Note to self. Forget trying to find the perfect moment. Just start.

Those of you following me on FB know the craziness that has been going on since we arrived back in Norway.  If you are not aware, I will keep it brief. We are all sick and are struggling with jet lag. There you have it! I have been waiting to post my 2013 goals until the perfect moment, one in which we are settled, unpacked and feeling better. As of now, I do not know when that will be so I am just going to go for it and post a few goals I want to reach this month. NOT this year, but this month. I need to start somewhere, and so I am choosing to just post my goals one month at a time for now. This of course may change but right now I just need to be reaching for something, anything, in order to get back on schedule and feel as if I am striving for a dream once again.

Ever since the marathon my motivation has vanished. My weight has increased, my body feels sluggish and tired and I feel far from the girl I was this time last year.  It happens. We slip up, we let things slide and that is ok at times but now it is time to get back to a set program. What that program will be, I am not yet sure. Here is why. As of this morning my knee has decided to once again take center stage and I am hurting quite a bit and we do not know why. It is the back of my knee, towards my calf where I had my injury last spring. I am a bit discouraged as all of this is coming just 56 days before my HM but I have an appointment tomorrow morning to see what is going on. I have faith that all will be ok but for now, I cannot run or do any high impact activity. After all, I am just trying to make it up and down the stairs right now. One thing I CAN control at this time is my diet. So for the rest of the month, or until we know what is going on with my knee, that will be where my goals are focused.

It is simple, straight forward and for some, it may be a surprise. I am going to give Paleo another go. To be fair, I have never fully taken the Paleo plunge, and this time around I will be keeping a few things that are considered non Paleo until I get a handle on the rest of it.

Confession, I have a thing for oats. Oatmeal, oatbran....all of it. I love it. I love beans, but they do not love me. And so, for this month, I am going wheat free and I am dropping beans. Now, I will still allow quinoa and brown rice as both are gluten free but a departure from a true Paleo lifestyle as well as skim milk and greek yogurt, two more No No's when it comes to Paleo. I know this, but bear with me while I take this first but important step in finding out what is right for me.  The KEY for me is dropping these carbs....oats more in particular, that is my focus right now and for me a big deal.

I plan on writing more about my findings, both good and bad and I hope to report back that the month was a success. I know I am not starting on Jan 1st, but there is no better time to start a goal than the present moment. I plan on making a daily log or daily results blog to briefly list my meals for the day along with my workouts.

My weight loss goal for Jan is to lose 5 lbs.

January Goals - Nutrition

1. Remove gluten sources from our diet - oats, pasta, oat bran etc....
2. No beans of any kind
3. Increase healthy fats - avocado, coconut oil, almonds etc...
4. Bread make with almond flour ( homemade ) is ok but nothing else.
5. Take VM Green and Sun Warrior Greens daily

January Goals - Fitness.....more to follow after doctors apt for my knee

1. Push ups - 1,000 military reps
2. Pull ups - 100 reps - negative, assisted etc...

So here are my results for today - 1/7

M1 - Ground beef with onions, small amount of pesto, tomatoes and  fresh spinach
M2 - 2 eggs with chicken and avocado
M3 - About Time protein shake with milk
M4 - more of M1 with romaine lettuce and about 1 tbsp of greek yogurt with hot sauce

In between meals lots of water, tea and coffee with milk and a about 1 tbsp or more of natural PB by itself......,mercy me was I craving some bread but I stayed away. Good Jen....

Starting over. Again...

I am having to start over. It is a hard and humbling feeling for sure. Today I did 30 mins of Cathe's Afterburn dvd and it left me totally exhausted. This is going to be hard, very hard. I have lost so much physical fitness it is ridiculous. I know it sounds funny saying this as I just finished a marathon 2 weeks ago but in terms of my strength training and overall fitness levels, well, they are horrible! I feel so weighted down when doing jump squats and push ups and the burpees nearly killed me!

It reminds me of when I was so heavy back in Russia and I was just getting going losing my weight. It is a bizarre feeling. Despite everything, I am back to square one. Today's goal was to get in 30 mins of Cathe and I am very proud to say, I did it!! My husband reached his goal as well.  He did P90X Legs and Back. So proud of him. It was fun working out together too. Something I miss greatly.

