Great Floridian Ultra Triathlon Race Recap

2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, 26.2 mile ride... I did it all and I am an Ironman.

Pulling up the rear of every leg, I crossed the finish line at 12:52 a.m., after 17 hours, 22 minutes and 36 seconds of intense racing. I jogged through the finish line of the Great Floridian Ultra Triathlon with my arms raised high sheer minutes before the official cut-off time and three hours later than I thought I would.

To say this event is challenging or not for joking around would be a great disrespect. A race of this magnitude challenges your fears, your willpower, your endurance, your commitment. I felt this race in every achy joint, in my unsettled stomach, on the sunburn blistering on my leg, in tired and tight muscles, on the chaffing where it counts and in the cramps that reminded me my cycle was along for the journey.

Marathons are happy races for me. Sure, the last several miles might not feel the best, but they're generally full of smiles and the sweet feeling of success. I typically cry the 'I'm so proud of myself' tears right before the finish line. In the Ironman, there was no time or energy for those happy tears. In fact, any pride or excitement of 'wow, I'm an Ironman at age twenty-two!' hasn't set in yet.

I estimated a sub-15 hour finish time. Less than two hours for the swim, 6.5 for the bike and 5.5 for the run. My training said this was possible, but the hills and wind of the Clermont course had other plans. The three loops on the bike had us climbing more hills than coasting down. The wind was against us and it showed in my time. No flat surface was found.

I was the third-to-last out of the water for the swim, the last person to make the qualifying cutoff on the bike and fourth-to-last to make the qualifying cutoff for the run... and I couldn't be more proud. I may have pulled up the end, but 140.6 miles say I am an Ironman.

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Here's how it went down:

Night Before

Friday evening I drove to the course about 40 minutes away in Clermont to pick up my race packet and set up my bike. I felt the nerves inside me and the little voice that said, "you can't do this," as I walked past the swim area (trigger #1) toward packet pick-up. Immediately I noticed a sea of super-fit triathletes dressed in full racing gear, just lounging around. I didn't look like these athletes and it immediately triggered my insecurities about the race (trigger #2). Then, for the last part of check-in, they took my weight. I haven't weighed myself in months, and being on my period and preparing my body for an Ironman didn't do great things for the scale. Weight is just a number, but seeing you gained X pounds when already doubting my physical strength the night before the biggest race of my life didn't help (trigger #3).

Que the pre-race breakdown. I'm not strong enough. What in the world was I thinking. I'm injured. I can't swim. Alligators are going to sense my blood and eat me. I had a good cry and let out all of the emotions and anxiety I had built up.

Preparing my transition bags took longer than expected so I ended up getting only 5 hours of sleep before the race.

Race Morning

I ate a peanut butter-naner sandwich with coconut water while trying to not think about the swim I was getting ready for. My new Zoot Ultra tri shorts revealed a split in the back when I put them on. I had to do a lat minute switch to my uncomfortable Pearl Izumi tri shorts.

I was a bundle of nerves getting body marked and setting up the last details in transition alone. Every thought of self-doubt about the swim and the race in general passed through my mind. It was even worse when I realized I was one of a handful of athletes without a wetsuit for the swim. I put in a tampon and hoped for the best.

Swim (Time: 2:00:13)

Thank goodness Ryan found me a few minutes before the race start. She taught me how to swim about a year ago and knew just what to say to help me calm down. I walked away from her toward the lake, ignoring the fear inside my screaming, "just quit! You could walk away right now and wouldn't have to do any of this!"

That negative little voice had never spoken so loudly. I walked on toward the water, still terrified.

At the start of the swim for my first triathlon, the half Ironman, I had a complete panic attack when I took my first stroke. This time my breathing quickly seized up, but I was able to calm myself down easily. I reminded myself that I know how to swim, and that swimming feels good to me. A competitor gave me some kind encouragement reminding me to let the others go ahead and make the swim my own.

The rest of the swim was dreamy. It's funny that I stress most about the swim, but it always ends up being the most calming, enjoyable leg. I was strong and consistent (albiet slow) throughout the two laps.

Transition 1 (Time: 13:14)

Eh, transition. It was my first Ironman so I didn't care too much about my transition time. I left my bra and tri shorts on, throwing a cycling jersey on along with my cycling gear and sunblock. Having to deal with feminine issues in transition makes you care a whole lot less :-P

Bike (Time: 8:49:12)

The bike course was guided by colored arrows painted on the pavement. I tried to confirm which color arrows the ultra course was to follow, but none of the volunteers I could get a hold of knew. It was frustrating and showed the disorganization of the race. I followed my senses on the colors and ended up confirming the course with another competitor about ten miles in.

