Hey there,
It's the last day of November so I thought I woud do a little recap of the month. At some point in the beginnning of the month I made some goals. Some of my goals are for the year to come, and some of them were for the immediate time. For the month of November I set a goal for myself to lose 10 pounds. As of my weigh in today, the last day of the month, I am down 8.4 pounds. So I didn't meet my goal of 10 pounds, but I am still very happy. Thanksgiving was not so long ago and i must admit that I did not really limit myself all that much. I made a delicious cake for the family meal and I indulged. But that's ok. If I try to cut everything out of my diet I will be totally miserable. I may not have lost 10 pounds but I am happy with myself for what I have done so far. The number that I see on the scale now is lower than I have seen in over a year!
Also for the month of November I decided that I would set a goal to run in an event every month for the next year. Ashley and I had both already registered to run in a color run in Oshkosh on January 1st so it was going to be a year of runs starting with the new year. But then we discovered a local run that happens to be tomorrow. So, we are going to be running tomorrow, my first timed running event, and my year of runs begins. I even bought a scrapbook to document my journey. I am a fan of the scrapbooking and I am pretty stuck on this goal. I can't wait to get my first post run picture tomorrow!
I have to admit, I started getting nervous about the run around Wednesday. Now that it's Friday and the run is so close, I am getting very nervous. I mean, there will be people, lots of people. And I'm going to be that fat girl that's just putting along. I have been training really hard, I am doing the Couch to 5k program, which I totally love, but with having shin splints pretty awfully, I have been doing most of my runs on a treadmill because it is so much more gentle on my shins. I did run outside this week and it was....okay....I suppose. I do not expect super great times for my run, and I figure worst case I can walk the two miles in a little over half an hour if I have to. But, I will not have to. I am going to put my earbuds in blast some music (but not so much as to damage my hearing...have to put that disclaimer in there as my best friend will be getting her doctorate in audiology in a few short months so she's all like protect your hearing...oh and if you are reading this Ash, I love you!) and just do my thing. I think one of my biggest issues is setting a pace. I just want to go and then I end up having to walk because I try to go too fast. I guess I need to work on not caring how many people finish ahead of me. I need to care that I am finishing. Not that long ago I couldn't even run for a minute straight without getting a side pain and having to walk for the next three minutes.
Last night during my run my workout added 3 minutes a piece to each of the running intervals, and when I hit the 5 minute cool down I thought to myself, really, that's all? I mean, I ran for 8 minutes straight more than once! That is just huge for me. Then next workout kicks it up to a 20 minute straight, and I am worried, but I will push through. The best feeling about this is that I can honestly say that I am doing the work. I am running the whole time that I am supposed to be. I'm not cheating and that feels great. I guess the 8.4 pounds I have lost serves to show that I am putting in the effort. So far I can't see the difference, but one girl at work said my ass is getting skinny and another one asked how much weight I've lost becasue she said she could tell I was losing some. That feels really great to me. Even though I can't see it becasue I am still so focused on how much there is to lose, I know it's coming off and my work is paying off.
With November coming to an end, and starting my year of runs tomorrow, I am looking at more goals. For December I hope to lose 10 pounds, it still seems like a realistic goal. Another goal that I had for November was to give up Mt. Dew. I had a serious problem, I was drinking 3 bottles a day, it didn't even taste good anymore, and was killing my stomach. I am happy to say that in the last 3 weeks I have had a total of 2 Mt. Dews and one of them I opened took two sips and dumped it. I think it's safe to say that I have kicked probably the worst habit that I have. Except when we go to taco bell, I am sure I will still get the Mt. Dew Baja Blast, but that's a special occasion, that's the only place you can get that flavor and we don't go there all that often so I think it's allowed. Also in December I plan on starting to work on some muscle toning and things. Ashley and I are hoping to do some obstacle course runs this year as part of our year of runs, so I need to start getting ready for those. Just becasue will be able to run a 5k by then doesn't mean I will be able to do an obstacle course if I don't start training.
