Journey to a healthy me

The number 1 signifies a lot to me right now. My weight starts with a 1 for the first time in a long time. I can't believe it. It shows hard work pays off. It is a step in the right direction and I am going to keep going in that direction! Despite hiccups I am not giving up and going back to the weight I was at. I am happier now and am working on becoming a better person inside and out. The happiness definitely comes from God. I ran Week 3 of the C25K this morning. Later I found out about the tragic events at the Boston Marathon. I am shocked and saddened that someone would do such a thing to people who enjoy running and to those simply watching the event. Praying for all those affected by this tragedy.

The other day I was thinking back to where I started... I never took a starting photo, because I didn't think I'd be blogging about it. I'm amazed at the transformation. I've lost 55 pounds! It's been slow, but I'm glad it's been slow because I'm learning how to eat better (slowly) as well as how to manage my time with work, exercise, and school. This was taken in September. I finally fit in an XL in misses! I was so excited (you can tell by my expression). I fit, but it was a little snug, but I didn't care! It fit and that's what counted in my head. Since September I've lost more and can fit in an XL in Juniors! I'm young and I want to wear younger clothes that make me feel confident in myself. This is me a few days ago. My face is smaller, by arms are smaller, my hands are smaller, and my body is smaller! EVERYTHING is smaller! That outfit was something I didn't think I'd fit into. My loose skin is causing me to feel v...

This week has been a rough week in regards to both eating and running. I've made poor choices and am thinking about switching things up a little. I've thought about joining Weight watchers, but it's so expensive!! I'll keep counting calories for free. I've been craving grapes, and finally bought some, but had no calories left to eat them tonight! I keep telling myself that I'll eat more fruits and veggies, but rarely do. A lot of that has to do with my upbringing. Our meals were rarely well rounded (and still aren't). It's something I need to change for me. I have a diagnosed medical condition that has been acting up. I have Sciatica. It's the most annoying pain and sensations. Trying to run makes it act up more. Today I didn't run, but it feels much better. Salonpas are amazing. My doctor recommended them and I feel they are helping. Hopefully I can run strong tomorrow!

I love Maurice's. I discovered they carried fashionable plus sizes for my 20th birthday (I think). I've spent the extra money for quality clothes that are fashionable and professional. Tonight I went shopping for a new dress outfit. I went to the small store that only carries "regular" size clothing. I went in with my best friend. I grabbed a few cute things... I found a 15/16 that I didn't think I'd fit and some XL shirts... I tried the shirts on. One fit fabulously! Then I tried the pants on... THEY FIT! A little snug, but I could button them. The smile on my face probably was indescribable. This progress makes me smile.

As my clothes got too big I threw them in the bottom of my wardrobe... That pile became WAY too big and was overflowing. I gave my family some of the stuff I thought they may like, and bagged up the rest to donate. My dresser and wardrobe are very empty now... Makes me want to buy new clothes! However I have a long way to go, and can't keep buying all new clothes over and over. I'm 50 pounds lighter, and I'm not going back! My bad eating this past weekend is catching up though. I need to get back on track. I've been experimenting whether I should eat back the calories I burn, or do without. I'm going to eat them back this week, not in their entirety, but I'm going to try eating them back in fruits, whole grains, and veggies instead of junk (starting tomorrow). A retirement party at one of my favorite restaurants may spoil that tonight.

My plan when I decided to run an extra day was to just repeat week 4 again... But then I decided to try week 5 on my couch to 5k program. Initially I thought it was 5 minutes of running, walk, 8 minutes running, walk, and repeat. I was VERY hesitant. But it was actually only 5 minute increments the whole time. Somehow the app acted up, and I think I did 4-5 minute increments even though it only called for 3. I felt awesome after and my calories burned amazed me! The scale has been going up lately, but I feel its because I've been increasing my strength training, and I've eaten poorly 3 days this past week. We'll see what this extra running day will do. No school this week! But I definitely have some catching up on assignments and readings to do.

I have recently found inspiration from a blog that I stumbled upon by chance. I look at it every evening when it's updated and have even been brave enough to try a breakfast concoction of hers. Today though I realized I am an inspiration to those around me. My sister, who we have our good days and bad days, was talking about getting a gym membership today. Our local Y is so expensive, and since we adult children are living at home longer, our base for assistance includes our parents income, it makes it difficult. I have a student membership since I'm still in college, that's affordable for me. I made an agreement with her... She has to download MyFitnessPal and if she can lose 20 pounds by July 1st, I'll pay for a 6 month gym membership to a small gym near home. I don't doubt she can do it at all! I am glad to see that I am an inspiration to my sister, and hopefully my other family members.