I am strong on the bike. Even pedaling at a comfortable speed, I was still passing people. The course was three laps, with the first lap taking a different direction to travel over Sugarloaf Mountain. Most of Florida is FLAT, but Clermont is one area that will fool you. It is known for hills and lots of them. Sugarloaf Mountain is the biggest, scariest hill of them all. (Caitlin and I scaled this during our metric century but had to get off our bikes and walk up.) This time I was determined to climb the whole thing on my bike, and I did it!

Climbing a big hill only to know you're going to have to do it two more times is rough. I swear the course was more uphill than downhill. On the last half I started to get bored and sleepy. I kept veering out of the bike lane! I stopped multiple times to do some yoga and wake myself up. The whole race was completed without an iPod, so I ended up actually singing to myself :-P

On the bike I consumed five or six Clif bars, a PB-naner sandwich, two Gu gels, two big bottles of Gatorade and about 10 big bottles of water.

Transition 2 (Time: 11:34)

I actually didn't bring enough food for the last leg of the bike, so when I saw cookies in the changing tent during T2 I chowed down! Maybe not the best for my belly... :) Again, I didn't care too much about time. I changed out of my tri shorts and into running shorts, adding a SpiBelt (with race number attached) and Garmin.

Run (Time: 6:08:25)

I didn't know this until another participant let me know on the bike leg, but the run course was three laps on an out-and-back trail without any lights for most of it. I started the marathon around 6:45 p.m., so most of my race was done in the dark. They handed out glow sticks and had big lights near the refreshment tents. Still, running on a course with woods on both sides and little visibility was scary!

I channeled the "I'm a runner, I've got this leg" vibe and jogged most of the first half of the run leg at about a 11:00 min./mi. pace. My legs usually perform well running when they're tired. After the halfway mark my stomach was nauseous; my toes were blistered; my thighs/butt/underarms chaffed; my body was tired; and most people had finished so passing another person became more and more rare.

You could say I mastered the power walk for the last half. I'd run when I could, but my body was just so heavy that I couldn't maintain it.

It was so odd to be running at midnight, in the dark, after a day full of intense exercise. It would make sense that I'd be sleeping at that time or cleaning out the Whole Foods hot bar. Instead, I was finishing a marathon. Crazy!

It was encouraging to see my friends Nithya and Janna cheer me on with their fun pink signs each time I'd loop and pass them. They'd walk a few minutes with me each time, taking my mind of the race for a moment.

The last lap was all about watching the clock to make sure I made it by cutoff time (1:00 a.m.). No way was I going to do all of that and then be disqualified! I kept reconfiguring my needed pace against the time. I was thrilled when I realized I had the time to just walk the last two miles. At that point walking a mile felt like a marathon on its own.

I can't forget to include that a cop watching out for the athletes at one of the crossings asked me out on a date. Two miles left until I finish my Ironman and I get asked out on a date. Priceless!

I was excited to see Steve's encouraging face (and paparazzi camera!) on the last part of the run. Nithya and Janna, with signs in hand, cheered me on as I increased to a jog to cross the finish line.

And BOOM I was done.

After

I was hoping to have a whole "ohmygosh I just did an Ironman! This is the best thing ever!" complete with tears and self-appreciation. Instead I said, "thank God I made the cutoff time!" I was tired and hungry and hadn't been able to take a second to think on the accomplishment I just completed. I had my medal, but I didn't feel it's weight just yet.

Janna drove my bike, gear and me to my car and I made the 40-minute drive home. My warm shower burned the sunburn blisters on my leg and the chaffed sores on my... umm.. rear end (my tri shorts are terrible). Finally, at 3:00 a.m., my day was over and I collapsed into bed.

The next morning I woke up before 7:00 a.m. to head to work. I actually requested to work the day after my Ironman. I was happy to get my body up and moving around, and the lack of sleep surprisingly didn't affect me too much. After work I met a friend for dinner and then went out that night. Somehow the word "rest" was left out of my vocabulary.

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In the next post I'll blog more about I felt after the race, reflections on my training and what my recovery plan looks like. For now, this is the recap. I finished three hours later than planned. It was long and hard and not a distance to be messed with. But I did it!!!

Thank you everyone for your messages of encouragement and congratulations to me throughout this race. I haven't had a chance to respond to any, but I definitely read them all over and over before the race when I needed to pump myself up. Your messages helped carry me through!

ps- I'm officially registered for next year's race. I hated the bike course so much that I need to do it again!

Have you done a triathlon? Is a Ironman on your goal list?

* The ultra tri is not an Ironman-event, but it is Ironman distance.. so, after 140.6 miles, I am calling it an Ironman.

