Self Control...

I have been feeling a lot better, and I have been able to eat for the first time in two weeks. Boy have I been eating!  I have to take a step back and refocus, because I have put some of that weight back on that I lost while being sick.  I knew that some of it was going to be back but not as much as I have gained.  So, I have to refocus and eat healthy and small portions again. 

Jenn and I are going on a date this weekend.  We are so excited, and it is a much needed time together.  Since we have started working out and running long on Saturdays, we have asked my parents to watch the kids for us so we can do that together.  So we do not get many chances to go on dates, because we do not want to overstay our welcome with my parents and we really don't have the money to hire babysitters.  But we are going to get a date Saturday, going to see the new Harry Potter and get lunch!  I am PUMPED!

What is your ideal date?  How do you juggle date night with workout times?

You Asked.. I Answered

So I left myself wide open for questions and didn't get that many, but I had several views that day.  Either a lot of you know all there is to know about me, or I have a lot of lurkers.... 

Lindsey asked, "When you start running after a long break, do you run every single day or do you give yourself breaks?" 

My plan for this week was to run every day I had planned but listen to my body.  I have slowed down or walked when I would've normally just pushed myself.  It has worked so far.  I have been sore, but I haven't noticed much difference besides that.

Becky asked, "After all your years of trying to lose weight, what was the moment or the one thing that moved you to do it a different way?" and "What is a good way to help others to find that way for them?"

For me personally, I had to hit rock bottom.  I did not want someone to tell me I needed to lose the weight, I already knew that.  I just needed to want it bad enough.  Knowledge was power for me.  I went looking for ways that other people had done it and then planned to make their program my own but with my own personal flare.  My grandpa Ron died the week I started working out as well.  Part of the reason he did pass was because he didn't take care of himself, and I am built a lot like him.  I sat by him in his final hours and decided I did not want that.

I find that the best way I can help others is to keep doing what I have been doing.  Be an example and show that if I can do it, they can do it.  I will be there as an example and ready to give advise.  I will never push it on someone.  I will be your biggest cheerleader, because that is what I needed and still need.

Erin from "See Mom Run Far" asked, "If you could run any race (distance, location, etc. are no issue), what would it be?", "What is your ultimate "fitness" goal?", "Would you rather have super speed or super endurance?", and "Who is your favorite blogger from Wyoming?"

If I could run any race, I would want to do the full Ironman in Hawaii.  I have never been to Hawaii and just to be able to do such an amazing race in a beautiful place.  It would be amazing!

My ultimate fitness goal is to be able to just run and run and run and love it!  I am still struggling.  I want to be a Marathon Maniac and run a marathon in every state.  I think that would be "ultimate."

I would rather have super endurance.  I see those people that can run forever and I just watch in awe.  I want to be one of those people!

Fav blogger from Wyoming would be ERIN!!!

Terzah from "BQby40" asked, "What is the "new you's" favorite food treat? Favorite NON-food treat?", "Do you have a sweet tooth? If so, how have you successfully kept it under control to lose the weight?", "Do you ever run with your wife?", and "Tell us about your best, most transcendent run, the whens, wheres, whys."

Asking what my favorite food treat is is asking me who my favorite child is.  For dessert lately, I have been craving crepes.  My wife makes really good crepes with Nutella, banana, and whip topping.  For a meal I would say a treat for me would be chicken tacos.  We found a healthy recipe that tastes amazing! If you want it, I can share.  My favorite NON-food treat would have to be the GARMIN I JUST ORDERED!!!!  It is a early Christmas gift.  Way excited for it to get here.

I do have a sweet tooth and the best way I have kept it under control is by trying to set goals.  I will not eat that cookie or whatever till Saturday.  I have something to look forward to, but I am not eating all week long.  I have not been as good as I should be. But, I am reminding myself that this is a process, and I am not out to lose the weight fast but just to keep it off.

My wife is FAST.  I am SLOW. So we do not get a lot of chances to run together in a race.  She just finished 24th out of 1000 in her last race a few weeks ago.  She is a rock star.  We also have three little ones, and so one of us is watching the kids when the other runs.  We do plan on running together when the kids get older and I get faster.  We want to run marathons together.

