Half Marathon Training

It's been awhile since I have been on here. Life has been crazy busy but, I have not forgotten about my health and fitness one bit. In fact I am still working out with Paula twice a week, and am currently training for a half marathon in September. Who would have thought 6 months ago that I would be a true runner? Not I! I have found that I crave the run, and look forward to running each and every day. I have a wonderful running partner who has helped me stay motivated, and is also participating in the race with me as well. I am already looking up other half marathons to do as well as a full marathon in March.

My weight has stayed off put has flucuated 5 pounds here and there. With the help of running it has been nice to keep it off. I am looking forward to my half, and I have already run 12 miles twice already. We are running the half on a trail, and I mean it is a real trail with deep roots, rocks, spiders, etc. We were really sceptical at first, but after running it twice love it!

Run Run Run

I totally stink at maintaining my weight, but I am trying super hard. My sweet tooth is back with a vengeance, and it doesn't help that I have been making my famous Texas sheet cake for my husband's co-workers...weekly.

I have jumped into running with both feet. I LOVE it! I have a few loops that I do about every other day, and am up to 4 miles. Once I started running outside a whole new world opened for me. I do NOT like running on the treadmill. I get so bored, and the time just drags on and on. I much prefer to run outside, although the weather has been super hot and humid.

I bought a jogging stroller and have been taking my daughter along for runs with me. Is it me or is it more difficult to run with a stroller? I am still trying to get used to not using my arms while running, especially up hills. I have been alternating arms while pushing the stroller, and that seems to be helping. I also have a friend who has been running with me, and we talk the entire time. Once we realize we are done running we want to keep going. Love the motivation for her.

We are looking into doing a half marathon in the fall. That will give us the summer to train, and the run in the nice weather.

Run or bust!

Look! It's Mii!

Nothing makes weight loss more rewarding then seeing your Mii drop about 50 pounds! Celebrate! Celebrate!

I Did It!

Last Thursday I reached my goal! The last few pounds were awful to lose, and at times I felt really discouraged. Despite the hectics of my situation(moving, not doing cardio for a week) I lost my final 2 pounds for a grand total of 40 pounds. To celebrate I ate, and ate, and ate, and ate! Gaining back those 2 pounds. :/ I didn't think maintaining my weight would be a challenge but after a week I have realized that it is a lot more difficult then I thought it would be, and that I can't go back to my old ways of eating.

My trainer and I have been thinking of my next goal, since weight loss is no longer needed at this time. I really feel like I need something to keep me motivated physically, and will pose as a challenge. After some brainstorming we came up with the idea of training for a marathon. Running is a huge challenge for me, and I have never ran more than 2 miles in my life. We decided to shoot for a race this fall, since it won't be too hot. I am looking forward to the challenge. I have also been looking into rowing. I have always been curious about it, and want to try it out. There are a lot of crew clubs here in the area, so I am hoping to find the right fit for me.

On to the next challenge!

5 to go!

These last ten pounds have been a killer to lose. I have 5 more pounds to go and a KILLER sweet tooth! My old habits are trying to weasel their way back into my day to day life, and it takes all my will power to stop them. I have noticed a huge decrease in my energy during cardio workouts, when I eat poorly. I have been having too much sugar lately, and after 15 minutes of cardio I am ready to throw in the towel. I am too close to reaching my goal, now is not the time to slack off.

I have made it a daily goal to drink 1 gallon of water a day. The first few days were really difficult, but now my body is getting used to it. I have found that I stay fuller longer from drinking more water.

Paula introduced me to Quiona pronoucnced (keen-wah) and I LOVE it! I have been experimenting with different ways to use it, and so far my favorite has been canned chicken, mango salsa and red peppers. Yummy! It is pretty low-cal and filled with protein.

5 pounds to go!

Before & After

The "New" me


Before:









After:





I figured it was time to put up some before and after pictures. I went from a size 18 to a size 10. I am 10 pounds away from my goal weight, and I am struggling with these last few pounds. I have had a major sweet tooth lately, and I am sick sick sick of eating egg whites! I am still working with Paula and hitting the gym daily, however my strict eating habits are starting to falter. Right now I am consuming or should be around 1,200 calories. I try to eat around 300 calories for breakfast and for lunch with a few snacks in between. I can't have snacks during the day as well as dinner, then eat a huge dessert and expect to stay in my calorie budget. To help myself out I bought The Biggest Loser's Dessert Cookbook. I am excited to try out some of the recipes, and see if I can get my sweet tooth under control.




I am so close to my goal I can taste it. Now is not the time to throw in the towel. I have noticed a huge difference in pictures but not when I look in the mirror. Isn't it funny how conskewed our self image is of ourselves. I have come to grips with the fact that I will never have my post pregnancy body, or wear a size 2 pants. I am okay with that. I just want to be the healthiest and leanest I can be for not only myself for but my husband and children as well.

Aunt Flo It's Time To Go!

I have noticed when my time of the month comes around I retain water and essentially gain a few pounds. After the week is over the weight goes down and I am back to normal. Not only do I feel bloated, all I want to eat is comfort food. Bread, pizza, pasta, and lots and lots of CHOCOLATE. I am trying to figure out a way to get the comfort I need during this time but not go overboard. I find that I fall off my eating pattern and then it is harder to get back on. I have found that excersising does help trmendously with cramping, however fatigued or tired I may be. The joys of womanhood!