Help, I Have Fallen . . .

. . .and I desperately want to get up!

I don't know what happened - I lost it. 

Not running.

Not eating healthy choices the majority of the time.

Not counting my points.

Not tracking my food intake.

I didn't stop reading my Bible though. I love that daily Bible reading is a part of my life.

I found this encouragement online this week. This morning I took that first step. We ran three miles. After the 2.5 mark, it started feeling great. We couldn't go longer though because Fred has work. I'm going to weigh in later, and I may be up (or down), but I haven't quit!

Little Rock 10k

The photo we are ordering!

 

 

After we signed up for the half-marathon in Pensacola and selected a training plan, I was on the lookout for some races that would fit with our training. Little Rock isn't too far of a drive for us; thusly, proving to be an inexpensive option.

 

We drove in to Little Rock Saturday morning so we could pick up our packets from the expo. This was only our second official race, and we'd never been to a race expo before. However, we have been to several educational expos that were similar in nature with booths of wonderful vendors and tantalizing goods.

 

Packet pick-up couldn't have been simpler. Actually, there wasn't even a line. The expo, however, was congested; we really didn't get to enjoy it to the fullest because we had our kids with us. I enjoyed being able to see the Beecause charms up close. I had seen them somewhere and had just checked them out online. I'm pretty sure I'll end up getting a couple though I didn't at the expo. We ended up getting SPI belts. I had been wanting to try one. (And it stayed put during the race!) What I liked most about the expo was being able to see and touch items I'd previously heard such great things about. It was so wonderful. If I would have had the money, I would have taken one of each item there.

 

We didn't stay long at the expo because we had plans to visit the local Fleet Feet. We (or at least I) have wanted to visit a Fleet Feet since we started the C25k to get fitted for ideal running shoes. The closest ones are both two hours away. We purchased some good things there, but it'll have to wait for another post.

 



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While Fred was getting us checked in at the hotel, our oldest son and I noticed a Japanese restaurant and Starbucks across the street. We have neither of those in our hometown. We decided we wouldn't tell Fred, and would see how soon it would be before he discovered it on his own. 

 

After we had gotten to the room, Fred asked if I thought we had a good view or not. On the way in I hadn't seen much of interest so I thought he was referring to the restaurant or Starbucks. No! He could tell I was excited when I looked out of the window. There was a Barnes and Noble and a Life Way Christian store. He hadn't even spotted the Christian store but knew I'd love to go in Barnes and Noble. We ended up spending so much time in Life Way that we didn't have time for Barnes and Noble. (I picked up some items for our VBS this June!)

 





We don't watch much tv and I recently closed my facebook account, so we had no idea that a storm was headed for Little Rock. Oops! Well, at least we had brought clothes for just about any kind of weather! Before going to bed we had some yummy sushi, checked out the weather and tried to pick out suitable clothes. 

 

The next morning getting ready was pretty simple. I NEVER eat in the mornings before a run. Typically I get up, drink some water so I can have a BM, dress, and head out. With races, you get up and WAIT. I definitely didn't want to be hungry while running. I've never had the feeling and never want to. I ate half of a mandarin and a vanilla Honey Stinger waffle. Even though I don't drink water on my training runs (so far), I took a bit with me because I didn't want to experience dry mouth either.

 

As soon as got downtown we realized it was congested and finding a park would be time consuming. We opted to park in a garage near where we saw people assembling. This was the best decision ever (especially since we were wet and tired afterwards - I would not have liked to walk a mile to the car!)

 

I had to go find a restroom as soon as we arrived. I knew this was the best my choice. We ended up  finding port-a-potties before a regular restroom so we got in what appeared to be a short line. It took a while though! I HATE port-a-potties. They were absolutely disgusting! I had to hold my breath.

 

As we were making our way to our corral it started to sprinkle. It didn't last too long, but we decided to take cover under the awning of one of the local shops. It seemed like it was taking forever for eight o'clock. We entered our corrals with  about ten minutes to go til eight. It was really cold and windy, and it was raining. My poor husband didn't even have a jacket. He was dressed warmly though. Some people had on shorts and were without shirts.  

