Chasing Shadows

* I had every intention of getting this blog posted before 9 a.m. but for some reason my daughter seems to want to catch up on all the hissy fits she thinks she missed out on in her third year on earth. Pray for me...actually, you might want to pray for her. *

Man, yesterday I had 5 friends leave comments who have never left one before! That really feels great! I have said it before and I'll say it again - it is reader support that keeps me consistent and honest. I need you so that I can get healthy! Thanks friends!

If you are a new reader and are interested in finding out more about the race in Michigan on July 12th and the training for that race, which begins May 19th, READ THIS!

Now, to bloggin' -

I was on fire yesterday after my weigh in. I mean seriously, 4.4 pounds! Ali who?

Every moment that wasn't consumed with a child or housework was used to burn some calories or tone some muscle.

Here's what I did -

• 150 crunches (25 during every commercial while watching Dr. Phil) :) I know, I know
• 25 push ups (not in a row)
• About 20 minutes of training with my 5 lb weights
• 2.8 miles of running

My dad left a comment yesterday saying that when my mom got down under 200 lbs that's when she really started to pick it up. I can't wait to get there!

I love that it seems like everyone around me is catching the fever!

• My cousin Kristol is only 1/2 lb away from being under 200!
• Kellie and Dave began training last night!
• When I called my parents they had just finished running a practice 5k, that hilly one I showed you all yesterday!

I am not saying that I made them all do this but I just feel like I might be encouraging others. That feels better than any 4.4 loss week.

Today I am going to work out on the ball with some training on www.youtube.com/sparkpeople

I'll be sure to fill you in on that tomorrow!

When I began my run yesterday I was right behind this other runner. I admit I was checking her out and comparing myself to her. She was fairly thin, looked pretty athletic, and had a cute bouncy ponytail.

The sun was to my back - the other runner was my shadow.

I used to hate that part of my run - the beginning - when my shadow is right in front of me, magnifying my shape and reminding me of what I look like.

Yesterday I fell in love with her.

Funny, on the run back to the house the sun was in my face and that other runner was behind ME, chasing ME.

She wishes :)

Challenge :

Lunges!

Stand with your arms at your sides and step forward with your right leg. Bend your knees and lower your back knee towards the floor until your right thigh is parallel to the floor. Keep your right heel down and your right knee directly over your ankle. Tighten your abs and push through the front heel back to the starting position. Repeat with the opposite leg.

Do 10 reps on each side!

Baby J says YOU CAN DO IT!