Friday, April 1, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
A breakfast recipe so good you'll wanna slap ya mama...
I have to say...I've been quite the cook lately. Let me share with you what I thought was an absolutely fabulous breakfast recipe. Unfortunately I do not have a picture...I think you probably know why.
Here's the breakdown of frititta - which is basically a fancy word for an omelet you bake in the oven instead of cook on the stove-top.
1 individual size cup of egg beaters - They sell them at the store - they come in 3 per package. (60 calories)
1/4 cup 2% shredded cheddar cheese (60 calories)
chopped fresh mushrooms (0ish calories)
chopped fresh bell peppers (I used red and yellow) (0ish calories)
1 cup chopped fresh spinach (0ish calories)
chopped red onion (0ish calories)
(on most of the veggies, I eye-balled it - I used maybe a small handful)
3 slices chopped Canadian bacon (60 calories)
1 tablespoon olive oil (120 calories)
salt & pepper - to your liking
onion powder - just a sprinkle
Cavender's seasoning - just a sprinkle
garlic salt - just a sprinkle
That equals 300 calories plus a few additional ones for the veggies (but the calories are small - probably less than 30). Either way - that's a grand total of 350 calories for a super-good breakfast! If you wanted to cut out the olive oil and use a cooking spray, that would cut the calories by 120. But, "they" say you need healthy fats in your diet like olive oil, so I went for it.
Saute all the veggies and Canadian bacon in the olive oil. When the spinach has wilted and the veggies are tender, remove them from the heat. In a small, individual casserole dish (think small enough for one person), spray it with a little Pam cooking spray, add egg beaters and cheese. Then, place veggie/meat mixture on top. Cook at 400 degrees for about 10-15 minutes or until egg is firm all the way through.
Super-healthy. Let's compare it to what that little food pyramid says we need... Veggies? Yup. Healthy dairy? Yes! Protein? Lean. Healthy fat? Of course (olive oil). And I'm pretty sure I ate every color in the rainbow (which they say is good for you). And it actually tasted good. Really. Maybe you don't like mushrooms or onions - well just take them out and replace them with some other veggie you may like such as broccoli. And ta-da! Healthy breakfast for one. I ate mine with some fruit to up the healthy factor.
Here's the breakdown of frititta - which is basically a fancy word for an omelet you bake in the oven instead of cook on the stove-top.
1 individual size cup of egg beaters - They sell them at the store - they come in 3 per package. (60 calories)
1/4 cup 2% shredded cheddar cheese (60 calories)
chopped fresh mushrooms (0ish calories)
chopped fresh bell peppers (I used red and yellow) (0ish calories)
1 cup chopped fresh spinach (0ish calories)
chopped red onion (0ish calories)
(on most of the veggies, I eye-balled it - I used maybe a small handful)
3 slices chopped Canadian bacon (60 calories)
1 tablespoon olive oil (120 calories)
salt & pepper - to your liking
onion powder - just a sprinkle
Cavender's seasoning - just a sprinkle
garlic salt - just a sprinkle
That equals 300 calories plus a few additional ones for the veggies (but the calories are small - probably less than 30). Either way - that's a grand total of 350 calories for a super-good breakfast! If you wanted to cut out the olive oil and use a cooking spray, that would cut the calories by 120. But, "they" say you need healthy fats in your diet like olive oil, so I went for it.
Saute all the veggies and Canadian bacon in the olive oil. When the spinach has wilted and the veggies are tender, remove them from the heat. In a small, individual casserole dish (think small enough for one person), spray it with a little Pam cooking spray, add egg beaters and cheese. Then, place veggie/meat mixture on top. Cook at 400 degrees for about 10-15 minutes or until egg is firm all the way through.
Super-healthy. Let's compare it to what that little food pyramid says we need... Veggies? Yup. Healthy dairy? Yes! Protein? Lean. Healthy fat? Of course (olive oil). And I'm pretty sure I ate every color in the rainbow (which they say is good for you). And it actually tasted good. Really. Maybe you don't like mushrooms or onions - well just take them out and replace them with some other veggie you may like such as broccoli. And ta-da! Healthy breakfast for one. I ate mine with some fruit to up the healthy factor.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Today's edition of "What's in my fridge"
So...one may wonder what lies in a chubby girl's (who secretly wants to be a "skinny biotch" as my best friend calls it) fridge...I'm here to let you in on the secret. The good & bad (in true chubby girl diary form).
