Okay... so I've successfully completed week 5 of the 6 week run a 5k training plan put out by Weight Watchers.  I have 2 weeks until my race, and only 1 more official week of training... although I plan to continue at least until the race, and then I'm not sure what's up after that.  More to come on that this week.

I switched to running in the mornings this week, and man has it made all the difference.  If you'll remember, last week I wrote a little poem about running and my hatred for it.  This week I feel much happier about running, and much more empowered.  I didn't feel like I was going to die at all as many times.  I switched up my route, and I think that helped a little as well, not so same old same old.

Here's what I did this week:
Monday = Curves
Tuesday = walk 5 minutes, Run 14 minutes walk 2 minutes x 2, walk 5 minutes = 42 minutes
Wednesday = Curves
Thursday = walk 5 minutes, Run 15 minutes walk 1 minute x 2, walk 5 minutes = 42 minutes
Saturday = walk 5 minutes, Run 18 minutes walk 1 minute x 2, walk 5 minutes = 48 minutes
Sunday = same as Thursday

On Saturday I used Map My Run to determine that I had run 3.45 miles!!!  I did it.  I can do it.  This is real people.  R-E-A-L!  I actually made scones before my run, and decided after it that I really didn't want to eat one for the points, and ate fruit and a Vita Muffin instead.

I also loaded some "new" music on the iPod to help with the running:  Guns and Roses, Blind Melon, Billy Joel, and a little Hallelujah Chorus anyone?  Yep you read that right... of course it is the jazzy version, but it is awesome!  Am I the only person that has the Hallelujah Chorus on their running mix?  Probably, but my voice teacher sister is gonna be so proud of me when she reads that.  Try it... you'll seriously like it.

So that brings me to the Oh No its the Big 2-0 part of my post.  Week 6... the first thing I get to do tomorrow at 5:25 am... the Tuesday after the Memorial Holiday... run 20 minutes straight without stopping.  Oh but that's not all... then I get to run ANOTHER 20 straight minutes without stopping, after walking for only 1 minute.  Scared does not even begin to explain how I am feeling right now.  Paralyzed with fear maybe?  Can I do it???  Somebody please tell me I can.  Stay tuned to find out tomorrow....

3.45 miles... Yep, that's how far I ran yesterday in my second to last day of my 5th week on my 6 week plan to run a 5k (try reading that sentence again).  A 5k is 3.1 miles according to my expert googling, so I guess I'm all set!!!  It took me 42 minutes (but that was 6 minutes of walking - 5 warm up and 1 in between the 18 minute runs).  I was astounded... That is more than a 5k, and it didn't take me an hour.  Maybe I won't be the last one to finish.  There is always hope.


I even battled this:
Yes... A goose attacked hissed at me, while I was running yesterday.  Scared the crap out of me.  Those things are MEAN, and yes they will chase you!

As I was nearing the end of my run yesterday Super Trouper came on my iPod, and I loved the words from this section. It described exactly how I was feeling from my run:

Suddenly I feel all right
(And suddenly it's gonna be)
And it's gonna be so different
When I'm on the stage tonight


Tonight the
Super Trouper lights are gonna find me
Shining like the sun
Smiling, having fun
Feeling like a number one




And there you have it.  I may change my mind about running yet!

What songs inspire you when you are working out? 

Have a nice weekend everyone!

Cool... somebody Sarah at One Year 1.5 Pounds Per Week a Day at a Time gave me an award.

1. 
   
   I'm the youngest of 6 children.  The oldest being 25 years older than me and the next youngest to me being 13 years old than me... oops :-)
2. 
   
   I was married to my husband for 9 years before we had our first (and only) child.
3. 
   
   I'm married to a Canadian who is also a travel agent.
4. 
   
   I love to cook!  I never have enough time, but I really really love to cook.  And I think I'm pretty good at it too.  I, of course, try to make healthier things than I used to, but every once in awhile I love to make a killer dessert.
5. 
   
   I'm afraid of roller coasters!  I really hate them.  When I was younger my dear brother-in-law made me go on Montezumas revenge at Knott's Berry Farm.  I haven't gone on many coasters since then.  Once I got old enough to maybe like them I actually was scared I was too fat for them and wouldn't fit.  Sad truth is I am sure I was too fat for them, and wouldn't have fit.
6. 
   
