Expresso Bike

How in the name of the Lord baby Jesus have I never experienced the Expresso bike before now?! While wondering around the gym today, and trying to think of something to do other than run, I came across a video game/exercise equipment situation. I watched the big screen in front of me while I rode my virtual bike through beautiful cartoon fields, while smoking my animated competition. I nearly forgot I was working out for most of my time with the Expresso bike, except when I was going uphill, and when I was playing with the controls on the "bike" and realized I was increasing the resistance a ton while I was riding. That was scary, but fantastic all at the same time. Something the running community might want to look into for cross-training, no?

After my brief 20 minute jaunt on the pretend bicycle (to be honest, the seat was starting to hurt the lady parts), I couldn't help myself...and I got on the treadmill. I'm either addicted to running (obviously not addicted enough, judging by the size my butt), or subconsciously too afraid to expand my cardiovascular horizons. I only ran a mile, but it was a solid 10 minute mile and I felt awesome enough.

I ate pretty well today. I made a "healthy" baked ziti for dinner tonight. It was the bomb.com, to say the least. I haven't entered my calories into the online log yet, so in all actuality... dinner might not have been healthy at all. I used low fat cheese.....Smart Noodles.....I tried anyway.

I've lost a single pound so far. Just the one.

How to be a Sexy Beast

For lunch I had a foot long sub sandwich today. It was oven roasted chicken, on "whole wheat"..but I'm estimating it was around 600 calories. That was the biggest downfall of the day. I didn't pack a lunch for work and ya know, big girls get hungry often. The only other options for lunch today were sushi or Taco Bell. The foot long won. Remember, no judging.

On Sunday, to remember Lise and Faith Palmer I went for a run. I only made it 2.5 miles, but I have been super sore ever since (pathetic, I know). Today I was feeling extremely inspired and, at the gym, I showed that treadmill who the boss was! There were a few hiccups (like the fire alarm and building evacuation that occurred at mile one), but I got right back on the machine and kept going. After 3 miles of really pushing myself, I realized that it was time to stop. My groin felt like it was detaching from the rest of my body. Too much too soon, especially with my newly-fat body.

I did everything I was supposed to do for The Challenge today, and I didn't even have a calorie overage.

I guess I still have to do something about my jiggly arms before bed. Ugh. Why do we have to have so many body parts?!

I already miss Cheeze-Its. 32 days to go.

The Challenge

Oh don't read the title of this blog with that look on your face. Don't judge me. I told you all from the beginning that I tend to get ideas, then I get lazy and change my mind, or get too busy, or lose self worth, or drive by a Taco Bell, and give up on said ideas. You have done it too, right? Besides, my first objective with this blog was to train for and finish a half marathon and live to tell about it. I've done that! Twice. And I've even directed a few races since. I'm accomplished now. The only problem is, I'm an accomplished, out of shape, fatty. Again. Oh yeah, with little self worth.

I have a few questions that I don't think anyone but God himself can give me answers to. Questions like, why does my body like being fat so much? Why are my body and my mind constantly in a battle over burritos and Real Housewives of New Jersey verses a chicken breast and a 5 mile run? Why can't I just be one of those "naturally skinny" girls (who I'm sure all have terrible personalities anyway)? Why am I always tired? Why do I avoid blogging like I do standing on a scale? Where did I set my glass of pinot grigio?

 Oh man. I could go on for days.

What it all comes down to is, since I had my son two and a half years ago I have lost over 50 pounds. Actually I was close to a 60 pound loss at one time! I was feeling amazing, wearing between a size 6 and an 8, had calves to die for. I took a few months off from my perfect diet and exercise routine (okay, by a few months, I mean eleven of them) and here I am. My stomach jiggles when I run. As do my thighs and my double chin. I bet my freakin' ear lobes jiggle when I run. Blegh. It's gross and I'm unhappy. Clearly, this makes me grouchy and the opposite of perky and inspiring.

 On July 1st I'm turning 28. Guess what happens a month after that? My ten year high school reunion, and ya know what folks? I'm not a supermodel, or a doctor, nor did I invent Post-it notes. I had better walk in there looking damn good if my claim to fame is my hot dog/cornbread casserole. Time for a change. Time for something drastic. Again.

