Up and Running...and Riding...and Biking...you get the picture

Hey Ya'll
   So have you decked your halls? Are you wrapped and ready? CHRISTMAS IS HERE!! I can't believe it! Between training, work, keeping up with the hubster, traveling and getting our own house holiday ready I haven't had much time or energy to blog but wanted to give a little pre christmas update.

So training is officially in full force. 6-7 days a week ya'll. The real.deal. In short...

How I feel:

How I think I'm supposed to feel:

How I feel when I get my rear in gear and get my workouts done:

I want to share my workouts with you so you know what I'm up to and to be some sort of cyber-accountability if that makes sense. However, with respect to my coach I'm not going to post all the details of the workouts she's given me but here's a short synopsis of what the last two weeks have looked like:

• Monday Dec 8 - still had stitches in my finger so I did a row+arm bike combo for 45 mins
• Tues Dec 9 - 21 mile tempo bike ride+ 4 mile run
• Wed Dec 10 - Work ran late so I flexed this to be my off day
• Thurs Dec 11 - 20 mile/1 hour bike interval training
• Fri Dec 12 - 4 mile run+1000 yd mixed interval swim. I did my FIRST SUB 30 MIN 5K! 
• Sat Dec 13 - 52 mile endurance ride out in Hocklely w/ major headwind for the last 20 (not fun)
• Sun Dec 14 - 7 mile run. I was supposed to also do a 1600m swim but the day got away from me and I never got in the pool this day. 

• Mon Dec 15 - 2200m swim
• Tues Dec 16- 21 mile tempo ride
• Wed Dec 17 - 4 mile run+2600 meter swim. Did my second sub 30 min 5k ever!
• Thurs Dec 18 - was supposed to do an hour bike but work ran late, we had church and were getting ready to head out of town so it didn't happen. Lame-oh-I-Know
• Fri Dec 19 - 1 hr progressive ride. I caught the 5:30am Rev class at Define Houston which was the best best best ever as per usual/the only way this hiney was getting up that early before going to work
• Sat Dec 20 - 3 mile endurance run. Some of my best splits so far!
• Sun Dec 21 - 6 mile endurance run with intervals. Did my fastest outdoor mile (9:39!). I have NEVER done speed work before so I am definitely seeing the changes!

And this week:

• Mon Dec 22 - 20 mile/1 hour bike w/ lots of climbing and sprints+2700m swim with intervals
• Tues Dec 23 - 20 mile tempo bike ride+6 mile endurance run
• Wed Dec 24 - 2800m tempo swim
• Thurs Dec 25 EAT ALL THE CANDY OFF DAY
• Fri Dec 26 - we are going out of town and I only have access to a road and my tennis shoes so just a 4 mile endurance run+25 minute home strength circuit routine
• Sat Dec 27 - 4 mile endurance run
• Sun Dec 28 - 25 min home strength circuit routine

So as you can see we are in full swing...and it's busy..and I'm tired but I just keep picturing that finish line and putting this year and this accomplishment behind me and it just continues to spur me forward. I am so excited.

As far as diet goes - let's just say I'm trying really hard to be as good as possible...but...ALL THE SUGAR! FOR REALS.

Also on another aside as a general public service announcement- twice now as I've been swimming at the gym and I'm like at least halfway through my long swim and totally getting into my groove - some old lady water walker has gotten into my lane and started waywardly water walking (today's lady was in red tipped tube socks too boot) all through my lane! LADIES...

Come one - just go get in the other lane with the other water walkers. You have unintentionally put me in the aquatic version of this:

I mean don't get me wrong - you get on with your tube sock wearing water jogging self but please PLEASE don't make me a personal acquaintance with the lane rope as you do it. K thanks. 

Ok everyone - whew that was a big catch up but at least you know what I've been up to. Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas! We will be traveling so I will probably not get to update again until after we get back but know how loved you are this season. I just love this season of love and celebration of my sweet sweet Savior. Hope yours is as happy as mine and one to never forget. 

and

Because I'm all about that base...

That's base people...not bass...

No offense Meggy T but I think we've done enough talk and work about the "treble" shall we say.

