In 2005, I first started teaching at Casis and weight about 235 lbs (this was on a good day). Aside from doing a few push-ups and sit-ups, I really didn't have any set workout routine. This picture was taken during the summer of 2006.
In August of 2006, a few weeks before school was getting started, a good friend, Judy Paul, called me up to go on a jog. A jog? That sounded easy enough. Well 5 miles later (I didn't jog that entire amount), and after making Judy wait on me as she ran circles around me, I finished. I had no idea how far 5 miles was, nor did I realize how sore I could get, for multiple days! Judy called 2 days later and asked if I was ready to run again. Are you crazy, I thought? Me, trying to be tough, was ready for the torture again.
This was the beginning of my running career. It all started with having to be accountable to someone else and pushing through the pain. As the year started, I kept running regularly and it became easier and easier. As I learned more about running, I also started learning more about nutrition. One of the greatest books I got connected with was Superfoods, 14 Foods that Will Change Your Life (photograph below).
This was the beginning of my running career. It all started with having to be accountable to someone else and pushing through the pain. As the year started, I kept running regularly and it became easier and easier. As I learned more about running, I also started learning more about nutrition. One of the greatest books I got connected with was Superfoods, 14 Foods that Will Change Your Life (photograph below).
This book made me aware how important everything I put inside my body really is. After looking through the book, I created a spreadsheet, attached below, and posted this on my fridge in order to make sure I was eating as many superfoods as possible.
| superfoods.xls |
With a new found love and respect for running, and a guide to eating right, I was on my way to losing weight, feeling great, and becoming a runner. As the summer of 2007 arrived, I was weighing 195 and running in 5K's and 10K's all over Austin. Below is a picture from that summer of Judy, her son Paul (he was in my 1st 4th grade class at Casis), and me before running the Bat 5K Run.
Running with a friend is a great way to keep yourself accountable for working out. Another important way to stay accountable is logging your life. I regularly weight myself and record this, write down how much I workout, and on good days I will track what I eat. This accountability and knowledge keeps you honest, keeps you focused, and allows you to see how you are improving your life. Yes, there will be days where the pounds increase, the meals are fried, and workouts are missed. These days do not destroy all the other days, but you need to get back on track, stay on focus, and realize every day is a new day!
So as 2011 begins, I am going to keep track of my miles, my meals, and my weight. As for right now, I am 202 pounds and I want to get down to about 185. With the Young Gun's Biggest Loser contest, yes it may be scary to share your weight with others, but this will give you someone to answer to. I don't want to let others down and I want to push myself to prove I can lose weight and be healthy. If you are interested in more info about the biggest loser, you can click here.
Here is my running for the week: Monday 4 miles, Tuesday 5 miles and abs, Thursday 4 miles and core. 24.2 more blogs to go till February 20th!!!
Happy 2011, and happy running!
So as 2011 begins, I am going to keep track of my miles, my meals, and my weight. As for right now, I am 202 pounds and I want to get down to about 185. With the Young Gun's Biggest Loser contest, yes it may be scary to share your weight with others, but this will give you someone to answer to. I don't want to let others down and I want to push myself to prove I can lose weight and be healthy. If you are interested in more info about the biggest loser, you can click here.
Here is my running for the week: Monday 4 miles, Tuesday 5 miles and abs, Thursday 4 miles and core. 24.2 more blogs to go till February 20th!!!
Happy 2011, and happy running!
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