Blueberry Ever After

A Bikini Quest 2010 update...

So far, so good! I am down 1 pound as of yesterday, which isn't a whole lot, but at least it is something. I kind of blew it at lunch yesterday when I went for the grilled cheese sandwich and soup combo. But it was chilly, I was starving and that just sounded like the perfect little lunch. Until I watched them put about 4 slices of cheese on my sandwich. I knew I was in trouble, but I couldn't cancel the order at that point. I decided to go with it and get back on track today, which I am succeeding at so far.

I just got back from a lovely 3 mile run and I have to say, my running life has significantly improved since I recently splurged on my replacement iPod. Allow me to pay a brief tribute to my new running companion:

Oh iPod, how I love thee...you came back into my life and have already shaved almost a full minute off my mile pace. Where would I be without you? Probably still running now...

So that is where I am at. Overall, feeling positive about the choices I made this week and hoping this time next week I will be able to post that I am down another pound. Until then, the quest continues!

Like most everyone in blogland, I have some goals for the new year. Some of them are big goals, including my enormous, priority critical goal to be hot again in 2010. Sure, it is all wintery now and I have been able to camouflage my extra fat layers under big bulky sweaters and hibernate in front of the fireplace so as not to be seen or photographed too much in my current enlarged-version-of-Heather state, but come springtime what will happen to me when it is all tank tops and shorts again? I can't stay hidden under sweaters forever, and especially not in NC. It is time to get down to business. Behold my shiny new half marathon training schedule!

Week of 1/9: 4 miles
Week of 1/16: 5 miles
Week of 1/23: 5 miles
Week of 1/30: 6 miles
Week of 2/6: 7 miles
Week of 2/13: Run for Water in Africa race (5K)
Week of 2/20: 8 miles
Week of 2/27: 9 miles
Week of 3/6: 10 miles
Week of 3/13: 11 miles
Week of 3/20: Race Day!

But wait, there's more! Along with my fabulous new training schedule and countless miles of running comes you guessed it, healthier eating habits. I will be eating a lot more salads and a lot less bread and processed foods. I will use my new camelback water bottle to ensure I am taking in the recommended amount of H2O daily. I am putting it all out here for you to read, so I can keep accountable for these goals. If I am going to complete Bikini Quest 2010, I will need your support! Please help me stay strong...that means no offering of baked goods when you see me in real life. I am on a mission people.

What are your goals this year?

I ran my first 5K of 2009 on Sunday afternoon, the Monster Dash, which took place in Cameron Village. It was chilly and overcast which made it a great afternoon for a run. Kathleen, Bill and Nolan also came out to the event. Kathleen ran in the 1 mile fun run, pushing Nolan in the jogger like a champion, and Bill ran the 5K and won 1st place in his age group--go Bill! I was just happy to complete the 5K standing and came in at a respectable 32 minutes, considerably faster than the 12 minute training miles I have been running lately.

Of course, it helped to know the cutest cheerer on the block was waiting for me. Jay is training Luke well in the art of cheering. I just love turning the last corner to find them yelling my name and encouraging me (well, Luke isn't exactly yelling yet but you get my point)! But they weren't the only cheerers on deck Sunday. Amy came out to support us all, and my friend and former coworker Ashely stood out in the cold as well, since her place was right around the corner from the race start. Thanks to all of my cheerers, I couldn't have done it without you!

Does anyone remember these toys from the 80s?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZhvocyYtSc&feature=related

I used to love all my Get In Shape Girl gear, especially my ribbon wand, although I didn't twirl it nearly as well as Will Ferrell. I just began my post baby workout regime this week so my mind wandered back to these toys for some reason...guess my fitness obsession started at an early age!

I began with a run on Sunday with Jamie and how sad, I only made it a mile before I had to stop and walk. I suppose that's not SO awful, considering it was already 90 degrees out and it was my first serious attempt at running in about 6 months, but man, it is hard to believe this time last year I was training for a half marathon.

I followed up on Monday with the 30 Day Shred dvd and did that again today, and Jillian Michaels is totally kicking my ass this week. I felt like I'd been hit by a bus yesterday when I woke up and I can't decide if I love Jillian or hate her. Either way, it is nice to be back in the swing of things. Hopefully I can fit into some pants with a real waist soon...what a goal!