Diary Of A Fat Chick Running

How did I train for my first half marathon?

2011-05-08T21:47:00.000-05:00

I've been asked several times just how I train for 1/2 marathons. The very first one I trained for I followed a program put together by a friend in the Hendersonville Running Club. The plan is based on the runner being a beginner. You can modify and change as you need.

One of the things I did after my first marathon and once my intervals decreased was to modify my mid-week runs. If my long run on Saturday is scheduled to be 8 miles I split up the miles during the week so that they equal a total of eight miles. That way I'm running 16 miles that week. As you get stronger and able to maintain a minimum weekly mileage make sure that half of that is your long run on Saturdays or whenever you decide to do your long run.

The following schedule is for your long run mileage only. Whatever interval you plan on running for your long run is what you should run during the week. The weekly runs should be the time to push your intervals making the amount of time you walk shorter and shorter. Use your long run as your "practice race" leave it all out on the road.

This is a 17 week plan. If you already have a base mileage down just find where you are at and adjust from there. As well as working on increasing your mileage you need to cross train. I have also included the helpful information that was passed on to me. I did not come up with this plan it is just what worked for me.

Weekly schedule recommendations are as follows:

Run/Walk Weekly plan

1 long run)

2 base runs per week of 30-40 mins (3-4 miles) (treadmill: +1 mile)

2 easy (Cross Training) days per week of 20-30 mins

Recommended Cross-Training (on non-run/walk days)

15-20 minutes of Core Exercises (2-3 times a week)

Spin, Pilates, Walking, Stretching, Zumba…

•Minimum weekly goal is 3 days of Run/Walk.

•Ideal weekly goal is 5-6 days of activity. (1-2 days of rest)

•Begin the program at easy Run/Walk Intervals, then advance gradually to 5/1 Run/Walk Intervals.

•Run/Walk Intervals are not rigid. Shorten 1 minute walk breaks if HR has recovered and trainee is no longer breathless.

•If you are forced to skip/miss a long run, then try to get your long run in as soon as you can.

Long Run Schedule:

Week Number	Long Run/Walk Distance (miles)	Races to consider As you build mileage consider running 5 or 10ks to get use to race day
17	3 (1/2 Intervals)
16	4 (1/2 Interval)
15	6 (1/1 Interval)
14	5 (2/1 Interval)
13	7 (2/1 Interval)
12	6 (3/1 Interval)
11	8 (3/1 Interval)
10	6 (4/1 Interval)
9	9 (4/1 Interval)
8	6 (5/1 Interval)
7	10 (5/1 Interval)
6	6 (5/1 Interval)
5	11 (5/1 Interval)
4	6 (5/1 Interval)
3	12 (5/1 Interval)
Taper
2	8 (5/1 Interval)
1	13.1 Race Day

Tapering is your friend. It will keep you fresh for the race but also let your body get the rest it needs prior to your race. If you are consistently skipping your walk breaks then you should try to eliminate them all together. Listen to your body and walk when you need to.

FCR

One More Step, One More Mile, One More Finish. ©

Winner! Winner! Swiftwick for Dinner!

2011-04-03T14:27:00.000-05:00

As you all know we did a March Madness Give A Way! We were giving away three prizes BUT as life happens and spring training gets in the way we only received one entry. We so loved this entry because of the answer to the answer to the first question.
We so loved this answer that we decided we needed to give this Lynne a pair of socks that she would love so much that even her dogs would leave them alone. So from one Lynne to another please enjoy your Swiftwick March Madness gear!

To Learn more about Lynne please check out her fantastic blog about running and being a single parent of two large dogs On The Other End Of The Leash

1. A picture of you and Swiftwick socks. hint find a retailer near you.

Please don’t disqualify me for not having these socks. I’m a single parent of two very large dogs who are eating me out of house and home. Plus they eat most of my socks anyway.

2. A picture of you running in a race or finishing a race.

3. The best running outfit you own

This is what I wore for my first marathon in Vegas. Still my favorite shirt.

4. How do you carb load?
I like the Mac ‘N Cheese at the Hard Rock Café. I’ve eaten it three times now before racing in the Denver Half and Full marathons. It has chicken and white cheddar. Yummy!

5. Your biggest no no for race day. (remember be creative)
Remember your Body Glide! I ran into a pharmacy along the race course to find something to relieve some chafing I had going on. The chafing was being caused by the other no-no – DO NOT wear something new on race day! Thank goodness for Burt’s Bees!

6. Do what moves you.

Yes I’m one of those people who dress up their dogs! This is Jersey Girl. She passed away last year from lymphoma. She was the greatest at playing dress up.

7. Confirmation for your next race showing your name and the race (on this picture only can you blur out all other information)
The 13th Flying Pig Marathon | Sunday, May 1, 2011 6:30 a.m.

Search Results
Name	Age	Gender	City	State	Country	Category
Day, Lynne	42	F	Colorado Springs	Colorado	United States	Marathon powered by P&G

8. Your favorite running shoes.

I just changed over from the Nimbus to the ASICS GEL-Cumulus 12. I’ve tried every shoe though.

10. Celebrating St. Patrick's Day

Back in 1993, I got married on St. Patrick’s Day. I’m not Irish and neither was he. It just seemed like a fun thing to do on a Wednesday. We went to the Justice of the Peace, got married, had Pizza Hut and celebrated at the local bar. Nice little wedding day. Divorced 375 days later!

LAST DAY TO SUBMIT ENTRIES FOR THE MARCH MADNESS CONTEST

2011-03-31T14:12:00.002-05:00

In case you missed it here's the link and the rules March Madness Contest !

I hate have SWAG that I can't give away!

Life, and three months of non running......

2011-03-23T17:25:00.000-05:00

It's been a really weird year. I haven't really felt my self. Well it has finally come full circle. Seems like I've been out of step all year. Just not quite my self.

I just couldn't quite figure it out. For many years I have tried to not take any non essential medications. Treating things naturally if possible. If your body it sick it's built to fight off some illnesses. If you have a stomach bug let your body get rid of it. If you have a cold, rest and vitamin C and mom's chicken noodle soup.

There are things that you need to get medications for but our bodies are amazing machines. When fed well and tuned up it will tell you what it needs.

A couple of weeks ago I started having lower back pain that could not be relieved via chiropractic care, so I went to the doctor. I ended up having an upper UTI still up in the kidneys, more liking just festering there and not getting better. It has probably been a systemic problem for most of this year, causing me to feel off.

The doctor put me on a really strong antibiotic to get rid of the infection. Unfortunately I had a sever life threatening allergic reaction to the antibiotic. My face and lips swelled up and had trouble swallowing. It was terrifying. We got to the ER and they gave me an epinephrin shot, a quick acting steroid shot, and another antihistamine.

Let me tell you the epi shot was NO joke. It seemed to fire up every muscle in my entire body at the same time. The purpose is to move what ever it is causing the reaction out of your body as quickly as possible. It speeds up your heart and makes your system work hard. For the next three days I felt like I had run a full marathon TWICE! I slept and and slept and rested.

Monday I went in for a follow up and also found out that I am B12 deficient. This from lack of feeding the body correctly. So today is Wednesday and I am finally feeling amazing.

The kidney infection and other problems lingering in my system from the infection cause a significant weight gain of almost 15 pounds in just a few days of water weight. I have now lost all the sick weight and feel so much better.

I am not released yet to return to Art of Strength or running. I am feeling, and looking so much better.

When all is said and done.

2011-03-02T11:37:00.000-06:00

When all is said and done, what is the purpose of Diary of a Fat Chick Running?

It's a question that has been on my mind recently. Is it more than just a place to motivate myself and others and help to keep me accountable for my weight loss and fitness level?

I've been thinking about what it really could be. As someone that has battled weight issues most of my life, and endured the bullying and teasing that comes with it, I want this to be more.

The one thing in my life that I never saw myself as was an athlete even playing tennis in high school I never really felt like I was part of that group.

After spending the last year working with Hendersonville Running Club and the great people there and of course Swiftwick and all my friends there. Not once have I ever been looked at as something OTHER than an athlete. It's a really nice feeling, it's a really nice defining point. Not being defined by size, style or weight but being defined by the effort that you give.

I was having a hard time at the end of the 2010 races season. I had put a ton of pressure on my self to compete in 4 long races my very first year of running. Afraid if I didn't have that carrot out in front of me I might just fall of the road and never return.

What I ended up doing was pushing myself and my body beyond what it was capable of. But even when that happen the group of people I surrounded my self with never said I shouldn't have done it. Nope they said well next year modify your plan do something different. Never once did someone say well your just not cut out for endurance running. Not once did someone say your too heavy.

Through out the year towards the end you could hear me calling out during a race "Big girls do it better" and "Big girls eat hills for breakfast" I truly mean that. I think it takes even more effort and stamina to move a body that is 200+ pounds 13.1 miles then it does to move an "average" runners body that far.

We have to train differently our fluid and fuel needs are greater. We tackle a race differently, and we run for different reasons. Some to lose weight, some to get motivated to lose weight, some to support friends and family in their endeavor to get fit and healthy. Now mind you I'm not a dietician, or a trainer or a health professional. I just have a good team behind me that helps me to and be better.

I'd like to hear your stories. I'd like to give you a forum where your story can be heard and listened to with out stigma. Having a hard time lacing up and getting out the door? Need some extra support? I hope to make this space and soon the new website a place where you can do so. I'd like to connect the community and the world together so that not one FCR or FDR (fat dude running) is doing it alone.

FCR

One More Step, One More Mile, One More Finish. ©

Marvelous March Madness SWAG

2011-02-28T22:46:00.000-06:00

Being of Irish decent, March has always held a special place in my heart. St. Patrick's Day and all that is green is gold. This month for our SWAG give-a-way we are doing a photo scavenger hunt.

The rules are as follows.

1.Photoshopping unless otherwise noted is strictly forbidden and you will be disqualified. You may NOT use any internet photographs. Remember I also work and intern at a professional photography studio with National Photography Competition Judges we will know if it's your own photograph or if you have photoshopped your entries.

2. All photos must contain you. That means if your asked to find a shamrock you must be in the picture with the shamrock.

3. All entries will be judged on creativity and originality yes I will be asking Hubs and my photographer friends for help.

4. All entries must be received no later than March 31, 2011 at 11:59 pm CST. Submit all entries to DOAFCR@clearwire.net

Okay now that you have the rules how do you win?

Be the most creative and original Scavenger in finding all 10 of the following items.

1. A picture of you and Swiftwick socks. hint find a retailer near you (If you do not live in a country where Swiftwick is available please email for alternate task. DOAFCR@Clearwire.net
(If you own a pair already give us your most creative shot of you in your socks)

2. A picture of you running in a race or finishing a race.

3. The best running outfit you own

4. How do you carb load?

5. Your biggest no no for race day. (remember be creative)

6. Do what moves you.

7. Confirmation for your next race showing your name and the race (on this picture only can you blur out all other information)

8. Your favorite running shoes.

9. Just can't do with out _______ on long runs.

10. Celebrating St. Patrick's Day

Remember this is all about being creative, having fun and being original.

1st Place will receive a sweet goodie bag from one of my favorite gear companies Swiftwick.

Valued at $35.00

2nd Place will receive a $10.00 Gift Certificate to a sporting goods retailer in your area or a pick out of the DOAFCR grab bag

3rd Place will receive a $5.00 Gift Certificate to a sporting goods retailer in your area or a pick out of the DOAFCR grab bag

FCR

One More Step, One More Mile, One More Finish. ©

I am back and I'm kicking tushie!

2011-02-23T15:07:00.000-06:00

Or maybe it's the other way around, I'm back but I'm getting my tushie kicked? hrmm. Let me do some 'splaning.

I have either been injured, or sick for the last month or so. First there was the Christmas ankle roll off the stair I was innocently standing on, one week before a race. Then there was the I slid in the mud and fell on my right knee 4 days before a race. Then there is the fact that I didn't gain any weight over Thanksgiving and Christmas I snarfed my way through the New Year and Valentines day. Yup it finally hit I gained some weight back. Insert dramatic foreboding music here.

Last year I put two pieces of the puzzle together movement and good food. Well then a hard cold winter set into Middle Tennessee and I lost one of the pieces the movement. I'm not fond of snow and ice and running. I on the other had became fond of comfort food and mindless TV.

