Adios 2013...

So is started this blog a year ago, and purposefully titled it "The Year I Make it Happen". I was committed to making 2013 the year that I hit some lifelong goals...and for those who kept up with my blog, I did a bunch of stuff that I wanted to. As the year closes out, I thought I'd re-cap so bear with me.

It started with me re-joining Weight Watchers. Stuck with it the longest I ever have...and am down 36 pounds!  The thing is, about half way through the year I stopped stressing about getting the meals exactly right and just started wanting to eat better. I mean, I actually started craving salads and greens.  Was really weird...but it was a good weird. I still have moment where I want sugar, but can definitely feel the difference when I go a few days of eating not great.

Then came the exercise...my most recent posts centred around my new found love for running. I still believe that the only reason the exercising stuck was that I've finally found one that I truly love.  We'll that, and is had some amazing ladies who kept me focused!  This year saw me run my first 5K, and I promise it won't be the last. I also got some winter running gear that I'm dying to try out.  And I'm thinking this year a 10K might on the agenda!

Now the question is what to do with this blog...it was meant to have a shelf life of a year as I tracked my journey. Perhaps I can just go back to one blog and somehow merge the two...still deciding.

As I wrap this post up I need to thank everyone one more time for supporting me this year. My family and friends have been a big reason that I was able to stay on track, and make the changes I needed to in my lifestyle and attitude.

And to my 5K bitches (as Sonia so lovingly refers to them LOL) I cannot tell you how much I appreciate having you all in my life.  I have come to rely on you all to keep me running, to keep me laughing and to keep me sane in a world where it's easy to let the insanity take over. I can't wait to see  what 2014 brings...but I have no doubt it will be awesome!

Shopping...a whole new experience!

Ok so if you ask people who know me whether I've always liked to shop, you would get an emphatic yes.  I liked going to the stores, looking for deals, and walking out with an armful of goodies. I have a big and beautiful collection of purses and shoes in my closet. I have gorgeous accessories whenever I need them. And my kids have more cute outfits than they know what to do with.  For these things, I loved to shop.

Now ask me if I liked clothes shopping for me.  To that you would get a head shake that will leave a headache behind. I hated shopping for clothes. I hated having to try on 30 different things only to buy one shirt that looked "ok". And I can count on one hand the number of times I felt really, really good in what I was buying. The only good thing was that I had limited stores to shop in so the torture did not last long.

What a difference 9 months of hard work makes. Today I went shopping for an outfit to wear for a Christmas party. I walked into a regular store, grabbed a handful of stuff and headed into the change room. As I tried on outfit after outfit I actually felt my confidence rise. The stuff not only fit, but I had to get the salesgirl to get me smaller sizes in some of them.

I ended up buying a beautiful top, skinny black pants and some gorgeous shoes. I actually got a complete outfit in one shopping trip...and I walked out thinking "I'm going to look good". The feeling was amazing! Pics will come on the night of the party.

The only issue now is that I have to get used to having so much choice...am sure I'm going to feel overwhelmed at some point. But what the heck...I've worked hard to feel overwhelmed to bring it on!! :-)

The purge

Today I decided to go through my closet.  My friends started telling me that I really needed to get new pants (LOVE hearing that!!!), but before I shopped, I needed to make some space.  I have always hated going through my closet - because it usually meant all the stuff in there was too small.  This time was different...more than half of the stuff was too big!

I decided regardless what the size was I would try on every pair of pants in there.  I wanted to really quantify what I've been working so hard on for the past 9 months.  Yes, my biggest goal was to be a runner...but truth be told I wanted to be able to wear an amazing dress to hubby's Christmas party this year and that meant shrinking a bit.

So I did...I tried on everything.  And more than half were falling off me.  Even most of my "sizes I want to fit into" pants were too big! It really hit me - I've lots of wonderful people in my life tell me that they really notice how much weight I've lost but in my head it didn't seem like it was a big difference.  I know - I'm nuts.  But it's hard to get rid of the critical voices when you've lived with them your whole life.  I think I'm on the road to silencing them a little bit :-)

Now I have a big pile of clothes to donate, I feel fantastic (was back out for a run this morning and it felt great) and I'm healthier than I've even been.  Gimme a couple of weeks and I'll post a pic of the fabulous dress I'm wearing to that Christmas party!

