Climb for Air

About a month and a half ago, I signed up to participate in a Climb for Clean Air, which is a race put on by the American Lung Association.  The race consists of running up 68 flights (34 floors) of stairs.

How the race works is people start up the stairs in 20 second intervals.  As I stood in line waiting I began to get nervous.  I had never done with sort of race before.  Then, I was reminded why I was doing it.

This is a write-up on my Nonno, who passed away from lung cancer 11 years ago.  The fact that it was next to me in the hallway right as I was having doubt was a sign to me...I could do it!!

My time for the 68 flights of stairs was about 13 minutes.  I was gasping for air and dizzy by then end, but it felt great by the end!  My official time will come in tomorrow.

The wedding we attended last night was amazing.  SO much food.  I was a bad blogger and didn't take pictures but I had some delicious stuffed shrimp and Personal Trainer Josh enjoyed filet mignon.  I will leave you with a pic of us from the wedding.

Running around...literally

Sorry for the lack of posting!  I am running in Climb for Life this morning!  I will be attempting to run up 68 flights of stairs!  However, I ended up getting home at 1 am this morning due to babysitting one of my favorite little guys, so more walking than I thought may be involved!

I will try to take pics and I will fill you in my times!

After the race I have a wedding to attend!  It is my first wedding where I am not in the party, so I am very excited to enjoy the ceremony and party afterwards!  Congratulations to Dave and Amy!

Of course weddings means lots food and drink.  I already have a plan to not pig out!  Prior to leaving I am giong to make black bean burgers and sweet potato wedges for lunch.  This will fill me up!  Then, at the wedding, I will eat my entree and not snack on anything else! I will take a piece of cake but will have a couple bites then put it down.  And, I will limit myself to one glass of wine.  I can enjoy and not splurge :)

Hope everyone else has a great weekend!!

Combining Goals

The task of improving ALL aspects of your life may seem daunting, even impossible. I find it helps to start small, as Josh said in the previous blog. Also, it helps to combine goals. For example, I am currently working on weight loss and fitness goals. Every week, I set a goal of about how much I would like to lose this week, as well as how many times I will get some sort of exercise. I find mentally thinking about when and how I will work out motivates me to do it.
As part of my fitness goal, I have registered to participate in Fight for Clean Air Climb
This event is part of the American Lung Association. In about one month, I will run up 68 flights of stairs to support my support for the fight for clean air. My goals are: 1) to raise 100 dollars for the organization in pledges, and 2)run the entire way up the stairs, without stopping.
So, in order to achieve this goal, I am working my body by training for this race. Also, I am working my spiritual side. The American Lung Association is particularly important to me because my paternal grandfather passed away from lung cancer 11 years ago. He was not a regular smoker. So, while some say people who die of lung cancer are asking for it, this is not true. I feel as though I am doing something for him, even though he is no longer with me. Are you looking to lose weight or get in shape? I encourage you to register for a race or walk that helps an organization you are touched by. Not only will the fact that you will be timed help your fitness goals, you will also feel good inside by helping someone you love!

To donate to my cause please visit my fundraising site.

Thank you and stay tuned for recipes from me!

~Amanda