#PFP5K (Challenge Hearts and Minds)

Do you know that song that gets sung at the end of every Dora episode? The "We did it" song that celebrates the accomplishment of the day? Well, that song has been going through my head repeatedly today - because I DID IT! I completed my first official 5K!

A few months ago the idea of walking/running a 5K was mentioned on Twitter and nearly overnight the most incredible and supportive group was created - #PriorFatPack.

Sabrina was the one who blogged about the PFP and mentioned that if others were interested to let her know. I knew if I didn't jump at this opportunity - to join an encouraging and fun group - I'd never do a 5K. So I commented, and she welcomed me into the group. When I first registered for the 5K and joined the PFP, I had no idea how important this group would become to me. It is more than a group completing a 5K. I had no idea how much I would really come to think of them as friends, and how I am rooting for each one of them to accomplish great things!

Right before the start of the race. I was runner 154, and here are two of my most adorable fans.

This was during the first of two laps. Honestly, the first mile was the worst for me today. I knew that I should be able to atleast get to the 1st mile marker without walking. It seemed forever until I saw that little white sign with a bright '1' painted on it. Then I figured that I should keep running past the crowd. Once I did that, I figured I wasn't far from mile marker 2. I kept going, and once I passed the 2, I knew I'd be disappointed if I let myself walk (since I still was capable of jogging). Today I realized how mental running really is. I love it!

Closing in on the finish line...

My official time - 39:13. I jogged the entire race and was so proud of myself, and I came in under 40 minutes. Previously, I'd only run 20 minutes or just about 1.5 miles without walking.

Jen, me, Lindsay and Ann. Serious amount of support in this group.

Jen and Ann - two of the most empathetic and fashionable ladies I know.

The Pack! And as Kris would say, "Rawr!"

I can't wait to see what else is instore for this group.

Two of the most selfless people I have ever met! Liz and Kris are so giving of not only support, but also time. I was so glad to be able to get to know each of them a bit more this weekend.

The biggest moment for me today was listening to Elle talk to Jen. Jen asked how Elle she felt about completing the 5K. Elle replied with, "It was great. I can do something that normal people do." At that point a woman leaned over and said, "No, you just did what alot of normal people can't do!"

Thank you, #PriorFatPack for encouraging me and inspiring me! I am so blessed to know each one of you!!

Playing Catch-Up

Darn the wheel of the world! Why must it continually turn over? Where is the reverse gear? ~Jack London

With the end of the school year approaching (only 11 days left), the #PFP5K on the horizon, and children's activities in full swing, I seem to have slipped. Become unbalanced. I neglected blogging. So, I am sorry for my absence, and without further ado, here is what I have been up to:

School: Our year is quickly coming to an end, but last Friday we had an awesome opportunity. I nominated my class to read bonus questions on "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" at the WUCW station, and they were selected. After weeks of memorizing and preparing, our field trip was a success, and my students will be aired during June and July. So proud!

#PFP5K: The 5K is Memorial Day. The past two weeks I had let my exercise slip...as in, I didn't really do anything. This week, with motivation from all the PFPers, I got my groove back. I have now completed week 5 of c25k. I stepped off the comforts of the treadmill and ran outside for the first (and second) time and even ran 20 minutes without stopping. I am feeling strong. I am feeling like a runner! Oh my....did I really just type that? :-)

Family activities: Soccer season is in full swing for my son and husband, and my daughter is gearing up for the upcoming spring recital. These are crazy, busy times that I love...even when it means rushed dinners and missed exercise classes.

Weigh-in: 164.6 (-27.6 lbs.) I have made progress, but it has been slow going recently. Honestly this week has been a bit of a struggle. I have been hungry~I want to eat, but I want to eat things that I don't have self control with. I am working through it. After eating 6 oreos (and going over my calorie goal) the other night, I realized that they were only ok...and they didn't make me feel better. Actually they made me feel worse. Guilty. So, I am trying to remember that "let down" as I trudge through this week. It will get better, and I will learn from my mistakes and challenges.

Lazy Man Triathlon: While at the Y a week or so ago, I signed up for the Lazy Man triathlon. I have 6 weeks to complete 112 biking, 26.2 running, and 2.5 swimming. The part that I like best is that you can take some classes to count towards your completion. I can take a spin class and it counts for 12 miles. BodyStep counts towards running. Also, you can do the activities with or without equipment. I am hoping that stepping out of my comfort zone, and trying new classes, will help me reach my goal weight by the end of summer. Signing up for the PFP5K showed me how much support there is, and how trying new things can prove way beyond beneficial - they can be life changing!

Goodbye 24

192.2-168.2=24 lbs. lost!