-23, +Johnny Fairplay

When I look at myself in the mirror, I dont see the 23 pounds that I lost. I still see almost the same person with still room for improvement. But when I see these pictures, I think to myself, Wow. I did lost a lot of weight! Here a few pictures of over the last few days. Currently I am 136 pounds, from 159 pounds in May. I have 6 more pounds until my goal weight, but I think I can spare to lose a little more in the belly. I still have a roll. A much smaller roll..but still a roll I would like to see go away. I had set 130 as my goal to be realistic and make it a goal I know I could reach. From 130 pounds I will just continue my running and better diet habits and if I lose more, great. If not, then 130 is fine too.

Currently I am in a size 8 ladies/9 juniors from barely squeezing into a size 14 ladies/13 juniors. I would love to see a size 6 ladies/7 juniors and Im thinking Im not too far off because the last few times I have worn my size 9 jeans...Ive been hiking them up wishing I had belt that fit me.
Im still running 1 mile per day, some times a little more. It took m3 almost 4 months to get this far. In another 4 months I would love to be able to run 1.5-2 miles per day or even every other day.
Pictures below are from the base Labor Day celebration.





They had great food ( I treated myself to cotton candy) and rides and games for the kiddos. Plus face painting, a clown making balloons and paper flowers, etc.
They also raffeled off free Continental Airline tickets for a round trip to Fiji! We didn't win (booo! could totally use those tickets now to get off this island)
We also had some cast members from the reality show Survivor. The last season we kept up with and watched was the season from which Johnny Fairplay had lied about his grandma dieing to avoid getting voted off. They also had other cast members, but of none I recognized because I haven't watched the show in a long time.
Caden and I got to meet him. I must say I am not a fan how this guy did the tv show....but it was neat to meet him. Here are some pictures of him.

All of a sudden...

with out any training, Kayla is using the potty. We are not 100% accident free, but pretty close. 4 days ago she just had enough and wanted to go on the potty so I made this potty chart for her. She was getting at first a candy and present for every potty trip, but I soon realized we cant do that or she would have 10-15 presents per day. HAHA! So the potty chart lets her get a sticker for each potty trip and after 10 stickers she gets a present. So far so good! This is the chart on the evening I made it, 4 days ago. Now she is started on the 4th row of stickers.


We are hitting milestones faster than I can keep track of them.

Kayla figured out how to pedal her bike on her own.


Caden has TWO teeth! This picture is from 5 days ago so they are actually through a lot more than this now.

Caden is sitting up like a big boy. Not 100%, he still falls over after about a minute, but hes getting it...FAST.


I have FINALLY hit 139 pounds on the scale after 5 weeks of not losing anything. That was more than frustrating and I have come to the realization that it will take much longer to lose this last 10 pounds. But thats ok, because I am much happier maintaining 139 rather than 159. This officially makes me at a 20 pound loss!


Nick is TDY to Montana, AGAIN. I hate when he goes....even if it is just for 9 days. I no reason to shower, make a really nice dinner or even get out of my pjs. Except for the babies' sake...I do shower in the AM and then again after my run. HA!

And for some random recent favorite shots:

A little chat about my running, plus some pics

I started week 8 this week. Technically week 9, because I did week 5 twice. The past 2 weeks have been the most frustrating. I am on 3 weeks of no weight loss. And no, its not all muscle. I am holding steady at 141. I have officially hit my plateau. This body of mine does not want to go below 141 and hit my goal of 130. Heck, 135 would be great right now.

Plateau's SUCK. I hate you. Seriously. I only have 10 more pounds to go and Im stuck.

I researching this and here are some things that I found:

How to avoid the dreaded PLATEAU in your exercise routine
By Jason Johnson
We all have experienced a point in our exercise program in which we stop seeing results. You have worked out consistently for 8 weeks straight and kept your diet clean. You lost weight during this time, your clothes fit better and you’re getting compliments left and right.

But now-your results have stopped. The weight scale is not going down. What happened? You hit the dreaded point of everyone’s exercise program: THE PLATEAU.

