I'm still here

Hi!

Yep....I'm still here. 

Life.

Gets in the way of blogging.

Gets in the way of running.

Or, so I let it.

Habits.

Bad habits are hard to break.

Eating healthy, running.

Making time for me.

It's a battle.

Will I ever learn?

Will I ever win the battle?

Trying.

Here I go again.

Encourage me.

Please. *smile*

Six

Well, I did it.  I ran 6.

Still sorting through my feelings about it.  At this moment I think it is the max for me.

It took me 1 hour and 27 minutes.  I jogged that entire time without walking.  That alone is amazing to me, just amazing!

I got home downed some water, had some coffee and then made the mistake of laying on the couch with my little guy to watch a movie and snoozed off and on.  I was sore most of the day and just generally tired.....

I think running buddies are so important.  I would have easily canceled on our usual run after taking 3 days off from running.  But, I knew they were going and it gets me motivated.

I wanted to whine and complain, so I put my headphones on and just ran with them, and they get that! I LOVE them.  I was focused and determined to do what I set out to do, and they didn't need to hear me whine.

It was  a battle with me and that voice in my head that tells me I can't do it and to quit......and I won! :) And that feels good and TOTALLY worth it.

I know they will be running six soon and I am going to do it with them!!

And an update on how I feel the day after?

I am happy to announce that I am doing well, I am suprised how good my body feels and that goes to show you my training has been just right.  I was ready. *smile!

And I will be back at it tomorrow.......for sure!

WHY AM I DOING THIS?

Ran across some great reasons to be jogging/running. So I thought I would share them.


Besides Weight Loss of course.......


A good reminder why excersise is so important.


Here they are:


Their are countless reasons to run, jog and even walk. The mental benefits are my favorite, because I love the runners high. Running can actually help you if you are feeling depressed. The physical benefits are listed below. 


Enhanced physcological well being- Endorphins will give you a rush of opiates which will lead to a feeling of well being right after a good run.

Raises HDL

-Happy Little Devils is how I remember that HDL is the good stuff, and running can help you to increase the happy stuff.

Lowers blood pressure

-When you run your arteries expand and contract almost 3 times as much as normal promoting healthy and stronger arteries.

Builds up your lungs-When your lungs are forced to work harder they become stronger.

Boosts your immune system

by creating a higher concentration of lymphocytes, those are the white blood cells. 

Many people who start off, running for weight loss soon realize all of the other benefits that go along with it as a bonus!

Weigh In Wednesday

0. Zero. Nothing. Maintained this week.

It's ok.  I am not suprised because of all the games, swim meets, etc. that we have eaten out at.

I also did not drink enough water.

I am however kicking some booty on the running.  4 miles seems to be the number right now. 

I told that voice in my head off this morning.  :) You know, that voice that whines about being tired, in pain, achey, tired, lazy, bored...it also says "you can't do this"...........

I am starting to think anything is possible.  Just take one day at a time.  Do the miles that need to be done that day, don't think about the end or what is to come. 

I have to plan the week and the mileage for each day around activities but then after it is written down for the week.  Just do what needs to be done that day, don't look ahead.  It's working for now.

6 is on the calendar for Sunday!  Didn't I just say not to look ahead!!???? *smile*

Weigh In Wednesday

And the number of the week is:........3.   *smile*

I was really excited to see that number on the scale this morning.  But, I need to remember that I was up a few pounds a few weeks ago and then holding steady. 

Confused yet?  Well, I am going to confuse you more....I was looking at my chicken scratch that I have been writing weight numbers on and I looked back and since October it's been like a roller coaster but as of today, it would be a total of 9 pounds lost since October.  Yay me! 

But.... the roller coaster must stop and I also must remember how easy these pounds can go back on.  A few years ago, I worked so hard to get down 25 pounds and then it seems I blinked and they were back. 

Lessons learned folks.

Oh, and by the way, my thyroid test came back and my meds are holding me at a normal number so no change in that department.  *smile* I wanted to blame something, but I can't!!!

And also, the Green Smoothie?  It was good, but I want to play with it a little more to get it just right.  You can't taste the spinach though so that is a plus! :)

Now, back to my crazy life!

Call me crazy?!

