Update!

Hi Guys!
I am so thrilled about this fitness week. I have so many things to be happy about. First off, I put in at least 20 miles last week. Even though I took a few days off, I was still able to get the miles in, which is important to me. So, I had a solid foundation to start the week off with. Also, I am a week closer to my goal of doing my first race in September in Tennessee! Whoop whoop!

Today was a good Monday. Following a major "no no" that still felt like a 'yes yes' of yesterday's fudge run, (Fudge run- a run to Buckees to pick up fudge.) I felt more motivated to kick my work out up. I started with a trek across the field that separates my apartment from my parent's place. ( I was also carrying my 11lb 3month old in her bouncer). Then I did Tae Bo FLEX. I love this workout because it's quick (35min) and it uses all your muscles to kick caloric butt! Then I slowed it down and did a two mile walk with Leslie and the crew. (My mother even joined me! How awesome was that?) Working out is contagious. I love to work out for my own health, but also because fitness consciousness spreads like wildfire. People can't help but pick it up. It gets folks to thinking, "why not me too?" That's how I operate. I see people who are on their grind and I say, "I can do that too! Aren't I awesome? Aren't I a child of God? Can't I ALSO do all things through Christ who strengthens me? " Well then!

Lastly, I checked my weight in the fitness room we have at the apartment and a weird thing happened. The scale said 224. Now, I didn't want to get to excited because scales lie like dogs sometimes. Plus, the scale I had been using at my mom's house was brutal. After a month and a half of kicking my own butt, it was adamantly staying at 243. When I checked my weight at Target about a week into my program around January 24th  (I just used a scale they had sitting out) it said I was 237. So.....who was telling the truth? Mind you guys, I started at 243 on January 17th.

WELL, since I'm an optimist, I went with the scale in the fitness room. I took a 5lb weight and put it on the scale. It said 5lbs. I did the same with 10lb and 25lb weight. I'm going on faith and practicality that I have indeed lost 19lbs!

GLORAY!

Take care yall. And keep on pushing.
Ciao!

2011 Racing Events

HOLA! (I'm thinking of taking my blog bilingual!)

I am soooooo excited about participating in the upcoming events this year. I cleared 4 miles today (with my husband who is a  former Tracklete)  we walked, jogged, and sprinted. My body hurts. The burn was delicious! Every step I take brings me closer to my goals of truly being physically able to run/jog/walk in the Half Marathon in Tennesse this September.  If you want a reason to get back at it, hit the treadmill or track and really gear up on fitness, I suggest registering for one of the events below. If you don't see something near you organize your own! (I find, though, nothing is more of a motivator than spending money on something.) They usually support a philanthropy (tax break!) and you meet cool people who are just trying to get it together like you! Happy Racing!


FEBRUARY 2011


2/6/2011

State Farm Melbourne & Beaches Music Marathon Weekend

Melbourne, FL

5K, 8K, Half Marathon, Full Marathon

www.TheMelbourneMarathon.com

2/12/2011

Virginia is for Lovers 14k

Virginia Beach, VA

14k & 1.4 mile

www.vifl14k.com

2/13/2011

Myrtle Beach Marathon & Half Marathon

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Marathon, Half Marathon

www.mbmarathon.com

2/13/2011

26.2 With Donna - The National Marathon To Fight Breast Cancer

Jacksonville, FL

Marathon, Half Marathon

www.breastcancermarathon.com

2/20/2011

A1A Marathon

Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Marathon, Half Marathon

a1amarathon.com

2/20/2011

Austin Marathon

Austin, TX

Marathon, Half Marathon

www.youraustinmarathon.com

2/27/2011

Disney's Princess ½ Marathon

Orlando, FL

Half Marathon, 5K, Kids Races

www.disneyprincesshalfmarathon.com

2/27/2011

Gasparilla Distance Classic

Tampa, FL

Half Marathon, 15K, 5K

www.tampabayrun.com

MARCH 2011

3/6/2011

13.1 Miami Beach

Miami, FL

Half Marathon, 5K

www.131marathon.com

3/6/2011

Little Rock Marathon

Little Rock, AR

Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay, 5K Fun Run/Walk, Kids Race, Seniors Race

