One Year Later

This post is a little late (It should have been written on November 23rd, because that was my actual one year anniversary of eating clean). However, with tonight being New Years Eve 2014 I feel that this post will wrap up the year I've had quite nicely.

2014 will go down in my history books as the most transformative year of my life. I have made so many healthy changes that I am so proud of this past year, and I feel better than I ever have. It truly is amazing what ONE year can do- and how one person can change in ONE year.

This year I have lost a total of:

• 80 pounds lost
• 2.25 inches from my arms
• 11 inches from my bust (sorry boobs!)
• 12 inches lost from my waist
• 12 inches lost from my hips
• 2.75 inches from my thighs

So as a re-cap I have lost a total of 40 inches from my body over a year! This fact makes me smile to no end. 

I competed in my first ever triathlon, and I have plans for 4 more in 2015, as well as one cycling race.

I haven't had a migraine for a year.

No more irritable Bowles.

Stronger finger nails

Clearer skin

Better Hair

More Energy

And most importantly.....Happiness. Pure, True happiness. 

I can't wait to see what 2015 has in store! Bring on the New Year!

Cecret Lake, A Huge Victory

A few years ago I hiked to Cecret Lake at Alta Ski Resort. I'm pretty lucky that 3 major canyons full of world class ski resorts are minutes from my house. I enjoy hiking the ski resorts during the summer months, because the steep terrain provides so many challenging hikes.  I should clarify, I enjoy the terrain NOW, as 2014 Becca.  

A few year ago, when I tried tackling the 1/2 mile Cecret Lake trail, I could barely make it up. I was gasping for breath and I stopped every 5 steps to catch my breath and rest. I have always remembered that day and this hike because it was such a blow to my confidence.  I felt like such a failure, and it was worsened by the fact that we were hiking with friends and I was embarrassed by how out of shape I was.  I hated being the one that everyone else was waiting for.  It was on that hike that I realized I was not as healthy or as athletic as I thought I was in my mind. 

Ever since that day I have been determined to be fit enough to conquer Cecret lake-and own the ascent up! So early in October I decided to conquer the hike. It's only a .4 mile hike- again, a few years ago it felt like 10 miles. 2 months ago I scaled the hike in 20 minutes from trailhead to top! I am beyond proud of this because being able to complete this hike has been a goal of mine since I started getting healthy! 

Also, I didn't realize you could drive to the trailhead, so I parked at the bottom of Alta ski resort and hiked up the mountain to the trailhead, an additional 2.5 miles up a mountain to the start of the Cecret lake hike. That makes my total mileage for that day 6 miles, an accomplishment that Becca a year ago could not do. My journey to health has been the BEST decision of my life and I'm so happy!!

Cecret Lake, check. Ironman...soon!

Hiking Park City

This post if from a few months ago- I never published it, so here it is. A September post in December.


I am so excited for ski season I can barely stand it! A few weekends ago I wanted to hit the slopes (in September) and I decided that if I couldn't ski the runs at PCMR (Park city mountain resort) I was going to hike them. 

I know the mountain really well up there, since I spent every weekend last winter skiing it's runs. I felt really comfortable with just starting at the parking lot and hiking up 'Home Run.' It turns out that I love this hike, and it allows me to be on the mountain I love, even with no snow. The energy of the mountain bikers and fellow hikers is wonderful, but it's also quiet and allows me alot of solo quiet time when the mountain feels like it's all mine and I'm left alone with the sound of the breeze through the trees and the smell of the fall leaves and pine trees. 

I've hiked Park City 3 weekends in a row, and on my last hike I was bound and determined to make it to the very top-to the summit house restaurant, where I shared many a hot tea on a cold winters day with my wife.

I enjoy hiking on the weekends because it's such good exercise, it allows me to be outside for hours on end and it helps to shake up my routine of swim, bike, run. Now it's more like swim, bike, run, hike-and hike again. 

Here are some of the pictures that I've taken this summer/fall while hiking Park City Mountain Resort.

