The Good...

What have I been up the last several months?

The Good . . .
We've opened our own business and so far, I'd consider it a huge blessing and a success. I have been playing softball at least 4 nights a week. So, I am active. I'm having fun. Despite reinjuring my ankle, I've completed a few runs, Wharf to Wharf and my first Half Marathon at Nike Women's Marathon. Both events were a blast!



July 24, 2011. Zumara and I at the start line for Wharf to Wharf, a 6 mile road race with 15,000 runners plus massive amounts of people enjoying the party atmosphere and scenic views of Santa Cruz, Capitola and the Pacific Ocean.

October 16, 2011 - Nike Women's Marathon 13.1 half marathon finisher! Celebrating my finish in the finiser's area in front of the I run to be sign...

The Bad . . .

Other than softball, I haven't exercised regularly. I have a TON of excuses. But I realize they are just that, excuses. My schedule, my re-injured ankle, my fear of re-re-injuring myself, exhaustion, work, lack of motivation and on and on. Bottom line is, they are all excuses and they are all bad. Some of course, more ligitatmat then others but still...

Yeah, I know I told you I just completed two really big races and goals of mine this summer. I did FINISH them. One foot in front of the other, I moved my body for the 6 mile journey between Capitola and Santa Cruz and Ienjoyed every minute of it. However, notice I said moved my body. I did not say run. I ran maybe only 2 of the 6 miles. This was primarily due to injury. I re-injured my ankle running approximately 2 weeks before Wharf to Wharf. I'm glad I'm glad I participated, I'm glad I finished. But I can not claim that I RAN the entire 6 miles.

Let me get this out now. I'm a brand snob. I don't mean to be necessarily but you throw a Nike logo on something and I immediately think it's gonna make me run faster, jump harder, swim farther, and JUST DO IT better, then without the logo. HaHA corney, I know. So for me, The Nike Women's Marathon (NWM) was sort of an "Ultimate Dream Race" to me. Only in my dreams did I think I would have been chosen or had the opportunity to run in Nike. My Weak ankles (READ EXCUSES) made it very difficult to train or want to run. Other than around the bases at softball, I did not run from July until NWM. Bad choice. The vistas were phenomenal and the overall experience was good. There are some things I have to be truthful about. I ran walked the first 5-6 miles. My running pace was slow. I finished in just under 4 hours (literally, seconds under 4 hours). But I moved my body 13.1 miles and FINISHED! Which is more than I can say I would have done 2 years ago.

The Ugly...

Excercise isn't the only way to lose weight. We all know diet is the most important factor in weight loss. If you eat healthy good portions and watch your calories you will lose weight. The fact is, I struggle to do that. Most over weight people do. With that, I can really do well with my eating when I'm exercising. The sad fact of the matter is, when I'm not exercising, I don't watch what I eat.... BIG Mistake.

Along with that, I know I've gained weight. I haven't steped on a scale and to be honest I'm not ready to. I can still fit into my clothes but they don't look the same on me, and some really just don't "fit" even though I can get my body in them. That much junk should not be in the trunk, if you you know what I mean. ;-) I'm pretty sure my body could no longer fit into ANY size 10. I'm definately pushing a 12/14 (again) and dreading buying clothes.

Apparently, I've gained so much that my husband seen this picture taken in January...

And he did not RECOGNIZE me! He asked WHO it was? Shocking, I know. The man I have been with for nearly 12 years DID not recognize me in a pic that was 10 months old. Yeah, 10 month off = no GOOD for the body. He is pretty much beggining me to go back to the gym. Not for the physical benefits but for the health factor and mental benefits to our relationship, my self and our family.

So, now that I've confessed all of my sins: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Get ready for the days ahead. The good news is, it gets better, Folk's!

Week 20

I just counted and I've been working out for the past 20 weeks! WOW! Talk about a milestone! I have big plans for week 20! Weigh in day is tomorrow - I'm hoping for a big loss! -40lbs here I come! I worked hard last week. I made ok (not great food choices) over the weekend. 20 weeks and I haven't hit a plateau! Awesome feeling! I'm just so optimistic about where the next 20 weeks will take me. I'm also officially half way in the Gold's Gym contest! Woo Woo

The nutrition seminar was really informative. Richard went too and my non-vegetable eating husband must have been paying attention. He came home and ate his veggies! AMAZING - I've been trying to convince him to do that for years. We got a ton of sample Nutrilite products and I will soon be selling them - available via a website or personal order. I'm excited about the opportunity to earn extra income and receive a discount on high quality products. I will update more on this as I get more information. I'm hoping this opportunity grows and can help supplement our income so I can stay at home longer with my kids.

I thoroughly enjoyed spending time at my aunts. I love seeing my family. Plus it was nice to see Adrienne in person - you look great! I'm so proud of her for sticking with it! Sunday was such a wet and busy day we didn't get to do anything active but we did eat good. I practiced portion control. My aunt and I woke up early and went to her gym, a YMCA. It was so nice! We did part of a body sculpting class (we were late, big surprise, lol) and went for a walk along a trail in the nearby park. It was such a beautiful day. Sherri - I thought of you today and your gym. Now, I officially have gym envy and I told Richard I wanted to move. Probably not gonna happen- but you can't blame a girl for trying. My best friend also lives near my aunt, so we got to meet up and have girl talk. It was so nice. I felt so blessed this weekend. I even made it back in time for my cardio kick boxing class,which was GREAT! Had a delicious salsa salad for dinner and I'm feeling GREAT!