Color Me Rad 5K

If you had told me 6 months ago that I would run a 5K race (3.1 miles) just a handful of weeks after the new year, I would have NOT believed you and would have thought you were talking about someone else.  I would have thought, "me???  ...a 5K?... at my age... are you kidding, my body is too out of shape... No way!"

Well, fast forward 6 months, and I say, "YES, WAY!"

Six months ago, I got a smart phone and with it was introduced to the wonderful world of "apps".  Among my first two phone apps I installed was MyFitnessPal (a calorie journal and social media place for accountability) and RunKeeper.  I originally wanted RunKeeper as a way to GPS my walking activity so I knew how many calories I was burning if I decided to exercise (walking has typically been my exercise of choice).  But when I looked over the app, there was a real neat selection of training programs to choose from, so I decided to choose the simplest looking program called Beginner 5K.  I liked the idea of having an exercise program all mapped out for me and the workout reminders sent on the day of workouts were also a bonus. I didn't even know what a 5K was when I chose this program, I just knew the training started me off slow and would build my endurance over time.  I began the 8 week Beginner 5K training program just 4 months ago, in October 2012, as a very out of shape girl who could barely catch her breathe after jogging 100 yards.  It was about the second or third day of training I heard about the Color Me Rad 5K that would be coming to my city in early February raising money for our local Ronald McDonald House charity.  Something inside me clicked and I knew I needed to participate in this race to keep me motivated to stick with the training.  Having this 5K goal to strive for kept me committed and accountable.

After I officially registered, I began getting more and more excited about Color Me Rad 5K.  I loved the sound of this race where the participants get "color bombed" with bright colored powder (corn starch) randomly through the race and at the finish line.  Participants can run, jog, or walk, whatever they choose.  The main thing was to just do get out there and have fun.  I figured if I died while trying to finish this race, at least I'd have some fun doing it.  As my Beginner 5K training ended it's 8 week time frame in the middle of December, I continued on my own to train over the month of January in preparation for Color Me Rad.

I didn't want to go it alone, so I also registered my 11 year old daughter, Jessie, to join me and also invited others from our school district to join in on the fun.  Jessie and I ran the race together as a mom and daughter bonding time and we actually jogged a nice slow pace (11.5 minute mile) finishing the entire 3.1 miles without stopping to walk! This accomplishment was to both our surprise since neither one of us had ever endured this distance non stop before!

Thousands of people getting ready for the race on this beautiful 75 degree Saturday morning.

Jessie and I open our first color packets to officially get the party started!

We jogged side by side nearly the entire race, but when Jessie saw the finish line, she started to sprint because she was so tired and just wanted it to be over.  (Jessie yellow circle in front, I'm right behind her)

YES!  passing through the finish line!!!

One cool, RAD, girl!

We had had such a great time... we can't wait to do it again next year!!!

Now that I've completed my first 5K, I'm addicted to 5K runs that have a twist of fun.  I'm amazed at how many are out there and am filling my calendar with other fun races through the year to stay motivated, to stay fit, and to support local charities through the fund raising efforts of 5K sponsors.  I'm a firm believer, that if I can do a 5K, anyone can!

(promo video to see the fun of a Color Me Rad 5K!)

Chicken Citrus Salad Recipe

An ongoing struggle that I continue to be challenged with~ eating healthy and getting some extra weight off (20 pounds to be exact). I haven't been successful in either over the past multi-number of months of sporadically talking about my weight issue on this blog. Several days ago, when I saw myself in a picture my son took of me, I didn't like seeing the image of a person who has let herself go. I'm usually the one behind the camera taking pictures, so to see myself in this photo was an eye opener. I was sitting in an overstuffed chair, round face, puffy looking eyes, belly flab that you could see through the shirt I was wearing and thick upper arms that used to be muscular. At that moment (seeing the photo), it was like a major turning point for me; I decided to FINALLY get SERIOUS about not just talking healthy eating, but DOING IT! I'm recording everything I eat in a journal / keeping track of my calories; I'm drinking lots of water and doing all the things I KNOW to do. I'm also working more activity in my everyday which is key.

