May 20, 2012

My first official 5K.   I started training on February 26 with the couch to 5K program.   I had been running a 5K for a few weeks before this date, but this was the real deal.   A sea of people 1,200 runners.

The Finish Line

It was a warm sunny morning.  I had been training in cooler temperatures, but I was still thrilled with my time 42 minutes 17 seconds.   I started at the back of the pack so I could possible shave a little time off of this chip time.  Still it was a great run and a great time was had by all.

John got a personal best of 23 minutes 47 seconds. I am so proud of him.  Next up he is participating in a triathlon.

 Lynn and I jogged the first mile together for the most part.  We were seperated by people every so often.

the finish line

Mom had a late start due to some parking issues.   I feel bad about it after all that training, but she still did the run.  She missed part of the 3.1 miles because she joined Lynn and I for the last mile and a half. 

the finish line

I am so proud of my mom and sister, and I am so thankful for the team who ran this with me and those who cheered me on. Thanks for coming Stacey, Ellen and Tracy!

I am so lucky to have the support of family and friends.  When we were all done, Melanie asked me to run another 5K in July.  I am honestly considering it.

the team
Mom, Lynn, John, Me, Melanie, Jeremy

Non-Scale Victory 5/2012

These were getting tight last summer.

John and I were out running errands yesterday and I realized how big my pants were feeling.   we got home and had some lunch and I was feeling silly.  who knew I would be able to get myself in to half of my pants.   This was a great non scale victory for me.  I have been feeling frustrated recently on this journey.  I have had minor losses each week and I think I will not make my June 20 goal.
(day 102/140)  However, this moment of silliness revived me.  I am going to get there.  I have learned to set mini goals.  I have learned to enjoy new foods, I have learned I can still eat chocolate and pizza and french fries in moderation.   I have learned to like running. I like to work out and I am frustrated if I miss a day.

This is not an easy journey, but it is one I have enjoyed.   I am so thankful my husband has been so supportive and has has his own success.

Half Way

Today was a good day. I was afraid to get on the scale with the past weeks I have had, but I got on and was happy with the results. I am officially half way to my weight loss goal, that arbitrary number I picked to lose, (not a final weight)  I set back in August.  Down 75 pounds and thrilled. I am 88 days into my 140 day mini goal I set back in February. The ONEderland goal.  I was beginning to feel defeated. I was on a plateau and then had a minor injury and was sure I set my goal to high. Well I have 52 days left  (7weeks) 12.3 pounds to go!!!!!

August 2011 (when this all began)

Today, April 28, 2012

Down 75 pounds

I completed week 8 day 3 and then minor knee injury.  I can get back to running in a few days.  Not sure what happened I ran 3 miles and later walked 3.  This is somewhat normal for me now.  Then my right knee stiffened up and it hurt.  Hurt enough for me to make an appointment to see a doctor.
I am feeling better.  I went back to swimming because the Doc said no running for 7-10 days.   The pool has been great. At the same time I am anxious to get back out to run.  I never imagined saying that.

I am feeling like I can make ONEderland in the time I have set. 7 weeks about 2 pounds a week I will get there.  My next mini goal is August 2 to be down 100 pounds.  100 pounds in 1 year not impossible.

John and I have lost  120 pounds between us.   We are a good looking couple.

August 2011

St. Patty's Day 2012

John 4/28/2012

Hello Skinny.....

I am 6 month into this journey to health.   On March 2 this is what a colleague said to me.  "Hello Skinny."  I did not start out this journey telling folks of my quest, and a while ago folks started to comment.  I was looking good, what was I doing.   Well Skinny I am not, but I will get there.

At 6 months I am down 60 pounds. I know you can do the math but that is about 10 pounds a month. I have completed the 30 day fitness challenge from about.com, I am into level 3 of the 30 day Shred.   I guess the third time is the charm.  I started 30 day shred during the fall and again in December only to not succeed.  I am going to succeed.  Day 10 is so close I can see it.  I have also started my couch to 5K training.  Even better my mother and sister are going to join me on race day.  John will also be there and I have my fingers crossed my sister Brigid will also run with me.

The girls I had started with have mostly burnt out, but Ellen is looking like the come back kid.  I am sure she will make her goals in time.   I do feel a little responsible for them since they kept me going, for a time.

