What Happened to the Wagon?

At the end of January of 2008, I realized how overweight I was -- I'm 5'2" and at the time weighed 152 pounds and wore size 12/14 pants. I didn't like what years of inactivity, seating in front of a computer, and unhealthy eating habits had done to my body, so I did something about it. I lost almost 30 pounds over nine months. By November 2008, I was at my lowest weight of 122.4 pounds. Even though that did not last for more than a day, I was under 125 for almost a month before the holiday season came and I began to slip.

Over the last 6 months, I've gained over 10 of those pounds back. As I slowly saw my weight creep up, I told myself I was just gaining muscle since I was very active--training to run a half marathon, biking 15 miles to work (one way), and training for a triathlon. I believe this was true for the first few pounds, since my size 2/4 clothes still fit comfortably. However, the more active I became, the more I let my healthy eating slip. We've been eating out a LOT lately, and I've even flexed on my "no fried food" rule. It's hard to say no to any food when you've just biked 45 miles or swam 1000 meters, but that is no excuse. This week, my size 2 clothes are uncomfortable, and I've hit the 135 lbs mark that I hoped to never see again. I refuse to go up a size in clothes (I wear size 4 from time to time, but I don't want to begin wearing size 6 again), so it's time to stop being delusional and do something about this.

Admitting you have a problem is the first step, so here I am admitting to the world that I've fallen off the wagon and slipped down the slippery slope a bit. I don't plan to see what's at the end of the slope. I intend to pick myself up before I slip further down this hill, and starting today begin making my way back to the wagon. I lost 30 pounds before, so I know I can lose 10 pounds with a little dedication, and a little help from my friends :)

I'll use this blog to post my goals, progress, and accomplishments every week, and ask that you help keep me accountable.

Current Stats:

• Height: 5'2"
• Starting Weight: 135 lbs (2/24/09)
• Current Weight: 135 lbs (2/24/09)
• BMI: 24.7
• Current Goal: 125 lbs
• Pounds to go: 10

Before Photo:

I can't believe I am posting this, but what the heck. I know I don't look that bad, but I'm not happy with the growing belly you see here. I don't really care that much about my actual weight, I just want to lose the extra fat and inches around my waist.

My Action Plan:

• Stop eating fried food -- the occasional french fry is ok, but a whole order is NOT.
• Limit eating out and processed food -- we're going to make a better attempt to plan ahead and cook most of our meals at home from scratch, with enough leftovers for lunch the next day.
• When I do eat out, make healthy choices -- sweet tomatoes, seafood, steamed vegetables, NO fried food, and split a meal with Jason or save 1/2 for lunch the next day.
• Limit sweets -- I'll only eat ice cream/sweets at the end of the day IF I've eaten all my fruit and vegetable servings.
• Eat 3 small meals a day, specially breakfast, with at least one healthy snack between meals (fruit, veggies, yogurt, nuts).
• Go grocery shopping regularly to keep fridge and office stocked with healthy snacks.
• Log everything I eat and my weight at TWYE and My Pyramid Plan Spreadsheet (I count servings instead of calories).
• Do at least 30 minutes of exercise a day -- this includes walking or yoga on rest days.
• Log all workouts at Dailymile.
• Set weekly goals to help me stay on track. 
• Post my progress on this blog once a week. 

Weekly Goals

• Meatless/Seafood Meals: 50% of main 3 meals/day (11/21) 
• Home Cooked Meals: 80% of main 3 meals/day (17/21) 
• Fruit/Veggies: 5 servings / day (35 servings) 
• Water: 64 oz / day (448 oz) 
• Follow Pyramid Plan: focus on fruits and veggies this week 
• Exercise: 30 mins / day - run 2x; bike 2x; swim 2x; yoga 2x

On the road again ... (10K Training Week 1 Run 1)

Stitches Removed

I finally got my stitches removed yesterday morning, so I can start running and biking again. Yay! Apparently there are still stitches on the inside that I could tare and those take 60-90 days to dissolve so I need to be careful still and I won't be able to do pushups/crunches/weights for a while.

