A quick update...

So last week I shared with you all that I was challenging myself to a 47 day goal...that hopefully turns into a habit. I wrote that I am not great or consistent with adding a strength training program to my workouts, even though I know that it is very important. I also shared the daily routine that I was going to start September 4th was:
1. pushups
2. planks
3. bridges
4. bicep curls (5lb weights/1 set)
5. squats (body weight)

Today is Sunday, September 10th and it has been seven days...wait for it...yes, I have done this routine every day!

Tomorrow starts another week...must keep it going in order to start a habit.

On a side note awesome run on Saturday. I completed 10 miles while traveling for work in California. It was a drop back week but Saturday was a training run...compared to last week I felt stronger physically and mentally. Why such a difference in how I felt?? Could it have been the fact that I was running along the marinas in Marina del Rey or along the sand in Venice Beach compared to running along side corn fields and cows the week before?

Keep Moving!!

September 4 - Labor Day - a new day...a new school year

Training Completed in August -- two rest days

My sister is a school teacher and instead of making resolutions on January 1st she does at the beginning of September, the start of the school year. She believes that the start of the school year is a clean slate and the true beginning of the year.

I am not a school teacher but I do work in higher education and the students have moved back on campus and it is the start of a new year. As of today I am 47 days away from my birthday, another start to a new year. There are so many ways to see the start of something new. To be given an opportunity to start again with a clean slate. It doesn't matter when you start, New Year's Day; the start of a new school year; your birthday or even a new day. Everyone gives you an opportunity to start over or make new goals.

I believe that it helps to share your goals and holds you accountable. As I stated that I am 47 days away from my birthday (yes my 47th birthday) and I have shared in the past, I am not great or consistent with adding strength training to my workouts. I do do it, but sporadically. So my goal for these 47 days is to add the following routine daily:
1. pushups
2. planks
3. bridges
4. bicep curls (5lb weights/1 set)
5. squats (body weight)

I am hoping that this will become a new habit for me and a priority.

While others start a new school year I too am starting school. This adds to my schedule and every decision I make, every thing I decide to do has to work into and around my work, training and school schedule (not in that particular order). These will be my priorities and my goals will be based on these disciplines.

Looking ahead not every day will be perfect, which I discovered yesterday during a training run. However, every day is a new opportunity to become stronger, smarter, and better. Yesterday, I had to push myself out the door and when I finally started my run, I was tired and in my head too much. It was a tough training run. I have always believed that when training for an endurance event you will have good days and bad days. The bad days do not define you but you can learn so much form them. And the best thing about training is you have another day tomorrow and a clean slate. 

This morning, even though it was not on my schedule, I got up  and went for a 3 mile run. I had to clear the negative thoughts out of my head. It was a beautiful morning and it was just what I needed. A clean slate, a new morning, working towards new goals. Also when you have a bad day, think about how far you have come. I looked back on my August schedule and I know, I have accomplished a lot and have come a long way. One bad day does not define you and you always have a clean slate tomorrow.

Motivation vs Discipline

Recently I saw two quotes that spoke volumes to me. The first was:

"Set goals that scare you and excite you at the same time"

The second was:

"You will never always be motivated, you have to learn to be disciplined"

Well I am embarking on a new journey this week. I am back in grad school to pursue my Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration. I am doing this full time while continuing to work and train for the endurance races that I love. I know this will not be easy but it is what I want to do and I will make it happen.

I know for a fact I will not be motivated all the time. I know it will take discipline and hard work over the next three years but if you want it badly enough you will find a way to make it work. I can tell you I am scared. I am afraid of failure, of not being able to get everything done, and not living up to my own goals. However, I can also say that I am excited for the next few years to see what lies ahead. I am excited about pursuing something I have wanted for a long time.

Discipline will play a very important roll in my life over the next few years. I can not let my workouts slide, so morning workouts will be a priority. I will be rising before the sun, on most days, to get my training done. Work and travel will continue as usual but I will have to set boundaries in order to make time for my school work.

I am a true believer of you will never know unless you try and never give up even if it didn't go well the first time. I know I started my doctorate a few years back and was not able to complete it at the time. However, I know that the program I started was not the best for me. This time I researched graduate programs that would work with my schedule but would also challenge me.

Along with going back to school, I am continuing to set goals for myself that scare me and excite me all at the same time within the endurance sports world. And as I plot out my plan a bit more I will share goals with you very soon. Stay tuned for that...I think a few of you will be very excited to hear all about them!

