After my day of AWESOME eating and running 5 MILES!!!! last night I feel pretty damn skinny today.
Yes, you read that right, I RAN 5 MILES!
More on that in a minute.
First I wanted to show you the difference 15-20 lbs. makes.
In this picture from November 2010 I weighed around 142 lbs.
And this is a picture from this morning (guessing around 160 lbs.)
Same outfit, but anywhere from 15-20 lb. difference.
And since you're asking, the jeans ARE different.
The 142 pic the jeans are a size 10 from Charlotte Russe.
The 160(ish) pic the jeans are a size 11 from Target.
So basically the same size.
Here's a side by side comparison:
But it's pictures like that that make me want to keep going.
Because while I don't look TERRIBLE at 160(ish), I know I will look (and FEEL) better at 142. And hopefully even smaller.
Now, onto my 5 miles.
I have several new readers (thanks to Pinterest) and I just wanted to let you all know that I have not always been a runner.
I started running in 2010 at almost 200 lbs. and I could barely run for 30 seconds straight.
My thighs rubbed together and it physically hurt my body to run.
So I did the Couch to 5K Program.
I've talked about it a hundred times.
It is the BEST running program (IMO) for those new to running.
I could barely do each workout. But I took it one day at a time.
And by the time that 9 weeks was up, I was down 30 lbs. and I was up to running 3 miles at a time.
It is the same program I used immediately after I had MJ.
I finished it (for the 2nd time) a few weeks ago and am now on Hal Higdon's Half Marathon Training Novice 1 schedule.
And last night was my first ever 5 mile run.
I have to be completely honest with you and tell you I was dreading it.
I am usually ALWAYS dreading my runs. But I know I'll regret it MORE if I don't do it.
So I lace up my shoes and hit the pavement.
In my mind as I'm running I'm cheering myself on.
Sometimes.
Sometimes I'm saying to myself "I'd much rather be sitting on the couch right now".
I'm telling myself my knees hurt, I'm tired, or that I can't breathe.
Then I give myself a little peptalk again and keep going. Because I KNOW I'll feel so amazing when it's over.
Running is a total mind game.
Your body may hurt and your mind may think you can't go any further, but you have to dig deep and push yourself.
That's why I like running.
Because it's always a challenge.
I never go out for a run and am like "man, that was easy!"
I'm going to push myself hard because I know I can.
In my runs it takes me a good 2-3 miles to get warmed up.
HAH! I remember when 2-3 miles sounded impossible!
Those first 2-3 miles are the hardest. Then I get in my groove and I just.keep.going.
No matter how hard it is, or how badly I want to quit.
Last night I was ready to quit after I finished that 4th mile.
But I found my favorite running song (Fort Minor- Remember the Name) on my ipod and I got in the zone, and kept on.
And I finished my 5 miles.
And you know what?
I could have gone longer. (that's what she said)
It wouldn't have been easy, but it definitely could have been done.
And now? Now I'm excited for that 6 miler next weekend!
I've said it before and I'll say it again:
Who IS this girl??
23 comments:
SO IMPRESSIVE! I love that you are loving your longer runs! :) And you look awesome... who knew what a difference 15-20 pounds made!
Go girl!
I'm a long-time lurker :)
Congrats on that amazing run!
If it makes you feel better, lose the 15-20 pounds but I think you look gorgeous right now!
Good for you. You look fabulous!
5 miles is amazing!! So proud of you! I like to run and clock somewhere around 20-25 miles a week usually with a 10 mile run on the weekend and I STILL dread walking out that door to start! The first 2 miles are the hardest for me around mile 6 your legs just keep going and going and it's the best feeling when you finish!
I am a new follower, thanks to Pinterest! :) I recently started running. I am on week 3 of my running program "Get Running". it only calls for running 3 minutes at a time, but I wanted to see how far I could go last night. 8 whole minutes of running without DYING! I was so happy! Congrats on your 5 mile run, you are an inspiration and I can only hope to get there one day!
So awesome Brandi! You are inspiring me to get my ass running!