So in the spirt of starting over, here is my plan for this next week.  I have to make this work....

Get in at least 30 mins EVERY DAY! Walk outside, walk on the treadmill, Cathe, Circuit training....something, anything just move for 30 mins a day, even if it is just pilates or yoga.

I am also going to start taking pics of my food again. It always helped motivate me so much. I do not know why I am in this slump but something has to change. It is crazy....

I have my marathon blog nearly ready. I have just been busy with some fun family activities and we have started decorating for Christmas!! I need to get a few marathon blogs up soon with pics, especially for those of you not on FB. I will aim to do it this week.

I am off to take my greens!

Earth to Jen. You are in a challenge...

Ever since the marathon I feel as if I have hit a brick wall. My motivation to workout is a big ZERO!! People always email me how do I say motivated and I think I am going to have to go back and read my own emails to people in order to gain perspective and motivation this time around. I do not know if it is because I have trained so long and my body needs a break but I just feel BLAH! Now, do not get me wrong, I am as happy as can be. In fact, I am sleeping well and I feel better than when I was in training but my motivation to pick up the dumbbells currently sitting next to me....well, it is gone.

That is all for today. Just an update on how lazy I have been post marathon!! I am going to try and start over today and get in some much needed pushups....hope I do not fall on my face! :)

Just know if you are out there and you are struggling to find motivation to make it happen, remember it happens to all of us! Regardless where you are in your journey, there will be days when it seems impossible, but try and take it one day at a time. Set small goals and if you fail, just renew your mind to start over again, but never stop!

I need to read this over and over. I guess need to heed my own advice :)

Press on friends....

A new challenge is here!! It starts today....

I am in need of another challenge! I cannot run for another few weeks as you are supposed to rest one day for every mile you run after a marathon! So, that means 26 days of NO running!! I have realized I am addicted to running and fitness and when I do not workout, I feel crazy! No, not really but I feel the effects of not getting a workout in and so I need to set new goals and work on a challenge this month.

I am excited because in 26 days we leave for a short vacation to London and then to Bath to see the famous Christmas market held there each year. Knowing that soon, I will be in London, one of the best places to eat Indian food, which is a personal favorite of mine, I need to make sure and be extra strict this month with my diet!! My long runs are over so I need to back away from the carbs, up my protein and watch my calories. I cannot workout this month like other as I am recovering from the race so I MUST make sure  I do not eat like a race horse when I am not racing!! :) There will be a time for scones, tea and definitely some curry but not now.

My challenge is incredibility simple! I hope to reach my goals before we leave November 28th....

Nutrition goals....

1. Be sure and get in my Sunwarrior, VM Green and Earth daily!
2. LACV 128 oz daily -  1 lemon mixed with apple cider vinegar in a gallon of water.
3. Flax bread only in the mornings and only ONE piece per day.
4. Log calories on Spark and post on Blog/FB

Fitness goals....

1. Push ups - 1000 military push ups before 11/28
2. Squats - 4000 squats - sumo, jump squats, etc....before 11/28
3. Burpees - 1000 reps before 11/28
4. Pull ups - assisted or negative - 100 reps before 11/28

I have NOT been strength training the final weeks leading up to the marathon so the fitness goals are huge for me! I cannot tell you the last time I did a pull up....oh mercy!

So, in order to make these goals happen, I have to start somewhere. And that begins now. Here is my plan for the week......

Friday - Yoga, easy stretching along with some pushups
Saturday - walk on the treadmill, easy 30 mins along with ST circuit
Sunday - Yoga and PT exercises
Monday - ST circuit
Tuesday - Walking on the tread - 30 mins
Wednesday - ST circuit
Thursday - Walking on the tread - 30 mins
Friday - Yoga/Rest

My Marathon splits....

I am in the middle of writing a LONG blog about the marathon but I wanted to post my splits on here for those of you who are not on FB or the daily mile.

It was an amazing day for me!! I have so many photos to share and details of the race to post probably sometime this weekend or Monday.

