tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53113781120829696382024-03-12T19:34:12.154-04:00From Fat To Finish LineFollow the ups and downs of my weight loss and running journey... again. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06682010895114305173noreply@blogger.comBlogger507125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311378112082969638.post-12458271734172740392018-02-11T13:18:00.000-05:002018-02-11T13:18:01.150-05:00You're Fat, It's Hopeless and Other Mean Things I've Told MyselfI know it's been a while since I've posted. <div>
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It's not that I haven't wanted to update you but I've been feeling a little (OK a LOT) discouraged. I haven't had any good news. I've been struggling to lose and felt embarrassed. What could I say to you when the scale is going the wrong way? </div>
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What could I say when all I have going through my mind is "Here we go again. You can't do this. You see. You're a fraud and failing."</div>
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So here's a little recap of how things have gone so far. BTW (this is a pretty typical pattern).</div>
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<b>WEEK ONE: </b>Great! Yay! I lost weight. I love this program! I rock. I'm in control. This time it's different. This time I'm going to do it. I will be at goal in no time. (Cue song: "This Girl is On Fire")</div>
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<b>WEEK TWO:</b> WOO HOO! I lost again. See. I am unstoppable. I got this. High fives for everyone. This is so easy! (Cue song: "All I do is Win").</div>
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<b>WEEK THREE:</b> What? What do you mean I gained weight? But I did everything right! I'm counting all my points and even started working out again. Oh. Yeah. Maybe I need to drink more water? Sure. Maybe my soup was too salty yesterday or the exercise did something to my muscles... retaining water. Yea. Yea. It's gonna go back down next week. I'm annoyed but not worried. I got this. (Cue Song: "I Get Knocked Down...")</div>
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<b>WEEK FOUR:</b> What! How the hell... I gained again? I don't know what went wrong but apparently I suck. I mean what the F*@@? I ran five times this week, said no to pizza, chose steamed green beans instead of the loaded potato and this is how the scale repays me? F*@@ it. Why am I bothering? UGH. OK - look, get it together... just get back on track. (Cue song: "Shake it Off")</div>
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Between week three and four I had gained close to four pounds back. I mean. Seriously. What is that?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mmmmm. burritos.</td></tr>
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Last week I went into week five... but somehow I don't really shake it off. I wanted to but then the negative voices returned. Every healthy choice I think "Why am I bothering?" Every not so healthy choice I think, "You see. This is why you're failing." Then starts the back slide... I start to not track as much. I begin to let some unhealthy choices creep in - all the while feeling defeated. I get angry and frustrated. I know that this is super undermining. I know that this is a really dumb thing to do. I know this but yet it happens to me and I have to break this cycle.</div>
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So week five. I still (half-assed) tried but also made some not-so-good choices. I almost didn't want to weigh-in. I didn't want to see week three of a gain. But I decided to go to my weigh-in. I decided to just wipe the slate clean and get back on track because what's the alternative? And this is how that went:</div>
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<b>WEEK FIVE:</b> I did? How's that possible? I lost a pound? But I wasn't that great this week. I ate my emotions twice. I didn't measure out or track my martini. Maybe the previous weeks of hard work caught up? Huh. Yeah, and I guess that the 75% of the time of still trying to eat right last week didn't hurt either. Um. Ok. Sure. (Cue song: "Make Me Lose My Mind")...</div>
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The unexpected pound lost this week was good'ish - I mean I fully expected to have gained at least a pound and a half back. This weight loss and the scale truly has no rhyme or reason. I guess my big lesson to learn and my greatest challenge is really getting over the scale. My husband said this morning, "Just do what you're doing. You're eating super healthy and exercising. Stay the course and throw out the scale." Maybe he's right. I don't know that I'm strong enough to throw out the scale but, no matter what, I know I have to just stay the course. </div>
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The good news is I'm still down 6.2 pounds since recommitting.</div>
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The journey to the finish line is never a straight path. </div>
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XO</div>
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Jen</div>
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How are things with you? </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06682010895114305173noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311378112082969638.post-14820620486022158032018-01-28T16:12:00.000-05:002018-01-28T16:12:44.550-05:00I Am Not Freaking Out about The Freakin' Scale The freakin' scale totally plays with my mind. I know it shouldn't but it just does.<br />
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Last week I didn't get to go to my normal Sunday morning weigh-in / meeting which I was totally bummed about - I had remained true to program and know I would've had a good weigh-in. In fact, all week I was trying to find time to go to a meeting just to weigh in. Finally, this past Friday I got to a meeting and had lost 1.7 pounds. Not too shabby! That brought my weight loss, since recommitting, to nine glorious pounds! Yay for me!<br />
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The lady who had weighed me in said, "You're doing a beautiful job. Keep it up."<br />
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I strutted out of that meeting with my head held high. Proud of my work. Nine pounds! Almost ten pounds in one month! Woo hoo!!<br />
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But not so fast.<br />
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I returned to my normally scheduled meeting this morning (just two days after the Friday weigh in). I had two more pretty solid days of tracking my points and keeping it together. I even had a return to running yesterday and knocked off 2 miles at a good pace considering it's been two months since I've really run. Now I wasn't really expecting much of a loss in two days. Maybe a quarter to a half a pound... Maybe I would stay the same. Maybe I would even hit the ten pounds lost milestone... Wouldn't that be something!? But what I didn't expect was a gain - and a big one at that. Somehow the scale informed me that I was up 2.2 pounds... since Friday! Sucked the wind right out of my sails.<br />
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NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! WHYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!????<br />
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My Weight Watcher leader thinks it could've been my return to running. My muscles retaining some water. Who knows. Instead of being down 9 pounds and close to 10 - it's now 6.8 lost. And I now have that feeling of going backward.<br />
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I know in my heart of hearts that there is no way I gained a real 2.2 pounds but then why do I still feel scale shame? Why do I still feel that sense of failure?<br />
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I mean I didn't fail this week! I worked my ass off. I skipped into that meeting room feeling good about all the good things I did last week. But that freakin' scale.<br />
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I said no to so many tempting foods and situations last week.<br />
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I killed my fitness goal of earning 72 fit points (and earned 85!). I started running again. I made homemade foods. I made many good choices when eating out and tracked every bite. I'm 100% more mindful of my decisions.<br />
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Nope - I'm not perfect. I could drink more water and less wine.<br />
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I still want to add some strength training.<br />
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But overall I was on plan and did well. I did not <i>deserve</i> a 2.2 pound gain.<br />
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How come the scale can just knock all of those good feelings of doing well right from your hands?<br />
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The scale is a funny thing. I mean I know on an intellectual level that it's no true testament to all the good things I'm doing for my body, my health and my well-being. I know intellectually that anything from extra sodium, to exercise to "that time of the month" can affect the scale. Yet, emotionally, it's hard to not let it be the dictator of everything. It plays with your mind and the negative thoughts can come flooding back, just like that. "Can I really do this?" "If I can't lose weight when I'm really trying, forget it. Why bother?"<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm replacing real noodles with zucchini "zoodles" <br />for the love of God!</td></tr>
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So now what? I mean all I can do is dust myself off and stay the course. All I can do is try to not freak out about the freakin' scale. All I can do is list all of my "whys" in doing this and hold onto them with both hands.<br />
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All I can do is remind myself that the scale is not a judge and jury. The number on the scale doesn't define if I'm a good or bad person and it doesn't take away all the right things I'm doing.<br />
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I am more than the number on the scale. My pants are fitting better and I'm feeling better. That counts!<br />
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What do you do when you're faced with a disappointing weigh in?<br />
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XO<br />
Jen<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06682010895114305173noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311378112082969638.post-64971527639076862032018-01-15T20:19:00.001-05:002018-01-15T20:19:53.670-05:00Freestyling on Weight Watchers: Weighing in on Week TwoHey there!<br />
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So last week was another week doing the <a href="https://www.weightwatchers.com/" target="_blank">Weight Watcher Freestyle program</a> and I must say I still am really digging the program.<br />
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Here's what I did that was good:<br />
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<li>I meal prepped and brought my own food with me to work for breakfast and lunch - even though there's a giant spread of food there. Having my own stuff helped me to keep in control</li>
<li>I aimed to walk and get in close to 10,000 steps a day and succeeded more than I didn't</li>
<li>I earned the "blue dots" in the Weight Watcher App 6 out of 7 days</li>
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Here's what I didn't accomplish which I wanted to:</div>
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<li>Still didn't drink nearly enough water</li>
<li>Used a few too many points on empty calories like alcohol</li>
<li>Didn't get to the gym once - no run / no strength :( </li>
<li>I totally overate on Friday night and was mad at myself for letting myself get talked into ordering something less than healthy and eating it until I was beyond stuffed</li>
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But, even with the "not so good" moments I had another good loss. I was down 2.6 pounds! That a total of 7.2 pounds down so far! YAY! </div>
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I was shocked. Although my clothing is fitting better and I'm feeling good overall - I was so sure that the Friday night binge and lack of getting to the gym were going to get me. I expected either a very tiny weight loss (like .2) or a slight gain. I was so not prepared to have lost 2.6 - so much so that the lady weighing me questioned why I looked so upset. I wasn't upset, I told her, "I'm just confused seeing that number because I was braced for something much higher." It took a minute for my brain to process the number especially after losing so much the week before! I never have losses like that two weeks in a row! In fact, I'm still not completely convinced that the scale is right and that the loss is legit. Which is kind of ridiculous. Why is it my default to assume that the bad moments totally outweighed the good ones? Why can't I just think, "Damn, I worked hard. I said no to a thousand fattening choices this week, made sure to get in my steps, carried my food all over and ordered steamed shrimp with broccoli when dining out instead of a calorie bomb of a dish and I guess it paid off." </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">speaking of calorie bombs. Holy shit.</td></tr>
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I don't know. But I am very happy that I've got a little momentum. </div>
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So after the meeting I decided to do some meal prep. </div>
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I made a bowl of hardboiled eggs. And then I attempted these <a href="https://www.skinnytaste.com/easy-bagel-recipe/" target="_blank">3 point bagels from Skinnytaste</a> which are all the rage right now. </div>
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I was super dubious. I made the GF version (so they are 4 points). And the dough was sticky and icky and I wasn't sure how they would turn out. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uh. I don't know about this.</td></tr>
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They looked much better out of the oven!</div>
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And guess what? They are pretty tasty too. I had a half of one for breakfast (for 2 pts.) and I enjoyed it. </div>
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I also whipped up my <a href="https://seejenroerun.blogspot.com/2018/01/spinach-pie-recipe.html" target="_blank">spinach pie</a>. I took the original recipe for it and added another egg and a half a cup of plain, fat free Greek yogurt. The extra egg and yogurt really made it even better. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So tasty</td></tr>
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Then I decided to make soup. I remembered this 13 bean blend that my friend Angela used to make a soup with and figured it would make a great 0 point soup. So I got it. </div>
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I soaked the beans overnight. In the morning I removed 3 cups of beans (it makes a shit load of beans) and put them in the fridge to do something else with. </div>
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I put the rest of the beans into my crockpot. I added a chopped onion, 4 chopped garlic cloves, a 15 oz. can of basil, garlic and onion diced tomatoes, two boulion cubes, 2 bay leaves a little pepper and a dash of salt. Filled the crock pot almost to the top with water and put it on low for the day. </div>
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OMG - it's YUMMY. So flavorful, hearty and comforting. It's a winner. Even my husband who's not particularly trying to lose weight loves it. </div>
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Please don't ask me how many servings it is - Just know it's a lot and I will be having this soup all week. :)</div>
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Thanks for following my journey. How was your week? </div>
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Jen </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06682010895114305173noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311378112082969638.post-81364721448258397572018-01-07T20:53:00.001-05:002018-01-07T21:00:48.144-05:00Weighing In - Week OneI felt really good going into this week's weigh-in. I feel like I did a lot of things right. I made it to the gym 3 times where I at least ran/walked for no less than 30 minutes. (Surpassed my Weight Watcher goal of 72 FitPoints and actually earned 80!)<br />
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THE GOOD: I was very mindful of what I ate and tracked every day. I managed to earn the "within healthy point range" for 6 days in a row. </div>
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THE BAD: I didn't drink enough water and I didn't get in any strength training which I'd like to try to work on. I also drank alcohol (using my points!) almost every day. I should cut back on that but for better or worse I enjoy my nightly cocktail. </div>
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I also did all of that even though between the holiday, working all week and a snow day, my routine was completely off.</div>
