Bridal Bootcamp

July 21st, 2008 @ 5:52 pm by Mrs. Pomegranate

I’m writing the post to announce that back in February, I made a pretty big decision that will ultimately prove the level of insanity that I have already reached: I signed up to run a Marathon.

Okay, so it’s technically a Half-Marathon. The Nike Women’s Marathon & Half Maration held in San Francisco, to be exact. To be even more exact, the event will be held two weeks following our wedding. Yep, I’m pretty much insane.

Image via Nike Women’s Marathon
My Wedding: 10.4.2008
The Marathon: 10.19.2008
Yikes.

Or am I?

I made this decision out of frustration in trying to find the time, energy and motivation to work out often enough to lose the token amount of weight I deemed appropriate to lose prior to my first dress fitting - which was just last week. Attempting to get myself in tip-top shape for a one-day extravaganza is apparently not enough for me, no matter how big a deal it truly is to me.

What I needed was a motivation that stemmed from a desire to be fit for life. A motivation to be a good dog mom. Oh, and that little part of me that always wanted to call myself just that: a “runner.” Not only does this put a training goal beyond my big wedding date, truly marking health and fitness beyond the nuptials, but it also will allow for some great mommy / puppers bonding runs (oh do Labs love to run!). All three of these things are just the tip of the iceberg for me with regards to the Nike Women’s Marathon.

Image via sfsurvey.
Uhm excuse me Miss? Can I please have your abs?

I will be running for more than just myself, I will be running for a friend. A friend who recently underwent successful treatment for Lymphoma at the Stanford research center. No amount of pain endured from this running extravaganza could compare to what he went through. Wouldn’t you know, the Nike Women’s Marathon benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!?

However, they don’t just “let you in.” You have to register and put your name (and your teammates’ names) in a drawing to join 10,000 other sweaty gals on a hilly jaunt across San Francisco’s coastline. It doesn’t hurt that they offer a Tiffany & Co. custom-made Finisher’s Necklace handed to you on a silver platter by a fireman in a tuxedo - I’m not kidding! No one ever said a girl doesn’t need some shallow motivation - and chocolate - did I tell you about the Chocolate Mile? Sure, there are these benefits - but there better well be for running 26.2 or 13.1 miles in hilly SF! Of course, none of those means anything if I don’t get chosen, right?

Image via bonggamom.
The Finisher’s Necklace from a previous year.

Well, I found out at the beginning of April that I was chosen. I was chosen to run a marathon and I have not even yet considered myself a “runner.” Oh boy. What have I gotten myself into!?

The header from the official email I received in April.

Fortunately, I’ve been squishing some training in between all of my bridal duties. I ran a 5 mile race in hilly, hilly Fair Oaks back in May and am now mounting up to run a 7 mile race this weekend at the Wharf to Wharf in Santa Cruz. While I haven’t lost a ton of weight, I definitely feel like I’m in much better shape. More importantly, I have found a fantastic outlet for my wedding-related stresses.

How are you getting in shape for your Big Day?

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33 Responses to “Bridal Bootcamp”

Member

l3r0wnEyedGurL (message) 129 posts, Blushing bee

I think that is AWESOME that you’re doing this run. It’s for such a great cause. Speaking as someone who can’t even do a mile run on flat land, I really admire you. =) Best of luck!!

7/21/08 @ 6:28 pm (reply)

Guest

Karen

I wanted DESPERATELY to get in!!! DESPERATELY - but my registration came back telling me I hadn’t been selected.

Maybe next year………..I was even willing to fly all the way from Calgary to do it. Sigh.

7/21/08 @ 6:31 pm (reply)

Member

missm (message) 811 posts, Busy bee

wow - that’s amazing. it’s an admirable goal and i’m completely inspired. not to run, especially not in SF with my knees, but to make a commitment to extending the attention to fitness beyond the big day.

speaking of the day, i’m getting in shape by using working out as stress relief. regular yoga, rock climbing sessions (a great way to hang out *literally* with friends) and some strength training are definitely paying off. i’ve also developed a bike habit and commute every day in SF by bike. woo hoo!