After running the Predators 5k I remembered what it was I loved about running and realized that if I want to keep doing it I need to work on some core things.

1. Food garbage in garbage attacks hips
2. Movement is necessary. Going up and down the three flights of stairs at a rapid cardio pace once a day does nothing.
3. With out a strong core you go nowhere.
4. The more you train the fast you are.

So how am I to combat these 4 things. First of all back to good foods. I've added some Art of Strength cross training 3 days a week. It's 30 minutes of intense strength and cardio work out. Then I do ten minutes on the stationary bike and ten minutes on this thing called the woodway. It's awesome. It's helping me work on making my stride longer and more efficient.

I've also had quite a few friends and locals people I've met at businesses want to know how I got stated. I need more motivation to get back out on the road so I've add a group run to my routine. On Wednesdays I'm doing what I call a low and slow group. Low miles and slow speed. That way I can reach out in the community and instead of telling people how I do it I'm actually showing them how to do it.

I would like my goal for this group to be 10 people run/walking consistently all year long. Yup HRC that means I'm trying to find more yahoo's to join our group.

OH yeah and there is going to be a give away in March.... Can't tell you what it is yet but it's going to be pretty awesome if I do say so myself.

FCR
One More Step, One More Mile, One More Finish. ©

New Gear Review

2011-02-17T23:53:00.001-06:00

My find friends at Swiftwick socks called me up a few months ago and asked me to test out a new line of sock. The new line is called Aspire.

I love this sock. It is really hard to improve on Swiftwick but they have done it. The linked toe is so wonderful, no toe seam to rub or irritate my big and little toes. These socks are woven just a bit differently.

From toe to arch is one weave then at the arch there is a different one with some compression. It is not overly tight or uncomfortable. In fact I have come to really love that aspect of the Aspire sock.

I have tried this sock in the zero, one and two cuff sizes. I am still a zero girl but have found that I like these other cuff lengths. The "taller" cuffs are nice to tuck under the running tights when it is cold out. I ran both the Frostbite 5k and the Fangtastic 5k in these socks.

I have noticed with other socks that as my feet swell during a race the weave can and does irritate the bottom of my feet. I did not find this happening with any of the Swiftwick socks that I have tested so far.

I am looking forward to see any new advances in socks and compression gear from Swiftwick, and I'm not just saying that because I was able to test out this new product. I was a Swiftwick convert prior to having the chance to try this new line out. It also helps that they are a locally owned and operated company. They source their materials from the US and they are made right here in Middle Tennessee. They are a green company that also encourages their retailers to be green as well.

So if your looking for that perfect sock, I have to give it to Swiftwick yet again. from their zero olefin socks to the merino wool's to the 12 Ole compression socks there is a sock to fit your style.

Look for my next review of the Swiftwick compression sleeves.

FCR
One More Step, One More Mile, One More Finish. ©

Fangtastic 5k Re-cap

2011-02-12T19:02:00.001-06:00

I've been having some mental road blocks. I ran the Frostbite but it wasn't anything to write home to HRC about.

Today I got up felt good. Headed out the door and it was nice and warm. I was so glad I changed clothes right before I left. I dropped a layer and was so glad that I did around mile 1.5.

Leon was supposed to run but he had a church leadership meeting and couldn't make it again this year.

So Dominic ran as Hub, he says thanks for the time btw.

I felt really good. I wasn't trying for a PR I was going about it as a training run.

Due to the really cold weather it's been so hard for me to even breath when I go outside for work or errands, running has been a no go.

Mile one was nice and easy, mile two with the hill was pretty fast I felt really good. The route was different this year. We went down hill where we trudged up hill last year. There was only one real tough hill and that was coming up to Charlotte Ave.

I met a woman that was doing her first race and training for Country Music Half, sounded awful familiar. She's been training mostly alone. I channeled my best Charlene and Leslie and we started challenging each other to go faster with shorter walk breaks.

Mile three was so fast, I think I had a 15 or 16 min mile. Then we came up to Demonbreun, I felt so good. We hit the exact spot where Leslie and Charlene found me last year and my new friend and I kicked it in gear, I kept snarling and growling and yes we did pass not one, not two but five people as we came to the mats.

It was such a different experience this time around. Last year I never thought I would get across the mats, this year I was running hand in hand arms raised crossing the finish line.

I felt really good and it was a really good kick in the tush to get working again.

Hubs and I have planned on doing a 5k race every month. So next month we are doing the Springer Mountain Farms Chicken Healthy 5K Run & Walk
at the Gaylord Opryland Resort, it starts at the Grand Ole Opry house and was only $6.50 to register.

Our next one for April is going to be the Purity Dairy Dash and I'm pretty sure Moon Pie is on the list this year.

I'm so thankful for HRC and all the inspiration that Hubs and I get from the club.

Here's to a great 2011!

FCR
One More Step, One More Mile, One More Finish. ©

Hubs: My Country Music 1/2 Marathon

2011-02-08T23:27:00.000-06:00

I asked hubs a few weeks ago to do a post. Due to how busy we have been I am just now able to get that wonderful post to you.

Ladies and Gentleman, friends and runners may I present Hubs.

FCR asked me to write an entry for the blog. I'm still not entirely sure what she wants for this entry but here goes anyway. I guess I'll tell you about Country Music 2010. I starting running about the same time my wife did. For me, the enjoyment comes from the challenge, finding out what I can do. I found out early on that breaking my leg is one thing that I could do.

FCR and I had made a goal to run the Country Music 1/2 Marathon 2010. In January I break my leg. So much for that goal.

Or so I thought. Despite having surgery to repair my bone, my leg healed very quickly. I was up and about by mid-March, and walking without any brace or anything by early April. Surprisingly the metal plate and five screws did not even cause any discomfort. Maybe I could attempt this race after all.

We had already paid the registration way back in December (no refunds), so when race day came along, I decided to give it a go. I can always drop out if I need do. So with my new bionic ankle, I take off. It was a struggle but I managed to do it! To this day I'm not sure how. It took pretty much every ounce of strength I had.

But the point is, I made it. I finished in less than four hours, which still vexes my wife to no end. In the end I found out what I could do and if I do say so myself I didn't do too bad at all.

Hubs

One More Step, One More Mile, One More Finish. ©

January Swag Winner

2011-02-07T20:22:00.000-06:00

I'm here been some blog issues. But we are back up and running.

Our January poll winner is hseabrooks. Congrats! Can't wait to see you in your new piece of gear.

We are going to skip February and March is going to be all about the green! Oh and keep on the look out for a post from Hubs all about his 1/2 Marathon experience.

FCR
One More Step, One More Mile, One More Finish. ©

The Results are in....

2011-01-05T17:43:00.000-06:00

To start off our year right hubs and I ran in the local YMCA Frostbite 5k. Hubs had a new PR. 44:04. I on the other had did not. I finished just over a minute or so longer than my slowest 5k last year. I'm not too upset about it. I had rolled my ankle Christmas Eve and wasn't even sure I was going to be able to walk the 5k.

I pushed forward and took it easy. It was cold no big deal, I like cold races. It was wet no big deal, all my winter races last year were wet. It was hilly, no big deal there either if you find a flat course in the Middle Tennessee area I sure would like to know where it's at.

I finished in 56:07. The sweep guy was awesome at keeping me mostly on pace.

Recovery was a problem. It didn't help that I wasn't able to get a shower until 4 hours after the race, or that I got rained on. My feet were the thing I was really worried about. I was not recovering the way I had previously.

Oh sure I've had foot pain since I started running. I've tried different shoes, socks and inserts. I finally gave up and went to an orthopedic foot specialist.

Good news no stress fractures. Bad news my feet are 6 ways away from what a runners foot should be.

I am an over pronator, yup flat footed. It also doesn't help that I broke 4 of the 5 metatarsals when I was 10 years old some 27 years ago. Not only did they not heal properly but I was told they should have done screws to keep them in line. Go figure.

So my left foot and my right foot are two different problems sort of. Due to the being flat footed and wearing inserts and shoes for pronators it rolls the foot to the outside so that I'm running on my outer 3 toes, but then my foot rolls in to push off the big toe. I am striking the ground with outside and ball of my foot.

This is the cause of the sock troubles, the blisters on the instep and the sore ball. So I'm suppose to go and get these new uber inserts with a metatarsal bar built into each foot. These are suppose to help me strike correctly, and should get rid of the foot pain all together.

Now on to see if the almighty insurance company will pay for them.

Till Next Time
FCR and Hubs

One More Step, One More Mile, One More Finish. ©

New Poll Up right over ---------> There

2011-01-03T14:40:00.001-06:00

Wow so excited for YEAR TWO here at Diary of A Fat Chick Running. Lots of new and exciting things are on the horizon for us. New races, focused training and best of all. We will be running monthly polls. If you answer the poll, leave a comment about your answer and you might just be the first SWAG winner of the year. We are going to try to do this EVERY month so you will have twelve chances to win something fun. Sometimes it might be running gear, gift certificates, or other fun SWAG!

So please join us in our kick off and take a moment and fill out the first SWAG poll of the year!

FCR and Hubs.

One More Step, One More Mile, One More Finish. ©

Welcome 2011!

2011-01-01T08:24:00.002-06:00

We did not attend any fancy parties or wander around downtown Nashville till the wee hours of the morning ringing in the new year. It came softly in the night as I was in bed by 10pm. I was falling asleep in the computer chair and decided I needed to go to bed.

On this the first day of 2011 we are up early and ready for the first run of the year. The local YMCA Resolution Run this year entitled "So you want a resolution" we are registered for the 5k a nice short distance.

I hope that we can make this a New Years tradition starting the year off healthy and active.

We are looking forward to a year of blessings and trials and most assuredly a year full of happiness and love.

FCR and Hubby

One More Step, One More Mile, One More Finish. ©

Road ID

2010-12-07T12:24:00.002-06:00

Earlier this year I ran across an advertisement for Road ID. It in it's pure essence if a medical alert bracelet on steroids.

They have several different options for your needs.

Their standard product is an ID that is called the Wrist ID Sport it comes in two different versions. One is what they call an interactive version and the other is the standard version.

When purchasing my Road ID I chose the interactive version because of some of my medications that I take that might interact with emergency medical care. The difference between the Interactive and the Original can be found here. The Original has more lines of customizable text allows you to put immediate emergency info right on the face of the ID. The Interactive version lets you maintain and Emergency Response Profile or as the company calls it ERP.

The first year of ERP Interactive service is free after that it's $9.99 a year. Not bad for a profile that the emergency responders can get your updated info such at your full name, emergency contact, current medications your home address and any medical problems that may influence emergency treatment. I like that I am able to change it if my medical info changes. It allows me to move my Road ID with me where ever I move.

I cannot tell you about any of the other styles because I have the Wrist Sport ID interactive. When I got it I was so excited that I felt safer on my long lonely weekday runs. Knowing that if something happen and I couldn't give my info that it was just a call away. All right there for emergency responders to know what I could not tell them.

Never in a million years did I think that I would need such a service so soon. In my last post you can read about me passing/blacking out at the St. Jude's Half Marathon. In the middle of the EMT's removing me from the vehicle I was in, to the gurney I attempted to give them my Road ID with all my info, some how after handing it over to the EMT's it got lost.

I waiting until today giving whom ever found it a chance to call the number on the front (my husband's phone) to return it. Not hearing anything I went to the Road ID member site www.myroadid.com and reported it lost.

I later received an email with a company number to call about replacing the ID. I was fully expecting to pay for the replacement. James the gentleman that answered my call asked what happen and how did I lose it. I explained he then asked if it was okay to put me on hold for a moment, I said of course I don't mind being put on hold when asked so nicely, he came back and told me that Road ID would be replacing my ID free of charge. I was taken aback. He then apologized for the EMT's not handling it properly.

I was not expecting for the company to replace my ID. He explained that sometimes EMT's are not trained properly and that it wasn't my fault they miss handled it. Still astonished he asked if it would be okay for the company president to call me back, explaining that he liked to call back when issues like this happen to customers.

I am now completely in love with Road ID as a product and as a company. Any company that takes the time to educate emergency response personnel about the use and purpose of it's product and then stands by it's product when NOT used properly is just simply amazing. This is really above and beyond just the basics.

One would expect for something this great to be expensive but really for twenty bucks and ten every year after that just to ensure I don't end up a jane doe if something happens is well worth the peach of mind.