Ok, here's the deal....

A high school classmate who constantly tells me I (yes, me?) am her inspiration in beginning a running program....just completed a 1/2 marathon.  Which is 13.1 miles, right?

I am amazed......

I have only done one 5K and two 4 mile runs.  I started this jog/run thing about 3 years ago.

I need to step it up.

I am considering registering for a 5K in a few weeks, which is 3.1 miles.  Easy, peasy....

Then, I am considering registering for a 10K in September, which is 6.2 miles.  I can do math, yay me!! *smile* *wink*

And just today have been thinking....thinking...notice how I left out "considering registering" for the Des Moines 1/2 marathon!?!?!

What do y'all think??? (Never get Y'all out of my head since my friend says it all the time!!!!)  Love it.

I am on the fence........Shouldn't I just "DO IT!?!?!?"

I am tired of the little voice in my head saying "I can't do that....."  :)

Printed out the 1/2 mary training schedule.....that's a start isn't it?

In all seriousness, please shoot me an email  at kdcole0696@hotmail.com or reply to this post with your thoughts.......Pretty please......:)

This running journey is about so much more than running, getting into shape and losing weight...I am learing a lot about myself.  :) That makes me happy.

5 on a Sunday

5. 

My friend said that mapmyrun.com says we went further...who knows? :)



It wasn't that bad...

I always say that after though.....

It was kind of an up and down 5. 

First I felt awful, the first 2 are the worst, then I felt good, then I felt awful and on and on. 

I am really feeling like a 10K is possible now. 

Not sure if a 1/2 mary will ever be in my future but I am getting ahead of myself, aren't I?

I enjoy my long runs with two running buddies.

I honestly think I would quit sometimes if it weren't for them. 

Need to at least keep up 4 this week, maybe another 5 at the end of the week. 

I really hope there is weight loss this Weigh In Wednesday, or I will be devastated.....

Now...off to blend my first Green Smoothie......I'll let you know how it goes and if anyone else in the house likes them......

To be continued...................

Weigh In Wednesday

Nada.  Nothing. Zero. 

I am not going to sulk about this but it is really interesting in many ways.

I worked really hard this last week in the running department but if I am real honest I only watched what I ate for half the week........maybe 4 days tops.  Too many cheating days.  Holiday weekend, graduation parties, a husband who tempts me with his favorite taco pizza....a birthday celebration, an anniversary.  Life?  *smile*

My theory of not eating crap when I work so hard went right out the window!

I am going to the store today for the ingredients to a green smoothie.  You know? Those smoothies everyone talks about with spinach and fruit in them?  Google it........there are a million recipies out there.

I ran 5 out of 7 days 3-4 miles.

It also makes me question my thyroid meds.  I think I will call and see if it is time to get it rechecked or ask if I can get it rechecked anyways.  I don't need that roadblock.

I think it is interesting that you have to work that hard to maintain in a week with all those cheat days...something to file away for the future when I lose a bunch of weight. hahaha!

On a lighter note.....here is what was delivered to me at the end of the day yesterday by my husband of 14 years.......14 long years (at times) I might add. *wink*

Random running thoughts

• When the alarm goes off at 5:30 to go on my run, I need to jump up...any second of "thinking" about it results in hitting the snooze button.
• Once I am up and outside on a gorgeous day, I realize what I would have missed out on....the river in the morning, the ducks and the babies of course, the crisp morning air, the sun rising ever so slowly. Such beautiful scenery where I live. And, the sweet smell of the Nestle Plant, especially today with the smell of cappuccino.
• I feel better more energized for the day when I get my run in early in the morning. I accomplish more throughout the day. I am not left thinking about when I will fit it in and dreading it.
• I can't control a lot of things in life, but I can control this running and weight loss, I KNOW what needs to be done, if I would "just do it"!
• I am a by myself kind of running gal, it doesn't bother me, but I have learned that I enjoy some company now and again...I need it.
• It's ok to take a nap.
• I need a pair of "real" running shorts, and a sweat band.
• I can't run without my ipod.
• Ibuprofen is part of my diet

Weigh In Wednesday

2 pounds.  Gained...................:(
Since the last weigh in that I did in April.

I am dissapointed, but not suprised.

