A First Time for Everything

Yesterday, I ran in my first 5K. Ran the whole way. Set a new personal best for distance (3.15 miles) and pace (14:41, per official race results). And this, just two weeks after I started running.

Okay. Running would barely describe what I do; it's more of a light jog, really. Okay. More of a quick, walking, shuffle. Whatever. For the sake of simplicity, I will call it running.

I should tell you, I really surprised myself yesterday. I never would have believed that I could actually sustain a run for a block, much less just over 3 miles. And that I would like it. No, love it. I had a blast yesterday. It felt great to set that goal, work for it, and actually complete it. And at a better pace than my training runs. 

I was recalling a conversation I recently had with a friend. I was telling her that I didn't think I'd ever be able to run for fear of damaging my knees, as I was carrying considerably more weight on my body than I should. 

I've shed some of the weight. Not as much as I'd like, but that is still a work in progress.

And, I can run. I proved it yesterday. And my knees are okay. Better than okay, really. I can feel the change in my body. It's getting healthier, stronger.

I never would have dreamed it possible. But it is.

Guess there really is a first time for everything.

Here's to good health!

What's Different Now

Those of you who've been following my blog since the beginning, or have read older posts, know that I've tried before to lose weight and get fit. Tried and failed, and tried again. And failed again. And again and again. Those of you that have seen me recently have seen the progress, the success, this time. Some of you have read about it. And all of you are asking, "What's different now? What's different this time? What caused the change?"

I've considered these questions often. In fact, almost daily. Reality is, I don't know. Honestly. It's not like I planned this, unlike other times. ;-)

No, this time, it came out of the blue. One day I just stopped eating bad things. I reduced my carb intake in order to get my blood sugar levels under control. Once I did that, I had complete control over my appetite; cravings were eliminated and portion control became quite easy as I was never really hungry. I immediately noticed results, losing maybe 5 pounds that first week. Few things motivate me better than seeing results and when it comes to losing weight, well, let's just say that this changed the "game" completely. I wanted more results, and I wanted them to last.

Once the binge eating was eliminated and I was eating healthy meals and smaller portions, I knew that in order to see the results I wanted, to change my body, I'd have to do much more than just eat right. I had to start exercising. So I did.

I'll get into the workout transformation in another post. This post is about what's different about this time. While I may not know the answer to that, I do know this:

I was tired of not liking myself because of how I looked.

I was tired of being uncomfortable in my own skin.

I was tired of being embarrassed to be seen in public.

I was tired of never wanting to socialize with friends because of my appearance.

I was tired of being "the pretty, fat girl."

I want to be fit.

I want to look in a mirror and LOVE who I see, inside AND out.

I want to be fit enough to run around with my nieces and nephews and not be winded in the first 30 seconds.

I want to cycle a century.

I want to run a marathon.

I want to run, cycle and swim in a triathlon.

And finally, I want to live a long, healthy life with my husband by my side, doing God's work, whatever that looks like.

I guess that's what's different. I WANT THIS. More than anything I can think of. And this time, I'm willing to work for it.

That's really all there is to it. It's not rocket science or anything. It's just me wanting something and being willing to work for it. Pretty simple, really.

Here's to good health!

What a Difference a Week Makes

Time to take inventory.

A week ago, the company I work for had 43 employees. Now, there are 23 of us.

A week ago, I started running. First run was a quarter mile. Now, I'm up to 2.59 miles.

A week ago, I recorded a 25 pound weight loss. Now, it's 28 pounds.

A week ago, I was ecstatic to be able to run a mile. Now, I'm running my first 5K this Saturday.

A week ago, I would never have dreamed of running more than 5 miles. Now, I'm planning the training for my first marathon.

A week ago, I was planning a quiet Christmas at home with my husband. Now, I'm preparing for a trip to see my family in San Antonio over the holiday.

A week ago, I still had my optimism. Now, I am praying for perseverance. Praying to be enveloped by God's strength, seeking His clarity, and surrendering, moment by moment, to His will.

I know God is in control, and I completely prefer it that way. 

Today Was a Blessing

Today, we blessed a friend. A group of 20 wonderful people came together and collected between them $690, a Wii game console, extra controllers, a few games and a DVD. These were given to a very special lady, that she might breathe a little easier during this difficult financial time, and give her twin, teenage boys a few small Christmas gifts and a big helping of Christmas cheer.

To those of you who reached out to help a stranger, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul. To those of you who reached out to help a friend, I extend these thanks as well and am blessed and proud to call you friends. And to all of you, I pray that God would bless each of you sevenfold for opening your hearts and hearing the call of someone in need, and then acting upon it.

Today, we were all blessed. We were given the gift and privilege of being God's hands and feet, and doing HIS work. I can think of no better gift to receive this Christmas.

May God bless you all this Christmas and throughout the new year.

Now I'm Running

I should probably tell you that I really don't like working out. Never have and never dreamed I would. But lately, something's come over me. I can't explain it. I can only tell you that I find myself pushing my body to new limits, setting crazy goals and actually meeting them!

