And so it begins....

I have decided to start a private blog following my journey from a walker to a runner. I've done this for several reasons:
a) to lose weight. After three kids and a lazy few years, it's time to get back on the band wagon.
b) to ward off diabetes. It's in the family and all over our high-fructose society.
c) to gain strength and stamina
d) to feel better in my clothing and (gasp) a bathing suit. For goodness sake- we live @ the beach now!!!!
e) to set a good example for my children and live a long healthy life for them!

I have set some goals for myself. Not too long term, not too short. I'm not rushing anything.
a) lose 20 lbs
b) do an 8k race in March.

I've been researching this walk to run program online for a bit now after hearing about it on TV. Basically it is a slow "get your feet wet" sort of program that eases you from a couch potato into a runner. It's easy on your body and only takes 45 to an hour a day. Not bad, I can do an hour!

Why running? Well back in 2002 I was in my senior year of college. I had gotten up to about 165, my heaviest weight pre-kids. My roommate at the time starting jogging to lose weight, so I joined her. I ended up losing 20 lbs in just three months. So I figured that works best and I should do it again! Not to mention my husband's amazing transformation. In just one short year he's lost 60+ pounds running- 60! Now that's amazing! The long term health benefits of running just can't be beat!

So here's the meat and potatoes of it all! The truth comes out.... eeek! Ahhh! Grrrrrrrrrr.....
Right now I weigh 176 pounds. Not my highest post-baby weight, but pretty close. Right before I became pregnant with Tess, I was 180 lbs. (I think I just threw up in my mouth a little). To put it in perspective, right before I became pregnant with Olivia I weighed 145. With that being said, my first goal is to be 155. So about 20 lbs. And honestly, I don't even expect to be less than that. That would be a bonus, not a goal. For now I'll start with 20 lbs. Which for me, is totally doable.

So there it is, all laid out. And so it begins.....