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So week one is in the books and the good news? I lost 3.8 pounds! Yay! This brings me 176.4 :) I never thought I'd put a smiley face next to 176.4 but progress is progress and I'll take the victories as they come. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Over the hill! </td></tr>
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My first goal is to get to 165 which is my Weight Watcher's goal (At this weight my doctor has determined that I'm healthy). At 165 I reach "lifetime" status again and don't have to pay for meetings as long as I stay at that weight or below. Plus most of my clothes fit (or fit better) at that weight.</div>
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My second goal is to get to and maintain between 150 -155. </div>
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But my ultimate goal is to really just live healthfully and happily. If that's at 155 or 158 or 160 - so be it. I don't have to be skinny. I don't want to obsess over the number once I'm in the healthy range for me. I want to enjoy good whole foods, I want to work out hard, I want to be able to run the Chicago Marathon in October strong. I want to be fit. My goal is not to have the smallest ass or boast a size 2 label. My goal is to be happy, healthy and comfortable in my own skin.</div>
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I am not paid to endorse Weight Watchers. I do sing their praises because it's worked for me in the past and will work for me again. With that said, I have to say once again, I LOVE the new program. It's just so great knowing that I can EAT if I'm hungry. And I have. This is not a diet. It's a lifestyle that is doable encouraging healthy whole foods. I love that I can make my <a href="https://seejenroerun.blogspot.com/2017/12/weight-watcher-freestyle-split-pea-soup.html" target="_blank">split pea soup</a> or have a bowl of (lean) turkey chili or just grab a hard-boiled egg to take the edge off being hungry without having to burn any points. </div>
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How was your first week of 2018?</div>
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XO</div>
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Jen </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06682010895114305173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311378112082969638.post-2766964616707103692018-01-04T22:09:00.000-05:002018-01-04T22:12:02.355-05:00We Had it All: My Favorite Ragnar MomentThe best part of doing a <a href="https://www.runragnar.com/event-detail/trail/appalachians_wv?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=mdm%20appalachians%202018&utm_content=desktop" target="_blank">Ragnar Relay Race</a> is the incredible life-long connection to someone you can experience simply by sharing a van and a race with them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Fat to Finish Line Van 2 - We're missing John on this for some reason</td></tr>
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I've done three Ragnars and three times I've been blessed with walking away from the races feeling bonded for life to the people I shared a van with. </div>
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There's just something about the cheering, supporting, running and the sleep deprivation that brings people closer together.</div>
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One of my very, very favorite memories ever was from Ragnar Miami - Key West FL. This was the Ragnar featured in the <a href="http://fromfattofinishlinefilm.com/" target="_blank">From Fat to Finish Line movie.</a> Some of what didn't make it to the movie was our middle of the night shenanigans. We were all a little slap happy as we made our way to the next major exchange - where I would get the baton from Rik (Van 1) to kick off our van's legs. On the way to that exchange, we laughed, joked, hit up a Wendy's for ketchup and salt packets (don't ask) and sang songs. </div>
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This was before my 2nd leg run and before the night took a bit of a dramatic turn.</div>
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Anyway, before there was <i>carpool karaoke</i>, there was us, team <b><i>From Fat to Finish Line </i></b>Van 2 passing the "Welcome to Key Largo" sign and cruising down the highway. We couldn't resist. And I'm not sure how or why this happened exactly but before we knew it, John Hulsey (AKA Captain Awesome - and one of the greatest guy you could have in your van) had pulled up the lyrics and music to this song: </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kALsOo-_VU4/Wk7nR_PbsZI/AAAAAAAADxU/E9hybrXPRAgTpAKnAf2Ys3PSgZK1Z1xUQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kALsOo-_VU4/Wk7nR_PbsZI/AAAAAAAADxU/E9hybrXPRAgTpAKnAf2Ys3PSgZK1Z1xUQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1072.jpg" width="370" /></a></div>
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And we belted this out. It was so fricken fun! We were silly and just joyously sang. I recorded it on my phone and up until now it was just Van two's secret little video / song. Every time any of us hear the song, we smile and are reminded of this moment. Up until now - no one but van 2 has ever seen this video but now, I share with you, the Van 2 singers! </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZdqYclC4iwA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZdqYclC4iwA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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Hope you enjoy! </div>
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XO</div>
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Jen </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06682010895114305173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311378112082969638.post-62255786247055629972018-01-03T21:15:00.001-05:002018-01-03T21:15:15.685-05:00Ragnar Miami Our From Fat to Finish Line Five Year AnniversaryFive years ago I boarded a plane and flew to Miami Florida to run my very first <a href="https://www.runragnar.com/" target="_blank">Ragnar</a> with 11 other very special people. It was the original<a href="https://www.facebook.com/FatToFinish/" target="_blank"> <b><i>From Fat to Finish Line</i></b></a> team and none of us knew what to expect.<br />
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The group of us, about 1200 collective pounds lighter than we had once been was not only embarking upon a 200 mile <a href="https://www.runragnar.com/" target="_blank">Ragnar Relay Race</a> but we were also being documented and filmed along the way.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4GKBP2iy0zM/Wk2KxbQxyvI/AAAAAAAADws/NPZrKg3GxWY7QMeR5MJ22Qisg_WjVCMWgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-01-03%2Bat%2B8.55.09%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="924" height="353" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4GKBP2iy0zM/Wk2KxbQxyvI/AAAAAAAADws/NPZrKg3GxWY7QMeR5MJ22Qisg_WjVCMWgCLcBGAs/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-01-03%2Bat%2B8.55.09%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Director Angela Lee and I filming at the start</td></tr>
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As a producer, I expected to be more the one telling the story than someone being a part of the story. If you've seen the film, you know that wasn't the case.<br />
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That experience. All of it. The people, the run, the film, has profoundly changed my life.<br />
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It was a tough race for me. Filled with both struggle and failing but also graced with the triumph of getting up and moving forward. I was also blessed with the gift of having the love and support of my team when things were falling to shit and I was falling apart.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B1oxRYYpaCE/Wk2Kwkt1KnI/AAAAAAAADwo/Orj_LNfWu3Qxivkh6QDZLfrduRwpRJ-qgCEwYBhgL/s1600/20FFTFL_TeamHugAtLastExchange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B1oxRYYpaCE/Wk2Kwkt1KnI/AAAAAAAADwo/Orj_LNfWu3Qxivkh6QDZLfrduRwpRJ-qgCEwYBhgL/s400/20FFTFL_TeamHugAtLastExchange.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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That experience was super significant for me and in a lot of ways really represents this whole other journey I'm on.<br />
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There are ups. There are downs. There are moments where you feel like you've got it all together and there are moments where you feel like quitting. Ultimately, though, there's only one way to the finish line. As long as you keep on moving forward - whether it's losing 100 pounds or crossing 200 miles - as long as ya keep moving, you (and I) will get to the finish line. There's just no giving up. It's OK to struggle and it's OK to have setbacks it's all apart of it.<br />
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And oh yeah. It doesn't hurt to have 11 other or 20,000 fellow teammates or tribe to help you get up when you're down.<br />
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If you haven't found our FFTFL tribe on Facebook, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/FatToFinish/?fref=nf" target="_blank">please join us here</a>. We're there to help you when you're struggling and cheer you on in your successes.<br />
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If you haven't seen the documentary film - please check it out. It was such an honor to be a part of that team and film. It's on Netflix, iTunes, Amazon and DVDs can be ordered directly <a href="https://from-fat-to-finish-line.myshopify.com/" target="_blank">from our store</a>. </div>
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XO<br />
Jen<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06682010895114305173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311378112082969638.post-78366783072610352112018-01-02T20:55:00.000-05:002018-01-02T20:55:12.380-05:00Never Judge a Book by Its Cover: People Magazine and Emotionally Healing2018 is already leaps and bounds better than 2017. I feel very good about this year ahead.<br />
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Yesterday I worked out and meal prepped so going into today, I felt strong.<br />
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And today was a good day emotionally. As we build <a href="https://fattofinish.com/" target="_blank">From Fat to Finish Line</a> (the company), we've struggled financially. I AM NOT COMPLAINING. I made the decision to dedicate myself to FFTFL because I believe in it. But sometimes it's tough. We are trying to survive on just my husband's salary and he doesn't make much. We are backed up in debt and have really had to downsize and adjust how we spend and live. Some days the financial burden causes a lot of stress and angst around the household and I'm pretty sure that stress didn't help my depression / overeating and alcohol haze of 2017.<br />
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While all of us behind the scenes believe in what we are doing 100% - we're still not generating money to pay ourselves salaries. We've all made sacrifices for this passion of ours and the people in our tribe makes it 1000% worth it. I have never, not for one minute, regretted my decision to push my chips all in and go for it. But still, in the meantime, we have to figure out a way to pay the bills.<br />
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So today I got invited to do some freelance production work for a local company and about a half an hour in, they invited me to work all week! This unexpected week of work is going to help our household tremendously. I used to work with this company a few years back and it felt good to be there. It gave me a good confidence boost to be amongst people who believe I'm a talented and solid worker. When you struggle with depression and have had a few set backs, sometimes just a little thing like this can help remind you that you're <strike>not a piece of shit</strike> good at something. It's easy to start to feel worthless and lose your sense of ability. They are also very supportive and super impressed of what we are doing with <b><i>From Fat to Finish Line</i></b> and that's very cool.<br />
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Food wise I did well. And I'm still well within my Weight Watcher's points :)<br />
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And in bigger and better news - <a href="http://people.com/bodies/mike-bauler-half-their-size-weight-loss/" target="_blank">check out this amazing article </a>in People Magazine about my very good friend Mike Bauler.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pwYhcu8IcO0/Wkw0059GfPI/AAAAAAAADwQ/FSPDVsulteoEGR5HwRfoXor1o_Oysc96gCLcBGAs/s1600/image-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pwYhcu8IcO0/Wkw0059GfPI/AAAAAAAADwQ/FSPDVsulteoEGR5HwRfoXor1o_Oysc96gCLcBGAs/s400/image-1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Let me tell you a little bit about this guy. I met Mike last February or so. I was convinced by Rik Akey (original FFTFL Runner in the film and head coach for the company) to run Ragnar Del Sol. Mike was in my van and I immediately judged a book by its cover. I looked him up on Facebook and without knowing one thing about him, immediately thought, "Ugh. I'm not gonna get along with this guy. He's young, good looking and a very, very fast runner." My own insecurities about being old, chubby and a very, very slow runner kicked in and so I immediately pegged him as "cocky."<br />
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Well, turns out, I was a total asshole. He couldn't have been a better van mate. Supportive, kind, protective, and motivational. He is a great guy. And the more I learned about him the bigger of an asshole I became for pre-judging him. This guy volunteers, takes his kids to their games and karate lessons, never complains about having to squeeze in his Ironman training around kid stuff and work, and is the commissioner of a wheelchair basketball league. Cocky? So, so far from it. I learned a great lesson from Mike - never, ever assume shit. It was super unfair of me to do that and petty. I could've missed out on having a great friend if I held on to my first impression based on practically nothing. I now consider Mike one of my closest friends and I'm lucky to know him. Even if he is obnoxiously fast. ;)<br />
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How's your 2018 going so far?<br />
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XO<br />
Jen<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06682010895114305173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311378112082969638.post-27857951700936006302018-01-01T18:32:00.002-05:002018-01-01T18:32:38.931-05:002018 is Off to a Good Start! Happy New Year all!<br />
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First, some exciting news! Our documentary film, From Fat to Finish Line, made this "<a href="http://metro.co.uk/2017/12/31/10-things-to-watch-on-netflix-this-new-years-day-7121612/" target="_blank">10 Things to Watch on Netflix on New Year's Day</a>" list. That was very exciting :) </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wN9BGo3dAYI/Wkq62UuN4AI/AAAAAAAADvg/AEOAl_F8I_4Y7Wu8mHuS1CLtYt5aLfVMACLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-01-01%2Bat%2B5.48.23%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1442" data-original-width="1172" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wN9BGo3dAYI/Wkq62UuN4AI/AAAAAAAADvg/AEOAl_F8I_4Y7Wu8mHuS1CLtYt5aLfVMACLcBGAs/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-01-01%2Bat%2B5.48.23%2BPM.png" width="325" /></a></div>
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After sleeping in a little this morning I got up and decided to make <a href="http://seejenroerun.blogspot.com/2018/01/spinach-pie-recipe.html" target="_blank">spinach pie</a>. I find it to be pretty tasty and it's only 1SP per serving on the new Freestyle Weight Watcher's program. If you want to check out the recipe <a href="http://seejenroerun.blogspot.com/2018/01/spinach-pie-recipe.html" target="_blank">you can find it here</a>. It's pretty simple and tasty with a cup of soup, as a quick snack, a side dish or even for breakfast.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My very green meatless 1SP lunch -<br />
That's the <a href="http://seejenroerun.blogspot.com/2017/12/weight-watcher-freestyle-split-pea-soup.html" target="_blank">Split Pea Soup</a> I made yesterday.</td></tr>
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After lunch I finally decided to get myself to the gym. My goal was to do at least 30 minutes of walk/run on treadmill - I managed 4 miles and a little over an hour. It felt great! </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vcoCZ5NEewU/Wkq_Nc0CcAI/AAAAAAAADv0/nk7sxEM46SUkHNDsJhGFX5Mmk8_YOmiegCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vcoCZ5NEewU/Wkq_Nc0CcAI/AAAAAAAADv0/nk7sxEM46SUkHNDsJhGFX5Mmk8_YOmiegCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1019.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I also took all of my measurements and made some short-term goals for myself:</div>
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<b>Nutrition:</b> I want to be as on point as possible with WW - my aim is 25 'blue dots.' For those of you not on Weight Watchers, the app gives you this blue dot when you're tracking and within your point range for the day. Looks like this: </div>
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<b>Fitness:</b> I'm aiming for 16 workouts or runs this month. With a combination of cross fit (or strength training) or running. Now I want to do more than this but this is a good goal. </div>
