Woot!

So, I have been MIA.  We left for vacation and immediately upon our return, school started again.  Being an elementary teacher and a mom, school often takes over my life.  Homework, meetings, and school work demand most of my time when I am not spending time with my children. 

There were some challenges over the past couple months that I was worried about derailing my fitness goals.  The first was our vacation.  We took a cruise through the Bahamas and cruises are notorious for food consumption.  I am pleased to say that I lost a pound on vacation.  I kept up with my workout plan and while I indulged, I didn't overindulge.  That was a big deal for me.

I was also worried that going back to work would also prevent me from reaching my goals, but guess what?! I am making it work! I am running with Dave's Marathon in Training Group, completing Beachbody workouts on the off days, and I do Linebacker training once a week at the YMCA.  I did a side by side recently to see my progress and I was blown away.  I am attaching it to this post.  Hard work pays off y'all!

Now that fall is headed our way, it brings with it my favorite race season.  The holiday runs are my favorite.  The MacQueen's one in October has a 10k, 5k and kids run so my family can go with me.  And this year will be the first year that I will run Dave's Turkey Chase.  I have family staying for the holiday and I am bound and determined to bring one or two with them with me. 

Sign up here: http://runtoledo.com/

Now

Since my birthday, I have been working every day towards my fitness goal.  I have joined an online weight loss accountability group called TWIO (The Weight is Over with Jess and Shell).  I have started strength training using the 21 Day Fix and the 21 Day Fix Extreme.  Last week marked the beginning of fall half marathon training with Dave's Performance Footgear.  I have a few half marathons that I would like to participate in this fall with the earliest being the Boy Scout Half in Bowling Green Labor Day weekend.  

Some days are easier than others.  Some days I find it challenging to get a workout in.  But something has clicked in me this time that is driving me to keep going.  I can't wait to see what I can accomplish.  I am attaching a comparison picture so you can see what I look like now.  I haven't been super heavy since 2010.  It's been a slow process and I am ready to kick it up a notch.  The time for fitness is now.

The first 39

My 39th birthday was the 28th of June.  It was quite apparent that my 40's were rapidly approaching, and I was overcome with the feeling that I needed to take better care of myself.  You see, the first 39 years of my life were not healthy.  I battled weight for a good chunk of those years, and I don't want to spend another 39 out of shape and unhealthy.  I started running a couple years ago so I was already on the road to fitness.  This year, I am going all in.  I am not doing things half way.  I am watching what I eat and working out.  I will be fit by 40.  So, this blog will document my journey.  You will see sweaty selfies, race pictures, workout logs, you name it.  I am going to be doing it.  Thanks for joining me on my journey.

This picture was taken in 2007 before having kids and before I started running.  I have lost 80 pounds since this picture was taken.  I have about 20 more to go.