Go Time. Again.

A day or so ago I was trying to come up with a witty tagline of sorts - one that I could use to anchor a post for the Mini. I failed.

I can't believe it's almost a year since my first half marathon and here I sit at the end of training x's 2, months of "mental blocks," stomach issues, discipline, frozen tundra and dreadmill runs, and I'm one day out from my second half marathon with the Ragnar Relay: Cape Cod less than a week away. It's intimidating, but I cannot wait until I step foot in Boston Logan and get that journey going, after crossing the finish line in Indianapolis.

Committing to training is always daunting, in addition to thinking of two major runs in two weeks. Additionally, remember last year, about six weeks before the Indy Mini when I tweaked my foot? Less than three weeks out and my OTHER foot was tweaked. Naturally.

I ran a pattern consisting of my highest mileage of training with run 1 consisting of 5 miles, run 2 consisting of 4 miles, and the long run consisting of 11 a few weeks ago. I chose to break them up (I still swear I have Runner's ADD - squirrel), moving run 2 to Saturday morning, running 6 miles on Saturday afternoon (of which I completed), then finishing my remaining 5 miles on Sunday afternoon. All was smooth until run 3's remaining 1/2 mile. I stopped and walked home, as I tweaked a tendon in my left foot. After going through a series of ultrasound/steroid therapy sessions, rest, and freezing my ass off with a bag of frozen peas on my foot, I'm healed. For now. In the last two weeks I've only ran three times, with Sunday totaling 7.5 miles after working an event of which I primarily stood/ran around. Close enough?

I still plan to cross the finish line in Indianapolis however I'm letting go the possibility of finishing less than 2 hours and 30 minutes with the past few weeks not going exactly to plan. I want to remain healthy for Ragnar and if I don't even complete the Mini sub 2:30... I've still completed it, and the feeling of crossing the finish never feels sweeter listening to closing laps of various historical Indy 500 races.

Finishing last year's #IndyMini.

...this coming from the girl who two years ago couldn't run a 1/4 mile.

I'm thinking like the little engine that could. I played my training in the past few weeks smart, hitting the bike or elliptical for no-impact workouts when ordered to rest from impact (my longest run last year of training was 8.5 miles, and I completed 13.1 still), simulating runs while also keeping my aerobic base up. Does it suck? Absolutely. Even though I've had to shift my goals a bit from completing sub-2:30 to just beating last year's 2:43, the main goal remains - don't die, kiss some bricks (see below for kiss #1), but most importantly - enjoy every minute.

Run or Dye at IMS - August, 2013

My corral has been assigned, and I'm no longer in the last wave. (Woohoo! Movin' on up.....!) My bib number this year is 21121 (Heyyyyyyyy, hey Brooksie!), and I'm off in the 4th wave - approx. 8:30 am.

You can track me by downloading Indy Mini's app from the App Store or Android's marketplace, however you can also log in at IndyMini.com and search my bib no. 21121. From there, you'll be able to either track me by text, website, or email, however you can also follow me on Twitter @AshleyK199. I've set up automatic tweets for each split I hit - the Start Line, the first 5K mark, the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway's Yard of Bricks (pucker up, buttercup!), the 11th mile (almost there!), and the Finish Line (#beerme).

Am I prepared? Hell no. Does that matter? Well kinda, but I'm not stressing too much. The plan? Take it easy - run my own race, and take the run as it comes; hopefully I can PR and ring the bell but I'm not sweating it - not with Ragnar and taking in Cape Cod by foot in less than a week.

Speaking of Ragnar - I really haven't had a chance to think about the upcoming run. I've been splitting up Mini training to get used to running on tired legs, but after final exams, starting an internship this past week, and trying to cram something else (you'll know more soon) in this week, yeah......... I've ran three times in the past two weeks. ...but that doesn't matter.

How effing cool is this course?!

 What matters is that this wild and crazy journey begins next Thursday, joining my teammate Carly at Dayton International for our trip to Boston via Philly. I've only met Carly once in person however after meeting her, we haven't gone one day without chatting somehow whether it's through text or Facebook messenger. Between her and my other teammate/sister-from-another-mister Dacia, they're the only two I "know;" our team has got to know one another, what we've accomplished, and what we're hoping to accomplish through this crazy relay-thing via technology. I'm not sure how I functioned prior to today's ever-changing technology, but we've been able to get to know each other through a team-only Facebook page, in addition to conference planning calls and such. My only goal for Ragnar is to learn about one another, their journeys and stories, while enjoying every minute. It's not every day someone gets the opportunity to run Cape Cod by foot, and quite honestly, I never thought five years ago this would be possible.

