First off I want to thank  my "daughter" Emily Souza Bladock for getting me starting on this.  I never thought I would have a blog, and now I do.

I named my blog Weight Loss for a reason.  In Oct. 2010 I was in denial about my weight.  I was almost 300 pounds (not the first time, definitely the last) and not happy with myself.  Had no motivation or goal.  I just knew something needed to be done.

Well in March 2011, I started a weight loss challenge with myself.  My goal was to loose 30 pound by June 2011.  The first thing I did was give up all soft drinks.  I was a big Pepsi drinker.  The last time I gave up Pepsi, I had some serious withdrawals.  This time I didn't.  So I knew I was ready to give it up.  My second step was to start a journal of what I ate.  Instead of going on a fad diet, I just kept track of my calories, cut back on portions and gave myself 2 free days. And I started exercising.  I lost the 30 pound by June and was pretty proud of myself.  Then disaster hit......

In June 2011, my dad had to go in for emergency diverticulitis surgery.  He was in the hospital for about 2 weeks.  Well that threw a wrench into my routine.  Eating right and exercise went out the window, my mom needed me and well I needed food.  Yes food is my security blanket.  The only good thing was I didn't go back to drinking soft drinks.  I stayed with my water and iced tea.   My dad was released and now the healing began.  Still no time for exercising.     Then in August he was back in the hospital for more surgery.  After that I got back into my routine.  That lasted until Dec. 2011 when my father in law had to have quadruple bypass surgery and was in the hospital for a lengthy time.  Again all good eating habits and exercise went out the door. 

In April 2012, while my daughter Nicole was attending WSU, GO COUGSSS!!!, she had me do a 5k walk for her Vet. group.  Needless to say, being out of shape, asthma, the Palouse hills and me didn't mix.  I could only do half of the 5k.  Well I decided I needed to get in shape.  I did another 5k in May and finished in 1:00:10.  Pretty good for someone who couldn't finish one a month before.  Granted the second one was mostly on flat land.  I competed a few more and did a half marathon in Oct. 2012.  Finished that in 4:19:00.  Walked all 13.1 miles. 

In all of the disaster I only gained back 10 pounds.  Which my doctor said not to beat my self up for because I didn't gain the whole 30 I had lost. 

As the new year began, I was out walking in the 5k Resolution Run that the Hermiston Cross Country put on.  I've been out most mornings doing my 3 miles.  Except this past week, I was side lined by the flu.  I'm on the mend and I will be out there tomorrow morning.

So my purpose of writing this blog is to help me keep on track for my weight loss.  My goals are walking in Bloomsday and doing another Half marathon and all of the area 5k's.   I gladly accepted any advice on walking and what gear you find that helps, plus all the inspiration you can give.  If you know of any 5k's in the Hermiston area. 

Thanks, Dana