Last night I made one of my favorite recipes from years ago when I was active with my First Place group while living in Florida. It's a "meal salad", called Chicken Citrus Salad that I thought I'd share with bloggy world. It's so good! I served it with whole wheat rolls to balance out the food groups.

4 cups each baby spinach leaves and mixed salad greens
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
2 cans (15 oz.) mandarin oranges, drained
8 oz. sugar snap peas, halved
1 pkg. (6 oz.) Deli Fresh Oven Roasted Chicken Breast Cuts
1/2 cup Pecan Halves, toasted
1/2 cup KRAFT Light Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing

COMBINE all ingredients.
SERVE immediately.

Makes 8 servings, 1 1/2 cups each ; approximately 175 calories (whole wheat roll adds extra calories)

Exchange per serving: 1 Vegetable, 1 Meat, 1 Fruit

Weigh-in Wednesday

The only purpose of blogging today is to be accountable and share my weight for "Weigh-in Wednesday" ... the Summer Challenge at Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans. I love accountability!!! ALSO, I'M BLOGGING TODAY~ TO POST A MESSAGE TO ANY "SISTER'S IN THE HOOD" or ANY BLOGGERS WHO ARE WANTING TO LOSE WEIGHT... KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE PRIZE AND DON'T GIVE UP... YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU SET YOUR MIND TO! JUST DO IT.

I'm happy to report I am down 2 pounds from last week! This week I cut out my monster bowl of ice cream for desert each night (replaced it with a couple pieces of Dove Promises- dark chocolate (45 calories each)- I don't believe in complete desert deprivation!, reduced portion sizes of my lunch and dinner, cut down on unhealthy afternoon snacking, kept water intake high, and deliberately made over all better food choices. Unfortunately, this past week I DID NOT do any type of "regular exercise, although I do remain active around the house. My goal this upcoming week will be to continue healthy eating choices and start walking on a regular schedule.

Here are my stats:
Start Weight = 155 (on May 26) ... "A Kick in the Hiney"

Last Week Weight - 153.5

TODAY = 151.5 (down 2 pounds/3.5 total)

Summer Challenge GOAL (by end of July) = 145

ULTIMATE GOAL (by end of the year) = 130

This week's Memory verse:

'Not by might nor by power,
but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.
(Zechariah 4:6)

"Trying"... is planning to fail.

I'm not much into watching TV unless it's SURVIVOR or any of the number of DIY shows on HGTV or the DIY Network. But, last night my husband and I planted ourselves in front of the TV for an hour to watch the new Jillian Michaels show, "Losing It With Jillian". It was a motivating show for both of us because of our current struggle to get back into healthy eating habits and faithful exercise. Although neither one of us is obese, we both need to lose some unhealthy weight (about 20-25 pounds each). We have not been successful in our attempts to "try" to shed this weight.

Something Jillian said last night when the mom of the family was in the gym having a real hard time with the work out and sobbed to Jillian, "I'm trying!!!!" Jillian snapped harshly back at her, "Trying... is planning to fail!"... WOW I never heard that before. I always thought "trying" to do something was a good thing. Jillian saying "trying... is planning to fail" resonated with me the rest of the night.

As I thought more and more about it, I realized that it is so true!... "trying IS indirectly planning to fail, and if it's not planning to fail, it's certainly giving an easy excuse for any failure. After "trying" one could say, "at least I tried". That is so where I'm at!!! I've been "trying" to lose my extra weight for the past year. Yet, I continue to fail. My efforts are really half way if you want to know the truth. Is that O.K to try and fail? Some say yes. But I say, no when it's my health I'm considering and the difference between quality of life and my choices leading to life or death. Obviously "trying" to be healthy hasn't been working too well for me this past year. Something needs to change; my way of thinking needs to change!

