My Escape from Alcatraz TRI!

This was put together fast sorry about spelling and anything else you might find..I'm on a plane.. :) 

"Dream Race Recap"-

Start of the morning was at 3:00 am Bethanne calls me to wish me luck    Which was perfect I couldn't sleep. I get up eat a banana with Pëëps we get ready head out the door at 4:15am off to the race. It was 

Cold out, foggy, and windy walked down found my bike spot set up, headed to the busses to take us on The BOAT it was awesome talking to so many athletes from everywhere, talk to Matt Reedy and Mirinda “rinny” Carfrae  wished them luck as they wished me luck back and off into the boat I went "oh" yea I looked for Andy but no luck. 

As I entered on to the BOAT it was awesome people laying or standing everywhere, I sat as close to the doors well as close as I could lots of athletes wanted off the boat ASAP too. As we were getting closer to Alcatraz the excitement with all of us was loud and crazy..(my type of ride) the National Anthem was sung by everyone (it felt like) and them the pros went it was crazy the boat went up/down 3min. Later the pro women the boat again up/down 

Then us normal extreme crazy athletes turns I was sitting by 3 girls we all gave hugs said have a great race and it was go time ... I dove off the boat (holding on to my goggles) at 7:33 it was AWESOME, the cold, it took my breath away, I swam as hard as I could to get out of the way athletes they were on their way out and I needed to get away from the boat.. .. I breast stroked a few moments to get it together I took in a lot of salt water like crazy (it taste like...) I looked back at the boat and just (lived in moment) and thought that is AWESOME I watching athletes jumping into the water, I also looked at Alcatraz it was just so amazing, as the current was taking me away from the boat..and as was getting it together I started swimming again it was amazing how many times I was slapped in the face by the waves, every time I tried to breath a wave was right there it's for sure a head game, goggles fogged up 3x i had to breast stroked fixed them and off again as I'm getting closer to the dome (a sighting spot) I can see dark spots by me I'm thinking ok that's a huge fish or an athlete I could smell fish and all I kept thinking is the sea lions will not hurt me god I hope not.. LOL.. I have to add you were never drafting off any athletes every time I seen someone the next breath they were 5 waves away from me. Everyone was spread out as I'm getting closer to shore the water is getting colder and all the sudden I'm past my point i need to be at I'm getting closer to the boats that pick you up and I see myself going down the current.. Thankfully I swam as hard as I could and got back into the game.. I'll admit that was HARD and to keep it together (in my head) I get where I needed to be stand up and wowza the world is spinning, I get out of the water look at my watch and it 42:11 I take off running... 

Transition - You had to Run a half mile you could have shoes waiting for you or run without I ran without I was on a mission thankfully I run only on toes. I get to my bike and I'm freezing my legs/arms and hands are purple and pink trying to get my wet suit off was hell...and then try to put my long sleeve shirt as fast as I could was tough my skin is wet my finger and arms didn't work like normal at all, i put on my cycling shoes and run into the bathrooms, I have to go and no way am I peeing on my bike. I get out strap my shoes, grab my bike and start running with it out...

Bike- Get on time to ride, "I feel the need the need for speed" I felt awesome I tried to spin my legs as much as I could to get them warm yea not working. The hills were amazing and fast I loved it, the only bad, bad, bad part is we had to slow down for a major bike accident (it was awful) not a sight you ever want to see...back at it, my sweet hamstring started acting up I push through it changed up muscle groups to peddle.. Note: People didn't understand passing in your left they would ride slowwwwwwwww In front of you it drive me crazy! Everyone was cramped together at points.. I can see why they had a major bike accident. Lots of flat tires (roads were terrible) people's chains were falling off too. Lots of sharp turns on the down hills.

Tradition 2- all you hear is dismount,  dismount I jump off my bike without hitting anyone ran with my bike to the way back went potty again no potties on the course unless you accidentally went running behind something..  running shoes on, hat on run out... 

Run- my feet were still freezing, my first mile was 6:23 second mile was 6:40 and yep my  hamstring is on fire however, then the single stairs came you had to stay in line (athletes were coming on the other side)  so if you were behind someone slow to bad you were staying there. Up down hills rocks, trails, road I took a Selfie at mile 4 a memory of my hamstring killing me... I sent it to the last person who text me and that was Sue. 

