A Retrospective Look

Hello everyone!  I have met some great new “friends” in a wonderful group, Commitment Week on facebook, some of which, have checked out this blog.  So, I thought, why not recap the year, what got me here, what worked for me, what didn’t, and my progress.  I also noticed, that I am almost 1 year away from when I started my journey into redefining myself, by starting the C25K program.  So… here’s a look back at my year.

In July 2010, I moved across the country with my dog, to live with my boyfriend.  I am 37, and this is the first time in my life I have lived with a boyfriend.  It has been an interesting year, but I am very happy, and we have added a dog to our family.  He is a huge 110 lb 1 1/2 year old puppy, but, we love him, lol.  In June 2010, I got an IUD, which, honestly, came with about 20 lbs.  When I moved, I was unemployed until October.  So, that gave me a lot of time to do nothing but sit around.  I realized I was heavier than I had ever been, around 220 lbs.  I had no energy, and was easily out of breath just going up the stairs.  I remember emailing my friends about wanting to change, and be accountable, and lose weight.  That I was unhappy with myself, and needed to do this!  Here is an excerpt from that email:  “Hello ladies!!  I know we’ve all talked about this… but I had a moment of disgust the other day, that may actually be my motivator… I am unhappy with my body and weight.  I currently weigh more than I ever have, and am running low on clothes that fit well.  Out of protest I am refusing to buy new stuff, and going to work on getting back to a healthier weight.”  Well, luckily, my one friend in town Karen, offered to meet me for a walk at a nearby park.  My friend Kristina met me a few times to do exercise videos.  Well, on that walk, Karen and I talked about getting healthy.  She did not have weight loss goals (lucky girl), but wanted to be healthier.  Somehow, we talked about running a 5k “someday”.  So… we researched like we always do, and settled on the C25k app for the iPhone.

On August 16, 2010, her and I met at that park, and started C25k.  Looking back at those run notes, they were full of “ow, exhausted, this is tough” comments.  But, sprinkled in there were, “but I did it” statements.  Running for 60 seconds seemed like a horrible form of torture.  But, I met her each and every time, and we persevered.  I will honestly say, it was around week 4 that I started to feel like a runner.  We ran our first 5k October 16, 2010 for the American Heart Association.  This race was special for so many reasons, one, it was held at the park we did our training at, two, it was their inaugural run, and ours.  We ran it in about 42 minutes, as a promise to ourselves, we crossed that finish line together.  It felt amazing crossing the finish line, even though my legs felt numb.  After that, unfortunately, we slacked.  Work and the holidays got in the way.  We met for the annual Santa Run, but were out of practice, and the track was horribly laid out, so we walked it.  It was Christmas, I saw pictures of myself, and was amazed at how bad I looked.  I was HUGE.  I was fed up, something had to give.

January 9, 2011, I developed a plan.  I joined the gym down the street, for $12 a month, I dusted off the kitchen scale, I bought a journal.  I weighed myself and took my measurements (these can be found in the measurements tab).  I started measuring EVERY single thing I ate.  I wrote EVERYTHING down, EVERYTHING.  That journal went everywhere with me.  I started planning my meals, cooking several at a time, and informed my boyfriend that the only junk food allowed in the house would be the stuff I don’t eat, so I wasn’t tempted.  (I won’t lie, he has been insanely supportive).  I set a 1200 calorie limit.  I didn’t cheat.  I finally talked to my brother about recipes (he is a chef that is all about the healthy eating, organic, etc stuff, so yes, it was an advantage that some don’t have, but, it helped, and for the record, I still don’t eat all organic.  PS: his site is www.chefwillv.com (shameless plug)).  For 4 months, no sweets, no fries, I think we only went out to dinner once.  I was still afraid that if I went to a restaurant, I would go off the deep end.  I set a rewards plan and a goal weight.  I took my shoe addiction, and put it to good use.  No new shoes.  I could only buy a pair of shoes when I lost 10 lbs (running sneakers did not count, they are necessary).  I started going to the gym 3 days a week, running 3 days.  I was on fire, and it showed!!  I would shop for my next pair of 10 lbs lost shoes!!

A coworker of mine had this nifty gadget called a fitbit (www.fitbit.com).  I researched it, and invested in it the beginning of February.  That device was very helpful.  I began logging my food on the site, and got breakdowns of my meals, carb/fat/protein breakdown, and, being able to keep an eye on my calorie intake throughout the day helped me plan the evening better.  I logged exercise time.  This thing even logs my sleep patterns.  I learned I was a restless sleeper who maybe averaged 3 1/2 hrs a night.  I started taking natural remedies for sleep.  I started running again.  Our next 5k was the March Cirque du Soleil 5k.  If you live in Vegas, you must one day do this race.  Running to the finish line with the Cirque characters…. so worth it!!