So, with my new way of thinking, instead of "trying" to eat better and exercise, I need to just "do it". Instead of an attitude of "I will try to do my best", I will have an attitude of " I CAN DO & WILL DO my best"; "I WILL be my best"; "I WILL lose my extra weight"; I WILL be healthy"; I CAN DO THIS!.

Today is "Wednesday Weigh-in" for the Summer Challenge from the Sisterhood of Shrinking Jeans . Even though I had a number of times I blew my healthy eating choices this past week, and had inconsistent structured exercise, I did manage to lose a small amount of weight.

Last week ~155
Today~ 153.5 down 1.5
Goal (end of July) 145 (7.5 pounds to go!)

This new week, I will not try to eat healthy and exercise consistently... I WILL simply DO IT. No trying involved!

This week's verses~

I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13 NIV)

Put God in charge of your work, then what you've planned will take place. (Proverbs 16:3 Message) -emphasis mine

A Kick in the Hiney

A new challenge from the "Sisterhood of Shrinking Jeans"... this is what I need to kick start my commitment to a healthier lifestyle of eating and exercising!



Over the past two years I have gradually gained some unhealthy weight. I have become aware of my declining health and lack of energy for quite some time, but my efforts of making a change seem to fail every time.

My healthy, happy weight for my body frame and height is 125-130. This is where I feel optimum; this is where I was two years ago. I remember feel'in great and being energetic! I want that back.

Today, for "WEIGH IN WEDNESDAY", I start this challenge at 155 pounds. Over the next 8 weeks I am setting a goal to get down to 145. To achieve this goal, I plan to follow the 9 commitments of the First Place 4 Health Program (minus the actual group meeting) with the "Sisterhood" as one of my accountability's; and my real life sister, Traci, as my other.

As the saying goes... "I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired". I'm ready to get serious and do something about my health!

As I was in prayer this week, God reminded me that not only am I in the middle of a renovation of my entire house (La vieja casa)... I am to also begin renovations on my body, His temple... this Summer Challenge is a God send.

Memory verses for the next two weeks~

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12:1)

Siesta Fun & Weigh-in Wednesday!

I'm getting geared up for a fun time in Houston with a group of sister gal pals called SIESTAS and a special Bible teacher we call Mama Siesta! We are thinking that wearing pink feather boas would be a fun way to identify ourselves in airports, hotel lobbies, and where ever!!!
God tells us in His word,

He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Psalm 91:4 (NIV)

What a better way to meet each other and celebrate the beauty of God's word, his faithfulness, and all that he is, than to be adorned with "Girly God Feathers"! I can't wait!

I believe every woman should have at least one or two feather boas in her wardrobe on those days when she needs to be reminded she's special, covered in God's love, protection and faithfulness! This photo below is one I took for my friend back in April 2009. She lives in Florida and since I couldn't spend the day with her in person on her Birthday, I sent her a crown and boa like the one I'm wearing to honor her Birthday. We wore them together miles apart.

Also, today is "Weigh-in Wednesday" with the "Sisterhood" and happily I am down this week by 4 pounds! Praise God. I must humble myself and keep my attitude in check with my weight, always remembering I am not defined by the number on the scale, the size of jeans I wear, or any outward appearances. I am defined by WHOSE I am, by the condition of my heart. I am a daughter of the King and am Born Into Purple. I am royalty because who my father is. If you have accepted Christ, YOU TOO are royalty... Born Into Purple! As far as my weight, I simply want to honor God with my body... taking care of myself as an act or worship. Thank you God for helping me this week.

If you don't know Christ and would like information on how you can meet him and enter into a relationship with Him, click here.

Weigh In Wednesday

I had a great week with healthy eating and being more aware of my activity levels.

