Saturday, July 11, 2015

A Day in the Summer Life of @THEMIRNAVATOR

Friday, July 10th


One of the great things about being a teacher is having time during the summer to focus on training  for particular events (along with preparing materials and having meetings for the upcoming school year--it's not all play so DON'T GET IT TWISTED!)

I wanted to give a glimpse of what I like to do during my "lazy" summer days:

This week I have my sister and her family visiting from New York. I love having family and friends over because they expect that they'll be really active the entire time they are visiting and they LOVE IT. We go hiking, swimming, walking. We garden (this is new to me--we're city folks), fish (I don't really fish but my sis and brother in law do!) cook great food, wake up with the sun, and relax on the porch.

My niece enjoying some time out of NYC

Today I got up at 6am. I made coffee and drank it (inhaled it, really) then did PiYO Lower Body Focus. This is a great pre-running dynamic workout that gently stretches and strengthen your legs. PiYO is one of my favorite Beachbody videos. On a typical day, I like to do a video or two to get the blood moving. Also, I just really like exercise videos because it gives me the chance to try out different sorts of physical activity without traveling to a gym. I LOVE gyms too, especially Lifetime Fitness.

Next, my brother-in-law, my running buddy/colleague Rebecca (who ran her first marathon at Tortoise and The Hare 12 Hour Ultra last month!), and I ran a local dirt road (from 3.6-4.6 miles.)

The views were astounding as they always are.

We often have very foggy mornings in the North Georgia Mountains

And then there are the cows. They are EVERYWHERE. They are gorgeous. Jealous yet?


After our run, we did a set of body weight exercises from yesterday to warm up:

25 jumping jacks
15 squats
10 jumping squats
10 pushups
10 walking lunges

Then we did 3 sets of the following:

15 Kettle Bell Swings (I love this video for a great Kettlebell Workout)
The Bro-in-law 

10 Sandbag tosses ( I love this sandbag workout)--And my sandbag is a 20 pounder)
Rebecca, my running buddy quoted in RW

Me with a post gum surgery swollen face

For many, this may not seem like a lot. But the point is to do SOMETHING everyday or at least most days of the week. Make it a habit. Make a commitment to yourself and then make an appointment with yourself.

Worried about equipment/clothing costs? I've acquired all of my weights, clothes and various training paraphernalia over the years. One year I bought a kettle bell from Wallyworld, another I bought some dumbbells and even got some for my birthday, and the medicine ball...well, let's just say it's on long-term loan from one of the schools I taught at. Two colleagues gave me a spin bike that they used maybe three times. I bought my first treadmill from HSN on the easy-pay plan because I didn't have a spare $600 lying around.  Another friend from college supplied me with a top of the line NordicTrack treadmill simply because I had joked online that I needed a treadmill. A few days later, my husband brought it to me from NYC.

Put it out there. It will come.

Adidas I got on sale at the New York Running Company for $50. There are sales everywhere. There are consignment shops, too. Also, there is Nordstrom Rack! If there is one near you and you need a pair of running shoes, get there immediately. They have discontinued models and big shoes for those of us that either have WIDE feet or extra long feet. I wear a size 11 and sometimes 12 depending on the shoe and many places and websites don't always carry sizes above a women's 10 (which is stupid.)

Shirt was from the Double Tap 50K, an awesome brushed cotton-poly blend that is great for working out in or wearing to Walmart.

Compression shorts are from Road Runner Sports. These shorts aren't super tight and they hold your stuff in so you're not jiggling around unnecessarily all over the place. That's not fun.

Socks are Darn Tough wool socks that I got for free at the Finger Lakes 50s event this past weekend. These socks are second only to my absolute favorite Swiftwick running socks. Sign up for an event and you'll either get a shirt, pint-glass, free socks or arm-warmers (like in The North Face Endurance Challenge) or other types of samples from sponsors.

Hat was $5 at the Finger Lakes 50s because who doesn't need another cap?

