I found a blog the other day on the website Sparkpeople by a user named Jenswims. It was entitled "176 Reasons to Lose 176 pounds" She encouraged others to make similar lists.

As I approach the half way mark on my journey to lose weight (6 more pounds to go!) and become a happier and healthier ME, I thought making a list would be inspirational, motivational and let's face it, a bit funny! So here it is, 75 reasons for me to lose 75 MORE pounds and gain a whole new life!

Enjoy!

I want to be genuinely happy

I like to run. (I know? Right?!)

I want to be a woman who doesn't have to shop in the "Women's" section!

Because going upstairs to grab something shouldn't be a chore

I like not having to use a seatbelt extender on airplanes

I want to ride roller coasters without worrying I won't fit.

I want to run a 5K in under 35 minutes

I want to feel as good about my outsides as I do about my insides

I want to be attractive to the opposite sex (the same sex can think I'm hot too, but I don't want to do them)

I would like to have children some day.

I want to have clearer skin

I want to look good in a swimsuit and not worry about covering up

I don't want to get diabetes

Wouldn't it be excellent if my thighs didn't rub together anymore?

Being funny and pretty is much more fun than just "funny"

Thinner calves mean sexier boots

Vacations that include bikinis, the ocean and the outdoors.

I don't want to be the token fat girl anymore

I want to wear and look hot in really skimpy lingerie

I like the feeling of setting and meeting goals

I want to run a 1/2 marathon

So the celebrity I'm compared to isn't Ricki Lake (no offense Ricki!)

Because it means I'm treating myself with respect

So I don't have to say, "I love purses, they always fit" because clothes will always fit too

I want ankles, not cankles

So that my thighs and ass are strong instead of jiggly

So I can do a cartwheel

Losing weight improves hirsutism, which means I'll be less of a hairy beast

So I look less like a linebacker and more like a track star!

For all the times I'll step on the scale and feel happy and accomplished

To stop saying things like, "I'll do (fill in the blank) when I lose weight"

HOT SEX! (If you're reading this Mom, sorry.)

New Boobs! (Oh, I'm getting them!)

Running in shorts!

I want to learn to surf

I want to learn to scuba dive

I want to learn to play guitar and speak italian (I figure with all my new found confidence, I'll
be able to do anything!)

I want to run the stairs at COC and feel tired, but not like I want to die

I want to run the LA marathon-in theory

Smaller clothes fit better in suitcases which means I can REALLY overpack!

I want to do yoga and feel good about it

Because it means I didn't give up

Because the world will benefit from my positive attitude

Skinny jeans that are really skinny

Booty shorts that don't make me feel like my hoohah is hanging out

Backless shirts

I like having more energy

ENDORPHINS!!!!!

One size fits all clothes (how about one size fits "small" is more like it)

I like buying girl t-shirts vs. boy t-shirts

Not having to buy clothes online because I can't find clothes that fit in stores.

A whole new wardrobe, seriously! I will have NO CLOTHES THAT FIT at the end of this journey

I used to walk by a mirror and think, "Who's the fat chick following me?" Now I can look and not recognize myself because I'm so much thinner!

To quit hiding behind people in photos

Crossing my legs at the knees instead of crossing my ankles

To wear high heels and not feel like they're going to break due to my weight.

Because I like hearing , "Wow, how much weight have you lost? You look great!"

When I get on the scale at the Dr's office I want to be proud, not embarrassed

No more gross overhang of the gut!

Short sundresses

I want to wear cute and dainty panties under dresses instead of suck it all up and in contraptions

Because hearing, "I like big girls" doesn't feel like a compliment

I dream of the day where my gut doesn't stick out further than my boobs!

Because I don't want to look at a lawn chair and worry I might break it or not be able to get out of it once I'm in it.

To look (and feel) good naked

Because sore muscles is the good kind of hurt

Tailored clothes instead of loose clothes

It will ease the minds of my family and friends

Because it's not fun to ask for the XXL men's robe when you're going to the spa

To inspire others who need the inspiration

Because I LOVE summer

So when I go to the doctor for a cold or something else I don't get the information about my ailment AND information about being obese.(EVERY TIME!)

Because we're only meant to have ONE chin.

Because I only get one shot to live a happy and healthy life

Because liking myself is WAAAAY more important than any amount of food, no matter how delicious it is.

