There are approximately 3 weeks left before my second 5k. This race is on New Year's Day. It may be kinda silly to do a race on New Year's Day considering I would have been working all day and night, but I feel like what better way to start the New Year?
Considering that I have a goal that is ever before me, why not begin the first day of the year off by engaging in an activity that will play an active role in my life for the rest of my life (or at least the next year)? School for this term is officially done (although I have one more paper to write so that I can pass) and although my work load at work is not about to decrease, at least I won't be consumed by school for the next few weeks (literally only 2 though).
Week 26 has some tough days on the horizon. This boot camp is going to kill me (well at least kill the fat off of me-LOL). Not that it's totally different from some of the classes at the gym, because it's not. But what is different is that you stay on 90 the entire time and everything is super fast. I can't just say "Oh, it's tougher for me cause I'm heavier" because that is not the truth. I came to terms with that lie while in the car. Physical activity is tough for anybody who engages in it and an individual's intensity/comfort level can not be compared to anyone else's.
You know, I just want to be a better stewart of this body - especially since God lives within me. That's all.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Day 169: Boot Camp
Honest Talk Today...
My intensity has diminished by a lot. That includes working out, eating right and just staying focused - it has decreased. Why? Because I'm tired and just want to sleep for 4 weeks straight (totally a dream). I guess the reality is that this is my busiest time of year at work and the demands of school is a monster all in of its self. I haven't been having "Track Date" in the morning for two reasons -
1. IT'S COLD
2. Sometimes I'm just going to bed when I'd be getting up to get ready for the track.
What I eat has changed because I have not been diligent in cooking my meals and packing my lunch. As a result, it's easy to revert back to picking up a quick meal here and there so that you are not starving; or, pack lunch, but not dinner and all of the necessary snacks. Most of the classes that my gym offers happen in the evening, which leaves me out because I can't get away from the office in time.
So after examining where I currently am, and know that I have no desire to stay in this place, I've decided to make a few changes
1. I can't do this alone and need as much accountability as possible. I've been debating between a personal trainer and joining a boot camp. The cost of consistent Personal Training is more than what my budget can currently afford, but the Boot Camp is at an ungodly hour in the morning (5:45am until 6:45am). But I am going to try the boot camp for a week to see how it goes.
2. I'm going to find a nutritionist to come up with some meal plan options because when I plan what to eat, I'm not sure that I'm eating enough calories. But when I don't plan what I'm going to eat (and engage in impulse eating), I KNOW that I eat well over the recommended amount of calories that a person at my weight and height should eat.
I signed up to do a trial for the boot camp which began this morning. I was NERVOUS because I wanted to be able to keep up with everyone and I guess like everyone else, the unknown is scary. Plus on TV, whenever heavy people go to a boot camp, they throw up the first time. So I was scared this morning. I didn't do much sleeping because I wanted to make sure that I woke up on time. This boot camp meets from 5:45am until 6:45am Monday thru Friday in Greenbelt. There were some things (ab work specifically) that were harder than others (weights), but I'm pretty proud that I went and pushed through the workout. I'm tired and ready for bed, but sort of excited about doing it again tomorrow. Maybe this change will be just what I needed to re-ignite the fire I need to continue on this journey.
My intensity has diminished by a lot. That includes working out, eating right and just staying focused - it has decreased. Why? Because I'm tired and just want to sleep for 4 weeks straight (totally a dream). I guess the reality is that this is my busiest time of year at work and the demands of school is a monster all in of its self. I haven't been having "Track Date" in the morning for two reasons -
1. IT'S COLD
2. Sometimes I'm just going to bed when I'd be getting up to get ready for the track.
What I eat has changed because I have not been diligent in cooking my meals and packing my lunch. As a result, it's easy to revert back to picking up a quick meal here and there so that you are not starving; or, pack lunch, but not dinner and all of the necessary snacks. Most of the classes that my gym offers happen in the evening, which leaves me out because I can't get away from the office in time.
So after examining where I currently am, and know that I have no desire to stay in this place, I've decided to make a few changes
1. I can't do this alone and need as much accountability as possible. I've been debating between a personal trainer and joining a boot camp. The cost of consistent Personal Training is more than what my budget can currently afford, but the Boot Camp is at an ungodly hour in the morning (5:45am until 6:45am). But I am going to try the boot camp for a week to see how it goes.
2. I'm going to find a nutritionist to come up with some meal plan options because when I plan what to eat, I'm not sure that I'm eating enough calories. But when I don't plan what I'm going to eat (and engage in impulse eating), I KNOW that I eat well over the recommended amount of calories that a person at my weight and height should eat.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Day 165: Week 25
A new week....I just signed up for another 5k taking place on New Years Day (January 1, 2011) and I want to have a better time and better pace. Tomorrow starts the formal outside training because I HAVE to do better, I just have too so that I don't look like this!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Day 159: WHAT??
