Sweet Home Carolina

Oh Carolina - How I have missed you..........

I haven't been back to the wonder state of SC since we were here in December.  We finally made it to Charleston.  I honestly did not think we would make it on the plane this morning.  Mel and I were 2 of the last 3 people on the plane.  Whew!  That could have been disasterous, but we were both determined to be on that plane (come hell or highwater)!  My sister met us at the airport, and it was so good to see her! 

After we checked in to our hotel, we decided to go hang out in the Isle of Palms.  I've never been there but hear that it is fabulous.  Of course..... it started raining when we got there.  We did find this cute little bar called Coconut Joe's right on the ocean.  Had crab cakes, shrimp, and sweet tea.  Mmmmmmm..... they were SO good!!  The views of the ocean and sand dunes were even better.  Did some shopping in downtown IOP and got some cute stuff to take back to TX.  We wrapped up the afternoon with a little shopping trip to Piggly Wiggly (affectionately known as "The Pig") for organic goat cheese (Giddy Goat), crackers, and red wine.  Right now - we are sitting in the hotel lobby, enjoying the delicious goodies and blogging.  It's actually nice to be in a hotel using my computer for something other than school!!!  It's amazing how much of my life it consumed!

On a more important note - Training has been going well this week!  My muscles have been a little sore but nothing as bad as last week.  It's like I woke up on Sunday with a new, pain-free body.  I have increased my daily intake of protein, so I think that has helped a good bit.  We've been doing a lot more strength and endurance training this week in boot camp (with less running), so I hope that Saturday will not be too awful!

We got to see the bridge for the first time today.  It's HUGE!!!!  So, I found some stats on this weekend's race and the actual bridge itself, so I thought I'd share:

Race:

• Best organized 10K race in the world
• The inagural race took place on the old Pearman Bridge (pictured below) on April 2, 1978

I'm so glad we aren't running on this one!

• The run will start in Mt. Pleasant, SC and finish in downtown Charleston - crossing the Arthur Ravenel Bridge (Cooper River) for 2.5 miles of the 6.2 mile course

• There are at least 40,000 runners / walkers signed up to participate on Saturday
• We will be using a wave start, with each wave of ~4000 - 5000 runners starting every 3 minutes. 

Our group (Mel, me, Sonya, & Adriane) is in the purple "G" group.  We should start at ~ 8:14ish.

Bridge:

• The Arthur Ravenel Bridge was completed in 2005, replacing the old / outdated Pearman and Grace Memorial Bridges.
• Bridge accommodates 8 lanes of traffic (4 in each direction), and a bike/pedestrian lane
• Average bridge slope is 4.1% (1.8% on Charleston side and 5.6% on the Mt. Pleasant side). 

We will be starting the race in Mt. Pleasant, so the 5.6% grade is a little concerning!  I think the hardest part of the race will be the the first half.  Once we get to the top of the bridge, it should be all downhill from there (at least I hope so). 

I think we will plan on walking downtown Charleston and the Battery tomorrow before meeting up with my cousin and my mom (yes, she decided to come watch) at the run expo.  I feel a carbo-load coming on :)

Missing Boot Camp tonight!  This is the first night I have missed a class.  Wishing all of my buddies luck with kettle bells, running, jump rope, and abs tonight!  I will continue to post updates and pictures as the weekend progresses.  I can't believe the date is finally here!!!!!  Although my original goal was to finish this 10K, I have found a love for exercise and healthier life.  I can't wait to start planning the next phase of my transformation.  Will update more tomorrow - nite, nite!  M

Oh yeah - quick update that I forgot:

Went down to a L sized shirt and down 1 cup size + 2 inches in my bra size this week :) :) :)

The Plateau

I realized today that I had not taken measurements in almost 2 months.  Whew - time flies!  So the results are in, and I am on cloud 9..........

Latest Measurements

Measurement	1/4/11 (sizes)	1/30/11 (sizes)	3/28/11 (sizes)	Net Loss
Height	5’4”	5’4”	5’4”
Weight	200 lbs	189 lbs	181.5 lbs	19.5
BMI
Pant Size	16	16 (loosely)	14
Shirt Size	XL (16/18)	XL (16/18 – loosely)	XL / L
Bra Size	42 DD	42 DD (loosely)	40 DD
Chest (in)	49 3/8	47	45	4.375
Waist (in)	48	43	42	6
Hips (in)	46	44	42	4

I also take bicep and thigh measurements (which are not reflected in this chart).  Based on all the measurements taken, I have lost a total of 10.5 inches since my last assessment on 1/30/11 – this makes a grand total of 19.5 inches lost since 1/3/11.  Wow!  Yet again, I am amazed and ready to keep going!  All of the aches and pains are totally worth it when you can see this type of results! 

