tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69190124129793139192024-03-12T21:02:08.503-04:00my way to 5KFollow along with me as I go from a couch potato to running a 5K. I am a new mother with a new body who is looking for an outlet and is in need of a hobby. This is my journey and you are invited...Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308609807525231278noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919012412979313919.post-10222785146037768352010-12-15T23:13:00.000-05:002010-12-15T23:13:10.728-05:00Skinnier by the Inch, Not the Pound<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Where to start?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too much time has passed since I last posted on my blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to start writing each night but every single time my mind was way too tired to actually process any words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well it is better late than never so here is a quick rundown of what has happened the last couple of weeks...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Week five actually went a lot smoother than I had anticipated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last run of the week I was supposed to run two miles or 20 mins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(You can choose to run distance or time and I decided to run distance that day)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran the two miles in 23 minutes exactly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That averaged 11.5 minute miles!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>GO ME!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having not been able to go anywhere to just relax and enjoy myself I was finally able to get away and relax on a mini vacation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I packed my bags and was headed off to relax…not worrying about the huge maternity bathing suit I packed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I got ready to put on the maternity bathing suit I realized that I must be losing weight because the bathing suit was having a hard time staying up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really didn’t mind though because no one was around to see me look silly wearing what appeared to be a colorful camping tent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next day I woke up to a brand new bathing suit that my mother went out and purchased for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually she bought two but who’s counting?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really hadn’t thought about wearing a ‘real’ bathing suit because I didn’t think my body was at a point to be out in a nice swimsuit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I put the new suits on I realized how good I was actually looking these days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hadn’t and haven’t been giving myself enough credit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes I have it in my head that I should look a certain way and I forget that I am actually doing really well considering only four months ago I had a baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even sent my husband (who is deployed currently) a picture of me posing in my new swim suit!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He might have fallen off his chair receiving that photo because I have been flat out refusing to send him pictures of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While on vacation I went running to maintain all that I have been working towards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pushed myself and did another two miles and it felt great knowing that I could actually do this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I went a little off the program but that’s okay.)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOL4LyJ-E4Yq3LeMbnzAfkpq7wbsSMTBczjWfB3xN5xsPgkSzD8-u6v80TTzRDZj37mNj6E6RQuyz4Kl9NB0DJr8Bhr1kyql3mx7YVSfR67B6repRD9qAfbEbkuvGacYjpt1pepY4rr39H/s1600/20101212ocean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOL4LyJ-E4Yq3LeMbnzAfkpq7wbsSMTBczjWfB3xN5xsPgkSzD8-u6v80TTzRDZj37mNj6E6RQuyz4Kl9NB0DJr8Bhr1kyql3mx7YVSfR67B6repRD9qAfbEbkuvGacYjpt1pepY4rr39H/s400/20101212ocean.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today I ran 2.5 miles in 28:45 minutes (again 11.5 minute miles) and felt great doing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My father (a marathon runner) ran with me again for motivation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You wouldn’t believe how motivating it is to have someone help push you along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He seems to be able to tell when I am winded or needing a little extra motivation because all of a sudden he starts telling me I can do it and to keep pushing myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are running and having a hard time with the longer distances try finding a partner to run with who will help push you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, my dad is an invaluable part of my success with this program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THANK YOU DAD!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know I have told you guys that I haven’t lost any weight (I need to weigh in for this week but I haven’t stopped by my parents house to use their scale....I don’t own one) BUT I have lost inches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last week while on vacation I decided I was tired of having droopy butt and hated my pants falling down so I went shopping for a new pair of jeans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to get the same brand and style I had last time because I loved the way they fit my body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today I was looking for the older bigger pair so I could donate them and realized that they were bigger than I had originally remembered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as I saw the tag I realized I had dropped THREE pant sizes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so nice to see that I have been reaping the advantages of exercising.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may not be losing weight but I am definitely losing inches!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once again, I just want to say how incredibly happy I am with this program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has truly changed my life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By the way, it wouldn’t be right if I didn’t include the picture of myself that I sent to my husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said I would disclose everything…so here I am in a bathing suit!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>OH LORD!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRoRgcky7sdkD5z9FXnLNRH3lkVySj8DS2_fImxONCypUQ1A3kpTV-41upkSJrEkALtgEmAuugrMq78IBjxpnn6oad7U140rRam_9oSDogga6nx6leJXhwZqISj7xxO-DHEJZAyN4-sHl/s1600/20101211me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRoRgcky7sdkD5z9FXnLNRH3lkVySj8DS2_fImxONCypUQ1A3kpTV-41upkSJrEkALtgEmAuugrMq78IBjxpnn6oad7U140rRam_9oSDogga6nx6leJXhwZqISj7xxO-DHEJZAyN4-sHl/s400/20101211me.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span> </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308609807525231278noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919012412979313919.post-41326305309771283912010-12-03T03:01:00.000-05:002010-12-03T03:01:37.797-05:00Headcase<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have just completed week four and cannot wait to start week five.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The beginning of week four was really challenging for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the first two runs of this week I was seriously questioning my resolve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was seriously thinking that I wouldn’t be able to run more than five minutes at a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those five minutes were killing me but I found that it was more mental than anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I pushed those thoughts out of my head and stopped thinking about how long the run was I actually found a nice stride and ran the best I had all week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only thing keeping me going was the knowledge that this program does work and my body CAN be pushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of bad weather I had to run two consecutive days but that didn’t seem to affect my running in the least.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today I was quite shocked at how well I actually did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially at the end of the run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the last half of the run my IPod died so I had to use a watch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Personally I thought I would hate using a watch but I found I ran well without the IPod.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last five minutes I increased my speed overall and even sprinted the last thirty seconds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeling good I decided to run to the finish line which turned out to be an extra minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Week five doesn’t look so daunting after completing tonight’s run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This week has actually been quite difficult as my body seems to be affected by the running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My milk supply has taken a dramatic hit and now I am struggling to be able to feed my baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been weighing myself weekly and not seeing much of a weight difference so I hadn’t thought that my body was using more calories than what I had been putting into it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turns out that I had not been bringing in enough calories to sustain breast feeding JW.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have started writing down all of my meals just so I can make sure I am getting enough nutrients to continue breast feeding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I have said before, losing weight is not my focus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which is evident when I came home last night and ate two cups of Greek yogurt which had 250 calories each.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would I like to be able to eat less and lose weight faster?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heck yes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, it is my responsibility to feed JW the best way I know how.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If that means eating more calories and not losing weight as fast then so be it because at the end of the day the weight will come off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just might be later rather than sooner!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today is my husband’s birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so bummed out that he isn’t home to celebrate with us as a family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is the most wonderful and honorable man I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God blessed me so much the day He put Josh back into my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I say 'back' I am referring to the fact that Josh was actually my seventh grade boyfriend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t until thirteen years later that we would find each other and fall back in love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully I was receptive to loving someone just as much as they loved me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took me many years to finally get to a place where I could receive love with open arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Josh was just the right person who knew exactly what I needed and how to love me (Which is not an easy task).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have a special person in your life please make sure to hug and tell them how much you love them a little extra today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>OH how much I wish I could have a hug right now.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiNYRds9SgtMWk51xcRJBGEQ9OKUjJ4_r51FxTxldEtg8w0SC1HQXTvBlsyoLD7_dDBb0wxF2NbVXleTLK5Rd-CP9MqrJO5lJ2uSbyj2uJ-a4-tW5YzmV2HLhrNNQJ8UI020I4jjgx3mI/s1600/thanksgiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiNYRds9SgtMWk51xcRJBGEQ9OKUjJ4_r51FxTxldEtg8w0SC1HQXTvBlsyoLD7_dDBb0wxF2NbVXleTLK5Rd-CP9MqrJO5lJ2uSbyj2uJ-a4-tW5YzmV2HLhrNNQJ8UI020I4jjgx3mI/s400/thanksgiving.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308609807525231278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919012412979313919.post-65498761543070625952010-11-25T19:34:00.000-05:002010-11-25T19:34:04.299-05:00Confessions from a size 4<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #660000;">The following post was written by a friend of mine, Danielle Burlison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What she writes of and ‘confesses’ resonated with me as I also have discovered there is more to life than fitting into a pair of skinny jeans. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Working in a gym at fifteen years old has its pros and cons. It's a critical age when you are just starting to really identify yourself, your flaws, and BOYS; all of which tend to shape your idea of who you are. I was exposed to many different things in those years: extreme diets, extreme workouts, magic "pills" to make you lose weight, energy drinks, etc. I think the biggest impression left on me was this: "You must be a skinny, toned size 4 to be pretty, accepted, important and loved."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That one false belief began to shape my life, and as of last night, I realized, STILL shapes my life. It's bondage for me. You see, I've finally realized (I can hear some friends saying, "FINALLY" as they read this) that I cannot be FREE as a size 4!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My body is not naturally built that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, I can take some pills for four months. I can monitor every calorie, carb, and fat gram that goes into my body (which I actually have done every year for about six months since I was 16).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can bring my own plate of food to every "get-together" I go to, for fear of eating an extra gram of fat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can control every bite that goes into my mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can work out twice a day, six days a week, forsaking my times with God and my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The result to all of that would be an awesome and toned size 2 to 4 body. But at what cost?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would then be in bondage to my own body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have essentially made my body my god.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have bowed down and worshipped it. You can call it nutrition but it's really an obsession.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now don't get me wrong, eating healthy, drinking water, and remaining conscious about what foods you are eating IS practicing good nutrition and is very respectable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I'm talking about being in bondage to it. There's a difference and you know if you are crossing or have crossed that line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's time we stop labeling our addictions and bondages and just call them what they are!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God compares our body to a temple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tells us that our bodies are the temple for His holy spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, of course, he wants that body to be healthy. However, going back to the Old Testament, people in those days were always getting into trouble with two specific things they did in the temple: neglect and obsession.