Moments to cherish :)

This year as been one of the most exciting yet difficult years of my life.  I would have to say that even with the injuries, my hernia surgery and all life's challenges; I feel that I am closing this year out stronger than ever. 

I think 2013 is probably one of my best years ever.  I wouldn't be able to pin down which moment was the best because honestly everything I did this year was truly awesome! Here are some of my favorite memories.. Not in any order either :)

This had to be my favorite moment in the Marathon.  I was looking for these two all weekend.  I found them at mile 24 I believe! I was tired but I swear I sprinted to get in line for this picture. 

This was after a very rainy, cold 1/2 marathon in Nashville.  My first time ever having chicken and waffles :)  Holy Cow .. It was AMAZING!

We both didn't want to run this race. Corinne was sick and I had Achilles issues but we did it anyways.  We were so happy to get back to the car that day!

I have to say running this Marathon will always hold a special place in my heart. I love running with my friends but when you blend running and family together it means so much more.  This was my cousin Diana's first marathon!! She Killed it and left me behind..lol.  I think I cried when she left me behind not because I was sad but proud to watch her achieve the thing I love most! We will always have a special bond because of that day :) I just love her! Congrats again little cousin!

Nashville 1/2 marathon was probably the least favorite race in my life. Not because I hate Nashville because Nashville hills HATE me! I got injured but PRed...Oh and it rained the whole time I was out there running.  I was happy to support the Happy, Healthy, Holy Ladies shirt and was happy to see this lovely lady. Love you Marla

What can I say about this favorite moment! I love my Canadian friend and my Nashville buddy.  We laughed and had some really awesome chats.  It was a quick weekend in Disney but so worth the trip. 

Phat Camp in Nashville :) I loved every single moment of this weekend!

This chick has been in my life FOREVER! I know I can always count on her to make me smile.  First, Halloween party downtown Columbus.

This was probably one of my FAVORITE none running events. I got to hang out with my stunning cousin Angie, my mudder sister Betsy and my college buddy Emily...let's not forget my High School friend Rachel.  Kenny Chesney is always a great time but when you add these special friends in the mix it made the day ever more memorable.

We fight all the time but I love Bobby so much.  I am so glad he moved back to Ohio so we could freeze to death watching the Buckeyes!

Football Sunday's are important for the Morgan's :) Bengals Who Dey!

I started 2013 out with my favorite moment of all.  The Goofy challenge was so much more than a race to me.. It just proved to me that Dreams do come true and that everything is possible with faith, friends and the will to achieve. 

I am sad to say goodbye to 2013 but excited to see what 2014 will throw my way.  Starting it out with the Dopey Challenge!!!!!!!

Mission I'mPOSSIBLE: I challenge you..

Mission I'mPOSSIBLE: I challenge you..: If you been following me you know that I am an active member of the What's Beautiful Campaign that Under Armour.  Let me give you the ru...

I challenge you..

If you been following me you know that I am an active member of the What's Beautiful Campaign with Under Armour.  Let me give you the run down if you don't know what the campaign is about.  Basically, it is a bunch of women challenging each other with workouts, yoga poses and getting in touch with the inner self.  You post pictures, videos and at times favorite quotes to inspire others and yourself.  Under Armour is active in this campaign sending out swag to ladies who have reached a level of pure awesomeness! I haven't gotten any swag but I have gotten a lot of hard workouts and have been challenging myself to get out of my fitness box.

Yesterday, one of the UA sisters put a challenge out to write a letter to yourself.  Many people have done something similar to this but Lindsey put a twist to this challenge.  She challenged us to fast forward five years and write a letter to our current self.  I loved this challenge as I needed to hear myself say some things out loud.  We are so hard on ourselves that we rarely pat ourselves on the back.  We rarely say slow down, listen and just be.  I seriously learned a lot about myself in this little challenge. I LOVED IT!

Here is my Letter..

Dear Kathy, 

Life continues to throw you curve balls but you continue to hit it out of the park.  You never back down on a challenge and always look for the positive in what life throws you.  This year has been a very difficult year for you.  Yet, you continued to grow and believe that life is certainly possible.  You look at the bad and ugly stuff in life AND use it as fuel.  Not many people understand you or even want to but that doesn’t bother you because you love what you have become.   

I know you more than anyone knows you.  You are WAY too hard on yourself.  You want to reach perfection when perfections sometimes is just not reachable.  You my friend are your worst enemy but somehow you are also your best cheerleader.  You like  going beyond the limits but sometimes you need to stop and take it all in. Being still my friend is sometimes better than moving if you just listen and BE.  

