If I want to be a "runner"....I need to get out and run...including races. Not that I am planning an actually racing any races, but I definitely want to run them.
Here are some possible races I might like to do.
March 17th - 7k
April 14th - 10 miles
June 16th - Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
July 2oth - 5 miles
Thanksgiving - 5k
I feel like maybe I am setting my sights too high...but then I wonder, why NOT?
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
A new year...
Happy 2012!
Obviously one of my resolutions is to continue losing weight. I would like to be close to or at goal by the end of the year. And so, I figured it would be a good time to remind myself of why I am doing what I am doing.
1. To be healthier - for myself and my family
2. To feel better
3. To look better
4. To feel proud and accomplished
5. To fit into cute clothes and look decent in them
6. So that I can run more, longer races and have fun doing it.
A motivator my mom bought me for Christmas this year is a pair of jeans that are too small. They don't even go over my ass, let alone button. These are jeans I have liked and wanted for ages...and they do sell plus sizes...but when I tried them on as a plus size, they looked like crap on me and I wasn't about to spend $90 on a pair of jeans that looked like crap on me. But you can bet your booty I am going to get into these eventually and when I do I will jump for joy!
I am counting calories again on my iphone app, Loseit! I plan to get back into a regular exercise schedule of 3-4 days per week. And I am going to kick.some.ass this year.
Obviously one of my resolutions is to continue losing weight. I would like to be close to or at goal by the end of the year. And so, I figured it would be a good time to remind myself of why I am doing what I am doing.
1. To be healthier - for myself and my family
2. To feel better
3. To look better
4. To feel proud and accomplished
5. To fit into cute clothes and look decent in them
6. So that I can run more, longer races and have fun doing it.
A motivator my mom bought me for Christmas this year is a pair of jeans that are too small. They don't even go over my ass, let alone button. These are jeans I have liked and wanted for ages...and they do sell plus sizes...but when I tried them on as a plus size, they looked like crap on me and I wasn't about to spend $90 on a pair of jeans that looked like crap on me. But you can bet your booty I am going to get into these eventually and when I do I will jump for joy!
I am counting calories again on my iphone app, Loseit! I plan to get back into a regular exercise schedule of 3-4 days per week. And I am going to kick.some.ass this year.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
I love you, but get the !@$# out of here.
This time of year is hard for a lot of people, diet wise. I am no exception. I love all of the Christmas goodies, but really...they need to get the hell out of my life. Like, yesterday.
Continuing on with the theme of my last post, I am being completely honest - I can't freaking say no to Christmas goodies. I promise myself I will avoid temptation, and then I go and eat it anyways. It is a constant struggle, and that is one reason that I will be glad when 2012 begins - no more Holiday goodies to call my name, mock me, tempt me.
On the positive side, I just got off the treadmill and managed a 9:48 mile. I followed up with some walking and jogging on an incline. 9:48 is my fastest mile yet, and it's the first time I've been below a 10 minute mile and still continued on with some form of working out instead of just stopping. I am proud of this, and it helps me to know that despite my ever-stuck weight, I am still increasing my fitness level. Thanks to jogging, running, and my trusty treadmill. Although it is true, I foresee myself transitioning to more outdoor running next summer because I really liked that when I finally got myself out there on the lakewalk this fall.
In any case, I will just keep on keepin' on, and see where life takes me. See where I can take me.
Continuing on with the theme of my last post, I am being completely honest - I can't freaking say no to Christmas goodies. I promise myself I will avoid temptation, and then I go and eat it anyways. It is a constant struggle, and that is one reason that I will be glad when 2012 begins - no more Holiday goodies to call my name, mock me, tempt me.
On the positive side, I just got off the treadmill and managed a 9:48 mile. I followed up with some walking and jogging on an incline. 9:48 is my fastest mile yet, and it's the first time I've been below a 10 minute mile and still continued on with some form of working out instead of just stopping. I am proud of this, and it helps me to know that despite my ever-stuck weight, I am still increasing my fitness level. Thanks to jogging, running, and my trusty treadmill. Although it is true, I foresee myself transitioning to more outdoor running next summer because I really liked that when I finally got myself out there on the lakewalk this fall.
In any case, I will just keep on keepin' on, and see where life takes me. See where I can take me.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Honesty - Long one!
