So Here's the Deal...

I am the kind of person who needs to put things in writing. If I am going on vacation, I write down a packing list (often multiple). If I am studying, I write down a schedule... You get the point. So recently I have decided to start taking this whole losing weight thing seriously, if you've been following the flow of this post then you might correctly assume that I am going to WRITE down my goal. Here's the Goal:

Lose 45 pounds by 2/8/2013

That is a little less than 6 months from now (granted I did in fact set that goal on the 8th of August) and would put me at my goal weight of 133 pounds (you do the math). Now I can't even begin to remember when the last time I weighed 133 pounds, and if you were to ask me (on a rough day mind you) I would admit that I feel like my boobs alone weigh that. Its a big goal but one that I feel I should be able to accomplish, its a soft two pounds a week. So what have I been doing so far and what am I going to do from here forward? I have trying to really paying attention to how and what I eat, as well as counting calories. I am trying to stick to 1200 to 1400 calories a day. I have also started running, ALOT. After my first race on 7/7/2012 I really caught the running bug and was running at least three times a week until I ran a second race on August 12th. Since then I have run, almost, everyday. But with all the running I find myself hungrier so I have been looking for snacks that contain lots of protein that will keep me fuller for longer, so far my favorite has been smoothies. I make a couple on Monday morning and freeze the ones that I don't plan on enjoying that day. Then I take one out of the freezer when I get up in the morning and by the time I am done with my run and workouts for the day it is the perfect after burn drink! On days when I don't run, either because I am feeling sore or simply didn't make the time (or when it rains, I can not stand when my cloths get wet) I try to either do some sort of weight training or another calories burner. Here's what I did today; it's a nine minute interval with no stopping (come on everyone has 9 minutes!)

• 1 minute-March in Place
• 1 minute- Jog in place (do it fast!)
• 1 minute- Jumping Jacks
• 1 minute- Side to Side jumps
• 1 minute- Jog lightly
• 1 minute- Jumping jacks
• 1 minute- Squats with kicks, alternating legs
• 1 minute- Jog lightly
• 1 minute- Jumping Jacks

I rested for 1 minute and then did it two more times. By the time I am done I am sweating like crazy. I have also started meditating twice a day for 15 to 20 minutes each time. This was simply a curiosity I had in the beginning, and when I saw the benefits I decided to give it a try. My insomnia is so much better as a result of meditation. And I have also found that my focus is completely different now, I don't hear any other voices when I run or get distracted as easily. I occasionally go to the gym usually to take a class, like Yoga or to use the weight machines. 98% of my running is done outside. Going forward I plan to continue running at least 5 times a week (if not more). But I don't want to just lose weight I want to get stronger so I might break down and hire a trainer for a couple of sessions just so I can feel confident that what I am doing is right for me. I am also going to continue running races. I have another on on the 8th of September (an 8K, that's 5 miles) and a couple of others planned through the end of November. I am very excited about seeing what my body can accomplish and all that I am capable of!!

Stay tuned :)