   I'm allergic to nickle.  I can't wear cheap jewelry.  I have to either have a gold or stainless steel watch.  But you know what... something weird has happened since I've lost weight, I am not as allergic as I once was.  I don't think I could wear earrings, but necklaces are not a problem at all anymore.  I wonder why that is?
7. 
   
   I love wine!  I really do.  I like red and white wine.  I had this great epiphany the other night how there should be a wine truck for adults like an ice cream truck for kids.  It could play "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" instead of the ding ding ice cream music.  Its my million dollar idea... I guess now out of the Internet for stealing.

1. 
   
   Tricia at http://enduranceisntonlyphysical.blogspot.com/.  I am so inspired by Tricia's 125 pound weight loss, and I love that she has a child that is of a similar age to mine.  She's also a runner!
2. 
   
   Lindsay at http://healthystride.blogspot.com/.  Lindsay is training for a 1/2 marathon and has lost over 100 pounds.  Also she has been so kind to support my blogging and always leaves comments!  Thanks Lindsay!
3. 
   
   Joy at http://transparentjoy.blogspot.com/.  Joy has lost 36 lbs so far, and is so real and true in her posts.
4. 
   
    Allie at http://www.mywardrobetoday.com/ I love the outfits you come up with.  You inspire me to look better!
5. Roni at http://ronisweigh.com/ who has lost and kept off 70 lbs for 5 years!!!  She's also a mom, and I'm inspired by her running, especially the half marathon!!!
6.  Sal at http://www.alreadypretty.com/  I love your unique outfits, and how you promote the idea of positive body image no matter what your body looks like.
7.  http://fashion4economicallychallenged.blogspot.com/  I love this site.  She does a great job.
8. Sharon at http://www.goodtrueandbeautiful.com/.  Thanks for teaching me that abundant livings does necessarily mean spending lots of money and having lots of stuff!

Moving on...

You'd think with that sour attitude that the next news was going to be bad too, but it isn't. 
#1 - I successfully made it to my weigh in and didn't abuse/step on my scale once all week!!!  How freeing to not be mentally playing games all week.  I might do it again sometime... Might.  I didn't say I would.  Don't pressure me...

So despite that fab news, I'm feeling bad tonight, but nothing a few walks through memory lane to remind me how far and how long this journey has been, won't cure.

Come along if you dare...

Hey look... mom if your reading this you are on the Internet now.  Cool  huh?  Me, in stripes... what the heck was I thinking?  And if you wonder about the name of my blog well, here ya go take a look.  Don't worry, I can do a whole montage of fat legs little some day.  I bet you can't wait.

Go over and enter 263andcounting's first blog giveaway. 
I'll give you a hint, it is running related:

263andcouting First Giveaway

Because the tag on my skirts says this:

FOUR whole weeks of running completed.  I am a runner!!! HA HA... hardly.  When I started this I had so many people tell me that I would love it, and I would be addicted and would become a runner for life.  Sorry people, but that just ain't happenin'. 

Please hold while I channel Dr. Seuss (Too much reading to 2 year olds will do this to you)
I do not like running, not one little bit
I do not like running I'd rather step in shit

I do not like it with the rain
I do not like it with knee pain
I do not like it on the street
I do not like it at the track meet.

Seriously though... I just don't.  I like how I feel afterwards, but during I feel horrible!  Bad gym flashbacks.  I feel like I won't make it.  But I do and then I feel accomplishment.  I'm not sure if that makes any sense, but that is what is going on mentally with me right now.

Again, I ran 4 days last week, and strength trained on the circuit at Curves 2 days. This week in Minnesota we skipped abruptly in the weather department from spring to summer.  The beginning of the week was upper 70s and today and over the weekend high 80s to 95 degrees today, and super-humid.  Tuesday and Thursday I did my runs around 4:00 pm... that was too hot, and too hard.  Tuesday was my first time running double digits - 3, 10 minute runs with 2 minute walks in between.  2 minutes is not enough time, and 10 minutes is too much running!!! Over the weekend I ran in the mornings around 7:30, and that seemed easier, so maybe it was the temperature/humidty change that had me taking this week so hard.

