How many times have we heard that? Especially when we are working toward a goal?

It doesn’t matter how many times I have heard it, it is the one phrase that continuously runs through my head every day of training. (Honestly, no pun intended.)

For me, perfection looks like many things for this race that is merely 12 days away. 12 DAYS AWAY.

I stated my goals in my very first post. My two main focus areas have been improving my pace and weight loss. Improving my pace is most definitely happening. I will share more when I recap my last three weeks of training (SO EXCITING, by the way!). However, losing the weight has been frustrating. It just straight up BOGGLES my mind that I can GAIN weight (according to the scale) after running 20-22 miles a week. Some people don’t do that in their dreams and lose weight. Not this girl.

I will say, though, I am currently comfortably sitting in a pair of jeans I haven’t seen since 2009 (when I was in the best shape of my life). So like I said up there, perfection is looking like many things for me. Especially with weight loss. I was first measuring my success, or attempt at perfect work, by the number on the scale. I am slowly, as you can tell, realizing that it really doesn’t matter what the scale number says. The only number that does matter is the size on my jeans. And that number is DECREASING.

Perfection is happening in more ways than the scale giving me a three digit number every Monday morning. It is happening with what I choose to put in my body and how it will affect my running. I am more cautious about portion control and calorie intake. I am probably a little obsessed with checking the protein in everything, but it is helping me choose the right balance of foods throughout the day. My co-worker friends make fun of me because I scan everything into my Lose It! app., but it is a great accountability tool and has kept me on track.

So, I don’t have an explanation for the “weight gain” (I know… build muscle to burn fat), but I like where I am and where I am headed. It’s perfect.

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I fluctuate between 141 and 143. I have lost a total of 5.6 pounds since my training has started.

Ok. Moving On.

Training has been perfect for so. many. reasons. First, being that my body literally craves running. I have to force my body to rest on rest days. I never thought I would say that, but it is true. Second, average pace time is decreasing each day. There are some days when I am running slower than others, but my long runs have been impressive and I am feeling confident that I will PR the Austin Half by finishing at or UNDER 2:18! Here is your long awaited three week recap: (most recent first)

Week 10:

Monday (1/28)  – Rest

Tuesday (1/29) – Rest

Wednesday (1/30) – 3 @ 29:31, average pace: 9:50 (treadmill)

Thursday (1/31) – 5 @ 52:02, average pace: 10:27

Friday (2/1)  – Rest

Saturday (2/2) – 10.20 @ 1:42, average pace: 10:00

Sunday (2/3) – Rest

Week 9:

Monday (1/21)  - Rest

Tuesday (1/22) - 3 at 29:08, average pace: 9:43 (treadmill)

Wednesday (1/23) - 5 at 54:53, average pace: 10:58

Thursday (1/24) - 3.03 at 32:17, average pace: 10:40

Friday (1/25)  - Rest

Saturday (1/26) - Scheduled to run 9, but ran 12.36 @ 2:05, average pace: 10:10

Sunday (1/27) - Rest

Week 8:

Monday (1/14)  - Rest

Tuesday (1/15) - Rest

Wednesday (1/16) - Rest

Thursday (1/17) - Rest

Friday (1/18)  - 3 @ 29:43, average pace: 9:54 (treadmill)

Saturday (1/19) - 8 @ 1:28, average pace: 11:01

Sunday (1/20) - Rest

My training is perfect because of the improvement on my time during my long runs. My average pace for the 8th week was at 11:01 a mile. At week 10, my average pace has decreased to a TEN MINUTE MILE. That’s just crazy to me. When I started running half marathons, my average pace was 12:24 per mile. All of my half marathon races have been completed with an average pace of 12 minutes per mile. So, to me, 10 minute miles are just perfect.

If I have learned anything during this training, it is that patience, consistency, and hard work DO pay off. I love how running is teaching me this lesson, but more importantly, reinforcing it each and every day.

People will tell you that there is no such thing as ‘perfect’, but I disagree. Perfect just looks different for everyone. If you are working toward something, keep practicing. I am proof that perfection can be reached, on your own terms within your own definition of it.

I leave you with a perfectly fun Saturday night I had with new friends.

Cheers,

Cyndi

I met Tiffany (@iamtpalm) at a trail that I’d never visited before, and that alone freaked me out a little bit.  I found a place to park, and I started my first mile without her.  I met with her around mile two, and my pace instantly went from a 10-11 minute pace to a 9-10 minute pace..  This alone was exhausting, and I began to cramp after a few minutes of this.  Tiffany took the time to teach me a new breathing pace:  in, in, out, out.  My body was cramping, I was focusing on breathing and keeping pace, and it just felt crummy to hold Tiffany behind her desired pace.  She stuck with me though when all I wanted to do was quit, and she continually offered me some other useful advice as I was finishing the run…  This advice, even though it only took her a few minutes to offer it, will stick with me for a very long time, and I will learn from this run as I continue to train for the Austin Half Marathon.  Today, training transitioned from an individual activity to a group activity yet again, and I love that running has offered me an outlet to spend quality time with one of my greatest friends.

