44:47

I ran in the Zoo Run Run on Saturday. My goal was to beat my previous 5ks. There were over 2000 people there to run/walk. I chose not to do Chip Timing, so I just used my super awesome watch my sister got me for Christmas.

They told us if we weren't being timed and walking, to be in a different lane. Long story short, I didn't want to wait forever to get started, so I stood with Keri (who is a runner). Anyways, the race started and I told her I would start of running with her if I had to because everyone else was. To my great amazement and surprise, I actually was able to run!!!! Grant it, the running lasted about 3 minutes before I thought I would die, but I ran!!!! With my sister!!!!! I was shocked, excited, happy, and out of breath all at the same moment.

So, anyways, I came to mile 1, looked at my watch and it said 14:30. Woo hoo! Get to Mile 2, and it says 29:00. Yippee! Get to Mile 3 and it says 41:30!!!! At this point, I was darned and determined I would finish the last tenth of a mile before my watch said 45 minutes. So, I sprinted and got my awesome time of 44 minutes 47 seconds!!!! And I felt great!!! I did wind up running little sprints throughout the rest of the race to help me have a good time, but for me, it was just the simple fact that I was able to run and it felt good!

We weighed today for our Biggest Loser competition at work. I lost one pound. Now, while it's not as much as I thought I would lose, I'm still happy with it. One is better than none. So, now I'm buckling down more and making sure to lose a couple or three more this week. Water, vitamins, working out, eating right.....that should do it!

One, Tubby Tubby! Two, Tubby Tubby!

So tonight, one of my most favorite movies ever is on t.v. "Major Payne." That's where the title of this blog comes from, just because I think it's hilarious.

Anyways, I went to the gym after work again today. I did a good 30 minutes on the elliptical. Let me tell you, I was sweating up a storm. I am convinced there is a difference in the ellipticals they have there. Today I was on the one I like. I was booking it too. I had my iPod shuffle blasting some upbeat tunes and I was hitting 60 strides per minute! I was psyched about this because it got me to thinking about 4 years ago when I worked at the YMCA and would go work out with my sister. She would hit 60 or 65 strides no problem. I could barely do 45 strides. So to be able to do it for 30 minutes, let alone at all makes me super happy.

Success: Two years ago, you would not find me exercising. Now, it's like a drug. I spend all day thinking about what I want to do for exercise. I plan out my week according to my exercise. Mondays and Wednesdays are Zumba at the gym. Tuesdays and Thursdays are going to be elliptical at the gym. Fridays will probably be walking around White Bluff after school. Saturdays will be 5ks (when I'm signed up for one) and Sundays may be a tape or a day of rest. EVERY day is walking the dogs. And I just ordered The Firm 5 day abs dvd. It's old school, but it works!

Struggle: So, I've got the exercise part down. My biggest struggle is the food. It's just soooo good! It's like I told the people in my interview: I know what I should be eating, but my tastebuds tell me to eat something else. My goal for the year is to work on getting the food part under control. My problem is, I don't want to have to sit and think and plan out all of that. I just want it to be a natural thing. But, like exercising, I know it's a matter of me getting into the habit of healthy eating. I know it will eventually be second nature to me.

Jenny Craig really helped me in learning portion control and got me used to eating breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, and a snack, but I never made it to the point where they really taught me to do it all on my own. You bought the prepacked food and it came with a planned out menu that you just followed. Although a quick fix would be nice, I need a lifestyle change. I need to learn and start following a healthier menu. Time to research

I also think I'm going to start trying at least one new food thing a week, whether it be a vegetable, fruit, dinner, snack, etc. And it's gotta be healthy for me. Ok, now, sugggestions?

Excedrin is my friend

So, I've had a headache since Saturday. It starts out just a dull, nagging thing. But the past two days they've been pretty bad. I say, pretty bad, any headache is bad for me because I never get them. I also never take any drugs for headaches because I always believe it will just go away. Well, I got one today at school and it got to the point where I felt I would puke. THAT is not fun! I broke down and took some Tylenol. It didn't help.

