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!

My, My How Time Flies

....where did you go, Summer? I miss you already and you've technically not left us yet?!

I can't believe it's been months since I've last blogged, and I feel awful for it. I'm sorry guys! This is me, waiving "Hi!" I'm still here... ;)

Summer has been super busy, but shall we catch up?

To answer some folks' questions, yes I'm still running! No, not as much as I did when training for the Indy Mini Marathon, but I am still running. Currently, I've began to train for a 10K race, representing my employer at the ISC Corporate Challenge again this year, only stepping it up a notch. (Side note: I also signed up for the pit stop challenge. #becauseracecar) They've switched venues from IUPUI to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and my fingers are crossed I'll be able to kiss some bricks for a third (yes, third) time. We'll see! But I needed a goal anyway, as I've recently started losing sight, or just plain getting lazy. I'm currently running an average of 8 to 9 miles per week, three times a week, which is just enough to make me happy and "run off the day," (if I'm feeling it. Enter laziness. No bueno).
 

"Running off the day" is great. Except this day. It was disgusting.

I've started toning and lifting weights, or at least continued it. (Be gone, jiggle!) I am in LUUUUURVE with PopSugar's workouts, either by using kettlebells, dumbells, or just the ol' fashioned body weight. So far, my arms are starting to show definition and I think I have obliques? I am still frustrated with stubborn belly fat, and the saddlebags I can't seem to eradicate, but as I always say, I'm a work in progress. This couldn't be more true with strength training.

In addition to both running and strength training, I've saddled up on the bicycle again, logging miles through cross training. I once read that runners are the most injured, yet still going, athletes out there.  The bike has been able to give some aches and pains I had after the half marathon a break, and a chance to recover. In biking, I've rediscovered my hatred for wind.

I lived to tell about this ride.

Switching gears, Boston was absolutely incredible, despite my displeasure with a certain airline. Thanks to said airline, I missed the majority of my planned sightseeing, and the opportunity to continue my "City By Shoes" series. I saw the "city by shoes," however it was with my grey Converse, not my black and pink Brooks Ghost 6 like I had hoped. Argh. But here are a few of my highlights:

MiniAsh tagged along. Here we are, waiting impatiently to take off from Dayton.

This is me, delayed in Dulles, VA.

I survived navigating the "T." This country girl rocked Friday's commute!

Quack!

Acorn Street: The most photographic street in Boston.

From the Green Monstah.

I can't wait to get back to the city. I fell in love with Fenway and the Red Sox (sorry, Mr. K!), witnessed whales playing, feeding, and breaching (a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for this landlocked-by-corn farm-girl), and ate some of the best (grilled) seafood I've had...ever. But the most important and memorable experience was catching up with my friend Robin - one of my greatest supporters in my weightloss journey, the reason I'm finally comfortable enough to "act like a girl" and buy dresses (and prefer shopping for them), and someone I miss. We shared the delectable Mike's Pastry goodies in honor of her belated birthday, and her and her hubby took me to a gorgeous arboretum and farm nearby their home. It was absolutely wonderful, and again, I can't thank her enough for "taking me in" for the weekend. I honestly can't wait to get back and see her.

This summer, I also completed an internship that I truly "lived the dream." Motorsports, and hockey are both something I'm strongly passionate about, and I had an amazing opportunity to observe and learn processes, procedures, and "behind the scenes" work that goes in to a sport I hope to some day work in. We'll see, but you never know where dreams could take you... I've discovered that with this weight loss journey.

 
My niece/mini-me turned five. She is also officially a Kindergartener. She's still a fighter, and still one of my biggest inspirations, and has truly taught me what it means to be a warrior. She can stop growing up now.

Can you handle the cuteness here?

...and with that, come August 25, I'll go back in to "education hibernation mode." I hope to continue blogging more even though my semesterly duties will pick up, and I've been working on a blog that I think will be quite a bit of fun! It just takes some time, research, and for me to sit down and just "get 'er done."

