Weekly Wrap-Week 8 Marathon Training

September 21-27, 2015

I am joining the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly from HoHo Runs and Tricia from MissSippiPiddlin. The Weekly Wrap is a blog link up where bloggers share their active lifestyle and other exciting things weekly. To find out more, click on the image below. Feel free to join in on the fun.

 

I am currently training for my second marathon at St. Jude Memphis this December. I just completed Week 8 of Hal Higdon's Novice 2 Marathon Training Plan. I will recap my training here in the Weekly Wrap.

 

Monday, September 21st

 

Monday was a scheduled rest day on my training plan. I had a challenging day back at school after the two days out for training. I had already planned ahead for this week, but I still felt unorganized and unprepared. I wound up staying late at school to prepare extra activities for the week.

 

This is my seventh year teaching, but only my second year in the multi-needs unit. I absolutely love my students, but this year has brought new challenges and I just can't seem to get in the groove. We added 4 new students to the unit this year and we lost one paraprofessional, which puts us at 16 students and 3 paraprofessionals. I try my best to stay positive, but I feel like I'm not able to devote enough time to each student. I know what they're capable of since most of them are return students from last year, but I'm struggling to provide the one on one support that each one needs and deserves. I try my best and take it one day at a time.

 

 

Tuesday, September 22nd

 

On Tuesday morning, I ran 4 miles at an easy pace.

 





 

Wednesday, September 23rd

 

Wednesday was supposed to be my semi-long run of 7 miles, but I didn't wake up in time to get it done before school. I swapped my runs and did the 4 miles scheduled for Thursday.

 



When I got home that afternoon, I had a package from St. Jude on my doorstep. My training shirt and training log arrived plus some samples from Nuun Hydration and Juice Plus.  It was a nice surprise! I love running as a St. Jude Hero because it's about much more than finishing a race, it's about helping families and saving lives. This is my third year fundraising as a St. Jude Hero. I've exceeded my fundraising goal the past two years, and I'm hoping to exceed my goal again this year. So far, I've raised $770 for St. Jude. Visit my fundraising page today to make a donation or follow my progress: http://heroes.stjude.org/DebraWeldon.

 

Thursday, September 24th

 

I had to drag myself out of bed, but I couldn't put off doing my 7 mile semi-long run any longer. The mid-week long runs are supposed to be marathon pace. My main goal for my first marathon was to finish, but deep down I wanted a sub 5:00. I finished in 4:53:46. Although I'm proud of my finish and time, I feel like I chose a conservative goal for my first marathon. I want to improve my time this year. I really hope to run a 4:40-4:45, a 10:40-10:54 average pace. I struggled to reach marathon pace on this run.

 



 

 

Friday, September 25th

 

Friday was a scheduled rest day on my training plan. I was exhausted after school, and I wanted so bad to go home and go to bed. My niece was nominated for freshman homecoming court, so Michael and I went to the game to see her being recognized during half time. We grabbed a quick bite to eat afterwards. It was 11:00 before I got in bed. 

 

Saturday, September 26th

 

I did my long run of 15 miles. It was overcast and breezy. I practiced refueling every 5 miles alternating Honey Stinger waffles and pretzels. This strategy worked well for me last year, so I'm hoping it will continue to work. I felt great and kept a consistent pace.

Later that afternoon, Michael and I went to my parents house to watch the Bama -vs- LA Monroe game.  I was struggling to stay awake since I didn't get an afternoon nap. We looked better this weekend, but we still have a lot of room for improvement on offense. I'm hoping Bama gets it together during practice this week before heading to Athens next weekend to play against the Georgia Bulldogs. 

 

 

Sunday, September 27th

 

I was extremely lazy today. It was cloudy most the day and it sprinkled off and on. I woke up and ate breakfast. Then, I fell back asleep on the couch. I slept most of the day before finally waking up, getting dressed, and taking Allie for a walk. The fresh air did me some good. I got the house cleaned and the laundry caught up this evening before writing this post.

 

I hope everyone had a great week of training. I can't wait to read your Weekly Wrap posts.

 

 

Weekly Wrap-Week 7 Marathon Training

September 14-20, 2015

I am joining the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly from HoHo Runs and Tricia from MissSippiPiddlin. The Weekly Wrap is a blog link up where bloggers share their active lifestyle and other exciting things weekly. To find out more, click on the image below. Feel free to join in on the fun.