Running

I went running when I got home last night. It was not too hot/humid, but I only managed 1.5 miles. We wont talk about how long that took because the important thing is that I got out there and ran after 2+ weeks of being benched. The run felt really awkward, as if I didn't know how to anymore. *lol*

A few things could be the cause for this: 1) I didn't bring my ipod so had nothing to distract me, but it really wasn't that bad to not have music and I didn't even realize it until 1/2 mile into it; 2) I was carrying my new 12oz Amphipod water bottle and because of the lack of music the splashing of the water was driving me crazy--how do you guys deal with that!? I am not crazy about this bottle, but I think I am just not crazy about carrying it. I also got a bit of a side stitch towards the end, but I did it!

This was the official start of training for my 10K in October 12. Today is a rest day and I was going to get up and do an easy mile or two in the morning, since the plan calls for only 3 days of running and I plan to add an extra "no rules" run to the mix, but I decided to do that on Thursday since I want at least 24 hours between runs.

Nutrition & Weight Loss

I've been steadily losing weight by really trying to eat balanced foods according to My Pyramid Plan. I think this is working remarkably well, and is forcing me to vary my eating. I love it! I fully expected to put on weight during my running hiatus and was just focusing on not gaining, but my focus on healthy eating really paid off and I've lost weight. Below are my full stats, goals from last week and goals for the upcoming week.

Full Stats:

Height: 5'2"
Heaviest Weight: 164 (12/5/06)
Starting Weight: 152 (1/29/08)
Current Weight: 127.6 lbs
Total Loss: -24.4 in 179 days (6 mo)
(16% of body weight)
BMI: 23.3

Current Goal: 125
Lbs to go: 2.6


Goals met last week:

-- Meatless/Seafood Meals: 71% of main 3 meals/day (goal 75%)
-- Home Cooked Meals: 86% of main 3 meals/day (goal 80% -- exceeded)
-- Maintain weight: current weight 127.6 lbs (goal 129-130 -- exceeded)
-- Follow My Pyramid Plan: I did pretty well on this. I exceeded my fruits and veggies allocations but if I am going to eat more of anything it should be fruits and veggies, so I am happy with that. Amazingly, I did not exceed my meat/beans/nuts allocation. I fell short on grains and dairy, but I still had more than I usually do, so that is a win for me.

Goals for this week:
 
I decided to set my workout out goals in days instead of miles to simplify things and because is more important to get out there for a run than how many miles I do. I'll still track my millage, but I just want to run this week and get back into the swing of things.

Weekly Fitness Goals

HYC Check In

This was a great week. I finally ran a sub-40 5K, completed week 2 of 100 push ups/crunches challenge, showed a significant improvement in my push ups/crunches rank, and in most cases exceeded all of my goals.

Setting a goal to get all my fruit and veggie servings was a great move. I found myself eating less sugary snacks because I reached for the fruit or veggies first to make sure I got all my servings in and by then I didn't have room for the other snacks. I still had some ice cream/yogurt and teddy grahams here and there; but it was the exception, not the rule. I also had no red meat this week. In fact, it's been 10 days since the last time I had pork and over 3 weeks since I've had beef. I am not giving up meat entirely, but I like that it is not the focus of most of my meals anymore.

I've been hesitant to start a new running program because I will have to take a break from running in 2 weeks, for about 2 weeks, so I figured I'd start it after that. However, today I started Hal Higdon's Spring Training Novice training plan because I like structure and I figured I'll just repeat the last week once I get back into running. I've been doing my own thing similar to this and already had a 4 mile long run planned for this weekend, so I'm starting the program on week 4. It's funny, I visit his site on a regular basis and never noticed this program. I guess I am always focused on his 10K and 1/2 marathon programs, but I like the progression of this one much better than his 10K Novice program. I plan to extend it by continuing his pattern so I run 7+ miles before my first 10K in October.

Below is the full list of accomplishments from last week and a link to my goals for this week. By the way, I am hosting my own Virtual 5K in 2 weeks for the c25k_grads community, but you don't have to be part of it to participate. You don't even have to be a c25k graduate or even be doing the program. You can even walk it if you want or do the smaller 2 mile race. So check out the C25K Virtual Race Weekend and sign up today! Hope to see many of you on race day ;)

Accomplishments last week (6/22 - 6/28)

• Wee Little Virtual 5k in 38:15   
• Week 2 of 100 push ups/crunches challenge
• Improved my push ups/crunches rank 
• Ran/walk: 13 miles
• Bikes: 24+ miles
• Yoga: 45m session; 60m session (+pre/post run poses)
• Fruit servings: 15
• Veggie servings: 22
• Meatless Meals: 67% of main 3 meals/day (14/21)
• Home Cooked Meals: 81% of main 3 meals/day (17/21)
• Water: 545 oz
• Ate No Red Meat

Goals for this week (6/28 - 7/5)

HYC Check In & Fitness Update

I keep forgetting to post these on Sunday. Oh well, better late than never :) Maybe is best that I post them on Tuesday so they coincide with my HYC Check In. I didn't meet all my goals last week because I went camping and didn't bike to work 2 days due to having to go to the doctor and camping. It was still a pretty good week though, and now I am ready to take on the new week at full force. I started off great with a 3.5 miles long run yesterday morning.

