Hump Day/Leap Day

Today was Hump Day and Leap Day.  I planned ahead and brought a change of clothes so I could go right to the gym after work.  As I day went on, I didn't want to go.  I just wanted to go home and take a nap.  I was so tired, I had a headache and I was just feeling blah.  But I knew I had to go because it was the last day of the month to get my required number of gym visits in for my insurance to pay my gym membership.  I went.  I did it.  I fast walked for 32 minutes on the treadmill.  I did a couple of running bursts.  Like I said, I really wasn't feeling it today, but I did it and I felt better after I did.

I tried a new recipe for supper tonight.  Creamy black beans and tomatoes.  I served it with couscous.  Good recipe.  Quick and easy.  I will definitely make it again.  I also did three loads of laundry tonight.  Now I'm going to finish watching last night's "The Biggest Loser" and go to bed early.

Me a runner???

I never liked running.  In junior high and high school we were required to do a "mile" run every term.  I was always the last to finish.  A few years ago I was visiting with a friend who had recently started running.  I thought, "I could never do that."  And then one day while I was on a walk, I decided to start jogging/running.  I was in the cemetery a block away from where I live and I would pick a spot up ahead and run to that spot.  Then I would pick another spot where I would start running again.  Soon it became easier.  I decided that I wanted to do a 5K to prove to myself that I can do it.  Now it doesn't seem a big deal to go to the gym and run 3+ miles. I do feel like my time isn't as good on a treadmill as it is outside. I can't wait to get back outside.

To date I have done three 5K's.

• August 9, 2011--5K to benefit the White Earth Autism Association.  This was at a conference I went to for work.  35 minutes 12 seconds
• September 11, 2011--5K for the Altru Breast Cancer Coalition.  36 minutes 40 seconds.  I was dissappointed it took longer, but it was 80+ degrees that afternoon.
• October 23, 2011--UND Homecoming 5K.  39 minutes 3 seconds.  Found out at the end of the race that someone directing runners sent us on a wrong turn and we ran and extra half mile.  3.6 miles instead of 3.1

I am now trying to make a decision about what I can do in an upcoming race.  5K? 10K?  Half marathon?

Exercise

When I first started my weight loss journey, I did not exercise.  Then I started walking and I bought a few workouts videos (VHS and eventually DVD's).  I was not consisten with my exercise though.  Somewhere along the way, I became more committed.  In January 2010 I bought a "The Biggest Loser" wall calendar and hung it on my fridge.  I started marking every day that I exercised in some way.  It is now 2012 and I am still using a "Biggest Loser" calendar.  It's motivating for me to see what I have done.  I have quite a collection of workout DVD's.  I have found several on sale and have bought some off of ebay.

I try to exercise in some way at least 5-6 days a week.  Monday and Thursday and I go to Zumba and Tuesday is Pilates.  I take these classes at Heidi Dutch Pilates & Dance Studio.  The rest of the week I try to go the the gym, do a DVD, or take a walk. 

A Little History

This was me in September 2002.  I joined Weight Watchers on September 11, 2002.  I beleive this was the heaviest my weight has been.  I was 173.6 pounds and 5'2".  I was talked into going to my first meeting by a friend.  She only went for a few weeks, but I continued.  I lost 6.8 pounds my first week! (Haven't had a loss that big since, but that is ok!)  I was inspired by the meeting leaders and hearing stories from fellow members. 

Nine months later I reached goal.  My goal is 139.  At my lowest, I was 134.2, for a total loss of 39.4 pounds.  Over the years, I gained some weight back.  In October 2006, I was back up to 163 pounds.  I have managed to lose the weight again.  This morning I weighed in at home at 137.6 pounds.  I have been in the 137-140 pound range, which is ok, but I'd like to lose 5 more pounds to be at my lowest. LOL

I have realized that I need to track my points.  If I don't track, then my weight gain gets out of control.  I still follow the plan that I learned in 2002.  I have not gone to a Weight Watchers meeting in over a year.  I didn't care for the Points+ program, so I am sticking with what works for me!

Right now I am focusing on maintaining my weight, living an active life, and eating healthy.

This is me in April 2010.

This is me in January 2012.  Quite a change from the first picture I think!

The Start

I am always motivated to read other people's blogs about their weight loss journeys.  I have been playing around with the idea of starting my own blog for quite some time and finally decided I would give it a go.  I'd like to think I can be inspiring to someone, but who knows if anyone will ever even see this.