Faith, Love, Hope 5k Run Against Domestic Violence

Hi readers;

WOW, it's been a LOOOOOOONG time since I've posted anything.  I guess a quick update is in order.  I half assed my training all summer, hey, it was summer.  SO when it came time to run my Rock n Roll Cleveland 1/2 marathon, I didn't do so well.  That and it was like 85 degrees and 98% humidity. Not something I am used to in the mountains of Alberta.

Nonetheless, I finished and it was good to finish.

Since then I have kind of taken a break.  I've done so much in my first 8 months of running, I was and am just worn out.  But something is motivating me to run again, VIRTUAL RACES.  They work the same way as real races, BUT I can run where and when I want, the distance I want and money still goes to charity and I get awesome bling.

This got me thinking.  I wanted to host a race.  Actually I am in the very beginning stages of organizing a REAL race here in Calgary, but I thought I would try a virtual one first and see how that went.  SO here I am, starting a virtual race.  I have a medal design, have a paypal button all set up, all i need are RUNNERS, people who have been through domestic violence and made it out, and for those people who might not have been so lucky.

This is my way of helping out all those amazingly STRONG women out there, and bringing to light something that seems to still be taboo to talk about.  I am donating the money raised to the Calgary Women's Shelter.  I know many of these women need help getting back on their feet.  I am beyond excited to see where this will go.  So far to date (04/26/14) $1500 has been raised.  THANK YOU SO MUCH for all your help and support.

Here is the link to register for my virtual race.  It will take you right to Paypal...... 

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=HVBSFGJBZGRLW



You can run this race ANYTIME you want, run whatever distance you want, please just send in your pictures so I can see you've all enjoyed running for an amazing cause.

Thank you

Life after my first 1/2 marathon

Hey guys, wow, it's been MONTHS since I've written.  Ok quick catch up.  I ran my very first half marathon on May 26, 2013.  It was hell, lol.  The weekend before all I did was cry and bitch how I didn't want to do it.  Race day came, and I was as cool as a cucumber, well until the hot sun came out.  I was all ready to go, no nerves, no nothing, just me and the pavement.  I finished in 2:38:08 and I am damn proud of that.  I had to walk for a bit at points, BUT I finished it, I did something I NEVER thought was possible.  It's crazy!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Now a post marathon update: I am training for a 2nd 1/2 marathon in Cleveland Ohio, I have Color Me Rad in a couple weeks, and Spartan Race in just under a month.  I am planning to do Napa Valley 1/2 marathon in the spring and then 50th anniversary of Calgary 1/2 marathon again with a goal of running the WHOLE thing, NO WALKING.

 

My eating has gone to shit post race.  I took a few weeks of to recover, and found myself right back into old habits of drinking diet coke, eating fast food, drinking more again, and not exercising at all..... I am pretty much at square one again :(

 

 

It's fine, you fall, you get back up.  I am getting back up, I am dusting myself off, and I am getting back out there.  I have been running in a clinic again for training, and I started back to the gym as well.  Before I know it, I will be back to where I was, a hottie LOL.

 

 

Motivation is a tough thing.  Life seems to get in the way.  I let life get in the way of something I was truly starting to love, and apparently am good at, or so I hear from peeps in my clinic. 

 

 

Here are a few things that are going to KEEP me motivated......



1. my mom, who pushes me to be better
2. my friend Natalie who pushes me, well we push each other (we are doing Edmonton girl)
3. all the people in my run clinic who believe I am stronger than I give myself credit for
4. my family and friends  who believe in me
and the BIGGIE
5. I am able to run, when so many can't.  They have strength and courage beyond measure.  I run for me, and for those who can't

 

 

 

 

So sorry it's been so long, and sorry it's not a glamour post, BUT I will be updating far more now that I am back on track to changing my life for the better.  I love you all, and to those who believe in me when I don't believe in myself, THANK YOU.

I'm a running machine

Ok, first off, I am SORRY for not writing in a month.  I've been sooooooooooooo busy running and working out, and just life.  It's been almost 4 months since I started my journey.  As usual, I have had some good days and some bad days.  I've had pop, I've had McDonalds, and I've had cupcakes, BUT I've also started losing some major weight.  I have been eating quinoa, and less processed foods.  Everyone is allowed cheat days!!!!!! (that's how I get by, lol)

I have done a total of 2 5km races, and a 1 mile fun run (where I got my first medal) I have come a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG way since I started running in October (in 2012 I did a few 5km races and a 5 mile)  I've also been running my ass of in run clinic.....

