Checking in for Week 2

So Week 2 of the Ready for Summer Challenge came and went and I'm here to check in with everyone to stay accountable and to keep on keeping on with this journey towards health, wholeness and FREEDOM!!!

1. Weight Loss Goal: I had hoped that the scale would say 218 by today and.....drum roll........THEY DID!!! Yeah that's a total of 68 pounds down and I'm feeling great. I'm not even half way there, but I'm so much closer than I was a year ago. I'm so close to 200 I can taste it, and that's a good feeling. I haven't been below 200 since 2001. Oh by summer....

2. Non-Scale Goal: The size 18 jeans. They slip on a little easier. They zip up fairly comfortably, BUT there's the dreaded hang over, muffin top, roll thing going on so I'm not going to wear them until I'm comfortable. I'm thinking another 10 pounds or more.

3. Nutrition Goal: I've investigated some different CSA options and think I've landed upon one that I want to join. I needed to wait until next paycheck to put down our deposit. Today though we did purchase our first flat of "fresh" strawberries. YUMMO!!! I couldn't keep the kiddos out of them.

4. Exercise Goal: So I did get in my 2x workouts with my trainer/class AND here's the kicker. I went for my run last Saturday. I have been trail running now for a couple of months. There really aren't enough words to describe it. I LOVE it! So Leslie took me on this new trail. Please keep in mind I've never run more than 3.1 miles. I've WALKED more than 3.1, but never run over that distance. Saturday I ran 5.5 miles in 1 hour and 25 minutes. I was STOKED.

Now onto goals for Week 3 of the Challenge. I'm gonna have to mix it up on this non-scale goal. Also the Nutrition category is a little tough for me.

1. Weight Loss Goal: I'm gonna really step this one up. I'm determined to see a change in the numbers. I want to make it to "one-der land" so bad I hurt. Setting the bar high here and saying that by 4/19/2012 I would like to have lost another 2 pounds.

2. Non-scale Goal: To take my measurements. I haven't done it in several months. Oh, and I'm going to visit the chiropractor AND schedule a massage for myself. This tired momma needs some HELP!

3. Nutrition Goal: I'm going to plan my meals for a week in advance. I'm going to write them in a journal and follow them (even snacks).

4. Exercise Goal: I have a "Tribal Run 5K" podcast on my Ipod shuffle. It is 155 BPM. I'm gonna see how long I can run to that pace and keep training myself for my next race (5/12/12).

Nathan and I are headed out of town for a night and I'm always a little anxious about making wise choices when away. So happy, healthy thoughts and prayers are needed. Thanks friends.

Knocking Down the Wall

So 3.1 miles used to be "the wall".  I remember thinking prior to February 18th that I would NEVER be able to run a 5K.  That day came and went and with God's help and the support of friends I finished my race, and it was faster than my personal goal! 
March came and went and I only ran 3.1 maybe twice.  I walked, hiked, jogged, worked out and did other activities but just didn't have the ambition or time to run 3.1 consecutively.  Last weekend was the breakthrough.  Leslie and I did the Gate path, both parts of Rainbow and hiked down Lookout.  It was wonderful and I am so glad that I did.  It took that boost to get me back on track. 

Today's run was approx. 5.5.  We didn't use Map My Run or Cardio Trainer, but based on Leslie's previous runs that is the mileage.  I didn't know my body could move that way for THAT long.  I did 5.5 miles in 1 hour and 25 minutes!!!  That is the longest I've ever moved consecutively, consistently, completely, powerfully.  Trail running is AWESOME!!!  Peaceful, quiet, natural...I heard things and saw things that you just can't experience on an elliptical or treadmill.  I ran along a river.  I ran along a road.  I pushed my way up hills.  I ran through the pain.  I just kept GOING.  There was a monster of a hill that I power hiked part of the way, but I never stopped.  There was one place where we all stopped and stretched and ate some power chews.  Everyone ran at different paces, but I just kept going.  It felt good to run, to be alone, to have time to think, be still, clear my head.  Leslie would double back around to check on me, or she would yell so I could hear her.  She would give trail directions "stay left" or "watch your footing ahead".  I felt so empowered.  Six months ago I couldn't run 60 feet.  Today I ran almost six MILES. 

So the proverbial wall is DOWN.  In reading and studying Hebrews 11, that chapter talks of heroes of the faith.   Joshua and the "Jericho" account are mentioned.  So I went back and read that section of Scripture. I've been obedient to the Lord.  I've marched around my walled fortress and I've screamed out in triumph (literally).  God knocked that wall down today and I took those miles captive burning all doubt that I could move my body like that and keep going.  I took fear captive and brought my offering of sacrificial movement to the Lord.  Yes, I'm making this spiritual.  For me it is!  I have to bring my will, my desire to stay put, my fear of failure to the Lord and submit myself completely to Him.  This journey is about realizing that I live, move and have my being in HIM.  It's so much more about Him than it is about me.  I'm finding Him, losing myself and loving every minute of it.

I came home took a nice shower, ate some butternut squash and broccoli and a bit of potato soup (leftover).  I am pushing the water and going to enjoy this glorious Spring day by celebrating a birthday with some friends of ours.  I feel ALIVE.  I feel FREE.  I feel blessed that I can move and enjoy life.  I'm going to do this again soon and who knows maybe a 10K this fall???? :-)

Here's a picture that a friend of mine has on her tumblr.  I wanted to share.  Keep running, and if you haven't started yet....what's your excuse????