Joining a website

So today I joined myfitnesspal.com, because I've been stuck on this plateau since about october where I can't break through 150 lbs. I seem to fluctuate from 150-155. So I'm going to start counting calories again and see if I can lose this last 20lbs. My friend Bekah uses this website and had good things to say about so I am going to try it out.

Also due to some leg pain I am taking a short break from running. This is the same place that started hurting in the summer that made it impossible to run for a month and I put all that weight back on. So erring on the side of caution I am avoiding in strenuous lower body exercises until I can walk without it aching. Still working out on the Wii even if its only 30 minutes and not high calorie burning.

Third times the charm

So I took a break from the Couch to 5k as anyone might notice. I still lost 15 pounds doing exercise on the Wii but life kept happening and my weight got stuck at 153.

Now I am restarting the C25K hoping that third times the charm. My motivation comes from both within and without. My within motivation is this lifelong dream of mine to be able to wear a bikini and Be HOT! A silly dream in the grand scheme of things but I have never been in good enough shape to even imagine putting a bikini on and going into public. I also want to be healthy...so far I have lost two uncles in the last 6 months one to a heart attack and another to cancer. With so many health problems and risks already, I want to give my body every chance to be able to fight for itself. My without motivation came from watching the Biggest Loser. Watching 450 pound people exercise and losing hundreds of pounds of weight really puts my own excuses to shame. If someone that large can do jumping jacks and run on the treadmill and lift weights, then what is my excuse.

So before I began this restart, I spent a week just walking the dog everyday. This is going to be the one exercise I get up and do everyday no matter what. It makes the dog happy and gives me a good start to my day. In addition, I have been doing some OnDemand workouts with Jillian Michaels one of the trainers from BL. Today was my first day of week 1 on C25k. Wait til I give you the run down on it.

The story begins with a snappy 28 degrees of weather and a slightly frigid breeze. Brr...that is cold. I started out by walking the dog around the neighborhood takes 20-30 minutes to get all the way around without backtracking. I made sure to be nice and bundled up for the walk, but by the time we got back I was toasty under my three layers of tops, scarf, toboggan, and armwarmers (I hate gloves/mittens so I buy these instead...I may look like a hobo but I love them.). I dropped the dog off at the house and fed him, before taking off for W1D1. I left the scarf and armwarmers at the house since I was already hot from the dog walk. 8 out of 8 sprints!!! On the first day! I was so proud of myself.

My goal is to keep with this so that by the end of February I will have completed all 12 weeks and be in top running form. I plan to weigh in on Sundays so I'll update my blog with my new weight on those days. Say goodbye body fat...I will defeat you!

Week 1.5 of Couch to 5k

So as I had already decided last week, I am going to do one more week of week one of  the C25k program.

By the way, here is a website that started it all- http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml (don't click any of the links just scroll to the bottom for the program. Additionally, you can check out this website that has links to different podcasts and other information about the program. http://www.c25k.com/

So on to my description of Day 1 Week 1.5, I almost made it through all 8 60s sprints!!! A car came by at during the last one and I had to step into a driveway since there are no sidewalks in my neighborhood. So 7 2/3 of 8 is not to0 shabby considering last Wednesday it took everything I had to get through 5 sprints. The last two though I had to keep repeating as I ran "I CAN DO IT! I CAN DO IT! I CAN DO IT!"  My ode to the little engine that could. Positive thinking was all that kept me motivated when my legs were dragging like lead weights, sweat was pouring from orifices that I did not need to know I had, and I felt like I was running through sludge. It was like those dreams where you are running and running with all you have, but you don't seem to be getting anywhere. Then, again I may be the only one who had those dreams :P. 

I also wanted to include a few websites that might be helpful if you are interested in getting healthier which I strongly encourage everyone to do. One you can get to from the BetterU (red thing at the top of left of the blog). For those teachers out in Rutherford County it will contain something familiar-SMART goals! Basically each week you do a little course to learn more about getting healthy took me like 5 minutes, set a SMART Goal (Specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and in a time frame for those non-RCS employees). Then you set a reward for attaining that goal. My goal this week is to do 30 minutes of physical activity everyday this week (since I got close last week I feel this is possible). My reward which is specific to me is that I will go and buy myself a new book at Barnes and Noble (I have a coupon, Matt!).

This program is sponsored by the American Heart Association. Since heart disease and stroke are the No 1 cause of death in women, you might want to think about getting heart healthy. 

Also livestrong.com has a ton of resources to help you out. I use the daily plate to keep up with my calories, track my weight, and body measurements, and I took the running dare which I  use to track my running goals. Lots of articles and information there to help you out.

Remember the power of positive thinking is what got me through today's runs so if you think you can't do it I challenge you to go read The Little Engine that Could. Then set your self a SMART goal and a reward and get cracking.

Couch to 5k Day 2

So yesterday I did my second day of the Couch to 5k program. I made one more 60s sprint than on Monday before I was so physically exhausted that I could not do it anymore.

So Day 2 stats... 5 of 8 60s sprints, but finished the time by walking the rest of the way. Not losing any weight yet but I have been somewhat yo-you eating. Did a good job on Monday, on Tuesday was 700 calories over my goal, on Wednesday I hardly ate any calories at all. So going to have to work on that.

Matt's going out of town for the next 2 1/2 weeks. It would be pretty awesome if when he came back I was in noticeably better shape. :))

Goal today: Exercise on the WiiFit and Try to eat at least 3 meals today but still stay with in my calorie goals for loosing weight.

Day One

Today I started the Couch Potato to 5k journey....I am using "Podcasts for Running." I made it around the block (1.3miles) by halfway through the program, but could not do the last four 60s sprints. I was out of breath, my calves were burning, I was dripping in sweat, and I felt like I was moving in slowmo. 

Agh...I'm 26 and I'm in the worst shape of my life. I am 5'4" and I weigh 165 lbs. For those of you who say oh that's not so bad...my BMI is 28.7....normal is 22. So I am very close to becoming obese. I feel fat when I barely fit into my size 12 jeans.

My husband and I want to try to have kids but between the weight and stress, my cycles have become increasingly irregular. Day 80 of my cycle right now and despite 2 PT's I am just not pregnant. So I am trying to get healthy before I have a baby or to have a baby I guess.

Along with the running, I plan on walking the same block every evening with the dog and my husband. I also work out on my WiiFit everyday. In addition I am going to start watching what I eat. I don't eat terribly unhealthy. I like chocolate and sweets but I would rather have some fruit or berries. I don't drink soft drinks because of IBS. No my problem with food is portion control. Learning to eat one serving instead of three is my goal.

So you can take this journey with me or just read my regales of attempting to get healthy.