 

 

 

 

That's my milage since the beginning of March and includes one of my 5km races.  I keep breaking my 5km best.  I'm just trying to break 35:00.  It's AMAZING how many miles you hae to run just to train for 13.1 (21.1kms)  I NEVER in a million years thought I'd EVER run over 100kms.  But here I am, still standing, and planning on more.

 

 

In one of my last posts, I said I was planning a hot vacation in the fall as a reward, NOPE, not anymore, I am rewarding myself with a 2nd, yup that's right, 2nd 1/2 marathon in Cleveland Ohio, and I'm running it with my parents.  *need to get my head examined* I'm 32 days away from my 1st 1/2 marathon and here I am signed up for another......  My parents are beside themselves that I wanna do this with them though.

 

 

 



These are some of my bibs so far, and my FIRST medal..... Ok ok it was only for a 1 mile race, but hey, I'll take it....... So, so far this is my running journey, and I'm excited and scared, and a ton of other emotions, BUT I'm learning so much, so much about running, and so much about myself.  Running has helped save me from the depression rabbit hole, and for that, I am grateful!!!!! Thanks mom and Cam for being my inspiration, without you, I dunno where I'd be...... xo

 

 

 

To end my post on a good note, here's a pic of me with a fellow runner and a St. Patricks Day run.  I'm the one all dressed up.... (can't believe I didn't win anything for BEST DRESSED) had a green wig on and everything, oh well, can't win em all.....

 

 



next HUGE battle: FOOD

Hey all;

So I have been doing GREAT.... I am losing weight, I am starting to feel good, running is slowly becoming fun, but SLOWLY!

I still have a huge battle though, FOOD!!!!! I am still not eating as good as I should be.  I haven't had fried food, haven't had much pop, lol, but I'm still eating processed food.  I just recently bought some cookbooks, so I am excited to start making some yummy, HEALTHY, no-processed food.

I am borrowing a friends Costco card, and going to make that store my bitch.  I am going to freak out and leave with like $1000 worth of stuff (God I hope not)

I hate to be one of those people who takes pictures of their food, but I may just have too, 1. to prove I am cooking, lol and 2. to prove I am eating healthy.

I just went and bought Hemp Hearts, and I am going to try these.  It will add heartiness to my salads, my smoothies, and whatever else I want.  I'm excited to try this.

I'm also going to start eating flax seeds as well.  It's just all these little things that are going to help me get healthier, and stronger, and make me better at whatever it is that I wanna do.  

With the cookbooks, and all these little things, I am SOOOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!! I've never been this excited about food since chicken nuggets LOL.  I'll let you know, and keep you updated with pictures.

Don't wish for it, work for it

So, it's been a bit.  Since I've written, and since I've started the journey.  I must admit, I have had a few rough rough days, and some GREAT days.  I have no clue where I'm at in my journey.  I don't wanna weigh myself.  What if I haven't lost any weight?  I'm waiting till I feel better, till I can stand looking at myself again.

I started my run clinic last night for my half marathon.  I started in the slowest group, but it's faster than not doing it..... I'm not going to lie, I AM SCARED SHITLESS about all this running, and running 21.1kms.  It's long and far, and hard (get your minds out of the gutter) and it scares me.  I'm scared of failing, I'm scared of being to slow, I'm scared of lots of things associated with running.  Most of all, just scared of failing :(

I'm not wishing for it, I am WORKING for it, but ti doesn't make it any less scary..... My body HATES me right now, it's so sore, and sore in places I didn't know it could be sore.  I feel like all I do is drown myself with water, like you could wring me out and there'd be a puddle of lemon water, LOL.  

Yes, I am getting discouraged, BUT it didn't take 2 months to put the weight on so I can't expect it to come off in 2 months.  I just don't know the right exercises for what I need, and a trainer is so fucking expensive, and do they REALLY give you the results you're looking for?  Who knows..... I guess I won't lol.

I am doing the best I can with the knowledge I have.  Guess I need to do some homework on what I need to do.

Ugh, I'm so blah today!!!!! I need to get my head back in the game.  My heart is there, but my head isn't.  How do I get both?  

I just gotta keep climbing until one catches up with the other I guess..... Maybe it's just an off day, or maybe my head just isn't there, either way I CAN'T give up, cuz then my fear of failing will be REAL..... And I refuse to fail, I refuse to sink.....

