You are who you choose to be...

It's been nearly 3 months since my last post...there's not really much to say or much of an update to provide.  However, I do think it's important to check in to let everyone know that I've stumbled the past 3 months and I'm reaching out to my peers for support.  After the 12 week Better U Journey, the group of ladies and mentors making up the program, essentially went their separate ways.  I felt okay about that because I felt that the habits I had developed during those 12 weeks would be easy to sustain.  Unfortunately, that wasn't really the case...I need the encouragement of those around me to be successful, I need a workout buddy to meet at the gym and I need the support of my family to make healthier meal choices to truly make this a permanent lifestyle change.  It's definitely possible...it's just going to take a lot longer than 12 weeks to make it happen.

I have found that it is incredibly hard to stay focused on myself first...with both nutrition and exercise.  As summer began, so did softball for my girls and the stress level at work increased as well.  I found myself struggling once again to find time to take care of myself...putting my family and work before myself and turning to food for comfort.  During this time, I found myself putting some of my weight back on too.  Thankfully the weight gain has not been significant and I know I can get back on track. So, as I get back to focusing on my health and fitness, I will make sure to remember the following... 

From Start to Finish...I finished my first 5K!

It's been a crazy few weeks but I'm so proud to say that on Friday, April 26th I ran my first 5K race and raised over $800 for Crisis Nursery!  Thanks so much to everyone who made a donation and supported my effort.  I finished the race in 38:24 and beat my personal record by over 5 minutes!  It was an amazing experience to run with my mom, sister, daughter and sister-in-law...Go Red ladies Tanna, Lori & Sheree...the Crisis Nursery Miles for Smiles team...and some of the Illini cheerleaders.  I'm so proud of all of us and especially proud of myself for accomplishing a goal I wasn't sure I would be able to complete.  When I think back to where I was 6 months ago, this never would have been a possibility.  I think all the Go Red ladies agreed, this wasn't something we could have done prior to taking our 12 week challenge.  Way to go ladies and thanks for the push to complete this 5K together...it's a memory I will cherish and hopefully we can all continue to find our best self in each week and keep pushing towards our goals.

MY AMAZING FAMILY

 ILLINI CHEERLEADERS

GO RED LADIES!

CRISIS NURSERY MILES FOR SMILES TEAM

Facing bumps in the road and moving past them...

Well, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth but I have been hiding...from my bumps in the road that I've experienced the last three weeks. I've been hiding from my supporters and from those who ask on a daily basis how things are going. Truth is...I have fallen back into my old patterns...I'm not exercising the way that I should and I'm not making smart choices in the foods that I'm eating.  And, with that being said,...I've been embarrassed to update everyone on my lack of progress and the fact that I've gained 2 pounds since my last post.

During week 16 of my  journey, I spent an amazing 5 days in Austin, Texas for the NCAA tournament!  The weather was beautiful and I was able to be outside and explore the  University of Texas and other areas of Austin during our downtime between games.  I only really managed one real workout on the trip but I was so excited to finish my 3rd 5K on the treadmill at the hotel in 41:45, cutting 5 minutes off my personal best!  I ran/walked next to one of my cheerleaders, which definitely motivated me to push myself a little harder!  After that, I pretty much took the rest of the time off from the fitness room...not a good idea.  

When travelling, we had to eat out for every meal.  I haven't mastered the art of selecting the healthiest options and resisting the tempting choices when eating out.  I definitely was more aware of my choices than I had been in the past, but that didn't necessarily mean I made the best choices.  The pressure of always eating the right food is difficult sometimes...I start to feel like I'm depriving myself of things that I enjoy.  

I really hit a funk when I got back into town and was met with the 10-12 inches of snow that had fallen on Champaign while I was gone.  That was a complete disappointment and was so frustrating and depressing to me.  I know everyone is ready for Spring and I'm no different...I am over the cold weather and the dreary skies...I need some warmth and some sunshine!  

