Thursday, January 12, 2012

Who needs a gym! Just walk in the city pushing a stroller....

I love it here....I love it here.....I love it here.....

I am zapped. My muscles are burning and I feel so out of shape about right now. After a long day out in the city pushing Michaela up and down the hills of the city center.......I am so tired! I am also so excited in that my fitness level is about increase.......BIG TIME!

We had such a lovely day out. I was geared up for a long walking day so I wore my running clothes. What we did not expect was the sleet, very strong and I do mean very strong winds and the cold. The wind chill was only 27 but the wind gust were so strong it almost tipped over the stroller as I was going up one of the hills. It was a memory to say the least. The weather was dark and dreary but somehow I loved it and was having the best time. I do wish there was snow, there is set to be some this weekend but I have been told the rain here is common.......VERY common, and so I better get used to it.

One of my favorite memories from today came as I entered into a store and found the most beautiful sweater. The clothes here are so beautiful and finally after losing all my weight, I can wear them all unlike when we were in Russia and I was bigger than most sizes available. That was a hard memory for me. I hated going shopping and never bought clothes there. I would instead wait and get everything I needed back in the US where.....let's face the truth......we are bigger here. I can say this with all confidence that after traveling to so many places in the world I am always amazed how much larger the US population is relative to the rest of the world. Anyways, more about that later I am sure....back to my story. I walked into the store to look at the sweater and try it on and the lady said to me...."I am sorry we only have a Medium and a Large, I will have to see if we have a Small down stairs". I about died with excitement!!! Here I am standing there in 2 layers of pants, 3 layers of tops with my running shoes and she looks and me and determines WITHOUT me asking or saying a word......she thought I was a SMALL!!! I literally wanted to cry I was so happy. Gone are the days of embarrassment, gone are the days of me not being able to find a size.........it feels so amazing! The funny thing was that I came out wearing the sweater and it was too big........go figure! It has a bigger loose fit and looked huge on me.  After this I was so motivated, I kept walking faster and running up the hills as I pushed the stroller. I was burning some mega calories!

I am just so happy, so proud that I can stand there and say I am from Texas and NOT be the big American that I was just a few years ago.  I want to show others that there ARE fit, strong, active Americans who do not mind walking everywhere....etc.....

Now I am off to rest because this American has to get used to this new lifestyle! I was going to do weights today............on second thought, NO.... I am DONE! Who needs a gym? Who needs cross fit........just go out and be active in the city!!!! I cannot wait to see where my new home is located.  I was talking with a local here and she said we were VERY lucky to be living where we are and it is beautiful there with a view of the city. She said it is clean, safe and very pretty! Not to mention HILLY!!!!

Here are some pics from our day........


Heading out in my winter running gear!









 MiMi is ready for our first big day out in Stavanger! Bundled up and ready to go!!!






 Some of the restaurants down at the harbor where the cruise ships, fishing boats and so on are docked.


Part of the harbor....



 This was a fish market right at the harbor, they had a fantastic selection and of course it was very fresh!





One of the Fjord cruise boats.







The city is full of little streets going up and down from the town to the harbor, it really does make for a great workout pushing the stroller up and down.....up and down....I loved it!




 I shopped here when in Paris and was SO excited there is an Oliviers here! They have great stuff!


Thought this was a cute little baby shop! The city is filled with some very nice stores for children, and I do mean NICE, I was amazed at the quality available.
















13 comments:

Carlyn said...

this is a fantastic post, it made me smile so wide---I know how great of a feeling that is because for the longest time I couldn't wear clothes I wanted to because of MY weight, I still have a way to go but I am 36 lbs down and not looking back. You look as beautiful as ever :0

Tina Mac said...

Phenomenal! Beautiful mom and daughter in a beautiful city! Thanks for all the pics. Are you having trouble with a language barrier?

Anele @ Success Along the Weigh said...

I am BEYOND proud of you girl! Your successes make me smile just as big and I strive to be a thin, fit American as well when we finally go abroad.

Your pics are amazing and living a travel guide book will be super exciting. So happy for you, love!

Anonymous said...

Jen, your pictures are beautiful despite the dark, gloomy, weather! The city looks fantastic for running through and hill training! M. is so cute, getting so big! Your sweater story brought tears to my eyes, just like the first time I read your SP page. I am so proud of you!

Becca's Dirt said...

Look at the quads on you girl. Those legs are pumped. Glad you are having a good time and Michaela is precious. I believe thats the first time I've seen her up and about. Adorable. I'm so happy I am not the size 22 I once was.

Czesia said...

I love these pictures!!! Your happiness is infectious! :)

Anonymous said...

I was so happy to read your blog. Love all the pictures. I'm at my homestretch and reading your journey inspires me.

Trainer T.s Fitness said...

Jen,
Somehow I got bummped off your blog but I am back.

Great trip to the harbor and I love the pictures. Do the speak english?

Tiffanie said...

I want to live by the sea someday. Enjoy!!

Lisa said...

I am so glad to see pictures of you and your family. It was so nice hearing about your experiences. Keep it coming. I will be hanging on your every word. You seem to be back on track after all the stress of preparing to move. Wish you, Micah and Michaela all the best.

Anonymous said...

Love it! So excited for you on your new adventure! The pictures are so awesome!

hoppyrunner said...

As usual, beautifully positive in every way. You are wonder woman being able to just pick up and move so quickly and make it look so easy. Wishing you continued joy, health and happiness. What fun you'll have over in Norway!

Sheila said...

I just found you today (thanks Pinterest!) and I have to say I am obsessed!!! Your before and after pictures are truely amazing. And those pictures of Norway, gorgeous. It must be amazing to live in such a beautiful part of the world. And your attitude about everything, I feel myself having a better day just from reading your perspective on everything. No complaining about the wind or rain, I need to adapt that attitude too. Thanks so much. I am adding you to my list of 'must read blogs'. And I only have a few. I'm very picky :)