So the last few weeks have been all about building base! I have been working up my bike and run mileage all through November and started officially working with my coach on Dec. 1. She was so sweet in sending my first week's workouts - described as "pretty generic." Oh man guys - it was definitely the kick in the pants that I needed to realize this is the real.freaking.deal people. Like get to that gym for 2 hours of cardio already on a weeknight kick in the pants.

And then do it again the next day.

And the next.

Something tells me this will be a theme. Not that I already didn't know this was going to be a big undertaking but there's just something jilting about seeing it on paper/email/trainingpeaks.com

So this week looked like:

Monday: FIRST DAY WITH THE COACH! GET MY WORKOUTS! I AM PUMPED! Supposed to swim... then in a moment of  pure brilliance I sliced my hand open with an immersion blender while cooking dinner, got 5 stitches and suddenly swimming wasn't looking so likely. Strong start HB...strong start.

Tuesday: Still feeling crummy after my blending blade battle and work ran long so off day.

Wednesday: 4 mile continuous run averaging 10:30/mile

Thursday: 1:20 min spin and 30 min row workout (to supplement for not swimming)

Friday: off 

Saturday: 5 mile run with my sister! - running 10 min intervals - averaging 10:47/mile

Sunday: I have 40 miles on the bike scheduled...so up and at em early in the AM hitting the road! Maybe getting in a row too afterwards for some "swimming".

Stitches out next week so I'll be back in the pool!

Hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving and are loving this Christmas season! See ya next week!

PS...this guys=awesome. May we all groove like you sir. 

Ok. Peace.

Let's train!...and other fun developments

Hi all!
   Are you out enjoying this glorious weather?? For those of you not here in Tejas - we got our first real cold (for us) of the year. It was 37 degrees when I left to run this morning and I.LOVED.IT.  I LIVE for a cold front this time of year and the first real cold snap of the season makes me oh.so.happy. I just love it. Nothing makes me happier than bundling up, making and eating comfort foods, starting the holiday season and generally having the best runs and bikes of my life because the humidity finally dropped and it's not a jungle out there. Also everything dies outdoors this time of year and I CAN BREATHE #allergyqueen. Anyways - long story short this weather makes me happy.

On to other things.

Sidenote: if yo don't know this movie reference - go enrich your life. 

So I had my 30 day post op appointment with Dr Crosby (plastic surgeon) at MDACC this past Wednesday. She and her team are fabulous as always. Basically everything looks good. The big take aways were:
1. I have some mild rippling/divoting on the right side that I will probably go back for additional fat grafting for in May after the Ironman but other than that she and I am really pleased.
2. NO MORE SP ANX! OMG THIS WAS ALMOST AS GOOD AS NO MORE DRAINS! (not really but at least 50% - nothing is like getting drains out)
3. She did clear me to return to exercise - just ramping up and doing things in intervals for running/swimming/biking and giving it probably 2 more weeks'ish before I start lifting weights again.

She also said she wanted me in sports bras with two panels vs the "uniboob" as she calls it. Well I don't know about you guys but that was pretty much all the sports bras I  owned so off I went on a search for a comfortable, two paneled sports bra that did not rub on my incision lines (that are still a little tender). So off I went to my friendly local lululemon (where i have a self admitted sick sick addiction to their stuff) and of course their lovely helpers were very helpy. Here's what I found. and I love.

Lululemon Lift and Separate IV Bra

Lululemon Seek the Heat Bra (ON SALE NOW!)

Both are so soft, front closure is awesome, nice support without an under wire and don't rub at all on my incisions. I'm super pleased. #overpricedandworthit

So what do you do when you have been off working out for 30 days again, have new lulu bras and a glorious cold front morning and a Friday off?!?  YOU GO FOR YOUR FIRST POST SURGERY RUN! 

I got up this morning and was so excited to go run! My surgeon still wants me to start with intervals so I ran 5 minute intervals with a 30 sec-1 min walk in between runs. I didn't want to get crazy so I just started with an easy 5k. Definitely learned that these ladies do not move while in motion which was actually pretty awesome. Incisions were a little uncomfortable for like the 1st 1/10 of a mile but after that were fine. Finished a 5k out and back through my neighborhood. It wasn't my best time ever but most definitely ran with a smile on my face the whole time and actually am pretty ok with my time given I was walking every 5 mins. I finished with a happy heart, big smile, and grateful mind and legs that felt better than ever! 

