Goals, Two Years Later

Two years ago today, I wrote about reaching my first goal weight. It had been an eight month journey of learning and working toward a healthier lifestyle. I was so excited to see my body change, and that number on the scale made me dance. Literally.

I posted a new weight to aim for, and I was excited to keep going. But things changed.
My senior year. I lost motivation to work out. I became stressed about the demands of schoolwork and applying for graduate programs, and I stopped paying attention to what I was eating. I gained back a few pounds, nothing serious, but I was not where I wanted to be.

The summer after senior year I joined a challenge group on Facebook, a group of women committed to pushing themselves and encouraging each other. There were fitness challenges and nutrition challenges. I LOVED it. It was just the push I needed to refocus myself. I stopped caring about that new goal weight I had set in 2013, and started concerning myself more with seeing what my body was capable of. The focus turned from how low my weight could get (don’t misunderstand, I was not obsessed with my weight), and instead became how STRONG I could get.

Today that is still my focus. In fact, I don’t step on the scale a whole lot anymore. My weight has stayed relatively stable over the last five months since that challenge group ended, but I have seen changes in my body and my mind.

Two years ago, my goal was a very specific number on the scale.
Today, my goal is to celebrate more non-scale victories (NSVs). Like buying jeans one size smaller. Like catching sight of myself in a mirror and being surprised to see some muscle definition. Like actually enjoying burpees (SAY WHAAT?!?). Like getting a compliment from a co-worker telling me that whatever I’m doing is working.

It’s been a fun journey so far, friends. Here’s to the road ahead.

Starved Rock

I’ve made it my goal this summer, and in general, to spend less time sitting down. This has been a challenge for me as I have had to think of ways to pass the time that don’t involve laying in bed watching One Tree Hill or sitting on the couch with Adam watching Alaska State Troopers. So when Adam suggested we go to Starved Rock this past Saturday, I was totally game.

Most of the trails and canyons were closed that day due to damage from storms, but we were still able to do the short circle around Starved Rock and then hike the Illinois Canyon a couple miles down the road.

It was such a beautiful day with temperatures around 80 degrees and very little humidity.

We even managed to avoid the temptation to indulge at local ice cream shops by packing our own snacks. The cashews and grapes were a better way to fuel our bodies anyway.

What a great way to spend a Saturday!

Brittany

Meal Planning

This summer has been a testing season of sorts for me. Although I am still living on campus, I’m much more on my own than ever before. I have had to make time to grocery shop each week, comparing prices and nutrition labels like a responsible adult. And in an effort to maintain as much order and efficiency as possible (hello, Type A personality) weekly meal plans have been a necessity.

Meal planning keeps me on track with my spending, but it has also been a huge help staying on track with clean eating. Here’s how it works for me…

I typically start planning on Fridays (that’s when the new weekly challenges come out for my summer challenge group). For each day of the week I make a line for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, workout, and water. I also write down what hours I work that day. Then I start filling in meals. Honestly, this is what takes me the longest. Breakfasts are easy because I’m totally okay with eggs and oatmeal every day. Lunches look different from week to week, and sometimes day to day, because there are some days when I need a quick lunch while working and other days I have more time to prepare something. Salads and/or leftovers are pretty typical lunches for me.

Right now, since I’m working on a limited income and only cooking for myself, I will usually choose just one or two options for dinners each week. I don’t need something different each night of the week. It’s pretty easy at the beginning of the week to bake some chicken and sweet potatoes. Add some veggies and dinners are set for the week.

When it comes to snacks, I don’t really plan those in advance in terms of what I will eat specifically each day of the week. I just make sure I have a bunch of healthy, portable options on hand so I can grab and go. I’ll stick to the plan for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and then go back into my notebook each day and write down what I ended up having for snacks as well as how many ounces of water I had that day.

After finishing my meal planning on Fridays, it’s pretty easy to write up a grocery list. So grocery shopping happens sometime over the weekend, and then Sunday nights or Monday mornings are spent preparing food (cooking chicken and potatoes, cutting up veggies, measuring out serving sizes for snacks). After all of that, I have found that sticking to healthy eating has been almost a no-brainer.

I do have to admit that I am not perfect at this. A couple weeks ago I realized that I tend to “cheat” in social settings. If I get invited out for dinner with friends or someone offers me pizza/ice cream/junk out of hospitality, I have a really hard time saying no. Having come to this realization, I am really trying to work on bringing good food with me or suggesting healthier alternatives in the next few weeks. Clean eating is important to me, but it’s not so important that I’m going to shut myself in my room in order to stick to the plan. In order to make real, lasting changes, you have to find balance. That’s why I allow myself to go out. I allow myself to have treats. But if I do go out, I try to make the best food choices that I can.