And drumroll........the BRA is theVictoria's Secret Incredible Bra (for high impact activities)-I'm not gonna lie--None of the models represent what I look like in the bra, but at this point I need a bra that works. It was also expensive but it is one of the best sports bras I've had, second only to Moving Comfort. Give it a chance ladies--I know, VS is not the brand that automatically comes to mind when one is purchasing a sports bra. I was extremely skeptical myself but decided to try it out. I was not disappointed.

Anyways, whatever you wear and whatever you do-DO IT and be LOUD and PROUD. Get your family and friends in on it and make it a party, a daily celebration of life and health.






40 comments:

  1. Just read your article in runners world and I loved it! I am going to tell everyone I know to read it. I remember running my first ten miles and exclaiming to my running buddies, hey! Where is my six pack? I wish they would have put you on the cover. Someday, right?

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    1. I think my six rolls count as my six pack lol! And yes, someday, we'll find a place for us....

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  2. Hi Mirna,
    I am a 40 year old lifelong runner who grew up pacing her dad on the trails of ultramarathons back in the 80s while the sport was still in its toddler phase. I work now as a personal trainer, and recently I had a client inform me of the Health at Every Size movement. In fact, I just blogged about it last Monday: https://onbalance.wordpress.com/2015/07/09/health-at-every-size/. Last Friday, I was on a plane heading for my summer vacation, and I read the article about you in Runners World. I immediately tore it out to send to my client back in Austin. Thanks for your positive example, inspirational wisdom, and infectious smile. May good health and great happiness be yours.
    Cheers,
    Karen
    PS- If you're ever in Austin, let's go for a run.

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  3. Hi Mirina, I love your blog and all that your doing. do you have a fb page that people can like and follow or do you just have your blog? Gutted your article wasnt in the UK runners world. I'll n ed to hunt it out as I have lost the link I saw on fb when it sent me this way. I have my own fb and blog on here. I need to update the blog soon. Happy running!.

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    1. Hi Alana! I do have a brand new FB page that is simply called Fatgirlrunning. The article hasn't been posted online yet. Ah, the mysteries of the publishing world....what's your blog?

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    2. As of last week, the article is online. Here is the link: http://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/ultra

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  4. Thanks for the review of the VS bra. After being ignored by them for so long I'm happy to go on ignoring them. This is my favorite bra: http://glamorise.com/the-ultimate-full-figure-sport-bra.html . The Moving Comfort bras are 2nd to that one for me.

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    1. I totally have to try the Glamorise. It keeps coming up in my Amazon searches for plus size high impact bras. I feel a review coming soon....thanks for the link!

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    2. There used to be the cutest little bra boutique in my area and it was the first place I ever got fitted with the right size bra. I'm a 36E American, 36 - 38DDD French. Unfortunately that shop in no longer in business. There just weren't enough women willing to try out a boutique. The owners changed my life, and the lives of my friends, though, by finally getting us into bras that actually fit.

      My go to Sports bra is from Freya. I'm not a runner, but I do Yoga, Swordfighting (for stage), and used to do Martial Arts. This is the only bra that fits me comfortably, and keeps me in place while I'm active. No Jiggling, no cleavage sweat, no slippage. I have to warn you, though, the first time you put it on you feel like you have to unhinge your shoulders to hook it. Once you wear it a couple of times it loosens up a bit and it's much easier. You can find it on Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/Freya-Womens-Soft-Sports-Charcoal/dp/B003OBM48I/ref=sr_1_5?s=sports-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1437500986&sr=1-5&keywords=freya

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    3. Thanks for the information. I'm thinking I need to do a new clothing review soon so hopefully I'll get to try on all of these awesome pieces of clothing. Thanks again!