I truly believe if you're fervid and driven, putting hard work and your mind towards a goal or dream (or both) you wish to achieve, you're capable of anything - especially if it makes you come alive.
 

Eventually I'll have tracking info via Twitter and Facebook, as one of our teammates has rented a GPS tracker that will show where the runner is currently located within our 200-mile journey. In addition to all of that, you know darn well we'll be chronicling our journey via social media - including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also follow along and share in our journey by following #RunningDownRagnar on various social media outlets!

Last but not least, make sure to also check out our team's website at RunningDownOurDreams.com.

See you guys on the flip side of Ragnar! (...and be prepared for one epic blog post.)

A New Adventure

(I’m singing Staind in the back of my mind… ‘It’s been a whhhiiiiiillllle, since you….’)

Ok, I'll completely admit I suck at blogging.

It’s been too long since I’ve last wrote a blog post, even after promising (both to you and to myself) that I would maintain and keep up to date on the blog. Apparently I lied, or life just so happened to get in the way a bit. Again. (I am sorry about that! Full-time job, part-time job, school, social life – wait, what’s a social life again?)

How in the world has it been since September 2014 since I last wrote a blog post?! It HAS also been way too long. Quite a bit has happened since, both in life and in weight loss, ups/downs/all-arounds, in addition to switching from weightloss-mode to maintenance-mode.

Since September, things have been a bit nutty. School is still ruling my life as I alluded to previously, as I am knee-deep in my 11-to-go classes to graduation, still plugging away. (I am almost there, right?!) I’ve also been working towards my dream, still digging to get where I want to be in five or so years, but that’s not the point of this. But, in speaking of dreams…

I’m going back to Boston.

(WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOO! Can you hear me shout in excitement?)

I love that town!

The plane ticket has been bought, (some) accommodations have been made, and in May I’ll be running with 11 other weight-loss rock stars as part of a team competing in the Ragnar Relay: Cape Cod.

In late September or October, I was fortunate enough to be asked by Dacia over at My Roots to Grow if I would be interested in traveling back to Boston to run this crazy, two-day race I’d never heard of with a team comprised of 12 individuals, all who have lost a significant amount of weight. I (for lack of better terms) weighed the options, and quickly said ‘yes’ without even really knowing what in the devil a Ragnar Relay was. Admittedly, I had to ‘Google’ it and research, but…

To be quite honest, even five months later, a team conference call, and plenty of coordination and logistics of who/what/where/when/how, I’m still not exactly sure what I’ve got myself into. It’s all a bit hazy, but from what I can tell, this may be something I’ve needed for quite a while; an adventure that scratches my wanderlust-itch that flares up every so often.

For those who aren’t exactly sure what a Ragnar Relay is, I’ll do my best to explain:

Two days, running (by foot) up to 200 miles, split up between 12 team members in two “support” vans that hand off a “baton,” or slap bracelet in this case.

Each team member is assigned as Runner Number X (for example – I’m Runner #6 during the Ragnar at Cape Cod), and have certain “legs” they run, total distances spanning anywhere from (for Cape Cod’s race) 11.4 to 21.3 miles. As the name suggests, it’s a relay. Once Runner #1 has completed their first leg (total of three for each runner), Runner #2 takes off. This continues until (for this race) we’ve ran from Hull (all the WAY around Cape Cod) to Provincetown, Massachusetts. (…and I’ve taken a selfie with Plymouth Rock.)

I'm going to have to invest in that damn selfie-stick, aren't I? (Well, DUH! Who wouldn't?!)

(A MUCH better description is provided here, by Active.com.)

Each runner's 'Legs' can be found here for Ragnar Relay: Cape Cod.

Oh, and the best part? You get to snuggle up with your sweaty teammates in a van for TWO DAYS while you cheer each other on, supporting fellow runners in camaraderie and spirit. 

“Gee, Ash. That sounds a bit insane. Why would you do this crazy thing?”