* Thank you Ryan and Steve for the photos used in this post!!

Tomorrow

Training: successful, challenging, fun, doable
Tapering: anxious, lazy, out-of-shape, irritable
Race: period, nerves, 14 hours, to-do lists

The journey to tomorrow's Ironman has been one of self-discovery and personal records.

I faced my fear of a second open water swim, rode my bike 100 miles alone, ran my heart out.

I asked myself the question, "do you believe deep down that you can do this?" and took a month to finally answer, "yes."

I surprised myself with my strength and endurance. I learned I can do anything I set my mind to.

I realized the support of my friends- from listening to my fears, texting me through long bike rides, staying by my side through an open water swim and planning to stand on the side of the road to cheer me on come race day.

I've hit the bottom and questioned everything about myself. I've cried on runs and sung my heart out on the bike. I've grown as a person and I've become an athlete.

My left shoulder will start hurting 1000 meters into the swim. My legs will feel on fire as I climb Sugarloaf Mountain 39 miles into the bike leg. My body will want to shut down when I challenge it with a marathon to wrap up the day.

And that's okay.

I have sweat, love, tears, friends, determination and inspiration to carry me through.

Tomorrow, from the 2.4 mile swim to the 112 mile bike ride to the 26.2 mile run, I will think on these things. Tomorrow, I will be an Ironman.

My Life in 10 Years

I was debating posting this written vision of my life in 10 years online, but as friends on Twitter reminded me, posting it can only help it come true.

Inspired by lululemon's goal-setting culture and tools, here is how I see my life in 10 years:

It's a Sunday, my family's favorite day of the week. The kids push our bedroom open and tackle my husband and me in our big, white bed. The standard weekend morning tickle-fest has begun.

Somehow I escape from the giggling commotion as my feet hit the cool wood floor of our Portland, OR, home. I dance down the hallway, past the kids' bedrooms painted in bright blues and greens, to our spacious kitchen. I pull out the ingredients for vegan banana pancakes, my specialty, moments before six little feet followed by my handsome husband make their way to the kitchen counter.

We enjoy breakfast on our back porch, overlooking the beautiful Portland landscape with our dogs laying at our feet. Acoustic music plays through speakers in the background. The kids are all smiles as we discuss our annual vacation outside the country.

The kids' personalities shine through their colorful, mismatched clothing choices as we get ready for a family hike. We love spending time together outdoors. Date nights usually include my husband and me taking long bike rides through uncharted territory, but we are even happier when we include the whole family.

My husband grabs me by the waist and kisses the top of my head as we leave our red front door behind us. The kids run ahead, picking small flowers along the way.

We rush off to church service upon returning from our hike. Our faith is a priority and is discussed regularly, along with our goals and dreams and opinions. We are quite a talkative, expressive family.

After a quick stop at the farmer's market, the remainder of the afternoon is spent relaxing around the house. My husband chops fresh vegetables for dinner as we reminisce about how we first met eight years ago.

I work on my book and write articles from home, with most of my time dedicated to developing my family. I jot down notes of where the kids and I will travel throughout the upcoming week. I map out my workouts. My fifth Ironman is coming up soon!

I am content with life as it is. My family is my priority and love is the foundation.

Have you thought of where you see yourself in 10 years?

Can You Do It?

Fear comes in many forms. It could be an interview for a better job, a move to a new city or a big, scary athletic endeavor. Regardless, fear, and the act of facing it, keeps us alive.

My two fears of choice at the moment are the Men's Health Urbanathlon I am doing with Nike Field Reporter and the Great Floridian, an Ironman-distance triathlon. Both events push me to conquer obstacles and distances I've never attempted before.

Making it across concrete balance beams without falling off, getting over giant tire obstacles, crawling under nets, leaping over Marine hurdles?

Swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles... and then finishing it off with a full marathon? Ummmm.

These things have kept me up at night. I've had negative self-talk telling myself that there are so many others who can swim/bike/run faster and better than me. I'm unprepared. What workouts I need to do, for how long and how often have stressed me out until I came to a specific realization in the middle of a long run.

I train. I'm dedicated. I believe in myself. So what's the hold up?

It all boiled down to one question: At the end of the day, do I believe I can do this?

Even if my training is less than it can be, even if I miss a run or forget to cover an obstacle, do I believe I have what it takes to finish and conquer the fear?

After long, hard thinking I realized, yes- I know I will finish both events and do my absolute best from start to finish.

Realizing this truth gave me the confidence I needed to relax and embrace my training. I'm going on crazy long runs and bike rides and planning a few parkour classes because it is the territory that comes with such events, but even if I don't do it perfectly, and even if I come in last on race day, deep down I know I will conquer.