It happens to everyone. The human body has an amazing way of adapting to the everyday stress we place upon our it. It’s called muscle memory. You have probably experienced this in your own routines when you perform a new exercise for the 1st time, it feels challenging, maybe a little awkward.

The next day you are sore. But the next time you do the same exercise, it’s a little easier. Still challenging, but it feels more natural. The next day, not quite as sore. And the next time you perform the same exercise for a 3rd time, you breeze right through it.

Then what? No soreness at all. This is due to muscle memory. It’s good news-bad news. Good news because this is how the human body should function.

Your body should be adapting to the movement, and it means your body is healthy and functioning properly. The bad news is-you are not going to burn as many calories during the exercise because your body (muscles, bones, joints and tendons) have now adapted to the stress of the movement, and thus your body will not work as hard during the exercise.

This translates into THE PLATEAU. You stop seeing results because your body has adapted.

The human body needs to be progressively challenged in order to see results. If you always do the same routine with the same amount of weight, same rep scheme-your progress will stall. I read a research study a while back that said after performing an exercise 13 times with the same weight and same reps, your body will PLATEAU.
What can you do to prevent this? Easy: change your routine. The fancy phrase we use in exercise science jargon is called periodization. I would recommend changing your routine every 3-4 weeks. You want to always keep your body guessing “what’s next?” so it never gets too comfortable. I do this all the time with my clients and my own routines. You can change the entire routine, or you can simply change a few variables such as reps, weight or the order of the exercises.


This describes me EXACTLY right now!

Here is something else I found:

Question: How Can I Get Over a Weight Loss Plateau?

Since I started running four months ago, I've lost 15 pounds. But over the past two weeks, I seem to have reached a plateau. How can I continue to lose weight?
Answer: First of all, congratulations on your new running habit and your weight loss! You should be very proud of your accomplishment. You're losing weight the right way -- slow and steady. Although it's extremely frustrating, it's also common for people to hit a plateau after a few months of weight loss success. Here are some steps to take to break through that plateau:

Try switching up your running program. If you've gotten into a regular routine of, say, running at a conversational pace for 30 minutes five times a week, try adding some speed to at least one of your runs. Here's a simple speed workout to try: Warm up with one mile at an easy pace. Run two minutes at a comfortably hard pace. You should be breathing fairly heavy (but not gasping for air). Then recover for two minutes by running at an easy pace. Repeat this for two miles and then cool down by running one mile easy.

Increase your mileage. If you usually go for 3-4 miles every time you run, try to make one of your runs a longer one. Start by adding a half-mile to one of your runs. Continue to increase your mileage by a half-mile until you reach 6 miles. Running longer will burn more calories and fat and build your endurance.

Add strength-training. It can be as simple as doing 15-20 minutes of squats, lunges, or step-ups twice or three times a week. By doing strength-training, you'll burn more calories, boost your metabolism, and build lean muscle mass all at the same time.
Don't give up. Try not to let a little bump in the road derail your weight loss efforts. Be patient and keep up the good habits you've already developed. You can and will reach your goal!

I know Im eating within my calories, of very close to. I am eating as little fat as possible. Eating only foods with very little or no fat at all. I cut out almost all dairy except for skim milk with cereal, and very small amount of cheese and a lite yogurt as a treat every now and then. No bread except for an english muffin with a fried egg (Pam of course, no butter) and the occasional slice or 2 of wheat bread. I have a treat from The Skinny Cow brand almost nightly, but that is only 100-140 calories and 20-25 fat calories each treat. I burn that plus more in my daily run. And heck...with me having very little fat in the day I can splurge on at least that.

Every inch of me is smaller. My belly is smaller but it's still there. And its still annoying, frustrating and discouraging. But this doesnt mean I will give up.

Im trying to change up my routine and in a week, I guess we will see if that works or not. If not, then well...I guess I will just maintain 141 and hopefully just lose the rest of the 10 pounds over time.

Now onto more interesting things. Like pictures of course!
Can you guess what Kayla is getting from her Dada for her 2nd birthday? Which by the way is only 17 days away.

