I. Just. Did. That.

I realized today that I never told you beautiful readers that I "ran" a 5k.  I use quotations because I technically didn't run the whole thing because that would have caused my heart to explode...haha.

I ran about half and finished in my best time ever. It was quite literally one of the most surreal experiences of my life. As I came around the corner of the field (yeah, it ended on Faurot Field :o)), I saw about 30 cheerleaders and Truman the Tiger cheering me on. All I could think of was, "I just did that."

This time last year, I couldn't walk up a flight of stairs without breathing very, very hard. The idea of walking even a mile exhausted me. Grant it, when I crossed that finish line after hustling 3.1 miles, I was exhausted, but I was also astonished.

It's truly amazing what hard work and persistence does. I mean, think about it. Last fall I had the depressing moment of buying a size 24 pants. I'm now in a loose-needs-to-be-belted size 18. I've lost 43 pounds. Who does that?

Apparently, I do.

It was like a penacle moment as my Momma cheered me on. I've felt so weird lately, like exposed to the world because I feel so different. Like, it's almost as if I'm walking around naked, like everyone can see me in such a raw way. I know that's very odd, but I just don't feel comfortable in my own skin...in a really, really  good way.

It's not just spiritually, like I mentioned in my last post. It's totally physically, too. My face has thinned dramatically. I have muscles...like, leg muscles that look really good. My feet, too. My stupid feet are smaller and none of my flats fit the way they used to. I have this stuff under my arms that's not flab - it's skin. Ok, yes, they are still a little wing-like, but at the bottom of that there's skin!

Craziness, I tell you. Craziness.

So, I don't know what my true goal is as far as weight goes. It's hard to measure  because I went from the size 20 to the size 18 by losing a whopping three pounds. Which, my physical activity haters, is proof that exercise and diet together is the best way to get in shape.

So, what is next? I feel like the whole "5k by 'almost' Labor Day" thing is over, so I need to set a new goal, right? I mean, once you achieve your goals, shouldn't you set more? #complacencymuch?

Yes. The answer is Yes.

Obviously, being able to run the entire 5k is next. I'm looking at races in March or April to participate in. But, I think I want something closer. I'm hesitant to set a weight loss goal because of how weird my body is right now. So, I think a good, comfy, nice looking size 16 by Christmas is the new goal.

Yep. Just said/typed it. "Sweet 16 by Christmastime" is the new goal.

Doable.

I think that's all for now. I'm working on a longer more "inspiring" piece about the whole "naked" thing, haha. I'm actually doing a word study in the Bible on the word naked. It's used a lot in  a lot of different ways, but it all boils down to being exposed - whether good or bad.

But that's another blog, my friends.

Peace Out, Home Fries.

Missy ;o)

P.S. Please enjoy the pics from the 5k race day!

Warming up with Jazzercise before the race.
This one was to LMFAO's I'm Sexy and I Know It, lol.

Home stretch...AKA "Praise the Lord, Hallelujah I survived!"

 Me, Kim and Truman at the finish line!