www.littlerockmarathon.com

3/12/2011

Glen Rose St. Patrick's Day Festival

Glen Rose, TX

10k, 5k, 1 Mile Run Run



3/20/2011

The Yuengling Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon

Virginia Beach, VA

Marathon, Half Marathon, 8K, Kids Races

www.shamrockmarathon.com

3/20/2011

ING Georgia Marathon

Atlanta, GA

Marathon, Half-Marathon and Wheelchair Race

www.inggeorgiamarathon.com

3/26/2011

Cooper River Bridge Run

Charleston, SC

10K

www.bridgerun.com

3/27/2011

ZOOMA Austin Half Marathon & 5K

Austin, TX

Half Marathon, 5K

www.zoomarun.com

APRIL 2011

4/2/2011

13.1 New York

New York, NY

Half Marathon

www.131newyork.com

Crescent City Classic

New Orleans, LA

10K

www.ccc10k.com

4/10/2011

Go! St. Louis

St. Louis, MO

Marathon, ½ Marathon

www.gostlouis.org/marathon

4/18/2011

Boston Marathon

Boston, MA

Marathon

www.bostonmarathon.org

4/24/2011

Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon

Oklahoma City, OK

Marathon, ½ Marathon, 5K Walk

www.okcmarathon.com

4/24/2010

St. Anthony’s Triathlon

www.satriathlon.com

4/30/2011

Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and miniMarathon

Louisville, KY

Marathon, miniMarathon

www.derbyfestivalmarathon.com

MAY 2011

5/1/2011

Blue Cross Broad Street Run

Philadelphia, PA

Ten Miler

www.broadstreetrun.com

5/1/2011

Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon

Cincinnati, OH

Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay, Wheelchair, 10K, 5K, Kids’ Races, Fun Run

