Truth Tuesday - 2.2 lb Loss

Since my office is closed this week, there was no at work meeting so it was time to check out what will be my regular meeting once the at work program ends in three weeks. I will be switching from an 11am weigh-in to an 8 am weigh-in. I wasn't really sure what to expect, but I knew I had done my best this week (especially since the wife and I had a low key weekend). So I stepped on the scale and ... I lost 2.2 lbs! Woo! You know what this really means? I AM IN THE 150s!!! Okay, it is 159.2, but it is a 1 followed by a 5! I am beyond psyched - especially since I started 2011 in the 180s (186.4)! Woo! 

Today: Lost 2.2

Starting Weight: 217.4

Today’s Weight: 159.2

Total Lost: 58.2

Pounds From New Goal: 4.2

I am on Cloud 9 today! If you asked me in 2009 if I thought it was possible for me to lose almost 60 pounds and be in the 150s in a little over two years, I would've called you CRAY CRAY!

I texted my normal crew about my loss and I was so happy to get the following text from my dad "and lost it in a healthy way." Exactly dad! I didn't go the route I went before - not eating is not the answer - instead I put the time in. I have made me, my health, my life ... a priority. Believe me, there is never and will never be a day when I don't think about my battle with eating disorders, but now I know I am stronger than that. I can eat and lose weight.

I have never felt healthier and stronger than I do now. I am so thankful for Weight Watchers Healthy Guidelines. I have really made an effort to fill those every day and my body appreciates that.

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I want to thank each of you again for taking the time to read this little piece of the Internet I call home. The support, accountability and motivation you all give me cannot be measured. The high fives, bravos and congratulations as well make me smile. I had tweeted earlier that I hoped to bottle up all the love today to keep around when I am feeling blue and one lovey Dacia sent me this (I promptly started tearing up from the love):

"@IrishEyes1982 for you: one coupon good for warm, fuzzy, happy, supportive, loving words to be redeemed at any time. *never expires"

The online community (Twitter, Facebook & blogging) I have become a part of has picked me up and kept me going on this journey more times than I can count. I wish I could meet each and every one of you and give you a big hug! :)

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The wife bought me a new blender today since the one we have is old and difficult to use. This new one is lighter and transportable, which is huge. I will need to stay in a hotel for five days in January and then I will be in AZ for work for six weeks in February/March and now I can make my WW protein smoothies while out of the house. Yay!

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So I have three more at work meetings - January 3, 10, 17 - before I permanently move to the 8:30am meeting on Tuesdays. Here is my game plan since I don't want to switch back to weighing-in at 11am: I will head to WW at Wilson Yard to weigh-in at 8am, but then attend my regular work meeting. I will at least give it a whirl on January 3 and see how it goes.

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How did Truth Tuesday treat everyone else?

Truth Tuesday – 2.2 lb Loss

I really owe a big thanks to @tryn2bfit for coming up with the #back2basics challenge for December! (I will be carrying it into January for sure!) Not only am I feeling stronger and more in control, but I am seeing major results on the scale. My home scale was telling me to expect a 1.8 lb loss, but instead I saw ... 2.2 lbs gone! Wha wha?? :) Today: Lost 2.2

Starting Weight: 217.4

Today’s Weight: 161.4

Total Lost: 56.0

Pounds From New Goal: 6.4

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Since starting the #back2basics challenge at the beginning of the month, I have lost 6.8 lbs! :)

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I can't believe I FINALLY hit the 55 lb mark. I originally hit the 50 lb mark waaaay back in July (July 5th to be exact). Wow that is a looong time ago. I can't believe it has taken me over five months to finally cross the threshold of 55 lost. But, I know - that is life. It also gets a lot harder to drop big numbers the closer you are to your goal weight (and technically I am past my original goal weight).

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My new goal is to try and hit 25 lbs lost in 2011. Right now I have dropped 23.8 lbs since my first weigh-in in 2011 (January 4). I would need to lose 1.2 lbs at my weigh-in next week. Since work is closed, I will be going to a center meeting (Dec 27 at 8:30am). This meeting will be 3 hours earlier than my normal meeting so I am not sure if that will affect my #s at all. But, I am just going to keep doing what I am doing and hope to see some good results.