Then off to the sand it was heavy sand so you sunk into it so i baby jogged as much as I could (the waves were incredible) I had to take a photo I wasn't going fast at all and then the awesome sand ladder it was amazing however, the mixture of Cytromax, Powergel and Salt Water together was not a good combo -yea as I was halfway up heart rate was sky high and I start puking....and to top it off all over another athletes shoes (i couldn't believe it) I felt so bad he was awesome its ok, no worries, so I took a few photos and on I went,  I picked it up as much as I could got to the top and off running again up a hill not to far I'm puking again i couldn't control it ..good thing this time not on someone shoes.. 

Now I'm back down the single lane stars and someone passed someone and took both of them out that was another bad site.. 

After making sure the two were ok I tried to pick it up as much as I could but with my hamstring I couldn't open up my stride or push it so I told myself "keep the pace, stay in the race" (unless someone with 40-44 on the back of their leg passes me then hell no...run) about mile 6.50 I all the sudden start getting "Bethanne syndrome" which is GI issues I keep it steady again there's no bathrooms on the course... I get into the finishers shoot and kept a steady pace (most athletes know the situation I'm talking about) however,  I see I'm under what I wanted for time and I almost break out in a cry I'm so excited.. I finish and had to pose with my Plankstar the medic thought I was crazy... If she only knew :) 

My Dream Race was over it was one amazing event/adventure.

I thank my husband for all his support, Tina,Tim,Tracy and Shelly for taking their vacation times and watching, yelling and cheering me on while I achieve my once in a life time race. I thank all of you for your calls, amazing text messages, fb messages, emails and support. This race was dedicated to so many I thought of everyone in that race.

-I was asked by so many- Would I do this race again? "Heck Yea"...  But when you have a Dream Race and achieve it I need to move on to a new Dream :) 

I'm so blessed in do many ways, now I can't wait to get home to my amazing kids and get back to my amazing job of being a trainer/coach and athlete! 

"Live it. Love it. Be it!" 

 I hope I've inspired you to take a challenge and achieve your dream or I've inspired you to Escape from Alcatraz!! 

 I have to share this a friend sent this: Whether you know it or not~today you will test your own limits! you will inspire someone else! you will win a test of wills between your mind and body! you will prove you could! you will be the reason someone else starts tomorrow, you will gain confidence, you will believe you can do even more.

You will make a positive difference in so many ways when you step to the starting line where only a few truly understand the determination it took to get there. To most people today is just another day. For you, it's a chance to make your mark. 

Amazing and so true!

Check out this site amazing!!
http://amyshealthybaking.com/blog/2014/07/13/raspberry-oatmeal-cookies/

Print

Raspberry Oatmeal Cookies

Yield: 15 cookies

Serving Size: 1 cookie

These are the softest & chewiest oatmeal cookies you’ll ever make, and the fresh raspberries add an irresistible sweetness and subtle tartness. Store any leftovers in an airtight container on the counter for up to a week—if they last that long!

1 c instant (quick-cook) oats (measured correctly)

¾ c whole wheat flour (measured correctly)

1 ½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp salt

2 tbsp coconut oil, melted

1 egg, room temperature

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ c honey

6 tbsp fresh raspberries, diced

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, egg, and vanilla. Stir in the honey until thoroughly incorporated. Add in the flour mixture, stirring just until incorporated. Fold in the raspberries. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. (If chilling longer, cover with plastic wrap, ensuring it touches the entire surface of the cookie dough.)
2. Preheat the oven to 325°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat.
3. Drop the cookie dough into 15 rounded scoops on the baking sheet. (If chilled longer than 1.5 hours, flatten slightly.) Bake at 325°F for 13-15 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack.

Notes: It’s incredibly important to measure both the oats and whole wheat flour correctly, using the spoon-and-level method described in the links above. If scooped from the container using the measuring cup, you’ll end up with 1.5 times as much, which will dry out your cookies and make them crumbly. 

To make your own instant oats, pulse 1 cup of old-fashioned oats in a food processor 5-8 times. 

Melted unsalted butter or melted margarine may be substituted for the coconut oil. Regardless of which is used, be sure that the egg is at room temperature before whisking it in. A cold egg added straight from the fridge would rapidly cool the fat source, resulting in small blobs of semi-solid coconut oil or butter. 

