Why Running Is Cool - My Top 10

In honor of the Rochester half/full marathon this Sunday, I present my list. And yes, I am still very sad that I cannot run. I will try to attend to cheer on my fellow runners as bittersweet as it will be for me.

10) Not everyone can do it. Oh, they say they can - but I have seen my younger, thinner counterparts try to do a 5k on a whim and then stop and walk, wheezing all the way. My rule - you can always slow down, but NEVER stop. Once you stop, the momentum is gone.

9) Running lets you eat more. Granted, you cannot take this to extremes. A half hour of running only burns around 300 calories - the equivalent of a plain bagel. I am still working on conquering/balancing this one.

8) The people. I have met some great people. Runners tend to be dedicated, health conscious & kind.

7) The clothes. I don't fit into all of them yet, but the running outfits are very cute.

6) The sense of accomplishment. Nothing beats setting a PR, seeing the finish line, completing a good run. It makes all the bad runs - like when your feet feel like lead, worthwhile.

5) The atmosphere. The vibe at races/running events/groups is very motivating.

4) The health benefits. Running really increases your stamina and endurance. It can also change the shape of your body.

3) Let's face it, running is just plain cool. I used to feel like I should not say "I'm a runner." After all, I don't have the runner's slender physique and I am not fast. BUT, I have come a long way. After over a dozen races, injuries and being able to run for over 1.5 hours at a time, I do feel that I can now say "I'm a runner"

2) Running is my religion! Enough said

1) The way it makes you feel. Running is not easy. For some people it may be, but not for me. Granted, if I weighed less, it would be easier. But in the meantime, I still run. When I run, I feel strong. I may be tired and it may be a struggle, but I still feel so strong. I hope whatever your passion is that you feel strong too!

09/09/09

Even though I am a writer by day, rogue blogger by night, I also have a thing for numbers, not just words. Normally, a date like today would be a day I would start a diet. From here on out I would vow, I will munch on carrots and celery like a rabbit and be perfect. Yeah, that always worked out well (not). That plan was foiled anyway, as a pizza/brownie meeting was scheduled at work. Ugh - trying to practice moderation while eating crap food - always a fun time.

One of my often visited number sites is this one:
TimeAndDate.com

Here you can find out how many days til a particular date. I would calculate how many days I have til I lose XX pounds. It would never work of course, yet I always believed in the magic.

So, whatever your nine nine oh nine holds, I hope it is a good one, filled with plans, possibilities and number crunching.

What's Your Sign Baby?

Mine is Pisces. I'm a water baby, a nurturer. I don't give much credence to astrology though. As a matter of fact, I am trying to give up the habit of reading my horoscope. The problem with horoscopes is that I love them when they're good, hate them when they're bad. I get so psyched when I read one that says I am going to have a big day at work, fall into money or love, etc. But then there are days when my horoscope says "watch your back, get used to being alone," etc. I just want the good vibes man! Plus, I know that these daily predictions are most likely written by some cubicle dweller making it all up. Not only that, they are so generalized that they can be interpreted to mean just about anything. So, I am going to try really hard to not read mine anymore. Wish me luck! :)

More To Love

So, is anyone watching More To Love? Normally I do not care for reality TV, with the exception of The Amazing Race. And, the only reason why I like that show is because I want to visit many of the countries they travel to. Plus, I like the host of the show. Anyway, I have been watching MTL for the past few weeks. As someone who struggles with weight and body image issues, I can relate to many of these women. Sometimes it is heartbreaking to see how sad they are. I know what it is like to miss the prom and have people pass you by because of your weight. However, my goal now is to embrace my curves, eat healthy and be fit!

Of course, as much as I can relate to some of the women's stories, I have also found the show to be offensive at times. I know it's on FOX, so that is to be expected. Still, they never should have shown how much women weighed next to their height like they did in their first episode. You would never see that on "The Bachelor" (a show I cannot stomach, excuse the weight related pun). But all in all, I do think it is a good thing that they show heavier people on their quest for love. The finale is next week I think.

PS When my coworker sent me my before picture, he entitled it - remember when there was more of you to love. Ha, ha....

Almost 3 years

Well, my toe is still killing me, and I am sure it is broken. I am also sure my coworkers are sick of hearing about it. What can I say - I am a baby! No, not really - just in pain. But I am wearing a sneaker right now (as a test) so that is a step forward. I really want to run a 5k this weekend. Well, I don't want to, but I need to because it will get me back in a better place mentally. It was so discouraging to have my hamstring almost healed and now this. So we shall see....

In other news, we are on a cleaning frenzy at work and a graphic designer found a couple of old "before" photos which I shall post. I am guessing this was at a birthday celebration. How horrifying! This November it will be 3 years since I lost the weight, and more importantly - 3 years since I have kept most of it off (a personal record). Well, I am not at my lowest, but I have still lost 100+. Every day is a struggle with it, but I am so much healthier. Behind the phony smile in the before picture was a lot of physical and emotional pain (and shame). So as bad as I sometimes feel these days, I need to remind myself that I do feel better. I just wish I would not fluctuate as much. Of course, I also wish I weighed 99 but that is just being silly.

P.S. And yes, I will be posting another toe pic that a coworker took. My toe is purple and greenish today. Oh yeah - happy 1st of September. I won't lie - I went to Abbotts and had ice cream. Must not indulge in food when I am feeling low!