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<b>Personal:</b> My goal is to blog 3-4 times a week if not daily for my own personal accountability and blogging really does help me to keep on track. </div>
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Have you made any goals for the new year? How's your 2018 so far? </div>
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XO</div>
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Jen</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06682010895114305173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311378112082969638.post-45872167623333068262018-01-01T18:30:00.000-05:002018-01-16T18:29:20.319-05:00Spinach Pie Recipe<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Weight Watcher's Freestyle Spinach Pie </u></b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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1 SP for a fourth of the pie<br />
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I love this tasty little spinach pie. It's only 1SP for a fourth of the pie! It's great as a side dish, served with some soup or salad or as a little snack.<br />
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You could use real cheese but it will up the points.<br />
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
20 oz. of frozen spinach<br />
4 eggs beaten<br />
3 minced cloves of garlic<br />
small onion chopped<br />
1/2 cup of FF Greek Yogurt<br />
1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese<br />
1/4 cup of Kraft fat free shredded cheddar cheese<br />
1/4 cup of Kraft fat free shredded mozarella<br />
generous shake of garlic powder<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
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<b>Directions: </b><br />
Preheat oven to 350 - spray a pie dish (I use a glass Pyrex one) with a little olive oil spray.<br />
Thaw out spinach and squeeze out as much of the liquid as you can<br />
Beat the eggs and stir all the other ingredients together - then add spinach.<br />
Pour into pie dish and bake for about 20 minutes<br />
Keeps well in the fridge and does well microwaved the next day<br />
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I bet this would be tasty with some shredded rotisserie chicken breast added. Could probably add some mushrooms as well.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hQnzSAMYrnw/Wkq7vegsUcI/AAAAAAAADvs/GSQZeeDYzGsPiCQ0_Hp7Ci3qGQkVnIiFwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hQnzSAMYrnw/Wkq7vegsUcI/AAAAAAAADvs/GSQZeeDYzGsPiCQ0_Hp7Ci3qGQkVnIiFwCPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1011.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My lunch: Spinach pie with my<a href="http://seejenroerun.blogspot.com/2017/12/weight-watcher-freestyle-split-pea-soup.html" target="_blank"> 0 point split pea soup</a></td></tr>
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Enjoy!<br />
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XO</div>
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Jen<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06682010895114305173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311378112082969638.post-67839534440900258042017-12-31T16:52:00.003-05:002017-12-31T16:53:09.347-05:00Happy New Year's Eve! My Ugly Weight Watcher Weigh-In <div>
Happy almost 2018! </div>
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Went to Weight Watchers this morning for my weekly weigh-in and as suspected it was a shit show. I mentioned the other day that I love the <a href="https://www.weightwatchers.com/us/?&cid=semGGL_Exact_Brand_General_Freestyleweight%20watchers%20freestyle&account=WWUS&tracker=43700028616715960&gclid=CLmHpdyVtdgCFYmgswodOpMEBw" target="_blank">new Weight Watcher's Freestyle program</a> and I'd lost 5 pounds the first week. The new program is great... when you actually do it. I ate <strike>like an asshole</strike> indulgently the last two weeks and drank dirty martinis like I had stock in olives and vodka, and well, I gained four back.<br />
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For accountability, I will be sharing my weight with the world after each weigh-in. Or at least the 5 of you who read this blog). This is terrifying but I think that sharing the good, bad, and ugly of the journey is important. So my starting weight as of right now is 180.2 - I haven't weighed this in at least seven years. Kind of a bummer but no surprise. You can't eat and drink like I have and fizzle out on the working out part and expect the scale not to "reward" you with a nice hefty gain. Worse than the scale though is how tight my clothes feel and how I don't love what I see looking back at me in the mirror lately. I came to identify myself as a runner and lately I just feel like a slug. An imposter. My goal weight is 150. I hung around the 160's like 165'ish for a long time and now I find myself here. Oh well. I can get hung up on this number or I can do something about it. So here we go.<br />
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So that's the bad news. But here's the good. I really do like the new program and I'm ready to get going. For the first time, in a long time, I feel energized to get back on track and back to me. I feel my best when I'm working out, eating right and taking care of myself. I want that feeling back. I can't change the past but can change what I do right now. That's what I'm focusing on. </div>
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After the meeting today I went to the gym and ran/walked for four miles. It felt really awesome to be moving and was literally a step in the right direction. Then I came home and made some foods to help support my eating right this week. I made a slow cooker Freestyle Split Pea Soup (0 points on Weight Watchers!) <a href="http://seejenroerun.blogspot.com/2017/12/weight-watcher-freestyle-split-pea-soup.html" target="_blank">Here's the recipe</a>. And then I made this delicious chicken cutlet thing w/diced tomatoes and white beans - <a href="http://seejenroerun.blogspot.com/2017/12/weight-watchers-freestyle-chicken.html" target="_blank">Recipe here</a>. </div>
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So onward and upward!<br />
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Thanks for joining me on this journey and I wish you all the best in 2018.<br />
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XO<br />
Jen<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06682010895114305173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311378112082969638.post-30971366722330061532017-12-31T16:50:00.001-05:002017-12-31T16:50:47.522-05:00Weight Watchers Freestyle Chicken Cutlet and White Bean Recipe<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Weight Watcher's Freestyle Chicken Cutlet and White Bean Recipe</u></b></div>
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This was super tasty and very fast to make. I had it over a 1/2 cup of rice. I bet it would be amazing over pasta or quinoa. It would probably also be great over zoodles or cauliflower rice - keeping it 100% freestyle.<br />
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The recipe itself is hearty and 0 Freestyle points.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cXucI9eIztA/WklY6NjfgxI/AAAAAAAADvQ/w-uo_Fs6Zc42C7FGSHzhNvLqq_LPuFREgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cXucI9eIztA/WklY6NjfgxI/AAAAAAAADvQ/w-uo_Fs6Zc42C7FGSHzhNvLqq_LPuFREgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_0984.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
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A few chicken cutlets (I think I might've had a little less than a pound of them? About six)</div>
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1 thinly sliced medium onion</div>
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1 thinly sliced green bell pepper</div>
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2 chopped garlic cloves</div>
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1 15.5 oz can of diced tomatoes (mine has basil flavoring)</div>
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1 15.5 oz can of white beans</div>
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1 tbs of capers</div>
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1/3 cup of mild banana pepper rings (the kind that come sliced in a jar) </div>
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seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, pepper flakes (whatever you want). </div>
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Spray a large non-stick pan with a little olive oil cooking spray. Sautee onions, peppers and garlic until slightly softened. (I also sprinkled those with a little salt and pepper) </div>
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Push the veggies to the side.</div>
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Season the chicken with the spices and cook on each side for about a minute each. </div>
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Put the veggies over the chicken and add the beans, tomatoes banana peppers and capers.</div>
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Cover and cook for about ten minutes. I put it over a half a cup of white rice (3 pts.)</div>
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I think this would be great with some mushrooms tossed in and maybe even some string beans. </div>
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Enjoy! Let me know what you think. </div>
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XO</div>
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Jen </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06682010895114305173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311378112082969638.post-11740305541046607832017-12-31T16:34:00.001-05:002017-12-31T16:34:19.253-05:00Weight Watcher Freestyle Split Pea Soup Recipe<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Weight Watcher Freestyle Split Pea Soup</u> </b></div>
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I made this recipe last week and it was delicious. Hearty and satisfying this Freestyle soup comes to 0 points per serving. I made this in a crockpot but you could probably simmer it on the stove for a few hours as well. </div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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1 bag (1 pound) of split peas rinsed. </div>
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1 medium onion diced</div>
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2-3 medium carrots peeled and chopped</div>
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2-3 medium celery stalks chopped</div>
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2-3 cloves of garlic minced</div>
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1 bay leaf</div>
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1/4 cup chopped parsley</div>
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4 cups of chicken or veg stock</div>
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3 cups of water</div>
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(optional) 2 tsp of liquid smoke </div>
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Put the split peas in the bottom of the crockpot - put the rest of the veggies on top, season with salt and pepper. Pour the liquids in and add the liquid smoke. </div>
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Set crockpot on low for 8-10 hours or high for about five hours. </div>
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Optional: Add one cup of diced ham for the last half an hour (this adds a point per cup). </div>
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Makes about 7-8 one cup servings. </div>
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If it's too thick add a little extra water. </div>
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Enjoy! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06682010895114305173noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311378112082969638.post-8140601527815000662017-12-30T16:20:00.000-05:002017-12-30T16:20:20.511-05:00My Take on the New Freestyle Weight Watchers ProgramSo I've been floundering around with Weight Watchers since the beginning of time. (Ok for the last year or so). I've been going to my meetings (which I really, really enjoy) but the actual following through and following the program has been dicey.<br />
<br />
I don't know what happens. I go to the meeting, get excited for the week ahead, track a meal or two and then it all falls to shit. Rinse and repeat. Sigh.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b8cNl-cdRZk/Wkf_yMn5qDI/AAAAAAAADuQ/Di4TfS2oaZ4N8yYHkcAXIOhuKtzwSjtRQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0615.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b8cNl-cdRZk/Wkf_yMn5qDI/AAAAAAAADuQ/Di4TfS2oaZ4N8yYHkcAXIOhuKtzwSjtRQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_0615.PNG" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love when I manage to get those blue dots!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anyway, I'm really excited about this new program and feeling rejuvenated. The first week of trying it I absolutely loved it and recorded a great loss for me. Basically, you get a few less points but there are a lot of point-free foods to keep you satisfied.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sQ5ucSzAzbo/Wkf_8nMEarI/AAAAAAAADuU/y7ZqH5ytYCgE5YHy6ZZA_n6GuTByw_LTQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sQ5ucSzAzbo/Wkf_8nMEarI/AAAAAAAADuU/y7ZqH5ytYCgE5YHy6ZZA_n6GuTByw_LTQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_0617.jpg" width="390" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great loss for me! First week on Freestyle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The "free" foods include:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Eggs</li>
<li>Skinless chicken breast</li>
<li>Beans </li>
<li>Tofu</li>
<li>Edamame</li>
<li>Most fish </li>
<li>Corn</li>
<li>Peas</li>
<li>Fruits & Veggies </li>
<li>Fat free plain Greek yogurt</li>
</ul>
<div>
The first week that I did it I was super prepared - I made hard boiled eggs for quick and free snacks, I made a big batch of chicken chili and I roasted chick peas for crunchier snacks. I was never hungry because truthfully, there's no reason to not eat something if you're hungry. There can be many choices... if you're prepared. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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The second week was weaker for me because I didn't meal prep, I wasn't as prepared and it made a big differnce. This is the big key for me. I must, must plan and prep.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gCWSZNzma30/WkgAh9YyHxI/AAAAAAAADuc/stZ7tmKrOIU3F0E-unQofj7fmigvCaCPwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gCWSZNzma30/WkgAh9YyHxI/AAAAAAAADuc/stZ7tmKrOIU3F0E-unQofj7fmigvCaCPwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_0513.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steamed Shrimp and Broccoli - FREE<br />1/3 cup brown rice - 2pts<br />2 steamed dumplings 4pts<br />2 tablespoons of brown sauce on side 1pt<br />Chinese takeout done right! YUM</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Truthfully with the holidays hitting I've been half-assing it and eating stuff that I rarely do (and only at this time of year.) However, I'm super excited to really grab this program and run with it. I did massive shopping today and I'm ready to commit 100% to getting back to goal. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'll share some recipes in upcoming posts. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I really think that Weight Watchers has nailed it with their current program. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Hope you are all doing well! </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
XO</div>
<div>
Jen </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06682010895114305173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311378112082969638.post-22131096457193918452017-12-29T16:09:00.000-05:002017-12-30T09:37:37.534-05:00I'm Back! My Personal From Fat to Finish Line Goals for 2018Tap. Tap. Tap.<br />
<br />
Is this thing on?<br />
<br />
Are any of you still out there?<br />
<br />
It's been a looooong time since my last post. More than a year as a matter of fact.<br />
<br />
Even though it's been forever and a day I'm back.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FAMtl2VfWUk/WkacHroArVI/AAAAAAAADs0/ERglGNlPjdUfNgv89PMipl_7QXTdVsO_gCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-12-29%2Bat%2B2.48.02%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1600" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FAMtl2VfWUk/WkacHroArVI/AAAAAAAADs0/ERglGNlPjdUfNgv89PMipl_7QXTdVsO_gCLcBGAs/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-12-29%2Bat%2B2.48.02%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Fat to Finish Line on Netflix! </td></tr>
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I need to be back. You see, in spite of the success <b><i>From Fat to Finish Line</i></b> has enjoyed as a documentary film and <b><i>From Fat to Finish Line</i></b> as an online movement and tribe - I've been personally struggling hard. I've dealt with weight gain, lack of motivation and some depression. Looking back at what worked for me in reaching my goals all those years ago, I have come to realize that this blog was pivotal in my journey.<br />
<br />
Writing this blog provided me:<br />
1. Accountability and<br />
2. A journal of sorts.<br />
I need both so here I am.<br />
<br />