I’m still trying to find what works for me when it comes to this new healthy lifestyle, because I truly do want it to be a lifestyle change, not just a diet I tried for a month or two but ultimately didn’t work. Turns out that meal planning works for me.

“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”

Brittany

The Brighter Days Guide to Barbecues

Barbecue season is here! Summer is prime picnic time, especially with the 4th of July this weekend.  With such a huge spread of food, how do you navigate the picnic tables and make good food choices? Here are some things to consider before you fill up your plate:

Prepared salads: Many prepared salads (like potato salad and some pasta salads) are loaded up with fatty mayonnaise, oils, and cheese. It may be best to pass up on these.

Meat: If given the choice, a grilled chicken breast is better than a brat or hot dog. Chicken is a leaner, less processed meat. And it’s so good when it’s grilled!

Chips: Empty calories, and typically very oily. Skip the chips and hit the veggie tray for a healthier, crunchy alternative.

Fruit: Watermelon? Fruit salad? Go for it!

Beverages: It’s important to stay hydrated, especially in the summer heat. Stay away from soda, which actually dehydrates you. And when it comes to fruit juices, watch the sugar content. Water is always your best bet! But if you must indulge in some adult beverages to celebrate the holiday, drink in moderation and drink responsibly.

Have a safe, fun weekend everyone! Happy Independence Day!

Brittany

A Brighter and Lighter Summer

Whoa, there’s no way it’s the end of June already! How did that happen?

I wasn’t always a big fan of summer (I actually liked being in school), but it’s growing on me as I get older. Bonfires and beaches, smoothies and sundresses, there’s something about summer that really lifts my spirits and lightens my mood.

As you know from my previous post, this summer I am taking the challenge to really push myself toward a healthier lifestyle. If your health/eating/exercise has taken a back burner lately, summer is a great time to get back on track. With all the sunshine and warm temperatures, it’s hard to find an excuse not to get out there and enjoy it. And that usually means some sort of physical activity. Swimming, biking, rollerblading, even getting involved in a softball league. A simple walk right around sunset is one of my favorite things. If you can commit to at least three days of activity each week, that’s a great place to start!

As much as I love a big bowl of chili on a cold night, summer food gets me just as excited. Give me a salad every day, please. Anyone who told you that salad is boring has no idea what they’re talking about. They probably have lame salads with iceberg lettuce, croutons, and ranch dressing. Yeah, that sounds pretty boring to me too. I love a big, bright summer salad. And salad isn’t just for veggies, friends. Add some blueberries or strawberries. I have had a spinach salad with blueberries, almonds, and a homemade lemon dressing for lunch every day this week. Top it with grilled chicken and, let me tell you folks, that thing is a winner.

Aside from the beautiful weather, one of the greatest things about summer is that a lot of fruits and veggies are finally in season (which means they’re cheaper and more readily available – yay!). When you are focusing on eating healthier, the produce aisle is your best friend. And grocery shopping can be fun when you walk through local farmers markets. Eat healthy and support your local growers: win-win.

Finally, I love summer playlists. Who doesn’t love a sunny day, driving with the windows down, and playing something loud and fun? This summer my playlist includes a lot of American Authors, CHVRCHES, and The 1975. Those are the bands that get me in the mood for driving, running, and dancing. Add some country (if you’re into that) (p.s. isn’t country music so much better in the summer?) and I’m all set for beaching or barbequing.

I am excited to continue on this challenge, using this summer to launch a healthier lifestyle. At the end of June I am already feeling brighter and lighter!

Brittany

Comment below with your favorite summer activities, summer foods, or summer music.

Back in the Game

Spring semester was a rough one. I was trying to focus on large final projects and papers and emotionally prepare myself for graduation. Up until the week before graduation, I had zero plans for summer employment and had kind of resigned myself to going back home and hopefully finding something, anything. Basically, I was living in a near-constant state of stress. And my body was not happy.

I stopped working out and neglected almost all thoughts of healthy eating. My face was breaking out and I started gaining back some of the weight I had lost the year before. I wasn’t happy with what was going on inside of my body, but I didn’t have the mental capacity to address it at that point.

After a week of vacation, settling into my summer housing, and starting my on-campus job, I was able to breathe again. And when my head finally started to clear and the anxiety and stress were nearly gone, I found the desire to live a healthier lifestyle stir in me again.

