I finished The Couch to 5K program and I ran my first 5K...so what's next? Not only have I been asked that question many times in the last week but I've asked it of myself. Where do I go from here?
I'm the type of girl who likes a plan and LOVES to plan. I get an honest to goodness thrill planning events. I probably should have been an professional event planner. I remember planning a school wide picnic my last semester in college. I was on the Student Government council and somehow became in charge of the Spring Picnic. At first I was a little nervous because not only students attended this event, professors as well. Mind you, this was a small college, everyone knew everyone. But as soon as I got to work my nervousness faded and excitement took over. I loved every minute of planning the menu, coming up with activities including a dunking booth for a select few professors, making deposits and purchasing the items needed...I loved being in charge! Everything went off without a hitch and I received multiple compliments from students and professors alike.
I love event planning so much that I have to be very careful around my daughter's birthday. I tend to want to plan a party like I'm Richy Rich when I'm more like Poor Patty! :) If it were up to me and money was no option, she'd have awesome, outrageous, talk of the town birthday parties every year but I still manage to pull off quality birthday parties on a budget and I love every minute of it.
But what does this have to do with what comes next for me on my journey? Well, as I sat here thinking about the end result of this journey, I felt a little "lost at sea," like a boat that lost its way and is just sitting out in the middle of the ocean being tossed around by the waves knowing that it needs to get to shore but it just doesn't know how.
I NEED A PLAN!!!
In a previous post about goals, I talked about how important it was to set them, short term ones to help you reach long term ones. I've sort of reached my short term goals now and until I set more short term goals I'm going to continue to flounder around.
When people have asked me the question, "What's next?" I've had the same answer. I'm going to continue running, I want to increase my speed and shorten my 5K time, I want to get back into the gym and work on strength training and take spinning classes, and I'm still working toward my first weight loss goal of 30 pounds down by September. All of these things are true but for the past few days I've been a little ho-hum about the whole thing. My desires haven't changed but I feel like I've lost a bit of my mojo.
What's the problem?
You know how at Christmas, there is this huge anticipation, a big build up to Christmas day? We spend weeks, even months getting ready for it. We decorate, agonize over our Christmas lists, shop, bake, cook, wrap, carol, party, etc. And then on December 25 in a matter of minutes (OK, maybe a couple of hours) the presents are unwrapped, the food has been eaten, and everyone is sitting around looking at each other like, "what's next?" That's how I've felt since I ran the race and have come back home. I know there is more to be done but I can't help but feel a little let down. There was all this planning and gearing up for the big race day. There was weeks of training, registration, travel planning, time spent with family, and finally the race. But when I got home I had to ask myself, "Where do I go from here?"
So, it's time for re-evaluating, goal setting, and strategic planning. I only have 12 pounds to lose to meet my goal of 30 pounds down by September. My eating has been a little lax since I've been back. And to be honest, I wanted junk food so bad yesterday that I was beyond thankful there was none in the house. I don't know if I would have had the self-control I needed to resist the temptation. I feel guilty about not eating as good as I normally do. I haven't been horrible in my eating just not as good as I could be. And I enjoy eating healthy. I actually love it. I definitely need to hit up the grocery store and restock. That's part of the problem.
So here are my new short term goals to get me over this hump and onward on my journey:
1. Continue to run at least 3 days a week, concentrating on pace and time.
2. Get back into a gym routine focusing on strength training.
3. Take the beginners spin class at the gym.
4. Be more mindful of my eating focusing not only on calories but fat and sugar as well.
5. Continue to increase my water intake
What are your goals? Without goals and a plan to reach them...you're going nowhere fast! It's one thing to set goals and it's another to do something about them. It's what separates those who are successful from those who are still "lost at sea."
Peace, Love, and Healthy Living,
Jessica
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
The Support of a Family
This post won't be long. I just wanted to introduce you to my amazing family and support system.
They have supported me in my journey to lose weight and be healthier and they were at the 5K to cheer me on.
I couldn't ask for a better family.