My friend and I created our own running group, Team Edge of Madness (shameless plug: we are on FB and Twitter), and started signing up for races.  We both knew if we committed to a race, we would train for it.  To date, I have run 10 5k races.  I am going to run my first ever 10k next weekend, a 9/11 memorial 9.11k and of course, round out my year with the AHA 5k again.  There is the possibility to squeeze a few more 5k runs in there.  Our team now includes our friend Kristin, and some of our East Coast friends (we are both from PA).  Our team has registered to run the Tinker Bell Half Marathon (the first ever Tinker Bell Half, and it is woman centered), seems fitting, for our first ever half marathon.  Despite Jen’s efforts to get me into a costume or tutu, I am not wearing any crazy get up.  This race is huge for me, I never wanted to run a half marathon, or thought I could, this will be a culmination of a year and a half of change and growth, a celebration of myself, a strong and wonderful woman.

My weight, well, I am at 181 as of today, have lost INCHES!  And, have committed that if I lose 3 lbs before Aug 12, I am wearing a bikini in Puerto Rico.  I am 16 lbs from my initial goal weight of 165.  Once I am there, I will assess my body, and see if I need to lose more, or maintain that weight.

Just to let you know… it wasn’t easy.  From May-mid July, I plateaued at 184.  I also changed jobs at the end of may, which changed up my schedule.

So, I used the Benedict-Harris method to determine caloric needs, and have increased my calories to 1430, increased my run distance, and changed up some routines.  3 lbs gone.  I hate the gym, hate it.  So, am slowly building a home gym, and honestly, do more running and yoga than anything else, those two things make me happy.  The gym and squats, not so much.  Remember to stop and reevaluate from time to time, especially if you plateau, you may just need a few tweeks.

Thank you all for reading… best of luck in your journey, and please, any questions, comments, concerns… ASK AWAY!!!

PS: I read once: plateaus are practice for the rest of life, AFTER you meet your goal weight.  It makes them a little less annoying.

My First 6 Miler….

Well, today, I ran my first 6 mile route.  I RAN 6 MILES!  Ok… so, let me tell you, planning this all week, I was super excited.  Woz figured out a 6 mile route on googlemaps, we drove it to make sure… I was ready to do this.  So… went to bed early last night, and by 5:15 am, couldn’t sleep anymore, lol.  I put on my comfy run shorts, my favorite running socks, blister balm to be safe, and the new sneaks.  Put a couple dollars and some sports beans in the shorts pocket, just in case.  So… a little after 6am, I headed out.  Here is my analysis of the 6 miles:

Mile 1: never the best, body adjusting to running vs sleeping, trying to find the groove.

Mile 2: Sprinklers are the best thing ever…. so is running through them!!  In the groove, and feeling good.

Mile 3: in the direction I chose, get some direct sun, definitely drank more water here….

(around 3-3.5 miles I was really low on water, stopped at the gas station and bought a bottle)

Mile 4: started to really feel it, my body was fully awake and not happy with me… I could hear it saying “What the F?!  Why??”  And I kept saying to myself, you can do this, you are more than halfway done, and you are strong enough to do this.

Mile 5: A little easier, back in my groove, and realizing, this is farther than I have ever run at one time, and feeling pretty proud of myself.  And I am telling myself: you have now run 5 miles before some people even got out of bed.  You are amazing!

Mile 6: Well, what they say is true… adrenaline kicks in.  I am tired, hot, sweaty… but, the end is in sight.  At 5.5 miles, I was ON FIRE!!  Taking on the world, and nailed my last half mile.

I did learn, that at some point, you will inhale a bug… it’s unavoidable… lol.

All in all…. it was a good run, for my first run, I stayed at just under 12 min/mile pace.  Looking at my nike plus, my line is pretty straight, meaning, I kept the pace pretty steady.  This makes me feel pretty good.  I for the most part, stuck with a 4 min run, 1 min walk pace.  At some point between miles 4 and 5, I switched to 3.5 run, 1.5 walk.  Then, ran the last 1/2 mile.

This week will be 2.5, 2.5, 5….

I learned something today, actually, maybe, reinforced something today, I AM A RUNNER!  And, I LOVE IT!