Race day is getting closer and closer, and I cannot wait to give it my all in Austin, while spending some much needed time with my sorority sisters.  If you are running alone, I encourage you to find a dependable accountability partner to push you when you begin to get comfortable during running.  :)

Happy running! xoxo

Here’s the past two weeks:

Tuesday, January 15 – 3 miles. This was 2 weeks ago so I really don’t remember this run.

Wednesday, January 16 – 5 miles

Thursday, January 17 – 3 miles

Saturday, January 19 – 10 miles. OMG! I can’t believe I did this. Last time I trained for a half marathon, this was the highest milage I got up to. My training plan this time around is a little more intensive, so I will go up to 12 miles. I started around 4pm, and it was sooo nice outside. Something different about this run is that I downloaded a podcast to listen to. I really enjoyed it. Usually during my runs I am thinking about all sorts of different things, but this made me focus in and really listen to the stories. I listened to This American Life on NPR, and I listened to two shows in the 10 miles. I’m going to link to my favorite stories.

Is that a Compass, a Map, a Toothbrush and a Bottle of Purell in Your Pocket, or Are You Just Happy To See Me?

I got home after dark and pretty much passed out.

Tuesday, January 22 – 3 miles with Tonya. I usually don’t like running with people, but I know that it’s good for my pace and to push myself. I felt great after! Plus Tanye is a beast.

Wednesday, January 23  - 5 miles in the park, lent to this picture:

Thursday, January 24 – 3 miles at the Pack Pint Run with Cyndi

And it was on my schedule to do a 10k this weekend. I felt okay with skipping it, as I was just tired. I didn’t want to do it. It didn’t seem fun. So I didn’t.

I hope everyone has a great next week in training!

1/17 – Walked Jessie 30 minutes in the AM… Worked 12 hours so I could take off Friday for a long run and early start to the holiday weekend

1/18 – Ran 9.5 miles (completely arround Hefner Lake) The first 5 miles were with Jessie, my mom met me to pick her up. I ran faster and happier with her than without. I don’t know if it was because I had company or the first 5 miles were easier.

1/19 – Walked Jessie 30 minutes on Katy Trails, Dallas

1/20 – Ran 5.7 @charitymiles with Jessie in Houston

1/21 – Walked Jessie 15 minutes AM, and 30 minutes PM

1/22 – Walked Jessie 30 minutes AM, and 30 minutes PM

1/23 – Walked Jessie 30 minutes AM, then ran 3.5 miles on treadmill, I needed to do laundry for my running pants (to run outside) so I just wore shorts in the gym.

I have been resting and using other forms of exercise for my cardio. Running is causing me a lot of pain. I have tried everything I know how to. I got new shoes, shin sleeves, ice my shins daily, and stretch they way my doctor recommended, My shins are throbbing more and more each day. I decided I will finish what I started but I don’t want to hurt myself even more. I have  been going to the gym and riding the bike and using the elliptical and this seems to help the pain a bit more.

I want to run, I want to train, I want to do it like everyone is but I know I will hurt my legs more. Sometimes the pain in my shins is unbearable. While I am teaching my wee ones I have to sit and just let my shins throb. I have never felt pain like this before. I am planning on going to the doctor but I will wait until after the marathon! I am going to run the Austin Marathon but I will be walking and running! I will run hopefully 6 miles and then continue to run and walk the rest. It is so hard for me to give up no matter what the reason is, so this is the best way for me to give up…give in. I am not going to worry about my time, only my health.

I have to remind myself that my health is more important than a marathon. I can keep going and really hurt myself or I can slow down and take it easy. Taking it easy is not what I want to do but I am.

Remember to get to the finish line, you have to start. No matter how you get there, we all have to start somewhere.

AK

This week I am going to continue easing back into running while trying to stay as much on track as I possibly can.  I will try to bring Duke with me as much as possible, because I believe he makes running a tad bit more enjoyable.  :)

I also received my running shoes on Friday; they are so stylish, and when I run in them, I feel like my shoes are weightless.  Anyway, after my experience at Elite Feet, I really think that everybody should go to a specialized running store to find out their running style and what shoes fits his/her individual running style.  I have been running for years now, and this was my first time to have someone give suggestions on shoes based off of my running style, and I really think it makes a difference.

