Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Marathon Training Mommy

After giving birth to my second child, Lillian, almost one year ago, (February 14, 2009) I've struggled with my weight and body image. If you've had a child, then you know what I'm talking about! Loose skin, muffin top, flat boobs, stretch marks, just blame it all on motherhood. Before getting pregnant with Addison I weighed 112 pounds. I was 18 and skinny, weight had never been an issue for me. I gained 40 pounds during my first pregnancy and lost 23 leaving me at 129. I then got pregnant with Lillian and gained another 40 pounds during my second pregnancy. You do the math! I decided to do something about it! Today, I'm happy to be just one pound away from my pre-pregnancy weight with Lilly, weighing in at 130.  Since Mark left for deployment over 8 months ago I've worked super hard in the gym and have lost a total of 14 pounds! I'm excited for him to come home to a new me! I'm starting to feel like myself again! I want to live a healthy lifestyle, feel good about myself, and be a good example to my girls.

Spending all that time in the gym really inspired me to do something that I never dreamed I would actually have the guts to do. Not because of weight but because I want to challenge myself while getting into the best shape of my life. The goal I made for 2010 is to run a Marathon. 26.2 miles! I kicked my training off the first full week of January and am now entering the 4th week of training. I'm not going to lie to you... it's hard! There are times I want to quit and make excuses but I just keep pushing myself. I'm happy to report that I'm ahead of my training schedule. Last Sunday I ran 10 miles! It's amazing what your body can do when you focus, train and have a "can do" attitude. I'm also lucky to have a brother and friend that are willing to train with me! At first I didn't want to blog about this. It honestly makes me nervous talking about my personal goal. I don't want to let myself down by not following through but I decided that I NEED some accountability. Does that make any sense at all? Any advice, tips, help you have to offer me would be greatly appreciated. Even if you're not a marathon runner, what motivates you? What are your goals? How are you doing on your New Year's Resolutions? This is a huge commitment on my end. For the last 3 weeks my life has revolved around training and it's only going to get more intense. Okay, that's not all my life revolves around but you get the idea!

I'm doing the Rookie Marathon Training Program from Runner's World. So far, I'm ahead on the long runs. Instead of doing 6-7 miles in the third week I did 10! YAY!













My brother took these pics on his iphone during our 10 mile run! :) Too bad my dslr camera is too big to carry on a run...





3 comments:

Kelly said...

So proud of you!!! My half is this Saturday and I am super nervous, but on the flip side, excited and Ready!!! My goal is just to finish and I am sure there will be trying times, but I am sure I will be able to embrace that "I Did It!" feeling when I cross the finish! My only piece of advice is to REST when you have rest days and to ramp up according to those training logs...my SIL is finding out, the hard way, What ramping up too fast too soon and NOT resting will do to your body! Good luck and hopefully, we will see you at the finish. Would love to cheer you on!

wifeofasailor.com said...

You go girl! My goal is to run a 5K with my husband when he returns from his next deployment. Maybe a half marathon in the future, but I'm not really one who is INTERESTED in running, so a full marathon isn't something I'd do. LOL, but you do inspire me!

Tabi said...

You should be sooo proud of yourself!!! I bet you can't wait for you husband to see you! You look great! I totally understand the trials...I was 109 when I got pregnant with first and hit the lowest point of myself last August when I got to 176! Insane! So, I am now at 158 and working my butt off (quite literally!) to lose it to get down to 125-130 what my doctor wants me at.

It is tough but don't you feel so much better when you work out!

Good luck on your marathon! Your going to do great!