I have lost a total of 5 pounds since I started.

I am glad I have stepped up my running since Sunday.  4 miles.  I need to keep it up. And, it is clear that I need to weigh in every week to stay on top of this.

I don't know what else to say. ):

Running update

So, I ran 4 miles outside with two wonderful ladies on Sunday.  I wanted to quit. After the third mile, I felt so good, I picked up the pace and it felt so good.  Or maybe, I just wanted to be done? Couldn't wait to go home for coffee? I don't know.....but I did it.

I took yesterday off and drug myself to the gym at 5:30 a.m. today. I am not to be talked to or looked at at that hour of the day. I am not a happy camper.  On a positive note, it was light out, that makes things a teensy better.  I had a goal of 4 miles on the treadmill.  The first two miles were horrible....WHY IS THAT? I wanted to quit at least a dozen times.....and I wasn't running with anyone so I wouldn't have felt like a loser....but I fought with myself in my head and kept pressing on..........and I succeded.  I did it. 4 miles.  It wasn't easy.  And......I didn't know I could stink so bad?????  You know... body odor?? It's really bad lately.........must mean I am burning major calories...way more than the 500 the stupid machine said, right?

On another note, I am not going to work that hard for 4 miles and eat crap anymore...this weight is coming off!!  Where is my Jillian?!

Happy Tuesday all and what is with my excessive use of dots today........? *smile*

Sad but Happy

I am sad

• That I didn't spend enough time with my Grandpa before he died but happy that I had him in my life and experienced that kind of love. Two years and I still miss calling him and talking to him.....I can still remember that last hug.  
• That my daughter is ending her freshman year in High school, but happy that I was blessed with such a sweet, smart, responsible, caring daughter. All I can think about as I am attending all of her end of the year sporting events, band event, choral concerts....three more years.  That's it.  I cried last night following her concert when they acknowleged the seniors with awards. What will I be like when that is her standing up there?  I will be sobbing.  I looked around last night and didn't see anyone sobbing.  
• That my first grader is going to be a second grader (why can't I just keep him at this age, it's so great?!) but happy that he has turned into a very sensitive, caring, school loving kid and still adores his mom. He walked to school today!! And me being the overprotective mama, drove over to the school and made sure he got there safely!! :) 
• That getting healthy and getting the weight off is so darn hard but happy that I am sticking to the plan even though some days I fall off the running or the eating healthy bandwagon,  I hop back on the next day...or the next. *wink* *smile*

Try, Try, Try AGAIN

Yep, I am back.

I survived the Run Like a Mother.  My goal was to run and not walk, just like last year.  My partner Beth has all the documentation over at her http://playinwiththepaulsens.blogspot.com/ She carried me through the first 3  1/2 miles and then I don't know what happened but suddenly I had the urge to sprint...so I did.  :) I am sure it was the coffee at the end that I smelled *smile*

We are talking about doing a 10K which is 6.2 miles.  ONLY a little over 2 more miles than the Run Like a Mother.  It is in September so we would have plenty of time to keep running and for me...hopefully to get some more pounds off.  That really is my ultimate goal, to get fit and STAY fit. So, I started my training for the 10K today.  Who is going to check in on me every day and make sure I stay on track??? Any takers out there?

I am back to writing down my food intake today and I am going to try to get back to some weightlifting.

I will try *cough* to get back to my Weigh In Wednesdays.  I know you have all (3 readers?) been on the edge of your seats and missed my posts.

Notice how many times I use the word "try" in this post.  I need to "do", not try! :) Right?? !!

** Ran 2 miles today

Weigh- In Wednesday

1/2 pound.  That's all.
Better than gaining and better than nothing...almost.  ;)

6 1/2 pounds lost so far.

I am going to attempt 4 miles outside this afternoon.

Happy Wednesday!

Moving foward

Every day at work I turn my computer on and the Upper Room Devotional online is the first thing that pops up on my home screen.  


Some days I read it.  
Some days I ignore it.
Some days I skim it.
Some days I am annoyed by it.
And....some days I read it and it speaks to me and actually sticks with me.


