Challenge for my followers!

Okay, so on my walk today I was thinking up some things that I would like some help on.  I have trouble getting variety out of my food, so I am asking all of you to share a healthy recipe with me.  It doesn't have to me anything elaborate or it can be.  I just need some excitement in my meals to keep me pumped.  ALSO, I wanted to get everyone to share an upbeat song for me to make a play list for the iPod!  So if you all can post a recipe or two, and maybe a song or two that would be awesome!

Thank you so much for all the encouragement.  It does help someone keep going...especially me!

The Reality...

I have no idea what the elbow width has to do with, but here are the numbers...ARGH! Full Body Analysis Calculator BizCalcs.com

Gender Female Weight 245 lbs Height 5 ft  6 in Age 32 Resting Heart Rate Average 92 bpm Measurements: Waist (at narrowest) 45 in Hip (at widest) 54 in Elbow Width 2.5 in Activity Level Lightly Active Fitness Goal Get Fit
Body Mass Index (BMI)		39.5
BMI Classification		Obese (185 to 247 lbs)
Waist to Hip Ratio		83		%
Body Shape		Apple
Interpretation		Increased risk of heart disease and other related conditions.
Body Frame Size		Medium
Ideal Weight		130 lbs - 144 lbs
Body Fat		126		lbs		51		%
Lean Mass		119		lbs		49		%
Resting Metabolism (RMR)		1881		cal/day		78		cal/hour
Average Actual Metabolism		2586		cal/day		108		cal/hour
Karvonen Target Heart Rate (THR)		140-149		bpm		23-24		b/10s
Maximum Heart Rate (MHR)		188		bpm		31		b/10s

Turn up the heat!

Today I did my walk after work.  I got a pleasant surprise note from my hubby though, that said, "Ran half walked half of loop we did yesterday." I was very excited that Luke decided to continue what I have started!  So as a gift and a much needed purchase I went out and bought us both some new shoes...since we were both due!  And as you can see below I am helping out the Susan B Komen organization with these hot shoes!  You can't miss me coming!  Thanks to the New Balance store in Winston.

We will have to get Luke to show his off later!

Today was a hot one on the walk, and I really got my heart pumping.  The shoes were great though...no pain from the shin splints!  YEAH!!!  I was be-bopping to my music (thanks for the hint Julie), and had my camera for some inspirational shots to show my love of this walking path.  I felt great after the walk, but had a few issues mentally with myself towards the middle.  I have trouble sometimes just feeling like I can't continue, but I started pumping myself up by reminding myself that I really want this.  I start remembering the jeans that I want to get back into, that my husband thinks I look hot in!  I got through it and pushed on and it was a minor stump in the road.  I did manage to squeeze in just under 2 miles.

I'd like to say again how sweet all the comments and notes are, they really do help!  Thanks Mom for the continued calls of reminding me to walk!  I love you!

Below you can see some of the beautiful views I saw today!

                      

Joined by my love

I did get up and walk this morning and I was joined by my love, Luke.  We had a really nice walk around Reynolda Village's walking path. It is starting to hurt less.  Today was a 1.75 mile walk...and we not only got my heart  pumping, but Luke's too!  I do have to say, walking with a pal makes it a lot easier on the pain!

Burn, Burn, Burn...need I say more!

I figure that being close to my old stopping ground of NC State started me on this journey!  So yesterday I did get a 2.5 mile walk in around my favorite Pullen park in Raleigh.  If you haven't ever ventured into Pullen park, you definitely should.  I did a lot of thinking about how much this blog has excited me and made me anxious to reach my goals more quickly.  I was so pumped yesterday I was giddy!

Thank you to all that sent me notes and posted on the blog.  It helps to know you have friends and family behind you when you're not sure you are so confident.  So keep the sweet messages coming, as they help!

This morning was tough getting up after a long trip home from Raleigh, but I did get up...and headed out for a quick walk before work.  My short 30 minute walk around the park close to our house BURNED!  Need I say more...WOW did it burn, burn, burn.  I do feel great though, just for the fact that I got out there and did it.  I got my heart rate pumping and I feel refreshed to tackle the day!  I will write more tonight, as I think I may need to post some numbers...I hope you all have a great day! 

Goals to set

I am starting this blog as a way for me to express my need for a support system to achieve some personal goals.  I want to improve my health mentally and physically.  I hate "diets" so I do not want to say this is a way for me to set a goal to keep on a diet.  It is more a way for me achieve a healthier lifestyle and be more comfortable with myself.  I have been pushing this aside for too many years and now just have to get this done.

I AM WORKING ON ME FOR A LITTLE WHILE!!!  

I am the type of person that like to help others out and I forget to work on me most of the time.  So this is my time for me!

I am going to have to psych myself up to really get down and dirty and give actual numbers on this blog, but I think that facing it this way may be the only way I continue to move forward.  I want to lose weight through exercise, healthier eating, and mental and spiritual peace.  I know in my heart that I can do this, but I just may need a little push from some of you friends and family occasionally that keeps me going.  If you have suggestions or ideas for me to reach a goal, please by all means share.

My first goal for this week is to start my walking back.  I would like to start walking at least 5 days a week before work.  I am going to start with this, because I think mentally this may be the best place for me to start.  I like to talk to God and find inner peace when I walk in the mornings, so I think this is definitely doable.