In the mean time, "myfitnesspal.com" announced today that I have been logging consistently for three years. Talk about discipline. Every day I log every piece of food that I take in. I started this journey three years ago when I wanted to lose some weight. I lost the first 25 pounds on my own with the help of "myfitnesspal". I continued to use my fitness pal after I was diagnosed with diabetes. I used it to record my food so I could share it with my diabetes coach. I record everything...the good, the bad, and the ugly. And since having the surgery I continue to record, even while in the hospital after surgery I recorded the water and chicken broth I took in!! This has become more than a habit for me...it has become a way of life!

I have fallen in love...

So did that title catch your eye?

Maybe I should finish my thought. I have fallen in love with triathlons again! I did my first triathlon in June of 2001 and ended up doing two that summer. I then took a few years off and focused on my running instead. As the years went by I did open water swims, some biking and running but didn't put them all together again until 2010 or 2011. I enjoyed the competition and the training but as the years went and my physical health and body went down hill it started to become a struggle and it was no longer fun.

As a result of my surgery, I have been given an awesome opportunity to push myself. I have been reintroduced to a sport that I once enjoyed and today a sport I love! I have always loved to swim and I still do. In the past I did the bike to get through it but now I actually enjoy the ride and look forward to my bike workouts. And I have always loved to run but now it is easier and faster! In fact compared to when I carried around over 100 extra pounds I some days feel like I am running on air.

Also, as a result of being a part of this fabulous endurance community (running & triathlon) I have been able to meet some incredible friends. Yesterday I was able to compete with two wonderful friends. It makes the day so much better when you can push each other and support each other. A special shout out to these two special ladies who both placed in their age groups!!

In the first year post surgery, since July 26, 2016 I completed 12 races (triathlons,running, and cycling) I completed 3 5ks; a 4 miler, a 5 miler 3 half marathons, a marathon a 30+ mile bike ride, and 2 triathlons. Here is an inside secret...I don't plan to slow down!

Now starting my second year post surgery I completed another triathlon in Old Forge, NY. It was a great day for a race. The water temperature was 72 degrees and with overcast skies and a light wind it kept the temperature down throughout the race.

Yesterday's triathlon was an intermediate distance; 600 meter swim, 22+ mile bike and a 4 mile run. My overall time was 2:39:33 and I finished 10th in my age group. The course was tough, with some serious climbs, but you may find this unusual for me to say, I loved it! I am certainly not saying it was easy but I felt strong throughout the whole race.

I celebrated my accomplishment with some Byrne Dairy  Chocolate Milk and admiring the medal that was given out at the end. I think that this one is one of my favorites. I love the antlers that are part of the medal design. It will remind me of the encounter I had on the bike course. A friend of mine said be careful of deer while on the bike course. As I was starting the second half of the course, and about to start an uphill climb, I noticed two beautiful fawns in the woods off to my right.

I thought the fawns were going to turn and run back into the woods. However, one of the cuties, he must be the dare devil in the family, decided to run across the road right in front of me. I slammed on my breaks so I wouldn't hurt my furry friend. Then I swore a few times because now I had to start the climb from point zero without any momentum. Thanks Bambi!!

I thought this was going to be my last triathlon of the 2017 season. However, this weekend while surfing the net, I discovered that I am not traveling the weekend of September 16 & 17 and there area a few triathlons to choose from locally. I am thinking about doing the DeRuyter Triathlon on September 16th. I have done this race before and I love it. It is fun and a great way to end the season! So what will this second year post surgery bring me? I don't know but I am excited for the possibilities!!

At the finish line!

On a side note...I want to take this opportunity to thank this beautiful woman and her husband for being wonderful friends and awesome cheerleaders. At the lowest point of my athletic career I was finishing my half ironman in Jamesville, NY. I was the last person on the course, sick to my stomach and awful leg cramps but I moved forward. As the many associated with the race were gone for the day and the crew was packing up around me, two amazing volunteers, Mary and Shawn were waiting for me at the last water stop. I will never forget their support and from that day a wonderful friendship was started. It was so great to see you both this past weekend!!

SWIM BIKE RUN!!

One Year...

July 26, 2017...1 year, 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days, 8760 hours...525,600 minutes (I hope my math is right...isn't always my strong point) since I underwent Bariatric Bypass Weight-loss Surgery...I haven't regretted it for one moment. As of July 26, 2017 I have lost 101.5 from my heaviest weight. I know I still have 8.5 pounds to lose but I have gained so much.

