Wannabe a Fit Mommy

Getting back into shape has been on my To Do list for a few years, and this past summer I decided it was time to work on it. I turned 40 in April and realized the only direction I'll continue to grow is out, not up. Soooo it was time for a change.

I found a running program online called Couch to 5K, printed the schedule and began. Then I decided I'd better enter a race so I would stay motivated. I finished that race faster than I thought I would (it was still very slow, but I beat my goal), and entered two more races after that.

I've only lost 5 or 6 pounds in the process, but I love the sense of accomplishment when I run. I recently managed to run 5 miles after being stuck at 4 miles for a couple of months. It was such an incredible feeling!

So why am I telling all of you nice people about this? Well, one of my fellow TOS Crew mates has begun a Fit Mommy meme for each Friday. Each participant chooses a fitness level and sets exercise and nutrition goals. I figure that if I tell everyone about, I am much more likely to stick to it and meet my goals. (Fear of man can work to your advantage sometimes, ya know.) :)

I chose Fitness Level Two because I am definitely not an advanced person (mentally or physically!).

Level Two: The Intermediate level. This level is for those who are already exercising at least 3 times per week on a regular basis. Goals here might include one additional 20-30 min workout each day/week, or incorporating a new exercise or tool (kettle bells, stability ball, bands, dumbbells) into your fitness routine, etc. It should also include some sort of nutritional goal.

My fitness goal for this year is to run two half marathons- one in May and the other in October. On Monday I started Hal Higdon's Half Marathon novice training program. After looking more closely at the program I decided to skip the first two weeks and start at week three. I've been able to run 4 miles for a couple of months so I didn't want lose my momentum.

My nutritional goals are simple: (1) drink more water, and (2) eat fewer potato chips. I *love* potato chips... the delicious crunch, the tang of the salt. Happiness, I tell ya. SO I'm limiting myself to one serving a day, and will try to whittle that down to no servings except for special occasions.

Alright so what did I do this week?
Fitness-
SATURDAY: 5 miles on the treadmill
SUNDAY: Stretched and upper body weights (don't be impressed, we're talking little 5 pound hand weights, folks)
MONDAY: 3 miles on the treadmill
TUESDAY: 2 miles on the treadmill
WEDNESDAY: rest
THURSDAY: 3.5 miles on the treadmill and upper and lower body weights (I used 10 pound hand weights this time and my butt and legs are still store)
FRIDAY: 30 minutes on the bike, 15 (girlie) push ups and 40 sit ups

Nutrition-
I didn't really keep track, but I can tell you that I didn't drink enough water, and I ate too many chips. We'll try again next week. :) True confession time- I munched chips while writing this! No self control here!

So there you have it. Head over to Denise's blog and see what other Fit Mommies are doing!