Roni's Weigh » marathon http://ronisweigh.com One Mom's Journey from Fat to Skinny to Healthy. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:17:01 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Marathon Training Schedule Starts Monday! http://ronisweigh.com/2010/07/marathon-training-schedule.html http://ronisweigh.com/2010/07/marathon-training-schedule.html#comments Fri, 30 Jul 2010 02:52:03 +0000 roni http://ronisweigh.com/?p=6111 I always feel like I have to start these kinds of posts with a bit of a history lesson. I know if I saw some running lunatic post a training schedule like this I’d assume there were always an athlete. At least naturally active and would never suspect they had body [...]]]> .oddRow { background-color:#d6e3f7; }

I always feel like I have to start these kinds of posts with a bit of a history lesson. I know if I saw some running lunatic post a training schedule like this I’d assume there were always an athlete. At least naturally active and would never suspect they had body image issues or have ever wanted or needed to lose weight. So for long time readers please skip over this link history. New readers… just know if you asked me 2 years ago if I would ever run or want to run a marathon I’d say maybe, 5 years ago I’d say you were crazy and 10 years ago I’d say you were freakin’ lunatic for even asking such a ridiculous question.

After getting some wonderful feedback when I posted about registering for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon I edited my initial training thoughts. This is what I came up with. I’m not going to lie.. I’m scared to death! But I’m also looking forward to it. It’s not about losing/maintaining weight or getting to a specific size it’s about seeing what my body is capable of. For the first time in my life I actually feel like an athlete and that’s a complete head trip for me. It’s unbelievable, yet here I am posting this.

  Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
08/02 to
08/08		 Rest 3 mi +WT 3 mi +WT Rest 5k Rest 6 mi
√ √ pic √ pic √ √ pic √ √ recap
08/09 to
08/15		 Rest 3 mi +WT 3 mi +WT Rest 3 mi Rest 7 mi
√ sick :( sick :( sick :( sick :( √ √ run/walk
08/16 to
08/22		 Rest 3 mi 4 mi Rest 5 mi Rest 5 mi
√ √ 5mi! √ pic   √ pic   √ pic
08/23 to
08/29		 Rest 3 mi +WT 3 mi +WT Rest 5 mi *5k 9 mi
√ √ pic √ pic   √ pic Rested Did 8
08/30 to
09/05		 Rest 3 mi +WT 3 mi +WT Rest 5 mi BC 10 mi
√ √ pic √ pic √      
09/06 to
09/12		 Rest 3 mi +WT 6 mi +WT Rest 5 mi BC 7 mi
             
09/13 to
09/19		 Rest 3 mi +WT 3 mi +WT Rest 6 mi BC *HALF
             
09/20 to
09/26		 Rest 3 mi +WT 6 mi + WT Rest 6 mi BC 12 mi
             
09/27 to
10/03		 Rest 3 mi +WT 6 mi + WT Rest 7 mi BC 10 mi
             
10/04 to
10/10		 Rest 3 mi +WT 6 mi + WT Rest 7 mi *5K 15 mi
             
10/11 to
10/17		 Rest 3 mi +WT 6 mi + WT Rest 8 mi BC 16 mi
             
10/18 to
10/24		 Rest 3 mi +WT 6 mi + WT Rest 8 mi BC 12 mi
             
10/25 to
10/31		 Rest 3 mi +WT 6 mi + WT Rest 9 mi BC 18 mi
             
11/01 to
11/07		 Rest 3 mi +WT 6 mi + WT Rest 9 mi BC 14 mi
             
11/08 to
11/14		 Rest 3 mi +WT 6 mi + WT Rest 10 mi BC 20 mi
             
11/15 to
11/21		 Rest 3 mi +WT 6 mi + WT Rest 8 mi BC *PHL 1/2
             
11/22 to
11/28		 Rest 3 mi +WT 6 mi + WT Rest 6 mi BC 8 mi
      turkey      
11/29 to
12/5		 Rest 3 mi +WT 3 mi 2 mi Rest Rest ROCK
n ROLL
           
  • mi = Miles
  • WT = Weight Training
  • BC = Boot Camp Class
  • All *bolded items are events I’m running. Details can be found on my 2010 Running Goals page
  • Note: Will be making an effort to go to 1 yoga class a week as my schedule allows. I will add them in when I do as well as adding check marks for completed workouts.

Let the running begin! :~)

Unless you are reading this on Roni's Weigh or your RSS reader, it is stolen content!

