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: