5 K

I just got back from my 5K! It was an amazing experience all around. My time was 45:03, which I am very proud of. However, I am even more proud of the awesome group of people that are the West Valley Biggest Losers. Throughout the run, anyone you passed from the group would give a wave, smile, or cheer. As we approached the finish line, there was someone from the group (either a member or a sponsor) to run with you to the finish, where the rest of the group was waiting and cheering. It was an unbelievable feeling.

But more memorable than finishing was watching J finish. He made it through the whole race . . . we all went back to finish with him, as well as a few other people who were not part of our group. As we approached the finish line, the cheerleaders were cheering specifically for him, everyone was cheering and clapping, and he finished strong! I don't think many of us had dry eyes. After he crossed the line, the guy who finished first in the entire race brought J his trophy. It said something along the lines of "Best Male Finisher". The guy told him he couldn't think of anyone who was a better finisher! That made for big old tears!

I am so proud to say that I am a part of the WVBL! I think I've said it before, but it bears repeating: at this point I don't think any of us are in it for the prizes. Everyone encourages and supports each other and it makes this journey just so amazing. Who'd have thought that just 7 weeks ago we would be competing in a 5K or even doing half the things we are now.

Valentine's Day Update

Actually, I have no Valentine news to report . . . there's always next year, right? I get to spend the weekend with some really sweet kids and we're even going to brave going out to dinner. I haven't eaten out since we started the Biggest Loser. But, eventually, I am going have to become part of the real world again. With that in mind, and with the suggestion from one of my BL friends, we're going to go to Chili's and I'll have the grilled buffalo chicken sandwich--just 386 calories. Hopefully Chili's isn't a popular place to go for V-Day or else we are going to have to wait really patiently and that isn't my nephew's best quality (although he more than makes up for it with everything else).
Stephanie has been kicking our butts lately. Not that it ever really got "easy" but we have been doing some more strength training and have even done step classes the past two weeks . . . the stairs were a little painful this week. It is all worth it since I was able to wear a shirt that just a month ago fit me like a sausage casing. Now it even has a little extra room across the middle!
Our 5K is next Saturday. I truly don't know how well I'll do but whatever I do will be my starting point to see improvement for my next race. That's scary . . . my next race!
Have a great day!

Weigh In

We weighed in yesterday morning and I am down 8 pounds in 3 weeks! Actually, in 2 weeks and 5 days. So exciting! We have been doing a lot of training for the 5K . . . still not enjoying the actual act of running. Plus, my "jog" seems to be slower than my walking. I think I am getting a little more endurance, however, since it takes me longer to get out of breath. That's what you call progress!