Happy Thanksgiving all!!

Check that off my bucket list!!

OK so I finally get to check something pretty big off my bucket list.  Today I started - and more importantly finished - my first 5K race!  OMG...do you have any idea how long I've waited to actually put that in writing?!  Anyone who follows my on Facebook knows that I've run a few 5K distances at home, but to have completed a race is a whole new WOW in my book.

I didn't run it the fastest, but I also didn't cross last.  I got passed on the route by other runners, but passed a few of my own too.  I did discover that I'm not a huge fan of running in a big crowd, but I found a pocket where I could zone out and just kept putting one foot in front of the other.  As I rounded the corner to the finish line, I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry.  I think I did a bit of both.  As I got closer, I got to see all the amazing people there waiting to hug me when I crossed - including 2 of my running buddies who did an incredible job today and beat me to the finish.  I am pretty darn proud of us ladies.  Thank you to Sonia, Tina and Kelly for keeping me on track leading up to the 5K day.

And here is the really incredible part...we're talking about doing another 5K at the end of October and - wait for it - a 10K in the spring.  I created running monsters with my little "let's do a run" suggestion and I love it!

I also need to give a shout out to my hubby here.  He is my biggest cheerleader, and makes it ok when I say "I just have to go for a run".  Thank you my love...maybe you'll run the 10K with us in the spring!

To anyone who thinks they may want to try running - do it.  I never thought I would be able to run at all, but with a little determination, alot of sweat, a few tears, and some fantastic friends anything is possible.

Here is our pic after we all crossed the finish line...don't think our smiles could have been any bigger!

My experience with Isagenix

So let me say upfront - I am no affiliated with Isagenix other than being a user of their products.  Wanted to get that out of the way so you know that when I start to gush about my experience with their stuff, you'll know it's cause I really like them.

A friend of mine introduced me to their products a few years ago, particularly their 30 day cleanse.  I was skeptical - when I thought of a cleanse I thought of drinking nothing but juice and needing to be very near a bathroom at all times.  Was not thrilled at the idea of putting my body through something so drastic - and for 30 days?  Wasn't sure.

Lisa, the friend who introduced me to the products, convinced me to go to an information session.  Truth be told, what I was really interested in was to see how the products would taste.  If I was seriously considering it, it better taste darn good!  And it did!  I signed up and did my first 30 day cleanse that year.  Here's the thing - the program was shakes for 2 meals and you get to eat a sensible meal (plus all the other good stuff you take).  Within the 30 days, you do 4 "cleanse" days where you are drinking no shakes but more liquid.

So here's the thing...it was hard initially.  But the truth is it was more a mental thing than the program.  Small changes allowed me to fit the cleanse into my life - and I felt amazing after it was done.  More energy, food tasted better, didn't need as much coffee in my life.

I'm just about finished by latest 30 day cleanse...and I did it this time while I was training for a 5K.  It makes my mornings super easy to be able to throw a shake together as I'm running out the door - in fact I've decided to keep this part up outside the cleanse.  Oh and did I mention you get to eat chocolate?!  They are called Isagenix Delights and they are an amazing dark chocolate treat for when you need a boost.  I'm sure there is a scientific reason they let you eat chocolate, but really I'm all about being able to indulge once in awhile...and these little treats let you do this!

I have become a firm believer in these products - by far the best tasting protein shakes and protein bars I've ever had (chocolate tastes like chocolate!) - and the fact that I have a Coach who I can ask questions too (and who keeps me on track with her encouragement) makes the whole experience a good one.

Remember - like anything else you get out of it what you put in.  It takes some willpower to stick to it, but the beauty is even if you deviate from it, you can get right back into it.  If you want to chat more about the company and their products, or you want to see if the products are right for you, you really should get in touch with Lisa (http://LiveHappyHealthyNow.isagenix.com).  She is awesome, honest and can help set you up on your way to detoxing your life :-)  I know I thank her for introducing me to Isagenix!

