Workout Wednesday

I love long weekends, but at the same time they tend to throw me off.  I'm definitely not complaining about a short work week - just feel off this week.

So with the holiday weekend came travel to MS.  I did better than I figured I would on the working out, but the eating was a different story.  

Here's how my week went.....

Thursday

I ran the Zoom Through the Zoo 4 mile race.  4 miles in 44:15.  It was pretty hot and humid, but I just need to get used to it as summer in Memphis isn't going anywhere any time soon.

Friday

Today was a rest day as I had an event to go to Friday night.  I missed my HEAT class and can't wait to get back to it next week.

Saturday

I got up and got in an 11 mile bike ride in just under an hour before I headed to Jackson.  I knew this was the only way that I could get in a workout that day.

Sunday

I slept in longer than I had planned, but still managed to get in a slow 3 mile run in 35:36.  I thought I had had hot runs already this year, but this one was horrible.  It was hot and humid and no shade the entire route.

Monday

Today was another rest day.  I was traveling back home and the gym also closed at 5:00 - so again, no HEAT class.  

Tuesday

I got in a 4 mile run in 45:18.  I had major cramping in my calves again.  I've got to get this under control.

Wednesday

I got in my Yoga class this morning and I'm planning for a run and a swim this afternoon.  I think I'm going to start loging my workouts Wednesday-Tuesday instead of Thursday-Wednesday since my main workouts on Wednesday are typically after I post.

Weekly Weigh In

Last week - 148.8

This week - 149.2

Weekly change - +.6

This was actually better than I expected.  This weekend had 4 cookouts and 2 batches of homemade ice cream.  I'm SO ready to get back to better eating.  

I'm linking up with Skinny Meg again this week.  Check her out.....

~Kathryn

Race Racap - Zoom Through the Zoo

Last night I (along with about 1400 friends) participated in the Zoom Through the Zoo 4 Mile Race here in Memphis.  This race has been on my race list for a while now, and I was excited to get to run in it this year.  

Based on what I've been running, I was hoping for a time in the 43-44 minute range.  I had a plan break the race up into 2-2 mile segments and go from there.  Well, that plan went out the window the moment the race started.  I immediately felt super tight calves in both legs and the shin splints flared up in my left leg.  I decided to take the race one mile at a time.

The course starts just outside the zoo then finds its way into the zoo for a little over a mile before heading back out to Overton Park for about 2.5 miles.  There were a few smaller animals out and about 2 elephants.  With the heat and humidity that comes in late May in Memphis, it highlighted the "smells" of the zoo......not what you want to be smelling while running.  The finish is literally at the zoo's gate.....and it wouldn't be a race in Memphis if it wasn't followed by BBQ!

I ran the first mile in about 9:30 - which is really good for me, but too fast at the same time.  I was feeling major tightness in both hamstrings at that point (in addition to the calves and shin splints) and realized that my "A" goal of 43:00 probably wasn't going to happen.  I felt like I was in yoga when they tell you to listen to your body and see what was talking to you.  Well, the legs weren't talking, but rather screaming!  I decided to take a walk break at each mile and see how I was feeling.  Finally around mile 3 the hamstrings loosened up and my legs settled into it.  That's fine on a long run, but for this the race was 3/4 of the way over by then.  

In the end, it wasn't the race I wanted, but it was still a PR, so I'm happy about that!!  

Time: 44:35

(that was clock time - my watch said 44:15 and 4.07 miles start line to finish line)

734/1392 Overall

358/861 Females

81/196 30-34 Age Group

~Kathryn

Workout Wednesday

It's been another week of somewhat consistent workouts - but not where I want them to be.  I've really got to get my head in the game and just get a game plan together.

Here's how my workouts happened this week......

Thursday
I got in 4 mile run in just over 44 minutes.  Not great - but hey, it was a run!  After that I went to the gym for some time in the pool.  I got in 800 yards in 30 minutes.

Friday

Rest Day

Saturday

After a day of running errands I set out on what was planned to be another 4 mile run.  The humidity was unreal!  I decided to call it a 3 mile run.  I finished in just under 33 minutes, and I looked like I had gone for a swim when I got back home even though it was at 7:30 at night.

