Lindsey Mastis is the Bureau Manager for Feature Story News’ new Los Angeles office. She shoots, writes, and edits, and reports for FSN’s international clients.
2Posted by Lindsey Mastis on March 7, 2009 at 6:40 AM
I did it! I ran 5 miles without stopping. I met with my friend Suzie Giampetroni early Saturday morning at the Barnes and Noble in Bethesda. We did some quick stretching and then took off on the Capital Crescent Trail. It was packed. There were runners, walkers, bikers, people on skates, skateboards, and lots of kids. It was the perfect day to be out.
I started off nice and easy. I was able to have a conversation with Suzie while we ran. The first mile flew by. I enjoyed looking at all the beautiful homes (and dreaming of winning the lottery so I could buy one). At the one mile mark, we hit the bridge over River Road. It wasn’t too steep, but once I crossed over I was out of breath. Luckily, it didn’t take me too long to recover.
In the past when I’ve run, I could never hold a conversation. I’d have to shout one-word commands. Not now. It’s because I paced myself. Well, I kept up with Suzie who did awesome at pacing. I’m surprised we did a steady run and still made 11-minute miles. I used to sprint for eight to 10 minutes and then walk two minutes. But I’d rather keep going. If I can train myself to run the way Suzie does (and the way Angie ran last week), then I’ll do wonderfully at the Cherry Blossom Race.
We both had our MP3 players. I eventually turned mine off after I remembered the Cherry Blossom Race prohibits headphones. It wasn’t bad. After all, I had someone to talk with.
While we ran, bikes and faster runners passed us. No biggie. We just moved as close as we could to the side of the trail. Then, a rude biker approached. She didn’t say “left,” nor did she ring a bike bell to let us know she was there. Suzie and I were already as far over as we could get and still run side by side. The biker came really close as if she was going to scrape Suzie’s side. She said in a very hateful voice, “You could get over more!” Wow– what a crab! Obviously, the Capital Crescent Trail is not a place to go if you want a path to yourself. Suzie and I just laughed it off.
When we turned around at two and a half miles in, I was surprised. I wanted to keep going. It just didn’t feel like it took us very long to get there. I kept talking to Suzie and I think I may have talked too much. It became hard to breath steady. I wanted to be sure I wouldn’t hyperventilate, so I breathed in my nose deeply and then blew the air out my mouth. I made an agonizing sound each time, just because I couldn’t catch my breath. It was like this for about a mile or so. Finally, we had a half mile left.
I was still breathing heavy. And then my right side began to cramp up. I ran through the pain and soon the pain went away. I kept saying to myself aloud, almost there. When we finally made it, we both put our hands in the air. I immedietly went to a drinking fountain and gulped down water until I got my breath back.
I was a bit dizzy, but just kept remembering to breath. We stretched and cooled down. Then we went to Cosi. I had my favorite. A hummus veggie sandwich. It’s under 400 calories. I like it with wheat bread because it gives it more of a flavor. As a side, I had carrots.
Afterward, I went home and changed for work. I ended up doing a story about the wonderful weather (temperatures reached in the 70s today) and I went back to the Capital Crescent Trail for the live shot. I talked with a couple who ran six miles while pushing their son (27 pounds) in a stroller. Truly incredible. And inspiring. I’m looking forward to getting back on the trail next Saturday for a six-miler. We may even try a different trail this time.
3Posted by Lindsey Mastis on February 9, 2009 at 7:47 PM
I’m planning to run the Cherry Blossom 10-mile race in April. This will be my first official race. Two years ago, I trained for a marathon. But after my 16-miler, I got injured and had to drop out. During the course of that training, I technically ran three half-marathons. Alas, I have no proof. That’s why this 10-miler is so important.
It’s not going to be easy. I have less than two months to train, and I haven’t really started yet. Tonight, I tried to run two miles. However, it was already dark and I was running on concrete (which means my knees started to hurt right away.)
I’ve gotta get a set schedule and find some great places to run (when its still light out). I’m going to jot down some ideas. (If they’re online, I gotta stick with them!)