If the cookies are still really flimsy after cooling on the baking sheet for 15 minutes and threaten to break apart, let them cool completely on the baking sheet. That won’t let them crisp up too much, and they’ll still stay soft for an entire week! 

{clean eating, low fat, low calorie}

 

http://amyshealthybaking.com/blog/2014/07/13/raspberry-oatmeal-cookies/

Wow where do I start?
So much as been going on
~Positives achieved
Escaped Alcatraz 18th in my age group (I'll post story soon), a few marathons, half marathons and more Tri's
Qualified for 70.3 nationals
My family is doing amazing
My business is incredible!! I'm so blessed
The Negatives, well there's none life is to short for Negatives (everything happened's for a reason)!
Now really working on my running, this year I'm going to work on my Speed see if I can get back to where I was..

Wahooooo!! I figured out my Password, time to start Blogging..

Time to start swimming "in a pool".

Another amazing photo from Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. No swimming for me today today is Cycling/TRX Training...

Swim 10/23 Air Temp. 42 Water Temp. Freezing!

First snow fall in Lax.

2 swim caps on getting ready for some fun!

all done.... YES IT WAS COLD!!!

I can't wait until the next swim!

Only 223 days away.

 Hill Sprints yesterday, not only is this steep however it's so beautiful when your doing down it, going up it you just want to get to the corner so there is no time to look at the beauty! :)

Today was a great day Pilates/Biking/TRX training. 
Yesterday I did all 3 sports open water swim. bike, run all backwards just to see how I would feel today and I feel amazing!(I haven't done this type of training for so long). Today I was asked by one of my amazing clients "are you back in the Tri world again" I said with a huge smile on my face "yes I am" whoooohooooo!



 The fall colors are so unbelievable we're so lucky to live in this amazing world. 

 

When I started swimming the air temp was 51 and I heard the water temp is low 50's

So today I had 3 challenges~1 to get into my swim suit with an extra 11 mommy pounds on, 2 to get into my wet suit with those extra pounds on yea you can just imagine, and 3 swim 1 1/2 miles in the freezing cold water now, I have to add for the past 4 years my direction has always been on helping people out or my clients out and not swimming or training for myself so this was a huge challenge for me and I accomplished it.

A little bit of fun!
Yep jumping off the toilet to get my swim suit on.

Yep it worked.

Challenge 2 getting my wet suit on..... and yes I had two swim caps

Now swim 1 1/2 and yes the water was so calm and so inviting until I stepped in "OMGOSH WOWZA!" "COLD, COLD!" Then I thought to myself complain isn't going to get me anywhere get going, and I did! I stopped 1 time to fix my goggles and to get my head back into the game. When you don't swim like this for 4 years and your wet suit is a little tight you can get a little anxiety (I"m only human) :)

 

Swim went great! I swam a little over 1 1/2 in great time my confident level is up "Whoooohoooo"

Yep, this is my next shirt, the next time I have a little fear about something...... I'm putting it on.

Swimming Starts tomorrow, it's going to be interesting to see where I'm at, I haven't swam in about 4 years....... wow how time goes by. I have to purchase a new swim suit, at this time I would have to jump off the toilet to get into my other ones because of my new mommy hips and belly (however that will change).
I took my body fat% (21%) to see where I'm starting at, tomorrow I will see how long it takes me to swim a 1 1/2, run 10 miles and bike 20.  Yea I know it's over the distance of the race but I wanted to round up. :) 

For my training nutrition will be a big one for me however, I will have peeps, gummy bears and yes licorice (Thank goodness for carbs in them). I will be indoor and outdoor cycling, using my TRX and body weight training (INSANITY Boot Camp Training Style 3days a week) my dreadmill and out side running as much as I can, "OH" and I can't forget about the stairs I will be running them at my Studio and at UWL, I also have a training spot for up hill running but I can't give everything away.... LOL

This year is going to be AMAZING!

This is a Dream race of mine, I told myself I don't want to just finish, I want to kick A**! "In a nice positive way of course!"  :)

                                     "DREAM. BELIEVE. ACHIEVE. ANYTHING!"

Finding out I'm in!

It's 3:50 am getting ready to head out the door for my workout before INSANITY BC Training, the first thing I do is look into my e-mail see if there's anything from Alcatraz........"No Way" I see there's an e-mail I open it right away and this is what I read

Hi Danniela

Congratulations on being selected in the first round of the 2014 Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon lottery.  The names of those selected have been posted. Please read this email CAREFULLY before looking for your name on the list...