Gettin' Dirty...Down and Dirty Mud Run 4/17/11

I still can't believe I did it. I am not a girly girl by any means, but mud? I mean, I don't even like to get my hands dirty.
Nature and I are not on the best terms. I love running outside, but on pavement and paseos. I mean, I went on a hike a couple of weeks ago and got poison oak...seriously!
So, when I decided to do a mud run, I was kind of surprised at myself. But, as my friend April says, "The Heather of 5 years ago is like 'WTF?' "

So I signed up, so did about 10 of my friends. We read all the information, got t-shirts made and did it. A 3.15 mile run with 10 obstacles, hills that made me feel like I was defying gravity they were soooo steep and mud. And when I say mud, I mean, I was cleaning mud out of EVERYWHERE!

BEFORE:



And we were off.....
It was hard. I mean I knew it would be hard, but seriously. I've been having issues getting my breathing at a good even pace at the beginning of a run, so I started off slow...and wanting to walk. I pushed myself....until we hit the hills.

I'm no dummy, I walked the hills. This made the obstacles better. I just kept thinking, "What goes up, must go down" I knew I'd be able to run the downhills. When some of my friends yelled, "STEW!!!" from high above, I was excited, then angry....that DAMN HILL!

Speaking of dams, we went all the way from the lower part of Castaic through the hills to the UPPER lake. Gorgeous view!

The first time mud gets in your shoes, it feels fun! Then it gets heavy. The first obstacle you do feels fun. You joke and take your time, then it gets more serious!

At the tale end of the race you do 3 things that are the roughest part of the race. First, you wade in the lake. The lake is COLD. Like "I can't feel my legs anymore" cold. Then you go to a wall with a rope and they make you only use your upper body as they're pouring slippery shampoo down it.
Lastly, after you've already finished a 5K, you have to belly crawl under a cargo net through mud. My arms and shoulders still hurt!

But you know what? It was soooo much fun and I'd totally do it again!

The Heather of 5 years ago is still shaking her head, but you know what, I've left her in the dust.....or maybe I left her in the mud.

XOXO
AFTER:

A Letter to My Body After Spin Class

Dear Body,

Last night I made you take your first spin class AFTER running 2.5 miles. Maybe it wasn't the best idea and for that I apologize. However, I'm probably going to make you do it again.

The bruises on your butt?
Imagine how it would have felt if I hadn't brought that gel bike seat cover. They'll go away.

The soreness in your shoulders?
That's just them getting acclimated with being used in a new and different way. Those are strong shoulders, that sometimes carry the weight of the world, they'll feel better and it will get easier.

Your legs feel like jello now, but they're getting stronger. Stairs will be hard today, harder tomorrow and then you'll be able to fly up them with your usual swiftness again!

I know it was hard. I know you couldn't do everything the instructor and I asked you to do. BUT-It's going to get easier.

You're already getting stronger, leaner and doing things I never thought you could do.

YOU CAN DO THIS....but I won't make you try again until next week. ;)

With love and respect,
Heather

Popping my 5K Cherry!

On Saturday I ran my first official 5K. I was so nervous. I kept trying to tell myself that I have done it before, because I have, but this was official. It was timed, there were over 200 other runners, it was intimidating. I kept thinking, "What if I come in last?"
But I did it.
Saturday morning I woke up bright and early and got ready to run! My goals were simple:
1. Keep it under 14 minute miles
2. Make it in under 45 minutes
3. Not come in last!

I knew quite a few other people who were running so we all met pre-race. I actually caught myself shaking at one point. I didn't realize I was as nervous as I really was. When it was finally time to go to the starting line I just turned on my iPod shuffle and was OFF!!!