Wish me luck with my first ever timed run tomorrow, I guess the time doesn't matter it's getting it done that matters so here's to finishing in a place whether it's first or last, it's a place that isn't the couch!
Til next time!
Friday, November 30, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
Just Peachy
So, things lately have been pretty frustrating. In case you don't know, my ex husband and I are currently going through a custody battle for our son. He got remarried in August, and in one of our court hearings, the judge told us that if it were up to him he would place Parker in the house where the "parents" are married. Let's ignore the fact that they have only been together 2 years vs. the just shy of 4 years that Brian and I have been together. Also the fact that they have moved 4 times in those 2 years and I own my own house. Or the fact that Brian and I both have stable jobs, whereas Chris has changed jobs so many times I honestly don't even know where he works and his new wife just changed jobs right before they got married. But his whole reason for pushing the issue now that he is remarried is because I work 3rd shift and I couldn't find someone to sit at my house for the little overlap time there is between when I leave the house and when Brian gets home from work. So I take Parker to Brian's parents shortly before he goes to bed and Brian picks him up there after he gets done with work, takes him home, puts him in bed, and gets him to school in the morning. Parker himself has told me that he doesn't even wake up when Brian picks him up. His words "Mom, I fall asleep at Larry and Donna's and I wake up in my Thomas bed." So it's not like he loses any sleep or anything. And besides that, I know of many kids who have to get up at 530 in the morning to go to a sitter's so their parents can go to work, and apparently this is better than what I do? Anyway..... Chris is pitching a big fit because Brian and I don't have a wedding date set. Really? What difference does it make? Because I made a mistake and married him quickly and he chose to jump into another marriage, this makes me the bad person? No offense, but I think he is dumb. Ok, maybe I do mean offense, I am not a big fan of his.
Honestly, if Brian and I were to break up it would be more complicated than if Chris were to get a divorce. Besides me owning my own house, Brian and I own a cabin together. It is in both of our names, we can't just walk away from eachother and be done with it. Also the two trucks that are in both of our names.....The legal issues of us splitting up would be more complex than Chris getting a divorce, they own nothing together! Brian bought me a brand new truck, he makes the payments on my truck, he isn't going anywhere! You don't buy people things like that if you intend on walking away and still being stuck with the payments for a truck that you didn't pick out!!!! So yes, we aren't married yet, and I'm not sure how long we will be engaged, but it really doesn't bother me. I know we have a solid relationship and I don't need a piece of paper to tell me that. Although, I do still have my exes last name because I refuse to take back my maiden name, and that name will be changed before I get my associates degree. I absolutely refuse to have my exes last name on my college degree!!
Other than the frustrations of dealing with all of this custody stuff, things in general are ok I suppose. I did have a set back that upset me though. I went shopping and Brian asked me what I bought and I told him I got his Christmas present. And he's like, oh I guess that means I have to get you something then. I was like, really, you weren't going to get me anything? So a few minutes later he asks me what I want for Christmas. Now mind you, this is after a full day of deer hunting, drinking, and playing cards with the guys. Focus here on the drinking. He wasn't drunk, but he had enough that he was much more open with his opinions than normal. So I told him I want a new pair of running shoes for Christmas. The ones I have are ok, but since I like running and want to stick with it I want a good pair. And also Ashley and I are doing a color run New Year's Day so after that my shoes will be covered in paint and I will probably need new ones for sure. So after I tell him I want new running shoes he goes " what if I don't support your running, what if my intentions are to keep you fat?" I was so shocked. I actually stood with my mouth open completly speechless. I understand where he is coming from, since he quit smoking he has gained a lot of weight and he fears if I lose weight and get good looking again that I will leave him because he is big. This is completly not the case, I don't want to lose weight so I look good for other people, I want to lose weight so I feel good about myself. The fact that after almost 4 years he would feel this way bothers me. And that he would want me to stay fat so that he feels more secure. Where do guys get this stuff?!?!
