Drop Dead Gorgeous by December started out as a Twitter joke but has become so much more.

It has become a self-empowering movement.
It has become a supportive group.
It has become a motivational network.

It has made me understand that I can accomplish so much more when I realize I’m not alone.

Every single person participating in Drop Dead Gorgeous by December makes a conscious effort to better his or her life each and every day.

Some days are harder than others, but in the long-run, every single person emerges victorious, feeling accomplished and proud. It is not pride that comes from how much weight they’ve lost, how far they’ve ran, how many miles they’ve biked. It is pride that comes from knowing just how much hard work and effort went into achieving those goals.

 

If you missed this week, not to worry! Send me your weekly report by next Sunday. However, once you commit to Drop Dead Gorgeous, you are in for life (at least until December).

You are required to send me:

1. A photo of yourself with a self-motivational note.
2. Posting your weight is completely optional.
3. At least one but no more than five long-term goals.
4. One brag for the week.
5. One thing to improve upon for next week.

We are all in this self-empowerment movement together.

Prepare to be inspired.

 

Goals from now until December:

1. Make my bed every day.
2. Finish a full marathon.
3. Cook at least twice a week.
4. Do 12 full-form push-ups in a row.
5. Write my life list.

ONE brag for the week: I ran the Annapolis 10-miler and did 200 squats on the bosu ball!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Drink a glass of water before eating so that I can prevent mindless eating. I also need to make my bed every day. No excuses!

Goals from now until December:

1. Get into running.
2. Stop eating out as much.
3. Stop eating so many things that are bad for me!

ONE brag for the week: The fact that I haven’t been snacking as often!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: My workout effort. Just because freshmen are taking over the gym, doesn’t mean I can’t find time to work out around them!

Goals from now until December:

1. To run my first race! A 5k!
2. To become a better listener.
3. To not let starting grad school derail the healthy lifestyle I’ve worked so hard to build.

ONE brag for the week: I kicked ass in my Monday night spin class. I rode like a maniac!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: I need to up the positive talk in my internal monologue. I do way too much self-bashing!

Goals from now until December:

1. Complete a sprint triathlon.
2. Run a PR for my fall half marathon.
3. Love myself, no matter what weight I am.

ONE brag for the week: I made myself run after work! Normally I exercise before work, at lunch, or immediately following. By the time I get home, I’m not willing to change clothes and workout. I ran 2.5 miles in 30 minutes at home last night!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Consistency. I would like to get in 1 run, 1 bike, 2 swims and a brick.

Goals from now until December:

1. Work out three times a week.
2. Keep up with editing my manuscript.
3. Fit into size 10 jeans.
4. Run a 5k.
5. Have buffer arms.

ONE brag for the week: I walked to work and made two batches of homemade marinara sauce.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Drink more water and actually make it to the gym!

Goals from now until December:

1. Become a more active, healthier, more vibrant person.
2. Love what I see when I look in the mirror.
3. Open my box of skinny clothes.
4. Do a 5K in September.

ONE brag for the week: I am an organized person, my house is clean, I have a budget created…I ROCK!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred…DO IT ALREADY!!

Goals from now until December:

1. Log 250 miles by the end of the challenge.

ONE brag for the week: I joined a challenge.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: I can power through when I want to stop running and walk even though I know I can keep going!

Goals from now until December:

1. Drink more water. Consume 64 ounces daily.
2. Starting going for a walk daily.
3. Eat at home!
4. Clean my house (kitchen & bathrooms too).

ONE brag for the week: I’m reading a book about emotional eating AND I’m actually applying some of the concepts.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: My body acceptance.

Goals from now until December:

1. Prepare more meals at home.
2. Bike 20 minutes at least 5 days a week.
3. Save $1000.
4. Gain control of debt.

ONE brag for the week: Just biked to aquarobics, worked out there for 90 minutes then biked home.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Wake up before noon every day, so I can eat 3 meals a day.

Goals from now until December:

1. Become a rock star at the gym (Work out/exercise 3-5 days a week).
2. Fit into size 8 jeans.
3. Continue to eat healthy.
4. Drink 64oz. of water daily.

ONE brag for the week: I’m still rocking it at the gym. My boyfriend told me I was addicted to the gym this week… BEST addiction EVER!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: I still need to get my eating and water on track. Stress is getting the best of my eating. I need to fill my body with positive things, starting with a healthy breakfast in the morning all the way to a glass of water before bed!

Goals from now until December:

1. No snacking in bed.
2. No more fast food.
3. Consume at least 8 glasses of water a day
4. Exercise at least 4 times a week.

ONE brag for the week: I don’t have one this week.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Be more motivated.

Goals from now until December:

1. Complete 4 to 5 workouts a week.
2. Stop indulging every day!

ONE brag for the week: I did better this week in not indulging so much every day.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Drink more water!

Goals from now until December:

1. Finish trek triathlon in under 2 hours.
2. Dead lift 150 pounds.
3. Consistently run 10 minute mile.
4. Get into size 12 pants.
5. Make my bed everyday.

ONE brag for the week: I completed my first Super Circuit at the gym. 7 trainers + 7 stations + 60 minutes = Total kick ass hour of sweaty, fantastic goodness! Oh and just because I couldn’t choose between the two proud moments I’m adding this one as well: Godfather (my trainer) asked me to come and train a class with him this last Saturday. It was rocking and has given me a taste of what’s to come.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: The bed making goal was a little lackadaisical so need to get that in order. Emotional state of being a little wonky too so working on staying in the moment. Trying to give myself more compliments because I’m having a hard time being nice to myself!

Goals from now until December:

1. 200 tracked workout miles. 20 miles tracked this week.
2. 5k in under 40 minutes.
3. Journal food 5 days a week.
4. Doing something each week to make myself feel gorgeous.

ONE brag for the week: Working everyday towards my goals. This was a tough week with my Aunt and Best Friend’s son both in serious accidents, but I didn’t allow the stress to influence my eating or fitness plans.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Strength training has always been a struggle for me. This week I will strength train at least one day by doing a half hour circuit strength training workout at the gym.

Goals from now until December:

1. Exercise 3 times per week.
2. Try 1 new recipe per week.
3. Overhaul closets/wardrobe!

ONE brag for the week: Not falling prey to the comfort food cravings (especially mac & cheese) on the days I was in too much pain to work out.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Take food to work. Avoid vending machines and employee cafe crap!

Goals from now until December:

1. Be social with people other than my boyfriend at least once a week.
2. Sell my paintings and baked goods at an arts and crafts festival and on Etsy.
3. Organize or start organizing a NEDA (National Eating Disorder’s) Walk in Texas.
4. Cook and bake new things each week.
5. Wear less makeup and let my true beauty shine.