The scale hasn't shown a marked weight loss in the past 3-4 weeks (although I’ve lost a total of almost 20 lbs to date), so I've been a little concerned about my weight loss"plateau".  Everyone I've talked to speaks about this plateau that happens ~2 months into a weight loss routine.  I’ve done some reading online to see what causes this plateau and how to get around it.  Both WebMD and Mayo Clinic online say that weight loss plateau is extremely common and caused by a change in the body's metabolism and an initial weight dump generally from water.  I found 10 great tips for overcoming the weight loss plateau on WebMD.  Most of them look very doable and require only small changes in my current daily routine:

1. Stay motivated by envisioning the "end product"
2. Be cognizant of your weight loss style & eating habits - journaling is a great way to do this.  (I use the Weight Watchers app on my iPhone to keep track of my daily food intake.  Probably not as much as I should, but I strive to become better at this!)
3. Keep a food journal - write down EVERYTHING you eat!!
4. Be ware of "calorie creep" - Many dieters get a false sense of security when they see the weight come off quickly, so they begin to add unneeded calories back into their diets. 
5. Don't over-eat at restaurants - Restaurants are notorious for loading your plate up with 2-3 times the recommended portion size (this is a time when it's ok not to clean your plate).
6. Eat a diet high in protein and fiber to curb hunger and build muscle / encourage increased weight loss.
7. Increase daily consumption of fruits and veggies (I am currently on a watermelon feeding frenzy!  Not only is it a fruit, but it is also a diuretic, so it helps to lose some of that unwanted water weight gain we females dislike).
8. Change up your workout routine - Add intensity to the workout!
9. Wear a pedometer to count the amount of steps you take daily.  A good way to add steps is to park away from the front door when shopping, taking the stairs instead of the escalator/elevator, walk to your mailbox to pick up the mail instead of just driving up to it (our neighborhood has large boxes at the front so this works for me), walk / bike to the park instead of driving.
10. Avoid stress eating by doing some yoga - this is a new concept for me!  I love the way yoga and thai chi relax me, so bring IT on!!!

I feel that boot camp will really help my body to get over this plateau and get my metabolism moving again.  On another note, we start Week 2 of boot camp tonight at 8pm.  It is going wonderfully!  I am sore and tired, but it's worth it.  I ended up going to class Sunday - Friday last week.  We were supposed to exercise on 1 other day during the weekend, but I decided not to work out.  I really felt like my body needed the rest, and I really don't want to drive myself to the point where I can't finish this race on Saturday.  Not to mention the fact that I turned my (bad) ankle over three times since Friday and fell out of the bed this morning (bruising my arm).  I am such a clutz!!  Brent wants to wrap me in bubble wrap until Saturday morning :)  After the race is finished, no holds bar.......... I'm going full-steam ahead! 

The spiritual and emotional experience I am having at boot camp has also been phenomenal!  I have so much to share but not enough time right now.  I hope to be able to share some of those experiences & thoughts when I get home tonight!  Till then, it's time to go to kick some bootie!

Tough Day

This is only going to be a short post since boot camp starts in 2 hours.  I need to get my booty in gear and make something high in protein for dinner, wash a load of clothes, pick up the house a little, and decide what I'll be wearing for tonight - not that it's a fashion show ;)  Why have I waited until 6pm to do all this you might ask...... I have been in the biggest funk today!  Not only have I felt like crap physically, but I have also felt emotionally drained.  Have really been struggling with whether or not to go to class tonight.  I called my training partner, Melissa, who has so wonderfully talked me out of it though!  What would I do without the support of my wonderful friends??!!!!  I have lots to blog about the past 2 nights at boot camp, so maybe I will work on that tonight when I get home. 

Say a prayer for me tonight that I will have the strength to finish the 1st week with perfect attendance. 

Feeling like the little engine that could..... I think I can! I think I can!  M

Tips for Success

I have added a list on the side of my blog with helpful things that I have learned throughout this "transformation"!  I have either gotten these tips from friends or learned them the hard way.

No Pain, No Gain

Day 2 of boot camp is over, and my body is really feeling the workout now!  I learned a very important lesson tonight!  *  Do NOT eat within an hour of rigorous exercise, because it will most likely come back up during your exercise routine!!!  Yes, for the first time in my life, I threw up during boot camp.  I think it was a combination of getting too hot and having eaten dinner only 45 minutes before going to class.  Believe me, I will not be doing that again :)

Tonight we did a combination of weight-bearing exercises for abs, chest, legs, and back using the tabata method.  For those of you who have never heard of tabata training, it's essentially a high intensity interval training.  You do high-intensity workout for 20 seconds, followed by 10 seconds of rest, and repeating for a total of 8 sets.  After the 8 sets, you get a 1 minute rest - then start the cycle again - for a total of 5 cycles.  Whew!  As I am looking at some of the information online about tabata, I am finding out that it is really the most effective way to train.  It will kick your butt!  A website that explains the workout in more detail is:  http://www.intervaltraining.net/tabata.html

I am enjoying meeting new people in class!  I am finding out that many of us have so much in common when it comes to our fitness / lifestyle goals.  It always helps to have someone you can relate to that will keep you motivated!  I can't say enough about the encouragement that Master Garza gives all of us!  He is truly inspirational.  The workouts are so hard, but I know that he would not ask us to do anything he doesn't think we couldn't do! 

