Aloha!

Sorry for the lack of posts. On Tuesday we arrived in Hawaii and have been extremely busy. I have managed to get in two runs- a 3 miler and 5 miler.

I feel like the weather here is similar to San Diego, just a little more humid. I feel slower than usual, probably due to the fact I took a week off because of my horrible allergies. Now that I am back at it I have a new goal. I want to get down to a 9:30 pace by October.

Well wish me luck on my goals!

-Darcy

Duty Calls.

As some of you may or may not know, my husband is in the Navy and is a Submariner. The last three years he has been on shore duty, which means he has been home with us. Next month we move to Hawaii and he goes back to sea duty. Which means he will be gone a lot.... and this JUST hit me tonight.

It hit me like a ton of bricks.

I started thinking about our first year of marriage, where I sometimes went weeks on end with out hearing from him. About how hard its going to try to explain to a three year old why her daddy isn't home. I started thinking about how lonely I will be and how much I will miss him.

Then I changed my mind set...

I want to write down 20 things that are going to be good about this move, so later on down the road I can go back and think positive.

20 GOOD THINGS ABOUT MOVING TO HAWAII & SEA DUTY

1. We will be living in a tropical paradise.

2. Believe it or not we actually have family in Hawaii. Our closet family here in California is in Washington state. My daughter will have cousins to play with, and that will be awesome.

3. We will be living in a bigger house. So far we have only lived in small apartments.

4. We will finally have our own washer & dryer! ^

5. Along with a garage. ^

6. It will be a new adventure for our family to explore together.

7. It never gets cold in Hawaii!

8. I will have the opportunity to make new friends.

9. Since he will be gone so much when we do spend time together it will be cherished even more.

10. I will run my first marathon in one of the worlds most beautiful places.

11. It will be a fantastic learning experience.

12. The beaches look amazing.

13. Snorkeling will be more eventful than it is here, because I will actually be able to see through the water.

14. I will have the opportunity to learn about another culture.

15. We will have plenty of new restaurants to try.

16.  We are going to get dive certified together in Hawaii.

17. My daughter will have experiences that some kids only dream of.

18. Distance can make the heart grow fonder. I actually like our emails that we send back and forth. It reminds me of falling in love.

19. He will have opportunities for advancement and to learn more on a Submarine.

20. Family members already want to visit!


Darcy

My Weight Loss Journey So Far

Its time for me to get real with everyone.


I have caught my self slipping into a dark place lately when it comes to my body. I have felt like I don't see any changes or results from all of my hard work.- Which is one of the most frustrating things. I have read a few different weight loss stories lately and have felt compelled to do my own.

So here it goes.

I have struggled with my weight my whole life.

I have tried every diet & fad diet in the books. (Jenny Craig, Lemonade Cleanse, HCG Diet, Eating 200 calories a day, and sadly eating nothing at all....

I ended up giving up each one of them.

August 2012

My highest weight recorded was 235 pounds, that was my first wake up call. I decided to try to do something about it and went at it on my own. I was able to lose 30 pounds (not in a healthy way). I eventually just lost motivation and the weight started creeping back on.

A few months down the road Advocare found me.

(February 2013)

When I was approached with Advocare I decided to give it a try (although I thought that it probably wouldn't work for me because lets face it I had tried so many other diets and none of them stuck).

But....
I knew that I needed something. I was EXHAUSTED. I had 0 energy at the end of the day to take care of my daughter and forget about my husband. I was too tired to be the wife that I needed to be. I was neglecting my self to say the least.

I was so miserable and unhappy with my self.

So I did the challenge....

When I started I was barely squeezing into a size 18 pants. When I finished I was able to get on a pair of size 14 pants. Most importantly, I had more energy than I had in years and I felt like a better mom and wife to my family.

So I decided to stick with the program, and it stuck with me. I am now a size 10 pants and I have lost a total of 70 pounds!                               
                                   Beginning of journey to July 2014

This would NOT have been possible for me personally if I had went at it alone.

 I had a whole team set up to help me, and that was key. It made it really hard for me to fail. I knew that if I gave up I would not only be giving up on my self but I would be giving up on the people who were helping me.

