Take it off | Week 67: Pride
0
I struggle with pride. I never heard much about pride growing up. In fact, it wasn't until adulthood that I can recall an instance in which someone told me they were proud of me. So when Christian often tells me how proud he is of me, I smile and shrug it off or sheepishly thank him. I fall somewhere between feeling as if the changes I've made are not really all that special and that I don't deserve the praise. Or I have this idea that feeling pride is something to ashamed of.
I often find that I have to remind myself that while vanity and pride are words often considered interchangeable, they are not synonymous.
Funny though that I want others to have pride, be proud and appreciate their accomplishments. I want them to know that when I see the courage they have, the actions they take, that my heart literally swells with pride for them.
So this is a post about you guys. I'll be over here working on my self-loathing issues while wearing a black turtleneck, listen to The Cure and journal in a hand-bound diary with a quill and the blackest of black inks.
I often find that I have to remind myself that while vanity and pride are words often considered interchangeable, they are not synonymous.
Funny though that I want others to have pride, be proud and appreciate their accomplishments. I want them to know that when I see the courage they have, the actions they take, that my heart literally swells with pride for them.
So this is a post about you guys. I'll be over here working on my self-loathing issues while wearing a black turtleneck, listen to The Cure and journal in a hand-bound diary with a quill and the blackest of black inks.
• • •
Christian's Beard ran it's first solo 5k on Saturday. He picked the 4th Annual Badges of Honor run. I'm not sure who was more excited, me or him. Even though the race didn't start until 9am we arrived pretty early just to sign in and relax.
I made him pose with my Broad Street headband. It mysteriously disappeared from his head before he entered the race corral.
The event was peppered with some of my favorite local celebrities.
 |
John Bolaris, founder of the run, tells the crowd the story behind Badges of Honor.
"The Badges of Honor 5K Run has been established to strengthen the relationship between Philadelphia’s Public Safety employees and the community they serve. The proceeds raised from the run defray the expenses related to the death of an employee that has fallen in the line of duty."
|
 |
Erika Schiff, American Idol - Season 10 alum, sings the National Anthem. |
I'm so ridiculous. I nearly started crying as Christian and the Beard crossed over the starting line. I'm so proud of him that he did this on his own. He's definitely been keeping me motivated and on track with my running.
I could not believe he finished in under 30 minutes again! So unfair! haha I want to do that! I guess it's something to work toward.
I'm so proud of you, Schmoop! I'm so glad we have each other for support and motivation.
• • •
 |
| Etsy | GemGoode 2012 |
You know who else I am proud of? Everyone that participated in last week's honesty challenge! Seriously, I was BLOWN AWAY by the response to this challenge. Of all people, I know how hard it is to admit to things that you see as faults in yourself. Several of you even went so far as to write posts on your blog, punctuating your commitment to your health.
I hope that you got a feeling of freedom and maybe felt a little more at peace with your situation after this challenge. If any of you ever need a pep talk or an ear, you know where to find me. I am impressed and humbled by your courage. I am honored that you chose to share your vulnerability with me and so many others.
While I wish I could afford to give you all a reward, unfortunately right now I can only reward one of you. The winner was chosen at random using Rafflecopter, but I was so pleased when the winner came up.
Amanda from Life According to Amanda won this necklace from Dogeared jewelry.
Before Amanda even entered the drawing, unbeknownst to me, she wrote this very raw and honest post about her struggle with her weight. I only found her because I had seen quite a bit of traffic coming from her site. Thank you for sharing, Amanda. No doubt you will inspire others to face their fears and make big changes in their lives as well.
• • •
Here's something fun before we get down to business. I was browsing my Flickr account today looking for a photo and came across a headshot from May 2011. I was about three months into my Medifast journey. My friend Stephanie recently took a new headshot for me.
Honestly, looking at that photo is a bit unnerving. I see a beautiful woman who probably has a loving husband, a wonderful daughter and great friends. But she is not anyone I know. And its such a strange feeling to be so disconnected with who you were. There is a sense loss in leaving a part of yourself behind - even if it was detrimental to your being. There is some fear of knowing that there is no turning back - that place no longer exists. Home is here and now and the only place I belong. Then there is the joy of knowing you have overcome. And even though there are great challenges that lie ahead, I have climbed a mountain. I've been to the top, and I have every intention of staying there.
