The Wind and the Waves

Isn't it interesting how God shows up in the little details of life?  By reading my blog, you probably have ascertained that I'm going through some things in life that are difficult.  What I don't really talk about is my Weight Watchers Journey.  I don't talk about it with anyone, really, because its very difficult and there are a whole lot of emotions tied to my weight.  When I look in the mirror I see more than excess weight.  I see pain.  I see grief.  I see fear.  I see loss.  I see rejection. I see a whole lot of things in each particle of excess fat.  I did not get here easily.  It has been very costly.  One thing that is truly amazing about the current WW program is the meetings.  It's one thing to watch what you eat, but in the meetings they really dive into WHY we eat.  What is going on in our mind that we allow ourselves to do this?  Better still, how can we start using tools for living to make positive changes in our whole self?

The past several weeks have been especially difficult on me.  I'm finding that parenting adult children and being a mother-in-law is the hardest stage of parenting yet.  When our kids are young they need us so much.  And we need them.  We are integral parts of each others' lives.  And for a stay at home mom, often her kids are just about everything to them.  Life for the mom centers on loving our children and raising them to know they are loved, and capable.  Then they grow up.  They don't need us as much as they used to.....  But we still need them....And to mom, it was just yesterday that they came home from the hospital.  I mean I can still see in my mind's eye the first time we walked into our house with a baby carriage.  I knew this small person was going to change my entire world.  He already had.  Then as the days passed a piece of my heart started walking around.  But, every single thing he did brought me joy.  To see him struggle hurt me.  To see him grow grew me.  Letting him go to Sri Lanka 3 times took an emotional toll.  Watching him marry the love of his life- seeing him so happy- made the past 20 years flash before my eyes.

People don't talk about how hard this stage is.  We hear all about how difficult the toddler years are, and then we hear about how difficult the teen years are.  But no one really talks about young adult years.  This transition period where they branch out and start to figure out their own life.  And mom, who has been there for everything is suddenly not anymore.

They're supposed to do this.  They're supposed to move out.  They're supposed to go to college.  They're supposed to start making decisions, (even ones we disagree with).  They're supposed to separate from us.

As a parent, I understand and accept this part of life.  I want them to grow up and move out and be successful and happy in their lives.

But, I find myself wondering where I still fit in their lives.  Do I matter?  It's not that I want them tied down to me, or even want to tell them what to do.  I just want to still be able to watch them from the sidelines.  I want to still be part of their life.

Am I alone in this?

Part of my fear comes from my own broken relationship with my mom.  I know that relationships between parent and child can go south and even end.  I've experienced it.  I know how easy it is to get there.  I know the pain of this relationship in particular being broken.  So I hold on.  Maybe a little tighter than I should.  But I'm fearful.

And so, this week I let my fear take over again.

This past week has been especially difficult for me.  I am really struggling emotionally with lots of things.

So in my WW meeting after a particularly sleepless night they talked about the very thing I need to hear.  Letting go.  They talked about how when we have emotionally charged times we can think of it like the ocean.  The emotions are the waves.  If you're in the ocean, and the wave starts to build, at times it will pull you and sometimes even knock you down as it draws up and crashes over you, but then the water washes over you and you can stand strong again.  It's important to know as we are in the part of the wave that knocks us down that it will wash over and we'll be able to stand back up again.  I sat last night watching the waves at the beach thinking on this a lot as I tried to keep my emotions in check.

Then this morning I woke up and read my devotional in my Bible App....  Today's entry: The Wind and the Waves.

This is how God comforts us.  These are the things that He does every single day.  Things that, if we're not looking, we miss.  If I had missed my quiet time with Him this morning I would have missed this message from Him.  The message that He's there.  He's walking with me through this valley of pain.  When it feels like no one understands me, and I feel so very very alone, He is there.  He is there.  HE hasn't left me.  HE knows my feelings, and is still there. HE knows my emotions and doesn't shy away.  HE values me.  I don't have to fit in a box for Him.  I don't have to say the right things for Him.  I don't have to keep the appropriate amount of distance for Him.  I don't have to smile and act like everything is fine when it isn't for Him.  I can simply rest in Him.  I can just climb into His lap and cry.  And He is not burdened by it.  He will be there as the wave crashes over me.  Even if the wave takes people or things out to sea, He will remain with me.