New follower from Pinterest! I too loved the Couch to 5K plan. I completed it last May and ran ten 5Ks in between for my October 2011 wedding. I can say I am now addicted to at least that distance, but now I am using the Hal Higdon training program just like you to do a half on May 19th in Joplin in honor of those who died last May. I am totally scared, dreading 13.1 miles, but you and others are keeping me going knowing everyone struggles through the hard days sometimes. Thanks for keeping on'!
Your such an inspiration! And you look gorgeous in both photos (IMO).
I am so glad I found your blog!
Thanks to Pinterest I am new to your blog. I love to find blogs like yours that tell life changing stories. I have only read this first post and I already love how motivated I feel just reading that one post. My life changing story began 5 weeks ago. I am so proud to say that!!! Whenever I feel the mood to eat or not exercise I drink a big glass of water and sit down to read some blogs like yours and then I get in the right mind set to not snack and go work out. I look forward to reading much more of your posts. Thanks for posting.
What a difference!! Congrats on completing (and enjoying?!) your longer runs. I love following your get-fit journey!
Not sure how I stumbled upon your blog, but I love reading and thought I'd comment! I'm a Mom of one boy and have one on the way, due in July. I, too have had weight issues for a long time. Before I got pregnant with #2, I was smaller than I've been in a long, long time, it felt great to start out a pregnancy that way! I admire you for how detailed and day by day you are about what you eat and how you workout. I plan to be similar (although a bit more relaxed) after baby #2 comes. I love your blog, as I can relate to a lot of it!
"Running is so hard." (That's what she said.) I am so inspired after I stop by your blog, getting better at my runs here, hoping to chisel away and make gradual, permanent progress like you are. You look great! Keep it up. : )
Lurker since sometime last year. I read several blogs, but I must say I find yours to be the BEST! Because it is so real life!!!! You inspire me everyday...thank you so much!!! Keep on keeping on!!
BTW... I think I'm going to start the C25K program again (feeling inspired) and hopefully complete it this time!
I just finished the C25K program and you're right.... it's such a GREAT program! I am now wanting to go farther and farther. I am about to head to the gym and I REALLY want to run 4 miles, so I got on the comp. to see if you posted and you did- with a great motivational post, I may add. Your posts motivate me so much! You're beautiful and hilarious! Follow my blog at http://amy-healthyblogger.blogspot.com/
:)
You are hilarious my dear! I am so happy that I stumbled upon your blog! I already feel so inspired :) I can't wait to keep reading :)
I just recently started following your blog (a friend recommended you, I think she found you on Pinterest). I just wanted to let you know that you are such an inspiration! I was literally on the treadmill yesterday after my workout about to start day 1 of the c25k when the mdo called to tell me my son had a fever - grrr! But today is the day (barring any other unforeseen hiccups!). On a side note - I too am in the Dallas area and have 16 month old b/g twins (who did quite a number on my figure I might add)! Anyways - just wanted to say thanks for putting yourself out there, it's nice to know you're not alone in this journey.
I am not a fan of running but it is the only time I exercise where I can get completely out of my head. I spend so much time telling myself you can do this, keep going that I don't have time to think of anything else. I remember the first time I ran 3 miles straight after not running for years it was amazing!
you are amazing and continue to inspire me! get it girl!
Where did you get those cute boots?????
I'm a mom too!
Well any blog that uses my favorite catchphrase of That's what she Said is worth following! Especially one that's about running, which I love to do but am too out of shape. =( Thanks for the encouragement and cheering me on to go long and strong (TWSS)
so i was already LOL'ing at the "that's what she said" and wanted to comment at how amazing and inspirational this post was...but since this is the first time i've left a comment on your blog i just had an opportunity to read your warning about rude/hateful comments...LOL i <3 you so hardcore right now. :)
~back to the purpose of this comment: <333'd this post. i've been very curious about the couch to 5k program for a while and this post definitely helped me decide to do it. love your blog, your personality, your sarcasm, and most of all, your willingness to swear--bc really, who gives a shit? It's your blog, right?! ;) xoxo, sofia
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