]]> http://ronisweigh.com/2010/07/marathon-training-schedule.html/feed 17 I’m Going to ROCK those 26 miles! http://ronisweigh.com/2010/06/im-going-to-rock-those-26-miles.html http://ronisweigh.com/2010/06/im-going-to-rock-those-26-miles.html#comments Tue, 29 Jun 2010 19:39:05 +0000 roni http://ronisweigh.com/?p=5891

Ok, so Monday I took a leap. A BIG, Looooong, 26.2 mile leap and registered for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon. I’ve been toying with the idea every since my friend MizFit announced that she would be running her second half AND renewing her vows in Vegas this December. Both of [...]]]>

Ok, so Monday I took a leap. A BIG, Looooong, 26.2 mile leap and registered for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon. I’ve been toying with the idea every since my friend MizFit announced that she would be running her second half AND renewing her vows in Vegas this December. Both of which I think are amazingly AWESOME. Are you reading this husband? huh? HUH? <– I’ve been bugging him to renew for our 10 year anniversary next year. I think it would be fun. Anyway…

If you’ve been reading for some time you may have experienced my first marathon with me last year. It was amazing. I still cry when I glance at the pictures or read the recap. If you asked last year would ever run another one I think I would have said no. Actually I might have even uttered the words "I will never run again" after finishing. It was hard. Very hard.

Alas, here I am 9 months later having fun attempting to complete a running event for each month this year. My goal is doing exactly what I wanted it to do. It’s keeping running fun. I love running events and get very emotional at them. There’s just something about a large group of people from all walks of life setting out to achieve a goal together. It’s about getting across that finish line. Sure some people need to win but not me, I just want to finish. My competition is against myself not the other runners. To me, we are all teammates.

I had quite a year in 2009. My house was on the market. I started a new job. We were living in temporary housing. My Dad passed away. It was a tough. In some ways I think the marathon kept me sane although training simply fell apart. I set out to prove to myself I could do anything and thats what I did. I crossed the finish line.

This year I have a different goal. This year I want to really ROCK the marathon. I want to see what I’m capable of doing physically if I actually train. I’m in a completely different situation then last year. We have successfully sold our house and moved into the new one. I’m resigning from that new job to work for myself. My Little Guy will be starting kindergarten. Yikes! I’m not saying a catastrophe couldn’t happen but I’m not taking on any major life stressors this year. I’m focusing on my family, my business and my training and that prospect puts a smile on my face. THIS is what I want to be doing and this is how I’m going to do it…

  Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
08/02 – 08/08 Rest 3 mi 3 mi + WT Rest WT BC 6 mi
08/09 – 08/15 Rest 3 mi 3 mi + WT Rest WT BC 7 mi
08/16 – 08/22 Rest 4 mi 3 mi + WT Rest WT BC 5 mi
08/23 – 08/29 Rest 4 mi 3 mi + WT Rest WT *5k 9 mi
08/30 – 09/05 Rest 5 mi 3 mi + WT Rest WT BC 10 mi
09/06 – 09/12 Rest 5 mi 3 mi + WT Rest WT BC 7 mi
09/13 – 09/19 Rest 6 mi 3 mi + WT Rest WT BC *HALF
09/20 – 09/26 Rest 6 mi 3 mi + WT Rest WT BC 12 mi
09/27 – 10/03 Rest 7 mi 3 mi + WT Rest WT BC 10 mi
10/04 – 10/10 Rest 7 mi 3 mi + WT Rest WT *5K 15 mi
10/11 – 10/17 Rest 8 mi 3 mi + WT Rest WT BC 16 mi
10/18 – 10/24 Rest 8 mi 3 mi + WT Rest WT BC 12 mi
10/25 – 10/31 Rest 9 mi 3 mi + WT Rest WT BC 18 mi
11/01 – 11/07 Rest 9 mi 3 mi + WT Rest WT BC 14 mi
11/08 – 11/14 Rest 10 mi 3 mi + WT Rest WT BC 20 mi
11/15 – 11/21 Rest 8 mi 3 mi + WT Rest WT BC *PHL 1/2
11/22 – 11/28 Rest 6 mi 3 mi + WT Rest WT BC 8 mi
11/29 – 12/5 Rest 4 mi 3 mi 2 mi Rest Rest ROCK
n ROLL
  • Rest = Ummm, REST – I’m gonna need it!
  • mi = Miles
  • WT = Weight Training
  • 3 mi + WT = I’m going to run 3 miles, focusing on speed, possible sprints and then do weights.
  • BC = Boot Camp Class
  • All *bolded items are events I’m running. Details can be found on my 2010 Running Goals page
  • Note: May take yoga classes when needed.