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn't it interesting how we tend to do the same two extremes with our bodies (temples)? So what's the balance? RESPECT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the same way I don't have freedom at a size four, I also don't have freedom (this is strictly for ME, everyone's comfort zone is different) at a size 10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My body makeup has me at a natural size 6/8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neglecting your body, eating foods you know are unhealthy all day, never working out; these things are just as bad as going overboard and monitoring every bite, calorie, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Deeply absorbing a biblical perspective of our physical bodies would free us from the horrific stress our culture has placed on us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Biblically speaking, physical fitness is probably more about freedom than size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Galatians 5:1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God ultimately wants FREEDOM from obsession for us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This goal can be reached through moderation and learning to do what we need to do, and GET ON WITH LIVING!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, exercise is GOOD and healthy, and God wants that for our bodies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What he doesn't want is the BONDAGE that can easily go into it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does it seem impossible to be free from this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In our culture of perfect, model-like bodies, is there any way to break out of this pattern?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Radical restoration comes, but only after radical repentance, not play-like kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's for FREEDOM Christ set us free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If this is you, let GO of this bondage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be free to be healthy, exercise regularly, and monitor the "bad for you" food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But don't make your body your God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do what you need to do to be healthy, and then get on with living! :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfcd7T8R31KHM0vGjx5LPXtn_-VA6iVQxmTujZE-tVXWrPsGPnZ_7MucXyomJv0w_HGsfISXt6OavxOcDInkNnzCWZ3_nRsMTjuITwtaiXuHO1w8InmMdEclB12mCRHyXSgClmCQjLS9G/s1600/imagesCAAZ0Z4J.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfcd7T8R31KHM0vGjx5LPXtn_-VA6iVQxmTujZE-tVXWrPsGPnZ_7MucXyomJv0w_HGsfISXt6OavxOcDInkNnzCWZ3_nRsMTjuITwtaiXuHO1w8InmMdEclB12mCRHyXSgClmCQjLS9G/s320/imagesCAAZ0Z4J.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308609807525231278noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919012412979313919.post-61971675792377326422010-11-25T02:06:00.001-05:002010-11-25T02:07:06.454-05:00Spirtual Running<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The coolest thing is happening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People all around me are putting on their running shoes and hitting the pavement!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find that running has given me much more than just a chance to partake in a healthy activity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Running has given me confidence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As much as it is a very physical sport it is even more of a mental challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes, everything about me both physically and mentally is telling me to stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only my willpower is telling me to keep going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only when you push through all of the self-doubt will your confidence break through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won’t say that I don’t worry each week as the running distance increases, but I now have the confidence in myself to know I will finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am proud of myself and of my body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is amazing what my body is accomplishing after such a long period of being sedentary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Some of you might be wondering about my weight since I have started this program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have not lost any weight since losing 5 pounds after the initial week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am still hovering at the 176 mark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I said in the beginning, my goal is not to lose weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My goal is still simply to run a 5K.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, by being more physically active, losing weight will be a benefit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have gained so many benefits from running that merely losing weight could never offer me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Weight loss is an outward change but running has been a spiritual change for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has touched me deeper than I can describe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel more centered and more in tune with my spiritual side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During my run I pray and I think about the things that I am most thankful for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a time of being one with God with no interruptions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could call it my individual worship service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Today, as you are celebrating Thanksgiving with your family, please take a moment to remember the men and women who are serving our country honorably and will not be at home with family and friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our family will be missing our soldier, my husband…Josh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God bless you all!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlju5sYeYn9u7Aca-CmywkGYCljVF58U14BM_-WSAMf0j_W3vppXUrozN6nztWYbaMYdd_sGbIS7tguXtZVif_urqvdzns2qPOcjvapLtGDBCULocf2XPJ4_osqtJKT6lwcbjHeaE0HcB/s1600/josh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlju5sYeYn9u7Aca-CmywkGYCljVF58U14BM_-WSAMf0j_W3vppXUrozN6nztWYbaMYdd_sGbIS7tguXtZVif_urqvdzns2qPOcjvapLtGDBCULocf2XPJ4_osqtJKT6lwcbjHeaE0HcB/s400/josh.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308609807525231278noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919012412979313919.post-80376403486873182562010-11-22T03:35:00.000-05:002010-11-22T03:35:12.776-05:00Week 3 Day 1...DONE!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Week three day one is a thing of the past!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday I went running and my younger brother joined me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was really nice having him there encouraging me while we ran. It makes a difference having someone run with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had anticipated having more difficulty running this week’s intervals but found it rather easy to fall into a nice stride. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I seriously love this program!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxk48LW-q7uMHzupQgwo-3T8xLMPiRRuOGBH2sobaEobW-WIDhv5QAgvgvH3CyGS20w_KmyFSHhQT8JwCFup4ZNcBrL6Bdp2rmXzZnCr7_drC2LrnHQSkFBitpLXhutHneQvZHKgunnEx/s1600/Photo0133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxk48LW-q7uMHzupQgwo-3T8xLMPiRRuOGBH2sobaEobW-WIDhv5QAgvgvH3CyGS20w_KmyFSHhQT8JwCFup4ZNcBrL6Bdp2rmXzZnCr7_drC2LrnHQSkFBitpLXhutHneQvZHKgunnEx/s400/Photo0133.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><span style="color: #660000;">HAPPY</span> <span style="color: #660000;">RUNNING!!!