It’s a JOURNEY not a Destination!

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#cupcakesforPRs, #extremeweightloss, #fitfam, #marathon, #runner, #weightloss, balance, diet, dinner, fitness, iifym, jjourney, macros, marathon training, mealprep, meals, myfitnesspal, running, snacks, weightloss journey, weightwatchers

Happy Wednesday Friends!  I have received many different questions via e-mail (jamariejo@me.com), blog (here), Instagram (@cupcakesforPRs), Facebook (Jamie Johnstons Journey), and personal Facebook page asking questions about running, my weight loss journey, food I eat, and I have promised you all I would address them.

So today’s the day (I know you have been sitting on the edge of your seat waiting (sarcasm).  I am pretty excited to put this together for you all!  As always if you read this and you think of more questions or want more information on a topic please reach out.

My most recent transformation picture.

My most recent transformation picture.

Q: What made you make a change in your lifestyle?

A: I get this question A LOT!  I feel like I should have some magical AHHHH YESSSSS moment to share but sadly I don’t.  I have been overweight my whole life, I joke and say I was underweight once as I was born premature weighing only 5 lbs. I don’t have a moment that made me change, BUT I was finally in a place in my life where I could focus on me AND had an amazing supportive partner along side me.

Q: Did you start with activity right away?

A: NO!  I didn’t start any type of activity until I had lost around 30-40lbs.  I didn’t want to jump into it all like a crazy lady and get burnt out.  I focused first on my nutrition with weight watchers, and from there I started to walk but not until I had lost appox. 30 lbs.

Q: How did you progress from no activity …. to walking…to running?

A: I started walking very SLOWLY!  I did laps around my neighborhood.  Not going to lie it was HARD.  My body wasn’t use to ANY type of activity.  One lap around my neighborhood is .7 of a mile, so I started with one lap and worked my way up.  I had to deal with my body hating me as well as my head playing games.  In my head the whole neighborhood was watching me (they probably weren’t and could have cared less).

After I got comfortable with one lap I added more, slowly working my way up to 3 or so miles.  After about 8 months of walking and about 75-100 lbs lost (so I weighed around 225-250 at this time) I started to venture out of our subdivision, and figured out a 5k (3 mile) route.  I would take this route on 3-5 times a week.  I slowly started to jog across the street at intersections.  Then 1/4 mile by 1/4 mile I started to run more.  My first mini goal was to run a full mile without stopping.  My running progressed after I walked my first 5k and made a goal to run a 5k in the following year.  This is a slow process and you need to do it slowly so you don’t get injured or take on something your body isn’t ready for (which would suck).

Q: What are your thoughts on weight loss surgery?

A: I get this question A LOT!!!!!  Honestly it’s everyone’s own journey.  For me sticking with eating right and exercise worked and I am pretty darn proud of that.  Some have trouble with diet and exercise, that’s their journey.  I suggest really trying the diet and exercise thing, if you gave it YOUR ALL and still don’t have results work with your DR on a plan.  I have seen many success stories with weight loss surgery but have also seen some that have gained it all back….with that being SAID the same is true with weight watchers and other programs, people have success and then gain it all back.  It’s about finding what works for YOU and YOUR lifestyle, what can you maintain for a lifetime and BE HAPPY WITH.

Q: Do you still follow weight watchers?

A: NO!  Now this might get long so please get comfortable…. I LOVE weight watchers and think it’s such a great program and great starting point for many people.  It works with you on portion control and helps you focus on eating healthy and a healthy lifestyle.  Weight Watchers is how I lost the majority of my weight.

NOW….. I was with WW for about 3 years and found myself in an interesting place (I am going to be vulnerable here so hopefully you all don’t judge).  I was at a serious plateau and found my weight was stuck and I kept gaining/losing the SAME 15 lbs. I also found that I would not allow myself to eat things that were higher in WW points and I NEVER really enjoyed food with some type of balance.  During this time it was ALL or deprivation.  So I would have a cheat day and basically eat everything I could this would include pizza, cookies (I mean a whole package of oreos is one serving right?), and other items I could get my hands on. Then I would feel so dang guilty that I would try and limit what I had the next day….I was on a roller coaster that wasn’t going ANYWHERE and high WW points items were off limits.  Most days my diet consisted of vegetables and fruit….nothing else.

During the past Christmas season is when I realized this wasn’t ok and that I needed to do something about it.  I took Christmas on in full force, eating my weight in cookies and other indulgences and told myself enough was enough…

One of MANY Christmas cookies!

I decided to quit WW as I really wasn’t following the program and I needed to try something new. Now you have to understand this was a big deal for me, WW was like my security blanket!  I wasn’t really following the WW program but it was always there waiting for me.  Also WW has just been my thing.  However, why stick with something that is no longer helping????

So I decided to sign up with a macro coach (if you are interested in who and the program e-mail me and I will tell you more).  So now you probably ask what the heck is a macro coach???  Well, a macro coach works with you and develops a plan for the number of macros you have in a day.  Macro-nutrients such as Carbs, Fat, and Protein.  I started this program and after a week or so fell in LOVE!!!  I was eating foods that I had sworn off of.  I worked a cupcake into my day, just an ordinary day with a dang cupcake.  I ate it and didn’t feel guilty!  I use myfitnesspal to track my food and find it to be a fun experiment deciding what I want to work into my plan each day.  I also include something I seriously enjoy at least once a day (lately this has been ice cream).  This has provided me with balance and FREEDOM.

Now I won’t lie and say it’s been rainbows and butterflies, I still have struggles.  I see some food items and think wellllllll I really shouldn’t have that, OR I find myself having a cheat day and going CRAZY eating way to much.  Now I must say I have actually found the most balance I have had in a LONG time and am moving in the best direction for me.  I have reached my original goal weight and have set a new goal, nothing crazy just a little bit more to go.

Q: I have started to run, but what running shoes should I wear?

A: I can’t stress this enough, no two people are the same.  For me I love my Hoka Clifton 2

running shoes BUT everyone is different.  I highly recommend visiting your local running store and getting fit, these people know best and it will help you from becoming injured.

