I did it! I ran my first 5k!

January 29th, 2011 is a day that will live in infamy.

Well, maybe only for me. I ran my first 5k in 40:09. Amazing. A little over a year ago, if someone had told me I would RUN a 5k, I would have laughed. Me? Run? No way!

It all started in fall of 2009 when fellow MFPers suggested I try the Couch to 5k program. I thought, well, I'll do it but if I hate it I'll quit. Keep in mind I was someone who never, ever ran the mile in gym class at school. I "power-walked" it in 15 minutes, so didn't see any reason whatso ever to work harder than that.

I ended up finishing C25k, but didn't follow the program religiously or on the time frame suggested. I did it here and there as I could talk myself into running. Winter months are hard here with the snow, cold and ice and the treadmill is dreadfully boring so I'd do it for a few weeks, give it up for a few weeks, pick up where I left off for a few weeks, etc. But, I realized I kind of liked running, which was weird to think let alone say out loud.

Prior to last week, the last time I ran was probably early October but in the midst of making New Year's goals, I decided I would do one physical (running) even each month for the entire year. That meant I had to find a January event! Only two weeks to train? Yikes!

Then, I caught a cold and that put exercising out of my mind for a week. Shoot! Only a week to train? I can fit a few runs in on the treadmill and maybe one outside. Then, as it usually does, life happened. I ended up running one time on the treadmill five days prior to the 5k. Even then, I walked almost 1/3 of it.

Going into the 5k, I told myself I wasn't out to prove anything to anyone but myself. If I ended up walking 1/3 of it, that's fine as long as I finished. That morning, I got there early and spent a lot of time debating over whether to wear a jacket, which hat to wear, etc. You should have seen me when they gave me my registration packet with a timing chip! "What do I do with this?" Luckily, I spied someone who had their strapped around their ankle with the velcro strip attached to the chip. Whew! Didn't want to look like an amateur!

Soon, it was time to line up. I kept inching back further and further in the crowd, willing the serious runners to get in front of me. I didn't want to hold anyone back with my super slow jogging. I ended up finding the walkers and lined up just in front of them. When they gave the cue to start, I started off jogging, only to see that the first leg of the race was all uphill! "Oh, crap!" I thought to myself, followed by "You totally have this!"
It wasn't long and I found a good pace and some good tunes to get me through it. I started passing the power-walkers, then the walkers who started out jogging, and soon I was passing other joggers. What? I'm passing people? No way!

About 1.5 miles into the race, I hit another uphill portion that was covered in 2" of slush, which made it feel like running in sand. Gotta love Minnesota winters! I ran as much as I could, even passing two more people, but had to give my legs a break. I walked maybe a 1/2 mile, then started jogging again. One of the women I passed whizzed past me but she had a great pace, so I fell in behind her and kept pace with her. Before I knew it, we were on the last mile, which was mostly downhill. Yes!

 As we passed the signs for 100 yds, 50 yds, 25 yds, etc., I kicked it into gear and started running faster and faster until I was sure my heart was going to explode or my legs would give way beneath me. The annoucer called my name and I crossed the finish line. I did it! I did it!

After a brief conversation with the woman I followed, I walked back to my car with tears in my eyes. I was so proud of myself for doing something I never thought I could do. I did my stretches and wiped my tears before going to the awards tent. I figured, I should experience all of the 5k.

Just as I was walking in the tent, I heard them call my name but given I have a terribly common name I figured they couldn't possibly be calling my name. It had to be another Heather J. So, I watched as awards were given out, then snuck up to the announcer and asked. He then confirmed that he HAD called my name. I then received my medal for placing 3rd of 6 in my age bracket! Unbelievable!

My official time was 40:09, which I thought was fantastic given I had never completed 3.1 miles on my treadmill in less than 42 minutes. I was told by my MFP friends that I would automatically run faster on race day, but never believed it to be true.

As I crossed that finish line, all I could think about was how I couldn't wait to tell my friends on MFP that I did it! I never would have started running, let alone have the courage to do a 5k had it not been for my wonderful, supportive friends here. Who would have believed that someone who started running at 200 lbs would run a 5k just over a year later?