</span> </strong></span></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308609807525231278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919012412979313919.post-56823707146861957402010-11-17T23:08:00.001-05:002010-11-18T02:48:05.016-05:00I KILLED IT!<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Today I completed week two, day two, and I killed it! Only one more run to complete this week and I move on to week three!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> M</span>y knees were hurting once again but that was to be expected because I went against the program and ran back-to-back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a beginner you should be running every other day so that your body has time to heal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, because Monday’s weather prevented me from going outside, I attempted to get back on schedule by running on two consecutive days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surprisingly, it wasn’t all that bad and I felt good during and after the run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you were to see me at the park you would laugh because after every interval I put my hands up in the air and shout with excitement!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During my last intervals I am beaming with pride while I run. I have a huge goofy smile on my face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People are probably wondering why I look so happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t help it…I just feel so darn proud of myself!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Several of my friends have decided to start running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have all signed up for the 5K that I am running for my graduation of the </span><a href="http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Couch to 5K</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am super excited to be able to share that experience with them. They are an awesome group of ladies we all share a common bond...the U.S. ARMY. Each of us has a spouse serving in the ARMY and several of them are currently deployed which can make life terribly difficult to cope with. But we have each other and for that I am forever grateful. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you have even thought about trying to start running, please try doing the </span><a href="http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Couch to 5K</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It really is a great program designed for the ultimate couch potato!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Here are four veterans (one of them being my father) who recently completed the Soldier Marathon held at Fort Benning Ga, 13 November 2010.</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHq1MDUZbKsjZJ4My4ufkme5eCa1WymAy93FjCJ34HqI6krjUVWSmZlAeYXv03aWPvlXnRknT3Y46PEKNTmDhH86JzKlkDPLUYmvWdvI5aOsgw6tFZZ8c4wR2Va1VjDAbAAnlRTv4Tamlq/s1600/Soldier_marathon2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHq1MDUZbKsjZJ4My4ufkme5eCa1WymAy93FjCJ34HqI6krjUVWSmZlAeYXv03aWPvlXnRknT3Y46PEKNTmDhH86JzKlkDPLUYmvWdvI5aOsgw6tFZZ8c4wR2Va1VjDAbAAnlRTv4Tamlq/s400/Soldier_marathon2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308609807525231278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919012412979313919.post-88602701955537032202010-11-16T23:11:00.001-05:002010-11-17T00:52:07.770-05:00'Me' Time<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the last couple of days I have doubted myself and my ability to really see this goal through to completion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lot of personal challenges were presenting themselves and my knees were killing me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t walk without the pain being excruciating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am really trying to not come across as a wimp but the pain was horrible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Monday was going to be the first day of week two but the weather was not ideal for running with a 14 week old child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did however try to run on my parents’ home treadmill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some reason I felt very unsteady on that blasted thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simply the act of walking on it was enough to make me lose my balance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe I am beginning to show my age but I would like to think I am not that old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So today was the 'new first day' of week two and I was impressed with myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was running I kept thinking of how great I was doing for a) pushing through the pain and b) running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the run was over my dad helped me calculate how far I ran and it was approximately 1.1 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This week’s runs will consist of 90 seconds running and two minutes at a brisk walking for recovery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of fearing that I wouldn’t be able to continue I started to really believe in myself that I could accomplish this goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Over the weekend I was wondering why I like running so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it hit me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only time I get to have to myself is while I am running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the run I can fully concentrate on me, my breathing and how I am going to finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have to think about family, bills, or any other pressing issues in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In those moments I don’t have to be anything to anyone…I can just be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Currently in my life I don’t have my spouse because our country needs him more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needless to say my time is being fully wrapped up in our son’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t mind this one bit because I rather enjoy being a stay at home mommy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But living day to day without having my husband’s assistance does present some challenges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are days when I would love to have Josh walk in and hold the baby so I could go cook a nice dinner or just entertain the baby so I could simply enjoy a quiet bath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are things that are impossible because JW demands so much affection and attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, when I run I get back some of my autonomy. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308609807525231278noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919012412979313919.post-41104764501425317402010-11-14T01:45:00.001-05:002010-11-14T02:19:51.304-05:00My Malevolent Mind<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Week ONE is complete and I am excited to start week two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will be longer running intervals and less walking, which sounds awful but the pain in my legs actually sets in during the walking portion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems that my leg muscles start to spasm when I stop to do the brisk walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the run is complete I feel like my legs are going to give out on me completely and I will collapse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pain in my knees feels like nothing I have ever experienced before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read an article that said unless you really suspect something major is going on then you should just push through the pain and that is what I have been doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is very frustrating to be in pain only during the part of the exercise that is designed to let you recover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The other day someone asked me how running now is different than running in the military.