December 27, 2011

Update of Sorts

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.
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12 comments:

  1. Congrats!!

    Is that app only for iPhone?

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  2. 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...)

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  3. 25 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

    Happy Holidays girl!

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  4. 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! :)

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  5. Great Post!! You are doing such a great job

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  6. I literally...seriously, literally, almost didn't make it through week one day one of C25K. So you are my hero.

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  7. you are awesome!! just keep at it girl. you'll be running marathons in no time!

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  8. From one non runner turned runner to another, I am so proud! Great job, woman!

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  9. Way to go lady love!! This is fabulous!

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  10. i love that there are so many runners in the blog and twitter world! its great :)

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