Meet Christa

My running buddy Andria introduced me to an awesome hair stylist/running named Christa. It's great because when I go to get my hair cut and colored she makes me look cute (seriously, she's super talented) and talks about running. Perfect scenario right?! If you're needing some inspiration, read her story below. If you need a hair cut or total hair make-over (what I needed), contact her for an appointment (info below).

About 2 years ago, I was dating a guy that told me I was the biggest girl he'd ever dated. Needless to say, we broke up and my roommate at the time, had run his first half in November (Route 66) and invited me to run the Full Moon 5K. I started to object that it was TOO FAR, but he replied, "Christa - it's JUST 3 miles". Feeling a little silly and even more pressure, I said yes and because I didn't want to look stupid, started running around a little mile circle in the park next to my house. First day: one lap. Next time: one lap, walk through the middle, one more lap. And so I continued until I could run 3 laps, without walking. After completing my first 5K and watching the thousands of people have such a great time at the race, I wanted to do it again! So I just kept signing up for races so I would continue my training - working my way from 5Ks to 10Ks to 15Ks to half marathons to full marathons!

For the longest time, I ran to burn calories, to stay in shape. I ran to prove myself - to who I'm not sure? I wanted to know that I was strong enough to go out and run mile after mile after mile. It was something I could do, just me, with no one else's help. Running helps to relieve stress; perhaps I should do more of it! Being on the road, the trail, is home and when life feels too hectic it's a nice change of pace to bring it down to nothing but your feet, your breathing, your run.

The crazy goal that I'm sure every runner thinks about is that one day I'll run the Boston Marathon. I'm not sure that's a realistic goal - but it's fun to think about. My goal is just to be healthy right now, enjoy my runs without too much pain and to de-stress.

I love how she started by running around the block and was later able to run marathons (notice the 's'). So awesome! If you need a new hair stylist give Christa a call.

Christa Michelle Tyler
Composure
918.510.6543
http://christamichellestylist.blogspot.com

Laura

My friend Laura and I ran the Susan G Komen race together last month. She dominates as a runner and as a mom. I love what she says about why she runs, "...it makes me feel young and amazing." What Laura doesn't mention is that she bikes, plays tennis and works out at the gym. She also finds time to take care of four kids and is always doing nice things for others like hosting baby showers or taking meals to sick friends. For those reasons and many more, the super mom award goes to...LAURA. Thanks for sharing!"I started running 10 years ago after my 4th child joined our family. I needed to lose about 10 pounds and started running to lose weight. Began with just 2 miles and got up to 5 with in a few months. By then I was completely hooked. Not only did I love that running helped me easily lose the weight but I loved the way it made me feel! My youngest daughter is now 10 and I still run 3 or 4 days a week because it makes me feel young and amazing!"
Laura

PS Laura will be one of the many awesome moms running the Edmond Turkey Trot on Thursday. I hope to see you there!

Stop and Smell the Garbage Truck

My two...almost three...year old has been asking to go running with me, "Not in the stroller Mom!" As you can imagine, having a kid that wants to run with me is about the coolest thing ever. The other night we went out while my husband stayed home with our baby. My mini marathoner was a champ. He'd start to slow down so I'd ask him if he wanted to walk which made him speed up because we were out on a run not a walk. (I'm smiling even as I write.) Even though it wasn't a hard-core work out for me, he reminded me how to enjoy my favorite sport. He was running almost the entire time but when he'd see something interesting, he'd squeal, stop and look at it. I'm pretty sure the garbage truck was the coolest of all our discoveries. The next morning when I was out running myself, I made a more conscience effort to notice all the interesting things around me. It made my run a lot more meaningful and fun.

Wonderful Read

I'm obsessed with this book right now. I'm thinking about getting it for every girl I know. Check it out and I'm sure you'll feel the same way.