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you are in basic training you are afraid not to run because you don’t want to get yelled at or fail your test and get recycled (sent back to an earlier portion of training for a 're-do').<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After basic training your physical fitness test determines your career.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can be put out of the military for not meeting standards if you can’t pass your test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a way I think there is more of a psychological aspect to it than what I am doing now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, they didn’t ‘teach’ us how to run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They simply told us to run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And run we did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With this program (</span><a href="http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Couch to 5K</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">) you are training yourself and body to ‘learn’ to run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Currently I feel the program is going at a good pace for any beginner who wants to run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am still having some bad body image days even though I am running and exercising faithfully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loathe those days because they are so emotionally draining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My focus will get stuck on how I look and not on how I am living a healthy life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will keep going over in my mind how I shouldn’t have eaten this or that, maybe I should have worked out a little longer or am I ever going to be pretty again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those are all futile thoughts which have no constructive value to them but they can be so hard to get rid of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One would think if you are taking control of your health these feelings would virtually disappear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BUT THEY HAVEN’T!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day I would love to be able to say that I am completely free of negative thoughts about myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get me wrong I am very comfortable in my own body but some days it feels like I can’t control my mind and those thoughts creep in to crush my spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I can do is keep reminding myself that my self-worth is not wrapped up in my physical appearance or by the amount of sit ups I perform.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather, my self-worth comes from being a wife to an outstanding man, a mother to a child I believe gave me a renewed lease on life, and loving Christ with all of my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On a brighter note…the light of my life!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6r8b1-0dgPsOmwWu67DUQxVQZyNb7YYPrbJG9lxhlhArHLz_SyDsP0dpBRj1WX6cWKL2scfXWt7rpe8YVuHMfIlvLdJd0nIpceffQNmZo1i3BWTG8Ev9AcylVOi1hEO4-SIRWYlsw193/s1600/20101110+1552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6r8b1-0dgPsOmwWu67DUQxVQZyNb7YYPrbJG9lxhlhArHLz_SyDsP0dpBRj1WX6cWKL2scfXWt7rpe8YVuHMfIlvLdJd0nIpceffQNmZo1i3BWTG8Ev9AcylVOi1hEO4-SIRWYlsw193/s400/20101110+1552.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308609807525231278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919012412979313919.post-53065113327819465352010-11-11T02:20:00.002-05:002010-11-14T02:19:17.093-05:00Why This...Why Now<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My run went surprisingly well yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It actually felt good to run during the running intervals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried slowing my pace a bit which helped tremendously and I think I was a bit more relaxed and confident today than I was on Monday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, after the session was completed my legs felt like they were going to give out any moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was strange because during the run my legs felt fine but as soon as I stopped to walk the pain would set in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My breathing was good and I didn’t feel winded like I did previously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All in all it was a great run and I am ready to complete week one. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Several of you have asked me what program I am doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is called </span><a href="http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtmlhttp:/www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Couch to 5K</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and it is FREE!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a program that gets you from sitting on the couch to running 3.1 miles in just nine weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes NINE weeks!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have it all planned out and tell you exactly what to run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To help me know when to run and walk I downloaded some podcasts that were available for FREE online.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can find the one I am currently using </span><a href="http://www.ullreys.com/robert/Podcasts/page4/files/category-7.html"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoy the music but most of all I find being told when to run and stop to walk very helpful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The music works out better than having to constantly keep looking down at a watch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another question I have gotten is what meal plan I am using.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I currently don’t have a meal plan and don’t plan on going on one either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I eat what I want to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just do it in moderation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only thing I have done is cut out candy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Literally I would fill up on candy and not want to eat a decent meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won’t deprive myself but I won’t buy it and bring it into the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am horrible at mindless eating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other day I ate a pound of baby carrots in one sitting!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was all because I was watching a show and not being conscious of eating so many.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lucky for me they were only carrots but had that been a bag of chips…whew, that wouldn’t have been healthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What seems to work now and has worked in the past for me is to eat small meals six times a day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day looks like this for eating:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Breakfast</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Snack (no more than 150 calories)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lunch</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Snack (once again no more than 150 calories)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dinner</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Snack (no more than 150 calories)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You would be surprised at how full you will be if you eat throughout the day and not starve yourself. <span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">As previously stated, these are small meals. They are appropriately portioned meals. Remember, portion control is your friend! </span>I think any time you limit yourself it all becomes a mind game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why not have a slice of pizza that you have been craving?