Q: What do you eat, what are some of your go to items:

A: I am very much a creature of habit and have many of the same items everyday, which you can see on my Instagram and Facebook pages.  Here are some of my goto items per meal…

Breakfast: Oatmeal with egg whites….(It takes a bit of time but so worth it! 1/2 cup of oats (quick oats) put them in 1 cup of hot water and let that sit for 5 minutes so the oats get fluffy, then microwave for 2 minutes. Add 1/2-1 cup egg whites (depending on what you want), microwave for 3 minutes stirring every 30 seconds (this is key otherwise you will have a hard egg mess). Add anything else you’d like at the end. I like to stir in some pumpkin puree and splenda is a must for me.

It doesn’t look the best but it tastes very good AND makes a TON! This is in a pyrex bowl! 

 

Puffed Kamut, 

 

Breakfast Smoothie (I like to make mine with Quest Nutrition Protein Powder)

Mighty Muffins these can also be made into waffles, I also use this companies pancake mix for waffles (online link), egg white breakfast sandwiches.

Lunch: Salads I really like salads and don’t mind them daily mine usually have some type of protein (chicken, tuna, lunchmeat) low fat cheese (I can’t do fat free YUCK), and salad dressing, Sweet Potatoes with Jiff Whips Peanut Butter these are paired with my salad, Oatmeal I really dig oatmeal during the winter months and have been known to have it for lunch. 

Dinner: Sloppy Joes, Egg White Omelets, Tacos, Soup and Sandwich, Hamburgers, Turkey Cheddars, Mini Pizza (made on lavash bread, english muffins, or flatouts) , Chicken Breasts.  All meals are usually with a veggie, lately it’s been steamed broccoli.  For Hamburgers we use 96% or 93% lean beef, sloppy goes and tacos are made with extra lean turkey.  Chicken breasts are great as you can make a bunch and use them for your lunch salad.  Lately for dinner I have been enjoying chicken breast shredded with pizza sauce on a bun with moz cheese.  Lots of great possibilities. 

Snacks: Fruits, Veggies, Complete Cookies, Slow Churned Ice Cream, Arctic Zero (I only like SOME of the flavors: Salted Caramel, Mapple Vanilla, Cookie Dough, Snickerdoodle, Brownie), Quest Bars, Greek Yogurt, Picky Bars, Chips…

Thanks so much for reading along and I hope I have helped answer your questions.  Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions or would like more information on something I addressed.  Thanks for your continued support and for following along on my journey.

XX,

Jamie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20 Tips to Survive Race WEEK!

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#26.2, #CLE, #cupcakesforPRs, #extremeweightloss, #fitfam, #jjjourney, #likeagirl, #marathon, #riteaidclevelandmaraton; #runCLE; #CLEmarathon;, #weightloss, 1/2 size, Cleveland, cleveland marathon, Cleveland Running, fitness, healthy-living, run, running, womens running community

Wow it’s race week!!! It’s finally here!!  Cue the taper crazy, self-doubt, HUNGER, phantom pain, and ALL THE EMOTIONS!

 

Race week is sure to make you anxious, as you are used to kicking butt most days out on the pavement.  The lack of running or sticking to your usual schedule will make you a bit crazy and HUNGRY.  So I thought I would put a few tips together to help you get through the next few days!

1. Trust your training! If you kept a training log, I encourage you to look back at all the miles you have logged.
2. Not like college! Remember training for a running event is NOT like college; you can’t cram and do a couple quick runs to prep. The training is in the books… TRUST IT!
3. HUNGER will strike. You are nervous and your body is healing from all the training you have put it. Try to manage the hunger. Address it but don’t go crazy.
4. Figure out your carb loading plan. Some people take this to the EXTREME, don’t get too crazy. Figure out your plan and stick with it. For me I will be carb loading Friday and Saturday. My carb loading involves decreasing my fat and some protein, focusing on carbs.
5. Along with Carb Loading/fueling….nothing NEW! You might be tempted to try a friends fueling plan before your race….well so and so did so well and they had a bagel, banana, and cliff bar before their race I will try that…… NOOOO you are not so and so you did not practice this race nutrition….stick to YOUR plan.
6. Also going with nothing new on race day, no NEW CLOTHES! Yes please treat yourself at the expo BUT if you haven’t wore the item for a long training run, DON’T WEAR IT ON RACE DAY. Yes that new tank might look supers sweet but it won’t be super sweet at mile 10 when it is chafing the HECK out of your armpit.
7. BELIEVE! This is something I am trying hard to focus on, but seriously believe in you. You put in the work.
8. Envision yourself crossing the finish line……… CRUSHING the finish line. I recently started to read a book about mental training, one of the things they stressed was envision yourself completing your goal, if your mind sees it your body will help you achieve it.
9. STOP THE NEGATIVE TALK! It’s easy to get down on ourselves…the SECOND you start thinking ANYTHING NEGATIVE concerning this race, replace that with 3 POSITIVE thoughts and stop the negative thought in it’s tracks.
10. Make sure to go to the expo, shop the heck out of the expo BUT remember you will be on your feet a lot the next day….so maybe don’t spend the whole day on your feet.
11. While downtown picking up your packet, make sure to put together a plan for race day. Drive around downtown and figure out where you will be parking in the morning, this will save you some stress the morning of the race.
12. Plan a meeting spot. If you have family and friends coming to see you crush that goal, make sure you have a meeting spot for after the race. The finish line can get a bit congested, so knowing exactly where to meet your loved ones will save you some trouble.
13. Charge all your STUFF. If you are like me you use some technology on race day. Make sure this stuff is all charged and ready to go.
14. Get everything together and laid out the night before, you don’t want to be searching and playing where’s waldo on race day.
15. Stick to YOUR plan. If you are use to running with others and plan to run with a pacer, do it. IF you are more of a solo person and want to do your own thing, that is cool too. Remember it’s your race day.
16. SMILE….at this point and time your family and friends have probably offered you more advice than you could ever really use, they just care. So SMILE take in the advice BUT stick to your plan….remember once again YOUR RACE, NOTHING NEW.
17. TAPER….It’s going to get hard, but stick to whatever YOUR taper plan is. My taper plan is a mini taper because that works for me. You know what works for you, so follow it. Don’t get caught up with what others are doing.
18. I’m going to say this again because it is so key…..remember all the training you have done!!!!! YOU GOT THIS.
19. Remember this is what you do for FUN, don’t suck the fun out of it. I am trying to remember this and focus on that. We do this for FUN, this is your thing…ENJOY IT.
20. ENJOY EVERY DANG SECOND! FROM PACKET PICK-UP, TO MILE 10, 20, THAT FINISH LINE, THAT FIRST HUG FROM A FAMILY MEMBER…………..TAKE IT ALL IN. YOU WORKED HARD FOR ALL THESE MOMENTS…..MAKE SURE TO ENJOY IT!

