I can either be...

Fat again or Fit 4 Life.
I do great during the week and I've done well - doing yoga, exercising, etc. Friday wasn't good. Most Fridays aren't - but that doesn't mean it can slip into the rest of the wknd.
I have to make choice:
1. Be obedient and be fit and healthy with my body working the way God has designed for my body to work.
2. Enjoy oreos, too many baked lays, sugar cookies, hot chocolate just to mindlessly eat, give up on running to quick because of little things that aren't going perfectly.
I want to:
1. Feel great
2. Be great
3. Look great - love those size 6 jeans!
4. Don't want sagging skin
5. Invest in others
6. Be there for ministry later in life - and be healthy to do a great job at it.

God has given us a body that was created to be productive and glorify him.
Drinking unsweet tea right now - and doing pilates when I get off work at 930 tonight.
Tomorrow: work, vegetarian tea lunch, run out at a park (in the cold, am I crazy, push through), cooking legumes (I always feel fancy when I say that word in my head), babysitting for a dear family.
Sunday will run in the morning or do yoga before church (it might be snowing outside, so I may stick with the yoga).
Monday is a pilates class! :)

February Goals

I like making mini-goals! It helps in losing weight, in cleaning your home, or cooking a large meals. You have to break things down - instead of looking at the long term.
So, what am I going to do in February that will make more more healthy:
1. If it is up to me, eat salads for dinner. This gets me a lot of green in and doesn't weigh me down at night. Now, there are times when I'll have dinner with others - but then I can just eat sensibly - or if going out, I can have a salad. I know of one exception - Sonny's with Sloan.
2. Start back training for a 5k. That means running more intentionally. Started week 5 of Couch to 5k again today. Got most of it done - but a sweet friend I hadn't seen in a while was there so I stopped and talked to her then ran out of time. My first 5k of 2010 is the first wknd of March. Bring on the Anthem!
3. Continue with yoga or Bob's boot camp. The first 3 weeks of the month will be dedicated to our friend Bob Harper. He makes me work. My quads and hams and inner/outer thighs actually hurt right now between the 2 DVDs and running.
4. Feb 24 - bring on round 2 of Jillian's 30 Day Shred. That will have me 30 days out of last day of my current job - so I want to look stellar. I really feel like I toned up and looked sleeker the last time I did it (before the holidays set in), so I want to do it again.

New things:
1. Taking a semi-private yoga lesson with a friend this weekend. I am very excited about that!
2. Hiking both Berea pinnacles later this month with Sloan. I've done it once before, but I'm doing it with Sloan this time.
3. Antibiotics. Taking augmenten right now for a sinus infection from last week. It is helping, but is sometimes not sitting well with my stomach and is making me thirsty - so I'm drinking tons of fluids!

How are you sticking with your NYRs? How are you keeping motivated in the cold month of February? What are your mini-goals? What new things are you trying this month?

2010 Goals

People have asked me how I can keep up with 3 blogs. I would love to make one website with all of them like hers, but blogger is free and i will do this for the time being. Maybe I can work on investigating hosting my own website this year?
This has been a great year. I've done a lot of things. I ran my first 5k in March of 2009. I also ran more 5k, a 10k, a half marathon. I biked, swam, ran, walked, did a lot of yoga, jillian's 30 day shred, bob's yoga for weight loss, and many other things. I am pleased with how 2009 ended - being my lowest weight and losing the most weight that I remember. But, that doesn't mean i can stop...I must keep going. Here are my 2010 goals for the health issues in my life:
1. Run 2 5ks. I will run one of them in Louisville in March. I want to beat my 35.49 time of my last 5k this past Thanksgiving. I will choose one more to run. Why aren't I running more? That comes into money - see my goal on my Thoughts blog for more on that.
2. I want to run 2 Half Marathons. I really liked the half I ran last year in Louisville and it was quite challenging. I am thinking about these three (choosing 2 of them): Downhill at Dawn in June at Ridgecrest, VA Beach Half in September, and the Raleigh City of Oaks Half in November. Any training partner out there? Anyone wanna run one or both of them with me?
3. Keep researching. I love reading about health and nutrition. I want to post one thing a week about something I've read - whether in a magazine or a book or on a blog. This will keep me learning.
4. I want to lose another 5-10%. Most people don't think I need to lose more, but I see myself naked (TMI) and I know I need to lose some more. And then maintain that forever!
5. Yoga/Pilates. This will help with stretching and being more flexible. Some folks have a problem with me doing yoga as a Believer. But, i see no problem with it. God made our bodies. When I am doing programs that call for "listening to your bodies" I quote Scripture or pray. I did a 20 minute session this morning and definitely felt stronger and better after it. I want to start my days doing this - to help wake up! My goal is to do 5 sessions a week. Any cool downloads out there that are free - I did yoga download dot com this morning and that was pretty good.
6. Toning. I love being stronger - and my jeans and skirts fit better. I want to keep doing this. Whether it is doing Jillian more, or bootcamp, or hitting the gym some at the beginning of the year, and I know running and yoga/pilates will help with that. I want stronger arms, core, and legs.

