Weight, measurements, and the dreaded photos!

I would highly recommend to anyone starting a new fitness or diet plan to first take pictures and measurements of yourself. They may feel discouraging and terrible in the beginning, but after a few weeks or months they can serve as a source of strength. I did not take my measurements when I first began, but the photos speak volumes for me about how far I have come. I have the before/after picture hung on my door to remind me of what I have achieved and what I still want to achieve. It encourages me to get out the door and run instead of staying in and watching more Parks and Rec(though Ron Swanson's mustache is awfully inviting). It also reminds me that the number on the scale is not the most important thing; I have gone from 150-140/145, yet my tummy is tighter, my arms are slimmer, and my bum is just a bit perkier(though that bad boy will never shrink). If you are discouraged by the scale, please try this method, it is more accurate and gives you a better idea of your progress.


My measurements as of 18th January 2012
upper arm 12 inches
forearm 9 inches
bust   34.5 inches
chest   30.5 inches

waist    29 inches

midway    41 inches

hips    36 inches
thighs    24 inches
knees    16 inches
calves    15 inches


To take your own measurements follow this chart:

Below are the pictures of my progress. The pictures in the yellow sports bra are from a year ago, it is the same shape I was in when I began training in September(though possibly larger as I was allowed to have endless burritos all summer). I am eating healthy, low calorie foods and running(or biking) 6 days a week and lifting 4 days a week now. Some weeks are easier than others, but I can see and feel my body changing and getting stronger.

18-1-12 Jog for 10 mins, run for 10 mins, Jog for 30 mins Legs and ab workout

Today was Wednesday of Week 12 of the London Marathon's Beginner 24 week Training plan(Yay, half way!)
http://www.virginlondonmarathon.com/training-centre/training-advice/training-plans/beginner-24-week-training-plan/

Jog for 10 mins, run for 10 mins, Jog for 30 mins(total time:50minutes)....

My shins were killing me today so it went more like walk 5 minutes(always before a run), jog 5, walk 5, jog 10, run 5, walk 5, jog 10. For a total of(not counting the walking) 40 minutes, which is not far off, but still not ideal.

However I have learned and bean widely warned that if a part of your body is really aching during a run, it's best to cut it short and not risk an injury.

I have also started a new fitness regime, previously I was doing 4 sets of 20 on each muscle group. doing abs, arms, and back one day and legs and butt the next about 4 days a week, but I wasn't seeing as much results as I'd like to. So I did some digging(mostly through the ever lovely pinterest) and found this guide:
http://www.simplyshredded.com/the-ultimate-female-training-guide.html

I also find that Livestrong pops up nearly every time I look up something health related: how to preform a weight training exercise properly, excellent stretches for runners, bikers, and anyone in between, as well as surprisingly knowledgeable nutrition advice which promote holistic, natural, organic foods and remedies, which makes my hippy heart ever so happy.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/353394-shin-stretches-for-runners/