www.flyingpigmarathon.com

5/1/2011

Eugene Marathon

Eugene, OR

Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, Kids’ Marathon

www.eugenemarathon.com

5/7/2011

One America 500 Festival Mini Marathon

Indianapolis, IN

Half Marathon, 5K

www.500festival.com

5/8/2011

Mothers' Day 5K Run/Walk

Denver City Park, CO

5K

www.mothersday5k.com

5/14/2011

The Autism 5K

Minneapolis, MN

5K

www.autism5k.org

5/15/2011

Marine Corps Historic Half

Fredericksburg, VA

Half Marathon, 5K

www.marinecorpshistorichalf.com

5/15/2011

The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon

Cleveland, OH

Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K

www.clevelandmarathon.com

5/22/2011

Run for the Dream

Williamsburg, VA

Half Marathon & 8K

www.RunForAchievableDream.com

5/23/2011

A Race for Maggie's Place

Tempe, AZ

9K run, Walk/Stroller Push

race4maggiesplace.com

5/29/2011

Ottawa Marathon

Ottawa, ON Canada

Marathon, 10K, 5K

www.ncm.ca

5/29/2011

ZOOMA Annapolis Half Marathon & 5K

Annapolis, MD

Half Marathon & 10K

www.zoomarun.com/annapolis

JUNE 2011

6/2011

See Jane Run Half Marathon & 5K

I run for chocolate and champagne

Boise, ID

Half Marathon, 5K

www.seejanerun.com

6/12/2011

13.1 Chicago

Chicago, IL

Half Marathon

www.131chicago.com

6/18/2011

Grandma's Marathon

Duluth, MN

Marathon, 5K

www.grandmasmarathon.com

6/26/2011

13.1 Boston

Boston, MA

Half Marathon

www.131marathon.com

JULY 2010

7/4/2011

Peachtree 10K Road Race

Atlanta, GA

10K

www.atlantatrackclub.org

7/4/2011

Red, White & Boom! TC Half Marathon

Minneapolis, MN

Half Marathon

www.mtcmarathon.org

7/31/2011

The San Francisco Marathon

San Francisco, CA

Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K

www.runsfm.com

AUGUST 2011

8/6/2011

Woodstock 5K

Anniston, AL

5K

www.woodstock5k.com

8/21/2011

America's Finest City Half Marathon

San Diego, CA

Half Marathon & 5K

www.afchalf.com/

8/21/2011

13.1 Minneapolis

Minneapolis, MN

Half Marathon

www.131marathon.com

8/27/2011

Run for the Creeks 10K, 5K & 1K Kid Creek

Prescott, AZ

10K, 5K, 1K

www.prescottcreeks.org.com

8/28/2011

Santa Rosa Marathon

Santa Rosa, CA

Marathon, Half Marathon

www.thesantarosamarathon.com

SEPTEMBER 2011

September 2011

10K for $10K

London, KY

10K

www.fodpllc.com

September 2011

Fancis Marion Dirt Dash

Awendaw, SC

Half Marathon & 5K

www.active.com

9/11/2011

Chicago Half Marathon

Chicago, IL

Half Marathon, 5K

www.chicagohalfmarathon.com

9/16/2011

Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon

Toronto, Ontario

Half Marathon, 5K

www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com

9/16/2011

Cooper-Young Festival Friday 4Miler

Memphis, TN

4-Miler

cooperyoung4miler.com

9/18/2011

Community First Fox Cities Marathon

Appleton, WI

Marathon, Half Marathon, 13.1 Mile Walk, Relay, 5K, Kids Race

www.foxcitiesmarathon.org

9/18/2011

A Race for Maggie's Place

Cleveland, OH

9K run, Walk/Stroller Push

race4maggiesplace.com

9/24/2011

Women's Running Magazine Women's Half Marathon - Nashville

Nashville, TN

Half Marathon & 5K

www.womenshalfmarathon.com

9/25/2011

Walk For Hope

Glendale, AZ

5K Run, 1.3 Mile Leisure Walk

www.cityofhope.org

Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes

American Diabetes Association

Dates and Locations Vary

www.diabetes.org/stepout

OCTOBER 2011

10/1/2011

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

Orlando, FL

Half Marathon, Family Fun Run 5K

www.disneyenduranceseries.com

10/1/2011

Coastwise Mile

La Jolla, CA

Mile Runs, 5K, Corporate Relay, Kids Runs, Mutt Mile, Festival

www.coastwisemile.com

10/2/2011

13.1 Atlanta

Atlanta, GA

Half Marathon

www.131atlanta.com

10/2/2011

Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon

St. Paul, MN

Marathon, Ten Mile, 5K

www.mtcmarathon.org

10/8/2011

Run for Breast Health Williamsburg 10K

Williamsburg, VA

10K

www.thehealthjournals.com/10k

10/8/2011

Bethel Rural Community Organization

Canton, NC

Half Marathon, 5K

www.bethelrural.org

10/9/2011

Bank of America Chicago Marathon

Chicago, IL

Marathon

www.chicagomarathon.com

10/10/2011

Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women

Boston, MA

10K