OMG, I can't believe it I tear up, I get out the door as fast as I can (I didn't want to wake up everyone with my excitement), get in my car turn on 9.57 The Rock and jam out all the way to my Studio where I jump out of my car get inside and dance around and whoooohooooooooing as loud as I can (there's no one there). Then jump on the dreadmill for a 5 mile run. I can't believe it. Now to talk to my hubby about this when I get home.

 A little history I've been trying to get into this for 5 years and of course last year being prego wasn't going to fly.  

Persistence is probably the single most common quality of high achievers. They simply refuse to give up. They longer you hang in there, the greater the chance that something will happen in your favor. No matter how hard it seems, the longer you persist the more likely your success.
— Jack Canfield

I'm so "Excited"!!

 

Start of week 2 so far so good. Last week of weight training was great, I'm trying so hard not to run as much and run stairs.....it's hard!

I was asked how's it going??? I said "I wish I could take my bike out and ride 100 miles and run 26.2" MMMMMM however, I have to remember my goals.

Now this week I'm going to try and follow Jamie E. Nutrition program as much as I can so far so good I made the Protein Carrot Bars last night, I don't know if I could do the Turkey muffins yet "YUCK" in a nice positive way!

Time to make Eggs with my son.

Day 5/84
Tough! However, that would be normal it's always challenging to change the way you've been doing things for 39 years .......lol...

Today was Back/Triceps "ok" and run 2 miles followed by the stairs....I have to say that's the hardest thing not to do is RUN....
Eating very clean no candy/treats..... I've been looking up and posting so many different recipes with Protein on my Studio Fit Facebook page, they're so good!
Off to make a shake.
Happy Training, Train Smart!
"Perseverance, Persistence, Consistency is the key!

Day 3/84
What a great day, at the Studio at 4:15 am I did heavy legs with 1 min. cardio (running stairs) this afternoon was 30 min. of endurance weights back/bicep.
The hardest thing for me to hold back on is my running OUCH....


Eating was really healthy however, I think I ate to many almonds.... oops!

Train Right and Eat Clean! 

Jamie's Plan..

Maybe: Going off of Jamie plan I'm thinking I'll have to do it like this:

Monday -Legs+/
Tuesday- Cardio Cycling/TRX/ Running (3)Jillian abs
Wednesday Back/Shoulders
Thursday- Cardio Cycling/TRX/Running (3) Jillian abs
Friday -Legs/Calves
Saturday- Crazy Cardio Day
Sunday- Yoga/Jillian abs

Day 2

Woke up up did 30 min of Six weeks abs/ 72 Burpees

Breakfast: Whey Protein/coffee
 Berries, flaxseed 
Multi vitamin: 1
Fish oils: 2
Thyroid medication: 1
Snack 20 almonds/kiwi/cukes

Lunch salad/tuna

Snack cukes with hummus  
Note:
I did purchase Jamie E. pack of supplements (that she recommended) on Bodybuilding.com

12 week Transformation Challenge kick off today!

So today I decided to sign up for a 12 week Elite Ambition Transformation Challenge with Bodybuilding.com I really have no idea what I'm doing quite yet (because I'm an Endurance Trainer) however, I will be following the Jamie Eason 12 week program and different supplements (more to come on this as I start and read as much as I can on supplements.)

/www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jamie-easons-livefit-phase-1http:/.html 

 84 days to go

Weighed in at 136 with a tummy ache- and very blotted

Body fat% was 20  

Took photos today wowza!! 

Inches the same as March 31st 

Cardio for today was a ton! 1800 cal worth 

Nutrition: I'm going to do a 10 day blast and see how my body changes from that. 

Breakfast: Veggie omelette

snack: shake 20 almonds

Lunch: chicken salad with 2 egg whites

Snack: tuna with lots of cukes 

Dinner huge salad with chicken 2 tbsp of ff Italian dressing  

 Water intake:120+  Coffee intake 8oz Tea 1/2 cup

Supplements: 4 Fish oils, 2 Multi Vitamin, 3 Catalyst and 2 Bcaa  

 Sleep: not that much however, that would be normal... :)

 Feeling great now time for bed and read my Oxygen Magazine.

