Oh Hey, I'm Back

I've been absent from The Big Weight.  I'm also pretty good at stating the obvious.<br /><br />I haven't had a lot to say these days, as I've gained/lost the same +/- 5 lbs.  As I had been stating for several weeks now, I've had an incredibly hard time getting my mind back in the healthy eating game since about February. I eat out of boredom, and that's the bottom line.  BUT, I'm not giving up no matter how many failures I have.  I'm going to lose this weight no matter how many "re-starts" it takes.  <br /><br />I had a brief email exchange with fellow blogger <a href="http://www.nothankstocake.com/" target="_blank">Kelly @ No Thanks to Cake</a>, and she reminded me that she blogs for her, not for others (thank you SO MUCH for your encouragement Kel!).  As much as I agree with this, clearly I was in the mindset of thinking about what my readers would want to see.   Does anyone really want to keep seeing someone fail who had been on quite a roll previously?  That doesn't sound very inspiring.  But The Big Weight, at the end of the day, is for me.  The more I document my journey here, the more beneficial for  me whenever I do have these stumbling blocks along the way.  I can go back and see what worked before and try to apply those methodologies again.  But if I'm not here writing it down, then I don't have a point of reference.  So hey, here I am again... stumbling around aimlessly or not!<br /><br />Rarely am I able to do both things well on my weight loss journey - I can either eat perfectly (which is rare), staying within my PointsPlus every week, OR I can get in my allotted goal for exercise.  As is typically the case, I've been tearing it up at exercise!  During the weekend of April 28, I <i>ran</i>, not walked, <i>RAN</i>, two 5K's!! <br /><br />On Saturday, I attended the Civista Health & Wellness 5K, which caters to both runners and walkers.  I typically try to run some of the 5K, but I've never been able to do the entire thing.  As the race began, I found this lady who was running at a good pace and I thought, "I can do this.  I'm just going to follow her as long as I can."  And so that's what I did.  I just paced myself according to her and I ran the <b>entire </b>time!  I gave myself positive self talk throughout, reminding myself to breathe, relax my shoulders, and to pace myself.  I did <i>so well</i> and I was incredibly proud of myself!  I also let that lady know what an inspiration she was to me at the end - and she was just as grateful for my kind words to her as I was to her pace-setting. <br /><br />Needless to say I was rather sore after that 5K, but I tried to stay active the rest of the day (by going shopping :) ).  I got this suit for a work function.  I am a very anti-black suit person.  That's all women seem to own and I like to go against the grain.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nIusXljs1fBifeEGfbTVht3DPpvtIYxvc3Y9qj_bHvomFv2AlQcfkier5r3TQnZ8jun0KOmsji_1_uP2GxAaYJB0T5ErNQtLOsYBE5cbtQG-DHPS3sO15KOnDp5vThB5l8pxx7Eqb80/s1600/white+work+suit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nIusXljs1fBifeEGfbTVht3DPpvtIYxvc3Y9qj_bHvomFv2AlQcfkier5r3TQnZ8jun0KOmsji_1_uP2GxAaYJB0T5ErNQtLOsYBE5cbtQG-DHPS3sO15KOnDp5vThB5l8pxx7Eqb80/s400/white+work+suit.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just call me Dr. Pritt</td></tr></tbody></table>Anyhow, the very next day I had the March of Dimes - March for Babies.  This was a 5K that is geared toward walking (and I raised $225 for it).  As much as I wanted to say "I ran my first two 5Ks every back to back in one weekend!" I knew I had to be reasonable about it.  I was very sore when I woke up Sunday morning, but as we lined up for the walk and the adrenaline started pumping, I knew I wanted to give this run a shot.  So I did, and I went about the same method: set a nice, reasonable pace and kept encouraging myself that I could do it.  I wasn't out for speed, but for simply finishing without stopping.  I'm not gonna lie though, it was tough - I was sore and also the entire last mile of the race was uphill!  BUT, I did it!!!! I ran the entire thing and I had tears in my eyes <strike>walking </strike>running (I just remembered!) back to my car. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5JOCKlZnAEntyePrMq3oy-uCqxGL3hE_PVv8XLTcPrgWqn_TpC3iQBBnvT6sh5HPkLJzdKqdI3z_ZRhDfcJgl1S2z27t9iS-_JtNrU58UrXBp9ljEb7GGKL-BKVSg-zBEr6jKsOjk4A/s1600/march+of+dimes+race.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5JOCKlZnAEntyePrMq3oy-uCqxGL3hE_PVv8XLTcPrgWqn_TpC3iQBBnvT6sh5HPkLJzdKqdI3z_ZRhDfcJgl1S2z27t9iS-_JtNrU58UrXBp9ljEb7GGKL-BKVSg-zBEr6jKsOjk4A/s400/march+of+dimes+race.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">after the March for Babies</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="color: #674ea7;">I ran two 5K's the entire way through in 1 weekend!!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I <i>do </i>have a LOT to be proud of on this weight loss journey!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="200" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6533663.591;sz=200x200;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000000026530730;pid=48363;usg=AFHzDLswlymL68hwQrdIDtArGhJ6C4BHKQ;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.abt.com%252Fproduct%252F48363%252FNikon-25472-.html;pubid=541254;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fcontent.abt.com%2Fmedia%2Fimages%2Fproducts%2FBDP_Images%2Fbig_d3100.jpg;width=200;height=158" vspace="0" width="200"></iframe></div>

5K Civista Health and Wellness Exercise March for Babies March of Dimes Success Weight Watchers Oh Hey, I'm Back

I've been absent from The Big Weight.  I'm also pretty good at stating the obvious. I haven't had a lot to say these days, as I...

