A new month

So October has been tough with 2 birthday parties and Halloween plus with family visiting. I don't think I went overboard but I definitely ate worse than I had since I started this journey. I had worked out my usual amount and thankfully still lost 5 lbs but not as much as I'm used to losing. 

So today was day 1 of better and healthier eating. I didn't work out today because I had worked out the past 8 days and my back needed a rest. 

I'm not saying I won't have a couple days of treats but I will be working harder than I had this past month! 

8 months today

So today marked 8 months since I started this journey, 8 months of hardwork, 8 months of dedication and 8 months of support from my family and friends and my friends on Facebook. Not only have they all supported me and encouraged me by saying how great I look and how I am an inspiration to them but by taking the time do say those things. I've been overweight since I was probably 8 years old. I'm 35. My body has taken so much abuse by not being used and treated properly. Yet, it hasn't given up on me...I'm able to run almost 10 Kms, lift weights, do a real push up, etc. I'm so thankful that I started when I did. That 35 is still young enough to change and have your body be able to help you change. 

8 months ago today my life changed and I'm not going back! I'm so much happier now and healthier. I'm setting a great example to my kids that you can achieve things that you never thought you could. That it's never too late. 

This is from a week and a half ago

I'm down 131.2lbs, I'm generally wearing a size large and I feel great! 

So happy 8 months to me and my new body and attitude! 

A friend posted this and it's so true. I didn't realize it but she's so right!

"Holy crap Jill.  You lost a whole person!!  At the same time, you found a new one."

Thank you Sue for this:)

I ran what??!?

Last Tuesday I ran 9.4kms!!! I ran it with my friend Carmen and really enjoyed myself! It's been a long time since I ran with someone and I forgot how great it is to have that person with you and how you keep each other going. Tonight we ran 9.32 Kms. I'm so happy and proud of myself and my body. I can't believe how far I've come in such a short time!! 

Our first run! 

Our 2nd run. Our pace for our last km was 5:22!!! Insane for me. Gotta love a hill at the end.  It is just enough of a slope to get you going but not too fast:)

So my goal for end of next summer was to run 10kms at a pace of 6:30/km. I think I will be hitting that goal in the spring...fingers crossed!!

Some new firsts!

Yesterday I had to exchange a pair of pants that my aunt bought for me a month ago because...they were too big! While I was there I also tried on a super cute jacket and a top in a size LARGE!! Wow! That felt amazing!! I have no idea the last time I wore a size 13 pant or a size large top! 

I also am finally overweight and not obese anymore! Might seem like a weird thing to be proud of but it means a lot to me. I've had a weight problem since I was at least 8 years old. I'm finally taking control of my life and am making healthier choices. I've always tried to make sure my kids ate healthy. I don't want them to have the issues that I have dealt with for so long. I don't want food to be an issue or even that much of a thought process. I want them to just naturally eat healthy and have the occasional treat when they want it, to not even have to think about working out because it just comes to them because they are always active. Seeing me work out and work hard at getting healthy and making good choices will hopefully teach them how live life in a healthy and fun way. 

I'm so happy that I was finally ready to change my life and that I am able to exercise. Working out has made such a HUGE difference in my journey. I wouldn't be where I am today if I didn't get out there and sweat as much as I do. 

One-derland!!

I did it!! I hit "one-derland".  My reward

Is this...

Family Photos 2013

I was on Facebook a few days before Auntie Cindy came for a visit in August and happened to see this photographer offering pictures for a great price. Pictures had to be taken that coming weekend. Timing couldn't be more perfect!! So Auntie got to be in some of our pictures and we did some just as a family. Really love the pictures and so happy to have gotten them done throughout my journey. Hope you enjoy them!

My first 5km Race!!!!

On Sunday I completed my first 5km race. It was great! Chris and the kids were there to cheer me on at the end and hearing Katie chant so loudly, Go Mommy Go, was beyond words...AMAZING!!!

I also got a cupcake and a mini manicure afterwards:)

My official time was 32:00 mins!!!

I finished 70th overall and placed 27/49 in my age category:) 

So far that is my fastest time yet! 

Right after the race

Mmmm...yummy cupcake. And yes I did share...some of it;p

I look forward to doing more races and making my time quicker:)

My goal for next year is to run a 10km race and have my pace at 6:30/km or less:)

Look at how far I have come already in a little over 7 months. I went from not doing much to running 5km in 32 mins and being able to do real push ups, mountain climbers, weight lifting:). I've dropped almost 125lbs too!