First things first, A few highlights/ not so highlights from the last year or so:<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t1TM7yQV1D0/WkaafcmHvDI/AAAAAAAADsc/yTZ-pcF4o58wyId-IQKIMxVqg1Uidr5igCLcBGAs/s1600/20841794_505147606485253_2433280351704717071_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t1TM7yQV1D0/WkaafcmHvDI/AAAAAAAADsc/yTZ-pcF4o58wyId-IQKIMxVqg1Uidr5igCLcBGAs/s400/20841794_505147606485253_2433280351704717071_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of us FFTFL'ers in Dublin at 5K</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><b><i>From Fat to Finish Line</i></b> the documentary is doing well and you can watch it on <a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80106125" target="_blank">Netflix</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/from-fat-to-finish-line/id1118557909" target="_blank">iTunes,</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fat-Finish-Line-Katie-Foster/dp/B01HU7Z4P6" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and other streaming services.</li>
<li>Thanks in part to the film, <b><i>From Fat to Finish Line</i></b> has grown into a big, supportive FB community and company. We have resources for new and overweight runners. You can join the FB community <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/FatToFinish/" target="_blank">HERE</a>, Learn how to run your first mile <a href="http://info.fattofinish.com/register-for-run-your-first-mile-training-plan" target="_blank">HERE</a>, and check out our website <a href="https://fattofinish.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</li>
<li>I ran two Ragnars last year (Del Sol and Poconos) which really made me fall in love with Ragnar. </li>
<li>I celebrated my 45th birthday in Dublin, Ireland with the FFTFL tribe.</li>
<li>From Fat to Finish Line had an amazing meet-up in Las Vegas again.</li>
<li>I am up 25 pounds from my goal weight.</li>
<li>I have dealt with depression.</li>
<li>I have been struggling to run and get my workouts in.</li>
<li>I moved to a new apartment.</li>
</ol>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cDD2oTHZMpU/Wkaaqqk9XzI/AAAAAAAADsg/WAtdqbN0kSQ85dB4j3ARyhFGRI5Qqi2ZQCLcBGAs/s1600/17342689_10210740679205958_5187301082013037052_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cDD2oTHZMpU/Wkaaqqk9XzI/AAAAAAAADsg/WAtdqbN0kSQ85dB4j3ARyhFGRI5Qqi2ZQCLcBGAs/s400/17342689_10210740679205958_5187301082013037052_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Van 1 Ragnar Del Sol: Team Running Down a Dream </td></tr>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>So here's my goals for 2018 in no particular order: </u></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>HEALTH: </b>I need to get back to basics and cut the shit. I've not been doing the right thing. I intend to make my health a priority by: Losing the 25 pounds I gained and get back to goal. I will accomplish this by running at least 3x's a week, weight training at least twice a week, choosing healthy foods and tracking by sticking to <a href="https://www.weightwatchers.com/" target="_blank">Weight Watchers</a>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I will commit to and make drinking my water a priority. I will cut down or cut out alcohol. I will take my vitamins, and avoid gluten. I will continue to see my therapist and find ways to cope with stuff that doesn't involve food or alcohol such as meditation. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>HOME:</b> I will disconnect from electronics when connecting with friends and family. I will make human interaction a priority and spend less time, nose down in my computer and wasting time on social media like FB. I will also honor my home itself by keeping the clutter down and keeping my home clean and organized. When it's a mess it drives me crazy and doesn't help anything! </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<b>CAREER:</b> I will continue to build the <a href="https://fattofinish.com/" target="_blank">From Fat to Finish Line</a> brand. This is my life and passion. I am committed to chugging forth in giving my best when it comes to the company. I want to reach my finish line goals and I want others to as well. I will finish my life coaching course which has me studying how to support others in mental/emotional/physical and spiritual health. This not only helps me to be able to support the FFTFL tribe but it is teaching me how to cope with my own stuff too! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>RUN: </b>Although mentioned in my "Health" section above - Running deserves its own place. First of all, I have a lot of running coming up in 2018.</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I got accepted into the Chicago Marathon for 2018.</li>
<li>I am running <b>FOUR</b> FFTFL Relays in 2018: <a href="http://www.thebuckfifty.com/" target="_blank">The Buck Fifty</a> in OH, <a href="https://www.runragnar.com/event-detail/relay/tennessee" target="_blank">Ragnar TN</a>, <a href="https://www.runragnar.com/event-detail/relay/chicago#!" target="_blank">Ragnar Chicago</a> and <a href="https://www.runragnar.com/event-detail/relay/northwestpassage" target="_blank">Ragnar Northwest Passage.</a> </li>
<li>I'd like to run <a href="https://www.thenewjerseymarathon.com/" target="_blank">NJ half marathon</a> at the shore and <a href="http://www.runrocknroll.com/las-vegas/" target="_blank">Rock 'n' Roll Vegas</a> half.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Second of all. Running makes everything better for me. Mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. I MUST make it a priority. I was able to keep my depression more or less in check for years just by consistenly running. This last year my running game was off and the depression came back in full force, the weight crept further up, I lost my overall mojo. I'm trying to manage, went on a mild anti-depressant and am working things out in therapy but I need my runs. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nLpSBWWuuiM/WkabYgKLyWI/AAAAAAAADso/c61C02LQi1Umb86gSpOy11FCvyygp0HHQCLcBGAs/s1600/20767890_10213770107070042_6166892528109474888_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nLpSBWWuuiM/WkabYgKLyWI/AAAAAAAADso/c61C02LQi1Umb86gSpOy11FCvyygp0HHQCLcBGAs/s400/20767890_10213770107070042_6166892528109474888_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turning 45 in Dublin</td></tr>
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So while the last year or so has been a little challenging - it's all a part of life. All a part of the journey. I'm taking the positives and learning from the negatives. I'm ready to take on 2018 and make it <strike>my bitch</strike> the best year ever! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What are some of your goals for 2018?</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06682010895114305173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311378112082969638.post-41420116909177206292016-11-10T23:13:00.000-05:002017-12-29T23:18:02.226-05:00New York City Marathon 2016 Race Recap<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello dear friends. I know it's been a while. Great things are happening. We've been busy building <a href="http://www.fattofinish.com/" target="_blank">From Fat to Finish Line</a> into a business to help runners get to their finish lines and it's been awesome. I owe you a blog about all that but this post is all about The <a href="http://www.tcsnycmarathon.org/" target="_blank">TCS New York City Marathon</a>, baby!<br />
<br />
Once again I had another imperfect (OK pretty pathetic) training regime going into the <a href="http://www.tcsnycmarathon.org/" target="_blank">New York City marathon</a>. But I managed to get in my long runs (more or less) and while not ideally trained, I was super excited anyway. Thanks to the generous support of so many friends and family I reached my goal of raising $3000 for <a href="http://www.researchautism.org/" target="_blank">Organization of Autism Research</a> and this race wasn't just about me.<br />
<br />
The week of the event came and I was eerily not nervous or experiencing the "what if" fear and dread that I experienced before any really big race. Instead I was downright giddy and excited. While not normally a Taylor Swift fan her "<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/welcome-to-new-york/id907242701?i=907242702" target="_blank">Welcome to New York</a>" song seemed to be on-loop on my playlist (which at times annoyed the crap out of me and other times moved me in a very corny way to being a little weepy) - It wasn't lost on me how special and momentous this was. I didn't have to run - I GET to run the greatest city in the world... I felt psyched all week.<br />
<br />
On Thursday I made my way to the expo, enjoyed kicking around, getting my bib and reuniting with <a href="http://bartyasso.com/" target="_blank">Bart Yasso</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BAzNZvInmlM/WCUgdheZkdI/AAAAAAAADoY/Ea1p6QGxflcZF4VBDznDkM5kOTZahekowCLcB/s1600/14902715_10210916714817019_1919097148217622938_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BAzNZvInmlM/WCUgdheZkdI/AAAAAAAADoY/Ea1p6QGxflcZF4VBDznDkM5kOTZahekowCLcB/s320/14902715_10210916714817019_1919097148217622938_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Sunday came and I was awake for hours before my alarm went off - by 3:45 am I was getting dressed and ready. By 5:00 am I was on a bus from the Meadowlands and heading out towards the start in Staten Island! On the bus, I ran into a new FFTFL friend, Walter. It was a great gift to have company on the bus and at the village for the next few hours until the rest of the gang showed up. Once at the village, we rested a bit, drank some free Dunkin' Donuts coffee, took a few pictures and waited. Ann, who I trained with, Megan, friend Jeanine and Dominic all made their ways to the village.<span id="goog_514700946"></span><br />
<br />
While wandering about, Ann, Jeanine, Megan and myself got a special treat of seeing the one and only MEB who was the grand marshal of the race! Ann asked for a picture and he said yes! What a great way to kick off the day.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BdabDbgFs70/WCUglhEfCfI/AAAAAAAADoc/e-F2HCsX8n0HrspHFnsoObPAyK7vlCmHQCLcB/s1600/14992036_10210942620744651_4591308287595682533_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BdabDbgFs70/WCUglhEfCfI/AAAAAAAADoc/e-F2HCsX8n0HrspHFnsoObPAyK7vlCmHQCLcB/s400/14992036_10210942620744651_4591308287595682533_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br />
So after the long wait - it was finally 11 AM and time to run! Megan and Jeanine had started earlier and Walter was in another corral. Domenic, Ann and myself headed to our place on the bridge.<br />
<br />
The gun went off and instead of the traditional Frank Sinatra's New York, New York song, they cut it about 5 seconds in and played "I Want to Dance with Somebody" from Whitney Houston instead. I was a little disappointed because the Frank Sinatra song is sentimental for me (it was my Grandmother's favorite song) but shook it away and got down to business!<br />
<br />
We decided to try to keep the pace comfortable. Domenic had been doing a walk 30 second / run 1:30 second thing in training and I thought that sounded like a good approach. Domenic and I did that along with Ann for the first mile or two. We got a few miles in and of course I had to stop to potty. We waved Ann off and she was on her way.<br />
<br />
Domenic and I soaked in Brooklyn which is just such a great place to run. All the cultures, all the people, the support amazing. Domenic saw his wife and mother-in-law out there and I got to see my friend Joe and Jess at mile 8 again which is such a blessing and treat. Once again they didn't let me down Their smiles, enthusiasm, and big-ass sign with my name on it - was just soooooooo uplifting. Words can't describe how much it meant to me. Loved that so much.<br />
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While out there, a few people recognized the film from my shirt. I heard a few times, "I saw you in that movie and loved it!" one even said "Oh my God, Jennifer Roe! Love you, love your movie!" That was very exciting and cool!<br />
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Right after seeing Joe and Jess (about 8 miles in) my legs already were starting to feel a little tight. Ugh. Lack of training on hills and in general was beginning to catch up and there was still 18 ahead. This was the type of feeling that shouldn't have been happening until at least 14 in. But I had to just shake it off. There was no way I was going to quit or give up only way home was though the finish line.<br />
<br />
Around mile 13 we caught up with Domenic's brother. He was a little younger and had a spring in his step. Domenic started to run a little faster (and I a little slower by this point) so the next few miles I was trailing them. I tried to keep up but I was tired and getting sorer and sorer. They were sweet, they would check up on me, encourage me on and tried to keep me in the game. Finally, around mile 17, I really fell behind on them. I was tired of trying to keep up the pace and felt it might be better if I just did this race my own way and at my own pace.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rzl3o2tcTTk/WkcSKuuP4kI/AAAAAAAADt0/rXjGbezqeQMxxVKG1nJNkSiOSHoWkSRrACLcBGAs/s1600/Domenic_Jen_XLarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rzl3o2tcTTk/WkcSKuuP4kI/AAAAAAAADt0/rXjGbezqeQMxxVKG1nJNkSiOSHoWkSRrACLcBGAs/s400/Domenic_Jen_XLarge.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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By this time we'd been out there for hours. I was nervous about how things were going, I was now on my own and I was FREEZING. I decided to run off course and go into a Dollar Store. I was hoping to buy a blanket or something I was just so cold. Well, the store was heavenly warm, and then I found fleece gloves. There were five people on line and the wait was annoying but I wasn't winning anyway, so I waited. The gloves truly made a difference. So I guess this might've been 17.5 miles in or so. It was starting to get dark and I still had at least 8 miles to go. I figured I could drag my ass, freeze to death and be miserable or just put my head down, make the best of things and push. I hadn't come to New York to not give it my best!<br />
<br />
So, I pulled out my music (Before even starting the race I only had 16% battery so I had kept it on airplane mode the whole race - I pulled it out and thought to myself, "well, I will get at least a little music out of this. If I'm lucky a song or two." By some miracle it hung onto 16% battery until the end of the race so I had music when I needed it!)<br />
<br />
It was tough and I was slow but from miles 17.5 - 22 or 23 I pretty much ran and felt a new sense of purpose in the race. I listened to T-Swift's "Welcome to New York" a few times and "Raise You Up" from Kinky Boots which always puts me in a good mood. I was physically hurting and it was hard but I was determined. I repeated mantras, I told myself, "this might be hard but Autism is harder" I told myself that, "this is supposed to be hard - that's why you get a medal" and I thanked the universe and God for giving me the strength, the body, the legs and the courage to carry me to the finish line. Even though I struggled, I was proud of myself for moving forward. I made a commitment to myself to get to that finish line even if it took me all night.<br />
<br />
A big part of what really kept me going out there was all of you. I knew that so many of my friends and family not only supported me and autism to get there but I knew you guys were tracking me. From my parents, hubby and sister to my From Fat to Finish Line and Weight Watcher's families I knew I was supported. I thought of you guys looking at that app and seeing me cross miles and rooting me on from home.<br />
<br />
There were some great spectators still on the course and hearing my name and encouragement also kept me going.<br />
<br />
Finally, I was in the last mile and coming close to the finish line. I had done it. Once again, I became emotional as I approached the finish. It took 7 hours and 22 minutes. I arrived at the start line in the dark and I was finishing, once again, in the dark. I was so tired, so sore, but so proud.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qj5S7RIV3RQ/WkcTax-R5nI/AAAAAAAADuA/uYI6F-LXuA8Y5auUn6NxklJCE95TONcLgCLcBGAs/s1600/Jen_Medal_Selfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="720" height="319" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qj5S7RIV3RQ/WkcTax-R5nI/AAAAAAAADuA/uYI6F-LXuA8Y5auUn6NxklJCE95TONcLgCLcBGAs/s320/Jen_Medal_Selfie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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You would think it would end there - huh? Well. After crossing the finish line - I still had to walk a good 3/4th of a mile to get my cape and get out of the park. It was then a journey across town by cab (got out when we weren't moving and I began cramping) subway and NJ train home. The NJ train home was a shit show of people! Gimme a break! lol - There was a lot of post-marathon walking. I really missed not wearing my fitbit that day! Ha.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ONZ3deyVbms/WCUh6eh-LII/AAAAAAAADos/PqIMr3hJrakqzsyFAwuoz_6oAG-JbCaHACLcB/s1600/IMG_2950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ONZ3deyVbms/WCUh6eh-LII/AAAAAAAADos/PqIMr3hJrakqzsyFAwuoz_6oAG-JbCaHACLcB/s400/IMG_2950.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br />
Anyway so that was that. NYC Marathon 2016 in the books. While I swore in the weeks leading up to the race and during every minute of the race, that I would never do another full marathon again -- well. Let's just say never, say never. For now I'm sitting on my hands so I don't enter the 2017 lottery but that's all I can promise to for now.<br />
<br />
Thank you for your love and support - without you, I would never get to the finish line.<br />