 

Remember…. things change.

So, as you are all aware, my friends and I are going to be or are sort of already training for a half marathon.  I have been gradually increasing my miles, and for the first time ever, ran 4.5 miles this past weekend.  I am planning on hitting 6 miles this weekend, and am actually excited about it!  Well, with all this increased mileage, weight lost, etc… I thought, hmm, perhaps I should visit the running store, and see if my shoes are still the right shoe for me.  Everything you read tells you how important this is… and well, run in the wrong shoes, and you know it.

Today after work, I stopped at The Village Runner in Henderson, NV.  I am SO glad I went.  The gentleman that helped me out (I feel bad I didn’t get his name) was super helpful and very friendly.  His huge belt buckle read: 100 miles, 30 hours.  Yep, I have the right guy helping me out!  He asked what I was looking for.  So, I gave him my story: in 2008 I went to a running store, did the gait analysis, and was told this type of shoe is good.  (I have been running in Mizuno Wave Inspire ever since).  I explained  that I stopped running, and started back up last October, and that since then, have continued to purchase the newest model of the inspire.  I explained I am now 30 lbs lighter, and looking to increase my mileage, and run a half marathon.  His response: take off your sneakers and let me see them.  He stared at the wear pattern on the soles, then asked me to walk away from him and toward him (numerous times).  He was silent then said:  This is not good.  My first thought: oh crap… my gait is bad, I am a bad runner, etc.  He said, well, their are 3 types of runners (in general): 15% heel strike on the outside and stay there, that is fine.  About 10% strike mid, and stay mid.  The rest, unfortunately, strike out and move in (over pronation).  This causes ankle stability problems, and could cause knee problems.  They make sneakers that help keep your foot from turning in, with solid arch support.  Ok… and, what does all this mean for me?  Well… turns out, that is the kind of sneaker I have.  The bad news… I am pretty close to a perfect, mid strike runner.  So, my shoe wasn’t letting my foot do it’s thing.  Well…. this explains that annoyed feeling my feet get with that arch support, and the nagging outer knee ache.

He tells me that when I was heavier, I may have had that over pronation concern, weak ankles, etc.  But, losing weight, running more, and exercising can improve my stability, and in turn, help my gait.  So, after trying on 3 pairs, I stuck with Mizuno, light, airy, and super comfortable, also, built for women, unlike some shoes that are built for a man and resized for a woman.  Now, I have Mizuno sneaks that will let my foot fall pretty close to perfect.  :)

Honestly, I wasn’t going to run again until Saturday morning’s 6 miler, but I may do a short 0.5-1 mile tonight, just to test out the new sneaks.

What to take from this: things change, your weight, gait, stride, running style…. and it is good to get these things reanalyzed… especially when you are changing up the current plan!  I will return to the Village Runner…. and let everyone I know that runs how happy I am with them!

Crossing the line to official runner…

well… it happened.  My friends Karen, Kristin and I have agreed to do the Disney half marathon January 29, 2012.  HOLY CRAP… I am going to run 13.1 miles…. unreal!!  Now to start researching shoes, clothes, training programs, hydration, etc, etc, etc…. WE CAN DO THIS!

New workout

Tried a combination of the pear and curvy workouts… lots of new muscles hurting today… TRY THESE OUT!  I have FOUND my triceps!!

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/workout-routines-by-body-type

Must blog more….

Geez… it’s been over a month?  Really?!  Sorry!!  I really must blog more.  So… first some updates:

I have lost 30 lbs to date, I have also lost 2″ from my bust, 2.25″ from my waist, 3.5″ from ea thigh, and 4″ from my waist; and about 7% body fat.  Not so bad… even with the less than stellar effort I have put forth since the beginning of April.

I have been consistent with my running, and have improved to a 10:40 mile, well, on flat surfaces… the super hilly 5k we just did, had a pace of 11:15.  Not too bad… Karen and I have downloaded the couch to 10k app, and will be starting that training in July… gulp.  I have been running at least one 5k per month, sometimes more, and Kristin and Karen are GREAT running buddies!!

I have been eh in going to the gym.  I am making it about 1x a week.  Not good.  I could give you tons of excuses why… but that is all they are, excuses.  As I am writing this… I am committing to get up and go tomorrow morning.

I am going to try doing “two a days” doing gym or short runs in the am, meet Karen in evening to run, or yoga.  That way I am keeping my metabolism and body moving more often!  Thanks to Groupon, I will be doing 30 days of unlimited classes at one gym, 10 dahn yoga classes, AND 30 days at a climbing gym.  I CANNOT WAIT!

