C25K Week 1, Day 1

Big day: First day of C25K, first day at the gym.

Even for a confirmed non-morning person like me, getting up at 5:30 am wasn't too much of a shock. I think Day 1 is the easiest because it's new and you're excited. The trick is to feel the same way on Day 42.

Anyway, got up, dressed and had a snack (Luna Protein Bar), then hopped in the car and made the 10-minute drive to the gym. On the way in the door, I've got an armful of junk: running shoes, iPod, headphones and a water bottle. Note to self: Find a gym bag.

Got in the door (yay, my security key fob works) and only 1 of the 6 treadmills is occupied. A good sign.

Hopped on, remembering not to stand on the belt when it starts, but straddle it my standing on the edges of the treadmill, and off I went.

Running for 60 seconds was work and I was happy when it was time for 90 seconds of walking. The time passed pretty quickly between my music, the TV on the treadmill and the math I was doing in my head to ensure I started running and walking at the right times.

After 10 minutes of warm-up, 20 minutes of run-walk, 10 of cool-down and thorough stretching, I was done.

6:45am - a good hour before I normally get out of bed - and my workout for the day was done. And I already got in 32 oz of water. Not bad!

Now, Day 2, when the real work begins.

In which I join a gym

I did the most cliched thing you can do 2 days before New Year's Eve: I joined a gym.

I've been thinking about it for a few weeks, and I decided I want to amp up my exercise.

When I was losing in 2002-2003, I completed the C25K program. I even ran a few 5Ks and had a good time. I didn't keep my running up and eventually all the weight came back (eating whatever I wanted helped, too).

But running was great in that is burned a ton of calories, toned me up and gave me a lot of confidence in that I did something I never thought I could do.

To run, at least for the winter, I need a treadmill, which means I need a gym since there is absolutely no space for one in our home.

My gym requirements were pretty simple:

Close to home.

Working treadmills.

Clean.

Open 24 hours.

There are a couple of 24-hour gyms close to home. I called the first one, all ready to schedule a tour and join that day. Left a message and never heard back.

Instead of calling the other gym, I just showed up, took a tour and joined. It met all my requirements, and the owner said it's not super busy in the early morning, so I shouldn't have a hard time getting a treadmill. I don't quite believe that, but we'll see. There are 6 treadmills, what are the chances they're all occupied at 6 am? I type this hoping there's not a post in January titled, "I Can't Get An Effing Treadmill At 6 am!"

So, I'm excited. This is a new, fun jumpstart my exercise needs. I still love Leslie's walking workouts and I will do them as a kind of cross-training. They're still challenging and they're weather-proof. I just needed a boost.

Week 16 Weigh In

New Years is already in swing at WW, even though we haven't moved to a new calendar.

The meeting filled with new folks and the WI line was 5 people deep for the whole meeting. Getting on the scale took a long time as nearly everyone was new, so lots of paperwork and only one receptionist. Can't wait to see what it's like next week. Actually, I can wait.

-2.4, so I hit my -45 New Year's goal. Next goal: -50. Celebrated with what's becoming a new Tuesday tradition: sushi.

There was one new member who really tugged at my heart strings. I only saw her from the back, as I always sit in the last row so I can chase after my 17-month-old, who loves to run into the WI room and bug Donna. The leader was asking members for their New Year's Resolution: specific goals they wanted to achieve. We heard the regulars: feel better, more energy, better health, etc.

Then this woman, who was new and had to be north of 275, said quietly, "I want to enjoy my children more."

My heart broke in empathy for this woman. I know where she is, hell she even kinda looked like the old me from the back. I know what it's like to be tired, sad and fat. I wish I had thought of approaching her after the meeting and at least giving her a smile. I hope she knows she can do this. I'll keep an eye out for her in future meetings, hope she comes back to mine.

In which I receive another early Christmas gift

Had a great workout today - with no pain.

For the past week, a muscle in my right upper quad/groin/whatever has been really nagging me during workouts. Thankfully, not enough to have to stop them, but enough to make them less enjoyable than they already are.

Today I had to get in just one more workout, then I could enjoy Christmas Eve and Day without guilt over skipping a workout.

Amazingly, it was a great one - no pain, went quickly, felt challenged but not dragging.

In which I conduct my first pre-dawn workout

Another first today - worked out before everyone got up.

Actually, my husband was up early, so I got up in support and then decided, since I was already up, why not bang out those 2 miles I planned to do with Leslie?

It wasn't too bad getting up, and I loved having my workout done before the kids rose. Having it hanging over my head and trying to jam it in in between appointments, school and naps is a real drag.

I hope to do it again, soon.

Week 15 Weigh-In: Merry Christmas to me

Great weigh-in today, -4 which means I hit my goal of 40# down by New Year's. -43.2 to be exact.

I'm very proud of this WI as I had two birthday parties and a Christmas party in the past week. I ate out, had pizza and 2 slices of birthday cake over the past week. I also ate all of my 49 extra weekly Points (for the first time) and still pulled it off.

And, today was my 16th meeting in a row, so I earned my SAS (Stay and Succeed) Charm. Attend 16 meetings and you get this charm for sticking it out and going to meetings. Many WWers come, weigh in, buy some stuff and leave. The meeting really is a key to long-term success. I didn't attend meetings after I hit Lifetime and look where it got me. I thought I could do it on my own. Wrong. Believe me, once I hit Lifetime again I will still be attending meetings every week. I just won't have to pay!

After 1 week on Points Plus I am pretty impressed, and I was relatively jaded going into it. I am naturally not a fruit or veg person, but the choices of opting for free fruit and veg vs. Pointsy carbs hasn't been too hard. I still eat carbs, but not as much, and I believe that's a good thing.

If I can lose 1.8 lbs next week, I could reach my super-secret goal of 45 lbs lost by New Year's. Not going to get too hung up on it if I don't, but I will do my best. There is that little holiday coming up in 4 days and I intended to enjoy as many of my 49 extra Weekly Points as I want.

Pros This Week

Managed 3 special occasions and stayed within Points.

Switched over to Points Plus (and didn't mind it too much).

Ate more fruits and veg and fewer carbs than ever before (see above).

Drank more water.

Did my first Leslie Sansone 4-miler.

Goals For Next Week

Eat in control and within Points on Christmas.

Drink 48 oz of water a day.

In which I am confronted by a serious statement

While visiting with a friend today, she suddenly adopted a very serious (and uncharacteristic for her) tone.

"Melissa..." she started.

Oh, man, I thought in a nanosecond. Something is very bad.

She continued: "...you need new pants."

"I know. And stop scaring the crap out of me!"

I do need knew pants. The track pants in question are 3 sizes too big. But I was in my house and I am kinda lazy about getting new clothes. Plus, I know anything I buy will not be with me forever, as sometime next year they'll be 3 sizes too big.

But, yes, I need something better-fitting than what I've got now. I could get easily pantsed in a stiff wind in the current outfits.

After New Years, I'll head to Target.

I did buy two new pairs of PJ pants, which fit, but not comfortably enough for me to wear yet. I'll try them on in another month and see how they fit then, that's always fun.