Since the surgery and the weight-loss I feel amazing. This surgery has given me more than just the weight-loss. Within this year I had three goals that I wanted to achieve as a result of the surgery; 1. lower blood pressure and get rid of medication 2. reverse type 2 diabetes and get rid of medication and 3. become a faster runner. I accomplished all three goals and I plan on being even faster in the future!!

Before and After...some days I feel like I haven't changed at all. On those days I need a reminder of how far I have come. In the last few months I have had friends not able to recognize me. I have even walked by store front windows and I didn't always recognize the reflection back at me.

I can remember over a year ago questioning if I should have this surgery. Knowing that it would help but would it fix everything? Then of course I laugh at the fact that shortly after the surgery I shared my fears with my nutritionist that I would be the freak patient that would never lose weight...ha ha...

This surgery is a tool, I still need to do the work, every day! I have to make sure I never forget where I was and never go back.

The Sunday before my anniversary I participated in the Gillie Girl Triathlon...this was my third time doing this event and I PR'd it. I ended up 9/25 in my age group and 74/239 overall...unofficially I was second out of  the water in my age group. My official finish time was 1:42:23...some days I have no idea who I have become...but I am not stopping!

I love the workouts and I love the competition. I always loved it before the surgery but what a difference it makes not to be carrying around 100 pounds. As I said I accomplished my third goal by becoming of faster runner...and I only want to become a stronger and faster athlete.

What will the next 365 days hold for me? Not giving up, losing the last 10 pounds. Continuing with my workouts...completing another triathlon, a couple more half marathons and a marathon....but what else? Do I dare to dream greater?

Who Have I Become??

I am sorry it has been so long since my last post. The month of July has been busy but also very ordinary. It has been busy with personal things going on unlike my normal work life! I haven't been traveling at all this month for work and I have to admit it has been nice. Of course that will change this week, as I will be traveling on Thursday.

This month I have had company in town to celebrate the 4th of July holiday and other family in town while doing some college visits. I have also been doing quite a bit of dog and cat sitting for friends as they went away for summer vacation. I have taken advantage of the somewhat quiet time and I have been able to push myself physically through training and competing and I am really excited with the results.

On July 8th, I completed a brick workout; 90 minutes on the bike followed by a 20 minute run. The day was not calling for pleasant weather so I had to get the workout in between storms. It ended up being a fabulous workout and I was happy with the results. The one thing I will never get used to is the transition from bike to run and how your legs feel. I never feel like I am moving. On Sunday, July 9th I completed a 10 mile training run that also went really well. It was a beautiful morning for a run and of course like so many days this summer I was hoping for it not to rain.

 July 15th brought the Cayuga Rock n Ride, a charity ride along the east side of Cayuga Lake that raised money for the Cayuga Heart Center. I did the 30+ mile ride (ended up being 33 miles) and I saw a real change in my cycling ability.

Some people may be shocked by what they are about to read, especially my other cycling and triathlon friends who have known me for some time...are you ready? I am starting to LOVE my bike!! I know it has taken me over 5 years but I enjoy the workouts and getting on the saddle.

I love to see how I have become a stronger cyclist over the last year. I still have so much work to do but due to the fact that I don't mind getting on the bike I am looking forward to this adventure. I used to fear getting outside on the bike. I never wanted to get out of the saddle but now I attack hills and get up more efficiently by standing. On the ride I did a week ago I definitely attacked those hills and I can say, the view from the top was always worth the climb!

It doesn't stop there, when I would ride straight-a-ways I never would drop into my lower handlebar, now I am doing it all the time. It makes me a bit more aero...or at least I think I am. Sometimes playing psych games with yourself helps! I still don't love riding in the rain but if it happens, I deal with it! It's easier to ride in it than start in it.

This past Sunday I competed in the Gillie Girl Triathlon. Prior to this year I would rest on the day before a race. I would be afraid to use up too much energy prior to gun time. Oh how naive. You don't have to do too much the day before but just enough to get your muscles and juices flowing. Another perk of doing a brief workout and getting ready for the race the next day is PANCAKES!! I do love pancakes and the fact that I save them for these special occasions make them so YUMMY!