Also… I started a new job (one of my gym excuses).  The schedule is amazing… I just need to restart my brain on getting up at 5 am to get there.

I LOVE my new job!  I am working for the state university at their cooperative extension, as a program officer for a grant that addresses childhood obesity.  Even with the learning process, training, etc… I enjoy it every day!  I again have freedoms, like flexible schedule, leaving my desk/office whenever I want (as long as my work gets done), it feels great!  My business cards came today!!  SWEET!

So… I reset my ideal weight, and, with 30 lbs lost, have 3o more to go!  No problem!!  I fly home next week to see friends and family, and to get my zen on at a yoga retreat with Jen.  Her and I are SO looking forward to this weekend helping us refocus.  I am also looking forward to the relaxation!!

What else… what else… oh!  I lost my fitbit… and seriously, am going through some hardcore withdrawal!  Thanks to a gift card from Karen, I will be repurchasing one, after I return from my trip.  (My luck I would lose it while travelling!).  I recently celebrated a birthday… with my wonderful man, and great friends!  I got a grill, that has been getting it’s workout daily, some yummy smelling lotions, and some great gift cards.  Rode the zipline, went to the greatest arcade bar EVER… had some great food, and made great memories!

Well… I think that about sums up my life the past two months.  My promises to you: workout 3 days a week minimum.  Run at least 5 days.  Hike that mountain weekly.  Yoga once a week, at least.  I will check in at the gym on twitter, so it posts here… and you all can hold me accountable.  I will blog more.  Give you updates on health, my exercise, running, etc.  Enough slacking… let’s knock out this other 30 lbs already!!

Love yas!

 

I Am Alive…

… and doing well!  I cannot believe it has been almost 2 months since my last blog.  Unreal!  Time flies!!!  Well, I am happy to report I am down a total of 25 lbs as of 5/1/11.  Halfway to my first goal!  So much has happened, I do not know where to start…

First, I was so lucky to spend a wonderfully fabulous 4 days with some of the greatest people on earth!  Two of my East Coast besties!!  They came to town with another friend, to celebrate a mutual friend’s birthday here in Vegas (Karen, my running buddy).  Well, let’s just say with them in town, and the plans we had…. I wasn’t expecting a great week in the weight loss department.  However, I ate well, and we walked and hiked and walked some more…. the result: lost weight.  On VACATION!  SWEET!!!!  I also felt renewed, refreshed and ready to tackle the world.

Then, a friend of mine, we’ll refer to her as Kristin… realized that she can easily convince my competitive side into doing almost anything…. the result: three 5k races in three weeks.  Now mind you, on March 19th I completed the Cirque Du Soleil 5k with a new time of 35:42.  So, sure, three more, why not, I will only be working 12 days straight before the first one, trying to finalize a semester, have a life… sure.  So… the first race was the Las Vegas 5k, April 23rd.  I set a new PR: 34:11!  I was amazed.  Turns out, race two, the Autism 5k, was not timed. My nike app tells me that with 20 mph winds, I completed 3.3 miles in 35:52, not too bad, especially since I hadn’t run all week.  This coming Saturday, May 7th, is the Susan G Komen race… I am looking forward to that one!  Then Karen said…. hmm, Ange, competitive, challenges…. and stated out loud (on facebook), I think I may train for a 10k.  Why yes, running buddy from day one, I would LOVE to train with you…. can we wait until the semester ends?  So, mid-May, 10k training begins!

So, as a return favor… I have challenged those two to complete a Muddy Buddy Race and the Scavenger Hunt 10k.  All we need is one more buddy… as the two are done in teams of two!  So HA to them…. now they will run obstacle courses, do silly acts, ride a bike, and crawl in mud.  AND I AM SO EXCITED to crawl in mud!!

So… eating is going well, trying new recipes, bought a crockpot (and fell in love with it), and making healthy choices when dining out.  I am not as strict as I was at the beginning, but still doing very well.  Exercise, well, the past two weeks has been scarce, but tomorrow I submit my final paper, and then the semester ends and I can regain control of my schedule…. YEAH!

Some distractions: dog injuries: Brinx cut his ear, needed to get it cauterized, Mia hurt her tail, that seems to be healing on it’s own…. those silly siblings!  But, both are happy, healthy, and sleeping soundly at my feet!  Love the buggers… they are great running buddies!!