ONE brag for the week: Making the decision to stay at Texas A&M University for this entire semester as a teaching assistant instead of going to do my Yoga Teacher Training in Massachusetts. I was looking forward to the training, but if I go, I will not finish my thesis this semester. Getting my Masters in Geology is a priority. I will
finish!! I am proud of myself for sticking with it. It will give me more money and more opportunities in my future.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: I did not meditate at the end of my workouts this past week. I want to reincorporate a short meditation at the end of my workouts this week.

Goals from now until December:

1. Go to the gym 3 times a week.
2. Stop skipping meals and eat 6 meals a day.
3. Do 10+ regular push-ups.
4. Learn to read nutrition labels, NOT just the calorie content part.
5. Take a multivitamin a day.

ONE brag for the week: I can do 15 knee push-ups! A month ago I could barely do 1 knee push-up so here’s to hoping I’ll slowly reach my goal of 10 regular push-ups.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Stop sabotaging my progress with daily cheats. I need to be more consistent instead of bouncing down and then back up again.

Goals from now until December:

1. Run a 5k in less than 25 minutes.
2. Do a 90-second plank.
3. Do 2 sets of 15 lunges without falling over.
4. Make 5 new friends.

ONE brag for the week: I swam 850 yards Friday after not swimming more than 100 all summer! I did 500 continuously. The rest was warm-up/cool-down.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Do more running next week!

Goals from now until December:

1. Run a half marathon.
2. Do an unassisted pull-up.

ONE brag for the week: That I really tried my best to do all the really tough exotic push-ups in the P90X workout Chest, Shoulders & Triceps – the pike presses, floor flies, one-arm push-ups, and clap push-ups. I brought it!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Making sure I eat enough calories at the right times. Last Friday, I had a lunch that was too small, and the result was that even with my afternoon Shakeology as a snack my blood sugar was low and I was exhausted when I came home to work out. The result was going out for Pad Thai and skipping my workout, because my husband had equally low blood sugar and wanted pizza. I don’t like eating pizza much so I negotiated. I guess the upside is that it was a recovery week and I did get all my runs in.

Goals from now until December:

1. Try a new recipe at least once a week.
2. Write handwritten letters to my sisters.
3. Save $50 a month towards a vacation next summer.
4. Let my family and friends know often how much I love them.

ONE brag for the week: Surviving my first week of full-time work! I’ve taught before, but there are all new challenges this year as a lecturer compared to when I was a TA in grad school. I’ve set a personal goal to stay on campus from 9 to 5 every day, and to not bring any work home. I made it through a week of this, and I really love the feeling of coming home and not worrying about work!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Walking more. Now that I’m back to work, it’s so easy to come home and think “Dinner. Relax. Bed.” Walking doesn’t take much time and I always feel so great during/after it. Plus, I need to enjoy the nice weather here in Chicago while it lasts!

Goals from now until December:

1. Use elliptical trainer 4 times a week.
2. Be more patient with Sonja.
3. Meditate for at least 15 minutes a day (Sun – Thurs).
4. Focus on work at work so I can get to bed at 10PM 3 nights a week.
5. Make breakfast at home for me & Sonja everyday (Mon – Fri).

ONE brag for the week: I actually let myself relax this week and left work behind.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: I need to get better about mindless eating. Towards the end of the week I felt like I lost control about when & what I was eating.

Goals from now until December:

1. Run at least half of the 5k I’m doing in September with my mom.
2. Cook one new recipe a week.
3. Don’t “cheat” on my diet more than I’m allowed.
4. Gain more upper body strength.
5. Get out more!!

ONE brag for the week: I lasted through a whole Zumba class without taking a break. Having not taken a step into a gym or class in over 2 months, I’m SERIOUSLY proud of myself.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Drink more water! I hardly ever drink water, especially if there’s something tastier to drink.

Goals from now until December:

1. Lose 10% of my body weight.
2. Run a marathon some day.
3. To be healthier. My husband and I are trying to have a baby.

ONE brag for the week: I started to jog!! Yes me. JOGGING!!! I loved every minute of it.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Workout more. Starting my beginner’s running schedule.

Goals from now until December:

1. Commit wholeheartedly to following my current PN Lean Eating Program.
2. See continued changes in the right direction. Less weight, less body fat %, more lean muscle, more strength, more flexibility – more confidence!
3. Learn more about anatomy and how the human body moves. (Knowledge is power!)
4. ONE thing that you are proud of for the week.

ONE brag for the week: I’m very proud to have reached the 200lb goal. That brings my total weight loss to date to 89 pounds, 73 pounds since meeting my trainer.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: This week was a great week, so just do the same next week!

Goals from now until December:

1. Complete my first 9K in 65 minutes (September 19th)
2. Complete my first 10K in 70 minutes (early November)
3. Drink 6 glasses of water per day.
4. Beat my sugar addiction following the Sweet Poison Quit Plan

ONE brag for the week: I ran 8.5K in 56 minutes this morning.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: I will gain better control of what I put into my mouth (and get myself a haircut!).

Goals from now until December:

1. Finalize my marriage in the Netherlands.
2. Clear out my junk room. De-clutter to make it so my step-kids have their own room.
3. File my 2006 – 2009 taxes.

ONE brag for the week: NOT quitting when I had a very frustrating week & going almost 10KM over my August running goal with my run today.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: I’m going to work on a more positive attitude. AND this week I go to Rome on Thursday for the weekend – I am going to ENJOY without guilt (gelato & pizza, here I come).

Goals from now until December:

1. Complete at least four workouts per week.
2. Try at least one new-to-me (or previously disliked) fruit or vegetable a week.
3. Eat at least four servings of fruits/veggies a day.
4. Put away all my dishes every day.

ONE brag for the week: I kept up with my month long challenge to myself for August – to eat no fast food. There were a lot of temptations this week, but I didn’t cave!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Working out again. I need to get back to morning workouts.

Goals from now until December:

1. Maintain my GPA.
2. Run every morning.
3. Gym 3 times a week.
4. Continue to strength train.
5. Compete in a timed 5K.

ONE brag for the week: I have conquered my social insecurities and threw myself into a situation I would normally shy away from, and I was the life of the conversation, where I would normally just sit there and listen.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: I need to not binge eat, while my diet was healthy 6/7 days of the week this week, I binge ate on Tuesday. I have seen a lower number this week, but because of my binge eating I consequently lost that lower number.

Goals from now until December:

1. Win the battle against negative self-talk. I want to prove to myself that being overweight does NOT equal being pathetic.
2. Make exercise a daily ritual.
3. View food as fuel for a healthy body.

ONE brag for the week: I did NOT completely crumble and give in to my “eat the whole house” default when a stranger called me a “fatty.” Only used it as fuel to reach my goals sooner!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: I want to keep my room and desk organized this week. It always improved my motivation to do more when I have a nice and clean home!