Can’t wait to see you all at the finish line!!

XX,

 

Jamie

STOP! It’s Taper TIME!

Tags

#26.2, #cupcakesforPRs, #extremeweightloss, #jjjourney, #runner, #weightloss, cleveland marathon, Cleveland Running, marathon training, run, runCLE, running, womens running community, womensrunning

OHHHH MYYYY GOSHHHHHHHHHH…………………..The Cleveland Marathon is 2 weeks away, I MIGHT be freaking out JUST A BIT! I keep watching the weather like some dang crazy lady.  As of now it has changed about 3 times, with the latest being 73 and cloudy PLEASE LORD KEEP THIS!!

 

So some of you might be wondering what the heck is a taper and what does it mean.  The taper is what happens in the weeks leading up to a racing event.  There is usually a decrease in miles and an increase in runner irritability.  YEP I haven’t even really started my taper yet and I am feeling this……UGHHHHH!!!!  My taper is usually CRAP, I don’t taper well and I usually get crabby, hungry, and doubt everything.  With the Hanson’s plan there is a very small taper, this will start for me after this Wednesday.  I know my body is ready for a little break and I am going to try my best to embrace it.

So now you might be asking how in the world is Jamie going to handle this taper, I mean I have been logging miles like a crazy lady…crushing some intervals, making those Wednesday Tempo runs my B*TCH…HOW IN THE WORLD WILL I HANDLE THE TAPER (yes I am yelling this in my head).

Ok deep breath here’s the plan…

I am going to focus on the following to survive my taper:

1. I am going to try and just RELAX…

2. I am going to look at my training log and see all the amazing things I have done in the past 18+ weeks, no need to doubt anything!

3. I will take many evening baths.  Yep I love a bath and it’s the only thing that really seems to relax me.  Most evenings I can be found in the bath with a beer…yep diet root beer, I am so hard core.

4. I am going to try to be over confident.  As you know I am usually pretty dang hard on myself.  So the next 2 weeks, I am going to be so dang confident.  HECK I might even come across arrogant as I will be THAT confident.

5. I will foam ROLL!  This NEEDS to happen…. Yes Dana I need to bring the roller back out, I know you have been telling me this =)

6. EVERY single night I am going to envision myself crossing that finish line.  Not only will I see myself crossing the finish line, I will be CRUSHING IT.

7. I WILL take care of me and get some sleep.  Less miles means more sleep, oh sleep I miss sleep! I might even cuddle with these little cuties…

8. I will look back at all the photos and running posts I have made, seeing how far I have come.

9. During this taper I am going to enjoy it, I have worked hard.  This is the clam before the storm….what I have been waiting for.

10. I am going to enjoy and look forward to marathon weekend during this taper.  My family will be coming from WI.  I have an amazing VIP reception Friday night, with a hot date and my fellow race ambassadors.

11. I might even clean the house a bit….ok yes I will do this as my family is coming =)

12. Not only will I focus on crossing that finish line, I am going to think about that ice cold adult beverage or 2 I will have after the race.  I gave up alcohol during training, so I should actually say that 1/2 of beverage I will have, as it’s not going to take much =)

13. During this taper I will carb load, but with a plan!  Last carb loading I MIGHT have gotten a bit carried away…I mean ummmm yea…. a learning experience right?

I might have hit the pancakes a little TOO hard during my last carb load =)

14. I will keep this in mind….. at the end of the day I did all I could to make sure I am ready for this marathon.  The rest is in God’s hands =)

15. I will remember and think of all my amazing supporters.  I have so many friends and family that have my back and support me.  I might even try to be extra nice to them…especially DANA!!  =)

 

How will you embrace the taper?  Are you ready to rock this thing, because I sure am!!

XX,

Jamie

 

 

 

About me and my crazy week!

Tags

#extremeweightloss, #marathontraining, #riteaidclevelandmaratoh, #runner, #weightloss, clevelandrunner, dogs, fitness, health, run, running, stack, training, weightless, womensrunning

Hello all!

If you didn’t know this week has been pretty darn crazy.  I had a pretty fun week working with the folks at Stack.  They contacted me about 3 weeks ago wanting to do a story on my weight-loss and goal for the Cleveland Marathon.  I am really impressed on what they put together!  I still watch the video and think wait……is that me??  The only thing I would have done different is my hair….no seriously I know you all can see the video, I have one curl that is seriously out of place!  I mean couldn’t someone say something =)  If you missed it here is a link to the article/video (plus you know you want to look now to see that darn rouge curl) http://www.stack.com/a/jamie-johnston-200-pound-weight-loss-transformation

Some of my fellow Cleveland Ambassadors have done some fun blog posts, one of the being 20+ things you might not know.  So I decided to follow suit!  So here you go 20 RANDOM things you might not have known about me =)