So training season is officially officially open! I'll be working back up to my base mileage in the next two weeks then start with my coach (Courtney w/ Outrival training) Dec. 1 so I'll keep you all updated as that starts! Let's get this IMTX 2015! 

Have a great and snuggly weekend ya'll!

Ok Let's Switch Gears...and eat all the food

So let's switch gears a bit shall we? Let's talk something kind of like I'm going to start training for an Ironman in like...um...now'ish...shall we?

So even though I'm still on workout restriction (Post op Nov 12! hopefully cleared after that!) - Ironman is not far from my mind. The weather has been gorgeous and I am DYING to hit the road on my bike or get in a gorgeous morning run!

However - before I do that I really needed to start to get my diet in.check. I have always struggled with major weight gain whenever I train for any endurance event with my greatest gain being topping out 22 lbs heavier than my norm at the Austin half ironman 70.3. This is not normal ya'll - I was doing 20+hrs/week of cardio easily and massively gaining weight despite eating pretty well and definitely less than I was burning (I did have the not so occasional taco though if we are being truthful here).

Now enter a sports dietician and my new friend the neuroendocrinologist (#spellingchampforthewin).I am working with a great dietician named Catherine Kruppa - her practice is Advice for Eating here in Houston and I have been nothing but impressed by her. I am also now seeing a neuroendocrinologist who is helping figure out why my body does not metabolize what I am eating well even when eating super healthy and why it response to exercise as a stress response and just hangs on to everything.

Not really but you get the picture. 

I already eat pretty darn clean and low cal so it's not a total change from where I was but there were still some pretty major changes to take on with their recommendations. So long story short I'm taking a lot of vitamins, taking 1-2 meds a day to help with some digestion stuff and basically going paleo'ish except I'm allowed to eat some not-aged cheese's and need to eat super low glycemic index and am supposed to be cutting sugar.

Which means I haven't had a dessert or candy or anything sugar in 5 DAYS PEOPLE! If you know me you know this is a MAJOR deal.

"They" say it get's easier...we shall see about that Thanksgiving table

This is sort of a maintenance diet thing and I'll be working more with Catherine as I train to make sure I have a good balance of nutrients to properly fuel this kind of training while keeping my weight down and hopefully leaning out. Doing an event like this is NOT to lose weight but I do need to be conscious of it - wanting to be in my very best shape I can be to be successful as this is likely the only time I will attempt something this incredibly insane  of this magnitude. So we shall see. Meeting with Dr. C at MDACC next Wed so I'm hopefully getting cleared to work out after that so I'll keep you updated!

It's time to start hitting the road people! Surgery is over and training season as officially opened! Let's go!

FINALLY

It finally happened y'all...

Not gonna lie- woke up and freaked out for a moment thinking I must have popped them or something but don't worry- all is well! Belly sleeping for the win. Haven't slept this well in months!

Gonna be a good day!

all good things...

Welp....last day of surgery leave. Day 7 post op. Back to work tomorrow...definitely ready (especially since hubster is out of town this week) and feel just so incredibly blessed. Incision lines are still tender but things are healing nicely and for the most part I'm really pleased. I think at this stage in the game it's this weird meeting of being happy that things are pretty much done and then just being patient and kind with your body and letting it heal. Then moving into the acceptance and adjusting to what your body looks and feels like. Not that it's certainly any worse or crazy different than it was before but definitely still an adjustment. I still have to wear Spanx 24.hours.a.day to act as a compression garment over the fat grafting sites (except for showering...clearly...because...what?) which is HOT (both sarcastically figuratively and literally for sure) - it's probably a good thing hubby is gone this week because I am CRANKING that AC.

Yesterday I got the awesome opportunity to attend the first preview service of "The Story" . Its a new worship community that is a part of our home church - St. Luke's Methodist. I can't even begin to describe to you guys what a blessing our church (especially our incredible amazing sunday school class family - the Three Strands Class) is. It was an incredible meeting (at one of my favorite restaurant/bars) and truly one of the most authentic, biblical, exciting worship experiences I've had. So shameless plug -if you're new to Houston or looking for an exciting, open, authentic church home - check it out. It's a new church plant (of sorts) and isn't meeting regularly yet but will be doing a few preview services and will start having regular meetings in the new year. And if you're needing or looking for a really amazing group of young marrieds/young families to be a part of - come this way. You can come to class with me (and Alex).  Because I don't want to brag - but my church family is the real.deal. ya'll. Family. Thanks for being, and acting, and loving and walking and friend-ing and just being the church. Love you guys.