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Two Upcoming 5K's

For those of you who read The Big Weight in a Reader, you may not have noticed that I added two new “widgets” to the sidebar recently.  If you're able, please click through now to see them :).<br /><br />The two new widgets are for the <a href="http://www.marchofdimes.com/" target="_blank">March of Dimes</a> – <a href="http://www.marchforbabies.org/hilaryjp248" target="_blank">March for Babies</a> benefit walk and the <a href="http://www.cff.org/" target="_blank">Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s</a> <a href="http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/dsp_DonationPage.cfm?walkid=7701&idUser=464368" target="_blank">Great Strides 5K</a>.  I did both of these walks last year and was definitely inspired to make them part of my annual routine.  <br /><br />The March of Dimes is near and dear to my heart, as this was a foundation that the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) heavily supported.  I was a very active member of FBLA in high school and learned the mission of the March of Dimes then.  The mission, by the way, is simple:<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="color: #674ea7;"><b><i>We help moms have full-term pregnancies and research the problems that threaten the health of babies.</i></b></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohokAq7gDBBVVMLrIJtkcL2Nz-O1LQnCPy1TGx6HwNeYP_a959yTE1QmWUxYy1deT91UozQH3tgF1KJgVJu9Y5VHrfY-O7PRqzUDlGyEd5Fc82Gor0JQNyEa1IzzpvyUMY1CS5hVgrrY/s1600/dimesmarch2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohokAq7gDBBVVMLrIJtkcL2Nz-O1LQnCPy1TGx6HwNeYP_a959yTE1QmWUxYy1deT91UozQH3tgF1KJgVJu9Y5VHrfY-O7PRqzUDlGyEd5Fc82Gor0JQNyEa1IzzpvyUMY1CS5hVgrrY/s400/dimesmarch2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/05/march-of-dimes-march-for-babies-5k.html" target="_blank">Last year’s walk</a> provided some very emotional moments.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpevr9P7aXKDBHUoLpxzEMWxlHeIcSWMYzbej7Hn6uGBlT4KVYI049f9UWgINpE1f8UFOWXXsoXNT40aaSZuDTqGfTqEBlZ4XBAF-l4oZPiel4zNGeoGHlNtkpS6cnYiK_RF7-Rs5h0U/s1600/dimesmarch4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpevr9P7aXKDBHUoLpxzEMWxlHeIcSWMYzbej7Hn6uGBlT4KVYI049f9UWgINpE1f8UFOWXXsoXNT40aaSZuDTqGfTqEBlZ4XBAF-l4oZPiel4zNGeoGHlNtkpS6cnYiK_RF7-Rs5h0U/s400/dimesmarch4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/05/great-strides-5k.html" target="_blank">Last year</a>, I chose to walk for the CFF for no other reason than I wanted another 5K to enroll in.  However, when you go to events like that, you quickly realize how it’s more than just a walk.   You see firsthand how your money benefits those affected by cystic fibrosis.  In high school I worked at a locally owned pharmacy.  We had a customer who had CF.  He was just a child and was such a joyful little kid everytime he came in with his mom to pick up his prescriptions.  At the time I didn’t even realize the magnitude of his disease.  As an adult, and someone who is pursuing a nursing degree, I have started to understand and appreciate the challenges involved with such illnesses. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3goM43505i5XzO2w3ZFHHptDIRr0wjirOTXjcM6DT3OfFxNNjqE7551jmkkyQy7DO_BugccED1C-N_oaZI1W8p7WBdlwquzqhvg1jzfyF2xAVGBd9nbHWquMnwab16E9rVxN3PeShEMs/s1600/CFF+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3goM43505i5XzO2w3ZFHHptDIRr0wjirOTXjcM6DT3OfFxNNjqE7551jmkkyQy7DO_BugccED1C-N_oaZI1W8p7WBdlwquzqhvg1jzfyF2xAVGBd9nbHWquMnwab16E9rVxN3PeShEMs/s400/CFF+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />If you can find it in your heart to make a donation to one of these organizations, know that it will be put to good use.  There are plenty of children/parents out there who really need the help that each of these organizations provide, and even $5 can make a difference.  <br /><br /><span style="color: #999999;">{Clicking on the widgets will take you to my campaign page where you can make a secure online donation.}  </span><br /><br />Thank you in advance on behalf of the March of Dimes and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for those of you who are able to contribute!

5K Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Great Strides March for Babies March of Dimes Two Upcoming 5K's

For those of you who read The Big Weight in a Reader, you may not have noticed that I added two new “widgets” to the sidebar recently.  If y...

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Scheduling 5K's for the Fall!

It's been a few months since I completed my <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/search/label/5K">last 5K</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuUFgYDUIQIpjQaCqGrfVF2rpLpAQNL9KOwnEC5t2m9MVtjlJeioVQRlDnW64lcmrmjWoY2OW3AN__UWTcwkOQx5bCB8n7z8K2FpzKcgWa2qdB3yd5p6CdL14HCHpyI9jgPl69EZYwH0/s1600/May+2011+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuUFgYDUIQIpjQaCqGrfVF2rpLpAQNL9KOwnEC5t2m9MVtjlJeioVQRlDnW64lcmrmjWoY2OW3AN__UWTcwkOQx5bCB8n7z8K2FpzKcgWa2qdB3yd5p6CdL14HCHpyI9jgPl69EZYwH0/s400/May+2011+032.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />I've been searching around on Active.com for local events in my area and have found a few worth considering over the next few weeks.  I'd really like to do a few fall themed ones, and so far have found two that are <a href="http://www.goblingallop.org/">Halloween</a> <a href="http://www.active.com/running/muncy-pa/muncy-monster-dash-2011">themed</a>, one that is hosted by the <a href="http://prracing.racebx.com/events/register/4e1f0625-9d54-40b7-94ed-5d4dc0a86522">YMCA to help fight childhood obesity</a>, <a href="http://www.kingstownestriders.org/FilltheShoes5K.html">one that will raise money for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network</a>, and <a href="http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e4g88edhc9475156&llr=tl9s5vdab">one that I have done in year's past that helps fight homelessness</a>.  <br /><br />Even though I still cannot run an entire 5K, I still enjoy doing them.  At the end of each race I feel a huge sense of accomplishment because I have proven to myself, yet again, that I am capable of doing anything I set my mind to, no matter how much I weigh.  Also, there is the added benefit that I have just been active for 3.1 miles early on a weekend morning.<br /><br />Well, this weekend I am traveling to St Mary's County, MD to participate in an unofficial event created by Joel's brother in order to celebrate his 30th birthday.  He called it the St Mary's Septathalon, where we will be participating in 7 active events on Saturday.  This includes running, swimming, biking, fishing, yoga, drinking (I didn't make the rules), and something else that I cannot remember.   I will be sure to snag some pictures!  It's going to be interesting no doubt...  <br /><br />Are you signed up for any 5K's this fall?<br /><br /><i style="color: #999999;"><a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/09/starbucks-giftcard-giveaway.html">Tomorrow is the drawing for the $10 Starbucks giftcard</a>! Don't forget to enter for your chance to win :). </i>

5K Exercise Scheduling 5K's for the Fall!

It's been a few months since I completed my last 5K . I've been searching around on Active.com for local events in my area and have ...