I think the best run I ever had was just a quick three miler.  I was putting it off; I wanted to watch TV and just relax but knew I needed to get my run in for the day.  I forced myself to put on my shoes, and I just ran.  The sun was setting, the temp was just right, and I was able to just enjoy it.  I was able to think about life.  There were a ton of fireflies on the road.  It was one of those runs that when I finished, I knew that running was something I was going to really enjoy.  I have to think about that run when I am running one of those that just SUCK.

Thanks everyone for your questions!!!

Question & Answer Time

There has been a lot of tagging going on in the runner blogging world, and I knew it wouldn't be long before I was tagged as well.  Terzah from BQby40 tagged me, and now I get to answer your questions. 

You can ask me anything.  It can be about running, weight loss, my favorite color, the air speed velocity of an unladen swallow. Anything!  I will do my best to give you an appropriate response.  Sooo, ask away!

If you are reading this, have not been tagged yet, and would like to do this as well.. consider yourself tagged!

I was able to run today!!!!!!!  I L.O.V.E.D. it.  I needed it as well.  I have lost a little from my break and sickness, but I was able to get a solid two miles in before having to slow down and walk some.  You do not realize how much something becomes a part of you when you have done it several times each week for almost 7 months.  Great run today.  Cannot wait for my next run in the morning!

Yeah! I Am Getting Better!

The doctor called me yesterday and told me I had Giardia.  We have no idea how I got it.  Usually people get it when traveling to different countries or camping.  I have done none of those things.  It's basically a parasite that lives in my intestines, and it prevents me from absorbing nutrients. It makes sure the good goes right through me. I have almost lost 20 lbs in the last two-three weeks.  That is a lot of weight.

My doctor gave me some meds and said I should be feeling much better soon.  I took it last night and this morning, I could tell a difference. I woke up at 4 am to run with Nixa Running.  It has been killing me to see all their posts on facebook and seeing them run and me not being able to be out there.  I got all packed up and ready to go and could not find my keys.  It took Jenn and I 90 minutes to find them.  They were in the couch, and we looked there 3 different times.  I was able to make it to boot camp a few minutes late and got a workout in.  Let me tell you... it felt great!  Missing a whole week was horrible.  I love my time to workout. 

I am just happy I am going to be better, and I am happy I can get back on track with working out.  I guess a positive side effect is that I lost a good chunk of weight from all of this.  I will hopefully keep it off and keep losing the weight!

Gotein Winner

We had our first giveaway, and Gotein was great to sponsor a giveaway for us.  I have been sick for the last three weeks so I have not had a chance to try the product, but my wife was a rock star and tried it.  She tried them after her runs and workouts, and she really saw the difference in her day and loved getting that protein necessary for a fit, busy mom's schedule.

So the winner is...  Erin from See Mom Run Far.  We used Random.org and she was lucky 16!  Erin email me, and I will get your address and send it to you!

 We are hoping to have another giveaway soon!

Gotein Product Review

Hello, everyone!

This is Jenn, Chris' wife, and he asked me to do a review of the Gotein protein supplement. Use of the product is simple. First, drink about 1/3 of a 16.9 ounce water bottle. Tear open the small pouch, and pour contents into the water bottle. Stir and shake until it is completely dissolved. That's it.

The taste of the Gotein product was pretty good. When I first tried it, I was expecting the chocolate to taste like a Hershey's bar, but I found each flavor adds a light taste to the water. I also tried strawberry and vanilla. Vanilla was my favorite, and chocolate was a close second. Gotein is a great way to get the protein you need after a workout or even on the go. I recommend you try it to see what you think. You may find it's pretty good, too.

Hey guys! This is Chris, thanking my wife for writing this review.  I have not been able to eat or drink much in the last two weeks, so she has been great and wrote this for me.

I also wanted to let you know that I will be announcing the winner of the Gotein Giveaway tonight! 

Be A Volunteer

Yesterday I was looking for a half Ironman for 2012 and thinking about what I needed to do to start training for one.  I have said in other posts how cool it would be to do one.  While I was looking, I remembered one of my friends said she was thinking about doing the Branson Half Ironman.  So as of right now, Branson Sept 2012 is on my radar.  I went to the web page and was looking around and saw they were still needing volunteers for this year.  So I signed up!

I will be working the Registration Expo the day before, and then Jenn and I will be at the finish line handing out medals the day of the race.  I am very excited!  We get a chance to help out with something GREAT, and we get to learn more about an Ironman. 

