Pictures From the Monster Dash 2011!

I was a maid!

While Running!

Monster Dash....Halloween 2011

Sometimes it's fun just running races for fun! The monster dash was on October 29th and me, Cookie, and Brandi ran together! We started off signing up for the half marathon but ended up just doing the 5k. We really should have did the half marathon, because we trained for it and we should have just kept the challenge going! However, with it being a week before the Chocolate race we didn't want to overdue it and possibly be injured for the race on the 5th!

We got to the race very early on Saturday so we had time to relax, walk around, mingle and view all of the costumes that everyone wore! I saw everything from Bumble Bee's to walking anatomy and Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head!!! I will post pics of us soon! I was a Maid, Cookie was a Go Go Girl and Bran was a Pink Ballerina!!!

Also, My lovely cuzettes (cousins) Michelle and Tanya volunteered for the race since they aren't into running them! It was actually fun having them there and hopefully next year we can talk them into running at least one race!

Motivated for more...even though the season is coming to an end~



http://chicagomonster.org/race-day/post-race-survey

So excited...and I can not hide it!

My hubby signed up to run the Hot Chocolate Race with us! So far it's me, Cookie, Brandy, and Charles! Hopefully we can get Steve (cookies hubby), Travis (Bandy's boo) and my dad to sign up and we will get it in for real!

Anybody else want to join?!?!




~Encouraging

Chicago Half Marathon ~ September 11th, 2011

I could not sleep at all the night before the marathon. I was so anxious to see how everything would turn out on race day. My cousin had informed me to eat a lot of pasta the night before the race, because it gives you energy for the race itself. So the hubby made me some spaghetti with no meat and it was very yummy! I made sure I didn't drink any alcohol the night before so I could be physically prepared. I also laid out all of my clothes, so that in the morning it would be easy to grab everything and throw it on! In addition, I prepared everything for Christian to wear so Charles could easily get him dressed and make it down to see me cross the finish line!

On race day, I woke up around 4:45am and preceded to get showered and dressed. I wasn't too nervous, but still anxious, because I knew I wanted to kill it today! Thats what I kept in my head! So I left out, headed to pick up my cuz and we made it to the City (Chicago) in no time. The problem was, they had streets blocked off and we had to park a few blocks away. So we're thinking we're arriving early, but we still have to walk to the actual race site! We soon make it to the site of the race and check the bags and make sure our bin numbers are pinned on right. Now its time to go the bathroom before we head to the finish line! I ALWAYS HAVE TO GO!!!! If you know what I mean......"BG's"! There was not enough sternals at all, we waited, waited and waited....Finally I was able to go, Praise GOD (I was afraid of an accident)! lbvvvs :)

So now there is only like 4 or 5 minutes til race time! We are literally running to get in line to start race. Meanwhile, Brandy is calling my phone to see where I am so she could run with us. We got Brandy, now its time to get it in! We're running through the city of Chicago and manuevering through to get our pace set! So we're running and I'm feeling great! Mainly because its the same route I've been running on Saturday Mornings for training! We get to about 4 or 5 miles and we're starting to see some people already coming back finishing up! WHAT?! Talk about motivation! So I'm like cool, I got this! Hands down!

I would say around 31st Street, I got a little leary...we stopped to walk for our minute as usual, but I think the stop is what got me! I feel like I should have kept going! My thighs started locking up on me! So we got to the 10th mile, then 11th mile and now is when I'm thinking, WTH am I running for! I'm telling my cuz and Brandy to leave me, I will finish but on my time! They would not leave me, they said we are finishing together! I am so happy they stayed with me, but I sure was mad as you know what at them for making me run the rest of the way! They prayed me through the finish line, literally and we held hands as we crossed the finish line! Then we all did a group hug, like on Martin! lol....it wasn't meant to be a funny gesture, I think we all were just glad it was over. I didn't want to eat afterwards and I didn't want to ever run again or even the thought of it was like "yea ok"! I felt like I couldn't breathe and like I had been hit by a truck!

However, At the finish line was: My cuz sydney, ashley, steve, my hubby, my baby, my dad, my grandma, my auntie Doris, my cuz Tanisha and her hubby! So much support! I was so happy to see all of them come out!

My thoughts the next day: I'm ready to get back out there and finish strong next time!

~Addictive

Scared Straight!!!

After vacationing and getting settled, I started thinking about running the half marathon. A few weeks ago, I said I would never do it, but now I was actually considering it! Ha! I can't believe it myself! I knew in my head that I could not run the half by myself. I didn't doubt myself doing it, I just knew I needed a partner to run with for motivation. So, I talked to the hubby and told him that I was scared and wasn't sure if I should run it or if I was even ready. He told me that I should do it and that I was ready! So, I knew if he felt like that, I could do it!

Next, I talked to my cuz Cookie and told her how I was afraid to run the Half and I wasn't sure if my friend was going to run it with me anymore. She told me to stay focused and accomplish my own goals. Then she said the words that I wanted to hear! "I will run it with you"!!! Ok, I'm amped up now! So we both signed up and my girlfriend Brandy signed up too!

