Diving back in...

...and praying I don't burn out!

Yesterday I did W5D1 of the C25K program, hopefully for the LAST time! I've commited myself to pushing past my mental block and just DO Day 2 tomorrow. Rain or shine. Hot or cold. Exhausted or not.

Why would I be exhausted you ask? Well. I have decided to get super-dooper serious about the weight loss thing again, just in time for the holiday season.

This is probably the worst time of the year to attempt weight loss but I like a challenge! If my will-power can survive Thanksgiving, it can survive anything.

I started up a weight loss journal yesterday and I'm looking forward to tracking my workouts, my pitfalls (fingers crossed that there are a minimal amount of these!), and progress.

I put my ultimate goal for myself at the top of the first page: "I aim to lose atleast thirty pounds before my 21st birthday. I want to look great for my trip to California in March and Saqra's Showcase in April. I want to reach my goal weight of 150 pounds before my trip to Las Vegas in July for the Wiggles of the West competition. More than I want my body back, I want my health back!"

Under my goal I wrote out 8 Mini-Goals to strive for each day. I want to change my habits and mold for myself a healthier lifestyle.

Four Exercise Mini-Goals:
#1: Get moving! Do cardio, even a small amount, everyday. (Atleast 15 mins, preferably 30).
#2: Finish C25K program, one day at a time, and continue jogging.
#3: Strentgh training! 5 times per week. Choose from magazine workouts or Exercise TV.
#4: Stretch regularly and don't skip it! No injuries on this journey, okay?

Four Nutrition Mini-Goals:
#1: Cut out soda - limit to less than 32 ounces per week. (This allows for two glasses on Saturday Date Night plus the odd drink.) Choose the diet option, or, even better, get water.
#2: Cut out fast food. Avoid even going there if possible. If not, choose two small items.
#3: Limit refined sugars, high fructose corn syrup, anything with ridiculously high sodium etc. Stick with whole foods whenever possible, more naked fruits and vegetables, 100% whole grains, and lean meats.
#4: Create a calorie defecit - aim to burn what you consume each day. This is the one and only way to healthfully lose fat.

I'm striving to get this under control. I know nothing will change until I work for it, and I'm ready to work for it. Since I started this blog back in January I've actually gained weight, creeping upwards toward 200 pounds and that scares me. I don't want to weigh as much as I did at the end of my pregnany over a year ago - I want to feel good and look good and settle back down into my healthy weight.

No quick fixes. The sweat and sore muscles will become my best friend, as will Jillian Michaels on Exercise TV.

(Regarding Jillian Michaels -- OH. MY. GOD. Her 30 Day Shred Level One kicked my butt today! My arms and hands are shaking as I type this and I'm not sure if I can stand yet!)

I also did a slow-paced arms workout from an issue of Cosmo. I love having a lot of options to choose from - I don't want to get bored doing one thing over and over, but I will continue doing the 30 Day Shred... I think I have a girl-crush on that woman! :D

Anyway, more tomorrow after I run 8 minutes twice. Ack! It's tough but I can do it!!!!