Accomplishments for week 6/15 - 6/21:

• [9.66] Biked: 9.66 miles
  
• [7] Run/walk: 7 miles
  
• [pre/post run poses] Yoga: 45+ mins (20 or 45 min sessions)
  
• [7] Meatless Meals: 3+ for lunch or dinner (breakfast is always meatless)
  
• [4] Eat Out: <=5 (this means eating out AND leftovers)
• [✔] Push Ups: Week 1 (3 days) of Push Ups Challenge
• [✔] Crunches: Week 1 (3 days) of Crunches Challenge
• [✔] Water: 64+ oz per day (averaged 90 oz/day)

Goals for this week (6/22 - 28)

Activity	Goal	Progress
Run/Walk	10 miles	4 miles
Bike	16 miles	5.58 miles
Meatless Meals	50% of 3 main meals/day (10/21)	5/6 = 83%
Home Cooked Meals	75% of 3 main meals/day (15/21)	7/9 = 78%
Push Ups	185	50
Crunches	370	120
Veggies/Fruit Servings	21 (3/day)	6.5
Water	448 oz (64+ per day)	202 oz

I'll leave you with these before and after photos (so I can show off my new haircut and highlights ;)

Before: 12/18/07
I don't have an exact weight for this date, but I have a recorded weight of 157 lbs on 11/15/07 and 152 lbs on 1/29/08, so it was somewhere in there.



After: 6/22/08
My weight is currently hovering around 133 lbs. So this is what a 20+ loss looks like :)

I'm going to feel this tomorrow

Summary of today's activity

• run/walk: 2.65 miles
  
• bike: 4.58 miles
  
• push ups: 54
  
• crunches: 108
• squats w/weights: 10
  
• plank: 30s (modified)

Great Start
Today started great (except for the fact that I did not wake up in time to run). I was ecstatic that I weighed 131.4 this morning--finally showing a .6 loss since my 132 weigh-in on 5/30. Ever since then, it has either stayed the same or gone up and hovered near 133. We'll see if that holds tomorrow--I somehow doubt it. I drank 24 ounces of water, ate an oatmeal bar and banana for breakfast, and ate a tuna sandwich for lunch, all before noon. But, then ...

"Fried" Ice Cream, Yikes!
Jason said they were going to Maria Bonita (local mexican restaurant) with a friend of ours from Melbourne that is in town. I decide to go and just munch on some chips and salsa and maybe a bite of his food. I figured that since I had already eaten, and I am not a big fan on Mexican food anyway, it would be ok. WRONG! I got a free chicken soup (it comes with every meal--and apparently even if you don't order anything), which was actually really good. But then I spend the rest of the time eyeing the dessert menu and order "fried" ice cream. Is basically a ball of vanilla ice cream, covered in crumpled graham crackers and corn flakes (they supposedly then deep fry this but I had them skip that part). It was SOOO good. Thankfully, I had 3 guys to helped me eat it, but I should have just stayed in my office.

Running, Take I
I had every intention of running on my way home from work, but since we leave tomorrow after work to camp, I needed the bike at home to switch out my tires. So I rode my bike home and promptly went for a run before the rain started. The rain decided to just stay away and it was so hot that all I managed was 1 mile, but I also was running pretty fast (12:41).

Push Ups/Crunches
So I came home and did day 2 of the push ups/crunches challenge. I decided that it would bother me to be in different weeks for crunches, so I am going to do the same week/day for both and just double the numbers for crunches. This was tough, but totally doable. Last time we did the entire push up workout and then the crunches workout. This time I had the brilliant idea of alternative between the two so I would do the crunches during the push ups rest and vice versa. I also did a modified plank for 30 seconds. I was exhausted when I finished, and I could only do the minimum for the max level for a total of 54 push ups and 108 crunches. Not sure if the alternating thing was a bad idea, or if it was just that I had biked 2 miles and ran a mile before this workout.