Let's start at the top...
Ragu pizza sauce (so good for making my new little pizza creations)
Weight Watchers Key Lime Pie Yogurt (haven't tried it yet)
Atheno's Roasted Garlic Hummus - it's basically a better for you type of dip. It's made of olive oil (a good fat) and chickpeas. Good with veggies or crackers.
Tri-Color bell peppers (trying to get all the colors in my diet - though I have to admit - I can barely swallow the red ones - my taste buds don't agree). Yes, indeed, they do have different flavors.
Blue cheese crumbles - really good on a salad or on a pizza
Various fresh produce - strawberries, lettuce mix, spinach, celery, onions, asparagus, carrots, grapes, oranges and lemons. I'm a big advocate of fresh produce. It tastes better and it's better for you.
Pace Picante Sauce - I like to use it as salsa with chips
Fresh mushrooms - SO much better than canned. I use them in spaghetti or omelettes.
Neely's "Honey Kissed" BBQ Sauce - YUM!
Horizon Organic 2% Milk - It has a longer shelf life and I can't taste the difference. But my wallet sees a difference. It's a bit pricey, but as a single gal, I can never go through milk before it goes bad, so I figure I'm saving in the end by buying something that has a longer shelf life (and that's healthier).
Turkey Bacon - delish
Hot country sausage - this was a request from my dad - I try to stay away from it
Applewood smoked bacon - again, a request from my dad (although this is very tasty)
Roast Beef lunch meat - not too bad, though I usually opt for a lower sodium turkey
Canadian bacon - good for an omelette or pizza
2% cheddar cheese and 2% mozzarella cheese - I can't really taste a difference - other than it takes it longer to melt.
Havarti cheese slices - ok...well...this is a full-fat cheese. But if you tried it, you'd know that some things you just can't give up.
Assortment of mini-sized chocolates (and I do mean mini size, not fun-size) - in case of emergencies
Hellman's Mayonnaise - I just can't give up the real thing. Fat-free mayo sucks. I just try to eat less of the real stuff.
Dijon mustard - when I need to get my veggies in for the day - instead of dipping them in ranch dressing or sour cream, I opt for an almost calorie free dip. It's really good - and a good choice for a condiment on a sandwich instead of mayo.
Ground turkey - good as a substitute for ground beef in almost anything. I get the leanest version possible. It costs more, but so does most healthier versions of food...unfortunately. (And America wonders why it's obese!)
Ribeye steaks - A serious comfort food I just won't give up. I try to eat it sparingly though. Like once or twice a month at the most.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast tenderloins - a good size for a meal
Sugar-free chocolate syrup - Sometimes I revert back to kindergarten and want chocolate milk.
Pineapple cups - when fresh pineapple isn't available.
Raspberry vinaigrette - I just wanted to try something new.
Kashi crackers - They don't taste like Ritz, but not too bad either.
Cheddar Broccoli soup mix - Not too healthy because it's cream-based, but good when you have a cold or feel sickly.
Water chestnuts - Good in a stir-fry (with pineapple and chicken)
Crystal Light - 5 calories = better for you than Coke.
Sweet and Sour sauce - I use it in my stir-fry. The lower sodium version is best.
Artichoke hearts - I use them in a salad or on a pizza.
Minute Ready to Serve Brown Rice Bowls - Perfect sized portions and microwaveable (I add some seasoned salt to mine - it can be a little bland without.)
Canned Tuna - A pantry staple
My advice: try something new. Broaden your horizons!
Ragu pizza sauce (so good for making my new little pizza creations)
Weight Watchers Key Lime Pie Yogurt (haven't tried it yet)
Atheno's Roasted Garlic Hummus - it's basically a better for you type of dip. It's made of olive oil (a good fat) and chickpeas. Good with veggies or crackers.