Last but not Least

These are the last ladies I met at the Sweetheart Run. Aren't they sassy?? I love it. Ariane and Debbie ran their first 5K in August. It took them 55 minutes. This run took them 44. What an impressive time cut! They both talked about the feeling of accomplishment that comes with achieving goals and improving their health. They also talked about their supervisor from work, Nikki a.k.a Jillian, who has been motivating them to get moving. They're thankful that they have someone who has been so encouraging. I really hope to see you ladies at future races!

More Sweetheart Run Ladies

Amy and Lorelei started running because of a challenge at work where the company paid for their registration (great idea). They've continued running to keep fit. Lorelei mentioned that running "gives (her) family an example to follow." Don't you love the way they're smiling at the end of a race.? They make it look effortless. Nice job ladies!!

Flash Back

Because of all the craziness that has been happening in my life, I never took the chance to finish introducing you to some of the awesome ladies I met at the Sweetheart Run in February. This is Tracy. Aren't her kids adorable? Besides the fact that she has four kids who are all smiling at the same time, Tracy is amazing because she ran the 5K pregnant. She told me that she started running after having a baby and "got hooked." I'd say "hooked" is the perfect word because she lost 60lbs and also became a No Boundaries Coach at Fleet Feet. Tracy also told me that she's diabetic and running has been an excellent way to stay in good health. Maybe next year, we'll be able to snap a picture of a fifth kid smiling.

Mother and Daughter Team

Marlene is Kimberly's mother-in-law and they were out running together on Saturday. What a great combo! Marlene has taught cross country for 30 years. Like most of us, she said that once she gets going she's hooked. "Running gives me more energy."

Kimberly's friend convinced her to train for a half marathon and now she's hooked. In fact her goal is to run a half marathon in all 50 states. Kimberly said that one of things she loves about running is that her kids are following her example and enjoy running and healthy habits as well.

Why We Run

I bombarded this group of girls before the race. Meet Michele, Elizabeth, Jan and Lindsey. Michele runs to clear her head. "It's the only me time I get and a fit way to do it."

Elizabeth shared her reasons with me via email. I love how she uses running to solve problems.
"I started running in high school to stay in shape. I never really liked it but I didn't hate it either. I started really running and doing long distance training. I fell in love with being able to let go and be free. That's the great thing about running all you need is your shoes...you can hit the road! I feel so much more productive and better about myself when I go run. It's the best stress reliever I've found (besides the occasional glass of wine) and I tend to think better when I running, more clearly. If I ever have a tough decision to make, I just go run. I know when I am done, I would have the time to really think about it and make a sound decision. I love to run, something that most people hate, but I love it!!!"

Jan and Lindsey run because it's great exercise and...I love this..."I like to eat." Isn't that the real reason most of us run?

Thanks again ladies. I hope to see you at future races.

Why I Run-Rebecca

I met Rebecca and her cute little baby boy at the Sweetheart Run. Can you believe how awesome she looks? Her baby is only two months old. Like many of us, Rebecca runs to relieve stress. She said that it makes her a happier person...."it makes me a better wife and mom." She also talked about how in the past she'd run races and see kids with signs cheering their mom on; now she's excited to have a little guy to do the same for her.

Why Do You Run?

I met Terry at the Tulsa Run and was excited to hear about why she runs. As always, I'd love to hear from all of you.

"I run to release stress and burn calories. The Tulsa Run and other runs are such a feeling of accomplishment, This is my second one ever & it is a great feeling to be able to run and finish the race!"

Terry

Tulsa Run

The Tulsa Run was beautiful! I had such a blast running with my friends. I also met some great ladies who were good sports about me taking their post race pictures. One of my favorite things about running in races is watching the successes of others. I saw cute kids running their first 5K. I was happy that I got to be there with my friend Jasmine to enjoy her first 5K. (By "with" I mean she came in way in front of me but I at least I was there.) It's fun to see the first race excitement. It was also fun to overhear people talking about making the time they wanted. Whether you've run 1 or 100 there are always ways to find success which is one the main reasons I love watching and running races. Great Job Everyone! I'm excited to hear from you about your race day experience.

