Welcome 2013...Forward We Go!

I can't believe it's 2013...it feels like 2012 just flew by!

My last post was kind of negative, but I'm generally a positive person, so I bounced back pretty fast. I woke up the last two days in a better mood and had a good day at the gym yesterday. I'm ready to start the new year right!

Looking back, 2012 was a pretty good year for me! My best friend Jen threw me a surprise birthday party, I went on an awesome camping trip to Big Bend National Park with Bob and Amy, my friend Erica and I won a grant to go to Italy and Portugal for 3 weeks, I got into photography and took a picture a day for almost 8 months straight, I rocked as a presenter at two education conferences and a 4 hour professional development at my school, I opened my Etsy store, I started running again and committed to a healthier lifestyle, I completed three 5Ks and two 10Ks, and I lost 22 pounds! Whew!

Lisbon was my favorite place I went this summer! And since we won a grant the whole trip was free, which makes it even better!

The other day, I wrote about my word of the year - NOW. It took me until August to really get serious about getting healthy, but I'm glad that I finally did! This year I wanted to keep it simple again so I chose the word FORWARD as my theme for 2013.

I have a healthy momentum going, so I need to just keep moving FORWARD!

Forward with my dreams, forward with my goals, and forward with feeling more awesome everyday!

Source: tumblr.com via Kristen on Pinterest

I'm not really sure that you can really see the difference in 15 pounds, but here I was in my first race of 2012 (August) and yesterday in the same outfit.

Of course in the race picture I look kind of weird because I was running toward the finish line...my neck looks huge! It took me 5 months to lose those 15 pounds! That was probably the most frustrating part, but I think I lost more inches and gained muscle in that time than I lost weight. I went down a size in jeans though and fit back into pants I haven't worn in 3 years! Thankfully I think my body has adjusted and I'm starting to lose more actual weight.

So what's on the agenda for 2013? Other than being active and healthy, who knows! Right now I don't have anything big or any trips planned...and I kind of like it that way. I'll just take the year as it comes!

Here are a few of my SMART goals for 2013: (SMART=Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-Bound) 

• Lose 80 pounds. That would get me back in the healthy BMI range. I know it is going to be tough, but I'm up for the challenge! Ideally, I'd love to get to my goal weight which is somewhere around 150-160, (between 84-94 pounds from now), but I'll settle for getting to a good BMI.

• Complete 12 races in 12 months! I've been doing one a month since August and I've loved every bit of it! I can't wait to repeat my races this year and see how I've improved!

• Run a 5K in 34 minutes and a 10K in 1:15.

• Complete the running bridge series in my area - Kemah Toughest 10K, Galveston Toughest 10K, and La Porte Half Marathon. This year I did the Kemah race and did better than I anticipated...4 passes over that bridge was tough! I was signed up for Galveston last year but I had a horrible sinus infection so I had to skip it. 

• Do at least one adventure-type race. I'm an outdoor girl and don't mind getting dirty! I did the Beach Dash this year and it was super fun!

• Gain some upper body strength. I'd like to be able to do 20 real push ups and maybe even a few pull-ups!

• Start practicing yoga consistently, at least one time a week.

• Join one of the running clubs in my area.

• Take a pole fitness class. I'm pretty sure I can rope some of the girls into that one.

• Go skydiving!

Source: myfitnessgoal.tumblr.com via Melody on Pinterest

There you go...my goals for the year! Anyone else have any super fun goals?


Until later, happy living!
Jamie

Every Little Bit Counts

I finally committed to getting healthy at the end of July when I got back from Italy, and until now, I have been that pissy "this isn't happening fast enough" kind of person. I don't mean to be, really. I am generally a happy, positive person...but dang...I've been working hard and I haven't really felt like I look different.

But this week, I feel like I found my first results! Finally!

Result #1 - I am finally feeling a little thinner and moved down a size in jeans about 2 weeks ago. They fit perfectly when I put them on and feel really good. Right now I don't dry them in the dryer, but I think I can start to. And the even better news is that I don't think these are going to last me a really long time! I think I will go buy the next size down and hang them on my wall to occasionally try on until they actually fit. My favorite jeans are Gap (outlet) Long and Lean. I'm almost 5'8" and they fit my proportions well.

