Good news everybody! (its okay if you read that like Professor Farnsworth, that was my intent)
I was not avoiding this post because I have no good news.....I was been avoiding this post because there is so much good news to write about and I wanted to find a time that I could write (type) it all down! And then more and more stuff kept happening!
Now, where did I leave off?
I believe last time I was telling you about an impromptu 5k. The run was called the Hottest 5k hill run and I think it lived up to its name. Thankfully it was at 7:30 am but that is still pretty warm for July in south Texas. Next, Who knew there were so many hills down here?!? Worse, they saved the biggest hill for last. I could see the finish line but this giant hill was in my way. I made it and with a new PR! I tried to not walk a lot of it but some of the hills were brutal especially that last one. My buns were killing me the next day. All in all though I was happy to explore a new park that has some new running challenges and conquer it!
Then I did another 5k this time with one of my besties AND it had obstacles. This meant trenches, monkey bars, trench crawl, walk climbing, and rough terrain. Monkey bars were not a success (curse you high bars, short stature, and fear of heights!) but I did every thing else! My proudest moment was being able to pull myself out of trench with the ropes! I have some upper body strength now! Woot! This was the Light 'em up 5k Glow run so it was at 9pm and headlamps were required. (Bug spray should have been on the required list as well) After the race we splurged on some mini blizzards and they were well deserved. We didn't set any records but we had a Great time and I am still hearing the "light 'em up" song in my dreams...
So after these two runs I was thinking...I want another running challenge. After some research I found a half marathon in November in town! More motivation? I haven't signed up yet but the cost won't go up until September which is when I will decide if I feel strong enough after a couple weeks of training. (my mantra for the next couple weeks as I get started: no injuries, no injuries)
I found a training plan that works with my cross-training schedule.
Here is the basics:
Monday: Easy Run
Tuesday: Cross Train
Wednesday: Moderate/Tempo Run
Thursday: Cross Train
Friday: Easy Run/Rest Day
Saturday: Long Run
Sunday: Rest Day
I'll be really happy when this weather starts cooling down and no making my runs so miserable as I steer to routes with as much shade as possible. Starting to think about a water belt but I'll try to stick it out. My goal isn't to run the fastest but to give me a goal to work towards while on my weight loss journey and why not mark off a bucket list item while I'm at it? (8 months till the wedding!)
After that what is next? Triathlon!?!? Not a full one but a sprint. I may be getting ahead of myself but that is definitely a goal. First I need a bike and to really learn how to swim....but for now I have 13.1 miles to focus and train for.
Weight update! My weight as of this morning is 173.3 lbs. Feeling good! I've switched up how I'm eating again...especially since I am training now. I am trying to focus on clean eating and getting lots of protein in. We'll see how it goes but so far I am liking the results!
Dietbet update: I am now enrolled in 3 dietbets. Yep 3....Did I say I needed motivation?
Dietbet #1: Ends in 9 days and I am already at goal as of this morning which was 173.8 lbs
Dietbet #2: This one is a transformation one so it lasts 6 months and you have to lose 10% but they have rounds and the first round ends in 18 days. The first round goal is only 3% or 174.6 lbs which I also met today.
Dietbet #3: I am doing this one with some friends. Some are veterans and the other a newcomer. This is only a month long so I have to lose 4 % which means 170.7 lbs in 21 days. oh boy. This one is also special because I have done a dietbet with these hosts before but lost miserably....This is more than a dietbet...this is payback. Literally. I wanna win my money back.
So you ask, "Gretchen what are you going to do with all those winnings?"
My answer, SHOES! I could use some new running shoes...I am killing the tread on all my current ones. Also I am in love with Toms. They are the comfiest! I wear mine to work EVERY day and they are starting to get worn too. After these purchases its time to save up for a bike!
Finally, Non scale victory! I purchased some new work clothes because all my clothes are so big! I had some a Kohl's gift card from Christmas that I decided it was time to be put to use. So shopping I went! I challenged myself to try on some medium shirts. THEY FIT! What? oh yeah. This may seem silly so some but for a big girl this feels real good! I ended up buying all medium shirts! Feels great to wear clothes that actually fit my body.
This has been a great couple weeks for me and I hope it continues. Thanks for reading!