Since the surgery of course I have to be careful with how much I take in and the rate of speed at which I eat. Pancakes being a heavier meal I really have to make sure I have plenty of time to eat them. Being a bulkier food they take up a lot of space in my stomach. So I will share with you that it can take me 45 - 60 minutes to eat 3 pancakes but it is soooo worth it!! Oh how I love pre-race rituals!!

At 4:00 AM, on Sunday, my alarm went off to get ready for the Gillie Girl Triathlon. It was my third Gillie Girl but my 2nd triathlon this season. Although not my first rodeo I found as time ticked away I was getting excited and nervous to get to the start line. It ended up being a great day. For days before the race we were anticipating race, even thunderstorms during the day. Well the rain held off and it was overcast which made for great conditions! So let me tell you about my day...

I am still in shock, I had an overall PR for this triathlon by 17:10 and others I have done by 15 minutes! Finished overall 74/239 and 9/25 in my age group (my goal was top 10 in my age group). I did my run in 30:56...the last time I was that fast I was 30 years old and believe me I didn't think I was running that fast. Woo hoo!! I am so excited!!!

Thank you to Honey Stinger's energy chews...I love them and they get me through so many races and training sessions. As a post bariatric surgery patient you have been very easy on my stomach. And thank you to Byrne Dairy chocolate milk...it is always was a great perk at the finish line.

I have one question to ask ...Who have I become??

A special way to say good-bye

Almost two months ago I received a call from a friend who shared with me that a mutual friend had pass away that day. I was in complete shock. At first the tears wouldn't even fall because I couldn't believe it and I didn't want to believe it. I had know this individual for almost 12 years, he in fact was the person who coached me through my first marathon in 2005 and my first 70.3 Half Ironman in 2012. He was an unbelievable person who touched so many people's lives. He was the one person who encouraged you and believed in you when you didn't believe in yourself.

I can remember when I was training for my first marathon, I was so concerned about the cut off time. How much time did we have to complete the course? What was the cutoff time? How will I know if I made it? He would just shake his head and say, "Don't worry about it MD, you are going to be fine!" He knew how to keep calm when the rest of us were a nervous wreck. He would head out on training courses and race day courses and chalk messages to us in order to keep us going, keep us focused and to remind us "you are going to be fine!" Chalking the road ways was his signature move, for lack of a better word.

I bring this up today because sadly I never felt like I said a proper good-bye to my friend Brendan Jackson. On the day of his wake, ready to make the hour long ride to B'ville, my car wouldn't start. it was dead in my drive way. At that point, there wasn't anyone I could call to come get me, being such a distance away from everyone...at that moment I started to cry. I felt like so often Brendan had been there for us but I couldn't be there for him. As the weeks passed tributes were made at the annual Mountain Goat 10 miler in Syracuse, but I was out of town for work that weekend. There was a run held in his memory at the local Fleet Feet Store in Syracuse, but once again I was out of town.

Weeks went by and I still felt like I hadn't said my goodbyes. I had completed two races since Brendan's death, another marathon in Vermont and a Triathlon in Massachusetts. Throughout the races I could hear his voice cheering me on and I knew I had to do something.

In 2005 when we were training for the marathon Brendan would take us out to B'ville, NY to run on some hilly, low traffic roads. There were areas of Central NY I never knew existed until I trained with Brendan. One particular Sunday it was the hottest day of the summer. We started early in the AM but it didn't matter it was hot and humid. I remember when I was running I felt like my feet were on fire. We were running on roads named Whiskey Hollow (kind of a creepy road), Conners road... a great down hill...and West Dead Creek Road!! If anyone ever trained with Brendan you know the area! West Dead Creek Road became a joke with Brendan and me. It always brought back memories to that hot, awful run. I remember getting back to our cars, we would park in the DPW parking lot and looking at him and all I could say was "Seriously"...cuz it was soooo hot!!

Well today I made a trip to B'ville. I visited Whiskey Hollow, Conners Road and West Dead Creek Road. As I stood at the cross roads of West Dead Creek and Conners Road I started to cry but quickly those tears turned into a smile because it brought back so many wonderful memories. I thought about all the lives that Brendan touched and all the people I was able to meet because of Brendan. He is still with us, as we
cover the miles throughout Central New York. As we climb a hill during a training run or race, you can still hear his voice cheering you on. When you are doubting yourself he is the one pushing you from behind.


Today I said good bye...thanks for the wonderful memories...know you are missed Brendan...and until we meet again...you got this!