I am trying not to let this statement bother me and he did say that I could get the new running shoes since I made it very clear that I respect where he is coming from, but it does not change a thing I will continue to run because it makes me happy and running when I am stressed is better than eating when i am stressed. So I guess this means I shouldn't count on him to be at my runs cheering me on (he has already said he will not be attending my very first running event which is this weekend).
On another note, I started Parker's big surprise Christmas present this weekend. A few days ago his play room was filled with toys and white. Now it's empty and blue. He is moving from his old bedroom into his playroom because it is bigger and he is outgrowing his toddler bed. So I am completly redoing the playroom before he moves into it and I hope it turns out great. His old room is Thomas the Train, which he has finally outgrown after a 3 year obsession. His new room is going to be Super Mario Bros themes complete with warp pipes and mystery blocks.....pictures will follow after it's done. The tricky part about this is getting it done without him knowing. We bought new carpet, and it's currently in the roll in the hallway, and he didn't even ask about it. But, his playroom door has never been shut since we have moved in, so when he comes home from his dad's and the door is shut and all his toys are in the big open hallway room, I am sure he is going to question that. Time to come up with some excuses...... The new carpet is going in either this weekend or next, and the new bed is being built after that, so I need to have all the painting and wood staining done in the next week. So why am I sitting here blogging instead of woring? Because I just ate lunch and I am settling my tummy before I get out for my run. I have a two mile run this weekend that I am going to rock and I can't wait!!! I have already shown Ashley the scrapbook that I bought for all of my running stuff. My goal is to run in an event every month for the next year and next weekend starts that quest. So I bought a new scrapbook for my new journey and I am so excited to start filling it!!!!!
That's all I have for now, time to drink some water and lace up my sneakers and try out the new running shirt I bought on Friday. Oh yeah, one more thing. I went shopping on Friday and the only things I bought for myself were two running tanks and a long sleeve running pullover. This is strange for me, a few months ago I totally would have bought the 3 pound box of Gobstoppers that I saw, but I just looked at it and passed it by. I used to look forward to what pair of sparkly heels I was going to buy next, now I look forward to what pair of running shoes I want to get next. I do have to admit though, once I lose some weight, there is a pair of Jennifer Lopez boots that is so going to be in my closet!
Until next time!
Honestly, if Brian and I were to break up it would be more complicated than if Chris were to get a divorce. Besides me owning my own house, Brian and I own a cabin together. It is in both of our names, we can't just walk away from eachother and be done with it. Also the two trucks that are in both of our names.....The legal issues of us splitting up would be more complex than Chris getting a divorce, they own nothing together! Brian bought me a brand new truck, he makes the payments on my truck, he isn't going anywhere! You don't buy people things like that if you intend on walking away and still being stuck with the payments for a truck that you didn't pick out!!!! So yes, we aren't married yet, and I'm not sure how long we will be engaged, but it really doesn't bother me. I know we have a solid relationship and I don't need a piece of paper to tell me that. Although, I do still have my exes last name because I refuse to take back my maiden name, and that name will be changed before I get my associates degree. I absolutely refuse to have my exes last name on my college degree!!
