Big Events!

Okay- I know I am slacking with my blog- but I have been very busy! Let me just share what I have planned for this spring.

1. My work has started a running club! We are going to do the Grand Rapids Triple Crown- which is three separate 5ks. The first one is the Irish Jig on March 19! I am so excited and am hoping to come in under 33 minutes. Wish me luck

2. I have signed up for a run/walkathon to raise money for Of One Heart. Of One Heart is a non profit organization that assists local families with children who were born with facial deformities such as cleft lips and palates. They provide assistance with oral surgery, orthodontia, counseling services, and speech therapy. The event is April 23rd at the Grandville High School track. I would love for you to join me in 5 hours of running/walking or you if you able to support the cause with a donation that would be AWESOME!

Week Four

Okay confession- Week three was not as disciplined as the first two weeks. I gained one pound...Well I have put that in the past and am working on a great week 4! I got 3.25miles in today! I am focusing on drinking more water and getting my exercise in.

I need to keep remembering how great it feels to see the number drop on the scale, and my clothes fitting better and better. That feeling is SO much better than the taste of food. Food is for energy not for entertainment. I need to savor my meals more and spend the time inbetween meals drinking water.

Let's hope for a great weigh in on Wednesday!!

Weigh in #1

Well today was the first weigh in for both of my weight loss challenges! I am happy to report I lost 3lbs this week! I was happy with that number, because I know some of the difference is muscle gain. I can see the muscles define in my legs, arms, and abs already. I cannot wait to see the changes after 12 weeks. This past week has kept me very busy. I have been working out twice a day almost every day. For this weight loss challenge I am going to keep things interesting by changing up my daily routine. This week I did the stationary bike and the elliptical along with my running. It was a lot of fun!

Me by the numbers:
Current weight: 166lbs
Weekly Mileage: TBD (I left my running log at work!)

Welcome 2011!

Happy New Year Everyone! I am soo excited to discover what 2011 is going to bring. This past year has been full of trials and blessings, and I feel like 2011 is a fresh start just waiting for us to makes some changes. David and I have set a few resolutions that are going to be challenging.

#1. Be good stewards of our money. To accomplish this, we are setting a new budget and going to the cash/envelope system. This change is going to be very difficult for us, however will be VERY worth it.

#2. We hope to focus our time and finances on the house. Our goal this year is to finish the projects we have started (remodel of the bathroom, laundry room, and finish the trim in the living room) and Lord willing we will be able to replace the rest of the windows and MAYBE reside the house. Woah, long list...we will see how well that cash system works for us! :)

#3. Be Healthy! I am going to focus on being active this year, and get atleast 2 races in. I am going to try to run in the mornings before everyone gets out of bed, and maybe at lunch if I can get to work on time to take an hour lunch! Both David and I are going to focus on eating healthy and more meals at home. I also signed up for a weight loss challenge to hold me accountable. I am starting the year at 167.5lbs... I will NOT be that weight at the end of the year.

#4. Last but not least- be ORGANIZED! Between working full time, school full time, and 2 kids I need to be more organized to keep up with life. I have placed a calendar on my fridge to track dates and we are setting up an office space for me to keep our paperwork and finances organized. A huge garage sale will be held this spring to help us declutter the things we no longer need.

Well here is to 2011! A year of change!

AHHHHH! Weigh in is Approaching

Only one more day before the first weigh in on Wednesday. I am feeling pretty good about it. My beginning weight for the challenge was 175. When I weighed in a few days ago I was at 172.5....so that's not too bad if that's the number my scale shows on Wednesday. I cannot believe the competition in this challenge! I am a VERY competitive person....and I HATE losing. So- game on! I can't wait to spend my winnings. :)



By the Numbers:

Current Weight: ?
Weekly Mileage: 2.08 miles

Weight Loss Challenge

My sister Melissa and I have started a weight loss challenge!! I am very excited and can't wait for it to start on September 1st. If you would like to join us check out our blog for details.

www.winatlosing2010.blogspot.com I am definitely going to win- but would love to have more competitors so check it out! :)

My 5k is fast approaching! I have been trying to get some mileage when I can, but the weather has not been friendly for running. I was able to get 1.85 miles in today on my lunch break- so that was AWESOME!

Current Stats:
Weight: 172.5lbs
Weekly Mileage: 1.85 miles

It's Official!

Well I have officially signed up for a 5k! No excuses anymore- I need to train! Yay! I am very excited not only to complete my very first race, but to also run for a great cause. I am running for the Susan G Komen foundation. I am running for all of the women in my life- in hopes that none of them will ever be affected by breast cancer. So here's to the women in my life- Gwen, Mom, Missy, Sarah, Cadence, Kate, Grandma H, Grandma D, Terri, Robin, Theresa, Shawna, Amelia, Becky, Sara, and so many more! I love you all!

To see my progress or if you would like to sponsor me- check out my website: http://race.komengr.org/goto/amber.neale


Current Stats:

Weight: 176.5lbs
Weekly Mileage: .25 (yes a quarter mile of me and Gwen on the tread mill lol)