Here is part of what today's devotional read that hit me and is going to stick with me:


Throughout my run in life I have known countless times when I couldn't "see the cross," when God seemed dim and distant. But then that's what faith is about — continuing to believe in the light when you find yourself in the dark. And as in my run, all we can do is forge ahead with the assurance that the light is never as far away as we think. In fact, we know that God's love is with us always.


I feel like that is me right now.  So I will continue to forge ahead. *smile* and be GLAD in it.  


Ran 4 miles on Friday night with a friend. On Saturday night we ran 2 1/2 miles.  
I ran by myself yesterday and it was really hard, my legs were very tight.  It took all I could just to get 2 1/2 done and I walked 2 or 3 times.


And YES folks, I AM going to weigh in tomorrow. Even if the truth hurts.  
I expect "ya'll" to hold me accountable to this!! Yep, I am talking to YOU!! 

It's all good but I need to get real again

The laptop is back.

So, maybe, just maybe I will be back to updating on my runs and weight loss or lack thereof.

I was looking at how many miles were logged since the start of this blog and it says 53.  53!
That is good.....better than 0.

The weight loss...not so good.  Just stuck on the six pounds. I haven't stuck to the Weigh In Wednesdays, so maybe that is my problem. I need to get real and stick to it...ignoring isn't helping.

Running outside is so much more fun than the treadmill.  I am really enjoying it.  It is still VERY difficult though.  I am beat after 2 miles and during that two miles.  Trying to remain positive about the 4 mile Run Like a Mother.  I am really anxious to run with a friend on Friday. She is going to kick my butt, though.

It has been really warm in the afternoons here which is when I would try to complete my runs, so I am going to have to change to early mornings.  That means getting my lazy buns up, which won't be an easy task.  Any suggestions for motivating me??

Why is it that I start out with such good intentions and then fall back into bad habits........?? I know, habits are hard to break. 

That's all for now.  No run as of yet today.  I NEED to start tomorrow with morning runs.  You'll have to check back in to see if I did it....:) Go me!

Deep thoughts

Turns out I am reading a book that is softening my heart and making me think hard about some things that I need to change about myself.  I want to change, but it isn't going to be easy.  Nothing ever is.

It's personal. (Even though I am blogging to the whole wide world *wink*)


Here are a few verses that I am really chewing on......
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and self - control.
Honestly, some days I have none of the above.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.


Prayers are appreciated.


That's all for now, I need to get back to chewing. *smile* and running!

Caffeine Randomness and Hair

I give you my reason for waking up and surviving the mornings.

I have decided that life is too short for bad or just ok coffee. I deserve good coffee.


Have you ever tried it?  It is truly worth the extra money......


I am trying to detox my body from all the candy consumed this week. I am finding this is hard to do with a bowl of leftover Easter Candy sitting in the kitchen.


Going to journal everything I consume this week, and see how that goes.


The running has been 3 times a week lately. I am a bit sore from the outdoor run that my dog took me on Sunday.


Still trying to lose weight and not overeat and eat the right things.....


Trying to train for this outside:

I would like to look like this:

So, I had better get my booty running and I will just have to use a lot of this:

*smile*

What NOT to wear...

I need a makeover...


So, if you are feeling like nominating me for this:




By all means, please write in to TLC. *wink*


Until they call, I guess I will work on my hair for starters.....


This is similair to what I have now, only I have short bangs that wing out at the sides and I have frizz and strands sticking out everywhere and clearly I am not this gorgeous and would not be caught dead in anything sleeveless for the time being and never have any makeup on... but I digress....(how is that for a run-on sentence?)





Layers, or no layers? Short, or leave it the same? And if I leave it the same, please tell me if there is a product out there to make my hair look smoother.


I give you #1:

Keep in mind I am keeping my blond highlights....




Or # 2:

I would have bangs with this.....






Or #3

heheheh, just kidding.....




Or #4

Or #5

If only it would be guaranteed I would look like all these pics..sigh.


What do you think? Please vote, or forever hold your peace...Y'all do know how to post a comment right? (I get the Y'all from my friend Beth..she is from the south, and I just love to hear her say it!)

My four legged running partner

I give to you my running partner with four legs.....Bo.


You may have met Bo before. But if not.....
Here he is.....

This isn't his best photo, so I will give to you him in much happier times.....