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Weight Watchers Walk-It Day Challenge

As you can see, I'm a little behind on the posting :).  Again, please bear with me these next few weeks - <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/05/busy-bee.html">my life is consumed by anatomy right now</a>.  <br /><br />On Sunday, May 22 I participated in what I think has been my favorite 5K so far!  The <a href="http://www.weightwatchers.com/templates/marketing/marketing_utool_1col.aspx?pageid=1171941">Weight Watchers Walk-It Day Challenge </a>took place in College Park, MD at Lake Artemesia.   <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpLQX-3W_hkSfWOGsfXuGjl61njRMi4B_ZBCxbEFSe2O3XE9X2YcFhVdni3OPZYYS1QmhcylDVHUn57AldZg9sJO_bqFVOglII3TIUv2YksU1tmBkylkpkE5hyN2gr9TUCHFqado_nCU/s1600/LA+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpLQX-3W_hkSfWOGsfXuGjl61njRMi4B_ZBCxbEFSe2O3XE9X2YcFhVdni3OPZYYS1QmhcylDVHUn57AldZg9sJO_bqFVOglII3TIUv2YksU1tmBkylkpkE5hyN2gr9TUCHFqado_nCU/s400/LA+1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">so pretty - a perfect 5K around this lake!</td></tr></tbody></table>What I liked about this 5K was the scenery!  We did 2 laps around the lake as part of the 3.1 miles.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmeGmaYugpTHok1LVaQXBoJdzGNp2hFknk9HOMk2Fb4-gojEJ8JTJHv5yn-EUI-T2Ut-mKtmoA8lTkQWYD2e4EzuJBoiockYCo1xrX3QjcwJ5pDqOze5g2UjHE4k7oo3HNfKGeflXHgQ/s1600/LA+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmeGmaYugpTHok1LVaQXBoJdzGNp2hFknk9HOMk2Fb4-gojEJ8JTJHv5yn-EUI-T2Ut-mKtmoA8lTkQWYD2e4EzuJBoiockYCo1xrX3QjcwJ5pDqOze5g2UjHE4k7oo3HNfKGeflXHgQ/s400/LA+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rest of the 5K took place through woods</td></tr></tbody></table>The path was perfectly paved and wide enough for people to pass one another.  Also, because this event is related to the eating plan I follow, it made it that much better!  The snacks at the end were calculated with the Points+ values, and they were ALL healthy snacks - no pizza & pop afterward like most of the 5K's I've attended.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3Z3jt6Hr1Byby0hZYUc3oeQ58dZ2pbNDshp5_HjXByB1UPHP4CgFOCf_GqQFJ7l6fQ4an3XZTQ9nVDkrrpgNI5fWmx0c6UYjCk8BNTiCwIfpykrtuEGI0p9e_KC5YuWmyPphyphenhyphenXVIvIQ/s1600/LA+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3Z3jt6Hr1Byby0hZYUc3oeQ58dZ2pbNDshp5_HjXByB1UPHP4CgFOCf_GqQFJ7l6fQ4an3XZTQ9nVDkrrpgNI5fWmx0c6UYjCk8BNTiCwIfpykrtuEGI0p9e_KC5YuWmyPphyphenhyphenXVIvIQ/s400/LA+3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>The event organizers were also amazing - very encouraging and positive!  There were several of them along the route at various intervals cheering us on.  I also enjoyed the fact that in order to do this challenge, you had to be a WW member.  This made it extra special for me because it felt like you were really doing those 3.1 miles as a team.  Also, everyone there has been through the same struggles I'm going through.  Having Weight Watchers be the commonality between all of us was absolutely perfect - no one was looking down upon the next person for not being as fit or fast as they are.  In other 5K's I've done, people are strutting around in their skimpy running gear and everyone seems to be trying to outdo the next person.  I <3 Weight Watchers members!<br /><br />I was also happy with myself because I think this was the most distance I've jogged during a 5K.  I have no real way of knowing that for certain, but I felt really strong that day and I felt like the running was easy for me and it was not hard for me to keep going.  That almost NEVER happens.<br /><br />At the finish line they greeted you with what was my very first race medal! *Tear*<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_aD-KmBRB9X59ppI69vGqKjXqjWIDDmR9rVyvBUd4hljqwvfP3CrQ_OsnnAQPgE-vVbBK-TggTd787s1FrqKblgj7hM-OjLuzpnXZ0l110TWbhHMubggbGtSkPcKhXRXdgu8UkqiUFI/s1600/LA+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_aD-KmBRB9X59ppI69vGqKjXqjWIDDmR9rVyvBUd4hljqwvfP3CrQ_OsnnAQPgE-vVbBK-TggTd787s1FrqKblgj7hM-OjLuzpnXZ0l110TWbhHMubggbGtSkPcKhXRXdgu8UkqiUFI/s320/LA+5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>That made my day!  It was as though I was being rewarded not just for completing this 5K, but for all the others I've done over the last few weeks.  Also, at the finish line they gave us a bag of WW friendly treats.  After everyone finished the walk, they gave away 50 prizes - I was so close 2 times!  They called numbers 301 and 303 :(!<br /><br />Oh, and we got this AWESOME shirt for signing up for the walk:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1tKA1ABWGfCejAQIUOkJnqXJwwHAvWTOo6ngJjw4mSUaHhP1lfAvZ5XBkCH4EslfCiajRprGXkaQ7LPVNWYqffGB45nXvw8oNDq190Ul5Iw2bsR0HGO2DPpx7NcA4ClgBpQLstkH8Wk/s1600/LA+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1tKA1ABWGfCejAQIUOkJnqXJwwHAvWTOo6ngJjw4mSUaHhP1lfAvZ5XBkCH4EslfCiajRprGXkaQ7LPVNWYqffGB45nXvw8oNDq190Ul5Iw2bsR0HGO2DPpx7NcA4ClgBpQLstkH8Wk/s320/LA+4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>This is blurry because I didn't want someone to walk in and see me doing a self-photo shoot!  But, that t-shirt I'm wearing is that silky, moisture wicking material.  It's SOOOOO nice!  I've never owned a shirt like this before and it is now my favorite exercise shirt.  I never understood the thrill with this type of athletic clothing because I really felt like my cotton t-shirts did the job just fine.  But man, these shirts suck the sweat away from your body and then you don't feel so disgusting!  <br /><br />If you're a WW member, I would highly recommend doing this walk next year!  Ours was so well put together and I just loved all the people who participated.<br /><br />My next and final 5K is this Saturday on the National Mall in Washington, DC.  It is the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure.  I'm kind of excited that this will be the last 5K for awhile.  I'm not currently committed to any others as of yet, but I'm going to hold off for the month of June until after we get moved and I'm done with this hell... or, I mean, school!

5K Success Weight Watchers Walk-It Day Challenge Weight Watchers Walk-It Day Challenge

As you can see, I'm a little behind on the posting :).  Again, please bear with me these next few weeks - my life is consumed by anatomy...