When I left school, my head was still hurting pretty bad, so I went and got some Excedrin Extra Strength. I checked the ingredients and they are the exact same as Excedrin Migraine. I took it and it helped. Now my ears hurt. So, I'm thinking this weirdo weather is giving me some problems. Needless to say, I didn't go to Zumba tonight. :( I hate to miss, but there is no way my body would have let me move like that for 45 minutes.

I plan to go work out after school again tomorrow. I'll bust a move after we dismiss to get changed and get to the gym faster so I can get a decent machine. I AM going to be skinny this year! Period the end!

On a New Year's Goal note: In another blog I said that my goals for the year are to work on the 5 F's- Faith, Family, Friends, Fitness, and Fun. I feel that so far I am doing a pretty good job on all of them. Tonight, I was thinking of adding Finances to that list of goals too. I worked out a good budget, made a calendar of when things are due, etc. I feel like I am getting on the right track and I'm going to stick with it. It's time to get my life in order! Woo!

I'm going to float away

So, today I did really good getting my water in. I drank over 96 ounces of water. I would not let myself have a Diet Dr. Pepper for lunch unless I finished my first 32 ounces, so I chugged it on the way out the door. Then I drank another 32 ounces on my way to the gym where I did some time on the elliptical. I can't decide if I like that machine or not. I really REALLY feel it when I do it, but some days it feels comfy and some days (like today) it makes my lower back hurt. After I left there, I drank another 32 ounces of water.

So, it's a good 30 minute drive to get home from the gym. I had 96 ounces of water chilling inside me by this point. I was in tears by the time I got home because I had to go soooo bad! My dad had taken the dogs walking, so I changed shoes and literally ran out the road to meet them. So that added another mile and a half to my already 30 minutes on the elliptical. I was feeling good too. Until I realized we had another 10 or so minutes to walk back home and the water was making me cry again.

So, drinking the water makes me feel good and refreshed. But there is a side effect to drinking that much, LOTS of running to the potty.

I wore my Sketcher's Shape Up shoes today and OMG my rear-end and thighs are feeling it! I hope it does "shape me up" haha. We also started the Biggest Loser contest at work. We all had our initial weigh in on the magic scales. I say magic because I weighed myself this morning at home right before I got in the shower (if you catch my drift) and I weighed the exact same as I did on the magic scales fully clothes with my Shape-Ups on. :) We are doing the contest until March 29th and I plan on doing really good.

My personal goal is to lose at least 30 pounds before my birthday. That's definitely feasible. I'm hoping for a nice incentive with that one ;) hehe.

Oh well....

Well folks, I didn't get chosen as one of the top 10 finalists. I got an email this afternoon thanking me for coming in for the interview, but telling me that I was not a finalist. They appreciated all of my effort and time and encouraged me to apply again for the Challenge Season #2.

Now, even though I really didn't expect to get chosen after my interview the other day, I was still kinda bummed about it mostly because it was just such an exciting thought to get to do something so many people would see. But, I'm really ok with it. I mean, it's not like I lost something because I never had it.

I half wanted to email back thanking them for at least picking me as a semi-finalist but telling them there would be no need for me to apply for Season #2 because I don't plan on being fat when that time comes around. All of the people I talked to were so encouraging to me about it and I just love you guys for it. My parents both told me it's because I wasn't big enough and they were probably looking more for the Biggest Loser kind of people. Everyone told me I should keep up this blog and still do it myself.

So, even though I was not chosen, I am going to Challenge myself. I'm going to carry on just as if I had been chosen and work my butt off (literally!). Tomorrow I'm going to weigh myself and that will be my offical weigh in day. From that point, the numbers are only allowed to go down! I'm going to set mini goals for myself, figure out incentives to help me along the way, and map out a plan for exercising and eating. I'm going to blog all about it on here. I'm going to hope that all of you keep me accountable for my actions in my own personal challenge. I also encourage you and hope that you will join me in this effort to get fit and healthy.