Isn't he cute? :) *wink*

Well, he is much cuter when he is not dragging you on a run all over to pee on everything including car tires......

If you saw me yesterday in my town along the river, downtown and on the rail trail and were laughing...that was me!!! 

The first half of the run, he took ME for a run. Pulling me towards any possible non-moving object to pee on.  Boy was he excited. Me? Less than excited. 


The last half of the run, I was taking HIM on a run with his tongue hanging out.  He needs some work if he is going to be my running partner.  *smile*

Weigh In Wednesday

 Maintained.

 That's all I did.  Haven't lost anything since I last posted.  I thought that if I didn't weigh in every    Wednesday, miraculously I would be surprised by some loss...;) I haven't gained, so I will be content with this....for now. *smile*

I have been running 3-4 days a week.  My eating habits haven't changed though...

Some random thoughts....and I do mean random. *wink*

• I failed at giving up sweets for lent.  What does this say about me that I couldn't give up sweets for lent, when God gave up his only Son for ME?!  I couldn't even give up sweets for a few measly weeks....I am pondering this.  
• Running outside is SO much harder than the treadmill.  But, I enjoy running outside so much more!! So, my body will just have to get used to it.  It's good for the soul to be outside.
• I am so thankful each day God has loaned me two beautiful children, and have realized how fast they can be taken to heaven.....at a moments notice or not. How fast things can change....I need to enjoy EVERY moment. 
• Blogging. It is hard to do when your computer at home is out of service. ): 
• Teenage girls: Interesting....that's all I have to say. There is no preparation for these years.
• Boys, 7 year old boys.........crack me up how much they love to be outside and make a mess!
• Sunny, spring weather.....nothing better.
• Soccer. It's part of our life every spring and fall. The complex is where I will be living for the next two months.
• Dairy Queen. Why does my family feel the need to eat there ALL the time?  And my significant other is the guiltiest.  Don't they know I am trying to be healthy here?!
• My ipod.  Can't live without it. It has my life in it.  I think.  The Nike application that goes along with the sensor in your shoe rocks!  That way I know how many miles I ran.
• The "Love ya" I hear every time my teenage daughter exits the car...it never gets old and I cherish this. 
• The snuggling my 7 year old boy likes to do in the morning and at night. I hope this never ends.
• Easter.  Need to get an egg hunt lined up and dinner figured out.  I am thinking steaks on the grill, am I weird or what?

Well, that is all the randomness for me in one day.  Happy Wednesday folks!

4 mile Friday

4 miles. That's what I ran today without stopping to walk.  4.5, 53 minutes, heart rate 161, 623 calories burned.  Because details are important. *wink*

My running buddy Beth has been bragging  informing me of her 4 mile runs and quite frankly, I have been lazy.  Just plain lazy.  And if I am going to run with her for the 4 mile Run Like A Mother in May than I need to get my booty moving.  Thank you Beth, keep up the good work, because I am going to try and be right behind you. *smile*

Happy Friday everyone!

Jump start

So, I took some time off.

And I needed a little kick start.

So my friend Beth inspired me to go run today, despite how I was feeling.

And it felt good, and I have been way more productive and feel more energized.

I need to keep this up. Quite frankly, lately I have been in a funk. I have been suffering with allergies and used that as an excuse.

I have not had the best attitude. This needs to change.

So, I am going to pretend it is not really snowing outside and continue on with that bounce in my step today. Because after all, this has to be the last snow of the season, right? :)

The most boring post ever...

It has been hard to blog with a laptop at home that is not working properly.

I should be happy that Spring seems to have sprung, but allergies have sprung for me as well. ugh.

I have not felt like running the last few days. I hope to get outside, now that the ice age seems to have melted off. This weeks weigh in will be another dreaded duty.

I feel negativity creeping in so I am going to list all the things that make me happy today...

Warm sun
Swimming pool on a hot summer day with my kids
Being able to run and feel good while doing it
Not being sick
My kids laughing
Flip flops
The smell of sunscreen
Grilling out
Opening the windows
Reading a really great book
Coffee

What makes you happy?

That is all I have....thanks for reading my most boring post ever.

