The Countdown Begins..

2 more weeks! Ahh! I'm not entirely sure how that number keeps getting so freaking small..

I've been making myself pretty addicted to training lately, even though my calf has been really bothering me. I ran 4.25 miles on Monday, did a 2 mile or so hike yesterday, going to back to my school to use the treadmills Thursday for a long run, and then hills training on Friday to get ready for Cardiac Hill. So far its been a good system for keeping myself on track - setting a plan way ahead of time for what I'm doing certain days, and when my off days are.

I still don't think I'm totally ready, but I'm feeling a lot more confident about the race now. My dad and I drove the course so I could get a feel for the elevations and all, and it's not as bad as I was expecting.. but it won't be super easy, either.

And we all have our numbers now! Since we didn't submit times, we were all randomly placed in groups. I was in T, Laina in X, and Andy in Y.. Y being the very last time group. So since we're all running together, we're starting in the last group, haha. Darn you and your luck, Andy! The actual race starts at 7:30, but we won't be crossing the starting line until after 9.. over an hour after the first runner crosses the finish line! Crazy.

I write too much. Lainaaa, your turn! Happy running, all. :)

Gather 'round, children!

It's story time!

I’ve been planning this post for a while, I just never really got around to it. I’ve had it typed up, but only just found all the pictures and got them scanned (I hope my dad doesn’t mind that I’m posting these for all of the like 5 people who will probably see this – Hi Daddy!!)

Running the Peachtree Road Race has been on my life goals list since I first started thinking about such a list. This year, I’ve finally decided to bite the bullet and do it.

I can’t even picture my life without the Peachtree in it. My dad’s been running it since 1990, shortly after I was born. When I was young, I would stay at my grandparents’ place the night before, as they live right off the course. We would go down and cheer on all of the runners, admiring the huge variety of runners and costumes. My dad would always stop by, and we would give him some extra water, pour a little on his head, and take a quick picture before he’d be off on his way.

My dad in 1997 taking a water break with us

After the race one year with my grandma, I'm guessing around 2001.

As I was growing up, my dad was an avid runner. He’d be in races around Atlanta almost every other weekend. He has a huge collection of hundreds of race shirts from over the years, and I would often wear an Atlanta Track Club shirt as pajamas.

As a result, I started taking after him and running in some races as well. I was the girl’s winner for the 1-mile Springville Sprint, and I earned my only athletic award to this day – although it’s not as impressive a feat once you hear that there were only 5 kids, and I only beat one other girl. In that same event, my dad won an award for his division, and as a result, some really cute pictures were taken. I also set my personal record for a mile that day – 7:48, a time I am now aiming to beat, almost 15 years later.

Aren't we so cute?

My dad would also come down every year for an annual 5K run in Jacksonville called the Shamrock Run. I would train through my elementary school, although it still took me almost 45 minutes to finish the race.

Aren't those glasses sexy??

I also did the Peachtree Jr. one year, a small version of the race for kids 12 and under, I think only a 3K. It was my first true taste of the Peachtree, but as it turns out, just a snippet of what was to come.

I'm guessing still 1997 or 1998, based on that snazzy haircut.

My hobby of running dissipated some over time, but my desire to run the Peachtree was always there. In 2006, I had my number to run with my dad, my friend Daniel, and his mom. But then I got accepted to a summer Pre-College program, where I would be in Pennsylvania for July 4. I was so close, but it wouldn’t be the last opportunity.

In 2010, my friend Jared and I decided to volunteer for the race. We were in T-shirt distribution and had a blast, despite being in downtown Atlanta and walking to Piedmont Park before it was even light outside. My dad came through my line, and I was able to draw a heart on his race number, so he would always remember the year that I handed him his prized shirt. I also got a shirt of my own – a volunteer shirt that’s even harder to get than the actual race shirt, because there’s only about 3000 of them each year.

We were super tired, but had a blast!