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then pair it with a nice salad?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That seems healthy enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not a professional but I would think that if you were cognizant of the types of food that were entering into your body you would be fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of eating a lot of processed foods why not try to eat ‘whole’ foods?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By eating whole foods you can cut out a lot of preservatives and calories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus it is healthier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that is our goal, isn’t it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been thinking a lot lately about my new found peace with myself and body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyone who really knew me would tell you that I worried a lot about my weight in the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just gaining five pounds would freak me out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back then I was never healthy or engaging in activities that were good for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After having JW my thinking and body image was transformed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of wanting to be a certain size or weight I decided that I needed a lifestyle change not an appearance change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted something that would benefit me and my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I chose being healthy and active so my child has something positive to emulate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could’ve chosen to diet and lose weight but what was that really accomplishing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yea, I would be skinnier but would I be able to go out and really play with my son?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would we be able to enter races as a family and center our family fun around physical activities?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is more to life than being skinny and fitting into a certain size jean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Skinny jeans won’t make memories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will make them because I am taking my life by the reins and living it to the fullest!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The inspiration…my motivation…(isn't he adorable?!) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06J4329g7KpVcR5ihjPLLW7Dbe1pDU6iOgV4K85wP5BMjkoWcQy8LJxk21qxu3g7djgI_YOxiAfRo_boKn2VSCcO8qHXWyy77THKEkkwRPpfMdyU3ilJwVU8iJBOglvu0vSY2HCy3i09X/s1600/20101110+1307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06J4329g7KpVcR5ihjPLLW7Dbe1pDU6iOgV4K85wP5BMjkoWcQy8LJxk21qxu3g7djgI_YOxiAfRo_boKn2VSCcO8qHXWyy77THKEkkwRPpfMdyU3ilJwVU8iJBOglvu0vSY2HCy3i09X/s400/20101110+1307.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308609807525231278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919012412979313919.post-50201244995171115342010-11-10T02:27:00.000-05:002010-11-10T02:27:40.014-05:005 pounds<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here are the stats and pictures as promised...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Height:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5’3”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Weight:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>176 </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">BMI:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>31.2 </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1KzQJra9wXwPgHsgT490Yd28W4uY28THs6o4_7CuGY5gVNbbbfgH6vnn4tPJN-EwB65-Fb-HA7krdeyGM5CugipFcDp3GeHveDmG9HdG00d1XuzNXTLQBhRBdoP4wwA6H5p8SAsgazys/s1600/DSC_0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1KzQJra9wXwPgHsgT490Yd28W4uY28THs6o4_7CuGY5gVNbbbfgH6vnn4tPJN-EwB65-Fb-HA7krdeyGM5CugipFcDp3GeHveDmG9HdG00d1XuzNXTLQBhRBdoP4wwA6H5p8SAsgazys/s400/DSC_0052.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_XmHfDm1dDhbw89Fi02uAL5Clw2CUJIz4vMdCvU0kAl1BI7epdWtmxJo5cZW4RZhzXGa6zDwo-hixro1R-1ZcPAE8z-jszF2aLtRGqTuPtjs12h-kcN6BhyVOnqgbYqrLdJzJitqwekK/s1600/DSC_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_XmHfDm1dDhbw89Fi02uAL5Clw2CUJIz4vMdCvU0kAl1BI7epdWtmxJo5cZW4RZhzXGa6zDwo-hixro1R-1ZcPAE8z-jszF2aLtRGqTuPtjs12h-kcN6BhyVOnqgbYqrLdJzJitqwekK/s400/DSC_0073.JPG" width="267" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4e3rSagEqshaJGtVw7hfmqb_pq1LKd6DacsxfYcPFDZfIfwc4iwWHXtXi8p6OvNVfgFLg5QQXJpIlGjoqJ5f3keWY5xb-d81yzJyP8MqaXkpZE22_TCPQEuNyQsLkXTGHP9CWaF3xjOqV/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4e3rSagEqshaJGtVw7hfmqb_pq1LKd6DacsxfYcPFDZfIfwc4iwWHXtXi8p6OvNVfgFLg5QQXJpIlGjoqJ5f3keWY5xb-d81yzJyP8MqaXkpZE22_TCPQEuNyQsLkXTGHP9CWaF3xjOqV/s400/DSC_0067.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I got awesome news today when I stepped on the scale!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last Tuesday I made the conscious decision to start weighing myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prior to this I didn’t know how much I weighed because I refused to know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout my whole pregnancy I was the kooky woman being weighed backwards so I couldn’t see the scale!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My chart had “Do NOT tell PT her weight” written across the top in big red letters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have always hated scales.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if I was at a good number I would get fixated and think I needed to lose just five more pounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now though, I have decided it would be good to know my weight so that I can track any changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was quite comical watching my father and me banter back and forth about whether or not I should know my weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You would’ve thought we were deciding how to resolve world hunger by the way we were going on about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally I pushed myself on the scale and kept repeating “I am not a number…I am HEATHER”!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I weighed in at 181 pounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surprisingly I was okay with that number.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My goal isn’t about losing weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s about running a 5K.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see, I think that, if my goal was reversed and my focus was solely on losing weight, I would be upset with how much I weigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is why I don’t think dieting alone works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your goal is to lose weight but not necessarily change your lifestyle or find some physical activity you enjoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today I was asked if I was dieting along with running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The answer is no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me first clarify so you don’t think I am sitting at home eating whatever comes across my plate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(The old me would eat Twizzlers or popcorn and call it a meal.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These days I am making more informed choices about what I eat and put into my body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realize that I can’t eat candy and snacks all day to live healthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It all boils down to moderation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two of my reasons for not “dieting” are as follow:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dieting limits your caloric intake which I can’t do because of breastfeeding JW.