Thanks...But No Spanx

About a year ago I was introduced to Spanx and it revolutionized my life. I could put on an outfit that was a little too snug, then put on my Spanx and look stunning in that same outfit. For those of you who have joined the Spanx revolution, you are very familiar with the magic I just described. Spanx has a way of taking the inches off, smoothing out the bulges and keeping the jiggles to a minimum. The best part about Spanx is that, unlike traditional girdles, they do all this without making you feel like you have a giant rubber band wrapped around your body. Needless to say, my Spanx has become the staple of my wardrobe.

Imagine my surprise on Easter Sunday when I put on my outfit and didn't need the Spanx! You see, this is an outfit that I purchased several years ago when I was a much smaller me. But even then, I needed a girdle to feel comfortable in it. The outfit I am referring to is a tricky one because it is a bias-cut, linen skirt with a side-zipper. The zipper alone is difficult enough. I don't know what it is about side-zippers but they always seem to cause trouble! To add in linen, which is an unforgiving fabric that has no elasticity whatsoever, adds insult to injury. But the bias-cut...that is a recipe for disaster for anyone who wears larger than a size 5 and has even a little "junk in their trunk". So, to be able to pull off that outfit without a Spanx is truly a miracle!

Well, I am a witness that miracles still happen! What I realized from this experience is that I am doing this thing! I am making huge progress in my weight loss journey! So when I get discouraged and tired on my weigh, I will simply recall this past Easter when I was finally able to say, "thanks...but no Spanxs!"

Running Until I'm Tired...

Spring is here and I am once again feeling inspired! The past few months of this weight loss journey were very difficult. It all felt so mundane, monotonous and down-right pointless at times. I was persistent but not without great struggle. Nevertheless, I have found fresh inspiration and I am once again going hard and going strong!

I did my second 5K last weekend and I decided that would be the kick-off of my working more intently to become a runner. If you recall, in my New Year's post, I stated that one of my goals for this year is to add running into my weekly exercise routine. I ran my first mile back in January but did not continue with it until this week. It is amazing that in such a short time, I am actually able to run more than 15 seconds without feeling like I am going to die. I am not even close to where I want to be, but I am taking it step by step.

My long-term goal is to be able to run the entire 5K in September. This is a huge leap so I decided that I will devote this next six months to training. I have done a lot of reading on running and I have found a very manageable training plan. The best advice for beginning runners that I have come across is to "walk until you're bored and to run until you're tired". I am not sure why but when I read this advice, something in my head clicked. My dream of becoming a runner somehow became so much more feasible.

So that is what I have been doing for the past few days--walking until I am bored and running until I am tired. At this point, I walk .10 miles and run .10 miles. until I complete a mile. I usually continue power-walking for an additional mile. My goal is increase the distance that I run and decrease the walking. I will do this until I am able to run a complete 5K. At that point, I will set an even greater goal.

Having this goal of becoming a runner has put purpose back into my workouts and weight loss efforts. I feel so driven and excited to continue this amazing journey. Perhaps you are looking for fresh inspiration this spring. I would encourage you to think about your goal and find a way to work intently towards it. I guarantee that once you do, you will find yourself like me...back on my weigh!