Running Lite

Since I'm getting more thematic these days, I thought I'd run with this idea.

I just got off the phone with my Dad. We had, like, an hour long conversation. That fact in it's self is story worthy, because who talks to their Dad that long? I'm lucky that I can do that. However, that's not what I'm going to write about.

During one of our many conversations the issue of "My Diet" came up. With blushing and humbleness, I've gotten a few wonderful people fooled that I'm a skilled runner with worthy advice. Among those people are some of my Dad's training buddies. He mentioned to me today that during a long run he was asked about my eating habits and how it pertains to my running. "What does Lacy eat?"

I thought it would be fun to list the normal daily menu for all those inquiring minds.

Fair warning though, I'm not recommending anything. I'm just telling you what I do and that's all.

An important note to factor in is that I used to be overweight. During the first year of my marriage, then my pregnancy, and my post-delivery years, I put on a nice chunk of weight.

To be very honest, I gained 15-20 lbs in the first 6 months of marriage. I gained 60 lbs during pregnancy, getting me up to 200 lbs on my 5' 7" frame. I only lost 40 lbs after Judah was born. So, I walked around at about 160 lbs for the first 2 years of Judah's life.

Most people don't believe me, so I thought I'd post some proof.

Believe me now?

Long story short on Mother's Day 2005, I started a diet. I counted calories using this formula.

Females: take your desired weight multiplied by 11. Males: desired weight multiplied by 12.

I wanted to weigh 120lbs. So, 120 x 11= 1320. I ate a diet of 1320 calories a day. No exercise, no adequate water intake, no focus on balancing food groups, just counted calories.

Since my goal was to lose weight, I was successful. May not have been the healthiest regime, but it worked. It worked so well, in fact, that I went over board. I was wearing sizes I'd never imagined and I took it too far. I reduced my calories even more and was very unhealthy. I was essentially battling an eating disorder. I was cranky, tired, and gaunt looking.This is a random picture of me. I look rail thin. What's more telling is my meal. It was the end of the day and I hadn't eaten a thing. I'm eating a 100 calorie soup and drinking a bottle of water. This was a typical day for me during this time period.

Thank the Lord that this didn't go on for too much longer. Not long after this picture was taken, I had a binge. I ate way too many animal crackers in the middle of the night one night. I woke with the guilt that many bulimics or anorexics refer to. Instead of doing something harmful to myself, I dug around in my closet and found the closest thing I could find that resembled a running shoe. I put them on and told Kenton, "I'll be back soon."

I was back in a matter of minutes, sweaty, panting, and falling on the floor. I'd barely made it around the block. But I think we all know what happened from there. To my surprise, as I type this, I'm realizing that, that event took place nearly 3 years ago to this very day.

It's been a learning process learning how to deal with body image, weight, diet, running, and burning/consuming the right amount of calories. I've been wrong, right, and somewhere in between. I can proudly say that I have maintained a healthy weight for nearly 10 months now. The best part is that I've maintained it by eating right, key word being EATING!

Okay, so here you go, here's my weirdo diet. There's still many crossovers from my dieting days. (I was not blessed with a super metabolism, so I don't get a free pass!)

TYPICAL DAY'S MENU

64 oz. of water before lunch

Lunch:

Salad with carrots, cucumbers, and celery.

2-3 Slices of Turkey

Fat Free Balsamic vinaigrette dressing OR salsa as dressing

1 rice cake (I can't eat gluten..so no bread for a normal sandwich)

1 piece of fruit. (Usually a grapefruit or orange)

Snack:

Sometimes I get a snack in the late afternoon. If I do, it's usually a piece of fruit. Sometimes it's a rice cake, or even a few pistachios.

Dinner:

It varies, but it's very common for us to have:

2 egg omelet with lots of veggies. (Broccoli, spinach, onions, bell peppers, anything in season)

Salsa to top it.

Piece of fruit

OR

Grilled chicken breast

Grilled veggie (like corn, squash, or zucchini)

Most of our dinners are light. Kenton's trying to lose weight, so I try to support him by eating the same dinner as him.

If we go out, he' skips the carbs and I get to indulge.