I am also excited because my friend, Abby, did sign up for the Ironman last night and Jenn and I will be there front and center cheering her on. We will be able to give her the medal she worked hard to earn.  If you are in the Springfield/Branson area, please volunteer! It will be a lot of fun!

I Need Your Help

I am in a contest for the SHT Special Hidden Talent contest at Shut Up And Run.  Please go and leave a comment on her blog saying you vote for ME!  Chris from Heavy Steps!  THANKS!!!

See Video Below!

Doctor's Orders

I finally went to see the doctor.  They did some labs and tests, and I am waiting to hear back on them.  I am not supposed to run/work out until next week.  So instead of being frustrated about it, I am looking at it as a positive.  Time to recharge my batteries, get healthy, and rock it next week.  I was supposed to run 15 miles this Saturday, so that is frustrating.  I was looking forward to the long run.  I will make it up!

What have you done when you were sick to keep the fitness you had?  I heard that you can start losing your base from 5 days of no working out?  That is not good news for me!

I Have Come A Long Way

My wife asked me today how I felt about becoming "skinny."  Immediately I thought, "Duh, amazing!" But I started thinking about it.  I have never been a skinny person, and I am on my way to becoming one (even after being sick for a week and half.)  Being a heavy person has defined who I am most of my life.  I have always been the chubby/fat guy.  I have learned to deal with it through humor, eating, or video games.  I am changing physically, and I have wondered how that will change me.

I really hope it will change me for the better.  I really want to take the good attributes I have and add to them.  I am becoming a more self-confident person, and I don't have to hide behind being the funny guy.  I can still be the funny guy, but that does not have to be the defining attribute. 

This post is really hard to make.  Unless you have been really big at one point in your life, it is really hard to understand what kind of change this means to someone.  I have lost over 80lbs since January.  My goal is to lose 100 by the end of the year.  I am on track to reach this goal.  I want to lose 120-130 total.  I cannot imagine being under 200 lbs. 

Running has become so important to me.  I really am excited for my first ever marathon this year.  I am excited to push myself to levels I have never imagined.  I cannot wait till I can just go knock out 14 miles like it is nothing.  I am nowhere close to that...  But I will be.  I have read about Kurt from Becoming An Ironman, and that makes me want to do that some day.  I will go from a 333 pound gamer to a 180-190 pound Ironman.  How freaking cool would that be!  I am going to do it!

So many of you have inspired me to be better, to work harder and to never give up.  Keep working towards your goals.  You can do it.  I am with you 100%.  Feel free to contact me!  I got your back!

Also please do not forget to enter my Gotein giveaway.  Not a lot of people have entered so the chances of winning are pretty good!

Not Fun Being Sick

I am still sick... I know I need to see a doctor about it, but I am stubborn and I don't like going.  All he will do is tell me to drink more fluids, or send me off to have some really expensive test done that finds nothing.  I think I am on on the tail end of it anyway.  I wasn't up all night, didn't even get up once.  I was also able to have some soup yesterday. 

I am hoping I will feel much better so I can go run on Wednesday morning.  That has been the worst part about this whole thing.  Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed the laying in bed doing nothing for two days... NOT!  I want to be up and active and working out, getting my miles in.  I had an amazing 30 mile week two weeks ago.  Last week was only 14 miles, and I have not even ran this week.  Sooo, I am trying to be smart about it and get healthy so I can get my miles back. 

I was able to make a fun video of myself last night doing my SHT.  If you follow the blog Shut Up and Run, you will know what I am talking about.  I will be posting it on my blog later this week.  Do not laugh too hard at me.. You can laugh with me.. :) 

Remember to enter my Gotein Giveaway.  Not many people have entered so far, so the chances of winning are pretty good!  Do it today!

Always a Silver Lining

This stomach issue has not gone away; it just gets worse.  It has been a week now.  I had a few good days in the week, but Saturday night was the worst.  I went for a run that night, and it was not pretty.  I had to come home after 3 miles.  I did not sleep well that night.  I was up every 30 minutes running to the toilet. (You're welcome, I know you love the details.)  I did not eat anything on Sunday, and if I tried, I would throw it up.  I am very dehydrated and just miserable.  Last night was not much better. It was just every 2 hours I was up.  I had to call into work.  I feel horrible.