I'll also be traveling this Fall; at least one more trip is planned with Mr. K come October. We'll be celebrate our five year anniversary, and we both thought we needed to get out of town for a bit. I'm super, super excited to plan our vacation, and where we're going, but I'm not going to reveal anything just yet! I hope to have a "City (or resort?) By Shoes," adventure again, though I promise this one is going to hurt. I've ran hills, but not these hills.

Friend Makin' Monday (FMM)....on Friday :)

...because that's how I roll?

Kidding!

It's been one of those weeks for me, and I'm just now catching up on my friends' blog posts! When I say it's been one of those weeks, it's a week I'd never wish on anyone, at any time. Period.

Since I am catching up, specifically with my lovely friend Dacia's blog, over at My Roots to Grow, I decided to have a little fun/get-to-know-me type of post. Yes, yes, I do realize it is Friday, clearly not Monday, but what the heck, right?

YOLO?

(Had to. ;) I HATE the term YOLO.)

Anywho, here are the rules! I'm a newb, but after discovering Dacia's post, I believe I'll have a little fun with this! I answer some questions that are posted over at losingweightandhavingfun.com, add my link to my blog in her comments section, and make new friends! (Is that right? Total rookie over here.)

Anywho, here we go!

1. Introduce yourself in under 10 words.

Wife. Farm girl. Hoosier. Traveler. Adventurer. Newb runner. (Ok, that's two.) Fanatic of Speed. (Ok, that's three.)

2. How did you find Friend Makin' Mondays?

From my awesome friend Dacia, over at My Roots to Grow, and figured: why the heck not? :)

3. Have you ever met any of your blog readers?

That depends... Those who have mentioned they read it? Yes! Do I have others I don't know about? Probably. (Or if you're new, welcome! Hi!)

4. How many states have you visited?

Oh boy... let's see: Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, 'bama, Georgia, Florida, Missouri (St. Louis is it...), Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Maryland, Virginia.... (This is me...struggling...) I think that's it? Mostly Midwestern stuff...

I'm hoping to branch out and travel some more this summer, specifically with the racing circuit. (Ya know, that fanatic of speed thing?) 

5. What did you have for lunch yesterday?

• (Homemade) almond butter sandwich

• Sweet mini peppers

• Sugar snap peas

• Light Greek yogurt - Key Lime

• Apple

Proof, with my Mini's checking in:

6. How many different places have you lived in?

Three. Colorado (when I was little). Indiana time's two. (Raised a Boilermaker, now a Hoosier. That makes Mr. K happy. Sigh.)

7. What’s your favorite color?

Depends on my mood... I love anything aqua/turquoise/teal, kind of a bright red fan (I love the Washington Capitals after all), like purple, some greens, but I am NOT a fan of too much pink. It's too girlie for my taste.

8. Do you have any pets?

My husband (Mr. K) and I have Kelly, our four-legged-Rottweiler-child. She may be big and she may have a mean bark, but don't let her fool you. She's a big, spoiled, baby.

9. What would your ideal job be?

I'm actually working towards said "dream/ideal job", while landing a pretty awesome internship opportunity this summer that works with my full-time job. I want to work in motorsports, putting my creativity to work, either in Public Relations or Marketing, whether it is for a specific team, company, or sponsor.

10. Do you have any tattoos?

Nope. But I haven't ruled out the possibility of getting one. I just haven't found the perfect one, yet!

Blogger's Note: I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Thanks for reading! 

Scary Thoughts

As I’m sitting here writing this blog, currently it’s -11 deg. F. It’s brutal-cold. I don’t plan to go outside at all today if I can help it, though I’m scheduled to run my second run of the second week of Couch to 5K (again). Since it’s a snow day from work, I figure an update is in order, among several other things I have planned, like learning how to arm-knit. Seriously.