• • •
Well, this is it. Decision time. After much thought and discussion, I have decided that this will be my last week on the 5&1 plan. I did not make it to my goal...yet.
You might be wondering: How I will make it to goal if I stop doing the 5&1 plan? Are you giving up? Why stop when you are so close to your goal?
To which I say: I WILL make it to my goal. I will NEVER give up. I am not stopping - rather I am transitioning - because of this:
I will be running my first half marathon September 16th with my husband. That's just 14 weeks away - which might seem like a lot but we all know the summers fly by. It will be here before we know it.
Since I completed Broad Street back in May, I've backed off of training and got back on the 5&1 plan (I had been doing 4&2). I currently run anywhere between 2-4 miles 3-4 times a week. I haven't been doing the 30 Day Shred with any regularity. I had to keep my exercise at a minimum to let the 5&1 plan do its job. The calorie deficit on 5&1 would not allow me to lose weight if I was working my body too hard. Since I've been lax on strength training and not running as far, I need to build back up my stamina.
I will need the extra calories that moving into transition will allow. I hope to lose these last 4.5 pounds by the end of June. I will be working hard as always to do so. But what's more important is that my body gets the nutrition it needs to help me meet this next goal. I'll tell you more about transition next week when I officially begin the process.
I have to say, I am mostly excited about transitioning and that emotion is quite surprising. I am scared but what I know now is that I have the tools to maintain this weight. I have the tools and strength to lose weight should I gain anything back. I have the courage to face any challenge that comes my way. This is a graduation of sorts. I am no longer lost and drowning in the sea of obesity. I'm very proud of myself and I won't be ashamed of the pride I feel for even a moment.
You might be wondering: How I will make it to goal if I stop doing the 5&1 plan? Are you giving up? Why stop when you are so close to your goal?
To which I say: I WILL make it to my goal. I will NEVER give up. I am not stopping - rather I am transitioning - because of this:
Since I completed Broad Street back in May, I've backed off of training and got back on the 5&1 plan (I had been doing 4&2). I currently run anywhere between 2-4 miles 3-4 times a week. I haven't been doing the 30 Day Shred with any regularity. I had to keep my exercise at a minimum to let the 5&1 plan do its job. The calorie deficit on 5&1 would not allow me to lose weight if I was working my body too hard. Since I've been lax on strength training and not running as far, I need to build back up my stamina.
Yesterday I began a 12 week training regimen similar to this:
| Week | Sunday (Rest) | Monday (Easy) | Tuesday (Cross Train) | Wednesday (Easy) | Thursday (Cross Train) | Friday (Rest) | Saturday (Long) |
| 1 | 30-40 Minutes | 30 Minutes (3 Miles) | 30-40 Minutes | Rest | 4 Miles | ||
| 2 | Rest | 30 Minutes (3 Miles) | 30-40 Minutes | 30 Minutes (3 Miles) | 30-40 Minutes | Rest | 5 Miles |
| 3 | Rest | 30 Minutes (3 Miles) | 30-40 Minutes | 30 Minutes (3 Miles) | 30-40 Minutes | Rest | 6 Miles |
| 4 | Rest | 35 Minutes (3 Miles) | 30-40 Minutes | 35 Minutes (3 Miles) | 30-40 Minutes | Rest | 7 Miles |
| 5 | Rest | 45 Minutes (4 Miles) | 30-40 Minutes | 45 Minutes (4 Miles) | 45-50 Minutes | Rest | 4 Miles |
| 6 | Rest | 45 Minutes (4 Miles) | 30-40 Minutes | 45 Minutes (5 Miles) | 45-50 Minutes | Rest | 8 Miles |
| 7 | Rest | 50 Minutes (5 Miles) | 30-40 Minutes | 50 Minutes (5 Miles) | 45-50 Minutes | Rest | 9 Miles |