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I actually sat down and looked at my WW numbers this weekend:

11/2/09 to 1/5/10 - 22.4 lbs lost 1/5/10 to 1/4/11 - only 9.8 lbs lost 1/4/11 to present - 23.8 lbs lost

Total 56.0 gone!

You can really see that something happened in 2010 that slowed me down. During that time, work was so busy that I rarely got to attend an actual WW meeting. I really think that killed my progress. I was only accountable to myself and we all know how much easier it is to lie to ourselves than the WW scale.

But, I am happy to see that I was able to refocus myself and come back strong this year. Having the meetings at work have done wonders for me - and my coworkers. :) I was really lucky to have the experience. I only hope that we are able to get 20 people in April so we can restart the at work group after it ends on January 17.

Thankfully my boss is super supportive and is letting me come into work a little late on Tuesdays so I can keep attending meetings (8:30am at Wilson Yard). I need those meetings to continue my success ... since we all know this is a lifelong journey!

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How was your Truth Tuesday?

Using Your Gym Time Wisely?

I am always curious of other people's gym routines. I stare at other people's machines while I am at the gym myself. I scrutinize people's tweets. I scan a ton of people's blogs. I am intrigued by how different everyone's gym routines are. Yes, every person is different so this makes sense. But, it is still fascinating how people spend their workout time. When I first moved to Chicago in 2008 and before I joined WW, I would spend hours at the gym. I was reminded of this last weekend when I was at one of the WW center openings with El.

On a normal day, I would go to the gym for 1.5-2 hours after work ... and sometimes even longer. I would get on the elliptical for an hour or so then spend some time on the Stairmaster or the treadmill. I would walk out burning (or so I thought) well over 1,000 calories. (At this time I was trusting what the machines told me I burned - I know better now)

But, when I got home from the gym? I would eat. I would graze. I would drink. I would snack. I would, subconsciously, intake the amount of calories I had just burned. Basically nullifying all the hard work I had just put in.

Now?

Well, after searching and studying and seeing what other people do, I realized. I don't need to spend hours at the gym ... unless I want to/have the time to do so .. to succeed and actually lose weight.

As you all know, I have gotten the nutrition/eating/drinking portion of my diet under wraps. Once I started to get a handle on that, I saw the lbs start to come off. Not only that, I feel stronger and fitter (did I make that word up?) than I ever have before...

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How long do I spend at the gym now?

I average anywhere from 30 min to 1.5 hours ... again depending on how much time I have available.

What have I changed to make it work?

I took a hard look at what I was doing when I was at the gym.

Elliptical? I took my easy 45 minute session and turned it into a power 30 minutes - by setting a goal. I now work to hit at least 1,500 strides per 10 minutes on the Elliptical (Incline 10 - Resistance 6). This came in super handy while I was just coming back from my back surgery. Now, I can go ahead and play around with the Incline/Resistance or increase the strides goal.

Stairmaster? Instead of keeping the level at an even 7 or 8 for 45 minutes to an hour, I now work on intervals. I will go 2-5 minutes at one level, then increase it for the next 2-5 minutes, then increase for next 2-5 minutes, etc. This keeps my body fresh and I feel more of a work out.

Treadmill? A lot of people will either do a walk/run combination. Run for 1 minute - walk for 1 minute - run for 1 minute - walk for 1 minute, etc. You can also do this if you want to run the whole time. You can run for 2 minutes - then Sprint for 1 minute - run for 2 minutes - Sprint for 1 minute, etc. It is all about keeping your body guessing...

In addition, I have thrown in some classes that I would never have done before.

I Spin at least three times a week. I usually go to a Hip Hop class on Sundays. If someone can persuade me, I will also hit up a Zumba class. I have also dabbled in Yoga and Pilates as well - not as much my style, but happy to throw them in to the rotation every once in awhile.

The biggest change?

I now hit the gym in the morning. This has made a huge difference for me. I love to have free reign of the machines since the gym is a lot emptier at 6am. But, I like feeling the burn in the morning because I know it will help me along the day. I like waking my metabolism up so that it works in my favor while I am fueling my body throughout the day.

