Thumbs Up Thursday...Jamie Edge

I had the pleasure of meeting Jamie (here) at the Chicago Rock and Roll Half Marathon. She was exactly what I expected! Friendly, cheerful, and kind. Afterall, not many people are willing to give you a hug after you have just run 13.1 miles and are sweating like it's your job!

Jamie and I at the Chicago RNR 1/2

I contacted Jamie this week and asked her if she would be willing to allow me to spotlight her this week. Jamie replied with: "thanks for reaching out to me. I'd love to be featured on your blog." So, without further delay, I give you the question and answer portion of Thumbs Up Thursday!!

Jodi: How long have you been running?
Jamie: September 2005

Jodi: Why did you start running?
Jamie: I started running in 2005. I had one child who was a year and a half old. I had lost the baby weight, plus more, through diet. But I was not active. A friend of ours participated in Ironman Wisconsin. It was the first endurance event I ever attended. I was inspired. I couldn't imagine training for one of the components of the race, let alone all three. The next day, I got on our treadmill and pushed my way through an entire 5k! I was hooked and I have not stopped running ever since.

Until I discovered my passion for running, I had not done much of anything else for myself for the previous eighteen months. Since I am a constant multi-tasker, this was another way I could multi-task. I was stepping away from motherhood to do something for myself, and I was being active.

Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Jamie: I ran my first 5k race (October 2005) one month after I started running.


Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Jamie: The half marathon is my absolute favorite distance. Having a half marathon to train for keeps me motivated and consistent with my training. The distance is just long enough I feel like you've accomplished something major, yet you don't have to take a ton of time away from your family. You can also walk the next day!

Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Jamie: On my 29th birthday, my daughter ran in a Girls on the Run race with me. She said that was her birthday present to me. We ran a one mile race together and then I participated in a 5K. We both wore Bondi Bands as we ran together and I carried her water bottle. I loved seeing her put her hands over her head as she crossed that finish line. I even got bib #29 that day! It was a special birthday memory, for sure!


Jamie and her daughter

Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Jamie: I once participated in a race where I was hoping to set a 5K PR. The lead bike took a wrong turn and cut the course short. We ended up running only 2.33 miles that day...but we all PR'ed that distance!

Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Jamie: Finishing the 2010 Madison Marathon on a "closed course", due to extreme heat. Course officials stopped the clock at four hours and we were allowed to finish the race, but our times would be posted as "unofficial". I ended up walking A LOT during the last half of the race, but still finished in just over 4:27; still within my 4:20-4:30 time goal. I can't wait to see what I can do at my next marathon!

Jodi: What one item can't you run without?
Jamie: Bondi Bands. They hold my mommy 'do in place and keep the sweat out of my eyes. They are also totally adorable.

Jodi: Given the choice, do you prefer runnin on a treadmill or outside?
Jamie: I prefer running outside. But, I also like the mental preparation that a long treadmill run gives you.

Jodi: Who do you admire most and why?
Jamie: I admire every person that decides to lace up their running shoes and set out for a run for the very first time. Starting something new can be very intimidating. It takes a lot of courage to get out there. I love that running brings together people of all ages, shapes, sizes, and abilities. Everyone is able to get out there and try it. But, it just takes someone admirable to get out there and actually do it.

Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Jamie: My personal mantra is - I run for me.

Jodi: What is your current goal?
Jamie: My major goal is to stay consistent with my running and stay active. Without consistency and a training schedule, I would not hold myself accountable. I hope that my children continue to think that working out is a part of everyone's daily routine. I love that they request to workout with me and ask if I've gotten my run in for the day.

Jamie and her adorable children

Jodi: Finish this statement, running makes me feel ______.
Jamie: Like me.

Thanks again for the opportunity to spotlight you this week Jamie! Best of luck with your current and future goals. It is very evident to me that you have an amazing outlook on life and live it to the fullest! What a fantastic quality to have!!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and Jamie YOU inpsire ME!!