Uh yeah...she's almost 2 and knows it. Yes, this is blue crayon on white tile floor. Thank you God for allowing man to create the magic eraser. The housing office wouldnt be happy about this otherwise!

She got a pair of princess shoes for going pee on the potty without being prompted to do so!

Dada told her to pose, and so...SHE DID!

Here is a video of Kayla singing her favorite songs. Ooops, well..I wanted to post this but You.Tube is currently down, so next time.
Now for the boy! Who by the way is over 5 months old now. Time flies. Everytime I snuggle him lately its kind of sad. I think to myself that soon enough I wont be able to do that. Soon enough he will be 8 months old and not need me and my snuggles for night time feedings. Soon enough he will be too long to nap in my arms. Its going so fast and KNOWING full well that he is our last baby (until grandchildren come along!) makes it so incredibly bittersweet. And I thought it was bittersweet when Kayla was tiny and growing so fast...this one is even harder. Because he IS the last.

Rather embarrassing

These are rather embarrassing and disgusting pictures of me in May before I started my running and low fat diet. 159 pounds. See that GUT? Ugh.








Here I am in July, 18 pounds lighter. Could be more..I havent weighed myself in about 4 days. I dont see the big difference when I look in the mirror, but in pictures I see it.
It makes a world of a difference. I dont know why I didnt do this sooner. And Im actually enjoying the running and better eating! Who knew!?

18!

I weighed in this morning and was surprised to see that I am down 18 pounds now. That is a lot. But I dont feel like it's that much. Everything is getting smaller, my boobs, my butt, thighs...but I still have a belly. *sigh*

Hopefully within the next 12 pounds it too will go away. Because then I will have hit my goal weight of 130 pounds. Currently, I am 141!

Sicko, random and a video

Sorry blogger. The past 2 days have been rough. And go figure, the day after Nick leaves for TDY, I get sick. I felt it coming on yesterday but I was able to push through it and do my chores, play with the kids and do a run. But today, I could N.O.T. wake up.

Caden fell asleep in the swing a little before 8 am. I sat on the couch just wanting to rest my eyes and Kayla sat with her toys and the disney channel. Next thing I know I wake up 2 hours later and Kayla is still just playing and watching tv and Caden is still asleep. Wow.

My head is stuffy, my nose is either running or stuffy, my throat hurts, my energy is nonexistent.

And I think Kayla may be getting sick. She layed down for a nap at 12:30, woke up at 1 crying and sweating, went back to sleep after gulping her entire cup of OJ, and now its 3 pm and she is still out.


Of course, because now I am on my own and will be for another 6 days.

Oh, and of course because Dada is gone Caden decides to have a few firsts. The day after he left Caden decided to start to laugh out loud AND this morning when I went to get him out of his bed, he was facing the opposite direction from the way he went to sleep and somehow he torn down the baby monitor that was zip tied very tightly to his bed.

On another note, my weight is 145! ONE-FOUR-FIVE!

14 pounds down, started at 159.

My wedding ring is a lot looser on me and the sweatpants I had been wearing to run in I can no longer run in because they are too big.

Oh and today we got some mail.

COURT ORDERED AND ADJUDGED: THE MINOR CHILD CADEN JOHN ALESSI IS DECLARED TO BE THE LEGAL CHILD OF PETITIONERS NICHOLAS AND MICHELLE ALESSI. THE MINOR CHILD SHALL BE THE CHILD AND NATURAL LEGAL HEIR OF PETITIONERS AND IS ENTITLED TO ALL RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES TO ALL OBLIGATIONS OF A CHILD BORN TO PETITIONERS.

Here is a video of the boy's first giggles out loud.

Keeping a training log is a key to your success

Stay tuned for REALLY V-E-R-Y good news within the next few days!

For now:
Today I finished Week 4 Day 2 of my running program. I was so nervous to start this week, wondering how the heck am I going to walk for 2 minutes and run 5 minutes and repeat 4 times. Well, today is day 2 of this and I can do it! Its great feeling less jiggle while I run...but the scale still isnt moving much. Of course, I did weigh myself after I ran, ate and drank a lot. I shouldn't have. Im going to try to only weigh myself weekly BEFORE I do anything but wake up and pee.