Sunday

I made it to my favorite Yoga class today!!  After that I headed to Shelby Farms to get in a bike ride on the Greenline.  I got in 12.11 miles in 1:03:57.  Considering that's only my second really bike ride of distance, I'm pretty pleased.  After that I decided to walk around Patriot Lake.....that's about 1.75 miles.

Monday

I managed to work it out with work to work 7:30-4:30 on Monday's so that I can still make HEAT!!  The class was a killer this week.  We had 4 exercises (Burpee-Barrier Jumps, Pull Ups, Push Ups, and Leap Ups).  We started with a round of 20 reps of each, then a round of 19 reps of each and so on.  I managed to finish the round of 8 reps of each about the time that we had to stop......that was after 47 minutes and 728 total reps.  I think if there hadn't been a class at 6:00 in the same room that our instructor would have had us go until we either finished or passed out.....my bet is that the passing out would have come first!

Tuesday

This was an unplanned rest day.  The weather was horrible and my body was still exhausted from Monday's class.

Wednesday

I made it to Yoga at 6:00 this morning again this week!!!  

Weekly Weigh In

Last week - 149.8 lbs

This week - 148.8 lbs

Weekly Change - -1lbs

Not much, but at least it's in the right direction.

I'm heading out of town again the weekend, so my goal is to be better about my eating and workouts over the weekend.

Check out SkinnyMeg for her Workout Wednesday Link-Up.  You may find something that is just the motivation you need to keep on going.....

~Kathryn

Where'd the Weekend Go

Why do the weekends go by so fast!!!!

I could really go for a 3 day weekend and a 4 day work week......every week and not just holiday weeks.

My weekend started out Friday night when Rodan + Fields corporate came to town.  We had a business presentation Friday followed by Groundswell Training Saturday morning.  It was a great time and I got to meet several of the top consultants in the area.....one day I'll hopefully be up there with them.

Saturday afternoon was a mish mash of a lot of things.  

First off, Miss Poppy had a BADLY needed day at the groomer.  She went from this......

to this.......

She looks like a completely different dog, but it's the same fun loving Poppy.  Now we can see her eyes!!

Saturday was also a time for running errands and I finally joined Costco.  Boy, that is going to be dangerous!!!  Yeah, the cheap gas is nice, but I'm scared of what all I may come out with when I go there to shop!!

After a VERY HUMID 3 mile run at 7:30 Saturday night (Hello summer in Memphis!) I decided to try out some new nail polish colors.

First off, I tried Orly in Frisky.  Previous to this, I had only used the Orly base coat.  The polish is ok to me. I feel like I have better coverage from some of the others that I use.  As for the color, it's a bright turquoise and is so not me, but I like it.  Not one that I will do very often, but sometimes the summer just calls for something different on your toes.

Orly Polish in Frisky

For my hands, I used Essie in Come Here!!  I love Essie polish!  This one is pretty bright - kind of a coral color.  I wasn't too sure about it at first, but it's really growing on me now.  I'm usually pretty "traditional" when it comes to polish and I decided I needed to step out of my comfort zone.  I did, and I'm loving it!!

Essie Polish in Come Here!

I had plans to be on the road by 6:00 am Sunday morning to head down to Tunica, MS, to watch the Memphis in May Olympic Distance Triathlon.  Several of my friends that I run with were participating and I wanted to go support them (and I didn't feel that it would be a bad idea to go watch with me getting ready to my first triathlon in August).  Well, the morning didn't start quite as planned......I rolled over and looked at my clock and it was 5:46!!!  I somehow had turned off my alarm and had gone back to sleep.  I hurriedly got ready and got on the road.  I was still able to make the 7:00 start.....somehow!!

I met up with some other friends and once everyone was in the water we went to find another place to see them swimming before heading to watch transition.  Once they were all off on their bikes we went and found a spot at bike dismount to sit and watch.  We saw a little bit of everything.  Some dismounts left you wondering when they actually got off the bike.....you'd see them riding, then all of a sudden they were running while carrying their bike.  Some were not so graceful.  A few couldn't get out of their clips and either asked to be caught or they ended up on the ground.  

