November 8, 2008

Workout: Interval running on treadmill
Weight: 124.4 (I think)

A lot to catch up on...

Weight: My weight has been steady at 122.8, but last night I had Olive Garden and not enough water, which explains the almost 2 pound gain over night.

Workouts: I stayed steady at a 5.4 pace until I went to Mexico. For my first workout in Mexico I decided to up it to 6.0 because I had eaten more than usual the day before - including dessert. So I ran at 6.0 for the whole week (3 workouts on the treadmill, 1 on the eliptical, 1 morning of surfing (3 hours) and 1 day of snorkeling which ended up not being a workout at all). We were very active in Mexico in addition to those workouts. We walked a large portion of the city of Cabo San Lucas one afternoon/evening - about 3-4 hours total that day, we walked around the city again another day, we walked the beach, we played a lot of pool volleyball and we climbed the rocks. It was a great vacation. I ate more than I normally do and didn't gain a pound - I went to Mexico weighing 122.8 and came home weighing the same. I was very happy about that!

Since coming home I have kept my running pace at 6.0. I've tried - briefly - to slow it back down to 5.4, but it is tough - it isn't a natural pace for me and I feel like it is harder work to maintain that pace. I'm running at 6.0 for 25:00 or 2.5 miles before taking a break to catch my breath. My total distance has increased to 3.5 miles in 36:30. I am very happy about all of this. It feels good and I can see where I may eventually get up to 4 and then 5 miles every day once my pace increases a little more. I'm not going to get over eager - I'm sticking with 6.0 for now.

Sugar fast: I broke my sugar fast in Mexico (I had planned on it). Started September 2 and went all the way to October 19 without eating sugar. It was very good for me. I started again on October 26, but broke it on Halloween and again yesterday. I have to not even start otherwise I excuse myself for the rest of the day. I have to make a decision about today - we are celebrating Georgia's birthday tonight and I haven't decided, yet, if I want a piece of cake. I have to remember that I really don't even like cake and frosting...

October 13, 2008

Workout: running on the treadmill
Weight: 123.0

3 miles in 34:31
3.25 miles in 37:18

27 minutes straight

October 10, 2008

Workout: bodyweight/toning
Weight: 123.4

Some new exercises today. I didn't feel I had the cardio workout that I have with the previous workouts so I may be going back to most of those. These were tough, though.

Power Pushups: 3x15
Standing back extension: 3x10
Two-Arm Swing: 3x15
Quad Stretch w/ bicep curls: 3x10
Triceps Can-Can: 3x10
Pretzel: 3x15/side
Dual Cable Lift: 3x15
Time: 39:30

The triceps can-can needs to be eliminated - for some reason I can't do things that require being in that position. I may have to find a new triceps exercise or go to plain dips or weighted dips.

Yesterday I ran on the treadmill. Since it was day 2 of 2 in a row I was going to do a tougher but shorter run. I intended to do 24 minutes at 5.8mph. I ended up doing 35 minutes at 5.8 because I was feeling good. 3 miles = 32:24. 3.25 miles in 35:01. I stopped more often than I do when running at 5.4 (stopped at 1 mile to catch my breath and then a couple of times after that), but it felt good to be running at that pace. I'm anxious to increase my pace, but I'm going to continue to take it slow. Tomorrow I run 26:00 straight.

Weight is 123.4 two days in a row!! Although I'm very comfortable where I'm at... its still nice to see those low numbers on the scale!

October 8, 2008

Workout: treadmill
Weight: 124.8
3.25 miles in 37:20; 3 miles in 34:31 @ 5.4mph; 25:00 straight without stopping (2.25 miles)


Good run this morning. I was a bit worried because we hung out in a smokey bar on Saturday night and I thought my lungs were going to burn. But I didn't feel anything. Felt good to kill it again.

Monday I walked for 48:00 outside with the dog. We played soccer with Joseph (9), Thomas (7), Nora (6) & Christopher (4) on Sunday and my hip flexors hurt so badly on Monday morning that I couldn't even think about running. Yesterday morning I just didn't feel like working out so I didn't - no real good excuse. So today it was back to it and it feels good.

Dave and I were talking after I ran on Saturday and I told him how I started to feel labored at 20 minutes, but worked through it and by 22 minutes felt like I was in a good rhythm again, but stopped anyway. He wondered if part of my problem is I've never busted through those laboring parts of running - everyone has them, they only last 30-60 seconds and then you get through. I think he's right so i kept that in mind this morning while running and really focused on busting through those laboring parts. I started out with the intention of running 23:00 straight and then while I was running decided to go for 24 minutes since I skipped a workout on Monday (which was supposed to be 23:00) and then I realized that if I went for 25 minutes I'd be able to run a full 2.25 miles. THAT is progress (increasing my running time while I'm running - rather than decreasing it).

october 4, 2008

Workout: treadmill
Weight: 124.4

3 miles = 34:54 (@5.4 pace)
3.25 miles = 37:38

I ran 22 minutes without stopping. I started laboring right around 19/20 minutes, but by 22 minutes I was in a pretty good rhythm again and actually stopped at 22 minutes and had a brief feeling of guilt like I should have kept going. 22 minutes was 2 miles of running. I feel I accomplished something really good by running 2 miles straight without a break. I'm going to get there. Slowly but surely I will get to the point where I can consistenly run 3 miles straight and then I'll start working on increasing my speed and incline.

I'm a little worried about the weekend. We're going to Michigan to have family pictures taken for my mom's side of the family. I think we're doing pizza afterward. On Sunday we're having our family birthday picnic - again, possibly pizza or some kind of bad for you grilled food. I'm not quite sure what I'm going to do - is it insulting for me to go out and get my own salad? we can't really afford it, but I don't want to eat a bunch of garbage this weekend and go backward.

October 3, 2008

Workout: body weight exercises
Weight: 124.4

Power Pushups: 3x15
Standing Chest Expansion: 3x10
2 arm swing: 3x15
Wide Leg Plank w/ Jab: 3x10
Quad stretch w/ bicep curl: 3x10
Single Leg Glute Lift: 3x10 (each side)
Crescent Punch Lunge: 3x10 (5 each side)

Wow, I work up quite a sweat during this workout. And my arms, again, were fatigued and uncomfortable afterward. I had not recovered from being sore from the workout on Tuesday, so the pushups were tough this morning. But good. Its all good - good workout. Good exercises. I feel these are much better than lifting weights right now.

October 2, 2008

Workout: running
Weight: 124.4

Yesterday's info: Weight was 124.0, Ran on the treadmill for 37:00 at 5.4 mph; 21:00 straight without a stop, 3 miles in 34:50; 3.25 miles total

Today I did a short run because it was day 2 & because I woke up late. My intention was to run for only 24:00 this morning (which = 4:00 walking & 20:00 running) so I increased the speed and took a rest halfway through. I ran at 5.7mph for most of it and increased it to 5.8 toward the end. It was a good run. I think I ended up running slightly longer than 24:00 because I wanted to get 2 miles of running in (+.25 mile walking... total 2.25 miles). I'm not sure what my exact time was because I accidentally pulled the emergency stop key out at exactly halfway through (distance).

I'm loving the fact that I'm maintaining this low weight. I tried on my picture clothes yesterday and I look really, really good - which means that it supports me feeling really, really good. Maybe it is because my clothes fit perfectly and aren't too big or too small, but whatever - I looked good. It got me very excited.

September 30, 2008

Workout: body weight circuit
Weight: 124.0

124.0??? Yea!

Changed up my routine and I'm feeling it now. Even right afterward my arms were very, very fatigued... it took a lot of effort to wash my hair because lifting my arms above my head felt uncomfortable - not painful, just a little uncomfortable and fatigued. It is 9:15pm and my back, arm and core muscles are sore. Good.

Here it was:
Power Push Ups: 3x15 (5 at 2&8, 5 at 4&10, 5 at 3&9)
Standing Chest Expansion: 3x10 (works back muscles)
2 arm swing: 3x15
Crab Crawl: 2 sets (10 steps forward, 10 steps backward, 5 left, 5 right)
Wide-Leg Plank w/ Jab: 3x10 (10 right, 10 left, 5 right, 5 left)
Clean & Press w/ DB: 3x10
Quad stretch w/ Biceps lift: 3x10
Single-leg Glute Lift: 2x10

I mixed and matched exercises that I've cut out of my Shape and Fitness magazines. I had a few more that I was going to try, but I had already done 40+ minutes. It was a good workout and I felt it had a cardio component as well. I took a 1 minute rest between each set of reps to catch my breath, but I was breathing heavy, sweating and my heartrate was elevated so that was a bonus.

I probably won't be doing the crab crawl again because I felt it required my arms to be twisted unnaturally and it kind of hurt in my inner elbow. Other than that, I think I just need some practice on some of the other ones to make them a little more effective. Good workout. Good workout.

September 29, 2008

Workout: running on the treadmill
Weight: 124.6

Lowest weight since getting pregnant with Georgia! Yea! I think right before I found out I was pregnant with her I had gotten to 123 so I'm really excited!

Ran on the treadmill this morning. I think my days of running outside are over until the spring. I just hate feeling cold like that. I'm getting less and less tolerant of cold.

I made a goal to run for 20 minutes straight without stopping. I made it and thought about running some more, but ultimately really, really wanted to stop! In hindsight, I should have kept going. Heartrate again was at 190 when I stopped.

I started at 5.6mph for the first 10 minutes and since that was getting increasingly more difficult to consider sustaining for another 10 minutes, I backed it down to 5.4 mph for the next 10 minutes. Wondering how it would be to start out at 5.4... I think I'm going to work on getting myself to running 30 minutes straight before I increase speed. My times are going to suck, but I think this is what I need to do in order to build some endurance. I'm going to increase my running by 1 minute each time and see how it goes.

I still need to sit down and refigure my weight training days - I'm considering all body weight exercises.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: running on the treadmill
Weight: 125

Ran on the treadmill this morning because Dave had an early (for a Saturday) appointment and was running outside. Its too dark to run outside before 6:30 and I didn't want to start running after 7:00 so it was the treadmill for me, which was fine. I took an easy pace of 5.5 mph for most of the run... I still had a heartrate of 185 bpm so the slower pace doesn't make a difference in that regard (which means I have no reason to step it up to 5.6-5.8). Toward the end I increased to 5.6 and then 5.8 for the last 5 minutes. I stopped several times for this reason or that - not because I needed to, but I had to stop to say good morning to Georgia and tell her to go potty, had to stop to turn the volume up on the tv, had to stop to turn the fan on - those kinds of stops that turned into 30-60 second breaks. Other than that, though, I ran the whole time - no walking breaks (other than my 4:00 walking warmup)... so maybe 5.5 is better than 5.8.