Here is a tidbit of helpful information from the couch to 5k plan, which runs true for me. Keeping a log helps me, A LOT.

The Couch-to-5K Running Plan Keeping a training log is a key to your success:

Keeping a training log is a key to your success. While most journals track memories or accomplishments, a training log goes a step further by providing a record to look back on, learn from and make corrections or improvements to your future training programs.
A training log can be an asset for avoiding injury or setbacks in your training. It is a tool to improve your performance. It also tracks your training as you progress toward your goals.

What to record

Training logs should include:

Run, bike, swim, strength and other sports data including distance, pace and total training time
Time of day
Weather conditions, temperature, wind conditions, humidity
Heart rate training zones
Weight
Health data including hours of sleep, amount of stress, soreness, fatigue (scale of 1-5, 1=low, 5=high)
Resting heart rate (before getting out of bed in the morning)
Race results
General feelings and comments on training swims, runs or rides
Intensity of workout, perceived rate of exertion (scale of 1-10, 1=easy, 10=extremely hard)
Possible injuries, aches or pains

Exercise, Kayla and Caden

So this is my treadmill in Caden's room. The bottom folds up flat against the wall so really its not in the way at all considering the small amount of space that is called Caden's room.
Saturday I was able to do 20 minutes. Walk 3 minutes, run 4 minutes, repeat only 3 times. Today, Sunday, I am taking the day off. I have to recover for tomorrow. Tomorrow is Week 4, which means I have to step it up a notch and honestly..Im nervous. I hope I am able to do this. I think now starting this week I will really stick to my workout only once per day because now I think this is going to start getting tough. But Im ready. I cant wait to shed these pounds even more and get into better shape. I still have a bit to lose even though I think I am down 12. My weight changes a bit every day. When I think Im down 12 pounds, weighing 147...the next morning Im back to weighing 150 which is only a 9 pound loss.
Tomorrow starts walk 2 minutes, run 5 minutes, repeat 4 times. And do it 4 days this week. My plan is 5-6 days. But we shall see.

How's this for inspiration? The 2 munchkins playing next to the treadmill.

12

As of this morning, Im down a whole 12 pounds! Slowly but surely....getting there.

I am really tired today. My eyes burn. My run this morning really hurt. I will try to do a second run this evening and then take Saturday off.

Monthly Birthdays + W3D4

On May 30th, Kayla turned a whopping 22 months old. How in the world can 22 months pass by like this? She brightens my day like no one else can in a way that no one else can. I cant imagine a day without her. I cant imagine going hours with out her. How does Nick do it? How does he walk out that door 5 days a week and not see her all day long? I cant believe she is almost 2 years old. Before I know she will be 22 years old and I will have to learn to live life without her in it every single day. How do parents do this? Please tell me the secret, because within a blink of an eye..it's going to happen.
2 years ago this week, I was headed to Pennsylvania to await the birth of this little girl that I had no idea I would love so much. My mother in law and I would sit out on the deck and dream and imagine and wonder and discuss what we thought she would look like. We were pretty darn close...but I could N-E-V-E-R have dreamed she would be this perfect and this beautiful. I never thought a baby could have been made this perfect JUST for us. Her giggles, her laughs, her squeals, her cries, her tears, her big brown eyes, her eyelashes, her hair, her curls, her nose, her lips, her giant hands and feet, and tan skin, her long legs and arms, her giant heart, her personality, her cleverness, her determination, her ingenuity, her willingness and her ability to learn...just PERFECTION. Made only for us.

Happy 22 month Birthday little munchkin. Stop growing up so fast.



Tomorrow, June 4th, Caden will be 4 months old. How is THIS possible?