| 8 | Rest | 45 Minutes (4 Miles) | 35-45 Minutes | 50 Minutes (4 Miles) | 45-50 Minutes | Rest | 6 Miles |
| 9 | Rest | 50 Minutes (5 Miles) | 35-45 Minutes | 50 Minutes (5 Miles) | 45-50 Minutes | Rest | 10 Miles |
| 10 | Rest | 45 Minutes (4 Miles) | 35-45 Minutes | 45 Minutes (4 Miles) | 45-50 Minutes | Rest | 7 Miles |
| 11 | Rest | 35 Minutes (3 Miles) | 35-45 Minutes | 35 Minutes (3 Miles) | 45-50 Minutes | Rest | 6 Miles |
| 12 | Rest | 30 Minutes (3 Miles) | 30 Minutes | 30 Minutes (3 Miles) | Rest | Rest | 13.1 Miles Race Day! |
I have to say, I am mostly excited about transitioning and that emotion is quite surprising. I am scared but what I know now is that I have the tools to maintain this weight. I have the tools and strength to lose weight should I gain anything back. I have the courage to face any challenge that comes my way. This is a graduation of sorts. I am no longer lost and drowning in the sea of obesity. I'm very proud of myself and I won't be ashamed of the pride I feel for even a moment.
Month One: -16 lbs
Month Two: -5 lbs
Month Three: -6 lbs
Month Four: -6 lbs
Month Five: -6 lbs
Month Six: -8.5 lbs
Month Three: -6 lbs
Month Four: -6 lbs
Month Five: -6 lbs
Month Six: -8.5 lbs
Month Seven: -7.5 lbs
Month Eight: -5 lbs
Month Nine: -2 lbs
Month Ten: -5 lbs
Month Eleven: -6 lbs
Month Twelve: -4 lbs
Month Thirteen: -6.5 lbs
Month Fourteen: -3.5 lbs
Month Fifteen: -1 lbs
Week sixty two: 1 WHAT?! WHAT?! (its actually 1lb and some change. But we are just gonna call it 1)
Week sixty three: 1
Week sixty four: -.5
Week sixty five: -2.5
Week sixty six: -1
Week sixty seven: -1
Week sixty seven: -1
Total: 95.5 lbs gone forever! Current weight: 144.5 lbs Distance from goal: 4.5 lbs!!
Medifast recently introduced a new customer savings program. If you use my coupon code, TURNIP56, and sign up for Medifast Advantage when you order $250+, you’ll receive 56 free Medifast Meals and free shipping! Medifast Advantage has a lot of perks, including free customizable meals and a free BlenderBottle® with minimum purchase.
For your first order of $250+, use my code, and enroll in Medifast Advantage to receive 28 free meals. Do the same on your next order and you’ll receive ANOTHER 28 free meals! This offer is only valid if you enroll in Medifast Advantage, and it’s limited to one per customer. It’s not valid with prior purchases, any other promotions or discounts, or for Medifast Ready-to-Drink Shakes. Check out Medifast’s website for complete details on program and discounts.
*FTC Disclosure: Medifast provides their products for my personal use for free. I am not paid or compensated in any other way for mentioning their products. All thoughts written here are mine. I love complaining so I would tell you if I didn't like something in the program. :)
Medifast products and the Medifast Program are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Any medical improvements noted while on the program are related to weight loss in general, and not to Medifast products or programs.
Dogeared Jewelry is not sponsoring this giveaway and in no way endorses this site, this giveaway or the opinions in this post. The Turnip Farmer is solely responsible for this giveaway.
Medifast products and the Medifast Program are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Any medical improvements noted while on the program are related to weight loss in general, and not to Medifast products or programs.
Dogeared Jewelry is not sponsoring this giveaway and in no way endorses this site, this giveaway or the opinions in this post. The Turnip Farmer is solely responsible for this giveaway.
Jenni from the Blog (maintaining since summer ’11)
The Adventures of Goober Grape and Monkey Man (maintaining since April ’11)
Unemployed Mom (maintaining since April ’12)
