Introducing Ann

Hi, my name is Ann and I’m a runner.

I never thought I would hear those words together in a sentence, but I’ve proven myself wrong after having run 12 5ks in 12 months last year, and another 12 races (5k,10k, half-marathon and Ragnar Relay) already run or scheduled for this year. My journey is documented over at my blog: Twelve In Twelve.

I have two main loves in my life: cardio and carbs. But cardio and carbs together does not a weight-loss make. Although I’ve lost 50 pounds since October 2010, I’ve been at a steady weight plateau for the past 5 months, and I blame cardio and carbs. I love the quick burn and the instant satisfaction of looking at my HRM (Heart Rate Monitor) after a great cardio session, and I hate that I’ve been “stuck” at the same weight for months.

For me and my journey, there are lots of “areas for opportunity” (that’s what us Human Resources people say instead of “problems”) – including tracking my caloric intake, making consistent healthy choices, and adding variety to my workouts.

I am really excited to be working through this program with you – the Prior Fat Girl readers – for a lot of reasons. In no particular order:

1. Support. We can help each other and support each other through this program.
2. Consistency. I’ve already planned 3 of my workouts every week – down to the specific exercise, and number of reps. It’s a relief to know exactly what I’ll be doing on what days.
3. Accountability. If I’m doing it, and you’re doing it, then we are all doing it together. Knowing that there are others (especially over in the Prior Fat Girl Community), helps me feel committed to this program.
4. Health Benefits. Building muscle? Yes. Increasing strength? Absolutely. Having a totally hot bod? You betcha. I love all of these benefits!
5. To be better. To be a stronger cyclist, a faster runner, and and overall healthier person. And if I lose some weight along the way, that’s great, too!

I don’t think New Rules of Lifting for Women is the “magical answer” to my weight-loss plateau. But I think it will help provide something new, something different, something challenging that I haven’t ever tried before.

Join me together in this journey of New Rules of Lifting for Women! I’ll be checking in every week and posting progress pictures, experiences and feedback along the way. And at the end of the program, my goal is to be able to say, “Hi, my name is Ann, and not only am I a runner, I’m also a weight-lifter.”

Ann