The Dreadmill was calling and I answered

Yes, I broke down and got on the dreadmill. I hate the dreadmill. It takes a while to get to a comfortable speed, I can't increase and decrease my pace as needed without pushing a button and well I don't like having only one thing to look at...the dusty tree decor. Sure I have the TV on but QVC only had jewelry and HSN had facial products (blah). Did I like it? No, but I did it, so I like me.

On a cute side note: My dog Reba saw me put on my gadgets (Ipod and HRM) and she started jumping up and down. She thinks me putting on my gear equates to her going for a walk. Poor baby, she looked so hurt when I turned on the loud dreadmill and she was left lying on her doggie bed.

Happy Birthday to me!!

So today I turn the big 4-0. I wanted to become a runner and run a 5K before I turned 40 and I did. But it doesn't stop here. On to more 10Ks and 1/2 marys and maybe one day...when I grow up, I will do a marathon. But for now, my eyes are set on 10Ks in my near future.

So what did I learn in the past 40 years? That I should have started earlier. That it is never too late and I can't ever stop. This running thing isn't for a season or just a stage in life. This is something I want to do for the rest of my life. Sure, when I am old and hunched over...I'll start walking very slow but I am going to keep moving.

I find that my life is busy with family and work...so what? I may only be able to run for 20 minutes at a time (Christine, Rebekah and Kris.thanks for the suggestion). But I need to do it. Not just for me but for my daughter, my husband and for future generations.

My family has a history of obesity and lack of movement. We seem to pass on our love of fatty foods and hatred of movement to each generation and each generation just keeps getting bigger and less healthy. It is time to turn that around in my family. I will cook healthier, I will encourage my daughter to stay active but more importantly, I will become more active. I will become all that I want her to be and hopefully she will learn from example.

So, welcome 40! Look out 50!

I ran, Me, Reba and Joan Benoit Samuelson

I have been out for awhile. Between my ankle injury, the flu and then a horrible cold or second strand of flu...I have been under the weather. And life also got in the way. But I think things are getting back to normal.

I have a 5K this weekend in NASA. It is the 5K Reindeer Run. I can't wait. I really need to get back in the swing of things.

I have to say I haven't felt this good in a long time. It feels good to run. Well today I was being dragged by my freaky dog, Reba. I really need to socialize her. Poor thing, she was running as fast as she could away from any sign of life...a deer, a cat, another jogger, a rabbit. It was crazy but apparently it was great for my pace because at the end of my run, Joan Benoit Samuelson congratulated me on the best run ever. Wuu huu Reba!

Running with Reba

I really thought I wasn't going to get my run in today. I had planned to run after picking up my daughter from school. It was my understanding that another parent was going to drop off and pick up but no. I was dropping and the other parent was picking up. So I knew I was not going to have time to run before taking them, which means I would have to run in the dark.

Then I realized I don't have insect repellent and the mosquitoes were attacking me in the car. So I rush to drop the kids off and then rush to get repellent. Then I just cruise the streets looking for a park that is well lit. Apparently my area does not believe in being in parks after dark because none of them had lights.

So I came home and grabbed my biggest dog, which is my most psycho dog and went for a run in the neighborhood. Ya know, it is different when you are fighting a 45 pound dog and trying to force it to go forward. Oh, then she wants to chase rabbits and run from cars...it was very mentally taxing but I enjoyed it. And I think in the long run, so did she.

But I am worn. I have been on the go since 8 this morning and I am taking a short break to update my blog, read some forums..(Active.com is down again) and now I have to cook dinner and wash the sheets..and it is already 8PM. How does everyone do it?

Tomorrow I will run

So I am pretty psyched. Tomorrow I run. I check my ankle everyday and test my range of motion. Considering all the walking I have done in the past few days and all the up and down the stairs...I feel I am ready.

My world has really changed in two weeks. During my hiatus, my husband took on a new job that has him away for quite a few hours, my daughter started year round swim and we have had a time change. Not to mention, I have started making tutorial videos for the Gypsy, a handheld design studio for paper crafters. So I am feeling out of sorts.

I really need to sit down and look at my schedule and prioritize the things that I do. I want running to be at the top of the list. Well running and work, oh and driving my daughter to her practices, oh yeah and making my videos..and don't forget paper crafting and yes the holidays. See what I mean? So hold me to it guys...I want to hear from you...I want you to scream at me...where is the run Fluffy?

On a side note: Here is the From the Inside Out Gang at the MS 5K. We were our shirts, inside out.

Kemah MS 5K Walk/Run

We had a perfect day for a run yesterday. However, I am not completely healed yet so I did the 1 mile walk with some friends. Two of my friends have MS. One was diagnosed 20 years ago when she was in her twenties and the other was diagnosed about 9 years ago. She was also in her twenties. Looking at them, you can' t tell they have MS. They are beautiful and full of life.

Our team name was From the Inside Out. You see MS is weird that way. You can look completely normal on the outside while your body is at war with itself on the inside. You can be running a marathon one day and then be paralyzed on one side of the body the next. We had about 12 people on our team. I was going to run but my husband said I wasn't ready. And he was right. After walking the mile then going to Woofstock with my sister, my ankle was acting up again. So next week I will start out slow with just walking and go from there.

If you still haven't signed up for a 5K... get off your rear and do it. You see, I signed up for one and only walked 1 mile. So what? There will be more 5Ks? No one looked at me funny or felt sorry for me or talked about me. We all had a great time and built memories. So get out there and do it!

Where's Waldo, uh I mean Fluffy?

I have been MIA for a few days. The good news is that I am 100% after my 10K. The bad news is that life has taken over my , well, uh running life. My husband started a new job this past week and is working long hours. We also run our own business and now I am doing it by myself...well and some employees also. My daughter has gone back to year round swimming so I am driving her around town in the afternoon. I am going to have to analyze my schedule and make time for running. It is a priority...like brushing my teeth and I miss it.

I have a 5K this weekend and I can't wait. I received my number this past week. So while I am contemplating whether to run or walk, I thought Iwould share some information for those that are signing up for their first 5K.

1. Don't wear your free Tshirt to the race. Save those for other races. They are usually cotton so you will probably want to wear a tech shirt anyway.
2. Have an idea about your pace and don't go to the front of the pack at the starting point unless you plan to run to win. People at the front are trying to win and to have to weave around walkers or slower pace people makes it difficult...you'll understand as you run and have to go around someone. I usually start near the back. You usually will get a timing chip, it doesn't start your time until you go over the mat at the starting line.
3. If you think you will take more than 45 minutes, take some water. There may not be water stops close enough to hydrate you.
4. Practice running and drinking out of a cup. I know it sounds silly but they handed me a small dixie cup on my first run and I found I couldn't get the water from the cup to my mouth...it ran down my chin.
5. Get there early enough to do a 5 minute warm up... you have a tendency to start running at the starting line because everyone else is running...but they probably did a warm up.
6. Adrenaline is your friend on this day. You will find you will run faster and longer on this day than on your training runs.
7. That being said...run your pace, not the guy's next to you. You could hit a wall if you start out too fast because you are trying to keep up with someone else.
8. It is okay to walk...there are no police to scoop you up if you stop to walk.
9. Most importantly, have fun and look for the free food at the end of the race...hey, you deserve it!

Happy Running!

It's not about the bike...Lance Armstrong

Ok, it's not about the book either. However, it was a very good read. On my list of must read books for anyone starting to run, bike or do anything to their heart's desire. But I digress, this is not about the book.

Yesterday for Halloween I went on a late night bike with a couple of friends and my husband. It was my first exercise endeavor since my 10K. Sure I have mopped, hobbled, ventured through Walmart (which seems like a 10K to get from pet food to trash bags), climbed up and down stairs to help people with their software issues in the scrapbook world but just moving for the sake of exercise...not yet.

But yesterday after a nice quiet dinner with friends and handing out candy to kids, we went for a bike ride. It was so nice. I love bike rides. I love the feel of the wind in my hair, cruising a new neighborhood listening to the sounds of just everyday life. But the best part is I didn't feel any strain on my ankle or leg or knee. So while I still feel a little discomfort while walking, I now can at least ride my bike. So I guess I will do that for a while. Mentally, I will tell myself that I am training for a bi-athlon. Yeah, that's it. I am training on a bi-athlon. And for the next few weeks I will be focusing on biking...except next Saturday because I have a 5k.

That is right, a 5K next weekend. I may have to walk it but that is okay..I have proven to myself that I can run a 5K and and 10K. So if I have to walk, that is okay.

Oh, and a shout out to my online pals, Mr. and Mrs. F, they just completed Couch to 5K, check out their blog A Fat Man Running .