Other than the frustrations of dealing with all of this custody stuff, things in general are ok I suppose. I did have a set back that upset me though. I went shopping and Brian asked me what I bought and I told him I got his Christmas present. And he's like, oh I guess that means I have to get you something then. I was like, really, you weren't going to get me anything? So a few minutes later he asks me what I want for Christmas. Now mind you, this is after a full day of deer hunting, drinking, and playing cards with the guys. Focus here on the drinking. He wasn't drunk, but he had enough that he was much more open with his opinions than normal. So I told him I want a new pair of running shoes for Christmas. The ones I have are ok, but since I like running and want to stick with it I want a good pair. And also Ashley and I are doing a color run New Year's Day so after that my shoes will be covered in paint and I will probably need new ones for sure. So after I tell him I want new running shoes he goes " what if I don't support your running, what if my intentions are to keep you fat?" I was so shocked. I actually stood with my mouth open completly speechless. I understand where he is coming from, since he quit smoking he has gained a lot of weight and he fears if I lose weight and get good looking again that I will leave him because he is big. This is completly not the case, I don't want to lose weight so I look good for other people, I want to lose weight so I feel good about myself. The fact that after almost 4 years he would feel this way bothers me. And that he would want me to stay fat so that he feels more secure. Where do guys get this stuff?!?!
I am trying not to let this statement bother me and he did say that I could get the new running shoes since I made it very clear that I respect where he is coming from, but it does not change a thing I will continue to run because it makes me happy and running when I am stressed is better than eating when i am stressed. So I guess this means I shouldn't count on him to be at my runs cheering me on (he has already said he will not be attending my very first running event which is this weekend).
On another note, I started Parker's big surprise Christmas present this weekend. A few days ago his play room was filled with toys and white. Now it's empty and blue. He is moving from his old bedroom into his playroom because it is bigger and he is outgrowing his toddler bed. So I am completly redoing the playroom before he moves into it and I hope it turns out great. His old room is Thomas the Train, which he has finally outgrown after a 3 year obsession. His new room is going to be Super Mario Bros themes complete with warp pipes and mystery blocks.....pictures will follow after it's done. The tricky part about this is getting it done without him knowing. We bought new carpet, and it's currently in the roll in the hallway, and he didn't even ask about it. But, his playroom door has never been shut since we have moved in, so when he comes home from his dad's and the door is shut and all his toys are in the big open hallway room, I am sure he is going to question that. Time to come up with some excuses...... The new carpet is going in either this weekend or next, and the new bed is being built after that, so I need to have all the painting and wood staining done in the next week. So why am I sitting here blogging instead of woring? Because I just ate lunch and I am settling my tummy before I get out for my run. I have a two mile run this weekend that I am going to rock and I can't wait!!! I have already shown Ashley the scrapbook that I bought for all of my running stuff. My goal is to run in an event every month for the next year and next weekend starts that quest. So I bought a new scrapbook for my new journey and I am so excited to start filling it!!!!!
That's all I have for now, time to drink some water and lace up my sneakers and try out the new running shirt I bought on Friday. Oh yeah, one more thing. I went shopping on Friday and the only things I bought for myself were two running tanks and a long sleeve running pullover. This is strange for me, a few months ago I totally would have bought the 3 pound box of Gobstoppers that I saw, but I just looked at it and passed it by. I used to look forward to what pair of sparkly heels I was going to buy next, now I look forward to what pair of running shoes I want to get next. I do have to admit though, once I lose some weight, there is a pair of Jennifer Lopez boots that is so going to be in my closet!
Until next time!
Monday, November 19, 2012
Kicking it up
I used to have a blog, but then I didn't use it for awhile and I broke the phone that the blog was attached to and somewhere along the line ended up having to get a new email address...and there went my blog. Lately I have felt the urge to write freely again since I do so much writing for school that is so controlled and I thought it would be a good time to start the blog over.
Recently, back in October, I started running. At that time I wouldn't have called it a hobby, but that is really changing lately. I got started running thanks to my bestie, Ashley. She decided she wanted to try her feet at it, and she enjoyed it so much that it motivated me to try it myself. I am using the Couch to 5k program that cost me $1.99 on my smartphone. I must say, I can't say enough good things about it! I have no complaints with it, and it has apparently been just what I need to stick to my goal. I am a person of structure, I need a plan, a strictly laid out plan, direction, and details. With C25k I can see exactly the length of time I should be running, and walking. I have a clear laid out plan and it makes it easier for me.