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Great Strides 5K

On Saturday, May 21, I participated in the <a href="http://www.cff.org/">Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's</a> <a href="http://www.cff.org/great_strides/">Great Strides 5K</a> in Waldorf, MD.  With the help of my family and friends, I was able to raise $270 for this event!  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3goM43505i5XzO2w3ZFHHptDIRr0wjirOTXjcM6DT3OfFxNNjqE7551jmkkyQy7DO_BugccED1C-N_oaZI1W8p7WBdlwquzqhvg1jzfyF2xAVGBd9nbHWquMnwab16E9rVxN3PeShEMs/s1600/CFF+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3goM43505i5XzO2w3ZFHHptDIRr0wjirOTXjcM6DT3OfFxNNjqE7551jmkkyQy7DO_BugccED1C-N_oaZI1W8p7WBdlwquzqhvg1jzfyF2xAVGBd9nbHWquMnwab16E9rVxN3PeShEMs/s320/CFF+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />The walk was great and scenic, taking us through parts of Waldorf I had never seen before.  <br /><br />The event did not start until a little after 10 AM, which was a little late for my liking - it got really hot really quick!  Also, apparently we ended up doing more than a 5K, which made sense to me at the time because it felt like the walk was going on and on and on.  When we arrived back to the finish line the coordinator said there was a mess up with the walk routing and that we walked close to 6 miles.  I don't actually think it was 6 miles... maybe we did closer to 4, but definitely not 6.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVAlYyMpQ4Fw8SQrs9Ite_hYR8oJZLBEGc0ayOOS_gLFE_zR3JoXw8cwiKRnu7ZactAhjN4ZVqIfylfzc71eOOFX2ZAmiItuDF9pTIZD2InVP4OycIdwL2GBq_5SEOLWm7QQSuUfII2Q/s1600/CFF+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVAlYyMpQ4Fw8SQrs9Ite_hYR8oJZLBEGc0ayOOS_gLFE_zR3JoXw8cwiKRnu7ZactAhjN4ZVqIfylfzc71eOOFX2ZAmiItuDF9pTIZD2InVP4OycIdwL2GBq_5SEOLWm7QQSuUfII2Q/s320/CFF+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />It was a great event and I look forward to doing it again next year!<br /><br />Thanks to everyone for your financial support!

5K Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Great Strides Great Strides 5K

On Saturday, May 21, I participated in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Great Strides 5K in Waldorf, MD.  With the help of my family a...

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The 16th Annual Civista Run/Walk for Wellness 5K

On Saturday, May 16 I participated in the 16th Annual Civista Run/Walk for Wellness 5K.  Civista is one of the local hospitals around here.  <br /><br />I planned to walk this entire 5K again because of the back pain I've been experiencing.  However, once the race started and the adrenaline started pumping, I had to take off!  I jogged and walked off and on throughout the entire race.    <br /><br />I was happy that the organizers of this race chose a different route through the town than I was previously used to doing.  The <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/05/march-of-dimes-march-for-babies-5k.html">March of Dimes walk</a> and the Charles County Walk for the Homeless that I did 2 years ago used the same route.  Admittedly, it gets boring doing the same route and knowing what to expect.  Even though I jogged at various points during the race, my back never really bothered me and I was <i>so </i>happy about that.  I hope this back issue starts to dissipate because I haven't been pushing myself at the gym for fear of injuring myself further. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuUFgYDUIQIpjQaCqGrfVF2rpLpAQNL9KOwnEC5t2m9MVtjlJeioVQRlDnW64lcmrmjWoY2OW3AN__UWTcwkOQx5bCB8n7z8K2FpzKcgWa2qdB3yd5p6CdL14HCHpyI9jgPl69EZYwH0/s1600/May+2011+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuUFgYDUIQIpjQaCqGrfVF2rpLpAQNL9KOwnEC5t2m9MVtjlJeioVQRlDnW64lcmrmjWoY2OW3AN__UWTcwkOQx5bCB8n7z8K2FpzKcgWa2qdB3yd5p6CdL14HCHpyI9jgPl69EZYwH0/s320/May+2011+032.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crossing the finish line!</td></tr></tbody></table> I was also pleasantly surprised to find Joel waiting at the finish line!  I've been doing all these 5K's alone.  It sucks, especially whenever you see other groups of people clustered together before/after the race.  It's awkward just standing around by yourself.  That's why it was so nice to finish and see a familiar face, especially Joel's :).<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgtgtuoOT08xYGlB8y_3PerG52OGlmca3FhgxGaREXGSoHcvLNjiRNSuaj6KpoZjZpxf6fEXDX4DCdzfZSpvwXJmUJSDaKPEVgNUkmJUqTAgtDoXM6ZWuzPfuBCMX7rZE1_z5Xqqay5Y/s1600/May+2011+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgtgtuoOT08xYGlB8y_3PerG52OGlmca3FhgxGaREXGSoHcvLNjiRNSuaj6KpoZjZpxf6fEXDX4DCdzfZSpvwXJmUJSDaKPEVgNUkmJUqTAgtDoXM6ZWuzPfuBCMX7rZE1_z5Xqqay5Y/s320/May+2011+036.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">very sweaty and hungry.</td></tr></tbody></table>I've done four 5K's so far and I would do them all again next year if the opportunity arises!  I have three left as of right now and don't plan to do anymore until I move and class is over.  This weekend is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Great Strides 5K (Saturday) and the Weight Watcher's Walk-it Challenge 5K on Sunday.

5K The 16th Annual Civista Run/Walk for Wellness 5K

On Saturday, May 16 I participated in the 16th Annual Civista Run/Walk for Wellness 5K.  Civista is one of the local hospitals around here. ...

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May Goals & HilJoe Competition - Week 1