Warning: Running causes you to have more energy

Now normally I would consider that a positive outcome to running. You can do more with your family, keep a cleaner house, more energy for other hobbies, and yes, more energy for running. Gone are the days where I sleep for two hours after I get off of work. Wake up feeling dazed and confused and go buy some fast food to feed my family. Then, I would succumb to the drunken feeling from the carbs and fatty foods and go back to sleep.

No, those lazy hazy days are over for me. I rarely take a nap, unless I stayed up all night on the computer and had to wake up at the crack of dawn. Gone are the days when Whataburger was a delicious meal. No, now I love lighter things and I love that I am not left feeling drugged after eating them. I love that I have energy to do all my favorite things.

Unless....I have a bummed ankle and can't do much walking. Then it just drives me crazy. I can't just sit anymore. So I try to do housework, since I can't run...but that requires moving about. I can't craft because my craft room is in the bonus room, which is upstairs. I can't run because I can't really walk yet. So I am left to my computer and TV. Hopefully I can become a street walker this weekend and do some trick or treating.

Nike Human Race 10K I did it!!

Oh my gosh what a rush. I woke up today and for the first time in a long time, I was scared to run. I knew that the Human Race was today and I had to log in a 6.2 mile run. You see I signed up for the 10K when I graduated from C25K. I even wrote an essay for Nike stating why I should be an ambassador. I didn't get one of the positions and I was glad. Over the last few weeks I have not been training as hard as I thought I should. And I was really relieved that they did not pick me. I didn't want that responsibility.

So I took off today and headed for the trail. Our trail is exactly 6.2 miles. It heads up to the ocean and then back to a park. My neighborhood is on the trail and I am smack dab in the middle. So I took off and headed North to the water.

I am so excited..so many things to share. So let me end this post with the letter I sent Nike on 07/28/2009. My reasons for being an ambassador:

It would seem crazy that I would even consider running the Nike Human Race 10K. I am not your typical lean athlete that you see running the Boston Marathon or gracing the covers of running magazines or advertisements. I am a middle aged, overweight, small business owner who has just discovered her running legs. Running has become my drug of choice for relieving stress. Being a small business owner, a soccer mom and a wife can be stressful. But in April I discovered Nike+ and the Couch to 5K training program and my whole world changed.

All of a sudden I was replacing my scrapbooking magazines for running magazines. I started to trade pancakes and eggs with yogurt and cereal. When I looked in the mirror I didn’t see an overweight defeated woman but a strong powerful Athena. Running had replaced lying on the couch. And loads of energy had replaced hours of feeling sluggish. Yes, running had changed me.

I found empowerment in all the small goals I accomplished. And they were small. First run 6o seconds at a time, then 90 seconds, What a rush when I could run a whole 10 minutes. I cried at the gym the first time I ran for twenty minutes straight and ran my first mile. My family stood around my treadmill as tears streamed down my face. I felt a huge sense of accomplishment and yes, dare I say I became a PR seeker. I found myself looking forward to hearing Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong or Joan Benoit Samuelson tell me that I had done well.

On July 18th, I participated in my first 5K. My goal that day was not to cross the finish line in first place. My goal was to just finish. And finish I did. I was second to last in my age group but that did not matter. What mattered was that I did it. I had a testimony of how this fluffy gal who couldn’t run to the end of her own block had just completed a 5K. I was proof that you can do it. You just have to try.

So on October 24th I want to run the Human Race 10K for all us fluffy girls. I hear them on different forums discussing the fear, embarrassment and shame the feel about themselves. They feel like they will be the only fluffy one in the race. They can’t relate to any of the runners they see in magazines or advertisements. My goal is to show them that they can do it. That I am right here, running the race for them and with them. I want to run to say “Yes YOU CAN!” From where you are standing right now, no matter where in the world, no matter what size, you can take one step forward and start running.

Just do it!!

I didn't run yesterday. You know, life just happens. You wake up, you don't quite "feel" like running. You work, you eat lunch and think, "Hey I should do just a quick 10 minutes." But you don't. Then you get home from work, wander into the kitchen, grab a bite to eat, check your emails and well you just don't "feel" like working out and then you go to bed. And you tell yourself, "Eh, I'll do it in the morning." Then morning comes and you hit the snooze button and say you will do it at lunch...but that is where you were yesterday.

Well that is how Monday started out for me. Then I had to go to a Mom In Touch meeting this morning so I knew I was not going to go running before the meeting. Then I am slapped in the face with a mom, sitting on a towel at the meeting because she is still sweating. She had just run before the meeting and was still in her work out clothes. And yes I will admit it, I was jealous. She did what I kept putting off. It was my first time at the meeting so I made small talk about running. And I got the impression that she thought I couldn't run. But that could have been me reflecting, because I felt bad for not running.

In any case, I got back home from the meeting and started to work and then about 2PM I decided to leave my desk and take a break. I went into the kitchen and started to look around. Then I pulled the ole switcharoo on myself. Before I could talk myself out of it, I threw on my running clothes and headed out the door. I didn't give myself time to talk myself out of it. I always try to keep all my running apparel and gadgets readily available so that I can do a quick change. So I did what my husband tells me to do every time I don't want to do something. Bring the body and the mind will follow.

My run was uneventful except for the fact that initially I didn't want to do it. It's a mental game folks. And sometimes you have to trick yourself into doing it. I did and it worked. Talk to any athlete and they will tell you that many times and I do mean many, they don't feel like working out but they do it anyway. Remember when your kids were small and they didn't want to try something. You would tell them to do it for 5 minutes and if they didn't like it, they could stop? Pretend you are a child, go out there and do it for 5 minutes. If you aren't feeling it, turn around and come home.

Community

Have you every woke up to a perfect day? I did this morning. We had a rare day of low humidity, clear skies and cool temperatures. Let me define cool. It had not reached 80 degrees. Nuff said. So my run today was very freeing. I was free of exhaustive heat, high humidity and mosquitoes.

And can I just give a shout out to the men that work for the city and cut the grass at our city parks and along the trail? They are always so considerate to runners. If you run by them, while they are mowing or weed eating, they will stop their machines and wait for you to run or walk by them. I don't care if you are male, female, young or old. They will stop. I really appreciate that. I have bad allergies and try not to run on Tuesdays because that is their normal day to do the parks. But sometimes the rain prevents them from mowing on Tuesday and our schedules collide. Such was the case this week. So here ya go lawn men...Cheers for being so considerate!! You rock!!

It was a great day to run because I wasn't try to run from mosquitoes so I was able to focus on other things. I mainly focused on you guys. If you have never heard me say it before, when I run sometimes I think of you guys. All of you come to mind, Kris, Christina, Jen, Rebekah, Tina, Mr. And Mrs F, GoIrish, CarrieN, Bsrmm( i never get that one right), Libby and everyone else that logs into the sites that I visit. I think about how your last run went and what the weather is like on your runs. I do a little comparison. No snow here and no hills to conquer. I just have flat trails and great weather.

Last night at Bible study we talked about the church and aspects of church, such as community, accountability, encouragement and unity. And all of those traits ring true in our daily threads. We all encourage eachother when we have good runs, or when we can't seem to get out to run or just had, what we felt, is a bad run. We check in with eachother on Facebook or Twitter when we haven't seen someone in a while. We all seek to become more fit and to be more than what we already are. We check in daily in our thread to see how everyone is doing. Yes, what we have is community.

Now, you may not have the same belief system as I do or have any belief system but the good advice still rings true. If you haven't found a community of friends to share your running experience go out and get some. Go online to weightwatchers.com or active.com and make some friends. Or you can go to meetup.com and find some local running buddies. In either case, don't do this alone. You were built for community. You will find that as you run, you will do so much better when you aren't alone. Even if your running buddies are thousands of miles away.

Happy Running!

Hot and Steamy VS Cold and Wet

Someone posed the question, do you prefer to run when it is hot and steamy or when it is cold and wet. I have decided I prefer cold and wet. I ran today in a muggy 94 degrees and it was not fun. The humidity just seemed to weigh me down. And the mosquitoes, oh my goodness, they were so bad. You know my feeling about them...hey if they suck enough blood, maybe it will show on the scale as a drop in weight. I'm kidding.

We really didn't run today. It was really just a fast walk, which for me is a regular walk. But it felt good to get out and I am not going to become a running snob. I can go for walks and not feel defeated or less than. And when I see someone walking, I am not going to think less than them either. They are out there doing their thing. Good for them. It is better than my years sitting couped up in my house just watching TV or scrapbooking. Now, I am not saying to throw away your TV or stop your hobbies. Just do them in moderation if they require you to sit for hours at a time.

So, as I write this, I am listening to my playlist at playlist.com. It is all my running music. If you are ever in a rut and don't feel like running, surround yourself with running things. Have your playlist playing at work. If you can change your screen saver or desktop to something customized, change it to something inspiring. Have your workout clothes laid out somewhere visible. And if all else fails, go buy something cute to wear when you run. Nothing inspires me more than a cute Tee or pants. Heck in can be shoelaces or a headband. Check in with your running friends. If you don't have any, make some.

