Week Five

Today is the first day of week five of my new and improved lifestyle.

And week four was a good week.

I was busy.

First, I am officially registered for three races!

I am registered for the Seaside Sprint Triathlon in Bridgeport, CT on June 10th.

That’s four weeks from yesterday.

I haven’t done a triathlon in four years, and I haven’t been on a bike in just as long, but I don’t care. I’m super excited to get back into the triathlon groove.

Next, I registered for the Pat Griskus Sprint Triathlon in July. I have wanted to do this one for years.

And now I’m finally doing it.

Next, I’m officially registered for the Hartford Marathon in October!

I ran that four years ago, went out way too fast, and I literally thought I was going to die.

This one is about redemption.

I like to race. I like competition, I like to push myself, I like to set goals and I like to try and beat them.

I am really excited to compete again. Even if I’m gonna be at the back of the pack.

Finally, yesterday I ran my first 5K in a long, long time.

And this message goes out to all of you who may have fallen off the running or swimming or biking or triathlon or whatever wagon and are not in the shape you used to be.

The 5K I ran was the Mother’s Day 5K in my town. It is a course I have run many, many times.

Four years ago I ran the race and finished in 26:30 which isn’t amazing for people who are serious about running, but it’s around 8:30/mile which isn’t terrible for me.

Two years ago I ran the Mother’s Day race and finished in 28 something. Slower than two years earlier, but still not awful. For me.

Yesterday I ran and finished in 33:00.4.

It was over six minutes slower than four years ago and four+ minutes slower than two years ago.

I could beat myself up or compare my 2018 self to my 2014 self.

But I’m super proud of myself for doing it. My goal was to hold under 11 minute miles and I averaged 10:39/mile, I ran the whole way, and I did it with my kids.

They all kicked my ass, but that’s besides the point.

What I have now is a bench mark.

My goal is to run a faster 5K in that first triathlon in four weeks than I ran yesterday.

It might be a little lofty, but it’s still my goal.

As far as the weight loss goes, I am down 8.5 pounds in four weeks.

And something else happened this week.

A month ago I tried to put a couple shirts on and I couldn’t button any of them. Same goes for my jeans.

That was a little upsetting.

Today I tried one of those same shirts on along with my jeans and…

THEY BOTH FIT!

YYYEEEESSSSSSSSS!

I am down at least one clothing size since I started.

I am really happy, and I feel awesome.

A little sore from running that race yesterday, but still awesome!

I’m sleeping better, my skin looks better, I’m more disciplined in other areas of my life, and I feel strong.

Life is good!

If you are making changes but feeling frustrated, stick with it! Don’t give up!

If you could use a little support, consider joining Not Your Average Fitness Group — it’s a closed group I started on Facebook where you can get a little extra support.

Just click here to ask to join!

Updated pics are coming next week as well as what I’ve been doing for exercise (it hasn’t been that crazy).

Stay tuned!