I need to give up on this notion that I'm going to be an amazing runner right now. I need to start setting small goals for myself and reach them rather than thinking I can do it all at once. I'm afraid that as the season goes on my days of running outside may be over until spring. I'm sure I'll get out there several times yet, but they're coming to an end - its staying dark longer and I haven't quite figured out how to dress for running right now. I think I need to go out and buy a reflective vest or something so we can safely run in the dark.

I want to sit down this weekend and re-form my weight lifting routine and set some running goals.

I also have decided that I need to be content with my weight - I'm going to still work on it, but I am really good where I'm at right now - I look good, I feel good and people are noticing. I would love to lose an additional 5 - 10 pounds, but it isn't going to be fast at all because I'm simply unwilling to do the drastic measures that it would take to lose those pounds fast. I think that if I continue eating as well as I have been this month (continue my sugar fast) and continue working on hitting some running goals that the weight will eventually drop. I will be surprised if I am still at 125 by my birthday in April.

Hopefully by Sunday I will have a whole new "plan" outlined. Not really a plan, but goals and parameters.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: short run 25:30
Weight: 125.4

I really should change my goal. There really is no way that that is going to happen. I think I have 3 weeks to lose 10 pounds. Nope.

Ran outside this morning. I know I started out too fast and could not keep the pace with the inclines and hills. I stopped a lot. I tried to get a slower pace going toward the middle and the end, but my heart rate was already elevated so any running - even slow - brought it right back up to the point of unsustainable. Its alright - I got outside and I did it, which was one mental barrier that had re-formed.

I looked back through my blog yesterday. I didn't read every single entry, but a few scattered here and there. I have improved a lot in the last year. I have improved a lot since July. I need to keep the focus on small improvements instead of expecting to be a fantastic runner within the next week. Stop getting discouraged and be proud of myself for being consistent and pushing myself to improve.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: running on the treadmill
Weight: 125.4
3 miles: 32:55
total: 3.25miles

I really, really suck at running and I'm getting more and more discouraged every time. I don't know what to do about it. I need to get back to running outside - it doesn't seem as discouraging outside as it does inside. Not sure why that is. I was unable to go outside this morning because Dave had to leave really early. So tomorrow I will go. Even if I'm going to be cold. I will run outside.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: weights
Weight: 125.4

Butterfly: 3x14 @ #5
reverse cybex row: 3x12 @ #6
Shoulder Press w/ DB: 3x14 @ 8lbs
Tricep Press Down: 3x14 @ #4
BB Curl: 3x14 @ 20lbs
squats: 200
planks: 2 @ 1:00 each

Lowered my weights a little bit and everything was more comfortable - not easier, not painless, just more comfortable. I think I've been pushing it too high too quickly to the point where performing the exercise was not comfortable and I was definitely losing form. I'll do this routine again on Friday and then hope to change everything up by next Tuesday - all new exercises since I've been doing these for a couple of months now.

Glad to see my weight back down to 125.4. Hopefully by the end of the week it will be a little lower. I don't know how I'm ever going to get past this plateau of sorts. I kicked it up a notch to get past the 126-128 plateau by cutting out sugar and actually cutting a couple of points every day. Not sure what I can do to bust through this one other than to increase my workout times and to cut way down on the weekend. I don't want to increase my workout times - I know a lot of people do 45-60 minutes of cardio every day and if I could run 9 minute miles, I would definitely do 45 minutes of cardio, but right now I'm at my limit with what keeps my attention and what I want to do. As for cutting down on the weekend - I have already. The only way to cut down would be to severely limit my life and I don't think I'm willing to do that right now. So maybe I need to just be content with where I'm at. I look good and I feel good. What does the number matter?

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: running on the treadmill - 3 miles = 33:15, 3.25mi total in 36:01
Weight: 126.6

I'm getting a little discouraged in regards to everything. I want to be a good runner so badly, but I feel like I'm totally incapable and never will be. There is no way that I can sustain running for 30 minutes at 180-190 beats per minute. Its not possible. So I stop and walk. I don't know how to get to the point where my heart rate is lower - how do I do that? I ran on the treadmill this morning partly because I didn't feel like being cold and partly because I was in the Screw It mood and decided to do the easier run rather than kill myself outside. Whatever. I don't know how to get better - I've been working so hard since July and I know I'm better than I was in July, but it seems that lately there is just no measurable improvement.

And my weight is discouraging me, too. I feel like I'll never break the 126 barrier. I got down last week, but today was back to 126.6. I should be excited because during the summer I was always around 128/129 on Monday mornings and today I was at 126.6. That should be encouraging, but it wasn't this morning. I don't think 115 is going to happen by October 10 for sure and I don't know if it ever will... and I'm not sure that I should. I bought some clothes for Mexico from Old Navy and I was able to buy XS skirts and S shirts. If I lose another 10 pounds I don't know where I"ll go from there. But I'm going to keep working at it. Hopefully I'll see lower weights this week and they'll stay consistently lower. I've been doing really well with my eating and having cut sugar out should have done something.

I gave blood on Saturday. Blood Pressure was 110/70 and pulse was 68. Both are really good. I'll get my cholesterol results today or tomorrow (nonfasting test and I ate eggs for dinner on Friday - dumb).

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: running - treadmill - 25:10
Weight: 125.2

Ran on the treadmill this morning because I overslept. I had wanted to do an easy run this morning, so 25:00 was good. I ran 2.25 miles in 25:10 - 4:00 at 4.0 and 21:00 at 5.6. I started out at 5.8, but then realized that I wanted to do an easy run and took it down by .2. I had a good pace and stride going and actually kind of enjoyed it the whole time. I didn't feel labored toward the end like I do when I run at 5.8. It was a good run and I was happy that I did it even though it was later than usual.

This is the first time that my weight has stayed consistently this low. It has gotten as low as 125.6 in the past but for only one day before going back up to 126's & 127's. I'm excited about this - I have hovered around 126/127 for most of the summer without putting any real effort into losing more. This is encouraging.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: running - 35:30
Weight: 125.4

I broke the 126 barrier!!! I think I was down to 125.? on Sunday morning. And I was down to - wait for it - 124.8 yesterday morning. Holy cow was I excited! Giving up sugar has definitely been a good thing for me - doing so has given me more discipline in my diet than I realized it would. I'm very, very excited about this and hope to see the scale moving down evern more!

Ran outside today. On Monday I made it almost to the park before stopping to walk. Today I made it my goal to get to the park and I made it to the sidewalk bordering the opposite end of the park. I kept telling myself that I should run to the end of the running path, but ultimately the fact that I hit my goal won out and I stopped right where I had initially set out to stop. I'm still quite proud of myself. Tomorrow I will do an easier/shorter run and on Saturday I will try to go further yet.

I want so badly to be a good runner, I'm just not sure it will ever happen... my legs are short, I am naturally slightly heavy or bigger boned and Dave is convinced I have very small lungs. I am a better runner than I was a month ago. I ran better today than I did on Monday. A year from now I will probably laugh about all of this:) I will continue to work at it and set new small goals so that I continue to improve.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: Running - 35:45
Weight: 127.4

I ran farther today without stopping to walk than I ever have before. I ran almost to the park. It was tough. I have such mental issues while running and I have to bust through them so I can run better. After I stopped for that break, I couldn't string together even a full song of running without stopping. Its mental, I know it is and I have to get over it. My legs were kind of tired this morning, too.

My weight was down to 125.2 yesterday morning and I was very excited about that! I went shopping for new khakis for our Albers picture in October and was able to buy a pair of size 6. I tried a bunch of size 8 jeans on and had the same issues as usual - gap at the waist. I have been doing really, really well this week and I didn't blow it too badly over the weekend. We had a Dykstra celebration on saturday. It was catered with fried chicken, italian beef, mostaciolli, salad and fruit. I had a small piece of chicken and didn't eat the skin, a small beef sandwich, some pasta, some salad and a bunch of fruit. And since I've given up sugar I didn't have to struggle with wanting a second piece of dessert (it looked really good:) or with feeling guilty over how many gum drops I was eating.

Yesterday Dave's parents were here all day for the Bears game. We had pizza, but I made myself a salad with a chicken breast instead. I had a couple of pieces of pizza for the taste, but didn't pig out. We went to Chili's for dinner and I had a salad there, too. So I don't think I did too bad. I didn't drink much water, though, which explains the higher weight this morning.

I'm feeling really good right now. I'm being disciplined, I'm losing, I'm getting fit. I'm doing well and enjoying it. It isn't a struggle and I'm not miserable. I'm happier this way. I feel better physically and emotionally. Its all good.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: running - total 36:00; 3 miles in 32:42
Weight: 127.6

ran on the treadmill again this morning because Dave needed to run early in order to get to the office early.

walked 3:20 at 4.0mph
started running at 5.5mph and increased .1mph with each song until I was at 6.0. I ran at 6.0 for 2 songs (with a break to catch my breath between songs) and then backed it down to 5.7 for 1/2 a song and 5.5 for the rest and was done.

It was a tougher run than I thought it would be. I think I need a break and need to sleep in tomorrow. I'm looking forward to no alarm tomorrow morning. I've got to get back outside on Monday or I'm eventually going to get a mental block about running outside.

Have been doing really well this week with WW. Cutting out sugar has not been tough. I'm going to miss my ice cream this weekend, though. I should probably never eat ice cream again.

Looks like I've settled at 127.6 this week and I should consider not weighing myself again until Friday like I used to do. My lowest has been 126 - I really hope that I can get below that. I need to be good this weekend and not lose my momentum. Giving up sugar and Dave giving up alcohol will hopefully make that much easier.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: Running - treadmill; 3 miles = 33:36, Total: 3.25 miles in 36:11
Weight: 128.2

Slowly but surely the weight is coming down. I don't know what I'll finally settle at this week, but it is nice to see lower numbers every day.