Tri-Color bell peppers (trying to get all the colors in my diet - though I have to admit - I can barely swallow the red ones - my taste buds don't agree). Yes, indeed, they do have different flavors.
Blue cheese crumbles - really good on a salad or on a pizza
Various fresh produce - strawberries, lettuce mix, spinach, celery, onions, asparagus, carrots, grapes, oranges and lemons. I'm a big advocate of fresh produce. It tastes better and it's better for you.
Pace Picante Sauce - I like to use it as salsa with chips
Fresh mushrooms - SO much better than canned. I use them in spaghetti or omelettes.
Neely's "Honey Kissed" BBQ Sauce - YUM!
Horizon Organic 2% Milk - It has a longer shelf life and I can't taste the difference. But my wallet sees a difference. It's a bit pricey, but as a single gal, I can never go through milk before it goes bad, so I figure I'm saving in the end by buying something that has a longer shelf life (and that's healthier).
Turkey Bacon - delish
Hot country sausage - this was a request from my dad - I try to stay away from it
Applewood smoked bacon - again, a request from my dad (although this is very tasty)
Roast Beef lunch meat - not too bad, though I usually opt for a lower sodium turkey
Canadian bacon - good for an omelette or pizza
2% cheddar cheese and 2% mozzarella cheese - I can't really taste a difference - other than it takes it longer to melt.
Havarti cheese slices - ok...well...this is a full-fat cheese. But if you tried it, you'd know that some things you just can't give up.
Assortment of mini-sized chocolates (and I do mean mini size, not fun-size) - in case of emergencies
Hellman's Mayonnaise - I just can't give up the real thing. Fat-free mayo sucks. I just try to eat less of the real stuff.
Dijon mustard - when I need to get my veggies in for the day - instead of dipping them in ranch dressing or sour cream, I opt for an almost calorie free dip. It's really good - and a good choice for a condiment on a sandwich instead of mayo.
Ground turkey - good as a substitute for ground beef in almost anything. I get the leanest version possible. It costs more, but so does most healthier versions of food...unfortunately. (And America wonders why it's obese!)
Ribeye steaks - A serious comfort food I just won't give up. I try to eat it sparingly though. Like once or twice a month at the most.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast tenderloins - a good size for a meal
Pineapple cups - when fresh pineapple isn't available.
Raspberry vinaigrette - I just wanted to try something new.
Kashi crackers - They don't taste like Ritz, but not too bad either.
Cheddar Broccoli soup mix - Not too healthy because it's cream-based, but good when you have a cold or feel sickly.
Water chestnuts - Good in a stir-fry (with pineapple and chicken)
Crystal Light - 5 calories = better for you than Coke.
Sweet and Sour sauce - I use it in my stir-fry. The lower sodium version is best.
Artichoke hearts - I use them in a salad or on a pizza.
Minute Ready to Serve Brown Rice Bowls - Perfect sized portions and microwaveable (I add some seasoned salt to mine - it can be a little bland without.)
Canned Tuna - A pantry staple
My advice: try something new. Broaden your horizons!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
When life seems really tough, consider the possibility that you're just a big wuss.
Because today - I felt like a big wuss at the gym.
I've heard that when you workout, your body may decide, all of a sudden, to act like a lazy dog and roll over and look at you with eyes that say "We're doing what today? Nope...don't think so. I'm gonna lay right here." In other words - my body decided to turn on me. My head was saying "Let's do this!" My body was saying "Uh! Please, stop the madness!" For once, I'd like my head and my body to get the memo at the same time: I don't want to be fat anymore.
It seems like when I'm mentally motivated, like today, my body is in complete denial. Making it go to the gym is like trying to get a 3-year-old up from the floor who is throwing a temper tantrum. But guess what? I WENT ANYWAYS.
My goal was to complete 3 miles by alternating a run for .05 miles and then a walk of .05 miles. Um...I ran the first .05 mile and wondered why was it so hard today? And then I decided, to heck with this, I'm going to that Zumba class.
