Making Some Plans to Finish

This week has been a bit interesting.  This is one of those posts I'm writing so that I can look back on it in years to come to know where my mind is right now, because I'm making some plans. 

Short Story: 

I've gotten back on track with my cross training workout days in my half marathon training plan, because my last couple of runs seem to be a bit rough and I think not doing any strength so far this summer may be mostly to blame.  Also, I had a chat with my family about cleaning up our eating habits and they've agreed to give it a go.  The cupboards got cleaned out today and the kids are going to start experimenting and letting me know what "real food" snacks they would like.  

It's not going to be easy, but I'm ready to finish what I've started and get to my weight loss goal.  I'm even willing to adjust my goal a little if I feel like I have set it too low at 140.  I'll be content with 150 and a comfortable size 12 if necessary to fit with my lifestyle.  

Long Story:

My half marathon training has been going well.  I'm finding my average pace to be picking up speed again as I acclimate to the humidity and warmth of summer runs and bring hydration along with me.  However, the last few runs have been a little rough.  I'm not exactly sure what is going on, but I think it's one of two things; either I'm not getting enough rest or I desperately need to add back weight training into my cross training day workouts.  

In all honesty, my cross training workouts have been an easy walk or nothing at all.  I'm not really surprised because summertime is a busy time around my house these past couple of years.  My three children are home and we have made a few trips each summer that we never used to make before moving to this area.  It's nice, but it cuts into my workouts and I think I'm starting to feel it when I run.

As I also mentioned, it could be that I'm not getting enough rest.  Rest is also being affected by our busy schedule, so I'm not ruling it out as something I need to work on as well.  

So, while my kids are away to a summer camp this week I've gotten my runs and exercises in.  I'm also babysitting a tot this week, so my cross training is Jillian Michaels DVDs from home in the evenings.  I know that is good enough, because those workouts are what helped me get back to running without hip pain last fall.  

My core is so weak, almost as week as my arms, and I'm learning that as a runner I need a strong core to help me maintain proper running posture.  

I also want to get to my weight loss goal this fall.

There are so many days I feel so wonderful because of how far I've come, but I know I won't ever feel 100% if I don't keep pressing downward on that scale.  I will share that I have made a choice that if I get down to 150 (10 pounds higher than my original goal of 140) and I absolutely can not lose anymore without starving myself then I will be content with that.  However, I'm not ruling out 140 just yet.  That's a very livable goal for my 5' 4" medium build frame.  

I've also had some chats with my family about eating healthier around the house.  A while back we cut out the chips and soda, but they have crept back into the house.  So, I told the kids while they were gone I would be cleaning out the pantry.  We talked about making better choices for snacks as well and they agreed to letting go of junk food for snacks.  We talked about them finding out what snacks they enjoy and I will help them by making the real food snacks available in the house.  One of my daughters said, "I can't say that I'll like it at first, but I'm willing to try." 

We agreed on one dessert a day and getting back to our eating out only one meal a week.  (Which we had started a while back for financial reasons more than health, but we've really veered off of that track.) 

My other daughter told me, "Mom, if you'll just do it and stick to it we'll do it too.  We'll be fine."  (Note:  We've had this conversation before and I'll post some day about why I never made the no-junk-food rule stick.)

My son is in a growing stage and gets more hungry.  He's been pudging out and I've been told this is very normal and he'll soon shoot up in height and thin out again.  But being that I was always the chubby friend in school and didn't always have healthier options available to me I wanted to make sure that he could have what he needs to eat as his body is growing, but also eat well.  He brought to my attention that he loves cashews and apples.  I know the cashews are a fattier nut, but I think it's great that he'd be willing to eat some nuts and apples for a snack.  

I told my kids that I understand their bodies metabolize faster than mine now and I don't expect perfect "clean" eating, but I want us to eat better.  They agreed and so while they are gone I have also cleaned out the cupboards of junk food.

I'll definitely keep you posted on how these changes are going.  For now let it be noted that I'm still pressing on towards my goals.  (And I confess, because I'm the kind that likes to be completely honest...I had Taco Bell for dinner, because I've been craving it for over a week and didn't want to waste the one-meal-out this week on something the kids don't care for.  It's almost that "night before the diet" feel, but oh well.  I enjoyed every bite and can now move past that craving.)  

Okay.  That's enough confessing.  Thanks for checking in.  I'm looking forward to rough timesgood things ahead.  :)