1. I didn’t start running until about 5 years ago, I had never EVER ran in my life until then
2. I hated running at first, and seriously thought I was going to die.
3. I have finished 3 half marathons, and 2 full marathons and I am still trying to figure out my running nutrition.  Seriously my stomach has a love/hate relationship with the long run.
4. I love a training schedule!  There is just something about knowing what exact training run you will be doing each day of the week.
5. I love a routine!  Every morning I get up around 4:15, run, and then get ready for work.  You would thinking running that early would cause me to be exhausted all day, but for some reason it energizes me.
6. I go to bed pretty early at night, yep due to that 4:15 wake up.  I am usually in bed by 9 or earlier.
7. Running with Reese (my chocolate lab) is pretty much my favorite.  I love looking down and seeing the smile across her face, no seriously she smiles the whole dang time!
8. I say a prayer before every race.  I have to thank God for this amazing gift, and let’s face it I pray to live through it!
9. I have race day anxiety like you wouldn’t believe!  As you can tell I don’t do many races and there is a reason for that.  My anxiety gets to me!  I seriously feel ill, and am probably the biggest a$$ on race day mornings (my family usually doesn’t talk to me until the race is over).
10. For every half and full marathon my husband Dana makes me cupcakes for the finish =)
11. The cupcakes Dana makes aren’t usually consumed until about 2 hours after the race.  I always say I will have one right at the finish, but that darn stomach of mine is usually a mess.
12. After every FULL marathon I have finished (2 to be exact) I pretty much swear off of ever running another one, and feel about one step away from death….but yet again here I am training for my 3rd.
13. I do my hair for EVERY race, yep hairspray and all =)
14. Running has helped my anxiety BIG time.  I am pretty sure I ‘d be on meds if it weren’t for running.
15. During the week I usually don’t wash my hair!  Yep due to my morning runs and all my dang hair, I rock the dry shampoo and come Friday I hope for the best =)
16. Every long run I start off almost crying.  Yep my head gets to me, I think I am going to hate life.  It isn’t till about mile 10 that I think, ok I got this.  Then when I am done I look forward to the next one….it’s a love hate relationship!
17. After Saturday’s long run I LOVE to drink my smoothie, coffee, graham cracker, and protein bar.  Yep the same darn thing EVERY Saturday, and I look forward to it so very much…during my last mile I am already dreaming of my compression socks and smoothie in hand!
18. Summer morning runs are my favorite!  I love watching the sun come up and the world come alive!
19. I oddly don’t mind my treadmill runs.  I find it as a time to better myself and my pace.
20. Most of the time I don’t feel like a real runner, I almost feel like a fraud. I don’t know why this is!  For some reason I feel that I am not an official runner, I have no idea why this is.  Maybe someday this will change.

I hope you all have a wonderful week!  What are some random running facts about you?

My 5 Goals for 2016…

Tags

#CLE, #cupcakesforPRs, #extremeweightloss, #marathontraining, #runner, #weightloss, 2016, Cleveland, ClevelandAmbassador, ClevelandMarathon, Goaldigger, Goals, Nutrition, run, running

Well, the ball has dropped and 2016 is HERE!  Dang where in the heck did 2015 go?!?!  It sure went by quickly.  2015 was a wonderful year for me.  I took on the Cleveland Half Marathon in May and crushed the Akron Marathon in September (with a PR of 3:49) AND THERE WASN’T A FLAT MILE!!

Pretty fantastic if you ask me!

 

The course elevation, maybe should have looked into this before the race…yep not one flat mile!

When you crush a Marathon, you EAT ALL CUPCAKES!

Oh and I placed 3rd overall female in the Akron Race for the Cure (I was beat by two college cross country racers so I am pretty pleased).

Top 3 finishers, Akron Race for the Cure 2015.

2015 was a huge year mile wise, I crushed 2060 TOTAL miles for the year.  That is over 5.5 miles a DAY, WOW!

Not only did I have a great running year but 2015 was pretty fantastic for my family.  We didn’t have any huge things happened and everyone remained healthy…yep pretty fantastic.

My amazing supportive husband and I.

 

My two Furbabies, Reese and Emma Jo!

In 2015 I even won our friend’s Italian Sauce Off!!  =)

So now we enter 2016…now what?!?!?!?!?  Well, I am not one for resolutions, if that is your thing good for you.  I personally think to resolve means to find a solution to a problem.  I don’t really think I am a problem, nor do I have a problem.  I do however think now is the perfect time to reflect, to learn, and to create intention.  ALSO I am ONLY in competition with myself…

Look in the mirror, that’s your competition….I NEED to BEAT HER!

So with that being said I do have some pretty exciting GOALS for 2016 as I am a #goaldigger!  So here they are:

1.) Focus on nutrition!!! – I know you are thinking, what?!?!  You already eat pretty healthy why would this be a goal for you.  Well the truth is I always feel like my nutrition is all over the place.  I either am right on track, usually only eating certain things and restricting myself of other things OR can be compared to an unsupervised child at a Birthday party.

I need to find balance!  It’s ok to have a cookie once and awhile and a cheat meal doesn’t mean to go completely off the rails.  I need a better relationship with food.  I need to be able to enjoy it and rid myself of any guilt when I do .  I have much room for improvement here, BUT it will happen. *****Disclaimer, I know I have already grown in this area as let’s face it I have come a long ways from my McDonalds Breakfast, full chipotle lunch, and pizza dinners =)

2.) Enjoy the moment!– I am very much a person that is always looking forward to something.  Looking forward to my next vacation, or life event but never really truly enjoying the moment I am in.  Life is too sort for this crap, I need to enjoy the moment I am in!

3.) Blog more! – I am once again an Ambassador for the Cleveland Marathon…HECK YES! So this means I need to blog more about my training process, so here I am once again committing to blogging more (make sure to check out all the ambassadors here). My goal is to blog at LEAST once a week.  Twice would be ideal but I am going to start small here.  I hope to keep you all posted about my training on the blog.  Also check my training out on instragram @cupcakesforPRs

4.) CRUSH CLEVELAND!!!– Yep this is a really lofty goal BUT I hope to crush the Cleveland Marathon.  For the past 3 years I have tackled the Cleveland half, this year for the first time I really have my sights on the FULL.