I am so glad you asked! ;)

…because it’s about an adventure, a quest that quite possibly could be life-changing for me; a venture that I may never be able to experience again with people who could potentially become life-long friends, who in differences and multiple walks of life, all share something in common – we’ve all lost a significant amount of weight. It’s about camaraderie, teamwork, inspiration, discipline, and dedication with 11 other individuals who have shared my journey not necessarily the same way I have, but share that bond, to achieve a lofty goal. Challenges faced, obstacles overcome, and dreams realized all through a complete lifestyle overhaul, one that I’ve found is one of the best choices I’ve made, even if my days in this journey can still tough. It’s a decision that I only regret not starting sooner, and for that I’m thankful, and am certainly blessed for all that I've gone through to arrive at this point.

For me, it was running. I never in a million years dreamt I’d ever run a solid mile, let alone eventually 13.1 in one sitting. Now I get to be a part of something that could potentially be huge, something added to another chapter of “my book,” something that could change my life and inspire me for the better, while hopefully inspiring others to just go for “it,” whatever your "it" is. Why wouldn’t I want to do this?

I’ve already began training as my total distance to cover for the Ragnar is 13 miles, split up in three chunks – 4.2 miles, 5.7 miles (overnight), and 3.1 miles. How will I train? I’ve already started using PopSugar’s Beginner Half-Marathon plan (spanning 16 weeks, however I jumped in on Week 4), the same plan I used to train for 2014’s Indianapolis Mini Marathon.

Oh, and by the way, I’ll also be running the Mini and kissing those sweet bricks at the start/finish line of Indianapolis Motor Speedway…again…the week before. Gulp. 

Yes Momma S., to answer your earlier question, I truly am a bit insane.

It just so happened I was verbally coerced by runner-friends verbally committed to running the Indianapolis Mini Marathon before I agreed to run Ragnar, not knowing they would be back-to-back weekends. Looking back, I should’ve probably thought this through before saying yes but, what the hell - go for it, right?

Am I a little nervous and scared? Of course. But my father reminds me constantly, "Don't confuse fear for excitement." Many of the individuals on this team have achieved so much more than I have, whether it's completing an Ironman, marathon, half-marathon, etc. I only have one half-marathon under my belt, but I look up to and continue to be inspired and motivated by these team members, some of which I've not even met but only through online channels. Am I intimidated? A little, yes. But I know that I have been blessed and given such a great opportunity not only to connect, but to learn from my teammates. That is something I hold near and dear.

With a little faith, luck, discipline, determination, and training, it can be done.

I’ve never been to Cape Cod, only have viewed it by air when leaving Boston Logan, and can eventually scratch it off of my to-travel list. One of my first thoughts (besides snapping a #selfie with Plymouth Rock or the Mayflower, or both?), was ‘what a great way this will be to see the Cape.’ The ENTIRE Cape.

Travel more is on my Bucket List, after all, and my list certainly isn’t shrinking is continually growing.

In addition, I plan to sight-see a bit more of Boston I didn’t cover during the last trip. When the time comes, I’ll certainly have one, if not a two-part recap of all of the fun from the East Coast, but you’ll also be able to follow along via Twitter & Facebook. 

To say I can’t wait is a complete understatement. I was ready to leave five minutes ago, even with an impending blizzard this weekend out there.

But…. Despite the snow and cold, it’s appropriate to bust out my favorite hashtag - #IsItMayYet!

Normally, the hashtag refers to my favorite month and proud heritage in the Hoosier state (referencing the burning anticipation I carry of the Indianapolis 500, and ultimately everything surrounding the event). May will bring many, many busy, long, stressful, blessed, and wonderful days and nights. As if training wasn’t enough as May quickly approaches, I’ll be gearing up for final exams, running the Mini, then transitioning focus quickly to packing and flying to Boston, all within about two weeks. 

This year, the Mini however, looks exciting to me, not scary. For that I’m a bit relieved now that I’ve had one under my belt.

It will be my second half marathon, and going in I have four main goals:

• Avoid post-race wrath-of-Satan (Ashley should learn NOT to do things differently on race day – I’m looking at you CLIF Shot Blocks and dehydration)
• (Side Note: I am looking at more natural alternatives to fuel myself during the Mini this year, using either dried fruit, gummy bears (preferred choice ALWAYS), or KIND/protein bars. More on that in a future post.)
• Run fast-ish without killing my legs pre-Ragnar 
•  Pucker up (and take a brick-selfie this time!)  
• Finish strong

I’m already looking at setting a time goal of sub-2 hours, 30 minutes, and with a little luck and training intervals, I may just get there. Last year, I finished 2:43 with a blistering turtle’s pace of 12:30 per mile. This year, I’m already running at a consistent and comfortable 11:15 (per mile), and would need to maintain 11:25 in order to finish sub-2:30. “I think I can, I think I can…”

I’ll do my best during this crazy time to keep you updated through the blog (no promises), but you can also stay up to date on all of the Ragnar Relay: Cape Cod happenings through our team’s Facebook page, and website. (That’s probably the best way for Ragnar!) The website gives great background information for everyone on the team, including their stories, which I've read in both awe and amazement. They've continued to inspire me greatly every day, and essentially have started to become friends, all through one event that will link us forever. I highly encourage you to read about my teammates!

