Week 2 and 3: Mott's Beauty

Oops, I forgot to report in last week, probably due to the Memorial Day holiday weekend that I was looking so forward to.

On week 2, our group met at the Ballenger Fieldhouse for what was supposed to be a nice short 1 to 1 1/2 mile walk. We continued across Court Street into the beautiful homes that the neighborhood had to offer and we just kept going. While enjoying the perfect weather and the beautiful architecture, we found ourselves splitting up at times and having to do some double backs. Of course, I didn't mind having to circle back as it allowed me to get more steps (and miles) in!

By the time we decided to go back to the beginning. we had a nice long walk under our belts. We get back to the fieldhouse and found that we had walked 2.4 miles. Look at us- overachievers.

Throughout this process, I am also working on a healthy diet and some weight loss and I have finally hit my stride. By the beginning of week 3, I was 16 pounds lighter than I was on April 18th! This was all very exciting to me!

For week three, we also met at Mott and took a nice 2 mile walk up through the cultural center. It was another perfect weather day- man have we lucked out! There were lots of walk and run groups out and training that we went by throughout the night and the cheers and motivation we shared between groups is inspiring. I am loving all the support I am getting so far for this and that this has been a positive experience overall. This trail had some hills on it which were a bit tough- I am going to have to start getting some training on hills.

At the end of our walk, we met back and enjoyed some popsicles and talked about upcoming races and activities! My friend Sally and I decided that we are going to move up into the 8k! As this will be my first 8k, I am super excited and motivated for this goal!

This is our group before our walk on week 2. You can see me on the left hand side (second one in with the bandana) :)

Week 1: Holy Heat Batman!

I know I'm a bit late logging this walk but last week on 5/16, I completed my first walk with our group and MAN was it hot! Mother Nature gave us very summer-like weather in the middle of Spring. Our group met at Genesys and after going around to introduce ourselves and a few laughs, we were off!

Now I will admit, most of my walks have been on pretty flat surfaces, so that inclusion of some hills were a little rough. I also found myself near the front of the pack so I ended up circling back a few times (this just added to my walk though).

I love this group though seriously. They are so positive and inspiring and I am so excited for more! We are a mixed group so there is a chance that I may end up training for the 8k instead and completing that. This group of individuals made me think that I can and I am so motivated because of it! I am so glad I found this program.

The after pic!

A New Beginning

Well here I am. Last night was the kick off for the CRIM training program and I made the plunge. In college, I lived in downtown Flint and experienced the CRIM first hand. I also at that time, walked a couple 5ks for fun. Then a couple years ago, I volunteered for my first CRIM through the company that I work for. I found the atmosphere so welcoming to new and old walkers and really enjoyed it. I told myself that I was going to do the CRIM.

And then I didn't.

I had heard of the training program before and thought 'that would be something that I would like' but every time I remembered about it, the program had already started for the summer. I had thought about the CRIM too but I just never took the initiative to do it.

Well not this year. 2017 is a year of change for me. Last year we had bought our house and I got married. This year, my husband and I started thinking about the future. We want to start a family. But there are some obstacles ahead in order for us to even get there. One of the main ones is my health. I'll admit, I am very overweight and on several medications to manage the effects that my weight has had. I know that in order to have a healthier pregnancy, the weight needs to come off. I finally found the motivation in myself to do it.

So not only did I join weight watchers several weeks ago, I got a reminder from my health plan that the CRIM program was coming and better yet- they gave me a discount. I took that first step to sign up.

So last night, sitting in that gym with hundreds of people, I was enthralled. You worry whenever you are starting new that these people will judge you but not one person looked down on me. No matter what size I was, I was congratulated and welcomed and motivated to do my best. I met my group of really awesome people that I will get to know better over the coming months as we go through this journey together. Our group was asked to journal this journey we are on so here I am! I hope by the end of this journey to be a healthier Amelia who has made it a habit to be more fit.

More to come :)