A Worthier Cause

To the Chinese we are in the year of the Rat, in our household we are in the year of self-improvement. But as with any task that is undertaken there are bound to be some set backs. I have reached my first hurdle- it is called shin splints. They are painful; a blinding, searing pain that tells me I am doing something wrong. With the help of my cousin, Jamie and Ben I have been set on the right path again. I will have to take a small hiatus from running but was told I could bike in order to stay on track with my program. Once I can run again I will pick up my program where I left off- a few weeks behind but I won't let it discourage me. Which brings me to some big news...

Even with all of the goals I have set forth for myself I realize what I long for, to do what I am really good at...helping others.

So, I am up-ing the ante and adding one more goal to my list. Break out your pom-poms and megaphones and get ready to cheer us on as Ben and I enter the Race for the Cure 5K marathon in Columbus on May 16th; a clear, set goal with a deadline. I work better under pressure anyway.

Can I get a Woot-Woot?!

Tomorrow is day 2 of my work out regime...if you consider running a regime. I am not nearly as sore as I thought that I would be after Monday's run. I have been staying true to my eating changes. I don't really consider it a diet since I am eating all of the food groups. More fruit and veggies and less chips and soda- it's not rocket science so why I couldn't figure it out before boggles my mind. I have received tremendous support from family and friends. I couldn't do it without them.

I have been consciously eating breakfast in the morning. It's no longer a Coke but a bowl of oatmeal and a glass of 100% fruit juice. Lunch is raw veggies, which are surprisingly filling and then a salad before dinner. Drinking water is my biggest downfall right now. I know that my body needs it but I can't get myself in the habit of drinking it. I read that drinking it in spurts throughout the day helps EX. brush teeth in the morning and drink water, eat breakfast- drink water, feed the cats- drink water...for some reason that just isn't working. It's only been a few days so I am not ready to throw the towel in on that method just yet.

That's all that I have for tonight. Wish me luck on my second run!

My New Year's resolution

Have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror and thought, "Wow! When did I let myself go?" I have had that revelation more times than I can count over the last year but I have decided that enough is enough. My New Year's resolution is to become thinner and healthier. I hate to admit to the fact that I weigh more now than I ever thought I would weigh. In 2003, when I got pregnant, I weighed 122lbs. In labor I weighed 155lbs but by Christmas I was back down in the 120's. Somewhere between 2004 and now something has gone terribly wrong. I reached my highest weight ever in May 2008 when I hit 157lbs. I made a few lifestyle changes but nothing I ever stuck with. However, I was able to get to 145lbs where I plateaued for the rest of 2008. As I rolled in to 2009 I have decided that enough is enough. I have vowed to stop drinking soda- the main culprit to my heaviness- which has benefited the rest of my household. Ben and Chris have decided to go along with my changes and have implemented them into their lives as well. I have also decided to start running again. I used to love the freedom that came with running but it turned into a hassle so I quit. Not any more! I have taken on the 'Couch to 5K' program (www.coolrunning.com) and today was the first day of a 2 month course.

I have several goals, some short term- some long term, but I will reach them all in time. Starting this blog is my first step toward accountability for my actions. I will post my weight (however painful it may be), my exercise for the day and what I have eaten. Not very interesting but knowing that other people will know if I fail helps me stay on track.

My goals are straightforward:

I will be 135lbs by my birthday in July.

I will be able to run with my husband who can easily run 3 miles.

I will eat healthier.

I will be comfortable to be myself.

Thanks for reading and check back for updates!

Becky