So, in three things: running, yoga/pilates, toning. Plain and simple. At least I can't gain, right! :)

Tips on Achieving Goals

New milestone today! Here is what I hit and some of the journey it took for me to get there (as people are asking)

*********I have now lost over 60 lbs. The most I had lost was 60, so to make over 60 is great!*********As of this morning, I am the lowest I've been since I can ever remember weighing! Honestly, I know I weighed more in 6th grade than I do this morning! I was very excited. What a great way to start a Monday morning.

Tips: (the above pictures were taken about 15 pounds under my highest weight back in May of 2003 and the other one was taken this past Thanksgiving about 3 lbs ago.)

1. Realize why you are eating. For me, when I overeat, it is usually more of a compensation or a comfort, or stress eating. Like today, I wasn't hungry this afternoon, and its not even cold, but due to some stressful things, I went and made myself a mocha. It was free - why not? I threw half of it away. I didn't need it.

2. Don't eat food just because its free. When you live on a seminary-staff budget, you always want to eat the free food. Don't! Most of it isn't good for you (baked treats, pizza, chikfila chicken sandwiches, chips, Krispy Kreme doughnuts, fried stuff). Just say no. Or, when I have to eat the Chikfila lunches - I eat the chicken, take off the bread, and then when I get back to my office I eat some fruit or veggies that I brought to work.

3. Exercise. I love exercising. I feel lazy when I don't. God made our bodies to move. We are not being good stewards of our bodies if we just sit on the couch all day - or the office chair - or watch tv all day when we are physically able to get up and move (if we are).

4. Eat healthy stuff. I'm not saying you have to go to Whole Foods all the time or buy all organic. I don't. I mean - stick to veggies, fruits (not fried okra), greens, eat lots of salads with healthy proteins, legumes, chicken (not fried or smothered in bacon, cheese, and cream), lean beef. These are good. Now does that mean you can't have the occasional burger? No! God made all food for our enjoyment for our good. That means - we can enjoy a burger from Red Robin (for my bday coming up in 3 weeks) and it will give me nourishment - but not a Red Robin burger every day. All in moderation.

5. You have to be willing and able to take a little smack. Meaning - people are going to ask you why you don't eat all the junk at the holiday parties or at family get togethers. You have to know your answer. I fill my plate with good and healthy things - not the carbs and fatty stuff like I used to. I bypass the bacon topped mac and cheese. Not because I don't like it anymore - it is such amazing food - but I just didn't need it. You'll have to learn to deal with it. Many people ask me "why aren't you eating". Sometimes I'll say, I've already eaten, or I'm not hungry. Most of the time that is true. You don't have to say - there really isn't anything healthy here to eat. Don't be rude about it.

6. Drink plenty of water. Don't typically drink your calories. Lately I've been having hot chocolate or a mocha (80 calories) at work - I can deal with that. But, some people drink 100 calories a day - between Bux and non-diet drinks. Drink water, unsweet tea - these are good for you.

7. Make goals for yourself! Someone asked me today what my new goals would be. I said I still had a little more to lose - she couldn't believe it. Make healthy, attainable goals - and reward yourself (even with a jump in the bathroom when you step on the scale and a cheer) when you make it. You don't have to eat your reward and you don't have to spend a lot of money on your reward.

8. One saying that I really like right now is: "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels". Now, I'll never be thin - but you get the moral of the story.

9. One Scripture thought I like - everything is fleeting, there is nothing new under the sun. Meaning - I don't need to stuff myself with food just because I can - that is sin. There will be food tomorrow. God made it all and I need to trust Him. He is MORE THAN ENOUGH for me.

I hope these things help!

UpDate!

Wow - its been a while!
Well - here is an update:
1. I am working on some writing on subjects re: health, weight, etc.
2. I am in process to hopefully being employed p/t with Weight Watchers.
3. I finished Bob's 6 week Yoga for Weight Loss - amazing (but my wrists started hurting from doing all those downward dogs and planks).
4. I start Jillian Michael's 30-Day Shred today. Since it is only 20 minutes I'll team it with Seneca or other walking on most days.
5. I didn't run the Gaslight 5k - just way too busy.
6. My next 5k is in Lakeland, FL the Saturday after Thanksgiving - around Christina Park/Lake. Should be great.
7. i'm doing walking, sprinting intervals around a 1.2 mile loop. Usually do it twice.
8. I hit my college graduation weight today. That is exciting. Now only one previous goal to go - then on past that to new unreached goals!
9. I love encouraging others with this topic!
10. I love being encouraged on this topic by others - and their successes!

Summer is HERE!

So excited for June 1. Here is my lineup for a toning up summer. Many exciting things:
1. I am finally below 165! And I'm wearing a dress I haven't worn for almost 3 years! How exciting is that - to get one ready for the summer!
2. I have 4.6 lbs to go till my WW goal, and then another 10% for my personal goal. Hopeully I can get those off this summer.
3. Kettlebells. Wow, these are going to kill me. My friend Cynthia came over last night and showed me a 3 day/wk workout plan for them. I have a 15lb blue padded kettlebell that I got from Target. The horns are half padded as well. That will be a good cardio/weight exercise for 3 days a week.
4. Running/Walking. The next two weeks will be a chance in this for me. Everyday for the next 2 weeks I'll be doing 3.5 miles walking with an Alaskan Husky. Housesitting. Hopefully it doesn't rain. I won't be getting in much running, but walking is good for me as well.
5. Races. I've got the Berea 8k trail run this Saturday. Next Saturday is the Hubers 10k. July 4 is the Crescent Hill 5k. August 16 is the Kings Island 5k. So, those will keep me running - even if just at night around campus. Hopefully more powerful legs will help.
6. Yoga. I'm doing yoga for weight loss (a dvd) and also namaste yoga when I am home and can find it on FitTV. Both are excellent. I'm loving it. Haven't really done yoga before except for 2 classes.
7. Vegetarian. I'm going mostly vegetarian this summer. I'm allowing one meal for meat and one meal for seafood each week - then the is vegetables, dairy, whole grains, etc.
8. Results. I do want to lose more weight this summer. I'm also hoping to raise my good cholesterol and lower my body fat and increase my flexibility. Sometime in September I'll revisit these things and see what the results are. Hopefully good ones!

Goals - Updated in Moleskin 4.17.09

I took some time today to write down some of my goals. I have a moleskin (love those things) for weight, how I feel each day, and my goals. So, I thought I would share the goals with you (for all who read it - which isn't very many). But this is a tangible way for me to stay on track.
Races:
Mini-Derby - 4.25.09 - 1/2 Marathon - less than 3 hours.
Through the Zoo - 5.9.09 - 5k - under 39 minutes
Berea Trail Run - 6.6.09 - 8k - 1.10
Joe Huber's - 6.13.09 - 10k - less than 1.19
Bluegrass 10 - 7.4.09 - Under whatever my Hubers time is...

These are more general goals:
Goal Weight by Erin's wedding (8.9.09) - 9 lbs to go!
1 diet coke or carbonated beverage per/week - right now I'm at about 3, so I need to cut those down.
Stop eating when full. This will do me good because some times I eat real fast and don't take time to think about why I am eating.
Memorize Scripture about food, my body, healthy living, etc.
Snack healthier - I don't need to consume processed foods.
Try new grains. Wheatberries, etc. I need to broaden my horizons when it comes to good-for-me grains.
More veggies - this will be much easier in the summer! :) Bring on the farmer's markets
Sale Produce/meat - even if it means trying new things or maybe eating a lot of the same things cooked in different ways - at least I'll be doing good on the checkbook!
Eat on small plates. I don't like big dinner plates - because I fill them up!
Toning - I do 200 weighted twists/punches each night. I need to keep that up - get that core and those arms in shape!
Body Fat - I need to get that in a good range and first need to get it tested. I've already put out an email regarding that.
Cholesterol. I'm having that checked in 10 days. See where it is. See what I need to do with it. If it is not in a healthy range, then make it there!

