Three Days to the marathon!

I can't believe that only 8 months ago running for 5 minutes made me feel as if my heart would explode and in three days I'll be running 26.2 miles! I've lost at least 5 inches off my waist and 3 inches since my progress photo in Januray.

I have learned a lot about myself and it has helped me realize that I can acheive so many things that I never thought possible. If you had told me when I graduated high school that I would be living in England, going to university, and running a marathon, I would have told you that you clearly hadn't noticed my Holloway hips nor my giant booty. Somehow, despite my over-sized deriere (which hasn't lost a single inch!) I am running 6 days a week and lifting 4 days and feeling amazing.

I would encourage anyone who wants to be a bit more fit, active, or just needs a general change in life to start it now. You can start out small, for me I'd run as far as I could then walk 2-3 minutes and repeat for 30-60 minutes. It seems futile at first, but after a few weeks you'll be running the whole time and feeling great. I have only lost about 10 pounds over the past 8 months because I have gained a lot muscle, but the inches are falling off, my arms and legs look great- though I still have plenty of work to do. I feel generally happier as well. As much as I am complaining about running 6 days a week I know that when I've finished the marathon I will be overjoyed that I did it. The person who couldn't run at all, the person who was at the back of the wing in rugby and yet still had to run first(for those who are rugby fans you will understand how slow that is).

This has been a long hard road, but so completely worth it. I have been reading the 'Tao of Pooh' again recently, however silly and frivolous it sounds, it has completely changed how I look at the world and my life. I am more at peace with who I am. I am coming to accept the nature of who I am and what is best for me. I am learning to stop forcing things, but to feel out what is best for me and my life. To stop following what others think is best for me and to instead live life for me, but with a mindfulness of others with a giving, wise spirit which seaks not to take from others, but to give happily so long as it also doesn't take from me or my truth. The book also tells all of this in a simple, fun way which is what Taoism is all about. I would encourage anyone to go out and read it. You can buy it for cheap on amazon or ebay and it will change your life. It isn't a long book, but its effect is profound.

Oh, and a happy birthday to me!!

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.