Quick Update

I am only 18 days away from my next half marathon!! The Disneyland Half Marathon!! So excited!! This last Saturday I completed my long mileage day - 10 miles in under 3 hours! This was really good for me. I am not a fast runner by any means.  I was concerned with my time because there is a time cut off at mile 4 (1 hour 35 min) and mile 10 (3 hours 10 min), but I should be fine! (Also super excited for my little guy who will be doing his first race ever! 100 yards Kids Race in California Adventures.)

Here is a picture of the race course - Super excited about running through the parks and going through Angel's Stadium!

Last night, I did one of my midweek runs, 2 miles in under 25 minutes!! So stoked about my run!! My husband thought it was just ok, but I know it rocks for me! He just doesn’t see the improvements I have made in my running since 2008 (the last time he ran with me). I have shaved minutes off and my endurance has greatly improved. I have also gotten a better grasp on the mental aspect of running. Just being able to go out and consistently push myself is a huge accomplishment. I do most of my training on my own and it would be so easy to cheat myself out of miles and skip workouts because I am tired, but I have finally figured out that I can do it on my own and that I am stronger for it.

I have also begun training for the Tour de Fresno and the Valley Girls Ride. Yep, I am back on my bike. So far training is going well and the Women on Wheels group that I am riding with is awesome!!

Also, my Salad Challenge is going well. Still loving all the yummy greens!

Dare to be Remarkable!!

Chandra

Why do I exercise?

1. To lose weight. I have been overweight for the majority of my adult life. I decided a couple of years ago that enough is enough. I don’t want to be the “fat” mom that can’t sit on the chairs in the kindergarten class or not have the energy to chase my son down a soccer field. Nor do I want to die at a young age just because I was to lazy to take care of my body. As a result of I have lost 40 lbs and counting...

2. Mental Health – I am a much calmer and nicer person if I get my workouts in. Miss a couple of days and my brain starts to go into overload mode with all the stress!! Exercise is the best drug out there!

3. Inspiration – When I have a great run or ride I feel inspired to do it again! It pushes me to keep going and to do more. I also hope that I can inspire others to take control of their health and bodies by setting an example for them. Creating a “Hey if she can do it then why can’t I” mentality. I also hope that it shows my son that eating healthy and exercising is the only way to live. I don’t want him to ever feel like he is not good enough or strong enough to follow his dreams.

4. You only live once – There are things I want to do in life other than just sit on the couch and watch life pass me by. This is why I exercise, so that I am strong enough and capable of doing all the things I dream of.

I am sure there are other reasons why, but these are the main ones. So bear with me when you see me post about a workout or complain about some soreness. I know, I do it to myself, but I also know that in the long run it will all pay off.

If you dream it, then do it!!

Chandra

Changes

Why is it so hard to change? I have been trying to lose weight for years now and yet I am still stuck. I try to change my habits but no - I slip right back where I was. Why is that?

Anyways, I have recommited to Weight Watchers and so far I am doing well this week. I have been tracking all my points and I have stayed in my point range as well. This is really good for me - I just hope it shows at the scale.

Running has been so so. My family does not seem to realize that I have to actually leave the house to run. There is always something that prevents me from getting out. It is killing me!! My husband is cracking jokes that I can always finish the race in a wheelchair or crawling. It is driving me crazy. I am less than two weeks out and terrified! I know that the last 3 or 4 miles are going to kick my butt!!! BUT I WILL FINISH!! I have to - I can't let myself down again! I set goals for myself and never meet them. I always justify a way out. Not this time!! I will do it and I will be proud! Then I will do it again when I do the Trail of Two Cities Half Marathon on Nov. 9.

Update

Okay, last weekend I did a little over 7 miles. It was a pretty good run - just some issues with my hips and lower back. During the week I have gotten in about 5 miles so tomorrows 8 miler at Shaver will probably kick my butt!! At least it will be nice and cool for the run - actually it will only be it the 40's when we start out! WOW! My hubby and baby boy are coming up with me to help run a aid station so that will be fun. Tonight we have dinner with our coach - so that will be fun too!

Fundraising still sucks!! I still need to raise $1800 and no one seems to want to help. I am at a total lost on how to proceed.

I do have two more events planned. On Sat 8/30/08 I have a charity yard sale - people have been nice enough to donate their stuff to me to sale - so I hope it goes well and I make lots and lots of money!!! On 9/6/08 I have a boutique planned with a friend and I hope lots of people come out and buy our stuff (cookies, jams, toys, and bows)! On 9/11/08 I leave for LA for two weeks in Hawaii and when I get back there will only be 4 days until the deadline of Oct. 3, 2008 to have all our fundraising money in.

I NEED HELP PEOPLE - JUST $10 WILL MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE!!!!! http://pages.teamintraining.org/cca/nikesf08/cdolliver

WEAR SUNSCREEN!

I just returned from my doctor's office where they cut out two moles on my upper arm. The doc is pretty sure that one of them is cancerous (It is a mole that had scabbed over and would not heal.) I now have two holes with 4 stitches each. I am only 30 and this is the second time I have had moles removed (the last one was a Melanoma).

I just wanted to share this with you all and remind you to WEAR SUNCREEN!!! The higher the SPF the better! and remember that you are supposed to use a shot glass full every 3 hours at least!!!!

Last night we did a gel tasting at Sierra Running Company - very interesting. Most of the favors were pretty vile in my opinion but I think I found some I could live with. I will be trying them out on my next long run.

Tonight I have a yoga class and then I will do a 4 mile run tomorrow and then another 4 mile on Friday. Greg will be home to watch Logan, so I can actually get my runs in. On saturday I am supposed to be doing another 5k race for the Rotary here in town. Which means I need to do more running on Sunday. I also have a fundraiser this weekend and I will post the details next.