Newlywed Nine (plus one)
For an entire year before our wedding I worked extremely hard to lose weight, get fit, and become healthier. It took an entire year to loose a measly ten pounds and be at my lowest weight in years. While I wish I had lost more, I know I did the best I could at the time, given my circumstances (planning a wedding, moving across the country, leaving my job, etc.).
Unfortunately it only took two months for me to gain that ten pounds right back. And I am NOT happy about it.
I know I have nobody to blame but myself, but if I could blame something else I would blame the following:
- 1. A week in paradise with free, delicious food at our fingertips
- 2. Coming home and being blissfully in love
- 3. Pizza Week. It was damn good, though, so it was worth every single calorie
- 4. The Anticipation of the Deployment. I gave him free range when it came to meals the last week he was here, so my man choose food that didn’t have a single green vegetable in sight, and I—stupidly—followed along.
- 5. The Deployment Weekend. I gave myself a weekend to splurge, pig out, and feel sorry for myself. Those chips? Don’t mind if I do. Ice cream? Thank you very much. Pizza? Yes, please.
Which leads me to today. I’m at a weight I’m absolutely not happy with and my self confidence has been thrown out the window. But instead of mopping around and stuffing my sad emotions with sugary sweets, I’m doing something about it.
I started the Couch To 5k program today. You may remember that I’ve already ran and walked two half marathons, but I’m hoping to get more out of doing less this time. My goal, which I think is entirely feasible, is to be able to run—without stopping—three miles in under 30 minutes. Right now I’m just going to follow the program and then worry about my time later. When I’m at the gym I’m always concerned with how fast I’m going and how far I’ve went. This time, I bought a C25k app for my iTouch to help motivate me.
I’m also revamping my meals and throwing out all the crap in our fridge that won’t do my body good. (Okay, “throwing out” is a harsh phrase. I’m really freezing most of it so Kenny can eat it when he gets home).
During this deployment I have several goals, which I’ll share with you in a later post, but my first plan is to lose at least 10 pounds. I think it’s entirely possible, I just need to focus on it completely and work hard.
I’m not alone in this, right? Did you gain weight after you got married or before a deployment? How did you get it off?
You go Jess! I've got some great 5K races you can work towards if you want to. And then of course there is the triathlon next year…it's almost a must for any girl in our area .
I'm definitely going to look into that app! I need one that doesn't use my data plan though.
And yes I did gain weight after my honeymoon! I couldn't even wear my jeans I wore there, home. 🙁 I blame the all-inclusive…yummy food & a drink fairy that walked around the pool every 20 minutes. 😉
And then blogger cut off my "heehee'. So yeah.."heehee" 🙂
I've followed the rules of the C25K program but I've never seen that application! I need to get it!
Good luck, you can do it!
Awww yay so excited you are doing the c25k!! OMG and 3 miles in 30 minutes would be amazing!!! I'm nowhere close to that yet but it is fun working towards a goal. If working out could ever be fun that is!
You already know my story too- I packed on the pounds when we moved in together. I'm down 8 pounds since he left but I really need to be down another 10!
You can do it, and I think making goals while your hubby is gone is a great way to pass the time!! I can't wait to read more!
I feel like such a stalker, but I've been reading your blog for a bit now and love it!
My man deployed in November to Iraq for a year, and I sure did gain weight beforehand. With all the family things, making his favorite foods, and send-off parties, I put on a few (but they were worth it, too). I waited until after Christmas to get back in gear and just took things one day at a time! I used myfooddiary.com to actually learn how to eat right, and celebrated small victories with working out (first one mile without stopping, then more…). Tried my best to do some fitness (30 mins) 2 times a week, then 3 — it's all about easing into it and trying to make changes you can actually live with (I'm already trying to make sure I don't gain everything back when he gets home! We are talking about being more active together when he gets back) Doubly fun (fun?), he and I are in a fitness challenge with each other (biggest % loss wins!…something…. :))
Anyway, better stop before I write a book. Thanks for making me feel not alone in the world when it comes to sending someone you love overseas….
Yeah I too gained about 30 pounds after I got married and I have been married for almost 3 years…Hubby left in Febuary and I have already lost 23 pounds!!! You can totally do this and its fun to have a goal and work so hard to get it…
Jess I think this is awesome! And in so many ways I feel like I'm in your shoes. Without the terrible sadness of deployment, I did to lose a bunch of weight before the wedding. Was so completley happy with myself and then I really was about 7 pounds heavier after the honeymoon. Now 9 months later I really really have packed on some weight. I got comfortable and messed up with drugs and downness of my own situation. Needless to say you have motivated me to really get on the wagon and get my butt in shape. I love that you're willing to post it for the world to see, it shows you won't back out. GO JESS!
OMG!!! How does that happen?!?! I was skinny and cute before my wedding and now I am having to buy a whole new summer wardrobe to accommodate the pounds I have put on in the two years we have been married. I'm afraid it's only going to get worse 🙁
That's great that you're starting the Couch to 5k program. I'm excited to see how it works for you. I'm sure you will be able to meet your goals!
I gained about 20 after our wedding. It came on so fast that I got brand new stretch marks on my inner and outer thighs (already have them over my hips, yes I'm screwed when I get pregnant!)
I love that you're going to focus your running goals more on intensity/speed, rather than just a long distance. Do a Google search and you'll see that interval training that mixes super-high intensity with short periods of rest/low intensity is "THE THING" that can help you get in shape.
If you wanna incorporate any CrossFit type stuff, just give me a holler. There are a ton of things you can do just with body weight exercises, somewhere to run, and a jump rope. 🙂
You are gonna do great, can't wait to hear more about your running progress! *hugs*