 

 

As most of you know, I am currently training for my second marathon at St. Jude Memphis this December. I just completed Week 7 of Hal Higdon's Novice 2 Marathon Training Plan. I will recap my training from here on out in the Weekly Wrap.

 



Monday, September 14th

 

I had a very busy week. Monday is usually my rest day, but this Monday was Parent Report Night at school. Teachers didn't have to report until noon, so I took advantage of the extra time this morning and did my mid-week semi long run of 7 miles. It felt wonderful outside only 55 degrees and sunny. Perfect running weather!

 

 

Tuesday, September 15th

 

I ran four miles at an easy pace. Another nice morning, 60 degrees, cool, crisp air.

 

 

Wednesday, September 16th

 

I did the last of my weekly runs, another 4 miles at an easy pace. I had a long commute to training for school on Thursday and Friday, so I had to get my runs done while I had time.

 

 



Thursday, September 17th

Friday, September 18th

 

I attended a training for school on PECS, the Picture Exchange Communication System. I was excited to attend this training because I think this system will benefit most of my students with developing functional communication. I had very little knowledge on PECS before the training, and it helped to clear up a lot of misconceptions I had. For example, I thought I would use the program for only my students who are nonverbal, but now I see where I can use it for most my students. The presenters kept it interesting and we were able to practice using the system throughout the training. I look forward to implementing what I've learning in the weeks to come.

 

 

Saturday, September 19th

 

I completed my long run of 14 miles. I ran loops around my neighborhood, which can get a little boring at times. I prefer to be close to home though, so I can stop by the house to refuel or go to the bathroom. I felt great the entire run. Although, it was starting to warm up outside in the last miles.

 



 

After my run, I grabbed a quick bite to eat. Then, I took a long two hour nap. We had tickets to the Bama -vs- Ole Miss game and kickoff wasn't until 8:00. Later that afternoon, Michael and I met up with my parents to head to Tuscaloosa for the game.

 

 

 

 

 

It's going to be a tough season for Bama. I wish the game had a better outcome, but the Tide continued to fight. It was a great comeback effort at the end. With five turnovers, we were fortunate that we only lost by six points. Roll Tide, anyway!

 

 

Sunday, September 20th

 

It was after 3:00 in the morning when we got home from Tuscaloosa. I didn't even set an alarm for this morning. I woke up around 11:00! I don't remember the last time I slept that late. I was so exhausted after the game. I didn't do anything too terribly exciting today. Michael and I got the yard done. Later, he went grocery shopping while I cleaned house. I'm lucky that he doesn't mind doing the grocery shopping. I hate it! I got the laundry caught up this evening. Now it's time to rest up and get ready to go back to school tomorrow.



 

 

 

 



Family Guidance Center 10K

September 12, 2015

 

The Family Guidance Run offers 5K and 10K walk/run divisions. The proceeds from this run benefit the Family Guidance Center of Alabama, a non-profit organization that has provided quality services designed to strengthen families since 1959. The agency's annual Walk/Run has involved the community in a fun, healthy activity for adults and children since 2009.

 

This was my third year running the Family Guidance Center 10K. It was my first 10K two years ago, and it's one that I'll probably participate in every year that I am able. I was in Week 6 of Hal Higdon's Novice 2 Marathon training plan. The mid-week long run was 6 miles, so this race timed out perfect with my training. I haven't been consistent with running all year. I was finally getting back into a routine of running three days a week with a long run on the weekend. My pace has suffered a lot due to my lack of consistency, so I really wasn't expecting a whole lot this race.  My main goal was to finish under an hour.

 



 

This run starts and finishes at the Shoppes at EastChase. It runs through a few neighborhoods located near the shops. There are plenty of volunteers and support on the course. I started out way too fast as usual, and my pace slowed a lot in the final miles. I ran the majority of the race, only stopping to walk at the water stations.

Mile 1- 8:20

Mile 2- 8:52

Mile 3- 8:59

Mile 4- 8:58

Mile 5- 9:13

Mile 6- 9:47

 

My finish time was 57:10. It wasn't a PR, but I was proud of my time. I haven't seen that pace in a while.

 



 

I didn't stick around for the post race festivities, because Michael and I had a funeral to attend later that morning. I checked the results online once they were posted and I placed first in my age group. I stopped by the Family Guidance Center later that week to pick up my award.