Anyway, that’s all for now — happy running!

xox

Hell Yeah! We tied for 3rd at the windy & cold Elvis 10k Run!

1/11 – Walked Jessie 30 minutes in the AM Ran 3.3 @Charitymiles with Jessie after work

1/12 –Ran a 10k with Nicole (described above) Very busy day planning Power through Resistance 2/9 http://on.fb.me/YcnHa1

1/13 – Walked Jessie 30 minutes in the AM and 30 minutes in the PM Another day full of event planning.

1/14 – Walked Jessie 30 minutes in the AM (worked 12 hours)

1/15 – Walked Jessie 30 minutes in the AM (5:45am to be exact, I’m a committed pet owner) Had an inspiring day with Youth Leadership Exchange “Healthy Choices Day!” Ran 3.3 @Charitymiles with Jessie in the PM

1/16 – Walked Jessie 30 minutes in the AM

Becoming an apartment dwelling dog owner has changed my life more than I had imagined. I have to spend at least an hour of my day in direct contact walking, running, or playing with my dog, Jessie. If I would have been blogging pre-Jessie, you would have found that I rarely went for walks (only runs). Now I have to have at least a 30 minute walk/run each day. Well I have some crazy news for you! All the claims are true; waking up to exercise does put a spring in your step for the entire day. Like my post last week explained, I’m not huge into early morning activities (beyond a nice b-fast and watching/reading the news), but I’ve had to start doing it.  It is crazy how good it makes me feel, I don’t know if it is the fresh air, the time to mentally plan out the day, or just the calm meditation of quiet time (FYI I sometimes run/walk in silence and Jessie rarely barks). I never felt this alive with my past sporadic morning exercises. So I would suggest try it out for yourself, even on days you don’t want to run, go for a walk. The consistency really helps maintain the confidence and energy to be active. It overcomes that feeling of exhaustion and lack of motivation before you begin, which is something I felt when I did it sporadically.

Tip of the week: Get regular with your activity; maybe you will feel the same!

I’d be lying if I said that I gave 100% to training the last couple weeks.  I guess I have just been a little down.  When I started this journey I had such high hopes for myself and what I would accomplish with this Half Marathon.  However, I have realized 3 things about myself:

1. I have no desire to run a full marathon.  Nor do my poor knees that have both had surgeries desire to do a full marathon.  They barely like 5 miles.  They really don’t like the after affects of the 5 miles the next day.
2. Running/walking is therapeutic.  But not in any kind of weather below 40 and above 90 degrees.
3. Nutrition is everything.  It runs your body.  Who run the world?  Nutrition.  Lucky for me, I usually eat pretty healthy.  But, when I don’t eat healthy– I sort of lose momentum.  If I am running slow or have no energy, I blame it on what I ate that day for lunch then go home and decide to try again tomorrow.

NEVER WAIT FOR PERFECT CONDITIONS.  I see that all the time on Pinterest.  You know, the picture of the girl running in the snow with that phrase in big, bold letters.

For me, I read that and scoffed saying that I don’t need perfect conditions when I have a gym membership.  What I didn’t realize was “perfect conditions” doesn’t necessarily have to do with today’s weather forecast.  In reality, it has everything to do with your thoughts.  You can turn any scenario into a negative one, it is easy to do.  That has been my problem over the last few weeks.  Everyday I found some reason to not run as far or go as fast.

I know that I am capable of this, but for some reason I am in a rut.  I used to love running and would look forward to going to the park or the gym but these last few weeks it has felt like work.  That is just not right!

(If you would like to offer any advice, lay it on me folks)

With all of this in mind, the week ahead brings me to a long run of 8 miles.  Whew.  I am going to make it a point to go to Hafer Park or Boot Hill and enjoy my time.  I am not going to worry about my pace.  I’m just going to run and listen to music.

Throughout the week I will try to fit in 3 other 3-4 mile runs and yoga.

I opened with a quote from Scott Jurek.  I thought it was interesting for him to say to train at your fitness level now rather where you want to be.  I mean, isn’t that the point of having goals?  Or maybe, he says that to prevent the burnout that I’m feeling.  Putting where you hope to be aside, and just…train.

See you all next time!

Jess

I know I am not alone when I say how much I love receiving a text, Facebook, or Twitter message saying that I have INSPIRED someone to get off of the couch, put on their shoes, and give running a try. I also love bumping into new and old friends who are keeping track of our training through this blog. I’m glad our updates are helping to change the lives of others. I want you all to know that it is helping us, too. I am so dedicated to this race, and I am encouraged every time someone mentions the blog to me.