When I first started running, it wasn't easy. The first week I didn't have proper shoes, I was just wearing a pair of sneakers that are pretty worn out. The first day I couldn't even do the whole workout without cheating. In the first week I got shin splints....talk about super pain. Not the first time I've had this battle, I had them when I was in the Army as well. But that was 9 years ago, yes, did I mention it's been 9 years since I have run? And even then I didn't consider myself a runner, I hated it and it wasn't fun at all. It was basically run until you can't run any longer then run some more hating every minute of it. This time is different. After the first week I got some new running shoes, and it has made a pretty decent difference. Shortly after that, I ended up really quite sick, talking emergency room visit, getting pulled off work, laying around doing not much more than nothing. I wasn't able to run at all during that, I was barely able to stand for more than 3 minutes there was no way I was going to run. But, as soon as I started to feel better, I got right back to it. I did start the program over though in order to give myself the best chance to succeed.
When I first started, my goal was to be ready to run a 5k by January 1st, 2013. Ashley and I are already registered for it and totally psyched, it's a color run!!! I admit, the thought of running a 5k in the dead of winter is very frightening, but with the weather we have had lately, who knows it may not be that bad after all. Since that time, my goal has evolved. Instead of just the color run, I have set a goal to do a run every month for the next year. Starting in December. There is a sleigh bell run just a few minutes from home that Ashley and I plan on doing. She is way ahead of me, and doing the 5 mile run, and I am doing the 2 mile run, but just knowing she has my back makes it that much better.
Oh yeah, on a side note, if you are going to read my blog you should probably get used to hearing the name Ashley. She is my best friend, I wouldn't be doing any of this if it weren't for her, and I love her to death for it!!!! I have been trying for a few years to find the right path for me to get back to the way I used to be, and nothing has ever clicked until now. It seems like I have found my motivation and I may actually stick with something for once! Someone at work recently saw a picture of me that was taken (by Ashley coincidently) just two months before I started my job, and said "damn Victoria what happended to you? You used to look good." Yes, I did used to look good, and that picture wasn't even the best. I used to look even better than that. I have it set in my head now that I will get back there. I am not expecting fast results, I know this is going to be a journey, but it's a journey I know I have to take.
Also on my team I have my son, Parker, he is probably my biggest cheerleader. He pushes me without even knowing it. Now that it's colder outside and I don't want him outside for that long, I do a good portion of my running inside on a treadmill. Parker will be right beside my most of the time just talking to me about his day. He really has no clue how much he keeps me going. I want him to see me succeed at things so that he knows he can succeed at the things he does as well. I also have my wonderful fiancee, Brian. He is not the outward cheerleader type of guy, but he is supportive and encouraging in everyway. He never once complains when I am playing music too loud for him to sleep while I am running on the treadmill. He has watched my son so that I can go to Zumba class and so that I can go run outside. I have an Aunt that encourages me very often, it really makes a difference to have someone on your side.
Along with running, I started going to Zumba classes with Ashley, yep, there she is again! The session we were doing has ended, which is pretty sad to me, I really did enjoy them a lot. I have been doing some at home dvd's but they are just not even close.
This brings me to the kicking it up portion. Since I have started running, and doing Zumba once a week, I have been doing well. I have been looking for something to do on the days that I don't run. Today I ran earlier than usual, and during the time I usually run, I did one of my at home dvd's. Again, not the same as going to Zumba, but still a decent work out. I must say, even with my run and an extra workout, I feel great! I'm looking forward to doing it again tomorrow! Although, I do still have to go to work in a few hours so we shall see how it turns out.
That's all I've got for now,
Love you all!
Recently, back in October, I started running. At that time I wouldn't have called it a hobby, but that is really changing lately. I got started running thanks to my bestie, Ashley. She decided she wanted to try her feet at it, and she enjoyed it so much that it motivated me to try it myself. I am using the Couch to 5k program that cost me $1.99 on my smartphone. I must say, I can't say enough good things about it! I have no complaints with it, and it has apparently been just what I need to stick to my goal. I am a person of structure, I need a plan, a strictly laid out plan, direction, and details. With C25k I can see exactly the length of time I should be running, and walking. I have a clear laid out plan and it makes it easier for me.