Running, Take II
Once the sun disappeared, and my dinner settled a bit, I went for another mile run in a light drizzle. It was kind of nice running in the rain, but I don't think I could do it if it was any heavier. I just don't like being wet and cold. I ran this one a lot slower (14:35), but it felt great. Man I had missed running. This is the first time I run since Saturday. I am hoping to get up tomorrow morning and run some more since I've been a slacker lately. We'll see how that goes.

Goals Update

• [9.66/16] Bike: 16+ miles
  
• [3/10] Run/walk: 10+ miles
  
• [0/45] Yoga: 45+ mins (20 or 45 min sessions)
  
• [2/3] Meatless Meals: 3+ for lunch or dinner (breakfast is always meatless)
  
• [4/5] Eat Out: <=5 (this means eating out AND leftovers)
• [2/3] Strength: week 1 (3 days) of Push Ups & Crunches Challenge
  
• [4/7] Water: 64+ oz per day

HYC Check In & Fitness Update

I just realized I never posted my update at the end of last week, so today's HYC post will serve as both. We won't talk about my weight because it is still yo-yoing and hovering around 133. I guess we just talked about it *lol* But I have plenty of accomplishments in the exercise front.

Accomplishments for week of 6/8 - 6/14

• Ran the Race into Summer 5K without walking in 41:25
  
• Ran 3.1 miles (5k) without walking (3 times)
  
• Biked: 15+ miles
  
• Ran/walked: 11+
  
• Strength : 4
• Yoga: 1-45 m Yoga for Weight Loss + 2-20m AM Yoga
  
• Vegetarian meals: 10
  
• Ate Out: Longhorn + CPK + leftovers

Goals for this week and progress so far:

• Bike: 16+ miles [5 miles]
  
• Run/walk: 10+ miles
  
• Yoga: 45+ mins (20 or 45 min sessions)
• Meatless Meals: 3+ for lunch or dinner (breakfast is always meatless)
  
• Eat Out: <=5 (this means eating out AND leftovers) [3/5]
  
• Strength: week 1 of 100 Push Ups & Crunches Challenge [1/3]
  
• Water: 64+ oz per day (2/7)

HYC Check In

I did not lose any weight this week, and I may have gained a pound, but I worked out a lot more so I gained muscle and it was also my TOM. I am well on my way to running the 5K on Saturday, so right now I am focusing on exercise and I know the pounds/inches will eventually will come off.

Accomplishments since last check in:

• 2 truly Meatless Monday in a row
  
• I ran 3.1 miles on Sunday
  
• I ran 2.85 Miles on Friday
• I exceeded all my fitness goals last week
  
• I am addicted to fitness

Progress on this week's goals:

• Run 3.1 miles (5k) without walking [DONE]
  
• Bike at least 20 miles [6.59 miles]
  
• Run/walk at least 10 miles [4.14 miles]
• Core exercises at least 3 days [2]
  
• QF Cardio Kick at least 2 days
  
• 45m Yoga at least 1 day
  
• Eat at least 3 vegetarian meals (meatless monday) [DONE]
• Eat out at most 3 times [so far so good]
  
• Complete my 4th 5k race without walking in under 42 minutes (preferably in under 40) [on Saturday]
  

Fitness Update: no change

I didn't lose any weight this week. I may have put on a pound, but my scale was being temperamental, much like my body because my TOM is here. However, I was very active this week and over achieved all my fitness goals, so I probably also gained some muscle. I bought new running shoes yesterday and some other running gear. I didn't get up early enough this morning, but I plan to run tonight and try to reach that 5k distance. I'll just start really slow so I can cover the distance. I'll work on speed later in the week, but my goal for Sat is to run the whole thing and to hopefully do it in under 42 minutes (I would love to do it in under 40, but I think that may be a bit ambitious since I'll have to start slow to make it. We'll see).

I finally did some strength training this week. Instead of weights, I am just going to focus on my core, so I came up with this routine (mostly based on this article and exercises from the Metabolism Booster segment of 10 Minute Solution - Carb and Calorie Burner).

