Strength Training & NSVs

A couple weeks ago, it hit me like a ton of bricks that really need to start strength training.

I was the passenger in the car with Nick, and I waved out the window to someone.  As I'm waving, Nick goes, "Hahaha, look at your arm jiggling in the mirror, it looks funny."  

I glance into the side mirror and to my horror, my "bat wing" is flapping around like I'm about to take flight.  Like flapping so much that I'm pretty sure the air flow created by it helped accelerate the car.

My arms have never really been muscular, but they definitely have never been flabby.  As we age, it gets harder and harder to maintain muscle definition.  The fact that I'm still in my 20's, and have some serious bat winging going on, I know I need to start incorporating strength training into my healthy lifestyle. 

Last year, I started, and stopped, Jamie Eason's LiveFit strength program 3 or 4 times.  

Well, I'm back at it, and this time, I am going to complete all 12 weeks!

This time is different though because I no longer have a gym membership.  Many of the moves are on cable machines, or other weight machines, so I have to do a lot of improvising and modifying at home.

For instance the seated leg extension that looks like this.

This is my at-home attempt.

I'm sitting on the coffee table, weight balanced precariously on my foot, slowly raising it and lowering it for 12 reps, one leg at a time. 

The weight fell of my foot a dozen times, but I just picked it up, re-balanced, and kept going.  This makes the workout take a little bit longer, but hey, I'm doing what I can with what I have. 

So far, I am half way through week 2, and my arms already feel less jiggly.  Before I get too far into the program, I should probably take some before pictures...

On to NSVs

First, I have been doing really well with getting my workouts in.  

When I get home from work, all I really want to do is grab a beer and either sit out on the patio with the dogs and a book, or watch TV.  Instead, I change into workout clothes right away, and I get shit done!  I feel great afterwards, and never regret it. 

Here is my 1.5 mile run from yesterday.  Holy pace on that 2nd half mile!  There is now way I could have maintained that for an entire mile at this point, but I'm still pretty proud :)

Second, I have been following my meal plan almost exactly.  I say almost because I had a little impromptu snack last night after dinner.  Around 8, I was hungry so I had two graham crackers with almond butter.  Probably not the best choice, but better than total junk.

Third, I have had ZERO candy in over 3 days.  I love candy and sweets! Love, love, love.  Standing in the Target check-out lane last night, the candy bars were calling my name, very loudly.  But, I have resisted all temptation, and will continue to do so through the rest of the week. 

Today on the schedule, I have a 2 mile run, legs and calves strength, and 2-3 mile walk with the dogs.

Have a healthy and happy Thursday, and be sure to link up with KTJ to celebrate YOUR non-scale victories!

NSVs and a Beer Run

It has been quite some time since I have had any non-scale victories.

Sometimes, we focus too much on that number on the scale during our health journeys, that we forget about the important little things that are making us healthy.  

For instance, you chose water over a Coke at lunch?  That is awesome! Go you! Celebrate that shit!

That is one small, but important step, in the overall process of becoming healthy.

My first NSV this week this just that fact that I have finally got back into a routine, and have a plan in place. 

 I have started running again, begun a strength training program, and have started making meal plans.  If I have a plan in place, I am much more likely to success.  I need structure, and notes, and a schedule.  If I don't have these things, I tend to binge, don't consider calories, and don't exercise.

My other NSV is that I registered to run a half marathon!

I signed up for the Tyranena Beer Run "Half Barrel".  For a girl that loves beer, a beer themed half is perfect! 

Besides the Half Barrel, there is also a Quarter Barrel (4.37 miles) run at this event.  A few of my friends are signed up for the Quarter Barrel, and Nick and one other friend also signed up for the Half.  It takes place on November 8 so I have 13.5 weeks to train...eek!  

I can do it!! 

Link up with KTJ to share you non-scale victories!

Non-Scale Victories

Two blog posts in one day!

What can I say, I love my linkups!

This has truly been a great week, on and off the scale.  My earlier WIW post discusses the scale so check that one out if you want to read about some awesome numbers. 

As for Non-Scale Victories, I have a few to share.

