C25K

It's been a few weeks since I ended the optifast program. I can happily say that I have not gained any weight back, yet I cannot joyfully exclaim that I have lost any more either. I have started a much needed journey though in learning to like the gym. To help me out in this new quest I have started the Couch to 5K program. I am now in week three. Woohoo, 3 minutes continuing running. LoL. I know, my running friends out there are smiling as they stretch out their running legs, and reset their running watches from their last 10 mile or so jaunt. :) I'll just start with a 5K goal. Any suggestions out there for the Coos Bay/Eugene/Portland areas? My hope in all of this is that I will learn to love the act of exercise. I already love to hike- obviously- but to get the thrill of getting out of bed to hit the beach or the trails, or gulp, even the treadmill. Plus with a bonus in all of this I hope to shed the last 20-30 lbs!

40:40:20 Adventuring: Swordfern Trail

 

Just wanting to get out of town and find some trails and warmth, I happened upon the gems of hiking in the Umpqua National Forest, outside of Cottage Grove Oregon. I originally was going to camp at the main Dorena lake Campground but found a small campground deeper into the national forest. Rujada Campground was small enough to not attract too much traffic, yet large enough to provide some amenities that I like. The Swordfern Trail Trailhead is actually located in this campground.

 

The trail is a short two miler circling around the campground. The lush ferns though are amazing and the forest smell intoxicating! A great little leg stretcher to prep you for the longer trails that surround the area.

 

40:40:19 Adventuring: Brice Creek Trail

 

 This was by far one of my favorite hikes of the year. A spur of the moment solitary camping trip took me through Cottage Grove, past Dorena Lake, then a beautiful drive into the Umpqua Forest. I camped at a random campground near the trail then set out early the next morning. The trail itself has many options, and a few tent camping sites on the trail itself.

 

 The trail follows along part of the original Oregon Skyline trail- the trail that was the precursor to the Pacific Crest Trail.

You can plan on a short 3 miler, or do as I did and conquer approximately 13 miles adding in a couple waterfalls along the way. I would definitely recommend the waterfalls, even if you have to take this hike in sections. The Upper Trestle Creek Trail falls were amazing even in the middle of summer. I came around a corner and just stood there thinking.... "how do I get around the falls?", you don't go around, you go under! Beautiful!

 

I still dream of this trail, the warmth, the beautiful pools of water. Loved it!

 Brice Creek Trail

Lbs and inches week 12

Last and final week of the Optifast program. After 12 weeks of weekly doctor visits, carefully calculating food choices, and trying to change my mental process in eating and exercise I did my final MD weigh in. This visit included a 1:1 with my doctor after my usual weekly consult with her assistant. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised when she actually knew everything that I had struggled with over the past months that I had been talking weekly with her assistant about.

My overall thought on the program is that it's a pretty good one. I am still worried about maintaining and still loosing more weight that I need too, but my worries are not in fault of the program. Due to my crazy crazy schedule I was not able to attend the weekly group sessions where they discuss incorporating the needed exercise goals, dietician counseling, and psychological changes that need to be done. 

I'm still planning on using some of the products to keep working on my weight loss goals. I also still plan on making specific goals to propel me on. Be looking for my next one! 

Lbs lost: 32

Inches lost: 12

Money spent: $$$$

Self-esteem raised: unmeasurable!