It’s go time! Cleveland Half Marathon 2015

This is MY RACE and MY TIME.  I have the training program, I am getting my nutrition on lock…..Its go time.  I have NEVER felt more ready.  I have a BQ dream, time to get after it!

PLUS, how cool would it be to CRUSH CLEVELAND and get a BQ WHILE running for my Irun4 buddy RY!

My AMAZING buddy RY!  I dedicate my miles to this sweet boy. He is always encouraging me and supporting me.  I can’t crush this thing without him!

5.) Be NICE to ME!!–  I am terrible to myself in my head.  I always see extra fluff on my body and am really MEAN to myself.  This needs to improve and is no way to live.  I am going to work on this.

So there you have it folks!   My 5 goals for 2016!  I don’t take my goals lightly, so I plan on crushing them.  What goals do you have for 2016??

Best to you for 2016!!

XX,

Jamie

Why I love running!

Tags

#extremeweightloss, #family, #fitfam, #hearthealth, #jjjjulychallenge, #jjjourney, #likeagirl, #marathon, #marathontraining, #riteaidclevelandmaratoh, #riteaidclevelandmaraton; #runCLE; #CLEmarathon;, #strongnotskinny, #weightloss

Well we are just about 3 weeks out from the Cleveland Marathon…….SERIOUSLY!!  You wouldn’t guess that by the 40 degree temps we are experiencing today, but summer is just round the corner right???

Training has been consistent, which I guess is a good thing =)  I didn’t get to my long run last weekend due to the painting of our garage and some SERIOUSLY sore legs/body.  Usually this would throw me for a loop, making me stressed however back to the BALANCE thing I discussed last time….I am discovering it more and more and becoming OK when life happens.

As I am sure many of you are aware this past Monday was the Boston Marathon.  I couldn’t help but find myself glued to the computer screen cheering on some dear friends and my favorite elite runner Shalane Flanagan.  I then thought to myself DANG who am I???  Here I am watching a running event and loving every second of it.  Never in a million years would I think I would be a runner better yet one that has participated in many 5k’s, 2 half marathons, 1 marathon and in the midst of training for my 3rd half.  I started to think to myself why I love running so much and decided to generate a list =)  I thought this would be something fun to remind us all why we are here, as with just 3 weeks before the marathon we could be feeling UGHHHHHHHH, AHHHHHHHHHH, stressed, wondering why we signed up, or just dang excited!  So here it goes the reasons I love running:

15.) I love to run because I have the BEST supporters =)

My Dad being able to PICK ME UP and hug me after my first FULL!

My amazing family making me cupcakes before my first full =)

14.) I love running in the early mornings, before the world really wakes up.  This has given me the opportunity to witness some of the most amazing sunsets!

13.)  I love to eat!!  Running allows me to splurge now and then, while still keeping my fitness goals!

Wisconsin Cheese Curds, NOTHING like them =)

Yep….proof, I LOVE a s’more =)

I did sample some beer on vacation, and ENJOYED it!

Cleveland Half 2013 (first ever half) celebration cupcake!

12.)  Running has brought my husband and I closer together!  No he isn’t a runner BUT he’s the BEST dang supporter EVER.  During marathon training he has followed me step by step riding his bike, never complaining about the early mornings or the numerous 5k races.  He’s always there with a smile and the camera =)

Dana and I after a 5K.

Best supporter, there for EVERY long run!

11.) Through running I have met the most amazing BUDDY EVER!!  I get to run and dedicate my miles to Rylan!  Interested in this program check it out at: http://www.whoirun4.com/

Rylan, wishing me luck for the race!

I finished!!! CUPCAKE TIME, that’s my BUDDY!!!!

Poster my buddy made for me =)

Awesome shirt my buddy Rylan and his family sent me!

10.) It allows me to clear my head, shake off the crazy.

9.) Running is something I can enjoy alone or with some lovely running company.

8.) A run is always there waiting for you!  Either you chose to lace up and experience it or you don’t.

7.) You seriously never regret running!

6.) It doesn’t matter what you look like, running doesn’t care.

Feeling like death after the Akron full, thanks Mom for this outstanding picture!

5.) Running has let me rock my favorite color (PINK)  NUMEROUS times.

4.) Through the love of working out and running I have met some seriously AMAZING lifelong friends.

Great friends I met at our local Rec Center, now some of my very dear friends =)

3.) You discover what your body is capable of doing, which is pretty dang amazing….always keeping in mind your head will give out long before your legs will.

Finishing my first EVER full, had to own that finish!

2.) I LOVE running clothes, yep seriously addicted (especially lululemon).

1.) Running has helped me transform my body, assisting in my 180lb weight loss.  Not only losing it BUT keeping it off!!

Just about 4 short years ago, this was me!

What about you?? Why do you LOVE running???

The treadmill can be your friend, no really…

Tags

#riteaidclevelandmaraton; #runCLE; #CLEmarathon; #ThisisCLE, #weightloss, Cleveland, cleveland marathon, Cleveland Running, hill workout, intervals, marathon training, run, runCLE, running, training, treadmill

Alright Cleveland winter and cold temps PLEASE for the LOVE OF GOD PLEASE leave!  I know we have a little sampling of nice weather going on today, but it looks like the temps are going to drop once again as the week progresses.  I don’t know about you but I want to be running outside!!!!  A few years ago I fell on black ice outside so needless to say I am a bit of a baby when it comes to the weather and heading outdoors.  All my training so far has been on the dreaded treadmill, or as I like to call it dreadmill.  This weekend’s training had me completing 16 miles on that dang thing.

I can honestly say this week’s 16 mile training run was one of the hardest runs I have done in along time.  I would have to put it right up there with my 22mile run last year when I was training for the Akron Marathon (I got stung by a bee during my 22 miler at mile 19 and you would have thought it took my leg off, I was a bit dramatic).  I tried everything to make my mind stop, stop thinking about the fact that yes I am on a treadmill for 16, yep all I am going to view is whatever is on the tv and these basement walls.  I am really hoping to head outdoors soon BUT until then I thought I would give you all some nice tips for passing time and using the dreadmill to your advantage for training.  So here are some quick tips =)

1) If available to you find yourself a show on TV that you have been looking forward to watching, use this to keep you occupied during your run.