Wasn't it just weeks ago we stressed about his adoption? Wasn't it just weeks ago that I had to hold onto hope by a piece of thread and pray that it wouldn't break, that we wouldn't lose him. I had this tremendously painfully gut and heart feeling that he was made for us and I was trying so hard to convey this to the world while I had to plea and fight and beg the universe to make this work out. 2 months before we even found out about birth mother's pregnancy with him, I called my mother in law in tears wondering why on earth I had this overwhelming feeling that I needed more babies. I even blogged about it. I wanted it to go away and I couldn't understand it. Little did I know....our lives were about to change in a massive way. FOREVER. He was born. And that feeling was GONE. I could finally breathe and live with a light heart knowing and feeling for the first time in my entire life that this family was complete.
This little life that birth mother had created was not without reason. Everyone took the news of this pregnancy as a burden, even us before she asked us to adopt him. He was no doubt without reason. Not only did he complete this family in more ways than one, but he gave our birth mother the reality check she needed to get her life on track, get her GED, and go to college.

I couldn't imagine life without this little boy. While his personality is still waiting to erupt, it wont be long. I cannot wait for the day I hear his true real baby giggle. I cant wait to see the person he starts to become.

How lucky can one married couple get? Just how fortunate? It was all written in the stars long before we were even aware. We got pregnant twice and miscarried 2 babies. These 2 babies kept us going. They gave us just enough hope to lead us through the rocky path that ended with our 2 babies, Kayla and Caden.

To all my blog readers, my friends who are still waiting...your happy ending is written in the stars too. Dont give up.

If it's not a happy ending, then it's not the end.

Happy 4 month Birthday Caden. Dont grow up as fast as your sister is.



Today is Week 3 Day 4 in my running program. As of this morning I am down a pound already this week and its only Thursday. This brings me down 9 pounds weighing in at 150 this morning. I dont see a huge difference yet, but it will come. I still cant even believe I let myself gain that much weight. I'd say that the happiest I have been was weighing in at 130, so I guess 20 more pounds to go. I know I can do it. Just wish it didnt take this much time!

According to my running log I have gone a total of 8.9 miles this week so far. Today I did my work out twice, first thing in the morning and then again during the babies nap time with an extra 3 minute fast pace walk. I plan on doing 2 workouts tomorrow if I am able and then taking Saturday off. This training for a 5K thing...is addicting. So, I will TRY to take Saturday off. We are planning a day at the water park so that should be a lot of workout in itself!

Week 3 Day 3

Well, I have hit Week 3, Day 3 in my running program today. It went by so fast. Feels like only week 2 at the latest. Time flies.

Week 3 consists of walk 3 minutes, run 4 minutes, repeat 4 times. The first day I did this easily when I thought it would be impossible. I was surprised at how easily I was able to do it. This coming from the person who on the first week could barely finish running 1 minute consecutively, and repeat that 3 times. This coming from the person who couldn't run a day in her life, not even as a child.

The 2nd day of week 3, I was able to do my workout TWICE. Once at 6:30 AM and then again at noon when both kids were napping. Still...easy BOTH times!

This morning, week 3 day 3, I woke up really tired. My body is tired. I got my workout in but it was tougher. I had to make myself finish. After nap time I went for a 2nd workout and was only able to finish half of it. Tomorrow will be week 3 day 4 and I WILL finish TWO workouts tomorrow.

The program I am on only requires 4 workouts a week, each lasting 20-30 minutes. So, its Wednesday and I have already finished 3 and half workouts lasting probably an average of 28 minutes each.

I am on my way to becoming a runner.

My breathing is great. I have learned to inhale deep, exhale deep, through both mouth and nose at the same time for my muscles to receive enough oxygen to keep working. This takes a lot of concentration for me. But I am able to do this with Caden in his bouncy chair next to me and Kayla playing on the rocker or on the floor next to him. I must say, I LOVE having a treadmill in the house.

What slows me down is my legs are so sore. When will that stop so I can continue to run? I cant wait to be able to hop on the treadmill and run a couple miles.

I also started logging my workouts, which is neat to see on chart.

I am on my way to becoming a runner. And losing 20 pounds. Even though the number on the scale is not changing...it eventually will. I MUST have lost weight doing all this.