1. Push Ups (2 x 10)
2. Standard Crunches (10)
3. Bicycle Crunches (10)
4. Reverse Crunches (10)
5. Basic Plank (30 sec)
6. Plank Weight Shift (10)
7. Plank Knee Drop Crunch (10)
8. Plank Knee Drop Oblique Crunch (10)
9. Plank Leg Lifts (10)
10. Side Plank Dips (10)
    
11. Supermans (10)
12. Heel Touches (10)
    

I don't do all of these every time, but I hope to work up to that eventually as well as add more reps and a few of the other exercises from that article in a week or 2 once I get comfortable with these. I also want to alternate between these and 10-20 minutes from Quick Fix Cardio Kick.

Accomplishments for week of 6/1 - 6/7:

• Ran 2.5 miles & then 2.85 miles without walking
• Biked: 24+ miles
• Ran/walked: 12+ miles
• Core exercises: 3 days
• 45 Min Yoga for Weight Loss: 2 days
• Ate out only 3 times: brunch at Sweet Tomatoes on Sunday, dinner at Macaroni Grill on Wednesday, Olive Garden for lunch on Thursday

Goals for the upcoming week:

• Run 3.1 miles (5k) without walking
• Complete my 4th 5k race without walking in under 42 minutes (preferably in under 40)
  
• Bike at least 20 miles
  
• Run/walk at least 10 miles
  
• Core exercises at least 3 days
  
• QF Cardio Kick at least 2 days
  
• 45m Yoga at least 1 day
  
• Eat at least 3 vegetarian meals (meatless monday)
  
• Eat out at most 3 times

Addicted to Fitness

I can now see why some people workout everyday. I've been running and biking so regularly lately that I actually miss it when I don't get to do it. I think I actually get cranky.

It is getting too hot out and it was supposed to rain today, so I did not bike my usual 4 miles to and from work. I came home early and took a nap, which seemed to energize me because I then went for a bike ride and caught up on some of my other exercises. Here is what I did today:

• 6-milie bike ride - 34:32 minutes - 224 calories
• Yoga Conditioning for Weight Loss - 45 minutes
• strength training: push ups, sit ups, planks, obliques

This is the longest I've ever ridden a bike (at least since I was a child). I've ridden 8 miles round trip to Target, but I had a break while I shopped. This was 6 miles straight and I felt like I could have done more.

I think instead of my "lift weight" goal, I am just going to change that to strength training because I think these should be enough to tone my upper body without having to lift weights and I am more likely to fit in some push ups than lift weights.

I think running and biking must help with flexibility because when doing yoga the last few times, I noticed I don't need to use the blocks as much in some of the poses because I can reach to the floor.

Progress update on this week's goals:

- Run 2.5 miles without walking [DONE]
- Bike at least 12 miles [6]
- Run/walk at least 10 miles [5.63]
- Lift weights Strength training at least 1 day [DONE]
- Yoga at least 1 day [DONE]
- Eat out at most twice [went to Sweet Tomatoes for Brunch on Sunday]

HYC Check In

For my HYC visitors, here is a list of my accomplishments since last week's check in (linked to relevant posts for details):

- Completed C25k (can run 30+ minutes straight - hope to run 5km on Sunday)
- Ran 2.5 miles yesterday in under 33 minutes
- Fit into a size 2 skirt (pants are still at least a 4)
- 20 lbs gone!
- Had another truly Meatless Monday yesterday (I need to write a post about this. I made tofu for the first time, and it was quite yummy)

Progress so far on this week's goals:

- Run 2.5 miles without walking [DONE]
- Bike at least 12 miles [none yet, maybe tonight]
- Run/walk at least 10 miles [5.63]
- Lift weights at least 1 day [none yet, maybe tonight]
- Yoga at least 1 day [none yet, maybe tonight]
- Eat out at most twice [went to Sweet Tomatoes for Brunch on Sunday]

Fitness Update (Take 2)

We just went for an 8 mile bike ride (round trip) to Target. It was great! I bought a new sports bra (for biking) and some sunglasses. Now we are off to Disney.

I'm going to start posting my updates on Saturdays/Sundays for the previous week, so they coincide with the calendar week. This will make it easier to post total miles I run/bike straight form the program I use that reads and organizes the data from my GPS watch. Below is an updated list of accomplishments for last week.