Last night was the final FFFFSN of the summer and I am glad - I need to be done with it and stop eating chips! I sat there and ate a bunch of chips and bean dip and hummus. I don't do that at home, but its in front of me and I'm enjoying the night and the people and the conversation and feeling free to partake. I no longer have that excuse. That makes me happy:)

Ran on the treadmill again today because it was wet/rainy outside. Ran at 5.8 mph and felt really, really good about it. Walked for 5 minutes at 3.8, ran for 20 minutes at 5.8, walked for 3 minutes at 4.0 and ran 6 minutes at 5.8. Felt good. I now enjoy running on the treadmill because I feel strong and fit while I'm doing it. I can get into a really good rhythm while running and I don't feel like I'm laboring so much. I think running outside has made me so much stronger and I'm going to continue to do that, but maybe I'll add a treadmill run once a week - perhaps on Thursdays.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: Running - treadmill 36:15
Weight: 128.8

Ran 3 miles in 33:36 today, ran 3.23 miles in 36 minutes and 3.25 miles in 36:15. Walked at 3.8mph and ran at 5.7mph. I had to take a break in the middle to go to the bathroom, but other than that did really well. Heart rate was around 185 in the middle of it, though.

Weight yesterday was 132, so 128.8 doesn't look bad at all. I'm sure I've gaine a couple of pounds over the last 3 weeks. I didn't do bad at all at the cottage this weekend, but the previous 3 weeks in addition to a loose weekend was not a good combination. I'll be happy if I settle in at 128 or less. But 132 is definitely what I needed to see.

Gave up sugar for the month of September. Yesterday was day 1 (couldn't do a holiday as my first day). It wasn't bad at all, but the weekend will be tougher.

I did run over the weekend while in Michigan. On Saturday I ran by my mom and dad's and did alright. On Monday I ran at the cottage - there was a very steep hill that I ran up twice. It was tough and at both places I walked more than I would like, but oh well. I think I started too fast both times. I need to work on that.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: Running/walking - 28:30
Weight: 127.6

Whew! I was so happy to see that weight on the scale this morning. I know that is probably where I will settle for the week, but it is much better than 129 or 130.

Today was my short run and I decided to walk half of it. I was catching my breath a bit after a hill and decided that I just wanted to walk. Maybe it would be a good cross-training exercise, maybe it would work different muscles. Whatever. If I decide to always make Thursday a walking day, then I need to increase my time/distance. I did run the first part and the last part. I just wasn't into it today.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: running - 36:00 - 3 miles in 34:15
Weight: 129.2

I had to run on the treadmill today because Dave went to a bible study at church at 6:15am. I did really well - its always nice to throw in a treadmill run to find out how much I'm improving in a more tangible way. I ran at 5.6 mph - when I first started I could only run at 5.2 mph and I couldn't run very long without stopping. Today I ran for over 2 miles without stopping - about 24 minutes or a little more. I ran 3 miles in 34:15, which is huge improvement even over the last time I ran on the treadmill, which I think I had hoped to get 3 miles under 35:00 (I will have to try to find the last time I ran on the treadmill). I will be running on the treadmill for the next 3 Wednesday while Dave goes to this Bible study so it will be fun to see the differences from week to week.

Weight is down. I drank 14 glasses of water yesterday - 16oz each. I am aiming to do that again today. I have 6 1/2 weeks to lose 15 pounds so we'll see what I can do. I've been just fine with my points so far this week... but the weekend is the killer for me. I HAVE to remain committed to watching myself over the weekend.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: Weights
Weight: 130

Ugh - 130 two days in a row. I was also 130 last night before I went to bed, which is encouraging, however, it still sucks to see that weight on the scale at all and especially for more than one day. This is what I get for taking 2 weeks off and going overboard. Sometimes I wonder if I'm ever going to NOT be fighting this battle. I'm hoping that cutting out sugar for the month of September will help me kickstart a lifestyle of simply not wanting it - a girl can dream.

I haven't lifted weights in a week and a half. I also picked up the basement while I lifted, so I didn't record the time - took more than an hour.

Butterfly: 3x13 @ #5
Reverse Cybex Row: 3x13 @ #7
Shoulder Press: 3x14 @ #1
Tricep Press down: 3x12 @ #5
BB curl: 3x14 @ 22lbs

I have 7 weeks to lose 15 pounds. I HAVE to be dedicated, diligent, consistent and committed. And I have to be all those things over the weekends, too. Especially this weekend - Labor Day at Grandpa and Grandma Alber's cottage. I have to do this. 130 two days in a row was probably exactly what I needed.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: running - 35:30
Weight: 128

Weight was 126.6 yesterday, so I'm still hovering around that. As of Monday, I'm doing WW hardcore. I have been giving myself a bit of a break for the last two weeks, but its time to get down to business and try to hit my goal. I would love to see my high days be around 125 instead of 128!

Running was extremely tough this morning. It was humid out and it hasn't been humid like this for a month. I have such a hard time running in the humidity. I get such a huge mental block and I just can't get past it. I also tried a new route this morning and I think it messed up my rhythm right away. And I was having earphone issues - I bought new ones and they wouldn't stay in my left ear, so I had to constantly put it back in place = expending more energy or stopping. All in all it was a really, really sucky run.

I tried, though.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: Running: 25:00
Weight: 128.2

Running two days in a row is so hard. Its amazing how much more difficult it is on the second day than it is on the first for me. I decided to run a shorter route again today - I think I will try to always do that. I have a much harder time running continuously on my second day - I do a lot more walking than the other days. I felt, though, that I was running faster than I normally do. I also increased my stride length and felt very comfortable maintaining that speed with that stride. Perhaps I'm having a hard time running because I'm short-stepping myself, which leads to an increase in number of steps. I will have to pay more attention to that because I noticed with the longer stride I didn't seem to feel as tired or labored as I do with my normal-ish stride.

We went out to Giordanno's last night with Dave's family. Ugh - stuffed pizza is not such a good idea. I only had two pieces, but one is already too many. It was good, but not good enough to justify it.

September is going to be a month of cutting out. We are getting rid of the tv for a month. I want to also evaluate - with Dave - things in our diet that we should try to cut out for a month. I think we may try alcohol, but there are other things we should make an effort on, too - sugar probably being the highest on the list.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: running - 36:00
Weight: 128.2

running was pretty good this morning. I've been running more and walking less with each workout. I didn't even walk for a whole song this morning - usually I do walk for a whole song toward the end. I'm happy to see remarkable improvements. I'm going to go back a month and see how I was doing at that time.

My weight was 126.6 yesterday morning, not sure why it was up this morning. I'm still taking it kind of easy this week in terms of counting points, but I'm getting my water in for sure. I felt so crappy by the end of the weekend from lack of water.

I have been sleeping like crap for the last few nights - not sure if its because I missed some workouts last week or if its because I'm going to sleep later than usual because of the olympics. Regardless, I want to sleep through the whole night and not wake up earlier than the alarm. Two nights ago I woke up in the middle of the night and was certain that I smelled poop. At the time I didn't know if Brady had had a major accident all over our bedroom carpet - because it was that strong - or if Georgia had a dirty diaper in her sleep (because she's been potty training and I figured she waited to go until bed and somehow it got spread all over her crib). The smell was so clear and distinct, I was shocked to find nothing when I woke up in the morning. This morning I woke up around 4 and went back to sleep, woke up before the alarm at 5:45 and got up. I know I've been pretty restless throughout the night, too - I can kind of recall tossing and turning all night. Not sure what is going on, but I'm sick of it.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: Running - 34:00
Weight: 129.4

I took the end of last week off. I didn't work out on Friday or Saturday and I didn't count points at all during the week. Or drink hardly any water. By yesterday I was so dehydrated I could barely make saliva in my mouth. So today I'm on a mission to rehydrate and drink a TON of water. I've already had 3 glasses in addition to the 2 that I drink for running.

I really sucked at running again today. I remembered halfway through the first song that I had forgotten to stretch before leaving. Oops. So I don't know if that is part of the reason I sucked or what. I did run my route faster than I have in the past, so maybe I was just running faster and thats why I sucked.

I'm getting better and thats what counts. This week - WATER, counting points and getting all of my workouts in.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: running - 25:00
Weight: 127.0

Decided to go for a shorter run this morning since it was the second day in a row of running and for some reason I just really didn't feel like doing it. I wanted to sleep in, then after I got up I wanted to just hang out and stay here. But I went out and ran for 25 minutes. I ran my old walking route, which I think is probably 2.5 miles or 2.25 miles. And I sucked the whole time, but I didn't walk any longer than 1 or 2 minutes at a time. However, because of the route, I crossed the street a bunch of times and I walk when I do that, but its only like 15-20 seconds at a time. Whatever, I got out there and did it and thats what matters.

I am coming back to the conclusion that I need MY dance music when I run. I thought I could do shuffle on the ipod, but I really, really need MY music, not BonJovi or U2 or the Stones, but MY dance music. So I will go back to that on Saturday and hope it feels better that way.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: running - 35:00
Weight: 127.0

Running was tough this morning. I didn't really want to go and dawdled a lot before finally getting out the door. While I was running I felt like I was laboring quite a bit and toward the end I got a side cramp. I still ran almost the entire time - I walked across streets and I walked for one whole song, but I basically ran all the way to Holm before I took a significant break to walk (a whole song). I also stopped at the water fountain for a quick drink. Overall, though, it was a decent run, just tough.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: Running - 35:00
Weight: 129.0

Good run this morning, although it started out horrible. It was kind of cold out - in the 50's - and my lungs were burning a little bit. I think I started out too fast, too, since I had so much confidence from my run on Saturday. So halfway through the first song I wanted to stop to catch my breath - that is also the point where there are two hills back to back. Its always tough right there. But I motored through it and got through my mental block.

I ran really far today before stopping for a significant walking break (I walk across streets - about 15 seconds probably). I got halfway down Mustang before I stopped to walk. The song that came on at that point was C&C Music Factory, so I actually only walked for about a minute to 90 seconds and I started the song over and ran all the way to Doug's house (started running before turning off of Mustang). Walked from Doug's to Mallard/Mallard (about 2:30) and then ran home.

Felt good for most of the time. The end is actually better than the beginning because it isn't quite so hilly and I can get into a better rhythm.

Again, I can see measurable improvement. I am definitely getting better at this and it feels good!

