I would like to share with you the experience of my first 5k. It was awesome!! The Biggest Loser 5k at Tuachan was well done! The rain was the only factor that come into play that was not something that I personally expected to experience. I of course told the facilitators of this event that I would come and volunteer at 6:30 in the morning. Yes, what was I thinking? First, I am not much of a crack of dawn kind of morning person. I am more of a sun coming up kind of morning person. Needless to say, it was a treat to go early and meet the other racers and volunteers, fellowship you could call it! Shauna and I decided to warm-up, we jogged around and did some stretches. It was soon time to line up, and before we knew it the whistle blew. We were off! I decided to keep my pace, slow and steady wins the race. My goal when I started this journey was to be able to run the whole way. Well, I did! I jogged the entire 3.6 miles. Yes, I am calling it 3.6 miles because that is what was on my watch (which of course is calibrated, I use it every day!). At the finish line I held on to Shauna and began to cry. When I started this weight loss journey 10 weeks ago (at this point) I could not run a quarter of a mile without wanting to give up and start walking. I would run out of breath when I would walk to my car from the classes I take at the college. It was a big slap of reality for me, and the huge steps forward I am taking. The 5k was amazing, and I am now addicted.
So, when I started my journey I weighed 300.2 pounds. As of Friday April 1, 2011 I weighed in at 254 pounds. I have lost a total of 46 pounds!!! I am just in amazement of how one day at a time makes such a huge difference in the pounds. At my last weigh in I lost 6.8 pounds. There are days when I do not want to do anything, and then there are days when all I want to do is push! I have been looking at some old pictures and seeing what a huge difference just 46 pounds have made in my physical appearance. I was able to pull out some old clothes that have been stuffed away in my closet and put them on, and they fit! Nothing is more satisfying than seeing the fruits of your own labor! This is my journey, this is my life, and no else can do this but me! I am going to be honest, after the contest I ate a cookie at the studio. Well, it didn't stop there either I met up with one my friends and had a smothered burrito. The next day I ate pizza. I was back on track on Sunday. However, I have not worked out since Thursday night. Tonight will be first official day back on the healthy eating and exercise. The big thing that I learned about the few items that I did eat that I no longer partake in are simple really, I don't have to eat everything on my plate, I can order a small, and it is plenty. Not only all of this, I can actually eat this stuff, not beat myself up about it, and start fresh the next day. Do I feel guilty about the food intake? NO, I do not feel guilty, it was a treat. I have learned from weight watchers and even other people who have taken on a weight loss journey, that if you do not treat yourself every once in awhile you may have bigger slips and fall back. I know that I do not want to go back to 300 pounds and I know that my goal is to loose approximately 100 more pounds. I know that this is possible because of the progress already made. I also calculated some numbers, if I loose 2-3 pounds each week, I will be down the 100 pounds this time next year! This is something that is tangible for me. I know that I can do it! I also plan on keeping this blog, I know that it is keeping me accountable for my weight and I love that part. If I tell you readers what I am doing, more than likely I am going to follow through with it. I don't want to let you down, or myself! So keep on following me for the next 100 pounds.
The contest... I was in the final 3! It came down to me, McKel (my partner in crime) and Dina! The final results: McKel
This is where I need to thank all of the people who made this possible and gave of their time and energy.
I would like to thank Planet 94.1, Chris, LaRae and Emily... You are all very amazing people and it has been so much fun getting to know you, and such a gift for you to choose me. Thank you for making this possible for me, and giving me the opportunity for me to take my life back. I love you! I would like to thank Amerest Anderson with Pure Health she has done some amazing work on my back, worked on my depression with acupuncture, and gave some very solid health advise. Thank you Amerset for giving to me so freely, you are a blessing and such a beautiful woman inside and out. I would also like to thank The St. George Running Center, they provide me with a few pair of shoes along the way, and I am sure they will continue to be the place to go for my feet needs! You guys Rock!! Weight Watchers and Sue, what an amazing place to get information on nutrition and support. I love weight watchers. This is where I have learned to have a healthy relationship with food again. I am no longer afraid of food, and what it is going to do to my body, I already know. I also know that I can know have guilt free eating! Whooaa! Who would of thought. Thank you Sue for your added encouragement and loyalty to all of us. You really know how to inspire and create a feeling of comfort in your workshops, you are so wonderful. The Washington City Community Center, big shout out to you! Oh my goodness, every single employee at this place is amazing. I walk in and they say, "Hey Leslie! What are going to do today!" Where else can you go and get the VIP treatment every time you walk in? I love it! Very nice! I know that I will be a lifetime member. Colleen, who a always there to encourage and answer questions. Colleen you are such a blessing, I have so many nice words to say about you. My trainer Ty, she is my new favorite person. She pushes, watches, believes, and sees in me what I am unable to see until after the fact. I love you Ty, you are forever going to be in my heart and I hope to continue our relationship for years to come. The bod pod at The Gateway to Wellness, thank you for showing me how unhealthy I was and for showing me how healthy I am becoming. I also can't forget my family and friends who have put up with my whining and crying over the past 11 weeks. My children and fiance of course. I would also like to thank McKel for becoming someone I can count on to go to the gym and someone who is willing to show up for me and for herself. You are one hot mama!
Ok... enough with all this mooshy stuff, I am off to my son's baseball game and then to the gym! I will talk to you soon!