Result #2 - I pushed myself yesterday at the park (I'm still a little "off" from the flu last week) and beat my last 10K time. Even though it's not "fast", it's progress...especially since it was 44 degrees (but thankfully still sunny) outside! I ended up with a 14:39 pace (it took me 1:30:49 total). The last mile and a half I still tend to get tired, but it's getting easier! I felt much better about it than I did a month ago for the Turkey Day 10K.

Result #3 - The scale at WW is going down and I'm close to my 5%! I weighed on Monday but couldn't stay for the meeting so I went back today. Since I was there, I unofficially weighed and was down 2.2 lbs since Monday! The Monday scale said I only lost 0.2 last week, so I think some of that 2.2 from today hadn't show up yet. So hopefully, I can keep doing well until Tuesday or Wednesday when I go to the next meeting and make my 5%. I think I need to lose 0.2 more in addition to that 2.2 loss today to officially get there.

Result #4 - It is getting easier to make better choices. Not that I am perfect, but I am planning more and really thinking about whether something is worth the points before I just shove it into my mouth. I have gone out to Mexican 3 times in the last month and didn't eat a single chip. In fact, I wasn't even tempted. Sure they taste good, but not THAT good, and they certainly aren't worth those points! Each time, I walked into the restaurant with the resolve not to eat any chips, so I didn't. The only high calorie indulgence I have found so far that was worth the points was a gourmet cupcake Jen B. gave me while back. That was ridiculously delicious. In most cases, I just remind myself that this isn't the last ______ on Earth and at some point in the future I can eat it if I want to. That usually helps.

Result #5 - I am getting better about eating smaller portions. Tonight I went out with my family and was going to order something "healthy" but I really just wanted a burger and fries. So that is what I got! Except I cut the (big) burger in half and ate one half plus only half of the fries. I also sampled a few bites from my mom and my uncle's plates of things that I knew were bad choices for me. But, I wasn't bothered at all that I hadn't cleaned my plate. It felt REALLY good to walk away from that other half of the burger!

Result #6 - I realize that I don't mind being a little hungry sometimes. Those of us aren't skinny generally keep eating so we aren't ever really hungry. I think we might even have this subconscious fear of actually being hungry. But I realized that being a little hungry isn't such a bad thing. It means I am paying attention to my body and only adding fuel to it when needed. I am also working on breaking the habit of eating until I am full...now I focus on eating until I am satisfied and not hungry anymore.

So while I still have a LOOOOOONG way to go on my journey, I am going to remember these small accomplishments and let them help push me towards the bigger accomplishments.

Source: 25.media.tumblr.com via Sean on Pinterest

Until later, happy running!
Jamie

A MILEstone!

Since I started back running in July, I have been trying to work my mileage up and get to a mile straight. In the beginning of October I was almost there (at 0.75 miles) but being sick set me back a bit and I haven't made much progress. I was so excited to get to a mile on Friday but when I tried to run Monday I just couldn't catch my breath at half a mile!

Ugh!

Because I only ran that 0.75 miles once and didn't match again, I was a little nervous that I wasn't really up to a mile. Today my friends couldn't make it to the gym and I was REALLY tired and wanted to take a nap, but I forced myself to go to the gym. I got on the treadmill and just started running, hoping to match the mile. I changed the setting so I couldn't see how far I was running (well, I was kinda keeping track of it by the time) and when I thought I had just passed a mile, I checked and after a couple of more minutes I had gone 1.25! YAY!

I'm super excited! I feel really accomplished!

Source: 25.media.tumblr.com via Jenn on Pinterest

So I finished out 20 minutes on the treadmill and then 10 minutes on the elliptical. I have been trying to work out for a hour at a time because I know that will help me a lot with trying to lose weight. But since I am planning a hard workout today, I let myself have a light 30 minute day.

Saturday I have a 5K and I'm looking forward to it because a bunch of people at work are doing it too. A lot of times I have been doing races by myself which isn't so fun. Plus, running races makes me go faster than when I'm training. I want to beat my July 5K time of 45:44 and I think I can!

Until later, happy running!
Jamie

Back in Business

Thanks to that steroid shot last Monday, I'm back!

I has felt so good to getting back to working out. It is amazing how much more energy I have! I definitely lost a little cardio endurance by losing those three weeks, but I am slowly building it back up.

I have a 10K in a week and a half that I am still training for, but I am not so worried about running it. I decided that I really need to work on my endurance, especially since it is over a 3.5 percent grade bridge! So I have been working with the incline on the treadmill.

