WW Update

I'm a pretty lousy blogger.  Blame the kids.  They're so darn NEEDY.  Geesh.

But a quick update on my Weight Watchers quest.  It's good news.

As of yesterday, I've lost a total of 40 pounds since Caden was born and 15 pounds since starting WW and running.  I look different.  I feel different.  It's fantastic.

I count religiously every day.  I have to be careful that I don't start eyeballing stuff too much or slipping -- it's easy to do once you've been at this for a couple of months.  But generally, it's going well.

I've found that my best weeks for points and sanity are the ones when I grab my big WW cookbook, pick out 4 recipes, create a shopping list, and get a ton of extra veggies and fruit at the store.  Michael seems to like the recipes in the WW book (whew, because he doesn't usually like my more epicurean experiments) and they are generally easy to make.  Very simple, American-type fare.  I've also delved into a couple of websites dedicated to WW recipes that helps round out the process a bit.

And I'm working out much more consistently than before.  At first, it was hard to figure out how to get it all stuffed into the week without losing my mind.  But I finally got my act together and found the right nooks.  So far, it's only running, but I'm able to run 2-3 times during a work week and maybe once on the weekend.

I'm also putting challenges up for myself, which has done wonders for my confidence!  I did my first 5k (Race Against Violence) in West Chester a couple weekends ago.  It felt GREAT!  I had a solid time and ended without injury and with a smile on my face.  I immediately signed up for another and loaded a 10k training plan into my RunKeeper app on my phone.  I'm hooked again!

My next big step is meeting with a trainer for the first time, which happens tomorrow.  I'm guessing it's for a fitness assessment and then a training session?  Not sure (probably should figure that out.) I have Michael to thank for this -- it's a Christmas gift from him and I'm so happy to finally be in a place to use it.  Plus, he's watching the kids while I get my butt kicked in the gym, so double bonus husband points!

Right now, I'm averaging about 1.2 pounds lost each week.  I'm going to start adding more strength into the picture with the advice of the trainer.  I'm also going to try to keep up with the gradual increase of mileage in running and start adding in intervals to help blast calories and make me a bit faster, too.  If I've learned anything from this, it's that small goals add up and to be PATIENT! 

Onward and Upward!

So far, so great

I've stuck with the new me plan. Dutifully counting my points and making adjustments along the way. Generally, feeling good! Been on for 3 weeks now and lost 5 pounds. Plus, hubs thinks I'm looking good...and that feels right.

My goals are to lose a good deal of weight in all -- 35 pounds. But I feel like this is possible if I take it slow and steady. Getting in exercise is hard with my schedule, but I'm always happy when I do. Signed up for a 5k in late April - honestly can't wait to feel like a runner again. Right now I'm only at 1.5 miles at a time, but again...slow and steady. I try for three workouts a week and at least one family physical activity a weekend - walks, pool time, etc. If the weather would ever just warm up, I'd get out with Caden and the running stroller!

Well, there's my quick and dirty dose of accountability! Onward and upward!

It has begun

I've committed. Jumped onto the weight watchers train. Counting those points. Keeping accountable.

So far? I'm pleased. Lost a little weight and hopped on the treadmill a bunch. Starting to feel more like...me. I'm focusing on building up runs and walking as much as possible. I splurged on a hiking pack to take the kids out with me. So far, the 1.5 mile standard rum is beginning to feel better. I'm beginning to feel stronger.

But even better? I'm beginning to feel more centered. When I manage to not over think it all, it works pretty darn well.

This is going to work. I can feel it in my bones.