I write about my Health Because...

For the month of April, I've committed to 30 days of posting!

Join me, and go HERE for more info.

Day 4

I write about my health because...

I write about my heath for others to read, because at one point, I looked like this...

Disney 2006, the trip I decided to be a runner

I was overweight, and unhealthy. I remember that year at Christmas (just weeks before), I would stuff my face with as many christmas cookies as I could find during breaks at work. I had troubles with binge eating at night, and worked out only on occasion.

I had worked through Weight Watchers several times in the past and always gained the majority of it back. After returning home from this trip, being motivated to start running and seeing myself in the vacation photos, I promised myself that I would go forward to health & not look back.

I rejoined Weight Watchers, and started running. I ran my first 5K, I trained for my first half marathon & finished it in beautiful Hawaii. The weight started coming off, and my confidence grew, along with my ambition to enter more endurance events, including my first Triathlon.

Divas 1/2 Long Island 2011

CT Women's Tri 2011

I write so others can see that its possible to turn yourself around from a lazy, depressed, overweight, self-conscious girl into a empowered, strong, healthy woman.

I also want others to see that even once you've lost some weight, or run some races, that health isn't necessarily easier. For me, it it always a struggle to remain consistent with my health goals. I want women to know that they are not the only ones! Staying healthy requires us to make constant decisions (even ones we don't want to, like skipping a cocktail), that either help or hurt us. Difficult decisions like wanting to sleep in and skip a workout, eat dessert after dinner. Sometimes decisions are made for us, like when work or family prevent us from making the best choices. Its important for us to do the best we can and never give up.

Since starting my weight loss journey in 2006, I have kept off 25 pounds. I have struggled with 15 that I had previously lost over the last few years, and I'm working on the motivation to get that and more off. Since starting my running journey in 2006, I have run many 5ks, a few 10ks, 9 half marathons, 1 marathon, and a few sprint triathlons. This year my focus is on the big 70.3 in September. 

I used to be the girl that couldn't run a lap around the gym at cheerleading practice in high school. I tell everyone who thinks running longer distance is unattainable, that if I can do it, anyone could do it.

I want everyone to stop thinking they can't.

can't eat healthy.

can't lose weight.

can't finish a race.

Start thinking CAN.

You are Stronger than you think.

Don't forget my Raw Threads giveaway ends 4/8... enter HERE

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New races, new friends!

I had a fabulous run this morning, but skipped my ride with the Competitive Edge girls tonight.

My left knee is bothering me a little, and now that I have signed up for a 5K saturday, I want to be in my best condition to go after that PR!

I've decided to head to West Hartford Saturday & meet up with Kristin @ Bigger Girls Can Run Too & Kristin @ Running to Somewhere! I'm even more excited because I also discovered that one of them is running RnR Providence & the other the Hartford Half, and I am doing both. I love to meet new racing friends!

So tonight I am taking it easy, keeping my eating in check and working on blog stuff & organizing training plans. So exciting! As a sneak peak...

Both books came in the mail yesterday, and I can't wait to dive into them. Especially the recipe book, YUM! There will be reviews and giveaways once I've made it through them thanks to the amazing folks over at Joy Bauer, where we'll be doing a little collaborative work this summer.

oh, and my winner?

My Running on Empty giveaway winner is...

 Sarah @ Running on Words!

Ann is doing some serious kick ass work in the weight loss department! I could use a motivational boost from her. Check out her blog & cheer her on!!

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so stinking tired.

Unbelievably tired.

I've skipped all workouts so far this week. I MUST get to a run tomorrow.

The weather is dreary & depressing, I keep finding my eyelids wanting to close. Early to bed again tonight.

Have you heard Run Disney's race announcement? 

The Tinkerbell Half Marathon at Disneyland. I am so jealous already of anyone doing the race. Tinkerbell is my favorite Disney character, I would love to go to  Disney land, but its a few weeks after the Disney full, and would probably make for a bad financial decision.  So sad... maybe another year.