What fears are you facing? Have you put complete trust in your ability to conquer them?

Crazy Ironman

Expected is people's reactions when they hear I am competing in a full Ironman distance in less than six weeks. "Woah! That is craaaaaazy! I couldn't imagine doing all that!"

What is less than expected is my response when I act just as terrified and surprised as they are. "Isn't it crazy!? Who would want to run a MARATHON after a 2.4 mile swim and 112 mile bike ride!? It is CRAZY."

You see, deep down I still don't consider myself an athlete, much less a hardcore Ironman triathlete. I'm just a regular girl who can't turn down a good challenge. I don't know what fartleks are or how to do the fancy turnaround thing when swimming laps in the pool. I rarely have any sort of training plan, and, if I do, Facebook is usually the biggest competitor.

Yet I do a long run every Friday, a long ride every Sunday and hours of training most other days.

And at the beginning of every long training run or ride I ask myself why in the world I decided to sign up for an Ironman and a 50-mile ultramarathon. Why can't I be like all the other regular girls and not be sweaty or not be in workout clothes for a change?

Without fail I always find my answer at the end of the long workout. I feel refreshed, strong and alive. I feel like Ashley. I feel like new life is pumping through my veins and filling up my lungs. I think of the finish line at the Ironman. I will cry and be more proud of myself than I have ever been before. I will feel both humbled and empowered. I will have pushed through sweat and tears, turned down plans with friends, gone with little sleep and worked my butt off to accomplish something few others have. I will feel crazy awesome.

And even if my run or ride stinks, it really doesn't matter why, because in a few weeks my regular girl butt will set out to travel 140.6 miles. And Ironman's don't accept excuses.

What have you committed to that has pushed you farther than you thought you could go?

Mildly Addicted

After blogging or tweeting about my day full of crazy workouts I often bite my lip waiting for someone to call be obsessed with exercise. It's the one thing I have been scared to hear because I didn't know how I'd respond.

I have the kindest, most supportive readers so the closest I've gotten to that was this comment on the conversational Movement post:

"I started to read your blog a little while ago and I have definitely noticed a change in the content and direction of your blog (which has probably coincided with many changes in you!). While I admire your dedication to fitness it seems to border on obsessional at times, your blog seemed a lot more "balanced" and "healthy" before, when you were blogging about lots of different things, not how many different workouts you've managed to cram into your day."

No big deal if someone thinks I'm a little off-balanced, but this comment did spark some thought and conversation about exercise addiction- what it means and how much is too much.

My exercise habits have certainly changed. Just a year ago I would run 5 miles or take a bike ride and be perfectly satisfied for the day. I was a healthy, normal exerciser.

Then I started to run marathons, fell in love with yoga and met the Ironman. Things changed!

Now I work out a lot because I need to be prepared for some big goals (a full Ironman in October and a 50-mi. ultra marathon in December).

Also, when I see a free block of time in my schedule I think of what other activity I can fit in there. Sweating is just what I like to do most. Running clears my thoughts, cycling tires me out, swimming settles my mind and yoga balances my body.

I should probably mention that fitness is more possible for me thanks to my lack of other things. I haven't had cable in years and even stopped watching shows online earlier this year. Up until recently (woop woop!) I was single.

So as I was justifying my workouts to myself and proclaiming how balanced I really am, a friend made a good point. She said:

"Of course you're mildly obsessed. Would you reach huge goals if you weren't?"

Don't you want your doctor to be mildly obsessed with medicine?

Shouldn't parents be mildly obsessed with parenting?

Maybe an Ironman should also be mildly obsessed with exercise.

Exercise addiction can be a real problem, but not everyone who exercises for hours a day has a problem. I'm working on being proud of my fitness level and future goals, even if they are extreme to some people.

Something to think about :)

Have you ever felt too addicted to exercise? How do you find your healthy balance?

I Might Need More 2010 Goals

It’s only three days into the year and I’m already making serious progress on my 2010 goals!

I’m excited to announce I am officially registered for the Croom 50k (31 mile) race!

Yes, I believe I can handle it. No, I don’t think I’ll suffer from any overuse injuries.

I rest, cross train, practice yoga, eat well and listen to my body. Following the rules I posted here has led me to one (almost two) full marathons injury-free.

So here’s what my upcoming race calendar looks like:

1/10/10- Disney Marathon
2/28/10- Gasparilla Marathon
3/7/10- Disney Princess Half (TnT)
4/3/10- Croom 50k
5/16/10- FL Half Ironman

I can’t wait! I’m working on a training plan for the next 5 months so I don’t forget any of these races!

