block away. We had made bright yellow t-shirts to wear and show support for the Super Twins. So when the four of us wandered into the coffee shop we drew some attention and questions. One women in line with us went on and on about how some guy died in the swim of the race and how unsafe they are and people die doing IM all the time. I basically had to tune her out. I mean really lady? We have two loved ones in this race. Is it really the best thing to talk about people dieing in them? I kinda wanted to punch her in the face. After a couple coffees and some water bottles it was off to the finish line party.
The finish line:
Everyone in our huge extended family came for the end. No one wanted to miss out on them finishing this race they worked so hard for. Waiting for them to come down the shoot was a nerve wracking experience. At that point my phone was almost dead from the constant on line tracking and texting family and friends and of course updating Facebook. I was with the "older" twins son up against the barrier of the shoot. He was so excited to see his dad finish. And that alone had me almost in tears. When they finally came into view I was uncontrollably screaming and crying and flailing around. My poor nephew I think thought I had gone crazy. I was so happy, relieved and proud. I can't even put into word what was going on. Even writing about it now has tears running down my cheeks. Watching my two older brothers cross their first Ironman finish line together, accomplishing such a major goal together. It was amazing.
I am not sure if all sisters are like this about their brothers. Maybe I am just crazy, or an extremely emotional person. Or maybe I am just your regular younger sister who idolizes her older brothers. But other then my children, I have never been more proud of someone in my life!
The year leading up to IMNYC:
Now I was prepared for them to train for "The Race", I was very happy when they decided to get coaches. I mean an IM is a big deal and you need to be prepared. I was however not prepared for their training to effect me at all. I mean they live a state away. I don't see them on a daily basis so really how could it effect me? Well I was wrong. Training for a IM is a pain for EVERYONE involved. They were never around and always out running, biking or swimming. Not that I was surprised by this. But I never really thought that meant they could not do anything else. "No Jyoti we can help you pack.", "No Jyoti we can't hang out.", "Sorry running for a 100 hours that day, I can't babysit.". "I know your Pregnant and about to give birth on the ground, but we need to rest that day so we can't help you move, but make sure you lift with your legs, not your back." I mean NOTHING!!! I was so not prepared for their lack of presence in my life the months before "The Race". I really couldn't wait for this shit to be over!
The day of IMNYC:
I had made the decision that I really wanted to be there for my brothers and not have to worry about anything or anyone else. So my husband and I ditched the kids with family so we could be the best spectators we could be. If that meant leaving my 4 week old baby for an over night with someone so be it. Did you hear that internet? I left my 4 WEEK old baby. With someone OVERNIGHT. Just so I could be there for my brothers. It's safe to say I might be their biggest supporter.
So from what I am hearing is that the logistics of IMNYC were worse them most other IM races. Being that this was my first time spectating a full IM race I was not aware that things were different. But I did know spectating this particular race was rather annoying and took some planning. We had to get up at 3:30am to catch a 4:30am ferry to transition or else we couldn't see the swim or bike start. We were all pretty tired to say the least when we arrived at transition. Race time was 7:30am so we had time to drink some gross coffee from the food stand and wake up a bit. I was a bit sad I didn't get to see them before the race and wish them luck and give them a hug. I mean this was a Ironman! A big deal! Some people get very hurt or even die. So yeah I was kinda a nervous wreck about it. As starting time got close I was almost crying. I wasn't sure what emotional roller coaster I was on but it was pretty unexpected. I was nervous for them, I was excited for them, I was scared for them. They were about to start a 12+ hour event of a life time, that not the average person can say they have done. When I saw them after the swim I was less worried. They were alive and smiling and ready to jump on the bike.
The thing about being a Triathlon spectator is it involves a lot of waiting around. The short sprint ones aren't so bad. but once you get into the 70.3 or 140.6 the waiting gets way more involved. We had to wait hours before we could see them again at transition. I mean HOURS!!! We made camp for a bit, but decided to take a few mile hike to catch them at the bike halfway turn around. It was a long all up hill climb that was well worth the effort. Although I found out later they didn't know we were there but it was really good to see them and see that they were doing well and not dieing. I mean not dieing is good. After that was a nice downhill walk back and more waiting. At least there was good vegetarian food to munch on.
We found a nice spot on the bike in run out rout to see them. We were cheering for all the racers, but there were point when I could taste blood when I saw my brothers I was screaming so loud. I also usually got a bit teary eyed. When they were running, well more of a walk/shuffle/crawl, we got to talk to them and find out they were doing okay. Luckily for us they had decided after meeting up on the bike to stick together for the rest of the race, making spectating for two racers much easier.
After they went off on the run we had a few more hours to wait again. So we grab a ferry to NY to the finish line. We did take a brief detour to Starbucks to fuel up on more caffeine and sit in some AC for a bit. It totlly baffled me that no one at the Starbucks we went to had a clue about the Ironman going on a block away. We had made bright yellow t-shirts to wear and show support for the Super Twins. So when the four of us wandered into the coffee shop we drew some attention and questions. One women in line with us went on and on about how some guy died in the swim of the race and how unsafe they are and people die doing IM all the time. I basically had to tune her out. I mean really lady? We have two loved ones in this race. Is it really the best thing to talk about people dieing in them? I kinda wanted to punch her in the face. After a couple coffees and some water bottles it was off to the finish line party.