I love love love, Tsunami's Coconut Curry Chicken with steamed rice!!!!

But here's my secret about where I get most of my calories.

BEDTIME SNACK:

I'm nearly ashamed to admit this to the whole world. I eat about 18 quarts of air popped popcorn each night!

I love it and can pack it away!

Again, here's proof. Kenton snapped this at midnight on my 27th birthday. I had fallen asleep with the giant popcorn bowl next to me. I can eat up to three full bowls of that a night.

(18 quarts is probably a giant over estimate, but, it's big bowl and I pack it away!)

Now, I know I eat more than that through out the course of a whole week, but generally that's what I do. I know there's room for improvement. Especially because I need to learn to refuel properly to protect my muscles and restore my body after my runs. And please know that I get to indulge in "bad things" now and then too.

One of Kenton's customers owns a DQ and refuses to let us pay, so the sweet offer of free ice cream calls my name too often these days. Considering it's loaded with sugar, calories, and too many other bad things is one issue, but considering I'm lactose intolerant is another one completely!

So, there you have it. One runner's journey through the food pyramid. It's not perfect, but as my running has shown, it must be working for me!

I Broke It!!!

 

 

 

Saturday, June 6, 2009 18th Annual East VS. West 5K

I showed up to the race with as much nerves as my very first race. Why? Why do I still get so nervous? Who knows. I just kept hearing my college speech teacher's voice, "Use your nervousness to your advantage."

My Dad and I took off for a quick little warm-up jog and headed towards the starting line. Little did we know that the starting line was much further away than we anticipated. Good thing we were already running!

The starting line was way crowded. We were on the river path and we were crammed. Per Kenton's "instructions" I made sure I started at the front. I was with in arms reach of the actual line. True to norm there were a few people who were obviously in the wrong starting position. When you see people wearing fanny packs for a 5K, chances are, they don't belong on the very front of the line. Bless them for being out there, but it's sure frustrating when you have to spend so much energy getting started because others are too slow to avoid being a roadblock.

But never the less the whistle blew and I was swallowed up by the crowd. I knew I had a chance of setting a new record today, beating my previous best of 21:45, and I wasn't going to let a heap of  jackrabbits take that from me. I had to jump in the grass and finally get a position where I could run.

Once I was finally in a clearing I refused to look at my Garmin, and just ran. I knew that there was one female in front of me. I also knew that that female was faster than me, but I took heart that I could still see her.

The course ran west up the river and then crossed it and took us back east. By 3 kilometers, my stomach was wondering when I was going to slow down because it was about to blow. I had to just remind myself that it would all be over soon and go somewhere else for the next few minutes.

I could still see my competition in front of me, but the chances were so slim I'd catch her.  So, I just ran my race and headed for home. I could look across the river and see the first finisher coming in. I headed up the hill and back across a bridge for the final stretch. Once around the hill I could see the clock. It said 19:50!!! I was going to break 20 minutes!!!! I heard Judah on the left and hit the last few strides. I stopped my watch and looked for the first time. 19:56!!!!

So, I wasn't first, but I was more stoked about the sub 20 time. I took a minute and a half off my best time! I wore an ear to ear smile the rest of the day!

The morning proceeded with some extra "recovery" miles and eventually the best part of the entire event: The Kids 1K!

It was getting hotter and windier as I walked Judah down to the starting line.

Once the lead bike arrived and a final shoe string check was made, the whistle blew. 30 little kids took off like bullets, and 29 of them were keeled over about 5 yards later. But not Judah, oh no! He held a beautiful even pace the entire time. He watched as kids would dash ahead and then have to stop to catch their breath. Or he'd say, "excuse me" as he'd smoothly pass another runner who'd had too much and couldn't go any further. He started huffing and puffing  as he rounded the final corner. As I asked him a question his spirit was lifted, "Judah, what do you get when you're done?" His eyes lit up and he replied, "PANCAKES!!!!"

With that the last few steps were cake. He ran it in with the cheers of his sponsor, Mr. Randy, and NeeNee on the side lines. He coasted through the finisher's chute like an old pro. 

He was eager to get through all the high fives and get back in the pancake line.