February Goals

January has come and gone!  Before we know it it will be Christmas, right?  LOL  At the beginning of the year I decided to set monthly goals for my healthy lifestyle instead of overwhelming myself with forever goals.  January’s goals were to run every day and to avoid fast food for the entire month.  I did it!  I kept both of those goals in check!  WOOHOO!!!

So, now it’s time to work on some new goals for February.

• I’m going to work on some muscle strength exercises this month.
• I will continue to work on my continuous running, building up to 4 miles
• I will really monitor my water, and increase my water intake
• I will aim for 2 cups or less of coffee per day. 
• On the heels of a month long fast from fast food I will allow myself to eat fast food again, but will monitor my intake for excessiveness….

What about you?  What are your fitness goals for February?

How Much is Too Much?

I am just a few weeks shy of my Runnerversary, and in the middle of my Run Streak, so running is pretty much all over my mind right now.  I am also reprogramming my body to run continuously, which is proving a little more difficult than I would like it to be after my months of training for the Marathon.  I really trained my body well to walk every 3 minutes!  But, it’s ok…  It’s all movement.

One of the reasons I decided to do my Run Streak is because I found myself not wanting to run just to run.  Or run less than 3 miles.  I was finding that I was talking myself out of any run that would not net at least 3 miles and in the end I was starting to be less and less consistent.  I saw on the horizon that this was leading to a bad direction….  Time to reset the plumb line…

Over the course of this past year as I’ve taken up running I’ve had many people encourage me and some people have even taken up running with me.  It’s been so inspiring to me.  The thought that I inspired anyone at all is humbling.  And I hope I do inspire others.

One thing that I’m finding at this point, though is that I’ve been running long enough to accomplish some larger tasks, so people are less inspired because they feel like they are so far behind where I am physically that they’ll never get there.

There is nothing farther from the truth.  Remember, the first time I ran I ran less than 3 minutes and needed a nap afterwards.  I’m totally not exaggerating.  Then I decided I would just start small and commit to a small piece.  Once I accomplished that I would see where to go next.

Let me say that again, because it’s so important…

I decided I would start small and commit to a small piece.  Once I accomplished that I would see where to go next.

The reason I repeat this is because it is the thing that got me going.  I stopped being frustrated with where I wasn’t and found a way to be happy where I was.  I never in a million years imagined I would ever run more than 3 miles….  But when I was ready I did.  I was talking to a friend this week and we discussed how easy it is to do/expect too much and then end up throwing in the towel.

Now, as I’m finding a way to make peace with this concept in my running I know that I need to start finding the next goal when I get close to the completion of one.  I’m working now on running continuously and my goal is to run the Hot Chocolate Continuous and then the next week the Run 4 the Children (4 miles) continuous.  After that I will work on training up for a 10 miler.  I am allowing myself flexibility on the training, if I get in to it and find that these distances are too much for my body continuously then I’ll adjust.

As I look over the next year and think about my other goals I’m finding more and more my thoughts toward running and training apply in other areas of my life. 

As for my weight loss (the whole reason I started running, remember?) I think I need to take a similar approach.  I’ve decided to take a month at a time and chose a goal for that month.  When the month is over it’s a new month and I’m on to a new goal.  Towards the end of the year last year I was eating WAY too much fast food.  So, for the month of January I’ve committed to no fast food.  So far so good!  It’s hard.  It’s not easy.  I literally sat in the parking lot at McDonalds yesterday for about 20 minutes.  But I didn’t drive through, didn’t go in, didn’t have any food from there.

I think I have a tendency to do too much in nutrition too.  I say I’m not going to eat any more fast food, no more bread, no more sugar, stay in my points/calorie range every day, etc.  Then I find myself frustrated when I struggle and give up.  In the end that is so much worse because then there’s reckless abandon.  So, as January comes to a close I’m thinking about what to do on the nutrition front for February……  I’ll let you know …

So, the question I posed at the beginning of this post…  How much is too much?  Well, the answer to that is if it brings you to a place that you don’t want to continue, it’s too much.  Allow yourself time.  Don’t do too much too fast.  You risk injury, and worse, you risk quitting….