Ok On to book reviews. 

First so you know where I'm coming from - I love to read. I will read almost anything you put in front of me (clearly - even Twilight). I haven't even turned on the TV at all in days because I'd much rather get lost in a book for hours (sometimes much to hubby's chagrin). I do read on an kindle/ipad a lot just because it's cheaper but I really love to have the book in my hands. I love everything from essays, research articles (sometimes), biographies, historical fiction (my personal fave genre), mysteries, love stories, inspirational books, bible studies, adventure. Not a huge sci-fi or romance kind of reader. Definitely don't read horrors. I'm definitely a stereotypical Jane Austen lover and my favorite book of all time is The Count of Monte Cristo. I have surprisingly never read Harry Potter (I know...gasp...I know I need to and I've watched all the movies). I loved the Hobbit but didn't enjoy or make it through Lord of the Rings. I love C S Lewis but actually didn't enjoy Mere Christianity (loved the content - didn't love how it was written...snooze/had a hard time staying engaged). But in all things - I am a reader. Always have been. 

I started/finished the Breathe series this week (actually in 3 days). This series was recommended to me by a wonderful RN that I work with. 

So without spoiling the story (more than what you would read online...) I have to say I really enjoyed this series. That being said - it is completely a young adult/teen angst/romantical kind of series and an easy read. I didn't totally love the way it was written - I felt there was a lot of repetition in her descriptions of the character's interactions but it was definitely an intriguing story and heartbreakingly true for many out there who suffer unimaginable emotional and physical scarring from emotional and/or physical abuse by those that are supposed to love and protect them the most. I think it touched on how difficult it is for people whose parents have taught them and exemplified negative coping behaviors to escape that destructive cycle - but also how it is possible and how you do not have to turn to those same destructive behaviors. At the end of the day though - its a sweet love story, lots of teen/coming of age angst'y interactions, definitely some moments where you sit back and go "wait - aren't these guys supposed to just be like 19" and a compelling story of a very hurt girl coming of age in less than ideal circumstances and a testament to the steadfastness and need for love and community and friends that walk with you through thick and thin. Sweet story. Good read for the plane or beach. I'd give it a 7-8/10. 

Now I'm starting the Legend series:

I read The Hunger Games (loved it) and Divergent (liked it - hated the ending) trilogies so this was on my recommended book list. I'm only a few chapters in so I'll let you know what I think when I'm done! 

What do you love to read? I'm always looking for new recommendations! 

Guilty Pleasures...a confession

Happy Friday Amigos! Checking in here from my couch throne. Day 3 post op. Let's cover the surgery stuff first.  Honestly I am feeling remarkably good - I am truly quite surprised. I have been on only ibuprofen since day 1 post op and now I really only need it like 1-2x/day (and that's mostly towards the end of the day to help with pain before I go to sleep so I can sleep through the night). I'm off the couch at night (slept there the 1st two nights because it's just more comfortable/easier to get up and out of than our high bed) and been pretty independent. I'm still a bit swollen and starting to bruise and I'm not going to lie - it's just a different outcome surgically than I thought. Not a bad outcome. Just different. No need to go into details but if you go through this process and feel that way afterwards - you're not alone.

Hubster is leaving for a big business trip tomorrow (for a week! This is the first time we will have been apart for more than 2-3 days since we practically started dating almost 7 years ago! crazy!) so he had to be in the office to prep so I got to hang out and do all the lazy things I never do  yesterday (and let's face it...today too).

This is where those that are close to me (*ahem* my sister *coughcough*) know that I struggle still being at home and not being super productive. Ya - I don't see a future as a stay at home housewife looking good for me. There's only so much I can be in the house or responsible for house things. I've got stuff to do people!

Although I feel good - I definitely still tire easily and yesterday was a great example. I have full range in my arms and I'm off pain meds so I called up the salon to see if I could get my hair cut - got an appt and drove my happy hiney to the galleria to get a trim (a whopping 10 minute drive). I got home almost 3 hours later after literally sitting in the salon chair and not shopping AT ALL (you're welcome hubs) and C.R.A.S.H.E.D. for the rest of the afternoon.  Then I got back up for dinner and was back in bed by 9:15. Watch out party animals.