Old abandoned mining building up on the mountain.

100 Days of Paleo

It's been too long since my last blog update. School started, I started an endorsement class through the school district and just life in general has kept me busy. Also, not to mention I have been spending any and all free time outdoors enjoying the fall weather and hiking up a storm. I promise to be more vigilant about blog updates, especially shout out saturdays!

Anyways, 12 days ago I decided to embark on another 100 day journey of clean eating. I went back and forth about whether I wanted to do 100 days of Whole 30, or 100 days of Paleo. I finally decided on 100 days of Paleo, merely for the fact that I wanted to be able to have honey in my oatmeal, and paleo pumpkin pie if I so choose.

When I am on a Whole 30 I don't indulge in SWYPO (sex with your pants on)http://whole30.com/2011/10/sex-with-your-pants-on/ So that is why I went with Paleo. Also, on Whole 30 you are not allowed any grains -and you aren't allowed any grains on Paleo either, but I have decided to make an exception for oatmeal during these 100 days, because I feel that oatmeal is a really great meal for active bodies, and sometimes there's nothing like a warm bowl of oatmeal before a day of skiing (see, I'm planning ahead).  So I knew I couldn't call it "100 days of Whole 30" if I was having oats. I tend to follow Whole 30 guide lines very strictly, and in my head I can bend the Paleo rule much easier.

WHY did I decide to do this 100 days of madness?

A few reasons. First of all, no one is making me. It's not a bet, it's not for a prize or money. It's for me.

Last year I literally changed my life by not eating sweets and treats during the holidays, and I know I can do it again. That's why I decided to choose such a lengthy amount of time. These 100 days will carry me through Halloween, Thanksgiving and almost the entire month of December. As a teacher, the month of December basically should be called, "you will get treats in your box every day and sweets left on your desk and there will be no escaping the sugary treats left in the teachers lounge."

Having a set of guidelines in my head helps me make better choices during those social pressure, societal norm situations. If I'm at a holiday party, I can simply say "No" and I don't have to have the mental game of "well I could have just one, but then I'll regret it" I can say no and be done with it.

My 100 days will end on December 23rd, just in time for a glass of holiday egg nog and probably some little smokies.

My goals for these 100 days are to finally hit the 70 lb weight loss mark- which will be when the scale says 163.

When I hit that goal, my reward to myself is going to be another tattoo commemorating that 70 lb mark. This is important to me because 70 pounds was my original goal that I set for myself last November, 2013. Hitting that 70 lb weight loss will be a monumental moment and one that I want to commemorate forever, through a tattoo. Until then, Keep calm and Paleo on.

Sniagrab

SNIAGRAB! (Bargains spelled backwards) was this weekend at Sports Authority. Kath and I decided to hit it up and see if we could get any good deals on winter sports equipment and apparel. Neither of us knew what to expect, since we've never been. 

Our friends Joe and Kiki told us about Sniagrab last October and they swore that the deals there were out of this world. So off we went. 

Turns out it's kind of a big deal. There were radio stations outside, food trucks and giant inflatable balloons advertising the sale. 

When we walked in, it was like a skibums paradise. I had an out of body experience and felt a little overwhelmed at all the toys for sale. I wanted to look at EVERYTHING. Kath, being the smart woman she is, said;

"Let's go look at the Skis first."

We wandered through the racks and racks of skis for sale. The prices were crazy low, skis that usually sell for $700-$900 were on sale for $250-$300. Some pairs were even as low as $150, bindings included. 

Kath and I got lucky and we both found skis that we absolutely loved, that were our size and included bindings. Naturally boots were to follow, and we found an employee named Steven who was very helpful. Amidst the craziness all around us he measured our feet for our correct boot sizes and patiently pulled boxes of boots for us to try on. Steven made sure we found boots that fit comfortably. The best part-the brand new boots were under $100!

