GOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLL #4!!!

OK, people.  I have lost 20 pounds!!!  20 pounds!!!

That means I have reached the 4th goal.  The reward for this goal was getting my hair did.  I seriously considered coloring my hair, but that requires up-keep and I'm not really into that.  Besides, my husband is opposed to changing my hair color, so that confirmed it for me - no color.

Since it has been a YEAR since I even got my hair trimmed, it had gotten very long.  I've also had plenty of time to think about what I want my hair to look like.

I've had a lot of compliments on my long hair and I like it long, so I knew I was sticking with long.  I had found a few pins on Pinterest that I showed to Marlow at Sanctuary*, where I got my hair did.

*If you live anywhere near Homewood, Alabama and want to be pampered, go there!  It feels like, well, a sanctuary, without being stuffy.  The entire staff is so nice and so talented!

I am fully aware that I have nowhere near the hair (or stylists) that are in these pictures, but I like that look.  Marlow is magical, so he said "got it!" and started cutting!

Here is me being smiley after...

Still long, but much healthier!

And here is before and after from the back...

Doesn't look too much shorter, but so much healthier!

Next goal: SHOES!!!

Mission Accomplished - Positive Thinking Thursday

It isn't very often that I start something and finish is - especially an exercise program - but I've done it!

The mission that I chose to accept was the 9-week Couch to 5k Program.

MISSION: ACCOMPLISHED

This doesn't usually happen, but it has happened for me a few times in the last 6 months and I am so happy, proud, amazed, humbled, grateful, etc.  

I have now finished Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred, Prevention Magazine's 14 Day Work-out, and now Couch to 5k.  I started each on with an end-goal and I've seen them through to that goal.  Accomplishing each goal has been empowering and energizing.  Once I finish one I can't wait to find the next goal to work towards.

I've added several other things to my routine, such as yoga, BodyRock.tv, Billy Blanks Boot Camp, and a few others.  They are great additions, but I have learned that having an end goal helps motivate me.

I'm not a self-starter or self-motivated fitness buff.  At.  All.  I know that about myself and I know that about a lot of you too!  It's just who we are.  

Here's my advice:

1. Choose your poison  - what is going to be fun enough that you won't cry when it's time to work out? Your answer may be: Sitting on the couch eating chips.  I hear ya!  What makes you feel good when you're done?  Do you like to dance?  Do you like how your legs tingle after a fast walk or run?  Do you enjoy a certain sport?

2. Find a support system - Surround yourself on Facebook, Twitter, the office, Blog World, your neighborhood, or church with people who know that you are trying.  Ask them to let you report back.  Ask them to hound you if you need it!  Here's a little more on the topic!

3. Set goals - Find a routine that has a certain number of days or workouts that will challenge you until the end.  Knowing that you're going to be running on the same path every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for the rest of your life may be daunting.  But, knowing that there will be a day in the near future when you can say I DID IT! makes each step a little easier.

4. Schedule it - If you live in an industrialized country, you're probably uttered the phrase "I just don't have time."  Well, as much as I hate to hear my own mother's voice come out of my mouth: YOU HAVE TIME FOR WHAT YOU MAKE TIME FOR.  Make the time.  Schedule the other things around your exercise as much as you can.

I can't tell you how amazing I feel.  My goal was to lose weight and get in shape, but now that I know how good it feels to say "I DID IT", that is becoming my goal.  Just to say I've done it.  

I set a goal.

I worked hard.

I achieved something.

I DID IT!

 

Goal #3!!!

I FINALLY hit another goal.  I've now lost 15 pounds!!!

Actually, I've lost over 15, I've lost 16!!!

My reward for reaching this goal was new workout gear.  I bought an 8 lb squishy ball, white running skirt, white running tank, pink and black running shorts, and knee socks!  I also treated myself to some new make-up - since I feel prettier and stronger!

I'll wear the white for my Color Run and they won't be white anymore!

It took FOREVER because of vacation, a mission trip, and being sick, but it has been accomplished.  I'm thrilled and rejuvenated!

Here's how it has happened:
* I made a calendar.  I have a set schedule from august-December of what kind of exercise I'll do each day.

