Week 7

I did not do my measurements yesterday because I got up late & wanted to go for a run. Every minute counts in my morning.

I did weigh in at 154.0 (down .4 more total!) so that was exciting.

Also, I managed to run 5K in 41 minutes, my new personal best time. This isn't fast or even great, but to me, it is fantastic!

On a bad note, I developed a UTI last night and am in agony. So, off to a walk-in clinic. Nearest one is 1.5 hours away, but faster than waiting until my doc can see me.

Possibly the Weirdest Non-Scale Victory

I learned about Non-Scale Victories (NSV) when I was in Weight Watchers. These are the little boosts you get, not from the scale, but from making the positive changes in your life. They might be small, like passing on dessert because you are too full. Or, they might be huge - dropping a full dress size.

I've been blogging (complaining) about not seeing real results on the scale. I really do want to see more results and am trying to buckle down & kick my own butt. This is sort of working. Sometimes though, it is nice to have some positive motivation.

It is laundry day, which generally means the only underwear left in the drawer is either: a) teeny-tiny, left over from my skinny days or b) not really meant to be worn as underwear (stuff that comes as a sexy set, if you know what I mean)

So, not wanting to wear b, but resigned to doing so, I tried on my teeniest, tiniest pair of underwear. THEY FIT! They are not too tight. They do not risk cutting off my circulation. Granted, they are only technically a size smaller than my regular pairs, but the cut of them makes them littlest. and, no, I am not posting a picture. They fit, but that doesn't mean they look "good".

My darling husband though was quite thrilled to see them & thought I looked very hot. What other NSV does a girl need??

Week 6

Okay, I already said it wasn't shaping up to be a great week.

Weight: 156.4 (+2.0)

Waist 34.5 (n/c)
Hip 38.75 (-.25)
R Thigh 22 (.-5)
R Arm
Underbust 33 (n/c)
Bust 36.75 (n/c)

I was hoping for a little more waist trimming this week, but I guess a little (very very little) off the hip is nice too.

I did a run/walk last night - 3 minutes running, 3 minutes walking for 40 minutes. It was only supposed to be 30 minutes, but I went too far from home. In 40 minutes, I went 2 miles, so that was cool. I got up this morning and did a 25 minute, slow paced walk. My knees don't hurt so much this morning, so I wanted to just give them an easy time.

I hope to do another cycling workout tonight. I think I am not active enough for what I am eating & I am pretty much hungry all the time on this plan. I'm also not losing any weight, so I need to really step up for next week.

Feeling Kinda Brutal

I have a cold. A nastier by the minute head cold. I've already put the youngest to bed at 7:00 & the eldest is in the tub, getting ready for an early bedtime.

I need a hot bath. I need an early bed. I need to work off about 6 flex points.

Guess which one of those is not likely getting done? At this point, all three are up for grabs. Still haven't made hubby's supper, since he doesn't get in until around midnight, so early bed might be a dream. For some reason, this year, I can't seem to fall asleep until he comes to bed. It is making me one mighty tired lady.

Also, today is stat day but I forgot to do it & got up late. So, I will try to remember tomorrow morning and post them then.

Yeesh I feel awful.

Probably a bad week

Hate to say it, but I don't think this is going to be much of a loss-week. Monday was a total binge day. It was like I couldn't walk past food without putting it in my mouth. I was home for the Victoria day holiday & it was awful weather outside. Normally, my coping with a binge-day is to get outside. Go shopping. Do anything, except spend time in the house.

Well, we'd done the shopping on Saturday. I couldn't go outside. I couldn't motivate myself to do anything.

I've started doing Weight Watchers again, but on my own. I decided to just count 20 flex points for the binge. I might have eaten all 35, but I can't say because I didn't write it down. Yes, I know the whole point is to record everything. But, that was too depressing & I ended up wanting to eat more, not less. Yikes.

I did 30 minutes on the stationary bike Monday night, since I was feeling pretty bad about the food I ate. Then I did another 60 minutes last night. My knee (left) is sore. It's been sore since last Monday & no matter how much or how little I do, it isn't getting any better. It's also not getting any worse.