Fortunately, right around that time one of the Facebook pages I follow introduced a summer challenge. A group of people committed to making changes over the course of 90 days and seriously pursuing a healthier lifestyle. It was just the push I needed to get back in the game.

So over the last week I have found myself planning meals, buying more produce, and actually looking forward to workouts again. And it has been fun (so far)!

I have every intention of getting back into blogging this summer as well, and hopefully this will be a place of sharing and encouragement and honesty and maybe even struggles.

Thanks in advance for following me through this new season!

A Breath of Fresh Air

While all of my friends have been on Spring Break this week, I have been at my desk trying to catch up on schoolwork. Sitting for long periods of time never used to bother me much, but lately it drives me crazy. I have been especially restless this week since the weather has been improving. It’s getting warm(er) and the snow is (almost) gone.

I’m all for going hard and getting work done, but sometimes a girl needs a break. This week I decided to reward hard work with walks. It worked! Knowing that finishing this page, this chapter, these emails would earn me some time outside made me stay focused and cross a lot of things off my to-do list.

Allowing myself breaks throughout the day is good for my mental/emotional health, and taking walks around campus is good for my physical health. Win-win!

Now I can’t wait until the ground is less muddy so I can start reading outside again!

Here’s to brighter days,

Frozen (Literally)

Yikes. Chicagoland has been under Deepfreeze 2.0 Polar Vortex: The Sequel and classes were cancelled the last two days (can I get a hallelujah?). I basically annoyed everyone Monday night singing “Do you wanna build a snowman?” over and over and over. That’s actually the only line of that song I know, but I digress.

I don’t know about you, but I’m one of those people who could go for ice cream anytime. Summer. Winter. Polar Vortex. Doesn’t matter, I’m down. But we didn’t have any in the apartment, so I got creative.

Frozen orange crème yogurt. Tastes just. like. a. creamsicle. And only 90 delicious, frozen calories!

Dorm Cooking Basics: The Recipes

Welcome back to the mini-series, Dorm Cooking Basics!

My new lifestyle began toward the end of my sophomore year of college. I have spent the last year looking for ways to make eating smart easier. It would be easy for me to make excuses during this particular season of my life. After all, most microwavable meals are NOT healthy and the chocolate chip cookies at my university’s to-go services are so. freaking. good.

But I decided not to let those excuses hold me back. I have been learning and trying new things, and this mini-series is my way of sharing what I have learned with you. Most of my readers have busy schedules like me, but they also have full-sized kitchens and many more appliances at their disposal. So take a look at my basics, create some basics of your own, and stick to them. No excuses anymore, mkay?

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Today’s focus is on five simple meals/snacks that can be made easily in a typical college dorm room. Let’s dig in!

Breakfast Sandwiches
Top a multigrain English muffin with a slice of ham and reduced fat cheese. Scramble one egg in a small ramekin and microwave for 1 minute, 30 seconds (not too long or the egg will pop). Add egg to English muffin. Optional: add a tablespoon of salsa for more flavor

Oatmeal
Don’t use the instant stuff. You can make your own, better version in the same amount of time. Follow the directions on the side of the container of quick oats. The fun part is experimenting with different toppings! My favorites include: bananas and nuts, nuts and maple syrup, apples and cinnamon, peanut butter, or fresh blueberries.

Smoothies
There are almost endless possibilities when it comes to smoothies. Most of my favorites start out with a simple base of nonfat plain Greek yogurt and a banana, maybe a splash of milk. My blender doesn’t handle ice very well, but if yours does you might consider adding ice as well. Two of my favorite smoothies are:
-Banana, Greek yogurt, pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg
-Banana, Greek yogurt, apples, almonds, cinnamon

Dessert Yogurt
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1 Tbsp. peanut butter, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, chocolate chips …it’s like a healthy cookie dough!
- Vanilla Greek yogurt, sprinkles, chopped peanuts …let it freeze and you have fro-yo so good you won’t be disappointed about missing Sundae Sunday in the caf.

Fruit & Nut Bowl
This has been my favorite snack this year. Slice up a banana, chop some strawberries and almonds, sprinkle a little cinnamon on it all. It’s that easy, and it’s filling and delicious too!

 

Sorry, no pictures because I wrote this over Christmas break.

Welcome Back

I have sat down to write this post about half a dozen times, trying to explain why this blog (and my other one) has been inactive for so long. Life got busy. Real busy. The last three weeks of school were incredibly rough on me emotionally and physically. I was wearing myself out with all of the work that needed to be done, and of course the blog took the back seat. Then summer came and I was just so happy to finally be able to rest that I couldn’t bring myself to write anything.