Thumbs Up Thursday...Tina Wasserbauer

About a month ago I emailed Tina and asked her if she would be willing to participate in Thumbs Up Thursday. At the time she had just returned from vacation and felt she needed to get back on track before she agreed to be spotlighted. Fast forward to this week and I commented on how good she looked in her profile picture on Facebook and asked her if she would be willing to do Thumbs Up Thursday for this week and she happily agreed!

Jodi: How long have you been exercising?
Tina: Since January 25, 2010.

Jodi: Why did you start exercising?
Tina: So many reasons, I reached the age my mom was when she developed diabetes, the start of heart disease and high blood pressure. I had genetics and my weight going against me and knew I had to do something about it, but that wasn't enough to get my butt in gear! What did get my butt in gear was my family went skiing in January and I felt too heavy and out of shape to even try a lesson, so I sat in the lodge and missed the whole day with my boys. I got very angry with myself when I realized that my insecurities and weight were holding me back. When I looked around the lodge where I was waiting, there were several overweight moms, and I was one of them! I had a light bulb moment, I didn't want to be an overweight "lodge mom" and I started working out the day we got back from our trip, and never looked back!

Jodi: What is your typical exercise routine?
Tina: Currently I go 4 nights a week to the rec where I do 60 minutes on the Arc trainer or 60 minutes on the elliptical, followed by a round on the Cybex machines, concentrating on my arms and abs. I also incorporate the Bosu ball and stability ball into my workout. I meet with a personal trainer once a week for an hour and he shows me core strengthening and upper body exercises.

Jodi: When you don't feel like doing a workout, what motivates you to go and do it anyway?
Tina: I just look at my driver's license picture and I run out of the house!

Jodi: What is your favorite exercise memory?
Tina: When I first started in January the only thing I could do was the treadmill for about 10 minutes, after which I had to drag myself to my car! One night I made it to a half hour on the treadmill, I knew then that I had turned a corner and I never stopped, I just kept increasing the duration and intensity and now I'm on the hardest cardio machine in the gym (Arc), for the maximum number of minutes....very gratifying!

Jodi: What is the most valuable lesson you have learned so far from working out and eating right?
Tina: While it does wonders for my body, energy level, spirit and self esteem, it is tough on my wallet because all I want to do is shop for new clothes!!!

Jodi: What is your biggest weakness when it comes to food?
Tina: Starbucks iced peppermint mocha and Taco Bell.

Jodi: What is your favorite snack?
Tina: Now, 2 tablespoons Smucker's natural organic chunky peanut butter and 8 ounces organic skim milk. When I was overweight, half a box of Cheez-its and Chardonnay.

Jodi: What is your proudest moment to date?
Tina: Buying a size medium belt at a "normal" clothing store!!!!

Jodi: Finish this statement, when I finish a workout I feel ________.
Tina: Full of energy, alive, proud and excited!

Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Tina: Excellence can be achieved if you:
Care more than others think wise...
Risk more than others think is safe...
Dream more than others think practical...
Expect more than others think possible.

Jodi: Who do you admire most and why?
Tina: My mom, she's been through so much and yet she still keeps fighting.

Jodi: What would you say to someone who really wants to start exercising to motivate them?
Tina: A half hour a day can add years to your life and life to your years!

Jodi: What is your current goal?
Tina: To remain healthy, focused and committed to an active lifestyle.

Tina before

Tina after

When Tina emailed me her before and after pictures she included the following note:

People tell me my weight loss is most evident in my face, I think (hope) you'll agree! Since January I went from a size 18 to 14 (sometimes smaller!!) And you continue to inspire me!!! Hugs and let me know when this goes up!

To this I say, keep running and exercising, you're simply the best, and Tina YOU inspire ME!!

