July 5, 2009
Running on 10th Street!
After the race in Piedmont Park holding up my coveted Peachtree Roadrace T-shirt
Yeah! I did the Peachtree Roadrace! It was such a great experience! I woke up at 6 am to get ready – eat breakfast – stretch – listen to some upbeat music. I took MARTA to the Lenox station and found my group (8). I had about 40 minutes until my timed group finally took off – but it was so exciting to slowly keep moving closer and closer to the Start line. Once I was there awaiting the countdown – I actually started to tear up. I felt so silly, but I just couldn’t help it. I think I was just overcome by A) All the people + energy and B) Thinking about how far I’ve come with my weight loss and training. To some people, doing a 10K is second nature – maybe they grew up on the Track club or something. But to me, it was really a new beginning. Not only working out – but doing a street race like this with 50,000 other people. It just made me really excited and nostalgic of that time I sat on my balcony and watched it from afar…and now this year…I was finally doing it!I have to admit, it’s the best 10K for anyone to do for a first time. There are so many people that nobody is really paying attention to “you” – unless you were dressed in all spandex (as I saw). It’s a lot of fun with all the people and companies lining the streets to cheer you on. Everyone is in a great mood. And mad props to the Atlanta Track Club (Hi Ben!) for organizing such a great race!
I loved seeing the mile markers and knowing I had just completed 1 mile – 2-3-4-5, etc. Once I got to the High Museum (where I work) I knew it was the 5-mile marker, which meant I only had about a mile and a half to go! Once I turned on 10th Street, I knew I would see Edward and David at the corner of 10th and Myrtle, so that gave me my final push to the end. I just had so much fun. It was hot and I poured a lot of water on my head. I did my walk/jog combo and did my best to just listen to my body as to what I needed to do then. Cardiac Hill sucked (the hill at Piedmont Hospital). I am not even that sore today – it’s crazy. I remember doing my very first 5K 82-pounds heavier, and I could hardly even walk the next day. My legs and abs are sore – but definitely not nearly as bad as I thought they’d be. Which shoes me that my body is in much better shape considering I just did my very first 10K.
I jogged to the finish line and it was at that point I wouldn’t let myself stop. U2’s live version of “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” played on my iPod shuffle and it took me to the finish line. It was kind of an exciting + spiritual moment and I was so proud of myself for rocking it out at the Peachtree Roadrace. Of course, the real race is always within yourself – and I am loving seeing how my body is changing due to my weight loss – and my attitude – and I am already thinking about beating my time next year 
This is from my blog Live Live To The Fullest
July 4, 2009
The Peachtree Roadrace is the largest 10K in the country and one of the largest in the World.
Nearly two years ago I was sitting on my apartment balcony eating cereal. I think it was some type of Kashi Go Lean and some vanilla soy milk. I was sitting there overlooking Peachtree Street as 55,000 people ran past my building, down 10th Street and capped off in Piedmont Park. I woke up pretty late, so I saw the last of the 55,000 runners as they took part in Atlanta’s #1 tradition – the July 4th Peachtree 10K Roadrace. As I sat there sipping my vanilla soy milk out of the bottom of my favorite breakfast bowl (it has little legs. I’m serious) and thought to myself, “I want to do that one day…!” I remember calling my now ex and saying it out loud – as if saying it out loud will somehow make it really, really, really real. Now 2 years later, I meditate on how much has changed. For starters, I don’t eat cereal any more and have to find new, creative ways to use my favorite cereal bowl. Then there are those other changes – the ex, the view from my apartment (I can no longer see Peachtree Street thanks to the new high rises being built), my career, my weight, etc. My life. I am neither where I was nor where I want to be – but isn’t that where you’re supposed to be at 27? I feel on my way though – definitely headed in the right direction. We want life to be linear (that’s where our control issues shine). Life isn’t linear. It’s very cyclical. And I think these moments we have remind us of that. Where we see who we were and where we are – and where we are now – and where we want to be. Little landmarks.