A few random thoughts

So much has happened since the Marathon on Memorial Day Weekend and yet so much has stayed the same. The scale still hasn't moved and I am stuck at the same 101 pounds down...fighting to lose the last 9 pounds. Trying very hard to see the forest for the trees and focus on some of the good and not on the plateau I am sitting on. So I thought I would share some random thoughts that I have had over the last two weeks:

Random Thought #1
This is a picture of my May workout calendar...I haven't posted one of these in a while. I had three rest days during the month...these were planned rest days and they were tough. Even the day after the marathon I was up in the morning moving my body! I recently shared a post from Rock n Roll Marathon Series that said: " You know you're hooked when Taking a rest day takes more discipline than working out" There is so much truth to that statement!

Random Thought #2
On June 3rd, I got outside on the bike for the first time since last summer. It felt great and it was a beautiful day. I had to get outside because I had a triathlon coming up on the calendar and this Saturday was one of the nicest we had in a very long time. I rode for an hour and covered about 12.5 miles. I held a nice pace and new I was ready for the triathlon!

Random Thought #3
That same weekend I received several packages in the mail. I had ordered a new wetsuit, new bathing suits and compression socks. All three packages arrived the same day and it felt like Christmas in June. I had to try everything on right away...the bathing suits fit well, no returns there. However, then I had to try on the wetsuit. Putting on a wetsuit is a workout in itself and not knowing if the size you ordered is the correct one, I wasn't looking forward to this task.

Well the only way I was going to find out if it fit was to try it on...so here I go. The suit got on and for the first time in my life I was able to zip up the wetsuit on my own. It fit...it's a keeper. Of course no matter what size you are or how much weight I have lost there is nothing sexy about looking at yourself in a wetsuit!

Now the fun really began, I had to get myself out of the wetsuit...Oh my don't panic I think, the zipper you got up all on your own, was now stuck! How will you get out of this thing...and now you are getting hot. Thank God after keeping calm I was able to get the zipper down and then it came off. Oh how much I don't love wetsuits!

Random Thought #4
Okay, I had to share this picture, mostly to remind myself that even if the scale isn't moving I am still on track and doing really well. I bought this skirt at a consignment shop in Vermont. It was one of the nicest consignment shops I have ever been in and I usually don't buy skirts but while in this store they had such a large selection I had to check them out. I don't love myself in skirts because I am short and I think skirts make me look shorter and frumpy...but not this one. And if you notice the shirt I purchased to go with the skirt (Gap v-neck t-shirt) is TUCKED in!!

I can't tell you the last time I did that...I think I was in grammar school? I wore a school uniform and I had to tuck my shirt into my skirt. Other than that, I don't think there was every a time. Seeing this picture reminds me that this journey is not easy, there is still work to be done but along the way you need to stop and smell the roses! This is one of my successes...may the road be paved with more and with hard work and determination I will see them all to the finish!!

Random Thought #5
So two weeks after the Vermont City Marathon I competed in the Westfield Wave Triathlon. The triathlon took place on Sunday and it was a sprint. This was my first triathlon in three years. I had not competed in a triathlon since 2013. I had done the three disciplines separately but not all together. My training had been going well but I didn't know what to expect and I was nervous. No matter how much I trained the bike portion is still my weakness and I could think I was ready but the road could tell me something else. I also hadn't been in a transition area in over three years; will I remember how to set up my stuff...will I take too much time in there?

And to make matters worse I was traveling to Massachusetts after a work road trip so that meant I had to have everything packed and ready to go by Tuesday evening!! Will I forget anything...do I have everything I need...did I remember my bike shoes? Oh the added stress!

Then I received an email Friday evening. The swim portion of the race was "swim at your own risk". The water was contaminated and even though they would offer the swim, it was swim at your own risk. If you decided not to swim it would become a duathlon and you could run bike run. I couldn't decide what was I going to do...I love the swim but I didn't want to chance it. I know what I will do I will post the question on Facebook and see what my friends say...well that didn't take long...not one yes to the question "swim or not"...It was unanimous I wasn't going to swim.

So we started with the run, then the bike and then the run again. Total distances were .4 mile run; 13 mile bike and 3 mile run. I had a great day. The starting run was a great way to loosen up and even though I still needed to change my shoes in transition I was out of there in no time. I was on the bike and those climbs, no matter how steep or long, they are my weakness...must keep working on those. I did the ride in under 55 minutes and transitioned right into the run. I felt great. I finished that triathlon really happy with how I did and ended up 5th in my age group! I look forward to my next one!