Finally, I would like to give a shout-out to a fellow blogger that I just started following.  Mr. Huff came to speak to our boot camp class last night about his weightloss journey.  His story is so inspiring - much like my own story.  You can check out his blog at http://rufftuffhuff.blogspot.com/.  I would highly encourage you to follow his journey as well!


Well, it's late, and I have to go to my internship tomorrow morning.  Going to take a hot shower, gulp down some water, and take 800mg of Motrin before bed.  Till next time - Keep reaching for the stars!!  M

Super Inspiring Story

Inspiring story of a 400 lb man who finished the LA Marathon.  He was determined to finish even if he had to crawl across the finish line. 

http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/blog/fourth_place_medal/post/Sumo-wrestler-becomes-heaviest-man-to-ever-finis?urn=oly-wp14

Transformation

Boot Camp Orientation was amazing last night!  The theme of the evening, as well as the theme of my own life, seemed to focus on transformation.......transformation of body, life, and spirit.  When I found out that Master Garza was holding this boot camp, a strong will inside me pushed me to sign up.  In fact, I was the first person on the list :) 

Before heading to orientation last night, I was so nervous!  I'm not really sure why - I have done boot camp twice already.  In past boot camps, I have let my poor self confidence over take my ability to finish.  I can remember thinking that almost all of the other participants were so much better / faster / skinnier / athletic than me.  I always felt like the last one to finish a run or the first one to give up when I felt tired.  I think this is why I never fully finished a boot camp.  After fully opening myself up to the message of last night's orientation, I realize that it is God who led me to this third "try".  I feel different this time!  I feel a definite desire to succeed, not for my pride, but for my desire to lead a healthier life and maybe, just maybe to inspire at least one person who is where I was three months ago. 

We heard two people talk last night about their own struggles / successes with life transformation.  I realized at that point, that God had truly led me to this place.  It was almost as if they were "talking" directly to me!  I am so excited to know that I am not alone in this journey!  I have the support of God, my family, my friends, and 30 wonderful people I have just met :)  Reflecting on what I've learned over the past 2.5 months and even last night at boot camp, I realize that transformation is a life-long journey (a daily process).  I know that there will be good days and bad days.  But, what's most important is "being still" and trusting that God will give me the strength to overcome the obstacles so that I can make my body a temple to him.  Transformation is about celebrating each victory, be it small or large and not focusing on the setbacks!  I am so excited about participating in this boot camp!  Thank you God for providing me with such great support!!!

 Spring 2011 Boot Camp participants at PMA League City - There are 30 of us!

 Receiving inspiration and a wonderful message from Master Garza

Our fearless leader - Master Garza

On to other things - updates on my progress (since I haven't posted many recently):

• Weighed this morning, and I'm at 182 lbs.  Weightloss has plateaued a bit lately; however, I am hoping this boot camp will kick start it again. 
• I have been constantly wearing size 14 pants - down from 16 (at the start).  I have even worn a size 12 skirt that I haven't been able to wear in 4 years :) :) :)
• Reached my all-time record for my mile run last night at 11:45 min/mile.  Woo Hoo!!!!!!  Shock & awe is all I can say to describe the experience. 
• Only 12 more days until the Cooper River Bridge Run 10K in Charleston!!!!  Can't wait to run this and bond with family & friends in my native South Carolina :)
• I bought a bike this weekend so I can start cross training.  Here's a stock photo (not the same color, but you get the idea) - A Cannondale Quick 5 performance hybrid

I hope to keep posting routine blogs about boot camp and our progress as a group.  So, until next time - celebrate all milestones - big and small :)  M

Boot Camp

So, Boot Camp starts this afternoon at Premier Martial Arts in League City.  I am signed up for 6 weeks.  Don't know why I am nervous - have done boot camp there 2x before.  We will be doing PT's tonight for the 1 mile run, sit-ups, and push-ups as well as weight and measurements.  I think I'm just nervous about the run b/c my last few runs have left my legs in excrutiating pain.  We shall see!  It's only 1 mile, as opposed to 3 like I try to do on my own.  I'm also doing boot camp by myself this time.  I've always done it with my friend Kara, so I feel a little apprehensive about stepping out there and doing it without her.  I guess she is like my security blanket.  I hope to post tonight when we finish to update my stats.  Wish me luck :)  M

G26810

On April 2, 2011, I will officially be known as # G26810 for the 34th annual Cooper River Bridge 10K.  My run packet came in the mail today, and I'm so super psyched :)

Praise You in This Storm

So, I started off the day telling myself that failure is NOT an option" for me in this fitness / weightloss journey.  I have overcome so much in the past 2 months since starting to reclaim my health/life. 

