So, let's talk about me for a minute, k?
So ever since I reached my goal and decided to cross that 5K off my bucket list I haven't really talked much more about my progress and that's not good. You see I need to be held accountable and this blog does that, for me.
Let's start with the good. Running is getting better. It's a slow better but it's improvement over complete and total hatred. So I am on week 8 of the Couch to 5K program. A lot of you had recommended I try it in my last running post and I had one up on you, I was in week 4 when I posted that. So far I have nothing but good things to say about this ap. It takes a complete and total non-runner {couch me} to a 5K runner in just 9 weeks. I can say that at the beginning of the program I thought there was no way it was possible for me become a runner in 9 weeks, no way. Much the same as when I started MyFitnessPal.
I should probably preface this by saying that I am in no way, shape, or form athletic, at all. So the first week I think you start out doing 1 or 2 minute runs, that's all, and each week you increase the length. I did fine until I got to the point where I had to run 18 minutes straight, without stopping. I remember getting of the treadmill that night and feeling like I was going to DIE! I even remember tweeting something along the lines of "if you don't hear from me for the rest of the night it's because I died on the treadmill", dramatic much? Speaking of Twitter I would just like to say that without this social media tool I'm not sure I would have stayed motivated over the past 8 weeks! I am connected with the most amazing, SUPPORTIVE group of girls that ever did exist. The tell me I can do it and cheer me along when I don't want to even so much as look at the treadmill.
So now I can run for 25 minutes straight, without stopping! And? I don't feel like I'm going to die anymore! As of yesterday I was running about a 9'32' mile {according to Nike+}, not too shabby huh? All of my training thus far has been on the treadmill because 1. I hate the cold 2. I normally run at night when Kendall goes to bed which means 3. it's dark out and 4. I don't live in the most ideal place for running outside, alone, in the dark. But I'm dying for the day where I get outside and hit the pavement. I even got new running shoes, an outfit, and arm band for my phone for Christmas so I'm all set to do this thing, I think. I mean I did actually run 5K about a week {or so} ago so I guess this program has worked. Now I just need to psych myself up to actually register and run a real 5K. Baby steps.
As for the weight loss maintain, well I don't have as good of news to report. I have gained a little back, I say it's the holidays muscle from running. Honestly even though the number has gone up on the scale I feel like my jeans are getting looser in the thigh and butt area, can't say the same about the waist. I wish I could say that I stayed dedicated to MyFitnessPal after I reached my goal, but I'd be lying if I said so. In reality I kinda half-assed used it since the day I hit my goal, not good. So now that the craziness that is The Holidays is over, I'm going to start keeping track better. Not that I need to lose, but just so I can be more accountable. Obviously I learned nothing during the 7 months and 42 lbs.
So some bad but mostly good. I may not love running yet but I actually do look forward to it. I don't look for an excuse to not do it, I just do it. If I have a headache, cramps, am tired, I push through and I run. I've learned that my body is capable of so much more than I had given it credit for. My body is strong and I'm just now learning that.
This year has given me such a perspective on my body, it's unreal. I may need to do a little toning and could stand to lose 5 more lbs but never have I felt more confident and comfortable in my own skin.
So proud of you!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats!!
ReplyDeleteIs that app only for iPhone?
Girl, you know you can do it!!! And I'm the same way with my MFP...I haven't used it at all for like the past week. I need to get back on that. Now that all the bad Holiday food is gone. Oh good Lord. Thank You Jesus!! Now I can finally drop this last 10 lbs....(probably 15 by now...)
ReplyDelete25 minutes!! That's amazing! Everyone has been recommending this program to me as well, I might just have to give it a try. And as for the scale, I say, as long as you feel good and your clothes feel good then you're doing ok. When one of those things changes maybe then you can reevaluate. And today, I am going back to My Fitness Pal too, it's probably screaming "Erin hasn't logged in for DAYS!" haha
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays girl!
Amazing! You should definitely be proud of yourself! I used to love running and after seeing you and from Katie (Loves of Life) posts about Couch to 5k, I figured I'd give it a shot. I won't say that I'm not dying and hurting but I push myself through and I'm starting to love running again. (Despite it being dark, cold and late when I do it since I have to wait for the kids to go to bed) Thanks for the motivation and continue to love yourself in your own skin! You rock it girl! :)
ReplyDeleteyou go girl!
ReplyDeleteGreat Post!! You are doing such a great job
ReplyDeleteI literally...seriously, literally, almost didn't make it through week one day one of C25K. So you are my hero.
ReplyDeleteyou are awesome!! just keep at it girl. you'll be running marathons in no time!
ReplyDeleteFrom one non runner turned runner to another, I am so proud! Great job, woman!
ReplyDeleteWay to go lady love!! This is fabulous!
ReplyDeletei love that there are so many runners in the blog and twitter world! its great :)
ReplyDelete