Getting Put-Together

Last night was my First Place 4 Health meeting. I facilitate the meeting and it is definitely one of the highlights of my week. I love the ladies that are in the group and we are just learning SO much together. It is a sweet time of fellowship.

When I was preparing to start leading this group, I read all of the literature they provide for leaders; information on how to be the most effective leader, etc. One of the things they mention is that you should always take time to look nice and put-together for the meetings. This shows the group that you take the program and time together seriously and will help with confidence in leading. Well, I have taken this to heart.

Since I became a stay-at-home mom a little over a year ago, my personal interaction with people over the age of 5 has dropped significantly. The clothes I wear matter not to my kiddos so getting myself put-together hasn't really been a priority. But I have found it to be so much fun each Wednesday afternoon, to pick out what I will wear and actually take a "good shower." You know, the ones where you do the works--wash hair, condition, shave, exfoliate, etc. I fix my hair, put my make-up on and just get myself put-together.

This is how I looked last night.

I have to say, the theory is true. While I think we can all agree, looks are not everything, they are something. Even in my heaviest days, nearly a year ago, getting dressed up and putting effort into looking my best has played a huge role in my progress. It is just part of the whole idea of taking care of me. We take care of the things we value.

Hopefully you are taking care of you, today. If you haven't already--get off the couch, get a "good shower," put on your make-up and get put-together. Even if you are just working around the house or going to the store. You'll be glad you did.

PS--Anybody ever watch Top Model? In that first picture I think I might be "smiling with my eyes." What do you think?

Weigh In: 4.5 Loss

175.5 lbs

Good news. I'm back!

Back to my lowest weight so far, back to a happy exercise place and back to the eating basics. I set realistic but challenging goals for myself this week and with God's help, I reached those goals.
That sounds so simple. It is.

Oh yeah--Fall is here in Texas. Praise God!!! Although I have a sneaking suspicion we haven't seen the last of the heat, let's go ahead and get the scarves out!

Did I mention...I'm BACK! Yeah baby.

Athena Gold

Kinda sounds like a credit card, doesn't it? Well, that's not what it is. Let me explain...

This weekend I ran in my 4th 5K. It was called Heels and Hills. Cute, right? It is an event all about promoting women's fitness in a non-threatening, non-intimidating environment. Great program.

My friend Kristi and I decided we would do this race together. That is kind of weird because for most of our lives getting together has involved eating food (lots of it) and some type of sedentary activity. But things--they are a-changin'!

I put off registering for the race so long (not because I didn't want to do it, that's just how I roll) that I had to get to the hotel early on Saturday to register. As I was filling out my paperwork I noticed the option to enter the Athena category, for women weighing 150 lbs. or more. You could opt to be in that category or your age bracket.

I thought, well heck, everybody knows my weight...this is a no-brainer. So I signed up for the Athena group. Got all registered, went to see a movie, had dinner and went to bed in a comfy hotel bed of my OWN! The weekend could have ended right there and been perfect, but it gets better...

Here I am early on Sunday morning just before we left the hotel for the race.



The weather was great for running on Sunday morning. I felt so good during the race. I have finally figured out how to pace. I was really concentrating on breathing and I never felt like I was going to die. On the last 400 m I usually feel a little woozy and this time was no exception. I pushed through it and even sped up just a little bit. I finished the race feeling spectacular. I even think I could have run a couple more miles.



Kristi did awesome! I'm sure she will tell her side of the story on her blog in the coming days...

We waited around for a while after the race was over. I really wanted to know my time. The last 5K I ran in 34:19 and I was curious to see if there was any improvement. Finally they announced that the results were posted on the board so we walked over there and this is what I saw:



If you can't see very good let me tell you-- I got First Place in the Athena Division and my time was 32:34. Almost 2 minutes shaved off my June time. I actually got a little teary eyed when Kristi pointed out my name on the list.

The whole thing was kind of surreal. At one point after the race Kristi and I were talking and excited and the profound nature of the moment hit me. I thought, Oh my goodness! What has happened to us?



Something really good. Here's to the new us!

Weigh In: 4.5 lb. Gain

I failed to mention the reason for my "Come to Jesus" meeting. In two weeks I have managed to go from 175.5 back up to 180. Good job, Kee! Not.



Still smilin'.

"Come to Jesus" Meeting

Do you want to hear the truth? Really. I mean, CAN you handle it?

I'm just warning you, I'm about to speak the truth. And some people aren't going to like it. They aren't going to want to hear it and they certainly aren't going to want to face it. They might even tell me I'm wrong. That's fine and dandy. But here it comes...

There is only one way weight loss can happen. You, and I, choose for it to. Plain and simple. If I'm not losing or even worse--I'm gaining--it's because of what I am choosing.

For several months now I have been at a plateau. (quick, get out the violins) It has been hard to deal with and I have shared my frustration via the blog here. I have had nothing but support from my bloggy friends and real-life friends alike. You guys are too kind.

No, I mean you are really too kind. Because I have been choosing this path. It's not some unfortunate thing that is happening to me that is beyond my control. And I am letting people tell me it's okay and I'm too hard on myself, etc. "Just look at your accomplishments!"

Oh yeah, I'm lovin' it!

Awe, I think. That's right. [pats self on back] I really have worked hard. [nodding]I have come so far! Just look how awesome I look compared to when I weighed 229. (Umm, doesn't anything look good compared to a 5'-4" 229lb.er with no make-up and a miserable look on her face? Just checking) I really need to stop beating myself up. I need to allow some time for my body to adjust to all of this weight loss.

Okay seriously? If I were a person on the Biggest Loser saying this crap I would be yelling at me through the TV.

SUCK IT UP YOU BIG LOSER!

I could live with some of these consolations or excuses for a plateau. But we aren't dealing with a plateau. No, this is more like a 4 month desert.

It's is ridiculous. Asinine, actually. The charade is over. The very un-candy coated truth--I have been giving about 10% to my physical activity (some weeks not even that), I have not set any challenging goals for myself, I have lost attention to detail in my food intake. I have forgotten why I am doing this. I have let comfort rule, and buried Truth in the backyard.

Fugetaboutit...

Yeah, ummmmm, that doesn't work. You IDIOT. (Speaking to myself here, but feel free to apply as needed. Usually not this harsh, but drastic times call for drastic measures)

Let me be very clear. I am perfectly fine right now, emotionally speaking. I am not down on myself at all. I don't need anybody to feel sorry for me. I am simply facing the TRUTH of the matter. I am confessing it. That is all. Infact, I am a little giddy about the fire that has apparently been lit under my backside. Thank you, Jesus.

No more of this. There is no reason in the world that I can not begin to see results again and on a weekly basis. I have to choose to do it. And that's what I am choosing.

Hold me to it. You hear me? HOLD me to it.

P.S. I may regret this post in the morning. Yeah, pretty sure.