I based the schedule loosely on Hal Higdon’s Novice 1 Schedule. However I’m doing one less run a week and replacing it with weight training mostly because I like it. Running is fun but it does get old for me. I want to mix it up a bit.

There you have it. Am I crazy or what? Part of me gets REAL excited when I think about December and the other half of me is terrified. Either way I will ROCK those 26 miles and end 2010 with a bang. If I actually pull this off I would have run 11 events in 12 months. 1 full marathon, 3 halves, 1- 7 miler, 1- 6k and 5- 5ks. Seriously… WHO.AM.I??

Unless you are reading this on Roni's Weigh or your RSS reader, it is stolen content!

]]> http://ronisweigh.com/2010/06/im-going-to-rock-those-26-miles.html/feed 53 I’m a Marathoner! http://ronisweigh.com/2009/10/im-a-marathoner.html http://ronisweigh.com/2009/10/im-a-marathoner.html#comments Sun, 11 Oct 2009 03:26:12 +0000 roni http://ronisweigh.com/?p=4061 ME?!? I can’t believe it. I did it! It was hard. It was wonderful. It was tortuous. It was emotional. It was crampy. It was freakin’ FANTASTIC.

NOT because I had the best time or the fastest run but because I did it. I did the best I could. I set a goal and [...]]]> ME?!? I can’t believe it. I did it! It was hard. It was wonderful. It was tortuous. It was emotional. It was crampy. It was freakin’ FANTASTIC.

NOT because I had the best time or the fastest run but because I did it. I did the best I could. I set a goal and I achieved it. Was I perfect? Nope. Just look at my training schedule that fell apart. Geesh I only ran 4 times in the last month!

BUT…

I didn’t use my new job, or moving or the death of my Dad as an excuse. I could have, believe me, I thought about it. But that’s what "Old Roni" would have done. You know, the "Oh, I had a piece of cake, might as well give up on eating healthy" mentality. Yeah that was "Old Roni". "New Roni" knows there is no such thing as perfection. There are just goals, choices and experiences.

  • Goal: Run a marathon
  • Choices: Set a training schedule. Did what I could when I could.
  • Experience: I ran a FREAKIN’ MARATHON!!!

Sorry I didn’t mean to get all preachy there. You know me, I’m always over analyzing. ;) Let me get to this Marathon! I did tweet the entire race. So I have a great pictorial journal. I’m gonna post some of those in order and mix in a few other memories in between. :)

Here’s the little guy and I walking from the parking lot. We got there, parked and enough time for a nice stroll to the start.

My and little guy walking to starting line

It’s a little blurry but here I am at the starting line.

Me at the starting line!

This is when I realized my Nike+ was not working. I was, of course pissed, but hey, what am I gonna do? I had a marathon to run! So I put on the music and set off!

A few seconds in I saw the family and they snapped this great shot.

Me starting to run

The first 5 miles I was feeling pretty good. It was all uphill and my time was spot on.

First 5 miles

Mile 8 and still feeling great! :)

mile 8

Around mile 11.5 I took a pee break. ;~P

pee break

Between 8 and 12 a few things happened. My iPod went wacky. First the Nike+ and then the iPod. All my gadgets totally failed me. lol

I also took a short walk break around 10 and saw the jump roper. Yes, you heard me, the jump rope marathoner. He was on 9 when I was on 12, I think. I love the people who do crazy stuff during races. They make it so much FUN!

Soon I saw this…

half way! 13.1 miles

HALF WAY WHOOO HOO! and time to see the family. I knew they would be around somewhere and they were…

greeting the family hald way thru the marathon

My Step Father snapped that. I gave everyone a big hug and a kiss. A few steps later I saw my friend and her Fiance. It was AWESOME to have so much support (not to mention you guys) :)

Around mile 15.5 I was starting to get REALLY crampy. I stopped a few times to stretch and snapped a few photos. I was in a very familiar part of the city and it was a nice, relatively flat part of the run.

Mile 17 my legs were failing. That’s really what I mean when I say crampy. To be honest I felt fantastic. I had loads of energy. I was hydrated. I was loving it (even without the music) but my legs were just not prepared for the distance. I mean I knew this was going to happen. I really wasn’t physically prepared for the milage. This is when I wished I did have more time to train.