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: Running - treadmill
Weight: 126.0

Dave is gone for the weekend so I ran on the treadmill. I really didn't want to get up and do it, but I forced myself - even if I was 45 minutes later than I like to be. I ran for 3 miles - in 35:23 which is a huge improvement from the previous times I've run on the treadmill where I was hoping to get slightly under 36:00. I ran at 5.5mph which again is a big improvement since the last time when I ran at 5.2/5.3. I walked for the first song - 4:00, then ran for 2 miles straight which ended up being about 22:00 straight, then walked a song - 4minutes/.25 miles - then ran the last 1/2 mile. Dramatic improvement in all of those areas. I am very proud of myself! Maybe, just maybe I will someday get to the point where I'm running 3 miles in 30:00 - thats a long way off right now, but it now doesn't seem impossible.

Glad to see my weight stick at 126 for more than one morning:)

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: Weights
Weight: 126.0

Was very excited to see my weight this morning. Apparently I didn't do too much damage last weekend on vacation OR I was much lower than I knew about due to water retention before we went. I'm thinking that it may not be possible to really focus on losing until after Labor Day when the special events of summer weekends seem to stop.

Lifted this morning. Didn't want to, but forced myself to go down there anyway so I could have the activity points to take care of the extra fruit I might eat during the day.

Butterfly: 3x13 @ #5
Reverse Cybex Row: 3x13 @ #7
Shoulder Press: 3x14 @ #1
Tricep Press down: 3x12 @ #5
BB Curls: 3x14 @ 22lbs
Planks: 1 @ 1:00
Squats: 200
Time: 36:40

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: running - 35:00
Weight: 127.2

Running was good again today. The weather was beautiful. I intended to do a shorter run - 25:00 because I was running for a second day in a row, however, I got to 25:00 and wasn't very close to home so I decided to add the extra 10 minutes in order to get an extra activity point.

I ran my old route and got to the EW street that dumps out onto Bell Rd before I began walking. I only walked for a short time before I began running again with the intention of stopping at a certain point, but then my best pace song (No Air) came on again so I ran through that one, too. I'm doing good - not great, but good.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: running: 35:00
Weight: 127.6

I got new running shoes last night - Asics Gel something or other. They feel really nice on my feet. Not sure if they feel better running or not.

My run was pretty good this morning. The humidity is way down which helps A LOT. I ran all the way to the end of the running path - which is quite a bit longer than on Monday - then walked for a song (about 4 minutes) and then ran for 2 songs which brought me to Mallard Ln/Dr, walked for 1 minute and ran the rest of the way home. I'm so proud of myself. It kills me at times - I'm not quite sure why my breathing and heart rate are not getting better... maybe they are, but I'm picking up the pace a little more than I had been. Not sure what is going on. I'm just proud of myself for running most of the time today. The lack of humidity sure makes a huge difference.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: Weights
Weight: 128.2

Chest Press: 3x13 @ #5
Reverse Cybex Row: 3x13 @ #7
Shoulder Press: 3x14 @ #1
Tricep Press Down: 3x12 @ #5
BB Curl: 3x14 @ 22lbs
Squats: 200

Good workout this morning. My arms are a little jellyish right now. I should probably add some abs, but I just hate them so much. But I really should extend this workout by one extra muscle group.

I drank 11 16oz glasses of water yesterday - that would be 176oz of water yesterday and I still woke up with tight rings and feeling like I'm retaining water. I will continue drinking a million glasses of water today.

I figured out that I am supposed to be eating only 18 points/day and that has been the case since I got under 130 - which has been a couple of months at least. So maybe that has a little to do with things, but the extra 7 points/week couldn't have made that big of a difference. At any rate, it feels bad to have that one point taken away - its one less apple or dish of strawberries or watermelon, etc.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: running
Weight: 129.4

I am severely dehydrated. I hardly drank any water while we were on vacation and didn't drink any yesterday either. I don't do it on purpose - while on vacation it simply isn't as available to drink as much as I would otherwise. Then by the time I hit Sunday, it doesn't sound good to me. So by Sunday night I felt really icky - bloated, big, fat. I can feel it. This morning I have already had 5 16oz glasses and I'm going to keep drinking them down.

I ran the two mornings that we were on vacation. The first day was good. The second day was horrible - I allowed myself to stop way to early and never got it back. I'm glad I went out, though - it always feels good to go and come back. It was really nice to run along the canal and see the boats and the early fishers.

This morning I set a goal for myself to run without stopping to the running path and up the first hill. I did it - I walked across 151st twice, but not long enough to interrupt my pace. After getting that far, though, I really sucked. It was really humid and hot and I just couldn't get it together longer than 1 song at a time. So I ran a song, walked a song most of the way home. I think the last stretch up the hill on Mallard to Meadowland I ran for 1 1/2 songs, but other than that, I sucked.

I've been thinking over the weekend that maybe I should focus more on my running and improving in that regard instead of focusing on my diet and my weight. Give myself some clear, concrete goals and try to reach and surpass them. I'm getting frustrated with my inability to lose these last 10-15 pounds. It is always the weekend that does it - I'm assuming. This weekend definitely did me in - it was hard to eat healthily while on vacation and then by the time I got home on Saturday I was so dehydrated and already feeling like I messed up beyond repair so it wasn't worth trying to get back on track yesterday. So instead I start today.

I'm just wondering if I really focus on becoming a better runner if the weight will eventually come off anyway - like if I focus on eating foods that are good fuel and won't bog me down the next day, focus on drinking a lot of water and not dehydrating myself, focus on being healthy and mostly on improving my running every time, then maybe it will just naturally happen - and maybe if I never lose these last pounds I will be fine - I'm running, I'm in shape, I feel good about myself even though I'm 10 pounds overweight. The thing that makes me feel icky about myself is how my clothes fit... so maybe I need to concentrate more on that and not the number. However, everytime I've tried to do that I don't succeed - the number is the concrete measure.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: Running - 36:00
Weight: 128

Totally retaining water - I've drunk 48oz of water in 1 1/2 hours and have not gone to the bathroom. My rings are tight and I feel a bit bloated. Really, really weird and interesting.

Ran outside after debating about running on the treadmill. Ultimately, "you're being a pansy" won out and I went outside. The air is thick - I felt like I was chewing it. But my lungs didn't burn like last week - wonder what the difference is.

I'm still enjoying it. I still dawdle in the morning before I go out, but I don't dread it at night and I really enjoy it while I'm actually doing it and feel so good afterward. I just wish, wish, wish that I was better at it. It will come - I'm already better than I was before.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: Weights
Weight: 128.4

Chest Press: 3x13 @ #5
Reverse Cybex Row: 3x13 @ #7
Shoulder Press: 3x14 @ #1
Triceps Press Down: 3x12 @ #5
BB Curls: 3x14 @ 22lbs
Squats: 200
Time: 39:39

Tough workout this morning. I increased reps or weight with every exercise and it killed me. Wow - I haven't felt that way in a long time. My arms are still a little shakey.

Have been wondering this morning if humidity plays a role in water retention. I'm pretty sick of seeing these weights on the scale. I'm not sure why I'll finally see the low weight and then the next day or two it jumps back up 2-3 pounds. Its quite humid out right now, so I'm wondering if that affects it in any way. I drank 112oz of water yesterday - you would think that water retention wouldn't be an issue, but my rings are tight, I can feel my hands are tight, I feel a bit bloated and I drank 32oz of water within an hour of going to sleep and I didn't wake up over night - all of that suggests some pretty significant water retention.

It is interesting to be able to make all of these observations. Weighing every morning and seeing the fluctuations makes me more observant of the weather, my water intake, my diet, etc. and more in tune with my body and how it is actually feeling beyond my stomach/digestive area - like my hands feeling tight.

I'm starving right now. I think what I really, really want is to get down to my goal weight so I can start maintaining - so I can figure out what I can eat in order to maintain it - like I would really like to add some strawberry yogurt cheerios to my oatmeal this morning, but I've cut them out since deciding to tighten up... I have no intentions of eating poorly after getting to my goal, but I would like to add little things like that and right now I shouldn't.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: running
Weight: 127.4

Ran outside. It was nice and cool, but still humid. Needless to say, I sucked again:) Oh well, I'm still getting better.

I went to Doug's yesterday morning and put a whole bunch of new music on the ipod. It was a nice change of pace, although I was quite excited when London Bridge came on after not hearing any dance music for 25 minutes at that point.

I did really well in terms of eating over the weekend, but not with water. Saturday I stayed within all of my points. We went to Applebee's for dinner and I ordered off of the WW menu. The food was alright - not spectacular - but it was nice to have stayed within my points. Sunday we went to G&G Dykstra's for lunch. John, Deanne and their kids were there. I didn't do bad there, either. Nothing was very WW friendly, but I didn't overindulge, which is key for me. We were there for the entire afternoon and then the girls had VBS... Dave and I never really ended up eating dinner. I had a couple of crackers and cheese and 2 pieces of leftover pizza and a bowl of ice cream and called it good. I hardly drank any water, though.

I was initially kind of ticked that I saw 127.4 on the scale again this morning and then I realized that hey, its better than seeing 129.8 which is what I have been seeing on Monday mornings lately. So I'm making progress! We leave for WI on Thursday morning and I'm hoping to see 125 back on the scale by then. The last month has been quite the struggle.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: running - 34:00
Weight: 125.6

Yes, thats right, my weight is 125.6! Yesterday it was still 127.2. I wish I could have seen all of the in between weights so I would have been encouraged and not kind of getting down and wondering why the heck I couldn't lose anything. I was beginning to think that 125 just wasn't going to be an option and that in order to get through this plateau I was going to have to do something a little extreme like add a lot more running or not use my 35 flex points over the weekend. Neither of which I was really willing to do. I'm really happy to see the scale go down - I needed that. A lot.

Ran this morning and it was humid again. Humidity really amplifies my suckiness in running. My body stops long before I intend to stop and I stop more often. I don't like it - it makes me feel mentally weak. But I'm still better than I was a month ago.

I stink - literally. ick. I think I need new workout clothes.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: running - 38:00
Weight: 127.2

For the last couple of mornings when I step on the scale it looks like its going to stop at 125.4, but then goes to 127.2. I hope that it will stop at 125.4 in the next couple of days.

