My daughter Sydney and I are now in training.  We are planning on running a 5k race in December called the Santa Hustle. When I register for a race, I am not ashamed to say that I am bribe motivated.  I choose the race and compete, typically, for what the finisher receives: a cute t-shirt or medal.

Cole’s medals…so far 🙂

I haven’t been extremely motivated recently until God worked through a few people to get my attention.

First a friend of mine, who I used to work out with about a year and a half ago, started really watching her food intake and lost a significant amount of weight (with no exercise)!!  It is very interesting how another person’s results can either motivate or discourage.  Lisa’s weight loss did both quite frankly.

You see, I’ve been exercising for several years now after losing a bunch of weight at the end of 2006, however after I checked the run-a-half-marathon box off my bucket list last October, I sort of…well, I sat down and am now experiencing the too-tight-wardrobe phenomenon because of it.

Second, I happened upon the Milwaukee Santa Hustle website and saw the sweet race shirts and gear they give out for the runners and knew I had to do it:

Running with a beard?  Oh I am IN, BABY!!

Third, another friend of mine told me that she is done being overweight, done being miserable and was starting the couch to 5k program in order to be ready for the Berbee Derby on Thanksgiving Day.  My sweet friend inspired me to stop feeling sorry for myself and get back out there.  I know I can do it and if she is motivated, I will get motivated.

Last, my daughter.  My second born daughter, Sydney, was very active as a little girl.  She loved running around, riding her bike, playing soccer and other sports and we found she was good at them.  I was thrilled that I would have another runner in the family when she got older, but what happened was I introduced her to my downfall, my addiction: CARBS.  She, like me, loves carbs, sweets and anything NOT healthy and also like me, she sat down.

I was a heavy 10, 11, 12+ year old who was quickly approaching obesity and now I see so much of myself in Syd.  She struggles fitting into her clothes, prefers to just sit around and is very self-conscious.  I get that, I know EXACTLY where she’s at and it’s a horrible place to be … especially when you’re facing those lovely middle school years and have an older sister who is tall, thin and beautiful.  Yup, I get it.

But I also know Syd; she is a leader, she does very well when a goal is set before her and can be quite headstrong and focused, so I showed her the Santa Hustle website.  She, like me, loved the idea and a new runner is born.

I meant to start training a couple weeks ago, but with birthdays and celebrations getting in the way… I know, nice excuse – cake and ice cream.  Syd and I have started (along with a new lo-carb eating plan – by the way, anyone know anything about the Keto diet?!!) the couch to 5k (Coolrunning C25K) running plan.

Measurements and “before” pictures have been taken…bacon has been purchased and we are on our way.

Syd did great her first day; she walked at a 3.5mph and ran at a 4.5mph!!

Week 1:  Day 1, 2 & 3:
5 minute warm up
Alternating 60 second jog/90 second walk for 20 minutes
5 minute cool down

We’ll see how she feels tomorrow and more importantly on Wednesday when her second run is scheduled!  🙂

Do any of you struggle with your weight or food?  Do you struggle with exercise or staying motivated?

I know there are women who feel the same way and I would love to hear from you!!

What has helped?  What do you struggle with?

What’s your excuse?!

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.”   1 Corinthians 9:24

Please check out my other posts relating to my weight loss battles:
Lacking Motivation
My Motivation
Skinny Jeans
184. Now it’s personal.