If you’ve been inactive don’t feel bad about making a goal to walk for 10 minutes.  OWN it.  I struggle with this too, as I’m now surrounded by many, many people who are faster/stronger/better than me.  Some days I feel dumb making a goal to run a mile when I have friends who run 5+ a day.  I feel dumb setting a goal to get my pace under 12 min/mile when I have friends in the 8-9 range.  But it’s where I am.  If where you are is walking 10 minutes a day, then that’s where you are, and you deserve to be proud of what you’re doing.  In a year’s time you’ll be doing WAY more than walking 10 minutes a day…  In fact, you’ll likely be doing WAY more than you imagined you would….  Remember me…  in less than a year I went from not being able to run 3 minutes to running 2 half marathons…..  Did I think I would do that?  NO!  Did I go out day one and try to go 13 miles?  No.  I went one MINUTE at a time.  Literally…..

 

January RUN STREAK Sign Up Starts NOW! (Free Level)

It’s time!!!
We’ve had our fill of turkey, pie, potatoes, etc.  Now it’s time to start thinking about our goals for 2013, and what better way to start the New Year off than with a bang!
This page is to be used to sign up for the FREE Level for the RUN STREAK.  No prizes will be sent, but I hope that you will join in on facebook to give and receive encouragement!  If you’re looking for the Medal Level Click Here.

The Rules are simple:

1. Sign up between November 23 and January 7 (but you must start running every day beginning January 1) using the forms provided, and pay (If participating in the Medal Level)
2. Share with your friends, running groups etc. The more people playing the more fun we’ll have
3. Like my page on Facebook to get all of the updates and encourage each other to make it the full month!
4. Get Ready to RUN!
5. Beginning January 1, you must RUN every single day.
6. Walking does not count for this challenge.
7. There is no required mileage, or time. If you run around your block you run around your block. If you run 5 miles you run 5 miles. If you run 5 minutes you run 5 minutes. The challenge is to RUN EVERY DAY.

That’s it! Why are we doing this? Well, for several reasons.

• We want to kick the New Year off right!
• To say we did it!
• To know we can!
• To set an attainable goal and accomplish it!
• To break down the walls that keep us from running (Not enough time, it’s too cold, I need a rest day, insert your favorite excuse here)

So often I talk myself out of running because I don’t have time to do the mileage I want. Why? This challenge is about encouraging the new runner and the seasoned runner alike. We’re running for the love of running. If you’re doing another race in January, great! That counts. If your participating in another virtual race you just got double duty! If you just need to remember why you loved running before you started that grueling training plan, this is for you! Don’t delay, sign up now while you’re thinking about it!
If you’re looking for the Medal Level Click Here.

On January 1 we’ll kick off our streak with sharing pictures of us running New Years Day.  Some of you have talked about running at Midnight!  I’d love to see pictures, and get an account of how you started your 2013 journey!
Thanks again for joining in with me on this crazy idea

January RUN STREAK Starts NOW!!! (Medal Level of Commitment)

It’s time!!!  We’ve had our fill of turkey, pie and potatoes, and now it’s time to start focusing on 2013 and our goals for the coming year.  I can’t think of a better way to kick off the New Year than a Run Streak, so we’re going to do it together!  There are two levels of commitment for this Run Streak, the Free level and the Medal Level.

This page is for the Medal Level, if you’re looking for the free level click here.
The Rules are simple:

1. Sign up between November 23 and January 7 (you must have run every day in January even if you sign up between the 1st and the 7th) using the forms provided, and pay (If participating in the Medal Level)
2. Share with your friends, running groups etc.  The more people playing the more fun we’ll have
3. Like my page on Facebook to get all of the updates and encourage each other to make it the full month!
4. Get Ready to RUN!
5. Beginning January 1, you must RUN every single day.
6. Walking does not count for this challenge.
7. There is no required mileage, or time.  If you run around your block you run around your block.  If you run 5 miles you run 5 miles.  If you run 5 minutes you run 5 minutes.  The challenge is to RUN EVERY DAY.

That’s it!  Why are we doing this?  Well, for several reasons.

• We want to kick the New Year off right!
• To say we did it!
• To know we can!
• To set an attainable goal and accomplish it!
• To break down the walls that keep us from running (Not enough time, it’s too cold, I need a rest day, insert your favorite excuse here)

So often I talk myself out of running because I don’t have time to do the mileage I want.  Why?  This challenge is about encouraging the new runner and the seasoned runner alike.  We’re running for the love of running.  If you’re doing another race in January, great!  That counts.  If your participating in another virtual race you just got double duty!  If you just need to remember why you loved running before you started that grueling training plan, this is for you!  Don’t delay, sign up now while you’re thinking about it! 
How to get started:
Pay for your medal here:  The price is $10.