My official finish time was 1:29:31
Run 1: 2:58
Transition 1(T1): 50 seconds
Bike: 53:27
T2: 1:18
Run 2: 30:55

I guess I had a lot of random thoughts tonight...now I am tired. However, all of these things remind me why I started this journey and why I am continuing it! These last two weeks have shown me there is more to having that scale move (even though I really want it to). I have other ways of measuring my victories!!



PS: As some of you may know I consider myself a chocolate mild connoisseur and I am very particular about my chocolate milk. I love some right after an endurance race or a really hard workout...if offers you everything you need to rebuild your body. My personal favorite brand is Byrne Dairy but after the triathlon in Massachusetts, they served Hood (a staple of the Bay State). Although it was not Byrne Dairy...it was pretty good!!

Marathon #2...Finally!

"Where is that damn finish line" were the thoughts going through my head as I was finishing up the last mile of the marathon. I could hear the announcer and the bike path in the park along the beautiful Lake Champlain was starting to be more dense with people cheering you on but I couldn't see the finish sign. The path twisted and turned and I finally saw it...I finished in 5:40:39. However, this isn't where the story begins.

For a few weeks I was watching the weather. Like all runners preparing for a race, we become obsessed with the weather will it be hot, cold, dry or wet? However, on the day of the race other runners and I laughed at the fact that it can change every minute not just every day and it is out of our control. For days the weather was predicting to be an overcast day, high in the 60s and a chance of rain later in the day. Sounds like a perfect run day! As we got closer to start time that all changed...there was a 10% chance of rain (there was no rain), sunny (no clouds) and in the high 70s. This made it tough...not the hottest day for a marathon but after a cold winter and spring it was tough for the first hot run.

I followed my coaches race day schedule; easy workouts a few days before the race, pancakes for breakfast the day before and the alarm set for 4 AM, three hours before start time. I was lucky that the last two nights prior to the race, I slept really well. I felt good physically and I was ready...emotionally I was getting nervous.

This was not my first marathon, it was actually my second. My first was done in October of 2005. I had joined Team In Training with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and trained for the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco. The race on Sunday was almost 12 years in the making. I often referred to that marathon in San Francisco as my "first" marathon because I knew someday I would do a second. I just needed to find the right time to dot it and I was ready! My first marathon time was 6:04:14 and I wanted to beat that.

I thought about running with the 5:30 pace group and was actually standing near them at the start line but decided against it. I didn't want the anxiety of having to stay with the pace group so I walked away from them. I learned my lesson from my half in Rochester. I tried so hard to stay with the pace group there and it didn't go well. I did end up PRing that race but felt like I went out way too fast. I am happy with my decision because when the race started I watched the group leave and they seemed to go out way too quickly. I lost sight of them but based on my time in the first 10 miles I should have been with them or ahead of them. I did catch the group around mile 13 and stayed with them for about 5 miles. I lost the group again at mile 18 but I know that I passed a number of runners who started with the pace group. I ended up finishing the race 10 minutes slower than I wanted to but I was happy. I did PR the race by 24 minutes and looking at my times per mile I kept a consistent pace until the last six miles. I held less than a 13 minute mile the entire course...the longest mile was 12:55 and that was at the end. By that point, it was hot and I needed to slow down. I felt myself getting a bit nauseous and delirious. And when I saw that finish line I was so happy!

This was a great race, well run and tons of great support on the course. The uneven terrain and heat not so great but somethings are out of your control. I can now  say I have done two marathons and that my first marathon was officially my first and not just my only!! And of course every good race you need some bling and some chocolate milk. The winner of the Indianapolis 500 drinks cold milk, this marathoner, LOVES her chocolate milk!! Thank you Byrne Dairy, I brought you with me to Vermont!

So, what got me through this? It wasn't just my determination. Yes, I am the one that covered the miles not only on Sunday but also during my training but I wasn't alone. In one of the pockets of my fuel belt I carried certain people and messages with me. I knew at points I would need these people to help me dig down deep to make it to the finish line. 

Just one month ago my friend and first coach Brendan Jackson was called home to Heaven. He was a man who touched so many people's lives and encouraged so many to the finish line. He coached me through my first marathon in 2005 and I know I wouldn't have done it without him. And even after I finished that marathon for 12 years he continued to encourage me to so many finish lines. I carried his picture with me, and of course in the picture he was encouraging me up a hill. I thought of him so often during this race and especially on the hill climb from HELL on Battery Street. It was a mile climb that felt like it would never end. I ran the whole thing (pretty proud of that) and I heard his voice in my head..."this is not a hill Mo D...You got this"!! I miss you Brendan!!