Then I saw a women walking backwards after a water stop and I thought that was genius! It gave my hamstrings a much needed rest while still making forward progression. Well.. backward progression… well.. I mean progression. ;~P Anyway that’s when I snapped this…

backwards walking

Around mile 18 I saw this and I just had to say.. DUH?!?

duh

Mile 19 I was feeling good. My legs were shot but I was ecstatic as I approached the last quarter of the run.

Mile 19

Here’s my time at 20.

mile 20

At this point I knew most of the big hills were behind me so I was feeling really good even though my legs were NOT liking me at all. I don’t think I’ve ever been as sore during a run as I was the last 6 miles of this race.

The next 5 miles were pretty much hell. I trotted when I could then walked stretched and tried to trot again. I found energy in cheering others on and getting cheered on. Let me tell you if you EVER run in a race, ANY race. Wear you name on your shirt. People are AMAZINGLY supportive. People I didn’t know cheering me on with encouraging words made a HUGE difference. I would get motivated and give a few encouraging words to those around me that were also struggling. This is when I started to get emotional. And let me tell you holding back tears while running your 22-24 mile is not fun. It was the only time I felt out of breath. So I had to hold it back.

Then I saw this..

Mile 25

OMG the LAST mile. All of a sudden I wasn’t emotional. I was in a state of shock. I was going to do this. I was REALLY going to do this!

That whole last mile I ran. Well I "trotted" not stopping to walk once. Then I saw my friend again and she gave me a TOTALY boost. Then I saw the family…

The finish!

…and I was ecstatic. I almost broke down again and the family had to remind me to keep running to the finish line.

To be honest, crossing the actual finish was a little anticlimactic. Maybe I was a little late but no one seemed to be cheering and since I already passed my family and friends I sort of just crossed alone and then tried to find them. But not without grabbing my medal and asking someone to snap a quick photo…

Afterwards I hooked back up with the family all I wanted to do was sit. So sit I did. :)

sitting after the marathon

Then I did quite possibly the smartest thing ever. I put on the comfy slippers I asked the husband to keep in his bag.

comfy slipper after the marathon

Besides putting your name on your shirt this is my second biggest piece of advice… bring comfy flip flops or slippers. You have no idea how many people stopped me on the way back to the car wishing they did the same.

As a celebratory meal I had to pay homage to Baltimore and choose a crab cake. Not only any crab cake but the best crab cake in Baltimore. Seriously if you are every in Baltimore you must try a Koco’s carb cake. It’s a bit pricey but totally worth it!

Koco's crab cake

All in all it was an AWESOME day. I did what I set out to do. I got to celebrate with my family. I came home and took the most awesome bubble bath ever. Even watched a cheesy horror flick with mom after putting the kids to bed. A perfect ending to a perfect day. Now I’m off to get some sleep. Tomorrow is Maize Quest day. A long standing family tradition! :)

Oh but first! Here’s my official race stats.

oh and one more thing then I’m done I SWEAR! I added this to my shirt this morning…

operation beautiful

If you haven’t seen Operational Beautiful please go check it out. A few people asked me about it on the run and I met others who wished there was a similar movement when they were kids. It’s really a powerful movement.

OK, I got to go. Good night and thank you ALL for the kind words and encouragement. You have NO idea how much they mean to me and seriously how much they helped me get across that finish line. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Unless you are reading this on Roni's Weigh or your RSS reader, it is stolen content!

]]> http://ronisweigh.com/2009/10/im-a-marathoner.html/feed 106 Marathon Mania! (history, mix, map, and twitter!) http://ronisweigh.com/2009/10/marathon-mania-history-mix-map-and-twitter.html http://ronisweigh.com/2009/10/marathon-mania-history-mix-map-and-twitter.html#comments Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:29:50 +0000 roni http://ronisweigh.com/?p=4052 Today I’m off to pick up my race pack. I can’t believe the BIG day is so close. I can’t believe I, the girl that "can’t run", will be attempting my first marathon in 2 short days.

BAH!

What do I mean "attempt"… Let me rephrase that…

I can’t believe I will [...]]]> Today I’m off to pick up my race pack. I can’t believe the BIG day is so close. I can’t believe I, the girl that "can’t run", will be attempting my first marathon in 2 short days.