<br />
XO<br />
Jen </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06682010895114305173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311378112082969638.post-10317024543221584382016-08-04T22:40:00.000-04:002016-08-04T22:40:08.898-04:00From Fat to Finish Line Film: Pinch Me!! Holy crap, people.<br />
<br />
This is happening.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.fattofinish.com/" target="_blank">film</a> is out, people are watching it and they<i> like</i> it. They really, really <b><i>like</i></b> it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_QlGDned-ak/V6P3Ree77SI/AAAAAAAADnA/mDpNBP2N2todiLVv8u3WSY1qrIAQrGlPwCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-08-04%2Bat%2B10.17.14%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_QlGDned-ak/V6P3Ree77SI/AAAAAAAADnA/mDpNBP2N2todiLVv8u3WSY1qrIAQrGlPwCLcB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-08-04%2Bat%2B10.17.14%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fat-Finish-Line-Katie-Foster/dp/B01HU7Z4P6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1470363414&sr=8-1&keywords=from+fat+to+finish+line+movie" target="_blank">Amazon</a> Five Stars! </td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
It's so incredibly humbling and exhilarating all at the same time.<br />
<br />
I am still in awe of all of it. It seems like just yesterday where I was grossly obese, out of control, hopeless and desperate. I still sometimes struggle with food, motivation to run, temptation to over-eat, and the desire to be lazy rather than work out. But yet, I find myself in this place of having a film out there, in the universe, about running and making it to the finish line. I am so blessed.<br />
<br />
I am even lucky that people like it enough to try to steal! We had to alert <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb2hcAtmEbcAAM7mx25Dw-w" target="_blank">YouTube</a> no less than five times this week of people trying to pirate the movie.<br />
<br />
And that's not all. We have made it to the top ten ( top 7 as a matter of fact) of all documentaries on iTunes! OMG!! We were featured in the main banner on iTunes and are sitting side by side with heavy hitters - folks who have won OSCARS, folks supported and made by major movie companies... Little 'ol us. Pinch me.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gj1AB5EnWl0/V6P46439qrI/AAAAAAAADnM/k-o9reWdRI0oMB3c4ZBzQxz1JtxTPEn7ACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-08-04%2Bat%2B10.23.15%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gj1AB5EnWl0/V6P46439qrI/AAAAAAAADnM/k-o9reWdRI0oMB3c4ZBzQxz1JtxTPEn7ACLcB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-08-04%2Bat%2B10.23.15%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top banner on<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/from-fat-to-finish-line/id1118557909" target="_blank"> iTunes</a> and under News & Newsworthy! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RRSNjjFVplg/V6P498IbayI/AAAAAAAADnQ/ul3IemIBlfUnzm3ubEFgSqYNHVzGU065wCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-08-04%2Bat%2B10.23.34%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RRSNjjFVplg/V6P498IbayI/AAAAAAAADnQ/ul3IemIBlfUnzm3ubEFgSqYNHVzGU065wCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-08-04%2Bat%2B10.23.34%2BPM.png" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/from-fat-to-finish-line/id1118557909" target="_blank">#7 on iTunes</a> for ALL documentaries! What!?</td></tr>
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<br />
So here's the deal. If you want to get it, you can get it <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/from-fat-to-finish-line/id1118557909" target="_blank">here on iTunes</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fat-Finish-Line-Katie-Foster/dp/B01HU7Z4P6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1470363414&sr=8-1&keywords=from+fat+to+finish+line+movie" target="_blank">here on Amazon</a>.<br />
<br />
If you watch it. Let me know what you think!<br />
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In other news outside the whole exciting movie thing and all, I've had a last few months of ups and downs weight wise. I finally decided to do something a little radical and do a few week of really clean, VEGAN eating.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TCYuVjx7D04/V6P6r8fbbSI/AAAAAAAADng/sCdbizB9mZQDbXE-NPaQhI9_vUWcu1gIACLcB/s1600/13844035_10209964665416379_1522950265_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TCYuVjx7D04/V6P6r8fbbSI/AAAAAAAADng/sCdbizB9mZQDbXE-NPaQhI9_vUWcu1gIACLcB/s400/13844035_10209964665416379_1522950265_o.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beans, quinoa, avocado, onions, peppers and tomato - delish</td></tr>
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<br />
The vegan thing is super edgy for me because I have always heavily relied on meat-based protein at every meal but it's been a better than expected experiment. I'm about a week and a half in and while it's been a little challenging it's been very interesting to note that I can be satisfied without animal protein. It definitely takes effort but I'm doing it. I should also tell you that since I'm on <a href="http://weightwatchers.com/" target="_blank">Weight Watchers</a>, I am counting points. Even plan based foods can add up quickly and I could easily be an overweight vegan. ;)<br />
<br />
As far as running is concerned, I'm getting my groove back. I've been struggling to get in miles when I can (we've been super busy and I've been traveling a lot) and I'm super nervous about being prepared for the NYC Marathon. I'm not where I would like to be for that. But you know, what can you do? I'm going to just keep on trying the best I can and fighting to keep my head in the game.<br />
<br />
How are you guys doing?<br />
<br />
Any veggie based dishes I should be trying?<br />
<br />
Have you seen the movie?<br />
<br />
XO<br />
Jen<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06682010895114305173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311378112082969638.post-40349043884189560332016-07-22T11:42:00.001-04:002016-07-22T11:42:51.506-04:00From Fat to Finish Line Documentary Film Nears Finish Line! Who would've thunk all those years ago when I first made the incredulous, ridiculous decision to "start running" that the journey would've led me here.<br />
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I've had ups and downs. The scale has been kind and evil. Through the years I've had set-backs, injuries, weight gain, and fall-downs. I've also experienced victories, incredible moments, experiences, inspiration, motivation and have gained friends for life.<br />
<br />
It took me a long time to say the words, "I am a runner." And now I get to say, "I am a runner... in a movie!"<br />
<br />
And this weekend you can own the film via iTunes for only $6.99! <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/from-fat-to-finish-line/id1118557909" target="_blank">GET IT HERE</a><br />
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/from-fat-to-finish-line/id1118557909" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5zeVWzGTOk/V5I8xKhzCSI/AAAAAAAADms/dbSVHViKb9kqD6hLvSwMroJxOnCD0OTigCLcB/s320/FFTFL_FlashSale_7-22_7-24.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can view the trailer at iTunes too!</div>
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<b><i>From Fat to Finish Line </i></b>documents the journey of 12 formerly obese people who all lost about 100 pounds each through running. The 12 come from all over the country and team up to run a challenging 200 mile Ragnar Relay Race to celebrate their success and test their limits.</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">I'm so proud that this film has happened. It's funny, inspirational, entertaining and drives home the point that whether you are losing weight or running 200 miles, if you take one step at a time you can get to your finish line.</span></div>
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Thank you for being a part of this journey of mine. </div>
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XO</div>
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Jen </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06682010895114305173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311378112082969638.post-20520913229474686082016-05-12T09:36:00.000-04:002016-05-12T09:36:23.687-04:00San Diego Screening of From Fat to Finish Line Documentary and other stuffHi all!<br />
<br />
I've become such a bad blogger but that's only because we are kicking booty and working so hard in many other areas.<br />
<br />
Just thought I'd do a drive by and update you on some good stuff:<br />
<br />
1. It's been slow and not-so-steady but the weight is slowly coming off. I'm back at <a href="https://www.weightwatchers.com/" target="_blank">WW</a> and also using some of the tools at <a href="http://www.sparkpeople.com/" target="_blank">SparkPeople</a>. Since December 27 I'm down 15 pounds and I'm about 7 pounds from my goal weight. I'm feeling good and my clothes are fitting better.<br />
<br />
2. I've completed 30 days of no alcohol and super hydrating. I gave up the alcohol because I was drinking too much. Nearly every day I would look forward to a glass of wine (or if the day was particularly stressful) a martini. The fact that I was starting to 'count down' the minutes until wine-o'clock scared me and I just felt like it was undermining all the healthy things I've done. I have read that it takes 21 days to make a habit and 30 to really cement it. I'm at 31 days and feel really great. I don't miss the drinking and I think it's sped up my weight loss. I sleep better and wake up better. The super hydrating has been a win for me too. This has always been a place where I've struggled. My weight loss has been much better since incorporating both of these things. For the hydration, I've been using an app called <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/plant-nanny-water-reminder/id590216134?mt=8" target="_blank">Plant Nanny</a>. Every time you drink water you 'water' your plant and it grows. Forget to water it and it gets sicks and dies. That's a lot of pressure. LOL.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EbEE4Ci5FBo/VzR_nNjHXLI/AAAAAAAADl4/29pphtSRgfQSpKGIuHNbwcoGrw3pu7LuwCK4B/s1600/screen568x568-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EbEE4Ci5FBo/VzR_nNjHXLI/AAAAAAAADl4/29pphtSRgfQSpKGIuHNbwcoGrw3pu7LuwCK4B/s1600/screen568x568-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1"> </a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZI_l3Uy4mIs/VzR_pwqtthI/AAAAAAAADmA/VO0Wb7FoKAsbCwRzO0Z9-sKhpaEXc2AdgCK4B/s1600/screen568x568.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZI_l3Uy4mIs/VzR_pwqtthI/AAAAAAAADmA/VO0Wb7FoKAsbCwRzO0Z9-sKhpaEXc2AdgCK4B/s320/screen568x568.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div>
3. We are having a special <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FatToFinish/" target="_blank">From Fat to Finish Line Documentary</a> screening in San Diego! On May 23, 2016 we will be having a pre-release sneak preview screening at the <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/green-flash-film-night-with-road-runner-sports-from-fat-to-finish-line-tickets-25004742859" target="_blank">Green Flash Brew Co.!</a> I will be there, alongside our director Angela Lee and a few of the runners from the film. It will be a night of beer and cheer you won't want to miss. :) <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/green-flash-film-night-with-road-runner-sports-from-fat-to-finish-line-tickets-25004742859" target="_blank">Please find all the details here!</a><br />
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4. The film will be released world-wide this summer! I will update with an official announcement as soon as I can. If you don't know what the movie is about it's basically about 12 runners (moi included) that have all lost a lot of weight and team up to run a 200 mile <a href="https://www.runragnar.com/home" target="_blank">Ragnar Relay Race</a> from Miami to Key West. It's funny, emotional, and inspirational (if I do say so myself). We are proud of it.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LTbLrsHPZIM/VzSB4OAMCqI/AAAAAAAADmI/X_Q6HwanFUsU2f4AHqH96kSjINcqPn3rwCLcB/s1600/2527852F-4E0C-4750-92CB-B08B9AAF2C74.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LTbLrsHPZIM/VzSB4OAMCqI/AAAAAAAADmI/X_Q6HwanFUsU2f4AHqH96kSjINcqPn3rwCLcB/s320/2527852F-4E0C-4750-92CB-B08B9AAF2C74.png" width="215" /></a></div>
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5. Don't forget to <a href="http://join.fattofinish.com/johnfftflblg" target="_blank">sign up here</a> to get updates and news on the film, soon to be released running app, and more. :) </div>
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Hope all is well with you!</div>
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Do you have any special apps you use to help you drink water or get to your health goals? </div>
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XO</div>
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Jen </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06682010895114305173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311378112082969638.post-62001387090539825872016-03-21T13:46:00.001-04:002016-03-21T15:48:05.773-04:00Checking out The Oprah & Deepak 21 Day Meditation Experience<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p2o88szGYYo/T957ENTMvAI/AAAAAAAABK4/yXmEHoFbCX4NLmVHaYDRxarUFLT9JY8eA/s1600/479699_10150911702878323_2001377663_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p2o88szGYYo/T957ENTMvAI/AAAAAAAABK4/yXmEHoFbCX4NLmVHaYDRxarUFLT9JY8eA/s320/479699_10150911702878323_2001377663_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first time doing Yoga 2011 with Cynthia </td></tr>
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There are a few things I've been saying to myself I need to do for years and kind of never achieve for one reason or another. As annoying as it is to keep trying and failing at some of these things, I'm a big believer in never giving up. </div>
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The "I <strike>should</strike> will do list" includes:</div>
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1. Strength train more.</div>
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2. Consistently drink 8 glasses of water a day.</div>
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3. Take daily vitamin.</div>
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4. Yoga</div>
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5. Meditation</div>
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Just writing this list out has just made me refill my glass of water and pop a vitamin so there's that - so far so good!</div>
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The one thing I've never actually have given a good try to though is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation" target="_blank">meditation</a>. I've read in many a self-help book how powerful and transformative meditating can be but just never knew where to start.</div>
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About a week ago, my friend Cynthia sent me <a href="https://chopracentermeditation.com/experience" target="_blank">this link</a>. (Cynthia is also the first person to teach me some yoga moves.) The link is for "<a href="https://chopracentermeditation.com/experience" target="_blank">The Oprah & Deepak 21-Day Meditation Experience</a>." I didn't even think twice about it at first. I knew I should try meditation but, really, who has time? And like yoga and strength training, I would probably not really follow through on it anyway. But still, something about it made me click <a href="https://chopracentermeditation.com/experience" target="_blank">the link</a> and I signed up. (It's free, so why not?)</div>
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Today was day one. Today's centering thought was: "My struggle has ended. I am in harmony with myself" and the mantra was: Om Laghu Bhavam. Of course half way through, my mind wandered for all of 5 seconds and I couldn't quite remember the mantra or the centering thought but I did my best. By the way,"Om Laghu Bhavam" means "I am lightness itself" which I forgot as soon as Deepak said it and just had to re-look it up for this blog post. Oy. I mean, Om. </div>
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The centering thought really resonated with me. "My struggle has ended. I am in harmony with myself." I've been struggling with the scale. Ironically, I feel strong, healthy and a recent physical has proven that my healthy eating and consistent running has me in optimal health. But. I'm still up about 13 pounds from my goal weight and the A student in me is on fire about it. And I've been frustrated because I've been following the <a href="http://weightwatchers.com/" target="_blank">Weight Watchers Program</a> to the "T." Dutifully weighing and measuring my food and logging it. I actually enjoy the process of all of that. I adore the women in my meeting and my leader, and I personally do much better when I'm following a regiment vs just "winging it." Yet the scale barely budges. If the scale didn't matter I'd be very happy, but the scale does matter in a way, and I've allowed it to get the best of me lately.</div>
