The Journey I'm On

Last Friday, an email went out across campus encouraging faculty and staff to visit the gym and focus on getting healthy.  In the email was a quote I had contributed several months ago.  Honestly, I had forgotten all about the quote until I was notified that is was being used last week.  Here it is:

A year and a half ago I was physically a mess; I could barely climb the stairs in my two-story home. Fast forward to this past June and I have successfully completed my first, official triathlon.  By adopting a new lifestyle of healthy eating and regular exercise, I’ve lost over 115 pounds and gone down 10 dress sizes.  What’s more?  I did this all while working at the College full time and finishing my master’s degree.  There’s no secret to my success-- I just decided I wouldn’t allow myself any more excuses and I set attainable goals.   And of course, it doesn’t hurt to have great workout buddies.    

When I came into work on Monday, I started getting a lot of comments from co-workers (all positive and thankful I shared).  The more people commented on how much weight I've lost, the more I began to reflect on it myself.  It will be two years in January that Hubs and I seriously began to monitor our eating and physical activity.  I was 250 pounds when we started and I never thought our efforts were going to be successful.

Flash forward those two years and I now weigh in between 128 and 134.  I run 3-4 miles once or twice a week.  I lift weights, do yoga, pilates, P90X, cycle and swim weekly.  I have completed a 3K, 4 5K races. and a sprint triathlon.  My goal for this calendar year was to be able to do unassisted pull-ups and I am just about there.  I've joined a running club and am looking forward to a 8K in April and then another sprint triathlon in June.  What's more- at one point I was a size 24, but now I wear size 6/small!

As long as I'm bearing all, here are some photos to drive it all home...

The Exodus of Genesis

One of my good friends and co-workers, Genesis, is headed out west.  She is saying goodbye to snowballs and hello to beach balls.  That's right, she's headed to sunny California.  Thus... this is the exodus of Genesis.

I just want to go on the record as having said that having good friends move far away is no fun at all.  I rejoice with them as they follow their hearts (and God's guidance), but it's hard all the same.  I mean, who is going to teach me about healthy eating and the food industry now that Genesis is leaving?  Who is going to shop with me during lunch time?  I will truly miss our last minute journeys to Banana Republic, TJ Maxx, and HomeGoods.  In addition, it was Genesis who got me in the gym during lunch time... Something that has revolutionized my lifestyle.

Last night we had a girl's bon voyage celebration for Genesis at one of our favorite local watering holes, Honey Cafe.  While there, we presented her with handcrafted 5x7 cards featuring helpful adages like "Everything is going to be just fine" and "Don't sweat the small stuff."  We felt these phrases would be helpful as Genesis transitions into her new position and into a new part of the country.
  

These ladies are a true blessing.

There's really nothing like a good friend.  God has blessed me with many and for that I am truly grateful.  

And to Genesis, I want to say thank you for being so great.  I will miss having you in the office.  And lastly, I promise I will try to remember to bring soup for lunch.  

Belated Thanksgiving

Keeping with tradition, Hubs and I ran the Turkey Trot with Brian and Jill.
Of course, I picked out the wildest running outfit I could find. Note, those are my new Adidas running shoes.

Hubs is the one sporting the Americana shorts and a beard.  What a hunk. 

Here come the winners- 5K in just under 15 minutes.

Dad and Mom didn't see us cross the finish line, so there are no pictures to actually prove we ran the Turkey Trot.
I promise you though, we ran like the wind.  I finished with 9:42 minute miles.

Here we are post race.

Here we are again- Just for kicks.

Here are Mom and Dad- out to cheer us on.
Thankfully, the weather was in the mid 60's on Thanksgiving, so they didn't freeze.

I'm thankful for my Dad. 

We ate Thanksgiving dinner at Uncle Jerry's house.  He's a true farmer even on Thanksgiving- overalls and all.

I am thankful for you too, Hubs! 

My New Fall Tresses

I recently got my hair cut.  After much discussion and Pinterest-searching, I decided to get a bob.  I'm so glad I did.  Danielle at Zazu did an amazing job.  You can see my after pics below...

Also, I'd just like to point out that Hubs and I have been working on the master bedroom.  Last weekend we mudded all of the walls (to color the red polka dots left by the previous owners).  We also did a last quote of mud on the ceiling.  Our next step will be to sand everything and then we will be ready to paint the ceiling!  It's only a short jump from painting the ceiling to painting the walls.  It will be such a relief to get the master completed.  I yearn for the day.

Anyway, back to my gorgeous locks...

Happy Belated Halloween

A Race for Ramie

I recently ran in a special 5K race.  It was called The Ramie Harris 5K and took place over Homecoming weekend at Wheaton College.

Ramie Harris was a junior psychology major at Wheaton.  On the morning of November 26, her life came to a tragic end at the age of 21.  She was killed in a small plane crash along with her father, younger sister, and a friend.

The Ramie Harris 5K was planned by Ramie's class members, now seniors.  Over 350 runners turned out- the largest group to run a Wheaton sanctioned race... And all this despite freezing cold temperatures.

All of the runners congregated in the Edman Plaza at 7:45am and all participating sported purple wristbands imprinted with the words "Ramie's Run".  Purple was Ramie's favorite color.  When the race was completed, purple balloons were released in the sky, followed by a brief moment of silence.

It was one of the most meaningful races I've run.  I was blessed to be a part of it.