So, I got my Zumba on. It was the first time I actually went to a Zumba class - like, in front of people. Note: In front of strangers. Now, I'd like to pride myself on the fact that I do, in fact, for a white girl, have a significant amount of rhythm. I can bust a move. I won't deny that. But, darn those mirrors in the workout room! I caught a glimpse of myself - perhaps my dance moves are over-rated. Because - I was not feeling like a sexy dance goddess. I was feeling more like the white girl in the dance club everyone is secretly laughing at. But - I still did it. Bad moves and all. Calorie burn doesn't care whether or not you are MC Hammer on the dance floor.
However, I wish I could have mentally blocked out all of my "girl thoughts". You know the ones, don't you? The thoughts like the following:
"Wow. I wish I looked that good in spandex."
"How does she move her hips like that?" (Think Shakira-style hip moves)
"I wish I could do the booty pop."
"I wonder what she eats to stay that skinny? Probably lettuce and rice cakes."
"Does the leader think I can't keep up? I can so keep up." (Thinking this while currently not keeping up.)
"Is everyone sweating like me?..and is everyone sweating in the places I'm sweating?"
"Can't we turn the fans on in here?"
So, maybe I was a bit of a wuss today. But at least I did something. I used to do nothing. And the last time I checked, running a half of a mile and doing a 1-hour Zumba dance session definitely counts as something!
Lastly, a special note to the dance instructor: You totally missed a step in the electric slide - just sayin'.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
So...maybe I was once sorta-kinda popular...and skinny.
I guess maybe I was popular in high school. Geez...saying that I was popular makes me seem like a total bitch. Please know I didn't even like writing that. I mean, who really says "I was popular"? I know who - bitches. But before you write me off as one...let me explain. It serves a purpose. I promise.
Granted, in the small town in which I grew up, pretty much everyone was popular. If you lived in town - that alone made you popular. But if being popular in high school meant being a cheerleader or being selected as a member of the homecoming royalty court, I guess I'd have to admit I'm in that category. And while I want to downplay that, I will be honest that there is part of me that was proud I was finally liked by my peers. After spending four years in hell, (3rd-6th grade...and see previous blog posts) it was nice feeling cool...even if that was only in my own mind. I attribute being popular to having quite possibly the coolest, most fun best friend ever. I was popular by association. Left alone, I'd probably still be the weirdo.
Many people thought I was stuck up in high school. But I really wasn't...or didn't intend to be. I was actually kinda shy. Believe it or not, until I really become comfortable around someone, I am often quiet and reserved, which can often be mis-interpreted as stuck up. I don't recall ever feeling as if I was "too good" to speak or hang out with anyone. Truth be told, you were probably way cooler than me and I would have in some way benefited by hanging out with you. But keep in mind that I had the most awesome BFF and didn't really need other friends. Well...I did need other friends, but as far as finding qualities in friends such as camaraderie, loyalty, trust and late-night talks that included lots of cheese dip, stupid movies, the making of a few mixed tapes and a few Purple Passion wine coolers...well...that role had been filled. But with that said, over the years, I have obtained other very close friends and will argue with you that I have the absolute best friends in the world. My best friends could beat up your best friends. And my best friends are so awesome - their hair whips itself back and forth. Take that Willow Smith.
No matter what anyone says, everyone takes a certain guilty pleasure when the popular, cheerleader-type high school girl grow up...and gets...fat. It's like a train wreck - you don't wanna look - you know you shouldn't look - but you just can't help with being amazed. I may not be smarter than a 5th grader - but I've gained enough weight over the last 13 years to equal a 5th grader. Not only that, but I've violated every adult stepping stone which would qualify me as "normal". Kids = 0. Marriages = 0. Houses bought = 0. Career path = unsure. Wow. I am a walking time bomb for all sorts of jokes. So, go ahead. Laugh. And while you're at it - here are some pics for your viewing pleasure.
1994 - 14 years old - Freshman Cheerleader
This was about the time my love affair began. With Velveeta.
