Number 11

Over on my other blog, I posted a list of 10 things I am thankful for this year.

I would add to that list ....

11. (and 12.) Health and Ability - I am thankful that I am healthy enough and, though far from being a true athlete, have the ability to set my eyes on goals such as this. And I will be extremely thankful when my toe heals, I can walk in a normal shoe, and re-start my training! :)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, ALL!

One Change

I have gotten to the point that I need to do something.

Something to jump start getting in shape and losing weight.

I just want to make clear, again, that my main goal is NOT losing weight.

My main goal is crossing the finish line in April.
My main goal is getting fit.
My main goal is doing something for me.

Losing weight, and looking good, are added benefits that come along with the road I am on.

With this broken toe, I feel so helpless in working towards this goal.

So to jump start some movement towards success
I have decided to give up my beloved Pepsi.

I am currently on Day 2 of no Pepsi.
It's really not that hard, because I never said no CAFFEINE!
No, no. I still get that thru coffee and/or crystal light energy packs.

I had success losing weight almost three years ago when I gave up the pop.
And am hoping to see similar results this time around.

Starting weight the other morning, before I stopped drinking 150 calories of nothing?
186.4

It will be interesting to see how fast it drops.

In the Meantime?

I posted about my podiatrist appointment over here.

I am so thankful that I do not have to have surgery.

I am so frustrated that I have to wear this boot of a walking cast for 3 more weeks.

And I am wondering what to do in the meantime.

That is a total of 5 weeks without running.

That puts me so behind in my training plan.

I can go back and re-plan.
Push harder.
Still reach my goal.

But I still want to figure out what to do in the meantime.
Thinking I will try to be more disciplined with my core training.
Maybe try some yoga and fat-burning Pilate's.
Maybe try some weight lifting.

Anything that will make the running easier come December.

Leave your suggestions, please.

Until next time; it's back to the drawing board.

Injury Report

After being optimistic after my run last Monday ....

Tuesday morning I was getting ready for the day

and ended up tripping on the stairs.

TWICE.

(how a person trips twice in one day on steps that have been used daily the past 5 years I have no idea.)

The second time I managed to stub my toe so hard into the ground that I ended up severely breaking my big toe.

Of course I limped around til Wednesday night before going in to have it looked at.

I have been wearing a walking cast since.

And naturally have not done any running.
I mean, come on, I can't even walk normally.

I have been waiting all week for the clinic to call regarding my referral to the podiatrist;
just to find out today that they thought I was making the call and then contacting them for the referral. Are they serious?? If that was the case why did the nurse need to know the best time to schedule my appointment. Ridiculous.

Hoping to know what the scoop is soon.

And hoping I can walk normal,
and hence being running,

SOON!!

Precious training time is ticking away.

And I am frustrated.

Though I will say the fact that I was holding my baby girl when it happened, and I didn't drop her or have anything happen to her; makes it pretty much worth it.

Weight

I am so, so hesitant to even write this post.

I just don't know for sure who reads my blogs.

And that makes me nervous.

BUT ...

I started writing this for MYSELF ONLY.
This is a place for MY thoughts. MY feelings. MY journey.

And if it can help someone else, or encourage someone else, then I will share it for that purpose.
And I just hope that anyone reading will not judge or be critical.

My weight and my body image is something I have always struggled with.

I was sooo happy in 2008 when I was successful taking off about 15 pounds.
I was content with the way I looked.
But, as life would have it, I took those steps forward .....
just to go backwards again in time.

The last year has been filled with finishing school,
being pregnant,
giving birth to my pride and joy,
and adjusting to schedules.

I can't complain!

I have been patient with myself with losing the "baby fat"
But lately I seem to be creeping in the wrong direction.
I have always hated my mid-section;
and lately even more so.

So.
This journey has become about more than just running
and getting in shape.
It is about that content feeling.
It is about accepting where I am, but also getting where I want to go.

But I guess it always has been about all of the above.
My focus is just shifting ... but just a little.
Because ultimately I want to run those 13.1 miles in April.
and I know that by itself will take care of those other issues!

This mornings weight? 189.2
Here's to only letting it go down from here.

Back to the Grind

Finally.

Finally made it back to the gym tonight.

Between Ava being sick. And having a little something myself; last week was a bust.
Despite the best laid plans.

I knew I needed to start this week out on the right foot.

So, after feeding Ava. And a quick supper of BLT's for Chad and I, out the door I went.

I started with 1/4 walking warm-up.
Then I ran 1/2 a mile. I feel like I stated a little fast.
And so walked another 1/4 mile.
Followed by 3/4 miles of running.
And another 1/4 mile walking break.
With only 1.1 miles to my goal; I started running again.
But just couldn't do it. :(
I ended with 2.17 miles in 30 minutes.

Overall, I felt sluggish.
I felt winded quickly.
I felt disappointed that I feel like my 2 week break set me back.

But.
I am happy to be back at it.
I am encouraged by how easy it felt before.
I am hopeful I will make up the ground fast.
And be right back on track.