The three we were watching got kind of spread out on the bike so we stayed to watch them come in and missed all but one heading out on their run.  We didn't have long before the first one was getting ready to come in on her run so we went and found a good place near the finish to camp out until they were all finished.  

I had a great time down there watching everything (and getting sun burned......I realized I forgot my sunscreen when I was half way to Tunica).  

I headed home around lunch time and had a ton of house work to do.  I got just enough done to say I'd done something when I decided to head to Yoga.  From there I decided to go for a bike ride on the Shelby Farms Greenline.  12 miles and just over an hour later I decided I wasn't through.  I had though about running around Patriot Lake, but since it wasn't planned when I left home I didn't have my running shoes with me.  I went on and walked the 1.75 miles just to get the feel of moving my legs like that after a bike ride.  Let's just say I have a lot of work to do between now and August!!

By the time I got home I was hungry and exhausted.  At that point it was pretty much dinner, shower, sleep.  

My list of what all needs to be done at the house is still there and growing.  I can always do that stuff later!!

Monday morning came too fast!!  I'm already looking forward to this coming weekend.....and getting a 3 day weekend!!

Hope everyone has a great week and it goes by fast!!

~Kathryn

R+F Friday

Today I'm not talking about any products in particular, but rather the excitement that is building for Rodan + Fields in the Memphis area.

This weekend is the beginning of something BIG in Memphis.  Corporate has come to town!!  Tonight they are hosting a Business Presentation and tomorrow is the beginning of Groundswell Training for Memphis.  This area has barely begun to develop and Corporate sees the potential that we do - that's why they are here.  They want to put R+F on the map in Memphis and are here to help us do so.  I am SO excited for this.

Next weekend is another big weekend as well.  On Friday night 2 consultants from north Mississippi will be in town to be presented their Lexus.  There are less than 100 consultants that have earned a Lexus and once these 2 get theirs that will make 6 from Mississippi, several in Nashville and NONE in Memphis!!  That right there tells you that Memphis is ready to explode with R+F.  I mean - who doesn't want a brand new shiny Lexus - all paid for?  I know I would love it!!  And with R+F there is no reason you (or I) can't reach this goal.

YES, PLEASE!!!

Right now there are 12 consultants that are considered the creme de la creme.  They are what is called RFx. Currently, they are on an all expense paid trip to the Four Seasons Resort in Bora Bora.  Let me tell you - seeing the pictures and hearing the stories are so inspiring.

None of this existed 5 years ago and now R+F is literally taking people all over the world (next year RFx consultants will be going to Paris!!), giving people cars and changing lives of consultants and customers. And we are only just beginning.  12 RFx consultants.  18 Elite Consultants.  Less than 100 Lexus earners.  Less than 500 Level V Consultants.  In the top 100 of Global Direct Sales companies (and we're only in the US). And now this.......

Rodan + Fields has been named a finalist in the Consumer Products category in the 2013 American Business Awards, the nation’s premier business awards program. More than 3,200 nominations from organizations of all sizes, and in virtually every industry, were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories. We are honored to be a finalist in the Consumers Products group.

We will begin our introduction into the global market in 2014.  

I'm still in disbelief that all of this has happened in just 5 years....and there are some states that are still virtually untouched by R+F - Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kansas just to name a few.  There are no limits to where Rodan + Fields can take you.  I truly believe in this company and what it has to offer me.  I can't wait to see where I go with it.  I'd love to share it with you.  If you are even remotely interested, I love to tell you more about this company.  This is the time.  R+F is going places and wants to take all of us along for the ride.

kathrync.myrandf.biz

~Kathryn

Workout Wednesday

This past week started out not so good in the work out department.  I'm not sure how I ended up with workouts 4 of the last 7 days actually.  My goal is to get to 5-6 days a week with activity.  

So here's the recap......

Thursdsay

I had great plans of getting in a 3 mile run then heading to the gym for 30 min of swimming.....then at 4:00 I got invited over to a friend's house for a cook out.  The shins needed a break anyway so I wasn't too upset about that.

Friday

I made it to HEAT class before heading out of town for the weekend.

