2 races in 2 weeks

I had two 5K races in the past two weeks:

My first 5K took place on a cloudy rather warm day. I was feeling anxious about the race so I decided to do some yoga in place of regular old stretching, and it really helped to calm my nerves. There were over 1000 participants, so this was the largest race I had ever participated it. It took my a good 3/4 of a mile to pass slower runners and walkers, so I ended up running my first mile very fast to get around everyone, followed by a really slow second mile, an average half mile and a hard sprint on the last half mile. I crossed the finish line at 31:56 , but my Nike+ had me at 30:30. Here are a few fun photos from the race.

Joe's cousin (the cute little shorty) handed out water with the cub scouts. I tried to get one from him but he was refilling when I ran by the station and I got caught up in the sweep of runners.

Here I am crossing the finish line and then right after the race:

My second race was at my old high school on a clear and cold day. Here I am waiting to start the race. My family all came out to walk or run for this memorial scholarship fundraiser, so the atmosphere was much less competitive and much more supportive than my race the previous week. I crossed the finish line at 29:23, but my Nike+ had me at 28:30. Regardless of which times were accurate, I set out to finish under 30 minutes, and I achieved my goal. I even managed to shave off 2.5 minutes in my second race. My goal for spring 2010 races is to finish a 5K under 27 minutes.

From left: Me, Joe (my fiance), Aunt Rachel, Justin (my brother), Courtney (cousin), Mom, Aunt Carol, Billy (cousin), and Brittany (cousin)

Only

I've been a bit glum lately. I've been down on myself for a lack of weightloss. I finally hit a point where I was no longer proud of my accomplishments. I found myself using descriptors such as "only" all too often.

As in, I only ran 2.2 miles on Friday. Or, I only lost a 1/2 pound this week.

Pshhhh! Would I have ever used the word only in front of the action 2 miles only one year? Yes, but it would have read something like this:

I have only ran 2 miles twice in my life. Or, I have only gained 10 pounds this holiday season.

I need to stop kicking my own ass. I have to remember to build myself up. We all need to be reminded of this, and this week I can thank Meredith for opening my eyes. She lost a very dear friend and a wonderful woman last week. I read her post this morning and it hit me. We shouldn't have to lose loved ones to remember the importance of love.

Running- but in what direction?

I've been a good little runner. I got in a few more good runs recently. Not all of the runs came easily though. I had a really difficult run last Friday, but I am proud to say that I pushed through it. At one mile, I wanted to quit- it was cold and windy and I seemed to be running at a snail's pace. I made myself go two miles regardless of how fast my pace was and then pushed myself to go another half mile and then another mile until I completed 3 miles in 30 minutes.

Needless to say, I have been running and running, but in what direction? My weight is still fluctuating between 180 and 183 lbs. I had a great week- I brought my lunch all week to work, I had dinner at home Sunday - Wednesday and then I ate out three nights in a row- Thai takeout, Japanese hibachi, and an American restaurant. I made a partial effort to watch my eating but I find myself at the high end of my weight fluctuations yet again because of my half-hearted efforts.

I want to continue to lose weight but I am holding myself back. At times, I feel comfortable with my body. I also find myself enjoying what I am eating and not wanting to cut out anything more. I am definitely unsure of my direction, but I plan to keep running.

Princess Peach slims down

Princess Peach and Mario in 2006:

Princess Peach and Mario in 2009:

I love these costumes on us- but it definitely fits me so much better the second time around.

Why is weightloss so easy at times and so difficult at others?

Is it your mindset? Is it hormones? Stress? Motivation? Focus? Laziness? Is it in relationship to the amount of exercise you do? Temptation? The time of the year?

If I knew this answer, I would never falter because I would constantly keep this item in check. It must be a balance of all areas or balancing ate of putting more effort into one area when needed and lessening in another.

Whatever it is, I seem to have a handle on it again. It feels easier and the weight is coming off. I have been weighing myself 2 - 3 times a week and I am at my lowest weight around 180.0 - 180.4. I cannot wait to leave the 180's for good. I have spent 8 months in the 180's. I've never thrown in the towel, but I have faltered. When I do surpass the 180lb mark, I will know that my hard work has paid off. It might take another week, or another month to get there, but I know I'll keep pushing forward until I do.