We were in for it now. We picked up some new socks and ski poles while we were at it. I'm telling you, if you can, you should get all your winter gear during Sniagrab because the savings are incredible. 

I needed new pants and a new coat because the ski clothes I bought last year are way too big for me now. I'm still so used to bringing larger sizes into the fitting rooms with me, so I had no idea what size to grab. I ended up finding a great pair of ski pants that were a large! A women's large! Last season I was wearing a mens 2X. I also found a coat that I love and it's a large as well! Down two sizes from last year. 

My new ski outfit for this year ^^


Something awesome happened. Kath started looking at coats and she was convinced that none of them would fit her. She tried some coats on and they were all too large. I told her she should really try an XL, but she was convinced it would be too tight. After some coaxing she tried on an XL in a design she really loved....and it fit! It fit like a glove! 

The moment brought tears to our eyes, because after everything she's been through this year she is finally an XL. To put it into perspective, last year Kathy had to order a 4X coat. From a 4X to XL in ten months! I am so proud of her! 

The left is her old coat from last season and the right is her new coat, that is very much her style and looks so cute on her! Also, the black ski pants she is wearing in the picture did not fit her last season, they were way to tight. Yesterday when she tried them on, they fit her perfectly! 

Yesterday was a huge win for Kathy and I just have to celebrate her victory here! I can't wait to hit the slopes with her this winter. 

We are both so excited!!

See you on the Slopes!

ONE SIXTIES

I couldn't be happier today. I completed my 6th Whole 30 yesterday so this morning I woke up bright eyed and busy tailed ready to hop on the scale. 

And what to my wondering eyes should appear? A one, followed by a six. The illusive one sixties. Ever since I began to lose weight last November I have been dreaming about these numbers. I weighed in this morning at 167- making my total weight loss 66 lbs in 10 months. 

Last November I set my sights on losing 70 lbs in a year, and I feel on track to accomplish this goal, plus maybe a little bit more. I am feeling very happy, excited and in control of myself. 

To celebrate I went on a 20 mile bike ride out on Legacy Highway, a flat stretch of road that stretches for miles with views of the Wasatch Front Mountains and Antelope Island. It's one of my favorite places to ride and escape with my thoughts. I was in the best mood for the entire ride. The sky was blue and it felt like fall. There was a crispness in the air that made me giddy for jacket weather, and pumpkin flavored everything. 

After my ride I drove 30 miles to get some soft pretzels from Pretzel Time. I've been craving them for the entire month of August. So, Yes, I drove an hour round trip to buy some soft pretzels. 

I have my priorities.

And yes, I indulge every once in a while. I haven't had any food guilt about it either (which is a nice change of pace).  I think I'm finally in a place emotionally and mentally where I finally realize that treating myself every once in a while is okay, and it won't undo everything I have worked so hard for.

Here is my before and after picture that I put together today. There aren't major differences, but I can tell that my face and my stomach look slightly different. And everyday I chip away at it, and work towards my ultimate goal. 

For the next month I am going to do 80% Paleo, 20% Non-Paleo. However, I truthfully think I'll end up being paleo more than 80% because I just like the way I feel when I eat clean. 

This upcoming weekend is the annual SLC Greek Festival and I'll be having a gyro for sure! Tomorrow I am going up to Snowbird Ski and Summer resort to enjoy Oktoberfest and I'm sure I'll indulge in a beer and maybe some German Chocolate Cake. 

It's all about balance and when I eat at home and at school all my meals will be Whole 30 approved. When I eat at a restaurant I will more than likely order to Whole 30 standards, unless it's an extremely special occasion.

I'll keep you all posted as to how it goes!

And thank you everyone for your support and kind words on social media. The positivity being sent my way keeps me going and I'm forever grateful for all of you! Muah!

School Clothes

So, I'm a teacher. 1st grade. The cool part about being a teacher (besides the AMAZING 3 month summer vacation) is that I get to go back to school shopping still-even at 25. 