Accomplishments for week of 5/25 - 31:
- Completed my 3rd 5k
- Ran 30 minutes--C25k Week 9--without walking (3 times)
- Ran 2.31 miles without walking
- Ran/Walked 8.5 miles total
- Biked 16.83 miles total
- Fit into a size 2 skirt
- Lost 1 pound
- Met mini goal: 20 lbs lost

Fitness Update: -20 lbs in 120 days

Starting Weight: 152 (1/29/08)
Previous Weight: 133
Current Weight: 132
Weight Loss: -1
Total Loss: -20 in 120 days
Current Goal: 130
Lbs to go: 2

This has been a great week! I completed the C25K program (though I am redoing a few weeks to get up to the 3 miles mark), I fit into a size 2 skirt, and I lost another pound--meeting my mini goal of 20 pounds lost! That is incredible. To think, in early 2007 I was 160 lbs (probably more but that is the highest I have recorded). I was almost obese. To this day, I have no idea how this happened; but I vow never to let it happen again. I should check with my doctor and see what the highest weight she has recorded for me is. I bet it was higher than 160.

I mostly focused on the running this week and only got to ride my bike to work twice. I still neglected weight lifting and yoga, so I lowered that goal to just one day each this coming week. I should really be able to fit that in somewhere. I've been doing a bit of yoga before and after each run, but my body feels tired and really needs a full yoga session.

Accomplishments this week:
- Completed my 3rd 5k
- Ran 30 minutes--C25k Week 9--without walking (3 times)
- Ran 2.31 miles without walking
- Ran/walk 12.6 miles total
- Biked 9 miles total
- Fit into a size 2 skirt
- Lost 1 pound
- Met mini goal: 20 lbs lost

Goals for the upcoming week:
- Run 2.5 miles without walking
- Bike at least 12 miles
- Run/walk at least 10 miles
- Lift weights at least 1 day
- Yoga at least 1 day
- Eat out at most twice

HYC Check In

I have a lot to celebrate since last week's check-in. Below is a list of my accomplishments with links to the relevant posts for full details.

• I ran 2 miles straight on Wednesday
• I lost another 1.6 lbs, for a total of 19 in 113 days
• I completed my 3rd 5k on Saturday
• I ran 2.31 miles straight in 30:28 minutes yesterday
• I had a truely Meatless Monday yesterday
• I didn't eat out and cooked lots of yummy & healthy recipes

Other notable posts:

• Overcoming Challenges
• Blog Name Change
• Website review: Tweet What You Eat
• Website review: foodsel

Goals for the upcoming week:

• [DONE] Run 30 minutes without walking (C25K Week 9)
• [DONE] Run 2.25 miles without walking
• Bike 16-20 miles
• Run/walk a total of 5-10 miles
• Lift weights at least 2 days
  
• Yoga at least 2 days

Fitness Update: -19 in 113 days

Starting Weight: 152 (1/29/08)
Previous Weight: 134.6
Current Weight: 133
Weight Loss: -1.6
Total Loss: -19 in 113 days
BMI: 24.3
Current Goal: 130 (mini goal: 20+ total loss)
Lbs to go: 3 (1 to mini goal)

I finally show a substantial loss, and I didn't even work out that much this week. I guess it really is the muscle growth that is contributing to my non-loss, but I also ate a lot better this week. For the past 2 days I've been eating nothing but veggies and fruits for my snacks instead of sugary things or granola bars. I only ate out twice this week, both at Sweet Tomatoes and had one slice of pizza at Saturday's party.

I have my next 5K tomorrow morning. I am excited and nervous, as usual. The weather calls for rain, but I am hoping that won't start until after the race is over since it's called for rain all week and we've just had short scattered showers. My plans is to run between each mile marker or water stop, then walk for 1-2 minutes, then repeat this pattern until I reach the 3 mile marker and then I'll sprint to the finish. I really want to try to improve my time a little bit and finish under 40 minutes.

Accomplishments this week:
- Ran 28 minutes--C25k Week 8--without walking (3 times)
- Ran 2 miles without walking
- Ran a total of 5.86 miles (7.88 miles including walking)
- Biked a total of 11.74 miles
- Only ate out twice
- Ate lots of fruits and veggies
- Lost 1.6 lbs
- Workout Log
- Food Log

Goals for the upcoming week:
- Complete a 5k in under 40 minutes
- Run 30 minutes without walking (C25K Week 9)
- Run 2.25 miles without walking
- Bike 16-20 miles
- Run/walk a total of 5-10 miles
- Lift weights at least 2 days
- Yoga at least 2 days

HYC Check In

I don't have much to update since Friday's update. Since it was a pretty busy weekend, I didn't get much exercise other than my runs. I have not ridden my bike since last Thursday (wow), but I intend to ride 4 miles tomorrow.

