Today's the day

I've been inspired to refocus on something I've always wanted to do - run. I know that sounds wierd, but I've always wanted to run. But I've been too big. So I've decided that I have plenty of time to jumpstart my weight loss (or reinvent I guess, as I've already begun) - so that I can run a race this summer. I've always wanted to run a 5k. But my first goal will be to run the 2 mile race here in our home town on the 4th of July. There. I've put it out there. I want to RUN the 2 mile race. July 3rd of THIS year.

So today I'm starting a slow regimine on the elliptical. To start building my endurance and pushing my weight loss ahead - so that once the weather is better I can start training outside.

DAY 1~here we go!

Stealing a friend's inspiration!

Stealing a quote from a wise young lady, someone who has had her own share of difficulties in life - more than many.

..." Never give up on something you think about everyday".

This is so true. And I think about my health every day. I am excited about becoming healthy, and more athletic. I think about taking day hiking trips with my family.

 I think about running a 5k. daily. I am obsessed with being able to run a 5k.

So I guess I'm not going to give up on it. I'm going to try harder!

Here's to not giving up on something that is in your heart - and your thoughts!

My visual award...

So after the holidays - I've realized that I am up a few pounds, but still down 38 from a year ago. I can deal with the little hiccup over the holidays. I'm back to eating well, staying active, and getting healthy!

I had wanted for a long time to do something I'd seen on Pinterest - and yesterday, I had time to hang in my workshop and PLAY!

I took two quart size blue Mason jars. I counted out 118 glass beads - my total goal of weight loss. In one jar, I put the 38 that I've lost. The rest went into the other. Tagged with "lost" and "to lose", they are on my window in workshop. A beautiful reminder of how far I've already come, and how far I have to go. To everyone else, they simply look like pretty jars of glass beads.

To me, they are SCREAM....

"BRAVO"!

 

"WAY TO GO MELISSA!"

and I need that sometimes!

Zumba!

I have found a new love to take me through the winter.... ZUMBA.

Recently offered in our little town, I've splurged in allowing myself to pay for it. And I LOVE it. I love to dance, and the instructor is so fun. And honestly, I'm pretty sure 6 months ago I wouldn't have been able to do it at all. And I keep up great. It's a testament to how far I've come. I absolutely keep up!

There are some moves where it's just a lot to move my body - and the weight. But that will continue to get better! For now, I'm sweating twice a week and LOVING it. I may look goofy, but we are having a blast. And I'm shocked at how quickly the 45 minutes goes!

My nemesis at Zumba is the Baliwood belly dancing song. Hips don't move so well anymore. So I need to work on it! And speaking of hips - they get pretty sore. Not pain, just soreness. Hoping that is just a sign that they are moving in ways they haven't moved in twenty years!

zumba

Today I tried something new - attending a Zumba class for the first time - and I LOVED IT. I am very excited to find something fun to do for exercise over the winter. My walking will lessen as we get into our Wisconsin winter, so I was looking for something other than my elliptical to fill in. And I think Zumba could be it. Very excited. The key - keeping it fresh!

another "discovery"

My clavicle has reappeared. This is so funny. Little things I'm noticing, like the re-appearance of my clavicle. Really changes my appearance.... and it makes me happy.

Officially done at the store, and my craft sale is over. So tomorrow I need to figure out how to get my mojo on with regular exercise~ I'll keep you posted!

another milestone!

While I never wrote down "goals" per say - there are many things that I have in mind that I'd like to be able to do once I get healthy. You are now thinking, run a 5K (yes that's on the list), etc. But many of you don't know just how overweight I was.... so on that list are also some things many people take for granted. Like buy and wear a pair of fashionable knee boots. My legs are too big to do that, and I'd LOVE to some day be able to!

Sunday I was able to realize another milestone. One so subtle that no one in church would even know it happened. While sitting waiting for church to start, I was able to cross my legs. Right leg over the left, with no need to "hold on" to the leg to keep it there. A WOMAN cross. not a man cross. A WOMAN. And it was comfortable.

You may be questioning my sanity at this point, but it's been 20 years since I could cross my legs like a lady. And I did it on Sunday. And it was cool. :-)

So just when I think I've plateaued or begun slipping back, God gives me a little sign to show me yet another way my body is changing for the better!