A New Leaf

I've been holding off on this post until I was sure that my new efforts we're going to stick, but I think it's safe to go ahead and share my recent efforts.

My first big announcement of sorts is that I've finally decided to do something about the effects of not running and not healthy eating. Much as I haven't wanted to admit it, my sleek runner's figure has turned into something that I'm not incredibly proud of. Almost 30 extra pounds of something to not be proud of. I didn't realize it was quite that much until I decided to face the music at my friendly neighborhood weight watchers meeting.

WW and I have a history together. I first went on it when I was 16 and lost an impressive 32 lbs, but was not healthy by the end of it, eating odd diet foods and not enough of it. I also got down to what was probably an unhealthy weight for me (about 20 lbs below what I weighed when running). I went off to college and got to what I consider my healthy running weight, dabbling with weight loss off and on in college. My whole family has done weight watchers at one point or another (and in fact two of my family members are currently slimming down with it).

So, once I was ready to admit that I wasn't going to get motivated on my own, it seemed natural to go back. It's very different doing this as an adult with an understanding and appreciation for healthy foods. I've been enjoying trying out new healthy recipes, and have so far made a delicious spinach manicotti and a very tasty chicken pot pie. I really don't feel like I've changed my eating too much, except that I'm just being consistent in being healthy. So far, the efforts have been going well! I lost 5.4 lbs my first week, and am feeling hopeful about this coming weigh in, as my clothes are continuing to fit better. *fingers crossed* I think my goal is to lose that 30 lbs, but we'll see how it goes. At this point, I'm aiming for 5%, which I will hopefully reach in the next week or two, and then 10%, and then go from there.

To aid me in these efforts, I have a second announcement. This one I post with some trepidation, because I have made so many of these "announcements" before. Despite not really noticing much of a change with the steroid shot, I have decided to start running again. If my leg always hurts, and stays pretty constant in the level of pain regardless of anything, than running isn't necessarily detrimental to it. Even when it hurt in the beginning, I was still running sometimes 10 miles at a time. Since my doctor has now officially given up on finding out what is wrong, I don't really have a good idea of where to turn next, so I'm just going to try to be active and see where that gets me. I ran twice last week and twice this week, and it's been nice. Of course, I am horribly out of shape, and am finding myself limited by that, as well as by my leg, so that's frustrating, but I know I'll get more in shape soon. I've also been using the elliptical twice a week, which will hopefully get me stronger.

Ed and I went on a fun(ny) run yesterday that was beautiful, but had ridiculously sticky mud! As we ran, our feet got heavier and heavier as thick layers of mud caked to the shoe. The mud would cake on until it was about 3 inches thick (and incredibly heavy) and then would come off, making us appreciate how light a foot naturally is. We were reduced to walking after not too long, which was workout enough. We did find another trail that was a bit less muddy and were able to do some running on that, and overall we did appreciate the time outside.

It is nice to feel like I'm getting back into shape, and maybe regaining some of that healthy athletic image that I had so enjoyed. I don't know if this is the road back to real running, but it's at least a road to a healthier, better me :)