I am a Marathoner!

I did it! I ran 26.2 miles!! According to my Garmin it was more like 26.6, there were a lot of other runners beeping at the same time as me!  They were saying it's because of weaving in and around everyone it added extra distance but who knows! :P

From my Garmin

Here are my official results from MCM:

RECAP:

Packet Pickup wasn't bad.  My husband and I went on the second day as soon as they opened.  Of course because of the Boston Marathon they did have heightened security in place but it went pretty quick and smooth!  We got our bibs and moved on to the expo! They had these great backdrops for some fun photo-ops!

We did A LOT of window shopping the only thing I bought was a $5 MCM 26.2 sticker!!  I've been to 3 expo's in the past three weeks and had to watch the wallet!

Here's my swag from Team Fisher House and MCM (including my sticker!)

What day is it?? RACE DAY!!

The alarms (all three of them) were set.  We got up and out and headed to the Metro! I brought my usual pre-race food, banana and bread with peanut butter.  I was too nervous to eat it though and only got about half down.  This really effected me later as I was STARVING at about mile 3!! :\

My sister-in-law, husband and I on the metro.  I was VERY nervous here!

My husband and sister-in-law were both running the 10K so I hopped of the Metro before them at the Pentagon and went on in search of my Mom's Run This Town girls! Thank God I found them!! It really helped calm my nerves!!  I've done quite a bit of my long runs with them and it was great to see their smiling faces and their horrible Goodwill throw-aways that we all wore to stay warm!! 

The MRTT girls in our Goodwill throw-aways!

The Parachute Team

The sea of people!

As the race started it was a SLOW start.  I wore my pace tattoo hoping that I could have a decent finish, although my ultimate goal was to finish since it was my FIRST marathon.

My pace tattoo!

I didn't want to overdo it and get hurt.  I was feeling good though and made my way slowly around the crowd.  I was getting a little frustrated at the people who put themselves in the wrong corrals and walk at the beginning of the race, for whatever reason.  People have no race etiquette and it frustrates me!  I moved that out of my head and reminded myself of why I was there.  TEAM FISHER HOUSE, FOR THE MARINES, THE WOUNDED WARRIORS!!  They are amazing.  I past my first handcycle heading up the first hill around mile 2.  I always like to give them a little motivation on their way up because it has to be difficult.  I cheer, I holler, I tell the way to go!  and they pass me on the way down. We may meet again, we may not.  They inspire me.  To go through whatever they have in life and to handcycle through a marathon or any race, or run a race on prosthetics is just A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!

WHOO HOO!

The first half of the race was great! I was feeling good, trying to pace myself and not go too fast. I lost the MRTT girls way too early in the crowd and was really bummed.  I was all alone.  I had no music but I ran all of my last long runs without it.  I just decided I would watch the scenery and read all the awesome signs! "You run better than the government" "Who needs toe nails" "Your almost there" "that's what she said" "you've got stamina, call me" "don't trust a fart" They were hilarious! Pretty much the same at every race but I love them!

The second "half" of the marathon I was still feeling pretty good but the back of my legs were starting to cramp up.  I saw lots of people stopping on the side of the road to stretch here and there.  and decided I should probably do the same before I had a big problem.  I had to stretch about 4-5 times throughout the whole race which really wasn't bad and didn't do too much to my time and probably kept me from really hurting myself.

Mommy Bladder

Now the funny thing is, every race prior to this my mommy bladder has been an issue...5K, 10K, 13.1 10-miler you name it! I kept watching people in line for the port-O's, watching men and women head for the trees and considered it but never really found a tree I liked.  But I ultimately stopped thinking about it and the urge just...went away! I didn't have to go the entire marathon! This is HUGE for me! So maybe the whole potty thing is all in my head I'm not sure or maybe I was just dehydrated enough that I didn't have to go anymore but it is what it is!

Take the Hill

This is my Favorite picture! It was on the last mile or so and I was feeling great!!