From my Garmin....26.55 miles - 4:46.13...10:46 Avg Pace


Mile 1 - 10:20
Mile 2 - 10:11
Mile 3 - 10:30
Mile 4 - 10:04
Mile 5 - 10:16
Mile 6 - 10:30
Mile 7- 10:33
Mile 8-  9:49
Mile 9 - 10:05
Mile 10 - 10:25
Mile 11- 10:21
Mile 12 - 11:00
Mile 13 - 10:59

I reached the half way mark at 2:17 which was exactly my time in training to finish in 4:34....but after mile 13 it started to go downhill in terms of my speed. I began to see people on the sides of the road stretching their calves and many people walking who were so fit and should have been near the finish. I started to worry and I think it got to me.

Mile 14 - 10:52
Mile 15 - 10:39
Mile 16 - 11:15
Mile 17 - 10:44
Mile 18 - 10:49
Mile 19 - 11:26
Mile 20 - 11:38
Mile 21 - 11:47
Mile 22 - 10:52
Mile 23 - 11:15
Mile 24 - 11:50
Mile 25 - 11:37
Mile 26 - 11:04
The last .55 - 5:10

Looking back on these it is obvious when I really started walking and slowing down my running. I have to be honest, I am a bit sad seeing these. I wish they were faster like in my training. I trained to finish around 4:34 and while my goal was to always come in under 5 hours, a part of me was dreaming for a 4:30 - 4:45 finish....I was so close.

My journey to 26.2 miles!

A Tribute to a few special people in my life who have helped me get to where I today. May I make you all proud. 

I have finally made it to the final days before my first marathon. I find myself reflecting back on my journey, and I am proud of how far I have come but I find myself realizing that I have a long road ahead of me. I have goals and dreams before me but I know that in time, with discipline and a great deal of patience, anything is possible with God leading the way!

My journey to this marathon started well before most of you may think. As a child growing up my parents started running, and I remember going to races to watch my Dad run. I was so very proud! My aunt was, and is, an elite accomplished runner, and her influence spread throughout the family and inspired us all to take up running and lead healthier lives. My Mom and I ran the Susan G. Komen 5k together when I was in middle school. Once in high school I was on the track and cross country team. I was inspired and motivated by my family to continue running which eventually lead to my first triathlon at the age of 15.

                                One of my triathlons I did while in high school 

You must remember that my weight gain did not begin until I was in my 20's. My whole life I was fit and active and running was just another part of our life.  When I was 15 years old my Dad signed up for his first marathon, the Dallas White Rock Marathon. He trained and trained along side my Mom who would go out with him on his long runs, and she would ride her bike beside him cheering him on. They would tell me stories of how she would even sing to him! I remember the example it set for me of how a marriage should be: one spouse supporting the other with their dreams. It was a beautiful thing.  However, the night before the marathon my Mom became very sick and my Dad--after all of his training--could not leave her side. He missed the race.


I have no doubt it was hard for my Dad after so many months of training. But his love and devotion for my Mom far outweighed any desire to race. How could he run his first marathon and not have his bride, his best friend there with him? I always admired my Dad for making my Mom a priority, and the love he showed that day is something I will never forget. Nevertheless, I do not think I fully understood his decision until now.

Daddy, you may not have been able to finish your marathon but you just know that when I cross that line, you will be in my heart and I will make you proud! You have always been such an amazing example to me and for the many, many times you and Mom have encouraged me along this long journey, I thank you. Thank you for always believing in me and knowing that even though I lost my way, I would make it back to the girl you once knew, and I would be living the life God has in store for me. 

A few memories from our family races growing up...

I have no idea what I was thinking with the shorts and the big sunglasses....oh my! Don't you love old photos from the late 80's and 90's!! But it was an amazing memory running with my Mom! 

I have been training for some time now, and I can honestly say that marathon training is more than long runs, speed work and fueling properly. It is an emotional journey--one that requires a commitment you must make with all your heart and one that will directly affects those close to you. When you are exhausted, drained or injured it affects everyone. Your spouse has an important role to play. They can either lift you up and motivate you more than anyone else could or marathon training can take a toll of them as well. For me, I am blessed in that this training has only brought my husband and I closer together in ways we never could have imagined. 

