Training Days #5 and #6

And on the 5th day she rested :-)

Fridays are my rest day throughout training. Pretty fitting. End the work week by indulging in a little R&R (rest and relaxation..not Rock and Roll :-D). And I have to say that the day of rest was much needed. My muscles were pretty sore on Friday, plus I was exhausted from being up most of the night for the midnight showing of the final Harry Potter :)

So I woke up bright and early this morning to get prepped for our hike. This time we were only doing a 4 mile round trip (last trip was 9 miles in total!). So a nice leisurely hike in comparison. My friend Kelly and I headed out early and were slightly hesitant about how it would go considering there was a pretty steady rain going on. But we went onward and upward. Literally.

The area was beautiful. Right around North Bend. At the bottom of the mountain is Rattlesnake Lake. Its quite a beautiful area and with the light fog over the lake and mountain in the morning it was breathtaking. Overall the hike was beautiful. Had a definite incline, gaining about 1200 ft in 2 miles. Gave my already sore muscles a nice little work out. Switchbacks most of the way up that caused you to really use your legs!

About 40 minutes later we'd made the 2 mile hike up to the top and found SPECTACULAR views at the top. We'll be heading back on a nicer day when you can actually see everything. The fog hindered the view somewhat but even with the fog it was one of the best overviews I've had the pleasure of seeing. When we reached the ledge the rain was at a pretty steady pace so we didn't end up lingering too long. Just long enough to enjoy the view and get some good pictures in.

We were back in the car and headed back to the city in less than 2 hours from when we started. All in all not a bad way to start a Saturday morning, and get my training in so I could enjoy the remainder of my day. I've posted pictures below of the lookout from the ledge. There were additional trails from this look out spot (another 2.4 mile hike to East Point, and another 6 miles up to Snoqualmie Point). These will be attempted at a later date and time, and if the day is nice enough we plan to end the hike back at the bottom and enjoy the lake and sun.

Tomorrow is training day 7 and our first long run. It's a 2 mile consecutive run. While we've run 2 miles other nights this week they were broken up. Looking forward to pushing myself through it and completing the first full week of training! :)

Training Day #6 - success!

Becoming a St. Jude Hero!

So throughout the last week I've begun my training for my first half marathon. And it struck me that if I was going to venture out on this journey, someone other than myself should benefit from it. After going through this thought process I realized I already had an amazing outlet to funnel this through. St Jude Children's Research Hospital. :-)

As most of you know over the last year I've devoted majority of my efforts in supporting St. Jude. Inspired by amazing roommate Katie, and the story of what St. Jude does for the children who are treated there I knew that this was an organization that deserved our time and efforts.

The program that St. Jude offers for individuals to help raise funds is the St. Jude Heroes Program. So I've signed up to become a Hero! My fundraising page is up and running and waiting for YOUR support! My goal is to raise $1,500 before the race on December 4, 2011.

All I need is for everyone to pitch in a little. To raise $1,500 I'd need 150 $10 donations, or 75 people to donate $20 a piece. If you think of what we spend on Starbucks every year I think we can all sacrifice a handful of lattes, americanos, etc.

Please visit my fundraising page at www.mystjudeheroes.org/amybodnar and help me in reaching this lofty goal.

Thank you in advance for all your love and support!
xoxo
Ames

Training Day #4

Cross-training!

This week my cross training activity was dance :-)
Fitting right?! I mean its my favorite thing to do in the world, and it gives me a way to cross train at the same time! Throughout the training process my cross train days will be changing as we go. It's going to either be dance, hot yoga, walking, running, hiking....the list goes on. Nothing TOO crazy as I don't want to injure myself during the process but its good to have an outlet  throughout the training process.

So I'm training at Westlake Dance Center. Two classes on Thursday evenings. A beginning hip hop class that allows me to really just let loose and have fun. I don't worry about the steps. It's all about going, having fun and performing the crap out of the routine. And its AMAZING! Being separated from dance for so long has been such a drain on my life. Not doing the ONE thing that ALWAYS makes me happy. The ONE thing that I'm truly passionate about. That I need in my life. Its my passion, my hope, my love, my everything. Dance is who I am. It is what defines me as a person.

The second class is a hip hop III class. The teacher is phenomenal and really inspires me to try my best. I was worried that after being so far removed from dance classses that my pick up would suck. But luckily it wasn't bad at all. It was like riding a bike....you fall off but you get straight back on. And the great thing about the class is that the students in it are very inviting. A lot of times I feel like a class is a very tight nit group who doesn't let in outsiders, but this class is completely the opposite. I didn't feel like the outsider at all, and felt at home right away.