And apparently this is the only photo I took of my food this weekend: a green monster. Oh well, I’ll have good food to share tomorrow! Happy 2010 all! Here’s to a great first Monday back to real life!

Have you set 2010 goals for yourself?

2010 Eve

Hola! Happy Last Day of 2009! I started off the day with naner oats and a glass of OJ.

Lunch was leftover vegan Mac ‘n Cheese, cherries and carrots with hummus. Mmmmm.

Tonight David and I are going to his boss’s house for a partay!! Can’t wait. I just need to find something to wear (from my closet of course)!

Around this time last year I outlined some goals for 2009. My main goal for the year was happiness and simplicity. I think those two words were successfully key to my year.

I’m proud to announce I met all of my 2009 goals!

Run another 10K and half marathon.- Check and more! I ran 2 5ks, a 10k, 15k, 2 half marathons and full marathon!

Have more get-togethers with friends.

Volunteer.

Try new recipes in the kitchen.- Going vegan helped with this!

Make whole foods my habit.

Open up to more yoga and Pilates.- Yoga is now a huge part of my life!

Spend more time with God and in the Bible.

Always look for the positive and have fun.

Cherish and spoil David and my family more.

Dedicate time to invest in healthyashley.- In 2008 I had 213 posts and in 2009 I had 236. Works for me!

Get to a weight that's best for me.- I set a “stay under x” goal. Thanks to the holidays I’m a few pounds over, but that will change!

2009 was a tough but wonderful year. I quit my job; moved to Orlando; adopted Jack, Dixie and now Sabrina; went vegan; became a personal trainer;  and ran my 1st marathon.

Overall I learned to be content with who I am and to love life and trust in God. I learned to breathe through yoga and pushed my limits with distance running.

  For 2010 I’d like to continue the happiness and simplicity theme. I’ve also outlined a few more specific goals:

Run 30 miles.

Complete a century race (100 mile bike ride).

Keep my weight under X.

Maintain a healthy, balanced vegan diet.

Set aside specific time to invest in David, my family and friends.

Make a move to enhance/change my career.

Choose happiness.

Popping my marathon cherry early!

I’m cheating on Disney and losing my marathon virginity to a one-week stand with the X-Country Marathon this Sunday.

Yes, I signed  up for a marathon four days before the race and I love it!

Last week when I agreed to run a 10K less than 12 hours before it began, I told David I wished it was a full marathon. I totally believed I could handle the 26.2.

It all began with a blast email I received last night. “6th Annual X-Country Marathon, 30K, Half-Marathon & 5K  THIS Sunday, November 22, 2009” stared back at me at my screen. An hour later I had signed up to run the full!

I’ve always been very dangerous with my spontaneity. It’s like a drug!!!!

I think a big spotlight should go to Ryan. This crazy lady volunteered to wake up at an ungodly hour Sunday morning, make the two hour trek to the marathon, wait for me to run and ride back with me. Ryan definitely wins the best-friend-ever award! I’m so excited to have her supporting me for this fun adventure!!

People have (and will) tell me that I’m not ready for this, that I’ll injure myself or that it can hurt my training for the big marathon (Disney). I’d disagree with it all!

My training has been strong. I’ve had no injuries and I’ve listened to my body well. I've gotten to 20 miles and it was almost effortless. Although 26.2 is different than 20, I don’t think it’ll be THAT big since my 20 went so well. I also don’t think I will have to take much time off from running afterward. I’m treating this as a longer training run. I don’t think there is anything special about the number 26.2 that will cause me to automatically be injured, you know?

I haven’t mentioned this on the blog yet, but my running goals go beyond 26.2. After the marathon (this or Disney) I will continue to increase my mileage until my body tells me to stop. There’s nothing that says 26.2 has to be everyone’s max so I’m going to have fun finding (and pushing!) mine! So since 26.2 is more of a means than an end, I’m not getting too worked up about it :)

Actually, I’m nervous because I am not scared at all about the marathon! I’m as calm as a clam!

Have you ever spontaneously signed up for a race? Any last-minute taper tips?

Yay Guest Bloggers!

First, congratulations to Carolina John for finishing his first marathon!!!

I'm just itching to know about everyone's most favorite healthy experience and I am asking for you to share yours as a guest post. Guest posts are awesome for introducing great bloggers to amazing readers and to share fun stories!

What is your favorite healthy experience? Did you kick butt in a race? Did your healthy habits inspire a friend for the better? Maybe it was good news from a doctor after you changed your habits?

We are all different and bring along different healthy stories we are most proud of. Please share yours!

