Extrinsic Motivation {Healthy Mama Week 20}

Since I last checked in one week ago I have lost 0.0 pounds or 0.0%.  Since beginning my challenge 19 weeks ago I have lost 9 pounds or 5.2% overall.

I have a few weight loss goals-

• Get to a healthy BMI (2.0 pounds to go)
• Get to my pre-pregnancy weight (4.0 pounds to go)
• Get to my pre-marriage weight (9.0 pounds to go)
• Total Weight Loss Goal {Get back to my ideal weight} (19.0 pounds to go)

I’m not surprised that I did not lose any this week.  I’m still working on getting back into a regular workout routine and we did some celebrating this weekend at a birthday party and let’s just say I’m not one to turn down cake, especially when it’s ice cream cake.

So I’ve been trying to think about what could help me get back into a new routine and one word comes to mind- training.  To me training is running with a purpose in mind, with a need to prepare for a race.

Ages and ages ago I used to run regularly and in order to keep myself honest I would run a few road races each year.  Signing up for a race and paying my money somehow has the magical power to make me more committed.  I’m that way in other areas of my life so it makes sense that I am that way when it comes to diet and exercise.

This shirt is from my training team that I was on for my first 10K.  I keep it because 10K is the longest race that I have run to date or probably will ever run and I am so proud that I’ve been able to do it a few times.  Plus, if you’ve ever run it, then you know that the Monument Avenue 10K is just a crazy good time!

We’ve lived in Ohio now for over 5 years and I have yet to run a race here.  It’s about time that I sign up for one.  So for any locals out there, I’m asking for some help!  Could anyone recommend a 5K sometime this spring?  I’ve been looking at the schedule at Ohio Runner and I’m considering a few.  I want a Saturday race that benefits a good cause and has an interesting course.  I’d consider any race within an hour or so of the Cleveland/Akron area.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

When I check back in next week I will be sure to share which race I’ve picked and how I plan to train.