7/21/08 @ 6:33 pm (reply)

Member

MrsSunflower (message) 27 posts, Newbee

Congrats!! I know some of the gals in my bootcamp class are going to this AND the WTW.

I am taking a boot camp class 5x a week (M-F) from 6-7. It is hard to do it, but man do I feel great.
I do notice a difference and I hope to look hot by September

7/21/08 @ 6:35 pm (reply)

Guest

Raeann

Oh, Miss Pomegranate, I am from Fair Oaks. How neat that you’re in the area.

GL on the run!

7/21/08 @ 6:36 pm (reply)

Guest

Starry-Eyed Barefoot Bride

As long as the abs don’t come with her haircut, I want them too! =)
I joined a Fit in 5 fitness class (5 weeks of 1 hr a day classes) and I love it.

Keep in mind - loosing inches/fat does not mean loosing “weight”.
Way to go chicka!

7/21/08 @ 6:39 pm (reply)

Member

tea (message) 2,616 posts, Sugar bee

wow, i’m impressed. i don’t like running so marathons are out for me even as tempting as some of them sound [i may break my no-running clause for the bay to breakers though]. for now i just stick with my weekly yoga class. i like it.

good luck with the marathon! a friend of mine ran this a couple years back and had a great time. as much fun as you can while running at least. lol.

7/21/08 @ 6:49 pm (reply)

Member

jenniferb (message) 168 posts, Blushing bee

Sigh. I’ve been rejected 3 years in a row. I try not to take it personal

Good luck, halfs aren’t easy! I ran my first in March.

7/21/08 @ 6:55 pm (reply)

Member

CarolineG (message) 422 posts, Helper bee

What a great goal!
I’m doing cardio 4-5 days a week (elliptical for half an hour), pilates twice a week and yoga twice a week. If my Friday time slot is free I throw in some swimming or water aerobics. I’m not doing it to lose weight - I’m comfortable in that area - but to help live a healthier lifestyle so I can enjoy a nice long life with my husband to be, and to tone up so I look extra-hot in my bikini on our honeymoon!

7/21/08 @ 7:22 pm (reply)

10.

Guest

swp02138

I ran this marathon two years ago and it was fantastic! So many women out there for a good cause. I’d strongly suggest joining a running group to keep you motivated to train. Team in Training is a great one located throughout California. Congrats on getting choosen and good luck!

7/21/08 @ 7:40 pm (reply)

11.

Bee

Miss Pomegranate (message) 956 posts, Busy bee

Aw! Thank you all so much for the support!

@Karen: I’m sorry you didn’t get in! What a bummer! Perhaps next year?

@Raeann: Yay for local readers!

@Starry-Eyed Barefoot Bride: Ohhh yes, I know I’ve lost a few inches - in all honestly, as my dressmaker says - I’m SOLID! Ah well.

@tea: It’s not always fun, I admit - but it’s a challenge. I tend to feel AMAZING after a run - like I can conquer the world. So it makes all that hard work worthwhile.

@jenniferb: Lame! I can’t believe they haven’t drawn you yet! Maybe next year?

7/21/08 @ 7:44 pm (reply)

12.

Member

Maude (message) 326 posts, Helper bee

Way to go! I ran a full marathon a few years back, and it was a fantastic experience. Personally speaking, I did not lose any weight in the first few months of training - it was more like the last 6-8 weeks before the race where I noticed that I was slimmer. Good luck!

7/21/08 @ 7:50 pm (reply)

13.

Member

thompsoc75 (message) 50 posts, Worker bee

Hi Miss Pom-I had the same bright idea to run the 1/2 marathon in Kona so that we would get our butts out there and run. Well the marathon was the end of June- we did run and we did finish but we didn’t however train. We ran it together (FI and I) and felt a great sense of accomplishment at finishing something we had no biz running. Blisters and all it was fun! Good luck in SF! I ran a 1/2 marathon there a few years ago and it only got tough after the bridge crossing- the rest was adrenaline filled beautiful scenery!