1996 - 16 years old - Prom
...and pre-hair color
1996 - 16 years old - Homecoming Royalty Court
Hey...don't make fun. Fur coats were a must for any Homecoming Royalty Princess. If I could go back in time, I'd totally rock a leather studded jacket instead.
Oh yeah...and my hair color? Sun-In. Remember that product?
1997 - 17 years old - Junior/Senior Cheerleader
...currently re-calling a certain dance we did as a squad that may have included a stripper slap and some suggestive thrusting. Then again, if you are from my home-town, there is no need to further explain.
1998 - 18 years old - Senior Pic
Herringbone necklaces - not just for gangstas. In 1998, a senior was no senior pic without one.
And now...how things have changed over 13 years.
2006 - 26 years old
Yup...that's me. Far right. (Ewww)
2007 - 27 years old - Panama City Beach
The strangers kept yelling something about "Shamu". Not real sure what that means...
2009 - 29 years old - New Orleans
Chubby girls shouldn't take pictures in front of a French donut shop.
P.S. No, I'm not preggers.
Christmas Day 2010 - 30 years old
I am so completely envious of people who are pear-shaped as opposed to my apple-shaped figure. Most pear shaped gals don't have so much facial fat. My fat is distributed - 50% being in my face and 50% being around my mid-section. I have the waist size of a trucker. And I totally rock a muffin top.
...but everyone loves the top of a muffin.
Point to this story:
I can not think of a better candidate for CMT's reality show, "I Want To Look Like a High School Cheerleader Again." Because I do (insert toe touch here) like...totally...wanna look like one again.
Granted, in the small town in which I grew up, pretty much everyone was popular. If you lived in town - that alone made you popular. But if being popular in high school meant being a cheerleader or being selected as a member of the homecoming royalty court, I guess I'd have to admit I'm in that category. And while I want to downplay that, I will be honest that there is part of me that was proud I was finally liked by my peers. After spending four years in hell, (3rd-6th grade...and see previous blog posts) it was nice feeling cool...even if that was only in my own mind. I attribute being popular to having quite possibly the coolest, most fun best friend ever. I was popular by association. Left alone, I'd probably still be the weirdo.
Many people thought I was stuck up in high school. But I really wasn't...or didn't intend to be. I was actually kinda shy. Believe it or not, until I really become comfortable around someone, I am often quiet and reserved, which can often be mis-interpreted as stuck up. I don't recall ever feeling as if I was "too good" to speak or hang out with anyone. Truth be told, you were probably way cooler than me and I would have in some way benefited by hanging out with you. But keep in mind that I had the most awesome BFF and didn't really need other friends. Well...I did need other friends, but as far as finding qualities in friends such as camaraderie, loyalty, trust and late-night talks that included lots of cheese dip, stupid movies, the making of a few mixed tapes and a few Purple Passion wine coolers...well...that role had been filled. But with that said, over the years, I have obtained other very close friends and will argue with you that I have the absolute best friends in the world. My best friends could beat up your best friends. And my best friends are so awesome - their hair whips itself back and forth. Take that Willow Smith.
No matter what anyone says, everyone takes a certain guilty pleasure when the popular, cheerleader-type high school girl grow up...and gets...fat. It's like a train wreck - you don't wanna look - you know you shouldn't look - but you just can't help with being amazed. I may not be smarter than a 5th grader - but I've gained enough weight over the last 13 years to equal a 5th grader. Not only that, but I've violated every adult stepping stone which would qualify me as "normal". Kids = 0. Marriages = 0. Houses bought = 0. Career path = unsure. Wow. I am a walking time bomb for all sorts of jokes. So, go ahead. Laugh. And while you're at it - here are some pics for your viewing pleasure.
1994 - 14 years old - Freshman Cheerleader
This was about the time my love affair began. With Velveeta.
1996 - 16 years old - Prom
...and pre-hair color
1996 - 16 years old - Homecoming Royalty Court
Hey...don't make fun. Fur coats were a must for any Homecoming Royalty Princess. If I could go back in time, I'd totally rock a leather studded jacket instead.
Oh yeah...and my hair color? Sun-In. Remember that product?
