Break Time!

I've decided to take a break from this blog, at least until the beginning of the year.  No particular reason except that I have nothing new to report these days.  It's felt more and more like a chore to post and just not as enjoyable.  I will be back in January, though, either with more regular posting or a complete closure of the blog, I haven't decided yet.  My upcoming giveaways are being suspended too.

Thanks for following my journey.  I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!!

Challenge Over; Still Need to Lose Weight

Hi all, I didn't get a chance to check in at the end of my challenge because I was too busy eating my way through the celebration of my husband getting a job.  Two years and two months he's been off work.  26 months!  It feels so strange to breath easier and not worry about every cent, not to worry about Christmas so much, or my son's activities.  Thanks to those who stopped by with kind words.

You'd think with all these stressors removed from my life I'd be coping well, eating good, and exercising a lot!  Well, that's not to be.  It's like I feel so relaxed and peaceful that it's easiest just to eat whatever is around rather than planning ahead.  I have accomplished two runs this week and hope for 1-2 more.  But we also have a group of friends who we'll be dining with at PF Chang's tomorrow night so I know that will be a disaster.  Even if I make excellent choices, the sodium will make me gain weight.  I think you gain 5 pounds from sodium just from walking in the door of that place!  Okay, maybe that's not fair.  I haven't been there in a long time so I shouldn't assume anything.

Is tomorrow a holiday for you?  Not for me, except that Fridays are my day "off".  I use quotes because technically I don't work on Fridays, but I'm still monitoring email and getting things done depending on what time of the month it is.  No, not Mother Nature's time, accounting time.  Needless to say, tomorrow I will be working.  My son will be home from school and it's my husband's official last day of being unemployed.  Hopefully we'll squeeze something fun in there.  I'm anxious to take my son to Puss in Boots.  I love that kitty cat!

So what really is the point of this post?  There probably isn't one as it seems like the point of this blog has gone AWOL.  What I can tell you is that I will be hosting a couple of fun giveaways in the next few weeks and I'm excited about that.  So even if I'm steadily gaining weight, I can still offer you some free stuff.  And maybe somewhere in there I'll get the fire back.

Speaking of fire, anyone see and love the KINDLE FIRE?  OMG, I want one of them!  I have had and loved my Kindle for years.  The Fire would never replace the e-ink reader, but oh the fun I could have with it.  Hello elliptical miles with video.  While I would really like an iPad, the Kindle Fire is far closer to my price range.

So talk to me.  Kindle Fire?  iPad? Puss in Boots?

18/21: Good News!!

Today's weight: I'm sure it's one-sixty-something.

A wonderful thing has happened.  MY HUSBAND GOT THE JOB!!! We've been celebrating for two days which means two very big dinners out!  But it's all good because time's are changing.  We are blessed!  This could not have come at a better time!  God is good and we are rejoicing!

16/21: Three Things Thursday

Today's weight: ??? (was too lazy to weigh today)

1. My husband has another meeting about the job this morning at 11:00.  Less than two hours from now.  It cannot come soon enough.  His first interview with this company was on October 4 so we're going on a month of limbo here.  Please bring a happy conclusion.  Is this the day the Lord hath made?

2. I ate 4 pieces of buttered toast with dinner last night! I didn't even realize until afterwards either which is a little scary.  We had "brinner" which included scrambled eggs with ham, fried potatoes (the healthy way), and toast.  It was really tasty, but I did not need that much toast!

3. After dinner I broke out the Just Dance for the Wii.  That game is so fun even though I'm a total goofball and have absolutely no rhythm.  Dancing is one thing I wish I knew how to do because it's something I love to watch.  Ballroom, hip hop, country two-step, whichever.  That would be an awesome fitness class to take!

15/21: No Pressure

Today's weight: 162.2 (15.4 lbs to goal)

Just bouncing around here in the low 160s.  I want to see the 150s (again) soon!

I have been struggling for awhile wondering how much is enough exercise.  I've spent a lot of time planning and scheduling workouts, even going as far as putting them on the calendar.  Some people say that keeps them accountable.  Me?  No, that makes me feel obligated, and then guilty if I don't follow through.  What I've realized is that I'm putting too much pressure on myself and forcing myself into workouts that I don't like or enjoy.  This has been a great motivation killer for me, and I'm not going to do it anymore.  I do plan to continue working in 3-4 runs per week (at least 10 miles or so).  Beyond that I'll do whatever other activities feel fun at the time.  It cannot be about the number of trips to the gym or checking items off a schedule.  Staying fit, healthy and active requires me to be HAPPY.  It seems my happiness cannot be found in a formal workout plan. 

What about you, do you schedule your workouts?  Does it ever effect your motivation level?
I can see the benefits of a formal training schedule in preparation for an event, but I don't see myself being motivated by any other formal workout schedule.

14/21

Today's weight: 161.00 (14.2 lbs to goal)

13/21: Don't quit

Today's weight: 161.8 (15 lbs to goal)

I've lost 3.8 lbs during my little challenge.  Unfortunately I have only exercised twice-last Monday and today.  It's all good, though.  My main focus of this challenge was to get my head back on straight and I think it's working.

My exercise goal for this week is to run 4 times.  Three 5Ks and one 5K+.  I also plan to do a little stretching, abdominals, maybe weights, maybe yoga, whatever I feel like as long as I get in the runs.

I've been reflecting a little bit on my habits last year at this time vs. this year.  I was pretty strict about getting 4 runs done every week last year and sticking to my "diet" plan.  Reviewing my running data from then kind of gave me a kick in the butt.  I know it's doable!  Last year, it was all still new and I was still going strong to reach my goal by the end of the year.  This year, I'm burned out a bit, still pretty much at the same weight as I was then. While staying the same weight is great and I'm glad to have "maintained", my goal hasn't been to maintain yet.  I have spent this year trying to actually lose weight!  While I could be discouraged about my lack of progress in that area, I'm going to focus on the fact that I have not quit!  I have continued to run, I even ran a half marathon!  I've learned a whole lot about myself in the process too.

So with all that set, let's get this party started.  15 pounds to goal!  I can AND WILL do it!

10/21: Rewards

Today's weight: 160.6 (13.8 lbs from goal)

When I first started losing weight, I set up a reward schedule starting at -15 pounds.  I look back now and have no idea why I didn't start with -5!  That first 5 is hard!  I definitely recommend rewarding yourself for losing weight, working out, or whatever other measurable goal you set for yourself.  Here's the rewards I gave myself for the first 80 pounds lost.

-15 eyebrow wax & facial
-25 Amazon Kindle Cover
-30 sz 16 jeans from storage
-35 new underwear
-40 trip to spa
-45 2 new Victoria's Secret bras
-50 Keen flip flops
Halfway to goal - a trip to Seattle with shopping
-55 manicure
-60 new clothes
-65 new pajamas
-70 new exercise clothes
-75 outdoor coat
-80 Fossil watch

I am a little bit sad that I'm now trying to get back -80 pounds, but I know I'll get there.  And whenever I wear my watch, which is practically everyday, I am reminded of the milestone I've achieved.  That's the other great thing about rewards, they can be a visual reminder of your accomplishments.  I prefer the material rewards, rather than service rewards, although I did enjoy the spa treatments.  Whatever will motivate you, that should be your reward, of course.  We all have our own priorities.

I'm pretty blessed and have had a hard time thinking of future rewards for the last two 5 pound increments. Here's what I have so far, subject to change, of course. ;-)

-85 New running gloves
-90 Uggs

Do you reward yourself?  What are some of the rewards you've chosen?

9/21: The Morning Workout Challenge Week 4

Today's weight: 161.4 (14.6 lbs to goal)

What a poser I am with these posts this week.  Another morning, another non-workout. Sorry folks.  The good news is I was able to SLEEP last night, so I woke up feeling much better!!  Yay for that!  So it's a mental health morning as I sit with my coffee and my journal.