All his work was well worth the effort because at the end of the event the announcer called out, "Judah Hansen" as the 4 place finisher!

I was so proud of him. We both walked away with a little bling yesterday.

My competition is a really really nice girl who's only one year older than me, so I can't get an overall first place finish umless she stays home or an age group first place until she hits 30!!

I walked away with a PR and a 2nd place medal. I was so excited that my quiet little goal  of breaking 20 minutes was accomplished.

http://runwichita.org/siteadmin/raceresults_file/176.txt

Now, today I'm paying for it, because I can't walk without a little groaning from the quad pain, but it's totally worth it!

Sharp Dressed Man

Judah was bestowed a great honor two weeks ago. He was asked to be the ring bearer at Aubrie and Luke's wedding. When he was originally asked, I talked to him to see how he'd feel about it. When he showed a little sign of apprehension, I swooped in and mentioned "the rule." I said, "Did you know the rule about ring bearers in our house?" He replied, "no."

I continued with, "Anyone of my son's who does a good job at being a ring bearer, gets to have ice cream after he's done."

Judah's eyes lit up and the rest was history.

He walked down the aisle with Miss Selah like a pro. 

He walked slowly and smiled perfectly. That boy will do anything for sugar!

It was such a privilege to celebrate with Aubrie and Luke. It's such a blessing to watch one of our "students" choose such a wonderful path.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Newman!

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth... 3 John 1:4

Pomp And Circumstance

We were so proud of Judah and his fellow graduates. It was a great morning. We were extra proud when Judah was one of the recipients of the only two awards given. Our son is too spirited to receive many behavior awards, but he was honored with a perfect attendance award!!!

This special morning was topped off with a trip to Tsunami with NeeNee to celebrate the class of 2009!

They Had A Field Day!

Adam's Elementary 2009 Field Day!! SO much fun. Judah and, you guessed it, Isaac, played side

by side all morning and had a blast!

Meanwhile...Back On The Homefront

Okay...post marathon euphoria has subsided and I must move on.

In the midst of training and recovery, my busy life has continued and here are the major highlights since the big day.

One of the best shows all year was the Pre-K music and movement performance. Judah stole the show. He sang so hard that at the end of the night his voice was hoarse. There's nothing better than watching kids this age perform. Whether emergency potty breaks cause one to run off, a shy child hides behind her arm all night, or a wardrobe malfunction (shoes untied) requires the assistance of Miss Gracie, all is acceptable in this crowd. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much that night.

Two days after the marathon I joined Judah's class on their field trip to the zoo. We had a great time with the kids. Judah and his pal Isaac are

 inseparable.

So Isaac's mother, Kendra and I chased four rambunctious boys around the zoo. I don't know who more ill equipped, me barely moving with post marathon legs or her, nearly 6 months pregnant. We were a sight!

And speaking of sights...it's always an "educational" time at the zoo, especially in the springtime. This was so funny as the kids said, "Look! The one on top is smiling!"

Oh...throw in a new 10K PR at the River Run. 43:04. My legs eventually recovered!

Judah ran his third annual Tot Trot and made us all so proud!

Bustin' For Boston, Finale

What lied ahead was some of the toughest running I've ever known. Miles 20-23 or 24 (I can't remember, it was such a feat) lead us out into a straight head wind. It was worse than back at the lake. It had increased dramatically in the last few miles. It became clear that our group of now 3 had really grown tired. We powered through the first mile pretty strong and we stayed together.

Live music was being played  to one side of us and it was a little bit of a distraction. We passed under an overpass and no amount of distraction could help us anymore.

Stacey fell back and Bill and I began our personal battles to take on the wind. I put my head down and pushed. A gust would come and take my breath away. I'd tuck back down and push again. I'd catch Bill and then pass him. A gust would come and I'd be knocked back. Bill would then pass me. I managed a few words to him, all consisting of, "Don't we turn out of this soon?" "That turn has to be soon, right?"