Last night I did well at FFFFS. I had a pork chop, ramen noodle salad, cucumber tomato salad & some watermelon and some pickles. I didn't have any cake or any steak even though I wanted some of each. I think I did okay. I also didn't have any beer even though I had bought some just for that night. My pork chop was good:)

I combined both of my running routes today. I ran up Woodlawn to 151st to the running path behind Kingston Hills to the end over to Mustang to Appalossa to Holm to Pheasant to Prairie to Mallard Dr to Mallard Lane to Meadowland to Abbot West. I did NOT stop for a drink of water at the park even though I thought about it (running the route in this direction made the water stop more than halfway through the run rather than less than halfway). I ran for longer than I have in a couple of weeks. On my playlist I ran through 4 songs rather. I figured that I walked for 10 minutes out of 38 - 3:30 of which were my warm up walking minutes. So I'm happy with that. I was really happy with that run. I felt like I found a good route and I accomplished some major mental breakthroughs. I need to continue running that route so I can continue running a little further every time. I also did not stop at the top of any hills to catch my breath. I slowed my running, but I didn't stop to walk. I think running the route in the direction was a bit easier because it was a bit less hilly/incliney.

Last night my friend Carissa told me that her sister-in-law mentioned to her last week (she was at FFFFS on Wed night last week) that I look really healthy and fit. I was really happy to hear that. I don't want to look skinny - I want to look fit and I want to look like I work at being in shape. Carissa's response was that I should look that way because I eat really, really well and I work for it. She is so right - and I so appreciate what she said. I do work hard and I'm glad that it finally shows.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: Running - 32:00 (I think)
Weight: 127.2

I suck at running. I truly just suck. I run slow. I stop too much to walk. I suck. Oh well. I will get better.

I think that stopping for a water break at the park is a bad idea. it causes me to stop at a critical moment - a moment when I should keep going and break through the mental barrier. Before I started stopping for water I was running far past that before I stopped to walk. Today I stopped for water and struggled to not stop every couple of minutes. Tomorrow, no water.

Last night I weighed myself because I was taking a shower at 8:20pm. I was 126.0 at 8:20pm. Made me feel good - like I'm doing well. This morning I was 127.2, which makes sense because after I weighed myself last night I ate 17 points (had oatmeal for breakfast, but no points after that due to mowing the lawn through my normal lunch time). So I think its going okay. I want to bust through 126 and see 125. I'm working on it.

Tonight is FFFSN or whatever:) I'm bringing pork chops and I need to go out and grab a watermelon, or maybe I'll make cucumber and tomato salad. Something. I need to bring something that I can eat a lot of and not be any points or very low points - I tend to snack there and I have to not do that. Pork chops = yum!

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: Weights
Weight: 128.6

Butterfly: 3x12 @ #5
Reverse Cybex Row: 3x12 @ #7
Shoulder Press: 3x13 @ #1
Tricep Press Down: 3x15 @ #4
BB Curl: 3x13 @ 22lbs
Time: 36:06

I probably should have done abs, too, but it was already 7:30 by the time I got done and 36 minutes is 2 activity points - going the extra few minutes doesn't add any more than that. So I slack and quit at 36 minutes.

I'm wondering what it is going to take to get me over this plateau of waffling between 126 & 129. I am fully aware that my weight is going to be up after the weekend, but how do I bust past 126? How do I retrain myself so that I'm not giving myself so many exceptions on the weekend? I am stellar during the week. I didn't do bad this weekend, but I'm afraid that it hasn't resulted in a loss. I'm not sure I'm willing to add time to my exercise - not more than 5-10 minutes to my run. I'm not going out there for an hour. I can't do it and I'm not sure I want to do it.

I have got to be more disciplined over the weekend and not allow Dave to talk me into things like chicken wings.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: Running/Walking - 32:00
Weight: 131

Ran outside this morning. It is extremely humid - take a step outside and you can feel the air hanging on top of you. It is awful. I debated about running inside, but decided that I was being a wimp and needed to suck it up and go outside. Ugh. It was terrible. My lungs were burning and my legs were initially very achy and tired. After running for 5 minutes I had semi decided to just walk the rest of the way and screw the run. Then while I was walking I decided to walk a song and run a song - so I alternated it that way for the rest of the time. It was very yucky.

I did good over the weekend in terms of points and water. I think I drank almost all of my water, which is definitely an improvement. I didn't go overboard with the food, but I had to estimate much of my dinners. I think I did okay.

Last night we had some pretty high sodium stuff - subway and some wings from hooters (I only had 3), so I'm sure thats why my weight is so high this morning.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: Running - treadmill
Distance: 3.00 miles
Time: 35:59
Weight: 127.4

Raining again this morning so I ran on the treadmill. My goal was to run 3 miles faster than last Saturday - and I beat it by a few seconds. Maybe I should run on the treadmill every Saturday as a way to have a little competition with myself.

I ran most of the time. I'm proud of myself and how much I've improved over the last couple of months.

Today begins the test of the weekend. I need to stay within my points and my flex points. We're not going out tonight, so it might be a little easier to do because of that. I also need to make a huge effort to drink all of my water today and tomorrow.

I would really love to be 125 by the time we go to Cheboyagan - 1 1/2 weeks. Its definitely do-able.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: None
Weight: 127.4

I skipped my workout yesterday, too, due to needing to sleep. We got to bed quite late the night before and I just didn't have it in me to get up yesterday and run in the humidty. I thought about possibly running on the treadmill during the afternoon, but I ended up working on the computer to get the memory card reader fixed and never had a chance after that because of tball and baseball games.

This morning I just didn't feel like lifting weights. So I didn't. Maybe I'll have a chance to run on the treadmill later today... will have to wait and see.

Yesterday my weight was back down to 126.2. This morning it waffled between 126.2 & 127.4 a couple of times before settling on the latter. And I had my pajamas on, which I normally don't do. So all is good. Seeing 126.2 yesterday really gave me hope and made me happy. I'm hoping that I'm able to break the 126 mark next week and finally see 125 and make my way down to 120.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: running - 33:00
Weight: 127.2 or .6 don't remember

Got up really early to run this morning because it has been quite humid and hot. I wanted to get out there while it was still kind of not either of those. I'm not sure if it helped. It was still pretty humid at 6am.

My throat/lungs were burning again and my lower legs were tired again. Not sure what it is - must have something to do with the humidity.

Ran the second route again with all of the hills/inclines (I mentioned all of the hills to Michelle next door and she looked at me like I was nuts - so I think she agrees with inclines... she's the runner, not me so I'll go with it. although when facing the incline while running, it sure looks like a mountain to me). I allowed myself to stop and walk for a few paces after each incline to catch my breath. I ran most of the way today,though, with those few spurts of walking.

I enjoy running - maybe not while I'm in the middle of it, although, i do kind of enjoy it then, too - I feel like I'm accomplishing something big for myself. This is a big deal for me - I've never run, ever. When we had to do the mile in junior high and high school, I walked most of the way. I never exercised. I hated running. I tried running in college, but could never get into it. I'm finally enjoying it and feeling good about it. I don't know if I'll ever run any races or do anything fantastic like run 10 miles at one time, but I enjoy what I'm doing now and I'm going to enjoy seeing my progress over time. I know it is only a matter of time before I'm running 3 miles without stopping to walk and then I'll start running those 3 miles faster and then I'll add some distance etc. etc. It may take a while, but it will happen.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: Weights
Weight: 128.2

Butterfly: 3x12 @ #5
Reverse Cybex Row: 3x12 @ #7
Shoulder Press: 3x13 @ #1
Tricep Press Down: 3x15 @ #4
BB Curl: 3x13 @ 22lbs
Squats: 200

Workout was fine this morning, nothing remarkable about it.

Yesterday I was physically weird. I was so tired all day, my knees hurt - like the surrounding connecting tissues, not the joint - must have been because of the first day of my period. It was totally weird and I didn't like it;)

Beginning to think that I may have gained a couple of pounds over the last couple of weeks. Its fine. I did well yesterday with sticking to my points. I counted the points from the grapes and I didn't include any additional little cheats - no cheerios in my oatmeal, no bites of other food. I'm STARVING right now!

I don't have a problem during the week:
* I am committed to exercising moreso because of how it affects my sleep than anything else, but it is good for weightloss/maintenance, too.
* I am fine with sticking to my points during the week - I have to tighten up with the no little cheats and make sure I'm counting things like grapes and strawberries.
* I am pretty disciplined about drinking my water. I have certain times that I drink glasses of water and it all adds up to 80 oz in one day. Yesterday I drank more than 100oz.

My problem is weekends and especially special event type situations. I need to:
* count my points on the weekends
* drink water over the weekend
* not make excuses why it is okay to give in
* plan better for wednesday night pool pary bbq - no more chips

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: Running/Walking - 36:00
Weight: 129.2

Running sucked this morning. Not sure what the deal was. The weather was beautiful: cool, crisp, dry, sunny, low to no humidity. Perfect. But my lungs and throat were burning, my right knee was hurting, my legs felt weak and tired. So I walked a majority of the time. I ran intermittently, but I walked more than not, probably.

A couple of issues to consider:
* perhaps I started off too fast?
* too dehydrated? (20oz of water yesterday - thats it, had chinese on Saturday and mexican last night)
* period is due tomorrow I believe

Combination of them all or one?

Went out with the small group for chinese on Saturday night. It was very good:) I didn't overload myself, but I think any chinese is not good for the diet. The same with Mexican. Bad choices, but at the same time I gave myself permission because I'm going to hit it hard now.

I have 13 weeks to lose 14 pounds. I can do this. I need to be diligent about recording my points and being accurate in my records. I need to count all of the fruit that I eat and measure my foods. I need to consistently drink 80oz of water everyday - including weekends. I need to watch myself over the weekend and be careful to actually count my points on Saturday and Sunday. I can do this... I have three weekends between now and October 10 where it won't be possible - July 31 - Aug 2 (Water park), Labor Day (Gram's cottage), and October 4th (alber's family pictures). So I need to be hard core for the rest of the weekends.

I can do this.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: running
Weight: 128.0
Distance: 3.0 miles
Time: 36:07

Ran on the treadmill this morning because it was pouring outside. the treadmill is 100x easier than running outside. It was kind of nice to not feel like I was sucking wind the entire time and struggling to stay running. it was smooth and not painful:)

I've decided that I'm running at a pretty slow pace outside. I ran at 5.2 and 5.3 this morning and it felt comfortable. When I listen to No Air if I run on the beat it is 5.3 - when I do that outside it feels a little too fast. So I must be running at less than 5.2 outside and I'm probably running only around 2.5 miles outside. Doesn't matter, I will get better and faster as time goes on.