"As I continue to dream big and achieve every goal that I have set forth for myself, I strive to reach to my maximum fitness potential through hard work, dedication, and delivering my best package at my first competition. I do all of this in order to stay humble as well as determined to overcome and defeat all of the obstacles that life presents." ~Danniela Neher :)

Coming back with a new Challenge.....
I've done Ironman's, all kinds of Tri distances, Marathons, Half Marathons, Obstacle Course races time for a BIGGER challenge for me.....

I'm looking at doing a few fitness modeling, fitness competitions "Yep", you read that right.....
The best part about this is I have never wore a two pc. in front of anyone "wait" yes I have in the back yard now my yard is fenced in.....lol...
I'm thinking this will be the biggest Challenge only because of the nutrition, eating more protein and not carbs is going to be extremely different.

I will not post photos however, I will give out my measurements and my body fat % when I get to where I would like to be then I'll post before and after photos....
As of March 3/17
C- 34
W- 30
H- 35
RL- 22.25
B- 11-1/2
BF% 18

Basic Simple today!

April 16, 2011 Fire House 5K Ona.
Sun, May 1 La Crosse Fitness Festival,
June 5th Wis Dells???? or June 6 Minneapolis Half Marathon,
July 10 Devils lake half marathon Baraboo.
Madison Mini Aug. 20th

The Full Marathons this year!
May 29th Madtown,
Fox Cities Sept. 18th,
Twin Cities Oct.2nd, Maybe??
IMT Des Moines Marathon Oct. 16

Here is the Full Marathons this year!
May 29th Madtown
Fox Cities Sept. 18th
Twin Cities Oct.2nd
IMT Des Moines Marathon Oct. 16

I have to share this again! ~There is a difference between 'interest' and 'commitment'. When you're "interested" in doing something, you do it only when it's convenient. When you're "committed" to something, you accept NO EXCUSES, only results. So, here's the tough question: Are you "interested" in a healthy lifestyle? Or are you "committed" to having a healthy lifestyle?

New Races!

This year has changed a ton here is some of the races I'll be doing!

Saturday, April 16, 2011 Fire House 5K

Sat, Apr. 30 Iowa Drake On the road half Marathon Des Moines, IA

Sun, May 1 La Crosse Fitness Festival La Crosse, WI

Sun, May 29 Madison Half Marathon Madison, WI

Sunday, June 6 Minneapolis Half Marathon

Saturday, July 10 Devils lake half marathon Baraboo, WI

Feeling great with my pregnancy!
Only put on 11 pounds kind of funny, but what do you do? :) Just so I can keep up with my running, biking and maybe some swimming, and I feel great that's all that matters to me. :)

Have a great week training!

Training for 11/20-12/5

Monday~ Cycling with 30 min. Plyos

Tuesday~ 5 miles

Wednesday~ Pilates with weights 6 miles

Thursday~ 4 miles

Friday~ Pilates with weights 3 miles

Saturday~ 9 miles

Sunday~ off Family time : )

Training for 11/22-11/28
Monday Cycling

Tuesday ~5 miles

Wednesday~Pilates with weights 3 miles

Thursday ~Happy Turkey Day~ 10K race

Friday ~ 5 Miles nice and easy with Pilates

Saturday ~ 8 mile run

Sunday off or Pilates

Start for the Lace up for Breast Cancer Feb. 13 Half
This week schedule is

Monday~ Cycling

Tuesday~ 5 Easy

Wednesday ~2 mile easy run with Pilates/weights

Thursday~ Pilates and 5 Temp run

Friday~ Pilates with weights and 5 Easy run

Saturday ~3 mile run Turkey Trot fun run with my friends and Family!

Sunday~ 8 long runs

So far I have put on 10 pounds prego weight! It's amazing there some people that don't gain and they don't workout and there's some people like myself that works out and still gains weight! I'm a lucky person :) LOL
But my running clothes still fit thank gosh they stretch!
"Stay positive, train right, eat right and you will feel a ton better" Give it a shot!!!

A start on my 2011 Races!