I can't wait to continue this voyage and my dance classes at Westlake. Getting back to me and what I love. Who could ask for anything more?

Training Day #3

Another run day! :-)

Jenny and I headed to Gasworks Park for our nightly run and went out on the Burke-Gilman trail. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon and running by the water was a wonderful treat. Given I live by Greenlake, but a change in scenery is always a pleasure!

We successfully completed our 1 mile run, improving upon our time from our Monday run. We also ran/walked another 2 miles, going about half and half the remainder of the way. The run seemed a little tougher this day, but I think it was primarily due to my slightly sore muscles from bikram yoga, as well as the fact that the first run day was cloudy and sprinkling :-)

Its going to take time and effort to get through this training program, but the first few days have definitely been motivating. To be able to head out and feel like I'm tackling my goals head on and doing pretty well at them is amazing. It would be slightly harder if I'd started the process and struggled through it. But I know there are many struggles to come along the way. I just have to continue to press on throughout the journey and KNOW that I can DO this!

Motivation baby! Gotta keep your eye on the prize....and mine is SET! Here I come VEGAS!

In Loving Memory

Yesterday was a very difficult day. July 14, 2011 would've been my grammy's 94th birthday. Grams passed away this past March, after battling cancer. It was the first year without her, and throughout the day I found myself thinking about her and how much I wished she were still here with us. But I know that she is in heaven smiling down on all of us and guiding us through this life. I could not ask for a better guardian angel than her.

Every year since Grams turned 90, my Aunt Mimi hosted an amazing birthday extravaganza in which family would gather from all over the country. We'd come together for this one weekend to celebrate my Grams and share in family. These get togethers for me were one of the biggest blessings I could've asked for. They gave me a chance to see my family at least once a year, no matter how far apart we all lived, and it also served as the catalyst for reuniting a family that I feel for many years had been separated. The separation occurred for a multitude of reason, but Grams brought us all together. She helped us all erase years of loneliness without the comforts of family.

My most favorite moments in the last years of her life were the times we were all together. Whether it be at her birthday fiestas or the many weddings that blessed our family (Kristin and Josh, Amanda and Nick, Josh and Maureen, Nick and Lyndee, Caitlin and Peter, Emily and Sean, Adam and Janelle), these were the moments that I rejoice in now. Mostly because Grams, a woman after my own heart, always enjoyed her time dancing out on the floor with her family :-)

I will forever remember the family gatherings at Gram's house. Kids running around the house (there are 19 first cousins), singing at Christmas, scrabble nights at the old house in Bula....these are the things I think stay with us. The small little memories that we cherish. Her birthday will always be celebrated by those who loved her....and that is a LOT of people.

I love you Grams. Thank you for all that you gave to our family. We were blessed to have you in our lives for so long, and we are even more blessed to have you watch over us in Heaven.

In Loving Memory of Florence Bodnar (July 14, 1917 - March 3, 2011)

Blast From the Past

So today was a blast from the past! I got the very nice surprise of having a bunch of old Silver Doll pictures getting posted to facebook! :-)

These were the days that my love for dance started and was fostered, so to be reminded of where I came from and how far I've come was such an amazing thing for me today. It strengthen my determination for getting back to my passion and figuring out how to pull it even more into my life. I've got a little inspiration already in play. Its just honing it and starting the path.

I've included the pictures below for everyone's viewing pleasure :-)
Oh to be young and carefree again! I miss these girls so much!

Training Day #2

Tuesday's on the training schedule are 'Stretch & Strengthen' day....so what better way to stretch and strengthen my body than yoga right?!? Well how bout HOT yoga? That's right. I decided that my Tuesday activity is going to be Bikram Yoga. And I got myself a partner! My friend Kelly and I have now ventured into the world of Bikram, and oh my holy hot yoga!! I knew it was going to be intense but this was one of the roughest 90 minute workouts that I've ever done!

90 minutes in a room that is 105 degrees with 40% humidity! And not only that we had to get there 20 minutes in advance to ensure a good spot in the room! So 110 minutes in this room. I walked out at the end and looked as if I'd jumped in a pool with my clothes on. Yes, very sweaty I'd say. So going in I was determined that I would make it the whole class, and when we talked to the teacher before class she told us that at the very least to stay inside the room. Even if you can't do all of the exercises just stay in the room.