Almost a week

So, its been almost a week since I have blogged. Hubby pointed that out to me last night and said he didn't like it. Funny..he lives with me 24/7 yet he likes to read my blog.

*I am on Week 3 Day 1 of my running program. And I'm seeing a difference. Week 1 was walk 6 minutes, run 1 minute and repeat 3 times. By the 3rd time I was struggling to finish. Maybe even finished a few seconds short. Week 2 was walk 5 minutes and run 2 minutes, repeat 3 times. The first couple of times I couldn't even do the 3rd repeat. By the end of the week it was easy peasy. This morning was the start of week 3 day 1 and I looked up my program and saw for w3d1- walk 3 minutes, run 3 minutes, repeat 4 times and my first thought was..I cant do that.

But I did it. Easily. Minus my legs hurting. I can breathe fine and have the energy but my legs are so sore. So...we will see how this week goes. The program says to do this 4 days a week, but I have been doing 5-6 days a week.

And now, with my handy dandy treadmill in Caden's room...its even easier to hop on and run with the AC in the house. Compared to outside where you feel like you cant breathe because its so darn hot and humid out. Yay for the rainy season coming up.

*Its hard to say how much weight I have lost. The very first weigh in could have been a mistake. I thought I saw it say 149 but the next morning I read 156. I don't know if I made a mistake or I gained 7 pounds overnight due to a new monthly cycle starting just a week later. I feel like I lost weight. Clothes are fitting better and I'm able to wear a few shirts that I haven't been able to wear in a while. So I think its safe to say I made a mistake on that first weigh in and I have lost 7 pounds.

*Caden has finished sweet potatoes, and applesauce and now we are working on squash and bananas which both he likes so far. He is such a pork chop. Eating half a jar of baby food twice a day mixed with a scoop of cereal. And hes not even 4 months old yet.

*Both Kayla and Caden are now in size 4 diapers.

*We are getting our family pictures taken today! Our first family pictures since before Caden was born. The first family pictures since Kayla was 6 months old...so its very much over due.

Random Updates

** Kayla is still teething terribly. Today is day 4 of this. She still has a light fever, but mostly is just in pain. Still only 1 of the 4 canine teeth are through. The other 3 are just big white bubbles that look like they are going to burst a tooth the size of a shark. She has 3 fever blisters now all on the inside bottom lip. She is just miserable.

** Still haven't got any tylenol or motrin at any stores here on island but I did score an unopened bottle of children's ibuprofen. Kayla's motrin bottle is now gone, so we will start this, this evening. Hopefully before that runs out she will be all better, or we come across some more meds somehow.

** Caden is up to 16 pounds and hes not even 4 months old until June 4th. He is only 5 lbs less than Kayla now. He is quickly growing out of almost all of his pajamas. I scored some clothes this morning that a lady is selling for $1 a piece that I will get to pick up on Monday!

** He is reaching for his feet and anything within his reach. He has finished one week of rice cereal mixed with sweet potatoes, so onto the next: applesauce. He is becoming a pro in his Jumperoo. We are still waiting for him to release his laugh, he is so close!

** I am down 5 pounds. Still cant run worth anything, but Im taking long heavy walks and also doing the walk 6 mins/ run 1 min thing, repeat 3 times. The scale this morning said 151.

** Find a great Key Lime Pie recipe here: http://michellespathofrecipes.blogspot.com/

Exercise goals and rewards and current status

Where I am currently, my goals and my rewards.
Currently:
First let me just say, either I cant read or my scale is nuts or the saying you can gain up to pounds before the start of a new monthly cycle is true. 2 days ago I got on the scale, 149. Yesterday I got on the scale, 155. What?? I cant gain 6 lbs over night. Time for a new digital scale. I weigh more than I thought I did which makes me feel even worse. I havent yet gotten on it this morning.

Currently:
The day I decided to do something about myself, I went out and bought a new pair of running shoes. $63.50 later I came home with these babies.


Ok, here is more serious picture of new said shoes.


I wanted to come home with a nice new sports bra, but that didnt happen. The BX did not have my size. I will continue to look though.