I have been reading around the web and looking at information for Marathon Runners and those first timers interested in starting a training program. Wanna know what I just read - some people train for years before they are actually able to run a full marathon.
WHAT!!
Years huh? I was not expecting to see that......that was totally not apart of the plan. So me being authentic to me started wondering, "Seriously Rochelle, is this a realistic goal? A 5k or 10k is completely different from a FULL MARATHON!" I'm not quitting on the journey or anything (since I'm not a quitter anymore - I gotta keep saying it over and over because sometimes if you don't speak to your own self it's easy to fall back into a place where you've come from) but I'm totally a little more wide eyed about what I'm trying to accomplish. So, now what? What am I going to do with this information?
For right now, I think that I will keep walking/ jogging until I get to a place where I am running at faster speeds. We will re-evaluate the situation at that point. For now, a marathon in 2011 is still my focus, ok?
WHAT!!
Years huh? I was not expecting to see that......that was totally not apart of the plan. So me being authentic to me started wondering, "Seriously Rochelle, is this a realistic goal? A 5k or 10k is completely different from a FULL MARATHON!" I'm not quitting on the journey or anything (since I'm not a quitter anymore - I gotta keep saying it over and over because sometimes if you don't speak to your own self it's easy to fall back into a place where you've come from) but I'm totally a little more wide eyed about what I'm trying to accomplish. So, now what? What am I going to do with this information?For right now, I think that I will keep walking/ jogging until I get to a place where I am running at faster speeds. We will re-evaluate the situation at that point. For now, a marathon in 2011 is still my focus, ok?
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Day 158: Week 24
Sunday, November 28, 2011 is officially the beginning of week 24 of this journey. This morning I went to a different Gold's - Crofton - and it was amazing! It was bigger and they had way more machines than the Bowie location. I'm even going to take some of their morning classes. The only real down side is that it is a lot farther from my home than the Bowie location.
I have a couple of goals for this coming week. There are a couple of ladies at the gym who get together at 5:15am and workout for an hour. I'm going to join them as many days as possible (5:15am is way early, possibly too early to be at the gym already but we shall see). Oh yeah, goals -
1. Three outside runs with a minimum of 2 miles for each
2. Contact the PG Runners Club to find out about training programs - I gotta get faster and run longer distances
3. Cook 2 new receipts
4. Engage in some physical activities everyday
5. Try to get to bed by 1am every night (especially with trying to be at the gym by 5:15am)
I think that that is it for right now, but let's see how far I get with the above.
1. Three outside runs with a minimum of 2 miles for each
2. Contact the PG Runners Club to find out about training programs - I gotta get faster and run longer distances
3. Cook 2 new receipts
4. Engage in some physical activities everyday
5. Try to get to bed by 1am every night (especially with trying to be at the gym by 5:15am)
I think that that is it for right now, but let's see how far I get with the above.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Day 156: Pictures
So I don't have all of the photo's just yet, but here are a few.
 |
| Race Attire "Man, now this is an athlete outfit" |
 |
| This is me standing at 12th & F waiting for the shuttle "I wonder if anybody else is as nervous as I am?" |
 |
| Pre-Race photo opt with the Turkey Trot Turkey "He LOVED Me - LOL" |
 |
Mile 3 Marker "Thank You Jesus, this is just about DONE!" |
 |
| Crossing the finish line "Please Lord, let some air fill my lunges!!" |
I don't think that it completely tells the story, but more are on the way.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Day 155: 5k Completed
Thankful.
Really that is enough said, but there is so much more to say. This Thanksgiving day I am so thankful. I've said it before and I will continue saying it, this journey has not been easy by any stretch of the imagination. I've wanted to stop, quit and throw in the towel; but, with the support and encouragement of others, I haven't. Today I did the SOME (So Others May Eat) 5k in downtown, Washington, DC and it was an experience that I will never forget.
We got to the race site around 7:30am, mixed & mingled while watching the kids 1mile fun race and just sort of waited around until the start of the timed race. So we lined up at the rear of the start line for racers. The horn blew and everyone took off. Because there were so many racers, it took us roughly 3 minutes of walking up to the start line before we were actually able to begin running. There were so many people - people of all ages, sizes, various speeds, etc. While jogging, especially in the beginning, there was a lot of dogging through the people to continue on. I used the light posts as measuring sticks. I'd run through three-to-four light posts before speed walking to catch my breath. The leaders of the pack were passing us before I got to mile one and I couldn't help but watch them as they ran by. There running pace was aspiring, but more than that, just looking at their faces resolved something within me. Running is a sport/activity that is not for the faint of heart. It doesn't matter your weight or height, anybody who runs is committed to the activity. I couldn't help but stare at the ladies and gentlemen who were heavier than me, but continued jogging/walking regardless of their size. It was really motivating for me that I don't have to use my weight as an excuse of why I can't accomplish any physical activity. As we came to the 1.5miles marker, I could see the water station ahead. I was excited because my mouth was DRY. I didn't drink anything before the race because I didn't want to have to use the bathroom. But how about the water station didn't have any cups! Disappointment was written all over my face, but I couldn't stop, I had to keep going -thirsty and all. Passing the half way marker was exciting because inside I knew that I WAS DOING IT!! When I passed the 2mile marker something happened. A nice lady by the name of Ann came along side me (during one of my walking breaks) and started talking to me. Of course I can't ever pass up a good conversation, so I engaged with her, even though part of me didn't want to because I was focused on the task at hand - finishing this race with a decent time. We ended our conversation with, "See you next year!" and I picked up the pace with a brisk jog. I could see the finish line within my sights and knew that there was no stopping me.