The finish line:
Everyone in our huge extended family came for the end. No one wanted to miss out on them finishing this race they worked so hard for. Waiting for them to come down the shoot was a nerve wracking experience. At that point my phone was almost dead from the constant on line tracking and texting family and friends and of course updating Facebook. I was with the "older" twins son up against the barrier of the shoot. He was so excited to see his dad finish. And that alone had me almost in tears. When they finally came into view I was uncontrollably screaming and crying and flailing around. My poor nephew I think thought I had gone crazy. I was so happy, relieved and proud. I can't even put into word what was going on. Even writing about it now has tears running down my cheeks. Watching my two older brothers cross their first Ironman finish line together, accomplishing such a major goal together. It was amazing.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
What was I thinking!
The last race I did before I got knocked up was Tufts 10K for women in Boston. I actually found out I was pregos a couple days after that race.
It is a great race and event. I swore I would do the race every year. So maybe a month before Logan was born I signed up for this years race. I figured it would help motivate me to get back into running after giving birth. I knew I probably wouldn't be up to running the full 6.2 miles but I would try and run as much as I could. Fortunately I didn't need the motivation of the race to get my running shoes back on. I practically wanted to run out of the hospital. What I wasn't expecting though was this third pregnancy and labor was really going to do a number on my hips/back. So running has been a struggle. I started to slowly add in some running/walking exercising to my life, and it didn't end so well. I am now back to limiting my exercising. It's very frustrating to say the least.
So now I am two and a half weeks out from the 10K and I have barley walked the distance since last years race. So I will not be running any of it, But I will still be doing the race. Since being the best Ironman spectator ever I do know I am capable of walking the distance. It just might be a bit slower then I am used to. And not running it make me feel a bit embarrassed and sad, but it also gives me the motivation to make sure that next year I WILL be running it, and hopefully will get a PR! :)
It is a great race and event. I swore I would do the race every year. So maybe a month before Logan was born I signed up for this years race. I figured it would help motivate me to get back into running after giving birth. I knew I probably wouldn't be up to running the full 6.2 miles but I would try and run as much as I could. Fortunately I didn't need the motivation of the race to get my running shoes back on. I practically wanted to run out of the hospital. What I wasn't expecting though was this third pregnancy and labor was really going to do a number on my hips/back. So running has been a struggle. I started to slowly add in some running/walking exercising to my life, and it didn't end so well. I am now back to limiting my exercising. It's very frustrating to say the least.
So now I am two and a half weeks out from the 10K and I have barley walked the distance since last years race. So I will not be running any of it, But I will still be doing the race. Since being the best Ironman spectator ever I do know I am capable of walking the distance. It just might be a bit slower then I am used to. And not running it make me feel a bit embarrassed and sad, but it also gives me the motivation to make sure that next year I WILL be running it, and hopefully will get a PR! :)
Monday, September 10, 2012
Challenges
So the biggest challenge I have faced when trying to get back on track with my running is my back. Three pregnancies and births really have done a number on my lower back and hips. Off and on for the last 6 years I have had sciatic pain. It's this awful nerve pinching that shoots sharp pain down your leg. Making it very hard to move around. It was never really that bad, I would just move the wrong way and it would act up. Then I would rest and it would be better the next day. When I started running it never bothered me unless I was running longer runs like 4-6 miles. Even then I would have to sit and rest for the day and it would be better the next day. But pregnancy and baby number three decided to make things worse. Since peeing on the stick my sciatic had been acting up in a bad way. I assumed giving birth was the cure. Ha! Silly me. I hobbled my way out of the hospital in worse shape then going in almost. So I went to the chiropractor and got adjusted. Which helped. Until I decided to strap on my sneakers and go out for my first post-baby run. Yeah, I couldn't move. Making parenting very difficult. So anyway, I am now working with my chiropractor trying to get myself in good condition to train for and run a 13.1. I am just now able to run a little at a time, although it still acts up a bit. But it gets better every day and although things aren't moving as fast as I would like, it IS getting better. And with a lot of time and patients I WILL reach my 13.1 goal.
My other challenge is to eat the right foods and lose some weight which will greatly help my back issues. I am still stuck in my very bad pregnancy eating habits. Which were extremely bad! So starting today I am only putting healthy whole foods in me and cutting down on my gigantic serving sizes. "What? You mean a whole pizza isn't a proper serving size??"
I am making life changes today! I know it won't go smoothly and I won't always be perfect (I know! Hard to believe.) But I will sure as hell try my hardest and I will run those 13.1 miles!!
My other challenge is to eat the right foods and lose some weight which will greatly help my back issues. I am still stuck in my very bad pregnancy eating habits. Which were extremely bad! So starting today I am only putting healthy whole foods in me and cutting down on my gigantic serving sizes. "What? You mean a whole pizza isn't a proper serving size??"
I am making life changes today! I know it won't go smoothly and I won't always be perfect (I know! Hard to believe.) But I will sure as hell try my hardest and I will run those 13.1 miles!!
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Mission to MILF
Alright, Mission to MILF is in full swing!!! After 9 months of pregnancy with baby #3, and a couple months of moving and renovating I am giving myself no more excuses. It is time to get myself back in shape and lose about half my body weight.
I have a bucket list full of some athletic challenges. First thing on the list to tackle is a 13.1 in September 2013. Also going from a somewhat healthy eater to crappy eater of the year, leaves me wanting to rediscover the healthy foods I used to enjoy so much.
So getting back into blogging will hopefully help me vent, experiment, explore, and share my journey to be one super hot Mom!!
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