BAH!

What do I mean "attempt"… Let me rephrase that…

I can’t believe I will be running my first marathon!

Before I go into any details I thought it would be fun to take a trip down memory lane. Being so new to running my entire running history is here online. Side note: another reason why I LOVE blogging. So easy to "go back in time." :)

Wow that was a trip. I ran that first 5K exactly a year and half ago and here I am writing about preparing for my first FULL marathon.

OK on to the details!

Here’s the map (click on if for the full pdf) of the run.

baltimore marathon map

I’m totally psyched to run through Baltimore. I’ve lived in the area for 9 years now and it really does feel like home. :)

I’ll be wearing this shirt…

my first marathon shirt
Custom T-Shirts

It was inspired by a commenter (I can’t find it.) Many people have told me to have your name visible so spectators can cheer you on. I have no shame so I took it literally. :)

Next, my running mix. Many of the songs I shared before but here is exactly 5 and half hours of music. I’m hoping to finish in that time! (remember some are explicit – consider yourself warned)

Notice the entire mix is in order from longest to shorted song. I though it would be fun and keep me going. I like playing mind tricks on myself. :)

Finally, twitter. I plan on tweeting through out the day and yes mid-run. I can’t promise an update every mile but I’m gonna want to take a few breaks and I know I’ll see some things I’ll want to share. So if you want to follow along follow me @RoniNoone. Oh! I’ll also be shooting the same updates to FaceBook.

This will probably be my last post until the BIG day. Wish me luck! I got to run, pick up my bib number and head to work! Have a good one!

UPDATE: Click here for the Marathon run and recap with pictures!

Unless you are reading this on Roni's Weigh or your RSS reader, it is stolen content!

]]> http://ronisweigh.com/2009/10/marathon-mania-history-mix-map-and-twitter.html/feed 52 “Now you just have to do that Twice” http://ronisweigh.com/2009/09/now-you-just-have-to-do-that-twice.html http://ronisweigh.com/2009/09/now-you-just-have-to-do-that-twice.html#comments Sun, 06 Sep 2009 03:03:41 +0000 roni http://ronisweigh.com/?p=3939 That’s what the husband says to me after returning from my morning run. It wasn’t just any morning run. It was a 13 mile morning run. Half of what I’ll be doing on October 10 for the Baltimore Marathon. Ya gotta love sarcastic husbands who say such things from the bed they haven’t gotten out [...]]]> That’s what the husband says to me after returning from my morning run. It wasn’t just any morning run. It was a 13 mile morning run. Half of what I’ll be doing on October 10 for the Baltimore Marathon. Ya gotta love sarcastic husbands who say such things from the bed they haven’t gotten out of yet after you return from moving non-stop for 2.5 hours. (side note: husband just informed me he wasn’t be sarcastic he was merely stating fact. Nice right? lmao)


Chart extracted from the Nike+

I ate gonna lie… it was HARD. This was the longest I’ve run since my first and only half marathon this spring. I should be at higher distances at this point in my training but with everything going on I’m doing what I can when I can.

Before I get into the run let me tell you about my new running partner, the Ultimate Direction Fastdraw Plus water bottle. Now I’ve never carried water on a run. I’m not sure why? I guess it’s because I started with such short distances and have been building them up?? Dunno. I just never felt like carrying anything and the thought of something around my waist or on my back kind of freaks me out.

Anyway, I inquired at the running store about options and the sales women recommended this. At first I was like, "why don’t I just carry a bottle?" but then I tried it. I love the fact that it’s attached to your hand and you still have control over your fingers. It’s really simple but super easy. I switch it from hand to hand while running every mile or so just to mix it up.

So equipped with my water I head out this morning. The first 4 miles or so was ok. I felt pretty good. I’m still getting over that weird bug I had mid week so my head was a little stuffy but running-wise I was fine.

I was running on a major route here in Baltimore County that happens to be side-walked for quite a distance and just about 5 miles in I was passing a Wal-Mart. By this time I had to pee. I SWEAR ever since having a kid my bladder just ain’t what it used to be. So I headed in and used the restroom.

I also happen to pass 2 McDonald’s on this particular stretch of run and I decided to stop at the second to fill up the water bottle. I was drinking a lot as I already felt a bit dehydrated and the sun was beating me down the entire time.

By mile 9, I was hurting. My knee was starting to ache. My abs were getting sore. And my head couldn’t stop focusing on how much further I had to go. It was about this time I started to take some short walking breaks. Then I realized I could speed walk a bit. You know, increase my stride and swing my arms.