So the plan for today is to chill, not obsessively read the two book series I'm in right now. I'm ashamedly unashamedly reading total young adult series. So here's my big guilty pleasure confession. Are you ready?

                                              I.read.Twilight. All of it. In like 3 days.

                                    

                                         Then I watched all the movies. And I loved it.

I swear I have a master's degree from a top rate university, I swear I have literary standards (which clearly I hold no attachment to) and I want to believe these series are not like twilight ...ok maybe kind of like twilight but I swear it's written better...yes I read twilight...yes I guilty pleasure loved it...yes I realize it is literary garbage...#don'tjudgeme. Whew...I feel so much better having that off my chest!

Right now I'm DONE with ALL of Game of Thrones (Thank you Lord - I don't know if I could get through another one of those books), I'm halfway through the Breathe series trilogy  and have the Legend trilogy downloaded (as recommended by some fab RN's I work with). Book reviews to come! Other than that the goal is to accomplish some house cleaning/laundry (ugh) and enjoy this beautiful day before hubster disappears for a week!

What are your literary guilty pleasures? Send 'em my way peeps! Anybody read these series? Come on...I'm not the only one out there who put Twilight on their Kindle so they didn't have to show the cover off to people. And no - I'm not reading 50 shades. Don't even.

Day 1...

So today is the first day of new boobs. 2 things I have learned today:
1. Compared to mastectomy - implant surgery is a cake.walk. I took vicodin last night but otherwise I'm on ibuprofen only and able to get up and around pretty independently (even getting spanx on and off!). #forthewin
2. When your surgeon says "Hannah don't freak out the first day - give everything time to settle and the swelling to go down" - she means it. Glad I was reminded of this fact. #kindahadafreakout

Ok - back to nap. See ya'll tomorrow!

Today is the day! Hooray hooray!

Implant exchange day!!! Woohoo! In preop at MDACC on the gorgeous fall day right in the middle of breast cancer awareness month! Perfect day to celebrate! See ya on the other side!

10...9....8...

Woah you guys. I left you way too long this time. Glad you've been behaving while I've been gone!

The last 2 1/2 weeks have been so so great and wonderfully busy (hence the long break AGAIN!) so let me get you as caught up as I can! First...the weekends!

We have had some pretty spectacular weekends the last few weeks but it has kept us on our toes not so briefly...

3 weeks ago we were on a lake in Michigan. That was lovely!

2 weeks ago we got to spend a very very amazing weekend with our precious 3Strands (sunday school class) family in New Braunsfels on our annual retreat. So much fun. So much food. So much friending. I just love that weekend and look forward to it every year! Friday night we drove to New Braunsfels with another precious couple we have loved getting to know over the last few years (we are definitely jokingly tell them we are going to get a duplex and live next door forever...I think that would be  blast. Alex grew up in a duplex and disagrees. I shall prevail We shall see...). Saturday a few of the brave floated the river in a Texas rainstorm while the saner less brave went to a lovely lunch at the gristmill in Gruene and had a great time hanging out and watching the rainstorm from a beautiful covered porch. I also got my first barely-faster-than-a-speed-walk-but-I'll-call-it-jogging "run" in post surgery. 2 very slow miles and I am FEELING being off for 9 weeks for.sure. But so happy to be back in my tennis! A few of us ladies also braved the holy grail of outlet malls in San Marcos on a Saturday afternoon where the glory that is the lululemon outlet lives. Unfortunately I was a little underwhelmed. GREAT selection if you are a 2 or 10/12 in lulu but not so great if you are not. Super fun either way though and I of course left with some J Crew swag in my bag!  Sunday we all packed up, had a great little devotional time and grabbed some delicious BBQ from hubby's favorite place (Cooper's BBQ) and headed back to H-Town! Great weekend!

