CAN'T BELIEVE IT~!!!

First of all, let me apologize for not posting Monday morning roll call and goals. You know, I'm off for the summer and there is always something to do. The thing that I can't believe is that I was sort of challenged by one of the trainers at the gym to complete the Bix at 6 run/walk last night. It is a practice run in Davenport held each Thursday night to help people prepare for the Bix 7. If you don't know what that is - it's a huge 7 mile race that thousands of people run and walk in. Well, I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!! I jogged and speed walked the whole 7 miles in one hour 32 minutes and 50 seconds. I know, that's a long time, but it's a hard course, too. There were a lot of hills. I only walked a normal pace for brief periods of time to get my heart rate down a little and then I would speed walk or jog again. I'd say that I jogged at least 1/2 of the race. It just feels so good to be able to do that!! The trainer that challenged me is named Beth and she teachers a grueling one hour cross training class on Tuesdays and one hour cycling class on Thursdays that my husband and I both do. When she brought up the idea of the Bix at 6, I sort of scoffed and said that I could never do that. She said "Andrea, if you can get through one of my classes, you can get through that race!" I thought about it and thought about it and suppose that I was looking for a new challenge, so I decided to do it. I went to the gym first, to lift weights last night and saw Beth and told her that I was going. I told everyone jokingly to look for the person that the news caught on tape who passed out halfway through the race. Beth told me that she had faith in me that I could do it. She asked me what I was doing a year ago and I said that I was walking 4 miles a day to prepare for the Moonlight Chase race. However, it was not at the pace that I am doing now. She then asked what I was doing 2 years ago. I kinda giggled and said that I was sitting on the couch eating M & M's and drinking tea and watching tv. She proved her point that I am better fit than I have EVER been! I never would have thought that I could be doing this sort of cardio! On a side note, it's kind of funny- I don't think that my mom realizes how hard of cardio and weight lifting that I do. When I was telling her about the run and how much I hurt afterwards, she said "well, why didn't you just quit halfway through?" I don't think that she fully understands my newfound committment to health. I won't quit halfway through. These changes are for life - my own and that of my family members! OUr eating and activity lifestyles have all changed and I intend to keep working at them for the rest of my life. Thanks for listening and celebrating with me! Here's to our health!! God bless, Andrea

ALLLLLLLRIGHTTTTTTTT Andrea! Wow What an acomplishment! I am so happy for you & proud of you also. I never would be able to do that, walk it, yes, but never jog or run. And I doubt very much if I ever could handle a class such as you describe. You're a better person & more didicated than I am. Dixie

Thanks, Dixie! I bet that you could do this sort of thing, too. With all of the things that you say you do, I'm sure you'd be right up there with me. I'm not a better person and more dedicated -= just another addiction added to my life - a healthy one at that! Thanks again and God bless, Andrea

Congrats to you girl Although I can walk I don't do the running, especially now with the heat have to really watch it. I admire your strength in taking the challenge & following thru. What an inspiration you are. Big hugs Carolyn

Thanks, Carolyn! I guess tha****ching out for the "ticker" makes a difference whether you run or walk, doesn't it? I wear a heart rate monitor and have pushed my heart rate up higher than ever when jogging. I finished the course smart, too - when my heart rate got in the 170's-160's, I would speed walk a few minutes to get it down again. If it dropped below 130's or 140's, I would jog again. It really helped me to keep track of what my body was able and willing to do. Thanks again for the kudos. By the way, the picture of the new you is beautiful!!! How thin you are! Keep up the good work! God bless, Andrea

Your welcome Andrea Yep it makes a difference with the ticker, pretty careful about things although I feel great. No extreme heat or cold exercise. Keep up the good work, you are doing great Thanks for the compliment, I'm feeling great, feeling much better about myself & LOVE shopping for clothes now, well almost went to CATO's yesterday & would you believe they have got the cutest clothes now in the plus sizes?! Who would have ever thought there would be? They had the cutest clothes last year on summer clearance I wish I would have bought but what size would I be wearing this summer was the biggest question. Still plugging away trying to get into the 160's Hugs Carolyn

I am still floored by you.....you are amazing!!! 1 hour and 32 minutes for 7 miles with HILLS......that just blows my mind I know you think it is slow.....but not me!!!! I told Jason of my goal to do it with you next year.....and he was like YEAH RIGHT......he even thinks it is that hard and unattainable.....especially since seeing that girl last night at the drive-in who was limping/barely walking from the run I wish I had half your drive for exercise!!! Anyways......you know how I feel.....you did great and I am super proud of ya!!! Take Care and I am sure we will be talking soon! Jesi

Thanks for celebrating with me, Jes! Now, about that hubby of yours, you just kick his rear all the way to Brady Street hill next year as we do the race together! Better yet - let's challenge our hubbies to run/walk the race with us! Tell Jason that you'll pay him $20 like the bet that the guys at work had. Maybe that will challenge him to start training for the course, too. Hope to see you tomorrow!] Hugs and blessings, Andrea

Congratulations Andrea, Congratulations on finishing the Bix...that in itself is a great accomplishment. You Go Girl! Nancy

Thanks, Nancy! I won't be able to run the actual Bix because my sister is getting married that day and I'm in the wedding. However, I intend to do each practice session between now and July 30th. I think that my hubby may try one of the practices with me. Thanks again! God bless, Andrea