Happy Running!

I hear voices in my head

I went for my first run in a week. It rained yesterday and I couldn't bring myself to run on the dreadmill. So I just jumped into running. It rained so hard yesterday that parts of the trail still had huge puddles that you couldn't jump. What a rush to run through the puddles!! I felt like I was in a Nike commercial to "Just Do It".

But I realized tonight, as I was reviewing my run from this morning, I remembered the little voice that I had during the run. You may know him. He is a Debbie Downer...hmm he may actually be a she. But he/she usually shows up about minute three of my runs. And he nudges me on my shoulder and says, "Hey, I want to walk to now." "Can we stop now?" Gosh, he just won't shut up.

So this is what normal run can sound like. I will begin at minute 3 of the run. "Excuse me, I am tired. Can we stop?" I say, "No, not yet, we will stop in about 3 minutes." He seems satisfied for awhile. I start thinking about the song I am listening to or the rabbit that just crossed the path when he nudges me again, "Hey I thought you said we were going to stop." I say, "Oh yeah, I forgot...hmmm...lets go up to the skateboard park and then we'll stop". And when we get to the park he asks me again and so on and so on.

My husband was a runner in his younger days. He mentioned that he constantly wanted to stop but wouldn't. I thought he was just crazy. When my mind use to tell me to stop, I stop. Who knows better than my mind what is good for my body? But now I know what he means. Running is just as much mental as it is physical. There are many times that my mind will try to limit what my body can do. I can't give in to the mind. I have to do what is good for the body.

I will be a street walker in 24 hours!

I can't wait. Tomorrow is Friday and that means I get to test my ankle. Tomorrow I will try just walking a mile or so. If all seems good, then Saturday morning I am going for a run. I'll make sure to take my phone just in case. I don't want to get injured on the trail and then not have a way to call someone to come get me.

Send some good vibes my way!!

I am bored

I can't wait until I can get out and run or anything. I hate being injured. I really hate that I was not injured while running. I was walking to my car. Say, what? Yeah, you heard me right.

Anyway, I don't even trust my ankle to bike or even go up my stairs at home. I originally figured that since I can't run, maybe I would do some scrapbooking. However, my studio is in the bonus room, which is upstairs. I can't get up the stairs, so I am stuck on the ground floor with my sicko family.

I think I will try walking on Friday and if it goes okay then I will run on Saturday morning. Praying for a cool front to come through so that it isn't so hot and humid.

Happy running!

We Boob Troop, Why don't you?

So this weekend I ran in the Race for the Cure in Houston. Let me just start out by saying if you have not signed up for one in your area, leave my blog and go find one in your area and sign up. Here, I'll even make it easy for you: Click this Race for the Cure and find one in your area.

I don't care if you are a runner, a walker or just starting out. Sign up for the race. You wanna know why? Not just because I am a survivor, though that is a good selfish reason. Sign up because so many people run, walk or wog. There is no way you will feel out of place. There were over 30,000 people at the event here in Houston. That's right, 30K. Most people never run 5Ks except this one. They had a group of friends from work, church, school or some other organized group that said "hey you want to run with me in the Race for the Cure?" And they said, yes.

Now did they run? Well most of them walked, and I mean most of them. Why is that great? Because you won't feel pressured to run the whole thing. So you get the experience of a first 5K without the pressure of running the whole thing. Now, I am not going to get on my soap box about how your goal for the first 5K is to just finish. But you know how I feel.

So what better way to get the first 5K under your belt than to do one that is so unique and big that there is no way you will feel out of place. You know why? Because you will see all walks of life out there. Young kids, teenagers, moms, survivors, those still fighting, old men, old women, pink hair, no hair, size 2, size 22, tall, short, running, walking, skipping, walking with their dog, running with funny hats...you name it. There is no way you will feel "different".

Look I am fluffy. I totally can relate to being embarrassed by running in public. I have been there. I have been the one tugging at my shirt when someone past by or letting out a huge sigh when I thought I was alone on the trail and someone passes me or someone drives by me and they have to slow down to make a turn and in the back of my head I am thinking they are slowing down to get a better look at the fluffy gal that is running. Again, read my older posts.... don't worry about that. But if you still want to, then sign up for the Race for the Cure. You will never feel more accepted and loved than you will at this.

Every bridge you run under, every turn you make, heck every 10 yards, there are people cheering you on. There is loud music playing and people just having a good time. When you get your race bib, memorize your number. Every once and a while, turn the Ipod down and listen to them chant your number, "Go 264! You're doing great 264! You are amazing 264!" I even gave some of them my princess wave ( you know closed hand, just a slight twist of the wrist).

Now with 30K of people, it can take up to 30 to 45 minutes before you even pass the starting line from the time the gun goes off. That is okay. If you have a chip, then as soon as you touch the mat that runs across the starting line, your personal time will start counting. Then when you cross the finish line, it will calculate your personal time.

Oh and if you think it is too hard. There is so much activity going on around you, bands playing, people handing out goodies, different organizations performing, that you will forget you are running and just have fun....and running should be fun.

So on a personal note: my Nike+ failed me again and found myself running in silence at the end of the race. Of my team of 12, I was the last one in. I was about 7 minutes behind the person before me....so what? My finish time was 54:19. I finished in 3135 place out of 4142 competetive runners. And I am proud of it!! The longest time for the run? 2 hours and 24 minutes for the competitive runners. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!

Look, I am not trying to tell you what to do, well actually I am. If you are just starting C25K or any running program or maybe you are about to finish, sign up for a 5K. If you can sign up for the Race for the Cure, please do so. This race is unique because it attracts more than just runners and even avid walkers. It attracts all different levels of fitness or lack of fitness and you are guaranteed to feel comfortable and welcome.

If you sign up for one, let me know when you will be running and I will make sure to cheer you one and see how you did.

Race for the Cure and so should you

I can't even begin to tell you what today meant for me. I went and ran with 30,000 other fabulous people. Yeah you got that right, 30K. My Nike plus failed me.....again. I was so upset. at mile 2.64, it just froze on me.

I will do a race post in a few hours. I need some sleep and rest.

If I turn my head just so and lift my left foot

I don't know what it is about my allergies. I felt great this morning. I got up, ate some breakfast, sat at my computer and put in a mean 5 to 6 hours. Then it just hit me, the headache. And I was down for the count. I tool some meds in the afternoon and laid down.

About three hours later, the urge, the guilt of not running came over me. I got up and got out. Surprisingly it felt good. Sure I was a bit tired. I had not run since last Wednesday and that wasn't good. So I got dressed and ignored the pressure I felt when I looked down and off I went.

Now, go back to the very first post I ever did and it will say anyone who runs with pain or illness is just crazy. It states I am not that "kind" of runner. The fact that I was constantly aware of tilting my head just so and watching my foot steps contradicts that first post.

Ok feeling woozy again...back to bed. Ah yes Sudafed. Thanks Mr. F. I forgot about that wonderful medication.

Where in the world is Fluffy?

I can tell you where she isn't. She isn't on the trails near her house. She isn't on the streets near her home. On the track? Nope. On the dreadmill? Nope.

She is in a coma on her couch. My allergies and sinuses have taken a toll on me. My head feels like it is going to explode. It hurts to turn my head, to look down or even to look up. I have slept all day. I got up to wake up my daughter for school. I worked for a few hours, picked up my daughter from school then took her to the library and came home and went back to sleep on the couch. I woke up at 9 pm. And if I hold my head just so.... it doesn't hurt as much.

I have to run. I have a 5K this weekend. I want to do 5k this week and then just a mile or mile and half on Thursday. "Only mile and half" hee hee. I remember when I completed Week 5 Day 3 of Couch to 5K and I cried, again. (It seems like I am always crying). But I cried because I had ran a mile for the first time. And now, my short run is a mile and a half.

So hopefully (fingers crossed) my head will be clear by tomorrow. So until then....Keep running.

I'm Fluffy and proud of it

You ever have one of those perfect days? You know, when you get up earlier than usual and feel rested, you get all green lights on the way to work, you get everything done on your to do list at work, and then you have a great run? That is the kind of day I had. It was a perfect day.

Fall came in all his glory today. I woke up to 69 degrees and low humidity. And it stayed that way all day. By the time I went for my run at 5pm, it was still a good day. It is amazing how much easier it is to run when humidity is not dragging you down. There were several times I hit my Nike+ and it read "current pace 13:26 or 14:17". That just doesn't happen to me. It was a good run.

Part of it was due to my playlist. For whatever reason, my Nike+ started in the middle of my running playlist. (Maybe it knew I needed a change.) But I heard songs I rarely hear, like Don't Slow Down, I Got it From my Mama, Here it Goes etc. I was rockin' and rollin' out there. When "I Got it from my Mama" came on, man, I was running with attitude. As I ran, I thought, "yeah that is right. Here I am, live and in person. I am beautiful. I am powerful. I am fast. I am a runner." It was a great feeling.