 

As we waited over forty minutes to get to the start line, I realized I wasn't nervous at all. I knew I would t be winning anything. But I was to the point where I just wanted it to be over with already. I was so thankful that I'd remember to go back into the hotel room to get the rain jacket I loathe. The best thing about it is its large hood. The material is a thin plastic that makes me sweat something awful. When we finally started, I was relieved. Fred did exactly what I knew he would do and started too fast for ME. I was annoyed, but he had already let me know he was going to give it his all. The start of a run is always most difficult for me. This race was no different. I had anxiety about running alone. I wished Fred wasn't faster than me. 

 

The first mile was rainy - just a constant drizzle. I was encouraged by the many people who came out, but I was mostly battling thoughts of wanting to give up and quit. I was throwing myself a pity party. I started feeling better in the second mile, but the bridge nearly wiped me out. We run  in the flat Delta and hills are foreign to us. We don't even train on treadmills. I felt every single incline. My adrenaline helped push me over the bridge the first time. I don't recall it being that bad. During the second mile we were passed by runners heading back across the bridge. I recall some of them shouting that we were doing a good job.

 

I had only run six miles once prior to this race. At the end of that run I felt drained. I was thinking I could benefit from some kind of nutrition during the last mile or two. I didn't get a chance to test this theory before the race, so the race was my trial. After I passed the mile three marker, I started munching on the pack of Honey Stinger chews I had in my SPIbelt. They tasted okay and went down fine. I ran about another mile before I reached the bridge. I remember the mile five marker being on the bridge. It seemed like that bridge would NEVER end. It took forever to get to the downhill portion. Nearly everyone around me was walking up the hill. I didn't want to walk because I knew I didn't have to. I feared if I would have started walking, I wouldn't have the drive to start up again.  Almost immediately after coming down off the bridge, there was another small hill. Uugghhhh! My legs were so tired by the time I reached marker 6. I knew the finish was so close, but it seemed harder than ever to push myself. Nevertheless, I did it. Fred was right there at the finish line waiting for me. 

 

Fred showed me where to get my medal and then where to get my shoe tag cut off.  We got some post race snacks and had our picture taken together. Then we were out of there. I didn't want to stick around because of the weather. We were really glad we had parked in the nearby garage. It was just a short walk and so worth the five dollar fee.

 

• chip time:   His - 1:19:15;   Hers - 1:30:14
• avg pace:   His - 12:47;   Hers - 14:34
• gender place:   His - 282/403;   Hers - 585/889
• division place:   His - 30/41;   Hers - 104/129
• overall place:   His - 683/1292;   Hers -  912/1292

 

 

I brought up our upcoming half-marathon, and Fred quickly put an end to that. He said he didn't even want to think about that race on such tired legs. That was too funny to me. I had a pretty good race experience, but I really have nothing to compare it with.  I've seen a lot of negative feedback online and on the race's facebook page concerning the race.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treats!

So, as soon I heard from Weight Watchers that I had officially lost forty pounds, I couldn't wait to reward myself. After the meeting I told Fred that I needed a TREAT.  His response was, "Why, so you can gain the wright back?" Sorry darling, I didn't want a two dollar treat (think ice cream), I had something else in mind.

I've been wanting some Levi's for a while, but didn't want to spend money knowing, I wouldn't be in the size long. I'm glad I didn't. I got the jeans below in a darker indigo wash size 16, medium length. These are a 16 misses not 16 women's.

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I also got the printed tee below. My favorite was the coral colored one under this, but the grey was Fred's favorite. Sometimes,you have to go with the hubby though hopefully I might get the other too. I got this shirt in a large. I'll probably wear it with my black skinny leg jeans if they aren't too big.



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Fred picked this black Michael Kors purse out for me, but I do NOT like purses like this. I care for style and not brand. Too me this purse screams, "look I'm wearing Michael Kors!" Maybe that's the point for some, but not me. I'd rather have a purse that draws attention long after the designer has ceased being "in." Had he bought the purse without me being present, I would not have requested he return it though.

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I like the style of the two bags below better. The first is an Anne Klein bag that I like in black. The second is a Michael Kors bag that I like in luggage. I wasn't positive that I wanted the Michael Kors purse so we decided I'd get the first bag in black. When I reach the 50lb lost milestone, I will get the brown Michael Kors purse if I still want it. That fifty pound weight loss will land me at a weight I haven't been since before I had my third born. Let's go 50!


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When the time comes, I might opt for some gorgeous shoes instead. My size is soooo hard to find.

