Mini Heart Half Marathon Recap!

Sunday morning my dad ran his FIRST half marathon!  He's been itching to run longer distances since experiencing the spirit of the running community while cheering me on at the Akron Marathon.  We started with local 5k & 10k runs these last few months and trained up to 10 miles... dad said he felt strong so we signed up for the Mini Heart Half Marathon here in our hometown of Cincinnati, OH.

There are a few reasons this race is important and special to us -
1)  This race is sponsored by the American Heart Association.  All money raised & donated goes to support and research heart disease.  From children to adults, Heart Disease is scary and many people have felt the pain and loss of the disease.

2)  My dad is a heart attack survivor.  In 2007 he suffered a massive heart attack and wasn't expected to live.

3)  Last year I ran the Mini Heart Half in honor of my dad.

4)  Cincinnati is our hometown so it's special but it's really special to my dad because he grew up in Carthage... downtown Cincinnati has always held a special place in his heart.  He has done years of ministry on Vine St. and truly loves this city.

So this year being able to run it as a Daddy/Daughter Team was pretty special.  We started running together this past fall and it's been pretty symbolic of our relationship.  I have a great relationship with my dad, we have this understanding, a connection, and understand that not a lot of words need to be spoken.

Saturday evening dad stayed at our house, Sunday was going to be a very early morning!  We set our alarms and tried to get some sleep -

Sunday morning it began...

4:30 am - alarms went off!  One of my biggest fears is that I over sleep on race morning!  I will wake up every hour to check... I headed downstairs to start breakfast for us!

5:00 am - dad and I ate oatmeal with raw sunflower seeds, banana, blueberries, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and a tablespoon of almond butter w/ black coffee

5:30 am - layered up!  It was FREEZING - in the 20's and 18-20 mph winds!  That called for 2 pairs of winter running pants, 1 base layer, 1 middle layer, and 1 outer layer.  Gloves and headband for ears!  It.was.cold!

6:00 am - time to go!

6:45 am- We got downtown, parked and walked towards fountain square.  The anxiety and nerves of the race were getting stronger.  It doesn't matter how many marathons or half marathons I run, I'm always anxious and nervous walking to the start line!

7:00 am- We went into a building to keep warm and were packed in with many others who had the same idea :)  We wanted to stretch and stay warm so our muscles wouldn't lock up.

7:15 am - We went off to a corner and prayed over the run.  It was an awesome time for us to focus and  be prepared for the 13.1 miles ahead of us!

7:20 am - We headed outside and decided what our goal time would be.  We had said we'd like to keep a 10 minute pace the focus, especially since it was so cold and windy.  We didn't want to push too hard and the wind completely exhaust us.  So we set 2 hours and 15 minutes as our goal.  We lined up behind the pace keeper and said we would stick with them.

7:30 am - The starting GUN went off and so did we!

Miles 1 & 2- If you're familiar with races you know the first few miles can be kinda slow, it's a huge herd of people pushing through and you just kinda follow the herd, slowly but surely it begins to open up and you're able to find your groove and pace.  It's quite the sight... seeing thousands of people ahead of you and thousands of people behind you, all running for the same cause, all believing in the power of the run, all sharing the same passion for running.

Mile 3/5k- 31:30 (10:10 pace) We were pacing great and feeling strong... the wind wasn't awful and the cold was bearable.  Dad patted me on the back and had a huge smile on his face.  He was so excited.

Miles 4 & 5 - took us down to Delta, turned us around and back up 50 West into the Downtown area.  For those of you who think 50 is not hilly- let me assure you it IS!  Rolling hill after rolling hill the return from Delta was a tough one!

Mile 6.2/10k through mile 9- 1:02:27 (10:05 pace) And the final stretch on 50 began... the last hill on 50 was tough but we pushed through it and were able to keep time, not losing even a second in our pace.

Mile 9.3/15k - 1:33:42 (10:05 pace)  We got a nice downhill to shake out our legs and arms and some flat surface to run on for a bit before hitting the bridges.

Miles 10-12 - Bridges... and these were brutal!  We hit the bridge by US Bank Arena first and it's a slow and steady hill that had 18-20 mph winds beating us head on!  This was dad's FIRST time going past 10 miles, he said he was feeling good... so we kept in our pace.  As we ran past the Newport Aquarium and down by the river, we came back around to the front of Newport and crossed back into Cincinnati on the Purple bridge.  I was really hoping the wind would be at our backs but it wasn't, it was even stronger on our faces as we returned into Cincinnati and pursued mile marker 12!

Mile 12 - was just a tease... Dad was feeling great, we weaved around and headed back toward fountain square but just before mile 13 we had ONE LAST climb.  There is something awesome about hearing the cheers, screams, music, and drums of the finish line that gives you a boost of energy to finish strong.

