Afoot and Light-Hearted...

This weekend I participated in the "Warrior Dash" in Amesbury, MA. Check it out if you are interested www.warriordash.com The Warrior Dash consists of three (3) miles of mud and obstacles. The mud was a little more than expected but I rocked it and was able to execute all of the obstacles successfully! When presented with a wall and a rope (the 1st of 2 walls I scaled mind you), I immediately had flashbacks of gym class. Yes, all year long you run laps and try to avoid being picked last for teams and then the teacher hands you the rope with the knots and you are supposed to climb as high as you can - um - no thanks. I kicked it's ass yesterday - and I dedicate this Dash to all of my gym teachers!

This weekend I have been fighting off a cold that has been giving me it's best shot. For the past few days I have had that 'run down' feeling and I feel like I am right on the edge of feeling completely horrible. Having said that....NOT running since Wednesday (3 days, ack!), I am feeling somewhat psychotic. I am not well and you should avoid me unless you are ready to have me give you that 'look'. If you know exactly how I feel....nod your head. I will be ok though...no need to call 911. I am dressed, hydrated and am ready to hit the pavement for a light run. All should be well in the world in about half an hour...peace will be restored to the force.

For a long time, I used to attend WW Meetings. They were on Wednesday evenings and I absolutely LOVED my leader Maryanne. My schedule changed and I started working with a Personal Trainer on Wednesday nights, so I am not doing the WW thing on-line only. Now as a point to consider - I lost 70 pounds doing WW online with no meeting, so I am a fan of the online environment so don't get me wrong. It's there for you when you have a question, and when you weigh in it does provide feedback. It fits into my schedule - anyone that 'gives up' on WW because they can't make a meeting should use this tool and stop making excuses. Thursday is now my weigh in day. Yesterday, I blogged about starting to reduce the amount of bread/flour/refined sugar carbs I was ingesting and so far things have been ok - I don't find that I miss them too much (even though I may still occasionally look longingly at the bread bowl) It was NOT being done to lose weight...as I still use the WW...

Like many people - I love bread. Give me two nice soft pieces of bread and I will enjoy the hell out of anything in between them. Dinner out? Is there a bread service? Will is be that nice mix of bread AND muffins? really? If you are like me, you can eat a bread basket with your friends and be on the second order of it before your meal even gets to the table. Yes, I have been there. Taking a good hard look at what you REALLY eat is like standing in front of those fluorescent lights in the dressing room. Ouch - do I really look like that? Am I really eating that? Tracking my food through Weight Watchers, I noticed that in every meal there are bread/flour based carbs; an example Breakfast: Oatmeal Lunch: Salad with Pita Bread, Sandwich (bread) or Leftover dinner (which would have carbs in it) Dinner: Protein, Veggie, Carb (rice, pasta, bread, etc.) I honestly believe that this need for carbs comes from my upbringing. Being one of four kids, it was probably a lot more 'fi...

Less than five (5) years ago I was at 250lbs and looking down the path of gastric bypass surgery. I could barely walk a mile, let alone run anything. For those that know me...after making changes to my life, I have been able to do many things never thought possible - without surgery mind you. On May 30, 2011, I ran the Bolder Boulder, 10K road race in Boulder, Colorado. The summit of this run is 5,391 ft above sea level. Let's put that in perspective - Boston is only about 200-300 ft above sea level. While my time wasn't the best I have ever run (about 13 min/mile) I did it and I was ready for more the next day. Next up - Warrior Dash - June 24, 2011. Should be fun....or crazy.... My training will lead me to a Half Marathon on October 2, 2011.