Then, last weekend I got to go to Dallas for my annual college girls trip! A few of us from our pledge class (Go ZTA PC '04!) have gotten together every year since our graduation and as we all have gotten spread all over the state and our lives have gone in a million different directions - this weekend is especially sweet and and great time to slow down and laugh, eat (a lot! Seriously - the restaurants we tried were all AMAZING!) , pamper (I FOR REAL got the best mani pedi of my life...ever...no questions asked - if you are in Dallas go to the Hiatus spa and get the mani/pedi retreat. It will be the best decision you've made in a long time. I promise.)  and love on these sweet friends who I have had the privilege of walking the last 10 years with! Love love these amazing ladies! This year was especially sweet as we are saying an extended "see ya later" to one of our own who will be spending the next 2 years on an international mission assignment. What an amazing woman of God and she is so inspiring to  be around. I can't wait to see and hear how the Lord uses her in these next few years! Yet another great weekend!

In the midst of all this my oldest most precious friend had her first baby with her hubby. It was so surreal but what an incredibly beautiful moment to see these two become a perfect little family. Love them. Baylor beat Texas and kept their undefeated status (#3 this week! what?!?) and  I somehow kept up with my job and the hubster and fit in a few workouts. I am running 3-4 miles pretty comfortably although my speed is SUFFERING since I went on break - but I am so thankful to run. I'm still spinning very comfortably for at least an hour. I got back into yoga and my core strength is pretty laughable. The first time I tried to chataranga I LITERALLY hit the floor as soon as I bent my elbows. It's getting better but my Asana is a little more like Asa-no at this point. This week I also got back in the pool for the first time! I didn't want to get crazy or over do it so I did a slow 1000 meter freestyle continuous swim and felt great! I forget how amazing the water is until I'm back in it. Everyone should swim. Even if you look silly. I always look silly so maybe I'm getting immune to it.

2 weeks ago I also went to what I thought was my 8 week follow up appointment but turned into my implant exchange pre-op appointment. Ya'll things are real. Last surgery plastics was more there to follow up breast surgery and sort of gave me the game plan going into it. This time she sat me down and asked me "so...what do you want to look like." Let's be real ya'll - my face was like:

I've never had plastic surgery before so I don't know what I was really expecting but this was definitely more like what I have seen on E! which is preeettyy much where I'm getting my information about what plastic surgery is like at this point if it doesn't come from my doctor. Genius child over here. Watch out. So long story short We are 9 DAYS AWAY from my implant surgery. I am going to get round smooth silicone implants, a slight lift on the left side since that side's scar healed a little differently than the right and we will do fat grafting from my hips and thighs to my chest wall to smooth everything out. That's right ladies - when you do this - they will suck the fat out of your thighs and hips (my surgeon says "problem areas") and put it in your boobs to make everything more "natural".

My thoughts exactly dude!

If that isn't some sort of karmic reward for having crap genes then I don't know what is. I made a special request from my surgeon for a thigh gap but she said she would take as much as she needed and that my chest was her focus - not my thighs (code for "Hannah - this does not double as free for all liposuction - you're getting a little carried away with your E! TV experiences here - haven't you never had plastic surgery before??"...dammit - ok HB - take a breath).

This 2nd surgery is only day surgery and should only take an hour or two. Then I get to come home! My surgeon said I'll be sore the first 2-3 days but since everything's already been cut and healed during the first surgery/recovery that I should be ready to return to work by the following week! She also said everything is closed w/ surgical super glue so there's no dressings, dressing changes, or weird ointments that smell like some iodized grandma product to keep up with. I'll have to wear Spanx for the lower body to act as a compression garment for where they take fat grafts from for at least the first 4-6 weeks which I find hilarious since I can barely handle putting them on now.

Seriously - can anyone get those on with any kind of grace? But other than that I'm pretty much on the tail end of this guys. After this second surgery I should only have to go back in for any revisions only if I need them. So countdown to October 14 is on people! CAN-I-GET-AN-AMEN??? I'm pumped.

Whew - so that's about it I think... what a stream of consciousness dump site today guys! Thanks for bearing with me! Hope you have a fabulous week! I've been sitting here on my porch in the most perfect Texas weather I think we've ever had typing this post, listening to wind chimes and cherishing the sub-saharan temps with a light breeze and a blue Texas sky. It's pretty perfect. It truly makes me just sit back and think of how great and faithful is our God. I love Sundays. I'll leave you with this - one of my very favorite hymn verses. Keep it in your pocket this week!

I hope your weekend is going as perfectly! Happy Sunday!