Goals from now until December:

1. Run the entire distance of the Miracle Mile 15K in September.
2. Run in Ragnar in November.
3. Launch new blog.
4. Run the Thanksgiving Day 4-miler in less time than my 5K last Thanksgiving.
5. DON’T QUIT.

ONE brag for the week: I’ve maintained my Onederland status. The past 2 times I got under 200 I quickly gained weight and went back over, so I’m really focused on trying to stay under 200 this time and achieve my next goal of 75 pounds lost.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Ride my bike at least once. It’s gotten to where the only exercise I get anymore is running, and I know I need to cross train to prevent injury and be a better all around athlete.

Goals from now until December:

1. Run my first 5K (hopefully Dec. 11th).
2. Do a Century Ride.
3. Go to my dear husband’s Family Christmas party and actually feel good about myself.

ONE brag for the week: I did my longest ride ever. 46K from our apartment to downtown Toronto and back. Strong headwinds made me want to cry on the way home, but I loved every minute of it!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Eating more balanced meals. I’m a streaky eater. I will get my mind on enjoying something and just eat that for days on end. Must work on that!

Goals from now until December:

1. Try ONE new recipe once a week (and not necessarily eat it!)
2. Learn to Eat Intuitively and try my hardest!
3. Add Hot Yoga into my weekly workout routine
4. Stay positive!
5. Learn to respect my body!

ONE brag for the week: I have maintained a 90-pound loss and have been smoke free for 8 months!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: To use my self-talk positively instead of negatively.

Goals from now until December:

1. Run a lot more, especially outside before the snow comes.
2. Drink more water everyday.
3. Try to incorporate more veggies throughout the day.
4. Look myself in the mirror and point out something positive.
5. Try something new (food, exercise, etc.).

ONE brag for the week: Ran my first 5k in 30:07! Holla.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Eat enough that I am satisfied so I don’t binge eat throughout the day.

Goals from now until December:

1. Try at least one new recipe per week.
2. Save $25 per week.
3. Read at least three classic novels by the end of the challenge.
4. Update blog at least three days per week.
4. ONE thing that you are proud of for the week.

ONE brag for the week: I am PROUD that I stayed on track and continued to workout… even on days that I didn’t feel like it.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: I need to improve my diet. Fast food is the DEVIL!

Goals from now until December:

1. Complete another 5k race.
2. Run 4 miles without stopping.
3. Learn how to make at least 3 traditional dishes from other cultures.

ONE brag for the week: I’m proud of myself for not giving up even though my weight hasn’t changed yet.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: I need to work out BEFORE taking naps since that thwarted my work outs twice this week. I hope to get on a better schedule in general so that I’m not so tired all the time.

Goals from now until December:

1. To take time, at least once a week, to work on creative projects.
2. To be organized and to have at least 2 weeks of lesson plans done at any given time, so I am not overwhelmed.
3. To stomp out negative thoughts; to reduce my negative thinking.
4. To exercise at least 3x a week, but more if possible.
5. To save $500 by the end of this challenge.

ONE brag for the week: A co-worker told me that I always brighten her day.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: I will start my mornings with a self-affirming statement.

Goals from now until December:

1. Power walk a half marathon on October 2nd.
2. Find the nerve to finally participate in the Exposed movement.
3. Complete my own personal 40 day yoga challenge.

ONE brag for the week: For pounding out ten miles today. For going out of my comfort zone and speaking French if front of a group of francophones, not just timidly in a corner to one person. For posting pics of me (and actually going out in public) in form-fitting running gear. For not listening to the little negative voice whispering inside my head. That the negative voice is an occasional whisper instead of the full-crowd chant it used to be.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Making healthier food choices! Just because I burned a bazillion calories does not mean I can refuel with frankenfoods!

Goals from now until December:

1. Run a 5K.
2. Save $25-$50 a paycheck for a vacation.
3. Workout at least 3 times a week.
4. Cross 3 things off my Bucket List.
5. Participate in National Novel Writing Month.

ONE brag for the week: I actually had the money to take my boyfriend out on a really nice date. It was great to treat him to an amazing dinner and awesome music show.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: I want to make working out a priority this week.

Goals from now until December:

1. Eat only when I am truly physically hungry, and not because I am bored/angry/tired.
2. Drink at least 64oz. of water daily.
3. Workout 4-5 times per week.
4. Practice yoga every single day.

ONE brag for the week: I did NOT clean my plate–more than once!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: I need to make exercise a priority. (The housework will be there when I get to it.)

Goals from now until December:

1. Make working out a habit.
2. Run/walk 3 times each week and strength train 3 times each week.
3. Complete a half marathon.
4. Try one new good thing (whether it be food, recipe, workout, etc.) each week.

ONE brag for the week: I made my own chicken stock!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: This week I return to school. I don’t need to officially be in school until Wednesday but I am going to start Monday like it is a normal work week. I have a classroom to clean, organize and prepare and lesson plans to write. This week, I will not let the chaos undermine me. This week, I will track everything I eat or drink and I will track all my activity. Last week, I really worked on moving and my gruve helped and I plan on continuing to move & gruve. To track this week, I will use my fitbook (which has been neglected for far too long).

Goals from now until December:

1. Drink more water. Consume 2.5 litres daily.
2. Make yoga a part of my workout routine.
3. Become comfortable with running.
4. Tone, tone and tone!

ONE brag for the week: Hitting up the gym each day that I had planned to this week, and not skimping out on the content of my workouts.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Worrying less and practicing yoga more frequently.

Goals from now until December:

1. Run my first 5k.
2. Increase my water intake.
3. Save $500 to put towards traveling next year.
4. Make it a habit to get to the gym 4 times a week.
5. Email or call a friend a week that I don’t normally run into or hang out with.

ONE brag for the week: I completed two days of week one C25K.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Struggled with ‘intuitive’ eating, decided the structure of calorie counting was good for now, as a beginner, until I get the hang of things.

Goals from now until December:

1. Run a mile without walking.
2. Practice yoga at least once a week.
3. Work on making eye contact with people.
4. Start going to bed earlier during the week.

ONE brag for the week: Tried yoga for the first time this week!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Drink more water every day.

Goals from now until December:

1. Run a 5K or 10K.
2. New Year’s Eve date and/or trip.
3. At least 1 Freelance writing gig.
4. Steady non-retail income stream.

ONE brag for the week: I haven’t smoked all week.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Follow Clean Eating Cooler Plan 1 and get in AM workouts!

Goals from now until December:

1. Build Muscle!
2. Finish my 5K in Oct.
3. Join some type of fitness or sport group.

ONE brag for the week: I lost weight and now am only 1 pound from my first goal!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Eat out less. Better choice are made while at home cooking!

Goals from now until December:

1. Cook something healthy at least 5 days a week.
2. Run the Las Vegas Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon in under 2:30:00.

