Is Food just Fuel for my Vehicle?

I admit. I have been much too lenient these past couple of weeks, post-Nike Women's 1/2 Marathon with my food.

I have basically "gone all out," eating anything and everything I've wanted for 2 weeks (mostly on the weekends). And what has happened because of it? A step back. I've taken a million steps forward just to take these (so unnecessary) steps backwards.

But it has gotten me thinking - "Is Food just Fuel for my Vehicle?" And what it comes down to is "Yes - for me - it IS!" And, "Yes, it's super, duper unfortunate." And the reason it's so unfortunate is because I've allowed myself to get in this awful rut. I eat the same things every single day. And when I do that, I'm OK. Meat, broth, bananas and more meat, broth and bananas.

But a girl can only live like that for so long before the hands fling up in the air and say, "Wait a minute - I'm also trying to have a life!" So, Saturday night, I go out with my husband and friends, we enjoy wine tasting at Ruby Hill Winery, then dinner at Zephyr and we end at 1st Treat Yogurt for some unbelievable frozen yogurt (mixed with slews of "treats")! And never mind the fact that earlier in the day I had a mixed drink, some bread, fries with chipotle ranch and a beautifully-decorated strawberry from Bouquet of Fruits.

And then late Saturday night it started to sink in...."What on EARTH did I just do?" I've been paying ever since. Stomach reverted to blah. And yesterday is when that awful mouth annoyance came back in full effect!

So as I sit here and write this, I am forced to think, to remember, and to contemplate this idea that, for me, "Food is just Fuel for my Vehicle." Keep it pure - and I'll run so smoothly. Fill it with impurities - I shut down.

But there is a positive to all this: THAT CHOICE IS MINE.

I Did It: My First Half Marathon Success Story

I did it - all 13.1 Miles! Not only did I do it, but it was an AMAZING experience!

My words cannot and will not do this perfect day for me any justice. I am just hoping that through some of these pictures you can "see" a little bit into my day!

From the beginning of the weekend at the Nike Women's Expo...the journey had started.




I met some FABULOUS Nike Human Race Pied Pipers: Ms. @anotorias & Ms. @bicoastalite. Pretty cool that we all originally met via Social Media! I can't wait to see you guys again!



Nike Town was BOOMIN' on Friday!



I had to Spread my PASSION on the HUGE Nike Town White Board!



I had a relaxing day on Saturday before the event on Sunday. I ate, had my Baristas latte and got out for a 3 mile jog. As I laid my head down that night, though, I started to get so nervous. I h ad 3 things on my mind:

1. Would I make it in under 2 hours, like I wanted so badly?
   
2. Would my stomach finally hold up for all 13.1 miles for me?
3. Would family, friends and Pipers be proud of what I accomplished?

Needless to say, I did not sleep very well. I probably fell asleep about 10:30pm. I woke up at 3am and when I could not fall back asleep, I made the decision to get up, brew coffee and mentally get in this game.

We left the house at 4:38am. We arrived in San Francisco at 5:38am.

Standing there at the starting line was an overwhelming experience. There were 20,000 people ready to run. It was still dark. The only lights were those in Union Square and the ones that lit up for the course. Looking straight ahead all you could see was the "countdown" to the start. The National Anthem was sung. My heart was beating so. Then music was playing, energy was soaring. Some were crying, others were laughing and still others were just mentally preparing themselves as well!

10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1....

And we were off!

I paced myself so well! I just kept moving. The views were unreal. But I was not prepared for all the hills. I was so thankful I had done treadmill hill workouts. I was also thankful that I had prepared a lot with HIIT.

There were times throughout the race when I wanted to cry just because I was so happy! I'm not saying that the whole 13.1 was such a breeze that I was on Cloud 9 the whole time. What I am saying is that there I was -doing it - REALLY doing it. I did it for me - for the me I am NOW and for the me that I hope I NEVER HAVE TO BE again with so many stomach problems. I did it for everyone who could not be out there running. I was so thankful. I felt so blessed. And so when the hills got tough for me, I just fought them right back!

