Friday, December 30, 2011

Running Down the Clock on 2011...Lining up for 2012

Remembering where I was in June 2010...
at 210 lbs.

My biggest fear for the holidays is that I'd gain 10 lbs because pretty much like clockwork, every time I'm off from work, my activity level drops because I don't need to be on my feet 8 hrs a day on top of my normal workouts. The good news is as of this morning, my weight was exactly the same as it was before break, and the same as it was last February when I reached my goal of being down to my wedding day weight. Tomorrow morning I'll be joining my buddy Raina and her running group for an 11 mile long run. That means I'll be running down the clock on 2011 on a positive fitness note and ready to dive into my goals for 2012.

Taken yesterday...
Finishing up the holidays and 2011 at 154 lbs,
what I weighed in 2003 when Brandon and I wed.
(That's Brandon on the bed, and Petey our rescued pup on the cot.)

Speaking of goals, I've got three for 2012.
1. Body fat down (with a goal of a weight of 125 lbs, or less, if that is healthier for me)
2. Successfully complete a marathon event in 5.5 hours (or less)
3. SIMPLIFY (-- fiscal, physical, mental, emotional, spiritual --) in order to live life fully.

The first two items are pretty self-explanatory, but the third needs some detail. I've decided to not take the two art classes I was registered for this spring because they're not essential to my certification and the one class that I must have isn't being offered at this time. Instead, my free time will be devoted to meeting my goals. I've loaded up my car TWICE over the holiday break with stuff that I no longer want or need and brought it to Goodwill. I've organized my closets and started to focus on what I want most for 2012 -- the peace of mind that comes with finishing what I started (weight loss, marathon, debts paid off and much more).

May 2012 be my best year yet and may I have more than enough energy, time and joy to pay it forward again and again. Here's hoping 2012 is at least as bright as your dreams allow. Happy New Year!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

I'm Not Dead...Really


Let's see...what's new in my fiscal and physical health journey. The good news is I'm learning to live a bit more in this new year.

Oct 28th I did the Spinx Half Marathon with my running pal Raina. She was coming back from an injury and I was returning from apathy. We did 1 minute intervals of run/walk and finished in almost the same time as our first half-marathon event back in April. Not back for being out of the groove.

On Black Friday, I FINALLY got to try my walking odyssey. Unfortunately, blisters formed between miles 5-10. They kept getting worse. I slowed way down, to about 3 mph. It took me 9 hours and 6 rest breaks to repair my feet, but I can say I officially finished a marathon. My blisters were as large as my heels when I finished, and my spirit and mind were ready to keep at it, but I decided it was for my highest good to stop at 26.2 miles. For a first attempt, I can live with that, and I didn't want any long-term injury issues. The next morning I was fine to walk the dog and two days later I was pain-free. Gotta love that quick recovery when the furthest I'd gone before that day was 15 miles.

My fiscal health hasn't improved as I hoped, but that's because my physical health priorities are changing. I'm going raw vegan as much as possible to help my digestion and to get as fit as possible inside and out (for always), so I bought an Excalibur dehydrator and a Ninja Professional Kitchen System (blender/processor combo...if you believe the hype). Loving both appliances and feeling much healthier, but the bank account isn't pretty.

Looking forward to 2012, and after watching week 12 of The Biggest Loser, I'm more determined than ever to finish a marathon in less than 5.5 hours.

What's new with you? Are you dreaming about 2012, too?