If you're one of the awesome runners pictured here, I'd love to hear from you. (Really, I'd love to hear from any of you...even if you're not pictured.) Email me and tell me your story. Why do you run? What motivated you to participate in the Tulsa Run? How did it go?

oklahomarunningmom@gmail.com

Meet Diane

I met Diane at Strollin' Moms and am so grateful that she is willing to share her running story. I love how quickly one can become addicted to running. Keep it up Diane!! "About a year before I discovered I was pregnant, my husband, the Marine who had lots of running experience, challenged me to run with him one morning. I refused right away so of course he kept bugging me about it. I like a good challenge so I gave it a try but was not happy about it! I was 28 at that time and was always active doing aerobics, walking, and weight lifting. My idea of running was not fun. I thought you just ran as hard and fast as you could until you were out of breath! My husband was a great teacher and encourager, and showed me how to pace myself to run longer distances. I remember when I was able to run 1 whole mile without stopping and then 2 and 3 and so on! We would run by ourselves 3-5 miles 3-4 times during the week and then on Sat AM we would run 6-8 miles together. This became a great time to catch up on our week, talk about what was on our minds, and dream about the future.


Before I knew it, I was hooked. Within a month of starting, I was noticing changes about my body that I had never seen before. I was very active and in pretty good shape (so I thought) but this running thing was toning and firming parts of my body I never thought was possible!
I have had type 1 diabetes for 23 years now, diagnosed at age 8. I manage diabetes with an insulin pump. It delivers insulin continuously all day & night, and I tell it to give me insulin every time I eat. Exercise is great for diabetes but it also takes some experimenting to figure out how to keep blood sugars stable during exercise. During the first few weeks of running, I tried different adjustments with insulin as well as food but I quickly figured out what worked for my body. I usually do not wear my insulin pump when I run. Also to maintain a good stable blood sugar which keeps my energy up, I eat 1 glucose tablet for each mile. This may not work for everyone but this is what I have found to work for me. However now that I am running longer than an hour, I am seeing that I am having to make further adjustments.


Now I am 31 and my daughter is 1 ½ years old. I didn’t run much when I was pregnant because I was so out of breath but I continued exercise by walking. It was only a couple months after having my daughter that I got back into running. I had to return to work and I wanted to fit back into my regular clothes! I was determined that I didn’t want to keep the baby weight on! So running with a jogging stroller was the new challenge which took a lot more of my energy pushing extra weight! So once again I had to figure out what worked to keep my blood sugars stable, but it was all worth it because I felt great and lost the weight quickly!

Running for me has become addictive not only because it has helped tone my body, but helped my blood sugars, bond with my husband, listen to sermons, and gives me time to think, pray, and be by myself (this is great once kids are in the picture). I’ve been able to encourage others to run especially my friends with diabetes that never thought they could.

I can do all things through Christ that gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
Live life without regrets and if you don’t succeed the first time, try again."


Diane

Picture of Success

Words can't express how proud I am of my cousin Fleur. She has been working like crazy to become a healthy weight and now 65lbs later she is the picture (literally and figuratively) of success. Reading her story has been an inspiration to me and I know it will be for you too. Nice job Fleur. Keep up the good work!!

Before I am a 30 year old wife and mother. I have a nine-year-old son, and five-year-old twin daughters. My weight began creeping up in college, then shot up during my first year of marriage. I managed a few short periods of weight loss between pregnancies, but never anything more than a few pounds, and never for very long. After I lost my baby weight from my last pregnancy, I found myself still to be 65 pounds overweight.