I cut my afternoon mindless snacking that had become such a bad habit for me. I increased my water intake- drinking between 7-8 servings (8oz each)... I still need to increase more. I started being MORE active, but not under an exercise program yet. I exercised good portion control and felt positive about my progress. I thought, FOR SURE I would have lost a couple pounds this week since my last Wednesday weigh in. I deliberately don't get on the scale everyday because of past obsessions with the scale dictating my day and mood. I only weigh on Wednesday's and feel accountable to Sisterhood and a few close friends. So, you can imagine my surprise when I did my weigh in this morning (after a productive visit to the bathroom I might add), to see the numbers 155! That's a 1 pound weight gain since last week! WHAT???? I don't get it!!! I started bumming about the fact that in my mind I lost weight, my tummy pooch even looks smaller, but the scale says different? WHAT??? How could this be? For a split second, I thought, DANG, if this is what I get for my hard work, forget it.

As I continued through my morning, the still small voice in my soul spoke volumes of truth to me. "THE NUMBER ON THE SCALE IS JUST A NUMBER." I thought of how God views me from the inside... my heart, and not my outward appearance or what the scale says about me. I reflected on how I was faithful in beginning new "good" habits this week, I was obedient in improving my caloric intake to lower levels, and I was, and am, making strides toward taking care of this wonderful shell of a body God gave me. I was feeling victory this week. The number on the scale I saw this morning WAS NOT going to steal my victory and make me feel defeated. I will continue moving forward making more progress~ I have a long way to go, but will get there one step at a time through God's power and strength.

Later on in the day, I heard on old song from the 80's that just got me going... YES, somehow I heard this on the radio today~ busted! Ya'all remember Patti LaBelle's "New Attitude" from way back when? If you have time, enjoy this 80's flashback. I believe God gave me this song today to remind me, "I'm in control (with His help), My worries are few,'Cause I got love like I never knew,ooo, ooo, ooo, ooo...I've got a new attitude..." Attitude is everything.

Running hot,
Running cold,
I was running into overload,
That was extreme.

I took it so high, so low, so long,
There was no where to go like a bad dream.

Somehow that wires uncrossed,
The table were turned,
Never knew I had such a lesson to learn.

I'm feeling good from my hat to my shoe,
know where I am going and I know what to do,
I've tidied up my point of view,
I've got a new attitude.

I'm in control,
My worries are few,
'Cause I got love like I never knew,
ooo, ooo, ooo, ooo...
I've got a new attitude,

I am wearing a new dress, a new hat,
Brand ideas,
As a matter of fact,
I've changed for good.

Must have been the cold nights, new moon,
Night changes,
Or forget your love for just being like I should.

Weigh-in Wednesday

What a great way to end the year with a final 2009 "weigh-in" just a couple days shy of the new year. I'm not saying this as a negative, but as a positive. I'm excited to leave my poor eating habits and lack of exercise behind me in 2009 and start 2010 fresh and re-ENERGIZED. With today's weigh-in, I will move forward to a healthier style of living with healthier habits . I look forward to continuing with "The Sisterhood of Shrinking Jeans" for encouragement, support and motivation.

Todays Weigh-in: 154 (I've stayed the same weight over the holidays)... This is my starting weight for 2010 with my goal to lose 10 lbs in the next 7 weeks (Feb 17th goal to be at 144!), and another 10 lbs the following 7 weeks.

MY PLAN~

• Scripture Memory (to keep empowered through God's word and His strength)
• Journal food and calorie intake (keeping a balance of proper Exchange amounts withing 1400-1600 calories ~ this was successful for me when I was in First Place)
• Power 90 with my husband, Kirk; as well as make efforts to be more active all around
• Stay faithful to my accountabitlity (my friends in "The Hood", Kirk, my exercise partner, & my real-life sister Traci, a fellow sister in the Hood)
• Stay focused each day and not let distractions keep me from my goals!
  
  

Wednesday Weigh-In

This has to be a real quick blog entry, since my kids are home from school today, I have Girl Scout errands to run for our upcoming troop meeting, a Christmas tree to pull out of the attic, some Thanksgiving prep to do, the list goes on... YES, today is a busy day.