Here's how my training for last week went (I'm following the Weight Watchers "Walk-It Challenge" Train to Run a 5k plan):
- Monday= Curves
- Tuesday = 5 minutes walking, 10 minutes running/2minutes walking x 3, 5 minutes walking = 46 min
- Wednesday = Curves
- Thursday= same as Tuesday
- Friday = rest
- Saturday = 5 minutes walking, 12minutes running/2minutes walking x 2, 5 minutes walking. = 38 min
- Sunday= same as Saturday


I bought workout clothes over the weekend - a new sports bra, 1 new tank top, and 2 pairs of shorts.  Now that it is hot, it is just impossible to do any workout in pants, even though I don't like being seen in shorts.
This week brings my official second to last week of training.  It looks like my walks will shorten to 1 minute on Thursday and I will be running 18 minutes at a time on Saturday!  Eeek!!  I am scared... but I will make it.  The race is only 2 weeks from Saturday!!!

Or this post could be alternatively titled... the Day I was a Freaking Moron, and Ordered Something in a Restaurant without First Looking Up the Fat and Calorie Content. 

Sigh!  It had started out to be such a good day.  I ran at 7:30 am this morning, because I knew otherwise it would be too hot to get out later.  It's supposed to be 90 and humid with storms later this evening.  It was pretty much already too hot - well not really as much hot as nasty humid.  After my run, we decided to go to breakfast.  We don't eat out much anymore.  There are a few reasons at play: 
#1 - 2 year old - 'nough said. 
#2 - Not always easy/worth it on Weight Watchers. 
#3 - It's expensive and we've really been trying hard to manage our finances wisely, and sock away some money for a rainy unfortunate day. 

Anyways... we went to Bruegger's Bagels.  I love bagels.  I occasionally will stop there and get a bagel with cream cheese on the side, and only use 1/2... its 8 points, and worth it.  This morning though I was so hungry and went with the Western Bagel Sandwich.  I figured it would keep me full, and have protein my body needing after running 2 days in a row.

Here's the description:
Egg, bacon, roasted veggies (green peppers, tomatoes, onions & red peppers) with cheddar cheese and chipotle sauce




Doesn't sound too horrible does it?  I mean it has veggies... I expected it to be maybe 12 points.  So I ate it, and it was good.  We left and went to the garden center, and came home $100 poorer, and I hit the computer to log my points for the morning, and found this staring me in the face:

Western Bagel Sandwich:
Nutrition facts

Serving Size 271g
Amount Per Serving
Calories 730
Calories from Fat 350
Total Fat 39g
Dietary Fiber 4g

That is 17 Weight Watchers Points!!  17... I get 24 in a day!
That is just wrong people.  Its a bagel, cheese, bacon, and egg.  The bagel is 6 points... the rest cannot be 11.  But it is.  And its done.  And previously I would have thrown in the towel on the whole day, and given myself free rein to just eat whatever, trashing my whole week, and maybe my whole month, leading me to quit Weight Watchers, and gain back whatever weight I had already lost.  Nope, not this time.  I don't do that anymore.  This is my life, and I still have to live it, and if that means figuring out how to recover from a 17 point breakfast sandwich I WILL.  So I plan to eat fruit/cotttage cheese for a late lunch, drink lots of water, and make a nice chicken stirfry for dinner.  Stay tuned... I will not let a stupid bagel sandwich beat me!

And for those keeping track... I HAVE NOT weighed myself once yet!!! WOO HOO! 

UPDATE:
We didn't do the chicken stirfry, we were in a grillin' mood instead.. hubby picked up extra lean turkey burgers to grill, and 2 point buns, and I loaded on the veggies.  He also picked up a light roasted veggie salad and corn and edamame salad, the lady said they were both low-fat.  I estimated 2 points for the dressing and 1 for the edamame and .5 for the corn.  So I ended up with a 33 point day, using 9 weekly points (which I had available).  I did earn 5 APs from my run this morning as well.  I'm having 1 cup of grapes for a snack in a little while.  I'm OK.  It's OK sometimes to screw up.  I can definitely tell you that I will NEVER be eating that bagel sandwich again though... totally not worth 17 points.  Sorry Bruegger's.