My Nike+ SportBand also got me through that race. I realize that most of you know by now that I'm an Ambassador for the upcoming 10.24.2009 Human Race and that perhaps I have to say this, but trust me when I say that that statement is 100% true! The SportBand tracks total distance, pace, calories and overall time. I kept it almost the entire time on the "pace." I figured that if I kept it on "distance" it would play too many mental games on me. This way, when I kept it on "pace," I was able to use those mental games to my advantage. I knew that it was okay when I was going up those hills at a 10 minute+ pace because when I was on a flat or downhill I would typically pace between 7-8 minute mile. With my SportBand, I could make sure of it! The challenge was fun for me!

I only made a PowerSong Playlist of 14. In hindsight, I should've probably had 20. But these 14 songs were magic for me:

• Rollin'
• Playaz Club
• Smoke a Little Smoke
• Lotta Boot Left to Fill
• Poker Face
• 'Till I Collapse
• U + Ur Hand
• Yeah!
• Boom Boom Pow
• Fight Like a Girl
• Pink Guitar
• I Didn't Know My Own Strength
• Beverly Hills
• That's Not My Name
  

My body started to hurt around Mile 10, which for the NWM is not a good place to start having breakdown because there is so much cheering there and you think it's the end. But then you see the Mile 10 Marker and you know you still have 3.1 left to go.

So I told myself...."It's less than a 5K to go!"

Around Mile 11 or 12 there people standing with bananas, holding them out for us to grab. I decided I better grab one, since I didn't stop for anything before then. I held it in my hand like a baton. I just tasted it. Somehow that taste helped me get through.

Mile 12 was the "Chocolate Mile." Oh how nice it would've been to participate in that:) I just kept on moving. At that point I was ready to be done. I started to pick up the pace. I could feel that my knees were going to be an "achin' unit." AND THEN.....the roaring and cheering was heard. I knew the end was there. For about the last .25 miles I felt as though I was in the Olympics. There was Blue Carpet. A straight shot. A sprint. Thousands of people on both sides of you. The time clock high above to see in clear view. 1:47:58.....just seconds away - loud music, cheering, speakers - my last all....everything I had....Crossing the NWM Finish Line!

My "Official Time" - 1:48:30. Out of 2,065 1/2 Marathon F25-29 year old, I placed 48th! You can find me HERE.

There are many great "Official Pictures" from the Brightroom Photography of me HERE.

When I was done, I was definitely hurting. But I was so excited. So happy. So proud. I found a whole new part of me that I never knew existed! I found even more Passion and Inspiration. I can't wait to see where this leads me next!

Amanda and I were freezing after the race! She was happy, too...she just was giving me "the look!"



We Celebrated at Lefty O'Doules near Union Square with Mike, Tracy and Baby Avery....to watch the Vikings of course!



And then we did one more stroll by Nike Town.



The Husband I Adore.


From the Curly Girl Design, "I am fairly certain that given a Cape and a nice tiara, I could save the world.



I am just getting started....these past 2 days since my mind has been going a million miles an hour! I hope to share my new project(s)/goal(s) with everyone soon! But for today.....I DID IT! BECAUSE I CAN!

Oh, and just one more thing..........YES, the men in tuxedos were waiting for us at the end - ready to hand us our perfectly-colored turquois Tiffany's Box!



ps. IF you don't think I'm in a Good Mood now or deserve to continuously write a Blog on being in that GOOD MOOD, perhaps you never will:) Vote for me: http://bit.ly/fS6h4

13.1

Nike Women's 1/2 Marathon. Running Like a Girl.

In just 4 days, I will complete my FIRST EVER 1/2 Marathon. It seems like just yesterday when I was writing about this in my "Shifting Energies" posting.

The time has come! I can't hardly contain myself.

I was running an easy 10K with my Nike Running Group in Danville on Sunday when I decided that I would dedicate each mile to someone/something - make it even more meaningful.



Here are my dedications - enjoy:

Mile 1 - For the Music
Let the Music Move us! I am a huge fan of Dr. PowerSong. I am mostly a huge fan because music has always inspired me and moved me in incredible ways. Music can take your workout from slow to "go." It can elevate your mood from low to fabulous. It can make you focus. It can do about a million, zillion other things. But one thing is for sure, it will get me movin' on MILE 1.

Mile 2 - For Food Intolerances/Colitis
As you all are well aware by now, I have struggled with this for the past 5+ years. I had no idea what was wrong in the beginning. I thought that "it was just how I was supposed to be." I listened to Doctors who told me to just take meds, this, that or the other. And then I found Leah. With her, we discovered this could all be changed with a change in diet. A year ago today (prior to her) I was "backing down" from any sort of 1/2 Marathon because my stomach didn't allow training. I am so proud that today I'm a changed person. This is because I have managed my food - it will keep me vibrant on MILE 2.