But I have waited long enough. I am back.

Well, kinda.

On Tuesday my full-time summer job started. I am working as a staff supervisor at a camp in southern Wisconsin. Even though I have free time in the evenings, internet connection is spotty. I will most likely have time to write, but the posts may not be published at regular intervals. I’m not a big fan of that, but it is what it is.

I realize that I dropped off the map right after introducing the Dorm Cooking Basics mini-series. Since I am on a break from school until the end of August it seems a bit weird to post about cooking in a dorm room right now. So that series of posts will be saved until the fall semester.

In the mean time, you can look forward to posts about my first 5K (over a month ago now!), camp food, crazy outdoor games with campers, the beach, and anything else that happens to pop into my brain.

Thanks for being patient during my break.

Here’s to fresh starts and brighter days,

Dorm Cooking Basics: The Food

Welcome to my new mini-series, Dorm Cooking Basics!

My new lifestyle began toward the end of my sophomore year of college. I have spent the last year looking for ways to make eating smart easier. It would be easy for me to make excuses during this particular season of my life. After all, most microwavable meals are NOT healthy and the chocolate chip cookies at my university’s to-go services are so. freaking. good.

But I decided not to let those excuses hold me back. I have been learning and trying new things, and this mini-series is my way of sharing what I have learned with you. Most of my readers have busy schedules like me, but they also have full-sized kitchens and many more appliances at their disposal. So take a look at my basics, create some basics of your own, and stick to them. No excuses anymore, mkay?

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Today’s focus is on five basic foods I always have on hand for dorm meals. Let’s dig in!

1. Multi-Grain English MuffinsThis basic is something I picked up recently. Prior to this I had been buying loaves of whole wheat bread. The downside was that I just didn’t seem to get through a loaf quick enough before it was gross. For some reason, I eat English muffins much quicker.
I use these for breakfast sandwiches (my new favorite), spread with a bit of peanut butter, or with cream cheese topped off with some sliced strawberries. So good!

2. EggsGood news: you CAN make scrambled eggs in the microwave! I’ll whisk one up with a fork and microwave it in a small ceramic ramekin I picked up from Target. Then it’s a quick minute and a half in the microwave. The ramekin makes my eggs into the perfect size and shape for breakfast sandwiches. How fun is that! :)

3. Greek YogurtThis has got to be one of the most versatile foods for dorm meals. I honestly go through a big tub weekly because I use Greek yogurt for just about everything. My favorites include topping it with fruit and granola, mixing in peanut butter and chocolate chips, or putting it in smoothies.

4. Quick 1-Minute OatsOatmeal is another food with great potential. I could seriously eat the stuff every day, multiple times a day (and I have!). Some of the best mix-ins I have found are bananas and maple syrup, peanut butter and bananas, peanut butter and chocolate chips, and applesauce and cinnamon. Yumm!

5. FruitOne of the great things about my school’s dining hall is that they allow you to take out one dessert or one fruit after each meal. You’re crazy if you don’t take advantage of that! I use all of that fresh fruit on its own as a snack or cut up for yogurt, smoothies, and cereal.

Those are just a few basics. I also have milk, cereal, and peanut butter in my room at all times. These simple things go a long way. I am so excited to be able to share some of my favorite dorm room recipes with you soon!

Question of the Day: What foods do you always have in your fridge/on the shelf?

Until next time,

5K Goals

Not many people know this, but my first 5K is coming up in less than two weeks. My first 5K, guys. My hear gets all fluttery just thinking about it. I am so stinking excited.

All of my preparation has been leading to this, and it’s crazy to think that it is so close. I just started the C25K program last week, didn’t I? Nope. It has been WEEKS and now it’s almost time to put my hard work into practice.

As I began to think about prepping for the run, I wanted to set a goal for finishing time. But I realized I didn’t even know what a realistic goal would look like for myself. So this morning I got on the treadmill and decided to see how long it would take me to complete those 3.1 miles.

A few things to mention: the above time includes a 5 minute warm-up walk. This is a treadmill. Running outside is not the same as running on a treadmill. The above time is the result of running at a mostly steady pace of 6mph. I may be good, but I know I am not yet at the point where I can maintain a steady 6mph pace outdoors.

Taking those things into consideration, my goal is to finish under or around 34:00 on the day of the run.