S/N: We used coupon codes and received 10 dollars off the registration fee!!! Yes, all races cost!

http://www.chicagohalfmarathon.com/


Lets Go

Support System

It really helps when you have a great support system behind you. The hubby has been a tremendous help through  this process. He changed his eating habits, he started working out with me and alone, and helped me when I needed advice on several weight loss methods and different workouts. This worked out great for me, because we both were on the same page and it created an active environment in our home.

In addition, my mom, lil sister in-law, and mother in law would babysit for me when I needed to get runs in during the week. Anytime I called any of them, they were willing to sit with Christian until I was done running. This was great, because I never had to take him out in the hot sun.


It takes a Village

Vacationing and staying on track....

Vegas:

The hubby and I went to Vegas for our friends wedding around the 1st of August! I knew that I needed to stay on track while vacationing, but there wasn't a trail near the time share we stayed in. However, there was a gym located in the hotel. They guys got up every morning and worked out in the hotel gym and so did I! When they hit the floor, I hit the floor with them. Some may call me crazy, but I didn't want to get back tracked and fall off from working out and running. Also, I didn't want to loose track of all the hard work I had done and accomplished....

Memphis:

The following weekend, the hubby and I went to Memphis for another wedding. The hotel we stayed in, gym was under construction, so we couldn't work out like we planned to. So we went to a trail instead and just ran it non-stop. Charles made me run it the whole way without stopping. I struggled, because I'm use to running and walking at the same time. Also, it was unbelievably hot that day! I could barely breathe, but I made it through! Yaaaay me!

`Stay Focused

To Weigh or not to weigh....

I absolutely hate weight myself. I feel like it's a trap and plays with your mental health! I usually just keep working out until I'm back in my old clothes. After that I usually change my workout pattern from 6 days to 3 days a week. However, I spoke with an old classmate from high school (Sakina McCoy) that is a personal trainer now and she insisted that I weigh myself!!! I gave in this morning and weighed myself.

Yaaaaaay!!! Your girl is back down under 150 pounds! Whew! I promise I thought that would NEVER happen again! I am now 146 pounds. When I started this journey in March, I was 188lbs. I will continue working out and weighing myself occasionally! Don't want to go crazy when I don't loose pounds one week! lol....

Never doubt yourself!

Who loves Chocolate????????

Let's run for Chocolate! I signed up for this race. It's in November of this year! You can run a 5K or a 15K! You all have plenty of time to sign up. Give it a try!

Note: This will be my last run for the year!


http://www.hotchocolate15k.com/chicago/


Motivate One Another....

Weekend Struggle!

This past weekend, I was able to get 2 runs in! Saturday was an early run. I believe we were out there at about 6am and the air was still cool. Kinda felt like a fall morning. Which was perfect! Seeing that Brandy and I had things to do on Saturday, we got out there early and did a quick run of 4.6 miles! Good run and then I was able to go home and take a quick nap! Lovely!

Sunday was a different story. We got out to the trail around 7:30am Sunday morning. By this time, it was already hot and humid and I was tired. Very Tired! As we started running I started feeling myself heat up, like over heating. Our initial goal was to do 7.2 miles. However, as I felt myself over heating, I told Brandy that i knew I wouldn't make it around twice. So, once we finished the trail, I went over to the water spout and Brandy pumped the water out and I poured water all over my face and body to cool off. We traded places and she did the same! It was something about that heat....So we went back on the trail and preceded to run it again. I knew I wouldn't last another 3.6 miles, so I told Brandy, that we could run to the 1 mile marker and run back, which is 2 more miles. So all in all, we ran 5.6 miles on Sunday.

My message with this, is to never over due yourself. If you feel like something is not right and you can't run, DON'T!!! I enjoy running and I don't want to just start obsessively running, then that would take the fun away.


Determined to get better!!! 

I Did it!

A couple of month back, my cuz asked me if I would be interested in doing the 10k Fleet Feet Women's Race! I was super excited and told her I would love to do it!

On July 17, 2011 I woke up at 5:15am and got ready for my first race! Nervous and excited all in one! Not sure why I was so nervous, but I had never ran 6 miles in my life! As we arrived at Montrose Harbor, my stomach began to bubble! LOL! OMG...what have I gotten myself into! So nervous, for no reason at all!

As we went to the start line, I seen women of all sizes, all races, all ages, and even pregnant women! WHAT!! Ok, I'm motivated, I can do this with noooo problem! That was what went through my mind!

We ran and ran and ran it seemed like! We talked! We didn't talk! We viewed the beautiful lake as we ran! At the half way mark (3miles), my cuz gave me her ipod! I put on some BEYONCE and didn't look back! Next thing, I know we were at the finish line! WHOOOOO HOOOO! I DID IT!

....and so can anybody else!

I'm in Pain!

Who sad running would be easy or simple?

