Non-scale victories Pt. 2

I am hoping to be doing more regular posts here in the upcoming months, but life is always getting more and more crazy so I won't make any promises. Here's a snapshot of some non-scale victories recently. These are important for me to recognize so that I look at my overall health and habits rather than the numbers on a scale, because those numbers only give a small look at your overall health and well-being.

1. Retiring my size 12 and size 10 jeans. My size 8 jeans are too loose as well, but size 6 jeans don't fit my quads...
2. Measuring my body fat percentage and finding out I'm at an ideal percentage for my age(20%).
3. Not caring about showing my arms even with the stretch marks. I have some actual muscle definition there. Now I just have to keep working to get rid of the extra fat.
4. Being able to walk further in general and keep up with my active toddler.
5. Getting my average road pace under 11 minutes on most days.
6. That healthy and balanced eating has become the habit and I don't have to force myself to eat healthfully, it's just what I gravitate towards.
7. Running a trail 10K! And not feeling awful afterwards.

All of these little moments are what push me to continue my healthy lifestyle. For me it is all about balance and doing what works for you to be happy and healthy in your routine.
I am also super grateful to have an amazing support system that is always there to cheer me on.

Most of my team for Ragnar, plus my husband, at a 10K training race. He came in second overall!

Full May Progress

Hello all! Sorry I have been MIA. I have been lacking creativity on what to post here and life has been insane with mine and David's training schedules so I haven't had time to create content. I am hoping to post more this month, but it is going to be extra busy so we will see how it goes.
This month was good as far as running and weight loss goes. I looked up the first time I was officially weighed after I got home from college. It was about 2 months before David and I got married and I was at 156. This most likely means I am at the lowest weight of my married life! Now weight isn't everything and I am definitely in better physical shape now, but I am glad to be seeing results. I feel so much healthier overall and am constantly amazed by how much better my body functions when I fuel it correctly and exercise!
Here are my measurements for this month:

Right Arm: 13
Left Arm: 13
Right Leg: 24 (.5 inch lost)
Left Leg: 24 (1 inch lost)
Right Calf: 15
Left Calf: 15.5
Natural waist: 29 (1inch lost)
Waist at belly button: 31.5 (2 inches lost)
Hips: 41 (1 inch lost)
Bust: 37 (1.5 inches lost)

This month I can definitely see how I continue to lose weight in the areas that my body holds onto fat,  mainly my midsection and hips. I'm also trying to focus on toning my arms since they are an area I find I always have trouble with.

Left: Jan 4//Right: June 2

Left: April 29//Right: June 2

Starting weight: 197.6//Current weight: 157.2//Loss since Jan. 4: 40.4 pounds//Overall: 82.8 pounds

Full March Progress

Sorry I've been a bit MIA with the updates, this month hasn't been extremely impressive as far as changes in my weight. I'm okay with that, as I've been focused on improving in other ways. I finally saw a drop in weight as the week progressed. I find that I tend to lose more weight later in the week, I'm not entirely sure why. Now that I'm incorporating running into my exercise routine 5 times a week, I find I'm more focused on cross training as well. I do more to strengthen my muscles overall, but I still enjoy the workout I get on my recumbent bike.
I can feel how my body is changing as well. My calves and quads are much more pronounced and strong. My arms have some definition now as well. I can also feel my core strengthening and can feel muscles when I flex.
Here are my measurements for the month:

Right Arm: 14 (1 inch lost)
Left Arm: 14 (1 inch lost)
Right Leg: 24.5 (1.5 inches lost)
Left Leg: 25 (1 inch lost)
Right Calf: 15.5
Left Calf: 15.5
Natural waist: 31.5 (1 inch lost)
Waist at belly button: 35 (1 inch lost)
Hips: 43 (1 inch lost)
Bust: 38.5 (1.5 inches lost)

Left: Feb 28//Right: April 1

Left: Jan 4//Right: April 1

Starting weight: 197.6//Current weight: 170.6//Loss since Jan. 4: 27 pounds//Overall: 69.4 pounds