And today I ran for 1/2 mile straight! Yes! I can't tell you how long it has been since I could run that far! I also tried out doing 1 minute at 6.0 mph. Uh, that was really fast! How the heck do people run that fast normally? Crazy! I actually almost didn't work out today. I got to the gym with the girls and realized that I forgot my shoes! Nooooo! But I decided to make a quick trip to the running store nearby to get some new running shoes that I was desperately in need of anyway. So 45 minutes later, my new mizunos and I made it back to the gym. Aren't they cute?

Anyway, I feel great this week and I'm super happy that the scale FINALLY started to go down! I've lost 11 pounds since May and can't wait until I can squeeze in the next smallest size...it's on the horizon! I'm aiming for an hour of working out everyday - combining running and elliptical, and maybe swimming and biking too.

Source: Uploaded by user via Alecia on Pinterest

Until later, happy running!
Jamie

Trying to stay motivated

Friday was tough for me. There is a fine line between pushing through pain and discomfort and stopping when you know there is a problem. After running/walking for 15 minutes, I knew my problem was going to get worse if I didn't stop. So I did.

So I've taken two days off and I can already feel the difference. I kind of feel like crap...I'm tired and sluggish and all I want to do is nothing but wallow in my "I'm injured and now this is going to screw up my plans" misery. Plus I haven't been eating as healthy and I am not tracking my food.

It's a scary thing because in the past it has been so easy to call it quits. Giving up is probably one of the easiest things you can ever do...and I would know because I've been a quitter in my weight loss and fitness goals many times! But this time is different. I know that quitting my journey will deprive me of the health and happiness that I know I deserve.

Source: google.com via Dina on Pinterest

When I came back from Italy and started my new lifestyle, I was so determined and really have been doing awesome ever since. So my problem is now that I am worried that this injury will derail my determination. I know from personal experience that it is possible. When I was a runner before in college I acquired a pretty painful knee injury from weak knee muscles that I never seemed to overcome and kind of ruined running for me...that was over 10 years ago!

But I know I can't let my injury do that now...this injury will heal and I will get stronger. I just have to keep doing what I have been...as much as I can...and make sure I keep focus on the goal ahead and find support from others when my focus becomes a little blurry.

Source: justalittlepush.tumblr.com via Jill on Pinterest

Until later, happy running!
Jamie

The Birth of an Athlete

I have never considered myself an athlete. Even at the few points in my life where I was athletic, I was not a true athlete. In fact, I have never considered myself to be very competitive.

That all changed on Saturday.

Saturday, I ran my first competitive 5K. I have been training for a 10K for a couple weeks now and though my true goal race is in October, I wanted to give myself a little challenge right now. So I decided to sign up for a 5K in my area to see where I was at fitness-wise. (I should note here that I have done 5Ks and 10Ks before but only for exercise and not ever to be competitive or push myself.)

I live in Houston and it is August...so it is HOT outside, even at 7:30 AM. The actual temperature was 84 degrees but they said the "feels like" temperature was 92. 90-freaking-2. Yeah...

I did this race by myself so I awkwardly stood around by myself until it started. Of the couple hundred people there, everyone seemed to be fit and only a few of us were fat. But actually most of the chunkier people were older than me. But I figured no one would make fun of a fat girl who was trying to be more fit, right?

Once the race started, I knew I was going to have to push myself. Hard. And I did. I was walking and doing small spurts of running. When I would get comfortable walking, I made myself start running (slowly). Honestly, it was just too hot for me to try to do any extended running...seriously, we are talking about 30 second intervals. The best part of the course was getting to the half-way point. I hadn't died yet, so chances were I was going to make it! Around there, my previously absent competitiveness started to kick in. I passed a few people who were getting tired and slowing down (I knew I wasn't going to be super fast so I initially started near the back). As I passed people, I was determined not to let them pass me again...a couple did but most didn't! And some of these were skinnier and younger than me! That definitely felt good!

When I turned down the last 0.1 mile, I started running...not sprinting, but definitely running a little faster than I had been the whole time. The best part was running across the finish line. Seriously if I ran any farther at that point I was going to pass out and by that point I wanted to vomit. I was so proud of myself! My time was 45:46..it was the fastest I have ever competitively run! I officially felt like an athlete!