Mile One was rough. I did lunges on Thursday and my booty started burning. However, I didn't have my normal mile 1 aches and pains. I tried not to focus on the fact that a lot of the people were passing me. (My friends were already far ahead working on their own personal records.)
I just kept going. I had practiced the route so I knew what milestones to look for. There were people cheering us on along the way, so that felt great!
Right before I hit Mile 1 I saw the first of the runners passing me on their way back. I didn't know how many, if any, people were behind me.
I saw most of my friends before I hit the turn around, but after the turn around I felt great....I wasn't last!
Once I hit half way, I started the negotiations..."Once this song is over, I'll give myself permission to walk for 30 seconds if I have to." "When I make it to the tree, I'll give myself persmission to walk for 30 seconds if I have to." I ran the whole way. I made a plan to go at my comfortable pace until I could see the straight away of the finish line and then step it up.
As I got there I could see the timer, but it was partially obscured by the tree. I saw the seconds first, then I saw a 0....My first thought was disappointment, "OH, 50 minutes isn't so bad..."Then I saw my mom, crying at the finish line, so I started running fast and there it was not a 5, but a 4! I did the race in less than 41 minutes! I got over the finish line and all my friends were there hugging and congratulating me!
I can only say this... I cannot remember EVER feeling this accomplished or strong.
I set a goal and BEAT it!
I couldn't have done it without my family and friends!
Next 5K is NEXT WEEKEND. It's a cross-country with hills. I practiced it today and I know there will be some walking involved, but I'll do it!

Everybody Needs a Mantra

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Okay, so we all know I'm a little bit cuckoo, but I'm pretty sure that what I did while running last night takes the cake.

I was running fast for me, faster than I have.....ever. I think tht I've been busy and subliminally I was thinking, "The faster I'm done, the faster I can do X, X and X" Also, about 10 people were coming to my house that evening for a meeting and I wanted to make sure I got there in time.

Well, I probably overdid it. I mean, I'm usually tired at the end of my run, but I don't usually pray to my dead grandfather and make up mantras...but for this run I did.

I kept saying to myself, "Just run to the next streetlamp, Heather" which turned into me saying "I LOVE LAMP" out loud. Just like Brick Tamland in Anchorman.

So now, when I run I have a mantra. I LOVE LAMP! Because I do!

Things That Are Different Now That I've Lost a Toddler

Friday, January 28, 2011

DISCLAIMER: IF YOU DON'T KNOW ME PERSONALLY OR DO NOT HAVE A SICK SENSE OF HUMOR, YOU MAY NOT THINK THIS IS FUNNY. YOU MAY THINK IT'S TMI, BUT THEN AGAIN, MY FRIENDS MAY THINK IT'S TMI TOO!

Last week my friend Staci and I were at a meeting (with a bunch of other peeps who may read this, I didn't forget about you, she's just key to the story!) and she was talking to another friend, Shauna who had her 3.5 year old son with her.
Staci said, "He's getting so big!"
Shauna said, "I know, he weighs 40 lbs"
Staci said, "Come here, we have to show Heather!"
She proceeded to bring Shauna and Braedon over to me to show me that I've lost the equivelant to him.
I was in shock. It's hard when you think of it this way. Another friend told me I'd lost a 1/3 of her, we're no longer friends. (kidding! we weren't that close anyhow)

Anyway, I've been making an internal list of things that are different now that I've lost the equivelent of a toddler...and I'm publishing it here for you TODAY! (I'm sure you're all thrilled!)

1. I no longer have to ask for a seatbelt extension on airplanes.
2. I no longer dread going upstairs. I don't get out of breath, unless I run...which I do sometimes.
3. When I get a massage my arms fit on that skinny-ass massage table, I don' t have to tuck my hands under my legs so I don't have to "hold them up" on the table (not relaxing AT ALL)
4. I run, no seriously, I run A LOT-because I want to, not because someone is chasing me. (sometimes I even run alone and on lunch breaks, WHO AM I?)
5. My clothes do not fit properly-this has some bad points, like how I look like I'm wearing a bag a lot of the time, but also feels SUPER good.
6. I'm obsessed with apps that track distance
7. When I get my va-jay-jay waxed and Ana (yes, we're on a first name basis-she sees my lady bits!) asks me to hold my leg, I CAN DO IT! Before it was difficult and I couldn't reach, but this last time I almost kicked myself in the face!

So there you go, a list of non-scale victories to go with a serious scale victory!

6.3 more lbs and I'm eating a cheeseburger and getting a new dress!

Smiling When I Run

Saturday, January 08, 2011

Who would've thought I'd go from grunting and cursing while I run to smiling and singing!

I got to the last three minutes of this weeks C25K training and realized how well I had done. I started smiling and singing along with my radio! I couldn't believe that I could actually sing along without being too out of breath!

I am realizing that my downfall is ALL in my head! The saying "Mind Over Matter" is so true!

The more I realize that I am in control of my body and my actions, the more I realize that I CAN accomplish my goals!

If I can do this, anyone can!!!!