The Tabata portion wasn't too bad at the time (8 rounds of 20 seconds with a 10 second rest in between for each exercise), but Sunday and Monday I felt the calf raises BIG TIME.  In fact it was a very slow process of being able to put my heels flat on the floor. My lowest score for rows was 24, for push press was 22, and for calf raises was 27.

Every Minute on the Minute was a rough one (the faster you complete the exercises the longer rest you get before the next minute starts....but you pay the price) - by the time you get to the last few rounds you have barely finished the exercises before you start again.

I sort of got a break on As Many Rounds as Possible.  My group started with the sit-ups and worked up to Man Makers.  That meant that unless I got to the final exercise on my round when 25 minutes was over I wouldn't have to do man makers that round.  I completed 7 full rounds just barely finished the pull ups when the timer went off.  I was a literal hot mess when class was over.....perfect for driving 3 hours with 3 dogs in the car.

Saturday & Sunday

I had hoped to get in a run or two while I was at my aunt's house, but that didn't happen.  That might have been a blessing in disguise though as my shin splints gave me fits during class on Friday and they really needed some rest.

Monday

I got a 3 mile run in today.  My pace is getting better, but not where I want it to be.  I'm going to have to start doing some speed work.  I'm also hoping that losing some of this extra weight I'm carrying around will help as well - it's makes sense that it would.  My shin splints were much better after a few days rest.  They've been screaming at me on most of my runs lately.  Today they just sort of whispered to me beginning around mile 2. Progress!!  Now I just need to keep babying them a bit more and also figure out what's causing them.

Tuesday

Today was HEAT class again.  I am really loving this class.  Unfortunately I have things the next 2 Friday nights and won't get to go.  They are also moving the Tuesday class to Monday's at 5:00.  I'm going to see if I can work out working 7:30-4:30 on Monday's at work so that I can keep attending the class - I REALLY don't want to miss it!!

This was one of our longer workouts.  We did 7 rounds for time and I finished in just under 40 minutes.  By round 6 and 7 the Burpees just plain suck at that point.  I actually had to take a breather after those as I didn't want to pass out.  Toes to the Bar and Farmer Carry (with 40 lb dumbells in each hand) are difficult for me because I don't have a good grip.  I'm hoping that doing exercises like this will help with that.  

I was completely exhausted and looked like I had been in a swimming pool when I got finished.  It was a great workout!!

Wednesday Morning

I actually got my not-a morning-person butt up and out of bed this morning to head to yoga.  It felt great after last night's workout.  I used to go to this class all the time, but got out of the habit of it.  The instructor that I really like that teaches the Sunday class that I go to (when I can make it) now teaches the Wednesday morning class as well.  I think I may have to make this a regular class again.  It was a good stretch for my tight muscles and a great way to start the day.

I'm planning to run and swim this afternoon, but I'll save that for next week.

Weekly Weigh In

Last week - 150.4 lbs

This week - 149.8 lbs

Weekly Change - -.6 lbs

Not really losing much at all, but not gaining.

This weekend was BAD eating for me. So I really didn't expect much of anything for this weigh in.  One thing I continually notice is my body changing shape and getting firmer.  Clothes are not as tight and I've had people ask if I've lost weight (which I haven't).  I'm ok with the small drops on the scale while this is happening because I know that my body is still changing for the better.  I'm trying to focus more on my eating this week, so hopefully that is going to help.

Bye for now!!!

~Kathryn

Tuesday's Random Thoughts.......

I've had a lot of random thoughts running through my head the last few days.  Of course now that I'm finally writing them down, I'll probably forget half of them.  Let's see what I can remember.

*You know you watch too much on the DVR when you try to fast forward through commercials on live TV. I've actually been guilty of this several times this past week.....most recently last night during the Grizzlies game.

*Speaking of the Grizzlies, you sure know how to give a city a heart attack.  I'm glad for the win, but did we really have to go 17 down in the first half......and then go into over time to top it off.

*Days after 8:30 tip off Grizz games need to start at like 9:00 or 10:00.  

*My beach vacation begins 2 months from yesterday.....YAY for vacation, BOO for not being bikini ready. My fat butt needs to get in high gear!

*Another big YAY for Rodan + Fields payday!!!  I LOVE getting paid just for sharing about some of the most amazing skin care products out there!  