This is one investment that I will be sharing with friends and family. The great news is that they are launching a child's ID sometime after the new year. Can't wait to get one for each of my niece's and nephews.

Please if you spend any amount of time running by yourself this is a must have product!

FCR

One More Step

One More Mile

One More Finish

St. Jude's Memphis 1/2 Marathon

2010-12-07T11:55:00.003-06:00

Some of you know from facebook that I had some issues.

Had a great pre race pasta dinner with Cari and her family, Bob, his wife and K'Leetha. Felt really good about the next day. Not stressed that I could tell. Made sure that I drank plenty of water the night before and morning of. I wanted to make sure that I was hydrated and didn't have any problems with hands swelling and knuckles being black and blue this time.

Got up that morning nice and early so that we would have time to get to the parking lot close to the start/finish, and make sure we had the gear we needed, and to meet up with Bob and K that morning. We somehow missed them.

It was nice that we could place ourselves in a corral, we chose a bit of a faster pace than either of us run so that we would have time to get settled in before our actual pace group left.

Cari and I hugged and wished each other luck with our own races. And headed out.

Surprisingly I stayed with the main pack for about 5 miles. I was finding out that I needed to stop at the water stops and use the facilities more often but that gave me cause to pick up the pace and keep up with the pack. I felt really good other than that. at about mile 7 to 7.5 I was still doing okay I was at about 2 to 2.5 hours which I was happy with at mile 9 that would put me at about 3 hours with gas left to knock out the last 4 miles at a decent clip. That's when things fell off track.

I stopped just past mile 8 to adjust my laces due to swelling, this is a normal stop for me nothing new, then headed into the park. About mile 7 I picked up a friend to run with. Extremely lucky I did.

I don't remember much about running through Overton Park but I do remember coming out the other side and looking for directions on where to go next because all the race signs and such were gone. At about mile 10 I remember sitting down because everything was really wavy and getting dark around the edges.

The next thing I remember is waking up in an emergency runners transport truck with no idea how I got there from the point I sat down. Talk about terrified. The EMT's got me to the field hospital and check vitals and such, gave me a banana and asked me again where I was who I was and such. When they first go to the truck I was still hazy on what had happen and how I got back to Autozone Park.

Needless to say I did not finish this race. I am still hazy about parts of the final two miles I did complete. I remember music and smelling bread.

After talking to a friend in the medical field it sounds as if I my electrolytes were all messed up, the banana helped.

I guess as Bob said when I ran into him and K after they had finished it was a good day for a training run.

I am more upset about passing/blacking out than I am about not finishing. Because it means that I'm not doing something right. I'm going to spend the next couple of days working out just what I need to do to hydrate my body and keep my electrolytes in balance as well as finish strong.

I'm looking forward to the Frostbite 5k, The Fangtastick 5k and possibly Tom King again. I and rededicating myself to proper training and not slacking off by only doing the bare minimum miles. I am going to work on those first 8 miles, and push past that mile 8 wall.

FCR

One More Step

One More Mile

One More Finish

Training, racing and the Holidays.

2010-11-24T14:10:00.004-06:00

I've gone and done it again. Life has somehow gotten in the way of training adequately for St. Jude's in December. I feel better about this race even tho I haven't put in major miles. My mentality about this race seems to be in the right place.

I have had a couple of really tough mental races. Country Music and the WHM was a bit defeating mentally, knowing I could do better and being blocked on one front or the other.

Country Music I was ready physically but as we know mother nature had other ideas. WHM I kept telling myself I was only running for the medal but in the end it was a tough finish.

For St. Jude's I am working on the mental portion of running. When I train I picture the course. For the first time I have a copy of the race posted near my computer monitor. I stare at it consistently I think I almost know the route by heart!

I am looking forward to this race. It is my last race of the year, and it is the end of Year One of racing and keeping a commitment I made to my self back in November of 2009.

Looking back I have realized several things about the running community.

Runners don't have anything negative to say about anyone trying to reach their running goal.

Runners who complete full marathons are just as in awe of those that complete half marathons.

Runners will stop their race to help another runner or check on a runner falling way behind.

Runners are only competing with themselves, sure the placing hardware is nice but so is the completion hardware.

Runners only really need two things to run, feet and good shoes.

Runners will cheer and yell for you even if your in the back and they are Elite runners. Some of the greatest support I've gotten is from professional runners.

Runners share the road they are on with anyone, even crazy drivers.

Runners are all a bit insane, why else would we run crazy races such as the Warrior Dash/Hood to Coast and Ragnar, or attempt to run Moab?

Runners don't care if your 150 or 300lbs they care that your out there doing it.

Runners know that the pain and all the sore muscles, the bruised toe nails and the blisters are so worth the feeling of crossing the finish line.

And my last realization is that yes I really am an Endurance Geek, a runner and I am loving it.

Till after Memphis!

FCR

Questions? Comments? Want to contribute?

DiaryOfAFatChickRunning@clearwire.net

nuu muu product review!

2010-09-30T08:38:00.005-05:00

Ladies have I got a GREAT new piece of gear you need to add to your collection!

When I first starting running I was all about covering up, as most big girls are. You soon learn in distance running there is no dignity after mile 5. You just want to be comfortable and not have to worry about your gear rubbing you the wrong way.

I don't know about you but I find that just my running tights or shorts doesn't give me enough coverage. I have a running skirt to go over them to minimize the trauma to those watching me run. So my outfit usually consists of, unders, shorts or tights my running skirt, with it's own shorts attached and a shirt. In hot weather have 3 bottom layers is way too much.

At the Expo for the WHM I found the solution. What is it you ask? It is a running dress by nuu muu now don't get me wrong I passed the booth a couple of times before my mother in law joined me at the expo. I actually took the time to look at the product. See at most marathon expo's the clothes are for girls that don't have hips and curves.

These dresses are different. I ended up going back and purchasing one and wore it for my recovery run. Still chaffed and sore from the marathon I just wanted something comfortable. Ladies this dress was GREAT, no rubbing, no irritation, it stayed where it was supposed to for the most part I did have a little ride up in the front but I will chalk that up to wearing my hydration belt.

The material is snug, but not tight, supportive but it breaths. Most important, it fits us big girls and is modest you don't feel like your showing off to the world what your mama told you to keep to yourself.

I like the fact that this product is also made in the USA right in Boise, Idaho. The women I met from nuu muu were GREAT. They took time to answer my questions and inform me about the product and even encouraged me to try it on when I had doubts it would fit. Cathy Coulter and Enid Wilson and Lori Fuller were nice as could be.

Cathy Coulter, Me, Lori Fuller, and Enid Wilson of Nuu Muu

The company is owned by Ashley Fullenwider and Christina Nienstedt you can read their stories here.

The other best thing about these excersize dresses? They have girls sizes as well. What better way to encourage the girls in your life to get active? We all want to be girly even when we run 13.1 miles.

I think their philosophy says it all.

I give nuu muu:

Look Ma I made the news!

2010-09-28T17:29:00.000-05:00

Women's Half Marathon Re-Cap

2010-09-27T11:56:00.002-05:00

Wow were to start...

I've been staring at the post for several days now. Not slacking, just not sure how to put into words all the emotions and experiences of the day.

First off let me take a moment to send my regards to Lynn Manzelmann's family and those that personally knew her. Lynn collapsed at the finish line and was sent to the hospital, she passed away Sunday morning of a heart attack caused by a 90% blockage. She will be greatly missed by all those that knew her, ran with her or cheered her on Saturday the 25th. She was an inspiration to many. May those lives that she touched remember the impact she made on them and pay it forward.

My race was a struggle. It was a tough race, I knew the course was going to be up hill for the first half, and I expected the last half to be mostly down hill. That was NOT the case. Oh it did go down, up and down that is. Besides who's bright idea was it to finish coming off Korean Vets Bridge?

As I told many of you I only wanted to run this race for the finishers medal. It was the first one I've seen where it comes in two parts so you can wear the charm where ever you go. I like that part. I did not really train hard for this race and it showed. I was really strong time wise for the first 8.5 miles then the swelling in my feet and the irritation of the sock weave was getting to me. I was still doing okay. I met two other runners and stayed with them till about mile 9 then I fell behind.

Usually at this point I stop sweating, something I'm working on hydration wise, I make sure to drink twice at each water stop. If there is gatorade and water I take one of each. I just could not get enough fluids and my hands were swelling really bad. I knew dehydration was kicking in and I needed to get some of the fluids out of my hands so I got some salt and that seemed to help.

Around mile 10 my body stopped taking in fluids every time I put something in my mouth it came right back out not much just the little sips I was taking, but I KNEW I had to finish. I wasn't dizzy or light headed I knew where I was and what was going on so I keep going. The medic from Vandy was there on his bike making sure that I was okay.

As I came around the river side of Titans Stadium I knew that I had to finish but wasn't sure my body was going to be able to. I slowed way down and took inventory from the toes up. My feet hurt, my knees were okay but my calves and quads were starting to hurt. My lower back and shoulders were a bit sore and my hands were swelling and my knuckles were starting to bruise from the swelling.

Sitting here now and writing this recap I know I should have stopped I could have pushed my body way past the limit but I remember just feeling this drive to keep going, that one more step and I was closer than before. After inventory I tried to drink some more gatorade from the pace truck that was following me. It was different than what they had been serving on the course so it did not go over well at all so I kept drinking water. The course monitor that starting walking with me at the last water stop was nice enough to hold it for me.

I made it to the foot of the KV's Bridge and started the final ascent the last hill the last obstacle in my way and took it one step at a time and made it over, than the right turn at the bottom and the final left turn. I was just hoping not to fall flat on my face. Then I heard the announcer letting everyone know the last official runner had just turned the corner, and he was calling for everyone hanging around to form two lines to cheer me in. I teared up at that. See in my first half marathon the only people left at the end were the guys at the timing mat and my husband, the crowds had moved on. This was incredible the announcer was still there, the camera's were still there and the massage therapist were there as well as the Swiftwick bike team that paced me the last 4 miles making sure I was hydrating and doing okay. I in a split second knew I could not just walk it in, no matter how sore and tired and done my body was I had to pull together what little bit I had left and I had to run it in. I had to run across those mats because those people cared that I was still out there plugging along making my way to the finish.

So my third half marathon ended with me running the final block and a half and crossing the mats giving high fives to those at the finish line that came to cheer me in.

I will always remember every race I run but this race will always stick with me. It wasn't my first it won't be my last but it will be the race that I found out how far I could push my body and how far I could go and how little pain really matters when you cross those mats.

WHM Nashville Inaugural Expo

2010-09-24T16:52:00.005-05:00

I have been looking forward to this race and expo since I saw the booth at the Country Music Marathon Expo. The draw for me was the idea of the two piece medal and the fact that it was a race especially for women.

The Nashville Medal is unique to Nashville. Each of the races has finishers medals that are specific for that race. You can find the concept art work here at their home page Women's Half Mar athon.

They also advertise the "ultimate goodie bag". Again the artwork for each bag is different dependent on which race you are running. The let down of this "ultimate goodie bag" is that the ultimate thing about it is the specially designed bag. It is special and unique but not what I would really call "ultimate". I was looking for something from the major sponsors of the race in the bag and found only the following items:

Dole Real Fruit Bites yogurt and whole grain oats covered pineapple chunks these I was looking forward to and they did not disappoint.

Shave Secret tried this when we got it in previous goodie bag it's not that great

Real Foods Corn Thins uber thin corn cakes I added some Nutella to mine for some flavor

Rohto Redness Relief eye drops different version than I had received in another race bag, but still can't use do to contact use, tried this version after taking out my contacts not a pleasant experience it made my eyes burn even more

ViOLOGIE sample of shampoo and conditioner with a coupon

It would have been nice for them to include a chain of some sort for the charm that detaches from the finishers medal. It could have been a leather cord or just the same chain they sold for $10.00 since the draw for many participants was the idea of being able to wear your medal where ever you go.

The tech tee is cute, the graphics, style and feel of the shirt are nice. These are NOT real women sizes, my XL was more like a large or medium and there was no offer of any sizes larger than XL. After talking to several other ladies at the expo that were not itty bitty, there was a general feeling of letdown that they would not be able to wear the shirt due the small sizing.

For a "women's" race one would think that they would want to cater to the "real" women. This race series has seemed to draw quite a few "first timers" this would be a GREAT opportunity for them to showcase that not all women are built the same, I think they might have dropped the ball in that area.

