5 K, Take 2

I completed my 2nd 5K this morning . . . didn't make my goal of 40 minutes. I actually was 12 seconds slower this time around. But, here's my rationalization: I ran most of it by myself and I felt like crud. I couldn't go far without coughing and, at best, I could only breathe out of one side of my nose. I know, excuses, excuses!
The scenery was much prettier this time (according to the brochure: beautiful, palm-tree lined paths) but since it wasn't an out-and-back like last time, I saw very few people. There weren't nearly as many racers this time around and when they all took off I was just following. A couple of friends were a ways behind me. Seriously, I was bored! So, on one street I decided to sing out loud to my MP3. I apologize to anyone who lives on that street and heard a very off-key version of Dancing Queen sung between gasping for air.
Oh, yeah, the best part was when a sweet old lady (think 70+) passed me in her knee high sport socks! That'll make you feel good about yourself!

Weights and Measures

This was a big week for assessments. We were weighed and measured and also re-did all of our initial fitness assessments. This won’t be of interest to many of you, but I’m going to post my results for my own benefit.
I did have a meltdown during the measurements. Apparently, the skin in my mid-section doesn’t do so well when it loses fat (sorry TMI). So, while I am losing, everything is sliding South so I can’t get accurate measurements. Without any mid-section measurements, I lost 7 ½ inches! I am sure that I lost an additional 25 inches in my middle!
I weighed in on Saturday morning and am down another 8.8 pounds—a total of 16.8 in 7 weeks!
As for the fitness assessments, I can see huge growth in what I can do. I improved my wall sit from 1:41 to 6:40 (?). I did 60 crunches in a minute, compared to 40. I can now do 37 push-ups and when we started I could only do 7. Finally, I ran (ok, jog/walk) my mile in 13:42. My initial time was 16:25.
I am so proud of myself—as well as everyone in my group. There is no one who has not shown significant growth. I can only imagine what I will be able to do come July!
Apparently, I am now a 5 K-er. . . we are doing the Litchfield Park 5K this Saturday morning. My goal is to finish in 40 minutes. Wish me luck!

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!

Just a little update

Well, I can truly say that I have never been more exhausted than I have been these past two weeks. The funny thing is, I also have tons of energy. I know it makes no sense but during the day I am good to go, but come 10:00 or so I am absolutely beat!
We finished up our second week of Biggest Loser by doing the Waterfall Trail at the White Tanks. We met at 7:00--what dedication that I was up and out that early on a Saturday, my only day to sleep in! It was actually a good time and by the time I got back home I wasn't tired anymore.
I am really enjoying our work outs each evening. It is seriously hard work, but I feel like I have accomplished something when I am done.
I am signed up to do the Goodyear Heart and Sole 5K on February 21. Our trainer "surprised" us with the news that we were all going to do our first 5K . . . what?!?!? We have begun our training for it and I think I will be able to do it. I may even be able to jog more than I walk (no promises though).
On the work front, we had our 100th Day celebration this past week. That means we are down to 78 days, not that I'm counting :) It has been a very trying year for me and I am trying to find the joy again but it isn't easy.
Finally, can you believe it? The CARDINALS are going to the SUPER BOWL!!!!! Let me tell you, it was very tense over at my brother's house last weekend watching the game. But when the clock ran out--pandemonium. I can just imagine what it will be like next Sunday when the Cardinals WIN!

One week down, 25 to go!

I survived the first week of WV Biggest Loser. I stuck to the meal plan--even when it felt like I couldn't eat another bite. We are doing what Stephanie calls "clean eating", nothing artificial or "bad" for you. What is amazing is that I haven't felt the need to cheat or had any cravings. There must be something to having lots of whole grains and proteins in your system.

As for the workouts, they are tough but I feel a sense of accomplishment when I finish them. Who would have thought that I would be out there running. However, when she tells us to do 70% of our sprint I have trouble . . . I don't have a "sprint" so I have no idea what 70% would be.

Stephanie told us to get rid of our scales and I was happy to do so. I have what you might call an unhealthy obsession with the scale. As in, "How much do I weigh this morning?" , "How about after I pee?", "What about if I don't breathe?". You get the picture. So, I won't know how I'm doing , weight-wise, until our official weigh-in days.

Here's hoping that week 2 is as good as the first!