I have started running again!  Taking it slowly and one day at a time, I will gradually build my mileage back up.  I will NOT sign up for any future half marathons until I can run at least 5 miles comfortably.  That being said, I am hoping to run a half in August or September :)

It is advising and registration time for incoming Freshmen.  AR days are four times a month from the end of May until the end of July.  The Bookstore always gives a little presentation about how to get the best deal on textbooks.  While my boss and I wait for our talk time, we wait by a table covered in donut holes, mini muffins, and coffee.  Previously, I would help myself to 2, or 3, or 6 donut holes.  On Tuesday, and this morning, I resisted and didn't have any!  I LOVE donuts.  I stared longingly at them all nestled in their little basket.  I could taste their soft sweet goodness in my mouth.  I was tempted.  But, I thought about how important my health goals are to me, and how eating a few donut holes is NOT important.   

Monday night, when Nick and I were eating dinner out on the patio, he looked at me for a second, and said, "You look really skinny."  This made me beyond happy because I have been working my ass off lately.  I'm not very good at taking compliments and usually brush them aside with a silly remark.  Usually, I would have answered back with something like, "Hmm, must be the lighting because I'm actually a fat ass."  Instead, I truly took it as a compliment, gave him a big ol' smile, and said thank you.  I'm glad my hard work is paying off!

Being at a work retreat all day yesterday, I wasn't able to prepare all of my food myself.  I ended up indulging a bit much.  Trying to add everything to MFP felt exasperating, and I was just going to call the day a wash and not track.  To make myself feel better about some of poor choices throughout the day, I just wasn't going to pay attention to my calories. I was going into denial mode and was just going to pretend it didn't happen.  This also led me to not wanting to workout once I finally got home around 7.  I thought about how hard I've worked the past weeks, and basically told myself it was ok to skip a day and not workout or track.  

I was all settled on the couch ready to just waste the night away watching tv.  But then I started thinking about all my hard work again.  I started thinking about how much progress I could potentially lose, and how one day of slacking could lead to two days, three days, a week, a month.  These thoughts ended up being the motivation I needed.  I got off the couch, took the dogs for a 2.18 mile walk, and completed my Upper Fix video when I got back.  I never regretted a minute of my activity, but I would have regretted every minute I sat on that couch, doing nothing.

What are YOUR non-scale victories? Link up with KTJ to share!

Non-Scale Victories

Holy cow, it's already Thursday!

Having Monday off was a perk, but I am so happy this week is flying by. 

During the summer, I work half days on Friday so I am only in the office until noon tomorrow.  Saturday, Nick and I will attending Janae's wedding.  Janae is a good friend of mine and actually signed up to run with me during my very first half marathon in 2012.  She is going to a gorgeous bride, and I cannot wait to celebrate with her!

On to the real reason for this post, NSVs.

Granted, I am only on day 3 of the 21 Day Fix, but I already feel awesome!  I have tons of energy, and for once, don't feel like skipping my workouts.  I haven't been craving junk as much as I usually do because I am filling my body with wholesome nutritious foods.  Getting out of bed in the morning isn't as much of a struggle because I now feel rested and amped up to start the day.  Resisting temptations such as candy and alcohol is already easier.  

I am happy because I have finally found a program that works for ME.  The nutrition plan is easy to follow and tells me how much of what kinds of food I should be eating.  The workout videos are fun and actually fly by.  They probably fly by because I've developed a woman crush on the amazing Autumn and her rockin' bod :)

If I could trade bodies with one person, it would be Autumn!

When June 16th rolls around, and I am finished with the first round of 21 Day Fix, I know I am going to see and feel some awesome results.  I am beyond excited to share this journey with you!

Non-Scale Victories

Hello, lovelies!

It has been quite some time since I have had any non-scale victories.  Finally, I have a few so I am linking up with the awesome KTJ to share.

Numero uno

I have hardly had any sweets this week.

For me, this is a miracle!  My sweet tooth is out of control, but this week I have finally managed to overpower it.  Often, I get in the bad habit of buying a candy bar everyday at work.  Every. Single. Day.  But this week, I have only bought one, and it was a York Peppermint Patty with only 140 calories :)

Numero dos

Last night, I tried a new workout.

I went to Zumba with my aunt and sister-in-law.  I'm a tall white girl so dancing in not my forte.  Actually, I've absolutely awful at it.  As it got closer and closer to class time, I started trying to come up with excuses not to go.  I didn't want to bail on my peeps though, so I stuck it out and went.  Guess what?  I had a blast!  Even though I was way off on the moves, and probably looked ridiculous, it was a ton of fun.  As long as we can fit it, we'll be going back next week.

Numero tres

I know these are supposed to be non-scale victories, but the scale is still going to be brought up in this one.

 Despite Aunt Flow visiting this week, I managed to have an awesome loss.  Usually, I gain on this week, and/or use Flow as an excuse to pig out.  Instead of using excuses, I stuck to eating healthy foods and made sure to workout.  My dedication definitely paid off!