*One more R+F random - Oprah love our new Macro Exfoliator.  This isn't the first time she's mentioned one of our products and we all know how much Oprah has to be in love with something for her to mention it!

*The jackpot is when you have a friend that has impeccable taste in shoes (and wears the same size as you do) clean out her closet.  Most of these have either never been worn or only worn once!!  I just cleaned out my closet, now I'm filling it back up....

*Shin Splints are the devil - seriously!!  At least they didn't start talking to me until about mile 2 of my 3 mile run yesterday.....last week they were screaming after only going about 1/2 a mile.  They are getting better but I'm ready for them to be GONE!

*I'm going to have to find TV shows to keep me entertained this summer (suggestions please).  I love season finales, but that means re-runs until September/October.  I have Netflix and Apple TV, so surely I can
find something to entertain me.

*I'm not a big reader, but do love Dan Brown novels.  His new one came out today.  Do I go on and read it now, or save it for vacay??

*Summer in Memphis is coming whether I like it or not.  Highs are already hitting the upper 80s and it's only going to get worse.  Lot's of sweaty runs in my future.

*I'm doing my first Triathlon in August......I've got a LONG way to go!!

*Trying to eat good when with my family is nearly impossible.  

*Blogging may actually stick this time.  I have 2 failed attempts in the past.

*How do you keep a house clean when there are 3 dogs running in and out and all around?  Seriously, I feel like I mop the floors 2x a day every day and there is nothing to show for it!

*Pay attention to how you park in a parking garage - especially if it's a tight fit to begin with.  There is a lady that always parks straight in an angled spot making it hard for people to park next to her (she's in a truck).  Then today she only pulled halfway into her spot so she is sticking way out and you literally have to drive around her.  I know I'm bad a parking, but I at least try to make it right.

That's all I've got for now.  I'm sure I'll have a lot  more rattling around in my head later, but I'll save that for another day.

~Kathryn

Where'd the Weekend Go - Mother's Day

As usual - it was another weekend that went by WAY too fast!!

Though they may drive me crazy sometimes - I love my family and I got to spend this weekend with them.

After class at the gym Friday night, I (along with 3 dogs!) hopped in the car and drove south 3 hours to Jackson, MS to my aunt's house.  Thank goodness the dogs like to sleep in the car or it would have been a VERY unpleasant drive.  Once I got there, I was greeted by my mom, grandmother, aunt, uncle, teenage cousin and their 2 dogs.  Yep, you counted correctly.....that's now 5 dogs in one house for the weekend.  It was late and we were all tired, but all the dogs were WAY too excited to let anyone sleep at that point.  Here are my aunt's 2 dogs......

Meet Dixie.  The most docile Pitt/Lab mix you'll ever meet

This is Sophie - a 4 y/o Wheaten Mix that thinks she runs the house.

After a restless night of sleep (all the dogs wanted to be with each other) Saturday brought lots of family time.  My other cousin, his wife, and their 14 month old came up from Dothan, AL for the weekend.  I don't think I've seen BA (the baby) since New Year's.  They spent most of the day with us before heading to his mom's parents for dinner.  It was so much fun to see my 82 year old grandmother get to play with her great-granddaughter.

BA was interested in the TV.

After B, Katie and BA left we had just enough time to run and errand or two then get back to watch the Grizzlies.  I believe there were 3 tvs on in the house and all three had the game on.  I had told my family earlier last week that as long as I could watch the Grizz game at 4:00 I would be happy.  Well, we were all interested in the game, so we decided that we would grill out for dinner rather than go out to eat.  We all enjoyed some yummy steaks (dog included) and a great basketball game!!  The Thunder have been a thorn in the Grizzlies' side since this same series 2 years ago......maybe, just maybe the Grizz can pull it out this year.

This is what my dogs thought of the basketball game......

Sunday was church then more time for family and food.  After we got in from church we took the obligatory family photos (all the pics that I'm in were taken on my uncle's camera so I don't have any of those :( )  I mentioned in a previous post about the bond that my grandmother and my dog, Lily, have.  Here they are and they would stay like this all day long if they could.  The funniest moment was when my grandmother was holding BA and Lily had a fit.  She thinks she's human and somebody else had her Muma (what my cousin dubbed my grandmother when he was a child) and she was NOT happy about it.