I hit up Kohls the other day on my way back from a meeting and decided to get some new pants- I basically only have spandex in my closet right now and that just won't do for, you know, my job. I've worn nothing but spandex and running shoes for the last 3 months so it was about time I updated my wardrobe.

So I go to Kohls, and for the first time in years decided maybe I should try shopping for women's pants- I always shop in the mens section, those are just the clothes I'm most comfortable in. Now, since it's probably been since the 90's that I've shopped for women's clothes I had no idea what sizes to take with me into the dressing room. I grabbed a few sizes in a style I liked and headed to try them on. 

GUYS! To my astonishment the 16 was too big, the 14 was too big but the 12 was just right! My non scale victory for this month is that I'm a size 12, and when I started this whole shabang I was right about a 24/26. So needless to say I left Kohls with some very cute pants and a whole lot of confidence.

When I got home from the store I decided to break out some shorts that I had bought back in March-ish, to try them on and see how they fit now, here are the results:

I think I have spent more money on clothes this past year, than in any other year of my life.  About every 2 months or so I have needed to buy some new clothes because the old ones were melting off of me. 

I think I am starting to slow down a little, and the weight isn't dropping off as fast, or as drastically (which is good) but it's also taking some getting used to. I'm having to find a "maintaining" balance of eating and exercise. Maintaining a healthy weight and not gaining. I do still have a few pounds to loose, but I know that will come with continued nutrition and training for triathlons. 

I think the best gift I can give myself this coming school year is to keep eating clean, because even when life (and my class) feels out of control, the one thing I can control is what I eat and when and how often I exercise. 

Speaking of school, my cute mom came and had lunch with me the other day while I was setting up my classroom.

How cute is she!

I got pretty panicked after spending a few hours in my class that day, knowing that my summer is drawing to a close. I started to feel panicky that all my free time to train will be gone and all my old thoughts and fears started to enter my head, thoughts about;

"what if I don't have enough time to exercise"

"what if I let my nutrition slip."

"What if I get so stressed out I slip back into old habbits."

I fled school pretty quickly and went and found peace and calm on my favorite trail. 

I had to remind myself that although school is starting, the good weather isn't going with it. We still have a few months of hot and then the wonderful season of fall, jackets and pumpkin flavored everything, which I love. I also had to remind myself that ski season is just around the corner and I am really looking forward to a full season on the slopes with my wife!  It was Kathy who helped me the most, when I voiced my fears to her, she said, 

"Remember, it will just take you a few weeks to find your new normal, and a new balance for all the things in your life-and then things will be back to normal again."

So ya'll, the next few weeks for me might be kind of crazy, getting back into the groove of a full time job, kids, paper work, parents, screaming, crying, boogers and weird smells...wish me luck. 

TRIATHAMOM 2014

Here it is, the big one! The post I've been waiting to write about for NINE MONTHS!

Yesterday was finally my triathlon. A sprint triathlon consisting of a 300 meter swim, a 12 mile bike ride and a 3.2 mile run. The event was Triathamom and it took place in and around the South County Pool, in Riverton UT. 

Triathamom was my very first triathlon, even though I feel like I've been doing this forever.  I knew I loved triathlon long before yesterday. There is something about pushing yourself to excel in three different disciplines that really appeals to me. 

For breakfast I made us a smoothie, it is much easier to digest food in liquid form before a race, and a smoothie was a great option for us to get the nutrients we needed to fuel for the race. 

So I put some banana, blueberries, spinach, almond butter and coconut water in a blender with some ice and the finished product was delicious!

Yesterday we arrived at the South County Pool around 6:20 am. The transition area was already busy and buzzing with excitement and nervous energy. Kathy and I unloaded our bikes from our new Thule bike rack and headed into the transition area to find a spot for our bikes. 

My Dad and Me!

There's such a great energy with all those people around, everyone there about to compete, and everyone has different stories about why they are there. It's an incredible energy that I think everyone should experience!