Since I did the 10K last year I knew a little of what to expect.  For some reason the Iwo seemed further away this year...I was cramping a little on the last 2 miles and decided I could probably make but I wanted to finish strong and not hurt myself up that last hill so on the last water stop when everyone grabbed water I did a quick stretch instead and booked it!  I ended up passing just about everyone on that last stretch so I was feeling really good about my decision!

Stacey from Team Fisher House was waiting at the bottom of the Hill for any Team Fisher House racers to get them started up the hill! It was so awesome to have that boost! I also heard my hubby and sister-in-law cheering and gave them a wave! I think they were surprised to see me take the hill with so much energy left in me! Quite frankly I was too but I knew I needed to reserve a little!

Heading up the last hill! Stacy of Team Fisher House was waiting for me!

Waving to my husband!

I crossed the finish into the corrals of Marines and medals! I shaked hands and thanked as many Marines as I could.  They were such an amazing support through this course and they put on such a wonderful event each year with great efficiency.  

Me and my finisher medal in front of the Iwo memorial

Champ and I after the race

 I worked my way to Charity Hill to meet my hubby and Sister-in-Law who finished there 10K HOURS before!!  They patiently waited on me (I think they went to a movie and had lunch).

Hubby and I and our medals (Lincoln and G. Washington Memorials in background)

 Overall my race experience was great! I had some tough times during the race where I doubted myself (I left those pictures out) but I really enjoyed running with so many people who were there for the same reasons as I was.  Whether it was their first or their 101st!

Loved the Fisher House Cheer Team!!

 I also have to say Thank you Team Fisher House for all their AMAZING support throughout the race. I don't think I could have made it without hearing all those cowbells!! If you would like to make a donation to Team Fisher House please click here http://www.teamfisherhouse.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Donate My donation page will be open until December 31st.  Team Fisher House is a 4-start rated non-profit that helps support Military Families.

Thank you!!

Jessica

Marine Corps Marathon Training

Over the past 17 weeks I have been training for my FIRST marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon!! I have ran short, ran long, ran injured, ran with some fabulous women and my wonderful husband and kids.  I have taken ice baths for the first time, used KT tape, iced my injuries, taken rest days, cross-trained, cried, sweated buckets, lived in the fear of the gov't SHUTDOWN, but I have.not.QUIT!  I have 6 days until the marathon and I am READY!!

This is my training plan-what a mess!! LOL I know it looks a mess
but it has kept me organized and I've been able to cross
 the runs off as I go! I just keep it on my fridge!

BALTIMORE RUNNING FESTIVAL

Last weekend my husband and I ran the Baltimore Running Festival.  My husband ran the 5K and I ran the Half Marathon.  This was all part of my "Taper" for the marathon.  The course was great, lots of hills, it was cold and a little drizzly before my run but a better forecast than the days prior.  It was also difficult starting a race at almost 10 am! I had to think about things like when and what to eat that morning and make sure I didn't drink too much and use the port-o before I started...that didn't work out so much and I ended up finding a potty at mile 7 which kept my from my goal us a sub 2hr half.  Official time: 2:01:43

We even had some cheerleaders!

They are so motivating!

ARMY Ten Miler

This weekend I needed to do 10 miles for my "taper" I got into the Army 10-miler when the registration opened up way back when and the race was this weekend.  I told my self not to "race" but to treat it as a training run (with 30,000 of my closest friends).  I was very proud of myself for just enjoying the run and sites.  My time was average for a training run.  About a 9:30/mm One point in the middle I caught myself running and chatting with someone going WAY too fast and had to back out.  I could have kept it up but I didn't want to overdo it and risk hurting myself.  Better safe than sorry!! This was also my first race with TEAM FISHER HOUSE!!  They were wonderful!! It was such a great team to run with.  They were so loud every time I passed them and had a great meeting tent after with snacks for meet up and recovery. I'm very excited to be running with them for MCM too!!