I teased my hubby that maybe this is what a knee is supposed to feel like. After all, it seems like it's been so long since I did anything physical....

Trying hard to keep up the water intake. I'm doing pretty good on work days. Not so great on weekends. So, the goal for the week is: drink all my water including the weekend. Not go over my remaining 15 flex points.

This is going to be t-o-u-g-h.

Week 5

Remember I was nearly ready to quit last week? Sometimes you just have to be patient. Because today I am down 3.2 pounds from Week 1 (4 pounds from last week!) a total of 2.66% lost! Maybe it sounds like nothing, but for me, I'm dancing.

Weight- 154.4
Waist 34.5 (-.75)
Hip 39 (n/c)
R Thigh 22.5 (n/c)
R Arm 11.5 (+.5)
Underbust 33
Bust 36.75 (+.75, feels like swelling)

Interesting measurements today. I know I'm approaching the PMS part of my cycle, which likely accounts for the increased bust size. Hubby won't be sad. I'm really excited to see that the weight is coming off my waist. I'm going to have to target the hip/belly pouch next, since that is always a stubborn area.

Anyhow, I'd just like to say: YAHOO ME!

Two Updates

I was out again last night for a run, 5K in 46 minutes, including the walk to and from the starting line. Since the starting line doesn't move, I think 46 minutes is about the same as I did last time. I felt like I was running slower last night, but I didn't walk quite as much, so that is probably the reason for logging the same time. I felt a little less winded after but still had a pretty hard, fast heartbeat. I found about 2.2 k in, I started to get a stitch in my side. I reduced the pace and tried to breathe more normally and that seemed to help also.

I was also up for a 40 mintue bike ride this morning. I think that darned near killed me. There was no wind, but I felt so tired that I wondered if I'd be able to make it. I logged about 2 miles in total but my knees are now pretty stiff. Good chance I overdid it, I should have eaten something before going out also. So, about half way back, I felt like I had hit a wall, but what can you do? You have to get home & Learn a Lesson.

The other update, I am trying "free" weight watchers. I just can't seem to drop any weight, even with all the exercise. I must be making up for it in food consumption, so I thought to myself: Self, it is time to start tracking points again.

The trouble is, I can't justify spending $75 on a 3 month subscription right now. I have $0 available to me because I am trying to pay off a nasty credit card bill. (It's not $10K or anything, I just want to get rid of the balance I'm carrying). So, I looked around cyberspace and found some free tools for tracking weight. It sure isn't as good as online subscription, but will have to do for now. I figure if I can drop a few pounds on my own WW plan, then we'll see what my finances look like in a month or two. Really, I'd rather not have to track at all, but if there is one thing I know about WW, is that it does work for me.

I think. See, I usually drop about 10 pounds, get bored and quit. That takes about 2 months usually. So, the third month is a waste. I really, really, really want to lose the first 10% this time. I said that the first, second and third time too. BUT. Let's go with, this time I mean it. Hey, I didn't gain the weight (or the bad habits) in a year, so I can't expect to lose them on the first try either. That means my immediate goal is 15 pounds in 3 months. So far, on my complete own, I gained a pound. Not a bright start. This morning, I felt "lighter" so I weighed in, and I am down .2 pounds from when I started (so now at 157.4) I am hopeful that on the official weigh-in day (Thursday) there will be some actual, measurable movement on my scale.

This week, I am giving up cookies, in addition to my other goals of working out every day, drinking water and etc. I want to see if it can make a difference. What a hard challenge. I love my cookies. But, I love me more. So, I will give it a good shot. I did have about 1/4 cookie this morning as I was checking to see how fresh they were staying since Saturday. They are the kids' cookies and it is a new Gluten free recipe, so I needed to know. I did mark it down, all .5 points of it. I don't actually know if this is right, but I always score at least .5 points for any "taste testing" I do. Keeps me honest.

To Run or Not?

My feet are so sore today. Yesterday was my best childhood friend's wedding. I wore amazing, 3.5 inch heel silver sandals. So pretty. So hard on the feet.