Do I think I’m going to run the whole 6.2-miles. Well, to be honest, I don’t. But does this mean I didn’t wake up at 5 am to register for the race or commit myself to a 10-week running group at 7:30 am on Saturdays – or got so over-heated one day running that I thought I might throw up – or was so overjoyed on another run that I felt surrendered to all things? Everything like this has happened. And it’s been a journey. Now down 82-pounds and counting, I am proud – so very proud – of how far I have come. I never really thought I’d ever take part in “those” races. They were for other people. All those “other” people were doing it that day I watched from my balcony at ate my cereal. Friends at 4th of July parties I’ve attended the last 15 years. ”Those” people did the Peachtree Road race and wore their t-shirts at the cookouts afterwards and talked about how hot it was. It was for them…”they” did it. But now it’s for me. Just as I am right here and right now. Imperfect and dreaming and pushing my goals forward. Anxious to wake up at 6 am and get on MARTA and take it to Lenox Mall. Anxious to get to the Start line. Anxious to get to the Finish Line at Piedmont Park (a few blocks from my apartment…I am so lucky!). Anxious AND excited! I will be with 55,000 people tomorrow – walkers, runners and in-betweeners – I’d like to think it’s a testament to my commitment to challenging myself and pushing my health further and further. I am the very first person in my family to do the Peachtree!
I have to give a HUGE thanks to my friends & family who have supported me these last several months and have wished me well tomorrow. I can’t wait to cross that finish line – even if I am wearing a nerdy “Fuel Belt” (H20 bottles attached at my waist) – I know people will be jealous It makes me feel prepared and maybe a little bit like a nerdy Super Hero.
I can’t wait to report back tomorrow on how it goes!
From a novice Peachtree Road race runner.
This is from my blog Live Life To The Fullest
Filed under Diet, Gastric Banding, Health, Inspirational, Reflection, exercise, fitness, physical, weight loss, weight loss surgery
Tags: 10K, Atlanta, Fuel Belt, Lap Band, novice runner, obesity, Peachtree Road Race
May 25, 2009
I have this sinus infection which is keeping me a little under the weather lately. I’m not letting it stop me from being active! I still went to my running group on Saturday to train for the Peachtree Road Race on July 4!!! We did a 45-minute run and the weather was really humid and drizzly. Right now I am waiting for Kate to come over, we’re going to go on a walk through Piedmont Park. Maybe I’ll get some coffee. Mmmmmm. Coffee!
My weight is still at the 80 pounds down mark. I am so thrilled I’ve lost 80 pounds! But I have my eye on the prize. My immediate goal is to get down to 100 pounds off. That’s only 20 pounds away! I talked to my doctor’s office b/c of my plateau and they saw my food diary that I kept for a week. They were really happy with my diary and maybe seemed a little surprised that I’ve hat this plateau. The nurse said there wasn’t anything glaring off the page on my eating + activity. So it made me happy to see that I am doing well and staying on track. I can always think of a few things I can be doing to be better, but I am realizing that I’m never going to be PERFECT … but I can be pretty damn good!
I am trying some new combinations of proteins and trying to eat something different for breakfast. If my weight doesn’t budge in 2-weeks I might need another Lap Band fill.
Anyway, over all things are great! I just need to kick this plateau and sinus infection. Especially now that I’m in this running group, I’m especially surprised my weight has plateaued. Maybe it’s muscle? I feel slimmer! More than anything though, I’m just so much a happier now than ever before – due to a myriad of reasons. I’m always daydreaming about where I’ll travel next. And being healthy makes those daydreams a lot more fun now! I’m in talks with a photographer friend of mine in Virginia about an Africa trip in 2011!
Okay, Kate should be here so I’m going to go put on my NEW running sneakers!
This is from my blog Live Life To The Fullest
May 12, 2009
Getting frustrated b/c I haven’t lost any weight in over 3 months! I’ve been eating well + working out. I’m feeling restriction with my band. My body must be in a SUPER STUBBORN place right now. On the other hand, I’m glad to be alive and healthy and headed in the right direction. Someone the other day said how crazy it is that Oprah gained so much weight back – when she practically owns the world and has her own chef and can demand any type of food at any time and can workout with professional trainers, etc., and SHE gained weight back. This proves the power of how hard it is to lose weight and keep it off. I’ve kept off my 80 pounds! But I just really have my eye on getting down to the 100 pound mark!!
I had a GREAT weekend in Asheville. I hung out with hippies and re-connected with some of my best girlfriends from college. We camped out and did morning Yoga and meditation and took a Thai massage class and I did a breathing workshop! It was very centering to be near all the nature again and my friends. It felt great to re-connect in a myriad of ways.
Now back to the real world, but it’s a good world to be in.
Morning Meditation
Doing Yoga is way more fun when you're not toting around 80 pounds!