The sizing of race apparel and tech shirts is something that I have found to be an industry wide problem for men and women. The tech shirts all seem to run small, sure this FCR could compromise and buy a guys shirt but I don't want a guy's shirt. They are cut differently and just don't seem to fit correctly.

The Expo was laid out so as you entered the area you first went through the branded apparel, there were some really cute head bands and tee-shirts with the race logo. Then you begin a serpentine walk around past the vendors, the drawback to this lay out is that you had to go all the way around the booths to get to the tee-shirt pick up area. Not a bad marketing strategy but for those participants that had to pick up their packets and leave it caused a bit of a bottle neck during the "rush".

Michelle Stone, Dawna Stone, FCR and Ellen Heise.

I got to spend some time talking to Michele Stone and Ellen Heise about the expo and goodie bags and they explained that the bag was considered "Ultimate" because it wasn't the typical throw away plastic bag that you get at most of the races across the country. I can give brownie points for that. They also explained that they were very picky about what was put in the bags more points here. Taking that in to consideration is a nice sentiment that you don't come home with a bag of fliers that you never read and just toss away.

Over all the expo was nice, filled with your typical race vendors, from this FCR's experience, there was of course Spibelt and Gu, our Fleetfeet friends and our local Acme Multi-Sports guys and girls at the Oakley booth, Brooks made and appearance with Fleetfeet, and Muzino was there with Sports Seasons. There were some new to me vendors there as well. The gang from Nuu Muu was awesome. And the Concerta staff was very nice as well. RungirlRun and GypsyRunner.com were also in attendance.

Next up we will review product from Nuu Muu, rungirlrun and Gypsy Runner, as always we never review product that we have not personally tried.

Know of someone or something we need to feature just send us a note and we will check it out.

Till Later

FCR

First time Halfer's do's and don'ts

2010-09-22T11:37:00.002-05:00

As many of you know I will be running my third half marathon this coming Saturday. I am by no means a "pro" or seasoned runner. I do have a list of things that I have learned this year that just might help some of you tackle your first half marathon with a bit more success.

We will start out with the Do's

Go to bed early you probably will not sleep much or even very well but by being in bed your body moves into relax mode.

Eat a light dinner the night before, if your race is on Saturday eat your BIG pasta meal on Thursday and a light meal on Friday night.

I made the mistake of consuming a HUGE burger and fries meal the night before my last half and was miserable the morning of.

Lay out what you are going to wear the night before. You should have already found comfortable socks, shoes and running gear prior to the day before. These should all be items you have trained with and now how they feel and fit your body. Nothing worse than running in new gear the day of your big race. Put your socks IN your shoes if your not wearing your shoes to the start line, put on your shirt and pin your bib on the night before. If your running in Nashville plan on some sort of rain gear, every long race this year has had rain.

Do some light yoga and stretching before you get dressed it will help loosen you up and calm your nerves.

There are so many more do's but you have to find what is right for you. It is the don'ts that can cause you problems and hinder your race.

Do Not's

No new anything the day of the race, foods, clothes, shoes, socks, wear what you train in. What your body is use to.

No pedicures at least two weeks prior to a race. You are going to be asking those rough ugly feet to do so much the day of the race. Let them have the callous' it will prevent blisters.

No massages the day before unless you have experience with getting them the day before a race. Deep tissue massages can make your muscles sore and unwilling to co-operate the next day.

No big heavy meal the night before

No new gu, sports beans or electrolyte replacement products. Why you ask? Digestive problems are one thing you do NOT want to experience your first time running long distance.

Remember this is your race, for you! Have fun, enjoy and best of all that feeling when you cross the finish line is like no other in this world. Besides you will be part of the 1% of the worlds population to do this.

As always,

FCR

One more step, One more mile, One more finish, My race for me

Hill work

2010-08-24T11:46:00.004-05:00

With two runs in since vacation I am feeling okay, not happy with my mile times but that will come back as I get all those running muscles back to work.

I have noticed the difference in my cardio stamina from all the swimming, it doesn't take nearly as much time to recover when I hit the higher zones and come back down.

Due to the way the Women's Half is laid out with the first part from The Country Music Hall of Fame to Centennial park being mostly up hill, I have changed my last 25 days of training to mostly hills.

I am fortunate that I do not have to go searching for hills to run I have a GREAT training hill just out side my door and actually the property that we live on has some nice elevation for my back off days. It's nice because a loop around the property is exactly 1/2 a mile.

I am grateful that I still have the desire to do better, be better and achieve more with my life and running career. I can feel the changes in my body and the building of muscle.

I am also grateful for a husband that not only has been there for every race but has found his own desire to run and train and be healthy.

Till the next time

FCR & Hubby

Seattle Vacation

2010-08-18T10:01:00.003-05:00

Wow the end of July and beginning of August just seem to fly by. I got in far fewer runs than I would have liked in July due to the heat. I traded off and did extra work in the pool hoping that it might off set some of the lost road work.

We had a blast in Seattle with Hubby's brother and family. We did all the touristy stuff your suppose to do when in a new city.

I fell in love with the weather and the atmosphere in my first trip to the Pacific Northwest. I could see us living there after Hubby graduates.

The only downfall of our trip was the flight from Cincinnati, Ohio to Seattle. One row back and across the aisle was a extremely chatty woman whom for the entire 4 hour flight did not stop talking ONCE. She was so loud that I and the person in the row in front of her could hear her over our music playing with the sound turned almost all the way up. Never in my time flying have I ever experienced someone doing this on an overnight flight. Most travelers sleep, read, listen to music, they do not expound to the entire plane the benefits of eating kale, and not drinking out of plastic bottles for 4 hours at a volume that can be heard all over the plane.

Aside from loud talking, kale lady most of our flights went well.

Once back in Nashville Hubby and I have resumed running, early mornings at 5am. My next half marathon is just over 30 days away and my cardio seems to be good, my stamina could use a boost. That means conquering the hills around my home for the next 25 days as much as I can seeing as how the first half of the race is up hill.

Till the next time

FCR & Hubby

PS. To the passenger that sat across the aisle and endured the kale lady, my many thanks for helping share in our mutual irritation.

Summer break is almost over!

2010-07-29T08:51:00.002-05:00

As many of you might or might not know I've been absent here most of June and July due to taking care of one of my nieces this summer.

That has meant spending lots of time in the pool and boy do I feel the difference, my muscle mass is up and I am toned up like crazy. I'm guessing that my total inches lost is now close to 30!

I have also been able to start back running on Saturdays, well one Saturday so far this summer. I am also battling an ovarian cyst on my left side. Doctor says no stress, but I stress more if I can not get out and do something.

Okay enough whining.

What does my late summer race schedule look like? Just one so far that is the Women's Running Magazine 1/2 Marathon. Which I just realized is up hill for the first 6.5 miles. I guess Conference drive and the GoodNaz 5k route are my best friends for the next several weeks. I am looking forward to doing some running in Seattle the 9-16th. Nice cool runs I'm hoping.

Well that is the summer update and hope to have great training news and Seattle running pictures for you all soon.

FCR

Our next adventure

2010-05-31T16:54:00.003-05:00

As I might have mentioned Hubs and I are starting our foster parenting classes the month of June in combination with that we are doing our first charity fundraising walk/run.

Walk Me Home is the signature fund-raising and awareness event for foster care in America. We know not everyone can be a foster parent, but Walk Me Home is a great way to support the over 513,000 children in foster care. This year thousands and thousands of walkers will participate in Walk Me Home events across the country, raising funds to support the life changing programs and activities of foster care associations throughout the United States.

The link above will take you to our page where you can join our team or donate. There will be a "donate now" button over there =====> soon. Hubs is working on the coding as soon as I get off the computer.

You can also "virtually" walk with us.

With foster care and adoption so close to our hearts we want to make sure that we take the time to share it with our friends and families.

If you don't feel that a monetary donation is something you can do please feel free to support, cheer, pray and share our story with others along the way! We are grateful for any support on this journey we can get!

FCR, Hubs and Team Blaisdell

Hendersonville Classic 5k

2010-05-31T16:06:00.003-05:00

I need to start off by saying that due to catching up with life after the Country Music 1/2 Marathon I have not been training the way I should have been. Due to the heat and humidity and my failed attempt at a recovery run just after CMM 1/2 where I ran longer than I planned and got dehydrated and heat exhaustion I have not been running in the humidity like I should have been.

I have not foregone training completely I have just been enjoying the oh so cool waters of the pool.

Not only have I adapted fartlek training for the water I have been adding to my swim distances just about every day. I'm really bad at recording those but I am trying to do better.

The jogging in the water in tough! Not to mention the squats and pull ups. Not as easy at one would think it should be.

All that work in the pool has paid off. Today Hubs and Mom B and I ran the Hendersonville Classic.

My goal was 45 minutes, not only would it be a PR but my fastest 3.1 mile run. The first mile went as expected just running out the kinks and as I explained to Mom B making my body realize that this was not some cruel joke and that I was going to continue to run for 3.1 miles.

The humidity was a bit of a factor but not as much as I expected it to be. Wore my new Swiftwick 12 olefin's and did not have to do the usual mid mile one stop and stretch.

The first mile was at a 17 minute pace which seems to be the pace that my body wants to settle into. At least this race was a consistent 17 min/mile pace.

The results look like this: I finished 41 out of 43 keeping up with the I refuse to be last mantra, Hubs was 11 of 11 and Mom B was 14 of 17, we all had new personal records. I am just amazed at how well Hubs has done since he broke his leg in January. Again according to most doctors he should still be in physical therapy and a brace of some kind. We are continually amazed at how fast he healed and how fast his recovery has been.

41 FCR 52:43

11 Hubs 42:11

14 Mom B 50:54

I even had enough gas at the end to run hard to the finish line. I call it "both feet in the air at the same time finishing" I know it seems like a silly goal but it feels so good to have that much left over at the end. Now I need to work on getting 2 minutes shaved off that time. I would love to have a consistent 15 min/mile pace by the race in September.

Till Next Time,

FCR and Hub's

Not running any races in June

2010-05-26T11:07:00.002-05:00

Hey there FCR family. I just wanted to let you know that training will go on but Hub's and I will not be adding any races to our schedule for the month of June. We are starting PATH (parents as tender healers) foster care parenting classes.

This is something that we have been working towards for more than a year now. The timing is finally right and the classes are at the right time and when we can be there.

Please remember us as we embark on the first step of this journey that will the be platform for adoption.

With hope and love and prayers,

FCR and Hubs

Number One and Two on Google Search!

2010-05-25T15:45:00.002-05:00

Okay I'm really excited!

I don't know about you but I like to google my website and see where it is in the Google search. I know it sounds really silly but I want this blog to be a place where other can come and find some comfort, some inspiration and knowledge that there are other people out there dealing with the same issues and the same doubts.

If you go to Google and search "diary of a fat chick running" the top two results are this blog the first is an active.com link to this blog and the second is the actual blog.

I am really excited about being able to be found at the top of the listing.

I know silly but it really means so much.

FCR and Hubs

Goals, Dreams and Summer Racing.

2010-05-24T11:03:00.002-05:00

Okay first of all Middle Tennessee is beautiful right now all this rain has made everything so green, but I could do with out the humidity.

I know I've been off radar for a few weeks since the flood. As I've said before life in the FCR household moves fast.

I'll be updating the 2010 race schedule soon, just trying to find that fine line between what we want to do and what we can do. It always seems to be a tricky balancing act.

On the immediate schedule is a race on Memorial day called the Hendersonville Classic. This is going to be a really fun race for several reasons. Mom B, Hubby's mom is going to be running with us. We are doing the 5k portion.

We are still talking about the RC Cola Moon Pie fest. It's one of those really fun races, but not sure if we can handle the hill, but if we don't race we will be going to cheer on our fellow HRCer's

The influence of one person is amazing. Hubby and I started running now Mom and Dad B are walking every morning. Hubs sisters have also started walking downtown on their lunch break. Not sure if this is related or not but his brother is running and has lost 40lbs and is planning on running the Seattle Marathon. We are so stoked that this is something we can share with our family and friends.

This journey is really amazing. Especially since I stepped on the scale today and I'm down to 255.8 I finally broke the 260 mark that has been plaguing me for months. Just 6.8 pounds to the first 50lbs lost. I'm so excited.