I have inspired a few others to begin a  health and fitness journey of their own.

I am feeling great.  I am eating better I am working out and I have a wonderful support network.
My husband is also doing awesome on his fitness goals.  between us we have lost 90+ pounds , never to be found again!

140 days

The first day of Summer is in 140 days.  I have created a challenge for myself and invited my friends and family to join. I did not want to make a resolution, because I never stick to them.  At the start of the year I was in the midst of the 30 day challenge on about.com.  If you are reading this I would suggest you try it.  I really enjoyed the 30 days and it gave me new workout ideas.  I think I lost 9 pounds on that program.

Anyhow, yesterday after my 5k walk on the treadmill this challenge came to me.  140 days till the official 1st day of summer.  I want to make it to ONEderland.  so that is it my resolution, challenge, next goal.  I can do it.   I emailed my group who started this journey with me and added a few others who have their own journey and invited them to set a goal to make by this date!   Mine is just under a 40 pound quest. It is 2 pounds a week and today is day 1/140.

I was feeling a little under the weather when I woke up and I was not motivated to walk, but I got a text message that I inspired someone else and she was headed out for a walk.  I needed that text.  I got on my sneakers, hat, gloves and jacket and got in 1 mile this morning. Yeah me!  I also sent a thank you message for her inspiration.   I am glad I got the walk in.

I am still wearing the pedometer I am borrowing from Ellen and I am up to a goal of 10500++ steps a day.  I make it 5 out of 7 days a week.  I have my date to start my training with couch to 5K it is a 9 week program and I have given myself 12 weeks.  The lilac 5K is Sunday May 20. I hope this training helps me to get to my ONEderland goal by June 20.

The new year has started out just right. the weather has been good, and I am so proud of the 50 pounds I have lost.  People are starting to notice :) I am so thrilled by that.  I have encouraged others to get on their own journey and my husband and I are doing great at this together.

I am so happy!

photo update

  Well here is my first photo update.   I cropped these pictures to get a close up of my face.  I can see a difference.  I am surprised.  I do not see these changes when looking in the mirror, but these photos show a true difference.   It is a slow and steady journey, but here is a little something for a boost to my confidence.  Now if only I could see it in my gut!!!  :)

August 2011 in NC

Jan 1, 2012

January 1, 2012

Happy New Year!!!!
2011 was a great year.  I took several wonderful vacations Ireland twice, Iceland, a trip to Texas, Philly, and my family reunion in North and South Carolina.   We had a few weddings, theater dates,  times with good friends and a new healthy lifestyle. I won the biggest looser challenge with Tiger, started using myfitnesspal.com, and started a new 30 day health challenge.  I turned 40 and lost 40 pounds in 2011.   I am sure this is not a complete summery of the year, but a good chunk of it. All in All I would call 2011 to be a good year!

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland 2/2011

Tiger, John and I Ireland 2/2011

Sheep on the Ring of Kerry 2/2011

See how small the roads are in Ireland. 

San Antonio Texas March 2011

Giants Causeway, Ireland April 2011

Lynn at The Giants Causeway 4/2011

First Guinness with Lynn 4/2011

Adam Family Reunion Charleston, SC July 2011

Biltmore August 2011 This is what started my Journey

Grounds of the Biltmore 8/2011

Apple Picking October 2011

Kim and Doug get hitched

Carrie Ann and Gary Pike

Iceland 11/2011

Iceland 

The Northern Lights Iceland, 2011

Holy Crap I am 40!

 What is in store for 2012?

I will continue with my new lifestyle.   I did not start the new year out right.  We were at a party and boy did I eat and drink.   I am sure we will get a walk in because the sun is shining.  Not something we see often in the winter months in Upstate NY.   I really did not make any resolutions. I am on this Journey and it is slow and steady.  I am working on deciding my next mini goal.  

Plans for 2012- I want to go to Alaska.  I want to have continued success on this Journey.  I want o be healthy, happy and enjoy my life with family and friends.  Without them life is not complete.  So check back and see what I am up to for 2012.   Happy New Year everyone!

January 1, 2012

January 1, 2012

January 1, 2012