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The Morning Workout Challenge
Weight Watchers Sept/Oct 2011

Week 5

Shine on!
You can see the finish line, but hte trick is sticking to you rnew goal for the long term.

Applaud your acomplishment.  Look back at how much you've done and how successful you've been.  Take pride in those achievements.

Reward yourself.  You've earned some new exercise gear.  Buy a cute outfit or high-tech headphones--anything that will keep you excited about your morning routine.

Stick with it.  By the end of the month, you have eased your way into a solid, structured a.m. routine.  From here on out, it's not about another "week" to get through--it's your way of life.
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Sticking with it can be hard, and it's easy to get into the attitude that if I don't get up one morning, I've become a big fat failure (the tag-line of the day).  I am getting better at this.  Look at me drink my coffee this morning!  Anyway...


And I'm all about the rewards.  Tomorrow I'll share the rewards I've given myself while losing weight so far and what's ahead as I reach my goal.  And I WILL reach my goal.

8/21: The Morning Workout Challenge Week 3

Today's weight: 161.6 (14.8 lbs to goal)
I'm back to 75 lbs lost!!!  75.2 to be exact!

I feel really good and I'm back on track and eating smart.  I didn't get up this morning again due to a terrible night of sleep AGAIN.  I cannot turn off my mind and it's freaking killing me!  I hope to run after work (evening workout, blech!), but I'm so tired.  It's terrible.  I'm dead tired, but I cannot get to sleep at night.  It's getting really old.  When will it end?

And how ironic that I'm not working out in the morning given the subject matter of this week's posts.
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The Morning Workout Challenge
Weight Watchers Sept/Oct 2011

Week 3

Keep Movin'
This week tends to be one of the hardest because your initial excitement may be waning.  These strategies will help you stick with your plan.

Take Wednesday off!  It's time to add one more workout day, for a total of four days per week.  Use Wednesday as your rest day; you'll only have to get through two mornings before you get a break.

Eliminate excuses.  Write down all of the excuses you can think of to stay in bed.  Then, next to each excuse write out how you will overcome it.  (Excuse: I'm too tired.  Buster: If I do this now, I"ll have the whole night off to relax.)

Aim for 20.  When you want to sleep in, try this trick: Tell yourself you are going to get up and do only 20 minutes of exercise.  More than likely, once you get started, you'll be inspired to keep moving.
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It's always amazing to me how the third week of an exercise plan usually is the hardest for me too.  Push through.  And while I don't formally write down my excuses and tackle them ahead of time, I often find myself making excuses in the morning about why I don't want to work out.  The reminder of how I'll have my whole evening free (except that early bedtime!) is often what makes me get up.  I HATE working out in the evening more than I hate going to bed early to work out in the morning.  2 showers in one day?  No thanks.  I also feel much stronger in the morning even with a work out before breakfast.  Morning is where it's at for me and I need to stick with it.

Do you experience the week 3 (or other week) waning of your excitement when it comes to something new?  I do, and I also find that day 3 is usually the hardest whenevener I've tried to change my eating habits also.

7/21: The Morning Workout Challenge Week 2

Today's weight: 162.4 (15.6 lbs from goal)

Today didn't start with any workout.  Last night I want to bed at 9:40.  I read until 10:00.  Unfortunately sleep was not near and would not arrive until after 1:00 in the morning!  My mind is going crazy right now. My husband has been moved to the next step of the selection process for the job.  One step closer but still waiting.  Still going crazy.  I'm trying not to think about it, yet trying not the think about it still kept me awake for hours last night.  Needless to say, I barely got out of bed to get to work this morning.  Maybe I'll work out after work, maybe not. 
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The Morning Workout Challenge
Weight Watchers Sept/Oct 2011

Week 2
Rise Up
The novelty of waking up to work out might be wearing off.  Your focus now is to resist the temptation to hide under the covers.

Feet on the ground.  Resist the urge to hit the snooze button.  Sit up in bed and put your feet on the floor before turning off your alarm. 

Let the music motivate you.  Download songs that make you want to dance.  Listening to the them while you put on your exercise clothes will get you energized for your workout--and the day.

Keep your eyes on the prize.  Hang up those skinny jeans or that cocktail dress you're trying to fit into, so that it's one of the first things you see in the morning.

Kick it up a notch.  Try to add 15 minutes to each workout, to bring your session to 45 minutes.
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What I have found helpful with getting up is to put the alarm (which happens to be on my phone) on top of my dresser which forces me to actually get out of bed to turn it off.  Then I force myself to not get back in bed although I might sit back down and read email on my phone or see if it's my move on any of my Words with Friends games.  I like to wake up for a couple minutes before getting up.

I'm sure it would be awesome to turn off the alarm and then turn on the tunes while getting dressed, but my husband would probably not appreciate that.  Plus, I try my hardest not to wake up my son who is an early riser by nature anyway.  So I pretty much tip toe around until I get to the basement treadmill or out the door to the gym.

How about you?  Do you get to fly out of bed and tear through the house on your way to workout, or do you tip toe around in silence?

6/21: The Morning Workout Challenge Week 1

Today's weight 163.8 (-1.8, 17 lbs from goal)

I started the morning with a 35 minute run and then some abdominal exercises, squats, lunges and these other things called Running Rows (from Fitness Magazine, April 2011), all with some arm work with 5lb dumbbells.  Are you like me in that you constantly tear great fitness routines out of magazines and then never do them?  Well, I decided I was going to put one to use this morning.  It had 5 exercises, and I did one of them.  Still a success?  :-)

So I'm reproducing and article from the September/October 2011 issue of Weight Watchers magazine without permission.  I hope I don't get sued.  This article is broken into 4 different weeks so I'll just post a week's worth of info for the next four days.  I can really relate to these tips while I try and convert to morning workouts.  Enjoy!

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The Morning Workout Challenge

Week1
Plan Ahead
That's your key to success this week.  You just might find the first week of this mission to be a breeze.  Chalk it up to the excitement of starting something new and just go with it!

Pick a program.  Will you be exercising at a home?  Taking classes at the gym?  Walking around your neighborhood?  Whatever workout you choose, make sure it's something you find interesting and enjoyable.  Ease into this new routine by getting up early three times this week to do a 30-minute workout.

Go public.  Tell your goals to a friend or relative, and you'll be more likely to stick with them.  By nature, we don't want to disappoint others--or ourselves.

Hit the sack.  Prepare for this major change in your schedule by getting a good night's sleep.  Go to bed 30 minutes earlier than usual; waking up will be easier if you're getting enough sleep.  Nix the caffeine after 3 p.m. the day before a morning workout (to sleep more soundly) and aim for a solid eight hours per night.
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Without a doubt, the hardest part about getting up early to workout is going to bed early enough and then falling asleep.  I HATE going to bed early so I have to force myself to do it.  Once in bed, I lay there for a long time when I wish I could just fall right to sleep.  I'm hoping with time it will get easier.

Do you workout in the morning?  How many hours of sleep do you get?

4/21

Today's Weight: 162.6 (-3, 15.8 lbs to goal)

I read something interesting in Runner's World that I wanted to share.  It's from the latest issue, page 91, in the article entitled, "The NEW Research".

Question: Eat breakfast before your run?
Fresh Take: Sure, being properly fueled helps you run better.  And trying to run when your carbohydrate stores are depleted is hard--but not a bad idea if you're looking to shed pounds.  Preliminary studies have found running on empty forces your body to burn more fat.  But it does take a toll, so do it just a few times a week.

I love this!  I have been trying to switch my workouts to mornings, at least on Monday-Thursday.  I workout before breakfast on these days.  I feel pretty okay when I do, but I often wonder if I should try and eat something beforehand.  Well, I like this Fresh Take and will go with it.

On Fridays when I have more time and try and run longer, I usually eat breakfast first.  I'll definitely keep doing what I've been doing.

3/21

Today's weight: 162.8 (-2.8, 16 lbs from my goal)

I had another great day yesterday and feel even better today!  Yay!  It's a good feeling. 