Now that the American Cancer Society Relay for Life in Hermitage is done for the year. I can get back to running and training and preparing for next year's Relay.

It was a really neat experience, and I'm really looking forward to being the logistics chair next year since I will have time to prepare all year long and not just two weeks.

Till Next Time

FCR

My disappearance....

2010-05-08T09:04:00.002-05:00

We did not fall off the edge of the world, but the creek did rise 10 or so feet above flood stage here in Nashville and surrounding areas.

The water has been devastating many have lost all they own and are in the process, the ever long process, of dealing with clean up and FEMA.

Unfortunately you may not have heard much about the waters. None of the major national media outlets picked up the story until 4 or 5 days after the city and much of the historical downtown area was already underwater. We have had no visit from the current sitting President. To our knowledge no out of state groups are coming in to help us out. We being the Volunteer State are standing on our own two feet sloshing through the water and picking up the pieces. After 80% of the flooded areas in the county I live in had been surveyed the damage is at an estimated 1.6 billion dollars, that my friends does not include the damage to the Opryland Hotel, Grand Ole Opry House or the OpryMills outlet Mall.

In pondering why this has not been on the radar of the nation we Nashvillians noticed, people were not leaving the state in droves, they were staying and helping rescue others from roof tops of houses and the tops of their cars. There has been no looting, there has been no large crime sprees or outbreaks of violence. We are doing what needs to be done to get dug out and cleaned up and taking care of.

Our family has been extremely fortunate other than being stranded at the house for a couple of days because the access roads were flooded we are safe and dry. I will say tho that one of the water treatment plants was flooded and the other is only running at about 56% capacity which means we are on water conservation orders, cooking and drinking and small amounts of hand washing only. Our water supply so far is still good and are not on boil orders as some of the surrounding area are.

Both parks where we do our training runs have been decimated. The Shelby Bottoms area where I competed in my first 1/2 Marathon is also in the same state.

Friends and fellow runners not in the state of Tennessee please pray for us that we can get dug out and on our way to recovery.

Till Next Time

FCR and Hubby

I guess CMM wasn't about running for me after all.

2010-04-28T23:07:00.003-05:00

As upset as I was over the race being called due to weather I have realized that this race for me was not so much about a new personal record, or crossing the finish line.

I did not realize until this week just how much my story has affected others around me.

Just to catch you all up to speed this started with me, then I conned (read as begged) Hubby to run with me, then my oldest friend Cari signed up just to support me. Then I get chosen to be featured in the Country Music Marathon and 1/2 Marathon race book, next I find out that two of my sister in laws have started walking/running, next Hubby's mom tells us that she and her hubby have been getting up early to go walking everyday before work (his idea).

After last Saturday MIL says that she and oldest sis in law want information for the 1/2 Marathon in September. We are so happy that we have influenced our family to get motivated. That made us feel really good.

Then as this blog's community gets older and more of you decided to follow us here, your encouragement has been wonderful and keeps us so motivated.

I did not realize the depth of the people that have been influenced or inspired by my story. I still get embarrassed when someone that is faster and stronger than I am tells me that I have inspired them.

I am getting use to people telling me that they like my story and asking how I did it. Sometimes it strikes up great conversations with new people and one can never have too many friends.

This leads me to the reason for this post. I got a letter in the mail from the Secretary of the State of Tennessee. Now usually one is not excited about something like that. I opened it and inside was a copy of the race program and a hand written note from Tre Hargett. I will get pictures posted in the morning. The note was just two sentences but it made my day. All he said was that he thought I might want an extra copy of the program and he congratulated me on my commitment and dedication.

Now I'm sure he probably sent one to each resident of the state in the program but that one simple note made me realize that this change, this journey is much bigger than just lil ol' me.

So to all of you that have been such a support and encouragement at the beginning of this journey you all hold such a special place in my heart.

FCR

Meeting Mark Cleveland and using the Swiftwick brand.

2010-04-26T11:29:00.012-05:00

As you all know I only post reviews about products that we have personally used.

This weeks review is about a brand of socks called Swiftwick. I got a chance to talk with one of the owners Mark Cleveland at the County Music Marathon Expo on Thursday the 23rd of April. Since this was the first day of the Expo traffic enabled us to talk about his product, and as a Fat Chick Running what I was looking for in a sock.

I explained to him that due to my extreme flat feet that socks that have a toe seam cause painful rubbing and that leads to blisters on my little toes. I have never really liked socks with toe seams for everyday use and try to find socks with out them.

I told Mark I was looking forward to getting my special order socks. Back in March Hendersonville Running Club placed a special order of Swiftwick socks with the HRC Bob the bird logo on them. The reason I am so excited about these socks is they have woven toes and no toe seams. Hubby and I have 8 pairs ordered four for each of us.

As Mark and I talked about socks and finding the right fit and type of sock I asked him about Swiftwick Compression socks. He asked if I had tried a pair yet and I told him that I had not because I had not found a company that made a pair that would fit. I have always had muscular calves and now that I have lost so much weight and built some runners muscles my calves are really solid.

After taking a look at my calves and checking out his stock I now owned a pair of white Swiftwick Twelve Olefin compression socks. Mark asked me if I was going to wear them race day and I responded that a smart runner doesn't add any new race gear two days before a race but I was planning on using them for recovery.

Later that night I got home from the days activities and pulled on my new Swiftwick socks. My legs were a bit tired and I wanted to give them a try. I pulled them on and immediately fell in love with the foot of this sock, toe seams and all. The weave of the sock is soft and comfortable. It took a bit of work to get them on but that was to be expected due to the nature of the sock itself and the job it does.

Swiftwick has two different versions of the compression sock :

Twelve Merino comes in black it is constructed as follows:

Merino Wool, 30% Nylon, 10% Lycra

12" neck. Sits over the calf. 144 needle construction.
Perfect for: Hiking, Biking, Hockey

Twelve Olefin comes in black and white and is constructed as follows:

80% Nylon, 15% Olefin, 5% Lycra

8" neck - 4" Cuff. Sits over the calf. 144 needle construction.

Perfect for: Hockey, Rugby, Football, Volleyball, Baseball, Airline Travel.

The Twelve Olefin is the sock that I tried. The weave of the foot and then the combination of the Nylon and Olefin and Lycra provide a comfortable compression with out feeling like you have just been stuffed into a sausage casing. They also retain their original shape once removed.

I gave them a second try on Saturday after the race and was pleasantly surprised at the relief that I felt on Sunday. I was not nearly as sore as with previous runs and will be adding the compression sock to my post run recovery at every possible opportunity.

The toe seam is actually comfortable and has possibly changed this runners mind about socks with toe seams, well when it comes to this brand.

Hubby wore the Four Olefin in black to run in and loved the fact that it kept his feet dry and comfortable and blister free. Even after the rain began to pour and his socks got wet he had no problems with them chaffing or causing blisters. He also said that he did not experience any problems with weave pain. I have tried several different brands of socks and have had problems with the weave causing painful indention in the bottom of my feet after long runs. I can not wait to try these socks in training.

80% Nylon, 15% Olefin, 5% Lycra
4" cuff. Sits three-quarter-calf.
Perfect for: Hiking, Biking, Basketball, Baseball, Hockey

I think the major selling points of this brand is the fact that they have the two traits that I look for when shopping for gear. First they are located right here in Tennessee and can be found in most of the local running stores. Second the owners are all about listening to the people whom wear or might wear their product.

To check out Swiftwick products for yourself, you can find them at www.swiftwick.com or check them out on facebook at Swiftwick Socks or on twitter @swiftwick

Starting with this review we will be using a running shoe rating scale from 1 to 5, 5 being the best.

The Swiftwick socks we reviewed received the following ratings:

FCR:

Hubby:

Till Next Time

FCR and Hubby

County Music Half Marathon Wrap Up.

2010-04-26T10:47:00.004-05:00

Mother Nature decided to throw a temper tantrum worthy of a two year old.

The day started out great. I was ready to run, mentally and physically I was ready to do my best. Things went well we got to LP Field early used the porta potty with out much of a wait, got right onto a bus and headed to Centennial Park. Got to the park my feet and my legs were tight so once we found a spot of grass I got help getting them stretched out.

Made sure to pick up water and a bottle of the electrolyte substance called Cytomax. Honestly it's like drinking a cup of syrup. I did drink it during the course of the race because I know I was going to get dehydrated.

We had changed corrals from 32 to 28 so Hubby and Cari and I could all start together even if we didn't stay together. It seemed like FOREVER for our corral to get started. It was just over 30 minutes before they cut us loose to run. The sea of people in front of us was just amazing.

I kept my self in check and thought I was starting out slow. Looked down and at one point I was on a 15 minute pace, way to fast to start. So I kicked it down a gear I really wanted to run in the last 4 miles of the race. The Belmont area of the race was great we got to see Leon's parents and a friend from church at water stop 4. I still have not found the right sock to shoe ratio. You would think 4 races would give me some clue as to what to wear. More on that in the next post.

Stopped and got some blister pads not sure if they really helped or not, the medic at the aid station couldn't tell me either. Moved on and the heat was starting to kick my tail a bit. So I made sure to drink and pour water at each fluid stop.

The never ending residential loop kicked my tail. For some reason between mile 4 and 8 I just seem to lose focus but once I passed that mile 8 marker my determination over road what my body was trying to do. Mile 8 thru 10 was nice, the weather cooled a bit and we got some rain. My core temperature finally started to cool off and everything was starting to work together.

Then the race official drove up next to me and told me that they were closing the course and as soon as she had passed me, I would have to get in the van or risk being on the course with no race support. I was mad as a hornet. I trained for this race. This was the carrot that started all of this. I wasn't going to get in the van. I crossed the mats at mile 10 and kept running. She pulled next to me again and said the weather was getting really bad and I needed to get in. Common Sense kicked in and I realized that I needed to get in. Of course I was so mad I was crying. Then I realize that they didn't make the group of hula hoop walkers get off the course. This was after our van driver took the longest route back to the stadium, so long in fact that I could have stayed on the course and still been to the finish line before our van got there. A bunch of us finally made him stop and let us out. We got out and rejoined and got to cross the finish line. They prorated our times and that gave us an "official finish" but it feels very empty and some how makes getting the hardware empty as well.

Hubby and Cari were able to finish all 13.1 miles and I'm so very proud of them for doing so. Both had limited training, Leon due to his broken leg and Cari due to having a new baby.

I know there will be other races, in fact I have a 5k to run May 1st and than the Women's Running Magazine Nashville 1/2 Marathon in September. There will also be more added to that list as the weeks come.

FCR

"How do you do it?"

2010-04-21T15:16:00.005-05:00

I get this question quite a few times a week sometimes several times a day.

The question is always in response to me posting to Facebook or talking to someone about how I have given up processed foods.

When I started this journey to get healthy as many of you know I was morbidly obese. The doctor told me to change or die. Now not in so many words did he say that, but the implications were the same.

Honestly it was not an easy task. Ramen Noodles always had a presence in my pantry since they occupied the bottom dresser drawer in college. I even know people whom feed these easy go to noodles to their children. The sodium content alone in boxed and processed food is astonishing.

I started changing our lifestyle with food. Food is the center of just about every culture in the world. So changing what you eat is a hard step. I started with this first because it really does not matter how many miles you run or how often you exercise if you are not properly feeding your body than you are asking it to do the impossible. There is an old computer programers adage that says "Garbage In Garbage Out". As with computers so are our bodies.

Changing your eating habits is not an easy task. We are ingrained as adults to eat how we were raised. If you were raised eating what many celebrity chefs call convenience foods, these are the just add x,y and z and cook, than you are more likely to eat that way as an adult. This also goes for healthy eaters.

The biggest problem with convenience foods is that they are loaded with all kinds of artificials, flavor, color, chemically changed items, preservatives, and many things this chick can not pronounce.

There are several rules to eating healthy. For the next several weeks I will be posting these on our new feature "Healthy Monday's"

So you do not have to wait that long my faithful friends and readers, classmates and running buddies (who know all this already because I learned some of it from you) I'm going to give you a taste of how to change your diet today.

The first rule of healthy is as follows: If you can not pronounce it you should not eat it, if you need a dictionary to define the word then you should not put it in your mouth.

Now for an admission. There are a handful of staples that I buy that are classified convenience foods but in this case I try to find a version of that product that is "organic" or "kosher" or "vegan" We will explore these labels in another post. I choose these types of products because they are more likely to have all natural. not chemically boosted or changed ingredients in them.