My mentor Karissa has been my biggest role model and supporter. She believed in me even when I didn't believe in my self. She has listened to me talk about all of my struggles and has always had something positive to give back to me. I am so thankful that I have someone so positive in my life.
(Thank you Karissa)

I am not finished with my weight loss and plan on losing at least 30 more pounds. I have really good days and bad days. I sometimes struggle with my body image but at the end of the day I am still pushing though and bettering myself. I have changed so much in the last year and a half- I am a totally different person. I am still learning to love myself where I am at and am constantly learning. I am going to continue on this journey and can not wait to see where it takes me.

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Readiness

Happy Monday! I just wanted to do a little update on my marathon training.

Last week I signed up for Hawaii's Marathon Readiness Series. Its a series of 5 races to help get you ready for the marathon in December. I missed the first one (because I actually don't move to Hawaii until next week) so my first one will be on August 10th and its a 20k.

Right now I am averaging 20-25 miles a week. Everyday except Saturday's I am running with my stroller. I feel like it is taking a toll on me. I have changed some of my routes that I usually take because the terrain was difficult with the stroller.

Between moving, having a three year old, and marathon training I am pretty tired. I am hoping once we get settled into Hawaii and I get use to the humidity that I won't feel as worn down.

Over all I am pretty excited about the Readiness Series. I feel well prepared for the first race. I am hoping to stick with my training schedule and to keep pushing forward.

Wish me luck!


Darcy

Bad Attitude.

 This morning I went out for a three mile run, and  I was completely miserable. Nothing was different than normal. I went out before 8:30 which is the normal time that I go when I run with the stroller. I ate breakfast like normal. I stretched as usual. I took a path that I easily complete on a regular basis. It appeared to be my average Thursday morning but there was one thing that was different...... my attitude- IT SUCKED!

 I'm usually really pumped up about going out for a run. I am always trying to improve my self and compare my times. I tend to high five myself for a good job ;) Heres the thing...lately I have been suffering from blisters inside of my arches and it makes running feel a little bit like I would imagine ummm.... HELL! I have tried taping the blisters, wearing two pairs of socks, and today tried Vaseline. (The next option is foot powder). This is where the bad attitude started I didn't, want to run on blister but I also didn't want to miss training. Before my run even started I told a friend that I didn't want to run. I told my self that its going to suck. I was being Negative Nancy, and throwing my self a miniature pity party.

 Being negative set me out on a bad foot. I was mentally preparing my self for failure.

 Around my first .5 mile I was feeling over it,  I was dreading the next 2.5 miles. I was complaining (in my head) about everything. The sun was too hot, it was muggy, the trail seemed to be bumpier than usual, the stroller felt heavy, and I was tired. I was bitching so much that I didn't notice the small things that I usually do like the flowers, the people, and the beauty of Point Loma. I didn't even hear my music, in fact it was annoying me.

A little voice inside of my head was telling me to give up.- This does not happen to me often because I am usually very positive when I go out for a run. I was mentally sabotaging myself, and I knew it. I pushed through the run. I knew that it wasn't a long distance and that I had to complete this run. 

Once I finished and was walking the rest of the way home I thought about how pathetic I sounded complaining about everything. I was mad at my self for making the run a bad experience especially since its something I usually love.

So I guess what I really realized is that you can't dwell on the bad things, or you will miss the really simple beautiful things that come up along the way. Some things are out of our control. Its better to just focus on the positive than to live in a hell that you have created. I am really glad that I finished my run and didn't give into those negative thoughts! Time for me to re-group and change my mind set for a better run on Saturday.

Life is too short to be a Negative Nancy.

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Tips On Running With A Toddler

As a military wife its not always a option for me to work out by myself. Running can come with its own obstacles and adding a stroller to the mix can make things even crazier. A lot of what I have learned about running with a stroller has come from trial and error. Of course I have had some amazing friends along the way that have offered me advice and support.

I try to avoid disaster before it can strike!

 My tips may not work for everyone but its certainly worth the try. If these tips don't help you could always get a membership at a gym that offers child care... God knows I am too cheap for that!



1. Start Out Small

If your child hasn't been in a stroller since birth I highly recommend starting out small. Depending on how fast you run I would say limit the first couple of runs to 1-2 miles. This will give you an idea on how they will behave in the stroller, along with getting them use to it. Each run you could add a few more minutes and see how they react. This will also give you a chance to get use to your stroller and running with it.