Several other people from health blogs I've been reading are posting their May goals.  I liked the idea and thought I'd do the same.<br /><br />1. <a href="http://watchmybuttshrinking.com/10k-a-day"><b>10K A Day in May challenge</b></a>: 10,000 steps a day for the Month of May sponsored by the <a href="http://watchmybuttshrinking.com/">Watch My Butt Shrink</a> blog.  After 10 days into the month, I can tell you I have reached this number (and then some) on just a few days, but most days I have come very close to reaching 10K steps.  I find this especially challenging on the weekends and on days when I work at home.  It's a blessing I don't work at home full time because I would never move!  Still, my goal is to have more days than not at or very close to (within 2,000 steps) 10K steps/day.  I get most of mine from my walk to/from work, a lunchtime walk and my 35 min at the gym.  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZN1czcDGDEosDPwYkUPW53yknAgixNInGdGADIcAePSy1GYBA0F0s69A8iH3nGLaWbPKgNfrFb3NY7Erqs_ULTjClqqlQCsDb8NQXFOjy2GBYyxR5Bm9ENgdzN-EGqjE-c8elaWKY9eA/s1600/10k.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZN1czcDGDEosDPwYkUPW53yknAgixNInGdGADIcAePSy1GYBA0F0s69A8iH3nGLaWbPKgNfrFb3NY7Erqs_ULTjClqqlQCsDb8NQXFOjy2GBYyxR5Bm9ENgdzN-EGqjE-c8elaWKY9eA/s1600/10k.JPG" /></a></div><br />2. <b>Stay On Plan</b>.  Obviously I aim to achieve this every month, but May is going to be especially challenging.  Stress = eating for me.  My next nursing class begins next Wednesday.  It's a 4 credit class that will only be 6 weeks long.  I'm scared for how hard and time-challenging this is going to be.  I also have three 5K's this month which are all on weekends, which is when I tend to cram in most of my studying.  It's going to be challenging to say the least.  <br /><br />3. <b>Move</b>. I don't mean "move your body" either! While this doesn't seem directly related to health/fitness on the surface, it definitely contributes to my weight loss.  I've been living with Joel's family since October 2010.  After having lived for two blissful years on my own, it was EXTREMELY difficult/challenging/sad for me to go back to living with "roommates".  It's especially hard when it comes to eating.  The kitchen isn't mine, the kitchen <i>stuff </i>isn't mine, and I'm often forced to navigate around other people's cooking schedules.  This often leads to a "screw it, I'm going out for food" mentality.  Needless to say, I'm ready to get my own apartment again.  My goal is to be out by the end of this month.  Why wouldn't it be?  I mean, the classes and 5k's just weren't enough time commitment for me, of course I had to add a move in to the mix. <br /><br />I'll be sure to keep you posted on how I'm progressing as the month goes on!<br /><br />I'm not done yet folks!<br /><br />Last week Joel and I had our second weigh in as part of the <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/05/hiljoe-competition-week-1.html">HilJoe Weight Loss Competition</a>.  I lost a miraculous 3 lbs and Joel lost nothing, so he will be paying up this week!  Go me!

5K goals HJ Competition Success Weight Loss May Goals & HilJoe Competition - Week 1

Several other people from health blogs I've been reading are posting their May goals.  I liked the idea and thought I'd do the same....

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March of Dimes - March for Babies 5K

The mission of the <a href="http://www.marchofdimes.com/">March of Dimes</a> is simply stated:<br /><blockquote style="color: #674ea7;"><b><i><span style="line-height: 11pt;">"We help moms have full-term pregnancies and research the problems that threaten the health of babies."</span></i></b></blockquote>Though the actual mission itself is nothing short of being simple.  I'm sure that you know someone who has had a miscarriage or has had a child born prematurely - I know several women who have been affected by this.  Participants in the walk on Sunday who have directly been affected by the issues mentioned above wore beads around their necks - purple beads signifying that their baby was born prematurely and had to fight for their life early on, and white beads signifying that their beloved child did not win the battle.  My heart went out to those people wearing the white beads - how tragic, how sad, how life shattering.   <br /><br />Even though I'm 99.9% certain that none of my donors are reading this blog, I'd still like to let it be known how grateful I am for their generosity toward the March of Dimes-March for Babies walk that was held this past Sunday (May 1) in La Plata, MD.  I successfully raised $455, which was $255 over my goal!  <b>THANK YOU!!!!!</b><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpevr9P7aXKDBHUoLpxzEMWxlHeIcSWMYzbej7Hn6uGBlT4KVYI049f9UWgINpE1f8UFOWXXsoXNT40aaSZuDTqGfTqEBlZ4XBAF-l4oZPiel4zNGeoGHlNtkpS6cnYiK_RF7-Rs5h0U/s1600/dimesmarch4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpevr9P7aXKDBHUoLpxzEMWxlHeIcSWMYzbej7Hn6uGBlT4KVYI049f9UWgINpE1f8UFOWXXsoXNT40aaSZuDTqGfTqEBlZ4XBAF-l4oZPiel4zNGeoGHlNtkpS6cnYiK_RF7-Rs5h0U/s320/dimesmarch4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />I was pleasantly surprised to learn a few days before the walk that we would have two options for the race course.  We could either do the standard 5K (3.1 miles), or actually go ahead and do 5 miles.  I knew ahead of time I'd being doing 5 miles - there's no reason why I couldn't!  <br /><br />I've also learned enough by now from the last two 5K's I've done that I wanted to position myself near the front.  When a race starts, it takes a few minutes to get your own momentum going because of the shear number of people clustered together.  And afterall, this was a noncompetitive walk, so there was no harm in me plopping myself within the first few feet of the start line.  It took me a few minutes to get around the slower people, but I finally did and was on my merry way.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VVIHNqkBBv1FoUKlHWaDhn9e0vAFqklqO9JkDNGLaD-QZe6EoLYPTstUbimC2rG2OTqeCLgUpBPUz6N05HqdQXUCfQVrruLfrsTBQzbc9PuZs_tcurKDGChUKGh1-c5sHbtQ9oBIpAY/s1600/dimesmarch5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VVIHNqkBBv1FoUKlHWaDhn9e0vAFqklqO9JkDNGLaD-QZe6EoLYPTstUbimC2rG2OTqeCLgUpBPUz6N05HqdQXUCfQVrruLfrsTBQzbc9PuZs_tcurKDGChUKGh1-c5sHbtQ9oBIpAY/s400/dimesmarch5.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The starting line</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXivXjT6G9HzMnxEPihJZgKDVdLdBCxM2AW45DW3M1LXZlduoUIp_hcFg_plATPGxrlPHTTAhrhQflC8LPGuoNN9pzhdv7JIn8luIQ6EfUVkzbuDLZ2Y1KF3yeJv_JkHWFZrDnviSdwNk/s1600/dimesmarch1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXivXjT6G9HzMnxEPihJZgKDVdLdBCxM2AW45DW3M1LXZlduoUIp_hcFg_plATPGxrlPHTTAhrhQflC8LPGuoNN9pzhdv7JIn8luIQ6EfUVkzbuDLZ2Y1KF3yeJv_JkHWFZrDnviSdwNk/s400/dimesmarch1.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">look how cute this team is with their pretty outfits!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />There were about 7 people in front of me for a long time and then a few people started running and subsequently passed me.  Running was not an option for me Sunday due to the recent back pain I've been experiencing, and I definitely wanted to do the entire 5 miles - pain free if at all possible.  But I husseled in my 5 mile walk.  There was this one lady who ran ahead of me in the beginning.  I ultimately caught up with her and I wanted to finish in front of her.  That ended up being my little race goal - I wanted to beat this lady who had actually jogged for parts of the walk when I only walked the entire thing.  I was able to pass her with about 2 miles left!  <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohokAq7gDBBVVMLrIJtkcL2Nz-O1LQnCPy1TGx6HwNeYP_a959yTE1QmWUxYy1deT91UozQH3tgF1KJgVJu9Y5VHrfY-O7PRqzUDlGyEd5Fc82Gor0JQNyEa1IzzpvyUMY1CS5hVgrrY/s1600/dimesmarch2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohokAq7gDBBVVMLrIJtkcL2Nz-O1LQnCPy1TGx6HwNeYP_a959yTE1QmWUxYy1deT91UozQH3tgF1KJgVJu9Y5VHrfY-O7PRqzUDlGyEd5Fc82Gor0JQNyEa1IzzpvyUMY1CS5hVgrrY/s400/dimesmarch2.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">signs posted along the route to help you understand what your donated money goes toward..</td></tr></tbody></table>As I was coming in to the final stretch, my right heel started hurting and I felt like I had a pebble in my shoe beneath the front of my foot.  Then I realized - crap!  I'm getting blisters!  I was shocked - these shoes are not brand new and I was wearing my typical cotton socks.  Sure enough, I developed an inch long blood blister (gross!) on my heel and 2 blisters started to form on my other foot.  Oh well - the exercise was well worth it!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoapanYiFZlY_YLjReKFZNYrHt24hDjcQiF_YxxiFHee26xf1UziL711EdfsQTz4a51e8yVgFG5Fyooxvdro8APrWN9u_KbPbmq4lLn111gdJBk1tKEDAqa8VTdhs-KYPrTW7HWgiqCao/s1600/dimesmarch3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoapanYiFZlY_YLjReKFZNYrHt24hDjcQiF_YxxiFHee26xf1UziL711EdfsQTz4a51e8yVgFG5Fyooxvdro8APrWN9u_KbPbmq4lLn111gdJBk1tKEDAqa8VTdhs-KYPrTW7HWgiqCao/s400/dimesmarch3.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I estimate I was in the top 20 of walkers at this point - I was actually passing a huge crowd of people on my way back as they were still on their way to finishing this part of the course.</td></tr></tbody></table>It was on this leg of the course (pictured above), as I was personally feeling proud for staying ahead of this entire crowd (from a fitness standpoint), when I passed a lady who was walking by herself pushing an empty stroller.  My first thought was "Her child must have ran ahead to join the other dozens of children" and almost as soon as that thought ended I saw her white beads and I knew.  I knew that this woman was pushing the stroller of her child that did not win his/her battle for life.  This woman and I made eye contact, and I felt like she read my mind and the expression on my face as I pieced together what I was seeing, because she gave me a sympathetic nod and kept going.<br /><br />That, folks, is why <i>we </i>walk for the March for Babies.