I've been thinking a lot lately about how I've been stuck and what the issue is. I need to be honest with myself - the issue is that I'm not eating the way I should and know I can. I am not eating horribly, because I am maintaining my loss within 1-3 lbs at any given time. But I am not doing what I could, diet wise, to get the loss going again. Remember back in the beginning, I mentioned how pita chips were a major weakness? Yeah I have been giving in to those at least twice a week. NOT good.
That must change!
So I gave myself a new mini-goal, which is to lose 5 lbs by this time next month. This week I have re-started...in other words, with the same determination I had back in January. My eating has been better (truly) and I have adopted a more regular exercise routine again.
All around me I see people struggling to lose weight. I try to encourage them and I realized that I need to take my own advice. Staying positive is essential if I am going to succeed. I think lately I have been more neutral...kind of like "eh, as long as I'm not gaining...I'll get to it eventually....". Instead I need to think "I can get this going again and I WILL get this going again! I WILL succeed!
Heck, if I truly expect to continue to run 5k's and improve my time, or run a 10k and hopefully a half marathon next June...I better get moving. To be in top condition that includes getting moving physically, mentally and nutritionally.
Another way I see others struggling (in my opinion) is being honest with themselves about the effort they put in and the choices they make. I am guilty of this as well. I understand how hard it is, especially starting out. When I first started exercising, I felt like dying after jogging for 10 seconds. So I would say "I did the best I could" and stop and walk. In reality, what would an extra 5 seconds be? That is what pushing yourself (safely of course) is about and it is what yields the best results. Or saying "I just don't know why I'm not losing any weight" when you are eating 3 bowls of sugary cereal for breakfast every day, chips for a snack, grilled cheese and fries with a side salad drenched in high fat dressing for lunch, a candy bar for a snack, and pizza and ! an apple! for dinner. I mean, you did eat that apple after all...and the salad...that's healthy, isn't it? Um no. It doesn't work like that. I am guilty of that sort of thinking/denial myself, and I think a lot of people are but aren't willing to admit it - even to themselves. Or another good one..."I only ate 900 calories today, why aren't I losing weight?! I'm so healthy!!" Yeah...No. It doesn't work that way either. Weight loss is about the right amount and quality of calories. You can eat too much, or too much of the wrong thing, or too little...all of those will serve to stall your weight loss.
I realize I have come a long ways - losing 45 lbs this past year (the old-fashioned way even) is hard work and it has resulted in a healthier, happier me. I run 5'ks for Pete's sake...I NEVER would have thought that possible. But I still have a long ways to go, and it has been a bummer to know I have so far to go, and be so completely stuck for so long now.
I think in the past, I have downplayed my struggles in this blog. I mention them yes but I think I need to be even more honest about it. How can I deal with something unless I fully admit and understand it? How can I tell others to be honest when I am not even being completely honest myself? I think that a renewed sense of determination along with more honesty will help me. I hope.
Confession - over Thanksgiving break, I gained 5 lbs. FIVE!! I felt disgusting. And disappointed in myself. I know that most people probably do gain a bit during Thanksgiving, but I felt like I should know better. I have worked so hard to lose my weight, why would I set myself back like that just for some pecan pie? (Because trust me, I ate my fair share of that. And it's only like, a billion calories per piece). Luckily, within a week, I lost that weight again without even trying. (A good sign - it shows that I truly can maintain easily without working hard at it, and I am glad to know that in the back of my mind). But the thing is, I lost that weight I had gained and then BAM. A brick wall. WTF? Seriously, WTF?
Ok. So I actually know WTF. I am just not eating the way I need to if I want to lose again. We've established that. So here is my official plan. Written out in all of its formal blog glory:
1. Treadmill 2-3x week, weights 2x a week, other exercise such as Wii boxing, 30 day shred, etc 2x a week. Every couple of days a rest day is required so that my muscles and body have a chance to heal themselves for optimum performance the next time. (I read that, don't I sound smart?)
4. More lean meats
5. Less carbs from sources like bread, pasta, etc.
6. Eating out less, and when we do eat out, making better choices.
7. Less high calorie beverages (fancy coffee and alcoholic beverages like wine coolers are the main offenders for me - instead I can cut down on these things and when I do choose to indulge, stick with more basic coffee, low-fat versions, smaller sizes, and wine instead of Sex on the Beach (just as an example. Sex on the Beach is SO good but I don't even want to know the calories!)