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I know my routine is basically cardio heavy, but that is something I am working on. There needs to be a more balanced approach to my work out so that my body gets the full experience.

In terms of weights, people need to remember to switch up those routines as well. Otherwise your muscles will get used to the same actions and you won't see results. Good to do arms one day, then legs, back, chest, etc. Spread the love throughout the week. :)

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So what have I really taken away from my workout redo? It doesn't matter how long you are at the gym - it matters have you spend the time while you are there. Dedicating everything you have to the Stairmaster for 20 minutes is going to pay off a lot more than taking an easy 45 minutes on the Elliptical.

If you are feeling lost in your workouts, ask for help. There are tons of people at your gym, on Twitter or Facebook that would be happy to offer advice.

Just remember, you are only going to get out of your workouts what you put in. Make it count! Push yourself every day! Bump up the resistance in Spin ... Push for an extra 300 strides per 10 minutes on the Elliptical ... Finally hit 9.0 for a solid minute on the treadmill!

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What do you do to get the most out of your trip to the gym?

Jingle Bell 5k - December 2011

I cannot believe that today I ran my final road race of 2011. It seems like just yesterday I was approved to start running again and I started signing up for all of these runs. In total, I ran 15 road races in 2011, 14 of those occurring after June 1 (when I was allowed to run). Today's run had extra meaning. I found this race through my sorority's (Alpha Omicron Pi) alumnae group. My sorority's charity is juvenile arthritis. Today's Jingle Bell 5k raised money for the Arthritis Foundation so  I was told about this run by the alum group. I thought it was a great cause so an easy run to sign up for.

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The race was in a new location. It was near the Nature Museum here in Chicago. I was happy to be out of the Montrose Harbor area. Not that I don't love those courses, but I needed a change of pace.

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When I woke up this morning and saw the snow, I was actually excited. I haven't run in the snow in ages and was ready for the challenge. I also thought it really set the scene for the race.

Thankfully we were able to hide out inside the Museum until the race started!

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I learned my lesson from the Santa Hustle 5k on December 3 and started much closer to the startling line than I usually do ... and it paid off!!

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I have been battling some left knee pain recently so I really wasn't sure how the race would go, especially with the morning snow fall.

I started out great. I was happy that I hit Mile One at about 8:22, which was a whole minute faster than Mile One at the Santa Hustle 5k.

There was a lot of slipping and sliding on the snow, which reminded me that I really need to buy some spikes to put on my shoes for my F^3 Lake Half Marathon training in the next six weeks.

My knee was feeling fine until I was about 2.5 miles in. Ugh, you have to be kidding me. But, I powered through. I was on a good pace and wanted to finish the last race of 2011 strong. I wasn't going to give up with about 0.5 a mile left.

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I officially crossed the line at 26:05.5 (8:24 min/mile) ... I finished 133rd out of 1,075 overall, 10 out of 120 in my division (females 25-29) and 39 out of 659 females.

I wanted to beat my PR (25:34), but it wasn't in the cards. I think overcoming the knee and the snow makes up for not getting a PR. I am proud of myself for getting up and out to the course - even though it was snowing.

I loved the size of the run. I did not get elbowed, shoved or almost tripped at any time in the race. Everyone was enjoying themselves and taking in the great surroundings.

I thank my wife for getting up and going to the race as my cheerleader/photographer. :)

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I thank you all for the support you have given me through the year. I am so proud of what I have accomplished this year. I think back often to my first 5k (March 2005) where I finished in 38:21. That really puts my 26:06 today into perspective. <<patting myself on the back>> ;)

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I am kicking off the 2012 racing season immediately ... New Year's Day 5k is in sight.

Halfway Through Dynamic December

Okay folks, I know I say this all the time, but how does time pass so quickly? How am I already halfway through my Dynamic December challenge? How is 2011 over in just 15 days? Okay ... I'm back! I thought since we are at the midway point of the challenge that I would let you all know how it is going.