7/21/08 @ 8:04 pm (reply)

14.

Member

cbkj (message) 78 posts, Worker bee

Congrats and good luck to you! I just dragged myself into the house from a bootcamp I do 3x a week. July 4th FI and I completed our 2nd 10K race together (it was my 3rd time) and it was great.
More than my desire to look smoking hot in September, I love that exercising is something we like to do together.

7/21/08 @ 8:18 pm (reply)

15.

Bee

Mrs. Bee (message) 1,564 posts, Bumble bee

good luck miss pom! i don’t think i’d ever be brave enough to sign up for a marathon, but i have plenty of friends who have… and they did great just as i’m sure you will!

7/21/08 @ 8:33 pm (reply)

16.

Bee

Mrs. Bee (message) 3,261 posts, Sugar bee

that was me above btw.

7/21/08 @ 8:35 pm (reply)

17.

Guest

Actually…for anyone who wants to run it, I think there is open registration now, through Nike+. Not sure if there is another selection process after the registration. I didn’t really go through the website carefully.

Good luck Miss Pom! I have friends running it and I might go to cheer them on so maybe I’ll see you!

7/21/08 @ 8:41 pm (reply)

18.

Guest

Kismet

I think it’s great that you decided to do this! I made goal like yours and am now beginning to train for the ING marathon (doing half) in Miami.. I use to be runner, but now practice Yoga and ride my bike regularly.. hopefully it won’t be too hard to get back into it. GL! I think you have plenty of cheerleaders in the hive.. =)

7/21/08 @ 9:48 pm (reply)

19.

Guest

triathlete_girl2

I am racing the Ironman Triathlon in Canada three weeks before my wedding (that’s a 1.2 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 full marathon run). Yup, perfect timing to be in the best shape of my life!

7/21/08 @ 10:20 pm (reply)

20.

Bee

Miss Hydrangea (message) 386 posts, Helper bee

You are so brave… and I’m sitting here just trying to talk myself into getting to the gym. You are awesome!

7/21/08 @ 11:21 pm (reply)

21.

Guest

Marlene

I think it is a great idea and I think it is something cool to look forward to after your wedding. Many girls get sad after their wedding because the excitement is over. So this will be something fun to do and just wait until the finishline when you see the hot fireman!!

7/21/08 @ 11:43 pm (reply)

22.

Hostess

Mrs. DG (message) 4,227 posts, Honey bee

You go girl. I wish I was more hardcore! You rock!

7/21/08 @ 11:47 pm (reply)

23.

Guest

Sue-Ellen

I ran the Nike Half the past two years with Team in Training…you will have a blast! It’s a beautiful course, and there’s nothing like crossing the finishline to get the Tiffany box from the hot tuxedoed firefighter No Nike for this girl this year, it’s only a few weeks after our wedding…I ain’t doing training runs on our Costa Rica honeymoon! Enjoy!!

7/22/08 @ 12:29 am (reply)

24.

Bee

Miss Espresso (message) 1,064 posts, Bumble bee

So awesome Miss Pom!! I heard the Nike run is incredible and you’re gonna do great! Keep up the training and keep insprired. I did Hike for Discovery with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society last year in the Rockies- At our celebration dinner after the hike, the man who got up to speak said the reason he was alive today is because of the research put forth by this organization- so you’re working towards a great cause!

7/22/08 @ 4:45 am (reply)

25.

Member

themcwoods (message) 1 posts, Wannabee

Good luck with your training!

I’m getting married the same day as you and my fiance and I have registered to run the Toronto half-marathon the week before the wedding. I hope we’ll be ready!

7/22/08 @ 8:06 am (reply)

26.

Member

Manda (message) 75 posts, Worker bee

**Mr./Mrs Bee - I hope this is OK to post, I work for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and thought I would put this out there for those who are looking to get into this race or another one!**

Those of you who want in, but weren’t selected - I have another option for you - a way you can (most likely) still get in, but it’s a little more work.

