Non-fail?

I posted here that I was starting to exercise.  I was.  I was out there and doing my thing and all was good.  Then winter hit and it all went to hell.  I hate winter.  Like, REALLY hate winter.  I'm not 100% why I still live in Canada really...

Anyways.  I did my usual thing - I hibernated.  I went out only when necessary or when I got the urge to take the kiddies out and build a snow fort or go sledding for 20 minutes.  But basically I did nothing.  No, scratch that.  I did nothing exercise wise, but I did start to implement other changes I had been wanting to make in my quest for a better lifestyle.

On August 29, 2010 I downloaded an app for my iPhone.  It tracks weight - and your measurements if you want it to as well - and your goals and shows on a graph how you are progressing.  This was a low point for me.  After that other weight post, combined with working at a job that made junk food the norm, I put on an additional 4 pounds even with the exercising I was doing.  That's right, I weighed 229 by the end of August.  I was getting frustrated with how I looked and felt, I needed to put an end to it.  I can't really describe it - although the few times I've been ill probably "helped" with some months - but I haven't made any major changes.  I don't count my water intake - although I prefer water over anything else, so I'm not worried.  I don't watch what I eat really.  I don't count calories or points - I've just made sure to lower my portions, make my recipes simpler and with fresh ingredients and if I crave something unhealthy like chocolate, I eat some to curb it.  Not a lot, but I do give in to most of my cravings.

It's working.  Slowly - which I think is the best way so that I can adjust and maintain - I'm losing weight.  Which is also nice as my family is currently having a contest...and I'm winning.  LOL  I got on the scale this week and weighed in at 213.4 pounds.  I tried on my wedding dress this weekend, and it zipped up with ease!  I have to keep pulling up the size 18 jeans I wear.  It's a great feeling that the changes I am making are positive and sticking.  I'm eating breakfast every day and having a morning snack of fruit.  I've limited my tea intake and lowered my dinner portions.  And I'm not hungry.  Plus, with the warmer weather just around the corner, I know that it will get easier through the spring/summer/fall.

To help celebrate my continued success (coupled with my lacking ability to ever buy new clothes), Mr. Penguin gave me a great birthday gift this year - a shopping spree for bras.  As I am losing weight, my band size has gone down and I've moved from a DD to a D cup - which means hello Victoria's Secret!  I made my wish list last night.  He gets to surprise me with what he wants off of it - it's only fair as he's footing the bill.  ;)  Along with reaching my goal weight, I think hitting a bra size of 36C would be the best thing ever.  To be able to walk into La Senza or wherever and be able to pick a cute bra off the shelf and have it fit would be amazing.   I miss that freedom.

Also, I am planting a container garden this year - no excuses!!  I've got the plans for making cedar planters and I'm going to grow tomatoes (2 kinds), peppers, strawberries, beans, radishes, lettuce, carrots, zucchini and maybe cucumber.  I also found an old tire behind the shed from the previous owners that I'm going to wash down and paint with the girls.  It will be where we plant our Halloween pumpkin.  I can't wait.  The fresh food will help with my smaller portions, be better for us as a family and the gardening involved coupled with just being outside will help immensely.  Plus, I hope to have an abundance of tomatoes to continue my canning hobby this year.

I'm proud of myself.  Now to get outside more and move my butt!
*hugs*

Motivation

On my 101/1001 list I have a goal that I have kept to myself for many years.  #10 - run/jog a 5k marathon.  I have always wanted a fit lifestyle.  The type of lifestyle where fitness isn't something you reward, it's just something you get out and do on a daily basis - it is it's own reward.  I did not grow up with that type of lifestyle AT ALL and most days I find it completely against how I was raised and currently live.  So in wanting to change for the better, I find it extremely difficult to find the motivation to get off my lazy ass and get outside.  Running a 5k is probably the biggest challenge I added to my 101/1001 list.  It is not only testing my motivation, it's testing my determination and some of my fears as well. 

I've always needed a 'buddy'.  Someone to come with me to an event or to join a club at school with me.  I have a hard time putting myself out there and just doing something by myself - for me.  With my parents - who do not lean towards the life I want - and not many friends around, I have to do this on my own as Mr. Penguin is needed to be home with the kids if I'm out.  I have no doubt I can run 5k with enough training - it will be only having myself to push me onward when my muscles hurt that will be my biggest obstacle.  So I am fighting back against myself.

• I have purchased a treadmill at an AMAZING price (under $100!!) that will be delivered in August.  I no longer have the excuse of 'it's raining' or 'too hot' to get outside.  I can walk my ass to the basement and get my training in for the day.
• I went to Walmart yesterday and treated myself to some nice - but cheap (as I'm still broke and working on my debt) - work out clothes.  I got a tank top that is cut for running and some shorts that aren't stolen from Mr. Penguin's drawer.
• I purchased the above in a cut that flatters, but also fits me.  This means that the world can now see where I carry my weight, but not in a way that suggests I stuffed myself into shorts too small for my butt.  If I have a problem with that - I can get moving and lose some weight to make them fit better.  ;)
• I have purchased an app for my iPod to be my trainer - Couch to 5K.  I tested it tonight.  And although I was unable to complete the 'week 1 day 1' session, I know I am going to love this app and it will make all the difference in my progress.  I recommend it for anyone training.
• I have scheduled in AT LEAST every Sunday for training.  I will be adding 2 evenings a week as well - although these will be more flexible based on Mr. Penguin's school schedule and the kid's activities.

I am also putting myself out there for the world to see.

Current weight: 225lbs
Size: 18-20

I am 28 years old - still young and in no way an excuse not to start an exercise program.
I have 2 kids - so what, why should that stop me?  It may take more planning some days, but the results will always be worth it.
I am over weight - well, the weight won't get rid of itself, now will it?
I have a busy schedule - the exercise will help my stress levels, show my babies the importance of doing something for yourself and help me sleep better.

No more excuses.

*hugs*

Fitness goals

I got out and walked today.  A really long walk with hills and spurts of jogging and stairs and stretching.  It felt good.  I can't remember the last time I jogged.  I'm taking it slow and planning on adding a little bit more every time I go.

Run/jog a 5k is on my 101/1001 list.  There's no time like the present.  I really liked the time to myself too.  Mr. Penguin and I have an agreement that Sunday mornings until noon are my own time while Mr. Penguin takes the kids.  I've just never left them and gone to do something.  This will be a habit I want to keep.

Sometimes, in order to be a better mother/wife/person, you need to have time alone.

*hugs*