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@ the CNLBank 31st Annual Winter Park 2 Mile Road Race
Race stats:
Race Length: 2 Miles
1 Mile Time: 14:30ish (I don't remember the exact number)
Total Time: 28:54
Overall Place: 336 / 406
Division (Women 25-29) Place: 30 / 36
Gender Place: 208 / 260
(taken by race photrographers)
@ CNLBank 31st Annual Winter Park 2 Mile Road Race
I walked/jogged my first race today and it was amazing. I walked most of the way, jogged every so often, and sprinted to the finish line in just under 29 minutes (28:54)! I am extatic that I finished under 30 minutes since it has been taking me 35-40 minutes to walk 2 miles. But it is totally different when you are surrounded by other runners and have strangers cheering you on. I had already planned on jugging at the very end as I crossed the finish line; when I neared the finish line and saw that it was less then 3 minutes under 30, the addrenaline kicked in and I sprinted there with over a minute to spare! This really is an incredible feeling and we are already planning the next few races. Next up is a 5k at Windermere on April 12th. My goal for this first 5k is to finish it under 45 minutes, but I haven't even tried to walk this yet, so we'll see.
Here are my official stats for today's race:
Race Length: 2 Miles
1 Mile Time: 14:30ish (I don't remember the exact number)
Total Time: 28:54
Overall Place: 336 / 406
Division (Women 25-29) Place: 30 / 36
Gender Place: 208 / 260
I mentioned having specific fitness goals in my last post; I gave this a bit more thought and here is what I came up with for my current fitness/health goals (will adjust as needed):
- lose the fat on my belly and thighs
- get fit (build appropriate muscle, endurance, and stamina)
- get down to a comfortable weight within the range of my ideal body weight (depending on where you look, somewhere between 105-135)
- fit into size 6 pants (I didn't even think this would be possible, but now size 8 pants are starting to fit loosely, so I think this will be a reality soon)
- run 1 mile without running out breath (eventually I want to be able to run a 5k, but one step at a time)
- walk/jog a 5k (then a 10k)
- complete The Gauntlet at Florida's Finder's Fest at a competitive pace without feeling faint
- complete the Urban Dare at a competitive pace without feeling faint
(warning: this is a little long, but I think it's worth it ... or not)
About 2 months ago, something clicked in my brain and I got serious about losing weight and getting in shape. I started cooking at home more, only going out to dinner about once a week; eating more veggies, fruit, and healthier snacks; bringing my lunch to work; and working out on a regular basis. I have not eaten any fried food or soda since then, except for the occasional bite or two from Jason's plate; and only small amounts of candy/sweets from time to time; and the occasional alcoholic beverage or jello shots at parties.
It was a slow start but I wanted a lifestyle change, not a fad diet; and it is definitely paying off. These past 4 days, I walked 2-4 miles every day and did 20-30 minutes of cardio or weights--compared to the 10 mi/day of cardio kick I did the first week (see my workout regimen progress) . I've lost a total of 11.60 lbs since I started on 1/29 and have gone down a few sizes. Best of all, I feel great, have more energy and I am saving money by not eating out as much and walking to work (if I can keep it up with the hot Florida weather).
I've been trying to figure out what motivated me to keep going this time since I've had many false starts in the past. I guess I didn't really mean it before and didn't have goals in mind. This time I have focus and specific goals (e.g. get fit so Jason and I can compete in the Urban Challange without me feeling like I am going to pass out). I think the slow and steady pace has really helped. Other than adding more veggies, fruit, and healthier snacks and eating smaller portions more often throughout the day, I have not really stopped eating any of the foods I love--only the amount of them I have in one seating.
This really has been a lifestyle change because I now look at doing physical activity in a whole new way. Jason had tried to get me to workout before and ride our bikes to work and I cringed at the thought. I tried it once and decided it was not for me. But now I do not even bat an eye at the thought of walking 2 miles to work or to the corner store (did that last night with Mel and walked back with a backpack full of beer).
I probably should give some credit to this self portrait project and all of you. I think it has helped me become more self aware and thus more motivated in bettering myself. Who knows. At any rate, thanks to everyone who has been following my project for your encouragement and inspiration. I never really thought this project would have this effect, I just wanted to take better pictures.
And if you read this far, wow I am impressed =P Your rock!
In preparation for Saturday's 2 Mile Run/Walk in Winter Park, I started walking 2 miles each afternoon to get used to it and figure out my pace. So far I seem to be able to do it within 35-45 minutes. I could probably walk it faster, but I am just getting used to the distance. It also serves as a great warmup for my cardio/weight workout that I do immediately after the walk.
Taking the back roads through my neighborhood, it is a 2 mile route to work on foot or bike (it's 5 miles by car). I walked it this morning in under 40 minutes--not bad considering I had a backpack full of stuff (including my lunch, snacks, water, and laptop) and had to stop to take off my jacket and get some water out of my bag.
This is also my contribution for today's FGR: Flickr Green since I am helping the environment by walking instead of using up gas and polluting the environment. I am going to try to walk/bike to work at least 3 days a week (I teach at 7:30 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so that is not really feasible) and try to make 5k walks a regular thing to keep in shape. Maybe someday I can compete as a racewalker :)
I do not really like bargaining, so I did not buy much while in Mexico. Aside from a handmade bookmark, I almost left without a souvenir. On our last night as we wondered through Cancun, I finally bought a shot glass (I collect them) and this mexican belt. I am not really a belt person, but as I continue to lose weight and decrease my waistline, I may be able to sport this look more :)
@ Cancun airport.
Since our flight left early Sunday morning, we did not bother to get a hotel for Saturday night. Instead, we slept in the car at the beach and at the airport in Cancun. Needless to say, I was ready to go home to air conditioning, a hot shower, and my comfy bed.
Since our flight left early Sunday morning, we did not bother to get a hotel for Saturday night. Instead, we slept in the car at the beach and at the airport in Cancun.
On the last day of our trip, we explored the local ruins @ Izamal, Mexico before heading over to Chichen Itza and then Cancun. I took this picture from the top of Itzamatul. The pyramid in the background is the next one we visited, which is one of the tallest.
@ Izamaltun Hotel in Izamal, Mexico
Jason decided to leave his cpap at home, which means that I have to wear these ear plugs to sleep through his snoring.
We spent our first night in Mexico at the Villas del Angel in Valladolid. The rooms are grass roof huts and there is a row of hammocks by the pool. It truly was paradise--if you ignore the lack of air conditioning, creepy crawlers that may make their way to your room, or the inconsistent hot water.