First things first - my weigh in from yesterday ..... down 2.4 lbs!
At exactly 94 lbs gone!!! 
Only 1 more pounds to hit 95 - getting a coveted gold Weight Watchers star- I know you're jealous
Only 6 more pounds to hit 100 POUNDS! 

100 POUNDS people, I can't even fathom the depth of that.  I want to be proud, I really really do, but I'm also sad and angry that I let myself get to the point that I need to lose 100+ pounds.  But that's a different story for a different day.  And we will go there... we will, just not today.

Today is all about Scale Abuse.  Lindsay over at Healthy Stride wrote about the over focus on the number on the scale today.  That hit home... just a little bit.  "Hi, my name is Sarah, and I'm a scale abuser."  I am.  Big time!  I weigh myself every day, and sometimes more than once.  I try not to, but I do.  I love seeing the number go down, but boy, does it mess with my head, when it doesn't.  Especially when there is no reason.  And then there are the times it actually goes up.  I'm not even going there.  Yep, I'm an all-out scale user and abuser.  My scale probably groans every time I step on it.  It really isn't healthy to weigh yourself that often.  It starts to mess with you mentally.  You play games with yourself.  NOT GOOD!

So... I have decided to pledge that I will, just for one week - and one week only, not abuse my scale.  I will give it the rest it finally deserves.  I will NOT weigh myself at all, and the next time I weigh will be at my weigh in at Weight Watchers next Thursday at noon. 

This is gonna be scary... really scary.

So I saw this on my local news the other night:
WCCO TV Good Question Calorie Counts

Basically, included in the new health care bill was a regulation that calorie counts must be posted on menus at restaurants with more than 20 locations.   So Good Question asked - would that change what people ordered. 

That really got me thinking.  How would seeing the calorie content on the menu at my favorite restaurant effect what I ordered?  Well... I usually know what I'm ordering before I step foot in a restaurant these days, but if I didn't, it would definitely effect my choice.  Either way, I think it is important for the consumer to be given information to base a decision on if they so wish.  I certainly wouldn't want the government controlling what foods showed up on the menus, but giving me some important information in order to make a better decision - I appreciate that!  If you're doing Weight Watchers or any other sort of calorie counting program, that is something that really makes eating out much easier.

Interesting that I just saw this because 2 weeks ago I was in New York, and they already have a law regarding this.  I went to Dunkin Donuts one morning on my trip - mostly to get a coffee - but I did need something for breakfast too, and I saw this staring back at me while looking at the bins of muffins:

COFFEE CAKE MUFFIN:  660 CALORIES, 26 GRAMS OF FAT

YIKES!!!  Keep in mind this wasn't a ginormous muffin either... fairly regular-sized for a coffee shop.  Just to give some perspective a Big Mac is 540 calories and 29 grams of fat.  Now, don't get me wrong, I am certainly not saying a Big Mac is a better choice, but at least it is more filling than a muffin.  My whole point, though, is that it definitely led me to something different than the muffin.

So what do you think?  Will seeing calories counts on menus change what you order?

I started making this recipe last summer when I had an over abundance of ripe tomatoes.  Even though my tomatoes aren't even planted yet, the ones in the store have been really good.


Tomato Quiche (Adapted from the More with Less Cookbook)
Makes 6 servings @ 5 Points Plus per serving


Take a pre made frozen pie crust (I used a Pillsbury frozen crust)
Place in bottom:
2 medium sliced tomatoes


Sprinkle over:
1/2 tsp basil
a handful of fresh chopped chives or green onions
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 tsp sugar
1/2 cup grated mozzarella (part skim) cheese
1/2 cup grated Swiss cheese


Mix together in a separate bowl:
2 eggs
3/4 cup fat free 1/2 and 1/2
2 Tbsp flour


Pour over the top of the pie and all the other ingredients.


Bake at 375 degrees for 40-45 minutes and let sit 5 minutes before cutting.
Serve with a spinach or lettuce salad or fresh fruit

So I just finished watching Glee. For some reason that show just makes me feel so good inside. I'm not sure what it is about it. Maybe it's the music. Anyways, it was about dreams. I love the line... and now I can't even remember what character said it... "Dreams aren't supposed to be easy." I guess that relates to whatever dreams you have... weight loss... running a 5k perhaps, or even non health/fitness related. It was so timely.