Happy Monday after daylight savings everyone! *smile* *wink*

Weigh In Wednesday

Yep, I was fearful about the weigh in today.
Didn't want to face what I knew that darn scale was going to tell me...the truth. I was up 1 pound.

I didn't work hard enough at the running or the eating.

I have been told *ahem* I have been too hard on myself. So, I am going to chalk this up as a bad week and keep working. *smile*

Moving forward........that's all I can do. No worries.

Keep the faith.......and the motrin! *smile* *wink*

Tuesday - ran 2 miles
Wednesday - ran 2 miles

Struggling

Yep, I am struggling......
Trying to remain upbeat but the running has been so hard lately.
Can't get past 2 miles. & can barely make it to 2 miles some days.

And the eating? Out of control.......
And now for the big confession...I am so disappointed.....and you should be too.....
I split a package of lifesavers during a long late band concert with my 7 year old son.....do you blame me? And........I caved and ate not 1 but 2. Yes - I said TWO, M&M ice cream sandwiches this past weekend!! Terrible, just terrible....So much for giving up sweets for lent. What, did I last 3 weeks? I am still going to give up sweets again, today. And I will let y'all know when or if I give into temptation again.

Speaking of control, my friend Beth has a great post about "Control".....it just hit me like a mack truck when I read it....it was like she was writing about me. Go here to read it.

(And if you have trouble, drop me a note, this is my first attempt at something so techy ;))

By the way she is one of my friends who will be running the 4 mile Run Like a Mother with me in May and helped me to start my new blog. She was one of my very first friends when I moved to a new town and she is a huge inspiration to me through her blog.

Saturday - 1 mile run
Sunday - 2 miles (walk/run)
Today - rest and get my eating back on track ;)

So far, so good

Details.
I know you don't care out there in bloggy land how many miles, I am logging and whether my eating was good or bad, but you know what?
This blog had a goal.  And that goal was for me to learn about myself, while sharing with the world obviously ;), and be somewhat accountable to myself.  Period.
And you know what?
It is kind of working so far..... I felt compelled to jog for 30 minutes on the treadmill the other day after I wrote these words...."I plan on continuously running for 30 minutes on the treadmill..."
That's all it took folks.
When I wanted to quit and that little voice said "just quit, your tired, this hurts"....the other voice said, "YOU can't quit - you wrote it on your blog!"  Laugh out loud!

I did it.................so........so far, so good.
Ahhh, those voices in my head on the treadmill - I wish they would go away!!!  And I also wish I could say," I love running."
Nope not yet. :) I only love the way I feel after it is done.  *smile*

• Rest day Thursday (Fell on the ice on Wednesday night)
• Friday - ran  1.75 Miles
• Saturday - ran 1 mile (discouraged about soreness from fall)

Weigh in Wednesday

Well, bloggy friends, if you were confused yesterday about me posting, so was I! I had some thoughts for today that I was journaling and saving yesterday and instead of saving my thoughts I hit publish...oops! I had a blank spot for the amount of pounds lost...Positive thinking at work!  I have found that when my thoughts hit me, I need to get them written down right away.  So, here goes again...........

I have been so hard on myself the last few days.  I had it in my head that I would be doing 3 miles easily this week......ridiculous right?  The fact is that I have continued forward and may not have the mileage, speed, or the distance I think I need right now but I have not quit and that is all that matters. Did I mention I am really sore?

Yesterday I was actually craving sweets and did not cave even though there were M&M's sitting in the cupboard.

I am on the right track and my weight loss proves it.  I just need to keep working at it.
I only lost 1 pound this week.  Clearly- my eating needs to be looked at. For a grand total of  6  pounds so far.  :)

Happy Wednesday everyone!

• No workout yet today, my plan is to continue jogging for 30 minutes on the treadmill today

Do It Anyways

Friday I only ran a 1/2 mile before deciding to do weight training on the upper body and give my legs a rest because I had terrible cramps in my legs.  Saturday, I only ran 1 mile because my legs were achey.  Sunday, I took the whole day off hoping for a great run today.  My eating wasn't the best all weekend but it wasn't the worst either. I still have not had any sweets.