Be proud of where you are now! You have lost over 50 pounds yet you continue to dwell on the imperfections.  Imperfections make you beautiful, strong and unique. Many people would kill for a body like yours…so wear it with a smile and be proud of those muscles you have earned.

Be proud of your accomplishments.  I know you are struggling with setting goals for 2014 but just go with the flow. You don’t need to always out do your last goal.  Be proud that you are a marathon runner, tough mudder, triathlete and lifter. Be you this year and listen to what your heart is telling you.

I know how badly you want to find a PE/Health job. Just believe that God will get you where you need to be.  You will be amazed at where you are heading and what you will accomplish down the road. Just continue to learn, grow and always love you.  This is going to be an awesome year for you Kathy. With all that passion you have inside you someone will believe in you!!! Someone will give you a chance at a job you been waiting for.  Someone will see that you are simply to amazing to pass up.  Continue to believe in the impossible, continue to be amazing and continue to dream.  
 

See you in 5 years! 

I challenge you at write a letter just like this! Then read it to yourself out loud..maybe even video tape it.  You will be amazed at how emotional you will get when you hear the words.  Be kind to yourself and remember that no matter where you are in life you will continue to move forward.  

Come join the What's Beautiful Challenge :) I KNOW you will love it! 

Here is the link to join. Make sure you add me as a friend! 

http://whatsbeautiful.ua.com/

 

Mission I'mPOSSIBLE: Excited to announce....

Mission I'mPOSSIBLE: Excited to announce....: If you know me you know that I am a member of PNP....Also, known as Phit-N-Phat .  (Click on Phit-N-Phat to go to the website). What is PNP?...

Excited to announce....

If you know me you know that I am a member of PNP....Also, known as Phit-N-Phat.  (Click on Phit-N-Phat to go to the website). What is PNP? The best way I can describe it a bunch of amazing women working to better themselves inside and out.  We workout together, we laugh together, cry and mostly we speak the truth to each other.  We have raced together, vacationed together, went to fitness camps together and have bonded on levels I can't even begin to describe.

I bet you would be surprised to hear that this community is all online.  The only face time we have is when we travel to certain locations for a meet up. Luckily, I have a few PNP sisters that live in Columbus that I see often or call when I am upset.  I have friends in Texas, California, New Mexico, Nashville, Carolina..Heck, I even have a sister that lives in Canada that loves wine, cussing and lollipops!

This community has changed me for the better.  Before, PNP I was a lost girl partying and eating my weekends away.   I didn't know there was life outside of booze and late nights.  I didn't have a place I could to go to get support or ask questions about fitness. I was lost, scared and really worried about my future.

Then, PNP fell in my lap when I was babysitting Jeannie's (also a PNP member) kids.  She told me about Corinne and felt that this community would be something I might enjoy.  I joined the very next day!

My life changed that day! I got control of my drinking habits, met amazing friends and became a better friend to myself.  I traded the booze in for long runs and heavy weights. I found the Athletic Kathy again...I swear she died in college.  I became a person that I absolute love :) I became the person I wanted to be all along!!! I am proud to say I am not lost anymore and have a bright future all because of this amazing community.

I am telling you this because Corinne (Queen of PNP) announced this week that I along with two other PNP sisters are joining her team! I will be working with Corinne and the clients to help reach there finish line.  Finish lines could be 5k's, food battles, emotional issues, 1/2 marathons, tough mudder.... you get the point!

I could go on and on about PNP and why you should join but I will not bore you.  Come check it out! Go like Phit-N-Phat on facebook.  I can promise you if you're looking for support, workouts, menus or anything else you will get it with PNP.

One last thing...
Women that love to have fun, laugh, dance, drink wine, sweat, run, walk, lift heavy, cook, paint and cry would LOVE this community.  My favorite moments of my life have been with these girls.  I always go home crying like a baby after events but I leave with so much joy and love in my heart! :)

Want more info? Just ask!

Why me? Hyopthyroidism

My whole life I have had amazing amounts of energy! In fact, I am positive that I should have been on hyper active meds when I was a child.  I use to be able to go all day and drop dead when I turned out the lights. Not anymore :(

I knew something wasn't right with me when I couldn't finish a mile back in March. I felt like someone stole all my energy I once had to bottle it up for themselves.  Nothing helped, not even sleeping all day.  When my Doctor told me that I had hypothyroidism it wasn't a complete surprised as many members of my family have thyroid issues.  I wasn't prepared for what he told me next... You will have to start taking medication every single day for the rest of your life.

WHAT?

(For those who don’t know, the thyroid controls the metabolism, and problems can affect virtually every part of the body)

Seriously, I have been working out, eating healthy and doing everything I possibility could to stay away from medication.  It made me really upset to hear that this was my new reality; there absolutely was NOTHING I could do about it.

