Run! Turkey Run! SUCESS

I ran my first Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day this past week.  My future FIL joined me as well as Molly (my dog [she even made the local news! as well as my legs!  lol]).  We had an absolutely amazing day for it.  The temps were perfect!  There was no wind! and the course was FLAT! 

My goal was to finish in 45 mins or less!  I felt that this was a very realistic goal and I planned on doing it completely with intervals.  One minute run to one minute walk.  I started out doing 4 min run so Molly and I wouldn't get run over!  There were A LOT of people there!  Once we got to where it started to thin out we started our intervals!  I did it so my phone's app would tell me what my speed was for every run I did.  This helped keep me on track for not going too fast.  I thought however, that I was walking at a snail speed even though my miles were coming out about right overall!  I hit the actual 3.1 miles in 41 minutes and crossed the finish line 3.34 miles in 43:32.  We started about a quarter mile from the start line :(  But I know how well I did and that is all that matters!  Also, even though it was farther I still beat my goal of less than 45 mins!  I was really happy to see the breakdown on my phone for the miles too!  All were under 13:30 I believe!  I know the first mile was just over 12 mins!!!  Overall by the Montana Timing Website I finished 1031 out of approximately 1230!  I thought I was in the top 1000 (999) but with all the people that registered on the day of the run I got pushed back to 1031 (which is still awesome!)  Now that I have accomplished this I am ready to look for another one!  I am also thinking about my training this winter and planning the half marathon for next summer...scary thought! 

My Thanksgiving was great!  I didn't really overeat.  I enjoyed all the foods I love and just had everything in moderation.  I didn't make the entire trip about food, however, that can be difficult at times!  I did a little shopping and that helped keep me active and on my feet.  I was pretty sore after pushing hard at the 5k so I took it a little easy.  I am planning on heading to the gym after work today (Monday)!  Ready to start getting some miles in!!!!

I didn't really gain anything over the holidays.  I came home retaining some water, but that was mainly due to the salty snacks we ate on the way home and the pizza we had for dinner.  I was not up to the task of cooking dinner after driving over 4 hours home!  It sure was nice to get home and sleep in my own bed last night.  Well it was another month of maintaining, but I am still so darn tickled that I have lost 25 lbs and kept it off for this past year.  Now on to the next 25 lbs lost!!!!

~Chat Soon~

One year........

I have officially been with working on my weight loss journey for ONE YEAR.  I have had my ups and downs and also been just plain flat too!  I look back at this year and I can't say I am super thrilled with my results, but then I think wait a minute...YOU LOST 25 LBS AND HAVE MANAGED TO KEEP IT OFF!  Could I have done better?  SURE.  But I have had many obstacles get in my way and I know it's my choice to change these, but I am doing my best and I am happy!  My whole goal at the beginning of this journey was to 1) Lose Weight & 2) BE HAPPY!  I have actually accomplished both of these goals.  They are going to continue to be my goals because I am no where near my ultimate goal of weight loss, but I am happy and I just want that to continue! 

Another month has passed and I had to get new shoes in the middle of it due to my previous ones dying.  They are good shoes to wear around, but not for walking/running.  I was getting shin splints shortly after starting every time I worked out and that made me not want to do it because I was in so much pain.  I got new shoes and I have only been out walking twice :(  Not very good.  I did not make my goal of 52.4 miles and I think a lot of this has to do with my shoes.  If I would not have lost so much steam over needing new shoes I think I could have gotten my miles in. 

However, because I had to slow down it made it so easy to say I didn't want to do it.  The weather changed and the nights are much shorter also.  I know these are just excuses and you have to find a way to work through them and right now I am trying, but these are the ones that always kick my butt at this time of year!  I really do try to not let these things get to me so much, but it is what it is.  I could be made, upset or just frustrated and disappointed in myself, but instead I am happy that I have done what I have and know I will get back to it eventually.  Right now I am working on getting the gym with my friend. 

I have been trying to make better choices in food, not always the best, but better.  I also am trying to be more aware of portion size and not just overeat.  So far I feel like I am being more successful with my eating.  I find I am not searching the kitchen as much also when I am home. 

I am looking forward to this new month with fresh eyes and hoping to find some success this month.  The holidays have always been difficult for me, but I really want to do better.  I have researched and found a 5k in Billings, MT on Thanksgiving day.  Billings is about 90 mins from John's moms house so I am considering it.  Just depends on our schedule for when we go over there.  I really want to do it because that would mean I will have completed a 5k in 4 states this year! 

I know I sound happy and sad at the same time in this blog, but overall I feel successful!  I have a positive attitude moving forward from here and know I can keep doing this!  If it means I will "only" lose 20-25 lbs per year, I am OK with that!  I don't really care how long it takes, I just want it gone! :)  Thank you for following me through this journey!

~Chat Soon~