Please make sure to ‘like’ our page, visit the website, and share with your friends too! We greatly appreciate all of the support we have, and hopefully will continue to receive in this journey!

Mini Marathon Update

You can track me! If you haven't already downloaded the app, beginning race morning, you can go to http://www.500festival.com/mini-marathon/results and click on '2014 Mini-Marathon Results' to follow along! Just enter my name or bib number (26446), and when I cross each of 4 splits throughout the course, my timing will update.

I hope you can tune in to check out my progress! My wave's gun fires at 8:45a, and my hope is to be finished by 11:30a, with a time of about 2:45ish. But, again, I just hope to finish. And kiss some bricks. ;)

Also, per usual, I'll have updates through my Twitter account, @AshleyK199!

Stay tuned!

22 Days and Counting

I seriously could puke right now.

Today's the day those running the 500 Festival Mini Marathon received their confirmation information, wave/seeding info, and bib numbers for the event, along with a participation guide.

...apparently, they are okay with me running. That's good to know?

I'm in the last (5th) wave, starting at 8:45am, and hopefully crossing the finish line no later than noon-ish, I hope. (Just in time for beer and a lunch. Ha!)

To be honest - I'm really, really nervous. It's my first half marathon, so I expected some nerves, but am I ready? No. Absolutely not. (Hell no would actually be more of a proper response.) My training has hit a wall, I'm getting burnt out, and my foot still hasn't fully healed, while I've also not been "officially" cleared to run from the doctor just yet, with 22 days to go. (Um, yeah?)

I should really quit complaining, right?

Honestly, I have the worst gut-feeling this is going to be bad, awful, or just plain embarrassing. I'm not happy with my training, I'm not happy with not running, and I'm supposed to be running 11 miles this weekend.

Am I being to hard on myself? Yeah, probably, and I should just shove everything aside and enjoy the moment. I'm not sure what happened to the girl who just wanted to stay off the (18 min/mile) trail bus, not die, and cross the finish line healthy and happy. Screw time! Nothing wrong with that at all.

(But Competitive-Ashley isn't thinking that way. She needs to shut it, right?!)

I honestly think I've let me competitiveness get the best of me, which has burnt me out quickly while also filling my thoughts with negative and toxic worries. So my goal for the next 22 days? Not care.

Be happy. Take it all in. Enjoy it. Learn from it. Don't die. Listen to the bagpipers while I enter Indianapolis Motor Speedway for my lap around the track and smooch of the famed bricks (thanks for the tip, Dave!). And smile when you cross the finish line.

“Much of what we consider valuable in our world arises out of (these) one-sided conflicts. Because the act of facing overwhelming odds, produces greatness and beauty.”

― Malcolm Gladwell, David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants

 

Blogger's Note: I'll have more details in the coming days; a race preview of the Mini. And hopefully by then a not so, "woe-as-me" post. Negative Ashley can take a hike and never come back. ;)

Shamrock 5K/10K Recap

See that title up there? Ya know the part about 5K/10K? Well, I ran it/survived it/didn't die on stairs. (More on that later....)

And I ran my first 10K ever, my first race of 2014, and finished 2nd in the Females 20-29 age group!

(Now before you start thinking I'm an elite-runner, medaling and stuff, just know there were two in my age group. But still, I placed. In something. Ha! And received a fancy water bottle ta-boot!)

Today was fun! After an up and down week of emotions, it was great to not only great to get outside, set a new (and fastest) pace post-knee surgery, and finally get back into race-mode. Part of the run used a trail that skirts the river through the gorge that divides the city of Richmond. It was wonderful to be outdoors running the 6.2 miles set out in front of me, and to breathe fresh air. My, it was wonderful.

(And thank God the turn in to the gorge fell at mile 5. I needed a change of scenery, and the trail was perfect-ish. There were hills. And stairs. It was iffy. And ugly. Still more on that...)