ONE brag for the week: I swam in the De Anza Cove with my friend after a 30 minute run. It was so much fun!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Stay away from junk food!

Goals from now until December:

1. Exercise in some form at least 3 times a week, preferably 5.
2. Complete at LEAST one 5K.
3. Cook healthily once a week, limit snacking to healthy options.

ONE brag for the week: I’ve made healthy snack choices AND that my boyfriend looked at me last night and said, “You look like you’ve lost weight!”

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: More water. Water, water, water!

 

 
I apologize for taking so long to get this post up!

I’m currently working on a form for all participants to fill out. That way, every entry will be standardized and all the information ready for copying and pasting. Will save me a ton of time.

Thanks to everybody for being patient and for being drop dead gorgeous!

Related posts:

1. Drop Dead Gorgeous by December Week #1
2. Drop Dead Gorgeous by December
3. Weigh-in #2

Thanks to everybody who entered my first giveaway! I’ve selected one lucky winner.

Sarah from Being More by Becoming Less, please contact me at halfofjess@gmail.com so that I can send you your gift card!

Related posts:

1. My First Giveaway: A $60 Gift Card to CSN Stores
2. The Early Bird Gets the Worm
3. Drop Dead Gorgeous by December

I am not a morning person. Well, I didn’t use to be.

I happen to be in the first year law school section that does not have morning classes or Friday classes. Sounds amazing right? It is.

But before law school started, I had planned to do all my reading during the day time and work out at night.

Turns out that plan flew right out the door (like my pun?).

I realized that I had no energy at the end of the day to go to the gym. I am in class for a good chunk of the day, and by the time I’m finished, it’s 8pm and I am exhausted.

So how do I combat this problem?

I go to the gym right when I wake up!

I’ve been setting my alarm for 9am every day and hitting up the gym before 9:30. It’s been great. The weight room is less crowded in the morning.

I get my own space. I don’t need to fight over dumbbells, barbells or benches.

But most importantly, I feel amazing after I finish. The rest of the day turns out to be a piece of cake.

I already accomplished something before noon, and I don’t have to worry about trying to squeeze in a late-night workout. Finding motivation to strength train after 6 hours of classes (torts, criminal law, civil procedures and contracts) is very difficult. I am usually brain dead and tired.

So I’ve had to alter my plan and schedule.

I’ve learned that I can wake up before noon and actually be productive.

And I’ve discovered that I can actually distribute my time between things that mean a lot to me.

Maybe I have to go to bed earlier. Maybe I can’t watch a late-night movie. But to me, it’s worth it.

Are you an early riser?

How do you budget your time?

 
Make sure you enter my $60 CSN gift card giveaway!

Drop Dead Gorgeous post coming tomorrow! Make sure you check in.

Related posts:

1. Help Jess Get to Vegas!
2. Stress Eating
3. Day 105: A New Best

I am a huge fan of cooking and, if I had my choice, I would own a set of Le Creuset cookware.

But I make do with what I have.

If there’s one thing I think everyone should own, it’s a proper non-stick pan.

So when CSN Stores contacted me about hosting a giveaway for a $60 gift card, I was beyond thrilled!

This is my first giveaway, and I want you to win!

CSN is comprised of a bunch of stores, from Housewares to Health and Fitness, all of which one lucky winner will be able to use his or her gift card at!

 
Ways to enter the giveaway:

1. Leave a comment linking me to one of your favorite recipes.

2. Leave a comment telling me one thing you would buy from a CSN Store.

3. Follow me on Twitter, tweet me @HalfofJess, and leave a comment that you did so. If you are already following, send me a tweet and leave a comment!

4. Like me on Facebook and leave a comment that you did so. If you already like me, leave a comment!

5. My buddy Steve just launched his Rebel Fitness Guide and I absolutely love it! Check out his post and leave me a comment that you did so. No purchase necessary.

 
That’s five possible entries per person.

Please leave a separate comment per entry.

 
Winner announced on Sunday, September 5.

Related posts:

1. CSN Gift Card Giveaway Winner
2. The Early Bird Gets the Worm
3. Drop Dead Gorgeous by December

Yesterday, I ran the Annapolis 10-mile Run.

It was my first time in Annapolis as well as my first race in Maryland, which now brings the number of states I’ve run in up to three (California, Virginia, Maryland).

Because Annapolis is about 38 miles away from Washington, DC, I had to rent a car to get there. Driving on the East Coast has been an interesting experience. Let’s just say, Californians are much better at marking our signs and exits, plus our drivers accelerate while switching lanes and pass using the fast lane (on the left).

All that aside, the Annapolis 10-miler was amazing.

Annapolis is a beautiful, quaint little town and running down main street really made me embrace the culture of the East Coast: cobblestones, small mom-and-pop shops, tight-knit communities.

I was determined to go out there and have a good time.

Before the race even started at 7:45, the sun was already out and beaming down.

Note to self: Wear a hat next time.

Honestly, since I’ve moved to Washington, DC about two weeks ago, the longest distance I’ve run was the 3.5 miles at Run Amuck.

I thought I wasn’t going to finish the 10-miler. But then I decided that I was going to run for fun. It is true that races are about finishing time but running is about enjoyment.

For the first seven miles, I was beaming with happiness. I was all smiles, high-fiving all the race supporters, waving a children, living in the moment.

The scenery was gorgeous. Running across the Annapolis bay bridge (I think that’s what it is called…), I was just blown away by the sight. The sun glistening off the water, the boats in the harbor, the trees covering the mountains. It was beautiful. I couldn’t have asked for a more scenic run.

However, included with the scenic run are elevation and hills.

I do not train on hills or inclines as much as I should (read as very rarely, if ever). But I refuse to be defeated by a hill.

I plodded my way through and even though I was only at mile four when the elites were making their way to mile 9 (cue fast runners finishing 10 miles in less than an hour…), I didn’t care.

This run was about me. It was about my determination, my desire to finish, my strength to prevail.

At mile 7, half of my race bib came undone, so I decided to walk for a few minutes so I could pin it back on.

And it was during this walk that I experienced the worst side stitch I have ever experienced. It felt like abdominal seizures, like a charlie-horse but in my lower abs and sides.

I can’t decide if it was from being dehydrated or over-hydrated, because at that point, I had just past a water station and chugged 1 cup of Gatorade and 3 cups of water. My belly was sloshing around, and I was experiencing the half-puke half-burp sensation. (Too much info? Nah.).

Mile 7 also happened to be where the runners all started climbing a steep hill, probably the steepest of the entire race.

Curious about the elevation profile?

All I could think about was how close to the finish line I was.

I did not run more than half of this race to quit now.
I did not put myself through heat and hills to not cross the finish line.
I did not drive all the way to Annapolis to give up.

And so I persisted.