Mile 13- And for the first time, dad felt that energy- the runner's high, the power of the run.  He picked up his pace, he saw that finish line, he saw the clock, and his eyes lit up!

Mile 13.1- We grabbed hands and crossed the finish line STRONG!  Hugging, crying, hands in the air... Dad successfully completed his FIRST HALF MARATHON!  Our FINAL time was 2:13:30 - WE BEAT our 2:15 goal!

I really can't put into words how proud of my dad I am... out of all the "things" we could be doing together or even have in common, I never thought in a million years we would be running races together!  That is would be our "thing" that we do as a father and daughter!  But it is and I wouldn't trade it for anything!

We celebrated post race at our favorite place - First Watch!  Wore our medals and shirts- had people asking where we had been and what we had done!  It was so awesome hearing dad talk to strangers about his FIRST half marathon and his experience!

Even though it was freezing cold, dad had a great first half race!  It is something I will always remember, a time no one will ever be able to take from me, something I am so grateful for!

Daddy Daughter Team!

Within the last year, my dad has been bit by marathon bug!  He was a runner several years before I picked it up but stuck to shorter distances...

For those of you who do not know my dad's story here's a short recap - 

Easter weekend, 2007 my dad suffered a massive heart attack and was not expected to live.  Both my sister and I were engaged at the time, the heart attack was out of the blue, and the whole thing was a complete blur.  What I do remember is being in the hallway of the ER, curled up in a ball crying, hearing my mother screaming at the doctors to "try again!"  I remember them calling us into a room to say our final words... my sister, mother, and I around his head... praying over him and hearing my mom say; "God is not finished with you yet!" It was quite the whirlwind of emotions and moments.  Within seconds doctors were yelling his heart was stable and they were rushing him into surgery...

My dad is a miracle and should not be here with us today!  I am so thankful the Lord intervened and healed my father, giving him more time here to walk me down the isle, be Savannah's Poppie, and my favorite running buddy.

Post heart attack, dad became a fitness guru and focused on strengthening his heart and managing his heart disease.

Fast forward to 2013- mom and dad came to my 3rd Marathon - Akron, and dad fell in love!  He said he was READY to take the journey!  So he hopped in on mile 23 and helped me finish the Akron Marathon... he felt the energy from the crowd, the spirit of the marathon, the POWER of the run and now he is addicted :)

We've been running local 5k & 10k's over the last few months and wanted to train this winter for a Spring Marathon.  If you're in Cincinnati, the Polar Vortex has absolutely KILLED any dreams of getting a Spring Marathon in and I was in a car accident which also killed any dreams of getting a Spring Marathon... 

 Last year, I ran the Mini Heart Half Marathon in honor of my dad and as prep for the Flying Pig Marathon.  The Mini Heart Half Marathon is an awesome race that The American Heart Association organizes in honor of those who have passed and survive heart disease, they raise money for research and promote awareness.  It's a great organization but a pretty brutal running route.

This year I was hoping to avoid the Mini Heart Half because it's a tough route... After Akron I said I was taking a break from running...ha!

Then my dad asked if I would run with him...

How could I tell him no?!

Sunday morning, dad and I will be lacing our running shoes up and taking on dad's FIRST Half Marathon - The Mini Heart Half!  I'm so excited for him... this race is perfect, it's to honor him as a survivor!  Our 5k & 10k races have been really special and he enjoys them so much!  As a runner, there is nothing more exciting than race morning, he "gets it"... This is our thing.

I've always had a wonderful relationship with my dad, he truly is so special.  I admire, respect, love, and cherish him.  He is full of Grace, Compassion, and Mercy.  He is a teacher, he serves my mother, our family, and so many others.  He is a man of God, full of integrity, and everyone that encounters him is touched by him.  

He is a miracle.

He is a surviver.

He is my dad.

We are a daddy/daughter team and crossing that finish line at 13.1 miles TOGETHER is going to be pretty special.  

Transform!

One of the reasons I love being a fitness coach is because people willingly invite me to be a part of their health & fitness journey.

When I decided to become a Health & Fitness coach it was because I had a passion and desire for other women & men to see how strong they really are! That they posses an inner strength that is so much greater than any number on a scale or size of jeans in a department store! For my mommy friends, girlfriends, and women & men around me to see that there is a beauty, a strength, and a power in them that is just waiting to be revealed!
 

I host several groups each month called Challenge Groups - they're a private, online group, typically lasting 30 days in length, sometimes longer. You're with a handful of other people who have set personal health & fitness goals they'd like to reach! Each day I offer encouragement, accountability, and some tough love to help you break old habits and exchange them for better, healthier ones!

Coaching has never been about about money, selling a certain amount of products, or adding to my team... It's about pushing those around me to meet personal goals in their fitness and health journey along with encouraging, inspiring, and challenging those to TRANSFORM their lives from the inside out.