And i DID it! :)

Huge accomplishment for myself. I had to take a couple small breaks but I was able to complete majority of the class! And I've really never done yoga at ALL. I mean I had a couple of friends do little classes at home, but that was only once or twice and hasn't been in years. SO I really had no idea what to expect. At about 30 minutes in I thought I might very well have to leave the room. I was dizzy and thought there was NO way I could make it for another hour. But I pushed through!

I would absolutely tell other people to try it! Just make sure you hydrate A LOT the day you're doing it! And don't eat within 2 hours before going! :-)

Its worth trying just once! And I will for sure be back next week!

Day 2 - Kicked ASS!!!

Training Day #1!

So yesterday evening was Training Day Numero Uno!!! That's right folks!

Training Day 1 Goal - run 1 mile

Ok - now I know what you're thinking....she's going to try and run 13.1 miles and her goal for training day one is 1 mile???? Is she serious?!? Oh yes I am ladies and gents! So here is the thing. I haven't honestly TRIED to run in I don't even know how long. When I put on all my weight running was a very unpleasant task. It was painful. I got shin splints had a hard time breathing....it just wasn't something I did. And over the last year while losing all my weight, my primary activity was walking. I'd walk for an hour or more, and so I was walking 3-4 miles a day 6 days a week. Averaging about 20 miles/week.

But running?? I had this huge fear that when I actually tried running again that my body would say "WTF! WHAT are you thinking?!?" So I found a training schedule from the Hal Higdon website (apparently he's the training guru for running ANY distance). His is a 12 week schedule which starts assuming you are running 3-4 miles a few times a week. Well thats definitely NOT what I'm doing. I have 21 weeks until the race, so I modified the schedule out and made it start with just a plain ONE mile run. :)

My friend Jenny (who is also running the half marathon in Vegas) met up with me last night for our first run. We're training buddies because we both need a little kick in the pants to keep us on track. It's called accountability people! We met up and started our venture out around Green Lake (approximately 3 miles around).....and our ending result.....we ran 70% of the time! We ran the first mile solid and then did intervals the remaining way around. And honestly I felt very comfortable the whole time, which surprised me. There were points toward the end that my muscles burned, but I didn't feel like I couldn't push through it.

And I think my favorite part of the whole run was my SNEAKS! It honestly felt like so much fun to be rocking my new kicks! They're just so bright and loud! I LOVE IT! :)

So that was training day one....tonight for training day two BIKRAM YOGA! :)
I've never done it in my life so its sure to be interesting....and sweaty! The training program says that one night should be to stretch and strengthen....I can't think of a better way to stretch and strengthen than hot yoga! I've been hydrating all day and now am just waiting till the class time comes! I'll post tomorrow on how it goes!


Training Day 1
Goal: 1 mile
Result: 2 miles run, 1 mile walked

Half Marathon - Here I Come!!!

It's Official!!! I have signed up for my first ever HALF MARATHON! Yes thats right! I've signed up for the Rock & Roll Half Marathon in Las Vegas on December 4, 2011. :-)

You all know that I've spent the last year or more working on losing weight. Well I wanted to now start working toward toning up and getting more fit. So now I've decided that I need a new challenge to do this. And that challenge is a half marathon. I've never been much of a runner, but its my new found goal to become one! I've got my training schedule set up, I've looked up nutrition information for how to make sure I'm getting all the right types of food and supplements while I'm training, and the whole program starts TOMORROW!! Whoa!

But I was shy of the MOST important piece of this whole thing....SHOES!! All of my friends who have run one, as well as all the training guides say that the SHOES are the most important piece of your training. So what did I do?! Go shoe shopping of course!! And here are my new pairs!!! (Yes PAIRS)

Yes I got TWO pairs! Why?? Because all the articles I've read say you need to have pairs that you rotate. So thats what I got! I went to Road Runner today and did the ShoeDog tool. Its a tool that measures your balance between left and right, as well as where you place pressure on your feet while you run, and also monitors how you run to see how you distribute weight throughout your run. So from all of this I learned I have VERY high arches, but run very evenly! It was amazing to actually have them be able to tell me which shoes would work best for me, and sculpt inserts for my shoes! The quick runs I did while trying the shoes on in the store felt phenomenal! :)

I'll be putting up posts throughout my training to keep everyone posted on how I am doing! I've got 147 days people!! Time to start rocking and rolling!!!