Thank you all for the support! Love you!
They have supported me in my journey to lose weight and be healthier and they were at the 5K to cheer me on.
I couldn't ask for a better family.
Thank you all for the support! Love you!
My First 5K: The Critter Run
I awoke Saturday morning feeling excited and nervous. Saturday was race day! That evening I would be running my very first 5K. I had trained hard and well but I still couldn't shake the slight jitters I felt.
Lucky for me, I was surrounded by my amazing family. We did a little shopping in Graceville, ate lunch, laughed, talked, and just enjoyed being together. Finally, it was time to change into my running attire and get ready to head to Dothan, Alabama for the 26th annual Critter Run.
Like I said before my mom and my Uncle Rudy were running with me. So the three of us posed for some before pictures before we left.
The rest of the family left a little later since we needed to be there early to get our numbers and such. My stomach was a little tense as I drove us to Dothan.
I felt proud as we got our numbers. I mean, how many people out there can't say that they've ever run a 5K. I used to hear about races and think to myself that I wished I was the type of person who could do that. Now, I was. There was no wishing. I had trained hard for 9 weeks. I was still a bit apprehensive since I hadn't actually run 3 miles yet. The farthest was probably around 2.5 miles. But I was smiling as my mom pinned my number to my shirt.
Lucky for me, I was surrounded by my amazing family. We did a little shopping in Graceville, ate lunch, laughed, talked, and just enjoyed being together. Finally, it was time to change into my running attire and get ready to head to Dothan, Alabama for the 26th annual Critter Run.
Like I said before my mom and my Uncle Rudy were running with me. So the three of us posed for some before pictures before we left.
The rest of the family left a little later since we needed to be there early to get our numbers and such. My stomach was a little tense as I drove us to Dothan.
I felt proud as we got our numbers. I mean, how many people out there can't say that they've ever run a 5K. I used to hear about races and think to myself that I wished I was the type of person who could do that. Now, I was. There was no wishing. I had trained hard for 9 weeks. I was still a bit apprehensive since I hadn't actually run 3 miles yet. The farthest was probably around 2.5 miles. But I was smiling as my mom pinned my number to my shirt.
Our "entourage" finally arrived just before the race started. Did I mention that the course was described as "rolling?" Meaning that it had a LOT of hills. I have NEVER run hills. It's pretty flat where I run in Slidell. So we got behind the starting line and waited to hear the whistle. And off we went. The plan had been for us to stay together but our paces were so different that we just decided to do it at our own paces. As soon as I started running I felt tears prick the corners of my eyes. I couldn't believe I was doing it and I was so thankful for the support of not only my mom and uncle but my whole family as well.
I didn't see my mom much again after this photo. I stayed not too far behind her for the first mile but after that I didn't see her again until near the finish line. I lost sight of my uncle from the get go! :) I ran the first mile in 11:14. Not to bad, huh? Making it to the second mile was tough because that's where those nasty hills came up. There was one time that my legs literally felt on fire and I REALLY wanted to stop. But I kept telling myself that my one goal was finishing without stopping. It didn't matter how long it took me. I also didn't want to finish last!
Just as I came to the second mile marker a lady was walking beside me and started up a conversation. Normally I wouldn't want to talk while I was running but this was just what I needed. She encouraged me and made me forget how bad my legs wanted me to stop. She eventually started back running and I didn't see her again. There was another lady that made me want to laugh. I guess I was her measuring stick on how well she was doing because she would run and walk. She was either behind me or in front of me most of the way. Near the end of the race she tried to stay in front of me. When she was walking, she'd let me get right up to her but before I could pass her, she started running again. In the end, I passed her and stayed in front of her the rest of the way. But I guess the Lord knew I needed a laugh while I was running.