At first I was a little disappointed with myself and then I realized something. I’m still moving! Walking is NOT quitting. I’m moving forward, I’m making progress. AND I’m enjoying it. I had fun the last few miles alternating between a speed walk and a jog. Plus who really cares how I finish 13 miles? I covered 13 miles on foot and I did it just over 2.5 hours by myself AND I felt great!

I made one more stop around mile 11 to fill up my water bottle at a Starbucks (they were super nice as I had to ask for them to do it for me) and I actually ran the last quarter mile back home.

Even after my awesome run today I am still terrified about the marathon because the husband is right. I have to do what I did twice and the thought of that totally.freaks.me.out.

Unless you are reading this on Roni's Weigh or your RSS reader, it is stolen content!

]]> http://ronisweigh.com/2009/09/now-you-just-have-to-do-that-twice.html/feed 25 Ask Roni v_28 – Intuitive Eating, Starting Points at Dinner, Eating to Gain, Losing Weigh Changes personality, Storing Baked Goods, Taking Pictures While Running http://ronisweigh.com/2009/08/ask-roni-v_28.html http://ronisweigh.com/2009/08/ask-roni-v_28.html#comments Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:12:16 +0000 roni http://ronisweigh.com/?p=3894 I took a half hour after work and answered some questions. No laughing at my new do. The husband says it’s too “spunky”. :)

Topics included in this video…

My Thoughts on Intuitive Eating and Food Journaling Starting Points At Dinner Eating to Gain? Has Losing Weight Changed Me? Storing Spaghetti Squash Storing Baked [...]]]> I took a half hour after work and answered some questions. No laughing at my new do. The husband says it’s too “spunky”. :)

Topics included in this video…

  • My Thoughts on Intuitive Eating and Food Journaling
  • Starting Points At Dinner
  • Eating to Gain?
  • Has Losing Weight Changed Me?
  • Storing Spaghetti Squash
  • Storing Baked Goods
  • Taking Pictures on a Run/Twittering through the Marathon

Warning: It’s a long one.. let it load a bit. :)

Podcast Version (Only Audio)

Related links and links that were mentioned…

Unless you are reading this on Roni's Weigh or your RSS reader, it is stolen content!

]]> http://ronisweigh.com/2009/08/ask-roni-v_28.html/feed 21 Yesterdays Run and My Latest Mix http://ronisweigh.com/2009/02/yesterdays-run-and-my-latest-mix.html http://ronisweigh.com/2009/02/yesterdays-run-and-my-latest-mix.html#comments Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:29:43 +0000 roni http://ronisweigh.com/?p=2738 It’s been FOREVER since I shared a running mix, mostly because I’ve been listening to the same stuff for so long. I created this one when I started my training and it’s still my go to. My plan was to create a new mix each month of my training but since I’m sharing January’s in [...]]]> It’s been FOREVER since I shared a running mix, mostly because I’ve been listening to the same stuff for so long. I created this one when I started my training and it’s still my go to. My plan was to create a new mix each month of my training but since I’m sharing January’s in February, expect February’s in March. :)

This is a short one, just over 30 minutes. Perfect for me now but I’m going to have to do longer mixes as I start to increase my distances. As always, be warned some songs are explicit. If you click on any song it will launch iTunes. If you click on the image above it will take you to the entire mix.

Total Running Time: 32.3 minutes

As for my run yesterday. It was fantastic! I’m glad I went easy on my knee the last week. There was a little discomfort there around the second mile but it actually went away. I did get new shoes too! So many of you gave me great recommendations but I went with the same pair I had before (Asics Women’s GT-2140). They served me well and I like the way they feel.

So here’s the run. I’m settling into 3-4 miles nicely but I have to admit, thinking about my training and the upcoming 1/2 and full marathons this year SCARES THE CRAP OUT OF ME! I’ve already had a few "What was I thinking" moments. BUT I’m going to keep trucking along. I know I can do this, I just know I can. It doesn’t matter if I have to WALK across the finish line come October I will check marathon off the goal list. *grinishly smiling* just thinking about the feeling I know i’m going to have, makes me smile. :)

My run chart
Chart taken from the Nike+

Unless you are reading this on Roni's Weigh or your RSS reader, it is stolen content!

