Battle of the Scale

I hate the scale.
No. Take that back. I loathe the scale.


I started this new workout plan of mine one month ago. Has the scale moved? Slightly, but it's been fluctuating between a couple pounds.


Typically I would be ecstatic over the slightest hint of movement on the little needle.. but I feel like I've been working my tail off (literally and figuratively) and it's not budging.  Not sure if I need to incorporate something into my gym time. I've been going 5-6 days a week; Couch to 5k on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Ab/Core class on Tuesdays. Saturday and Sunday are 'free' days, but mostly I've been walking. I've pondered doing circuit weights on Saturday and Sundays; or maybe I need to go back to working out with a trainer once a week.


Ugh.


I've been eating very well, and tracking everything. Not sure if I need to give up the scale... I really would not be sad about doing it...


Thoughts? Suggestions?

Six Word Saturday

Here's how it works: describe your life -or something- in six words. Explain or don't, either way, have fun! Visit Cate at Show My Face to read all about it and get started! :)

I did a six word Saturday!!!!

The last one I did was over a year ago... if you want to get technical I only posted a handful of blogs last year. This year is already promising to be better!! :) Have a good one - snow day or not.

Mess to Message

If you haven't noticed, I'm big on dates and anniversaries. Four months ago I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (read more about that here). At the time I was shocked and so disappointed in myself. I'm learning more everyday, but God has used this as a spark of motivation on taking care of myself.

This week I began week 2 of c25k. Farther than I've ever gotten in the program. Tuesday I went to ab/core class... and then got the flu (or something like it). I was in bed all day on Wednesday, barely made it through work and teaching on Thursday... tonight, I HAD to do SOMETHING. Went to the gym - barely did 1/2 a mile on the treadmill, 10 minutes on the elliptical and I was done.

BUT... Did I mention... I registered for my first 5k!!!!!! :) May 12 is the big day and I'm so excited and nervous at the same time!!!

For that reason alone, I will forge ahead with typical weekend workouts and start week 2 again on Monday.


In a typical me fashion I would have thought 'who cares? It's Friday' and not have done anything. I don't normally toot my own horn, but I'm pretty proud of myself. I appreciate and love the encouragement and support I'm getting from friends and family.

Tonight on the way home from work I was thinking about the last four months. For the last month alone, I've been to the gym at least 3 times a week... I feel better about myself now than I have probably in my entire life!


God is definitely turning my mess into a message and I'm so excited about what He's going to do!

Me and My Jealousy

Today I taught my church kids THE hardest lesson I've ever had to teach. In theory it shouldn't have been that hard, but it's something I've been struggling with A LOT lately.

Typically I don't like airing my dirty laundry, but sometimes I think it's important to share struggles. I've been going through some things in my heart lately, including going through some 'coaching' with my pastor's wife. She's trying to help me be more transparent when it comes to needing prayer, asking for help... it's not a sign you're weak. I'm an emotional person, but I don't ask for prayer a lot in public forums (i.e. church or Bible study). However, I digress...


This morning my lesson was about Cain and Abel - how God preferred Cain's sacrifice over Abel's. In a jealous rage, Cain killed Abel, but then asked God to take pity on him so that people wouldn't kill him if they saw him. I took it to being jealous over what other people have (i.e. an xbox that you want REALLY badly). I'm at a time in my life where everyone is engaged, getting married, having babies, multiple babies, etc. I want that, plain and simple.

Psalm 37:4 says, "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." I feel like I take delight in Him, but have yet to receive these desires. There are things that I'm fully aware - like God hasn't given them to me because I'm not ready. God is preparing the way, for me and for whomever I end up with. The way I presented it to the kids was, God wants to make sure you can handle what you're given. HE wants YOU to treat it with respect and handle with care.


Praying without ceasing, casting my cares upon Him...

Couch to 5k

On December 27, 2011 I began a great feat. I started "running"... ok, jogging. I began the program couch to 5k (again). This time of year I always beat myself up because I never accomplish anything throughout the year. I'm not a runner AT ALL, so it's been interesting listening to my legs talk after my workouts. Yesterday, I completed week 1 - I had to do days 2 and 3 twice, but hey, I'm ok with that. I've stuck with it longer than I did before, so that's something right??

The reason: One of my co-workers told me about the Royals Charity 5k. It's July 8 - the start of All-Star week (which is being held in Kansas City -- I'm super excited!). I said do you want to do it? We agreed and said let's do it!! Thus began my motivation for killing my legs.

I found another 5k that's close to my house that takes place on May 12. Ok. That gives me 5 months to 'train' and maybe get somewhere. This will be my practice run. This journey suddenly spiraled and one of my friends in North Carolina said "You should come visit me and we'll run one together!" Well.. ok!!! You know I'm always up for a trip. :) I found one that we can do - October 27. Looks like I'm making a trip to Charlotte.

My other 'goals' for this year are basically the same as last year -- again, because I can never accomplish anything. Ha!

Love you guys - thanks so much for the encouragement and motivation!