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a breastfeeding mother if I don’t provide my body with enough calories my milk supply will suffer. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dieting instead of making a lifestyle change seems counterproductive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why not just change your mindset and make permanent fixes instead of temporary ones?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dieting, in my opinion, is a temporary fix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It would definitely be easier for me to diet and control my food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being a control freak comes easily to my Type A personality. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Without “dieting” I lost a whopping 5lbs in a week!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I almost fell off the scale when I saw 176lbs!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran out to the living room to my family screaming with excitement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My dad took a picture of the scale for me so I could share with everyone how much I weighed.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUS-ATuGh1Ezt4zLQw5yOWpa6WvNqfKJbQgVPtF8S7waUlqDKJ1Lwr-ArcQjDxCCIGZBJ77hXH1lYXiI5dC3CaNFVeIb-qG7KeTuPW-mWA-xqEAUi76ZoNxI3FkrZRBuoDGz-ejj-pyATp/s1600/DSC_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUS-ATuGh1Ezt4zLQw5yOWpa6WvNqfKJbQgVPtF8S7waUlqDKJ1Lwr-ArcQjDxCCIGZBJ77hXH1lYXiI5dC3CaNFVeIb-qG7KeTuPW-mWA-xqEAUi76ZoNxI3FkrZRBuoDGz-ejj-pyATp/s400/DSC_0056.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today I realized more than ever that exercise combined with healthy eating habits does work!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you are interested in knowing your BMI find out what it is <span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/english_bmi_calculator/bmi_calculator.html">here</a>.</span></span></div><br />
<img height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4e3rSagEqshaJGtVw7hfmqb_pq1LKd6DacsxfYcPFDZfIfwc4iwWHXtXi8p6OvNVfgFLg5QQXJpIlGjoqJ5f3keWY5xb-d81yzJyP8MqaXkpZE22_TCPQEuNyQsLkXTGHP9CWaF3xjOqV/s320/DSC_0067.JPG" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 292px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 370px; visibility: hidden;" width="64" />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308609807525231278noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919012412979313919.post-57421277589735355632010-11-08T23:41:00.000-05:002010-11-08T23:41:15.219-05:00That's IT?!<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I am not going to lie today was more challenging than I had anticipated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the run I kept wondering why I had even set out to achieve this particular goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each time I started running I didn’t think I would make it through the entire 60 seconds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reading the plan on paper it looked to be a whole lot easier than what it actually turned out to be for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Run 60 seconds then walk for 90 seconds that seemed painless enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I was out there doing it I found out quickly just how out of shape I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was nice though having my son and father walking behind me cheering me on as I worked hard to run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, JW wasn’t cheering but I am sure one day he will be proud of me for doing this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having a father who runs marathons for fun would seem to be beneficial in case I have any questions, right?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NO!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get me wrong, my father supports my efforts but he doesn’t understand just how hard my body is working to keep me going forward each step of the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one point when I had finished one of the 60 seconds he yelled out at me and said, “that’s it?!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I honestly wanted to punch him at that point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well maybe not punch him but I was seriously annoyed at him in that moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being my size isn’t easy running and getting my booty moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I joke and say that I have two big ham hocks weighing me down on my backside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnCszIphuptVsTkdBdWoeBkCzi2rzENCUliH6PNPy6cve9BVC93PXo_ZSRyHdMibq-Vk_NiNjbp9xrO3EzG96zaXwDYexx7AvgqBhTTh2f_zvf78ECpkfJaAh3nIkZo1sLGZvVWkjE9cm/s1600/20101004+1804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnCszIphuptVsTkdBdWoeBkCzi2rzENCUliH6PNPy6cve9BVC93PXo_ZSRyHdMibq-Vk_NiNjbp9xrO3EzG96zaXwDYexx7AvgqBhTTh2f_zvf78ECpkfJaAh3nIkZo1sLGZvVWkjE9cm/s400/20101004+1804.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">How did I get to this point of being so out of shape?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a simple answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Smoking, drinking and being very lazy all got me to where I am at today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During that time I was skinny and didn’t worry that I was unhealthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t matter to me because outwardly I looked healthy enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, all of those bad habits set me up to fail and fail I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I am feeling all of the years of damage I did to my body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish I could go back and undo a lot of the harm I put my body through but I can’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I have is today and I am fine with that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As long as I make each day count and make it as healthy as possible then I am headed in the right direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a life style because anything else is a temporary fix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Temporary is no longer adequate because now I have a child who needs me to be a good example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After finishing week one day one of the program I am quite pleased with myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know it is going to be strenuous but I have confidence in myself to see it through and accomplish this goal.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Pictures and stats of my body should be up this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My little brother is going to play photographer and measure me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so thankful to have him help me because I know that he isn’t judging me no matter what.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">If any of you are on the fence about starting a running program get off of it and just DO IT!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div></span>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308609807525231278noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919012412979313919.post-75550724582873042902010-11-08T02:33:00.001-05:002010-11-08T02:41:06.193-05:00Couch to 5K<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Even though I have been working out lately and pushing myself physically I am still very nervous starting my new running regimen today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The program is called </span><a href="http://www.c25k.