melanie
lisa
kara
kathleen
mieres
zulema
ruann
vernita

My first 5k - Duluth Fall Festival


My first 5k - Duluth Fall Festival
Originally uploaded by karabyrd1
I did it and I wasn't last! Thanks to all who said, "Oh, just do it - you can do it!". I did and it felt alright. I don't know if I will be doing anymore running in a 5k but who knows. The HILLS were killer and I did walk a lot but it was a great morning. Finishing the clock read 41:04.

As I ran, I started to blog in my head.......... I thought about the reasons I did this and this time I don't really think it was for me. I think it was for my girls, so that one day they can say "hey, remember when mom did that race". On the way there they were saying "we hope you win Mom." I was explaining to them that this wasn't about winning it was about a goal and that you win just by doing it.

You can see the girls on the left in the brown and Grayson is hidden behind them. They were cheering me on along with my super supportive (and not in the annoying way) husband and a handful of girlfriends. As I came down the last hill the announcer yelled "let's cheer Kara on this is her first race - way to go Kara". The kids were so excited to hear my name (& so was I).

Thanks to Kristen for the invite! Thanks for Pauline, Val & Gina (& kristen again) for giving me the goal of reaching them at the finish line. And looking for me even before I registered to get my number. Thanks to Dana & Kim for starting with me today - you guys were great! Thanks to my kids and my husband. And of course thanks to all you Choose to Movers because you were my 2nd reason behind my kids of why I did this this morning.

Read more



I am still tortured about this sunday's 5k


Emma Creek Classic 5K
Originally uploaded by beckham2007
Okay, last week I went out to run on the greenway trails instead of inside on the treadmill. Everyone says road running is easier than treadmill running. I beg to differ. I was practically in tears not because I can't do this but because I really don't like it. I was thinking how I would rather be walking or biking would be even better. I was thinking, "why at 35 yrs old, am I doing something that doesn't make me happy?". I am still wrestling with thoughts of gracefully bowing out of Sunday's race not because I can't do it but because I REALLY don't want to do it. Okay, to be honest I am not good at it either and I know I can walk I just don't want to come in last. And I don't want to hate myself while I am doing it. What to do - What to do?


Where have I been?

I have been BUSY!

Today, I became an AUNT again. What fun little Baby Ella James was born today. Happy Birthday Ella! Kelli (my little sis) I am so proud of you!

I am still scheduled to run/walk the 5k on Sept 30th. Even though I still HATE running. I don't care what anyone says I will never like it. I can walk to the ends of the earth or even ride my bike there now but this running stuff is for the birds (and not this byrd). I will do this one but I am pretty sure I won't sign up for another run event.

Read more



My bike FINALLY found it's way out of the basement!


Bicycle Race
Originally uploaded by federicocristina
Since, I began the program back in March - one of my goals was to get my bike out of the basement. Where it sat since we moved in EIGHT years ago. Well, it finally made it's way to the garage where it sat for a few days and then put a little air in the tires and I am as good as gone.

I had Chris take a seat out of the van so I could throw it in the back and head to the Greenway (a 13 mile biking/walking path) near our home. The first day I was nervous! It had been a while a LONG while since I did any type of serious biking. Like since 1995 just following my open heart surgery. I used to ride 14 miles a day back then as part of my recovery.

I have done the 10 1/2 mile ride 4x since last week! I love it! It feels so freeing! To just have you and a winding road ahead of you. It is almost poetic. I listen to my music and pedal my little heart out. One day this week I even saw a bunch of beautiful wildlife while I was out there. Giant turtles, blue heron, squirrells & a snake that I almost ran over. And on Sat morning my husband joined me! It was nice to have him with me for company. I look forward to many more rides in my future. I can't imagine my bike EVER ending up collecting dust in the basement again!




Subscribe

Posts

Expert Advice!

Expert Doctor

Choose To Move: A Community, A Way of Life

At the end of any journey, it’s always nice to reflect on the experience and enjoy the exhilaration that comes with accomplishment. During the past 12 weeks, seven real women have opened their hearts and minds to women across the country. They’ve revealed struggles, shared empowering messages, offered valuable tips and served as genuine advocates for this program.

During the Choose To Move challenge, these women not only engaged in physical activity, they discovered a community of women who share a common goal – increase physical activity in order to develop a healthier lifestyle. Their success is a direct result of determination, commitment and the support they received from those in the Choose To Move community.

From a mom with three kids to a full-time college student to women in the workplace, our real women take on many important roles. And as women juggling multiple responsibilities, we want to be the best we can be - a common thread among women in America. However, in order to be the best for our families, we must do what’s best for ourselves. Our seven real women did exactly that! Each woman, in her own way, learned how to make time for physical activity and develop better eating habits!

For Ruann, Kara, Lisa, Melanie, Vernita, Kathleen and Zulema, the 12-week challenge has come to an end. However, the ultimate reality is that their life-long journey to maintain a healthy lifestyle has only begun. No matter where you are in this journey, I encourage you to rely on women in the Choose To Move community, as well as those around you. Take advantage of the Choose To Move program and turn this challenge into a way of life.


Recent Comments

My total chol. is 184
HDL is 46
LDL is 106
Trig. is 184

I have been on a low fat, low carb diet since Sept (NutriSystem). Should I be concerm about my Trig?

Comment by on February 12, 2008 2:54 PM

Dr. Mieres,

I'm very much an internet girl. As soon as I found out I had high blood pressure, I found this site. After going through all the 'choose to move' selectees, I chose Vervita, for the reason that she update often and replied to those that posted comments.

Well here we are, 6 months later, most of those chosen have yet to update.

Considering these are all busy and accomplished women, perhaps some slack should be cut. Ok.

The forums are worse. I have had to hunt and peck to find true posts, some of which should be answered by a professional, not a jr. high social studies teacher.

I'm sorry to be so negative. In truth, AHA diet and recipes have made it possible that I may be coming off meds next week. My diet plan has been based on your cookbooks.

When I called in my numbers today, to get a refill, the office called me back and said the doctor said when I want, to stop meds for 4 days and make an appointment for the 5th. If bp is in the 100-120 range, we'll stop the meds. Woo hoo! Diet and exercise may pay off!

Comment by on June 12, 2008 8:17 PM

Dr. Mieres,

I'm very much an internet girl. As soon as I found out I had high blood pressure, I found this site. After going through all the 'choose to move' selectees, I chose Vervita, for the reason that she update often and replied to those that posted comments.

Well here we are, 6 months later, most of those chosen have yet to update.

Considering these are all busy and accomplished women, perhaps some slack should be cut. Ok.

The forums are worse. I have had to hunt and peck to find true posts, some of which should be answered by a professional, not a jr. high social studies teacher.

I'm sorry to be so negative. In truth, AHA diet and recipes have made it possible that I may be coming off meds next week. My diet plan has been based on your cookbooks.

When I called in my numbers today, to get a refill, the office called me back and said the doctor said when I want, to stop meds for 4 days and make an appointment for the 5th. If bp is in the 100-120 range, we'll stop the meds. Woo hoo! Diet and exercise may pay off!

Comment by on June 12, 2008 8:17 PM