]]> http://ronisweigh.com/2009/02/yesterdays-run-and-my-latest-mix.html/feed 18 This Coffee Bean Has Registered! http://ronisweigh.com/2008/12/this-coffee-bean-has-registered.html http://ronisweigh.com/2008/12/this-coffee-bean-has-registered.html#comments Wed, 17 Dec 2008 03:47:14 +0000 roni http://ronisweigh.com/?p=2202 HOLY COW! I did it.. I freakin’ did it. I have 10 little short months to prepare for… ya ready…

The Baltimore Marathon!

That’s right, I registered. It’s official. I decided the earlier I signed up to more real it will be. I need it to be real. I WANT it to be [...]]]> HOLY COW! I did it.. I freakin’ did it. I have 10 little short months to prepare for… ya ready…

Batlimore MarathonThe Baltimore Marathon!

That’s right, I registered. It’s official. I decided the earlier I signed up to more real it will be. I need it to be real. I WANT it to be real.

I also signed up for the Zooma half marathon in May. Ummmm Just for practice! LOL

So my plan is to relax a bit through the holiday season and then hit the pavement to start my training in January. Honestly, I can’t wait. I need the goal. I thrive on goals and I’m looking forward to accomplishing these two!

Other then that… nothing much has been going on. I feel much better after my weekend of Doritos. :) I did FINALLY record a podcast today, so I hope to get that published soon.

Now you may be wondering where the "Coffee Bean" titles comes into play. Let me share my food journal and then a story Louis passed on that I LOVE!

Food Units
pumpkin smoothie recipe to come – see pic 3
large double bowl of lentil soup 4
grilled chicken on a whole wheat muffin with a bed a baby spinach, tomatoes and honey mustard… side of carrot sticks 5
out for chinese with the family.. shared some chicken and broccoli, brown rice and low mein – estimate 8
over indulged a bit on my plum sweets… love them! 4
grapes 1
Total: 25

Table provided by Roni’s Food Tweet, Eat, Post Generator.

Are you a carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up, She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, ‘Tell me what you see.’

‘Carrots, eggs, and coffee,’ she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, ‘What does it mean, mother?’

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

‘Which are you?’ she asked her daughter. ‘When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Ask Yourself:

Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity?

Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Author Unknown



Unless you are reading this on Roni's Weigh or your RSS reader, it is stolen content!

]]> http://ronisweigh.com/2008/12/this-coffee-bean-has-registered.html/feed 28 Brain Fried – Random Thoughts – Relay Photo http://ronisweigh.com/2008/10/brain-fried-random-thoughts-relay-photo.html http://ronisweigh.com/2008/10/brain-fried-random-thoughts-relay-photo.html#comments Tue, 21 Oct 2008 03:36:35 +0000 roni http://ronisweigh.com/?p=1625 I’m working too late, again. I really need to get into some sort of schedule. I have this crazy project hanging over my head. I just can’t figure it out and I’m fried (Anyone know infopath and building forms with xsd’s REALLY well? LOL) So excuse my random thoughts post as this is all my [...]]]> I’m working too late, again. I really need to get into some sort of schedule. I have this crazy project hanging over my head. I just can’t figure it out and I’m fried (Anyone know infopath and building forms with xsd’s REALLY well? LOL) So excuse my random thoughts post as this is all my brain can handle at the moment. :~)

  • I did workout today, just didn’t tweat it for some reason. It was awesome, at my new gym with a new trainer. I’m totally taking advantage of my free sessions.
  • I’m feeling TONS better since Saturday. I’m eating great, I feel great and your comments sure gave me a HUGE boost. Please know I appreciate all the kind words, more then you will ever know.
  • I didn’t know but apparently they take professional photos during marathons. I was made aware when proofs were sent to me via email this morning! Here’s my favorite. Only because both my feet are off the ground! (ok, an because my ponytail is swinging LOL)

Roni in relay

Other then that… the toddler is feeling much better, my insurance issue is over (or I should say I’m not devoting any more energy to it), and right now I’m actually falling asleep at my computer while watching How it’s Made on the Science Channel *cough-qeek-cough*. I should really go to bed. :~) Here’s the food journal today.


Food Units
grapenuts, 1/2 banana and soy milk 5
Roasted Veggie Soup with Black Beans and Bulgur with some carrots and bean dip in the side 5
yogurt 2
salisbury steak, noodles and asparagus 7
handful of peanuts split with the toddler 2
soy crisps and salsa with a laughing cow wedge 6
Total: 27

Table provided by Roni’s Food Tweet, Eat, Post Generator.

