Saturday, January 25, 2014

Jackie's Exercise Log

January 25, 2014

6 km done! It was cold and bitter and I was froze but determined to break past the 5K rut I seemed to be sitting comfortably in the past few weeks. When I got up and saw the temperature outside was -20 I thought my PJ's sounded like a better idea but I bundled up and off I went.   I can't say it was pretty and with my bad lungs(to cut a long story short my mom smoked when she was pregnant on me and I was born with bad lungs). I really had to push myself and each time I had to run into the wind I just couldn't force the air down into my lungs even though I had my face covered.   No way was I quitting though, lungs burning, head hurting I kept going. I had to talk myself through about half the run. Do you guys ever do that? Please say you do, if not I'm a tad touched.   Come on Jackie, one more step you can do it. You won't get back up to your half marathon distance if you whimp out, for god's sake you can run 6K you have dome much further..and so on. Next weekend 8K here we come.  

January 28, 2014

I couldn't help but go out while it was sunny today I have to admit I am thinking about you guys running this evening though.  I have to admit, I'm a morning person and running in the evening is hard on me. It felt so wonderful to be out in the sunshine today, it was energizing and refreshing in itself.

I've been thinking about what motivates me as I gear up for the plans I have in store for myself over the next couple of months.   Are there blogs you follow, are there sayings you hold to heart, is there someone or some cause you run for or you is there someone that inspires you? If so please feel free to share it with all of us :).   If the ladies(sorry guys) reading this I  find Fellow Flowers very inspiring.  They have a declare it day on February 1st. Stay tuned for what I am declaring for myself on that day.  They have some nice inspirational tech shirts. I've worn a few of them to my Saturday runs the past week.  If you see me wearing a yellow flower sometimes that is also where it is from.  If you wish you can check them out. Their web site is felllowflowers.com.  I hope you enjoyed your run today!

Jan 30, 2014

No run today. Our group run was cancelled due to the weather and to be honest, I was glad. I had a rough day at work, I am tired and the thought of going out in the cold blowing snow just didn't do anything for me.

February 1, 2014

8K that was my goal today and I feel fantastic because I did it!  My goal was to get the distance in and not worry about my time so much.  I walked when I had to especially over the ice when I ran alone.  One can never be too careful and I'm not looking to injure myself.   I dedicated my run today to my dad.  When the going got though and I was feeling tired I would think of him and smile and know he'd want me to keep going so keep going I did.   I love running in the sun, even if it was cold at times. The sun just rejuvenates me. I had to push myself to keep going a few times and the hills got me a few times but I stuck to it.   The mind is a wonderful tool.  If you believe nothing is impossible.  Some of you may have noticed the yellow flower on the back of my hat.  It's from Fellow Flowers and today they have a declare it day. I made a declaration and it's on my facebook page. If anyone wants to see it feel free to check me on FB. They have different flowers and each color has a different meaning.   The flower is a symbol of friendship, strength and beauty.  It represents your journey, the miles and moments.  The training and transformation.  The realization that your body is strong and your mind is even stronger.  It's telling you that every day YOU are worth it.  The yellow flower itself(besides having been my dad's favorite color) stands for joy happiness and confidence.  To smile for a reason. To appreciate sunshine. To find your happy!  I'd like to thank Gina for coming back to check on me, you are such a sweetheart!   It was so nice to sit my fellow runners afterwards and get to know you guys better.   You are such a wonderful group of people.   I hope you all have a wonderful day whatever it involves.


February 4, 2014

No run for me today. I hurt my back yesterday and had limited motion so I'm letting it rest. I hope you all enjoyed your run!


February 6, 2014

No run for me again today. Our regular run was cancelled due to the snow storm and it might have been for the best. I'll rest my back until Saturday it feels much better than it did.  I hope it's ok now. I have training to do! I know I have to listen to my body and all but you know how it goes.  I miss my runs this week that's for sure.   :(  I've set a weight loss goal for myself for February. At the end of the month I'll let you know if I made my goal for the month or not in regards to the scale.   I'm determined to reach the goals I've set for myself in 2014. Have you set any goals for yourself in regards to your health for 2014? It doesn't have to be a weight one.  Please feel free to share them with us as this is group blog not an individual's blog.

February 8, 2014

What an awesome morning for a run.  My eyelashes were frozen and certain other body parts were pretty cold but my breathing was good and so was my back. It felt so good to be out there in the fresh crisp air and to enjoy the sunshine and to see the smiling faces of you all!  That in itself is inspiring.  I can honestly say that was the best run that I've had in a very long time.  I hope you all enjoy your day!

February 11, 2014

Another great run. Yes, I can say that now seeing I'm done!  I had 3 base layers on and could hardly move but I was determined to go.  I'm happy we just had a short 4K on tap this evening.  My legs were like lead. I don't know if I was tired or if it was from all the clothes but I pushed through.  I kept picking points and saying to myself, "Come on Jackie you can run to that pole".  Around the 3.5K mark I got a pain in my head, I guess from the cold but I pushed through that also. I was determined to get it done and I did! Just goes to prove you can do just about anything that you set your mind too.  

February 13, 2014

Hot coals, hot coals, believe, believe, you can do this, hot coals.  Do you see the things that RUN through my mind as I try to keep myself moving on some of my runs?  They say that running is 90% mental and I agree!  Had a wonderful run with my husband this morning. We went early as we won't make the group run this evening due to our work schedules and we both wanted to get our runs in today.  It was a crisp run again but I truly LOVE running in the mornings.  It's as if you are one with the world.   It's nice to see the morning breaking, the silence and to hear nature at it's finest.   I get lost in my morning runs with my thoughts and I reflect on life.   Then when I struggle I push myself through with my conversations to myself.   My breathing was much better this morning.   I hope that means that my lungs are adjusting to the running conditions here.   I got tired around 4 KM's but I pushed myself through it.   Believe in yourself and you can achieve great things :).     