Official Time: 1:33:31  

6 MORE DAYS

Just 6 more days until the marathon and I am ready!  Just a few more short runs and a lot of REST days.  I am excited and still nervous!!  I am happy that I have met such wonderful strong women through this process.  I wish it wasn't so late in my training but I am going to continue to run with them after MCM is over because they are fabulous!! We have been through a lot together on our long runs. As I type I'm wearing a new shirt that says, "What happens on the long run, stays on the long run".  Very fitting! :)  Although these pictures are too awesome not to share.  A few weeks ago when Congress couldn't handle their job and the Government shutdown we were still training for OUR Marathon!!  We ran DC!  The parks were closed :( but that didn't stop us!  One tiny barricade in the middle of the national mall? A road closed sign? We are Bad@$$ Mother Runners!! Two did 13 miles and two did 20 miles! WHOOP! 

Photo courtesy of: This Mama Runs for Cupcakes

Thanks for stopping by!

Jess

What's for breakfast?

Are you sick of the same ol' same ol' for breakfast?  I'm not a fan of cold cereal since I end up hungry 30 min later, but I know my hubby and oldest enjoy it so I keep it in the house.  I personally don't like breakfast food much at all, I'm not a huge fan of eggs either, however I have learned to like them while covering them with loads of veggies and large small amounts of cheese.

Here I have a couple really simple ideas to help you get your day started.  Easy enough to put together and get you and your kiddos out the door in the morning!

First up, Greek yogurt parfaits! I made these with my 3year old today.  He likes to help get all the goods out of the fridge and cabinet.

Ingredients: (2 servings)
1 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt
1/4-1/3 cup cereal for each serving
2 T Honey
1 Banana or 1 C fruit of your choice
2 T Almonds or Walnuts

Split Yogurt between 2 bowls, drizzle 1 T honey on each serving.  Top each with 1/4c-1/3c cereal of your choice.  Add fruit (bananas, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries all would be good!) Add 1T almonds or walnuts to each serving.

Enjoy!

I probably should have used a bigger bowl :)

Why use greek yogurt?  Because it's loaded with protein and will keep you full longer than regular yogurt!  I chose plain instead of flavored so that I can control the amount of sugar I add to my food.  If you use flavored yogurt I would skip the honey!


Veggie Scramble

Ingredients: (1 serving)

1 eggs +1 Egg White
or 3 Egg Whites if you are on WW
splash of milk
Salt and Pepper
1/2 cup mushrooms (portabella, white button etc)
1 1/2-2 C baby spinach
1 roma tomato seeded and chopped
(Any other veggies of your choice, onions, peppers)
2T-1/4 c Cheese

 Heat small pan over med heat, spray with cooking spray.  Add mushrooms and cook until soft.  Add spinach be sure to either lower temp or stir frequently, do not brown.  While veggies are cooking whisk eggs, slash of milk and Salt and Pepper.  Once spinach has started to wilt add in eggs and stir frequently until firm.  Add in tomatoes and cheese the just before eggs firm up.  Enjoy with a side of toast, or a couple of turkey sausage!

This next one may take a little longer but they are great and full of protein!

Greek Yogurt Pancakes! (2-3 servings)

1C Plain Greek Yogurt

1/2 C Whole Wheat flour

1 egg

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla

Mix all ingredients together.  Heat pan on med-high heat.  Spray with cooking spray.  Use an ice cream scoop to add batter to pan, and spread batter out (it will be thick).  When it starts to cook on the edges and bubble in the center flip.  You can press lightly once they flip to flatten.  I have also tried them with blueberries and raspberries folded in.  These are our raspberry ones! YUM!

Top with fresh fruit like bananas, blueberries or raspberries, you can also use maple syrup, chia seeds, and walnuts!