I don't foresee a run in my future today either, but I'm okay with that.  Instead, I'm doing some meal planning and food preparation for the coming days.

As an update on my challenge, I've already ditched the paper journal.  It's like I would have to look things up on my phone app anyway, and I decided it doesn't make sense to not just track it at the same time.  But instead of just mindlessly tracking and then reviewing the Points total three days later, I'm actually conscious of what I'm doing.

Also, The Vampire Diaries will not be my new show, however, I did check out Melissa & Joey (thanks for the recommendation, Jill) and it's funny and entertaining.  Hello elliptical workouts!

So, I'm looking forward to a great weekend.  Fridays are my days off and the weekend, too, of course, and it's sometimes more difficult to stay on plan during less structured days.  But I'm up to the challenge.  We've got soccer, a trip to the pumpkin patch, and some other fun things ahead.

Happy Friday!

2/21

Today's weight 165.2 (-.4)

I consider yesterday a success despite the fact that I didn't workout.  I ate well and feel a lot better today!  Last night I went to bed with a headache which made sleeping difficult, but I know it was my body's way of letting me know it wasn't yet on board with the new eating plan.  Well, Body, that's too bad!  Luckily I woke up headache free!!  I woke up at 5:27, all on my own without an alarm, but you better believe I didn't get up and exercise.  No, I got up to journal and drink coffee instead.

My head and heart are weighed down by my husband's job thing.  We've been living in Limboland for over two years now, but when there is an actual job consideration, it's about 100 times worse.  The waiting is a killer and I know I feel extra exhausted this week because of it.  I'm having a hard time sleeping at night and feeling rested in the morning.  I can't seem to turn off my mind.  If he gets the job, there'll be lots of planning to do, and if he doesn't get it, we'll keep calm and carry on, right?  I worry most about the latter because I know what a drain it will be for my dear husbad.  Neither scenario warrants much thought at this point, however, because the outcome is unknown.  No matter how much thinking I do, it won't change the outcome.  So instead I just think about when they'll call, if they'll call, why they haven't called, when they're gonna call, what if they don't call, how cool it would be if they did call (with good news, of course), and so on and so forth.  You get the picture.  I've also been praying a lot.  But I'm exhausted by that too.  How many times can I ask for something I have no control over?  I've told God that I know it's up to him, I've given it over to him.  We want this to be the opportunity that knocks, but if it isn't we're supposed to assume it wasn't the right one.  I've acknowledged all that.  All I can do it hope for the grace and strength to deal with whatever happens.  But I'm thought out, I'm prayed out, and I'm exhausted.  This could be the longest week in the history of weeks!

Anyway, I plan for another good day today.  I had my yummy English muffin with peanut butter this morning, and I packed a healthy lunch and snack options for the day.  We've been buying Clif Kid Z Bars for my son and I tried one yesterday which was YUMMY, way better than the Nature Valley Trail Mix bar I had been planning to eat.  They are each 3-4 points each and the ones we bought have 3 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein in each.  It's not a huge amount, but it's okay.  I can't justify a snack bar that has more than 4 points so these are good.  They're not cheap, but we bought them at Costco.  And what's money anyway?  Just green colored paper that floats in and out of our life like snow.  (Points to whomever gets the movie reference.)

Well, I'm off for another day.  It's nearly time for snack number one.  Oh boy!

21 Day Challenge (1/21)

I'm embarking on a new plan today.  I know I've said it before, but this time I mean it! I have a new idea.  It takes 21 days to form a habit, or so they say.  So today is day 1 of my 21 day plan to get back on track.  This will take me from today until November 8.  It's not about trying to be perfect, or lose a certain amount of weight, or run a certain number of miles.  It's more about getting my mind back to where it should be with regard to both eating and exercise.

Part of my plan is to use a paper WW tracker to record my foods, exercise and thoughts.  I feel that it's important to take tracking seriously rather than using the WW iPhone app and not really paying attention to how many Points I'm using.  I'm also going back to weighing myself each morning because I just like that (sorry Mr. McKenna, but you didn't help me.)  For giggles, I'm going to use today's weight as my starting weight for the purposes of this challenge.

Today's weight: 165.6

And so we begin with a day on plan.  I know me and after justone day doing well, I'll wake up tomorrow feeling so much better.  Not just physically, but also mentally.  You always have to start with the first day and that is today.  Each day after that will just build and build.  I can do this!  I have never lost sight of my goal, and I've never thought I wouldn't get there there.  Unfortunately, I just haven't been as focused on the goal as I was.  But it's never too late. 

I hope to blog more during this challenge, too.  Blogging=accountability. 

How about you?  Have you been struggling?  Do you want to start today, creating/changing your habit(s) for the next 21 days?

Doldrums

I'm taking a week. Well, I don't yet know if it's a week but tomorrow is day three and I don't feel a workout suddenly coming out of me. I guess I don't feel it because my eating has been terrible which makes me feel just icky. Not strong, but sluggish and fat. I know it's crazy but I am taking a few days, maybe a week, to get my eating back on track any maybe lose some of the bad food blues. Starting today. I am going to learn this damn PointsPlus system or go crazy trying. I just hate trying to plan my day while not having a clue how many Points most things are worth. I guess it's time to go back to the basics and eat the simple choices and eat them often. English muffin with peanut butter, yogurt, fruit, frozen meal or leftovers, granola bar, some easy dinner, fruit, vegetable. (Note to self: chips aren't listed!) Getting back to control is what I am craving. I just need to remember that during those times when I think I'm craving chips.

And then she quit exercising!

Yesterday's run and today's elliptical workout were not brought to you at all because neither of them took place.  For some reason I was not feeling a run yesterday, and when I went to bed last night, I wasn't feeling a trip to the gym today either.  I'm not getting too down about it, we all need rest days (Sat/Sun excluded, of course).

Today I weighed 165!  And I've finally updated my little blog widget accordingly to face the music.  That makes my loss right now at 71.8 pounds.  Discouraged much?

Well, the good news is I might have a new show to watch while on the elliptical.  The Vampire Diaries.  Normally I'd be embarrassed to admit it, but if this keeps me coming back to the elliptical I'm all for watching mindless crap.  I've watched 1.5 episodes and I think I could get into it, more than Greek anyway.   Too bad my phone screen seems so tiny! Never before I have wanted and iPad, but all of a sudden with these cross training gym options, I'm seeing the need for one more and more!  Why oh why do they have to cost so much?!

In other news my husband is still being considered for a job, and I couldn't be more focused on that and only that right now.  It's hard to work, it's hard to exercise, it's hard to eat.  Honestly, I just want a final answer on the subject so we can move on in the appropriate direction.  I am not a patient person.  I had been doing fairly well with not thinking about it, but now I'm consumed by it.  Consumed, I tell you!

So time will tell whether I get in a workout tonight.  I'm honestly not feeling it, but I'm feeling it for tomorrow morning.  Why do something today that you can put off until tomorrow morning?  Oh wait, that's not quite how that goes...

Best Week on the Exercise Front

With the completion of Friday's run, I officially had my best workout week ever.  I completed 5 cardio workouts, 4 ab workouts, and 2 strength workouts.  I really feel great!

My eating for the week was fairly okay so the fact that the scale didn't move is a huge disappointment.  It's like no matter what I do I am still stuck in the GD 160s!  I'm getting so frustrated! 

I know I just need to keep on keepin' on, but it's hard to stay motivated when I do not see results.  And please don't comment and say, "Muscle weighs more than fat."  That's the biggest excuse in the book.  Clearly, I'm eating too many calories even though I'm burning a lot of them too. 

I counted Points all week, too.  I tried something different by not logging my exercise on the WW app so that alleviated the temptation of blowing through the activity points.  I know I don't lose when I use all daily, weekly, and activity points, but it seems I don't lose anyway.  I'm sorry if this seems like a big whine fest, but it's frustrating.

