Diet and Goals

Alright, so I know that one of the best ways to lose weight is diet.  I did fairly well with my diet up until after I completed my first half marathon.  I was counting calories and sticking to about 1200-1600 calories a day.  Lately it has become harder and harder to do this.  To the point that I haven't counted calories in probably over 2 months.  What is the deal with me?  I need to get back on track if I ever hope to lose another 40lbs.  I just haven't found that motivation to get on the right eating track.  I keep reading that if you put your goals on paper they are more likely to come to fruit.  Well here goes:

Pray and read bible daily.

Track calories daily and try to stick at about 1500 calories .  

Drink at least 100 oz of water.

Run at minimum 3 times a week, with 1 long run of 6+ miles.

Ride bike twice a week.

Lose 8lbs by July 7th.

Lose 20 lbs by August 17th.

Lose 30lbs by September 21st.

Lose 40lbs by October 26th.

Run a race once a month.

Run first full marathon on November 25th.

Running and Praying, and a Birthday Oh My!

Last night, I finally walked out the door and went for a 3 mile run.  It went well for the 1st mile.  It was the fastest mile in a long time coming in under 11 minutes.  But, after that it was a disaster.  I forgot to take the orthotics out of my shoes and it caused my right foot to blister on the bottom inside heal.  Oh, well at least I got out and ran....and in the rain mind you.  It was a great 38 minutes and I got quite a bit of praying done.

It was a good day overall, we did family bible study, which has been lacking around here.  I also read a bit in my Study Bible about the history of the book of Hosea.  Which I had read a couple of weeks ago, but was having a hard time with the versus.   I got a better understanding of what a difficult time it was for the people during the time the book was written with much warfare and many different kings, very turbulent.  Then the addition that Israel was not following God or his ways, very much like my life at different seasons.  It was not a good season for Israel, but God did use it for His glory.  I have to go back and re-read Hosea to see if it helps my understanding of it now that I know a bit of the history.

In other news, I signed up for my next half marathon, June 23 I will run the Seattle Rock n Roll Marathon.  Which is in 17 days, lets see how that turns out with little training under my belt.  I think I might also do a 15K the Saturday before, yowsers talk about being all in.  I have never done a RnR marathon, so it should be interesting as it is a much larger race.  Last time I ran a half marathon I started with the walkers, but I might actually start with the runner's this time.  I so long for a female runner friend.  My husband doesn't enjoy running and is much faster than me, so it would be nice to find someone to pass the miles with.

Also, just want to remember that my first child turns 4 today.  These years have passed by quickly and I am so very blessed to have her in my life.  God has used her to really help transform my husband and me.  I am amazed at the growth she has gone through.  I pray daily that she grows to know and love Jesus.  He has had so much grace in my life and continues to bless me, even as I stray.  She is a helpful reminder of the patience He has and continues to have with me.

Reflections

I became a Christian a little over 5 years ago.  I started running a little over 5 months ago.  I have loved eating probably since I was conceived.

I am working on my relationship with Jesus.  Some days are better than others.  The days that I am in conversation with Him usually work out better than those days I am not.  Lord knows that I need His help.  It would be ideal if I read my bible more often.  Those are His words speaking to me directly.

Running started to help with the weight loss. I was down 30lbs, but that has become 25lb.  I have stopped running the last couple of weeks.  I think about running all the time but can't seem to manage to get out the door.  I like to pray while I run.  It helps with stress and gives me some time to reflect.  I need to just get out there and run.

Eating, that is the easy part.  I love food!  Many times I think this is my idol.  I know it is.  I need to give this to God and pray that He would change my heart in this area.  I have prayed about it, but I fall to temptation.