Here comes the silver lining..  I weighed myself and I now weigh 248 lbs!  WOOT.  lol..  I know that as soon as I can eat again, that will go up because I am so dehydrated, but I am just trying to think positive.  I just need to get healthy so I can keep running.  I hate missing days.

Everyone needs to sign up for my Gotein giveaway.  It is super easy, and it's free Gotein!  DO IT.. My self esteem is kind of hinging on it.   No pressure.  :)

Gotein Giveaway

The people at Gotein have been nice enough to send me a sample of their product to do a review, and they also sent me samples to give away to one of my readers!  I am every excited about this! I am going to try all three this week.

If you have not heard much about Gotein, here is some information.

"Gotein™ Protein to Go, helps refuel the body, and improves lean muscle mass while burning fat*. Perfect for the sports minded person that needs to perform at their best while exercising or playing a high energy sport.* Drink approximately 1/3 of a 16.9 fl. oz water. Add complete packet of Gotein™ to your water bottle, swirl and shake well until completely dissolved and enjoy a tasty, low carb shake!

Best to use between 20 to 30 minutes before and after exercise or active sport. Can also be used 30 to 45 minutes before meals to help curb your hunger."

I am excited to try it throughout the week.  In the meantime, you can enter to win your own samples! Here is how you can enter.

1. Become a follower of this blog and leave a comment.

2. Become a Facebook fan of Heavy Steps HERE and leave a comment.

3. Become a Facebook fan of Gotein HERE and leave a comment.

4. Repost this on your blog, Twitter, or Facebook and leave a comment.

Each one you do is a chance to win.  Just leave a comment for each thing you did!

You have from now until 7/23/11 at midnight CST, and the winner will be announced on 7/24/11.  Good luck!

My review of the product will be coming very soon!

My Wife is My Best Friend!

I am still not feeling good.  I went home from work early yesterday and just slept and relaxed, hoping my stupid gut would feel better. Alas, this morning it was not and to make it better, Jenn's stomach was not feeling all that great either.  This is not a good time to get sick.  My son's birthday is on Monday, and this Saturday we are doing a big birthday party for him.

Jenn is also running in the Girls Just Wanna Run 5k.  She is really excited and is really hoping to get a new PR.  I like to brag on my wife.  She is my best friend.  She is such a natural talent at most things.  She maybe jogged a few times in college but never really ran much before this year.  She has been really supportive and has let me train for my 5k's and just grow as a runner.  Part of being so supportive is she wants to run the 5k's with me.  The first 5k we ran together she took 1st place in her age group.  She has placed in all but one of the 5k's we have done together.  She is a natural. 

She has decided to run the half marathon when I run the full.  So she is training with Nixa Running on their long run days, because I am doing my long runs with the Galloway group.  She had never run more that 4 miles and went and rocked a 6 mile run no problem with them last week.  I think they are doing 10 this week.  She is a natural talent, and I really feel like she would be a great competitor in these races if she trained.  So we have found some training programs, and she is going to start running a lot more and training.  I am really excited to see how she grows in this hidden talent we didn't know she had.

Tummy Troubles

I have not been feeling all that great this week.  Monday started off bad.  I didn't feel good, and I tried to sleep it off.  I had an upset stomach all that day.  I felt good Tuesday morning and had a great run and workout. When I got to work later that day, I had a headache, and it moved to my stomach that afternoon.  Wednesday I almost went home from work, because my stomach hurt so much.  I wasn't able to eat much all day.  Then this morning, I got up and ran.  I did not have enough energy from the lack of calories I had been eating.  I got a little over a mile in and just ran out of gas.  I was able to get the miles in through walking.  I started boot camp and had to leave 15 minutes in. 

I guess we all have days/weeks like these, but it is frustrating.  I really felt like I was on a roll.  Getting some great workouts and miles in, and now I am just feeling like garbage. 

We got 4 miles in this morning.  I started running with Bob, but like I said, I just ran out of gas. Pat stuck back with me.  It was really nice running with him today.  I have really enjoyed running with everyone so far.  Pat has lost 80 lbs and has run a marathon.  I really like how he told me, "I have received so much help from this group.  I just want to give back."  He told me that when I said I felt bad slowing him down on his run today.  Everyone has a great story, and I love hearing them!  I cannot wait to be the one hanging back with the person starting and telling them they can do it.