Before we headed home, I did end up getting that two dollar treat too. I love Sweet CeCe's. I hadn't had any of their frozen yogurt in three to four months or more because I switched to Saturday morning weight-ins from Thursday evening weigh-ins. I used to get some after each weigh-in. It will be mid-March or later before I treat myself to some again.

Thanksgiving NSV

We had decided last week that we would run today in addition to doing our INSANITY workout. (I have REALLY missed running while doing INSANITY.) This morning I realized that I might not have the motivation later to run. I rarely workout in the afternoon. So we decided to get a run in and skip INSANITY.

Going out I knew we would get one mile in and I wanted to do at least two.  We haven't run in about four weeks so I didn't know what to expect.

Mile one was a typical first mile for me. It takes me a mile to warm-up. Half way through mile two I wanted to quit. My heart rate was at 180 and the twenty-five degree weather was making it hard to breathe. However, I went home with several NSVs:

1) I exercised on a day when I normally focus solely on food.
2) I stuck with a decision to run today even though it meant missing a scheduled workout (I might still get it in).
3) I pushed myself to finish mile two AND three.
4) I finished my 5k in one of my fastest times ever.
5) I burned one and half times as many calories in my run today than I do in a typical INSANITY workout.

Our 1st Official 5K Run

This past Saturday we finally experienced our first official 5k run, "The Halloween Hustle". We were a little nervous about the race since we really didn't know what to expect. Upon arriving at the check-in site, we saw many individuals dressed up in some awesome costumes. At this point, I thought the race would be a joke. I wondered how those people were going to take the race serious dressed for a Halloween party.

As we got out of the car we could not help but notice how chilly it was. We checked, and the temperature was about thirty-eight degrees; I began to think that maybe this was a bad idea. After checking in and drinking a cup of coffee, I was relieved that some of the tension and nervousness were beginning to die down. I noticed one individual with some ultra-short running shorts on warming up; I thought, "Wow, either he is serious about running or he is seriously crazy." Well, come to find out he was seriuos about running. More on that later.

As we lined up to begin our race, I tried to signal for Bridgette to come up to where I was. She wanted to stay back, so I went to where she was. It was crazy to see so many people taking off with costumes on, but my attention was quickly turned away from others and to the race. We began at a pace that was faster than normal for us; however, I felt pretty good about it.

About a half mile into the race I have to admit that the inner competitor in me wanted to come out. I wanted to blaze  through the crowd and compete, but I know I would have not made it far and would have burned myself out. I found myself about twenty feet ahead of Bridgette but I was happy to see her still pushing on behind me. I knew in my heart that I could have finished with some of the runners who were ahead of me. Still, I didn't want to finish without Bridgette being that it were our first race.

After Bridgette caught up we finished our last mile or so together. Right before we made it to the finish line we heard a runner quickly approaching. And who did we see? Yeah, the individual dressed like it was eighty degrees out instead of forty. I found out that he was a very serious runner: he actually was one of the runners racing in the 10K run. Yes, he finished his 10K before we finished our 5K. This made me feel motivated to continue with my healthy lifestyle because one day I want to be in the same position as that fellow. In the end Bridgette and I cross the finish line together with her time being a couple of tenths faster than mine.

We finished our first official 5k run without walking. This was an anticipated non-scale victory for us both.

Running Alone

In working to achieve a healthier and fitter self, it's important to have more than one way to measure success. Since I'm trying to lose weight, one of the ways I measure success is with a scale - pounds lost of course. I'm grateful that I am wise enough to want more than to weigh 150 pounds (or whatever magic number). I want more! I want to naturally gravitate towards healthy food choices. I want to become stronger and lift heavy weights. I want to run longer AND faster. I want to look good in my clothes. I want to feel great and be grateful each morning I wake.

I didn't actually run SOLO, I just went for a 3.1 mile run WITHOUT Fred. One of the anticipated victories on the NSV tab is running without Fred. (It was mean that I would run alone. If there were a indoor track nearby, I'd be all for it!)

It was this past Sunday: we had eaten lunch and Fred was absorbed in NFL games.  I suited up and enlisted our twelve-year-old son who is interested in running with us. I had to warn him that I was slow and that he would need to proceed slowly as he had never completed the distance. At times he was ahead of me; other times, he walked. I ran without walking though and finished four minutes faster than my typical pace for the distance. It was slow, but progress nonetheless. Go me! (Fred has gone without me several times already.)

