Week One, Day One

First of all, I was planning to start the first week in July.  My friend had other plans. 

I was up early worrying about whether or not I'm ready, hoping my knee is strong enough, praying it wouldn't be too hot, etc.

It went really great.  I had to slow down my pace but I managed to keep up.  She was able to give me some pointers about my form and pace between runs.  It was over before I knew it!  This is always the best feeling after working out day after day, week after week, and not feeling I'm getting anywhere.  Well, based on today's workout, I've made some progress.

More than anything, I am very touched that someone would take time out of her weekend to train with me.  She's going to be training for a half marathon soon so I know what we're doing isn't very challenging for her.  She could have spent the time running instead of coaching me. She said she just understands what I'm going through, believes in me, and wants to help. She's lost 100 pounds and completed her first 5K in March so I know what she says comes from the heart. I'm very grateful I met her.

I did it!

Mission accomplished.



It was wet. It was exciting. It was challenging.



I am so happy and proud of myself.



I am so grateful to Jill and Crystal for being there with me. Truthfully, I am not so sure I would have been able to finish that course without Jill. There were way too many hills and inclines for me....but I did them all. Jill was great. She laughed and told me funny stories as a plugged away. I still can't believe she was willing to walk in the rain for over an hour to support me.



My goal was to finish without stopping and I did just that. I initially wanted to finished in 45 minutes but over the past month I ditched that goal. Lol!



All that training really paid off. I'm not nearly as sore as I thought I would be today.



I'm already setting my next fitness goal.



1. Lose another 40 pounds.

2. Beat my 5k time (1:04) in June.



I'm going to spend today stretching and then I'm back on the path tomorrow.



Yesterday I learned that I can do anything I really want to do -- with a little help from my friends (and strangers). The support I have receive during the past 11 weeks has been overwhelming. Yesterday on the course, there was so many people cheering us on.



Oh, I was worried about being last in the race. I wasn't. I was second to last. Lol! It's all good. I tried not to think about it while I was out there but it was in the back of my mind.



I'll be back later on with next week's training plan.

Twenty four days and counting

Can you say anxiety attacks? I allowed my mind to be filled with so much self doubt today. I love Kelly. She gave me a nice pep talk. I have to learn to give myself credit. I started this program barely able to work around the block. I walking up to 2 miles now. I'm worry about nothing. I will be able to finish. I will be able to finish. I will be able to finish.

My manager is also very sweet. I know she offered to do the 5k with me. I assume she was going to run. I can't believe she's willing to walk with me. I was deeply touched. It's probably one of the nicest things anyone has done for me in a long time. Life is funny. You never know who will be there for you in your time of need. I'm speechless. I really don't know what to say. Her gesture touched me deeply.

I walked a little over 1.5 miles today and it was a challenge. I went to the chirocator yesterday. My knee is fine. I got an adjustment and some ultrasound therapy on it. He suggested I wrap it when I walk. I did but I'm not sure it made much of a difference. I iced it after my walk. I'm not sure this made a difference. Oh well....

One more thing...I have been focussing on my food. I want to be at least 10 pounds lighter by the end of the month. The less weight I have to carry across the finish line, the better. So far I've dropped three pounds.

Thank God It's Friday

Today is an off day so this entry will probably be a bit of rambling.

First of all, I'm glad today is an off day because it's cold outside. I've done some stretching today. I'll do a bit more, read up on nutrition, meditate, and do some more stretching.

In addition to walking yesterday, I did a little strength training on my upper body.

My rant of the week has been exercise gear for big, fat, overweight, plus-size, whatever you want to call it, people! Why is it so difficult to find decent gear? I need a good bra with some support (don't laugh). Is that so hard to ask? I don't have the time to go on about it know.

Speaking of support, it's interesting to observe the way people are being so supportive (or not so supportive). You can also get the glimpse of the mindset of people around you. Are they encouraging? Discouraging? I don't need anyone around me right now that is going to support me in making excuses!

I have been getting a lot of inspiration (and information) from reading other blogs.

I guess that's it for now.