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The centering thought has me rethinking the scale though. I am happy. I am in harmony with myself. I am strong and healthy, I have so much to be grateful for and everyday I want to wake up and thank the universe for my strong healthy body. It's such a blessing to be able to run! To move! To not be on medication to not face disease because of poor habits. So I'm ending my struggle with the scale. My body might want to be healthy at this weight or something will kick in at some point but either way, I am going to believe that I am in harmony with myself. I will continue to go to WW because I love the friendship and it provides me the tools and balance I need to keep moving forward but I'm truly going to work at letting go of the numbers. </div>
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This 21 day meditation journey is literally about "shedding weight" in every sense of the word. Most importantly the heavy stuff weighing on your heart, soul and mind. Who can't use a little lightening up? </div>
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By the way, shortly after my first time meditating this morning, as if to confirm that I am on the right path, I saw this NY Times Article, <a href="http://mobile.nytimes.com/blogs/well/2016/03/16/meditation-plus-running-as-a-treatment-for-depression/?smid=tw-nytimes&smtyp=cur&_r=0&referer=https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FUExNUUIyo6" target="_blank">Meditation Plus Running as a Treatment for Depression</a> pop up on my FB newsfeed. Running has definitely helped to ease my depression so this was a particularly interesting read for me. </div>
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I'm pretty sure you can still sign up for <a href="https://chopracentermeditation.com/" target="_blank">The Oprah & Deepak 21-Day Meditation Experience</a> if you want to give it a shot. If you do, let me know what you think!</div>
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Have you ever meditated before? What are your thoughts? </div>
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XO </div>
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Jen</div>
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PS: I'm still raising money for Autism by running the NYC Marathon this November. I have a goal of $3000 and it's going to take a lot of help to get there! If you are so moved, please consider supporting the cause - You can donate here: <a href="https://www.crowdrise.com/OrgforAutismResearchNYC2016/fundraiser/jenniferroe2">https://www.crowdrise.com/OrgforAutismResearchNYC2016/fundraiser/jenniferroe2</a></div>
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PSS: If you want to check out the cool, FREE From Fat to Finish Line Running App<a href="http://join.fattofinish.com/johnfftflblg" target="_blank"> click here to sign up</a> to get on the list! I promise it's not going to be your average running app :) </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06682010895114305173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311378112082969638.post-76577626533473570132016-03-10T16:45:00.000-05:002016-03-10T17:01:22.453-05:00Start Spreading the News I'm running the NYC Marathon again! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uty3986qSfI/VuHpbdlXfuI/AAAAAAAADjI/feRNcddbwpgZJtm6xgIGOfvGwtLohBx8A/s1600/IMG_1207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uty3986qSfI/VuHpbdlXfuI/AAAAAAAADjI/feRNcddbwpgZJtm6xgIGOfvGwtLohBx8A/s320/IMG_1207.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-run selfie with my pink NYC marathon hat</td></tr>
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It was that day of the year again. The day of refreshing email, calling the credit card for "latest activity" and stalking the <a href="http://www.nyrr.org/" target="_blank">New York Road Runners</a> page for any and all updates regarding the <a href="http://www.tcsnycmarathon.org/" target="_blank">TCS New York City Marathon</a> lottery. Honestly, I wasn't quite as obsessed this year. I was actually OK with the idea of not getting in. There is sooooo much going on with the <a href="http://fromfattofinishlinefilm.com/" target="_blank">From Fat to Finish Line film</a> release coming this year, and building the <a href="http://join.fattofinish.com/johnblg" target="_blank">From Fat to Finish Line app</a> and business - I figured time to train for a marathon would be ridiculous, so if I don't get in, all is fine. Right?</div>
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Er. Well.</div>
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Then this email came through:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BBWT0xBBGio/VuHhbOWtYzI/AAAAAAAADiw/nzH1ZqRpJ5Q/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-03-10%2Bat%2B4.04.18%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="161" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BBWT0xBBGio/VuHhbOWtYzI/AAAAAAAADiw/nzH1ZqRpJ5Q/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-03-10%2Bat%2B4.04.18%2BPM.png" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whadda ya mean I didn't get selected!?</td></tr>
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And somehow, despite being "totally OK with not getting in" and actually "totally OK with never running another marathon ever again," I got bummed. </div>
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So I had some wine. Not a lot. But enough. And after finding out Angela was going to run it (my BFF and biz partner) AND finding out that Ann my training and running buddy from last year got in. Well...</div>
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Let's just put it this way. Some people drunk text, some drunk Facebook. Me? I drunk sign up to run 26.2 miles for charity. </div>
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I began researching my different options for all of the different charities. I knew I wanted to raise money for autism and after careful consideration, I confidently chose "<a href="https://www.crowdrise.com/orgforautismresearchnyc2016/fundraiser/jenniferroe2" target="_blank">Run For Autism</a>" For <a href="http://www.researchautism.org/" target="_blank">OAR (Organization for Autism Research)</a>. I looked them up on <a href="http://www.charitynavigator.org/" target="_blank">Charity Navigator</a> and not only did they have a good rating but after reading about their missions and work, I had a deep desire to run for them. As you might know, I have an autistic son and while we've had our challenges I'm very, very lucky. I have amazing resources and services available for him. Not all families are so lucky. I have been feeling this need to give back and I'm proud to be able to do so for OAR. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1l-PHM4Tkdk/VuHlpneNNzI/AAAAAAAADi8/Bghm4tL5yIIn4rImPw8MXstD5tzT_8I6w/s1600/run%2Bfor%2Bautism.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1l-PHM4Tkdk/VuHlpneNNzI/AAAAAAAADi8/Bghm4tL5yIIn4rImPw8MXstD5tzT_8I6w/s320/run%2Bfor%2Bautism.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's exciting to be on another running journey. I never really wanted to fundraise. I hate asking people for money and I have to raise a lot - $3000. But this is different. I want to fundraise for these folks. They are a smaller organization making big differences for people like my son and my family. So the only thing that stands between me and this finish line is 26.2 miles and $3000 - piece of cake! ;) </div>
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<a href="https://www.crowdrise.com/orgforautismresearchnyc2016/fundraiser/jenniferroe2" target="_blank">If you'd like to donate you can check out my fundraising page HERE.</a> </div>
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Have you ever raised money for a charity through running? </div>
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XO</div>
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Jen</div>
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PS: Hey! By the way, if you want to sign up early for our <a href="http://join.fattofinish.com/johnblg" target="_blank">FREE From Fat to Finish Line App - CLICK HERE to get on the list! </a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06682010895114305173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311378112082969638.post-62207867198695530132016-02-24T17:28:00.000-05:002016-02-24T17:28:25.637-05:00From Fat to Finish Line the Continually Amazing Journey Hello all -<br />
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It's been a few months since my last big race The New York City Marathon and I haven't really blogged since.<br />
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I thought I would just check in and let ya all know what's been going down.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PGg_q-sdybA/Vs4rTh9nYXI/AAAAAAAADic/9M3WlKivhIM/s1600/From%2BFat%2BTo%2BFinish%2BLine%2BLas%2BVegas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PGg_q-sdybA/Vs4rTh9nYXI/AAAAAAAADic/9M3WlKivhIM/s400/From%2BFat%2BTo%2BFinish%2BLine%2BLas%2BVegas.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Week after NYC marathon ran the Vegas Rock N Roll Half. Cool Race<br />(left to right - Carly, Angela, Michele and me - all wearing cool team FFTFL shirts!)</i></td></tr>
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<b><u>ON THE PERSONAL FRONT:</u></b><br />
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I am still running! I'm at a nice little place in my running - getting in runs of between 2 and 4 miles most days of the week. I'm going to start training for my next race pretty soon (The NJ Half Marathon) but it's been nice not worrying about really long runs. (Though I did throw my name back into the pool for the NYC marathon so we'll see what happens.)<br />
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I am back at Weight Watchers.<br />
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I have managed to keep most of my weight off but about 20 pounds have crept back on over the course of the last few years (particularly post marathon where I continued to eat like I was training). And decided to go back because my twin was going. I figured I could support her and she could support me. Plus it's a nice way to make sure we see each other at least once a week.. I am enjoying the new program and being back in a meeting. I am an old lady at heart and look forward to 'shooting the shit' with others about healthy recipes and the highs and lows of weight loss.<br />
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I've lost a little weight and am about 12 pounds from goal.<br />
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<b><u>ON THE BUSINESS FRONT:</u></b><br />
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Very exciting news. For those who don't know, I produced a documentary also called <a href="http://fromfattofinishlinefilm.com/" target="_blank">"From Fat to Finish Line"</a> (not about me or this blog - you can read about it and see the trailer if you click the film tab above) and things are going great. The film looks so good and we landed a major distribution deal! We are wrapping up details but it seems that we'll be releasing it someplace between mid-May and mid-June 2016! I will keep you posted.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LiOWP_aOKhI/Vs4jqgia-bI/AAAAAAAADiI/PU4zNb6XJg4/s1600/11054271_671712102940664_3890315772041467484_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LiOWP_aOKhI/Vs4jqgia-bI/AAAAAAAADiI/PU4zNb6XJg4/s320/11054271_671712102940664_3890315772041467484_o.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
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We are in the process of developing a <a href="http://fromfattofinishline.com/apple-ios/" target="_blank">From Fat to Finish Line app</a> that will be geared towards runners who really like to connect with a community as they run and train. More to come on that too. Drop me an email if you want to be added to the list to try the app for free when we're testing it. If you email via the "contact me" button here, please make sure to include your email address in the body of the message or I won't be able to get back in touch with you or add you to the list.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hB9NdLPlbvg/Vs4q8ccoUOI/AAAAAAAADiY/chnZnNycdJs/s1600/groupphones1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hB9NdLPlbvg/Vs4q8ccoUOI/AAAAAAAADiY/chnZnNycdJs/s320/groupphones1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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We are also going to be doing team "From Fat to Finish Line" Races. We are working with our friends at <a href="http://www.roadrunnersports.com/">Road Runner Sports</a> and will be at their inaugural races which are scheduled for San Diego on July 17, Atlanta on September 10th and Phoenix on October 16th. We are securing lots of goodies for our "FFTFL" friends and team including discount codes and special swag. You can learn more about the race series itself <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CraftClassic/?fref=ts">here</a>. We will also have a team race at Rock N Roll Virginia Beach on Sept. 4th. If you want to be counted as a team From Fat to Finish Line person you can check out our race events here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/FatToFinish/" target="_blank">From Fat to Finish Line Facebook group</a><br />
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So there's some of the scoop. I feel so blessed that my decisions to lose weight and start running took me on this path. I'm so lucky that my business partner and BFF, Angela was also a runner and saw a vision in all this. Never in my wildest dreams could I have envisioned where this journey would lead me! A movie! An app! Team races.<br />
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How are things with you? What unexpected gifts and moments has running given you?<br />
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xo<br />
Jen<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06682010895114305173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311378112082969638.post-60454997056272632252015-11-04T20:35:00.000-05:002015-11-04T20:53:44.915-05:002015 TCS New York City Marathon Race Report: Victory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: justify;">I have tried to write this post since Monday but the enormity of it all has left me at a loss to where to start.</span><br />
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I'm overwhelmed with gratitude that I was able to do this race.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EVZ9Ki9Au1Q/VjqpWOgv_jI/AAAAAAAADgY/JnUuIWD9mu0/s1600/IMG_0172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EVZ9Ki9Au1Q/VjqpWOgv_jI/AAAAAAAADgY/JnUuIWD9mu0/s320/IMG_0172.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The night before the race my friends Linda and Charlie came to stay with me (read Linda's report <a href="http://frickinfabulousat40.blogspot.com/2015/11/we-are-marathoners.html">here</a>). This was pretty great. Linda and I have been friends for a long time and we've dreamed of doing the <a href="http://www.tcsnycmarathon.org/">TCS New York marathon</a> together for quite a few years now. A few years ago we got to run in Central Park together for a fun run and then 2 years ago we ran the "<a href="http://seejenroerun.blogspot.com/2013/11/dash-to-finish-line-and-other-stuff.html">Dash to The Finish Line</a>" 5K that takes place the day before the marathon and ends at the same finish line. During both those runs we wondered, "what would it be like to do the big one?" And lucky for us, this year we'd find out.</div>
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I woke up at 3:45 AM excited. My <a href="http://seejenroerun.blogspot.com/2015/10/nyc-marathon-2015-getting-mentally-ready.html">running hypnotherapy</a> worked, I felt ready for this race! I got dressed, checked the weather (yes! good weather!) and we got under way. By 5AM Linda, Charlie and I hopped the buses from the Meadowlands to head out to Staten Island. I kissed my husband and son goodbye and told them that the next time I'd see them, I would be a marathoner. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ytBB-TFOOzQ/VjqpfhACJNI/AAAAAAAADgg/C3y-DwxT_Ac/s1600/LindaCharlieJen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ytBB-TFOOzQ/VjqpfhACJNI/AAAAAAAADgg/C3y-DwxT_Ac/s400/LindaCharlieJen.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving at Athlete's village at 6AM!</td></tr>
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We arrived at the athlete's village and the buzz in the air was awesome. Channel 7 news was set up in our village and people from around the globe were getting ready to get their "New York" on. Interestingly, I saw plenty of people catching some sleep. SLEEP!? I know we had hours to kill but I couldn't have slept if I was placed on a cloud of pillows and angels were singing lullabies in my ear! I marveled at these people who could catch a doze so close to running this epic race.</div>
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My running buddies and training partners this whole time finally arrived too! Ann, Jen and I have spent hours together doing long runs. They both were in the "Orange" village and Ann could've started earlier but we decided we wanted to run this thing together. I was excited about that. I wanted to run together too. :)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xjqqQRm_TiU/Vjqq4ImVJeI/AAAAAAAADgs/cNr9WcvCBB0/s1600/IMG_0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xjqqQRm_TiU/Vjqq4ImVJeI/AAAAAAAADgs/cNr9WcvCBB0/s400/IMG_0150.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Running buddies Jen, Ann and new friend Megan chilling pre-race</span></td></tr>
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So finally it was our time to head to the corral. We head on up and wait, excitement growing by the minutes and then finally... The cannon booms and we hear Sinatra crooning his iconic, "New York, New York." I choke back tears and we get going. </div>
