Feeling healthier!

I don't have much time to post this morning, but I just want to report that I am down 6 pounds. Whoop whoop!! I started at 152 and weighed in at 146 this morning. I have been eating very healthy and trying new healthy foods the past two weeks. I have had so much more energy too because of proper nutrition. Amazing what a difference it makes. Because of my food choices, I feel confident that the weight I lost was fat, not lean muscle and that makes me feel good about it. I know it is not healthy to have this belly fat, and I can feel a difference in that area already!


Enjoying the journey!!

Kathy

It's a journey

As I was contemplating what I should write, after not writing for so long, lots of thoughts came to mind, like "here I go again" or "starting over", etc... But then, I looked at the name of my blog, and it hit me, I'm not starting over at all, this is a journey!! I am continuing this journey that I began several years ago. A JOURNEY to be a healthier me! And on this journey, I have made mistakes and lost focus, missed a lot of workouts, and eaten way too many yummy things. And hopefully, along this journey I have also learned a lot about food and health, and especially about me. Having said that, I will share that my weight is back up to 151 lbs. Ugh! I have to ask myself, "Why would I allow this to happen again?" A year and a half ago, I felt the best I had felt in years. I worked hard and had good muscle tone. I felt great and comfortable in my clothes. So...why give all that up for a few cookies? Well, I don't really have an answer for that, except that I lacked the discipline I need to continue to stay fit. Don't you wish that fat would instantly appear when you eat something you shouldn't? But it doesn't, it sneaks up on you. Sometimes, I feel like I'm playing this game with myself to see what I can get away with. "Well, I've eaten this much and I didn't gain any weight yet...so keep pushing it and see what happens." It's sabotage really. Anyone relate? Anyway, that is part of what has gotten me to this particular destination on my journey. And at this point, I am ready to take the reins again, and make my health a priority. I am ready to go back to the basics of drinking enough water, exercising daily, staying away from sweets, eating more fruits and veggies. It's not a mystery...it's just doing the right things. Oh, if only it were as easy as it sounds. :) Thanks for traveling this road with me.

My prayer is that I will crave only Jesus Christ!

Kathy

Still plugging along.

I still need to remind myself, almost daily it seems, that feeling great and being healthy are far more important than M&Ms or candy corn. I am adjusting to a new work schedule, colder weather, and injuries....and it seems I am struggling with being consistent on my workouts again. Why does it seem that it takes so long to form good habits, and yet bad ones form quickly? Hmmmm. I have not lost or gained any weight in several months...holding at 135-136, but I can tell that I have gained some fat. So I really feel I am at a point of refocusing, and I had a good workout on the eliptical tonight. The next adventure I'd like to take on for the winter is P90X. Anyone done that? I've heard great things about it, and winter would be a great time to take it on. I just have to break down and spend the money....not quite ready for that yet. Well, going to bed early tonight, but I am still glad that I have this venue to encourage and be encouraged and blessed! Thanks!

Kathy

Wedding pictures big enough to actually see them.

30 year class reunion

I just wanted to post a quick note about my class reunion. Even though I was a bit bruised and battered, I sure did feel great about my weight. I don't want to forget what I would have felt like if I had not lost the weight and if I didn't feel healthy. I'm not sure if I would have even attended the reunion. What a difference a year makes! (Not quite a year, but who's counting?) I admit though that I am getting a little discouraged with how slow my recovery has been. I know, I know it just takes time, but I'm ready to get going...my body isn't though. But all in all...Still feeling Blessed!!

Mountain Biking is not for wimps! :)

Well...this is how I spent my Labor Day. :) I tried out mountain biking on a trail on the north side and didn't make it far before my sense of adventure totally overruled my intellect. Oops!!! To make a long story short here's the concise version... Went over the side of the ramp instead of the ramp itself (about a 5-6 foot drop), landed on my head and face, totally unconscious for 5 minutes, semi conscious for awhile after that, ER, no broken bones, pain, lots and lots of ice packs, don't remember much but had a sense of humor throughout. I guess I need a little more practice on that mountain bike before my first adventure race. This might slow down the training a bit. :) I am feeling sore, finding new bruises daily, but mostly feeling very very blessed! Hope you had a great Labor Day Weekend too!

Tri Indy!!!

Well I haven't posted in awhile, but I am happy to say that I have been diligent in my training for another sprint triathlon. Tri-Indy was yesterday and even though I'm not thrilled with my results, I am thrilled to have completed another one. Each one motivates me to work harder, and obtain my optimum fitness. I have to admit that I had struggles with training over the summer. With all the things I had going on, I felt like I was just fitting in workouts wherever I could. Don't get me wrong, I still worked out every day, with very few exceptions. I just didn't have the same passion as before. Completing yesterday's triathlon has spurred me on again, and I am already looking forward to training for whatever is next. I've got my eye on an adventure race in Columbus in September. It involves trail running, trail biking, canoeing, orienteering, and lots of other surprises. It looks challenging but lots of fun too. It is a team sport, with teams of 2 or 3. Thank goodness because I proved my inabilities at orienteering yesterday when I couldn't even find my transition station after the bike. I wandered around for a couple of minutes just trying to figure out where to put my bike. :) Okay...not my strength. Next triathlon, I'll be putting a big smiley face balloon at my station. I finished in 1 hour and 50 minutes. The swim took 15 minutes ( and yes...the canal was pretty nasty, but I'd do it again!) , the bike was 48:31, and I took 40 minutes on the run. I had 6 minutes of transition time. It was wonderful to have Jane and Holly in the competition also. They did awesome!!! Thanks girls for joining me. I don't think I would have done this one if you hadn't decided to. So glad I did. And we had some incredible cheerleaders there again this time too. Thanks Guys...it really does help more than you can imagine. Until next time...God Bless!