Get out there. Be an example for someone else. I promise you that while you run outside, in all your fluffiness, there is someone driving by and they are admiring you. Deep down they wish they had the courage to do what you are doing. You are running Baby and don't stop!

Team Edward

OK, this weekend was crazy. I was surrounded by teenage girls Friday and Saturday. And with teenage girls came teenage snacks. It was too much for me. I have been doing really good on the not eating bad munchies thing. But I had Chex Mix, cupcakes, Cheetos, hot dogs, dark chocolate Chex Mix (yes you heard me right, Chex Mix drizzled in dark chocolate). OH and Pringles, licorice, blow pops etc.

Are you following me? The junk food was everywhere. So I don't think I had one decent meal the whole weekend. And I feel it. I have a food hangover. I have retained so much water that I could dry emboss my whole body with a Cuttlebug embossing folder by just pressing it against me. (If you scrapbook, you will understand).

So I ran this afternoon and it was overcast for the beginning of my run. That is a good thing because I hate the sun when I run. As soon as it peaks out from behind the clouds, I feel drained. I don't know why. I know it is completely mental. Hopefully it won't be the same in the winter.

I also realized that my headset is going out on me, which is why sometimes I can't hear the voices on my Nike+. I guess that is a good thing. All I need is a new headset.

Pride and how it can hurt

I started running with a friend of mine. I have always ran alone so this is new to me. Little things stress me out so the idea of having to plan my run against someone else's schedule is stressful. It shouldn't be but it is for me. So yesterday I met her to run. I ran on Tuesday morning so I wasn't expected to run again until Thursday. I figured I would meet her and she would run and I would walk. No biggie, right? Wrong!

There were quite a few people on the trail. It was during a time that I normally don't run so there weren't any of my regular group of people that I see during the morning. Well my friend, not a skinny mini but not my size, started to run and I started to walk faster. And then I left my insecurities take control. I started to think everyone was looking at me and they were thinking, "Poor fat woman. She can't even run along with her friend. Well at least she is out here." Ok that kind of thinking is so wrong at so many levels. First, no one really cares about me running. They got their own thing going. Second, being a runner makes you no better than a walker. They are just different techniques. So, I need to stop acting like a running snob. And third, even if someone thought that way....who cares!?!?!?

Because I let my mind take over my body, I started to run. And I started to run faster than normal. And I paid the price. I woke up this morning and my legs were sore and I felt it in my knees. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! So learn from me, if you are just starting out, don't do too much. Take your rest days from running. Walk, ride your bike, weight train or swim on those days if you feel a need to move. But by no means do you run.

Wordless Wednesday Favorite Things

My Nike+ loves me again!

So I went for a run at lunch time today and I did not have a heat stroke. That is a big plus in SE Texas. There was a cool breeze and the sun was not out. But the best part was that my Nike+ whispered sweet nothings to me again, while I ran. I had to change from female to male voice (according to forum on NIke site) and it worked. So while I ran, I heard the familiar "current time blah blah, current distance blah blah, current pace blah blah" It was great! Who knew I could become so attached to a gadget!

Ok it is late. I will post more later about my run.

09/11 A moment of silence

(head bowed in silence) ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Glutton for punishment

They say that a woman brought up in an abusive house, will stay with an abuser when she gets older. In some weird, wacked out way, that life is "normal" to her. Such is the case with my love affair with my Nike+. I grew up in my running world with it. I love my mini that is to the right of my blog. I love seeing the graphs. I love the cheers I receive when I do a PR or a longest run. I love being a member of the Nike+ community.

But it drives me nuts when my Nike+ ignores me. It doesn't record my run or acknowledge my longest run, as it didn't last weekend. Emotional abuse is what I am suffering. I try so hard to please my Nike+ but it just ignores me. Sure, there are times when I have it's undivided attention and it gives me tokens of affection. You know, my mini running over hurdles and saying how amazing I am. And I love those times. But lately, it's emotional detachment has me seeking affirmations in other places. Mapmyrun has become my sancho. But it doesn't fulfill me like my Nike+. So at the end of the day, I am left feeling empty.

So to the dismay of all my friends, that have heard me complain about the abuse I suffer at the hands of my Nike+, I am looking online at the new IPhone GS and Nano, with onboard Nike+. I imagine only the good times I will have it. I imagine running through the woods, just me and my Lovah...Nike+. With a gentle touch of my finger, he will tell me my current pace, distance and time.

I know, it is just a fantasy, but a girl can dream, can't she?

Nike plus or Nano failed me again

I woke up late for my run today. That is nothing new for Saturdays. It is my one day I can sleep in so I do. But I got out at 11 am and ran. I decided to run to the beach front and back instead of to the park at back. I knew it would be about 4 miles. I seemed to be doing well. I checked my Nike+ (which runs on my Nano) to my Mapmyrun. At midpoint the Mapmyrun said 1.76 and my Nike+ only read 1.62. But about a 100 yards later, my music stopped playing and I looked down at my Nano and the screen was frozen. So I walked the next half mile in silence then decided to turn on the music on my Iphone. I don't know what I hit but apparently the Mapmyrun stopping calculating my run.

I love technology. I hate technology. When I got home and several hours later, my Nano was not frozen and it read run 1:14 minutes, distance 3.31. I was so happy I went to sync.....and nothing. nothing uploaded and nothing saved. It always disappoints me on my important runs. But all runs are important to me.

Anyway, thank goodness I could log it on mapmyrun because I can edit the run. It had the time right and length of run and the map shows the distance but the distance it is reading in total run is off, so I edited it. I also can depend on my Polar F6, which calculated 841 calories burned. Can I get an AMEN???? So I feel a little better but not much.

Ok first date night with my hubby in about 3 years and we are meeting my best friend and her boyfriend. I can't wait. I hope all is well in your running world.

Wordless Wednesday

The Battle of Seabrook

We have all faced different battles in our lives. Some have faced the battle of the bulge. Others battle insecurity or negative, destructive thoughts. Our country is in the midst of a universal health care battle. Our troops are fighting in a battle in the middle east. Today I faced my own battle. The Battle of Seabrook. I am a native to this territory so you would think I would have been prepared for this battle. I know my enemy well. I have lived among them for years. Each evening, our front line troops drive around conducting air raids on them. I do my best to keep my home secure from them. When one infiltrates my battalion I go into hand to hand combat with them. Like a Ninja, I sneak up on them and try to destroy them before they even know I am within reach. Yes, I know my enemy well

So what happened? How did I lose this one? I forgot that my only defense against my enemy, while I invade their territory is chemical warfare. I forgot my repellent. So as I ran through the woods, I looked all around me and the air was black with little jet fighters attacking me. My only defense at this point was to run faster and sprinkle my drinking water on them. I thought I was doing well until I got home and my husband took pictures of the back of my legs. It was total annihilation of my legs. I am sure the enemy left with alot of my blood. Should I be concerned about needing a blood transfusion? Just kidding.

But seriously, this was a big mistake. I thought about putting repellent on my legs but I was so anxious to get out and run that I dismissed it. And now here I am with welts. I knew better. I live in swamp area and it had rained on Friday and Saturday. The skeeter trucks didn't come by on Sunday so I knew there would be thousands of those buggers flying around.

But I am proud of myself. A few months ago, I would have turned around the moment I saw the first skeeter. I would have become upset and just quit. But I didn't. As a matter of fact, those moments when I looked down and saw 30 or more skeeters on my legs, I just ran faster. I looked like a commercial for OFF...only I was the unlucky person being eaten alive by skeeters.

So I lost the battle of Seabrook. But I learned my lesson.

.

Race for the Cure

Some of you may already know about my past. In 1998 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was Stage III and it had metastasized to my lymph nodes. For those who don't understand the stages, there are only four stages to breast cancer. I was 28 and had a 20 month old little girl at the time. I feared for my life but more importantly, I feared for hers. At the time I was diagnosed, ten members of my family, on my father's side, had already been diagnosed. Only one had survived. Within months of my diagnosis, she was in another battle with cancer and two of my cousins were diagnosed. My aunt lost her battle but my cousins survived. We know it is hereditary, I mean how much of a coincidence is it that fourteen of us from my grandmother to my generation have been diagnosed with it? But they don't know which gene. It has not been identified. And it doesn't just strike certain people in my family. My grandmother was in her 80's when she was diagnosed, my cousin Irma was in her early 40's, I was in my 20's and my cousin Leslie was a teenager. Yes, breast cancer is vicious.

