Accountability Update aka YAY ME!!!

I think it was back in August that I told you all that I was going to run a 1/2 marathon in hopes of motivating myself to get into shape. Well, this was the weekend, and guess what....I DID IT!!!! I am so proud of me! We met up with Ben's sisters, aunt, cousins and grandma in St. George, Utah for the race. We had so much fun! I love my in-laws, they are all THEE BEST!
So, here is the rundown of what I have been doing.
I joined the gym. Best thing ever. I love going to the group classes. I know me and this is what motivates me. Here's my schedule:
Mondays and Fridays: 5:30 power up (kind of a cardio/fat burning weights class)
Tuesdays, Wednesdays (@ 8:30) and Thursdays: 5:30 spinning--my gosh--after your bum gets used to the seat wedged into it, this class is so much fun! Thursdays I also go back at 9:15 for Butts and Guts. Soon we will have another core class to fill in on Wednesday mornings.
I also try to get back and do more cardio on the elliptical or go out running 4-5 miles. I like the elliptical because it doesn't kill my knees.
I also said in my previous post that I wasn't going to weigh or measure myself, and for the most part I haven't. I didn't want to discourage myself. I am nursing Jeff still and my body still wants to hold onto fat, but I finally did weigh myself and I have lost about 10 pounds! Even better than that, though, is that instead of buying XL pants and shirts, I am feeling very comfortable in a Medium!
I don't usually make a habit of taking before and after shots so I don't have much for concrete evidence. I was looking through pictures and found this one. Now don't barf......

My tummy (among other things) is so gooshy!
Here I am at the end of the race with my SILs and CIL (that is cousin in law). Thank you (marathon running) Kristi for hanging back with me! You saved the day. It was my goal not to walk at all. I did let myself have a little rest at the water stops, just enough to drink my water without sloshing it all over myself, but at mile 6 my hip started to really bother me. I tried to stretch it out, but at mile 10 I couldn't handle the pain anymore. I had to walk. DANG IT! I was able to pull it together and run most of the last mile, but I was absolutely dying! I have had a really hard time walking the last couple of days, but it was worth it to be able to finish a goal I had set for myself. I am pleased, however, that the rest of me is doing great! For the most part, besides my hip, I don't have any other sore muscles, and my heart rate and recovery were in tip-top shape! I feel really good about the lifestyle changes I have made and am going to keep everything up. I set out with this race as motivation, but now have other goals for myself.

Last but not least, I LOVE THIS GUY! He has been so supportive and kind. I am really looking forward to him running it with me next year!

OK, that's about it. It sure is a narcissistic post, but guess what, this is my blog. Now, I am expecting a lot of comments containing phrases such as "Oh my gosh! You look so good!" and "Way to go, Emily! You are truly amazing!" and maybe even "Six Kids Later is HOT!" Any of those will do, or any other for that matter!