Advocare 24 Day Challenge- Phase 2: 14 Day Max Phase

August 20-September 2, 2015

I lost 3.5 pounds on the Cleanse Phase of the challenge. I feel less bloated and have more energy. To read more about my cleanse on the first ten days of the challenge, click here.

The next fourteen days of the challenge is the Max Phase. The Max Phase includes Metabolic Nutrition System (MNS) in three options: MNS Max 3 for appetite control and energy, MNS Max C for appetite control, and MNS Max E for increased energy. This phase also includes the Meal Replacement Shakes. The Meal Replacement shakes include 22-24 grams of protein, 24 grams of carbohydrates, 5-6 grams of fiber, 26 vitamins and minerals, and 50% of the recommended daily allowance of calcium. The chocolate mocha is my favorite. You can mix the powder with 8 ounces of unsweetened almond milk for only an added 30 calories. Then blend it with crushed ice, and it tastes better than a Jamocha shake.

30 minutes before breakfast, you take the Before Breakfast Color Packet of the MNS supplements. These include: Calcium Plus (2 caplets), ActoTherm (1 caplet), and ProBiotic Restore Ultra (1 capsules).

Calcium Plus-delivers two types of highly absorbable calcium, combined with minerals, vitamins, and botanicals.

ActoTherm-exclusive blend of botanicals including cinnamon, gotu kola, ginger, and peppermint for a sustained release to aid in preventing a spike and drop off of energy throughout the day.

ProBiotic Restore-helps support healthy immune and intestinal function. It also aids in good digestion and enhances weight management programs.

 

30 minutes before lunch, you take the Before Lunch Color Packet. These include: Calcium Plus (2 caplets) and BioTherm (2 capsules)

 

BioTherm-combines oolong tea, effective botanicals, B vitamins, and biotin to support weight control.

 

 

 

During lunch, you take the last two white packets. These incude: Core Plex (3 capsules), CardioQ (1 capsule), and OmegaPlex (2 softgels).

 

CorePlex-supports healthy bone structure, growth, and provides optimum nutritional support for healthy muscle, connective tissue, and skin.

 

CardioQ-combines the ingredients CoQ10, Vitamin D, and Lycopene to provide nutrition for healthy aging and cardiovascular support.

 

OmegaPlex-omega-3 fatty acids that help support cardiovascular health. They also help contribute to the body's inflammation management, support healthy joints, and maintain healthy skin.

 



 

It is still important to eat healthy and incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables in the Max Phase, but you can start to add in foods that were avoided during the cleanse such as dairy and breads.

 

For breakfast, I drank the Meal Replacement Shake. Sometimes, I would blend a banana or strawberries in my shake for added flavor.

 

For lunch, I usually packed a turkey wrap with lettuce and tomato, almonds, and strawberries. I occasionally had left overs from dinner the night before.

 

For dinner, I ate lean meats, veggies, and basmati or whole grain rice.

 

I also had two snacks a day, mid-morning and mid-afternoon. I usually ate almonds with Cuties or bananas. I also like plain rice cakes with peanut butter and a banana.

 

Here are a few of my favorite meals I ate on the challenge.

 

 

Steamed shrimp, broccoli, basmati rice

 



 

Turkey breast, fried eggs, and salad

 

 

Filet mignon, grilled asparagus, baked potato

 

Posting about my challenge was an after thought, so I don't have any before or after pictures besides the scale. I did this challenge to get back in a routine of healthy eating and to lose a few pounds. I've had better results with this challenge than ones I've done in the past. I lost a total of 10 pounds plus a total of 4 inches in my chest, waist, and hips.

 



 

Before 24 Day Challenge

 

After 24 Day Challenge

 

Chest- 33 in (before)/32 in (after)

Waist-28 in (before)/26 in (after)

Hips-38 in (before)/37 in (after)


I plan to continue to follow the 80/20 rule, eating healthy during the week and splurging on a meal or two on the weekends. I want to maintain my weight between 120-125. I love the way the challenge makes me feel happy, healthy, and energized. I don't go a day without drinking my Spark and I take my Catalyst on mornings that I run. These products give me the energy I need to start my day.

If you are interested in the 24 Day Challenge or other Advocare products visit:
https://www.advocare.com/120315887/