Dogtown 5k Race - Feb. 23, 2013

 Amber, Laura, Jocelyn

 St. George 5k - January 19, 2013

St. George 5k Finish Time: 45:06

Dogtown 5k Finish Time: 39:34

OXYMORON of the century!!!!!

I am so dang sick of going to the store to try and find an ok and maybe even, heaven forbid, a CUTE workout shirt in my size!  I don't know why I put myself through the same torture time after time.  All I end up doing is heading over to the men's clothes to find the same red, blue, or black shirt.  So, I either run in a shirt that fits me up top and barely hits below my belly button (in the women's section), or go to the men's side and have it fit below my waist but then the arms looked all weird and boxy.  I know, I know, it's not anyone's fault but my own that I am Miss Chub-a-rama but, you'd think that the makers of workout clothing would provide clothing for all sizes and shapes IN THE STORE!!!!  I think it's such an oxymoron that they want us obese, soft, curvy creatures to lose weight but, to do so we have to look like a walking box or the Koolaid Man!  If I was rich I would open a store that provided cute, stylish, fun, and well-fitting clothing for women of my size!  And stinkin' sports bras for "the girls" my size!  Ok, the end!

What We've Been Doing.....

Our workouts are getting longer and harder.  I look back and when we first started.  We would run 1 min., walk 1 min.  I just thought I was so hard core.  Now, we run 5 min., walk 3 min., and repeat that 2 more times.  I know, I know, it doesn't sound like much but, to me, it's a long time!  I think on Thursday we do 8 min. runs and then on Thursday, we have to run for 20 min. straight.  I'm scared but, I'll pray extra hard this week for help.  

I signed up for 3 races.  The first race I signed up for is the St. George 5k.  That is taking place this Saturday.  We did a trial run of this last week and it was a little rough.  #1: It was DANG COLD outside!!!! My lungs were on fire.  I checked my inhaler and found out it had expired in 2011!  So, I ordered and now have a new inhaler! #2:  I'm used to running on the treadmill, which makes me keep moving at the same pace. A lot of people tell me that they like running outside better.  I'm sure I will get used to it.  It will just take some time.  So, I'm excited for the race on Saturday!  I think it'll be fun!!!!  The 2nd race I signed for is the Bryce Canyon Half Marathon!!!!  That race is July 13th!  I'm nervous as heck and was surprised I just signed up so fast!  It'll be a great experience though.  I'm going with Amber Blair, Brian, and Amber Sheffield!  They will be such a FUN group to go with.  We sleep over the night before so, I'm excited for that whole adventure!  The Amber's are so motivating and positive!  I just love them so much!!!!  Brian is a fun dude too and I just can't wait, for the most part, ha ha!  The 3rd race is in February.  It's called the Dog Town Race, and it's in Washington City.  It's another 5k.  I'm hoping to beat my times.  

I found out that sign-ups for the St. George Marathon are on April 1st.  This came as a shock and a blow to me!  I was thinking it wouldn't be until end of July or something around there.  So, I thought I'd be able to run the 1/2 marathon and get a better feel for where I'm at.  I'll just have to sign up in faith and trust that I can do it.  I keep thinking that maybe I should do next year instead, or I'm just not cut out for this.  But, then I know how disappointed in myself I'd be.  I made this a goal and I WANT to and I HAVE to accomplish it!!!!  

I'm not down to 286 lbs.!!!!  I was so excited to get out of the 290's.  I was stuck there FOREVER!!!!  I was wondering if I'd ever move out of that phase!  Finally I did.  I've lost 2 1/2 inches in my waist, stomach, and butt/hips!  That makes me feel good!  So, I'm gonna' just keep swimmin', just keep swimmin', just keep swimmin'........

"I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday."

DISCOURAGED

I am one very discouraged chick-a-dee.  What it comes down to is patience with myself, the process, and my body.  I want faster results and feel like I'm working so hard.  I'm also scared!  The running is getting longer and longer.  My mind is very weak and talks myself into believing that I can't do it, I'm too weak, I'm not as good as the others, just give up.  Right now, it's making me feel that way very much!  I hope I get out of this funk soon and fast!

Down 1 More!

Just for documenting my accomplishments, I'm down another pound today.  So, I am 288.  Total weight loss of 17.9 lbs.!

Running in Style!

I got me some new running shoes, thanks to Amber!!!!  We took a trip over to the running store, here in St. George.  They watched me walk and run to evaluate my feet and how I run/walk on them.  After trying on 4 different pair of shoes, I found the perfect pair!  Oh how I LOVE them!!!!  They seriously feel so dang good on my feet and light as air!!!!

Before Photo's and Measurements! BEWARE!

So, here are some before shots I took of myself.  I want to puke looking at these.  However, this is who I am right now and I need to use these as motivation to continue pushing myself and working hard to become healthier!

I had a set back last weekend.  It was a Saturday afternoon, and my back all of a sudden gave out on me and I couldn't move.  I was in horrible pain!!!!  I stayed in that condition for 4 days!  I was finally able to go see a chiropractor, thanks to Amber referring me.  He did amazing work on me!!!!!  His name is Dr. Tye Williams!!!  I've only been to him twice and feel like a new woman!  My pelvic bone and hips needed adjusting.  Then he did some decompression, ultrasound waves, and some electroid shock thingie.  So, I'm back in the gym after missing a full week.  I'm not allowed to run for 2 weeks or lift free weights but, I can walk, do the elliptical, bike, and use the weight-lifting machines.

I now weight 289 lbs., which makes my total weight loss 16.9 lbs.  I was excited to see I had lost more weight, when I got on the scale this morning.  Made me more excited to go to the gym.

I took my measurements a week ago so, here they are:

Neck: 16"

Top of chest/around the upper back: 46 1/2"

Top Stomach: 52 1/2 "

Waist: 51"

Around Butt/Lower Stomach: 55"

Upper Arms:

L: 17"

R: 17"

Lower Arms:

L: 12 1/2"

R: 12"

Thighs:

L: 28"

R: 28"

Calves:

L: 17 1/2"

R: 17 1/2"

Ugh!  Scary how I let myself go like that!  But, now I am learning to love and respect myself, my body, and who I am more.  So, this will all change.  Oh!  And I'm no longer drinking pop!