Over time, we’ve developed another small tradition – going to eat lunch at IHOP after the race. It started after we couldn’t find much else open on the holiday, and they had a special of Red, White and Blueberry Pancakes. We’ve been going to IHOP every year since, with each of us wearing any Peachtree shirt we may have earned. Others have tried to protest the tradition, saying we should go to lunch elsewhere, but we refuse. It wouldn’t be a post-Peachtree lunch without IHOP.

Last year, my dad ran his 20^th and final Peachtree, an impressive streak. But this year, I’m going to literally follow in his footsteps and run it for myself. I’ve dedicated myself to getting fit, becoming a better runner, and getting that shirt with my friends by my side. I don’t care about my time, or what place I finish it. I just want to keep my dad’s legacy going and start a legacy of my own.


Lo and behold, I got my number in the mail today. It's really starting to feel real. Like, really real. 

It even has my name on it! Love it.

I haven't even done the Peachtree yet, but I'm already looking at the next race. Some friends and I are talking about doing the Atlanta Marathon Relay in October. I want to do a half marathon at some point, and I plan to make it one of the ones at Disney. And although it's only a 5K, I want to do the Warrior Dash one year.

Bring it on.

Blog? What's that?

Sooo we suck at blogging, yay! And the race is only 25 days away, holy crap!!

Anyways, this is a short post. I did want to say that the three of us finally all got together and ran! We went down a few miles of the Greenway in Alpharetta, and we had a lot of fun. (You bench.) That lovely photo of our.. feet.. is kinda just a teaser for all the pics that I took that day. That I swear I'll post on here eventually.

I'd like to say we haven't been blogging much because we've been running so much instead, but really we're just lazy about this thing. Maybe with a month to go we can change that..

I know personally, I just started a competition with a friend to see who can lose the most weight in two weeks. So now I'll be in full on running mode, eating better, and adding additional workouts. Me and him are super competitive, so we'll see what happens.

I always forget keeping up with this makes me keep up with running.. so I'll yell at myself more to actually do something with this. I do have a few posts in mind I want to do, its just a matter of doing it.

Also, one more random thing about my training: I've pretty much decided I want to do the Disney Princess Half Marathon in February. Super training, activate! It's a women's focused race, but guys can run it too, so my friend was thinking about training with me and running as Princess Batman. And he'd even get his number to say that.. oh goodness.

See you guys on the road!

AHHHH! Its so close and I feel so unprepared. I was home all week last week which only made it harder to stay on track. I did go to the gym once and did a 32 min 5K, which isn't fantastic but its also not terrible. I really do not feel like I can run a 10K all the way through in a little over a month. I hope I can and I'm going to try my best to accomplish it but I don't want to be unrealistic and disappoint myself.


I can tell I am making progress though. Longer distances seem a lot easier and my time is getting better. I still have not faced my biggest problem though . . . running. . . outside. . . during daylight hours. I usually stick to night running or the treadmill. I fear the heat will kill me if I don't start training in it soon.

It's Friday!

Hi possibly-existant readers! ^_^ Life has been busy lately, so I haven't been blogging much.. Oh well.

Yesterday I had a great run with a friend of mine (Hi Nick!), we did 3 miles around my area. He's in a lot better shape than I am, so I was trailing behind a lot, but it definitely got me to run a lot harder. Running with friends is definitely something to do more often.

Also, huge improvement - I ran in just my sports bra for part of it, which is a big deal because I'm super self-conscious about my stomach right now. Felt great though!

I'm hoping I'll still be able to run tonight.. it likely won't happen this weekend, as I'll be at a friend's place the whole time. But in good news, I've lost a few pounds since I've started and people have already mentioned a difference! Yayy! Once I get under 150, that'll be a huge awesome step!

Also, isn't that little guy super cute?? :)

Today was my off day? Whoops..

Yup, today was supposed to be my off day.. But, as usual, Tuesdays suck. I woke up in a bad mood, mad at him and mad at myself, and it just never let up all day. And the weather outside was once again too gorgeous to pass up.