Today, I was really excited about getting my run in because my legs weren't cramped or achey. I felt glad that I had rested and was ready to conquer the treadmill. So, I get on and boom I hit the 1/2 mile mark and I want to quit with tired legs and lungs. I had to fight with myself, I call it "head games". You know -  all the reasons 1/2 of you tells yourself to quit and the other part of you is saying "no!"....depends on the day who wins......

Since I have begun this journey, I decided no excuses are accepted unless injury/illness.  So today, my legs felt tired and my lungs felt tired and the whole run was a struggle but I didn't quit, I "just did it".  I hope tomorrow isn't so much of a struggle and I hope the one 1/2 of my head wins again and again.!! ;)  One day at a time........

• 30 minutes continuous jog at 4.3   2 miles
• circuit training on upper body

Fridays

Fridays are usually my day off for the week. Let me clarify this.   Full day off from work outside of the home.  ;)
Of course we know, the job at home does not come with any days off, unless you are on your death bed and then....never mind, I digress.  I really am blessed to have this full day to get caught up on everything from cleaning the toilets ;) to running errands for the family.
My body is tired today and today is the first day I feel like eating all day long.  Not a good combo.So far, I am on track and haven't made any terrible choices.
Struggling with my decisions to rest or run through sore/pain.  Today, I am choosing rest, hoping tomorrows workout will be better because of it.  I am thinking one day of rest is better than over irritating the injury and then having to take more than one day off. Any thoughts?

• 1/2 mile jog and circuit training on upper body.  

Three and a Gift

I have heard many veteran runners say, "the first two miles are the hardest" .  Well I think that is why in my head I always stop at 2 because it is in fact "hard" for me and I want it to be over!  Well, today, thanks to all the stuff going on in my head which preoccupied me, the olympics being on television and some awesome music on my ipod, I decided...what if, I just do it today? Go the extra mile, let's see if everyone is right.  And it is true folks! I really think when I hit 3, I could have gone on to 4, but didn't want to risk an injury, soreness for my workouts over the next few days.

I have to share with you all a gift that was given  to me yesterday.  I was thinking about my grandfather a lot yesterday and really missing him.  This happens on occasion and I go on with my day, but yesterday for some reason I thought about him more and was having a hard time with it.  So, I go to Wednesday night church and the closing hymn is "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" .  This song is one my favorites because my Grandpa used to play this on the organ and keyboard, we used to play and sing it together.  I had a hard time making it through the whole song without tears.  Coincidence or Gift from God? Definitely, Gift from God, God is so Good! It was a great ending to my day.

Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

I am weak, but Thou art strong;
Jesus, keep me from all wrong;
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

Through this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.

When my feeble life is o’er,
Time for me will be no more;
Guide me gently, safely o’er
To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.

• 3 mile run at 4.5 :)

Weigh-In Wednesday

Well............I lost 5 pounds this week!  Woo hoo!


I discovered Yoplait light fat free yogurt today, 100 calories.  Banana Cream Pie, yummy!


Still haven't had sweets and don't really miss them. The things I crave are pizza, mexican and seafood lasagna from my favorite restaraunt...........I would choose any of that over chocolate/sweets.  


By the way - bloggy friends, is there spellcheck on this thing??  Did I happen to mention that I am not going to worry about things like spelling, grammar, punctuation??  


I think as a reward for my weight loss this week, I am going to splurge and purchase a new sports bra...TMI?  Well, you are just lucky I didn't take a picture of it and post it on here...it has 4 holes and the back is worn so thin that I think one more wash and it will be toast!  

• No run - very sore

The climb...

I really have nothing exciting to report today.  I am anxious to weigh in tomorrow and hope to report back with some weight loss! I know there are hundreds of you (insert heavy sarcasm) out there waiting on the edges of your seat!  Today was a rough run. I mean I could whine happily tell you about everything that was wrong with me today......

• my legs felt like 100 pound dumbells (not that I have ever lifted one)
• my calves hurt
• my shins started to hurt
• I had dry mouth (clearly not taking in enough water)
• I was having one of those talks with myself (ever have one of those?) while running and feeling like I wanted to quit doubting that I could ever get back to running 4 miles

I need a day of rest tomorrow and will do circuit training on my upper body instead.