This is from my blog Live Life To The Fullest
Filed under Gastric Banding, Health, Humor, Lap Band, Spirituality, Support, Surgery, body, exercise, fitness, obesity
April 29, 2009
This past Saturday was my very first running group! It was a really fun experience – maybe more fun than I had anticipated (sans the 7:30 am meet time). For starters, I had talked to my coach via email before the 1st run, and she placed me in the “Intermediate” group rather than the novice group. When I got to the meeting place, I was rather surprised at how fit everyone was. Not to judge, but if *I* was put in Intermediate, who would be in the beginners? I’ve only done two 5K runs, and the first one I walked the whole way and the 2nd one I ran 3/4 of the way, but not 100 %. I saw the “Intermediate” folks and they had their running gadgets and their breathable shirts with their wispy shorts on and I though, “Okay, I’m definitely a beginner.”
I didn’t let Ego get in my way. I felt more comfortable in the beginner group so I switched. There was one woman in our group who seemed upset that we’d have an interval of walking + running the 2 miles, and when I suggested to her that she might want to join another groups, she seemed put off. So during our run, we were in our little pack dog formation, and she always had to make sure she was right up in the front – the lead dog. She reminded me of the person in class who always had to sit in the front of the class to feel the smartest. Anyway, I thought it was rather funny. Oh, she was wearing running gloves or something which I didn’t get. Okay Tiger Woods. Whatever.
Everyone else in my group was super nice. It’s funny to have to strike up conversation with people when you’re running. Feels like a first date – lots of get-to-know-you conversation and heavy breathing.
I was wearing my iPod to get me pumped up. I rarely run without my tunes. But I realized I was being kind of anti social (Julie? Being anti social?) so I turned down my music.
We did a walk + run combo for about 2 miles (30-minutes). We ran through Ansley Neighborhood which was just so beautiful. Very picture perfect with lots of Saturday morning yard sales.
I have kept up my workout routine since Saturday. We have a 7-day running schedule so it’s like homework. Saturdays are just the day we all run together. I did buy some wispy shorts and a breathable shirt and a running gadget. I only look the part. I’m still a beginner. I am okay not being lead dog, but I don’t want to be last on race day along with the Atlanta trash pick up people. I love this challenge. I **NEVER** would have even thought about joining a running group in my former life, so it’s a cool step to see how my weight loss is creating new ways for me to physically challenge myself. I’m looking forward to this upcoming Saturday! I’ll keep ya’ posted!
Happy Trails.
J
This Is From My Blog Live Life To The Fullest
April 24, 2009
I start my running group on Saturday! I have joined a 10-week running group to train for the Peachtree Roadrace. I’m really excited! I heard from my coach today via email. She seems really nice and inspirational. I told her my times when I did my 5K and she has placed me in the intermediate group (not the novice group) which I’m actually a little surprised about! I got my training schedule and it pretty much involved some type of run/walk 5-6 times per week (including the group runs on Saturday mornings at 7:30 am!) This will definitely be an interesting undertaking. I’m kind of anxious about it but also really excited and proud of myself.
More to write about after my first run this Saturday morning!
This is from my blog Live Life To The Fullest
April 5, 2009
Grrrrr. Still at this plateau. It’s getting super frustrating!!! I guess if I don’t break my current weight soon, I’m going to call the nutritionist at my Dr’s office. I’ve been eating well and working out. I just cannot seem to break this number that I am at – I have been stuck at the 80 pound mark for 3 months! I mean, don’t get me wrong – I’m stoked to be down 80 – but with all the hard work, I at LEAST feel like I should be down 85 or 90 by this point. *sigh* Why is my body being so stubborn right now? Maybe it’s stress or some changes in medications or the off again on again weather. It’s probably all of the above. Oh well. Just venting! I guess that’s what blogs are for!
This is from my blog Live Life To The Fullest
April 4, 2009
Went to the Vortex last night for a friend’s B-Day dinner. I’m not the biggest fan of The Vortex because there really aren’t any healthy options there – but at the same time, I’m a big fan of it because of all those awful choices proudly displayed on the menu. What’s your fancy? A “Coronary Bypass Burger” – A burger with some fried eggs on it? Or perhaps the “Elvis Burger” – A burger with peanut butter and fried bananas? As one can see, any semblance of eating healthy is completely taken out of the equation. I am a big fan of the Vortex’s creativity. But something so benign as getting bleu cheese on your burger turns into a deep sea bleu cheese adventure. It’s none of that girly bleu cheese crumbles, but a slathering – a heaping – mound of bleu cheese. I think they literally take an ice cream scoop and dip it in a bucket of bleu cheese and plop it on your burger. Just ask my friend Katie, ’cause it’s what she got.
Well, I was happy to go and celebrate my friend’s B-Day. I ended up getting a turkey burger w/ no bun – cheddar cheese – and a side of cole slaw. It was the best choice I could have made I think. I didn’t want another salad since I had one for lunch. I did steal a few tots from a neighboring plate. Mmmmmmmm. Tots!