Crossing the finishing line created a feeling that I can not describe. I could beat myself up because I didn't run the entire time, but I won't because there are way too many things to be proud of. I'm proud that I showed up. I'm proud that I started. I'm proud that I kept going. I'm proud that even when I wanted to quit and cheat by turning around at mile 1, I didn't (LOL). I'm proud that I worked hard to get to this point. I'm proud that even though a lot of people said that I couldn't do this, I didn't let that discourage me from trying. I'm proud that I haven't just talked about wanting to do this, but I'm actually doing it. I have a lot more work to do, but today I am PROUD of Rochelle Juanita Elizabeth Barnes.
As I sit here and reflect more, you know what I didn't do while on the course........I didn't look back behind me once, not once. We should never negate our past and everything that it involved. But our past does not have to limit our present or future. A song by Damita Haddon has been my theme song for the past few months - No Turning Back. Not turning back has meant being open and honest about where I'm at as well subjecting myself to accountability & support in this area of my life. I don't like accountability because it requires me to expose me, but it totally develops character. The amount of support has been unreal & appreciated. I finished the SOME race today with a time of 51:10 and a pace of 16:28. Considering I haven't done much training outside on the road, that is GREAT!
Thankful.
Really that is enough said, but there is so much more to say. This Thanksgiving day I am so thankful. I've said it before and I will continue saying it, this journey has not been easy by any stretch of the imagination. I've wanted to stop, quit and throw in the towel; but, with the support and encouragement of others, I haven't. Today I did the SOME (So Others May Eat) 5k in downtown, Washington, DC and it was an experience that I will never forget.
We got to the race site around 7:30am, mixed & mingled while watching the kids 1mile fun race and just sort of waited around until the start of the timed race. So we lined up at the rear of the start line for racers. The horn blew and everyone took off. Because there were so many racers, it took us roughly 3 minutes of walking up to the start line before we were actually able to begin running. There were so many people - people of all ages, sizes, various speeds, etc. While jogging, especially in the beginning, there was a lot of dogging through the people to continue on. I used the light posts as measuring sticks. I'd run through three-to-four light posts before speed walking to catch my breath. The leaders of the pack were passing us before I got to mile one and I couldn't help but watch them as they ran by. There running pace was aspiring, but more than that, just looking at their faces resolved something within me. Running is a sport/activity that is not for the faint of heart. It doesn't matter your weight or height, anybody who runs is committed to the activity. I couldn't help but stare at the ladies and gentlemen who were heavier than me, but continued jogging/walking regardless of their size. It was really motivating for me that I don't have to use my weight as an excuse of why I can't accomplish any physical activity. As we came to the 1.5miles marker, I could see the water station ahead. I was excited because my mouth was DRY. I didn't drink anything before the race because I didn't want to have to use the bathroom. But how about the water station didn't have any cups! Disappointment was written all over my face, but I couldn't stop, I had to keep going -thirsty and all. Passing the half way marker was exciting because inside I knew that I WAS DOING IT!! When I passed the 2mile marker something happened. A nice lady by the name of Ann came along side me (during one of my walking breaks) and started talking to me. Of course I can't ever pass up a good conversation, so I engaged with her, even though part of me didn't want to because I was focused on the task at hand - finishing this race with a decent time. We ended our conversation with, "See you next year!" and I picked up the pace with a brisk jog. I could see the finish line within my sights and knew that there was no stopping me.
As I sit here and reflect more, you know what I didn't do while on the course........I didn't look back behind me once, not once. We should never negate our past and everything that it involved. But our past does not have to limit our present or future. A song by Damita Haddon has been my theme song for the past few months - No Turning Back. Not turning back has meant being open and honest about where I'm at as well subjecting myself to accountability & support in this area of my life. I don't like accountability because it requires me to expose me, but it totally develops character. The amount of support has been unreal & appreciated. I finished the SOME race today with a time of 51:10 and a pace of 16:28. Considering I haven't done much training outside on the road, that is GREAT!
Thankful.
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