There's no more room for excuses about this for me. It's Now or Never and I don't accept Never as an option!

THE Interview

So I had the interview. As I was driving into the WSMV studios, I had to take pictures of the entrance. I saw the plaque for Dan Miller and got a little teary. I loved that guy. I was so excited that I'm sure if there were cameras on the drive up to the station they captured me grinning, squealing, and hopping up and down in my car.

Being from Dickson, it is in my blood to show up early for most everything, especially super important things to me. My interview was at 3:00, so I showed up at 2:20. I was paranoid that I would be late. It was really neat because I was able to see the studio where they film the news.

I'm not really sure how I feel the interview went. I am always a lot harder on myself about things, so of course in my head I could have done a lot better. I felt that I rambled and talked way too fast. Sometimes I forgot what they asked in the middle of my answer, so I would get flustered and just keep talking. There were 6 people in the room asking questions. They filmed it too.

At this point, I honestly don't remember what all they asked. It was one of those experiences where you are there, but not really. I do remember making them laugh at one part. They asked me what I felt the hardest thing about losing weight was and I said the food. They asked me why and I told them that in my mind I know what I should be eating, but my taste buds tell me something completely different.

I REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY, hope I get to be a finalist. I think it will be sooooo fun! I told them that I also feel being accountable to so many people other than myself will help me be successful. I mean, if everyone in Middle Tennessee knows that I'm trying to get fit, I will definitely be less likely to sneak to the store to buy a candy bar if they may be someone there who is following my on my blog.

So anyways, the big reveal is tomorrow. They will call me if I am chosen. So, HOPEFULLY, I will be one of the lucky 10 out of 15 who get to be a finalist. And if I am chosen, you best believe I will be letting you know!

Motivation

I have been overwhelmed by all of the encouragement and support by everyone! I just have to say how much I love you guys! I really hope that I get chosen as a finalist for the Challenge.

I think actually telling people about it has really gotten me even more excited about it than ever. I am more motivated than ever to lose the weight in a healthy way, not just for myself, but also to encourage others to do the same if they are wanting to. Ultimately, everyone has something about themselves that they are not happy about, and usually it is weight. And it just seems like you WANT to accomplish your goals more with people who know how you feel and won't judge you.

That's why I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Zumba class I go to. First of all the instructor is AWESOME!!! The music is so much fun and just makes you want to move. It goes by so quick! And I'm in there with a bunch of people who there for the same reason as me: to have fun while doing cardio. They dont judge me if my belly or my butt jiggles. They dont laugh if I miss a step. It's just like one big happy family of people working toward a common goal. I really really encourage you to try a Zumba class if there is one near you!

Ok. I will definitely let you know how the interview goes......Pray! Pray! Pray!

OOOOOOMMMMMMMMGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!

I AM SOOOOOO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!! Ok, if you read this blog regularly then you know that I submitted an entry for Channel 4's Subway Get Fit Challenge over Christmas break. If you didnt read it, scroll down to the "Phatty McPhatterson" entry and you can read my entry.

So, NEVER in a million years did I think I would hear anything from it because, let's face it, I never get what I want and DEFINITELY never get chosen for things that I want. Well, tonight my dad and I were on our way to the store when my phone rings. I answer it and it's someone from Channel 4 telling me that out of over 150 entries, I have been chosen as one of 15 semi-finalists. I get to go in for an in-person interview and then they are going to pick 10 finalists to compete in the competition!!! I mean, OMG!!!! My dad thought I was going nuts bouncing up and down in the seat because I was so excited!!! And I still am really excited about it!!!

Soooo, PLEASE keep me in your thoughts as I go for the interview. I feel that this is an awesome opportunity to: 1. lose weight and get fit in a healthy way; 2. share my journey with others who may need a "role model" for healthy weightloss; 3. motivate others to want to get healthy.