As for my "Sisterhood" weigh-in...

Last week= 154

This week= 154.5...

I GAINED +.5

UGH!... my struggle continues



My goal for this next week with all the Thanksgiving goodies, will be "portion control", for sure! I need to get motivated to start exercising, too.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Change Requires Change!

Today is WEDNESDAY and my day to "weigh-in" for the Sisterhood of Shrinking Jeans Challenge. I really wasn't looking forward to the report of my scale, those big digital numbers that somehow influence my mood. I stepped on the scale, and I knew deep down the report wouldn't be good since I did absolutely nothing this past week to make any changes in my poor eating habits and lack of physical activity (exercise). Sure enough, as I looked down at those big red colored numbers, the report wasn't good... I gained back 2.5 lbs this week from the 3.5 lb. weight loss from last Wednesday. I'm still down 1 lb, from when I originally started this challenge (on Nov. 4)... but with a sigh of defeat, I say to myself, "That's o.k...today is a new day; I'm not going to be discouraged. I can still do this." (Phil 4:13) As of today, I choose to get on track to lose 2 lbs a week for the next couple months only by taking control and making some changes. (Matt 6:33)

I sat down and made a list of my health habits that aren't good; things I know I need to change to be more healthy. I made an action plan for each bad habit and will implement them full force this week. These "ACTION PLANS" are goals that are deliberate to move me forward. I will keep a journal in a spiral notebook for better accountability and follow through. Hopefully my list and journaling will help me be more focused as well.

Since I'm getting this post done late, I won't include my "list" or "ACTION PLANS" until next Wednesday (more typing than I'm in the mood to do right now). Hopefully next week, I'll share a good report on my progress and how well this new direction is working!

One thing I recognize through my struggles this week and actually this year~ If I want to make changes in improving my health, I must make some changes.

No more just talking about it...
I NEED TO TAKE REAL ACTION!

CHANGE REQUIRES CHANGE.

A "Weighty" Issue

Over the past 12 months I have put on 20 pounds. My energy level has suffered because of this weight and I don't like it! On top of that, I turned 45 a couple months ago and fear that as I get older, the weight is going to be harder and harder to lose the more I put it off. I've been on a roller coaster of being encouraged one day to take control of my additional weight issue- to do something about it, followed by discouragement of failure after I have an afternoon pigout (afternoon and evenings are when I'm the weakest). I get discouraged when I plan an exercise program and don't stick with it. I tend to get easily distracted and end up not following through with the program. More failure! I have been frustrated with myself because I know better! I know all the things I need to do... how to eat healthy, drink lots of water, get good sleep, exercise regularly... but I lack discipline! I have identified I need accountability- flesh and blood accountability. I seek God about this and ask him to provide accountability for me and so far, I really have none that works.

This morning, as I was peaking over my blog list getting updated with new posts, I read penguinsandladybugs blog post about her struggles with weight and a "Starting Point" post. I choose to join Penguin on her journey and am excited to add myself to this "Sisterhood" group- "The Sisterhood of Shrinking Jeans". I need to be encouraged that my shrinking jeans don't need to keep shrinking and get them to fit again like normal... I need to reclaim the energy back I have lost. For me, losing this weight it about being healthy and feeling healthy and then the vanity part trails in. I don't like looking and feeling "thick". I'm hoping to continue searching for flesh and blood accountability like maybe a walking partner, but for now just posting my journey is going to help me be motivated to stick with it. I'm EXCITED to band together with "The Hood".

I weighed in this morning and have 20 pounds I plan to lose in the next 10 weeks (week of Jan 11)... that's 2 pounds a week. VERY DOABLE! I hope to "check-in" every Wednesday with my progress, successes and frustrations. I took some before pictures of my problem areas... they're GROSS!... like a muffin top belly and cottage cheese thighs. I will keep them private for now.