2) No TV?  Turn it into a dance party!  Last weekend I was able to pound out 14 miles rocking out to a new playlist…and by rocking out I seriously mean the house was jumping.

3) Use the treadmill to your training advantage.  Set your pace and a 1% grade and keep it there.  The treadmill is helpful as it helps you keep your pace constant, so add the grade and set your body on cruise.

4) Interval training.  This has helped me with MANY treadmill runs and my training.  I usually do my interval training at 1/4mile increments.  I will do 1/4 mile at a faster pace that I am use to and then “rest” for a 1/4 mile at an easier or my regular pace.  I also make sure both are done at a 1% grade, knowing this will help me in the long run (literally 😉 ).

5) Hill training.  I have been playing around with the treadmill and some serious hill training on Wednesdays.  This can be done by altering the grade and your pace.  A killer workout I have done on Wednesdays involve finding a decent pace that you are comfortable in, run 2 minutes at this pace with a 2% grade, then 4% for 2 minutes, back to 2% for 2 minutes, up to 5% for 2 minutes, back to 2% for 2 minutes, up to 6% for 2 minutes…. you get the drift, I have challenged myself all the way up to 10%.  When doing this BE CAREFUL and if you find it too tough keep the grade but slow your pace.

6) Get by with a little help from your SUPPORTERS.  Yep, I was struggling on the treadmill last weekend.  My amazing husband and furbabies joined me in the basement for my miles.  They watched TV with me and chatted with me to help the time go by.

7) Hide the time and the miles.  I find that if I take a towel or use a setting on the treadmill so I can’t see the time I have been on it or the number of miles completed, it goes by a bit faster.  This way you aren’t watching second by second tick by.

8) Cut your miles into different sets.  If you think about it 9 miles can seem like a lot BUT if you think of it as 3 sets of 3 miles, it seems a bit more manageable.

9) Picture the outdoors.  Yes, I know you aren’t actually outdoors but envision yourself on your favorite running route.  I like to envision myself crossing the finish line of the Cleveland Marathon, I have heard if you envision something it’s more likely to happen =)

10) Also, this doesn’t really relate to the treadmill BUT make sure you are doing some cross training.  I am finding Spinning class to be an AMAZING cross training workout, I am really hoping this helps me crush 26.2 miles.

I hope these tips are helpful for you all!  I realize my training post have been ummm…… lacking.  So be prepared for some more frequent updates.  I am going to try my best to post 1-2 times a week from here on out.  I have been active on my instagram page and Facebook, so be sure to check it out for more training information both can be found at Jamie Johnston’s Journey.

 

How is your training going????

For the HEART of it!

Tags

#extremeweightloss, #family, #February, #fitfam, #heart, #hearthealth, #hearttips, #jjjourney, #likeagirl, #marathon, #marathontraining, #weightloss, runCLE, running

It’s hard to believe it but we are already mid February. I don’t know about you BUT I am ready to say goodbye to winter. This winter seems to be extra cold and snowy. However, I do have to say February is one of my favorite months. During February I get to celebrate my Birthday, my Father’s Birthday, my Husband’s Birthday, Valentines Day, My GodMother’s Birthday, as well as my Uncle’s Birthday! LOTS of Birthdays =) February is also American Heart Month =) That’s right time to check in and see how healthy that ticker is!

I am honored to join forces with the American Recall Center in honor of American Heart Month for this blog post as my family is no stranger to heart disease. My very best friend, sidekick, and BEST Grandpa in the entire world (yep truth Bomb) died from complications of this terrible disease. First off for those who don’t know let me tell you a bit about my grandpa (I could go on for seriously hours….days….best guy ever, so I will keep it short and sweet).

My grandpa and I were best friends, we did everything together. My grandpa supported me in everything I did, and also was always there to lend a helping hand. He NEVER missed an important event in my life.

Grandpa surprising me at my College’s Homecoming Parade. I was on court =) As you can tell me was pretty excited to surprise me, maybe even a bit teary!

Grandpa at my College Graduation. I don’t think that smile left his face the whole day =)

Grandpa and I picking out two puppies for HIM. These puppies helped bring a smile to my grandpa’s face after my grandma passed.

My grandpa (also with the help of grandma) gave me one of the best gifts ANYONE could ever give someone, my education. My grandparents were so very generous helping me through college AND graduate school. Some of my favorite memories with my grandpa include walking to the park to feed the birds. Spending Saturday’s together where he would drive out to my parents house and spend the day, usually it involved some gardening and grilling out. My freshman year of college, when grandpa helped me move into the residence hall. My mom and I went to check in and get my room assignment. We received my room number and the keys to the room, Mom and I went to the bathroom. When we came back from the bathroom ALL my stuff had already been moved into my room (it was on the 4th floor), let’s just say grandpa gave the football team a few $$ and got the job done.

There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of my grandpa I wonder what he would think of my transformation. I also envision him at the finish line of all my running events, being there with the BEST sign and the BIGGEST smile. Funny thing is, I always think of my grandparents and birds…not sure why I put these two things together BUT always have. During my longest most difficult runs, usually when I find myself doubting my abilities I ALWAYS see two birds (grandma and grandpa), these birds usually help me get over my mind hurtle, making me smile and push on.

I LOVE my grandpa with all my heart, and have to say I have been so very blessed to have such an amazing man in my life. Due to grandpa having heart disease, it’s obvious that this is something in my family history. So obviously it’s something I need to be mindful of. As I have progressed throughout my journey this has always been in the back of my mind. I know there are many tips, these tips are courtesy of the American Recall Center.

