where I am

It has been a great few weeks. I weighed in this morning and was at 173.4- 1.4 pounds away from 60 big ones! That seems totally unbelievable! It is such hard work I would be lying if I said that this was an easy process. It is one of the hardest things I have ever done but the most rewarded too. This is a process is a life change. Running has truly become part of me and something that I love and enjoy. I have been running about 14miles a week. Yesterday was my long run and I hit 8 miles. I was a little sore yesterday and was completely dreading how I would feel today but I feel great! I am in such better shape this year than I was last year at this time. I am starting to think that I will be able to really knock some time off of my half marathon this year.

I know that I say this a lot but I can not express how important having a great group of friends around me has been through this process. So many people encourage me, push me through another mile, tell me to put the cookie down, and tell me I look great when all I think, is that I look HUGE!

Eating is still my biggest down fall. I exercise and run all the time. I am fine if I pack my lunch or go somewhere I know. When I am put in “appetizer- get together” situations I suck. I was hoping it was no longer an issue but it is. It is just hard to say no when I know how good it tastes. It seems that as long as I can control the situation I am fine and when I go somewhere where I am not in control of the food I blow it. That is my new goal- to be better at not aimlessly snacking at places. 

Holy Hills

Things have been going pretty well. I have been getting a bit overwhelmed with my food and feel like I am obsessing. Sometimes it is just hard to make good choices. I have 3 weeks to be down another 5 pounds- wow that seems like a lot! I can only do my best! I am so appreciative of everyone that has been cheering me on. They have helped me get this far!!

Today I ran the Frosty 5 mile race in Channahon- who knew that hills were in Illinois?!?!? Wow it was tough. It turned out to be beautiful weather and it was fun to meet some new people. I was really excited to see that I finished 5th in my age group!! One day it will be at least third!!

I signed up for the Illinois Half Marathon today!!! WOOOOHOOO- Let the training begin!

Here are some pictures from today...

New PR

I ran the Winterfest 5k in Kankakee this weekend and ran a new PR 28:37!! WOOOHOOOO It was a great feeling to be able to run 9 minute miles. I feel like I have have come so far and will continue to keep working!

Super Bowl Fears....

Alright so here it is, that time of the year where you go to a big party and "it" is everywhere. By "it" I mean party food. That delicious full fat deliciousness that I overindulge in every time! This is the first time I have ever really been nervous about a party. I think it is because I have finally admitted that it is a struggle place for me. Who does not like finger party food??...it is all so yummy!!! It is very hard for me to not mindlessly snack and eat. My hope is that I eat lots of veggies and stay away from the chips...we will see how this goes. Here is a Hungry girl  post that I found helpful...maybe someone else will too :-) http://www.hungry-girl.com/biteout/show/2204

New Month and New Goals

It is February time for some new goals for the month. Here they are....

Be at 170 by March first- I am 7.8 pounds away from this

Run 14 miles a week or 56 for the month

Eat more protein

I am really excited and ready to start on these goals....I think I can accomplish all of them. My morning running partner and I have increased our Tuesday and Thursday fun from 3.3 miles to 4 miles and it feels great!!! I hope to get signed up for some races in the next few weeks and then have some sort of running schedule.

I am really seeing how important it is to set goals monthly instead of a big goal. My monthly goals seem more attainable and more realistic.