I am feeling great and in control this month. I ended September on such a high note that I was really upset with myself for slacking in October/November. I have lost 4.6 lbs so far this month and am just 0.6 lbs from my lowest, which I hope to hit on Tuesday's weigh-in.

Besides, seeing the results on the scale. I am just feeling healthier overall. I have been working to hit all of my WW Healthy Guidelines every day, as well as getting in at least 30 minutes of activity.

The #back2basics challenge has taken me back to the time when I first joined WW. When the excitement was still there - well it was the honeymoon phase. :) But, I think over time you lose the love sometimes. You can get tired of looking up the points or having to plan food out for the week. Since starting the #back2basics challenge, I have realized how important those little steps are to continued success. I need to take the time for me.

I don't mind decomposing my salad in order to weigh out the chicken or the croutons, etc. I actually feel empowered after doing it.

The #hlgFitGift, #plankaday, #30for60, #30daychallenge, #FT100 & #30daychip components all overlap, which is why I can do six challenges at once. ;) This has helped me put the excuses to the side. I can get up and get to the gym. The challenges hold me accountable to that. I am asking myself to take 30 minutes out of my day for me - that shouldn't be too hard. Right?

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How are you doing with your December challenges? Are you ready to go towards 2012 on a healthier note?

Truth Tuesday – 1.2 lb Loss

I honestly wasn't sure what to expect on the scale this week. I usually check in with my home scale a couple times during the week to get a gauge. I step on the home scale every Tuesday AM (actual WW weigh-in day), Friday and Monday. I try not to take what I see on there too hard since your body can fluctuate throughout the week, but I like having an idea. I used to weigh myself every day so this is a big step in the direction of just weighing in once a week like the experts recommend. Plus I now realize how harmful it is mentally to weigh-in every day. Well after seeing my home scale this AM (which said I would lose 1 lb), I was hoping for about a 1 lb loss. The official WW result was ... 1.2 lbs lost. YAY!

Today: Lost 1.2

Starting Weight: 217.4

Today’s Weight: 163.6

Total Lost: 53.8

Pounds From Lowest: 0.6

Pounds From New Goal: 8.6

I was psyched. So I gained 5.2 lbs over the two week period including the honeymoon and in the two weeks since returning home I have lost 4.6 lbs of it. I am definitely happy with this result. I hope to be at either my lowest or a new low next week. :)

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I am feeling really good right now. I have been really focusing on getting back to the basics, like I mentioned last week. I have been making sure to complete all the WW Healthy Guidelines, which I think makes a HUGE difference in how I feel.

But, don't think I am not treating myself. That is why I love WW. You can eat normal food just in moderation. For example, I had Chinese food on Wednesday night. But, I made sure to measure out the 2 cups I had allotted myself of General Tso's Chicken, throw out the rice right away and make 1 cup of carrots to be my side. I ate that and felt completely satisfied.

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I feel for the people that are trying to eat well around Holiday party after Holiday party. Not getting invited places/not having a life is actually helping me out this month. :P I do not envy those people that have to do so much planning this month. For the past 18 days since returning from Hawaii, I have been able to get back into the zone and keep my splurges in control. :)

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On Friday, we found out a colleague, and more importantly, a dear friend passed away. My initial reaction was to turn to food. Thankfully through the support through Twitter and my friends, I was able to suppress those feelings, make healthy food choices and find other ways to grieve. I can tell you I have never cried so hard during a run as I did on Saturday morning. I am sure people passing me were wondering if I was being chased or what was going on. But, it was a healthy way for me to deal with the loss.

I was also able to distract myself slightly from thinking about it while attending two WW center openings.

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What do you have to share on Truth Tuesday?