1997 - 17 years old - Junior/Senior Cheerleader
...currently re-calling a certain dance we did as a squad that may have included a stripper slap and some suggestive thrusting. Then again, if you are from my home-town, there is no need to further explain.
1998 - 18 years old - Senior Pic
Herringbone necklaces - not just for gangstas. In 1998, a senior was no senior pic without one.
And now...how things have changed over 13 years.
2006 - 26 years old
Yup...that's me. Far right. (Ewww)
2007 - 27 years old - Panama City Beach
The strangers kept yelling something about "Shamu". Not real sure what that means...
2009 - 29 years old - New Orleans
Chubby girls shouldn't take pictures in front of a French donut shop.
P.S. No, I'm not preggers.
Christmas Day 2010 - 30 years old
I am so completely envious of people who are pear-shaped as opposed to my apple-shaped figure. Most pear shaped gals don't have so much facial fat. My fat is distributed - 50% being in my face and 50% being around my mid-section. I have the waist size of a trucker. And I totally rock a muffin top.
...but everyone loves the top of a muffin.
Point to this story:
I can not think of a better candidate for CMT's reality show, "I Want To Look Like a High School Cheerleader Again." Because I do (insert toe touch here) like...totally...wanna look like one again.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Fat girls can run?! (and other forms of insanity)
Last season of the Biggest Loser, I was THAT girl. You know the one...the girl who eats a Snickers, sitting in front of the tv while cheering on the contestants of the Biggest Loser. Yeah, that was me.
I remember watching as the potential contestants ran a mile. I saw them sweating and one girl even passed out. I thought two things:
1. How hard could running a mile actually be?
2. I never wanted to find out.
Running was never, and I do mean never, in my personal vocabulary. I had close friends who would run and I would, on rare occasion, appease them by going for a light walk with them. And I considered that a major accomplishment. But, I always secretly wondered why they would want to torture themselves by running when walking was a perfectly acceptable form of ancient transportation. And to actually want to run in races...and marathons...oh no. I could rest assure that I would never be that girl. I always said "I'm more of an aerobics or dance video-type exerciser". Truth be told - I rarely did anything. There are the kind of people who attend church on holiday's - Easter, Mother's Day, Christmas, to call themselves "church-goers". Well....I was that kind of exerciser. A few times a year, and I thought that was plenty to be considered an "exerciser". Did I know that was insane? Of course. Was I still in denial? Maybe. I've heard that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting different results. Wow. That has been my life quote for the past 7 years.
There are few things I think I am incapable of doing. I'm pretty positive. I'd like to think I can do anything if I set my mind to it. However, I have always thought "I could never run." And that was one thing I sincerely believed. I was from the school of thought that believes athletes are born, not made. Runners are born, not made. (Especially those who torture themselves by running...uh...miles.) And I was not born into this elite group of individuals.
I have always liked the ideas of setting goals. I am what you call a dreamer, not a doer. I love that I'm a dreamer, but hate that I usually lack the "git 'er done" aspect to attaining my dreams and goals. But this January, I set some specific goals. One of my goals was to run a 5K. (Why would I do this to myself? I still don't know.) So...long story short, me and my best friend decided we would embark on this journey together, even though we live two hours away from each other. We decided to use the Couch to 5K Training Plan (more on that later). During our first week, we were to run something like 60 seconds and then walk for 90 seconds for a combined total of 20ish minutes. I thought I would DIE. It was so evident to me at that point that I was seriously out of shape. I couldn't even run 60 seconds? How would I ever run a mile? Or the dreaded 5K (3.1 miles)? This was impossible. I already felt defeated and hadn't really even started.
But I pushed myself. I had never, up to this point, pushed myself before. Ever. If I felt the slightest bit of discomfort or pain, I'd just give up. I was a pro at giving up. But, I wasn't giving up anymore. The first week was awful due to shin splints and calf pain. I skipped a few workouts - I won't lie about that. There were two weeks I just didn't even do a single run. But I always picked it back up eventually. I may have veered off my path a few times, but I got back on. I did more than the required 20ish minutes. I do more like an hour each time. And I honestly got to that point where I enjoyed going to the gym (some days more than others). And (insert huge gasp here) actually enjoyed running (it's more like light jogging, but running sounds so much more hard-core - lol.) I do not worry about running fast. I am concerned with endurance. I am focused when I go to the gym. I know what I want to accomplish that day, and I usually tackle it and do it.