www.tuftshealthplan.com/tufts10k

10/15/2011

Baltimore Running Festival

Baltimore, MD

Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K

www.thebaltimoremarathon.com

10/15/2011

Waddell & Reed Kansas City Marathon

Kansas City, MO

Marathon, Half Marathon, Team Relay, 5K, Kids' Marathon

www.waddellandreedkansascitymarathon.org

10/15/2011

Spartan Challenge 5K

Tampa, FL

Adventure style race through University of Tampa's historic campus

www.spartanchallenge5k.com

10/15/2011

Run to the River

Richmond, VA

10K Hill Run / 5K Walk

runtotheriver.org/race

10/16/2011

IMT Des Moines Marathon

Des Moines, IA

Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay, 5K Road Race

www.desmoinesmarathon.com

10/16/2011

Detroit Free Press Marathon

Detroit, MI

Marathon, Half Marathon

www.detroitmarathon.com

10/23/2011

Army Ten Miler

Washington, DC

www.armytenmiler.com

10/23/2011

Borden Uptown Run

Dallas, TX

5 Mile Race, 5K Trolley Walk, Kid's K, Special Olympics Run

www.uptownrun.org



10/23/2011

Marine Corps Marathon

Washington, DC

Marathon, 10K

www.marinemarathon.com

10/29/2011

Blue Moon Wicked 10k

Virginia Beach, VA

10K

www.wicked10k.com

10/30/2011

Halloween Half Marathon

Miami Beach, FL

Half Marathon

www.halloweenhalfmarathon.com

NOVEMBER 2011

11/6/2011

The Women's Half Marathon - Scottsdale-Tempe

Scottsdale-Tempe, Ariz.

Half Marathon & 5K

www.womenshalfmarathon.com

11/12/2011

A Race for Maggie's Place

Tempe, AZ

9K run, Walk/Stroller Push

race4maggiesplace.com

11/12/2011

SunTrust Richmond Marathon

Richmond, VA

Marathon, Half Marathon

www.richmondmarathon.com

11/13/2011

13.1 Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Half Marathon

www.131fortlauderdale.com

11/13/2011

weSPARK Cancer Support Center 2nd Annual 10K Run & 5K Run/Walk

Encino, CA

5K Run/Walk & 10K Run

www.active.com

11/20/2011

The Women's Running Magazine Women's Half Marathon

St. Petersburg, FL

Half Marathon, 5K

www.womenshalfmarathon.com

11/20/2011

Philadelphia Marathon

Philadelphia, PA

Marathon, Half Marathon, 8K, Kids Race

www.philadelphiamarathon.com

11/24/2011

Turkey Trot 5K

Amelia Island, FL

5K

www.active.com

11/27/2011

Space Coast Marathon & Half Marathon

Cocoa, FL

Marathon and Half Marathon

www.spacecoastmarathon.com

DECEMBER 2011

12/3/2011

St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend

Memphis, TN

Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, Family Race & Kid's Marathon

www.stjudemarathon.org/

12/3/201

Raggae Marathon & Half Marathon

Negril, Jamaica

Marathon, Half Marathon

www.reggaemarathon

12/10/2011

Charlotte's Thunder Road Marathon

Charlotte, NC

Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K

www.runcharlotte.com

12/11/2011

Holiday Halfathon

Maedira Beach, FL

Half Marathon

www.floridahalf.com

JANUARY 2012

1/8/2012

Walt Disney World Marathon

Orlando, FL

Marathon, Half Marathon, Goofy's Race and Half Challenge, Family Fun Run 5K, Kids' Races

www.disneyworldsports.com

1/8/2012

13.1 Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

Half Marathon & 5K

www.131losangeles.com

1/21/2012

Clearwater Halfathon & 5 Miler

Clearwater, FL

Half Marathon, 5 Miler

www.clearwaterhalf.info

1/29/2012

Chevron Houston Marathon

Houston, TX

Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K

www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com

1/29/2012

ING Miami Marathon

Miami, FL

Marathon, Half Marathon

www.ingmiamimarathon.com

1/29/2012

Key West Half Marathon

Key West, FL

Half Marathon

www.keywestspecialevents.com

Sports Attire-The Bra

Hello All,

I wanted to do a series on sports and fitness attire. We all know that when you look good, you feel good. So, to me, I like to wear workout clothes with a little jazz in them ( a pop of color or a cute design) to keep me motivated during a trying workout. However, it must be said, that functionality trumps fashion any day. While you may be tempted to wear those cutesy Jordan's or Air Maxes, they are not fit for all sports. Today's post focuses on protecting our breasts as we run. Men have gear to keep their ahem..packages safe during a workout. We should be just as cautious. When working out, it's critical to have a proper sports bra.