I've created a new goal for myself. Since I refused to pay the outrageous entry fees for the Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon this year (my tradition has been to run it the last two years), I needed to give myself something else to strive for. I wanted to make a plan for myself that will better me on the outside, and on the inside. I need to get in touch with who I am and learn to actually be proud of myself, the way I used to be.
I am calling this.... wait for it......The Challenge.

Catchy, no?

For the next 33 days, I am going to:

•  Exercise for at least thirty minutes a day, 6 days a week. Three of those days should be a run (just to stay relevant and such), and I've gotta do those arm weights. My arms jiggle a lot too.
• I am going to log my food into my handy,dandy calorie counter online. That thing is amazing and somehow makes me feel guilty for eating an entire bag of miniature Butterfingers!
•  I am going to attend church each Sunday without fail. No excuses. The man above seems to help me stay focused..so I figured I would throw this in to be doubly sure I don't sleep in on Sunday mornings.
• I am going to blog. Every night. Whether you like it or not.

 Boom.

Well, that's all I have for now. Feel free to join me in this little adventure. I mean, even if your birthday isn't July 1st, it is a few days before the fourth of July, and who wants to look bloated under fireworks?! Not me and certainly not you!

 Please leave me any suggestions you have for me on fun workouts, healthy food that doesn't taste like crap, or your thoughts on The Challenge.

*que Eye of the Tiger

2012 Running Season

Well, allow me to welcome myself back to the wonderful world of blogging. I've left you guys hanging. I'm sure you are all on the edge of your seats wondering what has happened to me, right? No? Oh. Well I'll fill you in anyhoo.

The running. Gracious. I started running in 2010 and have found that in the fall and winter, somehow my brain and my body decide to boycott moving around more than necessary. I mean, I haven't been dormant or anything. I still do a little treadmill running about once a week. Not anymore than 3.5 miles at a time though. I don't feel bad about it. I have 3 kids and a husband who, if we are being honest, is a little bit like a kid. But alas, it is March and time to get out there and beat some pavement. I'll kick it off (like always) with Tacoma's annual St.Paddy's day 5k run. If I'm being honest, I'm not expecting to break any world records on speed here. If I can bust it out with an average mile at around 10 minutes, I'll be pleased with myself. As of late, I don't have any life threatening illnesses (like the last two years around this time) so it should be doable and a fabulous time. I'll keep you guys posted on the events that ensue, naturally.

I promise to be a better blogger. I need some new and interesting topics. Any ideas? Is there anything running related that you would like me to investigate (and by investigate, I mean read a little bit about and form my humble opinion on)? I suppose it's the time of year to focus less on Angry Birds, and more on sweating.

Here's to the return of my mammoth calf muscles!

How Running Has Changed My Life

Long time no blog! I have been M.I.A. for months. I can't even begin to describe how busy the last few months have been for me, but also life changing and unbelievably rewarding. I'll get to all of that later. First I'll catch you all up from where I left off.

My second go at the Rock and Roll Seattle Half Marathon was a success! I also beat last years time by about 15 minutes. I think this years' 40 pound weight loss improved my time a ton, and also not needing to stand in line for the porta potty for 10 minutes like I did in 2010 helped a bit too. The race was very well organized and a ton of fun - just like the year before. I am pretty sure I'm a R&R Seattle "lifer".

So some of you probably read my last blog, in which I explained that I wanted to do something to help a local family who experienced a terrible loss. I hoped to gather two or three hundred runners on a trail, give 'em all a bottle of water, and ask for donations. Holy smokes did things change. I was contacted (via my good ol' blog) by an Oregon-based company called Uberthons. They wanted to help me grow the race. They provided timing equipment, a website, and a ton of know how. After about 60 sleepless nights, a billion tears, and a over a hundred local volunteers, we produced an amazing event. We ended up hosting a race with over 1700 runners, a wonderfully touching kids' race, and a day most of those people will never forget. I feel like we honored Lise and Faith Palmer's life in a big and amazing way. I'm sure the race didn't wipe any pain away from Lise's friends and family who will probably have a hole forever in their hearts, but for one day, thousands of people gathered to do something Lise herself would have been very proud of. Believe what you want, but as for me, I know Lise and Faith were looking down from heaven with smiles on their faces. The Palmers and Macadangdangs seemed to enjoy the day, and in preparation for the race, I had the opportunity to meet honest to goodness great people. The race was such a blessing to me in so many ways, and I wouldn't trade a minute of the planning for anything in the world. It's now going to be an annual event held at Heritage Park in Puyallup, Washington in late August. If you haven't run that course, believe me when I tell you it's completely worth the drive from wherever you are.