My race calender is filling up for the rest of the year already! Next up, The Sherrif Sprint triathlon (my first of the season) on May 1, and the Run to Home Base 9K at Fenway Park on May 22! I am looking for an Olympic distance triathlon to possibly do later in the summer/early fall. 

Thank you for all your tips on my hair, I think I'm going to practice some french braiding now and see how it works!

Don't forget my protein giveaway from Optimum Nutrition HERE

And check out Check out One Crazy Penguin's MS Mud Run 10K fundraiser HERE!

She has some prizes for a great cause!

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Disney Sneak Peak!

I'm back from Disney!

What a fabulous weekend, we had an amazing time, despite my friend A's ride to the medical tent with a DNF (more on that later). Gorgeous weather, a little sunburn, and some fabulous food and bling rounded out the weekend.

Here's a sneak peak....

Race pics & Video

A slow (but fun!) finish of 2:58:00!

I promise to post a vacay recap and race report very soon!

Please please please

Don't forget to enter my Run to Home Base Fundraising Raffle HERE!

I haven't had any donations since the first week, so lets keep them coming!

Remember you can win some fabulous prizes like CEP socks/shorts, Allied Steel Displays, Inperspire towels, iFitness belts and more by making a donation to help injured war vets!

Also check me out HERE, I'm Run Courtney Run's Runner of the week!

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Today is my friday!

and.... 

I have a 5 day weekend! Love it!

What are my plans? Nothing specific. Pretty much gym time. Working out, and getting used to this new weight watchers plan. So far I think I like it. Definitely puts an emphasis on healthy, whole foods, which I had been trying to do anyways. I had a 1 pound loss this week, which was fabulous I thought after thanksgiving. Now, my plan is to really buckle down, learn the new program & kick into gear. The more weight I can lose, the less I have to carry through 13.1 in new orleans & disney.

My other plans include finishing my christmas shopping, wrapping & decorating. Still not sure of what to get everyone, so I'll need to do some browsing and figure it out. My mom had me order this beauty to arrive under the tree on christmas at her house...

Thats right, Kurt Kinetic Road Machine Indoor Trainer! So excited, and I know this will help me get some bike miles in over the winter. I really want to improve for tri season next year, and this will help me avoid biking at the gym and in the snow. Now... to get to the pool more often.

Today is mine & Kevin's 6 year anniversary. We're celebrating on sunday, since he has class tonight. I have a busy weekend ahead. Dinner with friends tomorrow, and a beer & wine tasting party on saturday night. Plus 2 road races! The Springfield Jolly Jaunt 10K is to benefit Massachusetts Special Olympics on saturday & the Hot Chocolate Run 5K is to benefit Safepass on sunday. I feel good that they are both to benefit charities, and it helps me get my miles in with my long run parter away. I'm secretly hoping to PR on at least the 5K.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway for Inperspire towels HERE!

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Turkey Day Plans

Not a real post since Saturday, lots to catch up on!

Sunday was long run day & the first day out with the Garmin 405! S & I headed out for 11 miles, pretty chilly out. I had my tights & even gloves on, my Bondi Band pulled over my ears. First of all having the Garmin was AWESOME. I loved knowing how far into the run I was, and what my pace was at. The only thing I didn't like, was the bezel was so sensitive! Every time it touched my sleeve, it changed from the time/pace/distance screen to totally random screens. I think there is a way to make the Bezel less sensitive, so I need to figure it out. I thought about locking the screen, but I wanted to be able to switch & check out my heart rate every now & then. Even better? All the stats on my computer after the run! I was amazed at how awesome it was to see each mile split, heart rates, maps, elevation, sooo cool. It will totally be a great way to track progress & motivate me to work harder. I can't wait to use it at the road race tomorrow!

After the run & church, I wanted to make Finnish pancakes for lunch. I have been craving these forever. If your not familiar with them, they are basically eggs, butter, sugar, flour, baked in the oven. Unfortunately the first batch, my fake pyrex baking pan exploded in my stove coating the inside with glass & pancakes. Ughhh! Spent over an hour cleaning, then finally made a new batch with a pyrex dish from my mom's house. They were worth it!