This has been such a phenomenal week for me thus far.  Tomorrow, I have to get my wisdom teeth out.  I need to be careful that a soft-food diet and potential pain/discomfort doesn't lead me back down the path to laziness!

I also need to make sure I get a run in tonight since I'm probably not going to want to do much tomorrow after my surgery.  After a couple more walks with the dogs, I am now at 11.58 of my 25 mile challenge this week so I need to get my booty going!

NSV

I went on my first run last night in 4 months, or 116 days, but who's counting...

Tuesday, I was supposed to run 2 miles with hill repeats as my first, but I skipped it.  Not going to lie, having hill repeats as your first run in months is intimidating!!  I'm also using the excuse that it was in the low 30's and raining...

Anyway, I finally got my butt out there last night, and it felt amazing.  I was extremely nervous pre-run.  I was worried I wasn't going to be able to do it.  I've taken a lot of time off, and I've put on more than a few pounds.  I am beyond proud of myself though because I was able to run 3 miles without stopping.   

As you can see from my mile times, my pace is slower than it used to be, but not that much slower.  I really thought I was going to be like a turtle and having like 12:00 miles.  

I did stay away from hills though because my legs were tired, and my muscles tight, early in the run.  You can see from the graph above just how flat my route was!

Tonight, I have rest, but lots of stretching (my entire body is sore, the bad-ass, beast-mode kind of sore, so I will still do the stretching), on my workout schedule.  Instead, I think I am going to make up the run I had scheduled for Tuesday.  I may skip the hill repeats though...we'll see how the legs, and the rest of my body, feel throughout today.

What are your non-scale victories?!  Link-up with the fantastic KTJ, and share!!

Non-Scale Victory

"Ello, 'ello, my lovelies!

Today I am linking up with the fabulous KTJ (Seriously, she's awesome. Go check her out!), to share my non-scale victory.

My NSV is that I am rocking my 7-Day Slim Down Challenge, and I feel awesome! 

Eating clean, with the exception of the popcorn fiasco, and working out, has never felt so good. I am pumped full of energy and my body feels less bloated and heavy. 

I know we're talking about NON-scale victories today, but I am beyond excited to see the number that shows up on the scale once this challenge wraps up. No matter what that number ends up being, this challenge has helped boost my confidence in my health and fitness goals. 

Yesterday, my challenge leader gave us the tasks of writing down one thing that has changed since we joined the group. We then had to take a selfie with that message, and display it on the group wall. Following what I just said above, this was/is my selfie:

I am learning so much about living a healthy lifestyle, and about myself, through this challenge. I am grateful for the experience, and I am excited to continue using this knowledge to complete my goals!

    

Super Sore NSV

It has been a while since I've linked up with KTJ to share a Non-Scale Victory.

Maybe that's because over the past few weeks/months/eons, I haven't had any victories...on the scale, or off.  Now that I am committed to making 2014 the year I make my fitness dreams a reality, I am hoping I'll have tons of victories to share.

On to this weeks victories.

Yesterday was Nick's birthday.  I was an awful girlfriend, and didn't make him a cake (I am taking him out for an AWESOME weekend though!) so I decided to buy one on the way home from work last night.  Enter this temptress...

Heaven in a box!

This cake is intended to have 8 servings with a whopping 240 calories per serving.  It is a fairly small cake, and once I had the 8 pieces cut, my first thought was, "These pieces are tiny!  I'm so having two."  As I savored my first piece though, I thought about my Diet Bet, and what I said yesterday.  I am currently a little bit ahead of the game, but is having a second serving of cake really worth losing that advantage?

No.  No, it's not.

I finished my piece.  Got up from the table, rinsed off my plate, and immediately put the cake away so I wouldn't stare at it and be tempted.  Sweets are one of my biggest weakness so I am extremely proud that I was able to just walk away.

Instead of my usual routine of blowing off workouts, I made a goal this week to get 30 minutes of activity in each day, and so far I am 100% on track.  That being said, I sooooo did not want to do anything last night.  My legs and arms were still sore from the jumping jacks I did the night before, and work had me drained.

 As I was laying on the floor, whining to Nick that I didn't want to work out, running through all of the "good" excuses as to why I could skip working out, I started feeling extremely guilty.  I started thinking about how badly I want to feel confident in my bathing suit this summer, and not worry about how my rolls look, or sucking in my stomach.  I started thinking about all the cute clothes I have, that I never wear because they're a bit too snug.  I started thinking about how I am supposed to be in the prime of my life, but instead I'm tired and sluggish all the time.  All these thoughts made me pick myself up off the floor, and get my sweat on.