Eventually, after my stomach stopped feeling like a water balloon, the side stitch went away. I also saw the mile 8 marker at this point and I knew that nothing was going to stop me now.

I ran the last two miles.

Towards the end, it wasn’t the easiest of runs, but what I learned was that if I go into the race aiming for fun, it makes things so much more enjoyable.

Smiling throughout a race really does make the miles fly by.

I finished in a bit over 2 hours (not sure on the official time yet), but what matters most is that I finished.

 
What I learned from this race?

It’s time to get serious about my full marathon.

Running is supposed to be fun. Don’t ever forget that.

Finishing is the most important. It’s about completing what you started.

I can do it.

How do you train for hills?

What have you learned from races?

I am still sorting through all the Drop Dead Gorgeous by December entries for this week. Check back tomorrow!

Related posts:

1. Lessons Learned From Running
2. Day 102: Taking Wagers
3. Mission 5K: Accomplished

Never wear high heels – wedges or not – three nights before you’re supposed to run a 10-mile race.

I have given much thought to this, and my final conclusion? High heels suck.

They are HORRIBLE for you! Yeah, they might look cute, but they deform your feet, hurt your back and posture, and contribute to osteoporosis and abnormal musculature development. Yet women wear them all the time, sometimes for hours and days on end.

Why is it that we do this to ourselves?

I almost feel like high heels are even worse for you than high fructose corn syrup. Most people see a red stop sign when they read “high fructose corn syrup” on the nutrition labels, but very few women think DEATH when they see a pair of heels in a store’s window.

Why is it that we love footwear that is uncomfortable, painful, and can deform our feet?

I am guilty of this. Whenever I walk past a shoe store, I glance in and immediately think Oh, cute! and very rarely do I think about how painful it would be to walk a mile in those shoes.

I honestly believe that high heels are completely created for vanity purposes, so that women can look good but be rendered useless. I’ve never seen or heard of somebody running a full marathon in heels.

And I sure as hell hope that day will never come.

After I tortured my poor feet for four hours on Thursday night, I decided to go back to what I knew was completely comfortable, natural, and nourishing for my feet: Vibram FiveFingers.

Walking around DC fully barefoot would render even more awkward looks, so I decided to settle for the next best thing. So far, my FiveFingers (aka gorilla feet) have yet to fail me.

I enjoyed the lovely weather last night as I walked a few miles around town, soaking in the scenery.

And I learned that a few hours of vanity is not worth a few days of pain.

Never again.

I leave you with this: Few women resist buying heels, and most don’t even consider the detrimental effects high heels have on our bodies, yet MANY people – men and women alike – question how “safe” barefoot and minimalist running is.

Barefoot running is completely natural. It’s what our bodies were meant to do.

Heels, on the other hand, are designed with only vanity in mind.

Are you an avid heel-wearer?

What questions/concerns do you have about barefoot running?

Related posts:

1. My Guest Post: Barefoot Running
2. 5 Tips For Running
3. Day 72: Project Barefoot

My first week of law school was filled with plenty of reading from over-sized casebooks, lots of training my brain to think about the law from a different perspective, and many new, friendly faces.

I could complain about the workload.

But I won’t (or at least try not to).

I chose this path. This was my decision to come back. So I’ll do my best.

But I finally realize how difficult it is for people to balance working out, training, cooking, and overall healthy living into their lives.

There are so many things going on.

It’s easy to say screw it to waking up early and hitting the gym. It’s easy to choose going out and grabbing a quick bite to eat over spending 30 minutes cooking. It’s easy to justify not getting a run in when you have 50 pages to read in one night.

But nobody ever said healthy living was easy.

Most things worth doing are never easy, but they will transform your life forever.

I no longer live in my little bubble world of no school, no job.

Law school is a full-time job.

And I have to discover how to balance my new life with my healthy living mentality. This will require some sacrifices, but I think the end result – my health – is worth fighting for.

I might have to skip out on a few dinners with friends. I might have to pass on hanging out at a buddy’s house. I might have to say no to that drink at the bar.

And that’s ok.

I need to live for myself. I need to live a life worth fighting for.

How do you balance work, school, and other obligations with healthy living?

What positive choices have you made this week that have improved your health?

Related posts:

1. Calorie Counting: A Solution?
2. Day 122: Regrets

In order to lose weight, the calories burned must be greater than the calories consumed.

Calories out > calories in. Seems simple enough right?

Most of us trying to lose weight are somewhat concerned with our caloric intake, how much we eat every day. Calorie counting makes sense, but is it the final solution?

I don’t think so.

I believe that calorie counting is a useful guideline, a helpful tool, to weight loss, but it should not be the ultimate solution.

Knowledge is power, but only to a certain extent. Knowing what you’re putting into your body is extremely helpful. Through calorie counting, I’ve learned what foods are considered healthy, natural fats. I’ve learned that potassium helps your kidneys dispel excess sodium. I’ve learned that a serving of chicken breast is about the size of my fist.

However, too much of a good thing is a bad thing.

Calorie counting can become obsessive. You can start micromanaging everything you eat. You can freak out about going over your calorie limit by 100 calories, even though that limit is actually arbitrary and doesn’t define your health.

When calorie counting starts making you feel bad about your choices, when it begins transforming knowledge into negative power, then it’s actually counterproductive.

This journey is about overall health, both mental and physical.

If you are freaking out about eating an extra cookie or going to the gym for an extra 2 hour session in order to burn off that burger you ate, that’s not healthy.

Weight loss comes when you find balance. With yourself. Your food. Your life.

How can you find balance?

I think this is a very individualized, personal process.

I cannot tell you what demons you must face.

What I CAN tell you is that in order to discover balance, you will have to – you must – face your inner demons and conquer the ghosts of your past.

I had issues with my family and my relationship with my mother was absolutely horrid for many, many years during high school as well as my first year at college. That also happened to be when I was at my heaviest.

I had to learn how to communicate with my mom and realize where she was coming from before I could acknowledge that some of my weight problems arose from that volatile relationship.

Your problems may be different, but regardless of what they are, you will have to face them somewhere down the road.

And calorie counting won’t solve those problems.

Remember. Calorie counting is a tool, an aid, just like how the treadmill can be a training equipment. But if you overdo it, you will get injured.

I am all for calorie counting as a basic, starting tool, a beginner’s reference point, so that you can understand your personal eating habits more and recognize when you might be emotionally or mindlessly eating.

But calorie counting is not the solution.
It will not save you from your problems.

Calorie counting will help you lose weight.
But it will not make you healthy.

Only you can do that.

Do you believe that calorie counting can become obsessive?

What’s one of your inner demons that you want to – need to – face?

Related posts:

1. Thoughts on Calorie Counting
2. Patience
3. Day 114: Eating the Stress Away

gor·geous
splendid, magnificent, grand, wonderful, brilliant

1. Beautiful, very attractive

2. Very pleasant.

In my opinion, beauty radiates from the inside out. If you’re a good person, your genuine kindness will glow around you and shine upon others.