Weekend and Nutrition
Jason leaves for the BABE Rally soon and we had a send-off party on Saturday. That means I didn't eat the best that day, but I didn't do too bad. I made a tray of veggies and healthy-ish crackers/chips with hummus (never you mind about that slice of pizza and handful of cheese puffs). I am hoping to not eat out again until after Jason returns next week. I also really want to start eating more veggies and fruits and less snacks made by nabisco (even if each pack is only 100 calories), so I went to the farmer's market this weekend and loaded up on all kinds of fruits and veggies. I keep meaning to make a fruit salad, but haven't gotten around to cutting up all that fruit yet. I did get some yogurt that was on sale at Publix last Friday and made some smoothies. Yum! Oh yeah, so I think I like yogurt now :) I think maybe I just had crappy yogurt or something before.

Running
I am up to 28 minutes of straight running and came very close on Saturday to running 2 miles (1.96 mi). I have W8D3 on Wednesday and I plan to run 2 miles regardless of if it takes me longer than the 28 minutes. At this point I am thinking of switching to distance and just increasing it by 1/4 mile each week until I reach 5k. If my calculations are correct, that would match up exactly with th 5K in June with the first 3 mile run being on that Sat.

5K on Saturday
I have a 5K this weekend and I am wrestling with what I want to get out of it. I will be running it alone, so I won't feel like I am competing with anyone. I wanted to try to run the whole thing, but I just don't think I am ready for that yet and don't want to rush it. So is it more important to run the whole thing or to throw a few minutes of walking here and there and try to better my time? I am thinking that trying to make it in under 40 minutes, even if I have to walk some, is an easier goal right now and my body will thank me later. We'll see how I feel come Sat a.m. I am leaning towards running most of it with a few walk breaks after each mile or so (or at water stops).

Goals
So here is a recap of my goals for this week:

• [DONE] Run 28 minutes without walking (C25K Week 8)
• Run 2 miles without walking [Almost there -- reached 1.96]
• Bike a total of 16-20 miles (~4/day)
• Run a total of 6 miles (~2/day) [3.86 down, 2.14 to go -- I'll be a little short, but that's ok]
• Light weights at least 2 days [I've really been slacking on this]
• Yoga at least 2 days [I really need to get in at least one long session, but I'm doing yoga pre and post running to warm up and stretch]
• Kickboxing at least 1 day [I think I may stop trying to fit this in. The running and biking takes up enough time, so I better focus on strength and flexibility training for now]

Fitness Update: no change

I weigh today the same as I did last week. I can't say I'm not disappointed, but at least I did not gain any weight. I did eat out 4 times last week (CPK, Longhorn, Perkins, and Sweet Tomatoes) so I shouldn't be surprised. I was just very active, so I was expecting some change.

Anyway, I took my measurements and I seem to have lost a few inches, so that is comforting. I really hate measurements because I feel I never do them consistently, but I think these are accurate. I was able to wear a pair of size 4 pants from Target yesterday, so that's definitely a win. So let's forget the scale and focus on my goals and accomplishments.

Goals for the upcoming week:
- Run 28 minutes without walking (C25K Week 8)
- Run 2 miles without walking
- Bike a total of 16-20 miles (~4/day)
- Run a total of 6 miles (~2/day - I have a 5k on Sat, so I will only run 3 days this week)
- Light weights at least 2 days
- Yoga at least 2 day
- Kickboxing at least 1 day

Accomplishments this week:
- Workout Log
- Food Log
- Ran 25 minutes--C25k Week 7--without walking (4 times)
- Ran 1.75 miles without walking (3 times)
- Ran a total of 6.95 miles (10.42 miles including walking)
- Biked a total of 21.84 miles
- Lifted weights twice
- Practiced Yoga 3 times

HYC Check In

Welcome to all the new readers from HYC! You can read about my journey so far in the archives. My weigh-in day is Thursday/Friday, so I'll post a mid-week fitness update for HYC on Tuesdays. This weekend was very busy and I ate out quite a bit, but I think I made ok choices (if we don't count all that chocolate). I was fairly active though, so I am hoping that will balance things out. I got new street tires for my bike and that makes a HUGE difference. It only took me 13 minutes to get to work today (it's usually 15-16).

