My Sixth Portland to Coast

Last week I was in full preparation mode for my 6th annual trip to Portland to Coast the walking relay of Hood to Coast.  It was a rocky road leading up to the race, but everything turned out great!  I did have one drama queen in my van but that couldn't overshadow the amazing camaraderie of the team. 
I did great this year as far as time and endurance.  The long walks I have been taking all summer with my very fast walking friend have clearly paid off.  In addition to that I walk twice as far to and from work now.  I was very nervous going into this race because I am heavier than I've ever been on the race and I knew carrying the extra weight would make things harder.  It turns out I may have more body fat than before but apparently I was more prepared this year.  I wasn't very sore at all and I walked my two legs and split a third to cover a teammate.  This year I also took measures to prevent the massive blisters I have suffered the past 2 years.  I used Band Aid Blister Band Aids on the inside of both heels and was so thankful for them, I will absolutely do that again next year. 
Now I need to try to get back into the swing of things for Fall.  First, I think I will enjoy my holiday weekend.  My goal is to have fun and not over eat while getting in some walking and site seeing in Portland.  I would love to hit the Portland Farmers Market and get some flowers and veggies and go to Art in the Pearl.  Other than that I am looking forward to a nice relaxing weekend. 

Portland To Coast Week

Let me just start by saying my weight seems to be out of control and I'm taking a week off from obsessing about it.  That said, I had a great week in all my other goals!  I think adding the bike back in to my routine is going to be a positive thing, and not just because it sits in my living room and mocks me when I don't.  The food diary is another tool that I think I need to eventually be successful. 
Here is a recap of my week:

• 10,000 steps 6 out of 7 days - I made it 5 out of 7 and one day I had over 9,000
• Log food 5 out of 7 days - I completed 4 days and was only over calories on 1
• Plank 6 out of 7 days - 1 day then I hurt my shoulder and took the week off
• Bike 3 times for 30 minutes or more - 3 out of 3!!!! 

Goals for this week:

• 10,000 steps 6 out of 7 days
• Log food for 4 out of 7 days - I'm going to be out of town and this is more realistic
• Plank - I'm taking this week off I don't want to aggravate my shoulder pre-race
• Bike - 3 times 30 minutes

 This is going to be a crazy week!  I will be walking in the  Portland To Coast relay for the 5th year in a row.  It's part of a running relay called Hood To Coast, which is one of the largest relay races in the world.  This annual event is a fund raiser for cancer and as a cancer survivor it's always a very special weekend.  I am very lucky to have an amazing team and a kick ass group for my van.  As van captain I will be very busy this week getting everything ready, and work is super busy this week too.  I know that eating may be weird this week, so I'm going to try to off set that with consistent exercise.
The scale was starting to bum me out so I have decided to do what I know I need to do and just stop worrying about the number.  It's difficult to behave and see a weight gain on the scale.  My husband keeps reminding me that this is how all my diets start and if I keep with it my body will level out and cooperate.  The problem is I want to have major success after each day of good choices!  I suppose that's not very realistic.  I have to go now, I have to go get some compression pants so my things don't start a forest fire during the race.