See... I seriously had my hardest run since I started this, this afternoon. WOW! It was honestly horrible. I'm not sure if it was the time/distance, or the warmer weather, but I hated every single minute second of it. All I could think in my head was:


I'm so freaking hot.

This feels horrible.

My legs are going to buckle.


I felt at one point like I was going to cry. OK, this is embarrassing, but so true. I am wimp, people, I know it. I don't care. I cheated (who I don't really know, but this is beside the point) at one point and walked an extra minute, because I just wasn't sure I could do it. And you know what? It sounds cheesy but I thought about people that can't use their legs, or can't use them very well, I thought about some really inspiring people I know that have overcome all sorts of obstacles, and even with those obstacles they still try as hard as they can. And while, it still felt horrible, I was able to find it in me to finish my 3rd 10 minute run and make it home.

This journey I've been on hasn't been easy. Sorry if you were hoping for a better answer. There have been very few "easy" days. Sure... many "good" days, but not very many "easy" ones. I haven't been able to eat extra things and cheat a little and still manage to somehow lose weight. I have had to exercise on top of dieting to lose weight. I am now exercising 6 days a week. I have had to work my butt off for every single pound, and now I'm doing the same thing with every single minute of running.

You know what? That makes it all the more worthwhile in the end:
---
Making it to 100 lbs lost
Being able to run that 5k in 3-1/2 weeks and cross the finish line
Finally making it to my goal
---
will all be sweeter.


The good things in life - the dreams that finally become reality - they are rarely EVER easy.

Can you believe it?  I'm half-way through this training ordeal challenge.  3 weeks down, 3 to go, and alive to write about it.



I ran 4 days last week, and strength trained on the circuit at Curves 2 days.  I cut out my Friday workout there for now; not having any rest days was just a bit too much for me.  Tuesday I had to run in the rain.  Thursday was cold, but at least I missed the rain.  My knee was bothering me both days.  Saturday and Sunday were amazingly gorgeous!  Sunshine and lower 70s, probably about mid/lower 60s when I was running.  Sunday I ran in a local park on the trails while "L" and my hubby played in at the playground.  Once the rain stopped, the knee stopped hurting as well!  I'll take it!  I'm up to running 8 minutes at a time now.

Here's how my training for last week went (I'm following the Weight Watchers "Walk-It Challenge" Train to Run a 5k plan):

• Monday= Curves
• Tuesday = 5 minutes walking, 7 minutes running/2minutes walking x 3, 5 minutes walking = 37 min
• Wednesday = Curves
• Thursday= 5 minutes walking, 7 minutes running/2minutes walking x 3, 5 minutes walking  = 37 min
• Friday = rest
• Saturday = 5 minutes walking, 8 minutes running/2minutes walking x 3, 5 minutes walking. = 40 min
• Sunday= 5 minutes walking, 8minutes running/2 minutes walking x 2, 5 minutes walking.  = 30 min

I downloaded 3 new songs from iTunes to listen to this week, all from recent episodes of Glee!

• Jessie's Girl
• Hope it Gives you Hell
• Physical

It was kind of fun to have new Tunes on the iPod.

This week brings my first double digit run tomorrow - 10 minute runs x 3.. YIKES!! I truly think the first 5 minutes though is mental, once I get past it, then 7 didn't seem longer than 8 or either longer than 5.  So hopefully, 10 doesn't seem longer either.  Also, I'm in need of a better sports bra for running.  If you have any suggestions, please leave me a comment.

Dear Left Knee -

I really need you to hold out for me. You're achy and swollen right now, and I don't like that.  I mean I only ran 7 minutes at a time, 3 times tonight.  You didn't hurt when I was running 5 minutes at a time.   Why now? 

OK, so you have your reasons.  I understand.  I know that I abused you for years by being mega overweight obese.  I'm sorry.  I apologize.  I've been told that 1 pound of weight equals seven pounds of pressure on you.  So I guess 93 ish pounds ago, I was exerted 651 more pounds of force on you than I am now  WOWSA, that sucks for you!  Again, I'm really sorry about that.  I'm trying now though.  I bet it feels so good to be 651 pounds lighter!