Week 17 was chaotic with the weather and trying to catch up from being gone from work the previous week.  I didn't make it into the gym and I still wasn't making smart choices about what I ate.  There were early morning meetings, lunch meetings, late meetings after the work day...all things that needed to be done but took me away from focusing on taking care of myself.  I wasn't thinking ahead to what meals to prepare...I wasn't scheduling workouts into my day.  I fell into my old habits with ease and started making excuses about why I couldn't take care of myself.  Leading up to Easter where I was surrounded by my favorite foods and my true enemy...CANDY...this was not a good sign for me.  

Looking back, I'm completely frustrated and disappointed that I didn't see this pattern creeping its way back into my life...and I'm even more frustrated that when I did notice it...I didn't do anything about it.

Week 18 had to be one of the most stressful weeks I've had in a while...I actually started the week out well and made it to circuit training on Monday during the lunch hour.  However, that's where my progress ended...I had planned to get to the gym Monday after work and my schedule was derailed by an unexpected interview at the end of the work day.  I then tried to run outside for the first time, thinking that I really needed to get a couple of 5K runs in so my body would be used to running outside come race day on April 26th.  I was freezing and only made it through 1.55 miles before I stopped.  The cold was killing my knees and I was miserable.  Of course, falling back into my old patterns...I didn't see the positive side of the run...the fact that I had made it halfway through in the cold and wind outside.  Instead, I felt defeated that I hadn't been able to finish.

By the end of the week, I honestly felt like I was going to blow.  If something could go wrong it did...work was incredibly stressful...managing things at home was incredibly stressful...trying to find time to take care of myself seemed completely out of my control.  However, on Friday of this past week, I realized that if I didn't take some of this control back, I was going to quickly end up right where I started 18 weeks ago...and that was, completely miserable in my own skin.  I have to thank Laura for making me leave the office over the lunch hour on Friday and getting me into the gym...and really, thanks isn't enough.  We went about 30 minutes prior to the circuit training class and just got on the elliptical machines and warmed up...then we completed the circuit training and headed back to work.  I could tell immediately, how much better my mood was just from that 60 minutes in the gym.  It's exactly what I needed!

That night, my daughter and I ran our first 5K together outside.  I ran the entire way with her by my side and while it was a slow jogging pace, it was a constant jog and we finished together in 43:55!  I am so proud of her for running with me and she told me how proud she was of me when we finished.  What a blessing!  Just when I was about ready to throw in the towel and give into my hectic life that was pushing me down...Kennedy stood beside me and helped me reach my goal.  Seeing her pride in me reminded me of why I started this journey...to be a better example for my girls.

Now if I could just get the healthy nutrition lifestyle to become a habit within the walls of my home...I would feel like I've really accomplished something and we would all be better off!  Some days, that barrier seems insurmountable...

So as you can see, I'm not hiding anymore...I have shared my "shame" from the past three weeks and I'm okay with it.  Gaining 2 pounds isn't what I was hoping for but it is what I deserve given that I haven't done anything to change it and now I'm ready to get back to work and get the weight off.  I'm not completely over the hump but I did make it into the gym on Saturday and completed a cycling class.  I am really sore because I had taken so much time off from the workouts but I'll work through the pain.  After all...I know what's on the other side of the pain...and that's my happiness.

Staying focused during March Madness...

It's my favorite time of year which is why I'm late posting last week's progress.  Week 15 was the beginning of March Madness for the Illini as we headed to the Men's Big Ten Tournament in Chicago.  While still watching what I was eating, I definitely allowed myself to splurge a little as we enjoyed the Cheesecake Factory in downtown Chicago.  Living out of a suitcase and eating out for every meal while travelling during tournament time is a constant challenge.  I want to see more weight loss on the scale but realistically, that may not be feasible during the next few weeks.  Regardless, I am happy to say that I still have not gained any weight on my journey and that I did lose another 0.6 pounds despite having that amazing piece of cheesecake.  I've lost 19.1 pounds so far and I'm closing in on that 20th pound!  :)

My biggest accomplishment during week 15 was running/walking two 5K’s.  I’m so happy to know that no matter what happens on April 26^th, I will at least be able to finish the Illinois Marathon 5K!  My first 5K was 49:18 and my second was 46:45.  I know I will just keep improving on my time as I get over the fear of actually running!  I’m getting there but you have to remember…I have NEVER been a runner!  Not even during the time of my life when I was most fit.