Mile 3 - For Goals
I have them. I am extremely goal-oriented, if you don't already know that. When I put my heart and mind to something, I get it done. I love the sense of accomplishment. I love knowing that goals carry you from one day to the next. I love knowing that I set this goal of completing the 13.1 miles. My goals in health, fitness & life in general support me on MILE 3.

Mile 4 - For Those Not Here Today
Those I've loved; gone and passed away. I will celebrate them on MILE 4.

Mile 5 -For My Family
I have the most amazing family in the world! From my Mom, Dad & brother, JJ to the family I was blessed to inherit by marrying Ryan! We have the cutest neices and nephews. I come from a huge extended family - they are all my heart! In a world where so many families don't even get along, I am so fortunate that I cherish mine so much. Even though most of them are hundreds of miles away, I run for them on MILE 5.


Mile 6 - For Missy
Yes, Missy gets her own mile! Why? Because she wanted to come so badly to run with me; it just didn't work. She was my "bestest" California friend while she lived here. I have a bond with Missy that is rare. There are very few people who come into our lives that are able to place a cloud around the heart. Missy did that to me, in a short amount of time. I miss her everyday. She has encouraged and supported more than she knows throughout this past year - stomach problems to running and all. She would send me texts from Chicago, "Miss your beautiful Guts." For my LD(B)BFF - who will be there with me in spirit - helping me achieve MILE 6.

Mile 7 - For the Pied Pipers
I'm sure by now you also know that I am the Pied Piper "leader" for the upcoming 2009 10.24 Nike+ 10K Human Race. This race, other than the NWM, has been my life since August. I have met and connected with so many fabulous people that I would not have had I not received the opportunity from Nike to be a US Human Race Ambassador. I thank God everyday for the opportunity to "spread the good running word." Our Challenge, the US Human Race Ambassador Challenge, will only count for those on my team who are in the US on race day. However, that does not change the fact that I am so proud that through Social Media I have been able to "meet," connect with and learn about people - runners - Nike+ users - from all over the world. My GOAL was first and foremost to make the connection, BUT it was also to have an impact on them. To inspire them. To get them saying, "I'm a runner. I love to run!" What I didn't expect was the opposite - they gave that all to me! For them, for the Pied Pipers - inspiration gets me through MILE 7! (PS. There is still time to become a Pied Piper - click HERE for how to do so!!)

Mile 8 - For Fiona & Reagan
You better believe I'm running a whole mile for my dogs! They are my babies. My heart. My soul. The 2 that I know no matter what, when I get home from a good or bad day, good or bad run - will love me. They will be excited to see me - their days are better when I'm around. They make me laugh (especially when the little Peekepoo growls and chases the Great Dane and when the Great Dane grunts and toots:)). They are our best friends. I can't imagine my life without them - they would love to run with me on MILE 8!

Mile 9 - For Faith, Hope and Love
Because you've "just gotta have it!" No matter what, if we have these 3 things, life will go on and life will be that much sweeter. Faith, Hope and Love carry me through MILE 9.

Mile 10 - For Success
Success is so sweet. Success is even more sweet knowing that you prepared for it. Success doesn't come overnight. You take in one day and then the next, building, planning and preparing for it. When it comes, it's nothing less than sweet. I'm not just talking about money and power for success - success can manifest itself in so many ways. Today I just pray for NWM success - the concept gets me through MILE 10.

Mile 11 - For Friends
They say you are a very lucky person if you can fill up one hand with people you'd deem "friends." My very best friends in the world fill up one hand...and people I'd deem "friends" overflow onto the next. This is a great feeling! Most of my best friends live hundreds of miles away. We don't need to talk everyday; we don't even need to see each other often. The one thing that remains, though, is our "easy friendship." We pick up right where we left off. We know each other inside and out. We appreciate each other and our busy lives. We value the time we get when we do see each other. If not for great friends like this, and for the great friendship of Mrs. Tracy Carroll (ALSO running her first 1/2 Marathon at the NWM) life would be much less fulfilling. My friends always pull through - and they pull me through MILE 11.