That is why I have decided to join the Race for the Cure. You guys know me, I wasn't a runner until a few months ago so this is the first time I was able to do this. I am excited about it. I have created a team Boob Troup. I know I have had a late start but this is important to me and if you are a woman, it should be important to you. My biggest fear is for my daughter. I hope and pray that if she should share this gene with me, that her detection of the disease is early and her prognosis is better than mine was at the time I was diagnosed. If any of you have daughters, or even sons, I know you will want them to have a fighting chance against this disease. The more we can do to support research, the better hope we have in our children and our children's children to beat the disease.

Please join me at my Race for the Cure home page and make a donation. No amount is too small. As a matter of fact, it is the small amounts that matter the most.

I ran!

You know, I went for months, dare I say, years, without working out and now a few days and I just feel out of sorts. Sure I went to the gym a few times last week but I didn't run. And I missed it dearly. So today after a few bumps in the morning, I was able to get my run on. So why is my mini acting like I haven't ran?!?!? I ran this morning but I fear my mini so much, that I feel a need to run again tomorrow morning...eventhough I am not suppose to run. But I am glad I ran this morning.

It gave me time to reflect over my past week. I loved seeing my family and getting ready for the new school year, just not at the same time. So getting out and turning on my Nano and just hitting the paths near my home was relaxing. I know, I know...how can running be relaxing? I can't explain it but it is, even for this fluffy gal. So what are you waiting for?

I have been abducted!!

Seriously, this is a busy week and I don't even know where to begin. So to make it quick and short, I am going to do it bullet style:

• Picking up stepson from Alabama
• Scanning 700+ pictures for video montage
• Editing pics for video
• picking songs for montage
• creating video montage
• taking daughter for school shopping
• shopping for dress for dad's birthday
• picking up sister from airport
• taking daughter to school and wait 2 hours for book pick up
• getting hair done
• cleaning house for guests staying
• firming up birthday party plans
• making arrangements for family arriving from out of town, picking them up and bedding
• translating song into English from Spanish (and I don't know Spanish)
• Creating party gifts for guests
• going to gym to work out
• Cook for party tonight for Bible Study end of summer party

I am sure I left out a few but I have to go again. Miss all you guys! I'll be back on Monday.

Post Couch to 5K

Can I just say that I love trail running? I did my first trail run during W9 of Couch to 5K. I fell in love immediately with the trails. I don't think about the time and I feel less stress when I run. What I mean is that my run feels easier. I love running past the butterfly garden as the sun bathes them in a soft glow through the trees. I love running over the bridge and seeing all the baby crabs crawling below. I love running past the skate park and watch the kids do their dare devil tricks, or saying hello to fellow dog lovers that have normal dogs that can run with them. (Note to self: need to train one of my dogs to be normal enough to go out in public.) All of these small distractions make my run easier. It is so stimulating that I forget about the minutes on my Polar F6. All I do is enjoy the run.

So when I ran on the treadmill earlier this week, I struggled with each minute. In front of my was my fake tree and to the right was the big screen and to the left was the view of my backyard. It was boring. No new smells to discover or a breeze to feel grateful for blowing, just nothing. So it was a short run but I did it. But I made sure my next run was outside.

So on Saturday I woke up late and the heat had already made itself at home in my little town, so I had to wait to the evening. It was a great run. I couldn't wait to get out there. I loved taking a deep breath of the sea air or hearing the birds chirp, seeing the squirrels and just saying hello to cooler weather. By cooler I mean, it is not in the 90s. Since I have finished C25K , I am starting to work on my pace. So I tried to go just a bit faster. It was a dance really. I would get a quicker turn over on my feet, I would hit the center button on my Nano to hear my current pace, look down on my Polar F6 to check my heart rate and make adjustments. I did this several times for the first 25 minutes. Then in minute 26 I just ran. I ran until I couldn't run anymore. And when I couldn't run anymore, I stopped my Nano and there she was, Joan Benoit Samuelson. She was congratulating me on my new PR. 16:46 pace. I love running.

Week 9 Class of 08/10/2009

Ok, I am a day late in posting about my final C25K run. Was I like a gazelle gliding through the trails on my last run? No. My day proved to be a Monday. I walked out the door and attempted to turn on my Nike plus but my Nano was frozen. My husband did not seem in the mood to go with me, which kind of hurt my feelings because this was a big day for me. I was running my last run on the program and I was hitting 100 miles on my Nike+. So, with all of that hanging on me, I trudged back inside and tried to reset my Nano but nothing worked. As a last ditch effort, I hooked it up to my computer and restored to factory settings. My computer had to download an update and then had to reload all 500 songs back onto my Ipod. Needless to say, I was not very happy. It was getting later, the sun was getting higher and the day was getting hotter.

But finally I was ready to head out the door. As I approached the front of my neighborhood, my husband rides past me, and he doesn't have the water. So, I am screaming, trying to get his attention to tell him to go back and get the water. As I proceed to walk, the funk just comes over me. I don't want to be out there. I feel cheated. This was to be a perfect run and it was becoming a perfect mess. Even the gravel on the trail felt deeper and seemed harder to walk through.

But that is where all my training from the prior weeks comes into play. I knew from previous weeks that you have good days and bad days. That sometimes you hit a runner's high and other days you just hit the wall. And I learned that it is okay to have those days. It doesn't make you a failure or make you any less of a runner. I have read hundreds of articles over the past few weeks, scoured blogs and know that all runners, even Olympic ones, have their off days. So my off day made me the same as Kara Goucher. (funny thing: I didn't even know who that was about 10 weeks ago). If you don't, google her.

So as I ran and the sun beat down on me, I felt sluggish. I started to try to chant to myself. "You can do it", I said over and over again. And for a while I believed it. Womanizer was playing on my Nano and I was finally hitting some shade, this was gonna be a good day. So I hit my center button on my Nano to get an update on my pace and this is what I heard, "Current time 25 minutes, current pace, 0 minutes per mile...." NOOOOOOOOOO, dagnabbit, what the freak? and every other word of frustration came to mind. What is going on? So I hit it every once and a while and it was all over the map when it came to pace. And my distance? It was off also. This was suppose to be my celebratory run and it was turning into a disaster. As a Christian, all I could think was , "Satan, get thee behind me!". He was going to try to steal my joy. He knows me getting healthier and fitter was going to give me more energy to serve and he wants none of that. But that ain't gonna happen.

So I finished my run yesterday really hot and tired. But you know what? I finished it. I finished it and I can't wait to run again. That is the difference between never running before and spending the last few weeks learning how to run and learning about my body, I know I was just having an off day. So what?

As the day wore on, I got out of my funk and found my blessings. I check in daily with two threads at Weight Watchers, C25K Daily Challenge and Heavyweights. I have met some of the most amazing women on these boards. Dare I say, some of us have become friends. We share our woes, our praises, our lives and family stories. I smile right now just thinking about all of them. There are those like Rebekah that have been where we are and shares a wealth of knowledge. There are those like Christina and Kris that just make me laugh. Then there are others like Lisa, Andie, and Amanda that I watched finish C25K before me and offered words of encouragement. Even all the news one, Christine and Beth that give me a chance to pay it forward and share anything that I may have learned on my journey. There are even the Nathans and Lisa's that I have not heard from in a while but still think about. All of them, and so many more, make up a big community of people that have found this love for running or are just discovering it, like me. Yes, I am truly blessed to know these people and to call them friends.

What a journey! When I started, I thought I just needed a pair of shoes and some clothes and just put one step in front of the other. Which is true to some degree. But I found that I could combine my love for technology with my new found love of running. I bought a HRM that is almost as important to me as the invention of the wheel. And not to be outdone, my Nike+ has been my little cheerleader and my data tracker. I can tell you what my pace was during any week of C25K, I can tell you what day I run the most, even what my average distance is during C25K. Yes, my Nike+ feeds my data junkie needs. I found new uses for my Iphone in MapMyRun, C25K application and progio. Yes, running has been good for my techno side.

Running is a whole other world. But who knew you could benefit from different clothes?!? I didn't even know what tech shirts were. I didn't know how different they felt from cotton when you are dripping in sweat. I didn't realize the difference a good pair of running shoes made when it came to comfort and preventing injury. And who knew that us gals that are well endowed could actually find a running bra that meets all of our unique needs. Did you know that there are even different types of socks? Yes, I know, who knew? Or running gear that has been created to massage certain parts of your legs, depending on how it is constructed. Crazy, right? Or get this....GU. I know, I know, what the heck is that? Apparently, it is nutrition on the go when you are out on a long run. Or that documentaries on Running the Sahara or books named Born to Run would be interesting? And I have just started learning about all this. So much still to learn.

