Tuesday, March 29, 2011

where does the time go?

I can't believe it has been 24 days since my last post- how does time go so quickly?

Well, for me- since that is just over 3 weeks- it includes interviewing for and landing a job I've always dreamed to have, giving my notice and having to wrap up all current projects and leave detailed notes for others to learn and balance my fitness schedule with my home/life schedule, plus juggle kids and find time to breathe? well, I would like to blog more- really I would. But as someone told me once when I started this blog- I'd rather write when I have something to say than simply use it as a simple "here's what I did today". It's ok for that sometimes too- but I want it to be more.

Eating-wise, I've struggled for a couple of weeks- and the scale shows it. I have not yet had a week since Christmastime where I actually put on more than a .4 in weight; but I have a feeling this week may be that week. Between altered workout schedules due to long hours at the old job and having lots of "this will be our last time to go to lunch" lunches - I've completely overeaten on many occassions. Not wildly binged or anything- just too much of not the right things.

I start the new job tomorrow with a trip to Boston (home office is located there) and I know that eating right while travelling is a challenge for me. I am planning to do as well as I can- and have made the decision to face my weigh in on Friday morning for what it is- ONE WEEK. I will get back on track and continue towards my goals.

On a running front- training for the half marathon is going well and this weekend, for the first time, I will run 9+ miles. it is a little daunting, but having done nearly 8 miles 2 weeks ago, I am confident that I can do it. I really do think I'll have a bit of a cry the first time I run 10 miles. 1 year ago, March 2010, I couldn't run more than a minute or two without walking for an extended recovery- and now I'm moving towards running 10 miles without stopping. I don't care who you are- never say never (hear me, Bieber?)- it can be done.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

10k and so much more

It has been mor than awhile since I posted- everything has been great- just really busy and haven't made the time to blog.

So many things to talk about- non-scale victories (NSV), working what works, and more than impressing myself.
So- first things first. . . .

Weight Watchers-
After having some very unfocused and very slow weight loss- I decided to go back to what I know works for me...and that is Weight Watchers. Yes, I have successfully lost 70 lbs on my own- but I want to continue with solid losses and I needed to refocus. Since Weight Watchers has so drastically changed their plan, I decided it would be great to have a new approach to my eating habits - and tracking, tracking, tracking.
And whattya know- in the first week- I lost 3.1# Back on track.

Shocking Shopping
The 10k I ran today- the forecast was all kinds of gloomy and rainy and cold; temps would start at around 50 and drop considerably (50 at start- 38 by finish). So I knew I needed a real rain jacket that would keep me dry without overheating. I invested in a The North Face jacket that is waterproof but also breathable. When I started my weight loss journey- I wouldn't have even been able to get this jacket because I'm not sure they have a plus size line - so, I would have had to buy a men's jacket. But I knew I had successfully crossed under that line, so I grabbed the women's XL and thought for sure it would fit. It didn't. Shocked, awed and COMPLETELY STOKED because the XL was TOO BIG!!! I had to buy a L - I looked at my husband and almost started crying I was so excited.

The 10k
When I first attempted running- it was late 2005, September/Octoberish. I was going to train for the Mini Marathon and the day I went to run/walk my first 10k ever- I found out I was pregnant with my first child. I have not done a 10k since, until today. It was rainy, it was cool and I had the goal to finish between 1 hour 10 minutes and 1 hour 15 minutes and I wanted to run the whole thing - about 5.5 miles and it was getting tough, I wanted to walk sooo bad- but I wasn't going to let my head get the best of me, I had run this far, I was running to the finish. My official time was 1 hour 13 minutes and 40 seconds.
After the finish- as I waited for some friends to come in- I started crying. I was crying tears of joy and pride because not only had I made my goal- but this time last year, I could not run ONE full mile without stopping. It is amazing what the human body can accomplish and evolve into.

The 15k in April is still a little daunting at this point- but the 10k today showed me that proper training works and I know I can get there by then.

Now where is my beer - because today, I have earned it!