However, I’ve had some rather scary thoughts over the past few days.

You could say I love to travel. I’m a pilot’s daughter. I have the travel-bug, the need to explore. I’m the type of person to either, A.) Have a scheduled sightseeing tour down the second when being touristy, or B.) Set out (most likely on my own) and just wander aimlessly, taking in a city by foot, people-watching and trying to blend in as best as this Hoosier can, while getting lost and submersing myself into a new culture. This year, I have what could be the best opportunity to travel several places in 2014; by far being the most I’ve traveled in one summer since graduating college. I’m hoping, among a few races with an internship possibility, a few races and road trip to Central PA, and a trip to Boston to visit a now close-friend (who I still wish didn’t move, but I understand...), it could be a rather cool 2014! (At least I hope…)

But then my mom dropped what I’ve wanted to hear a week or so ago when having a mother/daughter lunch: Cruise to the Bahamas.

Um, yes please?!

It’s currently -11F and dropping in Indiana; meanwhile it’s a balmy 73F in Nassau. Do we really have to wait until May?!

I’ve been on the cruise before, my last being just shy of my 21^st birthday. Yes, it’s the Disney Cruise, but my mom and I both had a blast. Can we say, Serenity Bay? (Adults ONLY beach: Hell. Yes.)

Anyway, my first thought wasn’t, “Oh, I LOVE Nassau!” It was, “Oh, God. Should I buy a bikini?”

Which then ensues panic.

Sheer. Panic.

You see, it’s always been my dream, or kind of a ‘bucket list’ item, to actually be able to pull one off, though the pure thought of actually wearing one freaks me out. I’m too modest, but I want to do it. Just once to say I have. (But NO PICTURES ALLOWED.)

The only thought getting me through is that most folks on the boat with me, won’t see me again. Right?

I have about 4 or 5 months to get ready, and I’m running again, while also adding in kettlebell and weight training that I haven’t done before. I’m not going to be ripped by May or June, but I don’t want to jiggle everywhere. Seriously. That's how I feel...

As part of 2014’s resolution goal, I want to be able to embrace myself, my body, and get rid of all of the negative thoughts I have on a regular basis. You know, the “who cares if I have loose skin and stretch marks?” To be able to love myself wholly, and to not pick myself apart regarding imperfections. Rather, to embrace them.

But I’m incredibly self-conscious about everything. I hate the stretch marks I have. I hate the jiggle, the loose skin and wrinkles I have even if I’m doing ab work to the point laughing hurts.

…and yes, I know with time, it could go away. I can already see my obliques smoothing out which is kind of cool. While I was running pre-surgery, my legs started to take the shape of Carrie Underwood’s. (And seriously, she’s my fitness idol, I’m not going to lie. I love her, and her dedication to her fitness and health.)

I’m not the most patient person. If anything, we learned that post-op, didn’t we? But I think that’s also why I look at the scale too much, not measurements and definition, which is what I should focus upon now as I shift to maintenance instead of weight loss. Let’s face it, it’s the instant-gratification world I live in that is driving it. (I know that.)

But in the meantime, while stressing thinking of beach weather and bikinis, I’m throwing around options. There’s the midkini (which is apparently a thing) that rides a bit lower from the bust, and a little higher around the waist (perrrrrfect option for my conscious). There’s the tankini, which is also two-piece, with a tank top covering most of the stomach area. The one I really want though, found via Pinterest, is a lace covered one piece, in the style of a bikini, but the lace covers the midriff area. Only problem? $130. (I croaked.)

Whenever I find one, which it’s still going to be a while, I’ll share, but it won’t be me wearing it in the picture. I'm not the person who lifts their shirt for selfies of their abs. I’m too modest and uncomfortable with the thought, even if I am in shape. It makes me shudder just thinking of showing off my stomach, let alone anything else in open air, and God forbid, public...on a beach.

Oof. I have a long way to go, don’t I?