8. Keep my eye on the prize - being able to finish a half marathon next summer, and making my goal weight some day!
Wish me luck. It might be a bumpy ride but let's hope I make it to the other side in one piece!
"There are no hopeless situations; there are only people who have grown hopeless about them."
- Clare Boothe Luce
That must change!
So I gave myself a new mini-goal, which is to lose 5 lbs by this time next month. This week I have re-started...in other words, with the same determination I had back in January. My eating has been better (truly) and I have adopted a more regular exercise routine again.
All around me I see people struggling to lose weight. I try to encourage them and I realized that I need to take my own advice. Staying positive is essential if I am going to succeed. I think lately I have been more neutral...kind of like "eh, as long as I'm not gaining...I'll get to it eventually....". Instead I need to think "I can get this going again and I WILL get this going again! I WILL succeed!
Heck, if I truly expect to continue to run 5k's and improve my time, or run a 10k and hopefully a half marathon next June...I better get moving. To be in top condition that includes getting moving physically, mentally and nutritionally.
Another way I see others struggling (in my opinion) is being honest with themselves about the effort they put in and the choices they make. I am guilty of this as well. I understand how hard it is, especially starting out. When I first started exercising, I felt like dying after jogging for 10 seconds. So I would say "I did the best I could" and stop and walk. In reality, what would an extra 5 seconds be? That is what pushing yourself (safely of course) is about and it is what yields the best results. Or saying "I just don't know why I'm not losing any weight" when you are eating 3 bowls of sugary cereal for breakfast every day, chips for a snack, grilled cheese and fries with a side salad drenched in high fat dressing for lunch, a candy bar for a snack, and pizza and ! an apple! for dinner. I mean, you did eat that apple after all...and the salad...that's healthy, isn't it? Um no. It doesn't work like that. I am guilty of that sort of thinking/denial myself, and I think a lot of people are but aren't willing to admit it - even to themselves. Or another good one..."I only ate 900 calories today, why aren't I losing weight?! I'm so healthy!!" Yeah...No. It doesn't work that way either. Weight loss is about the right amount and quality of calories. You can eat too much, or too much of the wrong thing, or too little...all of those will serve to stall your weight loss.
I realize I have come a long ways - losing 45 lbs this past year (the old-fashioned way even) is hard work and it has resulted in a healthier, happier me. I run 5'ks for Pete's sake...I NEVER would have thought that possible. But I still have a long ways to go, and it has been a bummer to know I have so far to go, and be so completely stuck for so long now.
I think in the past, I have downplayed my struggles in this blog. I mention them yes but I think I need to be even more honest about it. How can I deal with something unless I fully admit and understand it? How can I tell others to be honest when I am not even being completely honest myself? I think that a renewed sense of determination along with more honesty will help me. I hope.
Confession - over Thanksgiving break, I gained 5 lbs. FIVE!! I felt disgusting. And disappointed in myself. I know that most people probably do gain a bit during Thanksgiving, but I felt like I should know better. I have worked so hard to lose my weight, why would I set myself back like that just for some pecan pie? (Because trust me, I ate my fair share of that. And it's only like, a billion calories per piece). Luckily, within a week, I lost that weight again without even trying. (A good sign - it shows that I truly can maintain easily without working hard at it, and I am glad to know that in the back of my mind). But the thing is, I lost that weight I had gained and then BAM. A brick wall. WTF? Seriously, WTF?
Ok. So I actually know WTF. I am just not eating the way I need to if I want to lose again. We've established that. So here is my official plan. Written out in all of its formal blog glory:
1. Treadmill 2-3x week, weights 2x a week, other exercise such as Wii boxing, 30 day shred, etc 2x a week. Every couple of days a rest day is required so that my muscles and body have a chance to heal themselves for optimum performance the next time. (I read that, don't I sound smart?)
4. More lean meats
5. Less carbs from sources like bread, pasta, etc.
6. Eating out less, and when we do eat out, making better choices.
7. Less high calorie beverages (fancy coffee and alcoholic beverages like wine coolers are the main offenders for me - instead I can cut down on these things and when I do choose to indulge, stick with more basic coffee, low-fat versions, smaller sizes, and wine instead of Sex on the Beach (just as an example. Sex on the Beach is SO good but I don't even want to know the calories!)