Here's my teenage cousin.  He's a sucker for a dog just like I am.  Rose figure that out pretty quick and had him giving belly rubs all weekend.  We all think Will would make a wonderful vet, but he'd have to go to Mississippi State for that, and he's and Ole Miss fan......and trying to talk a 17 y/o into a school other than "his" just isn't happening.  Will and his dad were working hard on my aunt to adopt Rose.  My aunt spent the weekend saying no and as I left admitted that the reason that she didn't spend time with Rose was that she was scared that she would fall for her and give in on adopting her......yep, family full of suckers when it comes to dogs!!

B, Katie, and BA came back over for lunch on Sunday and we had a good ole Southern Fish Fry (clean eating for the rest of the week can't make up for this past weekend at this point!!).  They had to leave kind of early to head back to Dothan - it's a pretty good drive from Jackson and there isn't a good straight shot to get there.  We should get to see them again in 2 months when we all head to Perdido Key for a week.  (OMG - only 2 months until then?!?!?!?  I'm SO not ready to be out on a beach in a swim suit  Time to get my fat butt in gear!)

B (Benjamin), Katie, and BA

I still had a job to do before I could head back home.  Apparently I'm the one in the family that everyone looks to for help in cleaning out closets.  My aunt's neighborhood yard sale is this coming weekend so we headed to tackle her's.  I wish I would have gotten a picture of it!  We only got through 2 sections, while I was there and I probably got her to put about a 1/3 of it into the yard sale pile......then I saw the shoes. Don't even get me started on those.  It was an emergency situation.  I need to take her shoe shopping.  I swear there were only brown and black shoes in there other than some tennis shoes (mostly my old running shoes - she and my mom get my old ones when they aren't good for running any more) and the one pair of while sandals that I let her keep.

I moved last October, so I had already gotten rid of a lot of stuff at that time, but I decided to go through my closets and house and see what I could take to contribute to the yard sale (getting rid of things I don't wear and making money on it - heck yes!!!).  The back of my Tahoe was full - and this pics doesn't do it justice since the tables block the view of several bags of clothes.  The sad thing is that I did this in a rush and if I had the time to REALLY go through stuff I could have brought twice as much.....it will just have to wait until the next time!

I finally loaded the girls (dogs) up around 7:00 and headed back home to Memphis.  They were asleep in the car in less than 5 minutes and stayed that way until we turned into the driveway.  

I'm starting the week tired from the weekend and getting home after 10:00 last night.  The Grizzlies don't play until 8:30 tonight......at this point, sleep is just over rated.  I'll catch up on it at some point, just not sure when yet.  You miss too much when you sleep!!

~Kathryn

R+F Friday

Summer is almost here and everyone wants to look their best.  Rodan + Fields has a multitude of products that can help with that.  Below are what I would call Five Summer Must Haves from R+F!!

ESSENTIALS SPF 30 Body Sunscreen

This sunscreen is light weight and not sticky - perfect for everyday use.

Reverse Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ Sunscreen

This is a great daily facial sunscreen.  I use this every morning as part of the Reverse Regimen to reverse sun damage and brown spots.  Not only am I working to reverse the damage that I've already done to my face, but I'm preventing it from happening.

Enhancements Body Micro-Dermabrasion or 

Micro-Dermabrasion Paste

Both of these products are great at helping exfoliate and condition your skin.  The Body Micro-Dermabrasion has also been a great help in tackling the little red bumps on the back of my arms.  With the summer comes sleeveless fashions on a regular basis and you definitely want to be ready for that.

Essentials Foaming Sunless Tan

This sunless tanner rocks!!  It's not orangey or streaky.  It goes on easily and gets great results......and you have a healthy looking tan without any sun damage.  

Essentials Lip Shield SPF 25

This is great to keep your lips moist while protecting them from the sun.

All of these products are available here.

Also, if you purchase $80 in products you qualify for the Preferred Customer Program where you can get 10% off all orders and free shipping every 60 days.  Feel free to message me for details.

I hope everyone has a great weekend.  I know I am looking forward to it - fun times with family and friends.