 For those of you who encouraged me and supported me through this, I can tell you how much it means to me. For those of you who want to do a 5k but don't think you can, I'm here to tell you that yes, you can!! You may have to work up to it, but I promise you it will be worth the time and effort.

As for me, my next 5k is in two weeks. Runners aren't joking when they say it can become addictive!

Seeing Progress Again

Today starts my fourth week of Weight Watchers and I'm seeing progress again on the scale after being stuck since March! It's renewed my motivation and I'm so glad I didn't give up this journey. Trust me, there were several times that had it not been for my MFP friends and weight loss sisters, I would have given up. I don't like to admit that I would have given up, but it's true.

I've lost all of the holiday gain plus a little bit and this morning's at-home, morning weight sans clothing was the lowest I've seen yet at 183.8! Exciting! Of course, I'm only counting my official Weight Watchers weekly weigh-ins on my ticker right now, but it's nice to know something good is happening again.

It's time to pick up momentum and work on those fitness goals! Being sick with a cold this weekend threw a loop in my plans to start training again for 5ks, but I'm jumping back on the exercise wagon starting tonight. 2011 is all about self-improvement and being the healthiest, fittest person I can be.

Weight Watchers Restarted

I realize that I've posted several "plans of attack" throughout my weight loss journey so far and I've come to the conclusion that I'm still working the trial and error part of finding what works for me. As you may know, I've been stick in a pleateau since March and it's getting frustrating. My friends here on MFP have kept me from throwing in the towel, but I figured it was time to start something different to hopefully get things moving in the right direction again.

I basically took the time from Thanksgiving to Christmas off from really watching what I ate. For most of that time, I still tracked my food, but I just needed a break. Unfortunately that enjoyment came with several pounds.

Yesterday, I restarted Weight Watchers to see if it would shake things up. I was a Weight Watchers member in 2006, where I lost 12 lbs in 9 weeks. It was awesome! However, I quit because I moved and there were no convenient centers. Yes, it's a terrible excuse and it caused me to gain it all back over the next year, plus some. Now, I'm still at a lower weight than I was when I left in 2006, so that's at least something.

Even though I had eaten the majority of my food for the day prior to going to my meeting, I still went back and tracked what I had eaten and even had to use some of my weekly extra points. It's a good thing, however, that I've started eating a lot more fruits and veggies since most are now 0 points on the new plan. Yay!

I know everyone has their opinions about Weight Watchers, but I know it works for me and I need to see progress again to keep my motivation. Heck, the little "Bravo" stickers I got yesterday for declaring my 2011 goal (non-scale goal, mind you!) were a little bit motivating. I don't even care that it's a little bit elementary. Yep, I even like the round of applause you get at meetings for meeting goals!

A New Plan of Attack

As you may know, I've recently expressed my frustration at the whole weight loss journey and the fact that I've been stuck in a rut (plateau!) for quite some time now. After reading Jackie Warner's "This is Why You're Fat" book, I decided to try her jumpstart plan in which you add foods to the things you're already eating.

The plan includes adding 2 eggs, 1 cup of oatmeal, 3 servings of veggies, 2 servings of fruit, 3 liters of lemon water and whey protein daily to what you're already eating. As you can guess, adding all of those things leaves less room for the junk.

I started the plan on Monday, December 6th and so far, I've only had the oatmeal once and haven't had the eggs. I've grown up hating the smell of cooking eggs, so therefore I didn't eat the stuff. I did give them a try on Sunday and although I didn't hate them, I didn't love them either. It will take some getting used to. The oatmeal was the same way, since I'd never eaten it before and the texture gets to me.

Anyway, I've decided I'm going to focus on the eating first. I know last week I said I was going to focus on the exercising but I've come to realize that the food is the root cause. I love food...who doesn't? I especially love ice cream, which is a major problem.

I'm still going to be as active as I can, but I'm not going to stress over getting my workouts done. If I can get the eating under control, the rest will come; I'm sure of this. Most of the time, I like working out but the junk food I'm eating has made me lazy. I also find that I eat the junk with the intention of working out ("I'll burn at least 300 calories tonight"). Of course, I eat the junk and then don't fit the workout in. Enter the list of excuses here.