Please send your proud moment (with photos and a link to your blog, if applicable) to healthyashley at gmail dot com and I will post it for all to see!

Woohoo Friday!

This photo is making me happy. This was from Memorial Day. I just love my grandfather so much. My goofy brother is in the background.

Thank you for all of your encouraging words on my big marathon announcement! Your support fuels me to push hard. Thanks! I couldn't be happier about signing up- especially now that I know Meghann and Julie are also running it!

So we're going to have to have a big blogger meet-up in Orlando around January 10th! Be ready for that!

Tonight I am meeting a friend for a romantic dinner at WHOLE FOODS!!!

Tomorrow I am taking an 8am Body Flow class before my 45 mile bike ride!!!

Sunday David comes home! He has been working in Kuwait for the whole month!

Do you all have anything fun going on this weekend? Anything not so fun?

Regardless, Happy Weekend!

So I Should Probably Go for a Run Tonight

Remember last October I signed up for a half-marathon out of the blue and then ran it?

Well, I just signed up for a full marathon!!!

Sitting here on my butt thinking about how much I love running I decided to sign up for the Disney Marathon January 10, 2010.

Because randomly challenging myself to 26 miles is just how I roll.

Healthier and Happier You

Everything we do should put us closer towards the healthiest, happiest versions of ourselves.

This is how I try to live my life- with exercise, food, activities...

Working to be my best isn't about deprivation. I put it this way:

...Binging on pizza while standing in my kitchen because of a stressful day= NOT GOOD

...Eating pizza with friends at a big, fun party= GREAT

See the difference?

This is why I've found that obsessing over anything just isn't good for you. You will be left blind slighted to everything else! And life is too short to miss out on pizza with friends because of calories and fat grams.

It's about balance and striving toward the healthiest, happiest versions of ourselves. Sometimes that will involve pizza- and sometimes it will be a nice big salad instead. But that is something only you can decide for yourself.

Because of this I want to clarify the After-Dinner Challenge.

I am not saying everyone should eat an apple or nothing after dinner.

I am not saying anyone should deprive themselves if a special treat comes up.

I am saying that after-dinner munching is a big sink of empty and unnecessary calories for me and it's a habit I'd like to lose.

I am saying that if there is a change you'd like to make in your life for the better, do it!

Do what works for you and makes you healthier and happier. If you are on board for the After-Dinner Challenge, great! I am so excited to have you embarking on this 21-day challenge with me! We can definitely do it and it helps to have the support of some great bloggers.

Also: On some weekends I will go out for a treat with my family and friends. During these times my challenge will be put on hold! But on normal nights at home I will definitely go for an apple... and then shut the fridge door.

Real Life Running Tips From the Almost-Runner

Thank you so much for your comments regarding my last run. I'm feeling a little better today and hope to do a fairly long run before I scale down my mileage for the race Sunday.

Now, a running post in spirit of my half marathon this Sunday:

Lots of sites put out really great running tips, sites such as Runners World and Cool Running.

But maybe you’re like me, a novice runner with some handicaps and some big goals. I’ve made most of the great tips already available work into my training, but along the way I’ve also come up with a few of my own. I’d like to call these my Real Life Running Tips:

1. Make a schedule work for you. Everyone knows your long runs should be on the weekends, but weekends just wouldn’t work for me. Through trial and error I discovered Mondays are best for my long runs after a relaxing weekend and plenty of food in my belly.

2. Indoors or outdoors, it is still training. Most runners hate long runs on the treadmill. I actually prefer the treadmill for the distraction of the TV and the continuous speed control. Test different environments out to determine what suits you best. (At some point make sure to train in an environment like where your race will take place.)

3. Foam roll! My personal trainer was the first to tell me about foam rolling. She insisted I foam roll on a regular basis to protect my already-weak knees when I run. Holy cow does it work. If I foam roll, I don’t cramp up and my knees stay strong. If I don’t foam roll, it gets bad! (Info on foam rolling for runners)

4. Monitor how your belly affects your legs. Play with your nutrition to see what foods allow you to run your best. I’m best if I have a solid meal 1.5 hours before I run. Any sort of ‘fake’ food or too much sugar will ruin a run.

5. Breathe. My exercise-induced asthma made my runs really difficult. When I used my inhaler I could breathe better, but I got a headache and my stomach would start to hurt. If you have trouble breathing at first (feeling like you will die if you run one more second…), work through it. Stop when you have to stop to avoid hurting yourself, but do keep working at it. Eventually my breathing has gotten so much better.

Basically my tips boil down to find out what works best for you. Time of day, foods for fuel, location, music/no music/TV… test it out and determine what works. You can do it!