Headed in the Right Direction

In working to achieve a healthier and fitter self, it's important to have more than one way to measure success. Since I'm trying to lose weight, one of the ways I measure success is with a scale - pounds lost of course. I'm grateful that I am wise enough to want more than to weigh 150 pounds (or whatever magic number). I want more! I want to naturally gravitate towards healthy food choices. I want to become stronger and lift heavy weights. I want to run longer AND faster. I want to look good in my clothes. I want to feel great and be grateful each morning I wake.

This week I have not been making the best food choices, and I have been struggling to track. Today, however, I was determined to track and stay within my points. By dinner time I only had four points. I get sooo hungry when I get off work and want to eat everything. Then, I want to eat when the family eats too. Tonight I decided to cook only vegetables. We had whole okra, squash with a bit of 2% cheddar cheese, steamed string beans with onion and bacon (not a veggie but just a bit). Fred and the kids also had corn on the cob, but that would have taken all of my points! I am so glad I went to the grocery store yesterday and bought plenty of fresh fruits and veggies: apples, mandarin oranges, pears, squash, green beans, spinach, onion, and mushrooms. We had sauteed spinach, onion, and mushrooms for dinner last night with some chicken. If I hadn't gone to the grocery store yesterday, I might have eaten fat free Greek yogurt or cereal with milk for dinner.

Fred has been fitting into some smaller sizes lately. Here is a blazer he bought at the end of July. It is now too big. He is holding the back so that the front looks proper. He tried on one size down at the store, and it was a bit loose. Two sizes down looked great on, but he said the arms were a little snug. I couldn't tell though. (The blazer doesn't match; he was trying it on while getting ready for work.)

I See Progress!

In working to achieve a healthier and fitter self, it's important to have more than one way to measure success. Since I'm trying to lose weight, one of the ways I measure success is with a scale - pounds lost of course. I'm grateful that I am wise enough to want more than to weigh 150 pounds (or whatever magic number). I want more! I want to naturally gravitate towards healthy food choices. I want to become stronger and lift heavy weights. I want to run longer AND faster. I want to look good in my clothes. I want to feel great and be grateful each morning I wake.

This week I was able to put on and zip up (and breathe easily) in some jeans I haven't worn been able to fit since the Fall of 2011. I do believe they can stand to be a bit looser, but they weren't pulling at the side seams, squishing my stomach or cutting off my circulation. What do you think about how they fit? (I know you  have nothing to compare them to - I couldn't find anything.)

 

 

Fred was also able to fit in a shirt he hasn't worn in a while.

 

 

On Sunday we ran five miles. Our longest distance previously had been four miles, which we've run a couple of times.

 

So our NSVs for this week include fitting into smaller clothes from our closet and adding a mile to our longest distance ever. Fred went grocery shopping alone this week, and he didn't buy any JUNK. (unless he ate it on the way) I think this too counts as a victory.

 



Fast Food Victory

This morning at McDonald's I ordered a value meal with small iced coffee. I specifically asked for small but saw medium on the screen. I informed the lady taking my order that I wanted a small cup and had no problem paying for a medium. She had to go find her manager, and by the time my money was taken, a medium iced coffee was sititng by the register. When my food arrived, I told the manager I ordered a small. She told me to go ahead and take it (like I was getting a bonus) because it had already been made. I told her I wanted a small. She went and poured it in a small cup. I left happy!

I am on Weight Watchers. If I wanted to spend the points necessary for a medium, I would have ordered one!


 

 

 

 

About a month or so ago I was at Wendy's. I ordered my go to meal: jr. burger with added lettuce and tomato, kids fry, and jr. frosty.

 

The young lady taking my order tried to insist that a value meal was my best option. She said if I got a small fry it would be cheaper. She told me a regular frosty was about the same price. I didn't care if I had to spend $10 more. I order exactly what I wanted. I didn't need any DEALS!

 

I ended up leaving Wendy's with my kid size fry and a regular frosty (and an empty jr. cup). My mom told me to get the regular, take what I wanted and give her the rest. It worked!

 

A different time at Wendy's they tried to give me a regular frosty because they had fixed that instead of a jr. Umm, no thanks! Get me what I ordered.

 

Now of course in the past I would have taken the higher point (or calorie) meal because it was less money. I am grateful that I don't fall victim to such tactics anymore. This is exactly why I don't do buffets anymore: it's like taking a recovering alcoholic to a free bar. More precisely, it's playing with fire. We all know not to play with fire.