Beginning to wonder if I have in fact gained a couple of pounds. I had been at 126.8 for a day or two, but have gone back up over the last two mornings. I'm sure it is a combination of 3 straight weekends of poor food opportunities (Cubs/Sox party for Dave's clients at Champs, Regional weekend & July 4th weekend), little cheats and possibly eating too much fruit. I have been adding about 1/8 c. of strawberry yogurt cheerios to my oatmeal in the morning and don't figure the points, I have eaten 3-4 abc cookies many days, I eat a bunch of frozen grapes throughout the day, and i've been eating blueberries and raspberries by the handful in the last few days. I don't generally count points for grapes, berries and watermelon since it takes a bunch of them to = 1pt, but if you add it all up, I'm sure it hasn't been a great thing in terms of losing weight.

Tonight we are going to China Town for dinner with our small group. Meaning... another weekend of poor food choices. I will eat my entire dinner with chopsticks so that will mean a lot less rice than I normally eat, but it is still bad for me food. Tomorrow I will sit down and re-evaluate everything. I need to decide if I'm going to even try to lose weight during the rest of the summer or just be happy maintaining. I need to look at the calendar and see what else is coming up and if I can hit it hard on the weeks/weekends in between special weekends and make this work or if it isn't worth the effort until school starts back up. My goal is 115 by October 10th - that's 12-14 pounds in 3 months... if I wait until school starts at the end of August I will only have 6 weeks, so I'm thinking I need to focus on trying to lose SOME during the rest of the summer. I need to sit down and really plan and think it through.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: weights
Weight: 127.2

Must not have drunk enough water yesterday because there is no way I gained 1/2 pound in 24 hours. And by the time I got in the shower (after working out and drinking 48oz of water) I weighed 129.2 - these are the good examples of why weighing myself everyday has been a wonderful thing for me. I see the daily fluctuations, the patterns, etc and don't get upset when it looks like I've gained. A departure from the past.

Workout was good and pretty tough. I don't like lifting weights so much anymore now that I am not trying to outdo my previous workout every time, but I know it is important so I will continue doing it twice a week.

Butterfly: 3x15 @ #4
Reverse Cybex Row: 3x15 @ #6
Shoulder Press: 3x12 @ #1
Triceps Press Down: 3x14 @ #4
Biceps Curl (on machine): 2x10 @ #4, 1x10 @ #3
Abs: 3x15 @ #4
Squats: 200

My legs and body were so tired yesterday from running. I was happy to go to bed:)

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: Running - 30:00
Weight: 126.8

Ran a different route today and it was full of hills and slight inclines. As a result I walked for less time at once, but more often - I took a few more walking breaks but they were much shorter. Hills are tough! I liked my new route.

I feel so good after I run. I tried to focus pretty intently on breathing today in order to not suck wind so badly and feel like I was laboring so much. I again had a mental block that I had to work through - this time I started out feeling like it was probably slightly too humid and I would have to stop a lot. It wasn't the case and I had to bust through it and I did. I am doing well. I'm enjoying it and I'm hoping that after a month, I will really be much better and be enjoying it even more.

I wish I could go back to running in the city.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: Running - 30:00
Weight: 126.8

Already back down to 126.8. Happy about that.

Running was much better this morning. The humidity is either gone or a lot lower and made for much easier running. I kept telling myself that the longer I run in the first part (before I walk) the less I have to run in the second part. Seemed to help keep me going and I ran further than I have in the past.

I am still sweating. I hate that - I think it is warmer and more humid in my house than outside, but I don't want to open everything up until all of the girls are awake - all of their windows are closed and I don't want them to swelter with closed windows.

I'm so glad that running was easier. Something like Monday tends to give me a mental block and I really had to work through it this morning - had to convince myself over and over that Monday was due to the weather and not due to me sucking and needing to stop. Dave ran yesterday and had to stop several times to walk, too.

I just really want to be a better runner. I don't want to labor through the whole thing. I feel like I'm sucking wind the entire time and working so hard and am going so slow. I know I'll get better if I keep trying.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: Weights
Weight: 128.2

Butterfly: 3x15 @ #3
Reverse Cybex Row: 3x12 @ #6
Shoulder Press: 3x12 @ #1
Triceps Press Down: 3x14 @ #4
BB Concentration Curl: 3x15 @ 20lbs
Abs - machine: 2x15 @ #4
Squats: 200
Time: 40:41

It was a good workout this morning. I changed up a few of my exercises but probably need to change a couple of them again.

My weight is down this morning after a day of drinking a bunch of water. I've noticed a pattern in the last few weeks when I've had some poor weekends - I got up to 129.8, then down to 128.2, then down to 126.8 all within a matter of a week or so. We'll see if this is the case this time, too. I want to get beyond this pattern and just keep going past 126.8, however, I realize its more difficult during the summer, so I'm content if I maintain or lose very slowly.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: running
Weight: 129.8

catch up from previous post...

I got down to 126 by the time we left for the regional on the 25th (or whenever it was). I felt really good and was pretty excited - I was at 126 for a few days before leaving. I ate really well at the regional. I chose the healthy stuff on the buffets and loaded up on salad and fruit. I really, really loaded up on fruit to fill up so I didn't want any of the other stuff. I didn't deprive myself and allowed for a taste of this and that, but mainly ate strawberries and pineapple and raspberries.

When I got back I was at 129.8. It was fine - I had had a few beers the night before and really did not drink a whole lot of water for the 4 days that we were gone. I was pretty dehydrated by the time we got back. By July 4th I was back at 126.8 without counting points at all (I figured I would start again after the weekend). I did pretty well over this weekend, but again feel incredibly dehydrated so I'm not worried about being back at 129.8 this morning. I am going to buckle down with the points, though.

As for working out since the previous post...
I ran in Indy and fell in love with it. Running in the city is so much fun. I love it! I can't say I've been so in love with running since we got back, but I have been doing it. I ran two days last week - not a lot, but better than none. I also walked all over Chicago on the 3rd when we went to the fireworks. All in all I'm happy with my diet & exercise over the last 2 crazy 1/2 weeks.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today I ran outside. I'm pretty much digging the outside running now. I feel so good afterward. So much better than if I walk. So I continue on. I have been running 3 miles in 36 minutes... there is walking in there so I'm not truly running 12:00 miles. I would say I'm probably running at a 5.0/5.2 pace if I had to guess, which is what I was running on the treadmill.

Today sucked, though. It was pretty humid out there and I just sucked. I didn't make it as long as I normally do before stopping and I ended up walking quite a bit because I just couldn't handle it. Legs were tired, lungs were tired, I was sweating and burning up. When I came home I felt like I was on fire from the heat being emitted from my body. I still love the way I feel afterward, though.

New workout schedule:
M - run
T - weights
W - run
Th - run
F - weights
S - run

Goal: 115 by October 15

Workout: weights
Weight: 126.8

Stalling on 126.8. Not sure if its because of TOM or if its due to eating over the weekend. I really didn't do too badly last weekend. I didn't exactly count my points, but I didn't go crazy and really worked to stay within what I felt were good choices. Not too worried about it - i feel really good at this weight.

Weight workout this morning was fine.

Chest press: 3x15 @ #4
Shoulder press: 3x11 @ #1
Triceps press down: 3x13 @ #4
Upright Row: 3x13 @ #4
BB curl: 3x15 @ 20lbs
Ab machine: 3x15 @ #3
planks: 1 @ 1:00

I felt my back go out this morning in the shower - the disks. Nothing that I did, not sure what happened. It hurts to stand upright. Feels good to sit down or bend over. Took some ibuprofin and it seems to be helping. I'm going to be bummed if this ends up being longer than a day or two - ugh.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: running/walking - 36:00 (a little longer - don't remember)
Weight: 126.8

I had David transfer my running cd onto our ipod at their house. I worked all day on Tuesday to get the ipod to show up on our computer and it never happened, so now we'll just have to do it this way. The one good thing, I guess, is that Dave pulled his groin muscle in soccer on Sunday and he won't be running any time soon and won't need the ipod for that so its okay that I have my running songs on it and not his music.

I did not workout yesterday because we went to bed late the night before and I needed the sleep. I did, however, jump on the trampoline with Georgia yesterday afternoon which is actually a very, very good workout. I don't know how long I did it so I'm not really counting it, but at least I was active in some way. I also didn't end up eating all of my points yesterday so I guess it all washes.

This morning I ran. And wow was I proud of myself! I have the music set to have some slower songs for walking at certain intervals and it worked out perfectly. I ran for most of the time - I think I took a walking break for about 5 minutes and then ran the rest of the time. I am so proud of myself for the continuous running AFTER a walk break. So proud. I'm sure I ran at a super slow pace, but given all of the inclines and hills it was such a great workout. My legs are tired and sore and I felt so good afterward. I am definitely going to keep this up - I might just become a regular runner by the end of the summer yet! Megan Alderden told me last week that she thinks it takes about a month to get your body acclimated to running - so if that is true by our trip to the water park (july 31) i should be good. I'm very excited about this. I feel like it is a true opportunity to clear my mind and get a great workout and to continually challenge myself.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: run/walk - outside - 36:00
Weight: 126.8

I tried running outside this morning. I prepared myself last night - I made a new running cd and got myself psyched up for it. I got started this morning and got around the corner and the batteries in my cd player died. I was close enough to home that I turned around and went back to get new ones. So I started again. The running was fine, but the cd player skipped continuously and it was terribly frustrating. I NEED the music for running and when it is constantly skipping it makes the song longer and its just stressful while running. I also got a really bad side cramp so I started walking a lot sooner than I had planned because of those two things. I ended up running again a little bit here and there, but nothing like I would have liked. The cd skipping is that bothersome for me. We have a ipod shuffle, but it won't synch to our computer so we can't change the music on it. We just need to buy a new one, I think. I'll have to look around and see how much all of these ipods are.

Running outside was not as bad as I thought it was going to be. I kind of enjoyed it and can see myself doing it some more if I have the music situation figured out. I can feel it in my legs right now and its a good feeling. I would like to be able to run more and more each time. I HAVE to get the music thing figured out.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: weights
Weight: 126.6

Chest Press: 3x15 @ #4
Shoulder Press: 3x11 @ #1
Tricep Press down: 3x13 @ #4
Upright Row: 3x13 @ #4
BB Curl: 3x15 @ 20lbs
Abs: 3x15 @ #2

Good workout this morning. I increased reps on 3 of my exercises and it was killing me by the last set. I'm not working on building muscle necessarily, but I still want to gain a bit and not just tone.

