RagamuffinTop Challenge...My Week 8

So I was going to post yesterday with the words "I'm at a loss" (and I didn't mean the weight...haha). I had still stayed the same! Man. That "late twenties metabolism shift" must have hit. However, I weighed in this morning (for fun) and was down to 128! I'll take that. I still want to track the weight, but I am so into this running thing now, that I am changing things up a bit. I will now track my weekly runs. I am trying for 3x per week on the weekdays, and at least once on the weekends. Since I have been rehearsing for "Annie Get Your Gun" in the evenings, and the fact that it's been in the 100's for a LONG time now (with no relief in sight), I am having to move my running time to the mornings. Seriously. 6:00 AM. Never thought I'd be one of THOSE people...haha.

On a sad note...remember that super cool Nike iPOD kit I have? Well, there are these special Nike shoes (of course, that's just good marketing) that have a special place for the sensor to go--inside the sole of the shoe. I have no desire to buy these special shoes (some may call me cheap, I like the words "wisely frugal" haha) when I have perfectly good tennis shoes already (actually, I do need new shoes now, but the stubbornness in me says I will still not be purchasing said Nike shoes). So anyhow, I had just been slipping the sensor under my laces, thinking it would stay in there. And it did. Until one day that it didn't. I have lost my sensor. I even retraced my run the very next day when I discovered it missing (and it was a long one!) and it was nowhere to be found. BUMMER! I need to purchase a new kit. A small pothole in my road to running success.

In light of this Ode to Running, I need to throw a huge shout out to my fabulous hubby Steve. He is basically amazing in every way. But since this post is based on my running, I'll stick to that aspect of his wonderfulness. Now Steve is not one to enjoy getting up early (neither am I). He is usually up late doing homework, or just winding down from his day, so when I leave for work in the morning, he is still dreaming away. Well, since I started this running thing and had to move to the morning slot, he will wake up and run with me! We live in a good neighborhood, but I still just feel safer when he's with me, so this means so much to me! Plus, that extra hour we have together in the morning is such a day-brightener for me. Honestly, it makes my whole day better (and those that know my work situation know that it's a huge blessing for my day to start off better). Steve could easily stick with his own schedule and sleep while he can (he is not one to be able to fall back asleep after he's started his day). But he gets up with me, supporting my goal of keeping with this running habit. I just love him. Speaking of my awesome husband, I still need to blog about our fun weekend away in Branson. Stay tuned...

Without further ado, my quick summary for Week 8.
Starting weight: 132.0 lbs
Current weight: 128.0 lbs
Goal weight: 120.0 lbs (or less...)

Now, go cheer the other RagamuffinToppers on...

RagamuffinTop Challenge...My Week 7

So...um, I'm not exactly sure what the deal is, but I seem to be gaining weight as I exercise more. I have run 4 times each week and am feeling great about that. I do hope the weight starts to fall off, but I am really happy about the new exercise habit I am forming!

Here are my stats as of this morning:
Starting weight: 132.0 lbs
Current weight: 131.0 lbs
Goal weight: 120.0 lbs (or less...)

Not much else to report. I start rehearsals for "Annie Get Your Gun" this week, so I might need to start running in the mornings (yikes!), since I will be going straight from work to rehearsal. I really want to keep up with my running, though, so I'll do what I gotta do, right? :)

RagamuffinTop Challenge...My Week 5

I hopped on the scale today and, although I did lose 1/2 pound, I was a tad bit disappointed. Only because I was keeping tabs throughout the week and Sunday morning I weighed in at 128...so today's 130 was no fun. BUT...the bigger reason I'm doing this is to keep myself accountable for what should lead to the natural weight loss, which is my goal to work out more. I did achieve this! Here's a quick run-down of my week:

Goal was to walk/run 3 times last week. GOAL ACHIEVED! I actually walked and/or ran 4 times!
Goal was to walk/run 1 time over the weekend. GOAL ACHIEVED! Saturday morning, my hubby and I went running and then came back and picked up the dog to walk him. Lots o' exercise that day! Then, on Sunday, I woke up early for church and went for a run/walk with Norman.

So...a pic and a quick rundown of my progress so far:


Quick summary:
Starting weight: 132.0 lbs
Current weight: 130.0 lbs
Goal weight: 120.0 lbs (or less...)

This week will be more of the same, in terms of exercising goals. However, we will have a change of venue! Hubby and I head to Branson on Wednesday for a mini-vaca (thanks to FIL and MIL) until Sunday, while Norman will be spoiled by Grandpa and Grandma Irwin at home. Our plans include a Waterpark, a Pizza Cruise on a Riverboat, and a trip to the Winery. Can it get any better?! I will be sure to take some pics so you can all enjoy our trip vicariously through us.