Rewind for a minute - Many people probably don't know that almost 3 years ago, I lived in and out of the hospital with major kidney problems and even had my urine draining into a bag (my third appendage at the time) - which I carried around in a cute purse.  Most people didn't even realize what that clear tubing coming out from my shirt bottom was.  Most of that summer was a huge fog to me, but I do know that my friends and family were there by my side....Where would I be without them today - I don't know!

Back to present, I never could have imagined after 6 surgeries in the summer of 2008 and a decade of infertility issues / loss that I would be able to complete a 5K in 44 mins.  Things sure have changed!  In starting this life transformation, I feel like I have found myself again.  It's like God has given me a new lease on life.  It's amazing how God presents us with life-altering experiences that either break us or make us stronger.  I have decided to be stronger, to live life to the fullest, and to be a happy person. 

Today, I approached my friend Mel about doing a 5K on 3/27/11 on Galveston Beach.  This would be the perfect pre-10K traininng.  Well, Mel decided to kick it up a notch.  When she found out that we have the option to do a duathalon (run & bike), she decided that we should join as a relay team.  High on life - I accepted the challenge.  Am I crazy???  Apparently, I will run / walk 2 miles, then she will bike 8 miles, and I will finish the race with another 2 mile run/walk.  The running portion of the race will take place on the packed sand of Stewart Beach.  Brent and I have talked about giving it a try tomorrow morning before committing to the duo relay part!  Wish me luck.  I hope I haven't bitten off more than I can chew!!!

In the theme of pressing forward when it almost seemed impossible, I have decided that my theme song for today is "Praise You in This Storm" by Casting Crowns.  I hope it touches at least one person the way it has touched me! 

More to post tomorrow after our trip down the shore!  Till then, stay positive & Praise be to God!

"Live Like You Were Dying"

I know, I know!  I have been so slack in posting this past month.  I guess I let the winter blahs get to me and I got soft on my focus.  Weight loss has slowed a bit.  Right now, I'm around 182-183 which is a total of 17 lb weight loss since January.  I was so psyched b/c I was able to wear a size 12 skirt to work last week that I haven't worn in 4 years. 

Brent, Zoe, & I completed our first 5K as a family on 3/5/11.  The Methodist Hospital's Stride for Stroke was held on the beautiful Rice University campus.  Severe thunderstorms had gone through the area before the race, so the roads were wet.  We did not register for the race as runners because I just wasn't sure how much I'd be able to run.  So, we started at the back of the pack with the walking group.  We ended up running and walking and finishing the race in 43:57 - averages out at 14:15 minutes / mile.  We even ended up finishing before some of the registered runners did.  I can't even explain how elated I was to finish at my strongest!  On another note, the run was for a great cause - Stroke Awareness.  As of this evening, Methodist raised $93,132 for stroke research.  As the granddaughter of a man who had multiple TIA's (mini strokes) and a woman with an undetected brain injury that led to her death, I am so happy to have participated!!  For more info about Methodist, the race, and stroke, you can check out the following website:
http://www.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=347569

Of course, we took pics to commemorate our run.

Next stop - Charleston for the 2011 Cooper River Bridge Run.  My dear friend, Melissa, will be joining us for the big event (10K).  I have to step up my training over the next several weeks to get ready!!

In order to help with the 10K preparation, I signed up to start Spring Boot Camp at Premier Martial Arts in League City (http://www.algarza.com/).  I've been to 2 boot camps there but never finished either one of them.  This time, my will to succeed and finish is so much stronger!  I can't quit / fail!!!  Master Garza is truly inspirational!  I can't wait to start on March 20.  Will plan on keeping the blog updated on the progress of the boot camp :)

Finally, Brent, Zoe & I went to the rodeo on Monday night to play and watch Tim McGraw.  Our friend Melissa & her daughter, Marizza came with us.  We had a fabulous time!!!!  (Pics to follow).  A song that Tim sang really made me think about my fitness & wellness goals - I realize that I can't rely on anyone to accomplish these goals for me!  I have to do this for myself, relying on myself to get off my butt and do the work (pain & all) and give each day my all (as if it were my last). 

Till next time, live each day to the fullest!!!!