Finally Set A Goal!!

Yup. I went and got all grown up and after about two years of yo-yo'ing and meandering along ... I finally set a goal in my weight loss journey. 

I want to hit the 100lbs-lost mark by my 30th birthday. So by May 22, 2015, I need to weigh 169lbs (which, coincidentally, is my goal weight!). I weighed 269 when I first weighed in at Weight Watchers a few weeks ago. I'm now 266lbs so I'm on my way!

I'm really excited by this goal and I feel motivated to get there .. Hopefully having this goal to work on will help me survive the long winter months next year! 

So .. May my "dirty thirty" be healthy, happy, active and slim! :) Here's to the next year - the LAST year I ever intend to fight my weight, for the rest of my life!! 

And so I begin my #cleanthirty goal! 

Hello, 2014!

Aloha everyone!

Nope, doesn't mean I've been away vacationing in Hawaii all this time, though how cool would that have been?! Wow, I haven't posted since November 2013. So hi there, 2014! 

I have been on hiatus .. And by running this blog as long as I have, I can definitely see a pattern. Winter + my healthy lifestyle goals = FAAAAIL. Maybe I should consider this Hawaii thing?

Anyhow. This winter, I definitely learned a whole crap load about myself. I feel I've had a lot of growth this time around, mentally yeah (definitely physically, wow, hello, chubby tummy), but growth within understanding myself and how my mind operates. I'll go over all that in a later blog post. Maybe it'll bore you to read, but methinks it'll do me a bunch of good to get off my mind and put it out into the world. Mental unloading a la blog!

So. Last I checked, back in November .. I think I was around 250lbs. I'm now 269.2. I forced myself back onto the Weight Watchers train to try desperately to get my bouncy booty back on track (I kept getting emails from them with a too-good-to-be-true promotion that I definitely took as a much-needed sign!). Weight Watchers has never failed me in the past - I know it will work if I work it. I joined Easter week (dumb, dumb, dumb) and blew my points out of the water within a few days .. But I tracked every single bite to be accountable. Success? :)

I love how friendly the app is - it greets me every time! :)

Not going to lie .. My first few weeks back on program haven't been easy. Some days are better than others (significantly so!). I've struggled to behave within my diet. I want to eat bad things all the time. But I'm doing it. 

I. Am. Doing. It. 

My goal at this point isn't to be perfect on my plan or to run a marathon next week. My goal is to keep gently easing myself back onto my happy, healthy living path. I want to celebrate when I make better food and beverage choices. I want to go for walks and get back into the running zone (eventually). I want to encourage my kids to make healthier, active choices.

I want to be in a better place health-wise than I was this winter. 

I'm getting there, slowly but surely. I didn't put on this weight in one night and I'm certainly not going to lose it in one night. I'm a work in progress .. A smiling one! :) 

So .. I hope you'll welcome my stories and posts back into your days! 

PS. Thank you to Joy .. You've inspired and motivated me more than you'll ever know! Xoxo 

The Rattle Me Bones 5K Zombie Run

SO. MUCH. FUN!!!!

The Rattle Me Bones 5K Zombie Run will definitely go down as one of the most fun events I've ever been fortunate enough to participate in! 

Daddy Lego and I didn't know what to expect for the "race" ... All we knew was that there were zombies and the event was not timed. So we went in with a "lets just have fun" attitude. We didn't use any running apps, we didn't set our timers, we just went as us (although next year, we'll SO be dressing up as zombies!!). My only goal was that I wanted to laugh. I wanted to take my time and enjoy the event.

Boy, did I ever.

Ready to run for my life!!

The event basically went like this: We were given flag football belts to wear around our waist, and each runner had three flags hanging off the belt. During the 5K-long course, zombies would attempt to take all our flags. If you finished with any flags, you were a survivor, and if you finished with no flags, you were infected. The entire course consisted of mud (SO much mud - I'm glad I wore my old, crappy shoes), forest, wet grassy fields, hills, tall grass, and obstacles. And there were zombies everywhere, hungry for our flags! (Including children zombies - those were the ones to avoid, they were unforgiving!!)