I started to take the medications feeling better some days, others feel like I can't even remove myself from my bed.  It sucks feeling so tired all the time and watching the scale stand still.  Friends think I am not telling truth when I say I don't feel good.  I honestly don't feel good after 5 o'clock most days.  It seriously sucks!

I will be fighting this disease for the rest of my life.  I have to take a pill every single day till the day I die. It completely angers me that no matter how hard I try this disease is NOT going anywhere. I will have to fight the weight battle since my metabolism is basically dead.  Depression is another thing I will probably have to fight too.  My hands and feet will remain cold and my body will be fatigue more often than not.

Many people tell me that I should stop my marathon training because it probably makes my thyroid issues worse.  I will never give up something I love because of this ugly disease.  I will just have to learn to battle it the best way I can. 

I have so to learn about this ugly disease.  All I know is this...I would NEVER wish this upon my enemy. I will continue to blog about my battle with hypothyroidism. I hope to learn a lot in the next few months about this disease, so I can educate all of you. 

BULK WEEK

Bulk Week

You maybe asking yourself what the heck is bulk week? For me bulk week is the biggest training week for my big event (the race).  Bulk week is a good indicator if my training was successful or not.  I basically have 13-15 more runs before the Dopey Challenge. For someone that runs marathons bulk week kind of is like a dress rehearsal. 

This would be a good week to wear my race day gear and eat all the foods I plan to eat in Disney.  Easy right?  My dress rehearsal will have to remain only with food because I am NOT going run around town or the gym dressed up as Jessi from Toy Story.  I don't need the crazy looks!

Monday: 3 miles, Yoga and Weights
Tuesday: Weights, Yoga
Wednesday: 3 miles, Stretching
Thursday: 6 miles, Stretching
Friday:10 miles
Saturday: 20 miles
Sunday: REST DAY 

Total: 42 LONG miles :) 

I am excited, nervous and anxious to get my week started.  I know I will kill it but I am worried how awesome I will feel on Sunday. Let's just home I can still walk at the end of the week.

What is your workout schedule for the week?

Upside down

It's true I love being upside down.  Sounds funny (I know) but I find that life is a little more clearer upside down than right side up.  So I did research (not really I just looked on the internet).  I didn't find a true connection between upside down and a clearer mind...DARN. 

However, I did find some interesting things about being upside down.  Many people find relief when they hang upside down for a while.  In fact, my sister Patty has an inversion table at her house.  I don't know how often she uses it nor do I know if she has results from it.  I did test out the inversion table when I visited with her but hated it.  So I find it very interesting that I enjoy handstands and hanging upside down on the bars on recess. 

I guess I have always loved flipping around as a child, so it shouldn't surprise me that I love it as an adult.  I think it is super important to continue to do the things you loved as a child.  If you loved dancing, DANCE. Singing, SING.  Playing in dirt, Go run in the mud.  The problem with adults are we take life way to seriously.  Life should be serious but life should be about laughter, play and mostly FUN. 

I just got off topic...Sorry :)

What I did find out is this..

Being upside down will help relief back pain.  No research has shown long-term benefits but it defiantly helps for short term pain. Think about it, the spine is completely stretched out when upside down.  I also found out that being upside down helps with blood circulation and allows blood to flow more steadily to the brain. <---- No wonder why I have a clear mind upside down.

I will close with this...

Life certainly is better upside down in my world.  Why not give it a try? Don't know how to flip over without breaking bones? EASY.. Just walk your feet up the wall till you feel safe! Boom. Great way to stretch the spine out and a great way to view the world!

Give it a whirl!

2014 Goals

The last two years I have been going really hard and accomplished so much.  I want to have big goals for 2014 but I have to say I am kind of stuck on what to do.  So I am reaching for crazy, awesome, insane and amazing ideas.  Share away!!!!

Here is what I have so far!

January-The Dopey Challenge in Disney (5k, 10k, half marathon and a full marathon)
Ok. Ok. This is a HUGE goal and I should feel accomplished two weeks into 2014.  Running 48.6 miles is a lot but running them in 4 days is somewhat crazy! I love crazy!

February-Myrtle Beach Full Marathon
Super excited about this race! I will get to meet my running coach, some MTA members and see my nephew (who lives there).  My plan for this race is to run faster than a 4:45.  I am going for a PR two days into my 33rd year of being alive.  I also am excited to be going on a small vacation with my Mom and Dad.  Dad will be running the half and Mom will be there for support! :)

March-Got nothing scheduled yet... I may schedule a marathon during this month so I can get my Marathon Maniac number and my Jersey for my April race.

