Friends,
Gosh! Where has the summer gone?! I'm honestly feeling like I was swept up in a blur of craziness and now I have two weeks left until I get back into the grind. WOAHHHH. I don't know if I'm ready for the move back up north, but it's coming whether or not I want it to.
This summer, much like I expected, was harder to lose the weight. Funny enough, it wasn't because I wasn't exercising because I LOVED GETTING OUTSIDE, but the food really got me. I had so many "cheat" moments and felt myself getting out of control too many times to count. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. While the fruits and veggies were definitely part of the mix, I had family parties, fruity drinks/beers, pizza at every corner, free pop from work, easy access to desserts. Man alive. It was HARD. There were days when I felt success and there were too many more where I could feel myself getting so out of control and not caring. This reminds me how it is such a DAILY struggle for me and that I will forever be a foodie.
Food - 1
Hill - 0
Now, more exciting news ahead. I CONTINUED MY RUNNING AND RAN AN 8K this summer in my home town! I ran the entire 5 miles and couldn't wipe the smile off my face. My sister decided to run with me and at one point she said:
"Why are you smiling!? It's creeping me out. We are running!"
"Exactly that, Shelb! WE ARE RUNNING AND I AM DOING IT!! CAN YOU EVEN BELIEVE IT?! " A year ago, I never EVER would have pictured myself doing this. I could barely walk without feeling out of breath and now I'm running 5 miles?! It truly is insanity! I'm so happy and feeling accomplished by meeting my goals.
This is why I have decided to maintain my running by signing up for the Fall Color Run across the Mackinaw Bridge the 1st weekend in October! This will not only help me to keep focusing on my weight loss, but also allowing myself to set another goal. It feels amazing to actually DO it. :)
And then, here is the craziest idea I've had in a while........I think I'm going to run the River Bank Run in Grand Rapids next spring! I haven't looked up the time/training schedules but I just feel like I can train all year and be ready to go next spring. I really feel like I can do this and hopefully by that time I'll be at my goal weight, which I know will make things easier on all my joints. :)
SO WHO WANTS TO RUN WITH ME!?!??! That's the new challenge. I want a running partner and you wonderful women are my partners in crime. :)
I LOVE YOU ALL!
Hill