And to all the mothers out there........Happy Mother's Day!!!!

~Kathryn 

Workout Wednesday

I'm planning to start tracking my workouts on here to help hold me accountable.  I don't want a week where I look back and have nothing to post, so hopefully this will keep me on my toes.

Here are my workouts for Thursday, May 2 - Wednesday, May 8

Thursday the weather was yucky so I headed to the gym for some time on the treadmill.  I got in 2.9 miles in 30 minutes.

Friday is HEAT (High Energy Athletic Training) at the gym.  We only had 5 in class so they took it "easy" on us.  We did 5 rounds of this workout and I finished in 19:55.

Saturday was an unplanned rest day.  I had wanted to get a run in, but by the time I got home from everything that day I could barely hold my head up.  I figured my body was telling me to rest, so I listened.

I didn't do a "workout" per se on Sunday, but did spend an hour and a half using a hand saw taking down a holly tree in my back yard.  I woke up Monday morning to notice how sore I was from this!!

Monday was gloomy and did nothing to motivate me to get outside, but I did manage to get in a 3 mile run and then went to the gym to get in 30 minutes on the elliptical.  As for running - My short legs don't go fast, but they get me to the end.  I'm making progress on my pace and hopefully will have a sub 30 minute 5k before too long.

HEAT came again on Tuesday.  The class was back to normal size and the workout was back to "what in the world did I get myself into".  My group worked from the bottom of the list up - so 3 exercises, 200 meter run, 2 exercises, 400 meter run, then 3 exercises followed by an 800 meter run.....after the 90 lunges, the 800 meter run was nothing since we couldn't feel our legs.  One of the girls that typically attends every class was back after being out Friday.  Having her there makes the workouts a lot easier.  We encourage each other to push ourselves beyond what we think we can do.  Having that support makes it easier to keep going when my body is begging me to stop.  I finished this workout in 28:05.

Today was back to running.  I'm having some shin splint issues and they were screaming at me today - as was the heat.  It was about 80 when I went running.  In about a month I'll be begging for it to "just" be 80, but right now, that's warmer than I'm used to so I have some acclimating to do.  I got in 4 slow miles then headed to the gym to get in 30 minutes on the elliptical.

Not too bad of a week for me.  The main thing is that I need to get more consistent and start back building a good running base.  The MRTC Women's Running Program (in which I'm helping coach this year) and marathon training both start around the first of July (yep - in the middle of the summer in Memphis!!).  I want to be prepared for both.

Now the number that is hard for me to post, but doing so will only be an encouragement for me to work harder to reach my goal.  

I have a goal weight of 120.....ish (my main goal is to get off the excess "fat" and just be a healthier me than I am today - at 5'1", 120ish should be a good number for that).  Today, my weight was 150.4......30 to go :-(

That's all for tonight.  

~Kathryn

Running for St. Jude

I mentioned last week that I signed up for my second marathon.  It happens to be the same one as my first marathon this past December - the St. Jude Memphis Marathon.  The best part of participating in this race is getting to be a Hero.

First off - if you aren't familiar with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, let me tell you a little bit about it.  St Jude was founded just over 50 years ago by Danny Thomas.  Located here in Memphis, TN, St. Jude is one of the top hospitals in the world for treating and researching pediatric cancers.  Children come from all corners of the earth to be treated here.  St. Jude gives hope and a chance at survival to these children and their families.  No family is ever turned away.  That is why this race and the Heroes are so important to St. Jude.

It takes approximately $1.8 MILLION a day for St. Jude to operate.  The St. Jude Memphis Marathon is the single largest fundraiser for the hospital.  This past year ~$6 million was raised through the race and the Heroes program.  Though that sounds like a large amount, in reality that will only help operate the hospital for just over 3 days!!!

Many of the participants in the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend (which includes the Marathon, a Half Marathon, a Marathon Relay, and the Grizzlies House 5K) sign up to be a St. Jude Hero.  The Heroes sign up to not only run the race, but to also be fundraisers for St. Jude.  I have been a Hero twice before - for my first ever Half Marathon in 2011 and my first Marathon in 2012.  When I registered for the Marathon this year, there was no questioning if I would be a Hero or not.......to me, that is part of participating in the race.