This is the workout I did last night, and it kicked my ass!

I thought I was sore from the jumping jacks...  My entire body hurts today from doing this 3 times.  When I read though it, I was all like, "Oh yeah, I can totally do this.  Super easy."  Wrong. Wrong. Wrong.  It was tough!  My 3rd time was a struggle, and I couldn't wait to finish, but I felt GREAT afterwards.

It took me just over 20 minutes to finish the 3 circuits, so I played Just Dance for 10 minutes to finish out my 30 minutes of activity. 

Picking Up the Pace

Hello, my friends!  

So far this week, I have already gone on three runs.  They may be just over a mile each time, but I am still running!!  What I am most proud of this week, is that fact that my pace and overall time are getting faster each day.  This morning, I saw a 9:06 mile time, and an average page of 8:58! Seeing this improvement is highly encouraging, and makes me excited to start training for another race. 

I am pretty much all out booking it on these short little runs so once I start upping my mileage, I know I may not be able to maintain the same pace.  Truthfully, I am totally fine with that.  These short runs are giving me the confidence that I should be able to run a few miles comfortably at a 10:00/mile pace.  Basically where I was when I stopped running in August.  

By not running for a few months, I thought I had really set myself back.  According to the numbers though, I will be just fine :)

  

I may have taken a hiatus from running, but I'm getting back in game!!

Monday - 11/11/13 (I couldn't find my Garmin so I just had to use runningahead)

Tuesday - 11/12/13

Today - 11/14/13

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26.77/150

1.14 Mile Run - 10:13

1.34 Mile Walk with Dogs - 22:27

596/2000
6.19/15

NSV - Happy Halloween!

Yesterday, I made the decision to start scheduling out every minute of my life.  I think having a rigid structure will help me with my self-discipline, and help me get back into the healthy lifestyle groove.  Hopefully, this will get me out of being a couch potato, procrastinator, and time waster. 

Therefore, my NSV this week is making a plan, and putting it into action!  

Below, you will see my schedule for the day.  I made it out last night, and plan to make the following days schedule each night before I go to bed.  Today's schedule sucks a bit because I'm stuck at work from 7:20am-6:00pm....booooo!  This means I am unfortunately going to miss the majority of the trick-or-treaters that come to our house...sad face. 

5:30 Wake Up

5:45 Out of bed and into shower

6:00-6:10 Breakfast

6:10-6:30 Get ready

6:35 Leave for work

7:00-7:20 Shuttle Ride

7:20-7:40 Get drawer ready

7:40-8:00 Blog

8:00-9:00 Textbook adoptions

9:00-10:00 Request NBC & MBS returns

10:00-11:00 NACS returns

11:00-11:30 Textbook adoptions

11:30-12:30 Lunch

12:30-2:00 Book counts/start pulling to keep

2:00-3:30 Sort textbook room

3:30-4:00 Coffee break & blog reading

4:00-4:30 Adoptions

4:30-5:30 Follett return

5:30-6:00 Close store/end of month

6:00-6:20 Shuttle ride

6:20-6:45 Drive home

6:45-8:00 Dinner/hand out candy to trick-or-treaters/watch tv

8:00-9:00 Spanish homework

9:00-9:30 Wii Just Dance

9:30-10:00 Read

10:00 Bed

I realize some of the things on my list may not take up the full allotted time.  To ensure I don't waste time, I already have two other projects lined up at work to work on if I finish something early: entering daily logs, and if I finish those, writing a Spanish paper.

Happy Halloween!!!!!  

Candy Corn M&M NSV

Candy Corn M&Ms.  Does anyone else love them as much as I do?!?!  Most people I know, hate them, with a passion.  Me on the other hand, I cannot get enough of them.  If I buy a bag, it is usually gone within 2 days.  Therefore, I try not to buy them since they're not to good for a healthy diet.

You're probably wondering why I'm blabbing on about Candy Corn M&Ms.  I am doing so because they play a part in my NSV for this week.  My step dad bought me a bag on Saturday, and instead of eating the entire thing in one sitting, I have actually been controlling my portions!

One serving is 23 M&Ms and costs me 220 calories.  I have been a very good girl though, and have only been eating 12 at a time which runs about 115 calories.  After I had my portion last night, I stared at the bag for a while, wanting more.  Instead, I was strong, folded the bag up, and put them back in the cupboard.  Because of my self-control, I am going on day 6 of having the same bag which is still about 1/3 full.