The day before this marathon it was the 7th anniversary of my Mom's death. Many people would describe her as a sweet and kind woman, and that she was, but man was she tough, in a good way. She is always with me but I knew I would need her strength during this race. Thank you Mom!

I also carried a note with that my friend Cheryl gave me in 2012 when I was getting ready to complete my first Half Ironman..."You are stronger than you think!" She advised me to write that note on my arm during that race and to read it when I thought I couldn't go on. This message is so true. Just when you think I can't go on, you dig down deep and you find a way. I carry this message with me in this fuel belt during every training and every  race and Cheryl's message means so much to me. We often say it to each other, instead of saying "suck it up and get it done" we say "You are stronger than you think!" Thank you

I also carried the final time I wanted to beat during this race. I wanted to beat the time I set during my first marathon (done)! I also added my friend Rhonda's name, since I told her I would run for her. She is dealing with a frustrating injury and being sidelined is not easy for her. Meg and Jen I wrote your names down too. You are both going through a lot right now and know that you are not alone. Your continued support of me means so much and I hope you know that I am there for you too.

Finally my current Coach Kristen Roe, thank you for helping me to the finish line! You have been encouraging and a cheerleader before we even worked together. Thank you for being as excited for me as I have been as I have run through my goals (pun intended). And thank you for talking me off the edge as I got closer to race day! I greatly appreciate all of your support and friendship.

I wish I could thank everyone by name, my dad, brothers and sister and all my friends. I did not do this race by myself you were all there pushing me along. Now back to my opening line, "Where is that damn finish line?" I did find it and I kicked it up a notch until I crossed it. The support through that final .2 was unbelievable! The crowds were incredible. Once again I am a marathoner but this story is not over...there are more goals to set and more to achieve!

My Favorite!!

A promise is a promise

Years back, when I first started this blog and every time in between, I always promised that I would write about the good, the bad and the ugly. The last few blogs I have shared with you my running accomplishments and my weight loss. I have also shared with you the Bariatric Weight Loss surgery is a tool not the fix.

Yesterday I read an article about the weight loss process post surgery, written by a surgeon. He said that within the first year is like the honeymoon, it comes off quickly and with not much effort. He went on to explained that things will start to slow down and that is when the work will really begin.

I am presently in this time frame. Things are starting to slow down, the work needs to begin and I have to be careful that old habits don't show their ugly heads. What sort of old habits, you ask? The eating for no reason; the taking a bite of this or a taste of that; finding yourself mindlessly eating. Is it stress eating? Am I tired?

Some may say that I am in a good place...the place that I am aware that this stuff is happening and I can do something about it. However, the place that I am in right now is terrified! I don't want to go back and I want to keep moving forward.

Monday and Tuesday my workouts were half a$$. I went through the motions but didn't feel like I accomplished anything. Add that to the mindless evening eating and obviously I am feeling great about myself right now (insert sarcasm). Today was a better day, I attacked my morning bike workout and so far I haven't eaten anything other than what I planned. Each day is a new battle. Each day I have to face the hard work.

The next 18 days are very important and will be very challenging. I will be wrapping up my training before I face my marathon in Vermont. Also, work will be very busy and I have to make sure I am putting myself and my priorities first. This is not the time to go backwards.

Continuing in the new journey...stay tuned!

Another Half...Another PR?

I dedicate this entry to a dear friend who we lost yesterday, Brendan Jackson. Twelve years ago this month I was introduced to Brendan, as my coach. He coached me through my first marathon and through so many other races. Not only was he my first endurance coach, he became a wonderful friend. Brendan touched so many people's lives and he shared his love of running and triathlons with so many. He helped build such a strong endurance sport community in Central New York. He was always there with an encouraging word and even when you didn't believe in yourself, he believed in you. Although I am filled with such sadness now, your memory, will always bring a smile to my face. I will learn from you and share my love for these sports as you did with me. 

Be The Change You Wish to See in the World --Gandhi 

This past Sunday I completed my 12^th half marathon, The Flower City Half in Rochester, NY. My first half marathon was in 2005 and twelve years later I completed my 12^th. Some years I did multiple races and other years I did none. This was also my third half marathon since my bariatric weight loss surgery 9 months ago; there is no time for sitting on the couch now!