Unless you are reading this on Roni's Weigh or your RSS reader, it is stolen content!

]]> http://ronisweigh.com/2008/10/brain-fried-random-thoughts-relay-photo.html/feed 18 6 miles down…. 20 to go!?! http://ronisweigh.com/2008/10/6-miles-down-20-to-go.html http://ronisweigh.com/2008/10/6-miles-down-20-to-go.html#comments Sun, 12 Oct 2008 03:20:58 +0000 roni http://ronisweigh.com/?p=1518 I did it! This morning was the Baltimore Running Festival and I did my 6 mile relay. It was the longest I ever ran and I loved every minute of it!

Don’t get me wrong, about 4 miles into it I was playing mind games with myself and I started to question if I [...]]]> Roni's Baltimore Realy NumberI did it! This morning was the Baltimore Running Festival and I did my 6 mile relay. It was the longest I ever ran and I loved every minute of it!

Don’t get me wrong, about 4 miles into it I was playing mind games with myself and I started to question if I could do it. But then I’d see a family on the side of the road cheering on their mom or a couple on their stoop watching the race and I’d smile. It didn’t matter that the signs weren’t for me I was there, running, part of it, part of the event and that felt AMAZING. Addictive even.

Ready for the recap?

10 minutes before the race I need to find a bathroom. I do a nice warm-up jog around Camden Yards looking for port-a-potty that didn’t have a line around the block.

Mission successful. :~)

Jog bag to the starting line.

Run in to a friend, somehow in the middle of 17,500 people.

The Race Starts. I walk for a bit (there’s just too many people) and then we are off!

I feel good, got the iPod on, running in the city with thousands of people, gorgeous day, who could ask for anything more? *que Elle* "Who could ask for anything more?"

Anyway, I distinctly remember crossing the 1 mile marker. There were people there decked out in Ravens gear and cheering everyone on. I had a big smile on my face.

The next 2-3 miles were pretty much all a steady incline and a blur. I have no recollection of passing the mile markers 2 or 3. I was struggling a bit, not stopping, but mentally just wondering around. Then I saw 3 young kids and their Dad on the side of the road with big signs cheering on "Mom". It made me smile and for some reason kept me going. Hitting mile market 4, I remember thinking "OK Roni, you can do this, only 2 to go!"

I was now in the down hill part of the run. I was feeling good, no cramps just a little winded and really enjoying myself at this point.

Then mile marker 5. WHOO HOOO! 1 to go! I’m SO doing this!

Out of nowhere my Nike+ says to me… "Your run has ended. You ran 5.39 miles, yada yada."

WHAT?!?! Apparently the sweat has fried my ipod. LMAO It totally crapped out. So I shut it off and shoved it in my pocket. Thankfully I was able to salvage what I did to that point.

Roni's Baltimore Marathon relay run

I approach the relay finish line and who do I see? The husband and the toddler! There they are waiting for me right at the relay exchange! The husband tried to snap a pic of me running towards him but it didn’t turn out too well. Not to mention, I look like I’m dying when actually I’m raising my hand to wave. I felt great at this point.

Roni Running

This is me crossing the check point. I high high five’d my partner and off she went! It was AWESOME!

Finishing the Relay!

I don’t have official stats as they haven’t posted them yet, but I finished right at the 60 minute mark I think. I mean the race started at 8 and when I hooked up with the husband it was 9, so that’s an hour! It was my goal, and I’m ecstatic!

The whole experience was awesome. I have to admit I’m totally considering setting my sights on a full marathon. There is just something about it. The sense of accomplishment is unbelievable. It’s you, a good pair of sneakers and the road. Your only competition is yourself. Seriously, I think running may be the most perfect sport and I’m not even an athlete!

If I decide to do it you guys are SO doing it with me! LOL We have to start a marathon movement. Yeah, it’s official, I’m adding it to my life list. GO Baltimore Marathon ’09! :~)

Right now? I’m signing off. I need SLEEP! Right after the race we had to run to New Jersey having plans with the in-laws. Tomorrow I have plans with my parents that involves a crap load of walking! It’s a crazy active weekend! I’ll fill you in tomorrow.


Unless you are reading this on Roni's Weigh or your RSS reader, it is stolen content!

]]> http://ronisweigh.com/2008/10/6-miles-down-20-to-go.html/feed 44