As soon as I could breathe again, I drank a bunch of water and loaded up on watermelon. Yum! There was a ton of pizza and beer and everybody was chowing down. Beer at 8:30 in the morning didn't appeal to me though but I finally let myself have one small slice...but really the watermelon was way better!

I'm really glad that I did this race because it definitely helped my confidence!

Here I am finishing the race:

I don't this like picture...in fact I HATE taking pictures when I am so heavy. I have taken very few pictures in the past few years. Thinner, I am very photogenic and love the camera! I bought this picture anyway to mark the occasion. It is embarrassing posting it online but I'm going to do it anyway! If you are thinking, "Hey, you look thinner in your small picture at the top of the blog!" (shown below), you are right...but, alas, I am the same weight...I just know how to pose to look thinner in a head shot! :) This picture was from my trip to Italy.

Here is actually one from a 5K I did fall 2011 with my family. I ran/walked it in just over 47 minutes. I definitely felt faster and stronger this year, though the weather was WAY nicer...in the 60s that morning. I will take that over the 80s any day!

 I saw this on Pinterest a while back and it cracked me up...I definitely know the feeling! (Did you see the pictures above?? Yeah!)

Source: iwastesomuchtime.com via Anne on Pinterest

But who cares...I'm still lapping the people on the sofa! :)

Until later, happy running!
Jamie

Finding Inspiration - Oscar Pistorius

I love the Olympics. Yes, they have become very commercialized in the last couple decades, but the competitive spirit is still there and stronger than ever. In my quest to be a runner, I find a lot of inspiration in Oscar Pistorius. The fact that a double amputee could make it to the Olympics, let alone the the 400m finals is amazing! The whole world is proud of you Oscar!

Source: examiner.com via Jamie on Pinterest

I love his quote:

Source: oscarpistorius.com via Catherine on Pinterest

Despite being such a hard-working athlete who has earned the right to be a little cocky, he seemed humbled by his whole Olympic experience...which just made all of us love him that much more. What a genuinely amazing person! OK...I will also admit that he is also wicked hot and has that awesome South African accent also...definite bonuses!

So let's be like Oscar and all work toward our true abilities!

Source: google.com via John on Pinterest

Until later, happy running!
Jamie

Training for a 10K

I was lucky enough to go to Italy and Portugal for three weeks this summer and you know what I saw...NO. FAT. PEOPLE. Yes, that's right...no fat people. I knew this already...I have been to Europe before. But it was definitely a big reminder of how unhealthy we are here in the US and how it is possible to enjoy life and food (uh, people love to eat in Italy!) without sacrificing our bodies.

I've always struggled with my weight. I can remember being chubby since the third grade, being overweight in high school, becoming more overweight in college until I lost the fat through all the wrong ways, and then gaining it all back plus lots more, leaving me as a fat adult. Most of the people I know who are heavy my age (early thirties) got fat because they had babies...dang it...I don't even have that excuse! But I have had plenty of other ones that I love to use all the time! I have had some personal struggles in the last few years (I will go into that at some point) and I have been stuck in a rut...a big fat rut. I've wanted to make a change for a long time now, but wanting it to happen and making it happen are two different things. One of my favorite fitness bloggers, Katie from Runs with Cookies, wrote this great post about motivation vs. determination that really got me thinking and pushed me to make some decisions.

Source: gatherlove.tumblr.com via Conny on Pinterest

Anyway, my trip to Europe was pivotal in getting me out of that rut. Walking all day (which I was actually in OK shape for) and eating a bunch of fresh fruits from the markets made me ready to come back home and make a change. The first change I decided to make was going to a healthier diet and trying to cut out processed and junk foods. The second change was being an active adult and finding workouts I enjoyed.

Source: via Megan on Pinterest

But first I knew I need to set a goal...I do good with goals. I used to be a jogger for a couple years in college (I won't say runner because I didn't really take it seriously), and I really wanted to get back to that. So I decided to run a 10K as my first challenge. OK, run/walk a 10K.

So I signed up for the Toughest 10K in Galveston on October 20th. When I chose it, I had exactly 13 weeks until the race so I wanted to start training right away (my first day was July 22nd). I decided to use THIS PLAN from Mary on Spark People. I haven't set a time goal yet (I know I can finish a 10K); I want to wait until about halfway into my training to see where I am at with that.

Source: run4life.tumblr.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Wish me luck because I am determined! :)

Jamie