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Couch to 5K</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After reading a lot of </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/C25Kplan"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">success stories</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I decided this was the perfect way to get back into running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After years of not being active I knew it wouldn’t be like riding a bike that I needed to prepare and train.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Couch to 5K says it should take nine weeks to be able to go from the sitting on the couch to running 3.1 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nine weeks doesn’t seem long enough but I am ready for a challenge. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">If I can dream it I can achieve it… </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlREDTw1ZM1fiOty2Ifpa__zJYwCkyD2HhvL3eRkdXCDytj1rJTjrBcnHKiwqnPBcIDDtOpFvCc1OWvEqxKbjR17HPMkXZyw-ssDTtke1UdMoWG0ToD6KYR7TkYdPisqLsORoq8qJ9fqB/s1600/homer_running.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlREDTw1ZM1fiOty2Ifpa__zJYwCkyD2HhvL3eRkdXCDytj1rJTjrBcnHKiwqnPBcIDDtOpFvCc1OWvEqxKbjR17HPMkXZyw-ssDTtke1UdMoWG0ToD6KYR7TkYdPisqLsORoq8qJ9fqB/s400/homer_running.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308609807525231278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919012412979313919.post-36404511534640257282010-11-07T22:06:00.002-05:002010-11-08T00:57:55.290-05:00Embracing Myself<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Over the next nine weeks I will be training for a 5K.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It won’t be easy for me as I haven't exercised in years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One could say I am a professional couch potato.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During my years in the Air Force I would run once a year to pass a mandatory fitness test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would almost kill me trying to run 1.5 miles, crunches and push-ups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so out of shape but no one really knew because I was skinny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe they just didn’t care because I would pass my fitness test and met the uniform standards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back then I was as unhealthy as it gets but it really was never addressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Currently I am considered obese based on my BMI (Body Mass Index).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yep, you read that right, OBESE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking at myself in the mirror, which I rarely do, I would have never classified myself obese.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my mind’s eye I saw myself about average.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not too big and not too little but thanks to the CDC's BMI calculator I now know I need to lose weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just to be considered overweight I need to lose 12 pounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I really that out of shape or unhealthy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Personally I don’t feel that I am but numbers don’t lie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These days I eat healthier and make sure that every calorie counts due to me breastfeeding JW my 3 month old son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My goal has been to treat my body with respect especially since I am my child’s food source.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of this got me thinking that most women would not dare share their weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Women keep that number secret and avoid it like the plague.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have decided I am going to fully disclose all information about my body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because I am not my weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not a number.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I really do like me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After having my baby (13 weeks ago via c-section) I thought I could privately lose the weight for fear someone might see the new (obese) me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a silly perception that was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would go to the park during the middle of the day when most people are at work in order to avoid being seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My second day walking in the park I ran into an old friend from school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the absolute last person I wanted to encounter because she is naturally gorgeous and I wasn't wearing any makeup and had on tights which accentuated my rather large thighs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She on the other hand...is especially stunning even in gym clothes and no makeup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first I thought I would try to ignore her and hope she didn't recognize me but, alas, no such luck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knew it was me and I was caught! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we were talking I kept staring at her to see if she was thinking any negative thoughts about me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crazy, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I the only woman who does this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After this little run-in I was thinking about the way I had internally reacted and was disappointed with myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of really enjoying and taking advantage of this moment I spent it worrying that she was judging me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wasn't judging me, I was judging me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that instant I realized that I had to get a grip on my self esteem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn't keep hiding myself and dodging my friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I decided to run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My decision to run really isn't about losing the weight (though it is an obvious benefit).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is about respecting my body and accepting me for who I am no matter my size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is about having a healthier lifestyle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Running takes mental preparation and determination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It takes discipline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cannot hide while running and entering into races.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will be in public (gasp) running my booty off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No pun intended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don't want to hide and I certainly don't want to be ashamed because, at the end of the day, I am still Heather no matter how much I weigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe by embracing myself (for once) I will learn to love myself and treat my body with respect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am running for me and I don’t care who sees!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This week I will post pictures of my true self, share my weight, BMI calculation and body fat %.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stay tuned...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUn4wYsWJKm9KURw_WH49n-1f5q3a1xOGD3lCsM0w16vQIg8NMBx5w6l1Mz2NCVf7J5JNhvkM8MU1KzQBfKEVPYcrxYPGlxM9__flfxSrj16T8gdb6GNrka2aljnHmFPcFvEt3sCRAt5q/s1600/DSC_0044II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUn4wYsWJKm9KURw_WH49n-1f5q3a1xOGD3lCsM0w16vQIg8NMBx5w6l1Mz2NCVf7J5JNhvkM8MU1KzQBfKEVPYcrxYPGlxM9__flfxSrj16T8gdb6GNrka2aljnHmFPcFvEt3sCRAt5q/s400/DSC_0044II.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308609807525231278noreply@blogger.com0