2011 Race/Fun Schedule

Saturday, January 1, 2011 Polar Dash

http://www.teamortho.us/20101102288/polar-dash-2011.html

Sunday, February 13, Lace up against Breast Cancer

http://www.luabc.org/

Saturday, March 19, 2011 Get Lucky! 7K & Triple 7 (21K-Half Marathon)

http://www.teamortho.us/Get-Lucky-7K/

Saturday, April 16, 2011 Reedsburg WI Vet Fest

http://www.reedsburgvetfest.com/

Sat, Apr. 30 Iowa Drake On the road half Marathon Des Moines, IA

Sun, May 1 La Crosse Fitness Festival La Crosse, WI

Sun, May 29 Madison Half Marathon Madison, WI

Sunday, June 6 Minneapolis Half Marathon

Saturday, July 10 Devils lake half marathon Baraboo, WI

Training today Pilates with a 5 mile Dreadmill run!

Pregnancy is so fun!

Wow all week I have been sick feeling nauseous, put still doing 3 to 5 mile runs and Pilates.

Today got on the scale after a 6 mile run and weighted 135 how could that be man oh man were 81/2 weeks and I put on 5 pounds.

My next race will be tomorrow Half Marathon Rails to Trails it's going to be fun!

If you need a cookie recipe to feed a crowd of hungry athletes here it is!

If you need a cookie recipe to feed a crowd of hungry athletes here it is!

A HUGE WARNING!
Once you start you will not put them down! I thank my friend Maria from IOWA for getting me addicted to these! "Maybe in a nice positive way"

Here's a easy (well, the stirring is a little arduous) recipe that makes 10 dozen great cookies. A curiosity of the recipe is that it requires no flour at all and an oddly small amount of syrup, given the large quantities of other ingredients.

Monster Cookies
6 Eggs
2 Cups Brown Sugar
2 Cups White Sugar
1 Tbsp. Syrup
4 tsp. Baking Soda
1/2 lb. Butter, softened
1 1/2 lbs. Peanut Butter
9 Cups Oatmeal
1/2 lb. Chocolate Chips
1/2 lb. Peanut M&Ms
Mix ingredients in a large bowl in the order listed. Bake 12 minutes in a 350 degree oven. (Use two cookie sheets, starting with one sheet for 6 minutes, then rotating the sheets from lower to upper rack.) Let cool on sheet for 1 minute then transfer to cookie racks. Makes about 8 to 10 dozen, depending on size and depending if you eat all the dough like I would.

My training has backed off this week. Doing that last marathon in Madison killed my IT bands so taken it easy!
However, back at it this weekend we have a half marathon Rails to Trails. Then I will take it easy for a bit I have to let my body adjust to the pregnancy. My running will still be about 20-25 miles a week.

My new goal! 40/40

40 marathons by age 40. I'm 37 I have 7 under my legs.

I started this because I needed a goal and every year I do an Ironman or something crazy like that. Ironmans come and go just like everything else, then I'm looking for a new goal; as soon as I finish the event so, these next few years I'm going to be looking at "what Marathon or Marathons will I be doing" this year?.

Plus having two boys at home and looking at having another baby, I don't have the time or the money to do over priced sport any more! (Meaning it' s really gotten out of control with the entry fee, when I started doing IM they were $425.00 now $625.00 mmmmmmm). Also I can run with my kids and spend time with them too.

My next Half Marathon will be this weekend 10/24/10. My next Full Marathon will be 10/30/10 and 11/07/10 back to back weekends lets see how the body reacts to that!

Off to run 8 miles on the Dreadmill, Pilates with weights
I will keep you posted on my workouts starting today and how I feel!

Remember you are the only one who can make a change in your life start today!

Top 10 Rules of Weight Loss for Runners

Unwanted weight gain can happen to even the most health-savvy women. A perfect storm of stress, eating on the go, pregnancy and age-related metabolic slowdown can gradually pile on extra pounds.

After years of self-described "insane workaholic behavior," Columbia University associate professor Jenny Davidson experienced a gradual but significant weight gain. "The next thing I knew, I was 50 pounds overweight," says Davidson. To lose weight, she skipped the fad diets and instead focused on exercise and a healthy eating plan. Her reward: She lost 80 pounds and is now an avid runner and triathlete.

Want to do something similar? You can with these 10 simple strategies.

Rule 1: Know Your Caloric Needs

To stay healthy and run well while losing weight, you must determine how many calories you need. On average, a 150-pound, 5-foot-7-inch moderately active woman in her early 30s should consume about 2,100 calories per day. To lose weight, you must reduce your total caloric intake, whether by eating less or burning calories through exercise.