In the meantime, please go and offer some encouragement to my fellow ragamuffins.

RagamuffinTop Challenge...My Week 4

I'm having a hard time uploading images for my week 4 post, but it's okay because I was basically stagnant this week. I didn't lose, but didn't gain either. It was a busy week of performances, but I was able to walk at work twice (my goal was 3 times) and walked/ran BOTH days this weekend (my goal was once). So though I didn't really move weight-wise, I am pleased with the physical activity. Now that our performances are done, I hope to walk/run at least 3 times this week after work and at least once this weekend. Morning walks/runs on Saturdays with my hubby are my favorite.

Sorry for the lack luster post, but I wanted to be sure to at least get something down for the record. Please go check this out to see how everyone else is doing this week...

RagamuffinTop Challenge...My Week 3

Well, my week was a bit rough, as anticipated. However, I did pretty well considering a) I was not home (most) evenings to walk/run due to rehearsals and b) we had TWO parties at the office last week that involved tasty food (my willpower--or none--and food...not friends. Or is it that they are great friends?). Anyhow, all that to say that I STILL LOST! 0.5 lb, but still! Here is proof, taken this morning:


So this week, here's my plan. We have an even busier week with S.O.M. opening tomorrow night and shows through Saturday. HOWEVER, I will walk at work no fewer than 3 times this week, and I will walk/run no less than one day this weekend.

Quick summary:
Starting weight: 132.0 lbs
Current weight: 130.5 lbs
Goal weight: 120.0 lbs (or less...)

Oh! Almost forgot to mention. Over the weekend, I broke out my Nike Ipod Sports Kit...it's awesome. Now I just have to figure out how to download to my computer.

We are truckin' right along! I'm feeling more motivated...go see if my fellow Ragamuffintoppers are also...

RagamuffinTop Challenge...My Week 2

Well, we have entered my second week of the RagamuffinTop Challenge and I lost...drum roll...a pound! I am now at 131 lbs.

Last Monday (I think) it was very mild here in OK (read: in the 70s instead of the 90s), so when I got home from work I realized I had no excuse not to take advantage of it and get out for a run. My running buddy for the evening was Norman (our devoted dog...always willing to "take one for the team" when there is a walk/run involved).

I also got out for a walk/run on Thursday, despite the mid-90s temps. On Saturday, my new Nike Ipod Sports kit came in the mail, so I anticipate some more motivation as I can track my walks/runs each week!

This next couple weeks will be tough for me in terms of the Challenge. I will be heading straight from work to rehearsals (this week) and performances (next week) for The Sound of Music. However, I will try to get some good brisk walks in during the workday, so I can get some physical activity in...must keep pressing on toward the goal!

I also apologize for lack of picture with this post. I bought a new camera battery yesterday, but it turned out to be the wrong one! Here's a quick summary, though:

Starting Weight: 132 lbs
Current Weight: 131 lbs
Goal Weight: 120 lbs (or less!)

My more non-quantitative goal, however, is just to get better at working out to keep my body healthy...the weight loss numbers help (just ask the buttons on my pants), but they are simply numbers to track my goal.

To see how other RagamuffinTop Challengers are doing...check this out if you'd like to send them some encouragement!

P.S. I would like to give a shout-out to my SIL Dawn, who celebrates a birthday today! Happy Birthday to my wonderful sister-in-law! And also, Happy Birthday to my friend Rebecca! Go wish them both a fabulous day!

RagamuffinTop Challenge...Who's With Me?

So in my blog reading, I stumbled upon this fun challenge--The RagamuffinTop Challenge. Before we found out we were pregnant, Steve and I were finally starting to run again. I currently sit at 132 lbs and being 5'1" (and that's generous), that puts me into the higher part of normal to lower part of overweight. No good. So, I thought that maybe by posting on my blog weekly, I would be more accountable to start getting into better shape before our next baby attempt happens in...well, whenever that happens.

I bought one of those Nike iPod sports kits, which will help me track my runs and allow for more progress (well, between that and this blog of accountability, I bet I will have more progress!!).

Since I'm kinda starting late (the challenge started 2 weeks ago), bear with my first post:

Starting Weight: 132 lbs
Goal Weight: 120 lbs.

Here, the founder of the RagamuffinTop Challenge explains how it all works.

The rules are simply this:
1. You must have a measurable goal.
2. You must place a photo or video on your blog each weekend and give us the scoop on how you did.

Easy as that. Who's with me? Go Check it Out!!