All set up

Staying warm in the cold air and wet grass

Each athlete gets about 2 feet of space to set up your helmet, shoes, socks, race belts etc on a towel or mat.

My amazing parents were able to come out and show their support for Kathy and I. I'm so glad they were there, they captured our entire day through pictures. 

Once we were all set up we headed over to the pool area, to test out the water and stretch. 

Arriving at the pool with cap and goggles in hand

The pool was crystal still.

The water felt nice and warm

Some pre race laughs

Getting excited as more and more women entered the pool area.

Me and my lady! Race Day!

The crowds begin to form

You can see me in the middle of the crowd, facing the camera behind the woman in the blue swim bra. We were lining up for the swim start. We lined up based on our swim time for 300 meters. The faster swimmers go first, the slowest last. However, your individual race time does not start until you kick off the wall and begin swimming. We lined up as follows

• Expert
• Advanced
• Intermediate
• Beginner
• Novice

I went in the advanced wave, knowing I could complete the swim quickly. I knew I could do the swim in 10 minutes, but I surprised myself when after the race I looked at my splits and my swim time was 7 minutes 37 seconds! Fastest personal time yet!

This one above is my personal favorite.

(splits refer to the amount of time you spend in each discipline/ swim, transition 1, bike, transition 2, run)

 After the 300 M Swim you run from the pool to T1 to get ready for the bike. Dad followed me and took pictures.

I'm the one with the all white back and black shorts bottoms in the middle of the path.

My transition 1 time was 2 minutes 9 seconds. That means that in that time I put my helmet on, sunglasses, bike gloves, socks, shoes-and tied my shoes, running belt and grabbed my bike and ran out the transition area. I'm pretty proud of that time!

Then it was off the the races on the bike ride! The course was beautiful, well marked and really fun to ride. It took us through the rural countryside and did sport 2 moderate hill climbs.

I found myself constantly smiling on the bike ride. I couldn't believe I was actually competing in a triathlon. And I kept reveling in the fact that the swim was already done and I was that much closer to the finish line.

There was a woman in blue on her bike and she and I kept passing each other. I'd pass her, she'd pass me and this went on and on for the whole race. It was great having her there, because she helped me find a good race pace. I knew I was as fast as her, and so when she would pass me it pushed me to push myself just that much farther.

Towards the end of the course there is a really steep s-curve climb, and she pedaled the entire thing, so I pedaled the entire thing. It was really fun having someone to compete with in my head. I wish I knew her name, I'd love to thank her and share a laugh about our competitiveness on the course.

The best part of the bike course was when Kathy and I passed each other and we were able to cheer each other on and fist pump to each others success!

Here I am coming back from the bike course, still smiling!


39 Minutes and 17 Seconds later I finished the bike course and came into T2, where I put my bike back on the rack, take off my helmet and gloves and put on my race belt with water and then it was off onto the run course! My T2 time was 53 seconds!

It was pretty crazy running out onto the run course, and passing some ladies who were just finishing the swim on their way into the transition area. It was then that I knew I was competing and had to be in the front of my pack, at least towards the front of my age group.

I was nervous for the run, because I had just gotten the clear from my physical therapist to run on Thursday. So I hadn't run more than 15 minutes since the beginning of June. And when I had run it was on the anti gravity treadmill in P.T.

I started out slow, and 30 seconds into the run, both my calves seized up and cramped like I've never felt before. The run uses an entirely different set of leg muscles than the bike does, so to transition your body so quickly to a new set of muscles, when your whole body is sore and tired is a really weird feeling.

I drank some water from my running belt, knowing that my muscles needed hydration, and I fought through the pain-hoping that my calves would eventually loosen up.

I put on my headphones, turned on my workout playlist and tried to focus on landmarks ahead of me and run towards them.

The run course starts off with a steep set of switch backs, then evens out into a beautiful paved trail through some trees and brush. I kept smiling, I couldn't believe I was running a 5K and I had just biked 12 miles and swam 300 meters.