Find your local chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training Program (www.teamintraining.org) and sign up to run as a part of their program. You simply fundraise for Blood Cancer Patients and they train you and fly you from wherever you live to run. Can’t make the Nike marathon? Train for one of their other events, they train you for marathons happening all over the world and all you have to do is fundraise. Any questions? Need help finding your local chapter? PM me.

7/22/08 @ 9:17 am (reply)

27.

Member

Manda (message) 75 posts, Worker bee

PS: Thank you to everyone who mentioned that they have participated in Hike for Discovery/Team In Training/The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - You truly are making a difference!

7/22/08 @ 9:19 am (reply)

28.

Guest

arcadia10

CONGRATS! I ran the Nike full marathon 2 years ago. It was amazing. The course is tough but very beautiful. Running towards the Golden Gate bridge early in the morning with the fog below the bridge is breathtaking. I am a Team in Training mentor. My fiance and I have run marathons together to raise money. My future FIL was diagnosed with leukemia almost 3 years ago.

My fiance and I are running the Pittsburgh marathon 20 days before our wedding. That is how we are going to relieve the wedding stress. Our family thinks we are crazy and maybe we are. Plus it will help keep the pounds off before the big day

7/22/08 @ 11:51 am (reply)

29.

Guest

Becky

I didn’t make it to my “token” number of weight loss pounds by the wedding (I was about 5 lbs heavier than I wanted to be) and you know what? It was totally okay! lol.

Remember that when you run long distances you will get extra hungry, so get lots of protein (runners need 75% more protein than non-runners) and ‘good’ carbs.

How exciting! I can’t wait to see how it goes!
Becky

7/22/08 @ 12:44 pm (reply)

30.

Guest

Heather

I’M RUNNING AT NIKE IN SF IN OCTOBER TOO!!
I’m getting married May 2, 2009 and thought this would be an amazing way to get in shape. I was not a runner and still have a hard time thinking of myself as one. I just did my first 12 miles EVER on Saturday and felt AWESOME after…not so awesome the next morning however. OUCH! I’m not doing it alone however. I am actually running the marathon with the Team In Training program. It’s basically a fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. They are trainning me to run a marathon with professional coaches and in turn I’ve promised to raise money for reseach to help find a cure to fight blood cancer. You mentioned you had a friend that went throught treatment recently. SO excited to hear that they were successful!!!!!! I’m running in honor of everyone that has fought a blood cancer, if you are intested, I’d love to run in honor of your friend. I have a blog about my training http://www.heathers262.blog.com for information on the marathon Or contact Mr/Mrs Bee, saw Mrs. Bee works for the Society!! WAY TO GO!
Congrats on the marathon and the training!! Keep us posted on your progress!! I’d love to hear how another bride is doing with the marathon bridal bootcamp!!
BEST OF LUCK!

7/22/08 @ 12:47 pm (reply)

31.

Guest

baderin

I badly want to do this one. In terms of doing it fairly soon after your wedding, my (now) husband and I ran our first half-marathon two weeks after we got back from our honeymoon and it was fine - some week before the wedding runs are just the thing to let you zone out and get away from the stress.

@themcwoods - I’m running the Toronto half too! In my case it will be one week after a HUGE 6 weeks (3 weeks of insane travelling at work followed by 3 weeks of personal travelling for vacation) and I’m a little worried, but we have a training plan that we are determined to stick with. I’ll see you there!

7/22/08 @ 3:47 pm (reply)

32.

Guest

DADIVA SHOP

That’s awesome that you did the run for such an amazing cause!

8/6/08 @ 11:40 am (reply)

33.

Guest

Stephanie

@DADIVA SHOP:

I love http://www.dadivashop.com! I also ran in a marathon and wore my bamboo bride shirt from them. It was so fun to celebrate my “bride-ness” while running for a great cause!

8/6/08 @ 12:03 pm (reply)