I have officially switched my goal from 100 pounds to 90.  Mainly it's the skin.  My stomach and arms both have loose skin that I know will not go away without surgery.  (I'm not opposed to surgery, but I also don't have the money for it so getting it is unlikely.)  With the added weight of the skin and just what I know about my body, getting into the 140s will be hard enough.  I want a goal weight that I'll be able to maintain for the long haul and not just a weight to hit and then start floating back up.  So 146.8 is my official goal weight right now, but I'll take 159 for the moment.  It's 6 pounds away.

Anyway, that's me.  I wanted to document my workouts on the blog last week for accountability and motivation.  Hopefully, I'll maintain my stamina with regards to that.  And hopefully if I just keep doing what I am doing, my weight will go down.

The Great Outdoors

Friday's run was brought to you by The Great Outdoors.  No, not that kinda funny movie from several years ago, but by beautiful nature itself!  It was pretty cold out there, but I achieved my goal of running 50 minutes and it felt great!

The run: 50 minutes, 4.66 miles, 10:50 pace

Greek

Today's elliptical workout was brought to you by Greek.

I'm not so sure about this show.  I've watched about 5 episodes, and I'm just not in love. Do I give it more time, or dump it?  Not sure yet.

30 minutes on elliptical, 2.74 miles or so

Titanic

Tonight's run was brought to you by Titanic.

This movie is one of my all time favorites and is definitely in my top 3 of all time!  And so began my love affair with Leonardo DiCaprio.  Love him!

The run: 35 minutes, 3.45 miles, 10:09 pace

Wildfire

Yesterday's elliptical workout was brought to you by Wildfire.

I started watching this show on Netflix last week, and I finished up all 51 episodes as of yesterday.  I honestly didn't think I'd like it and was just looking for a new show to watch while on the elliptical, but I was hooked from episode 1!  The premise is fine, the acting is decent, the plot lines are far fetched, but the horses are beautiful!!!  I always wanted to have a horse, ever since I watched the Black Stallion movies as a kid.  I even set one of my fictional stories in a made up town, Shetan, Vermont.  (If you don't get that reference, you don't love the Black Stallion.)

45 minutes elliptical, 10/10, 4.21 miles

Something Borrowed

Today's run was brought to you by this movie:

This movie is based on a book of the same name written by Emily Giffin.  The book is one of my favorite books of all time!  The movie is just OK, but if you love the book and/or John Krasinski, I recommend it.

The run: 35 minutes, 3.44 miles, 10:12 pace

My Life in Bullets

I stole this idea from another blogger because I don't have it in me to write a real post tonight.

• I have gained more weight so clearly Paul McKenna isn't "making me thin".  Tomorrow I will count points. 
• Today we saw the movie "Courageous" and I really loved it.  So much to think about.
• I ran outside on Friday for the first time in weeks.  It was chilly but it was also fabulous.  My run was only 4.15 miles, but it was so much better than the treadmill.  I want to get back to my Friday outside runs, regardless of the weather.
• I ran 4 times last week, used the weight machines at the gym once, and used the elliptical once.  Apparently all that was still not enough to outweigh the calories I consumed.
• My husband was called back for a 2nd interview which is scheduled for Thursday.  There is so much on my mind about this I'm surprised I can think of anything else.  I keep reminding myself that God has a plan.
• It is 10:00 and my bedtime in order to get up at 5:00 a.m. to get to the gym.  Prefer to be in bed by 9:30.
• My husband is watching the movie "Hanna" right now.  This movie looks awful; glad I'm going to bed.
• Good night.

3, I mean, 2 things Thursday: The Slowing Down Edition

1. My running pace has gotten slower.  I attribute this to a couple things.  First, I've gained a little weight.  While it's not a ton of weight, it doesn't make me feel that great and running feels harder.  Second, I haven't been running outside that much at all and for some reason I get scared of running too fast on the treadmill.  6.0 is super fast for me and I never run that fast on the mill unless it's the top of an interval.  I used to run about 5.7 at home, but since I've switched to the gym treadmills, I am not running at that speed.  I'm more comfortable around 5.3-5.4. In the long run (ha ha, that's a pun intended) it's not a huge deal, but when you're talking about pace, a 10:30 mile sounds way better to most than a 11:00 mile.  As a runner, I strive to be faster not slower!

2. While I don't want to slow my running pace, I do want to slow my eating pace.  This is harder than you think!  I am usually doing two things at once, while eating.  Breakfast is about reading and eating, or talking to my son and eating, and then I have to go to work.  Lunch is about surfing the Internet or blogging and eating, and then I want to get back to work.  Dinner is about visiting with the family and eating, and I want to get done and get the dishes done, and move on with the evening.  The idea of taking slower bites, savoring each mouthful, listening to my stomach is just completely foreign.  I am a distracted eater and it's hard to focus just on the eating.  I'm a multitasker.  I like to kill two birds with one stone, per se.  But I also recognize that this behavior leads to overeating because if you're just kind of mindlessly eating, and you've eaten way more than you should before you are even aware of it.  But it's so hard to take the time to eat, just eat, when you're used to being busy busy busy and always in a hurry hurry hurry.

Do you multitask when you eat?

If you build it, they will come.

Believe it; be it.  Ali Vincent

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.  Winston Churchill

The only disability in life is a bad attitude.  Scott Hamilton

Make your optimism come true.  Author Unknown

A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes.  Mahatma Gandhi

Change your thoughts and you change your world.  Norman Vincent Peale

**********************

Today I bring you a little more on the topic of Paul McKenna.

I'm a firm believer in the power of positive thinking which is probably strange for a pessimist like myself, but I can't argue with statistics.  Maintaining a positive attitude and believing in yourself can have huge effects on all efforts from losing weight, running a marathon, even beating cancer.  I think believing in anything can have it work for you or not.  Look at the placebo effect.

So I think if I believe Paul McKenna's principles will work for me, the chances of it happening are much better than if I think it won't work.  If I criticize the idea of hypnosis as a tool for weight loss, I'm pretty much saying I'll be wasting time by even listening to the CD. 

That said, I'm not really sure how I feel either way except that I KNOW it can work.  My friend has had so much success, and for that reason I have been wanting to post about this book/CD for months.  I have had the title of yesterday's post in draft since May 9!  Visiting with my friend a couple weeks ago convinced me I needed to post about it, but also convinced me to give the whole thing a try for myself.  What have I got to lose, right?   For my journey, I'm taking it a day at a time and seeing how things go.  Right now I feel really positive in that I am not limited by calories and Points, and I feel really positive that I can eat whatever or whenever I want, as long as I'm hungry and stop when I'm full.  I also know that just because I can have the cake, doesn't mean I want it.  But tell me I can't have the cake, and man do I ever want it.  It's a totally new attitude for sure.

Speaking of cake, yesterday I ate a piece of my coworker's birthday cake.  It was fabulous.  I have not shared an office birthday treat in years.

It was ... liberating!

Do you know Paul McKenna?

Liberate: to set free, as from imprisonment or bondage.

Liberated is the word I am using to describe how I have felt this past week. 

So, Paul McKenna?  Well, he's this author of a book called I Can Make You Thin (among others).  Of course a title like that would make me skeptical, but my friend has been following Mr. McKenna's basic principles for nearly a year and swears by his system.  Included with the book is a "hypnosis" CD.  That, coupled with the title of the book, would normally make it impossible for me to buy this book, but the recommendation from my friend means a lot.

The principles are simple:
1. If you are hungry, eat.
2. Eat what you want, not what you think you should.
3. Eat consciously and enjoy every mouthful.
4. If you think you are full, stop eating.

You're probably thinking (as I am) that these concepts are basic and not groundbreaking.  To a naturally thin person, they're also probably fairly obvious.  However, for someone like me, they feel like a gift.