I've have to just put one foot in front of the other, and just go one kilometer at a time, and push on.  The ONLY thing standing in my way right now is ME!!!!!! Get your head out of your ass Tabitha, and get it in the game.  One kilometer at a time and you'll get there.  That's what I'm telling myself right this minute.  JUST ONE KILOMETER AT A TIME.....

Is sexy on the inside or outside?

So, It's been a month since I stated my journey.  Holy shit, a whole month.  I have had a bit of pop, a couple Taco Bell tacos (8 to be exact) and I am feeling GREAT.  DOn't get me wrong, I have good days and bad days.  Today, just so happens to be a good day.

I am working towards GREAT goals.  I am working towards my half marathon, and I am working towards a vacation in the fall to reward myself for being so good..... I have even bought a bikini in a SMALLER SIZE so I can keep in mind I've gotta fit into it.  I haven't had a bikini for years!!!!

I hope I feel as sexy in it as this chick looks..... and GOD DAMN does she look sexy as hell.  So I have to ask, is sexy on the outside or the inside?!?

I actually enjoy going to the gym.  I look forward to it.  I am intimidated by it, and the buff people that are there, but then I think some people might be looking at me saying the exact same thing. (here's to hoping anyway) I haven't weighed myself cuz I'm afraid too.  I know muscle weighs more than fat, but I am not sure how much fat I have lost.  I will weigh myself soon though, cuz I will need to know.

I look forward to eating healthy meals too.  EVEN vegetables!!!!!! Veggies within REASON that is.  I am drinking water, but not yet as much as I should.  It's hard.  I work in a mall with NO BATHROOM in my store.  So peeing 50 times a day doesn't work at work since the closest bathroom is like a 15 minute trip round trip.

I have been tanning and keeping up with skin nutrition too, so I feel awesome in that regard.  The better I feel on the outside with the little things, the big things will come.....

I start my half marathon run clinic on Valentine's Day, and I'm excited and scared.  I'm excited to meet new people, to lose the weight, to work towards a goal, but scared I'm going to fail...... I don't want to fail, and I'm pretty sure I won't allow myself to fail either, but I'm still scared.  I wanna be fierce!!!!!

I have an 8K run for Valentine's Day, a 5K race for St. Patrick's Day, another 5K race a week after that, I'm hoping to be a running queen, or at least a jogging queen LMAO..... At least I'm getting out there and trying.  You NEVER know unless you TRY!!!!!!

All in all, I am happy where I'm at right now, but so damn excited to see where I'll end up, hopefully 2 sizes smaller in my bikini on a beach with a sexy ass man.....  One can only hope (on the man part that is)

3 5K races down, how many more to go?

 

 

 

 

 

So this past weekend I ran ANOTHER 5k race, the MEC Hot Chocolate run.  I was sooooooooooo pumped to get out there and run it.  I had my music all set, had my mind all set, BUT it ended up being different than I wanted.  These MEC ppl were damn fast....... 

 

I started off really well, I'm pretty sure I made to the half way point in like 12 minutes.  It was the second half where I slowed right down.  Considering the fasted woman completed the race in 20 minutes, I didn't do well at all..... I did beat my previous time, BUT very narrowly.  I knew I wasn't doing well on the last kilometre, I was actually crying because I was beating myself up, I crossed the finish line and cried more once the first 10k runner came in less than a minute after me.

 

This race DIDN'T help my confidence in the slightest.  I left feeling VERY shitty to be honest.  Having said that, I REFUSE TO SINK, AND I AM NOT GIVING UP...... Those yuppy runners that shop at MEC, that seemed to all be friends, aren't going to get me down.   

 

I know I haven't trained much, and I can't run the whole 5k, BUT that doesn't mean I won't soon.  I can't beat myself up since I am not a regualr runner, but that's all changing starting Valentine's Day when I start my run clinic for the Calgary Half Marathon......

 

Watch out yuppies, here I come.

 

 

me at the race, bloody cold out

 

 

I have ALWAYS been hard on myself, ALWAYS..... Huge character flaw, amoung others, but I got my ass outta bed, and froze to run and prove something. I could have stayed in bed, but I chose to go run.  I DID IT, what did  you do Saturday morning?  LOL

 

I just need to change my mind set and then I will be a force of nature not to be messed with.  (does that sound right)

 

Changing your WHOLE way of life isn't the easiest thing to do, but I'm here and I'm showing up, so CONGRATS Tabby, you're already better than the old you who woulda stayed in bed, and slept the day away.