In 2008 I finally decided that enough was enough. I wanted to lose weight, and I was going to figure out how, no matter what! I started doing research online. I loved reading people's success stories, but found it hard to identify with them. Have you noticed that most people only post their stories after they've succeeded? You don't get to see all the heartache, frustration and bad days. I guarantee you that every person who has successfully lost weight had bad days, whether you got to see them or not. I had days that I would eat an entire pan of brownies to try to feel better. It didn't work. Then I would feel so angry with myself that I would cry myself to sleep. I regretted eating junk food as soon as the taste faded from my mouth. But, the cravings were so strong that I felt like I just had to give in. Extreme, short term diets never worked for me. I had spent my entire life eating what I wanted, when I wanted. I couldn't stick with deprivation. I decided that I needed to learn how to live healthy- not just “diet”.


I believe that in order for someone to make a major change in their life, they have to find the right “groove” or mindset. I found my groove a couple of times. It wore off. Then, I found it again. I tried many, many methods of weight loss. Calorie counting, low-fat, low-carb, pills, supplements, etc. The first groove-inspiring method was calorie counting. I was a big Dr. Pepper drinker. I was disgusted when I learned that I had been consuming around 1,000 calories a day, just from Dr. Pepper! I knew I would not be able to give up soft drinks completely, yet. So, I made the switch to Diet. I knew it wasn't much healthier, but at least it was calorie-free. I lost about 20 pounds. Calorie counting was too tedious and cumbersome for me. I still had too many bad habits, and the scale wouldn't budge anymore. I started looking for something else.


I decided to learn to run, mostly due to the fine example of my cousins on this blog. I love running. I feel strong and alive when I run. But, I told myself that since I was running I didn't have to worry about what I was eating. Well, that was wrong. Fact is, weight loss happens in the kitchen. If you want the weight to come off, you have to watch what you eat. I still run, but I don't down a big plate of pancakes afterwards. Usually. :)


So, I bit the bullet and started Weight Watchers. I knew that going to the meetings would help keep me motivated and honest. The plan worked for me. Since I joined in April, I have lost 42 pounds, making a grand total of 65 pounds down from my heaviest weight. I love that the plan is designed to be used for life. I can eat whatever I want, just not as much as I want. I discovered that food actually tastes better when you're not just mindlessly scarfing it down. I learned that I can be satisfied with one small piece of dark chocolate. I learned that I still shouldn't buy Oreos, because I still have a tendency to eat the entire package. I learned that I don't have to eat something just because it's wonderful. I can do without it. I can have it later if I choose.


Life is all about choice. You do have a choice. You can make anything a habit if you practice it enough. Eat what you love. Slow down, taste it, savor it. If you don't love it, don't eat it. Don't give up. One bad day, or week, or month does not signify failure. Your life is going to happen no matter what you do with it. If you're still breathing, you can try again. Find some small changes you want to make, then make them. Be patient with yourself. Live your life and love it for all the good things. Wear clothes that make you feel good about yourself, no matter what size they happen to be. If you love yourself and are patient with yourself, the changes you want will come.


Weight Watchers was what I needed to find my groove. But it may not be what you need. There are as many ways to lose weight out there as there are people trying. Try all the healthy methods you can find. Learn what you can live with, and what you can't. Be smart about it. Bulimia is not the way to go. :)

Good Luck!

After

See...inspiring. If you want to learn more about (and from) Fleur, check out her blog.

http://www.fleurshrinks.blogspot.com/

Michelle's Half Marathon Journey

Another inspiring update from Michelle Sept 27th – "Okay, so I soooo chickened out on going to TU! Actually, that was last week. 2 weeks ago, I lost track of time cooking dinner and waiting for my husband to get home (so I could leave). I also ate way to close to run time and did not want to vomit at the track. I DID, however, go to the Sapulpa H.S. track at 8pm to do speed drills. I think it was more of a beginner workout, but since I have not progressed with my speed workouts, beginner is where I need to be. I did a 400-m (½ mi) warm-up at a 12:00 min mile pace, and then did 5 repeats of 200m at a 9:45 min mile with a 100m 12 min mile recovery between each repeat. I topped it off with a 600m cool down at a 12:00 pace. Can you say 600 calories burned in 35 minutes? That is motivation enough for me, forget getting faster!