I haven't been out for a run for a couple of days, so I'm feeling like I should be out there again but ouch, my feet are not so amused. I know that there is nothing wrong, they are just tired, like the rest of my poor body. This 1:00 a.m. stuff is not for me. I need to be getting more sleep & a late night did not help matters.

I've been watching "Taking It Off" today, as I eat lunch & am not finding it as good as Biggest Loser, but it is a lot more realistic, since the people are living their "real" lives, not at a special location with trainers. The only problem with the realism is that I don't find it as motivating. I like BL because I am motivated at the end. This show, I can't say that it helps me get off the couch.

Anyhow, that's enough for today. It is Sunday, the sun is shining and I'm wasting it. Maybe I'll think of a bit more to say later.

A New Goal

I got a newsletter yesterday from the local YMCA. They are having a 1/2 marathon, 10K and 5K race on May 31st. The cost to do a 5K (timed!) run is $15. The run itself is about an hour and a half drive from my house & starts at (eek!) 8:15 a.m. Now, I'm not sure that I am ready for such an "event".

So, I got into the car last night & mapped out 2.5 km. That gives me 5 km round-trip. This morning, I mapped out 2.5 km in a different direction, so I don't get bored while I am running. I was surprised and excited to see that I was only about .5 km short (each way) of running 5 km at my peak last summer. Just for "fun" I also mapped out 5 km in one direction, yeah, that's not going to happen any time soon!! 10Km is a loooooong way.

I was too excited and anxious to give 5 km a try to wait for the morning run. Could I do it? Would I give up and walk for half? I strapped on my new runners, set up the ipod and set off. A nice, easy pace, to not wear myself out completely. I got to 1 km. Doing good. I made 1.5 km, not even sweating yet. Got to 2 km, wondered if I'd make it back. I walked for about .5 km next and then turned around and ran all 2.5 back.

Did you read that! I RAN 4.5 km last night. It took 56 minutes (give or take, since I walked in and out of the "starting line") but I DID it. I thought for sure I'd be sore and miserable today, but I am not even a bit. Tired, but it is also Friday & I often feel a little more worn out on Fridays.

I am pretty proud of myself right now. The question is, do I enter the race, or not? I only have 3 weeks to train and I'm not sure that's enough to get my time down to something "reasonable". I looked at last years' results. The fastest time was 22 minutes. (I think just maybe he should have entered the 10 km race, bu that's just me) The slowest time was 56 minutes, but the majority came in around 35 - 40 minutes. So, I need to trim at least 5 minutes off my time I think. Is 3 weeks enough time to do it?

Also, I'll need some childcare. My hubby is likely still at work & I can't run with 2 boys at home! So, there's a couple of obstacles to overcome. I have to decide by May 22nd, which is 1 full week before the race. Maybe that's enough time to decide if I can make it.

Week 4

If I wasn't such a stubborn pain in the butt, I think I'd just give up today.



Weight: 158.6 (gain of 1 pound over last time, total of 1.6 pounds gained)

Waist (belly button) 35.25 (-.25")
Hips (upper) 39 (-1)
R Upper Thigh 22.5 (-.5)
R Upper Arm 11" (-.5)
Underband 32.75 (-.25)
Bust 36 (-1)

So, that's a further loss of 3.5 inches. Total of 7.5 overall.

If it wasn't for the fact that I am sloooooooooooooooowly losing inches, I'd be eating a pint of Ben & Jerry's.

Break Day

I had to take a Rest day this morning. After all the running, biking and log lifting, I am afraid I am going to cause an injury. I know I am also not getting enough sleep, midnight to 6:00 a.m. is not much rest. So, I am taking an easy day, light walking at lunch maybe, but no running.

Eric will likely have me back out on a bike tonight and I am hoping to get a few more logs stacked up so that shouldn't be too much.

I really hate to not be out running this morning, but if I push too hard and hurt myself I am going to be sidelined for several days instead. Know your limits I guess. Tomorrow is Stat day, so I don't like that I'm not getting a "last chance workout", but again, moderation, right?

Oh, and do you like my new banner? That's me in all my glory. Yup, the pictures are taken a couple years apart. The bikini was summer of 2007 and the "fully clothed" is from 2 weeks ago. I'm hoping to add photos to the banner as I slim down. In the fully clothed I know I was 158 pounds. (In the bathing suit, probably the same.) I HATE that picture, but I know that it is what I look like. So, maybe it will be motivating.