The biggest reason why you should wear a proper-fitting sports bra is comfort. A runner should never think about her breasts while running. This is a key indication that the sports bra isn’t fitting properly. A poor-fitting sports bra can hinder performance and ruin your entire workout experience. If the sports bra is too tight, it can result in chafing and prevent proper breathing. A sports bra that is too loose won’t provide the right amount of support to reduce breast movement. Also, a proper-fitting sports bra helps to keep the Cooper’s ligament (connective tissue that supports the breasts) strong. Because women start to wear bras at such a young age, the ligament loses its strength and doesn’t have the ability to support the breasts as much as nature intended.


WHAT ARE SOME TIPS TO FIND THE RIGHT FIT? WHAT TESTS CAN I DO IN THE DRESSING ROOM?

First, you need to find out what size sports bra you actually wear by going through a professional fitting. The reality is that 80 percent of women wear the wrong size bra. Women who don’t get fitted typically buy a bra with a band that is too big and cups that are too small. Here are some ways to gauge the proper size in the dressing room:

Straps: They shouldn’t be too tight or dig into your shoulders. If the straps are providing a majority of the support, the sports bra isn’t the right fit. Look for straps with minimal stretch to reduce up-and-down breast movement. Adjustable straps provide a customizable fit.

Band: As the foundation of the bra, the band should fit flat against your ribcage and fit more snugly than a lingerie bra. Take a deep breath to make sure the bra fits comfortably. Look for a wide band with strong elastic to provide necessary support. If it rides up in the back, the band is either too loose or the straps need to be adjusted.

Cups: Your breasts should be fully covered and should not be pouring out of the top. The fabric should be smooth with no wrinkles. When you first try on the bra, adjust your breasts and allow them to settle into the cups for a couple minutes.

Try on a sports bra as you would running shoes. Most specialty running stores have a treadmill or track set up for trying out their running shoes. If the store doesn’t have a track or treadmill, run in place in the dressing room. Move in ways that give your breasts every opportunity to move up and down, in and out, and in a figure eight, which is similar to the movement they actually make while you run. While testing out the sports bra, you shouldn’t feel bounce or pressure against your chest wall. Remember, you may have to try on several bras until you find the one that is most comfortable.

WHAT ARE KEY FEATURES TO LOOK FOR IN A SPORTS BRA?

Look for a sports bra made from a moisture-wicking material such as polyester that dries quickly. The sports bra should also have cup stability to hold your breasts in place. Many women think of a sports bra as a giant elastic bandage, but for those with larger breasts, you want to look for one with both strap and band adjustability. A women’s breast size can change throughout the month, especially if you lose or gain weight, so it’s important to have the ability to slightly alter the bra’s size. An adjustable strap and band will help you to customize the bra to your particular shape.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I REPLACE BY SPORTS BRA?

This depends on how often you wear and wash your sports bra, but in most cases, it should never have a birthday. The fabric wears out over time from sweat, detergent, dryers, etc. You should look for signs of wear such as rippling of the elastic or a loose fit. If you adjust your bra to the tightest hook and you can still fit your fingers underneath, it’s likely wearing out. Keep in mind that you should own several sports bras and should never wear the same one two days in a row.

SHOULD I WEAR DIFFERENT STYLES DEPENDING ON THE ACTIVITY?

A pullover soft wicking bra is ideal for cycling, yoga or any low-impact activity that doesn’t require as much support. For high-impact activities such as running, a supportive bra featuring both compression and encapsulation is ideal. Compression bras minimize movement by pressing flat against your chest. Encapsulating sports bras, which resemble regular bras, add shape and structure and keep each breast separated. Finding the right sports bra is a time-consuming process, but if you start your search equipped with the above advice, you’ll be well on your way to bra nirvana. Not only will you feel more comfortable during your workouts, but you’ll look fabulous, too. A perfect-fitting sports bra makes all the difference.

And as always, if you don't have a good one now, it's the PERFECT TIME TO SHOP!! :)

Update!

Whew! What a week!

Hi Friends! I hope all is well.