In 2010, we were blessed with our little girl, and once again my life and this new journey I was on was changed forever. My running and workouts changed in the best possible way. I went from morning runs to running on the treadmill during her naps and running with her in the BOB stroller. When I look back at my weight loss after having my girl, they are some of the best memories I have in terms of the entire weight loss journey. We spent so many days together out on the trails sharing special moments while I was getting back into shape. In many ways, she was my training partner leading up to this marathon. She was my running buddy--something I will always hold dear in my heart. I feel as if we did this together. I cannot wait to tell her stories of our runs together and how her Daddy made my marathon training so very special for me.  Someday, who knows, maybe we will be cheering her on as she races towards the finish line! 

One of my runs with my girl in 2011 while I was losing my baby weight and making incredible memories as a new Mom! It was one of the happiest times of my life. 

A snowy run with my girl during our first winter here in Norway. 

The journey which lead me to where I am today was not an easy one. It was a hard journey with many heartaches, but my husband stood by me the entire time. While I felt embarrassed and so ashamed with myself, he always lifted my spirits and continued to make me feel so very loved. In his eyes, I was perfect. True, he did not see just how much weight I was gaining. Maybe he should have been tougher on me, but it is not in his spirit to do so. This devotion and love for me continued when I began my weight loss journey in 2006.  

I remember every day when he would come back from the office and could not wait to read my fitness blog and hear about what my workouts were for the day! He would get so excited seeing if I increased my weights or rep count when began focusing on strength training. He used to help me with my push ups, stretching after a workout or sometimes standing next to the treadmill cheering for me as I was doing sprint intervals. Consistently year after year, he was there. How does someone give so much of themselves? It was truly beautiful, and it was one of the biggest reasons I have succeeded with my weight loss the way that I have.  

My husband never seemed to lose faith in me. I remember sitting on the couch in Russia and signing up for what would be my first triathlon in years!! We were moving back to the US and I had not swam or biked in forever. I had lost about 70 lbs at that point, and I was bound and determined to get back to triathlons. Even though I did not even own a bike, I signed up and he was so very proud of me. He surprised me months later with a scrapbook that he made me for all my triathlon bibs and memories. Again, he showed me that my dreams, my goals are his as well. His heart is so invested in my journey it has truly become his own! 

Just as my father recognized my mother's love and devotion for him during his training. I too understand just how much this race means to my husband. When I struggle, he struggles with me. When I cross that finish, he will be with me in my heart just as if he was running beside me cheering me on all the way. I will never forget the countless long runs we had together during this training. My husband would drive to various mile markers, his homemade signs in hand and would be jumping around cheering like a mad man. Only true love can make someone do such things!

I am crossing this finish line for many, many reasons. But I could not have made it to this point without the support and dedication from you, my precious husband, Micah. You’re my everything. I run this race for you. I will try my best to make you so very proud of me and with every step you will be right there with me. I cannot thank you enough for the many early mornings you helped me get ready for my long runs. The countless times I cried and cried knowing we had to cancel another race due to injury. The days and nights I poured my heart out to you telling you my dreams and how I wanted to be more, I wanted to do more and yet I did not know how. You raised me up when I was down and you pushed me forward in my darkest hours.  

Thank you my love for ALWAYS being there for me, in all things.  I dedicate this race, this journey and this moment to you.  Forever, I will thank God for bringing you into my life. 

Here are some memories from a few of my runs during marathon training! 

Seeing my girl at the end of my first 16 mile run! She was holding the sign that she made with my husband for me and my heart broke seeing her standing there cheering me on saying Mommy! Mommy! I will never, ever forget this moment...

                                             Tears of joy holding my girl...

                                           During one of my 20 mile runs 

                                               Finishing my 18 miler!! 

My husband made these signs and had them on the side of the road exactly at the 10, 18 and 20 mile mark!! I cried so hard when I realized what they were as I was running past them! I was in shock. It was an incredible memory. He made everything so very special for me. 

Here I am finishing my first 20 miler!!! My husband had all the signs lined up for me like a little finish line with him cheering me on through the finish! 

                                    Happy as can be after my first 20 mile run! 

                       The sign and balloons I came home to after my last 20 miler! 

What an amazing journey this has become! I cannot wait to see what God has in store for me next! One thing I do know is that I can reach any dream, as long as I have my eyes fixed on Christ. 