I was glad to see my weight steady this morning. When I hit that bottom weight for me I always think it must be a fluke and will go up again the next day. I need to remind myself to not go crazy over the weekend. Dave and I are going out for the first time in a long time and I would really like to go crazy, but I won't.

Less than 2 weeks until we go to the regional. I'm going to look online right now for an idea of a possible dress for the awards dinner. It needs to be black and white and somewhat more formal than previous years. I'm also going to order a casual dress from Title 9. I'm looking forward to that weekend since it is always a nice opportunity to go away and have a basically free trip.

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: Walking - 36:00
Weight: 126.6

I have been seeing my weight steadily decrease over the last couple of days. 126.6 is awesome! I saw that on the scale this morning and immediately reminded myself to not blow it over the weekend. It is so easy to do that, but I need to continue to count points over the weekend and be disciplined.

I'm hopeful that 115 by October 10 is not so far out of reach - all of last week it seemed hopeless. Not anymore!

Goal: 115 by October 10

Workout: Walk - 36:00
Weight: 128.0

God sure surprised me this morning when I woke up. It has been rainy and humid and crummy around here for several days. Intermitent periods of sun, but nothing promising and always clouds in the sky looming and threatening the next burst. This morning, though, I woke up and saw sun! And bright blue skies. And wispy clouds! And it wasn't humid and hot at 6am. It was awesome and I enjoyed my walk and I enjoyed God's creativity and majesty as I walked.

I'm finding that if I read my devotions before I go for my walk I have a different experience. I have to get up a little earlier to do so, but it is well worth it. I have something to think about and meditate on while I'm walking or at the very least it has tunneled my focus a bit to thinking and praying rather than thinking about nothing.

I'm enjoying this form of exercise. In the past I found walking to be a waste of time - I could get more calories burned in a 1/2 hour of running. But I don't run outside. I've also experienced (in the past) some stress and anxiety about being too far from home while on foot. I know its weird and its very hard to explain, but it definitely existed. I'm enjoying this now, but am fully aware that when the weather is too bad it will be back to running on the treadmill (I hate walking on the treadmill as much as I hate running outside). This is also a new mindset in believing that I'm doing as much good for my heart and body with walking as I would be with running. I still have doubts, but for right now it is better for my soul.

Goal: 120 by June 25

Workout: weights
Weight: 128.8

Chest press: 3x15 @ #4
Shoulder Press: 3x10 @ #1
Tricep Press Down: 3x12 @ #4
Upright Row: 3x12 @ #4
BB Curl: 3x15 @ 20lbs
Ball: 2x10
Squats: 200

I was down to 127 yesterday and then I had a day of eating super high points and today I'm at 128.8. Oh and hardly any water yesterday. I'm just saying that I was quite happy to see 127 yesterday morning because it felt much better than 130.

I did good over the weekend. I counted my points and stayed within my limit and may have even had some left over. I'm definitely not going to make 120 by June 25, but thats okay, I WILL be hovering around 125 by then, which I'm sure was probably one of my original goals. I have to be content losing slowly and enjoying like rather than losing quickly and feeling deprived. So I will revise my ultimate goal from 115 by July 31 to 115 by October 10.

Goal: 120 by June 25

Workout: weights
Weight: 129.8

Chest Press: 3x15 @ #4
Shoulder Press: 3x10 @ #1
Tricep Pressdown: 3x12 @ #4
Upright Row: 3x12 @ #4
BB Bicep Curl: 3x12 @ 24lbs
Ball: 3x10
Squats: 200

Ugh, so annoyed that the weight is not going down. Annoyed with myself for not being a little more self-controlled over Memorial Day weekend and last weekend. New start this weekend. I've been really hungry for the last couple of days and this morning. I'm really hungry right now.

Goal: 120 by June 25

Workout: walking - 36:00
Weight: 129.8

Went walking this morning by myself. It kind of felt weird to be out there without an implied purpose (walking the dog). It also felt kind of weird to not be pulled by him. But it was nice. I'm really enjoying these walks - I have been able to watch the progression of the flowers blooming and the changes people make in their yards over the weekend. Its remarkable to me how almost every house has some sort of splash of color somewhere. Not every house has a bunch of flowers planted throughout the landscaping, but almost every house has at least one or two pots of flowers somewhere. Its just interesting to observe it all and to be blessed by the colorfulness of God's creation. Many times I think that God must have so much fun creating.

Weight was still at 129.8 this morning. Kind of makes me sad. I'm not upset or obsessed about it, but it makes me sad that I really shot myself in the foot over the last couple of weeks. There's a chance that it may still go down this week a little bit, but I had been hovering around 127/128 for a couple of weeks and had gotten as low as 126.4 last week and to now be back up to nearly 130 just makes me sad. It also makes me think that there really is no chance of hitting the 120 by June 25 goal. Oh well - I had been making such good consistent progress, its okay to have one week of gaining I guess. I wish it wasn't so hard to lose weight and so easy to gain;) I hope that once I get down to 115 I don't have this constant struggle all the time.

Have been thinking about my exercise lately - is walking enough? Is walking for 36 minutes enough? Should I add time? Should I be walking closer to 60 minutes? Should I be running in order to get my heart rate up more? This morning I took my pulse and it was 11.5 in 6 seconds (115/minute). Should it be higher? Is this enough in order to be fit? Is enjoying my exercise more important than killing myself?

Goal: 120 by June 25

Workout: Walk - 36:00
Weight: 129.8

I was kind of freaking out internally yesterday because after I had blogged that my weight was 131.6 and I wasn't worried about it I went upstairs to take a shower and weighed myself again - an hour after the 131.6 and I was 133.6. I didn't let it upset me, but I was kind of freaking out all day that I had totally messed up. I have been doing so well - losing consistently or maintaining really well. What had my last two weekends done? How had I messed up that badly and reversed all of the great progress I had made? I weighed myself again in the afternoon - with clothes on, after drinking many glasses of water and eating a couple of meals - I was back at 131.6, which made me feel much, much better - clearly, if I was at 131.6 in the middle of the day, then I don't really weigh 131.6 and I didn't mess up THAT badly.

However, it is still motivation for me to be stricter over the weekends from now on. I have three weekends before the regional and I will be strict for all three and loosen up a bit for the regional just because I don't have much of a choice.

This morning - 129.8. Good, back in the 120's:)

Went for a walk with Brady. I'm still really, really extra tired. I went to sleep around 10:30 last night and woke up at 6:15 and felt like I could have slept for another 2 or 3 hours - very unusual for me. By 3:00 I'm dead and wanting to take a nap. Its gotta be the lingering strep. This just isn't like me.

Goal: 120 by June 25

Workout: Weights
Time: 42:00
Squats: 200
Weight: 131.6

Chest press: 3x15 @ #4
Shoulder Press: 3x10 @ #1
Tricep Press Down: 3x15 @ #3
Upright Row: 3x15 @ #4
BB Curl: 3x12 @ 24lbs
Ball: 3x10

It felt good to work out again this morning. I'm still really tired throughout the day and by late afternoon I'm extremely exhausted. Other than that, I feel really good.

My weight is up this morning. I didn't count points over the weekend, but I didn't go overboard either. I had ribs & 2 beers on Saturday night and last night we had chilis - split a salad and an appetizer trio (southwestern eggrolls - 1, buffalo wings - 2, shanghai boneless wings - 3). I'm sure that much of it is water retention since I haven't had more than 2 glasses of water since Tuesday. I'm also sure that my weight is not 126.4 like it was last week:)

In the past I've only allowed myself to weigh once a week. I thought that I would go crazy with the fluctuations if I weighed more often than that. This time I'm weighing everyday. I like it. I kind of like seeing the fluctuations. I also like seeing the lowest weight throughout the week. I think seeing the fluctuations is helpful for my motivation and my sense of accomplishment.

I'm going to hit it hard now and count my points over the weekends until the regional at the end of the month.

Wow, its been over a month since I've blogged here. Not sure why I haven't been keeping up - I used to do it every day. I should be more consistent for myself - its nice to go back and read how things were going and how I was feeling.

This morning my weight was 126.2. I've kind of stalled at around 128. But I've also relaxed over the weekends like I used to do. We've had some stuff where it was just difficult to really be strict about points, but I'm going to try to get back to that after this weekend.

I've had strep throat this week so i haven't counted points at all. I have stuck to very low point foods when I have eaten. For two days all I could eat was oatmeal, soup & ice cream. Today I ventured into solid foods, but limited - special K for lunch & a WW meal for dinner. I'm not worried about an overage in points for this week.

Tomorrow night we are going to Second City with Doug, Jenny & the boys. This was our birthday gift for Nathan and David last year. We paid for the tickets, so they'll be paying for dinner. Not sure where we're going, but I'm looking forward to having something good. I will still try to make good choices, but it is going to be so much better than soup!

I have been really good about sticking with my points on a daily basis. I stopped counting over the weekends, though. I am going to get back to counting on the weekends so I can have a shot at 115 by July 31. Seems like it is going to be tough to lose 11-15 pounds in two months, but I'm going to try.

I've switched my workouts to 40 minutes of walking 3-4 days a week and have a goal of weight lifting 2 days, but I haven't really done much of that. I'm enjoying the walks with Brady. We have a set route and its really nice to be out early in the morning before most people are up and on their way to work. Its cool enough that I still need a jacket and its been sunny for the most part so it has been very enjoyable. I would guess that I'm walking a little faster than a 3 mph pace. I walk 2 miles in 36 minutes so that would be over 3 mph. My heart rate is getting up to around 110/120 bpm, which I think is a good fat burning zone. I've thought about adding a day of running on the treadmill instead of walking 4 days. Once Dave gets more consistent with his workouts I will start figuring out my best course of action. I also drew up a full body workout for weight training instead of split days. Right now I'm thinking of the following:
M - weights
T - walk
W - run or walk (Dave should be at the stairs
Th - walk
F - weights
S - walk

I'm loving the fact that I've dropped this weight. My pants are big. I've moved down a size in capris, but haven't moved down in jeans yet (haven't made an issue of it). My stomach is definitely smaller and I can see in my face that I've lost weight. I like this weight, however, it really is an in-between weight for me - I'm not a specific size right now. I'm pretty in between size 8 & 10epending on which brand of jeans or which kind of pants I'm in. I want to be a weight where I'm a definite size... right now 8's would be too tight and 10's would probably be too big and they don't make 9's.

