I have reached my decision on the scale. At this time, I feel using the scale is worth it to my goals. I think it will provide additional motivation, accountability,  information, and ease of mind for me personally. Before I do so, I want to clear up a few things that go along with this decision:

1. FFF will still not be a “weight loss blog”. I will not share weekly weigh-in stats or anything of that nature. I have no problem with blogs that do so, but FFF was not built on that. It did not become what it is today with that style and I don’t feel comfortable shifting it there now. The use of the scale is for my personal use and tracking. I will share thoughts and emotions I may encounter along my journey, but in a very general way.

2. I will weigh once a week. Absolutely nothing more. It is plenty to track progress and it helps maintain consistency if done the same day, at the same time, under similar conditions. I will do so Saturday mornings.

3. I am still not going to know my weight. I don’t think I would, but this will help ensure I don’t get caught up in a  number and comparing that number to previous weights. For this reason, I decided to have Peter weigh me in each week. I will not look. He will not tell me. The only thing I will know is the shift in weight each week (up 1/2 pound, down 1 pound, etc) to track progress. Kind of like my own version of this scale…

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4. It will not be the sole factor in how I track my success. The fit of my clothes, regular progress pictures, achieving new things in workouts, etc will still be more important to me.

5. If I find myself facing a negative relationship with the scale or getting frustrated/obsessive with weighing, I will stop. No question about that.

So, that’s that. I appreciate all your faith in my ability to continue being true to myself, despite this change. I felt it was best for me and could have just gone with it…but I wanted to keep things open and honest on FFF. The real deal is what I stand for. And, as my tagline states, life will still be more than diet and workouts. 😉

Although now I must talk about workouts. How can I not? I have found the perfect race for my first 5K!

I branched out my search a bit and found the Run the River 5K. Look at how perfect!!

• on April 16, just under 2 weeks after finishing the C25K program (great timing)
• its local (within 30 mins driving distance)
• the course description = FLAT, fast (ha, not me!), and easy (yes, please!)
• along a river, so beautiful scenery according to my friend who has raced it
• an out and back loop, which I was informed is a very good thing so you don’t have to walk back to parking (I can see how that matters!)
• my blog buddy Lee said she can do it too!!

Now I just need to decide if I should register now to commit to it…or wait to be sure nothing happens with training since I literally JUST started. Decisions, decisions!

Question of the Morning– Do you like signing up for things early or wait?

I’ve never been a huge worker-outer-to-music type of gal. When doing weights, I like to go sans music to really focus on what I am doing and get energy from others in the gym. When doing cardio, I typically would either take a group fitness class, do a DVD at home, or zone out in my own head. All of those options didn’t require music.

Yet, there is something different about the treadmill and getting into a running groove. Or a run/walk groove per the C25K routine. I craved music in my workout today. Speaking of my workout – LOVED IT!!!

I can’t wait to complete this program and then run my first 5K ever. I have my eye on one in the not too very distant future. 😉 Although, does this description sound too advanced or just right for a first 5K with a goal of just finishing?

Course is point to point. The surface is packed smooth gravel in the quarry with rolling hills to a flat finish.

Back to my music needs. Since I haven’t really worked out with music in years, I now need to download a whole new playlist for C25K. Any suggestions? I will admit that for workouts I like upbeat, peppy music (aka girly pop) and then also old school hits. Oh and energetic contemporary Christian hits. I already have a list including Glee, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Sir Mix A Lot, etc.

Any suggestions or favorites to share? Thoughts on the race description? And do you ever prefer NOT working out with music?