What do you do when you do not feel good?  Do you still train or do you just take time off?

Who inspired you to run, and who is your greatest support now?

My Grandpa C

When I signed up to run the Bass Pro marathon, they had some foundations come talk to us about running for them.  One of them was the American Cancer Society.  My mom worked for them for many years, and my grandpa has been struggling with cancer for the last couple of years.  Right then and there, I decided I was going to run for them.

When I did sign up, my grandpa's cancer was in remission, but he was still struggling with some of the side effects of the cancer.  Just last week, we found out the cancer is back, and it is really bad.  The surgery is going to be very invasive.  It is on his face.  This has been very hard on him and our family.  Our grandpa is our hero.  You grow up your whole life thinking your parents and grandparents are invinsible.

Please keep my grandpa in your thoughts and prayers.  Our family could use them at this time.  I am running for him and everyone's grandpas, grandmas, moms, dads, brothers, and sisters. 

Please consider donating to the American Cancer Society so we can beat this thing and help keep our loved ones around longer.  Click Here

Stronger and Faster

We had a new route today, a 5 mile course.  Bob ran with me and pushed me further than I thought I could go.  His story is pretty amazing.  His wife started running with Nixa Running, and he really wasn't that interested in running with them. Then one day, his wife talked him into doing it.

He came once and kept coming.  Started off slow like me, walking then running.  Started running more and more, and now he can run the whole time.  Last year, he had a heart attack while running, not because he was running.  The doctors told him because he ran as much as he did, it saved his life.  This morning, I wanted to quit and walk at one point, and he said, "If I can have a heart attack and finish my run, you can finish this."  He pushed me further.  We all need that.  We get comfortable at our own pace.  We always need to push ourselves to become better.

Thanks for running with me today, Bob!  You are one of my inspirations! 

Who pushes you?  How will you be better?  How have you inspired someone to be better today?

I also have some exciting giveaways coming up soon!  Stay tooned!

Learning to Listen

I have rarely missed a day since I started working out.  I had my rest day yesterday.  I went to bed last night fully expecting to wake up and go hit the pavement this morning.  When my alarm went off, I just didn't feel right this morning.  It was different than the "I just don't want to work out feeling." It was more of my body telling me NOT to work out.

I am trying to walk the line between listening to my body or being lazy.  I want to listen to my body, because the last thing I want to do is get hurt.  That would really frustrate me to no end. I also really do not want to miss a day.  I know rest days are important.

How do you all walk that line?  I really don't want to be lazy, but I want to learn to listen to what my body needs.  What are your experiences with this?

Half Marathon... Yes Please

"Cue inspirational music please." (Rocky's Eye of the Tiger starts playing.)  "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls! Six months ago, Chris could not even walk up a flight of stairs without being winded.  Today, we witnessed a 72 lbs lighter, active dad run/walk 13.1 miles.  If he can do it...  anyone can!"

Today was my long run, and we had to cover 13.1 miles.  That is right.. a half marathon.  It was very hot and humid this morning.  We started at 6 am but really should've started earlier because of the heat. Our small group had a lot of fun together.  We talked about Justin Bieber and Selina Gomez.  I know, deep.

I felt pretty strong through most of my run. It wasn't until the last 3 miles that I really started struggling.  It was hot, and my legs were jello.  One of the girls from the group had her husband at Mile 11 sit with a cooler filled with Push Pops.  I think that was the best tasting Push Pop I have ever had in my LIFE.

The girls surged on ahead.  I needed to take an extra walk break.  Michael hung back with me.  We both were really struggling about the same time.  We both pushed each other to finish strong.  It was good to have him. 

Such an amazing feeling!  We did it in 3 hr 23 min.  Very slow... but I did it.  I will get better and faster.  You do have to start somewhere. And, that makes 30 miles total for the week!

I want to give a shout out to my friend, Erin, who set a new PR today on a half marathon, 1hr 38 min 18 seconds.  HOLY FAST!  She also finished first in her division and 4th female overall.  She is a rock star and motivates me daily!  Mom of 12 everyone!  Super Mom! Go check out her blog!

She almost did her half 2 hours faster than me... lol!

Just Run!

"My sport is your sport's punishment!"  I love that quote.  I remember when I played any other sport growing up, and if we ever did something wrong, we ran.  I hated running.  I could never understand how people could do it for enjoyment. 