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The bridge was a blur and then we were in Brooklyn. Brooklyn was phenomenal and I enjoyed every minute of high-fiving kids and thanking strangers who called my name. I ran many miles trying to play "pace police" to my two running buddies, Ann and Jen who were starting off pretty fast for what our training was. I was afraid that the speed so early would burn us out. I struggled to keep up so I just did the best I could. They were having fun and I didn't want to be too much of a drag.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DUEt9MzIIWU/VjqrOPAIczI/AAAAAAAADg0/9SPxZufYuEM/s1600/JenStartline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DUEt9MzIIWU/VjqrOPAIczI/AAAAAAAADg0/9SPxZufYuEM/s400/JenStartline.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this is at the start line :) </td></tr>
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Around 8 miles in I spot my friend Joe Pryor! And how could I miss him - check out the sign he had for me!! This was soooooo beyond awesome I can't even tell you. I never really have spectators at races and I can't remember ever really having a sign like this. It meant the world to me that Joe and his girl Jess were out there waiting for me. It was great. I hugged him and Jess and it was just joyous. They wished me well, updated my Facebook friends and I was back on my way. </div>
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We just kept running. Queens was fun but short and soon we were going over the Queensboro bridge into Manhattan. Manhattan was great. We ran for miles. Again, I was trailing my friends for a lot of this run but managed to keep them in sight. We'd usually catch up through aide stations and then I'd fall behind again. It was a little discouraging but we had all agreed to run our own races if we wanted to so I couldn't blame them for doing their thing. </div>
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Jen wound up seeing a few friends along the course and her family came out for her as well! Her husband and parents looked so proud. It was really nice seeing them all :) </div>
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Some where along the way, I've seriously lost track of miles. I have no idea how many we were in but somewhere out there things started to get tough. I'm pretty sure it was somewhere between Harlem, the Bronx and back into NYC, the legs started to feel tight. Which is fine. It's a friggen marathon - things should be hurting after running for hour upon hour. Jen began to struggle a bit too. I think the fast pace earlier was catching up. Ann was strong and powered on we soon lost sight of her and she went to finish strong on her own.</div>
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Jen and I did a lot of walking the last miles of the race as we were running/jogging/walking/crawling up first avenue, we started to hear the police announce, "The New York City Marathon is now concluded" please move to the sidewalk - I was like, "No it's not! I'm still running!". It was now pitch dark. We were out there a long time but we kept on chugging. Jen was feeling a little bit dejected. A jerk of a guy (liar/ahole) told us that they ran out of medals. We wondered if we would still get one. We had goals of finishing between 5:30 and 5:45 and now we were way past that. We were hurting and it was tough. I kept reminding Jen that this was a great day even though we were towards the "back of the pack", that we were doing something amazing. Personally, I wasn't concerned with time. She fretted what people who were "tracking her" might think of this time, I reminded her that if they were tracking, they weren't moving their bodies 26.2 miles like we were!! ;) I get it though. I used to worry about time too. I finally let go of that. I run because I love it. I will never win. I will never be all that fast and that's OK. I'm grateful I can move this body and celebrate running. </div>
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With the last half mile or so we turned down the final stretch - despite night-fall, people were still out there cheering (not many but some) and I felt overwhelmed with joy and emotion. I ran proudly to the finish line. We had done it. We had set a goal, put in the training, believed in the journey and moved ourselves from Staten Island to Central Park. Our Jersey Women Strong friends had volunteered for the race and were there at the finish line. They gave us our medals, heat sheets and hugs, they wiped away my 'ugly cry' tears of joy and it was spectacular to see them there. </div>
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It took me 6:55:59 seconds to do it. (that included 3 potty stops, lots of high-fives, one hug, a chat with Joe and a bunch of walking through water stations). It was a long day - almost 7 hours on our feet! That time was an hour more than I had anticipated but you know what - who cares? I loved this day. I fully embrace my "back of the pack" status. I'm so proud of the effort. I make no apologies for being slow. It's who I am. I could've gone faster, could've high-fived a few less kids, spent a few extra seconds not talking to Joe, skipped the potty, ran a little faster but for what? I enjoyed my time out there and took on the city the way I wanted to. To quote another Sinatra song, "I did it My Way."<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victory with Kim from Jersey Women Strong xo</td></tr>
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My heart is bursting with gratitude for having this day. It was so special. It was so hard. It was such a challenge and a mountain to climb. It's a finish line that has forever changed me and I'm a lucky girl to have experienced it. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06682010895114305173noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311378112082969638.post-24656430882103606432015-10-30T18:33:00.001-04:002015-11-02T20:39:34.533-05:00NYC Marathon 2015 Getting Mentally Ready<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; line-height: normal;">It's two days before <a href="http://www.tcsnycmarathon.org/">NYC Marathon</a> Sunday. After years of dreaming of taking a bite out of the big apple the day is nearly here. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: normal;">Earlier this week I was nervous, freaking out and scared to death. I was seriously second guessing myself and doubt in my ability was everywhere. Every negative thing that ever happened to me during a race including <a href="http://seejenroerun.blogspot.com/2012/04/hollywood-half-race-recap-action-drama.html">this incident</a> at the <a href="https://hollywoodhalfmarathon.com/">Hollywood Half</a> and this <a href="http://seejenroerun.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-am-marathoner-rock-n-roll-san-diego.html">not-so-fun time</a> during my first marathon at the <a href="http://www.runrocknroll.com/san-diego/">San Diego Rock N Roll</a> flooded my brain. I was becoming a complete wreck. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This week almost was one filled with dread and fear but I got my mind on right. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With a little help. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A friend Noah sent me well wishes for the race. I expressed my panic and he simply said "don't ruin this week with worry or you're gonna miss this great moment in your life." He was 100% right. All these years of dreaming. How could I let fear steal this joy from me?</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So I did something a little unconventional. I decided to see a hypnotherapist. The idea kind of came to me because I knew I needed a mental adjustment and it was an emergency, I'm not sure why I never thought of it before! I know the power of thoughts and my thoughts were threatening to make my dream race a nightmare. I've tried to get into this race for FOUR YEARS. It's my bucket list race and now I was dreading it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is just too big of a deal for me to let that happen. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Years ago, hypnotherapy helped me with quitting smoking - and somehow it popped into my head, "I wonder if it could help me with my running?" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: normal;">So I did a google search and </span>I found a<a href="http://www.metrohypnosiscenter.com/"> certified Hypnosis Practitioner, Mary Battaglia</a>. I read how she had <a href="http://www.bicycling.com/training/motivation/holy-sht-i-got-hypnotized-ride-better-and-it-actually-worked">helped a woman conquer her fears on a mountain bike</a>. It rang very relevant to me. Maybe Mary could help me! </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So I contacted her on Monday and by Tuesday morning I was in her office. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">She helped me undo some of the mental trauma I kept playing out from the other two races and then we created a mental script for me to listen to all week. We also created affirmations for me to say several times a day. She hypnotized me and she helped to plant all these positive thoughts and feelings about the race in my head. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It worked! It's like a miracle!! What a gift this woman gave me. I have not felt a moment of worry, fear or dread since. I've been nothing but excited, embracing and ready. And you have no idea how huge that is for me. HUGE.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica";"> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joyfully holding my bib! See you at the finish line! :) </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you're the type of person who worries, doubts yourself or has debilitating race day anxiety and fear - this might be something for you to consider. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I don't know what is going to happen on Marathon Sunday but I'm ready for it. I'm excited, joyous, and ready for whatever comes my way. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm no more trained than I was a week ago but my mental outlook has done a complete 180. Worrying, self-doubt, beating yourself up and playing the "what if a bad thing happens" mind game has never helped anyone. Hypnosis or not, fear and dread is nothing but a thief to your happiness. Trust me. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I can't control what happens at this point just my reactions and attitude.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bring on NYC. I love you New York Marathon, I love that I get to be a part of it. Dreams do come true. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The next post I make will be one as a marathoner. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jen</span></span></div>
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</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06682010895114305173noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311378112082969638.post-33318220170472019322015-10-05T15:01:00.002-04:002016-03-03T13:52:11.074-05:00Secrets to my Running and Weight Loss SuccessI feel really fortunate that I've been able to take this running journey. I started my weight loss journey in 2007, stalled and then found running in 2010. Along the way I've lost (and have mostly kept off!) a hundred pounds while logging thousands of miles.<br />
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I get many emails from friends, family and strangers who read this blog for the "secrets sauce" to my success so I figured I'd lay it out here. Most of these are not secrets per se but I've found through my own experience, in talking to others, and in research that this is a few ingredients in the recipe:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I'm in the middle of my two running buddies who keep me <br />on track and accountable as we train for 26.2!</span></td></tr>
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1. <b>Accountability</b>. By far the number one thing that helped to keep me motivated was accountability. Whether I was connecting with others in a weight loss group or chatting with other runners through this blog, accountability kept me going. Athleta's Chi Blog nicely discusses this issue in their "<a href="http://www.athleta.net/2013/05/28/the-importance-of-accountability/">importance of accountability</a>" article.</div>
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2. <b>Running Buddies</b>. This plays hand and hand with accountability but when you have a friend with you it makes the time go by so much faster! As I train for the NYC marathon, those long miles seem to fly by with a friend by my side. The Active Times goes more in depth on this issue in this interesting article about the<a href="http://www.theactivetimes.com/fitness-benefits-working-out-friend"> benefits of working out with a friend</a>. By the way, I must give a shout out to my running group <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jerseywomenstrong">Jersey Women Strong </a>- I love these ladies and Dana our leader and the founder of the group has really brought us all together! Before meeting them, I ran alone but it's made all the difference finding this group. </div>
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3. <b>Keeping Track</b>. Keeping track of both my weight loss and my fitness progress kept me highly motivated and on track! If the scale was stalling I had other successes like being able to run faster or further than the week before. I'm not alone with thinking according to <a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2012/12/10/166889323/ga-ga-over-mobile-calorie-tracking-app-study-finds-it-may-be-a-helpful-tool">this NPR.Org article</a>, tracking helps us regulate our behavior, by keeping us mindful and vigilant.</div>
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4. <b>Having a goal</b>. I started this blog because I took the incredulous leap of faith in signing up for a half marathon before I had even ever had run for even a minute. Having a goal forced me to make "someday" today. And because I made myself accountable by putting it in a public blog and by telling all of my friends, I felt a certain (good) pressure to keep going forward even when I wanted to quit. To this day I almost always have some kind of "outside my comfort zone" race on the calendar. It really motivates me to keep on running and training when I might otherwise use that time to sleep, shop or do anything else but workout! They say a goal is a dream with a deadline. I'm a big fan of Jack Canfield. He wrote a book called, <a href="http://jackcanfield.com/products/the-success-principles/">The Success Principles</a>. I learned about <a href="http://jackcanfield.com/get-clear-on-what-you-want/">goal setting </a>and its importance in that book and took the leap of that one big goal because of that book. I can say that putting that goal on my calendar is one of the biggest reasons for my overall success.</div>
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What are some of the factors that help you succeed?<br />
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XO<br />
Jen<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06682010895114305173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311378112082969638.post-35135456876402323202015-08-17T21:00:00.000-04:002015-08-19T21:49:11.768-04:00Challenge Pocono Mountain Race Review: Olympic Triathlon OMG <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: -apple-system-font;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">Hello all --</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">Sorry it's been a while since I've last posted. So much has been going on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: -apple-system-font;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">I've started training for the NYC marathon, competed in a local sprint triathlon a few weeks ago and have been going through the summer training for the <a href="http://www.challenge-pocono.com/">Challenge America Pocono Mountain OLY</a> triathlon. Which was yesterday. </span></span><span style="font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">And boy what a shit show. </span></div>
