20% There, 100% Committed

So far, this has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. After months of struggling to just maintain (not doing well at it either) through all the ups and downs of life, I finally feel like I'm winning the battle. However, one thing I have been hesitant to mention (trying to mentally overcome) is that on day ONE I strained or pulled a muscle in my hamstring region. It loosens up once I start to run, and generally feels best right after running, but the pain all other times seems to be increasing.

So, with 10 days finished, clothes are fitting better (I'm down 9 pounds), energy has increased, work focus has improved and my spiritual life is in a better place than it has been in a long time. I find myself having to remind myself very often that this is a journey not a destination - especially on the weight loss side of things. If you had told me going in that I would have dropped 9 pounds in 11 days, I would have been happy, but since I lost 8 in the first 5 and only one pound since, it is hard to feel satisfied with it. In some ways, that is a positive because it is fueling my desire to push harder each day.

So far this week, I have logged an additional 11 miles of cardio and will work out for the second time today. I have started a new program that is pushing me.

On weight days, I rotate 1/3 mile runs before, in between and after my lifting sets. The key is that my target for each 1/3 mile run is under 3:10 (which because it takes 10 seconds for the treadmill to get up to speed) that's about a 9 minute mile pace) and did do sub 3 minutes twice. I then take a little break and walk a mile which gives me 3 miles of cardio on weight training days - I'll take it!

With regard to the Advocare 24 day challenge. I am passed the cleanse and into the Max Phase. I'm enjoying the meal replacement shakes more often than I have in past times, and have reduced my portions from what I was eating considerably. I am going to add a day of fasting after I finish the 24 day challenge, to ensure my focus continues going into the last three weeks of the 50For50.

Thank you for taking the time to read this - and all encouragement is much appreciated.