Proudly Athena

I think it sounds pretty bad-ass to be able to say I’m an “Athena” runner.  Calling a running guy a “Clydesdale” however, is something I can’t do with a straight face.  If you haven’t heard these terms before, you’ll occasionaly encounter Athena and Clydesdale divisions in running events.  Athenas are females more than 150 pounds, and Clydesdales are males more than 190.  Competing in these divisions takes you out of competition with your age group and pits you against other big-boned people!

Whenever I see the option to compete as an Athena in a race I sure do!  In my opinion, it’s the only chance I have to compete for a medal, and competition is what drives me (In my running club, I’m happy that they offer Athena and Clydesdale divisions for their Gold Cup Series!).  Sure, competition with my own personal best is great, but you can’t tell me that competition against others isn’t motivating!  And you can’t tell me you wouldn’t want a little bling hanging around your neck as you leave a race!

Unfortunately, oftentimes when these divisions are offered, not too many Athenas seem to sign up.  I’m not sure if it’s because they don’t know what it is or perhaps more likely, they don’t have the self-confidence to proudly declare that they weigh more than 150 pounds (I honestly haven’t weighed that little since 5^th grade!).  Personally, I think it should be more like 175 or so, but that’s just this proud 197-pound big girl talking! (That’s right, 197! I’ve lost 20 pounds since my Shakeology journey began in December. #WeighInWednesday)

If you fit the criteria, go ahead and proudly sign up for the Athena or Clydesdale division next time you see it offered!

Now, onto what’s happening in the Beachbody world… I don’t want you to miss out on some great specials available through the end of the month… The MMA-inspired Les Mills Combat, the rapid weight-loss & accelerated strength-training of Les Mills Pump, or the detox and tune-up of the Ultimate Reset are on special through March. Contact me for details: joan@joangrottfitness.com or connect through Facebook at www.facebook.com/joangrottfitness.

And one last thing… Those who know me know that I tell it as it is, and I want you to know that I truly believe in the power of Beachbody to make a difference in lives, I mean in my first few months in the biz, I lost nearly 20 pounds and made enough money to pay for me recent all-inclusive five-night Caribbean vacation (airfare too!)  And now I want to share this opportunity with you and I’m looking for a few team members.  Requirements for team members:  must love to help others, be interested in working from home, and would like to make $500 a month or even a week! If you know of anyone, could you please send them my way?!  And I'd be happy to give YOU a gift if the prospective team member you send my way works out! (joan@joangrottfitness.com, www.facebook.com/joangrottfitness).

Lighter & Faster!

It’s been awhile since I blogged, but I’M BACK!!! February was a rough month for me, but I ended it on an upswing with a “spring break” to Riviera Maya, Mexico with my childhood best friend!*

I didn’t see much weight loss in February, but despite all that I was facing, I DIDN’T GAIN weight, so that was awesome! And following my spring break, I got back to business with my workouts and my Shakeology nutrition, and the scale is moving downward again… my first post-vacation weigh-in was last Wednesday, and I finally broke into the 100s! 198.6 pounds!

To recap, since I began including Shakeology in my daily routine back in December, I’ve lost 18 pounds so far! As I’ve shared before here, I truly believe it’s corrected the nutritional piece of my health/fitness puzzle...and it keeps my energy up, keeps me feeling full longer than my old breakfast did, and I just feel healthier!

One of my goals for 2014 is to get back to my best running shape, and so far I’m on the right track!  This past Saturday I ran my first Gold Cup Series race for my local running club, the Calumet Region Striders.  My best recent training 5K was a shade faster than 34 minutes, so I set my goal at 33 minutes and promised myself a new pair of running shoes if I beat 33.  I found myself fairly-comfortably running at a 10:00ish minute/mile pace and managed to finish in 32:00.5!! The Athena division of the Cal Striders better look out, ‘cause I’m gonna kick some tail this year!!  And I can’t wait to visit my local running store, Extra Mile, this week for some new kicks!

*I earned enough money in 3 months as a Beachbody coach to cover the cost of airfare and 5-nights at a beautiful Riviera Maya all-inclusive resort.  If you’re looking for a fun way to earn some extra fun money, pay down debt, etc., contact me to learn more about being a Beachbody coach!

Proud to be an Athena!

I ran my first 5K back in 2010, and finally in 2013 I decided to join my local running club, the Calumet Region Striders.  Last Saturday, the Striders held their annual banquet, which provided me the opportunity to reflect on my 2013 participation in the Striders “Gold Cup Series”. 

In hindsight, 2013 was rough!  I gained weight and plateaued, and I really slacked on my running.  Ever since my first 5K in 2010, my aim has been to run at least one event per month.  In 2013, I got to the point that I wasn’t really running in between my events (I was still doing other workouts, but not running regularly).  I got slower.  But I knew I could get it done.  If it weren’t for the friendly competition presented by the Striders Gold Cup Series (I had to run at least 10 races from the Gold Cup “menu”.), I may have abandoned running.

5th Place Athena* for the 2013
Gold Cup Season!