Please Enter Your Full Name

MRTT Members check with your leader for a discounted price!
Then fill out the form.  This will be matched up with your payment, so I can send out your medal.  Medals will be shipped by the middle of January, so you will have them by the end of the month.  If I have them earlier I’ll ship them earlier.  I will post on Facebook when they start shipping so you know when to be on the lookout!

Now that you’ve paid and filled out the form, we’re ready!  Some of you have said you will start your RUN STREAK off by running at Midnight.  Some will go in the morning, some will make it a family event.  Whatever you do, please post to Facebook and post pictures if possible!  Let’s get everyone excited!
Again, Thanks for joining with me on this crazy idea of mine!

January RUN STREAK MRTT PAGE

This page is for Moms Run This Town members ONLY!  If you do not belong to a chapter, click here to find one
It’s time!!! We’ve had our fill of turkey, pie and potatoes, and now it’s time to start focusing on 2013 and our goals for the coming year. I can’t think of a better way to kick off the New Year than a Run Streak, so we’re going to do it together! There are two levels of commitment for this Run Streak, the Free level and the Medal Level.

This page is for the Medal Level, if you’re looking for the free level click here.
The Rules are simple:

1. Sign up between November 23 and January 7 (but you must start running January 1) using the forms provided, and pay (If participating in the Medal Level)
2. Share with your friends, running groups etc. The more people playing the more fun we’ll have
3. Like my page on Facebook to get all of the updates and encourage each other to make it the full month!
4. Get Ready to RUN!
5. Beginning January 1, you must RUN every single day.
6. Walking does not count for this challenge.
7. There is no required mileage, or time. If you run around your block you run around your block. If you run 5 miles you run 5 miles. If you run 5 minutes you run 5 minutes. The challenge is to RUN EVERY DAY.

That’s it! Why are we doing this? Well, for several reasons.

• We want to kick the New Year off right!
• To say we did it!
• To know we can!
• To set an attainable goal and accomplish it!
• To break down the walls that keep us from running (Not enough time, it’s too cold, I need a rest day, insert your favorite excuse here)

So often I talk myself out of running because I don’t have time to do the mileage I want. Why? This challenge is about encouraging the new runner and the seasoned runner alike. We’re running for the love of running. If you’re doing another race in January, great! That counts. If your participating in another virtual race you just got double duty! If you just need to remember why you loved running before you started that grueling training plan, this is for you! Don’t delay, sign up now while you’re thinking about it!
How to get started:
Pay for your medal here: The price is $9 each or less for higher quantities

Be sure to chose the right option for the quantity you order!

1-5 $9.00 USD 5-10 $8.00 USD 10-19 $7.00 USD 20+ $6.00 USD

Please Enter Your Full Name

This Page is for MRTT Members only
Then fill out the form. This will be matched up with your payment, so I can send out your medal. Medals will be shipped by the middle of January, so you will have them by the end of the month. If I have them earlier I’ll ship them earlier. I will post on Facebook when they start shipping so you know when to be on the lookout!

Now that you’ve paid and filled out the form, we’re ready! Some of you have said you will start your RUN STREAK off by running at Midnight. Some will go in the morning, some will make it a family event. Whatever you do, please post to Facebook and post pictures if possible! Let’s get everyone excited!
Again, Thanks for joining with me on this crazy idea of mine!

Thoughtful Thursday

Weight Loss Wednesday- Next Challenge

 

Ok, I did the Impact a Hero 5K over the weekend, and it was pretty hot again, so I had to walk a little, so my time wasn’t that good.  I’m disappointed, but trying to be real with myself about the fact that it is hot and it’s much more important to run a safe race.  I’ll keep training to work on personal bests this fall.  I’m still on track with my “one organized race a month” goal I set for myself, IAH was my June race.

Because it is getting so hot, for July I’m going to do something different, I’m going to only do a Virtual Race.  Normally I don’t count these for my goal, but it’s just so hot, I need to get out there earlier than the races are scheduled for.  So, since I’m only doing a Virtual Race I’m going to do the Hot Mama Virtual Half Marathon!  You can do it as a relay if you want, or break it into a couple of legs, but I’m going to do it all in one day.  I don’t know how much of it I am going to run, I think I’ll do a little running and probably a lot of walking.  You can sign up for free, or the medal division for $11.  The last day to register is June 8th, though, so if you are interested, you better get signed up!

