a WEIGHTy issue.

Ok – so it’s no secret that having five kids makes you pack on some pounds.   I have been trying to get on track with my eating and exercise for years (it seems).  I think I finally have found something that I am going to stick with.  (I know this because I started on July 9 and am still going strong)

Every September my family participates in a 5k walk/fun run to help raise money in support of Ovarian Cancer Research in honor of my mom’s best friend, Gayle.  this year I told my husband we should run.  Then we laughed nervously.  Then we found the program Couch to 5K.  FAB!  I downloaded it to my phone and have been out on the road (sidewalk) at least three times a week since then following the program.  It is hard!  Especially if you have not been at all interested in any type of physical activity or exercise in years.  I have currently completed three weeks and am hanging out on the week four workout until I am completely able to do it with no issues before moving on.  (The program has graduated levels of running/walking and I haven’t quite mastered week 4.  I’m in the middle of my third week of week four.)

I have also downloaded a calorie counting app and am trying to eat better as well.  I have noticed a change in my body shape and I have lost 6 pounds since starting.  I have found that getting out to walk or run isn’t hard to do anymore – but the eating healthy all day every day is difficult for me.  I do great when Todd is home with me and we are doing it together – but when I am alone with the kids – I want to eat macaroni and McDonald's and ice cream!  My mission is to be just as dedicated with good food as I am with exercising.

For the most part we run in the mornings before the kids wake up.  Sometimes, though, I may have had a long night with the baby and don’t quite get up at 6 ready to go.  So – when he goes down for his morning nap – I run.  I let the big kids play in the front yard (with the video monitor on the baby) and I run up and down the street – back and forth – where I can have my eye on them constantly.  It is not my favorite thing to do – but sometimes it is necessary.  Plus – they love it.  They used to ask WHY when we said we were going to run.  Now – they ask to go with us sometimes and they are very encouraging and supportive.  this also makes it easier.

       

They helped water the yard and played in the sprinkler today while I ran.

I have decided that I may not actually be able to complete the 5k in September, but I am healthier and weigh a  little less and that’s an even better goal.  I have a goal I want to reach weight wise by NOV 1.  Wish me LUCK!

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