WHO IS PAXTEN?

WHO IS PAXTEN?
Paxten Reede Pearson was the daughter of family friends, Blake and Libby. She was diagnosed with Leukemia at the age of 9 months and lost her battle on January 29, 2012 (just before her 2nd birthday). Her parents started a journal shortly after she was diagnosed. Their posts were raw, honest, and gave very detailed descriptions on Paxten's treatments, struggles, and recovery. Their journal went viral and touched many hearts throughout the midwest. In February, I wanted to do something for the family that not only showed my support for them, but showed support for current, past, and future patients. In March, I decided to sign-up with The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and pledged to raise $10,000 in Paxten's memory. (CLICK THE IMAGE TO READ ABOUT PAXTEN'S BATTLE- image courtesy of Mindy Rae Photography)

Monday, April 30, 2012

One word... GRATEFUL

Today my post is going to be about how doing this half marathon has affected me as a person. First off, I never in a million years would have thought I would be this successful with a fundraiser. I had this idea that I would struggle with raising the money, having people take this fundraiser seriously, and most of all, achieving my monetary goals. It is absolutely amazing to have so many people stand behind me. People I grew up with, people who are close to the Pearson family, people who have never met me but are inspired by my cause...It's truely a remarkable thing. I had to take a step back and evaluate the situation I'm in. I'm not just doing this for Blake, Libby, and Paxten now, I'm doing this for all of the people who were touched by their story and wish they could have done more, for the people who are currently fighting the treturous battle, for the people who have HOPE, STRENGTH, and PASSION that one day we will find a cure. The money I raise doesn't just help the current patients, but future patients. This is a very humbling experience.

Yesterday on my run this is what I thought about it. I may be complaining that legs are sore and I don't think I have the energy to run anymore, but then I realize, I'm running for those who can't. I have never been more motivated to accomplish something.

In my first month of fundraising I have raised $720. Within the last week I have created 2 fundraising events, designed CRUSH CANCER wristbands, designed homemade ceramic tiles, and helped design a T-shirt for my run. I know I will reach my goal and I know Pax is smiling down.

Please join me at the first fundraising event:


Sunday, April 29, 2012

Cross Training

According to my Half Marathon training App, I need to start cross training. Yesterday I tried out Hot Yoga. What's Hot Yoga you ask? Well imagine an earth tone painted room, with birch hard would floors, candles softly lighting the rooms, and with a scent of cedarwood. Sounds relaxing right? WRONG! Let's add a room with 12 grown adults, with their mats close to each other and the thermostat set at 95 degrees!! YES! 95 DEGREES! Okay, now let's throw in that it was Hot POWER Yoga.... So not only was I sweating perfusely, but my muscles were infuriated with me too. I can say, however, that I absolutely enjoyed it! It was such a challenge, but it helped me stretch out my legs and back (which have been cramping for a couple of days). I think I've decided that on the "rest" days of my training, I'll just do yoga.

Side note- I have created a page of Facebook that gives updates on my Half Marathon Training and special events:

Team Paxten

Don't forget, if you are interested in donating there is a link on the right hand side :)

Friday, April 27, 2012

The Training Continues

It has been 11 days since my last weigh-in. I have noticed that since I've changed my eating habits, I'm not as hungry and I get fuller, faster. I have definitely been focusing on consuming protein and carbs, especially since I've been training for a half marathon. I'm extremely anxious to weigh in on the 30th! I'm a little nervous because I haven't noticed much of a change... But it's only week 3! I've decided to post a picture of how my body looks next week.. EEK! Don't judge me okay?

UPDATE ON TRAINING: Well, when I first started training I could barely do a mile (Pathetic!) but now I can run 2.5 miles pretty smoothly. Although, I have noticed cramping in my shin, calves, and the edges of my foot. I've consulted MANY people and it sounds like I need to increase my potassium intake and I need to hydrate more. Starting Sunday I'm going to take a multivitamin to help can the nutrients I need. I have also invested in bananas :). Starting Monday I'm going to incorporate some cross training--Insanity, hot yoga, cycling, and boot camp. I need to increase my muscle strength and my endurance. I was a little discouraged when I first started this training. I kept thinking "I can't do this", "There's no way I'll stay motivated", but honestly, after today, I'm more ready than ever! I can't wait to continue training.