Fred said that I should just tell the people taking my order the reason I need a small or kid size. He says the people probably think I am crazy to insist on a small when a medium is cheaper or a FREE upgrade. I don't think I should have to tell them anything. What do you think?

 

My non-scale victories are sticking with my plan (and standing my ground) and  . . .

 

running three times this week (after a two week hiatus). We also plan to get in a bike ride and weight training tomorrow and a three to four mile run Sunday to conclude our exercise week.

 

 



Sleep: Gettin' it in

I love the challenge of evaluating my life to determine and acknowledge the small (seemingly minute) victories that will prove invaluable when the scale won't budge an inch tenth.

As I've stated previously, I had a last minute job change that has turned my life upside down. While I am still teaching, my subject area has changed; my largest class size is now double what it has been the last five years; my total student load for a given day is now fives times more  than I've grown accustomed to. Despite the challenges, such as bringing work home, I am loving being in high school again.

The new job has had me staying up past my normal bedtime for the past three weeks and I've barely done any exercise all. I typically never let anything come between me and sleep. This week my none scale victory is the fact that I've been getting an adequate amount of sleep each night: seven to eight hours.

For those of you who work outside the home or have very busy days, how do you fit in exercise? I need it in my life!

Non-Scale Victories

We have some!

When we started running earlier this year, one minute at a time, I was hoping we would stick with it. I was hoping we would progress. I was hoping it would become a part of our lives, I was hoping, but I could not see it. Now a few months later I can see the fruits of our labor. These results have come by hard work and were by no means instantaneous.

This week we have

• Run three miles in under forty-five minutes (a goal I can cross off)
• Run two miles in a constant light rain (in the past we would have heard the rain and rolled over with relief, but this day we got up )
• Run three miles with negative splits (now, we didn't set any world records, but each mile was a bit faster than the previous - never thought I'd have the energy for that )
• Run three consecutive days (each of the above victories occurred on a separate day )

Celebrate the victories that make your life better no matter how insignificant they may seem. Growth is great!

1 Mile Run

This morning we went out for a run with a different mindset than usual. Since we were pressed for time, we decided that we would run only a mile today with the goal of running it at a much faster pace. According to my run keeper app I ran 1 mile in 12 minutes 23 seconds. Although I know I could have beaten this time as done before, I did not want to get too ahead of Bridgette. I am not sure just how accurate my app is. I am definitely looking to upgrade. (HINT)

This woman has made such a huge improvement I can't just say with words how proud of her I am.  I know that I am not one to talk too much because I'm no Hussein Bolt, but I once was an athlete. There is still that competitiveness that runs through my veins that gives me the mind frame that I can do it all. But back to Bridgette, she has never really been an athlete and for her to accomplish the things that she has over the last three or four months is truly my inspiration.

I won't get into the time that she ran today and will let her update you when she posts, but believe me when I say that you will be surprised. I told her that we will set this as a once a week goal to run 1 mile as fast as we can to improve our breathing and leg strength. This day definitely has non-scale victory written all over it.

Bridgette here:

I ran my mile in 13 minutes 08 seconds according to my Garmin. It's NOT all that. I was faster than this past Thursday though. Thursday was easier, today I had to huff and puff through those thirteen minutes. Though I didn't post it on my non-scale victory page, I do have a thirteen minute mile as a goal. For me, that's an accomplishment. I might not ever run a mile in 6 minutes, but I will break ten one day. (In the distant future!)

I love my husband. He's the best. This summer has been my first one off in FIVE years. I might have put a dent in the couch (taking a much need rest and relaxation time), but I am NOT a couch potato. Even though he's supposed to drag me out of bed, I sometimes have to push him out.

Victorious!

I got my three (point one) miles in today.

I wanted to get a fast(er) mile in at the start since I'm not a strong finisher yet. Near the end I have to up my mental game not to quit.

I completed mile one in 13 min 46.8 seconds according to my Garmin.  Of course this is no where near fast, but it's an improvement over my usual 15 minute average pace. I pushed myself, (praised God), and succeeded. It takes HARD work and effort to pick this body with all these pounds up, go running, and not take a single walk break.

Fred said he was really proud of me. That's all he kept saying - like I did something near impossible.

I also finished my 5k distance in 1 minute 50 seconds faster than my fastest time.

