A few years ago I became what I call an "Accidental Runner." If you follow my blog then you know that weight control is a pretty consistent "control" issue for me. I just get lazy, less focused, or whatever...Or as my Obstetrician would say, "You have a birthday? Go on vacation or something? Why the extra pounds?"-no, really, he would say that :) I know it was 30 years ago and I was pregnant, but those things kinda stick with me-haha!!!
So maybe 5 or 6 years ago I had a few extra pounds I wanted to lose. (There's nothing like looking at vacation pics of yourself to get a nice "snapshot", if you will, of reality!)
I decided to do Weight Watchers online. My husband had lost 30 pounds using the program so I knew it worked. I typically don't endorse any "diet" program-you know I have my opinions, tho! Many weight loss programs are unsafe or unrealistic. Sounds like a future blog post to me, yes?? :)
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Anyway, the reason I do like Weight Watchers is that it is a great tool to help people get their eating under control, in part by becoming aware of what and how much they are putting into their mouths! Learning what a portion is, is an eye opener for many. I do have to say that tracking points can be a bit tedious but once you get to know the points assigned to your favorite foods, it does get easier. And there are lots of cool apps that can help you!
Let's return to the "accidental runner"....Back when I did Weight Watchers I was allowed 20 points a day. What I found was that by about mid afternoon all my points were gone and I was starving! Like I've said-I like to eat! Plus I HATE to be hungry :/ Another good thing about Weight Watchers is they consider exercise and GIVE you points for being active-YEA!!
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I figured out that even though I was fairly active already, I could easily squeeze in a walk a few times a week. More activity=more points=more food :) A win-win. I measured out a 2 mile route, timed myself and then tried to "beat" my own time.
An organization where I was volunteering, was doing a 5K fundraiser. I wanted to do it, but I did NOT want to be the last person (crawling) across the finish line :) I measured 3.1 miles (5K) making a loop out then back to my house. (Using a GPS-not an odometer) My theory is, that once you're out there you will need to get back somehow :) Honestly, when I began training, if that's what you'd call it!-I didn't plan to run the 5k! Just walk and maybe run a little. Which is what I did my first race....But I missed placing in my age group by 3 seconds!! I figured if that old lady could get a prize-so could I-haha!!
I chose another 5K fundraiser and decided that I didn't care how long it took, I was going to run the entire route! And I did! I discovered that while running I actually enjoyed getting away from the craziness of life. Took me a while to be able to leave the Blackberry at home :/ 3-4 times a week I'd plug in my Ipod and unplug from stress! Oh! Did I mention that I lost the weight and stopped counting points?? That made me very happy :)
Two years ago I had surgery and was unable to run for 12 weeks. When I got the go ahead to return to running, it was November and cold...and I have not gotten into running like I was before! I want to, tho! It's been tough pushing through the "sucky" part of running-obviously I haven't been able to do it :(
So.......I'm inviting you all to do it with me!!! Let's pick a 5K Fundraiser, create a training plan, keep track of our progress, then do the race together!! I'll even meet you to map out a route! There's a 5K in Yorkville in about 6 weeks-a very do-able. I'm sure there are plenty more out there!
E-mail me at suesmithgetufit@gmail.com if you want to do it with me!! At the very minimum-follow me in my attempt to do it! I'd rather you do it with me tho...