The first wave of runners going through the first field. You can see zombies in the distance!

The runners were sent through the course in waves, so that the course didn't get too congested in any one area (which was great, so that the zombie-to-runner ratio was reasonable) and so that the line-ups for the obstacles weren't too long. 

Waiting in line at one of the obstacles!

My favorite parts of the course were the forested areas, which there were a lot of .. Wow, was that ever a FUN adventure! The mud was insane and it was tough to jump through the woods and mud pits and avoid zombies at the same time! Some would get really sneaky and hide in the trees or bushes and jump out at you .. And since I'm so easy to scare, there was a lot of screaming and laughing on my part!

There were LOTS of forested areas to run through .. Can't say this enough - I LOVED these parts!

As I'd predicted going into the race, I was picked off by the zombies first, before Daddy Lego was .. So he used me as his "Walker Blocker", (Walking Dead fans will get that!) where I'd run at the zombie to distract them so that he could get around safely. He made it to the last half a kilometer with one flag left, until one grabbed his last flag after he'd passed the zombie (which was technically cheating from the zombie's part, since they weren't supposed to chase you once you passed them) but we just laughed anyway! So close!

Right at the end of the course, a zombie gave me a flag to finish with (what a thoughtful flesh-eater!) so I got to take home a survivor medal, while the hubby got an infected one. Our shoes and clothes were caked with mud and our stomachs were sore from laughing so hard! Our first thought coming out of it was that we wished we'd had our friends with us, because it would be even more fun with a group of us! 

Survivor!!

Infected!! (Gotta say - I've got a crush on this zombie!) hehe

Our medals

One of my favorite things about this event was the sense of camaraderie between the runners .. I'm so used to the competitive feel of race events, but because this wasn't timed, everyone was so friendly and supportive and relaxed. We all chatted and helped each other throughout the course, which was so much fun! 

Best zombie quote: "Avoid the center of the field, it's all muddy and I don't want you to fall .... When I GRAB YOUR FLAGS!!"

This event will definitely be an annual tradition for Daddy Lego and I .. As will be the hot coffee we enjoyed afterwards! The cold weather + mud + light rain made us super cold right after we finished so the coffee was very warming! 

Friends .. Be ready .. You're coming next year!!

Progress Report!

Yesterday was the day that I took my monthly progress pictures! It's kind of nice to see the loss, not only on the scale, but in the photos too! Hard work and dedication do pay off!!

I've started my new job, and I like it so far. Don't get me wrong, it's a JOB and WORK so it's kinda enh, but it is nice to be out, earning money and meeting new people! I really like my coworkers! 

I've come across a couple of issues with the new job, like the steel toe shoes .. Wow do they ever take a toll on my feet .. I'm going to look into getting some good quality insoles to help my dawgs out. The other issue I'm having is that my work shifts are now scheduled during my exercise times, which means I'm needing to find different ways to get in a quick run or a decent yoga workout. There are days where I've been unable to get any exercise in, except for my 3.5 mile walk into work (which is a good workout, sure, but not enough on the cardio / strength stuff to make me happy!). So I'll be working with the calendar to ensure I keep on track! I've worked too hard to get where I am now to let a snag in scheduling throw me off course. Even if it means sleeping in my running gear and setting the alarm to go off a half hour earlier to get my exercise in, I will do it! 

Saw this going around FB and it SO inspired me!

I feel like I have so much more to chat about but that's all the time I have for now .. I'll catch up with you soon!! Xoxo! 

2013 Army Run 5K Race Recap

Daddy Lego and I with the Army Run Mascot!

So, the day has come and gone.

And what a day it was!

The Army Run is such a special one for Daddy Lego and I. It was where we ran for the first time together last year (after he filled in for my friend, who was unable to run!) and it is to support those in the Canadian Army who fight for our freedom. 

We were almost unable to race this year because it sold out way faster than we had anticipated .. But a good friend (thank you, Annie!!) was able to connect us with a husband and wife team who were selling their bibs, and in we were!