P.S Happy Valentine's Day to you all tomorrow!   



February 16, 2014

Run fail this weekend.   I was really looking forward to our Saturday group run this week but mother nature had other plans.  We had planned on running this morning before the next storm was to hit, got up, got ready, got to the pond and just as we got out of the car the freezing rain hit.  It's been a messy day. Hopefully this coming week will be more forgiving.

February 18, 2014

Fantastic run! It was cold and slippery and wonderful :). 

P.S. No sugar coating added.

February 22, 2014

Today was such an inspiration to say the least.   PRC held it's Snow & Ice 5 KM  run and we had done fundraising for one of the member's son who has epilepsy.  I had been looking forward to this run for weeks now and I'm so happy mother nature held off and the run went ahead.  I love running to give back in some way.  Every day that we have on this earth is a gift in itself and so many people that that for granted, I know in the past I did myself.   Off we went for our run. I looked at the route and knew that it was going to be one of the hardest 5 Km runs that I've done because I'm not really use to running hills.  I just put my head down, got in my zone and off I went.  It actually felt good and knowing I was running for Ben it encouraged me to keep going.   I had to stop a few times along the way to regroup but didn't stop for long and off I'd go again.  It was so nice to greet the other words and to hear the words of encouragement along the way and see the smiling faces.   Before I knew it we were back at the finish and I was very happy with the time that Jack and I finished in.  Afterwards we all gathered inside for refreshments and the awarding of the medals.  When the amount of the fundraising was announced I was truly shocked. I thought that we would probably come up with a number much less than what was actually raised.  When I saw the figure I felt such a surge of pride.   Then when Diane spoke it was hard to see a dry eye anywhere close to me.  It's so nice to see everyone really acting more like a family.   In today's world it's so refreshing to see a group come together and support each other.   You are all an inspiration and a wonderful group of people.  :)

February 27, 2014

What a beautiful night for a run!  We were a bit late going as our work makes it hard for us to make the 5 45 run time but we went!  I'm still finding running after work harder than running in the morning. After having working all day doing what I do I am usually drained. Needless to say I had a hard run and had to really push myself.  Next week is the start of our official half marathon training and I'm going to try to get my week day runs in during the morning to compare morning running over evening running. The roads were slick last night but if you took your time and were careful it was fine.  It wasn't as cold as I thought it would be, maybe spring isn't too far away? A girl can always dream!  Over the past month I set certain goals for myself and I'm proud to say I met them.  In the last 3 weeks I'm down almost 13 lbs!  In March I've set a goal of 8 lbs. That's about 2 lbs a week which is pretty realistic.  Dedication, some hard work and believing in yourself goes a long way!


Friday, January 24, 2014

My bio


All of my life I have struggled with my weight.  They say a picture speaks a thousand words and as you can see I was born pleasantly plumb!

Some people say that your weight and body make up is decided long before your were born.  I still haven't decided if I agree with this or not.  All of my life I was told I was big boned but the more fit I become I am beginning to think that this isn't true. Yes it might take more work for some of us to lose and keep weight off but it is something that we can control.  

As in the case of so many of us I have tried just about every diet out there. I grew up as the fat kid(with glasses to boot and I mean thick coke bottle glasses). I was always the last to be picked for sports and always teased about my weight.  Needless to say I was very shy and insecure.   I turned to food for comfort and I found it!  As I would stuff myself full on unhealthy food I would be happy if just for a few moments.   Then I would feel terrible once I came down from that high. I guess it would be the same for any other addiction.   It was one big roller coaster ride. Looking back I can mark just about every holiday with me having been on a diet.    At my heaviest weight I scaled in at 320 lbs(that is the highest my scale went to).   Yes that is me!

On my weight loss journey one of the rewards to myself was to join up for a Learn to Run program when we lived in Ontario.  For each 10 lbs lost  or milestone I accomplished I set mini rewards along the way.  I still remember the very first night of club. I was terrified. Suddenly I was that kid again and feeling very insecure.  I almost didn't go I was so nervous.   I had never run in my life and wasn't sure if I could do this so but off I went anyways.  Needless to say once I discovered I could do it it empowered me.  I was on cloud nine and gosh did the motivation every kick in.   Below is a picture from our first official run and I was at my lowest weight of 180 lbs.


After both of my parents having heart problems and then also cancer I lost my dad to the terrible disease a few years ago, I once again turned to my old "friend" aka food. and I did gain back about 50 lbs of  the 140 lbs I did lose. My dad was my hero and my world shattered.  I've now dealth with my grief and here I am brushing myself off, putting myself out there and ready to get to where I need to go to look after me!   Your mind is a wonderful tool and you can achieve anything you set your mind too.  You just have to believe :). So sit tight, over the month of February I will be your blogger.  Welcome to my world as I begin my training for my 3rd 1/2 marathon. This will be the first with the PRC and I am hoping for a new PB in Ottawa 2014!

And we're off!


Yes I'm a brave soul.  Welcome to the first ever PRC blog!  Talk about being new and getting to know everyone.  When Todd suggested starting at blog at the PRC 2014 AGM I went, hey I can do that.  So here we are. I am a total newbie to the PRC and what a better way for us to get to know each other. To be honest it's going to work twofold.  You will get to know me and I'm going to start off the blog to help  myself to continue to achieve my lifestyle changes and goals in 2014.  I just hope that I can help to motivate, inspire and in some cases amuse some of our members along the way.  I welcome you all and please feel free to comment and say hi to me.  

Jackie