Weigh-In: Week 2

Success!!! I weighed this morning and was so excited to see that I have lost 3 pounds from last week!!! My weight this morning was 228. I had another very short run today, and this time I focused on slowing myself down. My goal was to make it from one end of the block to the other without being out of breath. It went really well, though I felt like I was ssooo slow. I know that running is running, no matter how fast you go. However, since I want to focus on how FAR I can go instead of how FAST I can go, at least right now, I am going to spend a couple of weeks getting myself used to the slower pace so that I can then focus on my distance.

My small goal for this week is going to be to eat one serving of raw fruits or veggies each day. Today I got a small fruit cup from Chick-Fil-A. I guess I need to go to the grocery store tomorrow!

Happy Running!

How does one set a pace?

So, today I got to run twice (short runs) during my walk. The first time it went great and I was able to breathe normally. The second time however, at a 9:11 pace, I Could Not Breathe... So, for all of you seasoned runners out there, HOW DO YOU SET A PACE????? When I think of running, I think fast... How do you run slow?

Weigh-In: Week 1

Well, I did it! I made it the whole week without a soda. However, unfortunately, my cycle decided to start on my first weigh-in day, and I weighed in at 231, 1 pound over where I was last week. :-(

I guess that isn't too terrible, and at least I know in a few days my body will readjust and I will be able to get a more accurate weight next week. I have finally decided that my small change this week is going to be to get in four days of walking / running (or exercising with the Wii games that came in the mail today if its too hot out and/or raining) for 30+ minutes each week.

For the Love of Amazon...

Well, I don't know if any of you reading have ever tried to give up sodas, but this is no joking matter. I went from 2 - 3 large Pepsi's (Coke if I was at Chick-fil-a) a day to none. However, on the plus side, I have noticed that my insomnia that I have been having at night is all but gone. I do find myself staying up later, but I am actually being productive in those later hours, instead of feeling miserable because I am in bed but can't sleep. Also, my snooze alarm isn't getting used quite as much, but it is still my friend!

What is one thing that you've purchased to help you manage your habits? 

In an effort to 1) drink more water and 2) to NOT use 6 bottles of water a day, I purchased a 32oz cup from Bass Pro Shop this week, and I simply fill it twice a day and keep it beside me while I work, and take it with me when I leave the house. I noticed that many times that I would purchase a drink while I was out running errands because I would get thirsty in our hot and humid Alabama summer, and using this cup not only will prevent Styrofoam cups from being used, but it will also greatly help my wallet. I seriously didn't realize how much I was spending on sodas.

Another purchase I made recently on Amazon was three Wii games that work with the Wii Balance Board. Since I can't always get out and run (helllo humidity and 12 hour work days), I want to still do something active, and I found a great deal by buying these games used! I have a deep love for Amazon and the word "used" as it usually saves me lots of money!!!

This weekend, my mom and I headed up to Chattanooga, TN, for AQS Quilt Week. I am a quilter, it has been my go-to hobby since 2011. I have one quilt residing in Pucallpa, Peru and one residing in India, and many in Alabama. We had so much fun! I found a quilting machine that I truly truly wanted with all of my heart, but alas, it stayed.... Maybe it will sneak on down to my house before I get back tomorrow!

Since I am making small changes each week, I am trying to decide on my small change for next week (while still continuing the one from this week...). Obviously, since I'm female and have a sweet tooth, it won't be to give up chocolate :-) I was thinking of purposefully incorporating one fresh fruit or veggie a day... I have been craving vegetables this week (tomatoes and broccoli especially).

Any recipe suggestions out there for fruits or veggies? 

I found one for balsamic grilled zucchini on Pinterest tonight... Since I am learning a new life style, I would greatly appreciate any recipes you can send my way!!! 

Until Monday Weigh-In...

An introduction...

So, today I signed up for SparkPeople. My username on there is Daisygirl2014. I recently started reading Run Your Butt Off and tonight's assignment was to take my measurements... Eek! I thought getting on the scale was hard, but let me tell ya, seeing the tape measure was harder! My goal is to lose 105 pounds by December 31, 2015. I am going to be doing the training program that is in Run Your Butt Off, and want very much to work my way up to running a 5K by the end of this year. This blog is where I want to catalog my progress and thoughts as I walk / run. I chose my blog's title because pearl earrings are my favorite earrings, and I usually forget to take them out before I walk / run. My weigh-in days are going to be on Mondays, and I will be posting my weight weekly and my measurements monthly.

Current Measurements

9-8-2014

Waist: 46 inches

Hips: 52 inches

Thigh: 27 inches

Arm: 19 inches

Note: Thigh and arm measurements were taken on the right side, because that is my dominant side.

Current Weight

Weight: 230 -- 105 pounds to go!

Small Change for the week:

Cut out sodas -- only drinking water and tea.