It is not a natural concept for me to eat only when I'm hungry.  I eat when I'm bored, lonely, happy, angry, or tired.  I probably eat when I'm actually hungry the smallest percentage of the time.  Having been a faithful follower of Weight Watchers for over half my life, I tend to eat when the clock says so, when the Points are available, or when I feel like I need more fruit or veggies for the day.  And for the years before I lost this weight, I ate a lot just because I had a "last supper" mentality a lot of the time in that I was always planning to start tomorrow, or start on Monday, or start next week.  Planning on going on a diet made me eat a whole lot, a whole lot of the time.  Hunger?  What does that even feel like?

This past week I have been getting in tune with myself.  I have been eating when my stomach feels empty, not when the clock says it's a "mealtime".  When I do eat, I eat what I want.  I know that healthy, whole foods make me feel the best, so I usually make those choices automatically, but I even allowed myself a Snickers the other day and felt okay with it.  I only wanted one small square and I ate it.  And I felt no guilt or gluttony.  Knowing that nothing is off limits to me has taken away the feeling of needing to eat and eat and eat because "I'll start again tomorrow".  I think that by allowing myself the Snickers, I ate less than if I'd eaten something "healthier" because I had what I wanted and felt satisfied.

Another change has been my daily lunches.  Usually I bring a main item (pasta, soup, sandwich, etc), Chobani, a piece of fruit, and a few nuts.  That's my lunch and that's what I eat.  Well, last week I didn't finish my lunch on several days.  Paying attention to whether I was actually hungry made a big difference than just going off the fact that I had the food available in my lunch bag. I will admit that it is hard for me to stop eating something before it is finished.  Like if I bring a bowl of soup, I am more apt to finish it than leave some in the bowl.  I'm a full fledged member of the "clean your plate club".  But if I eat the soup and then take notice of whether I'm satisfied or still hungry, it's been easier to stop eating before opening the yogurt or something else.

So is Paul McKenna going to make me thin?  Is Mr. McKenna's simple plan the answer to all of my food issues?  I do not know, but I do know what a huge difference the system has made in my friend's life.  Whether it's the concepts, the hypnosis CD, mind over matter, or all of the above, she has lost quite a bit of weight without even trying.  She's also addicted to activity.  Running, hiking, yoga, Zumba, she does it all and craves it when she doesn't.  Now, mind you, my friend is also very susceptible to hypnosis.  She's been part of a hypnsosis show more than once and she's usually the star of the show!  I do not feel hypnotized when I listen to the CD, but I have listened everyday for a week.  A couple times I have drifted off only to be awakened when he says to wake up.  Was I hypnotized or just tired?  I don't really know.

Regardless, I have always said that I do not want to count calories forever, and I do not want to count Points forever.  I want a healthy relationship with food.  I want to eat dessert when it sounds good, and not feel like I've "cheated".  This past week has been the most liberating of my life.  As I said, I rejoined WW on the 16th and counted Points on Friday & Saturday.  Sunday was when I read the book (it's short) and started listening to the CD, and that's the day I started practicing Mr. McKenna's principles and eating what I wanted without counting.  My weight loss from Friday to Friday was 5.6 pounds.  I know I had been "off plan" for a bit before that and expected a large loss for "week 1".  But I am pleasantly surprised with 5.6 pounds given that I ate whatever I wanted for most of the week.  I feel ready to continue doing what I'm doing and seeing where it leads.

If you're skeptical, I can understand that feeling very well.  I feel like I have suffered from disordered eating patterns forever and 4 principles can't possibly solve those issues.  Yet, getting rid of the all or nothing attitude, the feeling that I'm cheating on my diet, and the lack of having to meticulously plan out my Points for the day has been so liberating!  Truly!  It's amazing. 

I know people are overweight or obese for a multitude of reasons.  Some people need to delve into their pasts and make discoveries about themselves in order to combat their issues with food.  I have never felt that way.  To me, it does not matter why I was obese, it only matters that I do not become that way again.  I don't want to waste time examining my past because I can't change it.  Only the future is writable and to keep moving forward is to me the most important thing in the world. 

I'm not telling anyone to run out and buy this book/CD, I'm just giving my preliminary thoughts on it after a week of use.  I will continue to update as time goes by.  I should add that one point Mr. McKenna makes is to not weigh yourself on a daily basis.  This has been a bit hard for me because that's what I'm used to.  But I've put my scale away to avoid the temptation, and will continue to weigh in weekly at W.W.  I'm still attending the meetings because it's a good check in place, even if I'm not exactly following the plan.  I did already pay for the two months after all.

Do you know Paul McKenna?

Does this post make you intrigued enough to check out his book?

What do you think about hypnosis for weight loss?

Hike to Snow Lake

My friend Joanna is quite active!  She's an avid hiker, something I wish I could interest my family in.  We live in the Pacific Northwest where outdoor activities are plentiful, but we don't really take advantage of the opportunities available.  Joanna, on the other hand, spends a lot of time taking advantage of all the Northwest has to offer.  She hikes with friends usually at least once a week and I'm super jealous!  Since I had a few extra days in Seattle planned after the 10K race on Sunday, I asked her to take me hiking at least once. 

She decided to take me on her favorite hike to Snow Lake and it did not disappoint.  What a beautiful day we had!  This hike was about six and half miles round trip.  According to my Garmin the elevation gain on the way up was about 1,970 feet and I have no idea if that is a lot in just over three miles or not.  All I know is it took us just over three and half hours to make the trek up and back, not including our stop for lunch, and I felt so accomplished when we were done.  I was actually sore for a few days after this hike, too, my calves and quads took a beating!  An awesome beating.

The trailhead can be found directly across from the ski lodge on Snowqualmie Pass at the Alpental ski area.  I found the following information about the snow lake hike on the Washington Trails website:

If there's such a thing as a wilderness superhighway, this is it. The Snow Lake Trail is Washington's most heavily used trail within a designated wilderness area. On any given summer weekend, you can expect to share the area with upward of two hundred hikers. Fortunately, midweek the route is virtually deserted, and after Labor Day the number of weekend hikers drops to more reasonable levels. Why is it so popular? It's a combination of easy-to-access wilderness trail and a route to one of the most picturesque lakes in the water-rich Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Snow Lake is surrounded by high granite peaks and is visited by deer, mountain goats, and a host of small critters and birds. What's more, the lakeshores are lined with wildflowers in early summer and juicy huckleberries later in the year. All in all, the crowds are justified--few places that are so easy to reach offer such a stunning wilderness experience.

Here are some of the gorgeous views from the day.

Athleta Iron Girl 10K - One Additional Thing

I almost forgot to share one of my favorite parts of the Athleta Iron Girl 10K.

Personalized race bibs!!

Athleta Iron Girl 10K - Seattle

In the midst of it all, I have completed another 10K race.  On 9/11/11, I ran the Athleta Iron Girl 10K in Seattle. This race was slow and steady and very easy.  The best part was running with my bestest friend in the world, Joanna.

The race was in Seattle so I had to make another trek across the state, alone.  But it's all good, I had my tunes with me.  (Are you surprised that my iPhone cover is not purple?)

The wind turbines along I-90 before and after Ellensburg always amaze me.

I arrived in Seattle on Saturday about 5:30 after stopping at the Factory Outlets in North Bend for a new Coach purse.

We promptly left for Alki Beach where we enjoyed some carbs on the sand and watched the sunset.  It was gorgeous.

We got back to the house around 10:00 p.m. and planned to go straight to bed.  I spent the next half hour texting with my husband and organizing my race gear.  Just as I closed the door to head to bed, I noticed I was not alone. 

Seriously, I am afraid of spiders, I've mentioned this before.  Usually I tell myself I just don't like them, but I was reminded that I am actually afraid of them.  I could not kill this thing and I was shaking with fear.  Luckily it wasn't moving, it was just hanging out in the corner.  I was texting my husband who was trying to coach me through killing it, but I could not do it.  My friend's husband was out having dinner with some family and I kept wishing for him to get home.  Finally, about 40 minutes after the original spotting of the beast, just as I was about to put on my shoes and socks (and headphones, I can't hear any crunching of bugs) to head into battle, the husband arrived.  My hero!  And would you believe he picked the thing up with his BARE HANDS and proceeded to talk to me for 20 minutes holding it in his hand?!  I was freaking out!  I cannot even imagine touching a spider, ewwww!!  Anyway, I finally went to bed at midnight and my alarm was set for 5:30 a.m.