I had previously set some running related goals for 2014 anyhow, primarily getting down to a 28:30 5K, and setting a 10K PR (personal record).  Saturday night inspired me to really get more serious about those goals, and really work hard to be the best me I can be, and really compete in the Athena* Division of the Gold Cup this year!  I’d like to see myself finish no less than 2^nd place in the division for the 2014 season!  And if I stick to my plans for 2014, I know I can do it!

I’d like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who provide leadership to the Calumet Striders!  You truly make a difference for so many of us! THANKS!

*For those who are unfamiliar with the term “Athena” as it relates to running, it’s what I call “the big girl division” for females who weigh more than 150 pounds.  There is also the “Clydesdale” division for males who weigh more than 190.  (I struggle to say the Clydesdale one with a straight face, because I just picture my brother-in-law galloping like a draft horse.)  When you sign up for Athena or Clydesdale it takes you out of competing with your age group, and pits you against other big people.  Quite frankly, I’d love to see those weights be a touch higher.  I’m built like a brick outhouse, not a runner, I probably haven’t weighed 150 since junior high (or maybe even elementary).

I’ll Give it a 10!

It’s a snow day here in northwest Indiana…the best true blizzard we’ve had since I was a wee little one! Everything is closed, even the interstates, we’re under a state of emergency, and I’m looking at a 4-foot drift on my patio! (Oh, and it’s cold, -15*F with a wind chill that makes it feel like -38.)

Despite all that I’m having a 10-star day…

It’s Monday, which is my weigh-in day. After a long-held weight-loss plateau, I’m down 10 pounds in the past five weeks! And in an effort to keep it real with you…my starting weight was 217, and I’m down to 207! The thought of getting into the 100s is quite exciting, as it’s been a loooooong time since I was there (despite what my driver’s license may say). I’m just super-excited about this recent weight-loss trend, as I was stalled out for sooooo long. (See more about this in this blog post.)

Who needs a bullet blender?! The bottom
of your blender pitcher fits a mason jar!

After five weeks, I’m now confident in saying that Shakeology is helping me correct the nutritional piece of the health and fitness puzzle! It’s my insurance… it is one easy thing I can do right EVERY single day! It is the healthiest meal of my day, EVERY DAY! It’s way more than a protein shake; it’s a nutrient-dense and all-natural super food shake! Learn more here.

So, I dropped 10 pounds. And then, as I scrolled through my Facebook timeline today I learned that I was selected to be a Social Media Ambassador for Bondi Band! I first encountered Bondi Band at my first-ever 10K…the Sunburst Races in South Bend, IN back in June 2011. They offer a variety of hats, headbands, and compression socks, and in most of my race pictures you’ll see me sporting one of their headbands! Stay tuned for more information about my ambassadorship with Bondi Band!

Me in my fav Bondi Band at the April 2013
Dyngus Day Dash 5K - 2nd place Athena!

Running Through 2013

I ran through 2013 with my sister Anne, my friend Lindsey, Got Chocolate Milk's Team Refuel, and the Calumet Region Striders running club! I ran in 19 races and volunteered at the one and only Chicago Marathon! Check it out in 15 seconds in the video below. And follow me at Joan's Fitness Journey for regular updates and your daily dose of motivation!

Happy New YOU!

Do you set goals or make resolutions? I go for goals. To me, resolutions have a negative connotation…fixing something you do wrong; whereas I feel goals are a way to shoot for the stars without necessarily dwelling on a negative! 

And I’ve already started working toward my 2014 goals…I didn’t need to wait until January 1^st to begin working toward being the best me I can be! I’m refocusing on my running, and have big plans to crush my 5K personal record (PR) time in 2014…I’m shooting for 28:30! It’s scary, but I figure if your goals aren’t scary, you’re not shooting high enough!  (I also want to set a new 10K PR and get myself below 200 pounds and keep myself there…lost 8 in December, after being stalled out for a LONG time…entering 2014 at 209!)

So what are you doing to be the best YOU that you can be? Facebook or Tweet me and let me know!

Year-to-Date Running Update

I’m a blog slacker, but I want to try to resume my blogging on a semi-regular basis.  Originally, I started this blog to share my fat-to-fit journey.  Sharing my progress with whoever will read this makes me feel somewhat accountable and keeps me on track.  Therefore, let me quickly bring you up to speed with my 2011 running events.  (And to make this update easy on myself, I’m just going to copy and paste from a Facebook album I have in which I chronicle these things.)  J

When: February 20, 2011

Where: Western Veterinary Conference 5K (Las Vegas, NV)
Time: 30:20
Photo Caption: I tagged along with my sister to the BEST VET CONFERENCE EVER and we ran their 5K.  This picture was taken at the Mandalay Bay conference center before we headed out to the 5K.

When: March 20, 2011

Where: St. Paddy's 8K (Chicago, IL)
Time: 49:30 (57/110 females 30-34; 614/933 overall; 9:59 pace)
Photo Caption: Never thought I could sustain a 10 minute/mile pace for 4.96 miles, but I did!  I had set my goal at 52:30, 'cause I figured I'd end up slowing my pace since it was a longer run for me.  I beat my goal by three minutes!!!