Oh yeah, and sorry about the genetics.  I know there, we are pretty much SOL.  I know my dad had a hip replacement and my mom 2 knee replacements and a hip replacement.  I promise I'll control the part I can control, if you can try and deal with the genetics.

Did I mention this whole 5k thing is pretty super important to me?  I have lots to prove.  Let's get some ice and Advil, maybe a smoothie too, and we'll talk again in the morning.

Love you lots, XOXOXO
"Fat Little Legs"

I used to sit in my living room watching TV, and wondering why crazy people were outside running in the rain, 90 degree heat, -30 cold, etc. Seriously, was a little run really THAT important?  I was one of those crazy people tonight. 

Apparently, Spring has taken a turn back towards winter here in lovely MN.  It was in the 40s today with cold rain all day.  Well... I'm not going to let a little rain wreck my plans.  Just to prove I still have some sanity left, I will state that it was NOT raining when I left my house.  I walked for 5 minutes to warm up and then started into my first 7 minute run.  Not 30 seconds later, the heaven's burst forth.  Wet.  Cold.  Not fun.  I get through 2 of the 3, 7 minute intervals, and I have 1 more left.  I am 1/2 a block from my house, but I run past and do my last running interval anyways.  At this point I'm soaked so what's the difference! 

Its supposed to rain on Thursday too - just in time for my next run.  I'm scared of fat, I'm scared of gaining weight back, I'm scared of looking stupid on a bike, or of maybe sometimes even actually succeeding, but I am certainly NOT scared of a little rain. 

As mama always said, "You're not made of sugar, you won't melt."

Salsa Mashed Potatoes
6 servings @ 3 points each

1-1/2 lbs of small red potatoes (cut in half)
Roast in a 400 oven with a little olive oil and salt and pepper for 1 hour

Mash and add:

• 1 cup light sour cream (8 oz container)
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1 medium tomtato, chopped
• handful of chopped cilantro
• salt and pepper to taste.

These were delicious!  Very filling, and made an excellent side dish with grilled chicken.

Whew!!! I made it through my second week!  Because of being out of town earlier last week, I did miss 2 workouts at Curves, so ended up exercising 5 days last week - 4 of those running, and 1 at Curves. There was no soreness to battle this week (jumping for joy), even with using the "somewhat hilly" - uh, I'd say really hilly - outdoor walk/run path at my hotel. 


Here's how my training for last week went (I'm following the Weight Watchers "Walk-It Challenge" Train to Run a 5k plan):

• Tuesday = 5 minutes walking, 3 minutes running/3 minutes walking x 4, 5 minutes walking
• Thursday = same
• Saturday = 5 minutes walking, 5 minutes running/3 minutes walking x 3, 5 minutes walking.
• Sunday = 5 minutes walking, 5 minutes running, 3 minutes walking x 2, 5 minutes walking.

Again, I made it through all 4 days, and I ran the suggested amount of time and DIDN'T HAVE TO STOP YAY!

Saturday and Sunday were FREEZING here!  When I ran yesterday it was only 39 degrees out.  I had to dig out gloves!  It's May... I guess Mother Nature did not get the memo. 

On Sunday, it was a treat to have my husband and "L" tag along with me.  I walked with them for the walking portions, and ran ahead and back for my running time.  "L" (2 years old) kept yelling at me on the running portions, "Mommy, come back I need you."  Very cute!

This week we get into 7-8 minute runs.  I am still asking myself... am I crazy?  No need to answer that one.

So... Jack Fit asked the other day.  Why do you want to lose weight.  He wanted it in picture form...the answer written on a notecard.

Here's my answer - Pretty self explanatory I think:
















You know... people say - you have to lose weight for yourself, not for others, but I TOTALLY disagree.

Dun dun dun da da da da da da Dun dun dun dun da da dun da da...
(imagine if you will the Star Wars music - you know when Darth Vader enters - playing)


That's what I feel in my head every Thursday as I approach the scale to weigh in (abbreviation after this as WI).  I especially felt it today after a 3 day business trip to New York, which included 3 full days of eating out.  I tried to choose wisely, but still ... it is restaurant food, and there are so many unknowns with portion size and calories.  Anyways... back to my march to scale.  I was pleasantly surprised by a loss of 1.4 today.  Down a total of 93.2 lbs!!!  I shouldn't be surprised though, I mean, I really did make good choices, and I exercised last week each day, and while I was gone - running on Tuesday.  I know it would have been more too, had it not been for sitting in an airplane until almost midnight last night and drinking a Bloody Mary and Nachos before getting on that plane.  Thank you water rention.  On to next week.. I'm within a 1 week reach of the 95 lb mark.  WOW!  So so close to 100!  That's a whole 'nother post for a different day.