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  5. Hi Mirna,

    I loved the article about you in RW. I am in the clydesdale(heavy runner) ranks of the running world too. Like you I am healthy and happy where I am, though losing a few pounds would be alright for me. I wanted to bring my hometown race to your attention for future consideration since I know you are already signed up for the Javelina Jundred 100K. Please consider coming up to Titusville, PA(birthplace of the oil industry) and running the Oil Creek 100s(50K, 100K, 100 mile) http://www.oc100.org/ on the 1st or 2nd weekend of October in 2016. The only catch is that you have to be quick at signups on 2nd or 3rd Saturday in March if you want to get in. I would love to see you at our race some year. Here is the link to the OC100 facebook group. Feel free to join us. https://www.facebook.com/groups/64755792482/?fref=ts I wish you much success and happiness in running and life along the way.

    Run Happy,
    Mick Quen

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    1. Mick--Thanks so much for the info on Oil Creek--I know a few people who've done it and they rave about it! I will definitely look into it for next year! Thanks and GO CLYDESDALES AND ATHENAS!

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    2. Hi Mirna,

      I also just read the article about you in Runner's World while I was on vacation in Florida (in fact, on the way back home, passing through northern Georgia, I thought about you and wondered how far away you live from the area we were traveling through). I read the article with a smile on my face and tears in my eyes almost the entire time. You are definitely one of the most inspiring people I have ever heard about. I love your attitude, your determination, your positive outlook, your willingness to learn and grow, your encouragement to other runners, so many things!! I was also happy to see that we share the same alma mater--I went to Oberlin College as well! :) So cool. I am a "late bloomer" runner, having only started when I was 41 and never dreaming that I could ever run a 5k, let alone a half marathon! (I have done 4 of those so far). I wasn't unathletic when I was younger but never thought I had the endurance it would take to run for more than a quick sprint. Now, like you, I try to encourage anyone who is starting out as a runner or even thinking about running. It is such a great community, and I found one of my best friends in the town where I live now through running (she is my best running buddy now and I look forward to our long talks on our long runs!). I also just started trail running recently and LOVE it!! So much of what I read in the article resonated with me that I couldn't help but comment here. It was definitely one of the best articles I have ever read in Runner's World or any other magazine. Anyway, I wanted to tell you how much I admire you, and I will be following your blog and/or Facebook page so I can continue to read more about you! (and I agree that RW should have put you on the cover!!).

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    3. A fellow OBIE and reader!!! Thanks for your comment Elke. Isn't trail running the best? I'm so happy that RW took the risk of profiling and featuring a non-super skinny runner and that their action is helping to dispel the myth of fitness=skinny + dieting. Naw bruh, that's not us! Thanks for reading the article and reaching out.

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    4. We have a few other things in common, too--I am a fellow language major (though mine was French) and I took some Spanish and German classes, and even a Welsh class (through ExCo). I also did some singing at Oberlin, though only in Musical Union a few semesters. Yes, I agree, trail running IS the best! I love being in the woods and conquering the terrain, there is nothing like it! :) I just did my first trail race in June (a night race! such an amazing experience! http://summernighttrailmarathon.com/ ), which was a quarter marathon, and am signed up for a half in two weeks. I am looking forward to keeping up with your blog and hearing more about your thoughts on running and other subjects. I have read a few of your previous posts and have been enjoying your writing style and your perspective!

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  6. I am inspired by the article about you in Runners World. I am starting to run again after some time off and at my heaviest weight ever. Reading your story gives me more confidence that I can do this.

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    1. You totally can! Get your running shoes on and get out the door. This is the most important part of starting over. I always try to think of how I'll feel after accomplishing a run--I never, ever regret it. Much luck to you and thanks for your comment!

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  7. Hi, Mirna, I just read the article about you in Runner's World, and I just wanted to thank you for sharing your story and for this great blog! I'm an overweight runner of a certain age and sometimes feel like the odd girl out in a race. Although I do have to say that my fun run buddies are very supportive and make all the difference in the world. Today I am sidelined (temporarily I hope) by plantar fasciitis and am trying to be patient while I heal. It's tough when you run for the pleasure of it and your body says no. Reading your story gave me a much needed lift and the optimism that I needed to look forward to hitting the trail when the time is right. Thank you!