That’s about my world right now…. thanks for the support, even with the delayed posts!  Love ya!!

PS: 20 lbs, looks like beautiful Steve Madden Black open toed wedges…. When I am back home in June, getting my back tattoo finished and the friends tattoo with Mike and Jen…. fun rewards for hard work!!

These shoes were made for walking….

Sorry I went MIA for a bit, life got hectic.  Anyway…. what does 10.4 lbs look like, well… it looks like this:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes folks, on Feb 24th I hit 10.4 lbs lost, so that weekend, was joined by Kristin and Karen to go to DSW and buy the first new pair of shoes.  Since then, I am down a total of 12.6 lbs.  Well on my way to my goal weight.  I am doing a weights routine 2-3 times a week, and those days, I walk the dogs about 1-2 miles.  Then atleast 2 days a week, and if I am lucky 3 days, I run.  I am thinking I may actually do short runs with the dogs on workout days, and just run 5 days a week total.  I love how I feel when I run… strange feeling, lol, but my mind is empty when I run, for that short time, I feel a sense of calm.  I love working out, and feel restless the days I don’t.  I keep tweaking my routines to get what I truly want.

Other than that… things are going well… trying to find that balance between work/school/exercise/life…. not always easy!  I am going to start bugging workforce at my office to get a better schedule and two days off in a row… I think that will help my sanity, and help me feel less frazzled overall.  I will be able to better plan for school work, exercising, cooking, and hanging out with friends.

By the way, on the shoes, I wrote the date and the amount of weight lost.  It will be my reminder of how far I have come.  If I keep going at my current rate, I will be pretty close to my goal weight by my birthday, and should most likely hit it by the end of July.  Look at world!!  I will look amazing in the two weddings I am in (but nowhere near as beautiful as the brides)… feel more confident, and be able to fit into more clothes in my closet!!

Sorry this is a short one… but I am off to do laundry and other chores before I go to celebrate a friend’s birthday (and stay within my calorie allotment for the day)….

 

Stay tuned….

 

Learning to listen

Ok, so this week has been eye opening for me.  I am realizing, that, the most important thing in this weight loss journey is listening to your body and your mind.  Continuously pushing yourself will lead to burn out.  This is not to say, don’t push yourself, but, to be reasonable.  I had a migraine ALL day Monday, while working a 10 hour day.  By the time I got home, my whole body hurt, and I wanted to curl up and cry.  Tuesday was my day off.  I still felt off, and out of it.  It took all my energy to clean up the dog mess in the backyard.  All I kept saying all day is, get it together, you have yoga at 6 and the dogs to walk.  Finally, I gave in.  I didn’t make it to yoga, and the dogs didn’t get a walk.  I sat down, I relaxed.  My body thanked me, and Wednesday morning, was back at the gym!  Mentally, I felt better as well.  It was worth the day off.  So… I have learned, listen to what your body is saying, or it will revolt.  The past few weeks, I worked tons of overtime, and barely worked out… my body told me about it.  I have now decided that my two days off, Tuesdays and Saturdays, I will not work out.  I will most likely walk the dogs, but to me, that is not a workout.  Some Tuesdays, I will make it to yoga.  Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, I will be at the gym, lifting weights, and running or using the elliptical.  A good compromise, I feel.  And one I think my body agrees with as well.

I have also realized this week, really how my mindset is changing with this lifestyle change.  We learned that Five Guys is finally coming to Vegas… let me tell you, I used to LOVE their fries and burgers.  My first thought when I heard that… dear god… the amount of time I would have to workout to burn off that meal?!  Then, later that same day, it was mentioned that Shamrock Shakes are out… another weakness (if my brother is reading this, yes, I know, really, I know).  My first thought… more time running/lifting weights, and for what?  Before, I would not have cared.  Now, when I crave something sweet, I try to find a healthy low calorie option, and not waste my calories on something that will burn me out quickly.  I am eating fresh fruit and vegetables every chance I get, lean meats, and even fewer carbs.  This is all so new to me!!  And it’s not, oh, crap, more vegetables, I actually love them, I love learning new ways to cook these things to make them something I will enjoy, and prefer that over junk!  We went out to dinner, they had a make your own nachos option.  I chose spinach nacho chips, the better of the cheese options, pico de gallo, lettuce, avocado, grilled chicken, black beans.  I took something traditionally insanely unhealthy, made them a little healthier, and delicious!  Tonight’s dinner was my brother’s recipe for chicken with mustard cream sauce.  It was so good!  It was served with a side of asparagus that was mixed with olive oil and salt and pepper, then roasted, and roasted fennel bulb.  I have never eaten fennel, but did promise my brother years ago, that I would try things, at least once, since he completed culinary school.  It was boiled, then roasted with olive oil and salt and pepper, then towards the end, parmesan cheese was melted on it.  I will definitely be eating fennel again!!

