Another week--another half pound...

Well, the beginning of July began with a half pound gone, a total of 22 miles walked (for the week...including completing the Peachtree Road Race; a 10K in Atlanta, if you are not familiar), and lots of fireworks, food, family and friends. 

To start, let me say that I have been a paying member of Weight Watchers since April of 2008.  And when I am active, the plan is the best one that I have found.  My biggest obstacle--me, myself and I.  When I am on plan, I am on it 100%.  When I am off of it--well, I am equally dedicated.  Obviously, I am an all or nothing kind of gal.

I have recently re-dedicated and re-focused all attention to the plan.  In addition to Weight Watchers, I have started actively tracking all things on www.sparkpeople.com.  I think that it's good for me to see another perspective on how things work.  And since I have a near and dear friend who lost over 100 lbs. by watching her intake (low carbs, limited sugar), I thought this "fresh" approach might help me.   Anyway...since I have been diligently on plan, I have lost a total of 4 lbs. (that's over two weeks).  I am happy with that loss--and can only hope that the trend continues.

Secondly, all of the walking...it's been reassuring to see that there is a direct correlation to weight loss and exercise.  Well, duh...I guess that I knew that...(a lesson that I have learned way more than once).  Anyway--this was reaffirmation for me.   And with my Garmin heart rate monitor, I get the super satisfaction (when walking outside--not inside on the treadmill) of being able to download the information and see instantaneously the fruits of my labor.  And I have busted it over the past month or so...knowing that I had the 10K coming up on July 4th.  Anyway...more activity, hopefully more weight loss...(FINGERS CROSSED)...

That takes us to the Peachtree Road Race, yesterday.  This was my second year participating.  Let me explain this to you...there are approximately 55,000 folks participating.  Yep, it's a massive event.  But all things considered, it is super organized.   We had a group of six of us participating.  Unfortunately, we were not all in the same start wave (the first runners were off at 7:30), my start time was at 8:42 (so, yes, there were already people meeting us at my mile 2 with their coveted Peachtree Road Race t-shirts and swag bags in hand).  However, for all of the other races (numerous 5Ks, 2 other 10Ks, and a half-marathon), there is nothing like the atmosphere of this one.  People (supporters, neighbors, family????) line all 6.2 miles to cheer, yell, holler (and is some instances provide adult beverages to those that need/want them).  There's music blaring, bands playing the chosen patriotic anthems, confetti flying, sprinklers spraying...everything.  It's the most fun I have ever had walking 6.2 miles.  And to beat all, I finished beating last year's time by 5 minutes.  (Okay, so it was the winning 27:52 time that won the race...but it was a personal best for a 10K).  This is my only goal...to attempt to beat my previous 10K time...so it was a success all the way around.  Plus, I was there to celebrate with other Chicas that completed this milestone.  And did I mention the t-shirt?  Well, there's a pic pre-race picture (above) and post-race (below) with THE t-shirt... Again, I cannot wait until next year's race!!!!

Post race festivities included good food, good times, and not-so good smells.  I didn't take anything to change into...so had only my trophy tee to put on...which I did.  Luckily no one at the cookout mentioned my horrific body decaying ripe smell.  However, upon my return home, my husband promptly encouraged that I take a shower...quickly.  

Then, today I met a new friend for lunch...What a great experience that was.  It was my favorite cuisine--Mexican with a new favorite person of mine!  Who would have thought the Internet could lead to what I hope is a long lasting friendship?!?!?!?  (Nevermind that the world wide web was the catalyst that allowed me to meet my husband.  I am not sure why I doubt the technological advances of the world...Nothing should surprise me!).  Anyway...she's also the reason that this post is being made...her encouragement and my deciding that I would "just do it"...Here we are!

Here's to a great weekend...and an even greater week!