Week 3, Day 1 - and a little about "the number"

My husband will be reading this, so I won't say too much on the subject, but our alarm went off this morning at the same exact time that both children woke up and there was a new sense of motivation that came with watching him get up and tend to the kids while I dressed and readied myself for the big run!  This was needed, as I was stuck in a bit of dread about the start of week 3...

I was ready though, had my week 3 podcast all queued up, stretched and was off.  I had what I hoped was a relatively dog-free route planned (since I hadn't gotten my mace yet) and I found that being out on the road a bit later than normal, there were many more joggers on the road.  I love the knowing nod that you give one another as you pass by.  The one that silently aknowledges that, "we kick ass!"  My first 90 second interval went well and I even felt ready to run again when the time came.  The next run, 3 long minutes worth, was actually not too bad.  No lie, I was very happy when Mia told me to slow it down and was equally happy to hear that even she was dreading this run.  Before I knew it, even though it was 3 minutes of walking, it was time to run 90 more seconds.  They weren't the quickest 90 seconds ever, that would be saved for the next 90 seconds of walking.  I felt like I had barely caught my breath when my next 3 minutes of running began.  This one seemed long.  Mia kept coming on to be encouraging.  After ninety seconds, she said, "You're half-way there!"  What the EFFFF?  Only half way there?  I felt like I had been running for way longer than 90 seconds.  But it came to an end and I was ever so greatful to walk for 3 more minutes.  The last interval was difficult, and even though Mia was encouraging me to push it hard, I was not able to push it beyond a slow jog.  That's OK though, I made it!  I did it!  I was so relieved to have some time to walk and breath, and listen to my book.   It is a very gratifying part of the experience.

When I got home, I had to jump back into action to get me and my family ready for some morning plans we had.  I got the shower started and decided to jump on the scale and see how I was doing.  I've been eating really well since starting this program and have all but cut out deserts and unnecessary snacking.  So, naked and without any food in my body, I stepped on and took in the new number:  178.  3 1/2 pounds down from the beginning of the month.  I know that's good, especially since I know I am building muscle right now.  The reality is that the number doesn't really reflect the real changes I can see for myself, that I can feel when I button my pants.  That is why my goals didn't include any specific new number...I knew that as I got back into shape the number wouldn't spiral downward very quickly.  Still, can't help but wish that I'd been more pleasantly surprised.  it is what it is though and I still feel good about myself.  Actually, I feel great.  I was afraid of this workout I had to take on today, but I conquered it.  I didn't give up and because of that, I grow ever confidant that no matter what the challenge before me, I CAN DO IT!