3rd month Sparkversary - no FOOLIN'!!

Wow! It would've passed me right by if I hadn't read it on one of my FAVORITE Spark buddies (BUBBASMAMA0508) page - THANK YOU, FELECIA!! And CONGRATULATIONS on YOUR 3rd Sparkversary and SUCCESS!!

We have been together most of the time on this journey - she always has a positive attitude and has given me so much support AND great advice!! She posted on her blog that not only has she lost 20lbs (so far!), but she has also GAINED so much more. I realized the same thing was happening to me:

In the last 3 months I have:

* gained self confidence
* set a good example for my daughter
* gained an awareness of portion sizes
* gained an APPRECIATION for logging my food!
* decided to become a RUNNER! (Thanks to KARVY09's most inspirational blog AND BUBBASMAMA0508 already being a runner and giving me great advice!!)
* inpsired 3 skinny friends to take up C25k!!
* impressed my mom - and got her support!
* signed up for some 5k's AND a 10k!
* learned I won't die if I pass up Taco Bell!
* set my sights on new exercise adventures like bike/ trail riding and hiking! Maybe even geocaching!
* met some AMAZING people on SP that have helped me and encouraged me throughout this journey to a healthy lifestyle. I appreciate you ALL more than you can imagine!!

It is ALL getting easier with time.... I don't have to think much about packing a lunch for work. The Taco Bell cravings aren't so bad anymore. I do allow an occasional meal out and PLAN for it. I don't "supersize" my occasional Starbucks anymore...

Although I don't LOVE running - YET - I feel so good and ACCOMPLISHED once I'm done (for the day), which in itself spurs me on to the next run. I have a mindset that although I hated running all my life, it is NEVER too late to "reform" and BECOME a runner. I have learned to quit blaming my being overweight on what I CAN'T do anymore (water/snow skiing, etc due to geographical proximity) and just decided to find something I CAN do (running, biking, hiking).

I REFUSE to resign myself to being overweight because it's in my "genes" or because losing weight and getting in shape is hard. It won't get any easier as I get older!! I quit smoking 8 years ago after 18 years, and I never thought I could do THAT! I am doing this for ME and MY health and my daughter needs an INTERACTIVE mom - not just a mom on the sidelines. I need to set a healthy example for her, for life.

I am SO EXCITED about this journey - and the fact that I have stuck with it this time! Don't get me wrong - I had some weeks where I got discouraged when the scale didn't move. Sometimes it went UP - and I was determined NOT to give up when that happened, and got those lbs back off in a hurry! I have realistic goals and rewards set for myself. And I am getting there, slowly but surely! I am averaging just over a pound a week loss, when you count some weeks losing nothing, and other weeks losing 2 or more. And you know what? I am cool with that!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH Spark Buddies (Felecia, Alison, Dennis, Bev, MORETHANWEIGHT and my bff in "real life" - KERIBELLE) for being there all along the way - it REALLY DOES make a difference having you along for the ride!!!