After all of this I realized that I had to be near the end. But the end also meant a pretty long incline. My legs were burning and I was taking deliberate breaths and pushing out hard through my mouth. That's when I saw them...my mom and uncle. I can barely type this without tears. They came back to cheer me on the rest of the way. As soon as I saw them I started crying. I had to ignore it so I could finish but with my uncle beside me and my mom behind me, they cheered me on up that final, awful hill to the finish. I ran the race and I finished well...under an hour and definitely not the last person! My time was 41:45 (the seconds may be off but I know it was under 50 seconds. The race results should be posted online in a couple of days so I should know my exact time soon.) It took me a minute after it was over to feel "normal" again. I felt a bit shaky and I had to catch my breath after I ran hard up that final hill.
WE DID IT!!!!!!!!
Later the group went out for Mexican food. I wasn't all that hungry but I made myself eat a little to get some of my energy back. I felt so proud of all three of us. I felt like I had truly accomplished something. And I'm looking forward to my next race. Not sure when it will be but I at least hope to run the Jazz 5K in New Orleans in October. Maybe one day I'll be ready for a half marathon! Who knows?!
Here I am in the t-shirt from the Critter Run. The animal for this year was the Orangutan...interesting!
Peace, Love, and Healthy Living,
Jessica
Life in Pictures: Abigail's First Haircut
Yes, I said her FIRST haircut. Yes, she's almost four years old. Yes, I know most children get a haircut around their first birthday.
Abigail didn't have a bunch of hair at her first birthday so we skipped that milestone. Later as her beautiful, curly, red hair grew there was no need to cut it.
Now, at nearly four years old and hair that comes halfway down her back, it was time for a TRIM. Not an actual cut! My husband would have killed me if I had gotten her hair cut short. I value my life so we went for a trim.
My aunt is an amazing cosmetologist and we wanted Abigail's first haircut to be even more special. So, while my aunt was in Graceville for the weekend we let her trim Abigail's hair. Abigail was super excited. My aunt evened it up and cut a long layer into it which actually made the ends curlier. My beautiful, red headed girl still has a head full of long curls but she sure was proud of that haircut.
I should have taken a picture of the back of her hair after it was done but I forgot.
Race Day blog and pictures are coming next. Stay tuned...
Jessica
Abigail didn't have a bunch of hair at her first birthday so we skipped that milestone. Later as her beautiful, curly, red hair grew there was no need to cut it.
Now, at nearly four years old and hair that comes halfway down her back, it was time for a TRIM. Not an actual cut! My husband would have killed me if I had gotten her hair cut short. I value my life so we went for a trim.
My aunt is an amazing cosmetologist and we wanted Abigail's first haircut to be even more special. So, while my aunt was in Graceville for the weekend we let her trim Abigail's hair. Abigail was super excited. My aunt evened it up and cut a long layer into it which actually made the ends curlier. My beautiful, red headed girl still has a head full of long curls but she sure was proud of that haircut.
I should have taken a picture of the back of her hair after it was done but I forgot.
Race Day blog and pictures are coming next. Stay tuned...
Jessica
You've Got a Friend in Me
Well, you know her by name and you may have read her blog but until Friday I had not met Clara.
I called her my cyber friend...
We finally had a face-to-face meeting so I can now officially say, "my friend" Clara!
It's always a strange feeling to feel like you've known someone you're whole life but have never met them. That feeling was confirmed Friday night when we sat down on my parent's crowded living room floor and picked up a conversation like we'd been friends forever. It was a great moment. We talked for a long time...both about our journey's and other random things that friends talk about.
I had hoped to get to run with her on Saturday but her plans changed but she was there with me in spirit and was one of the first people I texted after the race was over to let her know that I had met my goal of finishing without stopping!
Thank you Clara for everything. Hopefully next time we can get a run in together!
If you've never read her blog you should click on her name at the beginning of this post and spend some time getting to know her. If you are struggling with your weight or you just need some encouragement for the journey you're already on, trust me, her blog is just what you need.
I called her my cyber friend...
We finally had a face-to-face meeting so I can now officially say, "my friend" Clara!