5K Inspiration March for Babies March of Dimes Success March of Dimes - March for Babies 5K

The mission of the March of Dimes is simply stated: "We help moms have full-term pregnancies and research the problems that threaten t...

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16th Annual Run/Walk for Hospice of St Mary's

Saturday I participated in the <a href="http://www.runforhospice.org/">5K for Hospice of St Mary's County</a>.  The forecast for the day was rain and thunderstorms, and fortunately both held off for the duration it took me to finish the race.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVdcIYp2WYAd5ttO1CM04HKNI85g4lvw_IncCy3xYNehMqQStZx6eeQFBPlSIhq2CFz3ORUJCsPVJnqVMkAPZPZeMqI3PLwHSsww2C-TUD-cG_kU9UrYfMHhEwNnbM13BaYvfhgHjWso/s1600/run_for_hospice_logo_500px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVdcIYp2WYAd5ttO1CM04HKNI85g4lvw_IncCy3xYNehMqQStZx6eeQFBPlSIhq2CFz3ORUJCsPVJnqVMkAPZPZeMqI3PLwHSsww2C-TUD-cG_kU9UrYfMHhEwNnbM13BaYvfhgHjWso/s320/run_for_hospice_logo_500px.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><br /><br />This race went a lot better than <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/04/1st-annual-peter-mahon-memorial-trail.html">last week's 5K</a>.  For starters, this took place all on paved streets.  I was able to jog for roughly half of the race as a result (off and on).  This was so well organized and fun and I'll definitely do it again next year.<br /><br />I'll have the weekend off for 5Ks this upcoming weekend, so I'm thinking about <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/04/bloooower.html">going back</a> to the <a href="http://www.charlescounty.org/pf/parks_rec/parks/trails.jsp">Indian Head Rail Trail</a> and riding a little further this time.  <br /><br />My next 5K is on Sunday, May 1 and it will be for the March of Dimes! If you'd like to donate please click on the link below - I'm soooo excited to participate in this 5K, as it will be the first one I've ever raised money for.<br /><br /><br /><center><script language="javascript" src="http://www.marchforbabies.org/includes/badge_2011_vert_js.asp?w=4786860&u=hilaryjp248&bt=2" type="text/javascript"></script></center>

5K 16th Annual Run/Walk for Hospice of St Mary's

Saturday I participated in the 5K for Hospice of St Mary's County .  The forecast for the day was rain and thunderstorms, and fortunatel...