So I can say that in spite of the scale going up, I have something to be proud of. I'm glad for these little victories and pick-me-ups along the way. If I didn't have NSV's to brighten my way, I might quit.

Our First Nonstop 5K Run

Last night as we were getting ready for bed, Bridgette asked me how I felt about running a new route. I told her that I was just fine with it. After she told me which route she had in mind, I told her that I could see myself running the full distance. I never actually thought it would happen today. Our goal distance for today was to run a 5K or 3.1 miles nonstop. This goal was at the top of the list of goals that we've set for ourselves, and we've been on a mission to accomplish it for a few months now.



Victory is Ours!

Taking a look back at our accomplishments over the last three to four months has given me the encouragement and the will to add to our list another non-scale victory. I actually crossed one off the list about two weeks ago when I ran an eleven minute mile. I beat my anticipated time of a 12 minute mile by one whole minute. Knowing  that today I could actually cross off another non scale victory was plenty enough encouragement for me.

As each quarter mile of our run passed, I felt better. I was concerned for Bridgette and how she was doing because I knew that this would be an anticipated victory for her as well. I'm surprised to say that every time I asked her how she was doing she could answer me, "I'm Okay Baby," with free flowing words. Usually she would answer with heavy breathing and pauses between each word, but not today. She was doing great; it motivated me even more.

Around 2.5 miles Bridgette told me she was tired and needed to slow down. I was okay with that; I just didn't want her to stop. When Runkeeper signaled that we were at 2.75 miles I told Bridgette we have a little over a quarter mile left and I could hear the change in her voice. "Really?" she asked. Next thing I know we were on our last leg and she gave it all she had down the stretch, even speeding up a bit, and I sprinted to the end. 3.16 miles was my final time, and I felt like I could go another mile or two. (Bridgette stopped at 3.1 miles, but I raced to the nearby stop sign.) We gave each other a high five, and thanked the LORD that we made it.

I was an athlete up through high school, but I have never in my life run this far without walking or taking a break. It feels so good knowing that I can run a 5K nonstop. I'm motivated more than ever.  PRAISE THE LORD!

Success without a Scale

In working to achieve a healthier and fitter self, it's important to have more than one way to measure success. Since I'm trying to lose weight, one of the ways I measure success is with a scale - pounds lost of course. I'm grateful that I am wise enough to want more than to weigh 150 pounds (or whatever magic number). I want more! I want to naturally gravitate towards healthy food choices. I don't want it to be a chore either. A "poor me" attitude would be self-defeating while out to eat with family and friends.

At a baby shower this past weekend, I got a small plate with party wings (I had points for), stuffed eggs, and veggies: carrots, tomatoes, celery. I tasted a cheese dip (two tablespoons) using about three chips instead of covering my entire plate with the dip and the biggest handful of chips I could grab.  And, I didn't get cake just because it was a party. It just wasn't worth it. Sometimes they are good, more often they are awful, and rarely are they great (talking about those decorated party cakes). I'd much rather have plain ol' homemade pound cake. I packed my own snacks for the six hour drives there and back: fresh fruit, homemade snack mix, LARABAR. YUM! Now I don't always make the best choices, but I did this day!

At this stage in my life I am so much more inclined to appreciate the benefits of physical exercise. I really feel so much better. This past week I've been able to increase my weights in Chalean Extreme. Just yesterday we finally covered 3.1 miles in one outing. When we started with C25K we were always pressed for time because we both work and have four kids. We wanted to get done as soon as possible. So, when the C25K app was done, we were done. Now we are reassessing our priorities and making it work. As slow as we are, we can't cover five miles in thirty minutes, so we've got to extend our workouts. Another non-scale victory I'm proud of is running just shy of 2.5 miles without taking a walking break! Some worry about speed, but endurance is most important to me right now.

For the past two weigh-ins my scale has moved the wrong way. However, I'm not discouraged because I achieve new victories EVERY day.

And we're off!

This post will be quick since we're about to head out to weigh-in.

Last week was a fairly relaxed week as it relates to exercise. Believe it or not, one of us overdid it with some late night Wii Sports! Not Chalean Extreme or running, but boxing. This coupled with late nights and an out-of-town baby shower left us with little energy for anything. But today we accomplished great things (at least for beginners anyway). We ran for 2.38 miles without any walking (then walked a bit). This is our longest distance to date. At times I slowed way down, but I didn't stop. YAY!! 

