Getting Down with the Sickness

For the past few days, I've been fighting a nasty chest cold. For anyone that doesn't know, chest colds can play nasty havoc on working out. I did manage to go for a nice run last Friday before it all kicked in. I was able to run a lot more than I expected, and was on the track for about 45 minutes.

I'm feeling a lot better today, although I've still got a bit of a cough. I'm hoping to take it easy tonight and get on the treadmill for a little while - at least until I can't stop coughing..LOL

I reached a huge milestone this week - I finally dropped below the 240lbs mark. It seems like for the past few years, I'd always get stuck at 240lbs and then end up giving up. Well, this week, I kicked that little road block up the ass and weighed in at 238lbs!

I'm really happy, and now I feel like that's been the hardest road block for me to get over - it's all easy sailing from here. It's definately true what they say about getting into a new habit. It has now become second nature for me to check all food labels, buy low-fat, whole grain, or fat-free products, and mentally record everything that goes into my mouth.

So, a lot of people have asked me why things are so different this time. How do I know I'm not just going to fall off the wagon again? I have to say, I wouldn't have gotten this far if it wasn't for my amazing hubby. He has been so good at supporting me through this. The big difference is that this isn't a diet for me - we have literally changed our entire lifestyle. All of the food that I buy is for everyone, and all of the healthy meals I cook are for everyone. It really helps keep things easy to deal with. Planning my menu each week is something I actually look forward to. I make a weekly trip to the grocery store and ONLY buy what's on my list. I've also realized that I can't eat "diet" food all day every day. There are going to be times that I eat something that isn't healthy for me, I'm going to go to a restaurant and eat too much, I'm going to have a candy bar once in a while - and the best part to all of it is the understanding that it's ok. My biggest set back in the past was giving up after my first falter. If I ate something I wasn't supposed to, I'd admit defeat and just give up. I don't feel that way anymore. I look at things differently, now. It's not cheating, it's living!! I can enjoy the joys of unhealthiness once in a blue moon - and I don't feel guilty about it. I plan accordingly, I make sure I enjoy every bite of satisfaction associated with it, and then I work out extra the next day.

My new exercise interest is now running. I'm not really sure why I like it so much - and it's not at all easy - but I really find enjoyment out of running. It may be the hype that I've created for myself surrounding the 5K that I'm going to run in a few weeks...LOL This morning, I joined a local running group, so every weekend I will be running with a few people. I really like that idea cause I feel like I'm committing myself a little more because there are people that are relying on me to show up. Also, it will help having people keeping a pace for me to go by. My first run is this Saturday - so I'll have to update on how that goes.

Till next time. :)

First 5K Here I Come!!

I know, I know, it's been almost a month since I've posted - I'm bad, what else can I say. I do bring news of continued success though - so cut me some slack on that.

Things have been going great the past few weeks. I've accomplised several mini milestones, and increased my workout and activity. My eating remains to be on target - and I'm feeling on top of the world.

I recently went to an Oscar Party and shopping for the event was quite an ordeal. It was terrible trying to find a "fat girl" dress among the aisles of beautiful gowns. Store after store I roamed, not finding any dresses in my size. Depsite not being able to find any dresses, I decided to pick up a couple pairs of pants that were on clearance. I deliberately bought them a size too small, so that I would have some "inspiration pants" to work myself into. I was so tired of wearing sweats or elasticated waists that I thought it would be good motivation to get into the smaller, cuter pants.

Well, after several hours, I finally found a little boutique that had 1 or 2 dresses in my size. I just couldn't believe it when I tried them on...both of them were TOO BIG!! WAY TOO BIG!! I almost fell over I was in so much shock. We tryed a size smaller, it fit - but was a little loose!! I went one size down again, and that was a little too snug but did zip up. I was in total shock.

As soon as I got home, I decided to try on the motivation pants. Would you believe that not only did they fit - they were TOO BIG, and I had to wear a belt with them??!! Hallalujah!!! Finally I got to see some major progress.

The next day, I rushed out and bought a new pair pants in a size smaller, and they fit perfectly - so I had to buy another pair of motivation pants in the size down from that one. So, what does that look like in numbers?

Before dieting - size 22-24 (mostly 24)

Size now - 18!!!

With the progress I've been making, I've decided to dedicate myself to running a competitive 5K race at the end of April. I know it's not going to be easy, but I'm so determined to do it that the determination is fueling me to work out, work out, and work out some more. I'm now up to working out 5-6 hours a week (an hour a day). I'm walking 5 miles a night or jogging 2-3 miles. I am also doing strenth training an hour a week or 2 days at 30 minutes. I don't know where I managed to find the time to workout so much - but I did, and I am. I've found that my schedule and food planning has really been a life saver in all of this. It's so true when all those diet gurus talk about writing everything down. I don't jot down everything I eat, but I sure do plan EVERYTHING!!

Here's a couple of progress pics. The first one is me in December of 2009, and the second one is me 2 weeks ago: