Goals

June Challenge is in full swing. But what about my goals? I haven't thought much about them. So tonight I am.
 In July registration opens for Disney's Princess half marathon weekend. I did the 5k last year and wished I had signed up for the 10k as well. When I registered with my daughter, I was not much of a runner. But after seeing Fabulous in January I was hooked. So I was a slightly jealous that I was not doing more than one race that weekend.
Now July is coming up quick. I want to do the Glass slipper challenge. That is my ultimate goal! However, when I sit back and think about it, I panic a little. That's the 10K plus a half. (which I haven't even done yet)!What if I decide after my first half in November that I don't like running 13.1 miles? Am I crazy?! Back to back races. I've never done before. I mean I run weekly, sometimes 2 days in a row. Should I consider that the same thing? Is my mind just playing with me over this new fear? This has been bothering me for a few days now. Decisions. Decisions.
 My next goal is to improve my time. It isn't a HUGE goal, but a personal one. I seem stuck in the 11-12 minute mile pace. No matter what I try. Maybe I should stop trying. I can't be the only one that struggles with this right?
 My last goal is to tone my body more. I've lost a bit of weight, and look decent. I finally have confidence that I never had before. I would just like to tone some areas. So I need to get back into the gym on my off days from running. I'll be dragging Fabulous with me of course! Now only if Sisnlaw had a membership, we'd make a party out of it.

I can't believe the difference a year makes. I've been running and eating better since January. Hard work pays off! I just need to hit the gym to tone my now small waist! 

Recap of a bittersweet week

It has been a long week for me, The Running Fire Wife. It was the last week of school. This meant class parties. More than one party! I was back and forth running around and helping out. Different party, different day. It made for a very long week. On top of this never ending week it was my daughter's last week of 5th grade! Last week in Elementary school. I have not handled this reality without tears. Quite a bit through out the week. Please tell me I'm not the only mom who cries about this!
 I ran a few times this week. Out in the heat and on the treadmill at the gym.
I don't prefer the treadmill. It gets very boring and I feel like time drags on and on. I ran outdoors around 6pm and it was still very hot. Gotta love Florida. I made myself suck it up. I wanted to quit halfway through my 3 miles. It was miserable. No quitting though. Nope. Not allowed.
This morning I got up at 5:30 to run with Sisnlaw. The sun was just coming up and there was a slight breeze. We got 5 miles in. I am starting to notice that 5 miles isn't so bad. This run seemed very easy. I never thought I would ever say that about running. However, this was a great run!
Now off to enjoy the rest of my weekend! Happy running all!

My weight loss journey

I've lost weight. 15-20 pounds maybe. Doesn't seem like much; but it is. Here's my take on it.
 Starting last June, we decided no more fast food. We've stuck to that rule. I can't wait to celebrate the 1 year mark next month!
 In January, we decided we were going to exercise more and move towards cleaner eating. It has been a challenge at times. I've tested myself more than once. Even caved a time or two. I am happy to say that 4 months later I feel like I have control.
 One of the things to cut was coffee creamer. I was a sucker for loading my coffee with that stuff. I wouldn't add sugar, just a ton of creamer. I slowly started cutting back the amount. Fireman cut it cold turkey and never looked back.  One morning I woke and said when I run out of this creamer, that's it. No more. It was hard drinking coffee black that first week. I survived. Now it's not bad at all. Even when I hit up Starbucks, I get a black ice coffee. I do ask for sugar, as a treat to myself that I don't need a whipped cream latte.
 The next thing to go was soda. I'll admit. I loved my Pepsi. LOVED. We have never stocked soda in the home. We would get at a restaurant or while out and about. Regardless, it was still soda, still very bad for one's self.  February was the last time I had a soda. I've craved it and when I was having a stressful day I really wanted it because sugar and junk fixes everything. Right? Now that it has been a few months I am okay and Pepsi doesn't come to my mind. Truth is, I don't miss it at all. I am so happy I gave it up.
 The next thing we've pretty much cut out all together is processed foods. We still have a little ways to go with it, but a chunk is gone. I read all labels on the things we buy now. I only buy my fruit / veggies from the local produce stand. We eat so much better.

 With doing those few things, along with of course running. I have lost weight. I didn't even realize until my clothes were practically falling off and my belts were to big to help. I was a 7/9 and now I am a size 2/3.  Unreal! I have never been that small. Not even in high school. My wedding rings are huge on me. It's amazing what a healthy diet and some running will do.
 Since I was only running, I do have some flab and I have started back at the gym to tone some of this; (I hope).  I rather run then weight train, I have to remind myself that cross training is good. The end results will so be worth it. I can do this!
 Last, I am still unsure of how to respond to people who comment on my weight loss. Some just say nice things. But there is always that person or two, that make odd comments, Like "don't lose to much weight" or "you're going to waste away". I have been just smiling and laughing, but really I want to tell them to fly a kite or this is what being healthy is. How do you handle weight loss questions and comments?
Bottom line is I am healthy, happy and proud of myself!

Zumba say what? And the Gym!

I had a run plan for yesterday (Wednesday), but good ol' Florida weather had other plans. It started to down pour as I was headed out the door with my sis-n-law.  Sis-n-law decided to drag to me to zumba on a whim! Why? Because she knows I don't zumba. I'm a little clumsy. Okay maybe more than a little. I've never tried it and was freaking out. The class was small; (thank goodness).  I was lost and all sorts of backwards most of the time. I did it though! I didn't quit. I stuck it through. One full hour of arms flapping everywhere and feet going every which way. The music was great so maybe, just  maybe I'll attempt it again.
Here is our after zumba picture.

Tonight, the weather was bad. Lots of lightning so it forced Fabulous and I back to the gym. I haven't used my membership in almost a year. Before I got my mojo for running back, I grew to hate the gym and avoided it. However, that is behind me! Fabulous only wanted to run, I said nope lets do this! We biked, used weights, had a few laughs and then hoped on the dreaded treadmill. I am an outdoor runner. The treadmill bores me!! But I did my mile and got it done. That's what matters. I am already feeling the burn in my legs! How I have missed it!! Plus I weighed myself and dropped a few more pounds. 

While I can ramble on, I won't. My story tonight is one of which reminds me that I can do this. I can try new types of workouts and not be afraid of going to the gym. I can push myself to do what I haven't done before. I am determined. I am motivated. Most of all, I am happy.