Fantastic News

I've lost 10 lbs in two weeks!!!!

I haven't lost this much weight in years. I feel good and I'm inspired and encouraged to keep up with my routine. I actually like it which helps a ton.. it doesn't feel like a chore. It feels like I'm participating in a hobby.. a working out hobby that includes running 3 miles, working out around the track, spin class, swimming and hiking (see schedule below.. if you're curious). And I'm eating well and on a budget (which is key). I'm drinking 100-120 ounces of water a day (I need to drink about 30 more to be on target). I'm eating more fresh veggies, and fresh fruit.

California really has done my body well. I don't know if I could have done this in North Carolina but I'm happy about it regardless. :)

Workout Schedule:
Sundays: Swim for an hour
Mondays: Run for an hour (right now that's 3 miles)
Tuesdays: CGU Fitness Challenge which varies from endurance, or strength training workouts
Wednesdays: Spin Class
Thursdays: CGU Fitness Challenge
Fridays: rest
Saturdays: Hike one of the local trails (typically 3-5 miles) *check out my other blog, Big Girls Do (not) Hike for my hiking expeditions*


Fiona, the trainer for the fitness challenge also gives me homework to power walk at least 30 minutes every day. I haven't been able to do it everyday but it gets me outside during the lunch hour, and walking more during the work hours.

Glutton for Pain- Hiking to be Specific

Who knew I would come to love hiking so much?

Well I don't actually love it but I've been doing it for about 3 out of 5 weekends and it's become an interesting hobby of mine. I decided that I'd add another site dedicated to the hikes that I go on. From the hikes that I've looked at, none of them address hiking for your full figured hiker (also most unfortunately known as the overweight person). I'm calling it Big Girls Do (not) Hike! :D

So if you're interested in learning more, go to the link above or go to the Take a Hike tab at the menu bar to learn more. :D

I did it!!!

Long Beach Pajama Run

I ran in a 5K last week! I made in under an hour which was an accomplishment. I cannot believe I did it! My legs were tired once I finally stopped but I wasn't too out of breath.

On Mondays, I run 3+ miles around the Claremont neighborhood. I didn't time myself today, but I think I ran faster and stronger. I wasn't able to finish in 3 miles though, which made me quite sad, but I ran faster.. I'm sure of it.

During today's run, three people "cheered" me on. Two rounded the corner and looked surprised to see me running- they both said great job. Then, when I got to mile 2, a guy on a bike said "good for you! nice evening for a workout!" I swear, either people are surprised to see a colored girl (or a colored girl in general) running or they're surprised to see a big girl covering the pavement. Maybe both. It makes me laugh and encourages me to keep going. I've read lots of articles that do not recommend people my size to run... they say you should do (light) cardio and weight training until you drop more pounds. Ah well.. as long as I don't hurt myself, I will continue to run. No excuses. And if I can run (or jog) carrying all 280 glorious pounds, then all these other skinny minnies weighing less than me can do the same. No excuses.

Lena and I are going to run a 5K in August so I have a month to shave at least three minutes from my last time. The goal will be under 53 minutes since I finished the Long Beach 5K in 57 minutes. Yay me!