At a time where I was sort of stuck in limbo with my eating healthy and weight loss, Clara became my inspiration and my encouragement. We were virtual strangers with mutual friends, one of which was my mom. Her story challenged me, brought me to tears, and gave me the push that I needed to continue on in my journey and become more focused on it. Through Facebook and email she gave me advice, answered my questions, cheered me on, and yes, became my friend.
It's always a strange feeling to feel like you've known someone you're whole life but have never met them. That feeling was confirmed Friday night when we sat down on my parent's crowded living room floor and picked up a conversation like we'd been friends forever. It was a great moment. We talked for a long time...both about our journey's and other random things that friends talk about.
I had hoped to get to run with her on Saturday but her plans changed but she was there with me in spirit and was one of the first people I texted after the race was over to let her know that I had met my goal of finishing without stopping!
Thank you Clara for everything. Hopefully next time we can get a run in together!
If you've never read her blog you should click on her name at the beginning of this post and spend some time getting to know her. If you are struggling with your weight or you just need some encouragement for the journey you're already on, trust me, her blog is just what you need.
Peace, Love, and Healthy Living,
Jessica
Where the Living is Easy...
What an exciting last few days!
It was a whirlwind of traveling, activities, and time well spent with family. And a bit of car trouble at the end!
There is so much to blog about! I know everyone is waiting on the post about the race and to see the pictures but you'll have to wait just a bit longer.
I'm just going to start from the beginning...
Abigail and I set out early Thursday morning for our drive to Graceville. After a quick stop at McDonald's for an Egg McMuffin and some apple slices, we hit the road.
I asked my dad later after we had arrived if there was an idiot convention somewhere that weekend. He looked at me a little funny and I said that there sure were a lot of them on the road so they must all be going somewhere! I STRONGLY DISLIKE ignorant and poor drivers. I really don't know how half the people out there ever got a driver's license! It's ridiculous! But Abigail and I made it safely! Thank you, Lord!
We had lunch at the Circle Grill with Mrs. Stephanie and then headed out to Walmart for some grocery shopping. When we were in the produce section, Abigail was getting really excited about all the fruit and vegetables mom and dad were buying. The lady next to us was amazed at how well she talked and how excited she was. So proud of my baby girl! We talk about "super foods" all the time so she likes to make sure she's eating a lot of them and constantly asks if something she's eating is a "super food." "Train up a child in the way he should go..."
Later that evening after some yummy tacos at my parent's house, my brother decided he would run with me. I didn't get up early enough to get my run in before we left and I wanted to be sure I didn't miss it. My brother hasn't run in over six years so he was a trooper for even going with me in the first place. We started off with a warm up walk and then eased into our almost two mile run. There were times when the run was a bit comical.
We hadn't been running long when he looked over me and said, "Dang! You ain't even sweatin!" I looked over at him and the sweat was POURING off his face. But to his defense, he's always been a sweater. I remember as kids riding the bus home in the afternoons from school, his whole head would be wet with sweat before we made it home. Later on I could tell his footfall was getting heavier. But he told me he didn't want to slow down. I felt bad. If it had been me running without any training, I would have been passed out on the side of the road along way back. :) He later told me that he wasn't in as good of shape as he thought he was and he wants to continue running. I think he really wished he could have run the 5K with us. I'm looking forward to my brother and his family coming into town this weekend for a week long stay. Hopefully he'll run with me while they are here.
The rest of the family was set to arrive sometime after lunch on Friday. So on Friday morning my mom's boss let us use his swimming pool. Hannah and Marlee came swimming with us. The girls had so much fun...the adults too. After a while of swimming and relaxing pool side we let the girls help Papa pick pears from Dr. Richard's pear tree. My dad has a dehydrator and has been dehydrating fruits and such. So they picked a bucket full for Papa to make some fruit snacks with.
Mom and Dad's house got crowded quickly once the rest of the family arrived. There were 14 of us there in all. We had a great time together as we always do. It's not a family gathering unless we are picking on each other and making each other laugh. There was A LOT of laughter this past weekend.
Friday was a special day for me for another reason but you'll have to read the next post to find out why!