If you are considering supporting St. Jude this year, I would ask you to consider donating through my fundraising website.  I will also have a button to the side during this time where you can access the website.

Please join me in helping these children and families through their race - one to cure childhood cancer.

~Kathryn

Where'd the Weekend Go.....

Where'd the weekend go??  If you are like me, that's what you ask yourself every Sunday night.  This weekend was no different.

Friday night I was a good girl and headed to the gym to HEAT (High Energy Athletic Training).  This class, although on a Friday night, is usually full.....but not this week.  I was one of the few that was not either at MusicFest or the Grizzlies game as there were only 5 in attendance.  It was a great work out.  Not "too" difficult but hard enough to really feel like you've had a good workout.  I'm sure we'll make up for it on Tuesday, though.

After class, I headed home to have a night in with the pups and watch the Grizzlies game.  Oh to have been at the Forum that night.  It looked electric on TV.  The Grizzlies won the game and the series over the Clippers and are now playing the OKC Thunder......same series as two years ago, but hopefully a better outcome.

Saturday morning came bright and early as I was helping MRTC work the finish line of the NAACP 5K at Audubon Park.  A trip to Gibson's Donuts was in order before heading to the race (I know - I've said before that I was on a mission to lose 35 lbs - but it's Gibson's!!!!  And it doesn't happen that often).  Saturday morning felt like a February morning here in Memphis.  We set an all time record low for the month of May.  I'm not sure what the temp was - but I do know it was below 40 when I got out to the race.  This race was a small one.  There were less than 40 participants, but the fun part was watching those that never participate in races such as this cross the finish line so proud of what they had done.  It didn't matter if they finished in 20 minutes or an hour - they got up on a COLD Saturday morning and completed a 3.1 mile run/walk when that warm bed sure was hard to leave.

After the race, I headed home to get Rose ready to head to Hollywood Feed in Collierville for an adoption event with Tails of Hope Dof Rescue.  We had a great turn out for what is our only event in May.  Lots of pups got lots of attention.  Several dogs have home visits scheduled for this week and hopefully they will turn in to Happy Tails for them.  Rose had several people that showed interest in her.  As of now I don't know of any applications on her.  Until that point, Rose will be my foster baby and a playmate for Lily and Poppy.

After literally being on my feet all day, I was exhausted when I got home.  It was a lazy night with the pups and an early bedtime......followed by sleeping in on Sunday.

Once I got up and going on Sunday I had to get in several errands (including Mother's Day shopping) before working another race for MRTC.  The Grizzlies also started their series against OKC....and lost.  

After I finished my errands I headed over to Oak Hall for their Run for St Jude.  This year's race was a big change from last year.  I ran the race last year and struggled with the heat - this year it was PERFECT running weather as it was only in the 60's.  There were over 1000 participants in the race - all there for one reason.....to support St Jude.  This is one of those races that brings out serious runners as well as many that are there just for the purpose of the race.  Running or walking 3 miles is nothing compared to what the families at St Jude endure every day.  

This race is well organized for its size and has great support from the community.  It also has yummy food post race - not just the apples, oranges, and bananas that you usually see, but BBQ and sub sandwiches from local restaurants.  

Runners at the start line of the Oak Hall Run for St Jude

Once I got home from the race, I decided to work on a project that I had in the back yard.  Right next to the house, there is a holly "tree" that is a pain in the rear.  I had already tackled the lower branches that are where the dogs run.  I know how bad the holly leaves hurt me and I didn't want to have that there for the dogs.  Well, I got the bright idea that I was going to tackle more of the tree.  An hour and a half later, there wasn't much left of the tree.  That was my workout - using a hand saw (and might I add that I got it for only $9.99 at TJ Maxx) and then hauling everything to the curb for it to be picked up today.  I would love to get what's left out of the bed and replace it with a Crepe Myrtle - but that's for another day.

$9.99 hand saw from TJ Maxx

This is what's left

This is what got hauled to the curb

Well - that's where my weekend went - I got some things done, but also had some downtime (not enough - but that's normal).  It was back to work this morning.  

Hopefully everyone had a good weekend!!

~Kathryn