It started with cycling. I set a goal for riding 47 miles and accomplished it. It wasn't a race, but rather, for me, more about just finishing. And I'm not finished, either. I have set a goal to ride a century ride in 2010. That's 100 miles. All at once, in one ride. Crazy, right?

Crazier still is that now I've taken up running. I've always wanted to be a runner, you know, one of those lithe, graceful folk that look like they float over the road. But every time I tried to run my knees would scream in agony. Not surprising considering the ridiculous amount of weight I was carrying. Yet here I am, 25 pounds lighter and this past Saturday, I woke up and decided it was time to start running.

I know you have to start slow when you run, or you could seriously injure yourself. So I only ran a quarter of a mile, with my sweet boxer Bristol alongside of me. Crazy dog loved it. Crazy girl loved it more.

Sunday, I pushed myself a bit harder and ran a full mile. Ran the whole way, too. Not too bad. Most surprising was the fact that when I was done, I felt great and nothing hurt.

Today, my husband and our goofy dog, Bristol, joined me. Today, I ran 1.32 miles in 23 minutes. Okay, not a record breaking time or anything, I'll give you that. But I RAN the whole way.

I have another goal. I'm running a 5K next week. Yes, next week. I have 10 days to train. 5K. That's 3.12 miles. three times what I'm running now. I'm not ambitious. Nope, not me.

What can I say? I love running. And cycling. Soon I'll add swimming. And maybe, just maybe, I'll surprise myself yet again.

Here's to good health!

Can't Think of a Thing

The problem with blogging is that I often can't think of a thing to write about. Or, the contrary occurs and I have so many things I want to write about that they all kind of collide together into this mushy, sloppy, incoherent mess. And it's really worse than it sounds.

When that happens, I find myself wondering how awesome bloggers like The Pioneer Woman keep their sites hip and fresh (aside from simply being writers with actual talent, that is.) Do the have an outline of ideas and topics? I need tips, suggestions, something!

Seriously, though, today I am at a loss for anything of interest (clearly I am assuming anything I write is of interest to anyone other than myself) to write about. So instead of boring you to tears with my mindless dribble, I will merely wish you a happy week.

Happy week and here's to good health!

It Really is Just Stuff

Ever wonder how you would handle losing all of your possessions? Think about it. What would you do if you lost your home, your car, your clothes, jewelry, electronic gadgets, every thing that meant something to you? In a time when amassing stuff seems to be the norm, we often convince ourselves that our lives would be incomplete without these things, that somehow, we would be less of a person if not surrounded by our worldly items.

I am guilty of this. I like to think I'm above it, that I have a loose grip on the things of this world and could move through the rest of my life without so much. And in my heart, I know it's true. But every now and then, I catch glimpses of a person who sometimes feels she is defined by how much, or how little, she has. 

Today, as I learned of dear friends losing their jobs during one of the worst economic times our country has seen in memorable history, I was reminded of what is really important, of who I really am and what defines me. I am grateful to still have a job, my health, a husband who loves me, and my family around me. If all else went away, even my job, I would still be wealthy beyond measure.

I pray those faced with the challenges of this economic downturn remember what is important this holiday season. Hold your families close, bask in the little things, and remember that God has a plan.

Praying peace, love and hope for all those affected.

Merry Christmas and may the new year be filled with the wealths that can not be taken from you.

Lo Carb and Starbucks

I'm the first to admit; I'm a coffee snob. Or fool, depending on how you look at it. Either way, I am a fan of Starbucks. I love that I can smell a Starbucks shop at least a block away, I love the random but awesome art hanging in most of their coffee shops, and I love their frothy, foamy, java laced beverages. Did I say love? I mean LOVE.

Since I began the lo-carb lifestyle, however, Starbucks is not a place I frequent. Most of the drinks I like best contain milk, albeit usually the soy variety, but milk nonetheless, which, in case you don't know, is chock full of carbs. And we won't even talk about the lovely orange-cranberry scones. {drool}
Yes. Definitely best I avoid the little green coffe shop found on nearly every street corner in the US, and in many chain retailers too (think Target and Barnes and Noble!)

Then I remembered something. Something useful. Something lovely. Something so wonderful that I had a "SHAZAM" kind of moment. You know the one I'm talking about. The one where the planets align just so, the fireworks are going off in your head, and all things are illuminated. Yes, that one.

My revelation? Simple, really. Heavy whipping cream is very low carb, considerably lower than regular milk or even soy milk. You're wondering what this has to do with Starbucks, aren't you? Well let me tell you. This means you can enjoy many of your blended coffee delights without all the carbs! Simply asking them to use heavy whipping cream as the milk. I myself like the Chai Tea Latte with heavy whipping cream as the milk - it's positively divine!

That being said, it's only fair I warn you. If you are watching your fat intake, along with your carbs, steer clear of this milk substitution. Seriously. Run away. FAST.
See, while heavy whipping cream is low on carbs, it's fat content is actually quite high. Not surprising when you consider that this is the stuff used to make whipped cream.

I guess the best thing to do is remember that those delectable blended beverages are treats, to be enjoyed infrequently and with much delight. Perhaps a small reward on a rainy night.

It sure is my excuse for having one tonight.

Here's to good health!