Long about 3:30 a.m. I woke up.  Wide awake.  And I could not go back to sleep for anything.  Pre-race nerves again!  I passed the time by reading blogs on my iPhone and listening to music.  Finally it was time to actually get up, get dressed, eat the usual pre-race breakfast (English muffin, peanut butter, banana, and one cup of coffee) and then we were off.

The Athleta Iron Girl 10K was being held at Greenlake Park.  Greenlake is a beautiful lake that is surrounded by a paved trail that is approximately 3 miles long.  It's a popular place for the locals to get their run or walk on.  I was a little concerned about how the crowd would be managed on the trail.  I remembered the half marathon which was also on a paved trail that was way to narrow for all the runners, and the local people just out for their Sunday run or walk were kind of annoyed.  For this event, I was happily surprised to see that we would be running mostly on the road surrounding the lake- not as narrow as the trail and not displacing the locals.

We quickly picked up our packets and then walked around the expo.  Neither of us found anything we couldn't live without so we made our way back to the car to drop off our bags before the race started.  Then the fun began: the line for the bathroom.  It was clear we would not make it through the line.  They had a lot of toilets, but there were also a lot of women and the line was so long!  I had seen a Starbucks across the street so we decided to head over there.  The line was incredibly long there too, but seemed more manageable.  As we were standing there, we saw some people fiddling with the timing tags on their shoes.  TIMING TAGS!  We totally forgot to put them on.  Joanna offered to run back to the car and get them and I stayed in the line.  She returned fairly quickly and we affixed the tags.  If looks could kill, we would be dead because the girl behind us in line was not happy that Joanna came back and took her place in line.  Tough!

Finally we made our way through the line and then made our way back to the race start and lined up.  We lined up between the 10:00-11:00 minute pace markers.  My plan going into this race was to stay together and have fun.  Of course I wanted to beat my last 10K time which was 1:09 and some seconds, but if I didn't, I was okay with that too.  It wasn't the same course as my last 10K and for me, a true PR is a faster time on the same course. 

The countdown to the start began and we were off.  We took off slow and steady.  The crowd was pretty tight in the beginning and I was seriously annoyed that people were walking!  Why oh why can't people be courteous and line up where they should if they are a walker?  Oh well, we made our way around those people and it was fairly smooth running from then on.  Greenlake is so pretty and the course was very flat.  When we completed our first loop, it was a little disheartening to think we had to run the same way again.  I don't love repeat loops or out and backs, but I waved to the finish line and kept running.

Garmin and it was 1:08 or so.  I felt great and was happy with that time.  Once across the finish line we picked up our medals and grabbed some water bottles which were ice cold and wonderful!!  We made our way through the breakfast line which turned out to be a yogurt, Fuze drink, and breakfast burrito which was kinda nasty.  They also gave us some Muscle Milk and Ironman drink.  I only drank water, though.  Great Harvest Bread Co. was one of the sponsors and they had wonderful wheat rolls. I could have eaten about 20 of them!   

We had lots of fun with this race. We tried to smile and wave at all the photographers and just enjoyed the run.  The event was very well organized with plenty of swag and water. They even had a table set up where you could get a printout of your official results-usually I have to wait for the official results to appear online.  My time was 1:07:24 and Joanna's was 1:07:25, but I could swear she crossed the finish line first (see next photo).  The finisher's medal is simply awesome and such a nice treat at a 10K. Awards were also given to the first three finishers in each age group which was so nice.  There were winners ranging in age from about 11 up to 82!

10K is officially my favorite distance.  It's a challenge, but you don't have to spend hours and hours training.  The race itself is fast and you walk away feeling like you've accomplished a great thing.  I couldn't have been happier to complete this race with Joanna. My favorite event to date!

Where is this blog going?

I think this blog may have run its course and I am having one of those "where do I go from here?" moments with it.  I don't feel like I'm ready to go, exactly, but I definitely feel like I haven't had much to contribute to this awesome community lately.

I continue to gain weight.  It was lose, gain, lose, gain, lose, but now I'm just on a gain, gain cycle.  At least for the past couple of weeks anyway.

I should probably recap August.  My goals were to lose 10 pounds and run 70 miles.  I actually did pretty well.  I lost 4 pounds and I ran 67.45 miles, and I honestly feel like that was a success.

But as of today, 9/15, I am 7 pounds heavier than I was on 8/31.  I'm truly not obsessed with the number, but I have the weight history at my fingertips thanks to my handy iPhone.  I don't sit and stare at the numbers all the time, or anything.  But just know that these days I am thinking of the numbers constantly.  CONSTANTLY.  On my way to the fridge and back, especially.

Tomorrow I'm doing something I thought I would never do again in this life time.  I'm going to a Weight Watchers meeting.  A real, live meeting with the old bitties themselves.  I actually bought the WW monthly pass as they are running a special where instead of the regular $39.95 monthly fee, you can pay $43.25 for two months.  Two months is what I'm going to give it.  I already pay $16.95 a month for the online membership so this isn't too much more, and it will give me the opportunity to connect with others in real life.  I'm trying to have a positive attitude about that and hope for the best.

In related news, I rejoined the YMCA last week.  That is a really good thing and I'm excited about it.  I'm excited to try some different classes and use some of the different cardio machines besides the treadmill.  I like the elliptical a lot so far.  I'm happy to report that I've even been going before work!

I'm taking these steps to freshen things up and make some changes.  I need to do something to get back the fire and motivation that I had before.  I'm not sure what that will mean for my blog.  I'm not ready to say good bye because I'm not done yet.  But right now, I'm the last weight loss blogger you want to hear from.

Giving it up.

I've lost focus.

My "disordered eating" patterns have resurfaced a bit.

The "I'll start over tomorrow, Monday, next week" thoughts have been rearing their ugly faces.

I don't like it, but can I control it?

The answer should be yes, but can I do it alone?  Do I need Weight Watchers meetings? A gym membership? A swift kick in the ass? 

Or should I just try prayer?  I think I will.

I will give it to God.



My 37th birthday - August 28, 2011

Three Things Thursday

1. I watched the movie Country Strong this week and I LOVED it.  I'm currently obsessed with the soundtracks--yes, there are two, and I don't even love country music!  I'm also not ashamed to admit that I now have a huge crush on Garrett Hedlund after seeing this movie.  I actually think I might be a closet cowboy fan.  Oh, who am I kidding, I'm not in the closet!

2. I did not meet my time goal for my run last night.  If you'll recall my goal was 19 minutes for 2 miles, but instead I finished in 19:46.  I am not defeated, though!!  I will try again soon.  Last night I was on the treadmil, next time I will head outside.

3. I am working on putting together a fun giveaway.  A few things have to happen before I announce it, but it's coming together and should happen in the next couple of weeks. 

Control

Yesterday was a day in control and I went to bed feeling GREAT!  I managed my food, even included a lunch out of the office, and then managed to stay satisfied into the evening without eating large amounts of CRAP.  I woke up feeling thin!  As in my stomach didn't feel so overloaded and bloated, and that is a wonderful feeling.

I ran 4.25 miles on the treadmill after work.  I have a plan this week to run 5 days in a row, something I've never done.  My mileage plan for the five days is 3.1, 4, 2, 3.1, and 5-6.  The first two days have gone according to plan and even included a little extra!  I like to go out with a number in mind and then exceed it by just a little to keep myself challenged.

Today I plan a quick 2 miles.  Usual pace has been around 10:20-10:45/mile, but I'm hoping to run 2 miles in 19 minutes or less.  Wish me luck!

If I was a Smurf, I'd be Fickle Smurf.