Thumbs Up Thursday...Wendy Welch

Today's Thumbs Up goes to Wendy Welch. I sent Wendy an email to let her know that I would like to blog about her today and I asked her to answser several questions in the email. She sent me a text message and let me know she got the email and wondered if she could just answer my questions on the phone. I replied and said probably if I could give her a call after 9:00 and then I asked her what time was too late to call. Her reply was: "I will be asleep! I will try and reply to your email when I get home." I told her I was impressed that she went to bed so early. Her response to that: "I try to get to bed early because I am up by 4am to beat the heat and get my run in." Did I mention Wendy lives in Florida? Wendy was kind enough to answer my questions in an email last night!

Jodi: When did you start running?
Wendy: In 2000, after I walked the entire Disney Marathon for Team in Training at 208 lbs.
Jodi: What motivated you to become a runner?
Wendy: One of my Team in Training coaches.
Jodi: When did you start racing?
Wendy: Last year.
Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Wendy: Running Disney again in 2006 with my best friend Julie.
Jodi: What was your favorite race course?
Wendy: Chicago!
Jodi: Can I ask how much weight you have lost?
Wendy: 80 lbs!
Jodi: What is your favorite distance to run?
Wendy: Marathon.
Jodi: How many marathons have you run?
Wendy: Six.
Jodi: What is your current goal?
Wendy: 3:59:59 at the Wineglass Marathon on October 3.
Jodi: What other fitness activities do you do?
Wendy: I LOVE lifting weights!
Jodi: If you have a blog, please give me the address so I can send people your way!
Wendy: Here is my blog which I haven't updated lately but there are some stories on it about losing weight, etc. http://fengshway.blogspot.com/.

Wendy's before picture

Wendy's after picture

Me, Wendy, and Amby Burfoot at the Cleveland Marathon Expo


Thank you for the opportunity to give you a thumbs up Wendy! Best of luck at Wineglass on October 3rd. I am confident you will reach your goal of 3:59:59 (and qualify for Boston while you are at it)!


Keep running, you're simply the best, and Wendy, YOU inspire ME!!

Thumbs Up Thursday..This one's for you Jenn....

Yesterday I was sitting here thinking about what I wanted to write about on my blog today and I couldn't help but feel like I wanted to share the story of my friend, and sorority sister, Jenn. So, I sent her a message to ask permission to share her story and she was more than agreeable, honored, I think was the word she used. So, with permission granted, I have instituted "Thumbs Up Thursday". Each Thursday, I will focus on the success of others.

This is Jenn in January 2009

photo credit: Jenn Davis
Jenn calls this photo "the wake up call that I needed to change something in my life". Jenn realized that she was turning to food to deal with her emotions and she knew she needed to change things so she could be happy and healthy for her family. Jenn started out trying to do different workouts at the gym. She enjoyed them but felt she needed something more and this is when her love for running was born. She started with the couch to 5K program and realized that she had a passion for running. She ran her first 5K on May 2, 2010 and finished it under 30 minutes. What an accomplishment. She loved running so much that she signed up for the 5K that was part of the Cleveland Marathon. Fast forward to the packet pick up for the 5K and Jenn realizes that she wants more and changes her entry from the 5K to the 10K! Jenn mentioned she was nervous but she successfully finished that race. Jenn has since run a few other races. I asked her if she was addicted (because we all know how addicting running can be) and she said yes and mentioned that she loves how she feels after a run and how she can clear her head out there and have a better day all around. I get it! She is currently training for a 1/2 marathon and has signed up for the Cleveland Marathon for next year! Jenn has mentioned to me on a few occassions that I inspire her but the truth is...Jenn inspires ME!! Her hard work and dedication amaze me each day and makes me realize we can do anything we set our mind to. Afterall, look how great she looks now in June 2010 (130 pounds lost)!


photo credit: Jenn Davis
Jenn has started a running blog of her own and I ask that you send some love, support, and good jobs her way! http://runjenn.blogspot.com/.
The best part of all of this is that we will be doing long runs together while training for the Cleveland Marathon. Jenn mentioned that she is excited and honored to run the marathon with me but again the truth is, I am honored that she would ask me to join her. There's a lot to be said for the bond between sisters! I am looking forward to crossing that finish line with her in May!
As you all know, I have a tag line that I end all of my blog posts with. Today, I am going to alter it just a little!
Keep running, you're simply the best, and Jenn, YOU inpsire ME!!