The last 20 miler before the race!!!

I cannot believe that I have almost made it to the end of my marathon training! Tomorrow is my last long run before I begin my taper for my first marathon which is Monday, October 29th!

I am running 20 miles tomorrow, nice and steady. Not too fast and not too slow! I just need to get in those last few miles before giving my body a MUCH needed recovery so that I can come back strong on race day. I have said this before but my goals for the race are simply to finish STRONG! I want to sprint through that finish line with a smile on my face and a knee that is not in too much pain. I have to be able to run again shortly after the marathon as I have another race coming up in March and I must get back to strength training and my HIIT that I was doing prior to marathon training. I was by far the leanest and most fit during this time NOT during my marathon training. Hard to believe I know but my body just responded to strength training far more than long distance running.

I have a massive marathon training blog that I have to write, once promised weeks ago! I will be posting photos from 5 or 6 of my long runs and I look forward to sharing some pre-race blogs that are very dear to my heart.

I hope to report back tomorrow that I had a successful 20 miler! Maybe not as fast as last weeks but a success in terms of covering the distance without injury. Right now, this is MOST important. I have to make it to the race healthy!! Too many of my marathons have been canceled due to injury.......not this time!!!

Here I go....my last 20 miler....wish me luck!

Schedule for this week 10/1 - 10/7

My fitness goals for this week are to stay healthy and make sure to get my foam rolling in on my knee. As far as my nutrition, I need to keep tracking my calories so that I do not overeat while training and I hope to lose another pound this week IF possible. They are sticking to me like glue these days.....

Here is my schedule for this week -

Monday - 16 mile run/walk with a 1 mile cool down - DONE! AP 10:22
Tuesday - Rest but make sure to get in at least 30 mins of Yoga X along with my PT work
Wednesday - Short ST circuit along with my PT work and foam rolling.
Thursday - 6 mile run
Friday - Rest
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - 20 miler!!

Setting new goals for this next week...

Well after my VERY short strength training session a few days ago, my legs are still so very sore from my sumo squats. It is sad really. It just goes to show how OUT OF SHAPE I have become. It sounds bizarre but I have not been strength training and I am sorry, going out running is different then a sumo squat. You are using different muscles with a squat....I need to be doing these more obviously.  Well the point of saying all of this is that I am going to slightly change my plan for the next few days, not by much but I am just trying to listen to my body. I do find it strange I am not recovering as fast as I used to but then again I have a host of weird things going on with my body right now. Still trying to figure out what is going on. I did find an online training site called ME....Metabolic Effect that has various programs and I am thinking about starting one of them that deals with weight loss and female or hormonal issues. My endocrinologist visit is not for a few weeks so as of now I just have to be patient and do what I can.

The past few days have been good in terms of my caloric intake. I am aiming around 1300 - 1350 daily and so far it is going well although my weight loss is not what I hoped for. I just need to be PATIENT!

Back to the change of plan. Here is my new schedule for the next few days. Like anything in life, this too can change :)

Wednesday - ST upper body and core along with a 5 mile easy run/walk
Thursday - Yoga Max
Friday - ST upper body and core along with a 5 mile easy run/walk
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - Rest - My husband is FINALLY coming home today!!!!!!
Monday - 16 mile run.....wish me luck on this one! My first long run in 2 weeks.
Tuesday - ST upper body and core
Wednesday - Run/walk 4 miles
Thursday - Rest
Friday - Rest
Saturday - 20 miler!!!
Sunday - Rest, Rest, Rest, Rest, Rest and Rest!!! :)

Daily Results. 9/23

Crazy short blog tonight, I am super tired! I have not been sleeping the past few nights and it is catching up with me.

No workout for today although we went to Melshei and walked and hiked the trails for about 45 mins to an hour which burned calories but I am not counting it towards miles or my caloric burn. It was just a good day of fun with my girl exploring and trying to collect more pine cones!

Tomorrow is ST with a 4 to 6 mile run/walk. My knee is hurting a bit from today but I am sure with ice and rest it will be fine for tomorrow. Icing as we speak...

Total calories consumed today - 1,343
Calories burned - did not log but I was active

Have a blessed night!