The Bikini Countdown

Well, I actually posted it on my Facebook page so I might as well talk abou it here. Who's to see? It all started a few months ago,. I haven't worn a bikini since I was 5 years old - pink polka dots. That was the last time I could fit into one. I have gathered so much momentum in my weight loss that I thought I might go to the next level and get my fairly well reduced tummy into the kind of shape needed to fit into a bikini. So pilates twice a week. Yoga once a week. Running 7 times a week. It's called momentum: first pounds, then inches, then peace of mind in knowing what you are capable of, which is practically anything. It's strangely empowering to know that it isn't a cliche: you can do anything you set you're mind to. It makes you wonder what else you can accomplish.
There's this little red bikini on the Land's End website. I bought a size 10. There is still a ways to go to firm up the tummy but I think by april, may, june...i should be in fairly good shape...Spring will take me outside more, running further than I am. Keep your fingers crossed...

Into the New Year...

There's a lot of water under the bridge. I started this blog over a year ago and am pleasantly surprised at how well I have kept up with both the blog and my attempts to physically improve myself. Winter has slowed me down somewhat. 3 miles a day is basically my average. It's rough out there but the weather is only temporary; my desire to run is not. In addition I am down another pant size. This has more to do with my running than any dieting I might be doing because I am not dieting. Eating chocolate marshmallow ice cream and Skittles can not possible be considered a well balanced diet.

The new year also marks the start of my pilates classes which I have started at the local Work Out World. Basically I go there strictly for the classes. It pays for itself. You figure $15-$20 per class twice a week where I am paying $22 per month. I'm getting my money's worth and so is "my powerhouse". With any luck, my tummy will be looking quite different in 6 months.

I have also made another New Year's resolution which I will not divulge here. If I achieve my goal, then perhaps you'll hear about it but until then...

Blizzard Blitz

Between shoveling out of 3 feet of snow and cross training my way into town on foot, I'ld have to say I did fairly well today. My back will be speaking to me tomorrow but that's par for the course. I hope those stair master moves I had to perform in order to get through those 3 ft drifts don't bite my ACLs in the butt...I will lay low and do some healing tomorrow.....after I dig the car out...

4 Tips for Outdoor Winter Runs | Active.com

4 Tips for Outdoor Winter Runs | Active.com

I LUUURRRVE the outdoors. Case in point - I went for my run in 15 degree weather. I need all the tips I can get....

A foodie's guide to surviving Christmas

Hehe actually this is not a guide at all. I am very fond of food as a rule. I just feel that you need to compensate. I consumed a fairly large bowl of spaghetti with meatballs not 30 minutes ago. However, I don't feel in the least bit guilty, seeing as I just finished 2 hours of fairly advanced yoga (my entire body will be talking to me tomorrow saying, "what were you thinking?").

Another perfect example is my Thanksgiving fiasco. I ate a tremendous amount of food (enough chestnut stuffing to feed a small country) during Thanksgiving weekend. To compensate I ran just a bit longer each day which for me these days is 4 miles.

Those are the choices you have to make. And it's actually not that difficult a choice. Once you get started, you just need to find that extra 15 minutes. Some people might say, my life is too busy.

I have to say that my last 15 pounds are going to be difficult. I will need to find those 15 minutes each and every day. I will also need to survive Christmas...

Turkey Trotting

I'm plugging along. I finished my town's 5 mile Turkey Trot in 52:20. It's a great improvement from that Fool's Run in April. I'm going further and faster. This is a good thing with Thanksgiving dinner around the corner.

I'm thinking of making some changes. I need to get rid of my belly rolls. Pilate classes may do the trick. In order to give my legs a rest, I'm also considering swimming lessons. Change is a good thing. In the meantimne, I will keep trotting.

A good place

I really am in a good place right now - down more than 60 lbs, able to run a 5k in 35 minutes, fitting comfortably into size 10 jeans. I just need to keep the momentum going and, in order to so that, I am trying to set goals. The 5 mile Turkey Trot is on November 20. Perhaps I'll do the Reindeer Romp in December. It keeps you honest and motivated. The last thing one needs is to fall into a rut. Perhaps a 10k is in my future. i wouldn't rule it out. Stranger things have happened. And as Coldplay is fond of saying, "If you never try, you'll never know..."