Remember this post, about how I was saying good-bye to Weight Watchers?  Yeah, that was just last Thursday.  And today, Tuesday, I reactivated my account.  Apparently I'm not ready to sever our relationship.  I'm not sure why.  I feel like it would be so much easier just to count calories, yet I feel like I want to succeed with WW.  I started this journey with WW and it seems like I should finish it with WW. 

As of today I am just over 10 pounds above the lowest weight I've seen on this journey.  And that freaks me out!  I mean, it scares the daylights out of me.  How how how can I have gained 10 pounds when my workouts have been consistent?  Answer: eating too much!  Obviously, right?!  Well, why can't I get it together and knock it off?!  Honestly, I don't know what isn't clicking in the food department these days.

Each day I wake up with a new resolve.  I think about how I will plan my meals and stick to plan.  But inevitably something comes along and I'm derailed.  Sometimes it's a lunch out with coworkers, not too big a deal, but  usually it's something more detrimental, like a big dish of froyo (with toppings) after my Points are already gone for the day, or a bunch of chips, or possibly some popcorn followed up with a few (yes, a few) granola bars.  These choices are costing me and I simply cannot do it anymore.  If I regain the weight I've lost I will surely go crazy.  I cannot go back to that place.

So as fickle is as fickle does, I'm thinking about recanting this decision too.  I really think I want a gym membership again, and I really think I want to go to the gym for some group fitness classes; however, my husband still isn't working and we are facing the end of the unemployment very soon.  If we reach that point, unfortunately we will have to file for bankruptcy.  Remember this?  Yeah, we've been paying the bills, but when the bills exceed the income what else can you do?  Anyway, I'm not sure a gym membership can fit into the new single income budget.  Although an investment into health can be a wonderful thing, right?  And if I went regularly, the cost could be justified.  But I would have to go in the morning, and how many times can I say I am not a morning person?  But I do prefer working out in the mornings and there are some awesome classes available in the morning.  So what do I do?  Luckily I can join without a contract, but I still have to pay the "joiner fee" which is $50, a fee I already paid once only to cancel the membership 7 months later.  $50 can buy a lot of froyo...oh wait, I'm supposed to be cutting that out.

Well, anyway, like sands through the hour glass, these are the decisions of my fickle life. 

Treadmill Run Fun

This morning I ran.  Before work.  Yes, I did it. 

My alarm was set for 6:00, I woke up at 5:30.  You better believe I stayed in bed awhile before getting up.

The conversation in bed went something like this:

Me: I don't want to get up.
Me: I don't feel like running.
Me: I don't want to go outside, I don't care how beautiful it is.
Me: Running is too hard first thing in the morning.
Me: I could run in the treadmill.  The treadmill has movies.
Me: I will run on the treadmill.
Me: I'm now getting up to run on the treadmill.

And so I did it.  And I actually really liked it.  Sometimes the treadmill is where it's at.

3.5 miles, 10:38 pace

An Open Letter to Weight Watchers

Dear Weight Watchers, or as I like to refer to you, "W.W.":

We've spent many years together, but as with many relationships sometimes it's okay to say good-bye and in our case, I think it's time for me to say it.  We've had a good run, from Exchanges to Winning Points, to Flex Points.  Unfortunately, your PointsPlus and me cannot seem to find a happy place together.  I'm not saying there is anything wrong with the new you, it's just that the old me cannot embrace this new you.  I don't want to relearn everything I already know.  I know that my breakfast is worth 6 Points, but now you're telling me it's worth 7 PointsPlus with or without the banana.  While I know bananas are healthy, I think eating one should cost me, or not eating on should benefit me.  Yes, I know a banana is a better choice over a 100 calorie pack of air, but the basic formula for weight loss will always apply.

As it is, I know these things and don't need you to tell me.  I don't need your complicated system in order to keep track of my foods.  I also don't need your system to tell me if I'm hungry or not.  Just because I might have available PointsPlus does not mean I need to use them, it does not mean I am still hungry.  But sometimes I get caught up in your numbers and seeing them makes me "feel" hungry even if I'm not.  Again the problem is not yours, it's mine.

I need to learn to live on my own as I do not plan to pay you $16.95 (or more) a month for the rest of my life.  Yeah, if Iim a lifetime member at my goal weight, I know I can attend your meetings for free, but your meetings are boring and full of old bitties who are just using you for their seniors day out.  I'm sorry there is nothing to be gained from them except what not to wear in old age.

So after all you've done for me, I'm saying good-bye.  I have learned from you, I have much to thank you for.  If not for our relationship which began when I was 14, I might have grown up not knowing the amount of calories in beer and wine.  I might have become a total boozer.  If I didn't know the benefits of exercise which activity exchanges and Points taught me, I might not have always carried the desire to be a runner.  You're still helping people and I will still recommend to my friends, but our time together has come to an end.  I don't know if it will be forever, but I really hope it is.  My life will no longer be lived according to your daily and weekly PointsPlus.  There will no longer be a "weight tracking day".  I shall be free to weigh whenever I want and start over everyday if I want.  I want the freedom.  I bid you adieu and wish you well. 

Take care.
Me

Twenty-Six Servings for One

Anyone familiar with these things?

On my way to the lake on Monday I had to make an unscheduled stop at Costco--definitely not a place to go when you're hungry.  Beings that it was right after work and lunch had been hours ago, I was hungry!  So against my better judgement, and I mean I really thought about whether I should buy them or just walk away, I bought the chips.  Then I proceeded to open the bag in the car, after all, I was hungry and had a 50 minute drive ahead.

Since Monday I have eaten lots of the chips.  This morning when I picked up the bag to pack up I realized there was very little left.  Out of curiosity I decided to check the number of servings in the bag, expecting it to be 12-15.  Um, no.  28!!!  And I kid you not there are probably only 2 servings left.   That means, I have managed to consume 26 servings of pita chips since Monday!

Let me break this down for you.  One serving of the chips is 4 PointsPlus.  Twenty-Six servings is 92 PointsPlus when eaten together, 104 PointsPlus otherwise.  That is seriously whack!  And I have no one to blame but me.

Get it together!

Starting weight: 236.8
Last week's weight: 159.0
Current weight: 162.8
Gain/loss: +3.8
Total gain/loss: -74
Pounds to goal (136.8): 26
Pounds to mini goal (149): 13.8

You might notice the scale moved in the wrong direction again.  I'm seriously and completely down about this.  Yes, I did indulge some over the weekend, but to gain that much?  And I'm not even going to mention the lower numbers I saw on the scale last week.  During the week, I was actually rocking a loss for the week.  I'm discouraged.  It seems like my system is utterly sensitive to salt in which any amount of it causes every cell in my body to suck up all the water I've consumed (yet I still pee ALL THE DAMN TIME!)  It's frustrating!

As for my workouts, I reached my 15+ miles as of last night.  I crapped out and didn't run Saturday before leaving for the lake so I had to do it last night upon arriving home from the lake.  I also went out there again this morning for just under 4 miles.  We are heading to the lake again this weekend so I am hoping to get all my miles in by the end of Friday's run so I don't have to haul my running gear with me or plan a run for Sunday evening.  With my schedule this week it means I'll have to run Mon-Wed-Thurs-Friday which I don't love (three days in a row).  But I can do it if driven.  Where the strength training will fit in is unknown at this time.

I had the nicest comment on my blog Saturday which really made me feel good about sharing my journey with all of you.  But after such a craptastic week and another stupid gain, I feel guilty.  I want to be the person that inspires others, the person who succeeds.  After all, this is supposed to be a weight loss blog.  I know it's only me who is putting the pressure on me, but I know what it's like to read blogs where the author starts gravitating from what was supposed to be the whole point of the blog.  I don't want to be one of those bloggers who loses site of the finish line, who never quite does what they set out to do, and who starts floating along in limboland.  And I certainly don't want to waste anyone's time by blogging about limboland, including my own.  I need and want to keep moving forward for everyone, especially me! 