Daddy Lego and I knew going into this race that we wouldn't be running it side by side. He had been training HARD and really wanted to go for a 30-minute finishing time. I'm not quite there yet .. I've still got a lot of training and running to get under my belt before I'll be strong enough and fast enough for that! I didn't want to hold him down so I encouraged him to run his heart out and meet me at the finish line :)

Gotta say, even though I was surrounded by 22, 000 other runners, it was lonely. I'm not used to running alone, though I was excited for the challenge - me vs me. I had my running playlist ready to go and Map My Run going along with me to help keep me paced. 

A few songs got cut out, but this is the majority of my running list :)

The cannon went off and I didn't cry this time!! I waited patiently for the first few corrals to run through the start line and stood on my tippy toes to watch the runners. I was SO excited for the hubs and was cheering him on!

Then my corral made it to the front and away we went. My plan throughout the race was to keep paced with my music, but I had a verrrrry hard time doing so because of race-day adrenaline - I was going too fast. But I pushed hard and walked when I needed to (but I compromised with myself - if I was to walk, I would have to walk in time with my music, so I was still walking quickly! No breaks till the end!)

I kept getting stuck behind three sets of strollers that insisted on staying side to side .. Once I made my way past them, I feel like I breezed through the run. When I heard through the Map My Run app that my split pace was about 13 min / mile, I was super happy but also nervous - could I keep it up for the whole race?!

Turns out, I could .. And I did! 

Thanks to Map My Run for these results :)

Hmm .. 5K = 3.1 miles .. Yet this race was 3.44 .. Interesting ..

I really started to struggle towards the end, but once the finish line was in sight, I got my 19th wind and ran for the end! I cried as I passed the finish line, it's always such an emotional moment for me .. What an accomplishment, for ME to run a 5K!!

It's rare that I see a photo of myself that I don't instantly dislike .. thinking of ordering this one for my bib binder!

Because of my chest cold, I went into the race hoping for a PR but not expecting one .. And I got it anyhow! My official chip time was 45:24, which is 26 seconds faster than last year's Army Run! Woo hoo!! 

I'm really anxious to be able to run harder and faster .. Training has really been helpful. The more I train and the harder I push (and the more weight I lose!), the better I'll be. I'm looking forward to someday achieving a sub-40-minute PR :)

Finding my hubby at the finish line was a great treat - and hearing about his 31.17 time was AMAZING!! I'm SO beyond proud of him, and so inspired by him! 

It was also really awesome meeting up with my friend and fellow blogger, Joy, who also had a great run!! 

Special shout out to my friend Julie, who ran her first half marathon in 2:10:10! Wow! So inspiring :)

All in all, it was a great run .. Can't wait to do it again next year (and I'll be sure to sign up in advance to make sure I don't have to struggle last-minute to get in!)

To those incredible Army troops .. Thank you for all that you do for us! :)

Keeping My Glass Half Full!

Not gonna lie, I was feeling pretty discouraged after my run today.

I just finished day one, week five of C25K. The intervals were five minutes of running, three minutes of walking, repeated three times.

They just about killed me.

Towards the end of the final five minute run, I started feeling dizzy and seeing black stars in my eyes (thankfully it was in the final 30 seconds, so slowing down to a sloooooooow run didn't impact my training too much). I did have to slow down because I had the Lego Kids in the jogger, and it wouldn't have done any of us good if I'd have passed out on the pathway!

I used Map My Run throughout this run to check my pace and my distance .. And I almost cried when this is what I saw:

Some people can run entire 5K's in 17.39!!

Understandably, I am a slow runner and in the "beginner" stage so I know not to be too hard on myself for that part .. But I am a fast walker and feel as though I should have done better. At this pace, it would take me almost 53 minutes to finish the Army Run 5K that is NEXT SUNDAY. And that really bums me out. 

I've been training hard, running every two days and pushing myself hard throughout every single step of every single run. I was kind of hoping that I would PR next week. And now I'm not sure that'll happen. I'd need to finish in less than 45.50. I've got to be realistic: it's just not going to happen at this pace.

