10k!

I completed my first 10k yesterday!  Ok, well it wasn't an official race, or a race of any sort for that matter, but I ran my first 6.2 mile run! (jogging is more like it)
It was a bit cooler out, but I went for it. I had to run on the treadmill inside for the previous 2 days, and I decided after being outside, I really didn't like the treadmill anymore!  Funny how that works, not long ago I was afraid to go outside to run!

My average pace was an 11:35 mile.. not bad. I've run faster before, but I really wanted to try to get this 10k out of the way.
Oh, by the way, I can now check off one of my goals for the year... to complete a 10k without walking.  Ok, I'll half check it because it wasn't an official race.  At least I know I can do that one now.
I was so tired last night after I iced my knees (doing again as I'm typing this today). I thought for sure I would be sore today, but surprisingly I'm not too bad.  My knees are just a bit tender in one spot, but I think with some rest today, and more ice, I will be good to go.  Nothing to worry about!
I took my pic after I finished yesterday... a bit sweaty, but at least I could still smile! :) (although I look quite dorky in the pic.)

more to come... just a few more days and I can update my pics and measurements for yet another month.  Come back on Sunday for that update!

Random

While at lunch today, I realized that for the first time ever my actual weight is less than the "I wish I weighed this much" weight I listed on my driver's license.  Woo hoo! Now I'm going to have to get a new license with a new "wish weight"  -- I do have to get a new one anyway because of my new address.

5 miles!

The warmer weather feels great, and it's especially wonderful getting outside and jogging! I've been working on building my mileage, and trying to control my pace over the past week.  Tonight, I quickly knew I was in "the zone" and decided to go for a new personal best distance.  I did it!  5.14 miles, with an average pace of 11:17/mile.  Woo hoo!  I have a feeling I could have kept going, but the hills were starting to make my legs a bit tired, so I decided to save the full 10k for another day, maybe next week.  For now, it's time to enjoy my new best.  It feels amazing! My goal for the 10k was to be at 5 miles by the end of April... I'm just over a month ahead of schedule!

Following this map from my run, makes it look like I was running in circles... I kind of was!  It's nice, I got a mixture of trail (paved) and road running in. 

Hope you're having a good week!

Get outside!

After a busy and exhausting week traveling last week, then spending a great weekend with my sister Heidi, I was a bit out of my routine... remember I also took off the week before.  It was great to get back to the gym today!


I did my workout inside - back, biceps, and abs.  Then I hit the trails outside at the community center.  Why, it's March 14?  Because of this:

How great is that? 72 degrees at 6:49 pm, and thanks to daylight savings time last weekend, it was still sunny.

Now, I was a bit worried about getting outside.  My previous attempts at running outside led to me hurting a foot or ankle or knee or something. So, I wanted to take it a bit easy.

I found a loop on the trail that ended up being 1/2 mile (per my GPS app on my phone) I jogged the first lap, then walked a shorter nearby loop, then jogged again.  The app showed me at a 10:18 mile pace, which would be my fastest yet!  I will have to build upon that distance, but I feel pretty good about it.

I got home, and a book I ordered arrived today (Running The Edge) and in the book was a surprise...

How fun is that?!  I have no idea what I would do with it, but it's fun!

Here's to a good week of workouts, and getting back on a regular schedule!

Happy spring!

Measurements: Month 3

So it's been 3 months now, and progress is moving right along.  Although I had a lack-luster week because I took off, it's always reassuring to see progress via pictures and measurements that keep me going!
I had lunch with a friend of mine yesterday, and he told me it's time I start to buy some clothes that fit!  Then, when we left, we hugged (as we always do, he's from Columbia) and he said oh my, you have lost weight! So that felt good, and made me smile too!
So now for my measurements... drumroll please:
Click here to review my starting measurements


Weight: 245.5 (lost 35.5 lbs)
Chest: 47" (lost 4")
Right arm: 14" (lost 1.5")
Left arm: 14" (lost 1.5")
Waist: 46" (lost 5.5")
Hips: 42.5" (lost 4.5")
Right thigh: 26" (lost 3")
Left thigh: 26" (lost 2.5")
Neck: 18.5" (lost 1")


And now for the pics... For some strange reason, I couldn't get a frontal pic that was in focus...I even took like 20 of them.  Hmm.

Off to the gym to get a good shoulder work out in, and maybe run a bit. I tried out one of my new pair of shoes last night - the Nike's. Got 2 miles in, my foot started to fall asleep, I think I tied one of them a bit too tight.


Have a great month, I hope you're feeling healthy with all of your endeavors!  Spring is right around the corner, we can get outside soon and feel the sun and breathe some fresh air!

The Demons Within

I've been plugging along at a good pace, and have felt like I've got this down.. the vegan, the working out. I feel good!
I decided to take last Friday off because I had a good workout week.  I had planned to start back on Monday.  But then Monday came and I forgot I had made plans for that night.  Oops. I guess I would go Tuesday.  I forgot I had plans to go to the Wild hockey game. Oops.  I will go on Wednesday.  Tuesday night and Wednesday morning there was a snowstorm, and I needed to go home after work on Wednesday after work to remove the heavy wet slushy snow before it froze solid. (or was that an excuse?)  So, I decided I would just take the whole week off, and let my body rest.  Good idea, but... Now I'm traveling this coming Tues-Friday for work, then my sister will be here Fri-Tuesday, so I'm a bit freaked out about lack of exercise right now.  I will have to focus even more on my eating!


Speaking of eating... without working out, I've had some cravings pop up over the course of this week.  Especially for cheeseburgers.  Now, I haven't had this craving at all since I've started, so it's weird that it's coming now.  It happened several days in a row.  It must be true, that exercise does help control your eating and cravings!  I just proved it. First, I'm excited that I was able to overcome this demon that I have ALWAYS given into during my past "lose weight" schemes.  Score one for me and my development!  I can now use this new found knowledge as power to overcome in the future.  Now I just need to get to the gym for the next 3 days before my trip so I don't go 2 whole weeks without a workout!


Now for some more good news!  Yesterday marked my 2 month anniversary of being vegan, and not having any soda!  That time really went fast, and I've found ways to still go out to restaurants and maintain my veganism.  By asking questions, having them cook the food differently, I've been able to work though it, easier than I thought it would be!


Tomorrow is my weigh in, measurements, and picture day.  Tune in to check on my progress!