Half Marathon Training Update - 4.5 miles

I have been slacking on the running updates (unless it was a road race ;)). Unfortunately, this past week or so I have been battling a sore knee and right hip. I am not sure exactly what is going on, but I have scaled down my long runs in order to test out some braces, diff shoes, etc. Hopefully it is something that will work itself out quickly... The pups let me sleep in til 7am this morning! Woo! Hey, for me that is late. Every other day this week I have been up at 5:30 to get my workouts in. While feeding the pups, I ran through all the different workouts I could do this morning: run, elliptical, Spin or Stairmaster. I looked at the weather and it said 14 degrees out. That decided it all ... outdoor run it would be! I know, most of you were probably expecting me to say I decided to do something inside, but I know I need to get used to the cold weather sooner or later. :) Especially since the F^3 Lake Half is outside no matter what. :P

I suited up and was out the door by 9am. It was odd to be heading out for my run so late. I usually am out the door around 6am. It was nice to see so many other runners on the path and the sun! The sun is such a rare sight in the winter here in Chicago.

It was a real motivator seeing all the CARA (Chicago Area Runners Association) people out running as well. I wish I could afford to train with them, but alas I cannot.

After hearing about a colleague and more importantly a friend passing away yesterday, I needed some alone time any way. So the run came at the perfect time.

Despite the knee and hip pain, I pushed through to complete 4.5 miles in 40.23. I was pretty darn proud of myself.

Ya know what? After five minutes of running, I didn't even notice the cold weather. I was just so focused on the run and being lost in my thoughts that the weather didn't even really register. Yay!

Truth Tuesday - 3.4 lb Loss

I was looking for a good weight loss this week after the gain last week. I was trying to lose all 5 lbs, but I knew that wasn't realistic so I am pretty happy with what I did see. I lost ... 3.4 lbs!! :) Today: Lost 3.4

Starting Weight: 217.4

Today’s Weight: 164.8

Total Lost: 52.6

Pounds From Original Goal: 1.8

Pounds From New Goal: 9.8

I feel amazing this week. I kicked off my Dynamic December challenge and am loving it. It is a great motivator and a community to keep me in check. :) I have gotten back to the basics of Weight Watchers - the time when I first started and I tracked, measured and looked up the points values of everything I ate ... and I am noticing the difference. Additionally, I worked out for at least 30 min everyday this week and it helped lift my energy for the week.

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This week we learned more about the new tweaks that Weight Watchers unveiled for the 2012 season. For me, I am a-okay with them. To be honest, they don't really affect me - besides losing a point on my day. I don't mind the points still dropping as long as I have enough points to fulfill my Healthy Guidelines - I can supplement the rest with water and 0pt fruits/veggies.

Since starting Weight Watchers, I have never felt hungry or deprived ... and THAT is why I think I have been able to stick with the plan and succeed.

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I am honored to have the chance to speak at not one, but two Weight Watchers centers grand openings this weekend. As I am still on this journey, I can't believe people would want to hear from me. But, I am excited. I enjoy sharing my love for Weight Watchers, exercise and the weight loss journey I am on.

I can't wait to tell you how it goes. :) And unlike the Jennifer Hudson opening ... I will actually be speaking. ;)

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Along the same lines as the WW openings, I was actually chosen to be featured in a Time Out Chicago issue about fitness. I was interviewed by the reporter and last night took part in the photo shoot. I can tell you I have never had as much makeup as I had on last night. ;) They wanted to film me doing something that I wouldn't have done before the weight loss - so they filmed me Spinning.

It was a surreal experience. I am not one used to getting my picture taken - let alone professionally. The people were super nice and I think they did a great job. Well, I will find out when the issue comes out on December 29. :)

Dynamic December

I am jumping on board with many of my fellow bloggers and coming up with some goals for December. For me, it isn't about doing something before 2011 is over - it is about how I totally rocked September (thanks in part to my personal challenge), but completely fell apart in October and November (the scale didn't show it, but I felt it). But, now I am looking forward to a Dynamic December (I like alliteration so sue me :P). Originally, I was going to just redo my September challenge, but once I caught up on twitter last night the twitterverse created it for me. ;) So here are a few of the challenges/hashtags you will see me using in the upcoming month ... and beyond (some end before Christmas, at the New Year or February).

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1) #hlgFitGift - This challenge was designed by Jan (@HealthyLoserGal) and one of my favorite people in the world. :) She started this back in September, but it is set to end around Christmas. For this challenge, I have been trying to get in at least 30 min of exercise every day. I haven't succeeded up to this point, but I have been trying my hardest. Now, that December has rolled around and I don't really have any plans/travel, I am going to make sure to get some sort of moving in every day.