But the best part of all this. I discovered myself. I learned to listen to my body as I run. I pick up the pace a bit and listen to my bodies reaction. My heart is beating a bit faster, my breath is becoming a little more shallow, new muscles in my legs are waking up and then I slow down a bit. I feel my breathing coming easier, my form is more relaxed and my overall feeling is just good. I travel a bit further and tease it alittle. I push it a little more and listen to my body. I change my form, while running, and listen to my body to see if it is making me more efficient or if it is struggling. I love the mental part of the run. Even when the Beast shows up and I have to figure out how to tame it.

I also discovered confidence. Each week presented itself with a new set of goals and each week I was amazed that I could meet them. Sometimes I had to repeat a week or I just flat out cried because I was embarrassed or it seemed too hard but it was worth it. My first run outside was scary. I didn't want anyone to see this fluffy gal trying to run.... and fail. I did whatever I could to avoid people. As they passed me, I tugged on every piece of clothing, I guess mentally trying to hide behind them. But I learned that all the ill thoughts that I thought they were having, were in fact, my own. What I learned is that, if they are runners, they admire and love any runners. I learned that they are ready to help out and offer advice if you ask them. And the only people that really smirk....are the people in the cars who can't run and don't understand...so who cares? They are not runners so they probably laugh at the slim and trim runner for running in the heat, the cold, time of day...you name it. They hide behind their sneers because deep down, they long to run and have probably tried and failed. I have been blessed with two friends in my Bible Study that are avid runners. They met in a running group, they have qualified and ran in the Boston Marathon (Again something new that I learned...you have to qualify for the Boston Marathon....and it is hard), and all they have done is love on me. They encourage me, they congratulate me no matter what my pace for finishing a 5K. They are good people.

It seems so surreal that I have completed Couch to 5K. It is almost scary. I mean, what do I do next to stay motivated? I loved the small goals each week in the program. They boosted my confidence and pushed me to do better. I am on to a search for a new program. The One Hour Runner, 10K training from Nike...who knows.

Almost Done W9D2

I can't even begin to tell you how I feel. I went out this morning to run the trails. I am in Week 9 so I do a 30 minute run with a 5 minute warm up and cool down. It felt so comfortable. It felt natural. In minute 18, where I usually feel like stopping, I felt like dancing. Well Janet Jackson was playing at the time...and who doesn't like to dance to Janet?

It wasn't too hot for this time of year. It was 79 degrees and there was a breeze coming off the water. It was a Saturday morning so there were more people today than there were during the week but who cares! I no longer dread seeing people on the trails or when cars pass by or the landscapers are outside. None of that matters anymore.

If you are reading this and you are just starting Couch to 5K, be prepared to see some changes in your life. Be prepared to have more confidence. Be prepared to know how to listen to your body. Be prepared to start seeing food as not a comfort when stressed but fuel for your body. Be prepared to flood your body with endorphins and feel joy. Be prepared to be able to push through the hard runs because you know it gets eaiser. Be prepared to call yourself a runner.

Wordless Wednesday

Registration is open!! Nike Human Race 10K

W8D3 and counting

So, I have been struggling lately with getting up early. I am pretty much jumping out of bed and running straight for the office and working. But I really need balance in my life. For whatever reason, I have taken up watching TV. If you knew me in person, you would know that I cannot commit to any TV show. I can't remember what day they air or what time or even what channel. I usually end up watching the last show of reality shows. You know get the whole season wrapped up in two hours. Work smart, not hard has been my motto.

Well, since I started running on my treadmill or the treadmill at the gym, I have taken a new interest in TV watching. I want to stay entertained for the duration of my run. So my interests in watching TV has caused me to research show and the times they air. I am such a geek.

But last night I went to bed early in hopes that I would get up early to run. I didn't. I was up early, about 7am but I wanted to be out of the door by 6:30 am. So I sat down and did my Bible Study...balance, remember? When I finished the study, I heard the DJ on the radio say it was only 84 degrees. Hot dog!! I threw on my shoes and got my husband and I went for a run outside while he rode the bike. It was nice.

I love running on the paths that go over small streams, past the middle school, through the woods and drop me off in front of my neighborhood. I felt so alive. There was so much to look at that I didn't constantly look down at my watch or calculate my pace. And by the end of the run, I felt rejuvenated. I didn't encounter the beast that I see on the treadmill. She did not show up and I was pretty glad. I can't believe I ran the whole thing. There was a time when walking that distance was a struggle. Now, it was like a walk in the park. (pun intended)

So I think for the rest of my Couch to 5K, I am going to try to get up early and run outside.

Naked Running

Someone on the Weight Watchers message board was asking about barefoot running. I know, I know, the first time I heard it, I had the same reaction. I said, "Say what?" But after reading Born to Run, I get it. I don't do it but I get it. Nike apparently gets it also, in a funny way. I thought I would share this commercial. They are called Nike Free 5.0 V4.

Let's face it...I am a junkie

junk·ie also junk·y
n. pl. junk·ies Slang
1. A narcotics addict, especially one using heroin.
2. One who has an insatiable interest or devotion: a sports junkie.
someone who is physiologically dependent on a substance; abrupt deprivation of the substance produces withdrawal symptoms


Hi, my name is Rozette and I am a Junkie. (Heard from other's in the room, "Hi Rozette") NO, I am not a narcotic addict. I am a data junkie, a Nike+ junkie. I live to see my mini run across my desktop when my screen saver pops up. I love to see her run on my blog. And when I can't feed her I get withdrawal symptoms. I have searched the forums at Nike+ there seems to be a workaround for this. However, I think when I updated my Itunes at the same time that I was syncing my Nano, something got lost in translation. At the end of this post you will find the directions on how to find your lost runs.

So while I know I did the run, I can't prove it to mini. My legs feel it, my mind know its but my mini doesn't.

The good news is that it will encourage me to get a short run in before I go to Ladies Night at On the Run. They are going to have representatives from Brooks, Asics and Moving Comfort. It should be fun. There will be food, talk about nutrition for female runners and walkers, shoe fittings, and bra fittings. I hope I don't step on any toes because I want to try the Lunarglides+ before I try the Brooks or Asics. However, I am interested in talking to the Moving Comfort representative since I have a bone to pick with them. They have discontinued their "extended size" clothing line. Bad move. They should read my blog entry from a few days ago or watch the recent entertainment news that says Fluffy is In.


So if you ever find yourself lost of a run in your Nike+ follow the following steps. I know they work because I was able to travel out to the saved runs but I think mine was lost in a Itunes update.

Here's how to do a manual re-upload using a Mac:
1. Dock your iPod nano to your computer, and note the name of your iPod nano. It will be visible under the iPod icon on the desktop, and will most likely have a name like "Clover's iPod."
2. On your desktop, click Shift + Apple + G to generate the "go to" prompt.
3. In the command window, enter: /Volumes/Clover's iPod/iPod_Control/Device/Trainer/Workouts/Empeds/Note that you'll need to substitute your iPod's name where appropriate. Note, too, that this field is case-specific. Don't forget the underscore in "iPod_Control!"If you're unable to open the folder from the Finder, we recommend that you download and install the Invisibles program, which allows you to navigate the iPod nano's hidden files and folders. It's a free download here:http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/14722
8. Once you've accessed the Empeds folder, you'll see at least one subfolder with an alphanumeric name. Users with multiple sensors will see a folder for each sensor. (Note that the folder name actually corresponds to the serial number on the back of the sensor.) Each folder contains the workout data associated with that sensor.
9. The "synced" sub-folder will likely contain the run you're missing; its filename will reflect the date it was recorded, so it should be easy to locate. When you find it, drag and drop it into the "latest" folder.
10. Eject your iPod nano and close iTunes. After a moment, re-dock your iPod nano. The file should upload automatically to the account you specified in the last session.

Here's how to do a manual re-upload on a PC:
1. Dock your iPod nano and allow iTunes to launch. If it doesn't launch automatically, please launch it from your desktop or your Start menu.
2. Select your iPod nano from the source list on the left-hand side of the screen in iTunes and scroll to the bottom of the Summary page, which should be your landing page. In the "Options" section, please make sure that "Enable disk use" is selected; if it's not, please select it and click "Apply."
3. Launch Windows Explorer (Start > All Programs > Accessories > Windows Explorer). Please note that Windows Explorer is NOT the same program as Internet Explorer, the web browser! Windows Explorer is a utility that allows you to access the files in various drives on your computer.
4. Click "Tools > Folder Options" and select the "View" tab. Make sure that "Show hidden files and folders" is selected; if it's not, please select it and click "Apply."
5. Locate your iPod nano in the source list on the left-hand column in Windows Explorer. It should have a name like "Clover's iPod," and is most likely your E or F drive. Then navigate the folders as follows: Clover's iPod > iPod_Control > Device > Trainer > Workouts > Empeds.
6. In the Empeds folder, you'll find several folders with alphanumeric names. Each of these contains the workout data associated with one of your sensors. (If you're interested, you can even match the folder with the sensor by looking at the serial number on the back of the sensor; you can also work out this information by looking at the dates on the files within each folder.)7. Identify your current sensor and open the "Synched" folder. In it, you'll find xml files, titled by date. Identify the ones that didn't upload successfully on the first try, and drag and drop them into your "Latest" folder.8. Close iTunes and eject your iPod nano. After a moment, re-dock your iPod nano; the data that you just moved should now re-upload successfully.