Peace, Love, and Healthy Living,
Jessica
It was a whirlwind of traveling, activities, and time well spent with family. And a bit of car trouble at the end!
There is so much to blog about! I know everyone is waiting on the post about the race and to see the pictures but you'll have to wait just a bit longer.
I'm just going to start from the beginning...
Abigail and I set out early Thursday morning for our drive to Graceville. After a quick stop at McDonald's for an Egg McMuffin and some apple slices, we hit the road.
I asked my dad later after we had arrived if there was an idiot convention somewhere that weekend. He looked at me a little funny and I said that there sure were a lot of them on the road so they must all be going somewhere! I STRONGLY DISLIKE ignorant and poor drivers. I really don't know how half the people out there ever got a driver's license! It's ridiculous! But Abigail and I made it safely! Thank you, Lord!
We had lunch at the Circle Grill with Mrs. Stephanie and then headed out to Walmart for some grocery shopping. When we were in the produce section, Abigail was getting really excited about all the fruit and vegetables mom and dad were buying. The lady next to us was amazed at how well she talked and how excited she was. So proud of my baby girl! We talk about "super foods" all the time so she likes to make sure she's eating a lot of them and constantly asks if something she's eating is a "super food." "Train up a child in the way he should go..."
Later that evening after some yummy tacos at my parent's house, my brother decided he would run with me. I didn't get up early enough to get my run in before we left and I wanted to be sure I didn't miss it. My brother hasn't run in over six years so he was a trooper for even going with me in the first place. We started off with a warm up walk and then eased into our almost two mile run. There were times when the run was a bit comical.
We hadn't been running long when he looked over me and said, "Dang! You ain't even sweatin!" I looked over at him and the sweat was POURING off his face. But to his defense, he's always been a sweater. I remember as kids riding the bus home in the afternoons from school, his whole head would be wet with sweat before we made it home. Later on I could tell his footfall was getting heavier. But he told me he didn't want to slow down. I felt bad. If it had been me running without any training, I would have been passed out on the side of the road along way back. :) He later told me that he wasn't in as good of shape as he thought he was and he wants to continue running. I think he really wished he could have run the 5K with us. I'm looking forward to my brother and his family coming into town this weekend for a week long stay. Hopefully he'll run with me while they are here.
The rest of the family was set to arrive sometime after lunch on Friday. So on Friday morning my mom's boss let us use his swimming pool. Hannah and Marlee came swimming with us. The girls had so much fun...the adults too. After a while of swimming and relaxing pool side we let the girls help Papa pick pears from Dr. Richard's pear tree. My dad has a dehydrator and has been dehydrating fruits and such. So they picked a bucket full for Papa to make some fruit snacks with.
Mom and Dad's house got crowded quickly once the rest of the family arrived. There were 14 of us there in all. We had a great time together as we always do. It's not a family gathering unless we are picking on each other and making each other laugh. There was A LOT of laughter this past weekend.
Friday was a special day for me for another reason but you'll have to read the next post to find out why!
Peace, Love, and Healthy Living,
Jessica
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Cooking My Way: A Savory Snack
Chips, Little Debbie's, cookies, and movie-style popcorn would have topped my list of favorite snacks last year. This year, popcorn still makes the list but I like the natural kind or the kind you pop yourself. Chips still make the list occasionally but it's usually a few tortilla chips with salsa.
These days my snack list includes: raw almonds, string cheese, fruit, veggies, Greek yogurt, and smoothies. I do confess that I love to dip my veggies. I'm not as bad as I used to be. I only dip a little now. Mostly it's ranch dressing. Sometimes it's guacamole if I have some left over when we make burgers. But my new favorite thing to dip them in is hummus. I've bought a couple different kinds from the grocery store but my favorite so far has been the homemade kind dad and I made for the fourth of July.
This recipe comes from Jillian Michaels The Master Your Metabolism Cookbook. If you are looking for a source of good information and yummy recipes, this is your book. Unlike a lot of other "healthy" cookbooks out there, this one is filled with things you would normally eat, only made healthier. There are a few things that you may not of heard of but for the most part it's simple ingredients and straightforward recipes.