Jan is one of the best motivators, and people, around!!

2) #plankaday - This has been lifechanging for me. I am not one for crunches, especially with my back injury, so this is a great way to get some core work in without sitting and doing a bunch of crunches - I don't want to do - on the floor.

This program was started by Dr. Sherry Pagoto (@drsherrypagoto) and is open to interpretation. For me, I started with doing a 60 second forearm plank every day for a week. The next week I upped it by 5 seconds and did 65 second forearms planks every day for a week. I did 5 second increments until I could hold a forearm plank for 120 seconds - yes! I can hold a plank for 2 minutes. Ahhh, I never thought that was possible.

Once, I hit that goal I switched up my planks. Last week, I did one 60 second forearm plank and a 30 second side plank on both sides every day. So this week, I increased it to 2 60 second forearm plank and 2 30 second side planks on both sides every day. I am going to keep increasing this until I hit at least 5 of each.

I am going to continue to do my #plankaday every day. I am enjoying the versatility and loving the #plankaday community.

3) #30for60 - The #30for60 challenge was created by Samantha (@runcupcake) and Jim (@runbikesurf) and I found out about it yesterday. The jist is to keep people moving for a mininum 30 minutes every day for the next 60 days (so December 1-February 1). This will helpfully be an easier task for me since I will be using the same activity for both #hlgFitGift & #30for60. But, I will take as much motivation as I can.

This challenge does have a possible prize attached to it, but I don't usually get caught up in those since I don't usually win contests. :P (Don't you just want to send me a present? ;))

4) #back2basics - I think this is a great challenge and timely for me as I am trying to get back into the swing after taking 10 days off Weight Watchers, while on vacation with my wife. I also like this challenge (started by Colleen - @tryn2bfit) because it again leaves the choice of what you focus on up to the individual. I think that is a great way to keep people's attention and driven when they are working on something extremely personal.

For me, I will be focusing on hitting all 6 of the Weight Watchers Healthy Guidelines. Every day of the month I will be sure to have my required amounts of liquids (water), fruits/veggies, vitamins, dairy, healthy oils & exercise. I am pumped. I have been working on this for four days already so I think that will help me keep the train on the track - so to speak. :)

5) #FT100- This is an amazing challenge set up by a couple of my fellow #FFCheer peeps. For me, it was a no-brainer to join. The deal: run 100 miles by January 31, 2012 - roughly 62 days). This works out to about 1.6 miles a day or a little over 11 miles a week. Well, since I am training for the F^3 Lake Half Marathon on January 28, I think it is safe to say I will be running at least 11 miles a week.

It is kind of frustrating that I need to log the miles on Daily Mile since I use Runkeeper, which logs my runs automatically. But, I think this is worth the extra step. ;)

I kicked off the challenge today with a nice 6 mile run along the Lakefront. Woo! 6 down ... 94 to go!

6) #30daychip - I owe a lot of success to the man that created the #7daychip/#30daychip program: Brad Gansberg (@bradgansberg). He has been a great motivator and has gotten me back on track more times than I can count.

This is yet another great challenge that you set for yourself. I have done a few different #7daychip topics, which you can see here.

The basic premise is to do something healthy for seven consecutive days ... or if you are feeling like you want a real challenge you can go for 30 or 100 days.

For this, #30daychip (which would be my second) I am looking to track my food every day. That means: log it into Weight Watchers eTools, write it up as a food log post on my blog and Facebook/Tweet it out.

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Now, this may seem like I am shooting for the moon and overextending myself, but really alot of these challenges overlap and create sort of a domino effect. As long as I workout, I will hit my healthy guideline, which will help my #30daychip, etc.

I set these goals for myself because this is the person I want to be. The person I want to strive to be. The person I will work to be ... one day at a time.

And because of you - my family, friends, Facebook crew and twitterverse - that will hold me accountable, will support me and will keep me going.

The hashtags help to build a community. It opens the doors to new relationships, tips and most importantly more support.

So for me, this is what I will be striving for in December.

What will you be doing for you?