You are going to have aches and pains! For weeks, my knees were killing me and my ankles! Did that stop me, no sir! I would rest one day and get back out there the next day! Soak in epsom salt or get a massage in the areas that hurt.....

However, most aches and pains come from bad shoes. Running shoes are a must, if you plan to run distance and in marathons or races. Fleet Feet is a good store and they even do an evaluation of the way you run to see what shoe is best for you and your feet! Pricey, but you don't want any injuries. Took me a while to get my shoes, but I had, had enough of the pain. Couldn't take it anymore, so I went and made my First purchase of running shoes, July 8th!

It hurts during the process, but the result is the BEST!!!

Let's Switch it up a bit....

Running with different people is a plus! As of now, I have 3 different running partners. Cookie, Karina, and Brandi! 

Cookie: She started me off and taught me everything I know. I enjoy running with her, because she motivates you beyond belief and challenges you at the same time! We also talk while running and it is a bit therapeutic. She's a great runner!~ 

Karina: I taught Karina how to run the intervals that I was taught. She couldn't believe I ran the whole trail, but once she got out there, she seen that she could do the same! Also, exercising for her wedding, this was a great benefit for Karina. We talked and run also. I'm proud that she gave it a try and was determined! She even got out there without me a couple of times! 

Brandi: I started running with Brandi every Saturday morning at 6:30am...Yes, 6:30! Rise and Shine! Running with Brandi was challenging for me, because she runs the trail differently. She ran the straights and walked the curbs of the trail. Or she runs until she gets tired!!! Although this was a challenge, it was very helpful for me! We talk and run as well and I enjoy running with Brandi! Its a good workout!

Who run the world? Girls! 

5 and 1....interval training

The Garmin runners watch is a good method to train with. You can set the amount of time that you want to run and walk all in one and it beeps to let you know when to run and when to start walking! It's expensive, but worth it!

The 5 and 1, consists of running for 5 minutes straight, then power walking for 1 minute. (You can do 3 and 1 or 4 and 1, it's up to what you are willing and able to do, but challenge yourself).

Breathing: Take deep breaths into your lungs as you run so that your body can get oxygen. Suck the breaths in deep then out through your mouth. As you get better at running, no one will notice that you are doing this, it will come natural.

As my cuz would say, we not out here trying to look cute, so take the deep breaths! If you feel yourself gasping for air, you are running too fast! Slow down!


Motivation!

Can we say Addicted!.......

I drove myself to Rich East High School and ran the track for the first time, one early Saturday morning and I ran a mile!!! Yes, very proud of myself, pat on the back! I went a few Saturday's after this and kept running the mile and would increase the mile a little bit at a time. 

Finally, I spoke with my cuz (Cookie) and told her that I couldn't quite get pass the mile marker. She said, lets meet up and I can show you how to run distance, without sounding like a no it all. I agreed, but was nervous all at the same time! 

We met one evening after work at Vollmer Road Trail, which is 3.6 miles. We ran how she runs and yes I struggled a little bit, but I made it through! When we made it back to the start line, you would've thought I had did the full marathon! That's just how much love my cuz showed me and I was so proud of myself! We gave high fives and everything else! lol...She was very encouraging! 

I did it! 

March Madness.....

In March of 2011 is when I had, had enough of looking at myself on pictures and not able to recognize the Chavon I once knew! Tamika and Brandon's wedding pictures did it for me....

I talked to Tamika about working out and she helped me set a workout plan and goals! She also, helped me to change my eating habits and taught me how to count calories. I was on a 1400 calorie intake per day! Whew....I thought I wouldn't make it that first week, but then I got use to it pretty quickly...

My workout plan consisted of 3 days of strength training and 2 days of cardio, followed by 1 day of yoga. I started seeing result immediately. I forced myself to get up for morning workouts @ 5:30am even if I didn't want to do so.

However, Tamika warned me and said if I wanted to run a marathon, I needed to get out and run...

Go get some!!!

Facebook...will get you in trouble!

I confirmed on facebook that I would be joining Franita in doing the Disney Marathon in 2012 and that I felt crazy for agreeing to do so! Franita insisted that Charles and I owed her and Imani a trip to Florida anyway...

Upon posting on FB, my cousin Cookie (Katherine Rouse) seen the post and got very excited to see that I was ready to join the RUNNING WORLD!!! She encouraged me and said that she would help me to train for it! She has ran many marathons and also runs every Saturday with a running group to mentor teenagers. My thoughts right now, I'M TERRIFIED!!! However, still MOTIVATED!


Go for it!

The Beginning......of a journey

This journey started on NYE in December of 2010! My girl Franita and I had a baby the same year about a month apart. I delivered in September and she delivered in October. However, afterwards she looked great and I had hips and chunkiness for days! LOL! Anywho, we were talking and she said, run and train for a marathon with me. I literally laughed out loud!!! Franita said, if you can run a mile, you can run a marathon...I still thought she was insane! I never ran a day of my life......Even though I laughed while talking to Franita, I kept this in the back of my head and used it as a challenge for myself.



You can do anything you set your mind to accomplishing!