Thanks again for those who continue to support my efforts.  During the most challenging weeks I still know that I will push forward and continue to change my habits and my life through healthier eating and exercise.  Like it says in the picture above…it’s about time I become the best I can be!

Now…let’s a make a run Illini and get this done! I-L-L!!

Celebrating the little accomplishments & running for a cause...

Week 14, I was still a little sluggish and I saw that in my results.  I'm happy to say that even during weeks where I show very little progress on the weight loss front, I have been able to find progress in my measurements.  I know this won't always be the case but it definitely makes a difference now.  This past week, I only lost 0.4 pounds.  However, I lost another 0.5 inch from my hips and waist. 

I'm disappointed in my weight loss because I know I can do better.  I'm not pushing myself as much on the exercise front but my body is thanking me for it.  This past week, I discovered the value of the foam roller which has brought my knees back to a normal state...the pain I was suffering has been reduced dramatically!  Thanks to Laura Swinford & Kim Ginos for showing me how best to use this...I cannot believe how quickly it has made a difference!

Now that I'm virtually pain free, I'm back into the swing of things.  I've been able to return to cycling, body pump and I've started running again.  I've missed it and I'm hopeful that this next week will have more dramatic results than what I've seen this past week!

I still continue to struggle with sweets.  My willpower to walk away from something sweet continues to ebb and flow...it's frustrating.  I gave up Diet Dr. Pepper in August without a problem and that was a habit I have had for YEARS!  Giving up candy and sweets is proving to be a much bigger challenge...even though I saw dramatic results the week I completely went without them and lost over 5 pounds.  Why is this so hard for me?  Any ideas or tips on how to overcome this?  I'm open to suggestions because I know I would be much better off if I just walked away from sweets completely...sometimes the temptation is too much and I haven't found a good substitute for my cravings.

We still need to improve the nutrition in our house as well.  We've gotten away from dinners at home because we are back to juggling multiple practice schedules and activities.  I need to continue to make the time to plan ahead so meals don't sneak up on us.  I gained lots of great tools from the Better U program and through Meijer...now it's time to get serious and get it done!

The Illinois Marathon 5K is less than 7 weeks away!  I'm getting nervous but I know I'll be able to finish.  For those of you who haven't heard yet, I'm running to raise money for Crisis Nursery.  Crisis Nursery cares for children birth through six whose families are experiencing a crisis that could potentially lead to a situation of child abuse or neglect.  Our goal is to connect with families before children are placed in harms way and provide them with an "Island of Safety" they can reach out to for help.  Asking for help truly is a sign of strength, and as the Executive Director of Crisis Nursery, I am asking those of you who have followed my progress to help me raise enough money to support an entire day at the Nursery.  You can make a donation at the link below and I would be very grateful...and whenever you are in the area, give me a call and I'll give you a personal tour so you can see for yourself the amazing work that we do!  Thanks for your consideration! :)

http://www.crowdrise.com/TeamCrisisNursery2013/fundraiser/stephanierecord

Have a great week and keep moving everyone...I know I will!!

The Journey Continues...

I thought after the Better U Challenge was complete that I would stop blogging.  However, several people have requested that I continue and I have found that it really was helpful in keeping me on track with my exercise and weight loss goals.  So...I have moved my blog entries to this new site and plan to continue blogging until my fitness and weight loss journey is complete...or at least until I reach my ultimate weight loss goal.   