Hummus (Jillian Michaels The Master Your Metabolism Cookbook Page 232)
1 (15-ounce) can no-sodium chickpeas
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, or to taste
3 tablespoons tahini (this is sesame seed paste - I know you can find it at Publix and Whole Foods)
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, for garnish
1/8 teaspoon sumac or sweet, hot, or smoked paprika, for garnish (I use smoked paprika)
Place a strainer over a bowl and drain the chickpeas; reserve 1/4 cup of the captured liquid.
In the work bowl of a food processor, place the lemon juice, tahini, garlic and salt. Process until combined. Add the drained chickpeas and the reserved liquid. Process until very smooth, scraping down the sides of the work bowl once or twice or as needed. Taste and add more lemon juice if desired. (The hummus can be stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.)
For a single snack, place 2 tablespoons of the hummus in a small bowl. Drizzle with 1/8 teaspoon olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of paprika over it. Serve with three pita chips.
To serve a crowd, transfer the hummus to a small serving bowl. If desired, use the back of a spoon to make a shallow well in the surface of the hummus; pour in the olive oil. Sprinkle the top with sumac (or paprika). Serve with pita chips.
OK...so she uses pita chips to dip in her hummus. While I am sure that is super tasty and I'll probably get around to trying it soon, I love to dip my vegetables in it. My favorites are carrots and celery.
So there you have it. Two recipes on Recipe Wednesday. One a sweet treat and the other a savory snack! Enjoy!
Peace, Love, and Healthy Living,
Jessica
These days my snack list includes: raw almonds, string cheese, fruit, veggies, Greek yogurt, and smoothies. I do confess that I love to dip my veggies. I'm not as bad as I used to be. I only dip a little now. Mostly it's ranch dressing. Sometimes it's guacamole if I have some left over when we make burgers. But my new favorite thing to dip them in is hummus. I've bought a couple different kinds from the grocery store but my favorite so far has been the homemade kind dad and I made for the fourth of July.
This recipe comes from Jillian Michaels The Master Your Metabolism Cookbook. If you are looking for a source of good information and yummy recipes, this is your book. Unlike a lot of other "healthy" cookbooks out there, this one is filled with things you would normally eat, only made healthier. There are a few things that you may not of heard of but for the most part it's simple ingredients and straightforward recipes.
Hummus (Jillian Michaels The Master Your Metabolism Cookbook Page 232)
1 (15-ounce) can no-sodium chickpeas
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, or to taste
3 tablespoons tahini (this is sesame seed paste - I know you can find it at Publix and Whole Foods)
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, for garnish
1/8 teaspoon sumac or sweet, hot, or smoked paprika, for garnish (I use smoked paprika)
Place a strainer over a bowl and drain the chickpeas; reserve 1/4 cup of the captured liquid.
In the work bowl of a food processor, place the lemon juice, tahini, garlic and salt. Process until combined. Add the drained chickpeas and the reserved liquid. Process until very smooth, scraping down the sides of the work bowl once or twice or as needed. Taste and add more lemon juice if desired. (The hummus can be stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.)
For a single snack, place 2 tablespoons of the hummus in a small bowl. Drizzle with 1/8 teaspoon olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of paprika over it. Serve with three pita chips.
To serve a crowd, transfer the hummus to a small serving bowl. If desired, use the back of a spoon to make a shallow well in the surface of the hummus; pour in the olive oil. Sprinkle the top with sumac (or paprika). Serve with pita chips.
Above is a picture of the dips and things we made for the 4th. The hummus of course is in the small bowl in the middle of the carrots and celery.
OK...so she uses pita chips to dip in her hummus. While I am sure that is super tasty and I'll probably get around to trying it soon, I love to dip my vegetables in it. My favorites are carrots and celery.
So there you have it. Two recipes on Recipe Wednesday. One a sweet treat and the other a savory snack! Enjoy!
Peace, Love, and Healthy Living,
Jessica
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