Yes, at first it is hard.  It is still hard for me.  I have seen the light, and I know I will get to the point where I can just run!  Just imagine being able to run for miles, enjoying the sunrise.  Just you and your thoughts.  I have had a few runs like that.  You just enjoy it.  As the weight comes off, I know I will have more and more just like them.

Just RUN!

Why do you love to run?

Will I Get Used To 4 AM

I have been working out for 6 months now.  I am running, losing weight, and feeling the best I have ever in my life.  This last week, I have "drank the kool-aid" as my running group would call it and started running at 4:45 every morning with Nixa Running.  What an amazing group! 

I found them back in November when I was looking for ways to get started.  I was so intimidated by a running group AND the 4:45 time.  I thought to myself, "Self, someday you will be able to run with them." I wish I would've took the plunge and joined them back in January.  They are so nice and will work with you at any level.  I am the slowest of the slow, but they make sure I make it back.  They have ran with me.  I know that I will become a better runner and make a whole lot of friends.

I am not sure if I will get used to waking up at 4 am.  Holy COW, it is early, and these last few days at work I have been dragging!  We ran 4 miles this morning, and then I went to boot camp to make my fat cells cry some more.  I have run 17 miles so far this week!  I am resting on Friday and then running 13 miles on Saturday!!!  I am running a half marathon distance!  How freaking cool is that!!!

Also a quick side note, my wife is a rock star.  She ran 4 miles last night and did it in 35 minutes.  I cannot even do 3 miles that fast!  She is my hero and the love of my life!

Buddies Share.. Sushi!

I had a great run this morning.  I was able to run farther than I have in a long time without stopping.  I ran most of the 4 miles we planned.  Chris ran with me today, and we had a good chat.  He had also lost a lot of weight when he started running. 

I think that is one of the coolest things about losing the weight and running, hearing everyone else's stories.  I have had so many people want to tell me where they have come and how they got started.  I love to hear them, because it gives me hope.  I might be the last one coming in and the slowest, but I am getting better.  Everyone had to start somewhere.  Some of them did start in the back of the pack, and some are like my wife who are naturals at it.  Another cool thing about running is you're competing against yourself.  I have to remind myself that I have come so far.  I have a long way to go, but when I started, I was not able to even run down my street.

We went to Nakatos last night for dinner for my sister's birthday.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JENI!!  It was so fun sitting next to my son, because I only ordered sushi, but we got him the chicken.  I said, "Bubba, we are buddies right?"  "Yeah, DAD!"  "Did you know that buddies share food?  Wanna share with Dad?"  "Ummmm, sure.."  So, I had piece of shrimp and some of his salad, noodles, rice and chicken. I know.. that is what dad's do.  Then he looked at me and said, "Dad, buddies share. Can I have some of your sushi?"  Ahhh, he busted me at my own game!!  So I gave him some of my California roll, and he loved it.  So, I think we might have a little sushi lover on our hands.  I am so proud!

I did eat way too much last night. We will not talk about the red velvet cupcake I had afterwards. I will have to be extra good this week and make sure I burn it off!

Do you trick your kids into sharing food with you when it is something you love?  What is your favorite kind of cupcake? What is your story!  How long did it take you to feel comfortable with running?

Also, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society.  I am fundrasing for them for my first ever marathon this November.  I sure could use your help!  Click Here

Blowing Stuff Up

Yesterday was a good day.  A whole lot better than Sunday.  I was able to get a 4 mile run in, had a good breakfast, went and saw Larry Crowne (it was a cute movie, not too bad), and then had a lot of friends and family over for a big dinner.  My dad cooked up 6 racks of ribs, and a lot of other people brought over sides or dessert.  It was a feast.  I was proud of myself.  I didn't eat too much.  I was in control!  I did not want to be the one lighting all the fireworks again this year, but I was roped into it.  We had a nice spread and put on quite the show!

We didn't get back until 11 pm, and I didn't get to sleep until 11:30.  I still dragged my butt out of bed at 4 am and made it on time to run with Nixa Running.  Very cool group.  They had a 5 mile run planned this morning.  I was a little overwhelmed with the thought of 5 miles, but I knocked it out with the help of Kellie and Chris.  They ran with me and walked when I needed the breaks.  That really helped me!  I need that kind of support.  It just makes me better. If I run all the days I have planned with them and my long run on Saturday, I will run 30 miles this week!   I remember when a 10 mile week was a big deal!

