Plan for Week 6

Hello, everyone!

We ran 6 miles at Los Gatos Creek Trail yesterday! That has to be the farthest that I have EVER ran :) The great part is that it felt amazing! The first 2 miles and the last 2 miles were the best. It was weird, I would have expected that the last couple miles would have been the most painful, but it was the middle two. I think it has something to do with the fact that I knew I was on the home stretch to the end, and I could keep my mind focused on that.

So here's my workout plan for this week:

Monday - Bodypump class (weight training)
Tuesday - 3.5 Mile run at Cisco campus
Wednesay - REST
Thursday - Bodypump (6AM) and 3.5 Mile run at Cisco campus
Friday - 4 Mile run with Running Club at YMCA
Saturday - 3 Mile run at San Tomas Trail and Bodypump (11:45am)

I am feeling stronger and stronger each week! It is great to have a goal ahead of you (for me, its the Napa to Sonoma 1/2 marathon in July) to keep you energized and motivated to continue with a program, even if you may not feel like it. I've never finished a workout, and felt like I should not have done it today if it is apart of the program I have for myself. It is always an accomplishment!

Its a beautiful day today, and I am stuck inside at work. BOO. Well, I am going to try and make the most of it and get as much as possible done while it is slow here. I ran an easy 2 miles at the gym this morning, and I think my body is still running on the endorphines because I feel energized! SO blessed that none of my muscles are hurting after my 6 miler yesterday! Yay, God!

SPIRIT CAPE!!

Hey all -

So I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I received the Spirit Cape this week for Team Challenge. You're probably thinking "What in the world is a spirit cape?".. So let me tell you...

Each week an individual from the team is chosen to receive the Spirit Cape for the week and add your own insignia to the cape with puffy paint, embroidery, etc. You are chosen to have the Spirit Cape by showing much enthusiasm and spirit, doing really well on fundraising for that particular week, or standing out in some positive way that week. I received the cape this week for having a great fundraising week last week :)

I was shocked but very excited to find out this great news. I also had a lot of fun personalizing the cape!

Tomorrow I am waking up early, early to take Bodypump in the morning (6am) then Cisco run after work at 6:15 tomorrow evening. I guess I had better get some sleep so I have the energy of my convictions tomorrow.

Have a great day tomorrow, everyone!

New Diet, Mermaid Run 5K, Health

Hey everyone!

So after what seems like countless doctor's appointments this week - I am going to have a minor surgery on May 28th. If you want to know all of the details, I surely do not mind telling you about it in person or email form, but don't want to publicize it here. Nothing too bad, but just something to prevent things from getting worse with my Crohn's in the future.

That being said, I have been recommended to purchase and read the book Breaking the Vicious Cycle
It has helped many, many people with Crohn's Disease and many other intestinal diseases live symptom free lives. I have been studying and researching the diet this book discusses, the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, for a few days now. Although it seems that it will be hard to follow at first, I definitely feel that the benefits outweigh the cost. I am thinking about starting it on Monday. GULP!
I will keep everyone updated with how this is going.

I have been doing runs in the gym this week because I have been sooo busy! The runs have been good - not too challenging though. I think that running outside is more challenging for me because its harder to stick to any one pace the entire time, and allows me to really push myself out of my comfort zone throughout the run. Hills also make outdoor runs more challenging :) I have a 5K run tomorrow morning - the Mermaid Run in Mountain View

Other than that, there really isn't too much going on thats worth writing about. Work has been busy, but great! Im learning more and more about the management side of a health and fitness department of a gym :) My lovely boyfriend is taking me out to brunch tomorrow after my race. Tomorrow evening him and I are meeting up with another couple and going DANCING in the later evening! We havent made the time to go out and do that in a while, so I'm really looking forward to it!

Alright, well time to head to the Sports Basement and pick up my race packet, goody bag and t-shirt for the race tomorrow!! Cant wait to tell you how it goes - i'll take pictures as well!

Tues/Thurs Cisco Run

Hello -

So on Tuesdays and Thursdays I have been going to Cisco Campus in San Jose/Milpitas area and join other Team Challengers for my mid-week runs.

Its been such a great time getting to know these guys and gals better, and enjoying the beauty of the trail's scenery. I have been running with Audrey the past few times and we seem to be great running buddies. We push eachother to run harder and have fun while doing it. She's awesome!

I am going to the hospital tomorrow for a catscan and doctor's appointment with my gastroenterologist (intestine specialist). I have been experiencing increased inflammation lately, and my doctor wants to make sure everything is ok on the inside.

Wanted to share a section of scripture with you all that really blessed me today:

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
For ye are bought with a price: therefore Glorify God in your body.

THese scriptures inspire me to keep with my workout and training routines, and take care of my body :) I have lost a grand total of 14 lbs since moving to California exactly one year ago. I have been inspired to push myself harder and eat healthier - because my body is God's - and the work I do is for the glory of God.

Tomorrow is Friday, and my rest day. I think I will do a "cardio insanity" video for active recovery. I havent done these videos since starting my half marathon training. I think it will be a good way to shock my muscles in a different way. :)

Take care, everyone! More again soon!