Accomplishments so far this week:
- Ran 25 minutes without walking (3 times)
- Ran 1.75 miles without walking (twice)
- Ran 5.15 miles (7.68 miles including walking)
- Biked 12 miles (including the ride home today)
- 10 min weights on Sun
- 45 min of Yoga Sat, 20 min on Sun
- Swing dancing on Sat

Goals to meet before Thursday/Friday:
- Kickboxing at least 1 day
- Lift weights at least 1 more day
- Bike at least 4 more miles
- Run at least 1.75 - 2 more miles

Fitness Update: -17.4 lbs in 98 days

Starting Weight: 152 (1/29/08)
Previous Weight: 135.2
Current Weight: 134.6
Weight Loss: -.6
Total Lost: -17.4 lbs in 98 days
BMI: 24.6
Current Goal: 130 (mini goal: 20+ total loss)
Lbs to go: 4.6 (2.6 to mini goal)

Not a huge loss, but not bad considering it's that time of the month, I ate out several times last week (Buca di Beppo, Sweet Tomatoes twice, Disney) and went to a BBQ. I only rode my bike twice to and from work since the last weigh-in, but continued with my every other day runs (C25K). I've been slacking on weight lifting and yoga, so I need to pick that back up.

I joined the Healthy You Challange and Up for the Challenge to help me in my journey. It is great to hear about the success of others and share mine. I think I am also going to do this Virtual 5K and we may organize our own at the Couch to 5K Community. What a great idea!

I completed W6D2 of C25K yesterday, my last interval run. From here on out, I'll be doing increasingly longer runs from 25-30 minutes (and beyond until I reach 3.1 miles). I am excited and anxious.

I decided to keep track of weekly goals and accomplishments. So here goes the first installment.

Goals for the upcoming week:
- Run 25 minutes without walking (C25K Week 7)
- Run 1.5 - 1.75 miles without walking
- Bike at least 16 miles (4 days to/from work)
- Light weights at least 2 days
- Do yoga at least 1 day
- Do kickboxing at least 1 day

Accomplishments this week:
- Workout Log
- Food Log
- I weigh less than 135 lbs (I am no longer overweight)
- I fit into size 4/6 pants (down from 10/12)
- I can run a mile without walking
- I ran 20 minutes without walking (~ about 1.5 miles)
- I finished a 5K in less than 42 minutes (ran ~ 1/2 - 3/4 of the race)
- I continue to inspire people to start C25K or their own exercise program

Fitness Update: -16.8 in 91 days (3 mo)

Starting Weight: 152 (1/29/08)
Previous Weigh-in: 136.2
Current Weigh-in: 135.2
Weight Difference: -1
Total Weight Loss: -16.8 in 91 days (3 mo)
Current Goal: 130 lbs (5.2 lbs to go)

I am no longer overweight! Yay! Actually, I miscalculated and anything below 136.4 is normal for my height, albeit on the high end. Since I am so close to my 135 lbs goal (and I actually weighed less than that at one point this week), I'm setting a new goal of 130 lbs, with a mini goal of 20+ lbs total loss.

I think I may stop posting weigh-in updates (or do them less often when I show a significant loss or meet a goal); I need to put less stock in these now that I am more active and building muscle. I need to focus on inches instead and the fact that I can now wear size 6 pants (depending on the store, I can also wear size 2 and 4). I used to be a size 10/12 when I started this, so this is awesome.

My activity since last weigh-in: C25K 2mi run/walk every other day, 4mi bike 4 days, lift weights 2 days (I've been slacking on my strength training, so I need to do a bit more here).

Tomorrow is the next 5k at Epcot, and I am so ready! It will coincide with W5D3, in which I run 20 minutes straight. I am actually looking forward to this and a day at Disney afterwards.

Read W5D2 Update.

Fitness Update: -15.8 in 85 days

Starting Weight: 152 (1/29/08)
Previous Weigh-in: 136.4
Current Weigh-in: 136.2
BMI: 25

Weight Difference: -.2
Total Weight Loss: -15.8 in 85 days
Current Goal: 135 lbs (1.2 lbs to go)

Not much of a loss this week, but at least I did not put on any weight. I ate awful last weekend, so it would not have surprised me; I guess I made up for it with all the activity I did this week. I weighed myself before and after the run, and it seems I lost about 1/2 a pound just from this morning's workout. I also rode my bike to work today and to Waterford yesterday. I am feeling great!