If I get chosen as one of the ten finalists, I will definitely let you guys know!!!!

Hello muscles!

We were out of school today for the threat of snow and then it did finally actually snow. I wanted to go to the gym this morning, but was too afraid to get caught on the road in case it was messy. BUT I must say I was very proud of myself because I did one of my dvds to get some exercise in and OMG!!! Did you know you have muscles in your butt and the back of your thighs?!?! Well, mine apparently decided to show up after my work out! Whew! I am feeling it! Surely, if I keep up that work out I will have the best looking rear end in Tennessee, ok maybe just Dickson, ok ok, maybe just on my road. haha!

We are out of school again tomorrow because of the snow! So, now I'm wondering which dvd I want to do tomorrow. I guess working out is better than pigging out in front of the tv, right?

By the way, I weighed myself this morning because I was feeling leaner than when I weighed Monday. I don't know what the deal is/was, but I was 4 pounds lighter this morning than my initial weigh in, which made me feel better. I mean, I have drank a lot of water and worked out every day really hard. Not sure if those are the only factors in losing 4 pounds in 4 days, but I'll take it and stay motivated to continue doing those things.

EEEEKKK!!!!

I did it. I got on the scale and cringed and shed a tear at the number. So, apparently the holidays got to me. Makes me sad, BUT it's more motivation because I REFUSE to see that number ever again, EVER! I also took my measurements. Again, there were screams of fury (ok, not really, but some UGHs!!! were heard in my house). Before I went to Zumba tonight, I made my dad take my new before pictures. Like I said last night, THIS is my new starting point and I want some Before pictures to be able to look back on in a month or two and say, "Wow! Yay! I look better and feel better!"




Side view of Phatty McPhatterson. Ugh! Go away belly! That is obviously my problem area! (My dog felt the need to get in the picture too)
Front view of Phatty McPhatterson. Better than 50 pounds ago, but still needs some work. That's ok, I'm working on it. (Again, the dog likes to be in pictures too.)

I'm seeing a little bit of an extra chin. That is unacceptable! Water bottle here I come! No extra chins!

New Year, New Me! Who wants to join me?

Last year, I lost 50 pounds. Good bye and good riddance. Now, I still have a ways to go to a good, healthy weight. That is one of my goals for the year: Fitness. Which includes eating healthier, eating less, working out more, and drinking lots of water. The holidays are over, so temptation is gone. I know I have the will power to stick to losing weight because I've already lost a majority of what I need to lose. Everyone else is starting a "New Year's diet" so we can all band together to make each other stick to it.

Tomorrow, I plan to weigh myself for a new beginning weight. I'm not going to include my original start weight because those pounds are gone and not part of this phase of weight loss. I will also measure myself so I can see how many inches I lose. And I'm going to take a beginning picture, which I will post tomorrow.

I know I have a lot of support from all of my family and friends. I even have some wonderful friends who I will be supporting in their weight loss this year and can't wait to reach our goals together! I'm going to shoot for 25 pounds gone by the end of the school year. That is a good healthy amount to lose in that time frame and I feel it is very easy to accomplish and not get discouraged about. Hopefully, I'll lose more than that but won't be disappointed if I don't. The whole point is getting healthy.

One way to continue to encourage myself to work out is another goal for the year: to do at least one 5k each month. I have also signed up to do the Country Music Half Marathon. That gives me 4 months to train for it and my goal is to beat my time from last year. I'd also really like to get to the point where I can run some of it and some of the 5ks.

Here are a list of 5ks I plan to do if you want to join me:

January 23- Zoo Run Run 3 pm
February 6- Fangtastic 5k 10 am
February 13- Cupid's Chase 10 am
March 13- Tom King 5k 7:30 am
March 27- Runnin' to Beat the Blues
April 10- Purity Dairy Moosic City Dairy Dash
April 24- Country Music Half Marathon