This was my third time running this race and it holds a special place in my heart. It is a beautiful course that goes through many neighborhoods throughout Rochester. It is a well supported and well organized event too. 

The first time I ran the race was April 25, 2010. It was almost two years after I had ankle surgery and I needed motivation to get off the couch. This particular surgery not only had me sidelined from running but as a result of not running I put on weight, became a bit depressed and become comfortable not moving. I was cleared to start running a year before this race but I couldn’t get back in the swing of things. In January of 2010 a group of friends made the suggestion that we should all sign up for this race and do it together. I saw this as my motivation to get back in the swing of things. 

Slowly I started to train, excited to be doing it again and looking forward to race day. However, as race day approached many members of this group backed out of the race for one reason or another. I could have backed out too but decided that this race was my ticket off the couch.

The time limit for this race was 3 hours and 30 minutes. You have 210 minutes to complete the 13.1 miles or you would be directed off the course. This wasn’t my first half marathon, so I knew I could cover the miles, but it was my first in some time and I was nervous. The gun went off and I was running. Very quickly the pack got away from me and I was running by myself. I remember at one point during the race, before the third mile marker when you can look down one side street and see the start line, I thought I could take a right, head back to my car and no one would know. I didn’t let that happen because I would know. 

Very slowly the miles passed by as we made our way through Rochester. As I crossed the last bridge of the race, I had one mile to go and a police escort joined me. I was the last person on the course and little time to officially finish the race. One of the police officers put on his lights and siren on to encourage me to finish. They were not annoyed that I was last; they encouraged me because I hadn’t given up. The police officers were cheering me on! As the finish line approached the seconds ticked away but I crossed that finish line with 3 minutes and 33 seconds to spare! I was official! That race brought me back; I was a runner once again with a time of 3:26:27.

Two years later I did the race again, a bit faster and stronger as a runner. I wanted to go back and show that course that I was better and stronger. On April 29, 2012 I crossed the finish line in 2:55:32. In 2012 that finish line had a different feeling. I wasn’t the fastest person on the course but I wasn’t last either and the race continued to have a special place in my heart.

I often talk this race up to people. When individuals are thinking about doing the race I encourage them to make it happen. However, for five years I took a little hiatus from the course in order to pursue other races or I let life get in my way. I wasn’t going to let that happen this year. I marked it on the calendar before the end of 2016 and I was going back to Rochester.

Just coming off my PR half marathon last month at the Syracuse Half Marathon, I didn’t know what to expect. My coach had asked me if I was ready.  I told her that I had mixed feelings about the race. I was a bit nervous because I didn’t want to get my hopes up after having such a great run in Syracuse. I was hoping to repeat or even do better but I didn’t want to hit the wall. I told her that I was ready training wise but emotionally, my mind was playing tricks on me. 

As I checked the weather during the week, things were not looking that great for race day. But of course like most weather reports in upstate NY and the Northeast, things could change every day, even every minute. On race day the temperature was going to be in the lower 50s, not too bad, and the rain was supposed to hold off until at least 9 am…and no chance of thunderstorms. Well…

I walked to the start line with a friend of mine and was thrilled that we were able to run together for at least 6 miles (before she took off on meJ and I was ok with that). My plan was to try and stay with the 2:30 pace group for the 13.1 miles. What kind of runner had I become that I was even having these thoughts? Years ago, even a month ago I wouldn’t have even thought about staying with a pace group but something had come over me. 

Before we hit mile 3 the rain started. It wasn’t a pounding rain but with the wind it made it cold (I was still with the 2:30 pace group). By mile 6, which was a one mile uphill climb to seven started, the rain had stopped (I was still with the 2:30 pace group). As I approached mile 9 there was thunder and lightning but we continued (I lost the 2:30 pace group). By mile 12 nothing was dry, the rain pelted you and your sneakers felt 10 pounds heavier but I continued. One mile to go, how would this story end…my time at the Syracuse Half Marathon, a PR, was 2:34:26. Having lost the pace group by this point I didn’t know if I was on track to PR or not. I just kept running toward the finish line. In and out of puddles I continued until I crossed and the clock read 2:35:30 (gun time). What did this mean for me…

Official Time

2:33:26

Pace 11:43

I PR'd by 59 seconds

The Flower City Half Marathon in Rochester, NY is one of my favorites! I encourage everyone to run this one!

Keep Running!