Now... I'm going to bed because after going to bed after midnight, getting up at 6:30, working today, attending Weight Watchers, AND getting in my run, I'M BEAT!

Whew!!! I did my last training day yesterday (Sunday), flew to New York afterwards, and finally had a day of rest today.  I managed to workout all 7 days of last week.  3 days at Curves and 4 days running.  No shortage of activity points for Weight Watchers, that's for sure.  I made it through my first week running, and although at times I thought I could not actually get any sorer, I am done, and the soreness is finally gone.  I'm feeling strong and empowered!

Here's how my training for last week went (I'm following the Weight Watchers "Walk-It Challenge" Train to Run a 5k plan):

• Tuesday =  5 minutes walking, 1 minute running/1 minute walking x 10, 5 minutes walking
• Thursday = same
• Saturday = 5 minutes walking, 2 minutes running/3 minutes walking x 4, 5 minutes walking.
• Sunday = 5 minutes walking, 2 minutes running, 3 minutes walking x 3, 5 minutes walking.

I made it through all 4 days, and I ran the suggested amount of time and DIDN'T HAVE TO STOP YAY! 

I also learned some unpleasant things about my iPod setup this week: 

• Head phones really suck, and I have these: Beats By Dre.  Apparently my ears are not the right shape.
• Clipping the iPod on is not working, I've been holding it, but then the cord bumps against me and the previously mentioned headphones pull out of my ears.  Curse you large chest!

I guess I need to find a solution to the iPod problems, as the music really helps me focus.  What do you like to use when running?  Has anyone liked an armband?

Oh yeah and I found a very cool site on Saturday:  MapMyRun.  It revealed that I'm walking/running about 2.2 miles already!

I'm on business in New York this week, and will be doing my running plan for tomorrow hopefully on the paths at my hotel.  It is kind of in the "country" and they have a nice 1/3 mile running path.  Beats a treadmill anytime - As long as the weather holds up - its been rainy and hot (upper 80s) and humid!  YUCK! 

I eluded in my first post that I was now training to run a 5k.  Yes it is true.  The formerly 280 ish some pounds girl is going to run!!!  I never in a million years thought I would do this.  I mean, I hate running.  No, let me rephrase that - I HATE RUNNING!  It hurts and it makes you sweaty, and ... blah blah blah. 

So, then why do I feel the need to run a 5k?  I mean I could have picked a mile run.  Nope, I picked a 5k? 

1. Prove I can do it.
2. Do something that really fat people can't do to prove to myself that I'm not as fat anymore.
3. Prove to myself I really do hate running.  I mean, what if I really secretly love running.  Who knows?
4. Get a new Weight Watchers charm for my key chain (when you lose the first 10% of your body weight at Weight Watchers, they give you a key chain, then you get charms for things like 25, 50, 75, 100 lbs, running/walking a 5k, etc.).  People you would not believe how important these stupid little things become.
5. Because my Weight Watchers leader volunteered to run with me.  No getting out of it now.  Bless you, you are a fabulous woman!
6. Last and most important - I want to try and catapult my weight loss into the next zone.  I want to get to 100 lbs lost and I want to get to my goal.

#6 is really where I'm focused right now.  I weighed in on Thursday, and I lost 1.4 pounds for a new total of 91.8 lbs lost.  I have only 8.2 lbs to reach 100 lbs total lost, and only 14.6 lbs to my goal weight!!! HOLY COW!  This is real.  I am so close.  I really feel like training for this 5k is my ticket to get there as quickly and as healthily as possible.

I hope to post the plan I'm following soon, and also talk about what I want to do once I reach my goal!  I'll also post a first training week recap tomorrow, after my last session of the week.  I should also take some more recent pics.  The ones I posted on my first post are from about 2-3 months ago. 

Stay tuned... and thanks for visiting!