My Get Fit Journey

I should probably update my "after" shot but it's pretty recent (May 2013).
I also think the before weight is a lot higher.

So I was going to title this "My Weight-Loss Journey" but it just didn't feel right.  I didn't set out to lose weight or get "skinny".  My goal when I started this journey was to get healthy/fit.  I guess somewhere in the process I have gotten to the point where some may consider me "skinny".  I however do not feel this way.  I am fit, strong, and healthy.

Now you may be wondering what made me wake up one day a decide I needed to get healthy?  I've always considered myself a healthy eater.  I love veggies, I always eat salads with baby spinach instead of iceberg lettuce and load it up with veggies.  I eat fruit and lean meats, rarely red meat.  I don't eat a lot of dairy...except for cheese (I love cheese). Well in the Fall of 2011 I got a physical and when I got my blood work back I was in shock! Now I knew I was overweight, I knew I wanted to lose it, it just wasn't happening and the number on the scale wasn't motivating me. However, being that I have my bachelor's degree in Bioligy/Forensic Chemistry when I received my bloodwork results I was motivated! I never thought that my cholesterol and triglycerides would be so high! I don't eat a lot of sweets or red meat so what could it be?

SEPTEMBER 2011 Bloodwork:

Weight :195.5 lbs

LDL: 95 (good)

Triglycerides: 245 (high)

HDL: 40 (low)

I immediately started Weight Watchers*.  The reason for this is because I've used WW before with great results while working.  I love to cook my own food. I don't like prepackaged food, I don't like to be restricted and I needed to learn portion control because I knew WHAT I was eating was okay.  I found it was definitely HOW MUCH I was eating.  An entire Whole Wheat bagel with light cream cheese for breakfast, a sandwich and salad for lunch, chicken veggies and rice for dinner.  The norm.  Well I had to change it.  If I wanted a bagel it had to be a half a bagel or a bagel thin with light cream cheese and a cup of berries.  I'm not a fan of eggs but I really made myself eat them because they are a great source of protein and 3 egg whites were only 1 point!  I loaded those bad boys up with spinach, mushrooms and any other "free" veggies, a little light cheese and I was good to go! On days I was going to have a lighter lunch or dinner I added 2 turkey sausage which were only 2 points!  Chicken with salad or veggies for lunch, I like to add some couscous, quinoa or lentils for some carbs/protein.  Veggies and hummus or string cheese and fruit for snack.  And dinner is the same as lunch protein and veggies small carbs like sweet potatoes, couscous, brown rice etc.  I've tried Paleo and I can do parts of it but I can't cut out dairy 100% and I like a little bit of complex carbs.

NOVEMBER 2011 Bloodwork:

LDL: 76 (good)

Triglycerides: 161 (high)

HDL: 37 (good)

One of my running buddies!

As you can see in 2 months my bloodwork was already looking better and that was all diet change (I hadn't even started working out!)

After I had lost about 25 lbs I decided to start working out...in the form of running/walking.  Well BAD idea!  I wasn't ready, actually my knee wasn't ready!  I had fallen in a grocery store a year before and landed on my right knee, didn't realize the extent until I tried to run and it hurt!  I got some x-ray's, MRI and a referral to PT.  I ran my first FULL 5K in June 2012 and registered for my first 10K in Oct 2012 (the MCM10K).  I was told not to run by my Dr and Orthopedic but my Physical Therapist said it was ok.  We worked hard to get me to a point where I was comfortable and I completed my first 10K in 1:06:44!! YAY!!  The week after I was in a funk...I needed another goal and found that in order to keep going I would need another race.  I signed up for my first HALF MARATHON!

We do the Susan G Komen every year as a family.  This year my sister in law's joined us and we had a great time! I'm so proud of them! This was also the first 5K run I did back in 2012!

The whole crew!