Monday I was sore, but managed a cross train & MAJOR stretching day. Tuesday, I got in all of my speedwork run, and today I slept in & skipped the gym. My legs are feeling good, and I can't wait for my race tomorrow!

Tomorrow I am aiming to beat my last years time. I would really like to blow it out of the water. For this run last year, 5 miles was the longest I had run in months, and I was "training" for the Disney Half Marathon in January! It's amazing how things have changed this year. My Halfs are a month further in the distance and I am kicking ass with the distances with my longest being 11 miles this past weekend. The race is officially 4.75 miles, and last year I did it in 53:12. My Ultimate goal is to beat that by 5 min, not sure if this is possible though. Realistic goal? I think definitely under 51. I just will go out & PUSH IT!

After the race is thanksgiving! We are doing dinner at my mom's house with mine & Kevin's family. I'm in charge of sweet potatoes & cranberry sauce, I'll try to post recipes later. Unfortunately hospitals don't close, so I am working on friday. oh well, at least I have a long weekend next weekend!

Don't forget to enter my Jessica's Gifts giveaway HERE! It ends 11/29

Good luck to everyone in their turkey trots & Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

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Another race?

Thanks for your advice on not running hungover sunday. You're right, probably not a good idea, so I'm going to try & squeeze in a long run between work & my party tomorrow. I did manage my 5 miler today, it was supposed to be a tempo run. Treadmills are boring the crap out of me lately (maybe a sign I'm becoming more of a runner?), so it was tough to make it through. Oh ya, I guess I was getting tired too. I got a nice surprise in the mail today, and hopefully will be able to post about it tomorrow.

Since I've been price stalking airfare for my new orleans trip, I randomly decided to check out the prices to Orlando for the weekend of the Disney Princess Half Marathon. The medal is an awesome tiara, which I think would be a good addition to my collection. Airfare is cheap. about $200. The problem? The race is 2 weeks after New Orleans. I'm think that 2 Half Marathons in 2 weeks is a bad idea, any input?

After my run this morning, it was time to get ready for the party tomorrow! My roomate and I cleaned the house like crazy, then went out to Costco & the grocery store for a few more things. I made some jello shots & cookies, she made the stuffed shells, and we put together the prize packs for our halloween contests. I'm getting soooo excited!

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All signed up!

Yesterday was the Hartford Marathon, Half & 5K. I was really hoping for a good time, but I guess my endurance just isn't back to par yet since my surgery. I finished in 32 & change, still waiting for the official time on the race site. Kevin finished about 2 minutes after me, I was so proud of him, especially since I don't think he has ever run 3 miles in his life (I swear those long legs make him much faster). The race course was much improved since years past when I've run. Quite a bit of downhills, and nice scenery instead of the scary ghetto of Hartford. My brother ran the Half, finished about 15 min past his target time, he hasn't been feeling well the past week & I think he did the best he could have. Unfortunately I brought my camera, but forgot my camera battery in the charger at home, so I am without pictures!

Today I signed up for 2 races! A turkey trot on thanksgiving in Manchester, CT which is 4.5 miles and the Rock N Roll New Orleans Half Marathon in february 2011! Courtney @ Run Courtney Run gave me a coupon code for $20 off, so I jumped at the chance! I researched a few other races for the year too. I found the website for The Cherry Blossom 10 miler in DC in April. My friend Jessie @ Kissing Frogs ran it I *think* last year and I think it looks like a fabulous time. And of course the main plan is for the Disney Marathon (my first marathon!) in January 2012! I love using running as an excuse to travel to new places!

I am thinking more and more about cold weather running gear. Specifically on shoes. Do you put anything on the bottoms of your sneakers to keep from slipping on ice/snow? Any jacket recommendations? I also am reallly wanting a running skirt! After seeing a few ladies with them on at Hartford, I want one even more. I really love the pink plaid skirt @ Running Skirts, but they are out of my size! Anyone have any other recommendations?

Don't forget my Bondi Band giveaway! I rocked my Bondi Band in Hartford yesterday. Enter HERE until October 13th!

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