 

 

ALL my bibs have the # 23 in them, weird?

 

 

 

A HUGE thank you to my mom who helps keep me in check, and reminds me that I can do it, and to NEVER give up.  I love you mom, I wouldn't be who I am if it weren't for you xoxo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

p.s. the next time I do an MEC race, I am going to bring the energy, I'm going to bring the noise, I am going to bring it, show these stiff ol' yuppies what's it's like to have some fun LMAO



help me find a mantra

I need your help folks, I NEED a running mantra, or just a mantra for my journey.  I am going to put up a few pics of different mantras, and I need your help picking one.

I think I know which one I like, but I just want some input..... So comment with a number between 1 and 4.  I NEED this to help me push through the pain, push through the wanting to quit, just to push through.

2 weeks down, a million more to go

So the holidays have come and gone, and after a slow start to my new lifestyle, I am finally in a groove.  I haven't had nearly as much diet Coke (yes, I've had some, but am now on day 6 without) I haven't had any sweets (oops, with the exception of the nastiest birthday cake EVER, sorry ladies).....

said birthday cake

I have been going to the gym and kicking the stationary bikes ASS..... I actually look forward to going to the gym now, WHICH I never thought I'd say, EVER.  I have signed up for 2 races, a 10km race on St. Patricks Day weekend, and a 8km race just before Valentines Day.  I have confirmed my half marathon, and my half marathon running clinic.  I am getting excited, but still scared shitless at the same time.

I haven't had fast food in 18 days, the LONGEST I've gone without McDonalds or Dairy Queen.  I don't miss it anymore, AGAIN, something I never ever thought I'd say.  I look forward to having my protein shakes for breakfast, and I look forward to having one after my work outs or runs.

EVERYONE says it takes about 2 weeks for you to change how your body craves things, and I didn't believe them, NOW I do.  I don't crave the food, the diet Coke, yes, I still crave it, but I just have my lemon/cucumber water, LOL..... I totally enjoy my shakes which is a combo of strawberries, a banana, coconut water, coco powder and protein powder.   I am FINALLY enjoying being healthy!!!! Who woulda thunk it?  Not me.

I have had 3 people tell me that they have noticed how much weight I am loosing.  I see a little bit in my face, and my love handles are smaller, but I don't see any MAJOR results yet.  I do feel my pants fitting a tad looser, which is a good sign.  I dont' know how much I've lost as I'm afraid to step on the scale after I cried for 2 hours last time I did that, LOL.

Overall, my update isn't a huge one, just small steps that are working.  My one race I have coming up I have to get running more outside.  My shoes are broken in, and I have nothing but the open road in front of me, and ENDLESS possibilities...... I'm excited about my journey, and can't wait to see what it holds for me.

Brazilian Butt what?

Ok, 2 days into the New Year and I haven't done so well, but I'm still hung over from NYE lol.... So I am getting there.  Today, I drank 2 litres of detox water.  I found it online, I dunno if it works, but it sure tastes good.  3 quartz of water, 3 lemons, 1/2 cucmber and 5-6 mint leaves.  It's YUMMY, whether it detoxifies me is a whole other story.

In terms of exercise, I realized how f'ing out of shape I am.  I did the Brazilian butt workout and just about died, LOL.  Holy shit!  I think I have to start slow here.

BUT I SHALL GET MY DESIRED RESULTS, EVEN IF IT KILLS ME

Yes, this silly little workout just about killed me.... I can't do this, yet I can run 3kms without stopping.  Ah well, I will get there.  and the above exercise is supposed to get me an ass that will turn heads.  I can't wait!!!!

If my ass looks HALF as good as this, I will be one happy girl.  With running, my above workout, and cardio, I should have my desired butt results in no time.  Not to sure why I am focused on my ass right now, but I guess I've gotta start somewhere eh?  I saw this picture and was like "DAMN..... I want an ass like that"  Her legs are killer too.  Again, I'd be happy with legs half as good as hers.

SO, to sum up my short and sweet post, I am off to a rocky start, but I am gaining momentum, and I am setting goals, getting my meal plans in place, my workout plans in order and I'm getting ready to kick butt, (pardon the pun)