In a perfect world we would all have the time to make our own bread and pasta and grow gardens and can all our own veggies to use. That is what is so great about choosing to change the food you put in your body. In today's markets you have a choice. You are not saddled with one brand of noodles or bread or pasta. You might find that at first is may be slightly more expensive, but in the long run it will be worth it. I have started to offset that cost in several ways, looking for buy one get one deals, and shopping with local produce growers and my local independent dairy Gammon Family Dairy, Inc.

As you begin making changes be sure that you do so in small steps. I started out by choosing frozen veggies instead of canned. There is a HUGE reduction of salt in just this on small change. You have to be willing to look at the labels. Read what is in your food. The fewer ingredients the better for you.

How do you get motivated to change?

Why here at DOAFCR we are going to help motivate you to change. Your challenge should you choose to accept it is as follows.

Challenge 1:

Stop buying canned veggies and start buying fresh or frozen veggies.

Small steps lead to big changes.

If you decide to accept this challenge please leave us a message we would love to know that you did.

FCR

It's almost here!

2010-04-12T10:20:00.003-05:00

All the training is done, all the proper diet the grueling long runs, the rainy day training runs, the daily scale checks. All that is left is the taper, the back down and the rest and keep focused and mentally calm.

All this would be great except for the stomach flu that I got hit with Sunday. This is the last thing I want to deal with. I am just glad that it happen this week and not next. I should be able to rest and recover.

The Country Music Half Marathon is the race that started this journey. It was the original motivation to get moving. The journey so far has been amazing. The friendships the motivational moments, the people from Hendersonville Running Club and my husband and family there each and every race. Those that came back for me when I wasn't sure I was going to finish the races and the long runs.

Some have asked me what my reason for all of this was. The answer has changed over the last five months. In the beginning the reason was I wanted to be healthy, I wanted to be able to climb the three flights of stairs with out having to stop at each landing, I wanted to keep up with my family at theme parks and fit in the ride seats. I wanted to be able to participate in life, I no longer wanted to be a bystander.

What is the difference now 40 pounds and 3 almost 4 races under my belt? It sparked something in me that is more than the desires that I listed. It sparked the desire to do better to run faster to do more than just complete the one race. There has been this ever increasing desire to set more goals for my self to push my body to be the best it can be, to test and try my limits and push past those limits and create new ones.

My goal is no longer just one race, it has become the next one on the calendar. I have even registered for my next half marathon. Yup I have fallen in love with the half marathon. I do well at 5k races, I have a hard time pushing my self. I know that I will improve and get faster.

After this years Tom King and pushing and the struggle and the tears, it makes me want to be able to do better, to work harder to push my body to be the strongest it possibly can be.

I am looking forward to the Country Music race because for the first time I will be running a race with my husband and my oldest friend is also running with us. Cari and I have known each other since 4th grade. It's been an amazing journey with amazing people and I am so thrilled that this journey will continue and that I can share that journey with my loved ones. Two of my sister in laws and my mother in law have started walking on their way to jogging and running. We are looking forward to competing together in our first race.

People keep telling me how much I've inspired them. I have a hard time with that. It has to do with the image I have of myself. I have always looked for inspiration in others on this journey I'm learning that sometimes that inspiration comes from within and that is okay.

Till Next time

FCR and Hubby

Using iPhone applications to race and train with

2010-03-31T14:24:00.004-05:00

I have two different running applications on my iPhone. The each have similar functions. They both track my total time, pace, and create a GPS generated map of my run, log my miles and email each training session to me.

The two applications are Runmeter and RunKeeper. I really wish I could merge the best of these applications so that I can do everything from one app and not have to switch back and forth.

I use Runmeter during races because I do not worry about interval timing while competing. I also like the fact that it has a function that will auto tweet my status using either a time or distance trigger.

During Tom King it was really nice especially when I was the last one on the course it gave my husband the ability to see exactly where I was, which gave him comfort,with the included link he could see my progress via an interactive map link.

Runmeter also has an announcement function that allows you to set up an auto annoucement using either time or distance. You can have the announcement tell you your average, calories, climb, clock, competitor (distance), Competitor (time), your distance, elevation, fastest pace/speed, from best time, from best distance, from median distance and time, from worst distance and time, pace/speed, remaining distance, remaining time, stopped time, and then just plain old time.

I only want to know my time, distance, average and pace/speed. As I grow into more intense running and competing I will want to know some of the included items. The other item I really like about Runmeter is that if you consistently run a set course it will keep track of how well you do, letting you know if each consecutive run was better, the same or worse then the last time you ran the route.

I am not happy with how long the application takes to start up, and it does not have a programable interval timer. If I want to listen to music while I run I have to start up the iPod application first then open Runmeter.

I use RunKeeper to train with due to the fact that I can create several different training programs and tailor the interval time as well as the pace. It will auto announce the next interval and at what pace you determine to run that interval. The customization is a really nice touch. You get a choice of GPS or manual entry, the activity type, the playlist you want to use and which training program you want to use.

My dislikes for this application is the lack of a decent activities grouping or calendar function, and this application does not have an auto tweet function.

My ultimate running application would include the calendar function of Runmeter, and the auto tweets, and the category organization of the workouts by day, week, month, year.

The biggest dislike I have with both applications is that they are both battery drainers.

The only down side to using your iPhone in racing is that some events do not allow the use of headphones hence the market for wearable wrist GPS units. Those will do intervals, keep track of your route and time and pace, as well as heart rate, alas they do not play music.

The best advice I have been given about GPS units it to look on ebay and craigslist to find used units.

For now all is well in the FCR household, HALH is now fully returned to work today was his first day back. The dog keeps walking around the house trying to find him and looking at me like I'm hiding his body or something.

We starting training together again this past Saturday and he is going to continue training and attempt to complete the Country Music Half Marathon.

Till Later,

FCR and Hubs.

16th Annual Gupton Dodge Tom King Classic

2010-03-17T10:35:00.003-05:00

This adventure began the night before that race at the pasta dinner that included guest speaker Gary Cohen. He is a 2:22:34 marathoner. He talked about preparing to run and that something is going to go wrong so just be prepared incase. Hubby and I even got a chance to talk with him after and I got to share my story with him. He was very nice and answered any and all questions that were asked not just by us but by everyone in attendance.

Wow what a day. I was so relaxed and ready to just enjoy this run. It stated with the chance to cheer on and encourage those running the 5k. So many people have cheered for me that it was really nice to "pay it forward". It also had the effect of pumping me up for the race.

The Nashville Striders are such a fun group of people and really know how to host a race. They had an added option for the slower runners to start 30 minutes early. I wavered back and forth about the start and decided the morning of the race to take the extra thirty minutes. I was thankful that I did.

It was nice to hit the route and work out the kinks that seem to plague me in the first mile of running with out hindering the "Big Dogs" . I was surprise with my consistency of pace for the first 6.5 miles. I stayed between 15 and 19 minutes a mile. For my weight and training I was right about where I needed to be. This race was a practice for the Country Music Half Marathon and to see how my body would react to 13.1 miles.

I really enjoyed the run until about mile 8 my body started to tell me that it was done... I was not okay with that. I think it was the thought of showing up next week with out the finishing medal. I love the accountability of the group.

Six months ago I got winded going up and down the three flights of stairs to our apartment, now I power up them to get a bit of cardio in. Leon knows when I come in breathless that I've done my stair work. To think back in January I was huffing and puffing at two loops in the park. Each week brought it's challenges then I got race happy, I like the way I feel when I'm done it's so addicting and if I'm going to be addicted to something it should be healthy.

I took the early start with Emily and her friend, so glad I did by the way. I made it to mile 3 before the guy in the wheelchair slipped by. From mile 3 on I fell into a grove where the breathing and running and the body all come together. It was awesome. I felt invincible. The thundering herds got to me on the bouncing bridge and made me a bit sick to my stomach.... Forget the foamy brown water where was the warning about the bridge huh?

I love that you all look for me during the race both on your way out and then on your way back. Was it just me or after mile marker 6 was the turnaround forever away?

The turnaround was not too bad. Then mile 8 hit and the my ITB starting hurting for the first time. Again so glad that I've got HRC and knew what to do. The medic taped me up and I was off again. I didn't stop running till about mile 9 boy did I find a wall. By that time they were starting to pack up and go home. I finally made it out of Shelby bottoms followed by the EMTs that kept asking if I wanted a ride. No thank you I said 4 times I'm finishing this on my own power. The Metro officers were awesome each one I passed clapped and cheered for me.

Being ex law enforcement I remembered why I love the thin blue line. The I got to one officer in a Jeep like vehicle around mile 10 I was so done the tears started flowing and I was reconsidering that ride I turned down. He pulled up next to me and said "Don't you dare stop" he did this at every cross street zooming past me to meet me at the next one. Then I hit mile 12 and cried all the way to the stadium, I didn't know which way to go and there was a woman that
stopped asked if I was okay and said yes I just hurt my body was done she went with me all the way to the attendant. He walked me down the ramp EMTs saw my wrap that was now down below me knee and asked if I was okay...I said yup almost there... At the end of the tunnel was my Leon. He walked around the field and over the chip mats with me. Then I tried to pass out but for some reason they wouldn't let me.

I missed the group that was waiting for me and I'm sorry that I did.

Charlene and Leslie and Heidi I am so glad that you challenged me to do this race. I did something today I have never done before. I did not quit and did not give up. Mind over body is an amazing thing.

Charlene you told me when I said I blamed you and Leslie for the challenge that I accepted in doing this race that you would take the blame at the starting line and it would be all me at the finish. Each of those last 4 miles I thought about how each and everyone one of you have touched my life and training and are there to teach me what my body is capable of.

I take the blame for the finish but I share it all with you. For you cheers, your encouragement, your example and yes Bob even for the GU.

GoodNaz 5k

2010-03-10T16:59:00.003-06:00

It was a great day. Started out a bit chilly but by the end of the race I had removed my coat and my short sleeved tech shirt. Joana and Heidi came back and help me run in the last half mile or so. This race felt much better. Except for the 2 miles uphill at the beginning of the race. That is okay I've been told that hills build character. At this point I'm not sure for who. Even with all the hills I still came in faster than the Fangtastic 5k. Unofficially it was 1:51 faster. Officially it was only .27 seconds. Either way it was still faster than my first race.

With all that has been going on this week I have had a hard time focusing on the Tom King Classic Half Marathon this coming Saturday.

Due to some problems I've been having I had to have my first mammogram on Tuesday after a doctors appointment and a slide sent to cytology. Needless to say my brain is stuck on those issues. The only mental image I can conjure up for the race is them tearing down the course before I even get half way done.

To try and combat that today I did 1 mile of intervals on the treadmill, 5 miles on the stationary bike and some weight training. I felt really good afterwards. I also plan on doing 6 miles of road work tomorrow.

If anyone has any ideas on how I get over this please let me know.

Leon did well at the gym today. He did another 30 minutes on the stationary bike, 5 minutes on the elliptical as well as some light weights. His leg seems to be holding up well to all of this.

Till next time,

FCR and HALH

Updates and Challenges.

2010-03-05T09:06:00.003-06:00

I've been lax in updating here at DOAFCR. Things are going well. I've been able to maintain the weight loss and have improved my long run mileage if not my speed. Last Saturday was a long slow day for me. Due to a re-surfacing of an old injury. I was only able to walk 7.5 miles. Yes I said only, never thought in a million years I would have said "Only 7.5 miles" my time for just walking was not too bad either 2hrs 45mins. If I was still planning on walking the half marathon I would be on walking pace. My goal is to run both half marathons at either 3/1 or 4/1 intervals.

I had a car wreck in January of 2009 that caused a torsion injury of the spine and neck. I went to a chiropractor soon after but really did not like the doctor or the office I was going to. I visited other chiropractors as well but none of them seem to quite fit.

Last Friday I tried out a new doctor (Thanks Ash) and love the office staff, the atmosphere, and the doctor.

I have always been totally on board with healing with out medication if possible.

I had been having major headaches bordering on migraine level pain. I was out running errands and had taken the dog with me. Now mind you Sadie is only 8lbs not very big. I had taken her in to the office of one of the stops I had to make and picked her up and turned and that's when I for lack of a better word locked up. My entire left side was in pain, I could not look to the left and was even having trouble turning my body to the left.