The other night a past Challenge Group Graduate sent me a message, I asked if I could share a section of it on my blog and she said; "You may absolutely do that. Maybe it will help someone else..."

"I am so thankful that God put you on my path when He did. I needed to come to the realization that I lean on food for comfort when I can't control things. I know many people struggle with this. But I never thought I was one of those people... This challenge let me see how much I struggle with food. It was like an obsession... So thank you for doing what you do, for having a passion that many don't have. Thank you for loving our Big God that has big plans for all of us. This challenge has helped me in more ways than you will know. I am grateful. Thank you!"

It brings me great joy in helping others seek out healthy food alternatives and pairing them with an awesome workout they'll love and see results with. I love rejoicing with them over big and small victories. My goal is to inspire others on their journey and in return, they end up inspiring me!

I still have spots available in my next Challenge Group: 

 beginning Monday, February 24th!

If you would you like to learn more about fitness, food, and how to start your Health & Fitness Journey, join me Monday for a Shake & Share Party at my house or email me for more information!

My personal fitness journey began because I was sick, overweight, and needed to make some important health and physical changes in my life. The transformation was more than just physical, it was an emotional journey of finding inner strength and power I never knew existed! You can read more about my fitness journey here

Spring Fever!

I feel like it's been an extra long winter since it started snowing early December!  I'm praying we do not have a winter like last year... where it was snowing through MARCH!  YIKES! I am itching to get outside and log some miles, ready to let the sun warm me up, and be outside playing with Savannah!  

As much as I love fall fashion, boots, and fun accessories... I'm totally over all the layering...  could someone please remind me of this statement when I'm complaining about the heat in August ;)

Are you ready for spring?!  

Are you looking to lose 5-10lbs, tone those arms up, and shed some weight before breaking out your capris, shorts, short sleeve shirts, and tank tops?

What would you say if I could give you a 21-Day workout that is 30 minutes a day, a meal-plan that is simple to follow with a fool-proof portion-control system, telling you exactly what to eat (without starvation!) and you could lose 10lbs. or MORE in just 3 weeks- AND the best part, it's affordable! 

Would you be serious about trying it?!

In just a few days Beachbody is introducing 21-Day Fix and it's a total game changer!

Here's what you need to know:

1. This is the SIMPLEST PROGRAM in terms of nutrition - everyone will be able to follow it AND succeed.

2. ANYONE can do it - whether you need to lose 10 lbs or 100 lbs (if you need to lose 100 you will simply do it over and over to you've reached your goal)

3. This is for women AND men.

4. Yes, you can still teach classes or train for a marathon (or other races) while doing this program.

5. Yes, Shakeology is included.

6. You will be able to have wine and chocolate etc. NOTHING is completely off limits.

7. It's absolutely affordable!

Sign up for the 21-Day Fix Group 

beginning Monday, February 24th!

Maybe you're asking yourself "Is this program for me?!"  Come see for yourself, I'll have this program available to look through at my Strawberry Shake & Share Party on Monday, February 17 @ 6pm!! or you can email me for more information!

Check out the awesome TRANSFORMATION stories... 

Get inspired and lets get fit together!

teambeachbody.com/hillarymayne

Happy Running Anniversary to me!

 

Today marks my 2 year running anniversary!  The day I decided I was tired of being overweight, tired of food having no taste, tired of being uncomfortable in clothes, tired of being sick, exhausted, and lazy...

2 years ago I laced up my first pair of running shoes and drudged through my very first mile!  It was tough but oh so worth it!

2 years later I have accomplished more than I ever thought I was capable of-

• one 5k race
• two 10k races
• one half marathon 
• three full marathons
• one sprint triathlon

In 2012 I logged around 925 miles so my 2013 running goal was to run 1200 miles...  

I finished 2013 with a total of (drumroll please).....

1206 MILES!!!  

Not too shabby for the girl who skipped the Mile Run in gym class every year ;)

To say running has changed my life would be an understatement.  Running opened up the door of routine for me... through routine, I have learned the importance of what a healthy daily diet looks like, the importance of food being my body's fuel not to abuse and indulge, and how to control portions and cravings.  To turn to other things - such as worship, prayer, running, and setting goals - as a way to get through things instead of binge eating.

At 31 years old, my fitness journey is getting started... 

I am so excited to push myself even farther and see what I can accomplish in 2014!

I absolutely LOVE helping others start their fitness journey though my 30 Day Challenge Groups, it is amazing who I can inspire to push harder! Who I can encourage to not give up!

But most importantly, it has been so awesome empowering women, helping them see that their VALUE and WORTH isn't found in a pant size or what the scale says...

 but in our HEALTH and the HEALTHY habits we create for ourselves and our families!

Beauty begins on the inside and what comes after that foundation is strength, power, and a feeling that is indescribable...