I managed to drink all my water and then some yesterday, so that was nice. Here's hoping today goes as easily.

My Son

I swear, who needs a "coach". I have Eric, the bike riding, sun loving, always moving 4 year old. He insisted on a bike ride out to the tractor tonight - about .75 miles one way. Of course, that means I get to ride both directions, which is not such a bad thing! In total, we took about 30 minutes, but really the ride back was about 10 or so.

That kid is determined to get me off my butt & moving. He doesn't even know that Mommy is trying to be healthier. I think he just likes this new Mommy that is willing to get out and play.

I love the grin on his face when I say "ok" to any activity. It makes all the sweat, all the exhaustion and all the muscle pain worth it.

(But I am sooooo not ready for a Marathon. Yet.)

Much Better Day

There is something about setting goals & being accountable for them (even if it is just here) that really works for me. I dragged my lazy butt away from the (useless, boring) Monday night t.v. and went outside with the kids last night. Eric & I attempted a bike ride but the wind was so strong it kept pushing him over. The kid only weighs 40 pounds (in a snowsuit) so I don't know why I was surprised!

So we went back to the yard & I started re-stacking the woodpile. My loving husband dumps a 3-ton truck load on our lawn every November with the hopes that we'll use most of it through the winter. Well, it must have been a big load this year because there's enough left to get us through to next February at least! It's a workout & strength training in one, so I gladly spent an hour or so at that.

Then, this morning, I did sprints/walk for my workout. What a killer. I am probably going to need to lay off a bit tomorrow, especially if I get back to the woodpile tonight. I really want to get my speed & endurance up & I know that sprints are a good way to push that boundary.

Of course, I am probably going to have to put the kids to bed early & strength train inside tonight since it is Biggest Loser tonight. I love love that show. I try to pretend I don't, but secretly, I am so mad if I miss it. I even like the old episodes on Slice. It is just so motivating, especially the end shows, to see the changes that are possible.

I'm really struggling with the water goal today. Water just tastes like yuck today, so it's Crystal Lite or lemon juice I guess. Well, I'm halfway through my first bottle, but I hope the next one is easier to get down.

Never Give Up

I didn't even bother to post stats on Thursday, too depressing. I think I gained more weight this week but since I didn't deserve to lose any, I guess I can't be too upset. I did try to workout some last week but with my conference and the late nights, it didn't go so well.

But, every week is a new opportunity to do better, right?

I've only been at this for 4 weeks now & already I needed to give myself a serious butt-kicking. So, this morning's run really felt like it. It was only 30 minutes (standard morning workout time) but am I ever sweaty. Gross really. I ran from my starting point (about 1/4 mile), then a full 1/2 mile, walk to the next hydro pole, then run the same 1/2 mile/1/4 mile back. Adding all that up makes 1.5 miles ran (all out!) this morning.

Last year I was running 2 miles (plus the 1/4 mile each way) in 30 minutes. I could almost see the "finish line" this morning. That was very inspiring. I always want to give up about 1/2 mile into the run, it's so hard, it's still cold, I'm tired..... but this morning I pushed my boundaries and made myself put out the effort.

Never give up. That's my new mantra for the week.

Ok, goals this week:
1. Work out Monday - Friday. At least 1 bike ride/run
2. Drink 2 bottles (591 ml) water at work, 5 glasses at home
3. Add 1 strength/toning workout in the evening.
4. (This is week 4!!) Ride bikes with Eric at least 2 times this week, plus once on weekend

Blah.

I've been away all week at a conference. You know what that means. Rich food, lots of alcohol and not much exercise.

And that means I now weigh in at 159. A 2 pound gain.

I am not surprised. I am not pleased either.

I went for a run/walk this morning in my brand new sneakers, which were supposed to inspire me to get off my lazy butt. Unfortunately, that didn't work today. So, I logged a total of 1.5 miles and didn't really even work very hard.

But, it is better than sitting in another meeting eating danish, right??