NSV... (& First Post)

I had have had several NSV's in the past, but I had to post today with my latest NSV, and my first actual "NEW TOPIC". A little history about myself. I am 41 years old, and have never been all that concerned about my health. I started MFP about 2.5 yrs ago, and was doing well for about 6 mos, but then several major personal issues came up and I jumped headfirst off the wagon. Then, last August I hit my highest weight again (238), but was in the absolute worst shape of my life. I thought I was okay, as I was still able to wear 38 waist pants, but I am sure the measurements at my navel were probably closer to 44". Several minor health issues and other discomforts due to my additional weight caused me to re-evaluate my lifestyle. I realized I could continue on the path I was on, and accept the discomforts, OR I could do something to change that. I chose "change".

From that point on, I set a goal for myself to go to exercise at least 4-6x/wk, and I have been fairly consistent with that goal since then. I have not focused on my weight as much, because of my travel. I travel a lot for work, and due to my love of new and exciting foods, I generally do not pick the healthiest items on the menu (probably more the opposite). So, over the course of the first 11 mos. I was able to lose about 35lbs. Then, I decided it was finally time to quit smoking, and afterwards, I watched my weight go up about 12lbs over the next 3 mos. I am working to get it back down, but since quitting smoking I am taking solace in the fact that I am lifting much heavier weights and constantly improving on my cardio workouts. It took me 15yrs to put on the extra 50lbs, so I look at my current weight loss as a marathon not a sprint. And, As long as I continually see an improvement in one area of my health, I feel I am making progress in the right direction. The weight will come off eventually.

Anyways, on to my NSV. I have ALWAYS hated running, but considered cardio a necessary evil. A few weeks back I decided I was tired of going to the gym for my cardio and using a machine, so I went for an actual jog outside. Over the last few weeks I have grown to enjoy these runs immensely, which is surprising, as I have always been loathe to run indoors or outdoors. In addition, I recently strained a couple of minor muscles prompting to take a couple of weeks off from the weightlifting portion of my routine, but I decided to still run on those days. I have continuously seen improvement in my pace, but the distance has been fairly consistent.

TODAY. I was able to run 5.05 miles at a 10:30min pace. This may not seem like much to some people, but to me I have NEVER run 5miles straight in my life, much less at a shade over 10mins per mile. Even, in my 20's I was lucky to run a 10min mile. Now at 41 with a bum knee.... I achieved in my opinion the biggest NSV I have ever had.

Thanks for making it this far, but I felt for once I had to share my own NSV, and note that the scale is not everything.

I am using runkeeper to log my runs, and I am looking for anyone else using runkeeper to send me a note if you would like to be added as a friend. I have found that to be a very good motivator.