Shirts & Suits

I feel great. I got my first pair of running shoes, and they feel like an extension of my feet. I run, I listen to music, I sweat and it all hurts. But about an hour later, I am full of this impalpable energy.

I have achieved monumental successes this week and as I look back, I am pretty proud:

• I ran 4.5 miles this week on the treadmill.

• I weighed in at 215 pounds - down 7 lbs from my last weigh in that I didn’t discuss.  : )

• I bought 2 bathing suits; both are 2 sizes smaller than last year. They are super cute and flattering and have completely changed my mind about the bathing suit skirts. They really do hide just enough!

• I got the flu and bounced back within 24 hours. I have a feeling that this was definately due to my new, healthy lifestyle.

• I kicked my caffeine habit. Albeit, I may pick that one back up again, I really, truly miss the feeling of my morning coffee spreading through my veins.

• I wore a blouse, and then a pair of jeans that have sat in my closet for the past 2-3 years….waiting for me to cut the tags off. Well, this was the week!

I am ecstatic and encouraged by these milestones. I want to thank my running partner, Crystal, for helping me thug through and for showing up to run even when she didn’t want to. We are SO going to run this 5k! Who wants to join us?

I know that in order to stay focused and achieve success, I need to continue to set small goals. So, here they are:

August 1:
Target: 199 lbs. That is a 16 lb. loss in 5 weeks. Look, I am a realist. I know it’s going to be hard, but I think I can do it. Lean proteins, veggies, cut the sugar and continue my running and weight lifting program and I really think I can do it.
Reward: Run a 5k on August 28 and celbrate my daughter's 11th birthday. This year, I won't hide behind the camera.

September 29
Target: 189 lbs.
Reward: Wear a hot outfit to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary. Rawr!

November 19:
Target: 170 lbs. It’s not where I thought I would be by now, but it will be very close.
Ultimate Reward: Relax, swim and sunbathe in Maui. Wear another, smaller swim suit. Enjoy my time by running on the beach, hiking Haleakalā, snorkeling at Molokini Crater and Coral Gardens without being short winded or being eaten by a shark. Take photos on the beach for Christmas….

This last reward is the reason I started this journey. I can't believe it's almost here. I am totally prepared for reality to serve me a big ole’ cup of “Uhm, yeah, right” but my heart thinks that I can do this. And reading that book had been my saving grace.