I need to really work on my distance, and my cardio vascular endurance, so I’m starting a new training program that should help with that.  It’s the Training Program in The Beginning Runner’s Handbook:

 

Because I’ve been running for a while, I’m going to start at week 6.  I like, thought that is has me running longer periods of time.  I need to get up to a regular 5 miles I think, and I want to run a half marathon…..

On the WW front, I showed a gain last week, and it looks like I’ll show another one this week.  It is incredibly frustrating, but my body IS changing, and, thankfully, I can see the difference.  It’s funny, I started running to lose weight, and now I am kind of running because it makes me feel so good, regardless of what my weight is….  WEIRD LOL

Anyway, I still go to my meetings and I’m still tracking and working the program, I’m just trying not to get discouraged.  My body is going to fluctuate, and I need to work with it, not against it.  One thing is for sure, if I stop going to the meetings I’ll be in the kitchen with a crazed look on my face and a pan of brownies I refuse to share with anyone, including, but not limited to threatening bodily harm to anyone who comes near me…..

Thoughtful Thursday

Weight Loss Wednesday- 1 5K Run, 1 to Go!

Ok, sorry I didn’t post WLW last week, I do want to let everyone know, though, that I did run the 5K all the way through!  Yay me!  I was exhausted, and hot, and had tunnel vision at the end, but I did it!  My finish time was 38:48 with a pace of 12:31/M.  I finished 286th out of 566 racers, so I wasn’t last!  LOL 

No, if you’re a runner, you know my time is pretty bad…  I run

s…l….o…..w… but I WAS running LOL.  I figure the more I run the more my pace will pick up.

I am scheduled to run another 5K this weekend.  Because I felt so terrible at the end of the Girls on the Run 5K I am going to allow myself walking breaks.  I think what I’m going to do is walk through the water stations and walk for a minute after 20 minutes of running, or at the 1/2 way point whichever I feel like would be the best.  While I want to run the whole thing through again, it’s really hot here in Houston, and I don’t want to make myself sick.  I think the responsible thing to do is to listen to myself during the race and walk.  I’ll run another one straight through this fall (I’ve set a goal to participate in at least 12 races this year), and I’ll try to beat my time then.  I let you know how it goes next week

Which brings me to my next subject.  I have been doing the Run/Walk 5K Training Program for the past 8 weeks and have found it to be very very helpful in keeping me on track and out there running.  Now that I’ve run my first 5K I’m trying to figure out what to train for next.  I know enough to know that if I don’t have a goal eventually I’ll just give up….  especially when I see myself in pictures and see how big I still am….  (my race picture was not forgiving….  fat flapping EVERYWHERE)……

Actually, it was worse on my race picture.  I’m going to order it, though, and pay the $6 because this was the first 5K I ran all the way through.  And that’s something to be proud of.  Besides, when I’m a Weight Watcher Leader I’ll need a picture to show everyone that shows how fat I used to be

I recently finished a few books I would recommend, Run Like a Mother: How to Get Moving--and Not Lose Your Family, Job, or Sanity which is a hilarious book written by two women about running and being moms... I liked it so much I almost bought Train Like a Mother: How to Get Across Any Finish Line - and Not Lose Your Family, Job, or Sanity, but then I actually WON a copy for completing a Virtual 5K! I can't wait to get started on it. The other book I read that I really liked was The Ultimate Beginner's Running Guide: The Key To Running Inspired because he really helps you to believe that you can succeed at running, and helps you remember why you want to do this crazy thing LOL

As soon as my Train Like a Mother: How to Get Across Any Finish Line - and Not Lose Your Family, Job, or Sanity gets here I’ll be choosing my next training program.  I’ll let you know what I choose

I find it kind of amusing, I recently told you about a blog that I’ve been reading, Runs for Cookies, and she just finished her first Marathon.  While these two things are SO. NOT. THE. SAME.  I find that I really related to her when she talked about getting back on a goal.  She also let her readers know about a contest from Under Armor, a chance to win a $50 gift card… You should go enter!  And then come show me your new duds and run with me

Thoughtful Thursday

Weight Loss Wednesday- Just keep going…

Last week at my weigh in I surpassed the 30 pounds lost mark.  It’s been a long journey to get there and at other times in my life I might have given up before getting there.  Ironically the topic at the meeting that week was “Motivation to Keep Going”…  This actually tied in well to where my thoughts were that day.  I was so excited to hit 30 pounds, but I was also remembering my last milestone of 25 pounds.  I was really excited then too, but quickly fell off the excitement and “took a break”.  I didn’t stop going to my meetings.  I am proud of that.  And I didn’t stop weighing in, even though, for the most part it wasn’t totally pretty.