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Bloooower

This was the first week I had tracked ALL week and <b>every </b>single thing I ate in a very looooonnggg time. I was so proud of myself for doing it after so many failed attempts. I participated in a 5K on Saturday and I was active all week long - making it to the gym everyday, adding on an extra 5 minutes to my cardio routine and even incorporating weight lifting into it all. Let's just say the scale did not reveal my hard work! I gained over 3 lbs! After all that, <u>ALL THAT</u>, and I had a gain?! This is not at all what I expected. I know you have weeks where you know you derailed big time and a gain is inevitable, but this week was not one of those weeks for me.<br /><br />I've heard and read many, many times that I should be focusing on the other achievements I had this week, such as tracking and fitness, but I am doing both of those things to achieve weight loss after all.  And when the scale does not show a loss, it's hard to see the light in those other things! <br /><br />I wish I could say I came back with a vengence for the upcoming week, but no. Even though I don't want to have this mentality, I couldn't help but think all weekend "why bother, the hardwork doesn't pay off anyhow!" and the eating pattern sure did reflect that attitude.<br /><br />Saturday I did another 5K (more on that later) and then Sunday I took an 8 mile bike ride with Joel's mom.<br /><br />The bike ride was great! I have not been on my bike in almost 5 years.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5epcHE1gMKeAa8KVXYN6v_YfdR4g06-E6boI1NnwuXa8fx8ib6KiY5hI1GOrLXHRehoMHwNyNwhOaIGtQ8oEPdOcP1XkMnpZlI1PIgwIxnFzbWghowO4ymi4YI-GBsc0bjJugeGIJsM/s1600/Me+Indian+Head.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5epcHE1gMKeAa8KVXYN6v_YfdR4g06-E6boI1NnwuXa8fx8ib6KiY5hI1GOrLXHRehoMHwNyNwhOaIGtQ8oEPdOcP1XkMnpZlI1PIgwIxnFzbWghowO4ymi4YI-GBsc0bjJugeGIJsM/s400/Me+Indian+Head.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br />Other than the issues I had with the seat not staying in position, it felt great to get out and do something other than my normal walk/jog. The trail was AWESOME - both scenic and flat - and I will definitely be going to that place again!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii383rqVkUiVAfi4iyNLOT_Oh6UIkjcwe8498yMqYikH0ehzLllecRNLXjBHfeBkLDhHUIK_Uermeol16BvJnApqZPvJrdMF2bv8NrVOYTgdL4UwXpsUts3YnKuzSn_AygxJ4XdsJI5p4/s1600/bike+weathervane.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii383rqVkUiVAfi4iyNLOT_Oh6UIkjcwe8498yMqYikH0ehzLllecRNLXjBHfeBkLDhHUIK_Uermeol16BvJnApqZPvJrdMF2bv8NrVOYTgdL4UwXpsUts3YnKuzSn_AygxJ4XdsJI5p4/s400/bike+weathervane.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cute weather vane, nice bathrooms!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4h_acRpHsRnOTXqcwsPMVYLdzmvOWrrYKzo7weOlP5aU3taxgXmMv5QL-tgBSfxrENbIUg8u_-ncjQW3pqPRbRVDNQStBjYd8KmlRxeFnUFEiDQCufo7ySqKSDtWGVw4SipxvjJa3JdA/s1600/laurie+indianhead.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4h_acRpHsRnOTXqcwsPMVYLdzmvOWrrYKzo7weOlP5aU3taxgXmMv5QL-tgBSfxrENbIUg8u_-ncjQW3pqPRbRVDNQStBjYd8KmlRxeFnUFEiDQCufo7ySqKSDtWGVw4SipxvjJa3JdA/s400/laurie+indianhead.JPG" width="398" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">they did a great job with this trail</td></tr></tbody></table>

5K Gain Bloooower

This was the first week I had tracked ALL week and every single thing I ate in a very looooonnggg time. I was so proud of myself for doing ...

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Rich Generosity

<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Even after all this time, <br />The Sun never says to the Earth, <br />"You owe me." <br />Look what happens with <br />A love like that. <br />It lights the whole sky. </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>~Hafiz of Persia </i></b> </div><br />A few amazing things happened over the last 24 hours.  I met both, not one, but <b>BOTH</b> of my goals for the March of Dimes and Cystic Fiborsis walks!  I am so pleased and thrilled with the generosity of my friends and family.  I know that for many people in this day and age, the need to make ends meet is a daily struggle.  But God wants us to be generous beings no matter what our situation.  In fact, in today's daily message from Joel Osteen it said:<br /><br /><blockquote><div style="color: #3f4f55; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 15px;"><i>“By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the one who called us to Himself by means of His marvelous glory and excellence”</i><b>  (2 Peter 1:3 NLT)</b></div></blockquote><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.marchforbabies.org/personal_page.asp?w=4786860&u=hilaryjp248&bt=12"><img border="0" src="http://www.marchforbabies.org/includes/getaspirationalbadgenew.asp?id=4786860&s=contact_photo&f=&u=hilaryjp248" /></a></center><br /><br />What do you think?<br /><br />I'm so happy I got the 5K bug because raising money for causes like these makes a person feel really good. It is my hope that people continue giving even though I've reached both of my goals.  <br /><br />While I doubt that those who gave are reading this message right now, I still want to thank you for donating your hard earned dollars to two important foundations.  The people who are affected by Cystic Fibrosis and Premature Births are more grateful that I can adequately express here.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRB6PhLt3LO3JPIxOGq0b3rMZrh3GJDM7_-904UVZa5cnWs2G6aEqzzj6CCqp6tMB6HL8A5B1tcz8J0NluyrtU8-924hqJMBHwnnGBcCsjFXoADJXa5KUYgqRw2CYSM9DPL8BznBwgEZc/s1600/Cystic+Fibrosis+Goal+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="65" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRB6PhLt3LO3JPIxOGq0b3rMZrh3GJDM7_-904UVZa5cnWs2G6aEqzzj6CCqp6tMB6HL8A5B1tcz8J0NluyrtU8-924hqJMBHwnnGBcCsjFXoADJXa5KUYgqRw2CYSM9DPL8BznBwgEZc/s400/Cystic+Fibrosis+Goal+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See that? <b>110%</b>!</td></tr></tbody></table><blockquote><i><span class="versetext" id="2co9-11" style="display: inline;">"You will be made rich<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=4573828983660444179&postID=1392085567552652971" name="1"></a> in every way so that you can be generous<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=4573828983660444179&postID=1392085567552652971" name="2"></a> on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." </span><span class="CurrentPassageTextLink">2 Corinthians 9:11</span></i></blockquote>

5K Rich Generosity

Even after all this time, The Sun never says to the Earth, "You owe me." Look what happens with A love like that. It lights the ...

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1st Annual Peter Mahon Memorial Trail Run/Walk 5K