Soo.. I ended up just doing a quick mile and focusing on stretching today. A little more relaxing, and I still got a workout in today. :)

I am so sore from working out hard the past couple days, and it's back to a longer run tomorrow. It's the first of May, just a little over 2 months from race day. I got myself a new scale, plan to make an inspiration board, and really work hard to make myself the best I've ever been.

Goals and Music...

I've been blog spamming lately, I know.. but hey, keeping this updated keeps me motivated, so deal with it! Plus, I have a lot on my mind today..

I had a few goals in mind with running today, and I'm super happy that I met them all!
 -- Step it up, and sweat it out. (did 3 miles today, and got home dripping in sweat)
 -- Prove that the training is working. (I'm conquering the giant hill on my route a lot easier, and I can tell I'm getting more flexible)
 -- Remember what you're training for. (I had two peaches before my run ^_^)
 -- Don't pass out. (I got lightheaded at one point - thanks bipolar Georgia - but powered through it)

Also, I'm learning how much a good playlist can affect your run. Today I tried out my new playlist, and holy cow, I could tell the difference. I was pushing myself so much more, and it was great. I love having a playlist because I keep track of improvement based on what song I'm at on my run. This is my current playlist:

1. Can't Be Tamed - Miley Cyrus (my warm up song)
2. Remember the Name - Fort Minor
3. Our Lawyer Made Us Change the Name of This Song So We Wouldn't Get Sued - Fall Out Boy
4. A Warrior's Call - Volbeat
5. Move - Thousand Foot Krutch
6. On The Floor - J Lo
7. You Make Me Feel... - Cobra Starship
8. Raise Your Glass - Pink
9. Me Against the World - Simple Plan
10. Monster - Skillet
11. If I Had You - Adam Lambert
12. Pump It - Black Eyed Peas
13. Psychosocial - Slipknot
14. We R Who We R - Kesha
15. Blow - Kesha
16. Your Betrayal - Bullet for My Valentine

I'm gonna hurt tomorrow

Today was all about pushing myself, and trying to put all the crap in my life behind me.

2.5 miles in 85 degree weather (would have been 3, but I legitimately felt like I would pass out if I kept going thanks to my lack of appetite this weekend).
100 jumping jacks.
50 crunches.
30 pushups.
A dead iPod, and therefore only my angry thoughts to keep me motivated.
A very sweaty tank top.

..I think I'm gonna go shower now.

Time to get to it.

Yes, we've been slacking lately, with both running and blogging. I know I had spring break with my mom, then I was sick, and then some things in my personal life have taken a turn for the worse recently. Now, more than ever, I can't wait to get out and run. It's gonna be almost 90 degrees and sunny tomorrow, so I really want to get out there and sweat out all the anger in my life right now. Drown out my thoughts with my music and some miles. That countdown clock is getting awfully low.. but I will do whatever it takes to finish that race.

(On a sidenote, I just love this picture!! Too pretty and inspiring.)

We suck at blogging. We, mostly I, also suck at keeping up with our running/work out schedule. I just moved and finals are looming over my head making it hard to find time to work out or even eat right (excuses, blah blah blah. I know.)
But I'm being tempted! I had a coupon for McDonald's iced coffee and a buy one get one free quarter-pounder. I couldn't say no. Usually when I am tempted like this I go to the "fitness" section of pinterest and look at all of the fit girls who are doing better than me in an attempt to shame myself into stopping, but it has recently stopped working. This really fit girl telling me that I can do it is no longer cutting it.

We're alive.. I think..

Hey hey, rare people who may actually read this blog!

So.. posting lately has kind of failed. BUT, the Peachtree awaits in 83 days! Eek. Personally, I've been slacking on the running front lately (whoops, I blame my birthday!). But, me and my mom did get to go on a two mile walk today in the cool weather, so that was nice. :) So I'm hoping today's walk will rejuvenate me into getting back into the routine!

I literally just found this pic on a tumblr I follow. Seems rather fitting for all of us.. one bad week won't hurt us. There's plenty more to go before the big run!