Source: http://www.recallcenter.com/american-heart-month-how-bloggers-celebrate-their-hearts

 

The two I really like to focus on are staying active and eating healthy. First staying active, it’s recommend that you do at lease 20 minutes of activity a day, I say do 30!!! Now I am not saying you have to go out and run 3 miles, but if that’s your thing by all means do it =) You need to find an activity you LIKE. It shouldn’t feel like a walk in the park BUT it shouldn’t feel like torture. There are many great activities you can participate in here are a few: walking, running, spinning class, zumba, weight lifting, yoga, kickboxing, swimming, biking… there are tons of things you can do.

The key is to find something physical you enjoy. It might take trying a few different activities before you find something you like. It also may take a few tries or classes before you get the hand of the activity and enjoy it. For example spinning class. The first time I tried spinning class I HATED…HATED it. Honestly thought that hour long class felt like 5 hours, thought to myself how could someone enjoy this!!! However, I stuck to it and tried it again and slowly started to appreciate it and the workout. NOW I LOVE spinning class and find it to be great cross training for my marathon training routine.

The other tip I think is easy and manageable involves eating healthy. I am not saying give up everything you love, NEVER eat pizza or cake again. I am saying add the color to your plate. Make sure EVERY single meal has some type of fruit or veggie incorporated into it. Breakfast, add an orange maybe a few strawberries to your usual cereal. Lunch should also have some of the good stuff, usually have yogurt? Why not add some fruit or heck pack some carrots or another veggie you wouldn’t mind. NO dinner should be consumed without some type of veggie, seriously just add some broccoli, cauliflower, or maybe some brussle sprouts. Now if you find yourself turning your nose up on these items I just listed maybe find some different ways to prepare them. Steaming them, sautéing them with some seasonings, or maybe just eating them raw. Find a way to enjoy them =)

I hope this post helps you make a few small changes in your life. Just think, these small changes are HUGE. Cardiovascular Disease claims more lives in the U.S. THAN any other illness, so please for your heart make a few changes and enjoy life. I know I enjoyed the life I got to experience with my grandpa and hope this terrible disease claims less and less lives so MORE memories can me made with our BEST FRIENDS.

Fence Sitting can be DANG Uncomfortable!!!!!

Tags

#fitfam, #healthy, #Irunthis, #jjjourney, #riteaidclevelandmaraton; #runCLE; #CLEmarathon;, #rungry, #strongnotskinny, #weightloss, Cleveland, running, training

Sitting on the fence is uncomfortable, seriously it is! You just sit there trying to get comfortable when you know you should just get off on one side of the fence. You know you’d feel relief, but sometimes you just sit there trying to decide which side knowing you should just make a dang decision. Well that’s how I feel, I am on this stupid fence contemplating…. waiting……hoping…. as I sit here well maybe I will see a sign, perhaps a double rainbow (almost triple rainbow). Time is ticking by and I am uncomfortable on this fence. So now I need to get off, make a plan and crush some serious goals.

So I am getting off the fence, one foot after another slowly feeling comfortable and love not being in limbo. Ahhhhhhh yes the feeling of making a decision. I have went back and forth on this issue. 1)Run the Cleveland half marathon and kill my time from last year (1:44) 2) Run the Cleveland full marathon and crush my full time from Akron. Seriously let’s take a step back just for a little tiny second……. What an amazing decision to have to make, no seriously…. Here I am sitting on a fence deciding between a half and full marathon, talk about being blessed! My body is capable of both of these distances, WOW this is just hard to believe at times. About 4 years ago I weight 350lbs, now I am sitting on a dang fence deciding the distance goal of a running event………..Thank you God for this opportunity!

Just about 4 short years ago, this was me!

I thought long and hard. I love the Cleveland half, have done it 2 years now and have loved every second of it. The crowd support, my amazing family coming to support me, being able to crush it both years, seriously I could write a love letter and dedicate it to the Cleveland half. I think in the pictures you can tell I loved every second of my 2 half marathon experiences.

Cleveland Half 2014 waiting to start.

Dancing at the start, Cleveland 1/2 2014 (working out those nerves)

Cleveland 2014 Half Finisher!

Traditional Rite Aid Cleveland post-race photo. Cleveland Marathon 2014 with a finish time of 1:44

Cleveland Half 2013, waiting for the race to start

Cleveland Half 2013, finishing my first half STRONG! Point to my husband and parents

Cleveland Half 2014 Finisher!

Then there is the Cleveland full…uncharted waters in my book. I have only done one other full, and it seriously took everything I had in me AND support from my amazing friends and family. There are a lot of what if’s like what if it’s a 70+ degree day! I mean it’s Cleveland in May, I could also be running through snow (kidding but kind of not). The Akron full is one accomplishment I am so very proud of completing, seriously look at the smile as well as the look of death in some of these pictures.

Waiting for the Akron Full, bundle of nerves!

Finishing my first EVER full, had to own that finish!

Just after finishing the Akron Full

Feeling like death after the Akron full, thanks Mom for this outstanding picture!

After running through both of these events in my head I have made a choice.

Yep, I am going to do the Cleveland FULL Eeeekkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk………….

I just said it out loud, plus I am going to post it on my blog which also means facebook (does it get any more official????). The decision was long and hard, but I am feeling pretty good about it. I also feel like I needed to make sure I had a few things in place before being 100% (here is my check list of necessities before deciding on the full):

1) Training partner for the long runs…..no seriously these can be damn intimidating (it’s mostly a mind game). So I need someone to be there, even if it’s just that they are physically there and we don’t talk. I enlisted the best training partner I know………….MY HUSBAND AND HIS TREK BIKE. Seriously there is no way in Heck I would have completed 26.2 without this man following me for every long run, he even almost had to pick me up when I was taken out by a bee sting on my first 20 mile run (yes I was a bit dramatic, my mind was taking over).

Best supporter, there for EVERY long run!

2) A nice strong base. I have been keeping up my running distances and doing some serious spinning (my current obsession and cross training of choice).

3) An understand partner. Yep, your partner needs to be on board because let’s face it taking on a marathon is ALMOST like a part-time job. I am so proud to say my partner is not only supporting my decision, like I posted in #1 he’s my training partner for those long runs.