At the turn around point they had a water station where they were mixing some gatorade powder with water and setting them out in cups for the runners. I'm sure it had sugar in it, but in the moment I didn't care one bit. My muscles needed the sugar and electrolytes in a bad way. I savored the sugary, orange drink for a few quick seconds then began running again.

The last mile and a half was hard. The head games began in my head. I had a split second thought of,

"I can't do this"

But immediatley in my head I said to myself,

"Oh yes you can, you have everything you need to finish this race. Air in your lungs and working feet-keep moving Swain!"

Just then I saw Kathy up ahead, on her way out. I "raised the roof" and fist pumped her again and sharing a smile and a "congratulations! good job!" with her was the fuel I needed to keep going. I knew the steep switch backs were coming and this time I was going to have to go UP them! But I reminded myself that just after the steep switch backs I would run to the finish line! The finish line that means so much to me.

I reached the switch backs and just when I thought about walking for a minute there was a dad and his two little sons there. They said, "Hey 690! Keep it up! You're doing so well!"

They didn't know me, I didn't know them, but when they cheered me on I knew I had to keep going! I reached the peak of the hill and there I could see the crowd of people, everyone cheering and yelling! The finish line was in reach!

My dad was at the top of the hill taking pictures of me. He even ran along side of me until I reached the finish line "chute". That was an amazing moment to run along side my dad!

This is the moment just after I rounded the top of the switchbacks, on my way to the finish line! Can't stop smiling now!

I crossed the finish line at a total time of 1 Hour 24 Minutes 42 Seconds. I am still shocked and blown away by my finish time! It stands as a personal affirmation to me that I not only competed yesterday, I crushed it. I crushed what I thought I could do, and did it even faster.

I don't say this to sound conceded, or arrogant- I say it because 9 months ago I weighed 233 pounds and couldn't run to save my life, and I had 2 inhalers I used daily. I say it because 9 months ago I couldn't walk up a flight of stairs without being winded, and 9 months ago I made a change and a promise to myself to change, and I have blown away myself. I never knew this was possible and I still can't believe what I have accomplished.

After crossing the finish line I caught my breath and enjoyed some ice cold water and some baby food. Yes, baby food.

Then my parents and I went and waited for Kath to cross the finish line! It was so fun to see her cross that finish line. She was still smiling and having fun. She told me that the fire of triathlon has been reignited in her, and that in music to my ears!

Kathy and I enjoyed some time in the athlete village, having food and water and spending time with my parents. We went and checked our official race times and I am proud to say I came in 11th out of my age group!

I plan to come back next year, even stronger and compete again!

We left yesterday happy and the best kind of exhausted. The kind of exhausted where you can hold your head high and relax knowing you have given it your all.

This was truly one of the best days of my life and I think the best part was when, as we were leaving Kath said,

"Do you want to find another tri to do this fall?"

It was in that moment I knew she was back in the game and I can't wait to continue training with her for many more races to come.

4 Triathlons in 2015 is the goal. Now the fun part is we get to pick them!

Look for us doing another triathlon this fall as well.

 I'm behind the woman in the pink, running towards the finish line.

 Tired, Exhausted, Elated! 

 I wrote inspiration on the back of my race number.

• I came a long, I've come a long way to get here.
• Iron can bend, but never break.
• There are really just two types of people, those who say, "I can't" and those who say, "I can"
• Triathletes are made when no one is watching.

 FINISHERS!

 2 1/2 Months ago Kathy had gall bladder surgery and has spent all summer recovering. She has not been able to train nearly as much as she would have liked, and she still completed the entire event in 1 hour 53 minutes! I am beyond proud of Kathy and I am so glad she's my wife. I can't wait to continue to do triathlons together with her. I love that triathlons have changed our lives and made us better people.

The couple that trains for IRONMAN together, stays together.

 Meeting dad after the finish, leaning on the bars to catch my breath and revel in the moment.

US TRI SPORTS ATHLETES. OFFICIAL TRIATHLETES.