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Keeping me honest. Week 1 is in the books.

Well, I have become obsessed with weight loss, fitness and lifestyle blogs. Literally, obsessed. I am reading and following so many incredible, inspirational folks across Canada and the US that are helping me make a difference in my own life.

While reading stories of significant weight loss, dramatic life-changing occurrences and healthy changes in eating habits I knew I could be one of the success stories. I knew it because I have been trying to make similar changes in my own life for well over a year now with some success. My success to-date has felt great but I know I can do better. After all, I am an overachiever in every aspect of my life so why should this be any different?

“I KNEW I COULD BE ONE OF THE SUCCESS STORIES”

In my quest to overachieve in this facet of my life, I made two changes recently that I haven’t talked much about but want to share. Why? Because I like to share. And sharing makes me accountable and keeps me honest. And it makes me feel good. So, my changes include exercise and eating. These are two things that I set out as 2016 Goals in an early blog posts… If you haven’t read them, you should. My blog is highly entertaining and worth going back to read all my posts. Honestly.

Exercise: Change 1

Exercise. I am hooked. Yesterday marks week 6 of running. Yes, running. I have consistently run 3x a week over the last 5 weeks. I went from just over 2km each run with loads of walking to 4km only breaking to bring my heart rate down. I’m trying to do the majority of my runs outside because I know it’s harder and is better prep for the 2-5kms I have registered for in November – but the treadmill is so much easier. Over the last 5 weeks I have discovered that while running itself is hard on the lungs, legs and hips, it’s more of a mental challenge for me. I bet bored within the first 5 minutes. It’s only when I refocus on critiquing people’s gardens, door colours and general garden maintence does it become somewhat entertaining. But that only lasts so long with so many horrible choices being made in our hood.

Keeping it honest… 

Week 1. Hanging with Phineas after a solid 3.76k run.

Regardless of the outright lack of good gardening around here, I am honestly loving how I feel when I return home  from a run, feeling so accomplished. The dread that once loomed over me in the early days is no longer there and I find myself planning my next few days based on when I need to get out and hit the pavement. Feels really good.

And yes, I did say I am doing 2-5kms next month. Did you ever think you’d hear me say that? I know, but it’s true. I’m doing the Hamilton Marathon’s Road to Hope 5km and then  a couple weeks later the 5km at Ironman Arizona in Tempe. I’m a little nervous but I know I can do it. I have proven to myself that I can. And the overachiever in me really wants the medals!!

Eating: Change 2

Another promise I made to myself this year – drop the pounds. I started the year off right – I lost 12 lbs between February & June. … Gained back 7 of those pounds this summer when I went back on my crazy meds. “It’s better to be sane than skinny” I’m told. But remember what I said earlier about being an overachiever?  I have decided that I can be sane and 50lbs lighter, so I joined Weight Watchers last Monday.

Weight Watchers Day 1: September 26, 2016

In doing so I took a picture of myself on day 1, which I have posted here, to officially draw a line in the sand. Keeping (myself) honest. I’m going to track, blog and share my experience, not only for my continued motivation, but in the hopes that if anyone ever reads this blog that they too will be inspired by what I’m going to accomplish. And I’m excited to bring you all along for the journey!

It’s been just over a week and I’m feeling great – I think the hardest part is planning meals but I’m getting a lot better at it. I’m creating new habits and learning new things about myself – what I like and what I want my future to include. Putting me closer to the top of my priority list has become a reality and it feels SO GOOD! Wish I started this when I was 34…

After a week on WW and I’m down 3lbs. I know it will be a long journey, but I’m taking it one day at a time and finding motivation in how I feel. I’m going to track my progress and experiences and hope to become someone elses’ inspiration along the way.

And the best part about all of this is that I’m feeling mighty proud of myself at this moment.

P.S. Previously Posted in October 2016