My knee was still not 100% so I ended up getting a cortisone shot which helped a lot.  I trained through the winter for my first and second Half Marathon.  My first was the Rock N Roll USA (2:06:36) in DC March 2013, my second was the JBA Inaugural Half Marathon (2:05:11) in April 2013.  They were tough but I finished and I did well! I also decided to register for the Marine Corp Marathon in Oct 2013 (because you can only go bigger right?)

We've had some 5K runs in between the big races which have been great and my 8yr old has ran with us.  I really suggest getting kids involved not only in healthy eating but also in getting active!  My kids love it! My oldest either runs or bikes next me while my little one is in the stroller.  They give me a little resistance and motivation at the same time.

My husband, sister-n-law and I also completed a Spartan Sprint in Tuxedo, NY! It was TOUGH but so fun! We were looking forward to a Super in August but due to a mission we were unable to go.

This is pre-mud

I'm really looking forward to October as my schedule is FULL of races!

October 12th- Half Marathon!!

Baltimore Running Festival

Half-Marathon

http://www.thebaltimoremarathon.com/

October 20th- Army 10-Miler!!

I am running with Team Fisher House! Please help me in my fundraising efforts!

http://www.teamfisherhouse.org/site/TR/Event/General?px=1004359&pg=personal&fr_id=1096

October 27th- Marine Corps Marathon

I am running with Team Fisher House! Please help me in my fundraising efforts!

http://www.teamfisherhouse.org/site/TR/Event/General?px=1004359&pg=personal&fr_id=1099

Now I know running isn't for everyone, and I never thought it was for me but I hope that I can encourage you to find something that you enjoy and go out there and do it!  This isn't all I do!  I love to bike, cross-fit, hike, play in the backyard or park with the kids.  There is just so many ways to be active get rid of the excuses and get fit!

Thanks for stopping by!

Jess

*I am not being endorsed by Weight Watchers, nor am I suggesting this is the only way to lose weight. This is what worked for me and I suggest finding what works for you.  I highly suggest consulting a doctor before starting any workout or diet program.

Spring Rolls and Smoothies

I was cruising the aisle of World Market a few months ago and found these goodies:

Organic Ramen, Rice Paper wrappers, Sweet Chili sauce, and Sweet Chipotle Jerky

The Sweet Chipotle Jerky was awesome, there wasn't nearly enough in the bag to really share, but I did. I will definitely be looking for this again, and maybe some other flavors!

I haven't used the Organic Ramen yet but I plan to in the near future...please feel free to share your recipes!

As far as the Rice paper and the Sweet Chili Sauce, I had plans for those!  Vietnamese style spring rolls!

The rice paper wrappers were very easy to use.  You just place each wrapper in a bowl of hot water for about 5 seconds prior to wrapping.  It will soften then place on a cutting board, fill and wrap like a burrito!

 Sweet Chili Sauce is my son Austen's favorite.  He puts the stuff on everything!  I did already have form Franks at home but I wanted to try this brand, plus I got it for a buck!

Ok Assembly!  Here are my ingredients: Grilled chicken (you can use shrimp or tofu here), julienne cucumbers, shredded or julienne carrots, cilantro (you could also use mint), and avocado.

Heat ONE wrapper at a time or they will stick together.  Place on your cutting board and add your ingredients but don't overfill!  The wrappers stretch but you don't want them to break.  I really like that you could see the avocado through the wrapper of most of them!

Serve them with the Sweet Chili Sauce for dipping.  My kids had them will bunny Jell-O.  They make great Appetizers.  They would also be great with some Miso Soup!

GREEN MACHINE SMOOTHIE (Makes 2 servings)



1 Small Avocado
2 Cups Spinach
1 1/2 C Coconut Water
1 Scoop Vanilla Whey Protein Powder
1 Cup Ice

Blend all ingredients for a delicious and refreshing treat!

Ry LOVES this smoothie!

Let me know what you think!

Enjoy!

Jess

The views and opinions expressed in this post are mine, I have not been paid for my opinion of any of products you see listed.