Seattle - 2011

It has been over a year and a half since my last post, and to try and put everything that has happened over that timeframe in this one individual post would be VERY long and almost impossible. So I don't plan to do that. My plan for this entry is to give a general overview of the changes I've made to my life and catch people up to where I am now.

The last 15 months of my life have been some of the most challenging, but have definitely been the most rewarding that I have experienced to date. When I first arrived in Seattle I was excited for the new chance that awaited me. A chance to actually LIVE my life and not let it be completely run by work. To get back to me.....whoever that was. Because back then I don't think I had ANY clue as to who I was. I only had a glimpse of the woman I wanted to be, and the path to get there seemed impossible. But after 15 months I sit here, still continuing on this journey I've started for myself but it does not seem impossible anymore. If anything, I feel it is the most reachable goal I could ever set for myself. And this is solely because of the support system I have surrounded myself with.

Last March marked the turning point in my mind of what needed to be done and the mindframe I needed to maintain to make this an achievable goal and begin being happy again. It was my cousin Caitlin's wedding. I was a bridesmaid, and so of course had the bridesmaid dress and was in all of the bridal party pictures. During the wedding I felt almost ashamed to be in the bridal party because of my own unhappiness with how I looked. I was very overweight and completely devastated by how I looked and felt. And I felt that my wonderful cousin Caitlin did not deserve to have me ruin/disgrace her wedding pictures with my overweight self. I had been aware for a long time that I had been gaining weight. Eating all the wrong things, not working out, and working 14+ hour days for almost every day of the week. I had no motivation to get myself going at that point but I knew that something needed to happen.

Another monumental thing happened to kick my mind into gear during that weekend at my cousin's wedding. My cousin's beautiful little girl Ella asked me a question on the drive back from the reception. She asked "Why is your belly so big?" You have to love how a child's observation and complete honesty can smack you straight into reality. It was the one thing that everyone had been unwilling to say that bluntly. Myself, my family, my friends. It was thing we were all very much aware of, but that no one spoke of. So when I got home I was determined to do something, and I've been doing something about it for the 15 months since.

In the last 15 months I've lost about 60 pounds and dropped 7-8 sizes, and through this period I've been able to continuously drop or maintain my weight. It is completely and utterly embarrassing for me to admit how badly I had let myself go, but the one thing I've learned over the last 15 months is that in order to move forward you cannot deny the past. You must be open and honest about where you have been if you intend to get where you're going. So thats what I intend to do.

So here I am. I don't consider myself a 'new and improved' me. I feel that I've gotten back to who I really am, and I still feel that I have further changes to undergo. I spent the last 15 months getting my life back in order. Reprioritizing the things that mean most to me. And as I previously said, I couldn't have done it without the support system I had around me. My mom, my sister, my friends, and my fabulous roommate Katie! These people continuously encouraged me throughout the process, even when I wasn't seeing the results as quickly as I wanted them. Especially my roommate Katie. It is amazing what happens when you live with someone that sees the goal you are striving for and pushes me every step of the way. She was an inspiration to me, in so many different ways, and I can't thank her enough for all that she did for me.

More recently I've found myself at a set of crossroads. A lot more than I would've asked for, but I'm not one to back down from a challenge. Two months ago I left my job at KPMG and entered the world of industry working in the Finance department at Symetra Financial. It is a huge change after having established myself at a company for 5 years, but the people I work with and the work/life balance I'm seeing is worth all of the new challenges that lie ahead of me at work. And I'm actually EXCITED about being challenged again.

I've also recently lost two of the people who were most constant in my world over the last 15 months. I ended my relationship with my boyfriend of the last 9 months. It was one of the hardest decisions I'd ever had to make, but I honestly believe that the decision to move forward and search out a path on my own is the best decision I could've made for myself. It has been a hard transition, and will continue to be hard but it will get easier as each day goes by. Also, my beloved roommate Katie moved back to Minnesota. She transferred with her company St Jude, and is also now living closer to her wonderful family. I know that this is truly an amazing opportunity for her and so I am nothing but happy for her. I will miss her dearly, but we both know that this is not the end of our friendship but only the start of a new part of it! Love you Katie!

So there you have it. What I call the shortened version of the last 15 months of my life. Its been a rollercoaster thats for sure, but after seeing how much change can come in that period of time it only excites me for the amazing things I know are coming ahead of me! It is with this positive attitude that I move forward into what will be what I'm sure will be another interesting 15 months!

xoxo
Ames