Wake up call

Day of rest! Glad to be here!

Other than today, I've been going 4 days straight so far! Woo!!

It was rough the past few days though - yesterday was another really discouraging and spirit breaking day as we went shopping in Des Moines. I hate how something that can be so fun with my family turned into me coming out of the dressing room in tears. Apparently the cute dressing room guy was looking at us, but I was so upset I didn't notice him. (That's saying something!)

I HATE those days - they're definitely my motivation for losing weight! Mom texted me, checking to make sure that I wouldn't give up and that the discouragement didn't do me in. Far from! It pushes me harder because I HATE feeling like that! I HATE not feeling right in clothes and I hate not being able to find the right size.

I did a lot of praying. A lot of asking for forgiveness for not taking care of God's temple like I should, for not being a good steward. A lot of asking for certain areas to diminish significantly in my weight loss as well. If God didn't hear my words (which I know He did), He saw my tears.

^"19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; ²⁰you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Round One

Jess asked where I got my running plan; I don't have the patience to find it again (it's at Runner's World, the website), so I'll just write what I'm doing each week.

For the rest of this week and all of next week, I'm on the following plan (with minor adjustments for this week) that last 30 minutes:

• Monday - Run 1 minute, walk 2 minutes. Repeat 10x
• Tuesday - Walk 30 minutes
• Wednesday - Run 1 minute, walk 2 minutes. Repeat 10x
• Thursday - Walk 30 minutes
• Friday - Run 1 minute, walk 2 minutes. Repeat 10x
• Saturday - Run 1 minutes, walk 2 minutes. Repeat 10x
• Sunday - REST. Amen.

I walked for an hour with Shane last night, so I did run/walk today. While I kept in mind several things (run on grass, walk on sidewalk, breathe naturally and not concentrate on a rhythm, take it slow and don't wear yourself out), I had a rough go of a few others.

I bought arch supports for the much needed support and maybe they're a little high? I've got swollen not-arches and am chilling out with a bag of frozen spinach between my feet now. They kinda hurt. But at least I'm finally USING the frozen spinach.

Also, my ear buds CONSTANTLY fell out. More annoying than painful.

It went well though! I got through it all without wanting to die, which is ALWAYS desirable. I noticed that at the beginning, it seemed like I walked forever and ran not long enough (even though I timed myself). But towards the end, it definitely felt like I didn't have long enough to recover while walking and I consistently felt like I was running longer than I should have been. Odd, I know.

AND I FOUND A DOLLAR. Needless to say, I watched the ground a lot more closely after that. Thanks for the encouragement, God!

Shocker, I know.

I'm back!!! And this time, armed with an actual GOAL in mind and some tips to help me prevent injury. (How was I supposed to know that you're not actually supposed to pound the pavement when you first start running? No one said that shin splints would result. No one.)

So why on earth would I willingly choose to come back?

I've purchased a pair of GOOD running shoes, so I'm hoping that just the fact that I invested a ton of money means I'll be more motivated.

I'm tired of detesting clothes shopping and being near tears when I walk out of the store. Shopping really sucks.

But most importantly, I'm going to Florida in June! And this body is NOT going in a swimming suit in Florida. It barely passes Iowa code.

It's a daunting task, but I am going to attempt to pick up running, for real this time. I've found a walk/run plan that starts me out slow enough and builds each week. Theoretically, in 8.5 weeks, I should be able to run a half hour straight. (what?!)

I'm not going to lie - I kind of laughed at the author. Me? Running? For half an hour?! Ha, not likely. He has not met me. But a lot of the comments posted on the article were encouraging, so I figure, why not give it a shot?

I'm scared though. Not of running (cause that'd be silly), but of my mom, who will be very excited that I can actually exert energy and sustain it. I fear for my pitiful body, who will be 'invited' to classes at the Y when it goes home.

It'll feel good NOT to get left in the dust though, and to feel like I'm holding everyone back. So....here goes nothing.