So, this is my course of action of the next few weeks, and beyond if it takes longer to get the food under control. To be honest, though, after eating more fruits and veggies throughout the week, I had more energy last night than I've had in a long time. I actually stayed awake past 10pm. The clean eating phenomenon suddenly makes even more sense. I realize it will take me a while to get it down and control the cravings, but I think it's important, so I'll do it.

Goal weight, I'll see you 2011!

Inches Lost

As many of my MFP friends know, I've been very down and frustrated this week because I'm stressed about constantly logging calories, trying to exercise enough to eat what I want, etc. and not seeing any results. Add these things to the fact that I've been teetering between 184-188 lbs. since March and I'm bummed.

I decided to take a step back from logging so obsessively and am attempting to get on my scale less. The stress of my weight loss journey is likely causing my body to hold onto weight and I need to figure something out. Now is a good time to relax a little because the six week weight loss challenge I've been on is done. Obviously, I didn't win anything but it did force me to take a look at how far I've come since starting this journey just over a year ago.

As the title of this blog says, I've lost inches. The scale hasn't moved, but my body has apparently reshaped itself.

Since August 2009, I've lost:

Bust    1.50 inches

Waist  7.50 inches!

Hips   3.0 inches

Thigh 1.70 inches

Bicep  0.50 inches

 

Total: 14.2 inches from my body overall!

Going forward, I need to remember not to be so hard on myself. Things are happening, whether it seems like they are or not. Not only have I lost 14.2 inches and 33 lbs. since starting this weight loss journey, I've increased my BMR.

Now, it's time for me to make a plan to get me though the next 33 lbs of my weight loss journey without feeling like I have to throw the scale through a wall.

Dwindling Motivation

I'm sure others experience this, but I find my motivation starts out really strong at the beginning of the week and by Thursday, it's almost gone. The eating starts to slide along with the desire to workout. I start by telling myself I'm not going to miss any workouts this week. Then, by Wednesday or Thursday, I tell myself, "I can use today as a rest day and rearrange the rest of my schedule. It will be fine." By the weekend, I start telling myself I can start again Monday.

No, I can't start again Monday! It only makes it that much harder. Yes, I WANT to get to my goal weight. I'm excited when I see any kind of progress, be it on the scale, inches or muscles and bones showing that didn't before (biceps, collar bones). I need to figure out how to keep the momentum going!

Analysis Results

I did a brief analysis today in an attempt to get my weight loss moving consisently again. I've been stalled out basically since May, other than fluctuations in the 4 lb. range. What I found was interesting. Here's what has changed.

1. I was drinking protein shakes as meal replacements for 1-2 meals (usually lunch and/or dinner). I gave up the shakes completely when I was getting nauseous after drinking them. I've since learned that it was the brand of coffee/cappuccino flavoring I was using.

2. I was eating a snack during the day, generally at 11am or 3pm, depending on how I was feeling at work.  I now rarely have a snack between meals.

3. I was drinking barely any water.

4. I was eating an average of 2,000 calories per day with lots of zig-zagging. Since around the time of my stall, I've been averaging 1700-1800 on days without exercise.

So what am I going to do with the information I've learned? I'm going to start experimenting to see if I can get things moving consistently again. I recently had my 1 year anniversary with MFP and have lost half of the weight I want to lose. Now, I'd like to lose the other half before my 2 year anniversary with MFP.

Here's the plan:
1. Start using protein shakes as meal replacements for at least 1 meal, most likely breakfast since this is the hardest meal for me.

2. Pack healthy snacks so I can have one mid-morning and one mid-afternoon to keep the metabolism going. Fruit and veggies are key!

3. Keep drinking lots of water! This part I've since gotten much better at and I feel better overall when I'm well-hydrated.

4. Start eating closer to 2,000 calories a day (average) with zig-zagging. I think it's especially important to eat enough calories now that I'm doing a weight lifting program.

5. Focus on the kinds of foods I eat and make an attempt to try eating clean(er). After all, it makes perfect sense but it does take some effort. 

 For a while, it's going to be all about experimentation to see what works for me. As long as I have a plan, though, and know I can tweak it at any time I think it will be okay.