Challenge Completed....So, what's next?

I've missed blogging....but life has gotten so interesting the past two months. Since the last blog post, I've ran one 5-mile race and two 5Ks. I've decreased my pace time from 11:27 to 9:46 in that same time frame. :-) I have ran more than 150 miles in less than 150 days. I am pretty proud!

So, what's next?

• First, I want to run a 5K under 30 minutes, which WILL happen on the one-year anniversary of the beginning of my running career. THE HUMAN RACE 10/8/11!! http://www.handsonjacksonville.org/HOJ_HumanRace. I am running for the adult literacy nonprofit Learn to Read Jacksonville. Our team is raising funds to help 1 in 5 adults improve their literacy skills and quality of life in Duval County. If you would like to donate to the team, either write a check payable to Learn to Read, Inc. and I'll collect it OR donate online . Everyone is welcome to cheer on Team Learn to Read at the race. It starts at 8 am at St. Johns Town Center...I hope to see you there! :-)





• Second, I will continue training for my first half marathon in November. SPACE COAST HALF MARATHON http://www.spacecoastmarathon.com/. My goal is to run the ENTIRE 13.1 miles in under 3.5 hours.
  




• Third, I want to shift my focus a bit to not only helping myself but helping others. I want to see others start running/walking, becoming healthier and living life as if it's an adventure not a chore.

For all those who haven't seen it or haven't looked at it lately, my Bailey's Gym testimonial "after" picture was updated. What a difference two years make!!

Days 92-106

Day 93: 5.0 mi
Day 94: 3.0 mi
Day 98: 3.0 mi
Day 100: 7.0 mi (not a fluke!)
Day 101: 3.0 mi
Day 103: 0.5 mi (gotta get every bit!)
Day 106: 2.0 mi

TOTAL: 134.15 mi

This is so exciting...I will finish the first of many LJB challenges by the end of next week! 150 miles in less than 120 days! :-)

Did I Quit?

NEVER!

There’s a reason why it’s called the Never Quit 5K! It was my toughest challenge so far, but I pushed through and finished. The heat was by far the biggest obstacle. I lined up about 30 minutes early to get a decent spot and to watch the Navy Seals parachuting out of a helicopter. It was an awesome sight to see!! During the pre-race show, people were dropping from the heat and medics were being called left and right. I was already soaked in sweat before the race (I think it may have added a few pounds!). I actually finished my first mile in better time than 2 weeks ago, right under 11 minutes. The last half of the race was pure torture. The wind didn’t seem to be blowing as much and the heat was starting to wear its toll on me because the sun was more directly in my face. I couldn’t get too distracted by the peaceful sounds of the waves or the scent of the ocean, because I had to dodge landscape changes in the sand, including manmade ditches, leftover sand castles and the occasionally beachgoer lounging in his chair in the middle of the course. During the last mile, all I could think about was whether I could finish or should I just jump in the waves and let the water cool me. I felt like I was going to pass out and toward the very end, my stomach was getting sick. I thought it was a mirage, but I saw the yellow finish line in the distance. I saw the pier…I was getting closer, so why didn’t it seem like I was making progress? Alas, I eventually crossed the finish line!

After I passed the finish line, I remember seeing the silver platters of chocolate covered strawberries. I grabbed the biggest one in sight and I think I may have swallowed it whole! :-) I got my lei and then got a cold smoothie, some water and my sea turtle pendant from a Navy SEAL. After a banana and some additional water, I walked to my car, changed clothes and enjoyed the after party! I actually ran into some cool people I haven’t seen in a long time!

Next year, I expect to see some of you there with me. Although it’s a difficult race, the rush, the feeling you have after is indescribable. So, who will you never quit for? I will never quit for the half of me I’ve lost!

I ran the whole race and definitely tested my body physically and maybe even mentally. I don’t have my official time yet. I crossed the finish line in 40, but it took awhile to cross the start line, so I don’t have my official time yet. Oh well, I had fun! :-)

What is 150 in 150?

I am happy to announce that I have lost 150 pounds since starting this journey to a healthier me! First thought that came to mind: How should I celebrate this achievement? It's not every day that someone loses 150 pounds (without surgery), right? What better way to celebrate then to challenge myself even further!

150 in 150 is just one arm of the LJB project (the "me" project). 150 in 150 is a simple challenge: run 150 miles in 150 days. When I put this in writing, it sounds a lot scarier! But, I've been scared about a lot of things over the past year or so. I was scared when I joined the gym (Are they going to wonder why this fat girl is even trying at the gym?). I was scared when I went to my first zumba class (Will they note every misstep I make?). I was scared when I started the personal training sessions (Will she understand me and care about me to see me through this long road ahead?). I was scared when I first started power walking (How can I walk this fast while carrying all this weight?). And I was scared right before the gun was shot in my first 5K (Am I going to be the very last person to cross the finish line and will people feel sorry for me?). Honestly, I am scared about this challenge, but it must mean I'm on the right path. It's okay to fail. It's okay if you can't do it like everyone else. What's important? You give it your best effort and you will never lose.

So, when does this challenge begin? Monday, April 11, 2011...150 days later, September 7, 2011! I will keep this blog updated throughout all my adventures. I'm just glad I get to share it with everyone! Please follow my blog to keep updated on the progress. Day 1 is Monday!