Mile 12 - For My Husband, Ryan
The miles are coming to an end.....it's not that I've left Ryan to the END, it's that I need to think of him most to pull me through it! I've said it once and I'll say it again, "Not only is Ryan my husband, but he's truly one of the best people I've ever met in my life." Most people could attest to this. I am so lucky that I married my best friend. We will celebrate our 1-year anniversary just a couple weeks post-NWM, on November 1st. Ryan makes me laugh and smile. He brings out the best side of me. He believes in me. He's my #1 FAN - always - (okay, except for (also) maybe my Mom and Dad!!) He supports me with everything in life. He loves me unconditionally. For his love, passion and huge heart - I'll make it through MILE 12.

Mile 13 - For "Running Like a Girl" - "Fighting Like a Girl"
"Running Like a Girl" is the NWM "Theme." "Fighting Like a Girl" is the song by Bomshel - my "Theme." Combine the two - it's an overwhelming thought. Working so hard has been anything but "girly." But I am proud to run like a girl, fight like a girl - be a girl! I always say, "My Sassies." I love strong, proud and sassy girls. I believe that a girl can do anything. Now I'm ready to "get to the finish line like a girl" - on MILE 13.

Mile .1 - For ???
Nope. We're not through yet. A half marathon is 13.1 miles. This .1 is very, very important to me. This is where I think about, contemplate, plan and get super excited and passionate about WHAT COMES NEXT? Will I train for another 1/2? Will I attempt to train for a full marathon? Will I choose an organization I am 110% passionate about and run for it? What will it be?! MILE .1 is TBD - and it's exactly THAT that will get me through it - I love this "forward thinking," this "what comes next in my Puzzle of Life!

CHEERS! See you at the finish line......

The Good Mood Gig

I want to reach out to others with my PASSION for life!

PLEASE HELP ME!

Click HERE to vote for me!

Why are you perfect for this job?

My passion and love for life is contagious. I already share this via my personal Online Blog, where I share about living Vibrantly. I write, just as I live, with Passion. I am to inspire through my words, and motivate through my social media utters. There will not be a day to go by where you will not "catch" my passionate virus!

How do you maintain your good mood naturally?

I run. I run some more. I sing. I blog. I eat healthy. I think positive. I create things that instill passion. I lift weights. I dance. I spend time with people I love the most. I play with my Peekepoo and Great Dane. And did I mention I run?

Good Mood Gig from SAM-e

Click HERE to vote for me!

You can vote one time/day! I obviously signed up so late, so I'm behind. I'd love all the help you all can give to me.

• Forward the link (http://bit.ly/fS6h4) on to your friends
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THANKS SO MUCH!

My Cup (negatively) Runneth Over

I really have not been taking care of myself when it comes to food in...my cup has (negatively) runneth over! And I am now down to T-less than one week until my 1/2 Marathon. Every single thing I put into my body is going to be critical for me on this final week.

Time to have this cup filled up with vim, vigor & vitality!

Just so you all know, here is how I handle it to ensure nothing less than 100% success on Sunday for the 1/2:

• IMMUNITY by New Chapter
• Probiotics
• Multivitamin
• Digestive Enzymes
• HCL
• Sauerkraut Raw
• Magic Mineral Broth
• Tea
• Coconut Milk
• Honey
• Lean turkey meat
• Chicken
• Chicken broth
• Bananas

Side note on the IMMUNITY: I thought I was getting sick last week. Everyone at work is sick, too. This product was suggested to me. I got it at Whole Foods. I didn't end up getting sick. Fabulous!



That's it! I'm SO ready. I'm SO determined. I'm SO focused! I can't hardly contain my excitement for this upcoming week/weekend events. Stay tuned....I'm working on a "13.1" List!

Oh no!

I'm bummed. I was bloated yesterday and today.

Ahhhhh.......I think I've become too relaxed. I'm sure of it. I've been eating raw almonds again. Probably a no-no. I also think I'm getting too comfortable with my Soy Latte's. I need to cut back on those, too. Other than that, I can't think of what it might be.

It has been a good reminder for me, though. Whenever I get bloated like that I get unmotivated and crabby - and the two do NOT make for a good combination.

I have a few weeks to hang on for dear life: Running, my 1/2 marathon, the Human Race, working....I'm busy 24/7. I'm up by 5am almost every day. I go, go, go....

I don't have time to not feel well. And if I don't have time not to feel well, then I better make the time to watch what I eat!

No one said the GAPS Diet was easy!