My loving supportive husband, I believe he was buying me running shoes in this picture =)

4) Friends/family that support and get it. Yep, all your peeps need to be encouraging and supporters. I have some amazing friends/family and I know they will support this decision and do whatever they can to help me reach my goal. Thanks in advance to my two morning workout pals Kcey and Jess…..yep already counting on you and KNOW I CAN.

Kcey and Jess with me for my very first half in 2013

My good friend Stephanie (she ran the 10K).

My amazing family making me cupcakes before my first full =)

5) Gear and accessories. Seriously whoever said running was cheap is a dirty dang LIAR! Yes you know that person….all you need is a water bottle and shoes LIAAARRRRRRRRR. Ok so you all know I love some running accessories. I feel I am on point with the gear and really happy about my purchase of a Nathan running vest for hydration (thanks husband), my garmin (sprinkles) is ready to rock (just hope her dang battery holds out). Also I am in a seriously amazing place as I have IVY (yep I have nicknamed my treadmill), she’s a beast and she told me she’s ready for a full.

Nathan Hydration Vest

Amazing Running Shoes from Vertical Runner (they are the best).

All my running gear for my first full, don’t forget the gel AND body glide.

6) A positive mind, attitude and spirit………….yep think I got it =)

So friends, family, and amazing folks that read my blog there you have it. I am running the Cleveland FULL. Now will start the official training =) feel free to read along, lace up and join me in Cleveland, come support me throughout the course ORRRRRRRRRRRRRRR be at the finish line with a cupcake or heck a dozen cupcakes, let’s face it I’ll be rungry when I finish and we all know how I love a cupcake at the end of a race =)

Akron Marathon (first full) celebration cupcake!

Cleveland Half 2014 (2nd half) celebration cupcake!

Cleveland Half 2013 (first ever half) celebration cupcake!

XX,
Jamie

A Serious Refresh…

Tags

#extremeweightloss, #jjjjulychallenge, #weightloss

TGIF!!! Is anyone else really happy it’s Friday? I sure am =)

This was my first full week back to work after our two week vacation, felt like it just took forever. As many of you know I did something completely unlike me and kind of out of my comfort zone this week. I tried a 3 day refresh/cleanse. It’s something I have always been interested in. Well a friend of mine that is a beachbody coach did it and had amazing results that packed with shakeology (which I have also wanted to try) seemed like the perfect combination for me post vacation. So while on vacation I made the purchase, so it would be at my doorstep upon our arrival home.

So this week I did it. Was it hard…..yep! Did I see results……yes! Would I do it again…….ummmmm maybe??? It was strange as during the refresh process I thought a lot about my food choices that I make and the lifestyle that I lead. I have to be honest, I make amazing food choices. I barely cheat and I run like a mad women…..seriously BUT it’s because I love running (well and food). So I thought to myself Jamie, if you already make these great choices what are you doing struggling through this cleanse??….great question.

I decided after this cleanse I need to be nicer to me, give myself a break once and awhile. I need to focus on how far I have come, as really losing 190lbs is no small feat and I should really be proud of this. While on vacation I knew I was going to gain weight, I mean come on WI is loaded with beer, cheese curds, and we all know how I love a s’more!

Yep….proof, I LOVE a s’more =)

Wisconsin Cheese Curds, NOTHING like them =)

Before vacation and even during I couldn’t help but think of the weight, how much I would gain and how I would get it off……..seriously why?!?! I think it had to do with the gain I experienced after last year’s vacation. Last year (brace yourself) I gained 14lbs on vacation NOW let me say this……I went completely overboard. Did just have one s’more at night and call it good….more like 4! Found myself living vacation with some type of sugary food item in my hands at all times.

Just a sample of last years crazy sugar rush.

Well after vacation I came back and found it really hard to lose the weight I gained. Then other things came up, then the holidays…..before I know it I was gaining more ekkkkkkkkkk!! However once spring/summer started I lost all this weight and then some. It finally came off and I found myself one pound away from GOAL, ironically right before vacation this year, so I had a fear of a repeat of last year’s gains!

During this vacation I was better, kept my food somewhat under control. I also made it a goal to run at least 6-8miles a day, which I completed. I feel like my body was also in a different place this year, stronger and better. Also the usual foods I would enjoy on vacation (ice cream, brats, beer, fish fry) well they didn’t agree with my stomach, I felt miserable when I ate them. So at the end of the day yes I did gain this vacation, but I got this I have it under control.

One of my vacation runs for my buddy RY!

I did sample some beer on vacation, and ENJOYED it!

So now that I have been all over the place you might be thinking Jamie where are you going with this?!?! Well, the truth is I probably didn’t need to have a knee jerk reaction and go on a cleanse as I really eat well and exercise my butt off (literally), and at the end of the day I need to realize something…..loses and gains ARE LIFE, it HAPPENS TO EVERYONE! I feel at times like a car on the highway that is going 90, swerving through traffic like a crazy lady to reach a destination (GOAL)! However I need to ask myself then what?????? Ok you reached your goal Jamie great (cue fireworks, confetti, bands)……now you get to maintain. Well you know what?? I bet you maintenance involves a lot of gains and losses, as LIFE HAPPENS.

So at the end of the day, I guess I would say YES I would do the refresh again. NOT because I lost 3.5 lbs, although that was a nice side effect BUT because it really put some things into perspective for me. I AM DOING FINE; I am honestly right where I am supposed to be in my weight loss journey. I need to slow the car on the highway down and enjoy the dang ride, think of how far I’ve come and the great things I have experience throughout. I just can’t continue to focus on the destination, as once I get there a whole new journey starts.

So I am making a pledge to all of you and encourage you to do the same….I Jamie Johnston will be nicer to ME, will celebrate my journey and how far I have come and enjoy the moment, I will not live for the destination……

Thanks for reading my ramblings, as I realize this post is somewhat all over the place!!!

XX,
Jamie