Anyone that knows me, knows this is a huge accomplishment.  I have a ginormous sweet tooth that usually gets the best of me.  Nick & I have not even bought Halloween candy yet because I'll probably eat it all, and Nick doesn't feel like taking the time to hide it from me.  When we buy stuff for s'mores, Nick hides the chocolate bars until we actually have a fire to make proper s'mores.  It's hysterical, and a little bit sad, that I am 26 years old, and I need to have candy hid from me.

I hope everyone else is rocking some great NSVs!  

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4.60/150

603/3500

Wed Night: 2.30 Mile walk - 212

Wed Night: 30 mins of dancing - 187

NSV & Camping

Happy Thursday!  I have today and tomorrow off of work because I'm going camping!

Yes, camping.  In October.  In Wisconsin.

Luckily, we'll have really nice weather. My family takes this camping trip to Wyalusing State Park every year, and there has been years when it has snowed!  The temperatures are supposed to be in the 60's & 70's during the day and low 40's at night this time. Perfect camping weather!

Overlooking the Mississippi River on one of the hiking trails

This is our last big camping trip of the year, and it is a blast. We carve pumpkins and have them lit up at night on our site.  We go to the wonderful apple orchards in Gays Mills.  We hike until we cannot hike anymore (Which means LOTS & LOTS of activity).  We commandeer a group pavilion to have a big fire in the stone fireplace, and eat chili.  The Badgers usually have a big game so we all wear our UW Wisconsin gear and listen to the game on the radio.  And, we celebrate my Aunt and Uncle's birthdays.

So. Much. Fun!  

On to linking up with the lovely KTJ for some Non-Scale Victories.

After months of chaos at work, slacking off, and putting on unwanted weight, I am finally developing a routine in my life again!  It feels so good!

On Monday, I set 3 goals, and I am rocking all 3. Hard.  I have worked out everyday so far.  I have been drinking so much water that I have to pee constantly.  And, I have already lost 1.3 of my 2lb goal! 

I feel so upbeat, happy, and high on life that I have no idea why I broke up with my active lifestyle for basically 3 months, and chose to feel sluggish and like crap?!?!

Well, I believe I have bombarded everyone with enough exclamation points to last for the rest of the week, so I am off to pack for camping. 

Finish your week healthy, and have a great weekend!!!!!     

NSV & Dogs

It's NSV link-up time with KTJ!

I feel like it's been forever since I have had a non-scale victory, and I didn't think I was going to have one to share this week, but I do!

Without even making an effort, I have not had any candy or sweets this week! (with the exception of one brownie bite after Anna's returning-home dinner last night).  It didn't even occur to me that I haven't had sweets until I ate the brownie bite last night. Usually, after I finish lunch or dinner, I immediately get a craving for sweets.  Lately, I have been good, and I have just been having a tootsie roll.  Other times though, I devour a full candy bar and blow 200-300 calories.  This week though, I have not even noticed cravings, therefore, I haven't had any candy or desserts!  

I am not sure what I have been doing this week to make this happen, but I sure am glad it is happening!  Perhaps since I am focusing on eating lots of fruits and veggies this week, I am getting enough natural sugars that my body is not craving artificial sweets?  

Transforming My Morning

1.  I am thankful for my dogs and the constant companionship and entertainment they provide.  When I need a laugh, they do something goofy to make me smile.  When I am sad, they feel it too, and snuggle up with their momma.  They never judge me. They could care less if I was 150 pounds or 300 pounds, as long as I return the love they show me.  They are gentle creatures that love unconditionally, and I am so happy to call them mine!

Skittles Marie

Molly Elizabeth

If you're a dog love, read this.  So sweet & sad. 

2.  "Whoever said diamonds are a girl's best friend, never had a dog."

3.  You are a enough.

4.  Meditation.

  

NSV

I have a fabulous Non-Scale Victory this week.  I bought a new swimsuit, and I actually like it!  Shopping for a swimsuit is always dreadful, and I put it off until the middle of summer.  Family vacation at the lake is next week though, and I cannot go another summer wearing my faded, saggy, ugly suit from 2 summers ago.

I feel go good in this suit, that I am baring my bod to the internet world!  Feast your eyes on my awful photography skills...

Love your bodies, ladies!  Good luck with your own daily victories!!

NSV Link-Up

Living a healthy lifestyle is not just about the number on the scale.  It is also about feeling good physically and mentally.  It is about non-weight related victories.  It is about celebrating the little things. 