W8D1 The one that got away...

I went to the gym tonight and ran my first 28 minute run. I tried running at a faster pace and succeeded. I was so proud. I ran about 2.8 miles. It was great. However, I didn't want my last minutes of cool down to be reflected on my run, yah know...PR junkie. So, while I was still on the treadmill, I felt around the buttons and I thought I saved it. But when I synced my Ipod, nothing happened. No updates. Bummer. That is what I get for becoming a junkie...I cheated myself out of a run. I feel like the fisherman that boasts about the one that got away. But it happened...really.

Imperfect is the new Perfect

So, I am all into this fluffy thing and empowering myself to see beyond my own size. And it is all good. But I guess you become more aware of things as you begin to own them. Lifetime has a new show Drop Dead Diva, about a beautiful skinny minny that dies and comes back as a plus size attorney. It is about her coping with it. I have to be honest, I have only seen about 15 minutes of it and I liked what I saw. Fox is premiering a new show, More to Love, which is about a bachelor who is attracted to all shapes of women, even fluffy. NBC's, The Biggest Loser, has been on TV for several seasons. Ok, I am not too sure about Dance my Ass off, on Oxygen but that is just me personally.


My point is that us fluffy gals are starting to be recognized in mainstream media. Fluffy is the new gay in Hollywood. Let me explain myself. There was a time in mainstream media that being a gay was something you did in the closet. If there was a character on a show that was gay, it was only hinted to or considered their dark secret. Then with shows like Will and Grace, stars Ellen De Generes and Rosie O'donell and numerous of pop singers that are pretty open about their lifestyle, it has become pretty mainstream. Now when you see a person on a show, that happens to be gay, they are just one more character on show ....and they happen to be gay Just like some happen to be brunette or blond or male or female. I don't want to debate whether being gay is right or wrong. My point is they are recognized as just a part of mainstream society.


Don't get me wrong, I love my size 2 or 4 or 6 gals on TV and in real life. But the average size women in America is a size 14. So shouldn't the average size women in the ads on TV and characters on TV be average sized? Ok, maybe we, as a society, won't accept it. But what about a good mix of all sizes. A mix so varied in sizes that it would be difficult to describe one of the characters on the show as "ya know that big girl." You wouldn't be able to single them out just on that one trait because that one trait would not apply to just one character.

So where am I going with this? Last week while trying to win a pair of Lunarglide+ on Twitter, I was sent to an article about Nike+ Human Race 10K on October 24, 2009 and their requests for Ambassadors. I am applying. We have to answer why we want to run the race. I have many reasons to run this race, my daughter, my family, those people that look at me funny when I say I am a runner, those gals who tell me that they don't think they can run because of their size. I want to prove to myself and to them that yes, I am a runner. Yes, I love to run. Yes, I am running the Human Race...we humans come in all shapes and sizes. There are soo many other reasons why Nike can choose not to pick me, but I don't want one of those reasons to be because I am fluffy.


So, I didn't win a pair of Lunarglide+ from Nike promo last week. However, one of my favorite bloggers, Cyndi, won a pair. WUU HUU.

Wordless Wednesday... A must Read

It can change what you think about running.

W7D2...how do I do it?

Well, I am back on the Couch to 5K program. Yesterday my stomach was a bit upset so I skipped going to the gym with my family and just sat on the couch to watch TV. I wasn't feeling 100%, so that was ok. Or was it? I guess not because 40 minutes after my family showed up at the gym, I walked in.



My run was uneventful. I had Everyone Loves Raymond on the TV in front of me and hit the treadmill. I found that I have to push through the first 8-10 minutes then it seems easier. At about minute 15 or 16 I get into a rhythm then about mile 20, I want to quit. I know, I know. Four to five minutes of real stride? But it is worth it to get that feeling that I am in the groove. I start singing the songs on my Ipod....outloud. I am sure it is weird to the other people in the gym. The largest gal in the gym, running on a treadmill, longer than anyone else, her flab bouncing everywhere, smiling and singing Womanizer or Did you miss me or Army Cadence. Who cares!

My day has been uneventful. However, it has been nice. I sat on the phone with my best friend today and we talked about running. We updated eachother on how are last runs went. We talked about 5Ks we want to sign up to do. It is nice to have my bestfriend, Julissa, having the same new passion, running, as me.

I finished my first 5K and lost to a three year old.

What a rush! I never had a moment that I didn't want to do this. I just wanted to get it over and wow what an amazing experience. I don't know if I ever shared but I am not a morning person so not only was this my first 5K but I was running earlier than I ever had in the past. My daughter ran this with me. If you ever read my very first post, this is why I am doing this. I want to build memories with her. After years of pushing her in a stroller when I went walking, years of having her next to me while I did walking on a treadmill, in these teenage years, I had become unfit and couldn't run to my neighbor's house. I had to change that. She was becoming a runner and I am too big for a stroller, so I had to get moving.

When we get to the Johnson Space Center we meet up with our friends from Bible Study, Dianne and her husband Kelly. They give us some more tips. We are runners in completely differently leagues. This is my first 5K and they have qualified and run the Boston Marathon. So I really value the time and attention they have given me and their words of encouragement. I get teary eyed just thinking about how wonderful they have been.

While they were doing a 20 minute warm up, I hear my name being called. My best friend in the world,Julissa,was there. She started running about 2-3 months ago. She started doing 5Ks about two months ago. So we are both new runners but she jumped in before me. I was so glad she was there. We have never run together. I have a confession. Some people have drinking buddies. People that for whatever reason, when they gather, they drink. Well she was my eating buddy. When we got together, it was an eating experience. For years it was Johnny Tamales. They knew us coming in the door and probably knew our order before we did. When she moved out of the area, we made it a point to find a new place to eat and chat. We knew we had a problem when my daughter became Pavlov's dog. As soon as she saw Julissa, she was hungry. We have decided to meet on the weekends, for 5Ks. Speak it into your life and act if you do, even when you don't and it will happen. We said that for years and here we were today at a 5K and in two weeks we will do another one.

So I didn't do a warm up walk and I should have. People were running as they past the Start line. I forgot that this was a race. I kept a pretty even pace. My goal: make sure there is someone always behind you and I succeeded. There were 70 year old women and another girl like me, fluffy that were behind me. I think for the first mile and half, there were 15 people behind me but at mile 2 this group of seniors passed me and the EMT guys were riding along side of me. Seriously, they rode next to me for all of mile 2. But none of that mattered. What mattered was the three year old that I spotted in the middle of mile two.

There he was walking along side his father. So cute, so young, so much my nemesis. You have got to be kidding me!?!?! He has been ahead of me this whole time? Oh no, I am picking up the pace. And that is how mile two and three went. I didn't focus on the seniors passing me or the water people shutting down near me. I focused on him. When he sped up, so did I. When he slowed down, I thanked God and slowed down. And then the unthinkable happened. His daddy picked him up and put him on his shoulders. Not fair!!! No one was here to pick me up and give me a rest. For 10 yards his father carried him. Sure it was only 10 yards but apparently that was all he needed because when his father put him down, he took off. And in a matter of minutes he was fleeting speck in front of me until I couldn't see them anymore.

So I was left to my own devices to push on. I listened to Lose Yourself about 4 times to push through the last mile. About 1/4 of mile from the finish I saw my daughter coming back for me. I wanted to cry but I learned from W5D3 that crying takes my breath away and I needed all the oxygen I could get. She smiled and stayed back. Somehow she knew that I loved the support but this was something that I needed to do alone. In one of the pictures, you see me in the tunnel and she is hanging back. As I rounded through the tunnel to the finish, they were all there: Dianne, Kelly, Julissa, Jan (her boyfriend) and my husband. As I passed them, I yelled, "If this was an endurance race....I would be the winner!!!

I have truly been bitten by the running bug. I can't wait to do my next one. Well, there is one in two weeks on the trails in front of my house but August is the hottest month for us. Julissa says she is doing it and that if I don't, I'll have to make breakfast for them. As much as I love food, I hate to cook. So looks like I am running. So my goal, find that three year old and beat him!! LOL

One a side note: The 1/2 mary here in January is closed. It hit max within hours of opening the registration. So we are thinking of doing the 1/2 mary in Austin....hills. hmmmm

Addedum to original post:

These are things I fogot to mention in my original post:

• I find it very hard to drink from a cup while I am running. Most of the water ended up on my shirt.
• I hate litter so I found it even harder to throw my cup down onto the ground after trying to drink from it
• Tuesday was the firt time I ever walked/run 5K, on Saturday, during my 5K in the heat, outside, Joan Benoit Samuelson came over my Nike plus to congratulate me on my fasted mile ever!! so I recorded my best pace time...Can you believe it?

