Ok, so I'm still working hard towards my goal of a Triathlon but it doesn't look like I'm going to make it to the Pumpkinman in October. I found out I really HATE swimming!!!  I need to push past it though because I really want to be able to accomplish it. I did decide however, considering the time I have left and the shape that I'm in. I'm revising that goal to the Prymamid Lake Triathlon which is closer to my home town. This one is every August so they just had one. I now have another year to prepare. I think this may be more realistic.

I only have 6 more pounds to go to reach 100 lbs lost. Wahoo!!!  I'm not sure if my goal weight is realistic or not. Everyone tells me I'm getting too thin. Never ever thought I'd hear those words! The problem is my face IS getting really thin but I still have extra flab on the rest of me. I originally was thinking my goal would be 135 for my 5'7 frame. Now I'm thinking more of 145. I will have to see how much my muscle weighs.

I found a new friend and workout partner through our local Bariatric Support Group and I'm so thankful for her.  Patrice is so much like me and we just are really good for each other. We are training for an upcomming 5K in October.

My first Official Race. It was only 2 miles but I was excited to do it with my best friend. We ran/walked the entire way.  The race has some hills and corners. It is mostly on blacktop and concrete which I hear is the worst surface for running. Even though we didn't have the best time it gives me a number to try and beat. We did it in 28:48. I was excited because my treadmill time has been 29:05 and thats flat surface only.  It is a little discouraging because I can walk 2 miles in 30 minutes so you would think with the running it would be a much better time but I guess when I slow to a walk it isn't at 4mph anymore. It's better for your heart and body though to change it up. I can't wait to see what my time will be next. 

When I was leaving there was a flyer on my car for a 36 flight stair climb at a local casino on May 17th so I think I'm going to sign up for that one too.  Check out my photo from the race.

I've been working out really hard trying to prepare for the triathlon. I've been walking 2 miles a day, biking 4 miles, lifting weights and swimming 8-15 laps a day.  I'm very proud of myself for sticking with my exercise goals.  I have been having a little trouble finding a swimsuit in January though. Mine was literally floating off of me.

I'm also excited about breaking the 200# mark but I was feeling a little sorry for myself because I'd only lost 7 lbs this month. I finally realized, muscle DOES weigh more than fat!  I took my measurements and sure enough I've lost 15 inches all over my body!  How awesome is that! The month prior to the surgery I lost 22 lbs but only 7.5 inches. That says a lot from where I'm standing. 

Well I did it!  I went to my first swim lesson at age 39.  I could swim before without drowning but I wouldn't really call it swimming. 

First I had to concur the fear of wearing the goggles and really openning my eyes underwater--I just didn't believe that I wouldn't get water in my eyes!  LOL. Well I didn't.

Next she showed me how to breathe through my nose when I go under and then to hold my breath until the last minute and to exhale right before I lifted my face out of the water for air.  This proved to be the hardest part of course. I kept trying to lift my head all the way out of the water instead of just turning to the side. It's definitely going to be a challange.

In order to swim the half mile for the triathlon I have to be able to swim 33 lengths of the pool and it will be much harder in open water.  I'm a little discouraged because I hoped I would catch on sooner.  I found myself wanting to quit and say that I just can't do it.  I was a little embarrased too.

I won't give up though--my next lesson is Friday and I hope that I can do better. I might go to the swimming pool with my daughter today and try and practice.  Wish me luck!!!

Ok so the first day was at lunch which is when I usually get to workout.  I only get about 20-30 minutes. It's pretty embarrasing to post these numbers but it's a starting point right???  I've also been walking on my breaks at work 15 minutes for a mile twice a day. I think I'm totally pooped and that's why my numbers are so low. LOL.  That's my story and I'm stickin to it !!!

12/04/2008
Bike            70-80 RPM    18 minutes    3.12 miles
Treadmill       3.3 mph      10 minutes     .54 miles