You see, when I rejoined Weight Watchers this time I decided that no matter what quitting was not an option.  There are many mantras that keep people going, and this is one that I use.  I know that I know that I know that the minute I decide to skip my weigh in this week, or take a couple of weeks off from meetings I will be out of control with my eating.  I know this about myself. 

So, just after my 25 pound mark I saw the holiday season staring at me.  I didn’t want to feel like I wasn’t able to enjoy the season.  And, right or wrong, the holiday season is a lot about food with me.  There are certain traditions like gingerbread houses and Christmas Cookies that I really wanted to do and I didn’t want to worry about it.  So, I decided that I would try to watch what I ate when I wasn’t doing something like that, or attending a party, and made the decision to try to maintain over the holidays. I don’t regret that decision, because it kept me in my meetings and kept me from really going over the edge.  The only regret I have is that it took me so long to get back on track.  The business of the holidays spilled over into the New Year and it took me until about a month or two ago to finally start going in the down direction on the scale consistently.  I really held on to the commitment I made to myself when I joined, though, and quitting was not an option.  The reality is I know the plan works, it’s just a matter of me deciding to stay focused and on track.

So, as I got my 5 pound star and reveled in being 30 pounds lighter than I was when I walked in the door to WW, I decided that this time I will continue to stay focused, and keep the momentum going over the summer.  And, I gave myself a pat on the back for seeing it through…. 

Here’s to running my first 5K this weekend, and here’s to seeing the reality of healthier living and goals achieved…  Next stop---- 40 pounds!!!!

Thoughtful Thursday

I’m going to post some motivational thoughts for the next few weeks.  I hope it helps to motivate and inspire you.  I like this one, because the 4 weeks means for me what I committed to with the 3 weeks to a 30 minute running habit….

Weight Loss Wednesday

Well, the reality of running my first 5K all the way through is here!  I’m scheduled to run a 5K on Sunday, May 20.  I’ve now walked several, and run/walked a couple, but this time my goal is to run the entire thing.  I’m currently on Week 7 of the Run/Walk 5K Training Program, and by the end of this week will be up to 30 minutes of continuous running. I really wasn’t sure I’d ever get here.  It has been quite the journey.  I have to say at this point I am beginning to enjoy running, and actually miss it when I am not able to get a run in in the morning.  It really seems to set up my whole day.  I’m in a better mood, and just generally feel better when I run in the morning.

And Guess what???  I got an added motivation at my weigh in at Weight Watchers this week!!!  I passed the 30 pounds lost mark!  If that doesn’t keep me going I don’t know what would!!! 

I am a member of Daily Mile and have been since I started walking last year.  I really love this website, because I am very visual.  I can look at my training in several different ways and it helps to motivate me.  You can also be friends with people on there and see what others are doing….  And, I’ve been looking over my training logs and it was very encouraging to me to see just a few short months ago I was running one minute intervals and posting that I felt “BLAH”….  I’m actually quite proud of myself for continuing after post after post of feeling “BLAH” after running….  Eventually I started putting that I felt “GOOD”… and now almost always it’s “GREAT”…..  Of course there are days when it’s not, but most days I really feel great after my runs   I’m really trying to get my husband running too….  So far I haven’t been successful, but I am still trying

Speaking of motivation, I want to direct you to a blog I’ve been reading.  A lot of the time when I’m running I feel like a big ball of fat with flailing arms and legs rolling down the trail…..  Nice visual, huh?  It’s taken some serious mental talk to get past that and just go.  One day I was playing around on the internet and I found this blog and it is very inspiring to me.  It’s called Runs for Cookies.   I love the title because it describes me LOL  I definitely eat my activity points LOL…  Anyway, she lost over 100 pounds running, and for me, it is motivating, because it really isn’t easy at all to run with extra weight.  I can’t wait to post before and after pictures like hers.  Check it out and tell me what you think! 

My last tidbit for you today is focus.  I know that when I’m focused on losing weight, I do.  When I’m focused on exercising, I do.  When I’m focused on cleaning the house, I do.  Figure out what your main objective is for the Month of May and put your focus on it.  See what kind of results we have…..

Have a great week