                                        January 2012                                              January 2014

                                                          

In Honor of my 2 Year Running Anniversary -

A BIG BIG BIG Thank You to those I couldn't have been successful without:

1) Nicole - My fabulous sister in law who believed I could train and run a marathon!  Who gave me the encouragement and support to BEGIN my weight loss journey!

2) Deanna - An amazing running buddy who has given me advice, logged miles with me, and supported me through my running and fitness dreams and goals.

3) Chad - A great friend who has ran 2 marathons with me and trained with me through 3 marathons!  He's slowed down his pace, endured INSANE weather from freezing cold to blazing hot, and celebrated at finish lines with me!

4) BJ - A wonderful friend who has logged many miles and educated me and allowed me to borrow a road bike to take on my first sprint tri-athalon

5) Emily - A dear friend and Beachbody Coach who introduced me to Shakeology and Beachbody workout programs that have completely CHANGED the way I workout and pushed me into a whole new level of fitness.  I am so happy to be a coach with her and be on her team!

6) All my friends and family who have left me encouraging messages, texts, and showed up at races to support me in my health & fitness journey!

2014 is going to be great!  I am so thankful I am able to run, that I'm healthy and my body strong!

Sitting the Bench...

If you know me... you know I like to keep myself busy.

For the last 23 months I have ran 5 days a week... I have been on 18 week training programs, trying out new workout programs (like T25), organizing and running monthly Challenge Groups, and pushing myself to reach health & fitness goals I never thought I would ever reach.

I'll admit it, I've become addicted to running and absolutely love setting goals and helping others set and attain their goals.

17 days ago, I was in a car accident... I hit a buck and since that car accident, I have been unable to workout and run.  I experience my first major car accident and injuries that have put me out of my routine of working out and running.  To say I've been depressed about not being able to workout would be an understatement... Just ask my husband or the girls in my "Healthy for the Holidays Challenge Group".  Not being able to run or workout has truly put me into an emotional tail spin.

I started seeing a wonderful Chiropractor who has helped me in my recovery from the accident.  After 14 days of no working out or running, I felt good enough to try a 3 mile run.

The DAY I get to lace up my running shoes and run 3 miles I wake up with the flu.

What.the.heck?!

For the last 2 weeks, I've been avoiding that emotional breakdown that I knew was extremely necessary.  To be honest, I had not processed the car accident... heck, I had not processed several things that had happened in 6 months... I just kept pushing them away and moving forward.

When I woke up with the flu yesterday @ 3am I knew this was the Lord, holding my hands, saying... "Hillary, BE STILL."

Why is being still so difficult?  Let me tell you why... because the Lord convicts me when I'm still.  It was in my time, laid up on the couch, unable to move the Lord convicted me of not being a good friend, not investing in those I love sincerely, not having my quiet times because I'm so busy, and prioritizing things that really shouldn't be at the top of my list.

My amazing mother-in-law kept Savannah yesterday and overnight, took care of her and allowed me to get the rest I needed to be ready to take care of Savannah today.  Allan had to work last night so my mom came over with soup and crackers, we laid on the couch together, and watched Christmas movies.

I looked at my mom and confessed as much as I hate being sick, it was necessary.

She reminded me that the Lord allows things to happen, not to hurt us, but to draw us back to Him and His presence.

Today I sat in His presence and listened to worship music.  One of my favorite bands, Elevation Worship, has a song called "The Broken & The Tired" there's a verse that says...

When I was weak

With tired feet

You gave me strength to run the race you'd given me

When I was numb

My heart grown cold

You gave me nerves to feel the warmth of Your love

Your love is kind

Your love's the only thing that's perfect in this life

He is strength in my weakness.  I am thankful for His perfect, unconditional love when I've chosen not to listen to Him and get tired, overwhelmed, and consumed with this life.

The Lord has put me on the bench, I'm not sure for how long but I'm willing to listen and be obedient.  Don't get me wrong, I look at my running shoes everyday and my heart hurts, but I know He will restore my physical strength soon, heal my body, and get me back on the road... running for Him.

Eat Clean in 2014!

Have you been wondering what this whole "clean eating" thing is all about?  

What does it involve?
How hard is it?
Will I starve?

There are a lot of questions out there about eating clean, why it's important, and how it's linked to not only weight loss but leaning out!  

I am now signing people up for my New Year Challenge: Eat Clean in 2014!  I already have a couple people and will only be taking 6-10 people to start on Jan 13th.  We will focus on accountability for your workouts and clean eating. 

When you join one of my Challenge Groups you get...

1. Endless support and motivation
2. Accountability from me to get your workouts done
3. Daily clean eating recipes
4. Additional workouts and exercises for toning on top of the workout program you will be doing
5. Meal plans that helped me to drop 45lbs post baby. 

Don't spend one more day standing in your OWN WAY!! 

Give yourself permission to be successful.