During Week 13, all of the Better U participants were able to celebrate their success at the annual Go Red for Women Luncheon.  We were treated to a manicure, pedicure, color and cut at Rod Sickler Salon and then were glammed up the day of the event and dressed up in our fancy red outfits to walk the runway in the Go Red Fashion Show put on by Macy's.  It was quite the event and I think each of us felt truly blessed to have been selected as a participant.  After all of the attention and celebrations...I also think we all experienced a little bit of a let down when it was all over. 

We've agreed to keep in touch and the plan is for everyone to run/walk the 5K together during the Illinois Marathon weekend.  I have signed up to continue my membership at the Refinery and my husband and sister-in-law have signed up as well.  I continue to have a large group of supporters on my team and I know I'll need them during the next phase of this journey.

I've already noticed how easy it is to slip into the old habits of sleeping in, or finding excuses about why I can't make it to a class.  So hopefully my Facebook friends won't mind when I start sharing my workout and weight loss accomplishments again...because to be honest, I really  need everyone's encouraging words to help me stay motivated and to keep me accountable.

At the end of week 13, even with all the celebration and relaxing back into my life without the Better U Challenge pushing me forward...I still lost 0.6 pounds.  Definitely not as much as I would have liked...but my motivation took a hit after all the hype of the week.

Even better news though is that my blood pressure has gone down and so has my overall cholesterol!  My triglycerides dropped significantly.  I still need to get my bad cholesterol numbers down and will be focusing on that in the next few weeks.  Any helpful tips and advice would be greatly welcomed!

I'm so grateful for the Better U opportunity that I was given and on the impact it's had on my life and that of my family.  We will all continue the journey together and I look forward to continuing to share my progress.

Achieving the impossible...

My 12 week Go Red Better U Challenge is complete! I lost another 1.5 pounds this week for a total of 17.5 pounds during the 12 week program. A little shy of my 20 pound goal but I have no complaints! I’m so excited to have successfully completed this program.

Once again, my schedule was insane this week…the only classes I could fit in were the 5:30 am cycling classes. So, instead of making excuses for why I couldn’t work out…I make it work and got to cycling at 5:30 am on Tuesday and Thursday! I’ve learned so many things during this journey but one of the most powerful lessons I have learned is that I have the power to change my attitude and that’s exactly what I’ve done. I refuse to let other people bring me down with their negative energy and negative talk…I still struggle myself with negativity so while I have not perfected this completely…I can say I have made HUGE strides in this area!

I’ve also lost a total of 2 inches from my waist and 2.5 inches from my hips in 12 short weeks. I’ve had my blood drawn to get a comparison on my cholesterol levels after the weight loss and I’m anxiously awaiting the results. I hope I see the results in this area as well.

While this part of my journey is complete, I will continue on my own personal journey to reach my ultimate weight loss goal of losing 40 pounds. This week I was able to purchase some new clothes to get me through the rest of this journey and I’m happy to say that I have dropped 1-2 sizes in pants and tops depending on the brand and how things are sized. :)  YES!!

As this journey comes to a close, the participants are gearing up for the Go Red Luncheon to be held on February 28^th. We all went to Macy’s to pick out a fabulous outfit to wear to the event and I picked out an amazing red dress to wear. This dress was 2 sizes smaller than the last dress I purchased for Crisis Nursery’s annual dinner & auction…and for the first time in a long time, I can honestly say…I looked great! I know I have a long way to go but I’m almost halfway there and that’s an incredible feeling. Wednesday will be the spa day at Rod Sickler Salon…I’m looking forward to seeing what new look I will walk away with and then revealing that look at the luncheon on Thursday.

The WCIA feature story on my Better U journey aired today and turned out great. WCIA showed pictures of my girls in the segment and they both heard from several people at school today that people saw me on TV. I hope I made them proud and that they continue to be proud of me as I live and model a healthier lifestyle for them. I started this journey for my family but in the end, I came to realize that this journey was really for me. It was time for me to take care of myself and make myself a priority. I’ve done that and I can honestly say, I think I’ve done it without sacrificing any of the other areas of my life that are so important to me.

Thank you again to everyone who has continued to support me through this journey. You have all made a difference!