How are you doing?

I don't even know how to answer that one. I am excited about my 5K tomorrow and I am scared. Will I finish? Will I finish last? Will I even wake up in time for the race? All these questions and more. Where do I pin my number, on the front or the back? Do I carry a water bottle? Do I want my IPod? I don't know, I don't know, I don't know? Encino, Encino with long hair....oh wait that was My Big Fat Greek Wedding, not My Big Fat Self Running. LOL

I think I am over prepared. I don't want to look like a newbie but I will probably stand out. You know the people who try to look cool by trying to look like they are not trying to look cool? Yeah that will be me. A friend of mine is running in the 5K. Yeah, she did the Boston Marathon. She said when she finishes, she will come back and run with me. Well I didn't want her to run an additional 6K, so I told her to grab something eat, cool down, chat with my husband and her husband then come meet me. I should be halfway done by then.

I should be sleeping but I am too jazzed up. I hope it rains tomorrow morning instead of just waiting to rain. That would mean hot, muggy air. Just let the water fall and relieve us during our run. My understanding is that it is all on streets through NASA and between buildings, which means we won't feel the breeze from the nearby lake. Darn.

Some weight watcher buddies are running this weekend. Here is a shout out to Kris, Christina, Lisa and Valerie. You go girls. Show the rest of the runners what we are made of!!!! Woo Woo woo!!!

100 days and my first 5K

I just picked up my packet for the Lunar Rendezvous 5k. I can't wait. I picked up my shirt and it is really big. I ordered the 2XL because I figures they were made for skinny mini runners and ran small. Boy was I wrong. It is huge but I don't care because it is mine. It is suppose to thunderstorm on Saturday. It figures. We go 80 days no rain and now we expect rain on the day of my first 5K. I guess I should be glad since lately the heat index is triple digits. This should cool it down a bit.

And yes, today is 100 days from the Muddy Buddy. Once I finish Couch to 5K, I will start really focusing on the biking. And yes, continue with the running. I love the running. I love saying, "I am a runner". Say it with me..."I am a runner!" Isn't it empowering?

Wordless Wednesday

In my other cyberworld, scrapbooking, we have this thing called Wordless Wednesday. It means every Wednesday we post a picture of a great photograph we took, a page that we are proud of completing or altered art we want to show off. So I thought I would start doing that in my fitness world. So today, yes I know this is not wordless, I am posting pictures of the trail. It is a trail that passes in front of my neighborhood and ends at a public beach about 2 miles away. Whenever I mention the trails in my post, this is what I am talking about. These are pictures are near the end of the trail when it hits Pine Gully Park. It is about 2.15 miles from my doorstep. So we turn around and head home and get 4.3 miles in for the day. Remember the beauty I spoke about? This is the beauty at the end of my beast. If I didn't bike or run, I wouldn't be able to feel the joy of seeing the water each day (once it gets cool again). Sure I could drive to the water, but I wouldn't appreciate it as much because it took little effort. What is your beauty at the end of your beast?

Beauty and the Beast

I would love to start this post by saying I was up at 6:30 am and was on the trail by 7:00 am but alas that is not my story. That is not how my journey began. It begins with my husband nudging me to turn off my alarm that has been playing for an hour and me looking for every reason why I shouldn’t go running. It is too hot already. No one wants to go with me. I can do it later on the treadmill. I just want to sleep.

But at 8:16 am I walked out the door with my daughter. I was like Get Smart with all my gadgets, my Nano and my Polar F6. We walked towards the 10K trail that passes in front of our neighborhood and I see all these skinny mini runners running past my neighborhood entrance. All I could think was, “Oh Lord, please don’t make me the only fluffy out here this hot morning.”

And like a combination of Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of beauty, and Athena, the Greek Goddess of wisdom and war, she rode past me on the trail. She was wearing spandex riding shorts, a tight biking shirt and a helmet as she rode past me on her bike. She looked strong. She looked confident. She looked beautiful and she looked like me, fluffy. How ironic that we fluffy gals always worry about what others are thinking when we display ourselves in tight fitting workout clothes. We think, “I hope no one I know will see me.” Or “Here comes someone towards me, I better tug at my shirt and try to hide everything I can. They are probably disgusted by me. Can they see my flab flopping while I run? Are they grossed out by how big my rear is in these tight shorts?” I am amazed at how easily we will say things about ourselves that we would never think or say about anyone else. Instead of being our best cheerleader, we become our own walking Debbie Downer. So I wonder if this Aphrodite, this Athena, knew that someone was watching her and that she was beautiful and strong. I wonder if she knew she was encouraging someone else to dig deep and find that confidence that somehow, sometime ago, went into hiding and only made rare appearances every now and then. No, she probably didn’t and I don’t know if she cared. But I did. I was glad that she past in front of my neighborhood when she did.

I continued on my run with more confidence. Was it easy? Heck no. I didn’t like holding my bottle of water in my hand. Whoever invented bottle water holders on treadmills was a genius. When I run on the treadmill, I concentrate on keeping my hands relaxed and not waste any energy by tensing my hands into fists. However, one hand is in constant tension when you are holding a bottle of water. But it was hot and only 3 water fountains on the trail and since Hurricane Ike, I don’t trust them yet. They have repaired the bathrooms along the trails, well actually they tore down the old ones because Ike destroyed them…some were just missing after the hurricane. They were completely gone, but I digress. They had fixed or rebuilt the bathrooms but the water fountains look the same, untouched, so I don’t use them.

The trails are nice. I saw squirrels, cranes, and these nasty little nat bugs that flew in my mouth. But the inclines were hard. I am glad I used my treadmill at 2% incline during my runs because I don’t think I could have done it outside without that. The sun was just beating down on me when I wasn’t under the shade. The good news is that when you live close to the water, you get a little bit of a breeze so the 94 degrees that felt like 104 in the humidity only felt like 98 because of the breeze. But when I had shade there was relief from the sun but it also blocked the breeze so I don’t know which I preferred.

I can’t believe how easy the first 10-15 minutes felt. I had a rhythm going. Sure it was hot and I was tired but there was no doubt in my mind that I was going to finish. And when I hit minute 18 of my run well hot dog…..I was on a slight decline. Thank you Jesus! And at minute 20, I stopped on the trail as it turned to go towards the water, and turned around. Only now the decline became an incline and instead of praising Jesus, I was begging for strength and cursing the devil. LOL I started my mantra…So much better I’m for you…from a Janet Jackson song. And then a military cadence song started playing on my Ipod and well, those always help with my pace. I finished my run and not a minute too soon. It was hot and I was really feeling it. My daughter was tired also. I walked home from there.

When I turned the corner to my street and saw my house, my skin was burning and I had a wonderful idea. I was going to jump into the garden tub and only turn on the cold water. If you have never tried that after a hot, hard run…I highly recommend it. I just layed there and felt the cool water just permeate every inch of me. Not one area was left untouched by the coolness of the water. I even felt the difference on my scalp between my hair follicles. I just closed my eyes and tried to get as flat as possible in the tub as the water began to spill over me. I was so hot that the water seemed to warm up because of my body temperature. Because us fluffy gals tend to float a bit, my back was not flat against the bottom of the tub and I could feel the heat radiating off my back, hitting the tub and bouncing back to me. What an exhilarating feeling. I could even feel the coolness between my toes. I closed my eyes, turned on the jets and enjoyed every minute of it.

Earlier during the week, I was listening to Zig Ziglar speech called “How to get what you want”. I first listened to it in my twenties and every once and awhile I listen to it again. It had been years since I heard it and had forgotten about his analogy about goal setting and using running and weight loss as his example. He said after months of running and feeling like he was sacrificing something to get back into shape, one day he was running on a college campus, on a beautiful day, and realized he was not sacrificing to get into shape, he was reaping the rewards. I finally understand that. If you read this and run to your tub and just turn on the cold water and step in…you will be miserable. It will seem cold and unwelcoming. But if you run first, in the sun and give the run all you have and then some, then come in and take a cold bath….oh what an amazing reward. Not including that you will feel more alive after the run, you will be healthier and have more energy.

The beauty and the beast belong together. The beast, those moments that you tell yourself you are too tired, it is too hard, is something to get mad at and beat. It is mental. Get mad at it during your run. Focus your energy on overcoming it. Then enjoy the beauty of it. Enjoy being alive and being able to run, whether it is for 1 minute, 10 minutes, 20 minutes or two hours. Enjoy meeting new people on the trails, the new found energy and say hello to your long lost friend, confidence. She has been waiting for you to call her. She knows you are beautiful. She knows you are strong. She was just waiting for you to realize it.