So now that I have a finishing time in mind, I can move forward with more preparing and planning. For my running friends, what advice do you have in preparing for a race? What things can I do in the next week and a half? What things should I do the morning of the race?

Until next time,

Fresh Air

Spring decided to make an appearance this week!

Fortunately, I only had three days of classes because of Easter Break, and during those three days I had very little homework. This meant I had a bunch of free time to enjoy the weather.

On Friday, Adam and I went for a walk.

And got some fro-yo afterward. (My favorite treat!)

The forecast for next week looks like a few more cold days, so I’m glad we took advantage of the warmth while it was here. Now I am looking forward to even warmer days so I can take out my rollerblades again!

Question of the Day: What outdoor activity do you like to do when it gets warm? Answer in the comments!

Here’s to brighter (and warmer) days,

My Three Rules for Lifting

Okay, so they’re not really MY rules.

Between celebrating Easter with my family, being home for the first time in three months, and planning new things for April, I have been busy. So I asked my friend Dave from Be Relentless 24/7 to do a guest post.

Dave received his Bachelor’s Degree in Sports and Wellness Management and is currently working as a trainer with Impact Sports Performance. He recently became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Be sure to check out his blog and tap into his wealth of information and advice.

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For some folks getting to the gym and working out can be a journey of epic proportions. Like that of Frodo and Sam trying to destroy the one ring by throwing it in the fires of Mount Doom - But once you’re there you realize that was only half the battle. You know these machines, contraptions, and objects are supposed to get you healthier but you have no idea where to begin; not to mention they look like something that Saruman used to make his Urik Hai –Sorry I kind of like Lord of the Rings.

For other people – you know these machines will get you healthier, but your results have stalled… It becomes hard for you to get back to the gym, and the once good habit has all but been deflated faster than balloon being played with by a porcupine.

Well no matter you’re exercise experience; beginner, intermediate, advanced, etc. it’s always important to go back to the fundamentals. And well, I put the “fun” in fundamentals. Maybe the “mental”… but in any case I’m going to present my three rules for lifting, and these apply to EVERYONE.

Disclaimer; I have a fourth rule, but it’s all encompassing for any exercising, and that is get mobile, but that is a whole other post in its own

Rule number 1 – We do not talk about fight… Sorry losing my train of thought… My first rule is master bodyweight exercises first. I’ve worked with clients ranging from people wanting to lose 60lbs to Professional level athletes and they all have one thing in common – they’re body is their greatest tool. So when it comes to lifting I tell people to avoid the free weights until they can do 10 good looking pushups (perfect will come later), 10 body weight squats, 1 pull up, and hold a plank for at least 15seconds. This will help prepare you to truly achieve the physique, and health you want. Even help reduce your risk of injury by lifting.

Rule number 2 – Learn good technique. So you’ve mastered your body weight, and you finally have the bravery to ignore the meat head doing countless bicep curls and want to start moving weight. Well now you will learn proper technique: I will never let anyone lift if I feel they’re going to hurt themselves. I’d rather you have perfect technique before hurting yourself any day. Good technique will actually get you stronger faster, and ensure a life time of lifting heavy. It takes time at first, and at first learning good technique can actually be a workout in itself. But once you get the hang of it you’re finally ready Daniel San – Karate Kid anyone? -

Rule number 3 – Get strong! No matter what your goals are you must eventually get strong in order to achieve said goals. Bottom line; don’t be scared to pick up heavy stuff - with good technique of course. But in my mind, at the end of the day strength is the oldest and truest mark of fitness. You want to be a faster cross country runner? Get strong. Want to get a better physique? Get strong. Getting stronger may be your ultimate goal, or it may be a supplement to your ultimate goal, but regardless it should be involved in any exercise program.

There you have it, follow these three rules, and you’ll be well on your way towards being a fitter, healthier, and more awesome you.

Until next time, be relentless, and never settle

-Dave

Wishful Thinking

I have been doing my workouts in shorts this week as a means of protesting the very un-Spring-like weather.

I live in the Midwest, so I’m not about to complain about the weather. It’s totally normal for it to be cold in March. But wishful thinking is okay, right?

Looking forward to brighter (and warmer) days,

Running is a Mental Sport

It’s been a while, but I’m back in action! France was wonderful for my soul. I truly believe that taking care of yourself needs to extend beyond the things you do for your physical body. If you’re not healthy emotionally and mentally, your physical health doesn’t mean as much.

That being said, this post will be an attempt to draw a connection between mental and physical activity. Here we go!

