Just Say No

Part of the success with blogging is that it has helped me

be accountable to you, my readers.

I can't shove junk down my throat and feel good

keeping it from you.

I've decided that all the sugar and fat that I've eaten

during the holidays and just recently my mom's "sweet" 60th birthday bash

has taken its toll on my body, mind, and spirit.

No more.

I'm done.

I decided a couple of days ago that I need to flush out my sugar and fat cravings.

They've been bad.

I haven't gained back all the weight from my former 163 pound body,

but if i were to continue eating junk it would be easy to.

Add to that the fact that I'm no longer on any of the medications that were

keeping me from being diabetic.

Whatever I put into my body will affect my health greatly,

and also may take me back to taking 3 different medications.

I'm not willing to do that.

I've researched and done the South Beach Diet before and lost a few pounds.

I didn't stick with it, but I have to stick with it this time.

There's so much on the line now.

I am confident that with the training for my half marathon and the

encouragement to stay off medication will keep me on plan.

Today is Day 1.

It's in 3 phases.

Phase 1 is two weeks long.

It's the hardest.

No bad carbs- bread, pasta, rice, sugar.

Phase two is as long as you want to keep losing weight.

You add a little whole grain, carbs, and fruit.

Phase 3 is maintenance.

That's the hard part for me.

As long as I can be active (running, mostly) without injury, I'll be good.

The wonderful thing about sticking with the first two weeks is that it really does change my body chemistry. I no longer get the bad cravings for sugar and fat.

It's still there, but it's not as bad.

Wish me luck!

A Big, Huge, Scary Announcement!

Drum roll please...

I have decided to

run

my

first

Half Marathon!

I'm running the Salt Lake City Half Marathon!

There. I said it aloud. Kind of. Good enough in blog world.

I'm nervous.
I'm scared.
I'm so totally excited!
I've worked out my training program, and I have plenty of time to be ready.
I just have to stay injury-free.

What fear are you conquering this year?

Brrrrr

Yesterday I saw a really cute way I could stay warm during my early morning runs.

I may be a wimp to some or maybe all of you when I admit this, but here it goes.

I don't like being outside in super cold weather when I have to run.

Two days ago, it was 36 degrees for my first run this week.

Yesterday, it was 33 degrees. Yes, I braved it.

Here is what I wore.

long sleeve tech shirt that wicks away sweat

pink Nike fleece hoodie

fleece lined pants

knit gloves

knit hat

Every part of my body was warm within ten minutes of running except for my head, neck, and hands.

So here is what I'm contemplating on getting.

It's called the Original Buff Headwear.

Here is its description from Planet Buff.

The ORIGINAL BUFF® is a multifunctional tubular microfiber accessory that can be used for many different activities in both cold weather as well as hot weather. Our unique product will keep you warm while it is cold out, while wicking moisture and keeping them cool when it is hot out. Our lightweight, breathable and moisture wicking material not only is wind resistant, but is extremely comfortable to wear. The more you wear it, the softer your ORIGINAL BUFF® will get.
The ORIGINAL BUFF® can be worn as a neckerchief, headband, wristband, mask, hairband, balaclava, scarf, hair scrunchy, saharine, pirate cap, beanie and bandana.

Here are the three designs I'm looking at.

Which one should I get?

I'm also contemplating on getting running gloves. Mine just don't keep me warm at all.

Get Off it!

I'm off!
I recently saw my doctor, and he told me that I can get off Metformin and Spironolactone!
My first reaction wasn't exactly "jumping for joy" though.
I frieked.
These two meds have helped me lose weight quickly with eating right and exercise.
Now those two things are being taken out of the equation, and I'm super scared.
What if I start to gain weight?
What if I can't lose the weight I would gain?
He said that if I keep up my running and eat right, then I should be okay.
I sure hope he's right.
I've had enough setbacks (running injuries, sickness, etc.).

I should be happy though because I did accomplish one of my goals from last year.

I'm no longer in danger of becoming diabetic, and my cholesterol is normal.

Here is my "big pat on my back!"

I go back in 6 months for new bloodwork just to make sure all is good.

Yesterday I had an awesome 4 mile run.

I'm really happy that I can run 4-5 miles with minimal pain on the balls of my feet,

but I wish I could go faster.

Energy-wise I'm doing great. I'm not struggling too bad in my last half mile.

I guess I just need to keep at it, and I can go faster.

Anyway, I'm not racing anyone but myself.

How are you doing on your runs and/or exercises? Are you running out of gas at the end or are you pushing yourself enough?

2011 Goals

Time to set some goals for this year.

I'm publishing this, so I am now accountable.

Those with * means I already do and will continue to do.

1.   Run 4 times a week.

2.   Runner's Therapy Exercises everyday*

3.   free weights 3 times a week for upper body

4.   Eat fish twice a week.

5.   Eat whole grains, fruit, and veggies everyday.

6.   Sweets and salty snacks only on Saturdays

7.   Read my scriptures for 2 hours a week.

8.   Post about my journey here 4 times a week.

9.   Weigh only on Saturday mornings.*

10.   Be thankful for my blessings.

What are your 2011 goals?

Snow?!?!

It snowed here.
Today.
I woke up at 6 a.m. ready to run.
I go outside, and this is what I saw.

Okay, so this is an exaggeration.

And it's not my yard.

Although it might as well have been.

It snows in the valley about every few years, and of course it hits

the same time I've been itching to run.

It would've been fine if the ground wasn't too wet.

I'm just too clumsy, and I'm sure I would've slipped and fallen flat on my bum.

I was so upset that I tried to pick a fight with my hubby about me not having a gym membership to one of the clubs that has an indoor running track.

I hate the treadmill, and I'm not allowed to run on it anyway.

He says to me, "Why not go on the elliptical?."

I gave him a look.

We've had this convo before.

I HATE the elliptical. Mostly because it's inside, and I've become a lover of breathing somewhat fresher air.

I say "somewhat" because I live in a city full of cars. It's not exactly mountain air I'm breathing outside.

It is outdoors though, and running outside keeps me sane.

You know that shirt that says, "Running is my therapy?"

Well... in my case... it really is.

The stresses of being a stepmother to a couple of very challenging kids, my husband's every now and then not-so-nice remarks about anything, and being a mommy to twin toddlers can take a toll on me.

In short, I need to run.

What's your "therapy?"