I would like to take a moment to thank Blake and Libby once again for allowing me to run in Paxten's memory. They are definitely my motivation to continue my training and to cross the finish line!

I would highly recommend that if anyone is trying to lose weight, get involved in a fitness challenge! I have noticed I'm more focused and I'm a little more determined since I have a huge goal to reach!

Monday, April 16, 2012

And the Results are in!

This week has definitely been challenging, not because of my temptations, but because of mother nature. As most of you know the midwest had some drastic weather last week. I was able to get in 2 runs and a long walk in last week, and 2 gym days. Although I wasn't able to get as many workouts in because of the crazy weather, I was still able to lose 3 pounds! I'm sure its mostly related to a diet change, but 3 pounds is still pretty good!

This week my 5k training program gets a little more challenging, which isn't a bad thing :). I'll also be starting the Insanity program tomorrow. My next weigh-in won't be until April 30th, so my goal is to see at least 5 pounds lost with a total of 8 pounds lost for the month of April.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Runs, Weights, and Goals

I recently decided to run a Half Marathon for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. There are many reasons why I decided to run. First off, it has always been on my bucket list to run a half marathon or a full marathon. There is nothing more rewarding than pushing your body to limit and crossing over that finish line.
The second reason I wanted to do this is because blood cancers have become more apparent within the last few years than any other cancers. This year a friend of the family lost their daughter to Leukemia. She was almost 2 years old and I will absolutely be running in her memory. There are so many patients and families that need the financial help to get the necessary treatment and there still needs to be more funding to help find a cure!
The final reason, which is my number one reason, is that I want to take advantage of the life I have. Life is definitely too short to not take advantage of wonderful opportunities and who's to say that tomorrow won't be my last! I want to pay it forward and do what I can now to help those in need while helping myself.
The half marathon will take place October 14, 2012. My goal is to raise $1,500 by then. In theory I would love to say I have a goal time to complete the half in, but in all honesty..... I just want to cross the finish line without collapsing. I'm extremely excited and nervous! For those of you that don't know how long a half marathon is.. well.. drumroll please... IT'S 13.1 MILES! AH! I will definitely blog about my training and what all I'm doing :)
For those of you interested in donating or helping me reach my goal, there is a link on the right hand side of the page :) Thank you for your contributions in advance!

Monday, April 9, 2012

Third Times the Charm

Obviously I'm doing a pretty terrible job with keeping up with my weightloss blog and my weightloss in general, but no one ever said it was going to be easy .... right? Well I have come to the realization that I lose motivation quickly. I'm pretty sure it's because I'm not seeing results as quickly as I would like. So I asked myself, "What can I do to stay motivate?" Well, here are my solutions, work harder until I see the results and SERIOUSLY watch what I'm eating. It really is pathetic that I don't have a little self control when it comes to sweets and the junk I really don't need.

So, what do I do from here? Since I need to see results to stay motivated, I decided to make a visual aid.

MATERIALS:
  • 2 Vases- I chose straight, circular vases because they are easier to get the rocks out of.
  • Colored Letter Stickers
  • Colored Glass Rocks- Each rock equals .5 lbs

On one vase I put "Pounds to Lose" and I put enough rocks for my weightloss goal.. which is 90 rocks. Do the math lol. I will weigh myself ever 2 weeks on Monday morning. I will round down to the nearest .5 lb so I can stay motivated. I'm also going for a desired pant size for the record which is a size 7.

HERE IS THE FINISHED PRODUCT:

Time to buckle down and get serious. Let's do this!

"Tears and Sweat are both salty, but they render a different result. Tears will get you sympathy; Sweat will get you change."