2. Limit Things They Can Throw

Seriously this will save your sanity. Losing your child's favorite toy leads to a big fit and a bad time. I have had some problems with this one my self. I almost rolled my ankle on a Elsa doll because I didn't notice her fall out. I should have let her go ;)

Sometimes its unavoidable but here are some things that will help-

Attach to a carabiner (the clip that rock climbers use) to your stroller and then attach toys to it either by a tag or use toys that have clips already on them (like key chain toys). Same with snacks, you can punch a whole in a corner of almost any bag (like a ziplock bag) and attach it the same way. If you have a snack tray on  your stroller you can strap down a portable DVD player as well. Honestly I don't have to attach my snacks but I have many friends who do. I usually have to take my daughters shoes off and put them under the stroller until the end, she likes her piggies to get fresh air.

3. Snacks

SNACKS! Honestly a lifesaver. Bring a few snacks to choose from along with a drink. I find that snacks keeps my daughter occupied and happy. I usually bring some sort of fruit, cracker, natural fruit roll up, and a drink. I also make sure to set her up with a snack before we start.

4. Rewards

I am honestly really big on rewards. If she knows that she is going to get something out of the long stroller ride she behaves.... for the most part. My rewards usually consist of going to the park or beach directly after the run. I usually plan my runs so that they end at the park or the beach for this exact reason. She enjoys the instant gratification! It gives me time to stretch and her time to play.

Its like killing two birds with one stone!

5. Entertainment

If the fantastic views of your run aren't enough entertainment for your little one consider getting a portable DVD player. They are about 60 bucks at Target. I know some moms are super brave and let there kids use there phones, iPads, and iPods but I am honestly not that brave. Make sure that you strap down the DVD player to your snack tray to prevent dropping it.

6. Make Them Comfortable

I try to keep a blanket in my car that I use only for the stroller. Here in San Diego it can get chilly in the mornings. Remember your little one isn't the one breaking a sweat so cover them up! For warmer weather dress them light, and keep them cool and hydrated.

7. Bring A Extra Set of Clothes

Seriously.... Do it! Especially if you are potty training. Disaster can strike at any moment, and its best to be prepared. I usually leave the extra set in my car unless I am running more than 6 miles.  Also along with the extra set of clothes bring wipes, we all know kids can be super messy.

8. Change It Up

Change it up for your sake and for the kiddos sake. Find different areas that have parks and fun views. Don't get into a boring routine of doing the same thing every day.

9. Words of Affirmation Go A Long Way

Some people look at me like I am crazy when I do this. Sometimes during a run I will tell my daughter,"Oh my gosh Lucy, you are being such a good girl for mommy. I can't wait to let you play at the park when we are done." or afterwards I say,"Thank you so much for being a big girl,  you make mommy really happy when you listen." Who honestly doesn't like hearing that they are doing a good job?!

10. Listen

Sometimes you will have to turn around early. Everyone has there off days. Listen and look for cues that let you know they might be over the run. Every child has different limits, knowing there limits will help you avoid disaster.

11. Enjoy Yourself 

As a mother you are one of your children's BIGGEST role models. Don't be so serious all the time. Smile, have a good time. Make your run fun, and your child will be more likely to want to go with you. Your children will catch on to the way that you behave, so set a good example! You are already doing a great job by teaching them the importance of exercising. Run on!

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5 Things I Am Giving Up During MarathonTraining....

Alcohol
I love beer..... but I don't want my long weekend to suffer at the hands of a hangover. Although beer  is tasty (fact), right now its not worth the absurd amount of calories and sugar that comes along with its ability to dehydrate me.

Staying Up Late 
Being well rested before long runs will not only help get me the most out of my training, it will also help prevent injury.

Dining Out (good thing I know how to cook)
This one may be the most challenging! In a few weeks we are moving to Honolulu and will be living out of a hotel for a month or so. When I eat out I literally stuff my face full of delicious unhealthy food without blinking an eye. So I will save my money and keep my self from gaining unneeded pounds by eating at home.

Refined Sugar
 I want to focus on fueling my body with healthy foods!

No more sodas (not even diet), ice-cream, cakes, and doughnuts. There are several good reasons for everyone to give up sugar- seriously you should consider it. I gave up sugar for about two months while training for my half, when I  binged on ice-cream I felt sluggish during the next days run. I honestly felt the difference.

Flats and Heels
Although they look super cute they kill my feet, and I don't have time for that. So as of now I am on the prowl for super cute and comfy shoes to add to my wardrobe. I am up for suggestions!

-Darcy