Drop Dead Gorgeous by December is not about the scale. It’s about making me proud of who I am, what I have done, and what I will do. It’s about making me stronger, more independent, and generally happier. It’s about overall health, both mentally and physically.

Although I created this challenge for myself, I opened it up to everybody because I believe that everyone can set goals to achieve their own personal happiness.

Honestly, I am so impressed, amazed, and in awe of all the wonderful, gorgeous people who have decided to tackle this project alongside me.

If you missed this week, not to worry! Send me your weekly report by next Sunday. However, once you commit to Drop Dead Gorgeous, you are in for life (at least until December).

You are required to send me:

1. A photo of yourself with a self-motivational note.
2. Posting your weight is completely optional.
3. At least one but no more than five long-term goals.
4. One brag for the week.
5. One thing to improve upon for next week.

We are all in this self-empowerment movement together.

Prepare to be inspired.

Goals from now until December:

1. Make my bed every day.
2. Finish a full marathon.
3. Cook at least twice a week.
4. Do 12 full-form push-ups in a row.
5. Write my life list.

ONE brag for the week: I unpacked everything from my move!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Wake up before noon every day.

 :

Goals from now until December:

1. Run a 5k in less than 25 minutes.
2. Do a 90-second plank.
3. Do 2 sets of 15 lunges without falling over.
4. Make 5 new friends.

ONE brag for the week: I got back on the treadmill after about three weeks of an ankle injury and ran a 10 minute mile!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: I want to be more social.

Goals from now until December:

1. Become a rock star at the gym (Work out/exercise 3-5 days a week).
2. Fit into size 8 jeans.
3. Continue to eat healthy.
4. Drink 64oz. of water daily.

ONE brag for the week: I’m proud of the fact that I have continued to go to the gym! In the past I tend to go for a week and then slack and stop going. This time I truly feel like I’m back in my groove!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: I struggled with eating this week, I indulged too much and did not record my WW points – next week I really hope to smarten up and get back on track with my eating since we all know exercise + a healthy diet = AMAZING results.

Goals from now until December:

1. Save 2 extra car payments.
2. Plan a fantastic New Year’s Eve.
3. Run an entire 5K.
4. Update my wardrobe.
5. Go without a master plan for an entire weekend.

ONE brag for the week: I’m proud that I started the couch to 5k program and am actually able to do it.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: I’m going to not eat out as much this week. Cut out quick breakfasts.

Goals from now until December:

1. Taking up running again, and run my first 5K since college.
2. Being on time to work.
3. Stop eating so much candy.

ONE brag for the week: I am proud of joining this challenge.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: To actually use my gym membership. No excuses!

Goals from now until December:

1. Try a new recipe at least once a week.
2. Write handwritten letters to my sisters.
3. Save $50 a month towards a vacation next summer.
4. Let my family and friends know often how much I love them.

ONE brag for the week: Starting my first real grown-up job! I have an office! And it doesn’t hurt that it’s in a high rise with an epic view of downtown Chicago!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Managing stress when the REAL work starts!

Goals from now until December:

1. Commit wholeheartedly to following my current PN Lean Eating Program.
2. See continued changes in the right direction. Less weight, less body fat %, more lean muscle, more strength, more flexibility – more confidence!
3. Learn more about anatomy and how the human body moves. (Knowledge is power!)

ONE brag for the week: I’m very proud that my first instinct this week was to MOVE. Not too long ago movement wasn’t even an idea that occurred to me, let alone an actual desire. It’s progress!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: I need to try and get to bed a half hour earlier each night.

Goals from now until December:

1. Finish the Couch to 5K program.
2. Save up $1000 for my upcoming trip to Europe.
3. Jog past 3mph on the treadmill.
4. Join the gym.
5. Try and go out more.

ONE brag for the week: I’ve been really dedicated to eating healthy and working out. Usually, by this point, I’d have quit. I think it has A LOT to do with the Super By September gang and how I have to be accountable to them. They all seem really nice and I’m getting to know them and I’d hate to just quit on them.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: I need to eat more fruits/veggies. Some days I eat all my servings and others I only have one or two servings and if I don’t eat them I feel like I’m not trying my best.

Goals from now until December:

1. Run a 10K. I already did my first 5K!
2. Eat vegetarian 3 times a week.
3. Send an encouraging note to a friend weekly.

ONE brag for the week: I graduated law school in spite of some really difficult circumstances! Hooray!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Consistency when taking medication!

Goals from now until December:

1. Complete at least four workouts per week.
2. Try at least one new-to-me (or previously disliked) fruit or vegetable a week.
3. Eat at least four servings of fruits/veggies a day.
4. Put away all my dishes every day.

ONE brag for the week: I went out and managed to indulge without going overboard and that’s an equilibrium I’ve never hit before!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Working out. I barely did that at all this past week. I need to get on it!

Goals from now until December:

1. Lose 10% of my body weight.
2. Run a marathon some day.
3. To be healthier. My husband and I are trying to have a baby.

ONE brag for the week: At work, for our birthday celebration each month, we get dairy queen. I really really wanted a blizzard but chose an Orange Julius instead. I know it’s these small sacrifices that will pay off in the end.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Eating at home more!!

Goals from now until December:

1. Use elliptical trainer 4 times a week.
2. Be more patient with Sonja.
3. Meditate for at least 15 minutes a day (Sun – Thurs).
4. Focus on work at work so I can get to bed at 10PM 3 nights a week.
5. Make breakfast at home for me & Sonja everyday (Mon – Fri).

ONE brag for the week: I managed to get most everything completed on my to-do list before I left for vacation. All reports are up-to-date and submitted and I can leave with a clear conscience.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: I got no exercise this week. Starting fresh while on vacation. Finally have my new Nike+ chip, new elliptical trainer will be there when I get home. No more excuses for not getting a heart rate up almost daily.

Goals from now until December:

1. Bake a new dessert.
2. Write and mail at least 2 snail mail letters.
3. Apply to at least one job.
4. Cook something I have never cooked before.

ONE brag for the week: I found an amazing deal on a trip to Las Vegas and booked it on the same day! I love impulsive trip planning. Now my boyfriend’s mom has an exciting vacation in the future (it has been a long time since she has treated herself).

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Start doing my push-ups off of my knees. At least 2-3 each set.

Goals from now until December:

1. Finish trek triathlon in under 2 hours.
2. Dead lift 150 pounds.
3. Consistently run 10-minute mile.
4. Get into size 12 pants.
5. Make my bed everyday.

