So, I hadn't ran since my half-marathon in June. I has gone to the gym a few times, but I hadn't ran. Today I ran...well, run/walked!
In the past month, I finished another school year, got promoted to my own classroom, moved duplexes, setup said new classroom, and began a new school year. To say I've been stressed is an understatement. So, instead of going to the gym like a good, fit person, I've been stress eating/drinking. After a long, exhausting day the last thing most normal people want to do is go to the gym! Of course all the gym brats would suggest that maybe I go before my work day or something crazy like that (note the word "exhausted" used above). I like my sleep! Well, because of all the eating and drinking I managed to gain about 8-10lbs. Something needed to change...
So, I asked my friend/co-worker, M, if she wanted to help me get back into working out. Lucky for me she agreed! We decided to do the "Couch to 5K" program and eat healthier. Today we went after work in a heat index of 101°. It was stinking hot but we did it!! Isn't that the most important part? At least that's what I'll keep telling myself until it gets easier...
Monday, August 26, 2013
Saturday, August 24, 2013
The Beginning
I wanted to start this blog several months ago but wasn't brave enough. Or, maybe, I didn't think I had anything to say about the subject of "finding a balance". But the more I lived my life and the more I thought about it, I am finding the balance every day (some days are better than others)!
Now let me explain...the balance I am constantly trying to find is the balance between my health/fitness and my "fat girl tendencies". I never battled with my weight until college. I weighed 129lbs. all through high school but I was active playing volleyball year-round. Once I got to college all that stopped and I discovered bars and eating when/what I wanted! I went from a size 6, when I arrived, to a size 14 when I left, freshman year. I always fought with my body image after that. I even went through some bouts with eating issues! My heaviest, though, was when I lived in Japan with my husband from 2008-2011. I weighed over 200lbs.! It wasn't until we went to Thailand in 2009 that I realized how big I really was. In my head I thought I looked like a size 10, even though I was wearing size 14/16 pants. It was then that I decided to do something about it! I kind of half-assed it for awhile but once I started reaching some goals physically, I got serious. I was able to lose about 60lbs. initially!
Since moving back, I have struggled even more with the balance! America has much more tempting and convenient eating options, plus the stress of moving abroad. I had to find a routine! Once I found that routine, though, I had already gained back most of that weight. So, I decided to start racing, since running was how I lost most of my initial weight. This past January I had decided that I wanted to run a half-marathon. I had already run several 5Ks and a 10K, so a half-marathon only made sense. Through my training and commitment (and a few slumps) I was able to lose all that weight again. Well, I completed my first half-marathon June 2, 2013 in Chicago, IL.
Now let me explain...the balance I am constantly trying to find is the balance between my health/fitness and my "fat girl tendencies". I never battled with my weight until college. I weighed 129lbs. all through high school but I was active playing volleyball year-round. Once I got to college all that stopped and I discovered bars and eating when/what I wanted! I went from a size 6, when I arrived, to a size 14 when I left, freshman year. I always fought with my body image after that. I even went through some bouts with eating issues! My heaviest, though, was when I lived in Japan with my husband from 2008-2011. I weighed over 200lbs.! It wasn't until we went to Thailand in 2009 that I realized how big I really was. In my head I thought I looked like a size 10, even though I was wearing size 14/16 pants. It was then that I decided to do something about it! I kind of half-assed it for awhile but once I started reaching some goals physically, I got serious. I was able to lose about 60lbs. initially!
Since moving back, I have struggled even more with the balance! America has much more tempting and convenient eating options, plus the stress of moving abroad. I had to find a routine! Once I found that routine, though, I had already gained back most of that weight. So, I decided to start racing, since running was how I lost most of my initial weight. This past January I had decided that I wanted to run a half-marathon. I had already run several 5Ks and a 10K, so a half-marathon only made sense. Through my training and commitment (and a few slumps) I was able to lose all that weight again. Well, I completed my first half-marathon June 2, 2013 in Chicago, IL.
It was after this race that I even had the idea of starting this blog. I was pumped and feeling good about myself. It may have also been the beer I was drinking afterwards at Goose Island Brewery (my favorite)! Either way, I think it's important that I write this.
Most health/weight loss blogs I read these days are all about after meeting that end goal and I wanted to take people along on my journey. I have been fighting this battle of self image for over 10 years. I have realized, though, that it's not about how much you weigh but how you feel! Of course I have a "goal weight" but I don't know if I'll ever reach it. I do know that I feel better when I am active and completing physical goals. In fact, I still remember the feeling of running my first mile without walking or completing my first 5K (I cried while calling my husband). Those are moments that will stick with me forever and keep me going.
This blog will not always be positive, but it will always be honest!
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