I really need to download this song on to my ipod, I love it!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG2zyeVRcbs

• ran 2 miles at 4.3, bumped it up to 5.0 for the last 5 minutes (thought I was going to die, but lived to blog about it. ;)

Still Truckin'...

I received something through email that hit me today:
Lent -a time for for renewal and restoration.  Slow down. Make time away from all the "busyness" to connect with your inner self, significant people, and God. "pamper your soul".
Get away with me and you'll recover your life" (Matthew 11:29 The Message)


Yesterday, as I was running on the treadmill I had time to "get away with him".  What better way to be taking care of myself physically and spiritually at the same time.  Even if it at times the conversation went something like this:   "I am going to die on this treadmill Lord, why is this so hard for me"......and.... "can't you help me out here?;)" As for the other things we talked about, well, that is just between Him and I, some things aren't meant to be blogged. ;)  

I guess you could say, I am still truckin' along...

• 2 mile run and a little circuit training on the abs and arms - I bumped it up to 4.5 today.

Sticking to it...

I just finished reading Quit Digging Your Grave With a Knife and Fork by Mike Huckabee. Pretty good book, I took away the twelve steps to end bad habits and begin a healthy lifestyle:

Stop Procrastinating
Stop Making excuses
Stop Sitting on the couch
Stop ignoring signals from your body
Stop listening to destructive criticism
Stop expecting immediate success
Stop whining
Stop Making exceptions
Stop storing provisions for failure
Stop fueling with contaminated food
Stop allowing food to be a reward
Stop neglecting your spiritual health

My cold is getting better..made it to the gym again today. It really was HARD today....was a little more sore than I have been. I need to keep taking it slow.  Something is better than nothing.

I warm up with a 5 minute walk, then non-stop at 4.3 until I hit two miles. No walking.
I have really watched my diet carefully this week.  Drinking plenty of water and never eating after 6pm at night.  If I do, its an apple or banana. I have to admit I am anxious to weigh myself on Wednesday morning.

•  ran 2 miles 

Roadblocks and Excuses...

I consider a roadblock to be something real in the way of making it difficult to get my run in or not get my run in at all, such as injury or illness.

I believe excuses are ideas in my heads about why I may not make it to run.  You know...tired, too busy, schedule, it's too cold out, work, yada, yada yada...........lazy. I can always come up with excuses, but the truth is if I REALLY want this I need to fit it into my schedule, even if I have to get up early.

My latest roadblock is this chest cold that I have.  I took yesterday off because I only had a couple hours of sleep the night before from coughing and felt generally bad all day.

I took the NO EXCUSES approach today. I decided after a better nights sleep to at least go and try, even if all I did was walk or do the weights.

Mission accomplished, I ran 2 and then did circuit training on the upper body.

• Saturday - 2 miles

Ready to Run...

Well, here I am.  Blogging.  My name is Kim and I am a wife, and mother to two awesome children.  One girl, age 14, and one boy, age 7.  I also have a big yellow lab whom I adore.

This blog is going to be a journey of weight loss through running and faith - and a little coffee ;)  I have to warn you that there may be a little randomness thrown in here and I am not going to worry about my grammar, commas and run on sentences! ;)

I want to be fit by forty! I have about 2 years and 9 months to accomplish this. So here goes!

Two days ago on Ash Wednesday I decided to give up sweets for lent.  I also decided that was the day to start running again to get fit and lose some much needed weight.What better way to kick off the lenten season by comitting to take care of this body God gave me? So I got real and weighed myself and so I will document my weight loss (hopefully not weight gain) on Wednesdays.

I always hated running in high school and thought they were trying to kill us when they forced us to run the mile.:)  I can honestly say I have never loved running, but I love the way I feel after I run and the results.

About two years ago, I started walking to lose some weight and added running.  I found that I felt good and it helped me lose about 25 pounds. I ran my first race, a 4 mile run in May 2009.  Then in September 2009 I ran a 5K. No record times folks, I was pleased that I finished without having to call 911~   Little did I know keeping it off would be harder. I am back to where I started today.:(

So, now it is time to get real!.  My first short term goal is to run the 4 mile race again in May.

• Wednesday - did my first weigh in and ran 2 miles
• Thursday - ran 2 miles
• Today - day of rest with a chest cold