The race started out as a combination of both 5K and 10K runners/walkers, starting at the local high school's football field, snaking out down the southside of town on to one of the main country roads. We ran, for what seemed like forever, down to mile 3/turn around point (in to the wind). I will say I didn't see my first water station until mile 3, which was a bit of a downer, and had only two during the entire 6.2 mile course. It wasn't the greatest, and I believe I'm feeling the effects a bit of slight dehydration due to it. (Or my own unpreparedness. I didn't have a belt or water with me: just gloves, my iPhone, and a pack of Honey Stinger Energy Chews to down at mile 4 - my bad.)

As we turned back to head towards Richmond, we ran forever, again, on the country road, however the wind finally to my back. Heading out was rough (though the wind wasn't as bad or as cold as previous runs this year), but coming back was wonderful. As we headed in to town, we split off to the right on to Test Road, and then down a valley away from Abington Pike, where we just came from.

My first thought, as I'm sprinting down this massive hill was, "Um, hey Ash. Ya know we're going to have to get back up some how, right? What goes down, must come up."

At first I thought, "you've got to be kidding me, that at mile 4+, you're going to make me run up this monster hill ahead of me?" But nope! Thankfully, at mile 5, the route took you to the left and in to the gorge along the paved trail.

(Side note: I now officially know why you shouldn't run in the gorge alone if you're female. I was in a pack of other female runners, 3 or 4 total, and one male runner, as we approached a total creeper just hanging out. Alone. EEEEK. I won't be running without Mr. K there any time soon...)

As we approached 5.5 miles, things started to turn up hill. And this is where the, "You've got to be kidding me," cursing that makes a hockey player blush started. I knew it couldn't be that much further, but this is where I figured out how we're getting out of the gorge and back to the finish line on the high school's track...

Up.

After one hellish hill I NEVER thought I'd survive, there were stairs.

Stairs. STAIRS.

Who in their psychotic offroad-running mind puts a set of stairs at the end of a 10K?

I wanted to die.

After putting some distance between another female runner who I kept trading leads with, and a couple that was hot on my heels, I kicked in to high gear. For the first flight. The second? Ha! Nope.

But I made it up both, ran across the parking lot, across the street, down the sidewalk, rounded the gate to the left, and BAM! Finish line!

My official gun time was 1 hour, 12 minutes, 13 seconds, breaking down to 11:36/mile - improving significantly while in a race setting from last Saturday's 12:05/mile/5 miler.

I'll take it!

After an emotionally-wrecking week, it was nice to be able to get back to a bit of normalcy, while knowing my mother in law was smiling down on me today. I said a few prayers while out running, mostly to get me through and to remind myself never to give up, but it was much-needed fun, and another great race to get me ready for the Mini in May.

Here are some more pictures from the day, from Mr. K or Speedy-Feet.com:

(Sorry for the last few grainy/blurry/crappy photos. But still, proof I survived! And didn't die! Who woulda thunk it?)

I'm Only Human

I've fallen off the wagon.

Actually? It hit a bump, threw me off, backed up, and ran over me.

What can I say? I've ate like total sh*t lately. I've tried to clean it up, but I feel miserable. And guilty.

I really have tried, with good intention, but ya know that little thing I always mention about my stress eating? Times it by a zillion in the past few weeks.

I feel horrible. I feel disgusting. I'm stressed, emotional, and a total wreck, and I've ate like it too.

Not only have I used the excuse that "I'll be running tomorrow/tonight/next week/God knows when so have at it sister," today we laid my mother in law to rest after an incredibly stressful three weeks; three weeks I hope to never repeat again in my life.

So how bad has my eating got? Try six cookies for dinner Sunday night to the point I had a bellyache and couldn't sleep. What did I eat tonight, when all intents were to make a huge/yummy/leftover-veggie salad? A slice of banana bread and a split blueberry muffin with loads of honey butter.

I keep saying, "tomorrow is a new day," but for some reason, I don't believe myself. I've cheated myself, not only with food and calories, but I've made myself feel this way; the guilt, shame, and embarrassment because I've "let myself go." (Granted, I know it's only been three weeks, but come on. It's a slippery slope, folks.)

Yes, I've gained weight. Has it been much? No. Just 1.6 pounds, but I feel miserable. I can just tell the difference.

So my goal for this next week? Clean it up.