8. Keep my eye on the prize - being able to finish a half marathon next summer, and making my goal weight some day!
Wish me luck. It might be a bumpy ride but let's hope I make it to the other side in one piece!
"There are no hopeless situations; there are only people who have grown hopeless about them."
- Clare Boothe Luce
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Gobble Gallup!
I am sorry I haven't been keeping this blog updated. To be honest, there hasn't been much to update you on. My weight is stuck. Completely, totally, utterly stuck. It hovers around in the same few pounds. Up, down, up down. I am glad I've been able to maintain, but I want to LOSE again.
One thing I did slack on is to blog about the GOBBLE GALLUP 5k I did on Thanksgiving!! It was so much fun, I am very glad we decided to take part. It was a gorgeous day (40 degrees, which is amazing for my area that time of year). And best of all, I beat my previous 5k time (that was in June) by almost 3 minutes. My first 5k, The William A. Irvin 5k, was 38:48. My time for the Gobble Gallup was 35:52!
Not bad for a race we decided to run just a couple of weeks before hand and never put in any serious training effort.
One thing I did slack on is to blog about the GOBBLE GALLUP 5k I did on Thanksgiving!! It was so much fun, I am very glad we decided to take part. It was a gorgeous day (40 degrees, which is amazing for my area that time of year). And best of all, I beat my previous 5k time (that was in June) by almost 3 minutes. My first 5k, The William A. Irvin 5k, was 38:48. My time for the Gobble Gallup was 35:52!
Not bad for a race we decided to run just a couple of weeks before hand and never put in any serious training effort.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Increasing mileage
Yesterday was a beautiful day...54 degrees and sunny. Where I live, for November 3rd, that is amazing. I wanted to get out and enjoy it so I took off for a run on our awesome lake walk...and I was able to log 4.5 miles!
I can't believe that I can go 4.5 miles. Me...the girl who hated gym class growing up. It is amazing and I am so proud of accomplishing that. I love feeling that way when I'm all done and I can't imaging what it will feel like as I keep increasing my mileage base more and more...and next summer when I complete a half marathon.
Now I just need to get rid of this dang halloween candy and the goodies I made for hubby to take with him on him annual hunting trip!!
I can't believe that I can go 4.5 miles. Me...the girl who hated gym class growing up. It is amazing and I am so proud of accomplishing that. I love feeling that way when I'm all done and I can't imaging what it will feel like as I keep increasing my mileage base more and more...and next summer when I complete a half marathon.
Now I just need to get rid of this dang halloween candy and the goodies I made for hubby to take with him on him annual hunting trip!!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Good new/bad news
The bad news is that there is nothing to report about my weight. It's just fluctuating in the same few pounds that it has been for a while now.
The good news? I finally got myself outside for a jog. By myself. I am very proud because this is the first time I have done this, other than at my parent's house out in the country. I have a hard time getting going, and I tend to make excuses. I am not sure but I think the main reason, when it comes down to it, is that I was just nervous. Nervous about being "seen", nervous that I would do terribly, nervous about everything. But after getting out there twice in the last week, I am feeling much better about it. I want to keep doing it. I am sad that it will soon be winter, and the lake walk won't really be an option anymore. But I will promise to remember this feeling, this motivation, for when spring arrives a million months from now.
I am going to need to get out there...because I have decided to do a 10k in April and a half marathon in June.
On top of that, I have been accepted to Grad School and will be starting in January.
Yep. I am nuts.
The good news? I finally got myself outside for a jog. By myself. I am very proud because this is the first time I have done this, other than at my parent's house out in the country. I have a hard time getting going, and I tend to make excuses. I am not sure but I think the main reason, when it comes down to it, is that I was just nervous. Nervous about being "seen", nervous that I would do terribly, nervous about everything. But after getting out there twice in the last week, I am feeling much better about it. I want to keep doing it. I am sad that it will soon be winter, and the lake walk won't really be an option anymore. But I will promise to remember this feeling, this motivation, for when spring arrives a million months from now.
I am going to need to get out there...because I have decided to do a 10k in April and a half marathon in June.
On top of that, I have been accepted to Grad School and will be starting in January.
Yep. I am nuts.
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