Here's the haps (happenings).
1. I started a new job. It is literally an hour and a half commute! OMG!
So, my 10 am workout has now turned into a 4am workout.  This is the definition of commitment. I missed two days simply because I was exhausted. However, I have gotten back on track and am moving right along.

2. New job=classroom parties. I absolutely love my classroom (for now). The going away/Valentine's Day party given by the old teacher contained cheese and peperoni pizza, chili, nachos, heart shaped sugar cookies, chocolate covered strawberries, cupcakes (big and small), cookies, and candy. I was in HELL (masqueraded as Heaven.) War wounds include dipping cheese pizza into cheese sauce. Oh, I forgot to mention BIRTHDAY CAKE (that just said, "We'll miss you"), and Blue Bell homemade vanilla ice cream.  My goodness.  I survived though. I'm here to tell the tale. It was hard but I made it through.

Back on top and feeling good. Me and my sister took to the track and did our 4 miles yesterday. I ran a little bit of it (I've got to start picking up my speed).  We did an hour today on the track. I took little miss Lilly and she gave us some weight and resistance. It was a beautiful day to be outside among God's work and enjoy ourselves.

I am 240, and so I've dropped 6lbs in a month. I wanted to do 10lbs, but we all know what might have stopped me from reaching that goal. That's alright. I'm feeling good in my spirit and body.

I hope you all are still reaching for your dreams and goals for the new year.

Ciao!
Barbie

I Heart My Heart!

February is Heart Health Month!!! It is also Black History Month!

In celebration of both, I'd like to encourage you all to take some time and do some heart healthy activities. African-Americans are at a much greater risk to die from or be diagnosed with a cardiovascular disease. This is serious folks. If you are a "foodie" like me, and love all food, it is hard to limit the intake of sodium and salt. According to a new issued by the US Department of  Agriculture, African-Americans and people over 51 should limit their salt intake to no more than 1,500mgs of Sodium a day. So basically, look at your labels guys! 

To keep your heart in great shape, amp up your CARDIO! That's why they call it cardio guys, it promotes a healthy cardiovascular system.

I like to walk as you all know, but you can also run, jog, dance, move furniture, do laundry, garden, did I say dance? You have to make sure you get your heart rate up (according to your age and weight) in order to really get the blood pumping and push through those arteries.

When you are eating, make sure you are checking labels for sodium count and be careful of your hidden salt intake with seasoning. I love to season my food with all sorts of spices, but I have since moved to fresh herbs (that you can dry and ground). Use sea salt instead of regular salt. Try lemon juice as a flavoring! There are so many ways to get around just salt and really punch up a heart healthy meal. Be sure to get your Omega 3's and Omega 6's for the healthy fat you need as well.

I'm no expert but I know that heart disease has taken some wonderful people in my family. I walk for my Uncle Albert who was the most wildly creative man I ever met! I remember him on this journey so that I can be that crazy, funny, creative and loving for my daughter and nieces and nephews.

Let's remember that we come from a group of people who relish the natural, the organic, and wonderful (when talking about foods - have you ever had a Pineapple fresh from Ghana? mmmm)! We don't have to settle for the Standard American Diet! We can reach back into our heritage (that extends beyond greens with ham hock, mac and cheese with sugar and cheese) and cook for health and enjoyment.

Let's do it, and make Daniel Hale Williams proud! He after all was the first African-American to perform the first successful open heart surgery! 



Daniel Hale Williams



Happy Black History Heart Health Month!

Barbie!

Update!

As of yesterday, I have lost 8lbs since January 17th! That's an awesome accomplishment. My goal is to not gain that weight back and to continue with weight loss and inches lost. I have a few hiccups (mainly in the form of two smore pop tarts and a "TO DIE FOR" chocolate bread pudding. Yeah, I told you I had a sugar issue. Well, I'm conquering it so I'm glad for that.

My sister and I walked today and we are stacking on the miles! We are building our endurance and working toward our goals of doing an event this fall!

I hope everyone is on track with their goals!

Ciao!

Barbie