Ok - now to get to it! :)

Goals and Changes

Sometimes I get clearly ahead of myself and don't think things through. Oh, well. But, there is always grace.
I had planned on doing the Sprint Tri in Chapel Hill in August. I was fine with the 50$ entry fee, but then I would have buy a helmet, a good suit to swim in, make sure my bike is in good biking order.
So, I just don't think it is going to happen - just financially not a good decision right now.
So, here is what is coming up:
Mini-derby (3 weeks out)
Throo the Zoo - 5 weeks out
Hubers (maybe) - June
Lexington Bluegrass 10k - July 4
Louisville Marathon is a possibility in October.

Training: I do get my bike next wknd, so that will fun to take and do something besides running. Pilates is still going great. I love the toning work. I do a cardio class usually once a week - and that is a great sweat producer. I'm running this week about 1.2 a day - just because of time constraints. I hope to get in a long one this Saturday before the bball games begin.
Eating: This week I've eaten many more vegetables and I'm definitely noticing a drop in weight. That is very good. The scale was below 170 - I love hitting those 10 lbs marks! So, I just gotta keep at it!

Anyway - those are just little things...

Made my 1 mile goal!

I made it!
Yesterday, I told myself I was going to run a mile - without stopping. I have never done that in my whole life - ever!
So, I started in Cherokee with a warm up of .2 miles, then walked .4, then ran some, walked some. Got to the crest of a hill by the bball courts and started running - knew it would have be a long time. I kept going with fast songs on the ipod.
I finally had to stop. I could see the turn off point to go back to my car, but I just needed to stop.
Got back to my car and drove the Cherokee Scenic loop. I noticed what I ran was exactly 1 mile. it was so exciting!
I just wanted to speed home to get my cell phone and change my fb status!
Next time there I must finish it (from the point I started running). I can do it. Next week I need to get in some Seneca time (its a shorter loop) b/c I'm housesitting and will be able to take the dog for a walk in the evening.
Tonight is cardio class...

Goals...How to Set Them

On December 30, 2008 I decided I needed a goal for physical activity in 2009. Mine was to run a 5k. Great, I did that. It was so much fun. I had a blast, it was invigorating, I finished it under my time of 40 minutes (finished at 39 flat).
Now - what are my next goals?
This week...to run a mile without stopping. The farthest I've done is 5/6 of a mile. I'm not going to die if I run the last 2 laps around the gym. Then hopefully if the weather is nice to run 12.2 this weekend either Sat or Sunday - whichever day the weather is nicer.
April 25 - Derby Half Marathon - I just want to finish it under 3 hours. I would also like to be at my Pre-FL/Leaving NC weight - that means I have 4 lbs to go!
May 9 - I just found out about the ThrootheZoo 5k. I've never been to the Ville Zoo - I've heard its great. You get to run through the Zoo then stay for the zoo itself. That will be a fun thing to do. And I would have to finish that one under 39 minutes. Every 5k now has to be faster.
June 13 - there is a Hubers Park Race - that would be a lot of fun too - especially if I'm going to be up there anyway picking summer fruits!
July 4 - Don't know if I'm going to do the Bluegrass 10 miler or run one in IN with a friend. I don't know if I can make my goal weight by then - but I can push for it - from right now it would be 11 lbs.

So, those are my goals. Hopefully the weather this weekend will be nice

2 Upcoming Races

This is my first year ever doing races. But, I have learned that I am a goal-oriented person in most everything I do. I want to do something, press toward a goal, head toward it, keep plowing ahead. So, here are two that I am doing
My first 5k (3.1 miles) is February 21, 2009 in Indianapolis, IN. There are two reasons I chose this one. It was the end of 9 weeks of training for me (since I started running New Years). Second, they had a really cool shirt in Carolina Blue! Ok - so I'm going to be wearing several layers, a hat, and gloves - but it will get done.
My first mini marathon is the end of April - the Derby Mini is going to be a challenge - but you know, I can do it! :) I'm going to have several friends doing it with me, so that will be great as well.
And, I want to be at my Weight Watchers goal weight by Memorial Day (the same day as Daniel and Courtney's wedding).
So - those are some of my goals. Are you goal oriented? How do you stay motivated?