Overall, my workouts are going well.  I currently have 3 different weight routines, and am working on my running and doing some elliptical time.  I also of course… walk the dogs… and they love it!!  As do I.  I really enjoy working out.  I am even beginning to tackle the “scary” gym machines, lol.  I decided to finally try the assisted chin up machine, and wish I had tried it sooner.  A great upper body workout.  I have left the hip adducter/abducter machines by the wayside, and now use the cuff and the universal to work those muscle groups, as well as others.  I secretly enjoy being one of the few girls that ventures into the free weight area.  Yes, I am changing, and I love it.

As my treat for the insane amounts of overtime, I am going Tuesday for a new haircut, color, and ‘do… cannot wait!  Then, Woz and I are doing a day after Valentine’s Day dinner at Veloce at the M.  Yes, that day will be an off day for meals.

The fitbit has been great… I find myself wanting to do more to bump up my numbers, lol.  One night, I was in bed, realized I was 50 steps away from 12,000 steps, and SO wanted to get out of bed, walk downstairs and back upstairs, just to hit 12,000.  Woz thought I was crazy… it keeps me on track with my activity as well as my eating.  I am working on ways to improve my sleep, as that is horrible!  I am going to try tryptophan, since melatonin and I do not get along.  I will hopefully start sleeping better, and my energy levels will skyrocket!

I also need to focus on better employment… and I know, that with patience, perserverence, and time, it will happen!!

So… weighing in tomorrow… will post the results.

 

Love yas~

 

One lb further….

Ok, let’s just start this by saying this week was rough for me.  I worked tons of overtime, didn’t sleep well, and managed to walk the dogs Sunday and Friday, and worked out today.  I for the most part watched what I ate, but not as closely as I have in the past.  I still lost one pound and one percent body fat.  Not bad at all!!!  Total weight loss so far: 6.8 lbs… 3.2 to go till a new pair of shoes!!  Steadily, I am doing this!!  Today, I ran on the treadmill for 30 minutes.  I have not run for 30 minutes in quite some time, and felt amazing finishing that!!  2.65 miles in 30 minutes… yeah!!  Then, on to 30 minutes of weightlifting.  Then, home to walk the dogs around the neighborhood.  It is 2:30 pm, and I have already covered 5 miles (according to lil fitbit).

I love how I feel when I work out… it’s a great feeling, of accomplishment, of energy, of self respect… who’da thunk it?!  So, this week, my off day will be Monday.  I have agreed for some reason to work OT again, so am working 8-6:30.  So, every other day, will be workout days… 3 days of weight, 6 days of cardio, 6 days of dog walks!!

Well, Mr. Brinx is adjusting well to his new family, and new lifestyle… he loves going for walks, and for the most part, behaves.  Unfortunately, most people in this neighborhood suck at cleaning up after their dogs, so we stop often to smell everything…. seriously, clean up after your dogs!!!  The weather has been great here… it’s beautiful most days!!

So, one area of concern: sleep.  According to this fitbit, I sleep about 4 1/2 hours a night, total.  I awaken about 14 times a night.  Well… I knew I slept like crap, but wow, that is not good!!  So, I need to look at ways to improve sleep.  If I can achieve this much on 4 1/2 hours of sleep, imagine what I can do if I sleep 6 or more hours?!

So, Jen posted her journal entry from her first day on couch to 5k…. I wasn’t journaling at that time, but I distinctly remember feeling like dying.  Karen and I started at the Mountain’s Edge Park, and were doing the loop…  it was 60 seconds of walking and 90 seconds of jogging for a total of 20 minutes.  It was torture… my shins hurt, my knees ached, I couldn’t breathe, it was horrible.  But, 2 days later, I did it again, and again, and again.  And, October 16th, I ran a 5k.  Sadly, after that, I slowed down again… but have recently started running again, and wow have I missed it!!  I am back on the running course, and addicted, with one 30 minute run.  I proved to myself that my body could do it, and now, I will continue to let it!!

Well, I am off to tackle some laundry before I meet the girls for pedicures and dinner… then, home to relax with Woz and the furkids…

 

Enjoy the day… no matter the weather, make it a good one!