* Here are 100 pretty great running tips- useful for 5K-ers and marathoners alike!

photo credit

Happiness and Simplicity

Happy last day of 2008!

2008 was a big year for me. I moved into my own apartment in a new town, had my car flooded, celebrated 2 years with David, went on an hysterical cruise with my mom, ran my first 10K, graduated with my BA, took the road trip of my life and signed the papers for my first real job! Whew!

I've been ever so blessed.

For 2009 my theme will be happiness and simplicity. Checking my food, finances, relationships, outlook on life, etc. against happiness and simplicity really keeps me in line.

Here are my 2009 Goals:

Run another 10K and half marathon. (My 1st this January doesn't count! I want another!)

Have more get-togethers with friends. I used to have big parties all the time. I don't miss the BIG parties, but I do miss fun times with my friends.

Volunteer. (I'm already signing up with a local women's organization to foster a pre-teen girl who is in foster care. I can't wait!)

Try new recipes in the kitchen. (I'm expanding myself... just not physically!)

Make whole foods my habit. Open up to more yoga and Pilates. (I recently tried a Body Flow class at my gym and am addicted!)

Spend more time with God and in the Bible.

Always look for the positive and have fun. (It makes life better!)

Cherish and spoil David and my family more.

Dedicate time to invest in healthyashley. (I love you guys and this blog makes me so happy!)

Get to a weight that's best for me. (Instead of a goal weight, I've set a stay under this number weight.)

Here's to an awesome 2009! Happy New Year!

**Trip recap will continue in 2009!

Pushing Myself

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I have to let you guys know that I feel pretty good right now. You see, a while ago I set this very ambitious goal of running a half marathon in the middle of January 2009. I thought it'd be especially nice to complete such a large goal after graduation the month prior.

...but I seemed to have forgotten that finals, graduation, holidays and road trips aren't very conducive to actually TRAINING for a half marathon!!

It's not like asthmatic-non-runner-Ashley can just get up and magically run 13.1 miles just because it'll be really, really cool! So when my training was basically nonexistent until after Christmas, I really thought of giving up.
But I couldn't think of a substantial enough excuse to give up on my goals.

So tonight I ran 8 miles. A very big record for me.

Nothing compares to being proud of yourself for pushing your limits. Do you know what I mean? Whether it be running, loving, changing habits or prejudices or stepping out of your comfort zone... the reward for pushing yourself is priceless.

Click here to see Runner's World great article on 15 foods runners need to keep in good running shape. I'm proud to see I had most of those foods today! Included in the list are oranges, black beans and dark chocolate!

Do you notice how your diet affects your specific exercise program? Are there certain foods that you count on for top performance?

Just Left the Starting Line

After a week of food-centered events and overly-sugared treats, I am seriously suffering from a food hangover. I feel cloudy and have no energy! I am left with a sleepy Ashley and a stuck scale.

I want to clean up my diet and lose some of the mental cloud and physical chub. I have to do this right now.

In 15 days I run my first 10K.
One month from tomorrow I graduate.
The next day I am (hopefully!) road-tripping up the East coast.
In 2 months I run my first Half.
Not to mention the holidays!!!

I need to feel and look my best for all of this!

So I'm changing things up a little.
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My ideas of how to lose weight have been evolving lately. More than ever I realize it's not about any big 'secret' or 'trick'. For me it comes down to calories, food choices and happiness. If any of those are out of place I get off track. Silly rules and limitations won't do it. Weight loss really is simple. You might not be used to seeing happiness as a tool for weight-loss, but when I am happy I want to do good things for my body. Happiness means that I don't have to turn to food for any sort of fulfillment.

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To keep me going each day I'm turning to some guidelines based solely on my lifestyle and habits and what works for me. Bookmark this page, people- I'm going to need your help!!

1. Blog every day. Even if it's just a short update, I think posting how I did that day will help keep me in check.
2. No snack after dinner unless it's a 100-cal post-workout snack.
3. Don't add snacks to eating schedule. (Breakfast, snack 1, Lunch, snack 2, snack 3, Dinner + pre/post workout snacks if necessary) No standing in the kitchen with a spoon and a jar of pb!
4. Morning snack always to be fruit. I've realized that my morning snack sets the theme for my day. I need that to be one of health not HFCS!
5. For a while, don't by any questionable products. For me, questionable products are those that I might overeat/binge on (crackers, cookies, CEREAL, trail mix). We have to learn our own weaknesses.
6. No 'pieces' of snacks. Either I'm in or I'm out. Ha! How many times do I unwrap a bar planning on just having half and saving the rest for later and instead eat the whole thing!? This also relates to #3.