When: April 2, 2011

Where: Ringing in Spring (Valparaiso, IN)
Time: 29:43.7 (7th/27 in Athena Division!)
Photo Caption: Running hard toward the finish line!

When: April 16, 2011

Where: Race to Wrigley 5K (Chicago, IL)
Time: 29:17 (94/332 females 30-34; 1300/2916 overall; 9:27 pace)
Photo Caption: PERSONAL RECORD!! 40-something degrees and rainy, but I shocked myself with my time!  I believe this was the largest race I ever participated in, so I continually had people to pass, which kept me going.  I was afraid I wouldn't reach my goal because of all the zigging and zagging I had to do to get around people, but it turns out I beat my old best by nearly 30 seconds!

When: April 25, 2011

Where: Dyngus Day 5K (Michigan City, IN)
Time: 29:17 (2nd in my age division = I won a medal!)
Photo Caption: NEW PERSONAL RECORD!! Probably about 40-something degrees and rainy, but I once again set a new record!  Lori and Kristen ran this one too, and did great!!  It was kind of a boring route, partly due to a limited field of runners, but I’d do it again.  It was close to home, and it was a Monday evening event, which is my time of day!

When:  May 1, 2011

Where:  Flying PigMarathon – Relay (Cincinnati, OH)
Time:  I ran the first leg of the relay – 6.84 miles 1:16:26 (pace = 11:11)
Photo Caption:  My bro-in-law, sis, and cousin Kristin ran the 26.2 as a 4-person relay.  I never ran this far before in my life!!  It was a rainy morning, but it was exciting, as I got to start the run in the corrals with all the marathoners and half-marathoners and other relay runners (like 30,000 people)!  I had never been in such a major event before, so it was cool to be involved with the start!  Cincinnati has a bit more topography than I was accustomed to, my leg of the run ended on a brutal up-hill street.

When:  May 28, 2011

Where:  Kent’s Run 5K (Boone Grove, IN)
Time:  28:20 (20/86 females 30-39; 72/436 all females; 247/783 overall)
Photo Caption:  Another new PERSONAL RECORD!!!  Gotta love Kent’s Run, great cause, great race!  My cousins Richard and Kristin brought their families out for this one!!  It was a very cool morning, but great for running.  It was probably 50-ish degrees and cloudy for the run.

When: June 4th, 2011

Where: Sunburst 10K (South Bend, IN) - MY FIRST 10K!
Time: 1:10:56 (76/103 females 30-34; 419/584 females; 929/1159 overall; 11:27 pace)
Photo Caption: Not the time I was shooting for, but respectable for my first 10K.  It was very warm and humid...the event was actually "black-flagged" before all the marathoners (and probably some half-marathoners) were finished!  Also, I ran too hard in the first two miles, which wrecked me for the last four!  I need to work on appropriate pacing for longer runs!!!

When: July 4, 2011
Where: Run for Riley (Children's Hospital) 5K (LaPorte, IN)
Time: 31:24.6 (12/26 females 31-40; 102/175 overall; 10:08 pace)
Photo Caption: No new records on this day, but I was just happy that the weather was pleasant.  Last year's 4th of July 5K was way too hot and humid.  This year it was probably 60s-70ish with no noticeable humidity at race time.  Cousin Richard ran this one too, and shattered his anticipated finish time...estimated 40 minutes, got 'er done in 37!!  Good work, Richard!

When: August 13, 2011
Where: Warrior Dash (Crawfordsville, IN)
Time: I never looked it up, doesn’t really matter…we walked a lot due to the terrain.
Photo Caption: My former 4-Her Sierra convinced me to do this crazy, muddy, "hike with obstacles" with her and her friend Doug. It was fun, but I don't know if I need to do a muddy run again... :)

When: September 10, 2011
Where: Popcorn Panic 5-miler (Valparaiso, IN)
Time: 59:43.4 (Overall 904/948; Pace 11:57/mile; Age Group F30-34 74/78)  (Certainly not my best, but I've been a slack-ass lately. And this may be the sort of comfortable pace I adopt if I'm going to run a half marathon!)
Photo Caption: Annie came to visit and I convinced her to run in the Popcorn Festival's 5-mile run with me.  We ran together for the whole thing, and then pigged out on some Designer Dessert cupcakes when we finished!!!  :)

When: October 30, 2011

Where: Trick or Treat Trot 10K (Chicago, IL)
Time: 1:09:54 (Pace 11:16/mile)  (Second-ever 10K, and a 10K PR!!!)
Photo Caption: Posing with a chocolate milk so that I had a photo to use for my application when applying for a Chocolate Milk Refuel grant!

p.s.- Vote for me (Joan Grott) for that Chocolate Milk Refuel grant through 12/15/11 at http://www.refuelwithchocolatemilk.com/grants/vote/

Ringing in Spring 5K

Photo: my sister Anne and I after the race!

The Valparaiso YMCA’s “Ringing in Spring” 5K was last Saturday and, despite the rainy morning that only saw temperatures in the upper 40s at best, was a great time!  This was just my second 5K, my first was last month at Disney World, and it was a "fun run" without official times and placings, so this was kind of my first "real" 5K!