Katrina After Finishing Her Marathon

Last November, I ran my first marathon. The Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, to be exact. It was a life-altering experience — from first training run to the finish line. While I was training (and about 6 months prior to beginning my runs), I lost nearly 60 pounds. And although it didn’t make me much faster, it definitely made everything I did a bit easier.

And I got to buy some kick ass jeans.

This November, I did not run a marathon. Unless you count drinking a lot of wine, reading a great deal of books, and eating far too many Oreos as some kind of Couch Marathon.

We all know the story… we moved, I grieved, I ate, I drank, I wallowed, blah, blah, blah. And I gained back 20+ pounds.

It’s December now, and I’m done with all that. Time to move forward, time to put my big girl pants (as well as my kick ass jeans) on, time to stop worrying about popping my buttons every time I sit down. When I lost all the weight the first time around, I gave away all my “Big Girl” clothes, so what I can fit into at this moment is severely limited. If I don’t do something drastic, it’s going to be all PJs all the time. (Not much different than it is now, but that’s by choice, not necessity. Working from home has its advantages.)

Enter 5K Per Day. It’s my new fitness plan. On the treadmill at least 5 days a weeks for at least 3.1 miles each time. Walk, run, crawl, whatever. I’ve completed my first two 5Ks, and I’m feeling better than I have in a loooooong time.

In addition, I’m holding myself accountable for what I put in mouth throughout the holiday season (thanks, Mara). And when we return from Indiana in early January, Chris and I are South Beach-ing it again. The full meal deal. Including the “no alcohol” part. I’m going to have a lot of preemptive drinking to do while we’re in Indy. Get ready, friends and family. Oh, wait. You’re MY friends and family. You’re already ready.

The best part of this whole plan, though, has to be a return to the “Katrina’s Workout Tunes” playlist on my iPhone. As Chris often quotes, “The world is my soundtrack,” and I have the playlists to prove it.

Now, let me clarify that “Katrina’s Workout Tunes” differs vastly from “Katrina’s Sappy Love Songs.” One is intended for loud shower/car/housecleaning singing. The other is for blasting in my ears while I whittle away the miles. There is no singing that accompanies “Katrina’s Workout Tunes.” That’s by necessity, not by choice. All of my running efforts go toward breathing. And sweating. There is not a single breath that remains for singing.

“Katrina’s Workout Tunes” don’t necessarily have to have a driving beat or a strong cadence. They just have to evoke some kind of memory, some kind of inspiration to keep me going. I’m a lyric girl. If a song has something to say, I’m listening. The gooier, the better. Here are the “Workout Tunes” that make me smile the most when they show up on my random shuffle:

1. “You Might Die Trying” – Dave Matthews. “To change the world, you start with one step. However small, the first step is hardest of all. But once you get your gait, you’ll be walking tall. You said you never did, cause you might die trying.” It’s just a damn good song.

2. “In My Life” – The Beatles. The Bette Midler version is on the “Katrina’s Sappy Love Songs” playlist. See? One for running, one for singing.

3. “Short Skirt/Long Jacket” – Cake. Cause who doesn’t want a girl with a mind like a diamond? I think Kirsten concurs.

4. “SexyBack” – Justin Timberlake. I’m bringing it back. Sexy, that is. Who can stop running when this is on?

5. “Brandy” – Looking Glass. This is one of those crossover hits. It’s on ALL my playlists. Just because I love it. LOVE it.

6. “Shattered” – OAR. “All that I feel is the realness of faking…” Love the lyrics. And love that it makes me think of Amy acting out the lyrics on the lawn at White River State Park.

7. “867-5309” – Tommy Tutone. Makes me think of my most fabulous and favorite walking partner. The one who just happens to be named Jenny.

8. “Meet Me By the Backdoor” – Charlie Mars. Yes, Charlie, I would meet you by any backdoor, any time.

9. “Captain” – Dave Matthews. “I am the captain of this ship… curious hands and fingertips.” I hear what you’re saying, Dave. This one makes me sweat just a little bit more… but for entirely different reasons.

10. “You’re a Part of Me” – Glenn Frey. All the way from the 80s. This one made it from the “Sunshine and Flowers” mix tape, Andi. Thelma and Louise, Baby.

11. “Raise Your Glass” – P!nk. Just because it makes me think of you, Jody.

10. “Kiss Me” – Sixpence None the Richer. To remind me of the boy I gave my heart to 24 years ago.

I could go on. And on. And on. But I won’t. I’ve got a 5K to run.

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11 Responses

  1. ok katrina! when will you be in Indy and when are you leaving Indy to South Beach it? I’m thinking that i am going to go Paleo after the new year…just to give it a try. we could share stories. but first…my preference would be to share a glass of wine with you before that time. best, kate

  2. You got 20 and I have 10 (pounds that is)….you = Short Skirt/Long Jacket and me = Italian Leather Sofa because…I am single and you are not…you can have it when you want it and I just fantasize about healthy breasts that bounce on “his” Italian leather sofa (love the trumpet in this one). Meet you on the other side of Festivas (aka Wine Drinking Marathon) and we can compare progress and liver shrinkage. Go US! 😉

  3. Love this post Katrina! Oh how I’m relating to letting myself slide. I had no idea you ran a marathon! WOW! That’s awesome. I had myself up to 7 miles. But then life happens and I haven’t been running regularly. I’m lucky to eek out 3 right now. I’m signed up for the 500 Mini, so I gotta get back to it. Just love your blog…. and can’t believe I have forgotten to add it to my favorites page until now. I just fixed that though. 🙂 Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

  4. Hooray! Sounds like a great way to kick off 2012 (minus the no drinking part of course). I’m going to recommend Wilco’s “Heavy Metal Drummer” and Matt Kearny’s “Hey Mama” for your playlist. Wishing you many good miles this year!

  5. Revamping my “fitness” plan, too. Not sure if any playlist would overcome the boredom of 3 miles on a treadmill. Not sure how long that takes, though. 🙂

    Best of luck!

  6. Embarrassed and ashamed that I am just catching up with your posts. There is no excuse! In reading this one, I started going down the list, secretly hoping that Raise Your Glass was included, and then WHAM! there it was. It’s a great song. You are a phenomenal friend. I raise my glass to you, Beautiful Friend!

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