When I first started running, it wasn't easy. The first week I didn't have proper shoes, I was just wearing a pair of sneakers that are pretty worn out. The first day I couldn't even do the whole workout without cheating. In the first week I got shin splints....talk about super pain. Not the first time I've had this battle, I had them when I was in the Army as well. But that was 9 years ago, yes, did I mention it's been 9 years since I have run? And even then I didn't consider myself a runner, I hated it and it wasn't fun at all. It was basically run until you can't run any longer then run some more hating every minute of it. This time is different. After the first week I got some new running shoes, and it has made a pretty decent difference. Shortly after that, I ended up really quite sick, talking emergency room visit, getting pulled off work, laying around doing not much more than nothing. I wasn't able to run at all during that, I was barely able to stand for more than 3 minutes there was no way I was going to run. But, as soon as I started to feel better, I got right back to it. I did start the program over though in order to give myself the best chance to succeed.
When I first started, my goal was to be ready to run a 5k by January 1st, 2013. Ashley and I are already registered for it and totally psyched, it's a color run!!! I admit, the thought of running a 5k in the dead of winter is very frightening, but with the weather we have had lately, who knows it may not be that bad after all. Since that time, my goal has evolved. Instead of just the color run, I have set a goal to do a run every month for the next year. Starting in December. There is a sleigh bell run just a few minutes from home that Ashley and I plan on doing. She is way ahead of me, and doing the 5 mile run, and I am doing the 2 mile run, but just knowing she has my back makes it that much better.
Oh yeah, on a side note, if you are going to read my blog you should probably get used to hearing the name Ashley. She is my best friend, I wouldn't be doing any of this if it weren't for her, and I love her to death for it!!!! I have been trying for a few years to find the right path for me to get back to the way I used to be, and nothing has ever clicked until now. It seems like I have found my motivation and I may actually stick with something for once! Someone at work recently saw a picture of me that was taken (by Ashley coincidently) just two months before I started my job, and said "damn Victoria what happended to you? You used to look good." Yes, I did used to look good, and that picture wasn't even the best. I used to look even better than that. I have it set in my head now that I will get back there. I am not expecting fast results, I know this is going to be a journey, but it's a journey I know I have to take.
Also on my team I have my son, Parker, he is probably my biggest cheerleader. He pushes me without even knowing it. Now that it's colder outside and I don't want him outside for that long, I do a good portion of my running inside on a treadmill. Parker will be right beside my most of the time just talking to me about his day. He really has no clue how much he keeps me going. I want him to see me succeed at things so that he knows he can succeed at the things he does as well. I also have my wonderful fiancee, Brian. He is not the outward cheerleader type of guy, but he is supportive and encouraging in everyway. He never once complains when I am playing music too loud for him to sleep while I am running on the treadmill. He has watched my son so that I can go to Zumba class and so that I can go run outside. I have an Aunt that encourages me very often, it really makes a difference to have someone on your side.
Along with running, I started going to Zumba classes with Ashley, yep, there she is again! The session we were doing has ended, which is pretty sad to me, I really did enjoy them a lot. I have been doing some at home dvd's but they are just not even close.
This brings me to the kicking it up portion. Since I have started running, and doing Zumba once a week, I have been doing well. I have been looking for something to do on the days that I don't run. Today I ran earlier than usual, and during the time I usually run, I did one of my at home dvd's. Again, not the same as going to Zumba, but still a decent work out. I must say, even with my run and an extra workout, I feel great! I'm looking forward to doing it again tomorrow! Although, I do still have to go to work in a few hours so we shall see how it turns out.
That's all I've got for now,
Love you all!
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