Big Update...

Well, I didn't realize I was this far behind in updating this blog. I have been busy the past few weeks with my folks in town from Georgia and so on, that time has been slipping by faster than I realize.

Last weekend was the Ironman here in St. George.

The night before the race, I entered my son (who's 3 1/2) into his first running race. It was a 12 and under race that the kids got to run through the Ironman finish line. Ben did the 200 meter race. He LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it. He actually did exceptionally well, I think. He was darting in and out of people while I ran behind him with the video camera. It last about 3 minutes...but he felt amazing. He is excited to race again and I need to work on finding him some sports to do.

That morning, Kassie and I went out to Ivins at 5 a.m. for their Fitness Festival. They held a 5k/10k race that morning that we wanted to do. We were the first people there. :) We were anxious to get out there!

I didn't go out and drive the course before the race like I would normally do to know exactly what I would be facing. I wish I would have. I think that would have helped me mentally. The first mile was all uphill. There are no hills on the WCCC track. Oh well. I did my very best and came in at 38:06 which is about 5 minutes faster than my 5k in March.

I was pretty excited about that! I was aiming for 40 minutes...so to be under was thrilling.

Afterwards, we helped out a little bit at the Planet 94.1 and Weight Watchers booth promoting the Big Loser contest. I got to meet some of the people from previous seasons of the television show Biggest Loser. Although, I had no idea who they were (except for Seth who talked to us Big Loser contestants back at the beginning of the contest)... I look forward to one day having time to Hulu the old episodes and seeing their stories. They were SUPER nice!

The thing that had the majority of my attention was the bike portion of the Ironman. I was glued to the side of the road--at least my eyes were. It was inspiring to watch them and to also see how exactly they race--- their techniques. I watched them go by the aid station there in Ivins and I saw some of the tricks to the trade. Very educational!

Afterwards, I went home and we walked up to the finish line. We didn't see the winners come through, but saw some of the top qualifiers. It was awesome. Some of them looked like they were totally beat, others looked like they could've kept going.

I have to admit, I thought seriously about the process of training to do the Ironman in a few years--- but, I've put that thought way, way on the back burner. For me, my focus right now is getting off all my weight and doing whatever it takes to have more children. The type of time committement to training I would have to give doesn't fit my family goals right now. I also need years to build up the equipment needed to race (road bike, wet suit and other gear). So..maybe one day. If not, I'm totally satisfied completing local triathlons!

So, I have lost a total of 47.2 lbs. so far! I can't remember each week's totals, but that's my current loss. I am aiming for 2.8 lbs. this week so I can get my 50 lb. mark and little charm for my key chain!! I think it's totally doable.

Today I biked 20 miles to and from the community center. It was a beautiful ride with the majority of the way there being uphill. I swam 30 laps when I got the WCCC and then biked back. Biking back was soooo nice!! It's so nice to go downhill after such hardwork on the way there! It felt amazing!!

I clocked about 3,200 calories just in the biking. I didn't wear my watch while swimming, so I know it was way more...but...I'm feeling good about that much at least!! Working hard for that 2.8!!

Upcoming Races:

May 28-- Midnight 5k
June 19- Big Loser Tinman Triathlon