April-Kentucky Derby Marathon
Running a marathon with my teacher friend Kat!!!!! This will be Kat's first full marathon and possibly my 3rd of 4th of the year.  There is a marathon the day after the Derby marathon that I am considering.  I told you I like crazy! :)

May-Probably Ohio Tough Mudder
Mexico for my Brother's wedding!!!!!!!! :) First time using my passport! 

June-Probably Nashville Tough Mudder

July-Vegas with my PNP sisters.  Hiking and Zip lining while I am there :)

August-Nothing
Maybe a trip to visit my parents in Canada 

September-Nothing
Disney Half (maybe) Just so I can get my Coast-to-Coast 

October-Regnar in Nashville (this is a maybe)
Chicago Marathon (maybe)
Columbus Marathon (maybe)
Basically, I am really unsure what I want to do this month.  I may just be to tired to run another marathon...so not making decisions until May. 

November-nothing

December-nothing

Things I want to do that doesn't involve racing...
Become a YOGI :) Seriously, I want to learn out to do crazy poses and hold them. 
Paddle Board
Be more active in Nature....NOT JUST RUNNING

I want to be able to hold awesome things like this :)

Finally, I really want to find a PE/Health Job.  I been wanting to do this for a while but this is the year I will be taking the step towards changing my career.  Who knows my career may also change my location.  I just know that 2014 is the year for growth, change and challenges.  I plan on heading into everything with a open heart and a will to achieve the impossible. I can do anything if I just continue to work hard and believe that the impossible is POSSIBLE!

2013 Final Review

What a GIANT year 2013 was for me! I accomplished a lot but also dealt with a few injuries, heart breaks and health issues.  This year I had to learn to really listen to my body both physically and mentally.  I gained a better understanding of the person I want to become and the person I plan on leaving behind.  I think it is simply amazing how much a person can grow in one year yet stay same in so many ways.  I plan on closing the year out with a lot of HOPE for my future in my career and my fitness life.  Closing the door on 2013 just allows me to see that I have a lot of great things coming ahead. :)

2013 REVIEW

Jan
I started 2013 out with the Goofy Challenge with my BRF (Best Running Friend) Corinne Crabtree.  This honestly has to be my proudest moment of 2013 for me!!!! It was a tough race but I knew I could face anything with Corinne beside me.  Running 39.3 miles in Disney with the Crabtree's is a memory I will always cherish.

Jan/Feb
Beachbody cleanse-no working out or eating crap for 21 days.  Lost 15 pounds but gained a better understanding on food, why rest is important and to listen to my body. Oh and I turned 32..BOOOOO.

March
Found out I had a Thyroid Issue. 

April
Ran the Nashville half marathon in pouring rain...I got a new PR but came home with an injury.

May
Ran the Cap City half marathon with an Achilles injury from Nashville.

June
Vacationed in Miami with my friend Kelly.
Pulled myself out of the Sunburst Half Marathon and Michigan Tough Mudder because of Achilles injury.

July
Vacationed in Nashville for a week :)
Phat Camp with my PNP family...talk about a great weekend in Nashville.
Duathlon.. My Dad Beat me.

August
New Kids on the Block concert :) Yes, you just read that correctly.
Louie had surgery.

Tough Mudder with Corinne.

Kenny Chesney in Detroit with old and new friends.

September
Ran the Air Force Marathon with my Cousin Diana!!!!! 3 days later had hernia surgery...UGH!
Didn't run, workout or even yogaed (is that a word) for 6 weeks.

October 
Pulled myself out of the Wine Glass Marathon.
Pulled myself out of the Columbus half marathon.
I hated this month :( It was super hard for me to pull myself out of these events...specially Columbus.
First Halloween party in Downtown Columbus.

November 
Wine and Dine Half Marathon with Tracey and Corinne.  I LOVED this race for many reasons!

 Football game with my Brother Bobby

December
Found out that my thyroid is messed up again :(
Started training hard for the Dopey Marathon

After, looking back I did accomplish a lot but I also had to pull myself out of a lot of events.  This year was the year of really listening to my body with all the issues I had going on.  My Achilles is feeling better and my thyroid is just going to have to be a learning process.  I raced when I could and rested when I had too.

I am still thinking about all my goals for next year.  My body has been going really hard the last two years.  To say I want to slow down would be a complete LIE :) I want to continue to push myself in many things in my life not just racing.  I have HIGH hopes for 2014!!!!

2013 thanks for the good times, the learning experiences, the heart breaks and the ability to share my passion with others.  I am glad to close the door on you but will always smile knowing that you changed me for the better!