How to Lose the Married 15...

Today on Health.MSN, I read an article "How to Lose the Married 15"! Ummm, times that by three and you have me...blechhht.

The article was just what I needed. (for the moment). It highlighted a woman who wanted to lose 30 pounds - She (Magda) decided to do this by tweaking her eating to more "whole foods" - less refined foods and being more active, the more active part led to running a 10 mile race...Hmm, my friend Jo and I are going to do a 10k in Octoberat Disney MGM Studios...

Here is what Magda did....
Her Incentives:
1st 10 pounds - eyelash extensions
2o pounds - tatoo
30 pounds - nose piercing

Those are not MY incentives! But I am going to think long and hard and see what I can come up with for mine.

What Magda Learned to Do:
KEEP CREATING INCENTIVES. "I didn't want to fall into old habits after my 10-mile race, so I signed up for a half and a full marathon before race day."
PLAN FOR SUCCESS. "Failing to plan is planning to fail. You must plan your meals and workouts, and you must stick with your plans as closely as possible. If I'd allowed every lunch meeting or office party to get in the way, I'd never have reached my goals."
START EVERY DAY FRESH. "We're all human and we're all going to have slipups, and that's okay. Instead of dwelling on them, move on and embrace the opportunity that exists with each new workout and meal."
DON'T STRESS OVER THE SCALE. "There are bigger indicators of success than a number on a scale. I didn't lose a pound my first month of eating better, but I felt happier and more energetic. And though I didn't drop 31 pounds by my 31st birthday, I was training to run 10 miles, which was huge!"
LIVE IN YOURSELF. "I'm living proof: With faith and discipline, you can accomplish whatever you put your mind to."Don't Let Fear Hold You BackTwo years ago, Magda had barely run a mile, ridden a bike, or gone swimming underwater. Today, she's a marathoner and triathlete. You can make big changes too, says John Spencer Ellis, CEO of the Spencer Institute for Life Coaching. Here's his advice on how to venture outside your comfort zone:
TAKE BABY STEPS. Don't try to run five miles your first time out. Over-doing it will only make you want to quit.
FIND A TEACHER. Tackling a new challenge alone makes it more frustrating. Turn to an instructor or an experienced friend to give you feedback and support.
LAUGH AT YOURSELF. Being able to shrug off mistakes puts failure into perspective. (Really, what's the worst that can happen?)
ENVISION SUCCESS. Think of something you do well — even if it's your keen ability to get the kids out of the house on time — and recall how you worked up to where you are now. Then apply those same steps to your new goal.

THANKS Magda!

I am on my way! I did 5 miles yesterday! 1 in the morning and 4 in the evening. I want to split it more evenly...but this morning thing is rough...Tonight, Herb and I are swimming laps after I walk/run. Can't wait til I don't have to "walk/run" I wanna just run...did I mention the jigglies are awful when running! I need to wear multiple bras. Grrr. I know TMI - Hee Hee!

Workin the Plan...

Gotta track my progress...

This is my accountability forum...
I walked 3 miles last night. Sweat like a pregnant nun at confession, but it felt goooood!

Tonite I walked 4 miles and I wanted to walk more, but I gotta be careful. Oh yeah, I am still sweating from last nite.

I thought I would post some pictures of what has been happening the last few months.

February - my little nephew, Preston turned 2. I just love this little man. He has the kind of eyes that bend me to his will...He has a little buddy Ellie and they just love to hang around together.

Herb Completed his 3rd triathlon...

So pretty when we first arrive...but can you hear the Jaws soundtrack in the background...

Two purposes to the picture below...

1) Swim at your own risk...hello, florida?! We have creatures a little bigger than the average lake trout or snake...

2) See the little triangle that looks like a shark in the top right...that is one of the buoys to swim out to. I think the swim is about 1/2 mile.

This is Herb's cool stud muffin pose. I love the swim cap look...like you went to South America for some plastic surgery.

Herbs is braver than I - this is his 3rd tri and I only did one...but this I know, just before that horn goes off, your heart is pounding and pounding and well, put on my goggles to hide my tears, I was freaked out...but once the horn blows, the adrenaline kicks in and you just go. As for me I went VERY SLOW...Herb moved a lot faster.

Here he is at the finish line with our nazi Columbian spin instructor Maria...she is the best ummm "motivator" (butt kicker). She is yelling at me for skipping spinning class.









Easter...











Just love this picture of them...

...Yet another Triathlon - Escape from Ft DeSoto over on the west coast of Florida...so cool, the swim was in the Gulf of Mexico...out about 100 yards along the shoreline for a 1/2 mile. This picture was time stamped at about 5:34AM...notice who is the morning person and who is not...nah! Lauren was a good sport. Hello, it was before the sun was up.

Startling Realization

You ever have one of those days when you realize something that has been obvious for a long time?

Well, I ride the elevator up one floor every day. The claustrophobic carrier is completely mirrored 36o degrees. OH HORROR - I looked to the side which shows my back side and well it is far more uhhhm mmm "curvy" than i thought. I KNOW i have gained weight, but it was now staring me in the face - or the backside...

So, that resolve that i had at the beginning of the year, I need to dig deep and resurrect it or well...birth it and dig in and get going. I spotted a blog called "marathon bird" and she has spotlighted some wonderful beginning runner programs, I am gonna do something - starting tonite.
Heaven Help Me.

Go Magic Colored Cupcake Frosting...

So, my job as a Mepaw is quite fun.

I fill the girls up on sugary frosty goodnes...then they go home. The Magic are in the Playoffs, so we must have Royal Blue Cupcake Frosting...we must.

:)

Very Blurry - sorry for my lack of camera skills