I managed to catch back up with a man I hadn't seen since the halfway mark. In his thick Latin accent he said, "Oh, there you are again, wondering abo

ut you." I think I made the same redundant reply about the wind to him. As we pressed on, to our left a fellow runner had probably hit the wall. His body had apparently had enough as he was puking into the storm gutter. It was awful, a horrible image to take in this late in the game. The wind was causing his chucks to splatter every which way, poor guy. All I could do 

was cover the left side of my vision and power on by. It took me a bit to shake that image.

Kenton came strolling in my view. He had the phone up to his ear and called out, "What mile are you at?" I looked down and saw I was only at 22.5. I was freaked. I had used so much energy in the last 2.5 miles that it felt as though I should  have been further. He replied back to my family and then let me know, he'd see me at the finish. I kept up my back and forth game with Bill, the only one of the original 5 still in my sights. Our beloved cowbell man came walking up t

o a bus stop bench and I mustered one of the last phrases of the day to him, "Come on, I gotta have more cowbell!" He responded joyfully with, "I'm working on it." He unzipped his bag so quick and banged that bell like there was no tomorrow. I couldn't see him anymore, but I raised my arm in appreciation. Kenton

 zoomed by in the car and honked from the other lane and then I was alone. Bill and I hit one of the busiest aid stations t

ogether. I grabbed up all the GU I could manage as I ran through, took a powerade swig, grabbed a water gulp, and then chugged right on. I don't remember where Bill was in that transition, but I was getting scared. I could easily look down and tell that I wasn't keeping an 8:20 pace in that wind and I was losing time. I could see the course turn up ahead and I knew if I could just get out of the wind, I'd be able to get my pace back up. I was doing the math in my head. 23 miles came and I knew I still had just enough time to make it to the finish in 3:40. Finally, I was able to turn left and escape the direct wind. I even welcomed the dang hill they place at the end of the course. I was just so thankful that it was calm and now it was even quiet, without the howl of the wind in my ears.

Part excitement, part fear rose up in me as I knew the race was almost over. I was getting hoops and hollers from the crowds when they realized I was a full marathoner coming through strong along the course. I was having to compete for a space on the course at this point, because it was still quite saturated with people walking the half marathon. I now regret that I was a little short with these people, but I was trying to run and they were walking at a leisure pace sometime 5-7 people abreast. They were making it hard to pass. Eventually I'd holler excuse me and just plow right through their group. When the volunteers saw me coming they'd help me out by alerting the walkers. I had gotten in to the zone, I had less than two miles left and I was running hard. I looked down at one point and saw my pace had increased to 7:45 per mile. I did the math and knew I had it, if I'd just maintain an 8:20, but I was still scared. A fresh relayer, finishing up her 10K came bounding by and I started to hustle after her, then I realized there was no need for that, She could have her finish, we were not in the same race, I needed to calm down and finish smart. I felt so supported that the neighborhood would recognize me as a full marathoner. They shouted my name if they were close enough to read my bib. Otherwise, they'd scream my number, " Number 1495, you're looking great, you're almost there!" At this point I had no idea that I was only the 14th female to pass by with a full marathon bib, what an honor to be one of the first few to pass them that morning.

With a hand full of gu that I had no intention of using and a heart pounding like a drum, I looked left and saw my Dad. He was on his phone too. All I heard was, "I got her, we're coming!"

I waved and watched as he jumped in the street, still wearing his half marathon number, and bright yellow shirt. We said little but I do remember him getting in front of me and some how communicating that he was going to block the wind that we were now competing with once more. I nodded or something. I asked him if he could hold the GU I had and then we ran on. We were past mile 25 and I dribbled out the words, "I think I got it." He replied back, "You got it." The last and final aid station was up ahead as my Dad pointed it out, I slowed for a second to grab one last drink. I didn't even need it, but I was operating like a robot at this point. I think there was

 more live music playing, but I could barely focus on anything, I knew I was so close. The last two miles were the longest two miles of my life though. I called out, "Is that it?" "Is that the final turn?" My Dad called back, "Yep! That's it!" Down a hill and around the corner we went. The corner nearly knocked me back as the wind needed to show it's face once more. My Dad jumped right in front of me and said, "Let me know if I need to go faster!" I looked at my garmin and knew I was set, I just had to maintain for a few more yards. I could see the finish line. It still seemed too far away, but I just kept going. The crowds got thicker, it got nosier, and my heart thumped harder. Balloons, faces, an announcer over a loud speaker, there was so much