*I've re-committed to My Fitness Pal.  This app keeps track of my calories for me.  I can still eat "Whatever I want" but I have to stay in my calorie range.  I don't want to eat "whatever I want" as often anymore because I know how binging can ruin a week!  I still have treats, but my treats are smaller than they used to be.
*Couch-to-5k: I have no started week 9 (the last week!) and I'm loving it!  I actually caught myself saying,"I miss running" while I was sick and couldn't run.  Weird, huh?  I'll be ready for my first 5k in plenty of time!
*Yoga on Hulu - I do this mid-week to stretch out my sore muscles and get that blood flowing to finish the week strong.
* Body Rock - I know that 12 minutes a day does not sound like enough to change you body, but it is!!!  I just started doing this twice a week and I can feel new groups of muscles working that haven't worked in months.  I attribute my 1% body fat loss this week to these amazing workouts.

***THE HARD WORK IS WORTH IT!!!  IF I CAN DO IT - YOU CAN DO IT!***
JUST DO IT!!!

Goal 2!!!

I have now lost double digits!  I reached one of my goals - down 10 pounds now.  I was so excited when my little mii told me that I'd lost enough to be in a new second digit that I jumped up and down and screamed.  Now, I still have several more of these mini-goals to go before I reach my big goal.  But, every step I take towards that big goal is worth a victory dance!
My friends also helped me celebrate.  They were so happy for me and are encouraging me in many ways. Becky made me a card:

 

Seriously, how sweet is that?  Not only did I get a handmade card, but she made me a beautiful necklace too!

  Isn't that pretty?  And it has 10 beads - one for each lb I've lost!

Later in the day I got a text from my hubby saying Congratulations and telling me to go get my reward for this goal.  I FINALLY got to go Vera shopping!!!  I have been loving some of the new spring patterns, so I was pretty sure what I wanted.  But, I had to look at every item they had at Wrapsody before I could choose!

I got the Metropolitan!  It is perfect for traveling with a laptop, etc.  I love it!  I also got a new ID holder for my keys and a nail file to match!  

Aside from all of that, the biggest reward has been my new confidence, the surprise I feel when I get dressed in clothes I haven't worn in a while, and the compliments I'm receiving from people who are really noticing a difference.  

My next goal of 15 pounds will be a massage  new workout gear!!!  I changed my mind.  The massage would feel great, but I'm ready for some new motivation.  New clothes to workout in and stuff to work out with will give me just that!

Positive Thinking Thursday - Obnoxious Edition

I'M SUPER EXCITED!!!
I hit my next goal of a total weight loss of 10 pounds was reached today!  I'm am so stinkin' excited that I can't contain myself!  Now, I still have a lot more to lose, but 10 pounds seems like such an accomplishment.

I feel like I can reach my final goal now.  It has taken me 3 months to get here, but in that 3 months I have achieved so much.  

• Exercise has become a daily habit.  
• My refrigerator is overflowing while the pantry is minimally stocked because I do better shopping and eat more fresh foods.
• I can FEEL my muscles working when I am using them in every day activities.
• I catch myself squeezing my arms muscles from time to time :)
• I know I can run around and play whenever I want.
• I know I'll reach my goal.
• I know I CAN DO THIS!  Finally!
• I want to influence others who have felt like I always have - that they are just naturally over weight and out-of-shape.
• I am confident!

All of this to say - if there is anything you want to do, but you don't think you can, try it anyway.  Keep at it until you reach that first small goal that means something to you.  I guarantee you'll keep it up after that.  

My next goals: 15 pounds total loss and running!  I can do it :)

Goal!!!!!

 I hit my first goal today!!!  That goofy little voice on the wii fit has been taunting me all month and I FINALLY did it!  I lost my first 5 pounds.  Now I can get a mani/pedi!

I set 5 pound goals for myself.  Every time I lose 5 pounds, I get a reward.  And I can't have anything like that until then.
Next up, 10 total pounds lost and some new Vera Bradley!!!  If you know me, you know I'm a Vera junkie.  I haven't bought any in a while and I'm ready!
What do I need?  Maybe a sarong?