This week will be business as usual since we've set our eyes on being able to do 3.1 miles without stopping.We are getting there one day at a time. I can finally see the finish line!

Victory over Defeat

After enduring an extended holiday weekend that was overshadowed by an overwhelming number of tasty treats, I am completely satisfied with the remarkable restraint I showed by not overdoing it. I did not indulge myself by over-eating as I have always done in the past. Although I did not lose any weight this week I am proud to say I only gained about 0.4 lbs. I would have been happy to have only gained 2 to 3 lbs if it were the case, because I usually pig out. "From the kitchen to the cooler" -  that would have been my mantra in the past; however,  my health was my number one priority this time around.
    
I am also proud that I only had ONE alcoholic beverage, one cup of Kool-aid, and two cups of sweet tea over the past weekend,  which is another big feat for me. I would usually turn up a cup without regard to how many calories or points it might contain. It was not as hard as I thought it would be though, and I know that the reason it wasn't  hard is because I had my mind made up already. This was never the case before because instead of a plan, I had good intentions. Of course I would usually forget about my good intentions whenever I got in the presence of my adversary - tantalizing foods and drinks. This is definitely a non-scale victory for me.

Yesterday we fell slightly off schedule by not doing Chalean at our regular time, but we did find the time to get it done later in the evening. I admit that I had some concerns about doing it so late because usually I wake up sore and stiff after an evening workout with weights. Surprisingly I felt great this morning and did not have any new soreness other than that in my foot (plantar fasciitis).
    
I can smell the sweet aroma of VICTORY in our future!

Hard Work + Dedication = Great Results

     Today was another successful day of Chalean Extreme. Its only our 2nd official day and I know that we will continue with our success because we are totally committed to this new way of life. I know I won't see any changes in our bodies for a while as it relates to seeing some muscle definition, but the dedicaiton will definitely pay off big time.



Chalean Extreme Burn Circuit 2 - Deadlift with Double Row

     I know how it feels now to hear the stories of people saying that it took a lot of hard work and dedication to achieve their goals. The one example I remember most vividly is the time when LL Cool J stated that people criticized him by saying that he was on steroids. He stated that he had not used steroids, but he had worked extremely hard to get the body he has acquired. LL also stated that he stayed away from sweets and other foods that he knew were unhealthy and would be a detriment to his progress and would undo all the sacrifices that he had made. That has always been one big motivational story for me although it was years and years ago. I now understand that it takes hard work for sure. Hard work AND dedication.
    
    One day I hope to share a similar testimony with others and use this blog as the proof to show how far we have come and that our lifestyle (of healthy habits) has truly changed for the better. Hopefully we will inspire others to change their lifestyles for the better also.


Chalean Extreme Burn Circuit 2 - Triple-Threat Push-ups

     Oh, I almost forgot about our run yesterday. We worked on our speed again, which turned out to be successful as we both improved our average time and pace. Although we have improved some we agreed to run longer times even after the app is done because we still have lots of energy once we get finished.

Finishing with a definite non-scale victory -  I did some swimming at our annual family reunion and did not have one alcoholic beverage. And while I may have eaten more than I planned, I ate nowhere near what I would have eaten in the past.

C25K W9D1

Done! (6-26-13)

Running still doesn't come easy for me. I am looking forward to the day it does though. When we finished and were on our way home in the car I asked Fred, "What in the world made us want to do this - couch-to-five k . . . running?" I was so tired and sweaty and he had pushed me to go much faster during the last thirty seconds.

He replied, "We were tired of seeing the scale go up."

"Oh."

I was about to call it quits and throw in the towel. I was going to undo all the HARD work I'd done. Not! (maybe)

 

 

Even though Fred and I have attempted C25K in the past, this time we FINISHED it! All the while, we both shared a goal of finishing the program. Even though it took longer than eight weeks, we've kept at it. Not only have we made it a part of our lives, we are determined to keep going. (We completed the app this past Sunday, but wanted to another week of thirty minute runs to mimic some written C25K work-outs I've seen online. We also might redo C25K or move on to C210K.) We are looking to do a 5k in about seven weeks. 

Our non-scale victories this week are 1) completing the C25K app as written and 2) continuing with running after completing C25K. Yesterday, was our first non-prescribed run. I hope we never stop running!