I went to boot camp after my run and did a killer workout.  I am pretty tired.  Let's see how today goes.  I know for sure I will be going to bed early.

Happy 4th of July

Happy birthday, America!!!  Now it's time to blow stuff up!  That is how we roll here in the good ol' USA. 

I am excited about today.  I started it off with a good 4 mile run with a new friend, Jeff.  I am making more friends through Nixa Running.  I might be one of the slowest out there on the road, but I am doing it. 

It was a lot of fun with Jeff.  He pushed me further at a faster pace than I was used to.  That is the only way I will get better.  I really liked what he said, "You wanted to stop back there, didn't you?  Well every step past that part is making you better."  It is so true.  That is when fitness is being built.  That is when you are bettering yourself. He would help me set a goal, and we would push to that next spot.  I am really excited to be running with Nixa Running.

I am also going to be doing the Warrior Dash with them in Oct.  That will be a lot of fun! If I had not changed my life and started running, I would've never had the chance to meet such cool people. 

Today is going to be a great day!  What are you doing for the 4th?

Holidays and Weight Loss

It is the 4th of July weekend.  Everyone thinks of fireworks this weekend, and everyone thinks of food as well.  It goes hand in hand.  It is time to BBQ, and eat... eat... eat, then blow things up.  I have always struggled with controlling my food choices during the holidays.  I think it is because most of my holiday memories is centered around food.  We plan the activities around the meals.

This has always been the case for my family.  So the thought of going to my family BBQ this Monday and not loading up my plate with ribs and all the other goodness that will be there does make me a little sad.  I posted something like this on my facebook wall before I started this post, and a new friend of mine, Shannon, reminded me of why I am doing this and reminded me to have a plan for the weekend.  (Also, Shannon is a rock star.  She ran a 50 miler this weekend with her husband and a few others from Nixa Running.  She did it to raise money to fight diabetes.  Very cool person!)

So I will eat a few of the things I love, but just a bit, or just one.  I know if I don't, I will be angry about it later.  I need to go into it with a plan and listen to my body.  Stop when I am satisfied, not full.  Eat more veggies and healthy options.

What do you do to help you make smart food choices during the holidays?  We all need to stick together on this one.

6 Month Before & After Photos

It has been an amazing 6 months.  It has been hard, and I have wanted to quit at times, but I am happy.  Happier than I have been in a very long time.  People think it's crazy that I love to wake up early and run, but I find pure joy in it. 

I created this blog to share my experience with friends and family.  I have created it to help keep me accountable.  I knew that I would get hell for quitting if a lot of my friends and family could track my everyday progress.

I started the year using the Couch to 5k program.  I woke up at 5 am on Jan 3rd, put my running shoes on, and went for it.  It was cold, I didn't know what I was doing, and I could barely run to the end of my street down hill.  Now, I am planning on running 13 miles a week from today.  A half marathon distance!  I have not looked back.

7-2-11 vs 1-2-11

7-2-11 vs 1-2-11

7-2-11 vs 1-2-11

I have a pair of pants and a shirt that I had to wear almost every day, because I was getting too big for my other clothes.  I found them and tried them on.  WOW!

This is also a before photo back in October 2010.  You can really see a difference now from then.

6 Month Weigh-in

I cannot believe it has been 6 months.  I have stuck with my running and healthy lifestyle.  I am truly a changed person.  I do not have a lot of time this morning, so I am just posting my weight loss for the month. Tonight, I will be posting my 6 month before and after photos and a recap of the last 6 months.

I have created this blog to help me stay accountable with running and losing weight, and it has become a lot more.  I have made new friends through blogging.  I am humbled to know that I have helped inspire others to workout, run and lose weight!  On those days I had wanted to quit, I didn't, because I didn't want to let you all down.

So, down to the numbers.  My weight for the month is....  261.4!!! That is a 4.9 pound loss for the month and a total weight loss of 71.6 pounds for the year! If I lose at least 1.2 pounds a week for the rest of the year, I will be on track to reach my 100 pound weight loss goal!

Thank you for following me, thank you for supporting me.  I am excited to show you some before end after photos!