Last Tuesday, when I chickened out of the TU track, my friend Julie and I went to the Jenks pedestrian bridge to use the light poles. It was her first time ever doing any kind of speed work, so I took it easy on her. We ran 2 light poles as fast as we could (within reason), and recovered the next 2 light poles. It was fun. We sort of raced each other…something I have never enjoyed. My lack of confidence has always kept me from being competitive. I have a feeling it’s going to start shining through.

As for the rest of the runs, I still haven’t been getting in the weekday mileage. I’m glad I have Strollin’ Moms to fall back on a little. I’m sure that even though we walk quite a bit, that it still helps a little. I try not to depend on it and still try to plan Monday, Tuesday, Thursday runs. I should be getting 13-14 miles in during the week. I’m only getting half of that. Imagine how good I’d feel if I were getting in all the mileage. Sometimes, especially with young kids, you have to be flexible with yourself. I try not to get hung up on what I haven’t done, rather what I have done. It makes me so much more at peace.

My long runs are still awesome, of course. Julie and I kicked the 10-miler in the butt 2 weeks ago! The last 2-3 miles we ran fast! We had to walk for 30 seconds here and there to catch our breath, but we felt so good for running it in strong. This last Saturday was a “rest” long run – only 6 miles (we actually went 7). Any time you hear yourself say “ONLY 6 miles”, please do yourself a favor and pinch yourself. Six miles! Six miles! AMAZING! Especially since the greater portion of the WORLD cannot even run one mile!

I have decided to not do the Jenks Half Marathon. I will only have one first Half, I don’t want it to be filled with memories of being the last in with the pace car overheating and everyone in tar-nation waiting on me to start the awards ceremony (that happened to a few ladies in my current pace group last year). I really want to do the Dallas White Rock Half in early December. Please pray for God to provide the resources for me and my family to go. I will be eternally grateful!"

Running for Two

I found this article in the October Issue of Runner's World Magazine and loved it. Paula Radcliff and Kara Goucher are two elite women runners. The article talks about how their pregnancies have affected their running. One of the things I most liked about the article was when one of them said that they would be tired or sick and then feel better after being out for five minutes. I almost always find that to be true. Today I hesitated as I got ready for exercise but by the time I got back, I felt a million times better. Click below to find your own pearls of wisdom.

Great Expectations

Paula Radcliffe and Kara Goucher are cruising through their pregnancies. Learn how they stay fit before, during, and after the most exciting time of their lives.

By Katie McDonald Neitz

Michelle's Half Marathon Journey

Today Michelle sent me an update about her half marathon training. I'm so proud of how hard she's working. One of the things that most impresses me about Michelle is her candidness about how she works through the inevitable struggles of running and, more importantly, life. Read her update and get inspired to make the needed changes in your life.



Sept 14 – Almost 2 months ago? I can’t believe I’ve been training for 2 months! I would like to say that have kept up with ALL of my runs, (Monday - 3 miles easy; Tuesday – track workout (for speed); and Thursday – hill or tempo run), but truthfully, it’s been hard just getting in a few miles during the week. You see, I was counting on Strollin’ Mom’s during the summer – when no one was coming because of the heat and vacations – to get most of my week-day mileage in. When we started a new Stollin’ Mom’s, and I had to start over (from walking) with the group, I became challenged to find time later in the days to get my actual runs in. That’s where I stand now…challenged. I can say that I have been having so much fun on the weekend (long) runs! It amazes me every time I say it, but I LOVE to run 6 miles or more! Since I have last blogged, we have done 6, 6.2 (I missed that weekend), 7, 8, 6, 9, 6. My favorite runs of those were the 8 and the 9-milers. My least favorite was the stinkin’ hill route we ran this last weekend for 6 miles. BUT, my legs feel so strong and good. I may end up loving hills, yet!