I'm hoping for at least a pound gone each week, but I'm not setting any specific number goals or end date. I'm going to be rigid about this until I feel clean and until I fit comfortably into my favorite Seven for All Mankind jeans. I think that will be about 137, but I'm focusing more on me than a number. I've been 147 all this week.

Stay tuned, lovely bloggers. For my sanity and scale, please stay tuned!

Discussion: Not Just Progress.... Goals

Have you ever looked close at your goal and thought, "There's no way that I could get there."? I'm not talking about a general lack of faith. If your goal is running, maybe you believe you'll eventually conquer 5 miles... but never 10! Or if you're losing weight, maybe you're eyeing a 20 pound loss... but definitely not your pre-baby weight!

Last night I decided to try on my goal jeans after the gym.. just to see how far I had to go.

They wouldn't even reach my hips.

These are my favoooorite pants. You could call them my "hot" pants! But seeing everything that has to be lost really made me think I could never get back in them.

...But I know that's not the case. After all, I've worn these pants for years while living a normal, healthy life. So I can do it... it's just really intimidating right now!!

So here's where this evolves into a discussion. How do you (or have you!) mentally confirm/actualize/work-for-specifically your goals. Get what I'm saying? How do you/have you moved past progress and really believed you can reach your ultimate goal? I would love to hear!

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In other news, Tristan from EAS was kind enough to send over some bars and shakes for me to sample. I'll be sure to share my review with you all! Thanks, EAS! While I'm tasting and writing my reviews, register for the EAS newsletter here and receive your free sample!

What We Are

Today I read a brief story on That's Fit about E! Correspondent Giuliana Rancic. She said: “I hate it when celebrities say they never exercise but are really in the gym five days a week. So I’ll be honest: I run an hour a day, weight-train four times a week, and watch what I eat.”

This hit me straight in the forehead!

For years I have maintained the same weight. Same height, same size. It's comfortable. I am healthy, maybe average. But, I have always wanted to be a bit smaller. When I was coming out of the eating disorder period, I hit the mid 130's and loved it there. I've gone back once for a brief stop, but I bounced right back to my normal. Not that I am unhappy where I am now, but I really felt and looked my best at that weight.

For years I've wanted to be this weight/size. Eight months ago I started this blog to get to that size. But I still am not.

Is it because I can't do it? Have those family dinners really been too much to handle? Was the brownie shoved down my throat? And was it impossible to exercise once that weekend? No. But here is a sample of some of my thoughts.

"I'm just not built that way."

"She was just born skinny like that."

"I can't help that I'm bigger."

"I could run like that if ______"

'I have too much going on to make good choices."

"___________________."

I share these because I'm sure they float around your head, too- but this needs to stop today. It's not about a numbers or family history or what's happened in the past. We have to take responsibility and pride in who we are. I am 10 pounds above my goal weight because I put myself there, because of my choices. I am healthy because I make an effort to nourish my body on a day-to-day basis. At the end of the day, we all have 24-hours and a crap load of stresses... The actresses, the marathoners, the mothers of 5.

I've been the 130's, healthy, energetic Ashley who doesn't have cankles and feels great wearing dresses. I have been there before- so I know it is possible for me to be there again. Binging on all the bad foods in the house last night because that's what I always do when they are there? That was my choice.

How about today we don't look at fit, healthy people and brush it off that they were made that way, or they are just naturally skinny. I'm sure most of them are not. They hit the gym hard and they make health a priority. So let us do it, too. With each choice we create who we are. Let's make responsible, honest choices today. It's for us!

Hola!

I've been tagged to share a few things about me.. and I promise I will! I'll try for tonight.

Right now I am consumed with work, classes and looking for a place to live! Also, my computer broke and had to be sent away. It just cracked all of the sudden. Weird!

BUT, I had to fill you in on my 20 day challenge.

1. I am doing my clean eating/slight detox plan. I've put myself down for 20 days to rid myself of processed and junk foods. Yesterday was Day 1. I slipped a few times (hello, habits!), but today is 100% on so far! The key is planning.

2. I've fallen off the exercise wagon and can't get back on! When I'm exercising, I LOVE it. I make it a priority everyday because I know how good it makes me feel. But when I don't get one good exercise in for 3 days, I have a lot of trouble getting back into it. Right now I am not into it. As a result, I am lethargic and moody. I'm going to try to hit the gym for a good session tonight, but I also want to create a structured plan to go along with my eating challenge. I'd like to incorporate strength (upper, lower and abs), running, a bit of other cardio and Pilates once or twice a week.

So that's where I am. YAY on food, NOOOO on exercise. Maybe I'll devise an exercise plan by tonight and post it along with my response to the tags!