Research shows you're more likely to keep the fat off if you lose it gradually, says Monique Ryan, author of Sports Nutrition for Endurance Athletes. It's best to cut no more than 200 to 300 calories per day. According to sports nutritionist Suzanne Girard Eberle, if you maintain a diet too low in calories, you may be at risk for developing the female athlete triad, which causes menstrual irregularity and poor bone health, among other problems.

Rule 2: Set a Realistic Goal

Many women fall into the trap of setting a stereotypical goal weight, regardless of their body type. The truth is, every body is different, and your ideal weight for optimal health, energy and performance may not be what society says it should be (read: skinny). Consult your physician to set a healthy goal before starting a weight loss plan. It may also be helpful to have a professional measure your body composition, or muscle-to-fat ratio, which can be a better indicator of what you need to lose.

Rule 3: Stay Fueled

Even while losing weight, you need to replenish your energy stores--and to do it right. Active women need to maintain a balanced diet of 50 to 60 percent carbohydrates, 20 to 30 percent protein and 20 to 30 percent healthy fats. Don't rely on diet- or fat-free processed foods, which are often low in nutrients and high in chemicals.

Eat a breakfast of high protein, healthy-fat foods like eggs, oatmeal and low-fat yogurt. Snack on nuts, fruits or vegetables to avoid depriving yourself.

Keep in mind: While protein bars and sports drinks are great during and after long training runs, you don't need the extra calories for runs less than 60 minutes long.

Rule 4: Hit the Weight Room

Although resistance training alone doesn't burn a lot of calories, Virginia Tech obesity and exercise researcher Janet Rankin, Ph.D., says it does offer benefits to those trying to lose weight, from increasing bone density to reducing injuries. Research also indicates that developing more muscle mass increases your resting metabolism.

Rule 5: Go Long

However many miles your longest run is now, extend it once a week. According to the National Runners Health Study, which includes more than 120,000 runners, women who ran the greatest amount of weekly mileage were the leanest.

"There's no question, the more miles you run, the more calories you burn," says Mindy Solkin, a running coach and founder of The Running center in New York City. You burn roughly 100 calories per mile when running (depending on your weight), so if you go for a five-mile run, you'll burn 500 calories.

Rule 6: Team Up

A running coach and a personal trainer helped Davidson meet her goals. For other women, a support team may include a nutritionist or running partner. Check out peertrainer.com for an online weight-loss and exercise-support group.

Nan Howard's 53-pound weight loss journey began in 2007 at a weight loss support group meeting where other members encouraged her to walk for exercise. The North Carolina working mom slowly turned her walk into a run, and she began participating in local 5ks. Now she's encouraging other women in the group to start running.

Rule 7: Increase Intensity

A study conducted in 2006 at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, found that interval training--bursts of speed within an aerobic workout--burns fat and improves fitness more quickly than constant, moderately intense exercise. Researcher Jason Talanian recommends mixing interval training into your routine once or twice a week.

Rule 8: Crunch All the Numbers

Harvard weight loss expert Dr. George Blackburn asserts in his new book, Break Through Your Set Point, that people who weigh themselves daily are significantly more successful at keeping off excess weight. But also measure and record your changing body mass index (18.5 to 24.9 is considered normal), body fat percentage (aim for 14 to 24 percent), cholesterol levels (less than 200 total is desirable), blood pressure (at or below 120/80), clothing size and training distances and times. If after making positive changes you're still having trouble losing weight, ask your primary care physician to crunch another number, your TSH level. Hypothyroidism can cause weight gain.

Rule 9: Keep a Food Diary

Solkin tells people to keep a daily log of what they eat. When you see how that soda or bag of chips adds to your total, it might be easier to eliminate. In a recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health, participants doubled their weight loss when they kept a food log. To track your habits, use myfooddiary.com.

Rule 10: Train for Something Bigger Than Weight Loss

There's no better motivation to maintain an exercise schedule and eat right than a race date. For Howard, the recent shift from seeing herself as "someone who runs" to being "a runner" has been a revelation.

"People say 'What are you doing? You look so great,' and I say, 'I run four to six days a week,' " she explains. "You say that enough, and you start feeling like a runner."

Very Good Information!

This article was written by Jeff Gaudette. Jeff is a running coach.