I am committing to going to my first REAL track workout tonight, to everyone that is reading this. I need accountability! If you come into Fleet Feet, ask for Michelle to ask how the track workout went, please. I can find a million and a half reasons to not go, but the main reason is fear. Fear that people will wonder why I am there. Fear that people will think I am slow. Fear that I will look stupid. I know where all of these nasty thoughts are coming from, so please say a little prayer hat I continue to step out of agreement with them. I belong at the track. I am slow, but that’s why I’m there – to get faster. I will not look stupid as I am out there getting stronger and burning calories (mega).

As you may remember, my husband and I were in counseling with our pastor last year. We have continued to better our marriage through my counselor over the past few months. Last Wednesday, it came out that I was feeling really guilty for leaving the house “again” to run. My counselor asked me to use the communication model with my husband to tell him what I thought, felt, and needed concerning running. With the thought that this training will not last forever, I told him I wanted to run after work on Monday nights (unless I got the run in with a friend earlier that day), run at the track on Tuesday evenings, and run at Fleet Feet for tempo or hill runs on Thursday evenings. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, our 3 kiddos do karate. I hated the thought of missing every class, and hated the idea that my hubby would have to go it alone for three evenings and a whole Saturday, every week. This week will be a test of how well I remember that this training will only last for a few more weeks (until Nov 6, specifically), and more importantly for me, that” there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ”. The guilt is not from God.

I will be running the Jenks Half Marathon on November 6th with at least one friend. I am beginning to solicit for cheerleaders, now. This will be my first half and I want it to be memorable. I’ve heard that this particular half is “fast”. I’ve heard stories of the slow runners (me) coming in way later than the rest of the majority, and that they ran so slow that it caused the Jenks police car (pace car) to overheat! I need support, if you have some to provide. Michelle

If I'm not in labor, I'll be there cheering Michelle on at the Jenks Half. I hope a few of you are able to run it as well. It's not too late to start training!

Mary

I realize that I've already posted this picture but I wanted you to be able to see a picture of Mary (right) as you read her reasons for running. Thanks for sharing!! "I have never been an athletic person. I have tried running on several occasions over the years without success (frustrated by lack of stamina and progress). I joined the Fleet Feet program as an attempt to LEARN how to run. It has been so successful that I am motivated to keep it going. I am really energized by the race community. I am excited about expanding my circle of friends to include my active and healthy people."

Mary

Mom

I know I've already said it but I'm SO proud of my mom for running the Route 66 5K. She did an awesome job and I think I've converted her into the craziness of the racing world. HOORAY! Read her comments below. "After a great deal of encouragement from my daughter and with much trepidation, I joined Fleet Feet's Couch to 5K program. I used to be very active in various sports, but I had gotten busy for the past many years and had gotten way out of shape. I never liked to exercise, so when I stopped playing sports I just sort of ended up on the couch. If anyone had told me six months ago that I would be out walking 1 1/2 to 2 miles three days a week in the heat of the day in July, I would have told them they were nuts! However, the coaches at Fleet Feet and the other people in my group really made it enjoyable. I never felt pushed beyond my capacity, but I did feel encouraged to push myself to do my best. The best part of the program was finishing the Route 66 5K last Saturday. My daughter has been running for several years, and I have been to a few of her races and been part of the crowd. It was great to be part of the race. My time was pretty slow, but I felt a great sense of accomplishment and, most surprising to me, a desire to do more races! I am excited to begin the next session at Fleet Feet and continue to improve my fitness."
Stephanie

Emma

I LOVE Emma's (pictured left) comments about why she ran the Route 66 5K. I totally agree with what she said about the post run feeling, "afterward you feel you did something great." What an insightful young woman.

"I ran to show that you don't have to be thin to run. If you put your mind to it you can do anything. I liked it a lot. You feel really good when its done. I think other people should try it too. After ward you feel you did something great."