Yesterday I completed the Peter Mahon Memorial 5K that was held at La Plata High School in La Plata, MD. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1n_hDH2MjDBjwoGXqNuXA1GP9wmhDp_F1TuDPSAXf7IFEBc81EaO5TX8ekxLi43Mc6kzkLTc4AARkiAh0xDyE-GYB2z5OFfqM9NbHfbZYV_z_KPUfbhHtVYjp9Hv_JX4yTULJBZzBKEI/s1600/Mahon5K+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1n_hDH2MjDBjwoGXqNuXA1GP9wmhDp_F1TuDPSAXf7IFEBc81EaO5TX8ekxLi43Mc6kzkLTc4AARkiAh0xDyE-GYB2z5OFfqM9NbHfbZYV_z_KPUfbhHtVYjp9Hv_JX4yTULJBZzBKEI/s320/Mahon5K+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />I didn't realize until I received the t-shirt that it was considered a "trail' run/walk.  I had never done one of these before but I figured it would be a scenic walk at least. <br /><br />And I got a number! I don't recall receiving a number in the first 5K I did MANY years ago.. but I was excited anyhow.. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30SVr_p55t9B0p4txEuVKZdiLyJeA4ZgeWdIKbqJAcK2EVLyypnCzaAQaEPreC_cL4JGLul23P1RfhunrmrwhwWgP43Hyt5C1hwKN1ivxocrv3HtNzIXQLoUH5TDITUMrN_JV51JJuw8/s1600/Mahon5K+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30SVr_p55t9B0p4txEuVKZdiLyJeA4ZgeWdIKbqJAcK2EVLyypnCzaAQaEPreC_cL4JGLul23P1RfhunrmrwhwWgP43Hyt5C1hwKN1ivxocrv3HtNzIXQLoUH5TDITUMrN_JV51JJuw8/s320/Mahon5K+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />It had been a rainy week and so the majority of the walk was EXTREMELY muddy and wet! We got started on the high school track field and once we made it off the nice paved track, it was a sloppy mess!  My poor white shoes were brown by the end.  <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuOIBc_nbzbZrSrmf2Nglud4ggvAiREkOz5z6JXQ78O9sY-q-849NabzEW1Uc9AbgiTiMAqvW_mfTSbkwTlP6k-NtzV15BwWEgTesqjwoqupVWrUM6u4ARuOaJ3h_1cbHv0DRrK6ItD0/s1600/Mahon5K+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuOIBc_nbzbZrSrmf2Nglud4ggvAiREkOz5z6JXQ78O9sY-q-849NabzEW1Uc9AbgiTiMAqvW_mfTSbkwTlP6k-NtzV15BwWEgTesqjwoqupVWrUM6u4ARuOaJ3h_1cbHv0DRrK6ItD0/s400/Mahon5K+1.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I turned around to take this shot... hard to tell how muddy it actually was</td></tr></tbody></table>I didn't want to stop too much to take pics because I wanted to see how quickly I could finish (by my watch I did it in 49 minutes, but I am waiting to hear the official results).  I did jog for about the first 5 minutes or so of the race.  About halfway through I jogged again for about a minute.  Then to finish off strong I ran the remaining distance of a high school track field - 1 lap around that.  Honestly, I had on my <a href="http://www.ladyfootlocker.com/catalog/productdetail/model_nbr--140052/sku--320991&SID=9433&inceptor=1&cm_mmc=SEO-_-Feeds-_-Froogle-_-null#sku=320991&size=09.5">Reebok EasyTones</a> and my calves were on FIRE so much so that it made it too difficult to run.  I think a lot of this had to do with the fact that because we weren't walking on nice, smooth ground, my legs were working overtime to stabilize myself (those shoes don't have a nice, even bottom), and then add in the special toning shoes and my muscles were burning.. but it was a good burn!<br /><br />I felt good after the race and I'm looking forward to doing more over the next several months.  My next 5K is this upcoming Saturday, April 16.  It's the <a href="http://www.runforhospice.org/">Run for Hospice of St Mary's County</a>.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVdcIYp2WYAd5ttO1CM04HKNI85g4lvw_IncCy3xYNehMqQStZx6eeQFBPlSIhq2CFz3ORUJCsPVJnqVMkAPZPZeMqI3PLwHSsww2C-TUD-cG_kU9UrYfMHhEwNnbM13BaYvfhgHjWso/s1600/run_for_hospice_logo_500px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVdcIYp2WYAd5ttO1CM04HKNI85g4lvw_IncCy3xYNehMqQStZx6eeQFBPlSIhq2CFz3ORUJCsPVJnqVMkAPZPZeMqI3PLwHSsww2C-TUD-cG_kU9UrYfMHhEwNnbM13BaYvfhgHjWso/s320/run_for_hospice_logo_500px.jpg" width="270" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.runforhospice.org/">Courtesy.</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

5K 1st Annual Peter Mahon Memorial Trail Run/Walk 5K

Yesterday I completed the Peter Mahon Memorial 5K that was held at La Plata High School in La Plata, MD.  I didn't realize until I recei...

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Another 5K!

I am making HUGE strides in raising money for two walks that I am participating in: <a href="http://www.marchforbabies.org/hilaryjp248">The March of Dimes March for Babies</a> & <a href="http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/HilaryPritt">GreatStrides - Cystic Fibrosis</a>.  That's right folks, I will be walking in the March of Dimes on Sunday, May 1.... yet another 5K I have signed up for!  Go me!  <br /><br />Please consider donating to either (or both!) of my walks by clicking on the buttons on the left of the screen!  A HUGE thank you in advance!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34iVUeX1SPmBL7HT9U0n8S0z2RJX2yr1tl3QfzG-oTvo1glrUsLwsjPzw-ZMLeXpMqK-L9NIJcBemtwGAvEkSfQ8GeqV1Zhqxd6sFW90MnLAUeQlC5K61YBDF78sKRROp6HKYU6_i7Rk/s1600/Cystic+Fibrosis+Goal+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="60" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34iVUeX1SPmBL7HT9U0n8S0z2RJX2yr1tl3QfzG-oTvo1glrUsLwsjPzw-ZMLeXpMqK-L9NIJcBemtwGAvEkSfQ8GeqV1Zhqxd6sFW90MnLAUeQlC5K61YBDF78sKRROp6HKYU6_i7Rk/s400/Cystic+Fibrosis+Goal+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>

5K Another 5K!

I am making HUGE strides in raising money for two walks that I am participating in: The March of Dimes March for Babies & GreatStrides ...

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Setting Goals for 2011

I've done two 5K's in my life.  I enrolled in both of them as a walker but I ended up running them.  It was an amazing feeling completing both of them.  I decided to get back into doing some 5K's this year and so I signed up for 3 of them today!  The details are below:<br /><br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.runforhospice.org/">St Mary's Run/Walk for Hospice</a>: Saturday, April 16, 2011</li></ul><ul><li><a href="http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/HilaryPritt">Cystic Fibrosis - Great Strides</a>: Saturday, May 21, 2011<br />I'm raising money for this one!  Please help me meet my goal of $150 by clicking on the link above & contributing!  I'm already at 40%!</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnj0FZF9jlrLt1JgiTenNUpuSouX9OmSQ1Bh4-2jaN0h0cWR8yA_-yNT-_Z9ZX_BPPEHOZDKi9y_13pr2iezfUchJVDlHGJ9VxNBL11lBrOngaLi-wHhYr1X817l_bxVqhxqZPx7kV8A/s1600/Cystic+Fibrosis+Goal+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="62" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnj0FZF9jlrLt1JgiTenNUpuSouX9OmSQ1Bh4-2jaN0h0cWR8yA_-yNT-_Z9ZX_BPPEHOZDKi9y_13pr2iezfUchJVDlHGJ9VxNBL11lBrOngaLi-wHhYr1X817l_bxVqhxqZPx7kV8A/s400/Cystic+Fibrosis+Goal+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><ul><li><a href="http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=1&art_id=84411">Weight Watchers Walk-It Challenge</a>: Sunday, May 22, 2011</li></ul>I plan to get a few more lined up for June/July/August.. I'm so excited to be participating in these 5K's and I know it will help me continue to work toward my weight loss and exercise goals. <br /><br />Stay tuned for more updates :)

5K Setting Goals for 2011

I've done two 5K's in my life.  I enrolled in both of them as a walker but I ended up running them.  It was an amazing feeling compl...

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