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    1. Hi Linda! I know the feeling, having had several PF bouts in the past. It's the WORST! I'm so used to being the odd girl out, I rarely feel like the odd girl out anymore, because it's normal to me now. Have you been cross training while you're recovering from PF? Even though it's miserable to not be running, I've found that weight-training, body weight stuff, and other forms of cardio help me keep my sanity. The PF will heal, your feet will get super strong again, and you will own the trails! Much luck to you!

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    2. Yes, I have been going to an aerobic conditioning class twice a week for years. It definitely helps get me through the non running times and makes re-entry a lot easier. I am planning to run as part of a relay team this weekend, 6.5 miles, I think I can do it, then I will take a good bit of time off to heal properly. I should probably be scolded but I just have to do it.

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  8. Hello! I loved the article in RW, you are inspiring. I'm a want to be runner... You know, I want to be the girl (52 year old girl/grandma) who can't wait to get up and go for a run. I've been her, a few years ago, but had shin splints, which turned into stress fractures. So after taking time off, I've lost my motivation. How do you motivate yourself? I need a jump start, it's hard starting back up because you, well, I, tire so easily then get discouraged. What helps you when you don't want to run?

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    1. Thanks for your comment. Every time I have a rough time getting out the door, there are several tactics I employ to at least get me started.

      I put my running clothes and shoes on. Even if it takes me an hour to get out the door, I GOT OUT THE DOOR.

      I drink coffee, and lots of it. And then I drink more. Seriously, if it's an issue of fatigue, either mental, physical, emotional, or imagined I drink coffee. The ritual of making and drinking coffee is a very important part of waking up my mind and body--ANY TIME during the day.

      I know that I'll never regret going for a run, even though sometimes I really don't feel like it at first. I give myself a mile. If I'm not feeling it, I'll turn around and go home. But then BAM, I've done 2 miles. I fool myself a lot with this one!

      I make a run-date with a friend.

      I schedule my runs--like I put it on my calendar. But,

      If I miss a scheduled run, I do it at a different time of the day.

      I think about my current goal. That keeps it real and gets me out the door real quick.

      Today is one of those days for me. I've had an exhausting past few days and really, I just want to watch TV all day. I'm tired and a little sore and probably dehydrated. But I know that I have a 12 Hour Race next week, a 50K coming up in August, and my huge goal race in October. If I don't train now, if I don't feed the fire--I will have no sustenance.

      Figure out some things that work for you. Is it tea? Running shoes? Signing up for an event? And do it.

      Much luck to you! Keep me posted!

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  9. Just found your blog after reading the article in Runner's World which featured you. Great article! I've never tried PiYo before but I'm going to have to look for some videos.

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    1. PiYo is awesome. Let me know if you'd like to try it!

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  10. Hi Mirna, I've just read about you in Runners' World and think you're fantastic. I'm a chubby ultra runner based in Scotland, I knew there were more of us out there... Best of luck for your next race!
    Angela
    P.S. If you're at all interested I also blog a little at https://thechubbyultrarunner.wordpress.com/

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    1. Wow! All the way from Scotland--one country that is on my list to visit. And guess what? We chubbiest are all over the place. Keep on running on. Will definitely check out the blog!

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  11. Hi Mirna, I just wanted to say thanks. I am an overweight male runner that has been running for a lot of years. The truth is I have never seen anyone highlighted in RW that shares my same issues or that has seen the looks of others while you run. I am in Canada and I love to run, but the truth is nobody believes me when I say it, and definitely don't believe when I tell them I run between 5 and 8 km daily. I call myself a runner but apparently because I don't fit the profile I am not recognized asa runner...that is until I run. I have never gotten first but I have never lost either. One day I want to do ultras as well, and you have shown me I can. So thank you.

