Lose a Marathon Mini Challenge - Week One

As I mentioned a few days ago, I joined the Lose a Marathon Challenge.  Each week, Jess will have a mini challenge for us to attempt.  I'm a procrastinator, through and through.  I've known about this week's mini challenge from day one, but I just haven't gotten around to doing it.  Tomorrow starts week two, so of course, I'm completing week one's challenge today.  ;)

So, the mini challenge this week was:  Take the time to plan your Marathon Mission as you would a business plan. Grab a notebook, sit down and write out your plan. Take measurements and photos of yourself. As painful as this may be, it will be a rewarding comparison in 13 weeks. Define your goals. How is success defined for you? Is it purely scale stats or do you have measurement goals? Decide which method you're going to take to reach your goal. Are you counting calories, carbs, WW points or just eating right? Are you embarking on a specific diet plan - South Beach, Body for Life, etc? Schedule in your exercise... mark it on your calendar like a doctor's appointment. The more specific you are in your planning, the more likely you will succeed. Plan your work and then work the plan.

Measurements (I'm never 100% sure I measure in the same spot each time, but I think I'm close):

week one photo

• waist: 43 inches
• hips: 43 inches
• left thigh: 25 inches
• right thigh: 25 inches
• neck: 13 inches
• left calf: 15.5 inches
• right calf: 15.25 inches
• upper left arm: 14 inches
• upper right arm: 14 inches
• chest: 40 inches

Pretty much bums me out that my measurements say my waist is bigger than my chest.  Looking down, it doesn't look that way.  I don't know.  :/
 
Goals: I don't exactly have a game plan, which is probably not the best method right now.  I'm trying to stick to a 1300-1500 calorie diet.  I want to run 3-4 days a week and do other cardio or strength training on the "non-run" days.  My goal for the next 13 weeks is to lose 26.2 pounds.  I'd also like to see myself in single digit sized jeans.  I have a few 5k races coming up that I'm looking forward to completing during this 13 week challenge, as well. 

Success defined by me:  Success to me is accomplishing my goals and pushing my body past the limit of the known.  I like doing more than I thought I possibly could.