2 night's ago's session. 2 nights ago was Day 1 of Week 1 and it kicked my butt. I was able to finish doing the brisk walking for 6 minutes then jogging for 1 minute, 3 times. The first set was good, the 2nd set was hard then 3rd set I struggled but I did make it.

Last night's session was Day 2 of Week 1, the same brisk walking for 6 minutes and then one minute of jogging. Only this time I went with a friend. The results were the same. The first round was ok, the second round was hard and the third round I struggled. Then I did run an extra 45 seconds after the 3rd round. My legs HURT. Ever inch of them. But this morning just my thighs are sore.

This morning will start off with a brisk 9 am walk with another friend.

Goals and rewards:
My ultimate goal is to lose 20 pounds. That would put me at 129 pounds.

Once Im down 5 pounds I will allow myself a $30 shopping trip FOR MYSELF. Not the kids, not my husband, not a friend or a family...but for MYSELF. I know this isn't much, but hey..this is only after losing 5 pounds!

Once down 10 pounds I will allow myself to replace the belly button ring that I been wanting to replace but have gone without because I think to myself, "Why get one when I wont be showing my belly anyways? I need to lose weight first." Also, buy a new bathing suit!

Once down 15 pounds I will allow myself a $60 shopping trip.

Once down 20 pounds...Im not sure yet. I wish I could see myself losing this much weight, but that is a lot of work. Work Im trying to push myself to get through. Once I loose a little...maybe I will totally redo this goal/reward list and come up with something good.

**The scale says 154 this morning.** Never imagined myself ever reaching this weight. Wow. Im still in shock. I guess 5 years of infertility and 2 babies can do that to a person. I have really let myself go.

Learning to run in 8 weeks

Alright, so time to do something with myself. I think learning to run will make me a better Wife and a better Mother in so many different areas.

1. More confidence in myself which in turn will make me a better wife for many reasons.
2. Some time to myself which in turn will make me a better Mother for many reasons.

Problem is....I CAN NOT RUN. Never have, not even as a kid.

If I work at it, I think this problem can be solved.

My other problem is, I need help keeping motivated.

My plan?

My plan is an 8 week plan to teach myself how to run.

Week one: Walk for 6 minutes, then jog at an easy pace for 1 minute. Repeat 3 times. Aim for three sessions with that same sequence for week one.

Week two: Walk for 5 minutes, then jog for 2 minutes. Repeat 3 times. Aim to do three sessions in week two.

Week three: Walk for 3 minutes, then jog for 4 minutes. Repeat 4 times. Aim for four sessions in week three.

Week four: Walk for 2 minutes, then jog for 5 minutes. Repeat 4 times. Shoot for four of those sessions in week four.

Week five: Walk for 2 minutes, then jog for 8 minutes. Repeat 3 times. Do four of those sessions in week five.

Week six: Walk for 2 minutes, then jog for 9 minutes. Repeat 3 times. Try to do four sessions for week six.

Week seven: Walk for 1 minute, then jog for 11 minutes. Repeat 3 times. Do four sessions this week.

Week eight: Congratulations on making it to week eight! For your first run this week, try walking for 5 minutes to begin and end the workout, and run for 20 minutes in between. By the end of the week, try to run for 30 minutes without stopping.

Aim to run for 30 minutes four times a week, and you'll notice that your stamina and fitness will continue to improve. Soon you'll be ready to run your first 5K!

Tips:
Use your breathing as your guide when running. You should be able to carry on a conversation while running and your breathing shouldn't be heavy.

The first day of week one begins tonight. When Nick gets home from work I will be making a trip to the BX to get a pair of running shoes and cost is not going to be a factor. I will not let it. (My old pair hurt my feet and I ruined them by mowing the lawn in them)

I know I have posted about diet plans on here several times but after I while I never stick with them because I dont see much difference. This combined with running, I think will be much better. I think.

This isnt a promise. Just a plan. Lets hope I can stick with it.

I will let you know how it goes.

Monday May 17;day one of week one;149 pounds