ONE brag for the week: Keeping up with Supergirl Megan at the gym. She’s half my age and twice as fit but I’ll be damned if I didn’t go all four rounds with her and did it with a smile on my face!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: More water, more water, more water. Also, taking more time to relax. I don’t need to go balls to the wall 24/7. It’s okay to read a book or sit on a bench and people watch.

Goals from now until December:

1. Drink more water. Consume 2.5 litres daily.
2. Make yoga a part of my workout routine.
3. Become comfortable with running.
4. Tone, tone and tone!

ONE brag for the week: The two hour walk that I did today. I did not quit when it started pouring rain, and I ended the walk by jogging home. I could NOT have done that two years ago!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Drinking more water every day!

Goals from now until December:

1. Exercise 3 times per week.
2. Try 1 new recipe per week.
3. Spend time on hair/makeup more when going out.

ONE brag for the week: Worked out with Jillian via Last Chance Workout DVD for 4 days. And Jillian TERRIFIES me!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Increase water intake to at least 64oz.

Goals from now until December:

1. Eat only when I am truly physically hungry, and not because I am bored/angry/tired.
2. Drink at least 64oz. of water daily.
3. Workout 4-5 times per week.
4. Practice yoga every single day.

ONE brag for the week: I painted my foyer all by myself. In the past I’ve been very bad (i.e. messy) at painting and therefore wouldn’t do it without help, but I managed to do it this time with minimal mess. I didn’t think I could, but I did and it looks fabulous. Next week, the bedroom! (We just bought a new house, so I’ll be painting a lot in the coming weeks.)

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: I’m attempting to not feel so guilty about things I can’t control. It’s not my fault!

Goals from now until December:

1. Try at least one new recipe per week.
2. Save $25 per week.
3. Read at least three classic novels by the end of the challenge.
4. Update blog at least three days per week.

ONE brag for the week: I made the decision to stop being lazy and to start working out again!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Eliminating soda from my diet.

Goals from now until December:

1. Continue to eat healthily.
2. Cut down on the amount of soda I drink and stay hydrated.
3. Find inexpensive ways to work out.
4. Not give up in my job search.
5. Treat myself well.

ONE brag for the week: I am moving in a week and because I am not spending most of the next week in town, this past week was really my last week here. I feel like I really made the most of it. I went to a small town in France I always wanted to visit (60 miles from where I live in Germany) with a friend and I visited my friend, who just had her baby, twice.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Not get stressed out and make poor eating choices like I did during my exam period despite being very busy.

Goals from now until December:

1. Finish 1/2 marathon on Nov. 7th in under 2:45:00.
2. Keep a food journal 6 out of 7 days in the week.
3. Drink 8 glasses of water a day.
4. Plan my meals the day before.
5. Continue doing core work and knee exercises.

ONE brag for the week: Ran 4 miles consecutively!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Work on my goals.

Goals from now until December:

1. Make working out a habit.
2. Run/walk 3 times each week and strength train 3 times each week.
3. Complete a half marathon.
4. Try one new good thing (whether it be food, recipe, workout, etc.) each week.

ONE brag for the week: Today, I am proud that I got my butt out the door and ran/walked 4.92 miles.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: My “off my butt” time. I have been way too comfortable with my couch lately! I will pay attention and not sit idle so much! I can monitor this with my Gruve.

Goals from now until December:

1. Go to the gym 3 times a week.
2. Stop skipping meals and eat 6 meals a day.
3. Do 10+ regular push-ups.
4. Learn to read nutrition labels, NOT just the calorie content part.
5. Take a multivitamin a day.

ONE brag for the week: I worked out in the weight room for the first time EVER! Didn’t know what half the contraptions in there did but now I’m less fearful of being surrounded by a ton of grunting guys and feeling totally out of my element. Now the next step is venturing there myself when my trainer isn’t there to push me.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: I need to start eating breakfast during the weekdays and eating
balanced meals during the weekends instead of snacking until dinner.

Goals from now until December:

1. Run my first 5K (hopefully Dec. 11th).
2. Do a Century Ride.
3. Go to my dear husband’s Family Christmas party and actually feel good about myself.

ONE brag for the week: I felt great when I didn’t have to turn sideways to get through the turnstile getting onto the subway.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Stop being easily swayed by other people wanting to have treats or eat out. BE STRONGER!

Goals from now until December:

1. Run a 5K or 10K.
2. New Year’s Eve date and/or trip.
3. At least 1 Freelance writing gig.
4. Steady non-retail income stream.

ONE brag for the week: I ran 22 MILES!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Accurately and consistently tracking what I eat.

Goals from now until December:

1. Run my first 5k.
2. Increase my water intake.
3. Get my emotional eating under control. Only eat when hungry.
4. Make it a habit to get to the gym 4 times a week.
5. Email or call a friend a week that I don’t normally run into or hang out with.

ONE brag for the week: I went to the gym 3 times this week when I haven’t been to a gym in over 1.5 years and walked/jogged 8 miles.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Drink more water.

Goals from now until December:

1. Complete another 5k race.
2. Run 4 miles without stopping.
3. Learn how to make at least 3 traditional dishes from other cultures.

ONE brag for the week: I’m proud of myself for trying new classes at my new-old gym. Some were awesome and some were awful, but at least now I know.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: I want to have a better plan for my meals so I don’t end up starving at night.

Goals from now until December:

1. Get my side of our bedroom clean (and keep it that way).
2. Become better organized.
3. Be better about getting more water in.
4. Exercise at least once a day, 6 days a week.
5. More faithful in blogging what’s going on and which way my blog is going.

ONE brag for the week: I figured out how to engage my abs! I was holding a plank position and I felt my abs begin to support me instead of putting all my weight on my arms and shoulders! Now if I can continue to do that and do a real live push up!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Lessening the soda, which was better than previous weeks recently, and replacing it with water (instead of nothing, which is what happened).

Goals from now until December:

1. Get a part-time job.
2. Write at least 500 words a day.
3. Do 50 sit-ups a day.

ONE brag for the week: Not binge eating!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Do more exercise.

Goals from now until December:

1. Run my first 5K in October.
2. Get my sprint up to 10mph in HIIT with 8 intervals.
3. Fit comfortably in a 2XL shirt.
4. Plane trip home in December with no seat belt extension.
5. Get over my social anxiety.

ONE brag for the week: Rescued a kitten.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: I will NOT do any emotional eating and get back on track with a more positive attitude.

Goals from now until December:

1. Save more money.
2. No fast food.
3. Cook more often.
4. Run, not walk, a 5K.

ONE brag for the week: I have started making meal plans. Hopefully it works and I can stick with it! I CAN!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: DRINK MORE WATER!!!

Goals from now until December:

1. Complete ALL THREE levels of French within Rosetta Stone.
2. Be more social.
3. Take at least 5 photos of me doing something outside.
4. Travel. Anywhere.