"You Inspire Me"

I was at a neighborhood OSU vs MICH party on Saturday (GO BUCKS) and I saw some neighbors I hadn't seen in awhile. We got to talking about my running and how it has been a great weight loss tool. Many questions were asked:

~How long have you been running? Since February 2009
~How much weight have you lost? Close to 40 pounds
~Are you growing your hair out? Yes, I figured new weight, new hair
~Did you run outside all last winter? Yes, I did (well, except one day when the wind was blowing a snow/hail mix in my face...I opted to use the treadmill that day)
~Do you have any new goals? Yes, I want to complete the Cleveland Marathon in May

As I was leaving the party, one of my neighbors said three simple words that made me realize there are so many physical and emotional benefits to running. Those three words were "you inspire me."

Keep on running and always remember "you inspire me."

Motivated by Music

Once again I must thank Deb for being such a great friend. I had a lot going on today during and after work. She took the time to stop by my house to pick up my workout clothes. I went to help with Market Day at Kaelynn's school and Deb picked up Kaelynn and Grant for me and took them to her house. Not only did she do that but she also helped Kaelynn with all of her homework. Not to mention her husband made dinner for my kids. And Deb made dinner for me. What great friends! During the homework, Deb allowed me access to her treadmill for a workout!

Now to the workout. I planned to run three miles on the treadmill today. However, when I got to the three mile mark my Ipod had some really good tunes playing. I was motivated by the music to run another mile!

The songs that motivated me to run four miles today were:

~My Life Would Suck Without You by Kelly Clarkson
~Life's A Dance by John Michael Montgomery
~I Run For Life by Melissa Etheridge

Today I am thankful for the generosity of friends, a great workout, and motivational music.

Looking forward to running the Turkey Dash 5k on Thanksgiving morning!

Goals

Hello and welcome to my newly created blog! I have decided to document my training for my newest goal for 2010 which is to run the Cleveland Marathon 0n May 16, 2010. Blogging will keep me honest and on task.

This is from my fundraising page for the Cleveland 1/2 Marathon in May 2009. This is the reason I started running again and continue to run each and every day.

My life was truly blessed to have known Stephanie Lufkin. She was the sweetest little girl with an amazing smile that could light up any room. Hearing her say good morning at Glenview (my children's daycare) always made my day. Stephanie passed away unexpectedly on May 8, 2008 due to complications of ITP. On May 17, 2009, I will be running in the Cleveland 1/2 Marathon for Stephanie, for her family, and for ITP.

I am grateful to Stephanie and her family each and every day for helping me find my love for running again.

I have accomplished many goals since the 1/2 Marathon.

My statistics since May 2009:

Cleveland 1/2 Marathon (May 17, 2009): 2:07.53
Webswat 5k (June 14, 2009): 26:37
Cardinal Twilight 5k (June 27, 2009): 27:02
Smiles for Sophie 5k (July 4, 2009): 26:26
OROC 5k (August 29, 2009): 25:09
Race for the Cure 5k (September 12, 2009): 24:46.1
Peace Race 10k (October 4, 2009): 52:35
Columbus 1/2 Marathon (October 18, 2009): 1:54.14

Running has been great stress relief and a great way to drop A LOT of weight!!

This blog will document my training for the 2010 Cleveland Marathon which I will be running in honor of my friend, Deb. On May 15, 2010 it will be 10 years since she had a brain tumor removed. We are running to raise money and awareness in her name. Deb is truly amazing. She ran the Columbus 1/2 Marathon this past Sunday as well! I am so proud of her and am truly honored to run for her and her health!!

Tomorrow (one week post 1/2 marathon) I am running the Skeleton 5k with my neighbor Brenda. My goal for tomorrow is to have an enjoyable Sunday run with a great friend. No time goals for me tomorrow.

I hope you enjoy my blog and comments are always welcome.