I've been trying to run everyday. However, I skipped yesterday because it was the 1st day of the new Summer Slimdown class at the gym and I had to be re-assessed before the class, which left no time before the gym. So I really wanted to get a run in today. At 5pm, it was POURING, so I went to the gym and did Body Pump class. It was a great class (and a great workout), but I still wanted to pound the pavement a bit because I have a Trail Run at Fontainebleau State Park tomorrow evening. So when I came home from Body Pump, this is what the sky looked like:
So I decided to wait a bit...about an hour later, the sky somewhat cleared, and I went to my usual running spot on the Tammany Trace in Abita. I got about 1/2 mile into my run toward Mandeville and then I saw this:
That had fallen from this:
SIGH....so I went in the other direction...toward Covington... I got about 1/2 mile back the other way and a block down and saw this:
And by "bridge" they meant the one over the Abita River - no way around it. OK, message received. I called it a night and went home. Sometimes we just need to take the hint the first time.
Today, June 17th, is a day to celebrate...but more on that later.
First, I realized that it's probably time to address a few of the MANY questions that I have received over the past few months from a ton of different people. Some people seem timid to ask about my weight loss...some come right out and ask. So I am going to put a bunch of facts and figures out there...I will start with the basics and forgive me if you've heard it all before (namely my 2 awesome coworkers that I pretty much live with over 9 hours a day).
WHO? - Well, me. So maybe the correct question is "WHO are you doing it for?" Well, me. And my husband. And the two little girls that I want to have the energy to play with and watch grow up as long as I can.
WHAT are you doing? Well, I am losing weight. I am going to the gym a few times a week. I am running outside in the Louisiana heat several times a week. I am participating in an organized 5k at least once a week. And I am eating healthy. (More on that later).
WHERE? - Well, I am working out at Star Fitness. I take a Boot Camp class on Monday and Thursday nights and Zumba on Wednesday. If it's raining on the other days, you can probably find me at Star then as well. I joined in late January and am still going strong. I love it there because it's a small gym and the staff is really great. I am also running and walking on the Tammany Trace. I've been following the C25K app and it's really helping get my distance up for my runs. I highly suggest C25K (Couch to 5k) if you are a beginner.
WHEN? Well, often. I have this weird thing that if I skip a day, I feel REALLY guilty. So I vary my workouts so I am not using the same muscles day after day. I go workout at the gym or run after work. I'd rather workout in the morning, but our family schedule doesn't allow. Another WHEN? is "When do you do 5ks?" Usually each Saturday morning or evening. I have become active in a local running club, The 15th Street Flyers, and they organize races and/or share about other area races.
WHY? Usually the question is: "Why did you decide to lose weight?" Well, there are MANY reasons. Let me start with this: In January, I changed my life in a big way career wise. I left my job that was 50+ miles away and took a job less than 3 miles from my house. I found that I had a ton of extra time on my hands that I used to spend in my car. I had made all of the excuses before of why I didn't have time to lose the weight, but I had no more excuses. I also wanted to be able to come home and have the energy to play with my kids, but I just didn't. So I guess it was time.
HOW? This is a biggie. "How have you lost the weight?" "How are you eating?" "How do you have the energy to workout all the time?" "How can I be successful too?" Well, ok, I have lost weight by a combination of many things. I have given up all soda, even diet soda. I have given up sweets. I have given up fried food. I stick to 1200 calories a day. I workout at the gym. I run. I have accountability friends. And somehow, the combination of that had helped me lose to date (and this is why we celebrate) 75 lbs! Yep. As of today, Maddie's 1st Birthday, I am down 75 lbs. So excited. As far as the other questions - I get more energy the healthier I get. I take vitamins. And I think it's also because I am not putting the junk into my body that I used to.
So I put all these facts out there for this - there are no dumb questions. I am not shy about sharing my success nor should anyone be timid to ask. The only difficult question that I struggle with is this: "How much more do you want to lose?" Well, I for sure have more to lose. I can only answer like this: losing this weight has not just been a change in eating and a change in habit, but a total change in lifestyle. I may not restrict my caloric intake to 1200/day forever, but for sure I will not go back to fast food 2 times a day. I love the energy I have and the way I feel. I love doing the 5Ks each week. I love the classes at the gym, so I don't see that ending anytime soon. I am going to keep doing what I've been doing for 4.5 months now and when the weight loss tapers off after a while, I guess that's where I am meant to be.
I mentioned that today is a day to celebrate. Today, I celebrate that I am 75 lbs lighter and much stronger than I was 4.5 months ago. But I also celebrate the year of precious life that God has given us with Maddie. She has been such a blessing to us. Her spirit is so sweet and she has been such a great baby. Here is a pic from today as she received her birthday gift. Tomorrow, we PARTY!
That's all for now! We have a BIG day tomorrow with the double birthday party, waterslide ladybug extravaganza.
Janel