ONE brag for the week: I actually got a medical issue taken care of instead of just ignoring it until it goes away.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Get my ass into the gym!

Goals from now until December:

1. Complete my 10K on 9/12/10 in 90 minutes or less.
2. Continue eating super healthy, whole foods that fuel my body and make me feel fantastic.
3. Keep working on helping my mind catch up with my body in terms of seeing myself as I really am now, not as I used to be/was for so long.
4. Keep listening to my body and trusting myself.

ONE brag for the week: Dude, I ran HILLS. Hills, I tell you! And I did it with two kick-ass girls, Tara & Jord. Enough said.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: I need to work on being disciplined with my work commitments. I’m over-committed right now, which makes me want to bury my head in the sand and do NOTHING, which obviously compounds the problem instead of making it go away. So today, I’m working on that by being at work on a Saturday, because it will help this coming week not feel so crazy and overwhelming!

Goals from now until December:

1. Finalize my marriage in the Netherlands.
2. Clear out my junk room. De-clutter to make it so my step-kids have their own room.
3. File my 2006 – 2009 taxes.

ONE brag for the week: I made my 100th run since I got my Nike+ and clocked just over 685KM since June 2009.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: My tracking on my Weight Watchers online tracker. I have already started yesterday.

Goals from now until December:

1. Win the battle against negative self-talk. I want to prove to myself that being overweight does NOT equal being pathetic.
2. Make exercise a daily ritual.
3. View food as fuel for a healthy body.

ONE brag for the week: I have started this challenge. Usually I try to hide away from pushing myself, but not this time. I want to do this, and I NEED to do this. I’m proud that I’m putting myself out there not only on this challenge, but on my new blog. It’s hard to share your struggles sometimes, but this community is the best.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: My goal for this week is simple for some, but hard for me. I need to get up everyday when the alarm goes off. 5AM, get out of bed. Move, blog, clean, swim, do something. No more snooze button!

Goals from now until December:

1. 200 tracked workout miles (treadmill, street runs, biking, elliptical, swimming, etc.).
2. 5K in under 40 minutes.
3. Journal food 5 days a week.

ONE brag for the week: Jess forgot to brag this week, but I’ll make sure she brags next week!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Consistent workouts.

Goals from now until December:

1. Maintain my GPA.
2. Run every morning.
3. Gym 3 times a week.
4. Continue to strength train.
5. Compete in a timed 5K.

ONE brag for the week: I fit into a size 34 pants and Medium shirt.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Eating healthier. The last few weeks have been starch-free, and sadly, fruit-free. Let’s eat a more well-rounded diet!

Goals from now until December:

1. Run the entire distance of the Miracle Mile 15K in September.
2. Run in Ragnar in November.
3. Launch new blog.
4. Run the Thanksgiving Day 4-miler in less time than my 5K last Thanksgiving.
5. DON’T QUIT.

ONE brag for the week: My Saturday run with Caleb’s Crusade. I ran 4.5 miles in exactly an hour which is a 13.3-minute mile. That’s my best pace for any distance greater than a mile, so I was very stoked about that!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Keep my eating under control. No evening snacks unless it’s fruit, no fast food, no sweet tea, etc. etc. I did good last week, I just want to continue this week.

Goals from now until December:

1. Run a lot more, especially outside before the snow comes.
2. Drink more water everyday.
3. Try to incorporate more veggies throughout the day.
4. Look myself in the mirror and point out something positive.
5. Try something new (food, exercise, etc.).

ONE brag for the week: Running 10 miles this week. Not bad for a beginner!

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: STRETCHING!

Goals from now until December:

1. Cook something healthy at least 5 days a week.
2. Run the Las Vegas Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon in under 2:30:00.

ONE brag for the week: Went to Decay of Nations, a 24-hour paintball event.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Actually stick to my workout schedule.

Goals from now until December:

1. Make a homemade meal at least 4 nights a week.
2. Try a new healthy recipe once a week.
3. Exercise five days a week.
4. Read at least two books for pleasure.

ONE brag for the week: I drank my goal amount of water and only a few sodas. Huge feat for me. Even better is now I’m CRAVING water.

ONE thing to improve upon for next week: Time management. I’ve been a bit lazy lately and leaving things to the last minute and I want to plan ahead this week.

These are regular, everyday people making their lives extraordinary through hard work and dedication.

Care to join us? This is open to everyone at any time. It is never too late to start transforming your life for the better.

If you want to participate in next week’s Drop Dead Gorgeous by December, send me your report by Sunday!

If you use Twitter, you can tweet about Drop Dead Gorgeous by December using the hashtags #dropdeadgorgeousbydecember or #DDGBD.

Related posts:

1. Drop Dead Gorgeous by December Week #2
2. Drop Dead Gorgeous by December
3. Weigh-in #2

Normally, I would never post twice in one day, but I felt like this couldn’t wait. I’m home, plus I feel like this needed to be shared, particularly since it’s a shift in my thinking.

David’s comment on my Vegas donation post really got me thinking.

One of the biggest lessons I have learned in six years years of running is developing a budget. I don’t think you’re alone in wanting to race in Vegas or some other far away places. To blatantly ask for money for you to go to Vegas to run a marathon without it being a fundraiser of some sort is downright out of place in this sport. Vegas will always be there. So will London or New York or Seattle or Florida. If you continue to live a healthy lifestyle and continue to run, Vegas is not going anywhere. If you want to run a race in December, check out http://www.runwashington.com — there are several near you!

For some reason, I didn’t look at it like that at first. I was always like, “Yes, let me run Vegas!” I wanted to be there. I wanted to run with the other bloggers. I wanted to run a Vegas marathon. But I had forgotten that Vegas will always be there. That I will always be running, no matter what.

And hey, if I don’t have enough money, that’s a pretty good sign I shouldn’t be running the Vegas Rock ‘n Roll Marathon this year!

Sometimes, when you try to force things that shouldn’t be, they turn out really badly (yes, I know from experience).

And David is absolutely correct.

Vegas will always be there.
So will the Rock ‘n Roll Marathon.
And I will continue running.
So what’s the rush?

There isn’t any.

I might not be able to run it this year, or the next, or even five years from now. But that’s ok! Because when the time is right, when everything has fallen into place, I will be there.

I don’t want to disrespect a sport that I absolutely love and enjoy.

I don’t run for the races. Yes, I love the race atmosphere, but I run because it makes me feel good about myself. I love the rush, I love the runner’s high, I love the feeling of Earth beneath my feet.

So the race can wait.

I’ll still run Vegas. Just maybe not this year.

Ahhhh, now that that’s finally off my chest…I feel much better!

 
If you haven’t already, check out my little project Drop Dead Gorgeous By December! 20 others have joined me so far.

Will you be the next?

Related posts:

1. Help Jess Get to Vegas!
2. Interview with a Runner
3. Let the Countdown Begin!