Recap of the last 2 weeks

Sorry I've been quiet. It's been a very busy, fast passing two weeks.
We started last weekend with a girl's weekend get away to celebrate my Sisnlaw getting married.
This weekend was her bridal shower. Ah fun times. Just don't ask how much running I've done.

I packed running clothes for our weekend away. I really did. The running just didn't happen. We walked quite a bit. Part of the time I was in heels.

 

My legs look amazing! My best feature I think.  

We did lots of dancing! I mean lots. Followed by another mile walk back to the resort. This counts as my exercise for the weekend right? Sleep was my friend. When Fabulous didn't get up to run, I was okay with that! Sleep was much needed. 

We went to a piano bar the next night and that was just as fun as a night of dancing. 

Who knew?! I have never been to one before, but will so be going back!

Our weekend was full of laughing! We had so much fun just catching up and laughing over everything. From guys and their witty lines they tried using on us, to my crazy & wild actions!

Coming back from a weekend away definitely caught up with me. I was to exhausted to run, workout or do anything. I was in bed by 9 most nights. Pretty sad stuff huh?

Yesterday was Sisnlaw's bridal shower. What a lovely time it was. Lots of laughs and love to go around. I am super excited for her special day! 2 weeks and counting! 

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. 

Week Recap

I got one run in this week. I wanted to run more, but being a fire wife... that just didn't happen. Between kids, sports, and fireman being on shift I was juggling a lot this week. It's okay though, I got a run in and that's what matters. 3 miles done.

I ran with sisinlaw and another friend of ours. Our route is from our old high school down to our middle school. We run along a cow pasture. There were cows out, so I decided to make the most of my run with some fun pictures.

I think the cows were scared, do you see their faces?! Fun times!! Nothing beats a run with a little laughter added to it. 

Since picking back up running in January, I am finally noticing a difference in my legs! They are looking good! I have learned that change doesn't happen over night. Determination truly pays off and now that I am seeing this healthy change it motivates me that much more to keep going. Just keep running!