Lessons from my journey to becoming a Runner

So my intention was to update my blog on a pretty consistent basis for those who wanted to follow me on my journey to...well wherever I was headed this year.  Um so that didn't happen.  It's been awhile, and I started out by going back to reviewing my last posts about where I was at with my running.

Last time I was here, I was running 6 minute intervals, and I had just run the program in the sweltering heat of Florida (ahhh Florida how I miss thee!!).  Jump forward a month - I am now running 25 minute intervals, and just finished doing 5.3K in 48 minutes.

Holy shit...can that be right??  Me, who 6 months ago could barely run 30 steps without feeling like I was going to pass out?  Me, who 6 months ago was sure there was no way I could do it because my knees would give out?  Me, who had managed to talk myself out of trying running every time I thought I might?

Yes, me.  I. Am. A. Runner.  I've waited a long freaking time to make that statement, so for good measure I'll say it again.  I. Am. A. Runner.

So how did I do it?  Other than lots of cursing when I didn't feel like going, and lots of sweat, there are a few things that I consider key:

1.  Surround yourself with cheerleaders.  You need to hear how great you are doing on those days where you think you sucked.  My husband has become my biggest cheerleader and tells me often how proud he is of me.  Sounds corny but it works.  And remember that the cheering can come virtually too.  A year ago I never would have posted anything about this journey on Facebook or Twitter...now I do it regularly and all the encouragement keeps me smiling - and running.

2.  Don't do it alone.  I have an amazing group of ladies who keep me on track.  Knowing that they are doing it with me (eventhough we have yet to run together!) keeps me pushing myself out the door.  And truth be told I'm a little bit competitive and don't want to look like a fool when we do run together.  Sonia, Tina and Kelly - thanks for keeping me motivated and listening to me bitch when I need to.

3.  Set a goal.  We registered for the CIBC Run for the Cure on October 6th.  My goal was to run the whole thing - however long it took.  Having that marker in the sand keeps me going.  My next goal may be to do a 10K in the spring.

4.  Ease up on yourself.  This was the hardest one for me to embrace.  I'm pretty hard on myself when "I think" I should be doing better - my own worst enemy for sure.  In the past, the headgame I play with myself would have me hanging up my running shoes.  I've realized that screwing up is inevitable - its how you turn it around that is important (doesn't that sound like a good lesson for my kids??).  I have skipped running days cause I was too tired - but I went back out the next day with gusto.  I've indulged in the foods I love, but gotten back on track the following day.  And I'm not beating myself up over it.  This is a lifestyle I'm embracing.

All sounds pretty easy, right?  Well it's not.  It's hard.  It's hard to find the time, it's hard to stay positive, it's hard not to give into the crazy voice in my head that tells me to just quit.  All I can say with utmost certainty is it's worth it. 

Start small, do what you can, celebrate the small wins and tell the crazy voice in your head to sit down and shut the hell up - she's not the boss anymore!

A Goal 17 Years in the Making

So I'm on vacation but had to write this post. I hit another milestone in my journey to becoming a runner.

I've been fortunate enough to be able to come to Florida every year for the past 17 years. And for the last 14 or so I've been walking from our apartment to the beach (about 40 minute walk). Every time I set out to walk that stretch, I've thought to myself "next year I'm going to run this". Next year would come and running I was not. I still felt pretty good about continuing to walk, but always felt a little disappointed in myself that another year had gone by and I still wasn't at the point that I could run it.

Until this year. This year I did it. I. DID IT!!!!  I ran my Couch to 5K program this morning to the beach. Not gonna lie...I squealed after I ran the first interval. After 17 years, this goal became a reality. And I'm hoping by the end of our trip, I'll be able run almost the whole thing.

Not gonna lie...it's way harder to run when it's humid and 39 degrees outside, but so worth it when you get to the ocean and jump in to cool off.

Lesson...no matter how long you've been wishing you could do something, no matter how many years have passed since you first thought "I want to" it's never to late to make that goal a reality.

I FREAKIN DID IT....going to ride this high for a little while longer :-)