Summer regional is June 26 - 29. That gives me 4 weeks, I think. I would like to be 120 by then... We're have a little more of a formal awards dinner this year and have been asked to wear black and white. There is a store around here called White Shirt Black Market or something like that. Everything in the store is black and white. Its all very classy and kind of expensive. Dave and I walked past it a couple of weeks ago and I was telling him about the awards dinner and how I would love to buy a dress from there. He really, really wanted to go in right then and pick something out, but it wasn't open and I told him I didn't know what size I would be at that time so I wanted to wait until we were a little closer. I think he will spare no expense for this one:)

April 24, 2008

Workout: swallow cliff - 8x, jog back to car

Workout was tough this morning. I didn't make it the entire way up running my last pass. Not sure why it was so hard today.

Still going strong with WW and doing well. Still in the back of my mind that I need to plan better and spread my points out, but not getting around to doing that quite yet. I also revisited a site that has the Wendie plan for WW and am thinking about putting that into serious action - I kind of do it anyway, this would just involve a tiny bit more planning. I'll have to find the website and think about it some more - will figure it out over the weekend.

April 23, 2008

No workout so far this morning.

Today was the goal day for me and Kim. My goal was to lose 4 lbs by today and I've lost 5.2! I'm very, very excited that I'm finally losing and it looks like I will make my goal of 115 by July 31st. I need to talk to Kim and set new short term goals. For now, I am enjoying my starbucks coffee (although it is a tad weak for my liking).

I have not decided if I'm going to lift this afternoon while the girls are at school. I have no motivation to lift weights lately and I'm not sure why that is. I was arguing with myself in bed this morning - get up or lay there. I had convinced myself to get up and lift, but then Georgia started calling me (at 6:15) and needed her sheets changed (when will that girl stop taking her diaper off at night?) Due to the number of toys & books in her bed it was a long process and I decided to go back to bed afterward. Now I have cramps - so I think I will take today off and aim for doing a bunch of body weight exercises on Friday.

April 22, 2008

Workout: Swallow Cliff - 8x
Time: 30:00 on the stairs, 10:00 walk to and from the car

Good workout today. I pushed myself pretty hard at the end - ran the last two passes and wanted to puke afterward. Also jogged back to the car. Brady is one pooped pooch - he didn't come up with me for the last pass. He's getting a lot of exercise lately and he is exhausted. He sacks out at the top of the steps (in our house) at the end of the day and looks like he can hardly move. I guess we're working him pretty hard:)

Tomorrow I find out if I get my pound of starbucks - I'm pretty sure I will. I was still at 131.6 this morning even after having a bag of popcorn last night (sodium). I am feeling like I'm at a point where I want a break from the strictness, but I can't let myself. I have to go with the momentum and keep being strict and keep losing. I have 16 pounds to go and I will get there. It definitely works better to be strict about this over the weekend, too - things move along faster that way... My parents are coming in on the weekend of the May 10th to bring the trampoline. I'm hoping they will want to go to church and out for dinner afterward and I'm going to allow it to be a bit of a free meal - I'm not going to go crazy, but I'm not going to kill myself worrying about the points, either. And I think I will have some dessert. It is going to be my next goal - keep things strict until then and look forward to a free meal.

Things are good - I feel really, really good being this disciplined and eating well. I have lots of energy. I quit my job and I feel much more relaxed and focused on my girls. Its good.

April 21, 2008

Workout: interval running on the treadmill - 2:00 walking, 2:00 running
Speeds: 3.6 / 6.7
Distance: 2.66 miles
Time: 32:00
Activity Points: 3

Wow, its been a while since I've updated - not sure why. I should get better at this again.

Things have been going well. I'm enjoying the discipline of eating like this again. I feel better having it under control rather than being thoughtless about my food choices. I just feel better about it and about myself because of it.

I'm still having issues with eating a majority of my points after 8pm. I eat 6 points up until then, and then eat a bunch of little things to add up to my 19 points for the day. I think I figured out that part of the issue is that I like to have all of these different tastes... a little soup, a hot pocket, some fried rice, some popcorn, etc. etc. Most of those things are low point values, so I feel like I can have a bunch of my favorites tastes all in one "meal". Not sure if it really matters how I do it, but I should probably plan things out a little bit better.

I have not been as dedicated to working out as I have been in the last year. Last week I only did cardio 3 times and no weight training. I'm making a goal for this week to do all 6 of my workouts.

Weight:
March 31, 2008: 136.8
April 21, 2008: 131.6
(5.2)

Saturday morning I weighed 130 and I was shocked. I weighed myself again yesterday just to see if it could be true and I was 129.8 - I haven't seen the 120's since I was pregnant with Georgia! I was very excited about that! I was worried that I wasn't going to make my goal of 4 lbs by April 23, but it looks like I'm going to make it and I'll be able to buy myself a pound of starbucks!

April 8, 2008

Workout: stairs

Wow, I am exhausted and drained today. I fell asleep at 10:15 last night and never heard the alarm this morning until it went off at 5:55 and I heard the radio guy announce the time (it was set for 5:15). I got up, got dressed and was out the door by 6:05 to go to the stairs.

Did 8 passes on the stairs - normal, toes, left, right, normal, 2 at a time, run, run. By the last running pass I was dead. But I accomplished something huge - I ran the entire flight two times in a row. Big deal since I used to not even make it one flight running.

I'm wondering if I should be eating my activity points or if I should just skip them. When I did WW in the past I always skipped them - and that was successful, but now I get one point less than I did back then and I'm kind of wishing I had more:) Maybe I'll just take it day by day. I still have not done a great job of balancing out my points throughout the day - I eat more than half of them between 6:30-9:30 and that probably isn't the best of strategies. Today I will try to spread them out more through the day. It is going to require me to actually think about dinner before dinner time, though...

Ugh, it is rainy and dreary today, which combined with my tiredness = a pretty shitty day. And I have a gigantic pile of shirts to iron... on a day when I just want to sit on the couch and read.

April 7, 2008

Workout: Treadmill steady state - 34:00
Weight: 134.6

So I've officially lost 2.2 pounds. I have to say that I have a mixture of disappointment and excitement. Disappointment because I was pretty certain that the 2.2 pounds were water retention weight and that my scale weight would be down a little more than that by now, but excitement because I've actually lost something and my pants don't feel as snug as they did a week ago (hallelujah!)

I was able to stick to my points throughout the weekend. It kind of sucked to have to count over the weekend, but if it is what I have to do, then I will do it. We went out for sushi on Saturday night with Doug & Jenny and then to Houlihan's for dessert (which I declined). The sushi sucked up a majority of my extra 35 points, but it was yummy! Actually the beer and the appetizer sucked up most of them. And I was good and didn't have a beer on Sunday night when I really wanted to. I also drank a TON of water on Sunday in an effort to make sure I was well-hydrated (always a problem on the weekend).

Today I ran on the treadmill. I decided that I'm going to do 2 days on the stairs, 1 on the treadmill, 1 long walk and 2 days of weights (cutting out legs). So I ran today while Dave was at the stairs. It felt really, really good. I concentrated really hard on my breathing and was able to run a full mile without any breaks. I think I could have probably kept going, but by that time I had accomplished the goal I had set for myself. It ended up being about 11:30 straight. I think my total run distance was 2.75 miles or was it 2.5? Regardless, I felt good while I was running and afterward. I feel like I'm on track to getting into great shape!

April 3, 2008

Workout: stairs
Weight: 134.6

I went and did the stairs again this morning after fighting with myself to get out of bed. I wanted to just give in and give up on the rest of this weeks in terms of working out. On the second time up the stairs I was wishing I had stayed in bed:) My legs were so tired and sore and I didn't know if I was going to make it my full 7 times. I did. By the time I got to the top for the 7th time I wanted to crawl home - my quads were basically numb. I tried walking down the stairs, but I feel really off balance doing that so I ran. And then I ran back to the car and wanted to throw up. All in all it was a good workout LOL!

I have not had problems sticking with 19 points per day, but I'm finding that I don't eat much during the day and then I have to try to find 12-14 points at dinner time, which is probably not a very good strategy. The biggest reason for this is poor planning. I haven't made a dinner menu plan for the week and I really should - I just don't feel like it. I need to work on this for next week.

I have been eating good, nutritious food, though. Here was my menu for yesterday:
8:45 - oatmeal w/ splenda & cinnamon - 2pts
12:30 - 1c. Grape Nut Flakes & 1c. Skim milk - 4pts
4:00 - 1 grapefruit - 1pt
7:15 - 1 apple - 1pt
8:30 -1c. TJ's corn & roasted pepper soup & 15 TJ's oyster crackers - 4pts
9:00 - 1 1/2c. TJ's shrimp fried rice - 4 1/2pts
9:30 - 3/4c. cottage cheese - 2 1/2pts

I'm not saying that eating all of that food between 8:30 & 9:30 is a good idea, but at least it was all good food. Trader Joe's is the best for really tasty low calorie food.

Since Monday, I've lost 2.2 pounds, but I'm sure it is all water weight. I will take whatever I can get, though. My jeans still feel a bit snug.

April 2, 2008

I didn't workout today - not on purpose. Someone turned the volume down on our alarm and neither of us woke up until 6:30, which is too late to get ready and actually get a decent workout in. I really SHOULD workout after Nora goes to school, but then there are so many other things I should do, too (like watch Oprah).

I have been doing well with sticking to my 19 points each day. I have to say, though, that I saw the receipt from Chilis that we had on Sunday night and I got a bit wistful - like I will never again be able to get good, bad food on Sunday night (we had Shanghai boneless chicken & hamburgers). I don't think those things are a "Never Again", but instead a "Not Right Now" thing. I have to be strong and super committed for at least a couple of weeks so I can see some progress and the scale going down which will increase my motivation.

I still have to sit down and really figure out a possible point total for Sushi dinner this weekend. We are also trying to get a babysitter so we can go over to Mark and Heather's and meet Mason. We want to bring some takeout dinner with us, so I'm hoping that we can do Subway or some kind of sandwich - at least for me - to make that night a little easier... I guess I'll work on that after we find out for sure if we're going.