When I started writing this blog in January of 2010, I was something of a lost soul. I was two months post birth of my third baby and battling some seriously low self esteem and depression. My marriage was struggling. I couldn't fathom the idea of just sitting at home, cleaning and cooking for the next twenty years, while having nothing special just for myself. When I typed the title of the blog, and decided to document my personal journey out of my personal wreckage, I was nervous. I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to run three miles, let alone 13. I was afraid I would give up on myself and my new found dream of becoming a runner. It was so hard to even imagine feeling a sense of pride in myself, a sense of accomplishment. After a year and a half, I'm a new person. I did it.

Apparently, through organizing the Lise and Faith Memorial Run, I have found my calling. Not only does race directing keep me active, but it enables me to help inspire other people to lace up their running shoes and hit the pavement.

Oprah Winfrey once said, "Running is the greatest metaphor for life. You get out of it what you put into it."

I couldn't agree more.

I'm now working with Uberthons on a series of running events in the Seattle area, and possibly later, all over the country. They are taking a chance on me. Now on a whole new level, I have to prove to myself that I am capable of doing anything I set my mind to.

My husband and children are content and happy, and learning a love for running and activity for themselves. I wake up every morning with a big smile on my face ready to conquer each and every day. I look forward to growing old with my wonderful husband, raising our amazing children, and improving myself as a person. Things are never perfect in life, but with a little bit of faith, I am positive that anyone can do anything they set their mind to. Maybe it all sounds cliche, but I urge you to push yourself in whatever way that inspires you. You never know, it just may change your life.

Thanks to all of you for always being there.

Lise and Faith Memorial Run

On May 27th, 2011 one family's life would be turned upside down forever. While jogging on her vacation in Lake Chelan, 8 months pregnant Lise Palmer was struck and killed my a man who fell asleep at the wheel. She leaves behind her two sons (ages 4 and 2) and her loving husband. She was an incredible woman, who loved running and fitness of any kind. Her passing is an extraordinary loss to her family and community.

We can't bring Lise back, or heal the wounds of her family, but we can do something. Along with the gentlemen of Uberthons I am organizing a local 1k, 5k, and 10k walk/run in Lise and unborn baby Faith's honor. The money raised from the race will go to their family, and allow Lise's husband the much needed time away from work to focus on putting the pieces of his family's life back together.

The race is already generating sponsors and help and should actually turn out to be a beautiful and fun celebration, and will also raise awareness for drivers and pedestrians alike.

The race will take place on either July 30th, 2011 or August 20th, 2011, depending on what works best for the family. The race will also include a brand new and amazing timing chip system. More final details will be posted soon.

I am asking you now, to please register, donate, or volunteer for this race. If you have any questions, please don't hesistate to email me directly. Below I am including a link to the website that you can register on, and also to the race's facebook page.

Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for taking the time to read Lise's story, help her family, and celebrate two lives lost far too soon.

TO REGISTER

TO SPREAD THE WORD AND "LIKE" THE FB PAGE

KristinaMoats@hotmail.com

How to Organize a Race ... and Other Topics

Well howdy, folks. I'm still running... once or twice a week. Don't you worry about me. Even though I'm missing a lot of conditioning runs lately, I don't seem to be struggling very much with my Sunday long runs so I'm feeling fairly confident that I will actually finish the Rock and Roll Half Marathon in a few weeks. Have you ever noticed how much harder it is to get outside and run in the summer time, when there are so many books to sit in the sun and read, and so much beer to drink instead? It's becoming a problem for me.

There really aren't many fantastic stories of the running genre for me to share with you all, so I think I'll ask a question!

The family of a very close friend of mine experienced a ridiculous tragedy last week and I've been thinking of ways to help. I'd like to organize an informal 5k to raise money for them. No shirts, no medals, just good people gathering to support people in more emotional pain than most of us will ever experience in our lives. I was thinking about doing it on a trail (maybe Orting) and asking all of the runners to donate.

Here is where this situation gets tricky. I have no idea how to organize something like this. Do any of you have any advice as far as steps I would need to follow, the best and safest way to collect the money, or perhaps know someone that would be willing to donate to the race?

Am I asking too many questions?

Anyway, if any of you can help me out, it would honestly mean the world to me. My email address is KristinaMoats@hotmail.com.

Thanks! See ya on the sidewalks!