Shock of the Month Club

I've started training for a 5K.

Really, I have. I'm not yaking your chain. A few weeks ago I decided that I was done being The Fat Girl In The Room. I want to be healthy. I want to set a good example for my girls. And I want clothes shopping to be fun again. I've heard over and over that one of the best motivaters when it comes to losing weight, is to share your goals and your progress and your fumbles with your friends. So friends, here goes. I'm making myself accountable.

Starting weight: 225 This number makes me sick. It will no longer be a part of my life. Goodbye, 225.

Goal weight: 160

Target date: April 1st, 2010

65 pounds in 18 months. More than doable.

Last week I started being more careful about what I put in my mouth. I like chocolate and I love Rita's shaved ice, so I made those treats a part of my diet, limiting myself to a serving of chocolate a couple times a week and a small Rita's once a week. The nightly cravings for Rita's disappeared immediatly. I started dancing, but knew that wasn't going to be enough. However, I lost 2 lbs last week. I have begun.

I was tossing around the idea of running, weighing the pros and cons, trying to figure out how one got started, etc. Major pros: cheap and easy. Cons: never did it, never liked it. On Sunday we had some of John's friends from teenager-hood over for dinner. One labeled herself, saying "I'm a runner". We got a little deeper into conversation and I told her that I was thinking about trying some running and she said, "I always hated running. It wasn't fun, it hurt, it was boring. Then I found a program that slowly builds your running time, and in a matter of months I went from nothing to running 30 minutes, which is essentially a 5K, and when I was done I thought, wow, that was easy, I could have kept going. That's when you know you're a runner. If I could do it, so can you". Thus encouraged, I got online and found this 8-week "learn to run" program. At the end of 8 weeks, you should be able to run for 2 miles without stopping. Then you move on to their 5K training program, then 10K (mini-marathon), then full-marathon training. My goal is a 5K next spring. I'm not marathon material, but regular 5K's? That's my goal.

We finally bought our double jogging stroller Saturday. And we love it. We immediately went to the park and walked to Trader Joe's. Can I say again how much I love living here? Monday and Tuesday I walked for 45 minutes, then we stopped at the playground for an hour. Today Jaina needed a day at home (she's been missing naps while I walk) so tonight I will hit the gym downstairs to get my workout in. I'm actually not starting the program until next week, this week I am "warming up" by walking all week.

Already I have noticed some changes. Monday I was exhausted when I got home. Yesterday I was energized. I eat very small meals throughout the day, yogurt and cheese and fruit and veggies, and then a good meal at night (except last night I caved and had Taco Bell because I was STARVING). And I have already started sleeping more deeply. I'm totally pumped over this opportunity, which makes this time different. I've never been excited. I've never really had a goal. Because truely, this time I'm focusing on obtaining that 5K and not worrying so much about the weight. I just know that as I train I will lose weight. So I'm not obsessing over my body, I'm just looking at the next day's training schedule.

I'll still keep track of weight loss, because that will add to the motivation, and I will keep you updated on my progress. And if I screw up and eat a whole pizza one day, I'll tell you that as well. Because knowing I will have to report to you will help me make good decisions. So anyway, that's it. Now pick your jaw up off the floor and come running with me.