Today was a huge milestone for me. After not working out a single day last week (see previous blog post), I dreaded today. But, today - I RAN A WHOLE MILE WITHOUT STOPPING. I did it! Me - chubby girl. Me- girl who could barely run 60 seconds without fainting. This makes me want to shout to all the people who think they can't do it - YOU CAN! Because I was that girl. And I did it. And I will keep going.
Countdown to first 5K run: 37 Days
I remember watching as the potential contestants ran a mile. I saw them sweating and one girl even passed out. I thought two things:
1. How hard could running a mile actually be?
2. I never wanted to find out.
Running was never, and I do mean never, in my personal vocabulary. I had close friends who would run and I would, on rare occasion, appease them by going for a light walk with them. And I considered that a major accomplishment. But, I always secretly wondered why they would want to torture themselves by running when walking was a perfectly acceptable form of ancient transportation. And to actually want to run in races...and marathons...oh no. I could rest assure that I would never be that girl. I always said "I'm more of an aerobics or dance video-type exerciser". Truth be told - I rarely did anything. There are the kind of people who attend church on holiday's - Easter, Mother's Day, Christmas, to call themselves "church-goers". Well....I was that kind of exerciser. A few times a year, and I thought that was plenty to be considered an "exerciser". Did I know that was insane? Of course. Was I still in denial? Maybe. I've heard that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting different results. Wow. That has been my life quote for the past 7 years.
There are few things I think I am incapable of doing. I'm pretty positive. I'd like to think I can do anything if I set my mind to it. However, I have always thought "I could never run." And that was one thing I sincerely believed. I was from the school of thought that believes athletes are born, not made. Runners are born, not made. (Especially those who torture themselves by running...uh...miles.) And I was not born into this elite group of individuals.
I have always liked the ideas of setting goals. I am what you call a dreamer, not a doer. I love that I'm a dreamer, but hate that I usually lack the "git 'er done" aspect to attaining my dreams and goals. But this January, I set some specific goals. One of my goals was to run a 5K. (Why would I do this to myself? I still don't know.) So...long story short, me and my best friend decided we would embark on this journey together, even though we live two hours away from each other. We decided to use the Couch to 5K Training Plan (more on that later). During our first week, we were to run something like 60 seconds and then walk for 90 seconds for a combined total of 20ish minutes. I thought I would DIE. It was so evident to me at that point that I was seriously out of shape. I couldn't even run 60 seconds? How would I ever run a mile? Or the dreaded 5K (3.1 miles)? This was impossible. I already felt defeated and hadn't really even started.
But I pushed myself. I had never, up to this point, pushed myself before. Ever. If I felt the slightest bit of discomfort or pain, I'd just give up. I was a pro at giving up. But, I wasn't giving up anymore. The first week was awful due to shin splints and calf pain. I skipped a few workouts - I won't lie about that. There were two weeks I just didn't even do a single run. But I always picked it back up eventually. I may have veered off my path a few times, but I got back on. I did more than the required 20ish minutes. I do more like an hour each time. And I honestly got to that point where I enjoyed going to the gym (some days more than others). And (insert huge gasp here) actually enjoyed running (it's more like light jogging, but running sounds so much more hard-core - lol.) I do not worry about running fast. I am concerned with endurance. I am focused when I go to the gym. I know what I want to accomplish that day, and I usually tackle it and do it.
Today was a huge milestone for me. After not working out a single day last week (see previous blog post), I dreaded today. But, today - I RAN A WHOLE MILE WITHOUT STOPPING. I did it! Me - chubby girl. Me- girl who could barely run 60 seconds without fainting. This makes me want to shout to all the people who think they can't do it - YOU CAN! Because I was that girl. And I did it. And I will keep going.
Countdown to first 5K run: 37 Days
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