Feb. 9 – 15:
Mon. 1 Mile Run
Tues. 2 Mile Run
Wed. 30 min. Cross Training
Thurs. 2 Mile Run
Fri. Rest
Sat. 2 Mile Run
Sun. 30 min. Cross Training
Feb. 16 – 22:
Mon. 2 Mile Run
Tues. Yoga
Wed. 2 Mile Run
Thurs. 30 min. Cross Training
Fri. 3 Mile Run
Sat. Rest
Sun. 30 min. Cross Training
Feb. 17 – 22:
Mon. 3 Mile Run
Tues. Yoga
Wed. 2 Mile Run
Thurs. 30 min. Cross Training
Fri. 4 Mile Run
Sat. Rest
Sun. 30 min. Cross Training
Feb. 23 – Mar. 1:
Mon. 4 Mile Run
Tues. Yoga
Wed. 3 Mile Run
Thurs. 40 min. Cross Training
Fri. 5 Mile Run
Sat. Rest
Sun. 40 min. Cross Training
Mar. 2 – 8:
Mon. 4 Mile Run
Tues. Yoga
Wed. 3 Mile Run
Thurs. 40 min. Cross Training
Fri. 6 Mile Run
Sat. Rest
Sun. 50 min. Cross Training
Mar. 9 – 15:
Mon. 3 Mile Run
Tues. Yoga
Wed. 3 Mile Run
Thurs. 45 min. Cross Training
Fri. 4 Mile Run
Sat. Rest
Sun. 50 min. Cross Training
Mar. 16 – 22:
Mon. 5 Mile Run
Tues. Yoga
Wed. 3 Mile Run
Thurs. 45 min. Cross Training
Fri. 7 Mile Run
Sat. Rest
Sun. 60 min. Cross Training
Mar. 23 – 29:
Mon. 5 Mile Run
Tues. Yoga
Wed. 3 Mile Run
Thurs. 45 min. Cross Training
Fri. 8 Mile Run
Sat. Rest
Sun. 60 min. Cross Training
Mar. 30 – April 4
Mon. 3 Mile Run
Tues. Yoga
Wed. 2 Mile Run
Thurs. 30 min. Cross Training
Fri. 2 Mile Run
Sat. Rest
Sun., April 5: RACE DAY!!!
Of course, this schedule is not set in stone. I wish it were because it would be easier to stick with. One of the biggest hurdles is my drive home. It can take me up to an hour to get home. It’s dark, I’m tired and hungry, and there are chores. I may find a place to run closer to work. Of course, I may even be able to fit in some runs on the National Mall. Plus, if I run before I drive home all the traffic will be gone! I’m starting to get excited!
Anyone else planning to run or walk the Cherry Blossom? Let me know, maybe we can train together… Bye!
2Posted by Lindsey Mastis on July 1, 2008 at 7:20 PM
I just got an e-mail from Sean Walker who had lost 140 pounds in just over a year. We featured him on Spark Your Health months ago. I just heard from him today and learned he has lost another 22 pounds. We’ll be doing a follow up pretty soon. Here’s what he had to say:
“I talk to several people now who have seen the segment and they say I have inspired them which means the world to me. My brother has even lost 45 pounds in the past 6-8 weeks, although most of that is just competition with me” ~Sean Walker
Here are some other responses from Spark Members:
“Lindsey, thank you so much for mentioning this site on WSIL! After hearing your spot, I immediately checked things out over here. What a great resource!” ~ Karen Spillman
“Thanks so much for that feature! I saw the first segment and will be following it on the news. What a wonderful community service! I’m glad to live in an area where there is still good news given on TV.” ~G-G-Ma
“I also appreciate the mention of SP on WSIL. I can’t believe how easy it is to find out information on weight loss and the support it offers. Also, everybody is so encouraging!” ~GLMLBN
“I just got back from a fun trip to WSIL. It was fun to meet some of you and thanks to Lindsey for having me and for starting this team! It will be great to see people in the WSIL area get healthier!” ~Chris (Founder of SparkPeople.com)
“Hmmm, I watch WSIL news in the morning while I’m blow drying my hair (I just mute it and read the closed captioning). I thought that was multi-tasking!!! I’ll have to try to watch the news, dry my hair and do squats. The interview on WSIL motivated me to try Spark People. I had never heard of it before.” ~DianeG8
“Thanks to Lindsey for mentioning SP on WSIL! I checked out this site and was really impressed! I have been “dieting” on my own for the last 12 months… I can’t believe this site is free! What a wonderful opportunity for supportive friendships, recipes, news and information.” ~Karen Spillman
“I’ve just joined this team and am so excited. It’s nice to know that there are others in my neighborhood (Southern Illinois)that also have the challenge of losing weight.” ~GLMLBN
“After watching the WSIL 3 news I felt that this “Spark your Health” was just what I needed to get re-motivated! People working towards the same goal – a healthier way of life! I’m looking forward to lots of success with you!” ~HBStephenson
“Hey Lindsey! I listen to you every single morning while I’m getting ready for work! It was so weird, I was listening to you talking about the Cajun Rice and heard it was going to be posted on the Sparks page. I was like, “what’s Sparks?” How did I miss that? …So, visited the site and signed right up this morning!” ~Big24Fanz
“Hi Lindsey. You are the sweetest person. I don’t know you other than the news in the morning and other things you do. [SP] is the best thing I have done on the computer… It’s a great motivator. Keep up the good work.” ~Cheryl
“Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. I saw you and the three ladies this morning; that is why I decided to give SPARKPEOPLE a try.” ~Graymen
“It’s been 2+ weeks now since I’ve “indulged” in any type of fast food. I used to eat something from DQ at least 3-4 times a week. I can tell a difference already as my body is purging the ‘junk.’ It is hard for me but I have a burning desire to make it work. I got my wife to join the Spark club, too! It does tend to work better when you diet together.” ~John Eibeck (Assitant Police Chief at Marion PD)
I did it! I ran 5 miles without stopping. I met with my friend Suzie Giampetroni early Saturday morning at the Barnes and Noble in Bethesda. We did some quick stretching and then took off on the Capital Crescent Trail. It was packed. There were runners, walkers, bikers, people on skates, skateboards, and lots of kids. It was the perfect day to be out.
I’m planning to run the 