So, thank you for all of your encouragement, but most importantly, sticking with us through these twelve weeks. We really appreciate the genuine concern you all have for our training and your curiosity in running for yourself. To some, this blog may be cheesy, but it really is an outlet for us to help others find joy in living a healthy lifestyle. We love running and pushing our body through the limits we so often set for ourselves. Nothing brings me more happiness than people telling me about signing up for their first 5k or running an extra mile because they felt good and strong!

To all of you, THANK YOU, a million times, from the bottom of my heart and KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

Weight Loss Update:

I am down 0.4 pounds this week. I have been slightly frustrated with the scale the last two weeks, but I am trying to keep my focus on how I feel. I have received so many compliments the last few days about the way I look, so that keeps me from worrying about what the stupid red numbers on the scale tell me. Plus, a lot of my clothes are almost too big, so thinking about the new clothes I will get to buy keeps me going! Again, thanks to everyone for the constant and genuine encouragement for this part of my journey.

Last Week’s Training:

Monday  – Rest

Tuesday - 3 miles @ 29:15 (treadmill); Nice, strong run. I was happy with my pace and overall time. As much as I don’t find running indoors ideal, it really is helping me with my speed work. The treadmill and I are becoming great friends as you will see throughout this week. I did all of my running indoors.

Wednesday - Rest; I was planning to run after small group at church, but I ended up staying and chatting with two of my friends until midnight. We were having such great conversations and getting to know each other better, so I didn’t mind missing my run. I love growing and building relationships, so this was just as important to me this week (well, it is every week, but you know what I mean)!

Thursday - 5 miles @ 57:26 (treadmill); I ran after having dinner with my roommates at 9 O’CLOCK AT NIGHT. I decided on this night that I am officially, officially dedicated to this race. I was pretty energized once I got home, so I cleaned the bathroom and read a little bit. I didn’t fall asleep until 1 or 2 in the morning, but getting my run in was worth it.

Friday - Rest

Saturday - Rest

Sunday - 7 miles @ 1:19:30 (treadmill); It is on THIS DAY I realized that I can do ANYTHING. Completing 7 miles on the treadmill is an interesting feat. It seems impossible to do when you are trying to gear yourself up for it, and when you are finished, you can hardly believe you spent THAT MUCH time on what is basically a conveyor belt. But, I did it, and I did it in the morning before church so that I wouldn’t have to worry about it for the rest of the day. It was just too cold to run outside.  I don’t have the proper winter gear for my legs, so to me, it wasn’t worth hurting myself or getting sick. I am doing research on what to buy to protect me from the cold so that I can get outside more often. I also treated myself to A LOT of sushi for lunch.

To all of you reading this tonight, today, tomorrow, and the day after that, thank you! We are five weeks away and we will need your continued support and encouragement. Share your running stories with us! We love being inspired by you, too. May your runs this week make you feel strong, empowered, and accomplished!

Cheers,

Cyndi

Here’s the past week in training.

Tuesday: 3 miles. Felt good. I had taken a week of running and I wasn’t sure how this was going to  be. I ran after work and it felt good to get back out there.

Wednesday: 5 miles on the schedule. I started out, and it started raining. I didn’t have my hat, and it was coming down pretty steadily, so I decided to scale back my mileage to 3. I was annoyed by the rain but I finished. Whenever the weather is bad and I don’t want to go out there, I just remind myself that I don’t know what the weather is going to be like on race day. Usually that gets me out the door.

Thursday: This was the best run of the week. 5 miles and it was perrrfect weather outside. I ran the entire time and just enjoyed myself. It’s runs like that that remind me why I’m doing what I’m doing.

Saturday: 9 miles on the schedule. My training program is very aggressive  but in a way I’m enjoying it. I woke up and bundled up, ate a PB&J and chugged some water, and stepped outside just to walk right back inside. It was FREEZING. I sat on my couch for 20 minutes and gave myself a pep talk. I then walked back outside and started out. I ran to a park that has a loop trail, and ended up doing the majority of my miles around the trail (I was running with the wind) and once I got to around 7 miles I headed back to my house. BY FAR the worst part of this run was the cold wind. It was awful. I think it slowed me down a lot. One thing that was interesting is that I didn’t bring any GU or water with me on this run, and for the most part I was fine. It wasn’t until later that night that I had a headache (most likely from dehydration). Last time I trained for a half marathon I thought I needed Gu when I did 7 miles! My next long run, I will plan on putting water and Gu at my car and see how that works out. I felt extremely cold afterwards and took a long hot shower. I went to Crest and got some stuff for dinner. I thought I was going to eat a lot but I ended up not being that hungry.

Today I feel fine, not really that sore at all. I went to Dicks to try to find some cold-weather running leggings but I couldn’t find anything in my size.

Today’s post will be short, I am still finishing up some chores from the weekend! Hope everyone has a great week training!

Malory