Thankfully today's result helps motivate to work even harder. It's a downer to still feel (and to be) so out of shape .. But every run that I do helps to bring me a tiny bit more into better shape. 

Mark my words: I NEVER want to ever be this out of shape again for the rest of my life.

I'm thankful that I began this running journey, for everything that it has brought to my life, and for inspiring me (and helping me understand why it is so important) to keep living healthy.

So .. Maybe I won't set a PR next week. But I'm still in better shape today than I was last week .. And that's kind of a PR too, and really, that's the only PR that matters in the grand scheme of things! :)

I'm just excited to be in better shape next week compared to this week .. And I'll be rewarded with a shiny medal for it too, at the finish line! :)

Sister Lego was mad at me for not letting her run during my cool down walk, like I normally do .. I was feeling too faint to risk letting her run free! :(

Are you guys in training for an upcoming event? How's it coming along?

90-Day Challenge

Aloha!

I hope everyone is settling in smoothly with the end of summer / back to school routine .. Brother Lego starts junior kindergarten this upcoming Friday .. I'm a wee bit nervous and anxious, and totally excited for him. 

But seriously. Wasn't he just this small last week!?

In Mama Lego news .. I started a 90-Day Challenge through one of my favorite pages on Facebook, called Debbi's Weight Watchin' Journey to a Healthy and Fit Lifestyle. She challenged herself to 90-day exercise / fitness program and invited a bunch of ladies to join her (in a separate, private FB group). Our only requirement was to pick our own personal challenges and to kick them in the butt! We update the page every day with our activities and cheer each other on. It's been great fun and extra motivating!

This is Debbi's before and after. Incredible, right?!

My personal challenge is to alternate one day of running, one day of yoga, every day of the week. Today is day 3 and I've been kicking the crap out of my goals. I'm going to (finally!!) completely finish the Couch to 5K program (I last left off around week 6 when I injured my hip, so I started from week one, day one, a few weeks back. I'm almost done week 3 now!) and to make it through an entire yoga DVD (my record so far is 20 awesome minutes!! I have a lot of work to do on my core strength!). I'm also tracking my meals, snacks and exercise through My Fitness Pal to ensure I stay on track. Some people have been surprised that I didn't set a weight loss goal for myself for this challenge. While I'm watching my weight and am anxious to see the numbers drop, I'm more focusing on toning my body, getting in shape, and finding confidence in my body. It's not all about the numbers for me.

Daddy Lego and I are in full training mode for the 5K Army Run, and the 90-day challenge has been a big help! The race is coming up fast, in 20 days! I'm SO excited. I have yet to decide if I'll be going for a PR .. Methinks I just might .. Daddy Lego is going for a PR and will be starting a few corrals ahead of me. I'm excited to cross the finish line, right into his arms!

So .. I hate sharing this stuff but I want to be totally honest with my weight loss / healthy living journey. I want to share my results with you guys along the way of my 90-Day Challenge. 

"Before" pictures can be embarrassing and they're definitely tough for me to share. But, here it goes ..

Since having my kids, I have a rule to never put myself down for my physical appearance (well, I try!) .. It's hard for me not to get all judgey on these pictures.

And that "before" is after losing ten pounds. Yup. I got back up to 275lbs throughout a really difficult period of my life. No regrets, only lessons learned ...Now I'm running those pounds away!!

I don't want to see 275 on a scale ever again!!

Here I was ten pounds ago. I feel like I can already see a difference. I wish I'd thought to take side and back pictures too. Ah well.

Phew. That was hard to share. 

Here are my measurements (all the areas I'm wanting to see results in!):

Arm: 15.25 inches (wings!!)

Upper Thigh: 32.2 inches 

Upper Calf: 21 inches 

Lower Calf: 13.5 inches

Waist: 48 inches 

Booty: 54.5 inches

Chest: 46 inches

I'm SO excited to see my progress along the next three months. I can already feel the changes in my body since starting the challenge three days ago. I'm anxious to get my toned body of last summer back :)

Does the return of the school year mean new routines for you too? Any new fitness goals? Let's hear 'em! :)