Sorry, this isn't a pity party; I'm just stating what many are probably thinking: she needs to get it together.

Get it together!

August: First week in review

Starting weight: 236.8
Last week's weight: 162.6
Current weight: 159.0
Gain/loss: -3.6
Total gain/loss: -77.8
Pounds to goal (136.8): 22.2
Pounds to mini goal (149): 10

I do despise the scale sometimes.  Yesterday the scale said 156.6 and today 159!  I did eat salty pizza and breadsticks yesterday so I know that's what did it.  Pffft!  I didn't go over my weekly points, and I didn't use any of my activity points, so I had a successful week.  My official weight loss for the week is 3.6 pounds which is GREAT. 

My exercise for the week was really good.  I logged 15.08 miles of running and 3 miles of walking.  I also completed a little weight training, something I hope to do more of and write a separate post about.

Week one of my August is a success and I am really happy about it.  I have made peace with evening workouts for now.

Spokane Indians 8K Pennant Race Recap

This report is late because it took longer than a week for the official results to be posted. 

Anyway, this race was on July 23rd, just 6 days after my half marathon.  It was a race that I participated in last year so I knew the ropes, so to speak.  I checked the start time online and planned to arrive at 7:30 which would give me time to get my packet, use the potty, and then line up for the 8:00 start.  I was disappointed to find out it was the kids race which started at 8:00, and the 8K started at 8:30.  So I did what anyone else would do, I moved my car from a pay lot to a free lot, and then sat around waiting, after I peed, of course.

It was an absolutely beautiful day and the sunshine was wonderful.  It was fun to watch the kiddos take off on their run with Otto, the Indians Mascot, and Ronald McDonald.  (This race benefits the Ronald McDonald House.)  Waiting for the start really wasn't too bad.

When we lined up to start (quite a small group) I had the following thought: I just ran a half marathon so this 8K will be cake!  Then I started running.  And for some reason it really wasn't all that fun.  I missed Brandy, my running partner from the half, and I felt a little lonely.  Luckily this race route is on the Centennial Trail which follows the Spokane River so the scenery is quite beautiful.  I tried to focus on that instead of my boredom.

All in all this race went well except that I didn't feel super strong like I was hoping I would.  My legs actually felt really heavy, and I felt super slow.  I actually felt like was struggling around mile 3.  Yikes!  Luckily I kept running.  There was a fairly small turnout for this run and the paths weren't crowded which is really nice on an out and back course. The water stations were good and had plenty of water, and I also wore my hydration belt just in case.

 My time goal was to beat last year's time of 55:54, but I really wanted to run a sub 50.  I kept watching my Garmin time and all along I thought I would do it, until the last mile when I knew I better punch it or fall short.

So I punched it, at least I thought I did. In review of the mile splits later, there was really no punching at all.  All the same, by the time I reached finish line I was ready to stop.  And when I came upon the clock, I was disappointed to see 50:??.  I totally didn't catch the seconds and when I saw my official time last Monday of 50:04, I was still disappointed.  Yes, I beat my time from last year, but if I just could have shaved 1 measly second off each mile, I'd have made my goal of under 50 minutes.  Oh well, there's always next year, right?

The downside of this race was that I was there all by myself.  I showed up alone, I ran alone, and I went home alone.  I didn't even take the obligatory self photo because I didn't even think about it.  While I'm glad to have supported the Ronald McDonald House, it was a fairly lonely event.  And I could have gone out to run my own 8K in the neighborhood for a lot less hassle.  But I like having events on the schedule, so even though I had to go alone, it still feels good to have participated.

As a bonus, part of your fee includes a ticket to the Spokane Indians baseball game that same evening.  My family and I went to that which was a lot of fun, and really cool to see all the people wearing their race shirts!  I didn't wear mine, though, it's a hideous color of yellow!  The Indians lost the game, but there was a spectacular fireworks show after the game, and I love me some fireworks.

One final point: the winner of this race had a finish time of 25 minutes and some seconds.  He was honored at the game and received a prize.  A baseball bat.  I mean, that's it.  I'm not sure I'd have been happy with just a bat.

Buh-Bye July, Welcome August!!

I don't really want to rewind July because other than my half marathon (which was freaking awesome), the rest of the month in terms of my goals was not stellar.  And the scale shows it:

Starting weight: 236.8
Last week's weight: 161.0
Current weight: 162.6
Gain/loss: +1.6
Total gain/loss: -74.2
Pounds to goal (136.8): 25.8
Pounds to mini goal (149): 13.6

(In my defense, the scale showed 160 this morning so that's 2.6 down from yesterday!  I'm sure it was the salt on Sunday again.  Too much salt = my enemy.)

Briefly, in July I ran 54.43 miles and gained 3 pounds.

But August is here and I have some goals.  First of all, August is my month!!  My birthday is in August and, therefore, I love August!  So it seems fitting that I set some big goals for August.  Setting goals, achieving goals, that's what I'm doing here.  Dur.

So I declare that in August, I want to lost 10 pounds from my August 1st weight.  August first I weighed 162.6 and today I weigh 160 so that means I'm already 2.6 pounds to my 10 pound goal.  I don't think a goal of 10 pounds for the month is too lofty at all!

My next goal for August is to run 70 miles.  That is also not too lofty in that I ran over 70 miles in June.  I actually have all my runs planned out for the month and I am really excited about it.  I am going back to a Mon-Wed-Fri-Sat running schedule with long runs on Friday.  I still have two 10K races on my schedule along with that little treadmill run on 11/11/11.  I want to keep running long runs to stay strong.  I might throw a tempo or interval run in there sometimes too.

So I think these goals are realistic, and I am excited about this month.  So let's get this party started.

See Jane Run Race Series (Seattle) Review

The See Jane Run series is one like no other.  I had not heard of this series until I went to the Bloomsday expo and they were handing out fliers for the upcoming Seattle event.  At the time I was still waffling over the idea of a half marathon, but I visited their website that same night and signed up for my first half marathon within 24 hours.

What drew me to this event was that it was organized by women for women.  Chocolate and champagne at the finish?  That sounded like so much fun.  I thought it would be a great run for my first half.  A smaller event was more inviting to me than one of the big ones like the Rock and Roll series, although the RnR sounds fun, too.  But just read Jane's manifesto and tell me this doesn't sound like a great event series.

I really loved this event and am so glad that I chose this for my first half marathon.  The organizers really know how to cater to women and have a great time.  If you're considering the SJR series in the future, I would not hesitate to recommend it to you! The high points are worth mentioning for sure:

• We received a gorgeous tech T-shirt by Born Fit.
• We received an adorable champagne glass along with champagne at the finish.
• We received chocolate!
• The registration price was very reasonable.
• The race location included free parking.
• Bag checking was available.
• Packet pickup was at the race location on the morning of the race, and the expo booths were there as well which was nice for us out-of-towners.
• The pre-race and post-race activites were great and created such a fun atmosphere.
• You could refill your water bottles at the water stations.
• Brightroom was a great choice for the event photographer.

This was the first year of the Seattle event so there were a couple bumps in the road.  Here's what I hope they do differently next year.

• More bathrooms at the start line and at least 2 at each water station!
• Have a race official managing the bathroom lines so the half marathoners can go first if their event starts first.
• Do not run out of race shirts in any size!  This might mean people have to take the size they actually ordered.
• Do not run out of race medals!  A rain check for a medal would be so disappointing on race day.
• Larger medals--these things are tiny!
• It would be nice to have the shirts, glasses, and medals include the date and location of the event.
• The paths for the out and backs were too narrow for the number of runners in two directions.
• DO NOT RUN OUT OF WATER AT THE FINISH LINE!!!

This year, SJR only had four event locations on their schedule, but I foresee the popularity of this series growing by leaps and bounds.  More popularity can only mean more events, right?  The next and final event on the schedule this year is in Austin, TX on October 9th.  If you're in the area, you should definitely sign up for Jane! And if you sign up by August 9th, the cost is only $75!

Happy running!