The most common question I get from both beginner and veteran marathoners alike is: “What should I eat during the week and the morning of the Marathon race?” It’s a great question and a very important part of success on race day. Since I covered how to practice your marathon nutrition strategy in training in one of my previous posts, this week I will cover an ideal nutrition plan starting 5 days out from the race so you can start planning your pre-race nutrition strategy now.

Marathon Rule #1: Never try anything new on Race Day

In addition to clothing, pacing, and training, this rule also applies to your nutrition strategy in the five days leading up to the race. You should not experiment with any new foods or venture too far from your normal diet. It’s easy to get nervous in the last few days of your taper and be persuaded by a new product a friend recommends or something you see at the race expo. However, if you haven’t tried it before, especially at marathon pace or during a long run, don’t be tempted.

It’s also important that you experiment with the types, quantity, and timing of the food you eat before you run. Some runners have very weak stomachs and need up to three hours to digest food before they can run comfortably. Other runners can eat within an hour of a hard run with no adverse side effects. It is important to figure out which type of runner you are during training and to take this information into account when you plan for the race morning.

Experiment with your pre-race meal before race day. Your last two long runs or difficult marathon paced workouts should be similar to race simulations. Try wearing the clothes you think you’ll wear on race day, the shoes, socks, and everything you can think of. Eat the same pre-race meal you’re planning for the night before the race and when you wake up in the morning, eat the same breakfast you plan on having. This will give you time to change things up before race day if you find it doesn’t work for you.

5 days from the race

Begin to increase your total carbohydrate intake by adding in more pastas and starches (low glycemic index foods) to your diet throughout the week. The old idea of depleting your carbohydrate stores the week before the race and binging on carbohydrates the last few days in an attempt to trick your body into overcompensating and storing more fuel is outdated. Ensuring that you consume a higher percentage of your total daily calories as carbohydrates is sufficient.

Remember, you’re not running as much as you have been, so eating too much more than you normally do will make you feel bloated and lethargic. At this point in the nutrition cycle, relax and don’t go overboard.

48 Hours before the race

Your last big meal should be two nights before the race. It will give your body ample time to digest anything you eat so you won’t feel bloated on the morning of the race. I’ve seen too many people gorge on pasta the night before the race only to reach the starting line the next day stuffed and lethargic. Have you ever tried to run the morning after Thanksgiving? If you have, you know the bloated feeling I’m talking about, and if you
haven’t, I don’t recommend scheduling a tough workout.

24 hours and before

Eat normal balanced meals like you would normally do on any training day. Make sure you drink plenty of liquids all day long, especially electrolyte fluids such as Gatorade or use electrolyte tabs such as Nuun. It helps if you carry a water bottle along with you throughout the day to remind yourself to drink.

Your main meals should still be in the form of low glycemic to medium glycemic index foods. Ideally, you won’t be too active on the day before the race, so you may feel full quickly. That is fine, you shouldn’t try to stuff yourself.

18 hours before the race

Start eating small meals every 2-3 hours, but after lunch, cut out red meat, fried foods, dairy products, fats, nuts, and roughage. You should only be consuming light, digestible foods like energy bars, bread, and small sandwiches. Keep drinking water and electrolyte beverages and avoid salty foods.

4 hours and less

You should be up early enough before the race to eat a small breakfast with plenty of time to start digestion before the gun goes off. If you need 3 hours to eat a small meal before running, then you need to get up at least three hours before the race to get in a light breakfast. You’ll want to drink mostly water (unless you know temperatures at the race are going to be warm), with some electrolyte fluid. Don’t try to get all your fluids down by chugging your water bottle. Drink small, regular sized amounts. Room temperature water is absorbed quicker than warm or cold water. I estimate that you’ll need 6 oz. every hour or 8 oz. every hour on hot days.

Lots of runners will take a GU or energy gel right before the gun goes off. I only recommend this if you have a weak stomach and you haven’t eaten in 3 hours. If you’re able to stomach more solid foods 60-90 minutes before the race, this is preferable. Basically, energy gels are mostly simple sugars and you’ll be consuming another 2 or 3 gels before the race is over. Even for the biggest sweet tooth this is a lot of sugar.

I hope this article was a practical and informative nutrition plan you can implement for race day. In the last article of the series, I will cover the nutrition plan during the actual race, so stay tuned!