 commotion. I was so close. I heard my name being screamed and couldn't make out where it was coming from. My Dad pointed left. I saw my sister standing above the crowd on a bench waving and screaming my name. Her husband was there too. I looked and looked some more

 and then I saw my mom, my nephew, and my baby boy. He blew me a kiss and I sent one right back at him. I was so glad I saw each one of them. Even though this all took place in a matter of seconds, I can still see it in slow motion. I instantly had time to ponder about Kenton's location. I started making assumptions that he got caught in traffic or something else had prevented him from being there at that moment. No sooner did I finish those thoughts then I heard, "LACY!!!!!" I looked right and there he was, red in the face from screaming my name so loud. He made it, it was perfect, everyone was there. My Dad turned to me and let me know he was stopping there. How I wish I could remember his words exactly, but he gave me my last boost and told me to "Take it, It's all yours."

And I did. The announcer jumped in front of me, read my name, and announced that Lacy Jaye was finishing 26.2 miles. With just a few more foot falls I crossed the painted line and finally the timing mat. I had finished, I was done, and it was over. Garmin was set to chip time and said 3:37, the clock was set to gun time and it said 3:38. Either way you sliced it, I got it, I qualified for Boston.

I could go on to tell you how I met up with Rick and heard how he dropped out at mile 16 due to illness. I could tell you how I pilfered free Carl's Jr. burgers to my entire family. I could tell you how one by one my friends came across that line, I could tell you the war stories they acquired out on the course. Bill's battle with the wind. Stacey's exhaustion. Brad's cramps. I could tell you how my legs hurt so bad I didn't know if I would ever walk normal again. There's a million side stories I could tell, but there's just one I must tell.

I know I didn't get to that finish line by myself. Friends, running partners, doctors, my son, my mother, my sister, my grandmothers, my in-laws, strangers, acquaintances, and my wonderful, irreplaceable husband all got me there. There are million ways I could tell of their support and one day I will. But today I must tell you about my Dad. 

He got me to run my first mile. He walked me through everyone after that. He held me up when each race nearly did me in. He let me cry to him when I was taken out by an injury. He quietly, but strongly let me know he understood and supported me in this quest for Boston. He got it, he knew that it was more than a race to me. He knew that I had to do this. He understood when I told him I needed Judah to see me accomplish this. He didn't bat an eye when I showed weakness or fear. He knew I was running to get away from everything else in my life that had said, "no you can't." He knew that I relied on strength that wasn't my own. Mostly he knew I could do it and that was, at times, all I could believe in. I could believe because he believed in me. 

As long as I live I will cherish the moment that my father jumped in front of me in my time of greatest need and forged a path for me, because I was too weak to do it on my own. Is there any greater picture of the Father's love than this?

"Come to me, all of you who are weary and loaded down with burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

I eventually made my way back to him after I got through the finisher's area. He grabbed me and held my weak sweaty body tight. He spoke into my ear my most cherished words. Words that will remain between him and I. Words everyone needs to hear from their Dad. Words that filled my heart with delight.

So, Boston had my number. But the Lord has my heart. What a priceless day. To see my God in my family, in my father. To have a heart's desire come into reality. To have so much thankfulness that I didn't know where to start.

The once overweight, out of shape girl. The girl who got out of gym class by petitioning the principal the allow her to play her violin instead. The girl who was never picked first. The girl who was too quiet to have many friends. The girl who was set-up as an easy target. The girl who could never quite find her place. The girl who didn't have a great deal of confidence. The girl who didn't really even know her dad that well. Can confidently tell her son,

"You know you can do anything, right?"

"Anything?" he replied.

"Yes, Judah, look at what God did for me, I shouldn't have been able to run that fast. Jesus even said if you believe, you can move mountains."

"Mountains?"

"Yes, mountains."

"Well, I'm going to move 46 of them, or maybe just 6."

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. 

"O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!"

Psalm 34:8