    Kevin Wigfield
    Alberta, Canada

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    1. Thanks for your words, Kevin. I'm so happy that the article is doing what it was intended to do. The writer was very clear that this was an important piece for all runners but especially those of us that don't normally get featured or highlighted because of our body shape or pace. Kudos to you for getting out there and doing your runs ANYWAY! We are all runners. Also, get to signing up for an ultra. Then you'll do it.

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  12. You are truly inspirational!!! As an avid runner & crosstrainer at 5'9"/250lbs & 49yrs. of age, I can totally relate. I have completed a metric centre ride, 11 half marathons & 9 sprint triathlons - where I have placed in my weight category on 2 occasions. You are my shero!!!! We are in a class of our own. Always competing/ranked with runners who are smaller and faster. While I do it because I enjoy it, little accolades goes a long way. I have always been self motivated & have been my own competition. I have trained myself to ignore the rankings because they don't really apply, but it would be nice if an Athena /Clydesdale category was created for runners like us.

    After reading the article about you in Runner's World, I feel like I am not alone. Someone else LIKE ME shares the passion. I look to your future posts. Stay strong. #Athenastrong

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    1. I love it! #Athenastrong. Using this! There are so many of us out there doing our fitness and endurance thing and we are not to be ignored! Thanks for your comment!

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  14. A friend posted the link to the RW article on FB and I found myself drawn to it. I am SO glad. I read it with tears in my eyes much of the way. You see, I was raised by a thin mother who thinks that a person's worth and their waistline are inversely proportional. When I was 12 I started getting "too fat" for her tastes (I'm built like my dad's side of the family) and got put on starvation diets until I was out of high school.

    Well, now I'm a 43 year old mother of 8 who is anything but thin. But I'm strong... the other night we had a scale get stuck underneath a gurney that had a 300 lb patient lying on it. I lifted up one end of the gurney (using proper lifting stance and protecting my back, of course) and co-workers were able to slide the scale out. One of the other nurses just stood there staring, mouth agape. I chuckled. And I annoyed my last doctor by having healthier bloodwork numbers than most ultra fit 20 somethings. Took a lot out of his "you're eating yourself into a grave" speech (which was given with no attention paid whatsoever to what I actually eat.)

    I have always wanted to run. I have always let my weight stop me. It's time to stop being ashamed. Thank you.

    (Oh, and I about died laughing at the comments about sopranos... I am one, also. Toured Europe when I was 18...)

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    1. Cheers to you for doing it and being you! We have no time for shame as life is too short and our time is too valuable. Get out there and run! And be.

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  15. I just found your blog and all I want to say is THANK YOU! Thank you for adding such positivity to the runners comminuty. Thank you for showing the word that runners come in all sizes and that it does not mean that you have an unhealthy lifestyle!

    Now its time for me to dive in to some other articles on your blog, keep up the good work!

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  16. Just read your feature in Runner's World. You're amazing!!! I was so happy to read that you had a blog :) If you're ever vacationing in San Diego, I'd love to hit some trails with you :) Keep up the a$$-kicking!!

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    1. Thanks! Hoping to get out west next summer and explore all ALL the trails!

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  17. I found your blog via Tumblr and I just wanted to pop over and say that I absolutely LOVE your blog! The writing, the pictures, the inspiration and motivation. THANK YOU!!!

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    1. Thanks to YOU for reading! I appreciate the kudos!

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  18. I found you through the article in RW and can I just say Thank you!! When I tell people I run, I usually get a funny look. My body doesn't "look like a runner's body". Or they assume I run because my husband is in the Air Force. I run because it's the only way to keep my sanity!! I struggle because I want more sleep or because I know at 5:45 it's already 85 degrees and 80% humidity....but I LOVE the feeling I have when I am done running! Thank you for sharing your life and your inspiration!

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