I'm not saying no more sweets, just sweets in moderation (not inhaling at the site of goodies). I'm a firm believe that moderation is okay; you absolutely cannot deprive yourself because it just makes it worse. I want to be able to have one or two sweet treats a week, but limit myself, as I know I feel much, much better when I'm eating better (in addition to running and working out).

I feel better about myself when I feel healthy. Since feeling better about myself was my resolution for 2014, I want to focus on it again. Get away from the crap, if you will.

In addition to all of the craziness Mr. K and I've faced in the past few weeks, one positive note is that I've kept with my half marathon training, as it's been a way for me to let go and de-stress. I've kept on schedule, and things are starting to take shape. I'm actually doing it! Ha! Who knew?!

I have officially ordered my second pair of running shoes, going with Brooks Ghost 6 again (which I love!), after finding out I should have replaced them a loooooong time ago. No wonder I've had calf soreness? #facepalm

While testing out new shoes (I also love the Newton Gravity's!) by running up and down the sidewalk like a madwoman running through town, I also picked up some nutrition to start giving it a shot. I'm at the point to where my long runs are now six miles or more lasting longer than an hour, and after running and bonking during 5 miles last week, it's time to start testing out what I like, what makes me sick, and what just won't work. This is a whoooooooole new adventure, folks.

Here's what I went with to test out first:

The gels are freaking me out a little, as I'm not crazy about the texture anyway, but I also picked up chews and sport beans to give them a shot. It's all about experimenting, seeing what works, what fuels me longer, and what just won't do.

In addition, this week's scheduled long run Saturday is 6 miles. At first, (because I'm a total dork and can't count on one hand to save my life), I had thought I was supposed to run a scheduled 10K or 7 miles this week. Well, that's next week. But conveniently, a local high school is hosting a 5k run/walk and 10k run, benefiting one of their student clubs. Why not, right? I do plan to take some nutrition with me, as I want to test it out at about mile 4 or 45 minutes in to running, whichever comes first. (It just won't be a gel. I don't want to get sick in front of people I know!)

I've also reached out to a few runner-friends and acquaintances from the community who I know have ran half marathons or full marathons before. I've had lots of wonderful advice shared with me, including tips about nutrition, tips about the Mini itself, tips about not eating Bengay (when thinking it's an energy gel, tips about getting clothes from clearance racks to shed/donate to charity when dressing in layers the day of the race, while also making sure I shed my earbuds shortly before entering Indianapolis Motor Speedway to hear bagpipers along the route. Knowing cheerleading squads cheering your name (listed on your bib), bands, bagpipers, and amazing volunteers will line the entire 13.1 mile route, while participating in not only one of the biggest half marathons in the nation, causes me to have instant goosebumps. You name it, it's all been passed on to me, and I am extremely grateful for the wealth of information leading up to race day! With this being my first half, I'm nervous, as expected, since it's pretty much fear of the unknown. I'm trying to do my best to prep for the race, and even though I'm nervous, I'm also very excited.

Closer to race day, I'll also have more information available, usually about the week before, regarding social media, race details, maps, etc. I plan to register both my Twitter account and Facebook information so that family, friends, and acquaintances can follow along during my race via automatic updates from my bib chip. What did we ever do before technology?! (This makes me geek out because I can't wait for you all to share in my progress too!)

In addition, I've also set my three personal goals for the race:

• Finish. (AKA: Don't die.)
• Stay off the trail bus. (Picking up anyone over the required 18 min/mile pace.)
• Kiss some bricks ;)

The 500 Festival Mini Marathon is officially just 50 days away and counting!

C25K Progress and Other Updates...

Blogger's Note: I'm really sorry I haven't had a chance to update everyone on my progress of late. School has officially taken over my life...again...but I promise I will try to update everyone on a more regular basis. I had a streak going for a bit, but I also will have a bit more "adventures" once I begin my next challenge to fill folks in on. More on that below....

Nine weeks. It's been nine weeks since I've had the all clear to run. Nine weeks since my recovery process "ended," and I could get back to my somewhat-normal active lifestyle again. How do I know? Upon completion of my typical Wednesday night between-work-and-class run, I will have completed the Couch to 5K program. Again. (Phew.)