The new chiropractor is just around the corner from our house so that makes it very convenient. He listens to me and then assesses my needs. The first visit he took an x-ray of my neck and then told me it was a mess.

He is always concerned with how I'm doing running and if the treatment is helping. I am sure of it.

Just 24 hours till the GoodNaz 5k. After a pre race visit with the new chiropractor I am going to get my long run in for the week. It is a back down week and only 6 miles.

This journey is amazing. I find new milestones almost every day. The phone calls, and emails and support from friends and family and the members of the Hendersonville Running Club have been amazing. I would not be where I am with out all of you.

This habit is still becoming a lifestyle. There are still days I dread going out in the cold to run, then I look in the mirror and see just how big my clothes are compared to how they should actually fit, and I go change in to the running stuff and lace up and head out the door.

The hardest part still is the lacing up and heading out, which I need to do now. I promise an after race update before the weekend is over.

Till next time dear friends and readers.

FCR

PS. HALH is now walking with out crutches and big black ortho boot today he is going to try to go all day in the lace up brace! One more step closer to full recovery.

I knew it was coming!

2010-02-15T09:36:00.003-06:00

The last couple of weeks my weight and I haven't been doing so well. Honestly I knew I would hit a point where I would be stuck due to the running and cross training and building muscle. I was not really that upset about it. My doctor and I agreed that I would give myself a 5 to 10 lb. cushion just so that I would not get discouraged about any gain.

I knew that when I started the hardcore running and cross training I would experience no weight loss, then I would transition in to a gain followed by a significant loss. It is just the way the body works. Knowing this really helps when I see that number creeping up. It's nice to know that the creeping up in weight is muscle mass and not fat.

Today the significant weight loss showed up. I am happy to say that as of today my new maintain weight is 259.4 for a total loss of 39.6 pounds. Needless to say I've been doing a happy dance all morning long.

It is nice to see all the hard work paying off. It also helps in my training. The less weight I have to hall around the easier it is to get what is left moving.

I feel amazing. When I stepped on that scale this morning I did not expect to see such a drop. I am only 12 pounds away from my first 50 pound goal.

When my doctor and I set the goal weight I felt intimidated by the amount. I have listed things we come in contact with that are 50 pounds.

50 Pound Items:

10 5lb bags of sugar

7, new born babies that average 7 lbs. (WOW)

Here is to new lifestyles and meeting my first weight goal!!!

FCR and HALH

I really must be nuts!

2010-02-12T11:56:00.002-06:00

Okay I thought two 5k races before the Country Music 1/2 Marathon was good race training. Some how some way I got addicted to that finish. Not that I broke any big records or finished with the "Big Dogs". I finished, I met my goals, I wasn't the last one across the line, I didn't quit and I finished under one hour.

My goal for the GoodNaz 5k is to drop my time and not be last again. Someone in the running club not to mention any name Charlene and Leslie thought it would be fun and a good race to try before the CMM 1/2.

I made a deal with my HALH if I could show $50.00 in savings on my grocery receipt I could register for the race. I went shopping yesterday and saved enough with coupons and bogo items to register for the race.

This is where I realize that I am defiantly NUTS.

1 race in February, 2 races in March and 1 in April and who knows after that.

I love the fact that I have found something that I love. It has become a part of my life. It is no longer a hassle, I look forward to getting up and getting out. I still dread the long runs on Saturdays but I see definite improvement in my mid week runs. Wednesday I did 3.08 miles and didn't feel like I had finished more than a mile. I guess it's time to push the pace and or the distance.

I'm looking forward to the 8 miles on Saturday, it is going to kick my tush but I know it's going to feel GREAT.

HALH Update: He is doing well overall. We had some worries about the surgery site was looking red and angry and possibly infected so we started twice a day antibacterial soap washes and within a day it was MUCH better. He got up and out and was there with me at the Fangtastic 5k in his wheel chair all bundled up and having fun watching the racers cross the line. So much so he didn't even get his book out to read.

FCR

Fangtastic 5k

2010-02-07T13:16:00.002-06:00

February 6,2010 was the date of my first race. It was a last minute decision to see if there was anyone in HRC who had a bib they were not going to be able to use. I was fortunate that there was a runner who would not be able to make it due to work. I am so grateful to Craig.

I am really pleased with my results. I feel sorry for Craig tho his time was very slow.

My official results are as follows

Gun Time: 55:24

Chip Time: 54:51

Pace Time: 17:42

I am pretty happy with my first race results, now I have a real starting point in training for my next race The GoodNaz 5k.

It has been a really exciting week not only in training but also in personal results.

I am sore and tired today but overall I know that it is all worth it and more. I slowly see running becoming a new and wonderful way of life.

It's been a crazy week!

2010-02-05T12:24:00.003-06:00

Last weekend the long run was a bust because of all the ice and snow that covered Middle Tennessee. After sunshine on Sunday there was enough melting that I got out Monday and pounded out 7 miles. It was tough. The route I use for my long day run gives me two options to get back to my house. On my return I had convinced myself to take the short cut-off home.

I was foiled. I heard footsteps crunching snow behind me and knew it was someone that was defiantly faster than me. I was correct it was one of the Boston Qualifiers in HRC. It was also one of the HRC running coaches. Had Leslie not showed up when she did I would have let myself down.

It has so amazed me the changes that have not only taken place physically but mentally. I haven't had a mentally down day since my consistent running.

On the weight loss front I am at that crossroads of depleting fat and increasing muscle. I'm expecting in the next two to three weeks a significant drop in that number. I am seeing dropping numbers in my measurements. I am happy with a decrease in either number.

Some neat things have happen this week also.

I jogged/fast walked 7 miles then did another 2.4 on Wednesday then on Thursday I did some core training and 3.5 miles on the stationary bike.

Today I am taking a break and resting today and eating carbs preparing to run my first race Saturday morning. Yes you read that right. Through some very good fortune for me and not so good for another HRC runner I am able to takeover his bib number and run the race.

I am so excited, nervous and apprehensive all at the same time. I am blessed because there is another HRC runner that I am going to try to keep up with.

On the HALH front he got his surgery cast off on the 26th of January and they also removed the staples and gave him compression socks and a big black ortho boot.

I promise a faster update after the race on Saturday.

Till after the race!

FCR and HALH

Week 5 CMM 1/2 Training.

2010-01-28T14:58:00.003-06:00

Wow what a week. Started out Monday with a two mile distance walk. Did not want to push due to my big toes and calves still being tender. I just wanted to get some mileage. I then took Tuesday and Wednesday as off days to recuperate from Saturday and Monday.

Today I headed out to one of my favorite places to run, Moss Wright Park. Yes that is the park with the "Hills of death".

There are three different routes you can take. There is the original 1.8 mile route. I call it the short loop. Then I found out today that there is two versions of the long loop. The one I did a couple of months ago going up the "Hill of Death" and a shorter one near the entrance of the new dog park. I inadvertently found the dog park loop today. I was a nice change of pace.

Today's goal was to work on my pace as well as some mileage. Due to the report 3 to 6 inches of snow that Nashville "might" and since HALH broke his leg running in snow I have developed a superstition to running in the snow. Silly I know but I don't want to tempt it.

Surprising to me I found that after the first mile I was slow jogging most of the distance and not panting like a dog. I found that I was goofy grinning and the other joggers/runners/walkers were looking at me funny. It really felt good to be able to jog a decent distance with out having to push myself. Hopefully I will soon be able to move that slow jog up to a full jog then run.

I know that with my weight I have to be very careful of my knees and the pounding they get when I run.

I am not sure what is going to happen on Saturday but I have decided that if it is too nasty to go out I will be hitting the treadmill. I so dislike the treadmill because it faces a wall, and I have no deciding power to move it.

I will update you all on what happens Saturday for those of you not part of the Hendersonville Running Club.

Today's Stats

Distance: 3.53 miles

Total time: 1 hour 12 minutes

Till the next run.

FCR and HALH

Long Run Two: New milestones

2010-01-23T10:18:00.002-06:00

Wow what a morning!

It was beautiful and the sun was shining. Just cool enough to be out and well running. I started out kind of slow. It takes me about a mile to get my body warmed up. Along the way I found a companion to train with. Thank you so much K. you were such a big encouragement to me, and to H. who came back to make sure we were doing good.

Somehow we missed where we were suppose to run to. So we headed to the library, we turned off Indian Lake and headed towards the library and got half way there before we decided that we should probably turn around so that we could make it back. All said and done K and I did a total of 5.31 miles in 1 hour and 45 min.

This was my longest session and my best session and my time seems to be right on pace to finish the 1/2 in four hours. Of course my goal is run part of the marathon but right now I'm focusing on finishing. Someone reminded me it's not how fast you get there whether you run or you walk it's getting there that counts.

Once again the support and cheers and the encouragement makes such a difference. I see it in my attitude, I see it in the ever increasing mileage and the slow increase in time relative to the miles I complete. It was just November when I was doing 2 miles in 1 hour. It really seems to astound me how well I'm doing. I don't think about it until I look at the time and the distance at the end.

Even yesterday I was excited about the time and distance. I kept going because I surprised how fast I covered the real estate.

Today was the same. When I looked at how long it took me to finish the mileage I was so happy.

I am finding that the few hours I spend on Saturday boost not only my distance and decrease my times but they boost my week.

Remember friends all you have to do is: Lace 'em up, open the door and it is one step, one mile, one run at a time.

FCR and HALH

What a day!

2010-01-22T13:08:00.006-06:00

Wow. Today was my first day back really training and not just testing what my lungs will handle, and I feel GREAT!

I added a new app to my iPhone a few weeks ago before I got the flu. It's called Runmeter. It does a few cool things that I really like. It's got a stopwatch feature that lets you name your route, what your activity is ie: running, walking, biking, hiking, skating, skiing, or swimming (they make waterproof iPhone cases now).

It keeps track of what time you started, your time, the amount of time you stop, the distance your average time per mile, the climb, the calories, AND you can email your results to yourself, it even gives you a GPS route on a map.

Since today was the first time using this app. I was a bit unsure of exactly how it works but now that I have used it I am very happy to say that it the newest addition to my training gear. It will even let you export your info in a cvs or spreadsheet format. It was also a LOT less expensive than some of the $300 dollar Garmin devices.

I also added another new piece of gear. I went and got a pair of genuine running shoes. I ended up getting a pair of Brooks shoes and for the first time EVER since I began this journey in November I did not have to stop and stretch out my arches or adjust my shoes. These are the first pair of shoes that I didn't immediately take off when I got in the door.

I also found a new weekday running partner. Her name is Sadie, she has auburn hair, has a spunky personality and is very close to our family. She doesn't talk much which is nice because if she did the neighbors might complain. She's just over a foot tall. If your confused I am talking about our Pomeranian. It use to be hop-a-long hubbies job to take the dog and the trash out. Well since the broken leg it has now become my job. Since I am not very fond of going up and down the three flights of stairs multiple times I try to consolidate my trips. She loved the trip. She ran when I ran and walked when I needed to walk. We even tackled the evil Long Hollow Pike to Northridge climb up Conference drive. She was a trooper. When we got back home HALH (hop-a-long-hubby) asked her if she wanted to go for another walk and she ran to her "sit" spot next to the door ready to go again.

I just want to take this time to say hello to all the new folks in the beginners group with HRC and a thank-you to those that have been so kind as to keep tabs on how HALH is doing.

And I leave you with todays stats. (more for me that you)

Today's stats are:

Total Time: 28.05

Distance: 1.45 miles

Average per mile: 19.19

Till I come crawling home after tomorrows long run,

FCR and HALH

Two weeks and finally starting to feel better!

2010-01-17T15:02:00.002-06:00

Well as you know we have been down and out of training for two weeks now. Leon is doing well and is spending time working on his APSU classes and beating every video game he owns. His cabin fever set in pretty quick.

I am feeling better. I'm sure the warmer weather has helped. I was able to jog a bit to and from the mailbox the other day not far but I wasn't totally winded either. I miss training and can't wait to get back to it.

I'm two weeks behind but I'm sure with determination and some hard work I can catch up. I miss the group. I plan on being back this coming Saturday.

We are waiting on Leon's surgery follow up on the 26th to see what is going on and how far he has healed from surgery. We still hold on to a small hope that if he can't run he might be able to walk at least part of the course. I'm sure walking is going to be part of his physical therapy. We will update you all as soon as we know.