I am linking up today with the awesome KTJ and lovely Ashlee to share Non-Scale Victories.   

  

This week, I have two NSVs.  First, the ice cream in the freezer has been calling my name all week so far, but I’ve been able to thwart that evil temptress!!  At one point, I was standing at the fridge, with freezer door open, staring into the temptress’ mesmerizing eyes, about to dish myself up a bowl.  Instead, I snapped out of my trance, shut the freezer door, and went to read a book instead.  Victory!

My second NSV is that I have formed my new marathon training plan.  If you read this post, you know I’ve been slacking, and basically wasted 3 weeks of training.  I was in panic mode about this over the weekend, but I have calmed down, and created a new schedule to follow.  This is my new plan now, and I made a promise to myself that I will up my training, and rock this marathon, HARD!

I am feeling extremely cheery and optimistic, and I just LOVE life today!  I hope everyone else is too! 

Non-Scale Victory

My NSV for the week is what I have been posting about the last few days: meeting my time goal for the half marathon I ran on Sunday!!  I’m sure my readers are getting tired of hearing about the half, but I’m proud of myself for rocking it so hard!!

I set a time goal of 2:10, and I ended up finishing in 2:09:12!!  I PR'ed by almost 16 minutes!  If you want to read a looooong race recap, check out my post from yesterday. 

I will be running another half marathon in August, and my goal for that race is to get a sub 2:00 time.

Thanks for taking the time to stop by!

NSV

My legs were HELLA sore and tired yesterday from my Tuesday night run.  I used this as an excuse to not run last night.  I did have grand intentions of at least going to the gym, but then I had a few too many of these

So instead of going to the gym, this is what my night consisted of:

A lovely fire outside that included roasting marshmallows and makings s'mores, and taking ridiculous pictures of our DOGters.  Molly reminds me of a glamorous granny, and Skittles just looks like a boss and super bad ass. 

Now, on to some serious matters.  My NSVs for the week.  

I had to buy a new belt a few months ago and hated the fact that I ended up having to buy a large.  Even with buying the large, the tightest I could get it was on the second notch.  This means I almost needed the XL.  I'm proud to say that yesterday I wore said belt, and I was able to put it all the way to the LAST notch!  Before I know it, I'll need to buy another new belt and it will be a medium!!!

Coinciding with the tighten of my belt is the fact that my jeans are all slowly becoming too big.  I wear an 8 or 10 depending on the brand, and I now need to wear my belt with almost all my jeans!  I cannot even remember the last time I wore anything smaller than an 8.  I just might need to go on a shopping spree soon!!

I hope everyone else is having great Non-Scale Victories too!!   

Non-Scale Victories Link-Up

Wednesday Workout:

4.77 mile run – 43:51

20 minute walk with dogs – 1.14 miles

Today, I’m linking up with Katie over at KTJ Weighing In to share my Non-Scale Victories.  I love the idea of congratulating yourself for achieving small things, or even huge things, during personal health journeys that don’t pertain to seeing a certain number on the scale.  So many people judge health on weight alone, but there is a plethora of other factors that affect a person’s health not only physically, but mentally as well.  These factors can play as important of a role as weight loss in one’s health. 

I have 3 NSVs this week.

Last year, my average mile pace was 10:00, give or take a few seconds.  The last few weeks, my average pace has been 9:00-9:15.  The first few times this pace average came up on MapMyRun, I thought I had mapped my route wrong, or entered my overall time wrong…I mean, shaving an entire minute off?!  In reality though, I’m just getting that much faster!!  I planned on starting to do speed work to increase my time, but I was going to wait until after my half marathon in May.  Apparently, my legs had other plans!  

One of my goals this week from the Operation Skinny Jeans link-up, is to not eat any candy.  Naturally, after making this goal, a textbook rep gave me a gift bag full of candy.  I immediately put the bag in a desk drawer so I wouldn't stare at it and be tempted.  I am proud to say, I still haven’t had a single piece!

This NSV doesn't have much to do with health, but I still count it as a victory.  After being very quiet and shy during my first month in the blogging world, I have finally started to put myself out there.  I have started joining link-ups and commented on other people’s blogs.  I love the feeling of connecting with other people and giving encouragement and support to help others reach their goals.  The blogging world offers a sense of belonging and camaraderie that I didn't know existed until very recently, and I am very happy to now be part of it.   

Remember peeps, celebrate your non-scale victories just as much as you do your on-scale weight loss victories!!