As much as I cannot stand (sic: hate with every depth of my being) the dreadmill treadmill, it's absolutely wonderful to be able to run again. I'm much happier getting sweaty (don't take that the wrong way, folks), I'm happier being able to just get out whatever stress or aggression I have that day by pounding fake-moving-pavement. I'm happier dealing with people when I'm running. )Be happy I'm running, ladies and gents. You wonder how nice I am each day? I run.) ;)

...but in the midst of running, I've also picked up strength training. I gave the kettlebell a bit of a go, however I've started to slack off on it a bit, as I prefer to use a video to guide me and I'm just not home much during the week. (Plus, have you ever ran the day after kettlebell training? Don't. That's my advice. That was poor planning on my part.) I'm not a fan of lifting weights, as I need something "fun" to keep me engaged, not repetitive motion, while staring at my self struggling in a mirror. However the more I lift, the more strength I gain, and the more muscle definition I see (I've got guns...), the more I want to work at it. I don't pour sweat like I do while running, however I definitely feel it the next day. Or day after. Or the third day in some cases... I've also started to focus on a few areas of my body that I want to tone, areas that have a bit more loose skin than I'd like. I'm starting to get biceps, my triceps are bit less jiggly (bye-bye batwings!), and my abs hurt when I laugh. That's a good sign, right?

But in toning, I'm also seeing my measurements shrink, (which is awesome)! I've shifted my focus to less scale, more measurements in numbers (that could be an entire blog in itself), as the scale hasn't been much of a good guide as of late. It's been hard to shift my thinking. I'm not even going to lie... Ever hear muscle weighs more than fat? Yeah... I've been able to maintain my weight "number," if not gain pounds in some instances, but my jeans still fit and I'm seeing muscle tone and definition with what I'm working on. It's a total mind-shift, just as "dressing thinner," and thinking more "my size" were, and they weren't easy, but as I always say - I'm a work in progress.

And in speaking of the gym, I'm starting to get a little more comfortable walking in, buckling down, and getting to work. When I first walked in to the gym that I use, (on my college campus; free for students, and it's pretty nice, but I've never used a gym before, period) I panicked. I'm not even kidding. It's like my mind melted. I had my game plan: treadmill. I thought, "Really Ashley? You're going to let these youngins' intimidate you?" To which I replied, "Well, yeah. Look at them. It's the f**king track team working out in there. You're 27. You don't belong. You can't run like the wind."

Guess what? A few treadmill/weight sessions in, I'm showing those 'youngins' who's boss...

(Kidding! Really, I'm still puny, and I'm not "boss." But hey, I try. That's what counts. Right?)

Anyway... Moving on...

I'm a goal-driven person. I think I've mentioned that on here before, but I need something to focus on. A prize to "eye" if you will... With completing the Couch to 5k program tomorrow night, it puts me back in position for the half-marathon hunt. Prior to May....  :) (See my Bucket List.)

May is my favorite month of the year by far, just as many other Hoosiers would tell you. I live for this month for one reason: the Indy 500. But every year, we kick the month off with the Mini Marathon, usually the first weekend in May.  And it's been squarely on my Bucket List since before I lost my weight. I've always dreamed of completing it, and was in great position pre-December to work towards it. Knee surgery pretty much derailed what I thought wouldn't happen in 2014, however with getting back into the running-groove, I signed up.

I just did it one day. I found myself whipping out the credit card and saying, "to hell with it. Go big or go home, Ash." Coworkers, friends, and acquaintances alike said that even with being about four weeks behind the day of the race, I still would have a good shot at safely completing it, if I run and walk. My goal is to just complete 13.1 - walk, run, or crawl. It's my first, so time isn't a concern of mine. (The trail bus is, though.) I've also contacted a friend of mine from high school regarding the Mini, a runner and former prom date (that's another convo for another day, but it has a pretty cool background story). I asked him if he and another classmate of ours were planning to run the Mini again this year, as they have completed it before. He hadn't given much thought to it until I asked, but he agreed he'd run it with me (after warning him I'm slower than a herd of turtles). I do feel a little relieved that someone will be there with me, however it's just me and the pavement.... (Ok. I'll be honest, though: I'm petrified about the half.)

Now if the weather will just cooperate... (I'm dreading treadmill training if I have to run 4+ miles in one sitting. I'd rather fork my eyeballs out.)

Make sure to tune in for upcoming half-marathon training updates, as I'm sure I'll have plenty! I'm hoping to also start running "organized" 5k's again soon as I love them, once the weather turns for the better. I'm ready to be able to get outdoors and run the country roads again too, just as much as anyone else is ready for warmer weather.

I've got that itch! (Who knew?!)