Some day soon, I WILL be able to run in just my sports bra like I want to. I WILL get down to 125ish pounds (yay goal weight), and I WILL make my boyfriend proud. :)

Allison had a birthday!

Internet! Allison turned 23 yesterday and we had a parrttaaayyy! Needless to say this means that no exercise or dieting was really done but that's OK cause it's a birthday!

Everyone say happy birthday to Allison!

Now to train extra hard to get rid of those birthday calories!

Today I'm Feeling: Owww...

Today I opted for some strength training instead of running. Bought myself some 3 lb weights and did a whole bunch of exercises. Felt great (and showed how weak my upper body strength is..). but my arms kinda hurt now, that's for sure...

Also, as for the image... I don't know how true it is, but if that's all it takes to lose an extra pound a week, I can totally do this on top of running.

I love how this new lifestyle has already changed my way of thinking. Last night I looked in the mirror, and instead of seeing what I am and complaining about it, I saw what I could be if I keep working hard and eating right. Awesome, awesome feeling.

It's a start . . .

I went on a run with Andy and our friend Edd tonight all over GATech campus. It wasn't too long but I cant really get a good distance calculation. As far as I can figure a little over 2 miles. I don't have pretty pictures like Allison but I took a tech map and did this to it. I was mainly following Andy so it might not be the most accurate but it is close enough. 

It happens all over again tomorrow!

Allison photoblogs her run!

Just got back from today's run, still sweaty and all. I haven't actually gone out for like a week, but now that we're definitely doing the race, I feel like jelly. But at least I can tell I'm getting stronger. Didn't hurt that I did a nice little ab workout when I got back, too. :)

Today's run: 2 miles
Time: ~25 minutes (yeah, I suck.. that's what the training is for though)

On to the photos! Cause I'm that weird girl that takes pictures during a run..

My yummy pre-running snack! Peanut butter and bananas on a mini cinnamon raisin bagel. 

Ready to hit the pavement. Let's do this!

My route is about 2 miles, just a simple out and back path. This is near the beginning, and you can just see the bottom of the brutal hill I get to climb... good training for the course at least.

Took a super short break to tie my shoes.. and of course take a picture of how cute my shoes are. :)

About 3/4 done and still feeling great!

Going back down el hill-o gigante. 

Quick post while at work..

Some good motivation and advice for the beginning of training..

I'm also planning to take my camera on my run today for the fun of it... so we shall see what happens with that. If there's even anything interesting at all. Yay for getting to see my sweaty self post-run?

Reasons and Jazz.

Oh hello internet. My name is Laina.

For me running the Peachtree is more of a weight loss/ fitness journey.When I graduated high school in 2009 I was 190lbs (clearly I also had a bad hair cut). I hadn't realized how big I had gotten. I didn't own a scale and no one ever called me fat so I was able to ignore it. One day I weighted myself at a friends house and I was essentially in disbelief that I could be so close to 200lbs. I decided that I had to do something about this and I began my very slow weight loss journey. I didn't do anything crazy. I just tried to eat less and did what ever exercise I could do. I ran, I did weight training, got on the elliptical, took my dog for a walk, whatever. 

It took 3 years but I'm officially down to 140 (that's 50lbs guys)! I'm still going too! I like to set little goals for myself so my goal is to be 130lbs by the race. 

Also I want to prove to myself that this is something I can do. Now I'm trying to be fit not just thin.

Bye Internet!

And so it begins...

Life Goal #23: Run the Peachtree Road Race

It's one of the world's biggest 10K road races, with 60,000 people running through downtown Atlanta. For my entire life, I've watched my dad run it. This year, it's my turn.

Our group is called Laser Omicron Laser (the best sorority ever!). Laina, Andy and myself will be running that infamous 6.2 mile swath through Atlanta this summer. This blog is to chronicle our training - and eventual, hopeful completion - of this insane idea called the Peachtree Road Race.

And so it begins. Motivate us. Cheer us on. Join us in our journey to better ourselves, grow closer as friends, earn that coveted Peachtree shirt and finish our first 10K together.