With thanks for the notes and emails and constant support.

FCR and Hop A Long Hubby.

Eventful Day

2010-01-09T22:45:00.001-06:00

Well as you know I'm grounded from training until I get over this flu, so Leon headed out this morning for a group training session with HRC out at Drakes Creek. Towards then end of the first 1.8 miles he slipped on some snow and apparently fell on his twisted ankle. I on the other hand was tucked warm in our bed asleep so asleep that he had to call me twice before I heard the phone ring. It was Leon telling me what was going on. Fortunately he was not out by his self he was out with the HRC beginners group and there were people to bring him home, there were two of them, one to drive our car back and one to drive Leon. Joana and Tom thank you so very much. I am so thankful for all the wonderful friends and support we have received from HRC (Hendersonville Running Club).

What was originally thought to be a severe sprain was actually a broken fibula (bone anatomy) Just above the joint. We were given a perscription for some pain medication, a big black boot, crutches and a referral to an orthopedic surgeon. So we bundled up and headed home. We got to our exit and got a phone call from the surgeon, oddly enough he had just finished an ankle surgery and the x-ray tech told them they had just had another broken ankle, the surgeon pulled up the x-rays and called us and requested that we come back to the hospital due to the break and where it was at he said that it would heal better if we could come back and have the surgery done today, so I whipped a u-turn and headed back to Hendersonville hospital. Leon had what they called an internal reduction and stabilization. They used one screw to hold the two pieces of bone together, then added a 6 hole plate and 5 more screws. We were able to go home several hours after surgery. Leon is asleep as I update our blogs.

The fact that we chose Hendersonville Hospital was a fluke anyway, we debated as we left which ER, Skyline or Hendersonville would have the shortest wait, we live just about halfway between both.

We went there because we felt the wait wouldn't be too bad that early approximately 8am in their area. So off we headed to the east.

Looking back on the entire situation tonight we were guided in every step we were at the right hospital, at the right time, with the right employees on duty to catch and take care of Leon so well. We know that our Heavenly Father guided all the care events that took place today.

The love and outpouring of support from our family, our HRC family, our ward family and many many friends, has been so comforting and wonderful.

FCR and one sleep hubby.

***Heidi thank you for the name corrections I would really hate to not thank the correct people****

Road Blocks

2010-01-08T12:02:00.003-06:00

Frustration can be one of the biggest de-motivational elements in our lives. This week has been full of frustration. I have the flu. Not conducive to running or training. The problem with me having the flu is I have to be careful that it does not develop in to pneumonia, which I am very susceptible to.

Recently Charlene the coach for the Hendersonville Running Club beginners group sent the blog address to the rest of the beginners group. So I say to you all

"Welcome and please enjoy"

Motivation for the week: This is a life changing event. This is the beginning of a new lifestyle that my husband and I can share with each other as well as our new HRC friends.

Weight loss: 5 pounds total lost 35 pounds

Goals: Get Healthy, motivate Hubby to keep up the good job.

Remember: One day at a time one step at a time one mile at a time.

FCR & Hubby

Week One......

2010-01-05T16:31:00.004-06:00

Well so far this week the only miles we have logged have been between the couch and the bed. Both of us were hit by the creeping crud of the moment by Sunday night Hubby was down for the count. Monday he was feeling better and I was down for the count.

We have to take a moment and say "Thank You" to all of those readers that have started following our Blog. The support from the Hendersonville Running Club continues to warm our hearts and fuel our determination to continue on our quest to healthier and more active lives.

New Day One. HRC Beginners Running Group.....er walking for some of us!

2010-01-02T08:48:00.002-06:00

Wow what a great morning. Hubby and I got up at 5:30 am ate great healthy breakfast to keep warm. Got dressed in layers, many layers. 17 degrees is really cold not to mention the snow on the ground.

We had a ton of fun and did really well. Hubby was able to do all the run/walk intervals, me not so great the cold air did me in. I'm going to blame it on the damage from the pneumonia last year.

Even tho I was not able to do the run/walk intervals I had a great partner to walk with . Thank you so much D for the encouragement and help along the way.

Today marked the longest walk we have done at one time, 3.6 miles in just over an hour. I forgot to look at the clock when we started.

Joining the Beginning Group was the best thing that Hubby and I have done so far. Even though he was ahead of me he found a running partner that helped keep him going as well.

The support was awesome. My walking partner and I were the last ones done. That was okay though. I kept moving at a steady pace with D's help. He injured himself trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon so he's on walk only status, great for me.

Hubby came back and found me on the back side of the loop and our friend T also came to encourage us as we finished the last little bit.

We are really looking forward to next week and have committed to each other to get up everyday and run/walk in the am before hubby leaves for work.

Till next time
FCR and Hubby

January 1, 2010

2010-01-01T10:53:00.003-06:00

Welcome to 2010! I'm excited for the New Year so many new goals and so many new things on the horizon of the new year.

From here on out if I say "our" I am not speaking in the third person I am including my husband. We are embarking on goals that intersect this year.

I'm going to break down some of my walls this year. First of all here are my stats so far. I'm laying out here online for the world to see. A sort of global accountability.

Weight 267 lbs
total loss of 2009 32 lbs. Go Me! 18lbs to my 1st goal of 50 lbs.

With my doctors help and advice last year I only set goals of 50lbs at a time. It was daunting and scary. How was I ever going to do it? I did it with changes in diet and stopped eating box convenience foods and changed what I ate when I went out.

No extreme wacky cleanses, no extreme eating diets. Just real food cooked healthy. Eating the way our bodies were meant to eat.

My biggest problem with dieting is that in order to fuel your body enough to make it work correctly you have to eat 3 meals and 2 to 3 small snacks a day. THAT is a lot of food. I don't like to or forget to eat.

For help I used an app on my iPhone called "Lose it" a very simple app with ease of use and understanding of what it does and how it does it. But do not be discouraged if you do not own an iPhone or iTouch ,you can find these types of online programs to do the same. I hesitate to list any here with out trying them but all I did was search "weight loss tracker" there are hundreds of them. The key is finding what works for you.

Using my doctors advice and the suggestions from "Lose It" I first logged everything I ate counting calories I consumed every day....wow it adds up. Then my doctor, "LI" (lose it) and I decided that 1800 calories would keep me healthy and full and help me lose weight. Once I starting really logging and tracking food, I was surprised that there were times at the end of my "eating" day I had lots of calories left over.

The key is doing what works for you and do it healthy no crazy fad diet fixes. Just good fresh food prepared in healthy ways.

Anyway here's to a great 2010 and an even healthier you and me!

Till next time?
FCR and Hubby

Kicking Up a Notch.

2009-12-31T16:59:00.002-06:00

Hi there faithful friends and cheerleaders! I've been lax not only in writing here but being full of motivation. I've done two things to solve that problem.

First Leon and I have registered for the Country Music Half Marathon: No turning back now. I have a really hard time backing out after committing so much cash.

Second a friend of mine who is also doing the 1/2 Marathon turned me on to the Hendersonville Running Club. This Saturday is the first official run for the beginners group. It's only going to be 19 degree's I'm not sure I have enough clothes to keep warm. BUT again lots of motivation to be there. I'm looking forward to training not only with new and a few old friends but also with my husband.

I will update Saturday after we thaw out!

Till then lots of love and hugs and hope you have a great year!

FCR

Week Two: Day 8

2009-12-07T18:56:00.002-06:00

I ended the first week pretty strong. I did not walk/run on Saturday or Sunday and boy could I feel it. Sitting in Church Saturday night during the Adult Session of Stake Conference I could feel my leg muscles start to cramp up and they started to hurt. I have determined that the reasons were one or two possibilities. The first being that I was dehydrated. I have a with that. So I started keeping a half and half mix of Gatorade and water in my fridge and I try to remember to drink it often.

I did another outside training session this evening. I am going to try something different this week. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday I'm going out for a fast paced 30 minute walk/jog. Then on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday I'm going to do an hour.

I'll be scheduling an appointment with my Doctor in the next few weeks to make sure that I'm not pushing my body faster then it's ready to go.

Each day that passes I find my self of two minds. On the one hand I think I'm absolutely nuts for trying to do a 1/2 marathon my first time out. The opposite of that is as I told someone Saturday night when they thought I was also nuts for doing a 1/2 marathon first. "Hey with big goals come big results"

So here's to Big Results!

Week One

2009-12-05T15:50:00.000-06:00

Week one wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. After spending Monday and Tuesday pounding out er actually walking really fast for an hour each day I woke up Wednesday morning sore. My arches and toes really hurt. I was having problems with my right foot especially, which was really no surprise considering it really never healed properly when I broke 4 of the 5 metatarsals at age 12. So I took two rest days. I could not see the sense in pushing too hard so early.

I spent quite a bit of time researching training for half marathons. Most of what I found was for running the 13.1 miles. I was a bit discouraged about that. I wanted solid advice about speed walking. I didn't think my knees would be up to the ground pounding pace of running. Aside from the fact I've never really been a runner.

In Jr. High and High School I belonged to the back of the pack. The walkers. Though when I played tennis my freshman year of high school I chased down every ball that ever can out of the ball machine just so I didn't have to do laps. Coach Green could be ruthless.

So as a surprise to my self and many of my friends I've starting focusing on running the marathon, not just walking fast.

I'm excited. The more hours and miles that I clock and keep track of the more I find myself pushing harder running just a few seconds longer. I do not think I have ever been more determined to do something in my life.

I have fallen in love with the endorphin rush I get when I see how far I have gone, or how long I have been able to sustain a fast pace.

I feel so much better. I sleep better and naturally we have been eating better.

Things to focus on for week two:

Hydrate-keep track of what goes in

Time- Increase time to 1 hour and 10 minutes

Distance-3 miles a day by the end of the week

Pace-Run for as long as I can then run/walk in 30 second intervals

Motivation-Find and post a picture of the finish of the Marathon in front of the treadmill to keep me focused.

Diary Of A Fat Chick Running...

2009-12-04T16:37:00.001-06:00

First of lets call it like it is: I'm fat. I own it don't really love it but hey it's the truth. Just some facts laid bare for you my dear readers.

January of 2009 I weighed 299lbs Yes almost 300 I know I was HUGE.

I didn't need someone telling me I was big, I didn't need my doctor to tell me lose weight or die. I knew that if I didn't do something about it I would die.

It took me a VERY long time to accept the fact that I wasn't just chubby and that it was no longer cute, or plump with curves. I was FAT. I went through all the stages of denial unable to recognize that I was really WAY to big. I tried to fool my self in to thinking I was healthy.

Well I did the only thing I wanted do. I ignored the fact that I was out of breath climbing the three flights of stairs and renewed my relationship with Ben&Jerry's and buried my head in shame.

Then the worst possible thing happened. I got sick. I woke up one Sunday my DH (dear hubby) and I were relaxing prior to getting ready and leaving for church. I started to get up and I couldn't breath and my chest hurt, thinking it was indigestion, but in the back of my mind I was worried that it wasn't., I got up and moved around and the pain began shooting down my arms and up my neck. My husband rushed me to the ER. We both thought I was having a heart attack.

I was fortunate, it wasn't a heart attack it was double pneumonia. I was told to follow up with my primary care doctor the next day. So off to the doctor I went. He confirmed the pneumonia but did a heart scan anyway. The scan showed I had the heart of a 30 year old with no traces of plaque or clogging of veins and arteries. He was also concerned with my weight.

Lady's and Gentleman that needless to say scared the pooh bear out of me. That is when my life really changed. I changed the way I was eating and starting moving. That friends helped me lose 30lbs. That is a toddler or two. At my November check up my doctor was happy that I had lost what I had but said I needed to get more exercise.

I am not one to go out and and "just do it" I need a goal or something/someone to prod me on. I know several people who have recently participated in 1/2 marathons. I started thinking hey I can do this. I just need motivation and accountablity. So I did the only thing I could think of. I started "Lynne's Country Music 1/2 Marathon Support Group" on Monday the 30th of November 2009.

If your reading this you either stumbled here or you are part of my facebook support group.

I started Monday training to walk/run the Country Music 1/2 Marathon. As of today I have walked/jogged a total of 7.15 miles for the week. For a total of 3 hours of exercises this week.

My goals are the following:

15 minute miles
15 to 20 miles per week
Finishing the 1/2 marathon
Losing Weight
Living longer

The FCR