Feeling Accomplished - Reach a Goal

In spring I decided that this was the year that I would learn to run.  I have always been so impressed by people who run.  They always seem so strong and healthy.   It has been on my bucket list for many years but every time I started I always quit because my legs hurt so much.

This year though the changing factors for me was getting stronger through weigh lifting and learning how to roll out my muscles.  Those 2 things combined meant that it didn't hurt as much when I ran.

For the last couple months I have been working on this interval training program from this book:

There is no way that I can increase the run times every week so I have just been sticking with each week as long as it takes to be able to easily run those times.  Week 1 I could do no problem.  Week 2 took me a couple of weeks to be able to do easily. 

Week 3 though has been a hard slog.  Until this week I haven't even been able to run 1/2 the times it suggests but after taking a 5 day break from running I was finally able to complete the whole thing.  So happy!  I didn't think I would ever be able to do it!

I have still been going to the gym 3 times per week.  I do various dumbbell exercises and have started doing dead lifts. I use weights that are heavy enough that I can just complete the 8 reps.  When I can easily complete 8 reps and feel I could do more then I up the weight again.

Chest Press - 27.5 lb dumbbells - 8 reps x 3 sets

Dumbbell Flys on Bench - 20 lb dumbbells - 8 reps x 3 sets

Bicep Curl to Overhead Press - 15 lb dumbbells - 8 reps x 3 sets

One Leg Deadlift - smallest kettlebell (don't know the weight) - 12 reps x 3 sets

Deadlift - 5lb plates - 8 reps x 3 sets

Tricep Dips - 8 reps x 3 sets

Seated Row on Weight Machine - 75 lbs - 8 reps x 3 sets

I am feeling a LOT stronger and healthier but the kicker is I haven't lost ANY weight or changed my body shape.  My measurements are all the same.  What's up with that??

Right now I don't care.  I feel strong and I really like that feeling.  So I am not focusing on weight loss but rather lifting heavier weights and being able to run for 20 minutes straight.