LA Marathon - A Nightmare in a Monsoon

It's has been quite a while since I last posted, but I did reach my goal of completing the 26.2-mile LA Marathon...in a rainstorm.  Don't misunderstand me - it was not my goal for it to happen in the rain, but it poured the WHOLE time.  It was Jackie's first marathon so I decided to walk it with her once I arrived to L.A.  I have to give it up for the walkers because we were out there for nearly 8 hours!  Here is a clip of the weather situation (listen with the sound 'on'):

 

Can you see why I called it a nightmare in a monsoon?  Thank GOD it's over!  

Now I am on to the next goal...

Jackie and I have decided to lose weight together over the course of the next 12 weeks.  This is the timeline because my next race is Grandma's Marathon on June 18 in Duluth, MN.  I am going to lift weights as well as do some yoga this time to better prepare.  Thanks for reading and stay tuned!

9 Days to L.A. - 5 Pounds to Milestone

I cannot remember the last time my weight was in one-derland.  I think I was living in Virginia, so that would be at least 3 years ago.  I am less than 5 pounds from that milestone as of this morning.  And as of two days ago, I was 7 pounds away.  It will be soooo nice when my weight says one-ninety-something.  I can hardly wait; it's so close I can taste it.  Okay, maybe that's my problem...I've been tasting too much!

12 Days to L.A. - Beating Stress

Good morning!  As my friends and family know, the week before grades are due tends to be very stressful for me and Stress = Overeating + Lack of Sleep = Weight Gain.  

Well this year I will try to have a different outcome.  I am trying to keep myself busy getting work done, blogging and exercising as opposed to eating and watching lots of TV.  (Speaking of which, why didn't someone warn me about all the channel available on cable TV?  Oh dear!)  Today's meal plan includes egg whites with spinach, tomatoes and onions; baked chicken and a yam; and salmon with salad and Greek yogurt.  This morning I'm headed out for the run.  Have a great day!

18 Days to L.A. - Sore legs and an afternoon binge

After the 20-miler on Sunday, I ran 5 miles on Tuesday.  My legs were REALLY sore Tuesday evening and I decided to delay the 8-miler until Thursday morning.  My legs are still a little sore, but I will just have to run through it tomorrow.  It's a mental thing now and I will not let my mind tell me that I need more rest.  I have come to close to stop now.

I generally try to eat every 2-3 hours but today I let 5 hours pass between lunch and my afternoon meal.  That was a big mistake.  At 5 o'clock when I got home I made a great salad of organic mixed greens, mandarin oranges, red onions, baked chicken breast, toasted walnuts and lite raspberry/walnut dressing.  It was a perfect meal.  However I was so hungry that I then had some chips and guacamole (I did measure both).  Then I had two Weight Watchers Almond bars.  A couple hours later I ate some pistachios then some pita chips with American cheese food.  YIKES!  When I wait too long to eat, I sometimes lose my mind and start binging.  I really have to try to avoid this in the future.  

Sigh...it's a lifelong process, Folks.