Most of you know I have been working my way through the Couch to 5K training program. Starting out, I could not call myself a runner by any stretch of the imagination. I remember doing distance running in track my senior year of high school. I quit after three days. It was not fun.

So when I decided that I wanted to start running this year I knew I would be facing some hurdles.

The first four weeks of the nine week program went smoothly. I worked my way up from doing 1 minute running intervals to eventually doing 5 minute intervals. After every run I felt good about what I had just accomplished. And then came week five.

Week five had me doing eight minute intervals, which was intimidating enough since I had never run for eight minutes in a row EVER. But I did it, and it actually seemed pretty easy. Unfortunately, the last day of week five calls for a five minute warm up walk, followed by a twenty minute run, and finished up with a five minute cool down walk. TWENTY MINUTES. I was terrified.

I put up a post on Fitocracy about how nervous I was for this one. I received so much encouragement from people who have successfully gone through the program. They assured me that while it looks scary on paper, the twenty minute run isn’t as bad as it seems. I was confident that my body could handle it, but I was really looking at a mental hurdle. The true test would be whether I could overcome my fear of this thing.

And I did. I woke up at seven this morning and I killed it. As I finished the last thirty seconds of the run, I must have looked like the biggest goofball. I had a huge smile on my face because I was so proud. Proud of what my body was capable of, yes, but mostly proud of my willpower to overcome fear and intimidation.

Recognizing that running is more than just physical determination, but mental determination as well, made me think about how many times I have made excuses and held myself back. How many times have I claimed that I physically can’t do something when it was really just an issue of errors in thinking?

In light of these events and realizations, I am determined not to let my brain hold me back. I am going to set goals and run at them.

Looking forward to brighter days,

Taking a Sick Day

Ughhh, I have been dealing with an ugly cold since Friday.

Normally I’m all for pushing through discomfort and challenging myself to workout even when I don’t feel like it, but this time I knew I needed to listen to my body. That meant no morning run today.

My body is thanking me, and I’m sure all my fellow gym-goers are thanking me for not coughing/sniffling/sneezing all over everything.

Anyway, the plan for today is tea and (maybe) some yoga. Hopefully I’ll be back in the fitness center Wednesday morning!

The Challenge to Change

One thing I have noticed is that it is really easy to hit a plateau and get discouraged. When you’re still working hard and eating well but you don’t see any victories, scale or otherwise, it’s hard to keep going. But in my experience with plateaus, both my own and others’, I have learned that the best thing you can do is to change it up.

You have to challenge yourself. Push beyond what has become normal to something that makes you uncomfortable.

That’s why I have decided to switch up some things with my diet and exercise plans. I haven’t quite figured out what those changes will look like, but I know I want it to be something that challenges me. Of course, I am open to suggestions.

Question of the Day: What is the last thing you did to challenge yourself?

To My Goal Weight and Beyond!

I did it, I did it, I did it! I hit my goal weight!

After eight and a half months of hard work I am officially down 32 pounds, taking me BEYOND my goal weight of 150. That’s right, when I set goals I don’t just reach them –I exceed them.

I recently asked what I should do to celebrate this achievement. You all had a lot of really great ideas! I have decided that after I get back from my trip next month I will be buying myself a new bathing suit. Something new to show off the hard work (although I tend to pick suits that are on the more conservative side). I’m thinking about this one.

If you have read my 2013 Fitness Goals post you know that 150 isn’t my stopping point. When I started this journey, that number sounded good to me. I can’t remember the last time I was this light. Early high school? Middle school maybe? But now that I reached it, I realize that I can and want to go farther.

I know that I can push myself harder. I have just scratched the surface of all that I am capable of doing. After giving it some serious consideration, doing research on healthy weight ranges, and realistically considering how much work I am willing to put in, I have set a new goal for myself: 135.

It will be fun to keep up with this forward motion. Even if I never make it to the next goal weight, I am happy knowing that these lifestyle changes are not impossible. I am more than satisfied with how far I have already come.

I will try to keep up with the encouragement and the stories as so many of you have encouraged and shared your stories with me. Will you continue on this journey with me? The road may be long, but travel is more fun with friends. :)

Here’s to brighter days ahead!

A Cold and Quiet Morning

You know what I like more than an early morning run? A walk through the snowy trees before my early morning run.

Campus was so quiet and calm this morning. No one was out and about yet since we don’t have classes today. It was my time to take a deep breath, gather my thoughts, and take everything in. My alone time. My peaceful time.

And to think that I would have missed this if I didn’t have the discipline to get up early and run.