I realized today that my running group starts in 3 weeks! I am nervous and excited! I need to get some new workout clothes. I realized that due to vacations and a few weekend get-a-ways I’ve committed to, I’m actually going to miss 4 out of the 10 scheduled running days. I guess I will just have to make up for it o my own – which is fine. I feel bad, but I guess they have to expect folks will miss some since it’s prime time for summer vacay’s!
Oooooh, I’m off to test drive some cars right now! I am really excited. I’ve driven the same car since I was 15, and I love my Volvo, but alas, I think his time is near…
The weather is FINALLY nice today. Talk about seasonal depression!! Although I heard that next week we might have snow flurries. Insane!
This is from my blog Life Life To The Fullest
March 26, 2009
Things overall are going well. Work has been good. I am going to start looking at getting a new car – or by new I mean new for me – probably a used one. I’ve driven the same Volvo since I was 15! I love him – and named him Ringo. He’s seen me through pretty much most of my life! At least the interesting and scandalous stuff 
Haha. I feel like it’s just another change that will occur to symbolize all of my other changes. I’m growing up. Becoming an adult. Still ridiculously silly and all of that, but I’m cleaning the grit off of my stove, making bill payments, folding laundry, going to bed by midnight, etc. All of these very “adult” like symptoms are coming over me. It’s strange to stop and think that I am an adult. I enjoy it for the most part! Maybe because I was always looked at as the “baby” in my family – having an older sister – so now that I’m maturing and being all domestic and stuff, I am more aware of it. This is just a little tangent obviously. But maybe it relates to weight because I am pushing myself into new directions. We have moments in life where we realize we’re not solely who our parents are. And moments where we realize we are turning into our parents. What defines us?
I was always “chubby” and “overweight” growing up. I told someone a story the other day about when I used to play basketball and my coach totally got mad at me because I couldn’t keep up with the rest of the team. She sat me down in 8th grade – in the locker room – and literally made me feel awful. Looking back, I’m sure she thought she was trying to help me. And it’s not like I was so overweight that I couldn’t play and TLC was doing a documentary on me, haha, but I know that I wasn’t in as good of shape as the rest of my team. So now, many years later, I’ve taken my progress seriously. Weight loss is highly emotional and highly addictive. And I want to reach my goals so badly. I mean, hell, I’ve already lost 80 pounds! Now I’m totally focused on reaching that 100 mark. The pants I wore to work today were too big. It’s a bummer how much money I’ve had to spend on clothes, but it’s also joyous.
Maybe that’s the point of this blog. There is a good and bad to everything. And as we grow up, we realize that there are two sides to every coin. Being an adult has lots of cons but there are many pros, too. I think I was always scared of growing up. And maybe a part of me was scared to lose all this weight. It’s all about fear of the unknown. But during my walk/jog today after work – I saw some cherry blossom trees and the petals fell onto me just as I was walking underneath them – as if to say -
We welcome you. Just as you are. In this moment.
This is from my blog Live Life To The Fullest
March 18, 2009
I signed up for the Peachtree Road Race!!! I am so excited + nervous. It’s the biggest 10K in the country and it’s held July 4th. I live right on Peachtree Street, and I remember a few years ago I was sitting on my balcony – eating some cereal out of my favorite bowl – watching all of the runners like a sea of little running ants. And I thought, “I definitely want to do that some day!” I think I might have been on Jenny Craig on the time. Nothing against good ole JC (not Jesus) – but it didn’t work for me as I had hoped. So, here I am – 3 years later – down 80 pounds – all signed up. To top it off, I even joined this runners group in Atlanta to start training for it. They said it’s for novice or intermediate runners. I think I might even be more nervous about the runners group than doing the actual Peachtree! I am *very pumped that my first 10K will be right in my hometown – my friends can maybe come cheer me on – and it ends in Piedmont Park! I’ve seen a lot of folks do it over the years. I’m really excited for this challenge!
Been stuck at the 80 pounds mark for 2 months now. Feeling a little frustrated, but keeping my head up. I went to the gym last night, and tonight I went on a jog through the beautiful neighborhoods near Piedmont Park. It’s St. Patties Day. I wore my favorite green converse to work today – but didn’t feel like going out tonight and drinking. Just wanted to take it easy – make dinner – watch American Idol – talk to my sister on the phone – take a shower. It’s about 10:30 pm and I am beat! I actually think I am going to head to bed soon. Goodnight everyone, sweet dreams.
This is from my blog Live Life To The Fullest