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This gets slightly ugly so go get comfortable and something to drink because this is going to be a helluva read. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAe8Jrto8Hw/VdJOPMgfZII/AAAAAAAADeI/7znpvVrT5W0/s1600/11898889_10207368077503304_7899568421582094088_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAe8Jrto8Hw/VdJOPMgfZII/AAAAAAAADeI/7znpvVrT5W0/s320/11898889_10207368077503304_7899568421582094088_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">day before the storm</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">First of all, I've been struggling with biking and getting used to the damn "clip-less" pedals - (clip-less pedals means your bike shoes actually clips into the pedal and you and the bike are one. Don't ask me why they are called "clip-less") Anyhow, so I keep falling over in them and am having trouble getting used to them. So on Saturday, during a practice ride, I literally broke down and started crying over these damn shoes because I feel so awkward and klutzy in them. I felt paralyzed to even 'kick off' and get going. I was seriously freaking out. It took me 20 minutes just to start. The most terrifying part of them is stopping and getting out. that's when the falls happen. But I figured for the race I would just have to unclip once - at the end, so essentially once I got going I would only have to <i>maybe</i> fall once. This is relevant information for later in this blog. I considered switching the pedals out to the old fashioned flat kind but that's really not a great idea on the kinds of "hills" we were going to be doing on the course. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">Let's get on to the race.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">In spite of the nervous breakdown about the pedals (and fears about feet and leg cramps in the water - which I'm prone to get) I'm feeling pretty excited about the day. All I have to do is not drown or crash and I think I'll be OK. I spring from bed at 4:15 AM and prepare to 'be great' as my friend Travis would say. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">THE SWIM - .9 miles</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">The swim start got delayed because of fog. They told us at the pre-race meeting that they might have to cut the swim short because of logistics of closing the roads to traffic if a foggy morning delayed the race. They also told us that the swim cut-off was 1hour.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">Well, we finally get in the water and this swim was HARD but I was determined. Like trout we had to swim against the current but unlike trout, I'm not a very strong swimmer and made the stupid error of not wearing a full wetsuit because I feared being too warm. I wore a "shorty" instead that was sleeveless and cut off above the knee. Once at the race, I realized that 99% of the field had traditional long wetsuits on and I had learned that a 'shorty' was less buoyant and effective. Terrific. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">The water felt good and was clean and clear - I could see straight to the bottom. Which made me realize how hard the swim was. At one point I was looking down at the same rock for what seemed like ten minutes. I was "swimming" but the current had me essentially standing still! No bueno!</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">For time perspective, last year I did an OLY Triathlon, untrained, stopping every 10 strokes to rest and having 0 swim technique and I was able to finish the swim in 53 minutes. This year I've actually trained AND had some solid swim lessons with great triathlon coaches. I am still far from fast and still have a lot to learn but theoretically, I should be MUCH stronger than a year ago. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">This swim was crazy (for me). It took me 45 minutes to get to the turn around point but once we make the turn the current would be on our side but we still had issues. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">First of all, I had to go around this little yellow-minion looking buoy. Apparently that buoy became "unhooked" and started floating away in the current so the more I tried to get around it, the more I was "literally" getting run over by it and it kept getting further away. It was nuts. Then I got around that thing and I was in shallow water that was filled with what seemed like a "field of grass." So I'm trying to swim thru this field of grass and literally these strands of grass is grabbing me and smacking me in the face. holy crap. a volunteer told me if I wanted to get away from the field of grass that I should move towards the center of the river - the only problem with that was the buoy was straight ahead so I would have to add more time onto my swim to swim out to the middle of the river only to swim back to that buoy.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">Anyway, at about 55 minutes in and with the swim finish in sight, I was informed that I had two options: Jump on a boat and get brought back into shore - and be able to continue the day - or finish the swim but not be allowed to bike and run. THIS WAS A HUGE BUMMER!! I wanted to finish that swim but myself, along with 8 other women, decided that the boat in and getting to do the bike and run was better than ending the day with the swim so we did that. Two women (ironically both friends of mine) both decided to finish the swim. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">Now to be fair - strong swimmers didn't seem to have too much trouble but as still a newer swimmer this was challenging for me. I had done more than a mile in under an hour a few times so I believed I could make this cut off. Apparently I was wrong. On the other hand, there was a woman on the boat who said she had done 2 half IM and that this was tougher than those swims. Who knows... All I know is it sucked. :/</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">OK, so I get on the boat. I'm scared shitless about the bike and am still pretty new to this triathlon thing. We get off the boat and there's an announcement "You have One minute and 30 seconds to get out of transition or you can't go out!" Whhhhhhhhhhat!! I'm a shitty triathlete. I'm scared on the bike, I need to eat a banana, get this stupid wetsuit off, put on socks, GET MY SHIT TOGETHER after swimming for almost an hour... All this is going through my head and then I hear, "ONE MINUTE!" So choice words are flying out of my mouth at record speed and I skip eating, skip my sunscreen, skip drying my feet, slap my socks on, crookedly put on my helmet and I'm shaking as I'm trying to get out of transition, "TWENTY SECONDS!" And I run out of transition to the mount line. I'm out. But I'm a f--king mess. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">So I stick the shoes on and gobble down a nutrition packet and sit there paralyzed as I try to get the strength to start biking. I'm now thinking, maybe I should've just finished the swim. I'm last one out and feeling scared to death. This is not an easy course. The bike is challenging. It's in the freakin' mountains for the love of God. What an idiot I am to be doing this race....</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">Anyway. The Bike: 24 miles of hell </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">While I'm stalling my start I see an athletic girl on a bike next to me, also seemingly stalling - was she on the boat? I didn't know. She had a fancy Quitana Roo bike. I was wondering why she was still just procrastinating too but didn't give it much thought because I was out of sorts and scared to death.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">I'm a way worse biker than swimmer and we know how the swim went...</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">Finally, I push off. I start going. And this QR bike girl starts riding behind me. And then she just starts chatting. "How are you feeling?" "How was your swim?" I don't even know what she's saying. Or why she's chatting with me but I'm OK with a friend on the journey. Why not? But then it hits me. The Challenge America team kit, the real tri bike, her sick triathlete body... Wait a second!? Are you out here just for me? The last person out?</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">She smiled and said something to the effect of "Yes, I love being out here with the last person..." I'm not quite sure of the exact words but it was something like that. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">BUT SHIIIIT! Don't get me wrong I was happy for the company - but the f'ing race people sent a chaperone for me!! I'm trying to do a triathlon and now I have a nanny in tow!! Kill me now. Who gets a babysitter during a race?? I know I'm not fast but it feels, I don't know. But I push aside my pride. I suck at the bike and truthfully I'm far more happy for the company than insulted at this point.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">AND thank God she was there. The first four miles of this course is CRAZY. Warning. If you haven't trained on hills and don't feel like you're a great biker, you probably want to reconsider signing up for a race with the word "mountains" in it. Just sayin'</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">I'm maybe a mile into the ride when we get to our first insane climb. And I can't. get. up. the. hill. I wind up almost falling off the bike but manage instead to unclip and get a foot down. On a hill. Well shit. No way I'm getting back in the clips now. So I have to clop, clop, clop, walk, walk, walk up this dumb hill. Talk about feeling defeated. We've got 23 miles to go. How the hell am I going to do this when I'm already failing at this bike thing? UGH. Shit. Now I'm starting to doubt that I have it in me to do this. I really was panicked and overwhelmed. I never wanted to quit something so bad in my life.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">But those race people knew what they were doing when they sent Carmel (the name of my triathlon Nanny) out to stick with me. I think I would've quit if she wasn't there. She unclipped and walked her bike with me - chatting, smiling, encouraging me to not give up. I apologized, I worried, I told her I wanted to quit. She reminded me of what's written on the back of my shirt which said, "The greatest pleasure is doing what people say you cannot do." I had no idea that was on the back of my shirt. HA. Carmel was great. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">So we got up that hill and rode some smaller hills and technical turns and bumpy roads - all pretty tough for me. We just kept going. And then we hit another killer hill. I tried to climb it again and again I nearly fell but managed to unclip in time to not fall. And clop, clop, clop, walked up a freaking hill again!! This was not going well. 22 miles to go. This is going to be a long day. Ugh. All the while I'm still having a heart attack about the shoes. So we keep going and going and then around mile 5 or 6 we get onto a regular road - this road was good. Some 'rolling' inclines but nothing crazy. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">So I was starting to feel a little bit better and then mile 10 hits. Almost half way there! Carmel rolls up next to me and says, "Listen, you're doing well. I'm going to remember your number and look you up and expect to see you got to the end of this thing. You go finish now." And my babysitter left. I was sad to see her go. It was me, the road, and all the bad ass triathletes coming back from their HALF distance races. So at least I wasn't alone, even if I was one of the last OLYs out there. There was one OLY girl still out there too. She had to walk up the hills too. At this point she was behind me. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">As I'm riding back on the regular road, somehow I managed to run over an already dead possum. That wasn't pleasant. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">And then I had to go back to those shitty hills. Tons of work, around mile 20 I hit the hill that about killed me. I couldn't get up this one either and tried to unclip to stop but fell over on my left instead. With the bike on top of me I just curled up in a heap on the ground. I felt like that poor possum. Dead and then ran over again. I grabbed my water bottle, and hydrated. I was so, so, so tired and drained. I didn't want to go back on that bike again. I didn't even want to stand up. I wanted to sell my dumb bike on Craigslist at that very moment and uber my sorry bike-riding ass to the nearest diner. But USAT rules disallows cell phones on the course so no uber. I was very, very done. I sat there between wanting to cry, nap and quit for a full 20 minutes. 70.3'ers passing by and offering help, aid, whatever I needed (thank you triathletes!) but I just wanted to lay there and have death come and take me away. Death never came. If I had my running shoes with me I would've just walked my bike back. I had ZERO desire to get back on. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">Finally I stand up and I know that only four miles is between me and ending this shit show. So I go to get on my bike and my chain has dropped. Under normal circumstances I can get this thing remedied, but with no where to balance my bike and drained from five hundred hours of climbing and 200 hours of swimming and 90 degrees of heat, I have no idea what to do. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">And then, as if on cue, a truck (the only vehicle I've seen on the course all day) pulls up. It's the bike mechanic. He asks me if I need help and he fixed my chain in 5 seconds. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">Ok then. No excuses. I hop back on the bike. It's still tough but the super hard stuff is behind me. I do the best I can to use the downhills and flats to gain the speed to get momentum to go up the hills and manage to get thru a few tough hills without having to get off the bike. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">FINALLY, I turn into the final little part to get off this bike! That bike ride was probably the very hardest thing I've ever done in my entire life. hands down. I was spent. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pdDyxt-CGjM/VdJ1hq66l9I/AAAAAAAADeY/MBWHxZJHHWQ/s1600/IMG_8253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pdDyxt-CGjM/VdJ1hq66l9I/AAAAAAAADeY/MBWHxZJHHWQ/s400/IMG_8253.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screaming at my best friend Angela that this ride was Bullsh!t</td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">But I was super relieved! I didn't die and now I get to run! (or walk or crawl but I was pretty sure I wouldn't die.) </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e0FKNjWlrdQ/VdJ2FfXJH5I/AAAAAAAADeg/e0GdUO5zmnQ/s1600/IMG_8279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e0FKNjWlrdQ/VdJ2FfXJH5I/AAAAAAAADeg/e0GdUO5zmnQ/s400/IMG_8279.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still giving Angela the stink eye in T2 over that ride</td></tr>
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And off on the run I go... Just 6.2 miles keeping me from the finish line!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LhYHhaUTMnE/VdJ2Y8vv8yI/AAAAAAAADeo/HIWlrtz2V2Q/s1600/IMG_8291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LhYHhaUTMnE/VdJ2Y8vv8yI/AAAAAAAADeo/HIWlrtz2V2Q/s400/IMG_8291.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out to run!</td></tr>
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So I'm happy to be running but it's hard and hot. It's fine. I'm slow, I have to walk, I have to douse myself in ice but I just have to keep moving.<br />
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And moving, and moving.</div>
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It's on a gorgeous trail but that was really challenging too! Nothing easy about this race. there were a few very steep declines and inclines. I was cramping in my quads but still able to keep moving. So I just kept moving. </div>
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Finally the end was near! </div>
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And I turn the corner to see my son and husband! They were so excited to see me. My son chanted "Momma, Momma, Momma!" and it was awesome. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cpvEhs0dupc/VdJ69fT7ceI/AAAAAAAADew/57TexSuoiwo/s1600/IMG_8297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cpvEhs0dupc/VdJ69fT7ceI/AAAAAAAADew/57TexSuoiwo/s400/IMG_8297.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hubby and son running to get to finish line as I turned corner<br />
pictures are all courteous of bff Angela Lee </td></tr>
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My son decided to race me down the shoot (instead of crossing with me) - he won and proudly told me, "I won and you lost!" and crossing that finish line was the best losing I did all day. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w2YZKP9qadY/VdJ9bCmn6DI/AAAAAAAADe4/7IIBcfbFEqc/s1600/IMG_8373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w2YZKP9qadY/VdJ9bCmn6DI/AAAAAAAADe4/7IIBcfbFEqc/s400/IMG_8373.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First smile all day! Ha! He might've won but I got the medal</td></tr>
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Another proud picture:<br />
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After all that I looked up the results - out of the 8 in my (Athena) division a bunch quit the bike ride, or decided not to run at all. I actually "kind of" wound up placing 3rd. (I say kind of because next to my name, sadly, I have a DNF - which I assume is because I had to be pulled from the water. And except for the last part of that swim I DID FINISH. I finished when I wanted to quit that first mile of the bike. It's a BUMMER. But I know I gave it all my heart so I am going to have to be OK with that little DNF next to my name.) I also later learned that a bunch of even seasoned athletes had very tough time on the hills, a few also had to walk the hills and there were a few crashes and curses besides mine. </div>
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I know this is very long but a few last words. The race people were great. Carmel was awesome. The race itself was well-run. I loved being there even though this was very, very hard for me. I may have reached too big for where my training was at. Although there was lots of cursing and tears, a sore day later I'm happy I did it. I'm proud I didn't quit. I was clearly not trained correctly for this. I think if the race was in the lake (like it was last year) and the bike was relatively flat I would've been OK'ish. Who knows?</div>
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My friends Angela and Michelle were great. My parents and family too. </div>
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Yesterday I was quitting triathlon forever.</div>
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But today, I'm just more fired up than ever to get better, train harder, not have to have a babysitter on the bike... and figure out those damn bike shoes!</div>
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XO</div>
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Jen </div>
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